The Winslow City Council was addressed by two separate potential developers last week. The first, Atlas Global Development, LLC, was represented by Danny Wasson and Dan Lupien. In their presentation, they spoke about acquiring a significant acreage of land south of town near the airport.
Wasson said, “My partner and I have years of experience in commercial development and contracting. We also have real money to put in to developing this land for Winslow.”
Lupien added, “We are looking to build out infrastructure on the land as well as bring in warehouses and manufacturing facilities to turn Winslow into an innovation and logistics hub.” Atlas Global Development would provide facilities to other businesses if the sale of the land is approved.
The second to present was housing and commercial developer Sam Matyas. This was not the first time Matyas had been before the council, first appearing in January of this year. He presented a plan to bring in apartments and condominium type housing to the area, some with mixed use.
No action was taken pertaining to the sale of the acreage; however, an executive session was held following the regular meeting. In the session, there was discussion regarding a draft development agreement with Matyas and draft purchase and sale agreement with Atlas Global. No public discussion was held following the executive session and no further action was taken.
In other business the council:
* Proclaimed the month of October and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. * Proclaimed Nov. 1 as Extra Mile Day to recognize community volunteers going the “extra mile” to improve Winslow.
* Proclaimed November as Native American Heritage Month.
* Heard a finance report for September from Finance Manager Margaret Dyer in which citywide revenues were noted at $1.5 million, bringing the year-to-date total to $4.7 million. Citywide expenditures were $2.3 million, with the year-to-date total at $6.5 million.
* Authorized acceptance of a grant in the amount of $16,340 from the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to purchase eight radios for the Winslow Police Department.
* Approved an intergovernmental agreement between the city and Navajo County for animal impoundment services. To avoid transporting animals long distances, the county agrees to pay a flat fee of $75 per animal to shelter them in Winslow for up to 10 days if space permits.
* Adopted a resolution splitting a lot on the east side of North Park Drive, north of North Road.
* Approved a resolution allowing the finance director and the financial analyst to open a safekeeping account, invest city funds in securities and execute contracts and transactions in connection with investment accounts.
* Approved a resolution authorizing the finance director and financial analyst to invest up to $10 million of city funds into Wells Fargo, Charles Schwab or any other reputable investment firms.
* Approved an ordinance declaring a public need and authorizing the acquisition of real property in the city for right of way and easement purposes. This ordinance acts as one of the first steps in extending Transcon Lane.
* Approved an amendment to a lease with Wiseman Aviation and the Winslow Lindbergh Regional Airport. The amendment extends the lease to Sept. 25, 2027, at the rate of $1,617 per month.
* Heard a presentation from the Clear Creek Cowboy Association regarding future activities. The group was created a little over a year ago to share the spirit of the West. The group is planning a pony express ride for late January.
* Heard a quarterly report by Winslow Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center CEO Bob Hall. In the report, Hall mentioned the upcoming 75th annual Winslow Christmas Parade slated for Saturday, Nov. 19. Applications for participation are available at www.winslowarizona.org.
- Heard a status report by City Manager David Coolidge. He said, “The tentative dedication of the ball field donated by the Arizona Diamondbacks will be Nov. 18.”
- Heard a quarterly report from Winslow Library Director Brandee Leary. In it, Leary reported just under 120 people visit the library daily.
- Approved assistance in the amount of $2,500 and city services for the Native American Pow Wow taking place on July 1-2, 2023.
The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8 in the Hubbell Building, located at 523 W. Second St.
