By Naomi Hatch Taylor Councilman Shawn Palmer noted at the Aug. 1 council meeting that he has been accused of steal-ing the show because he brings items directly to the council rather than going through Town Manager Eric Duthie. “I haven’t had a good experience in going directly to our manager,” said Palmer. “I haven’t had a good experience going through normal channels. I feel like I need to bring this out to the council and work things out here.” He was then reminded by Town Attorney Sterling Solomon that he needed to stay on the agenda. Palmer had 10 items to bring to the council’s attention last week, and expressed concern because he has heard from many people about the lights at Rodeo Park. “If the lights are an issue right now, that’s what those funds are for, to fix those problems,” said Council-man Jared Hatch, referring to $60,000 the town approved for the Special Events/Special Days Committee three years ago, giving the committee $20,000 each year for three years. Duthie pointed out that a previous council had approved this and it was up to the committee to prioritize how it spends the money. Councilman Alan Ramage suggested the Special Events/Special Days Committee give an update to the council. There was discussion on covering the pavilion at Rodeo Park and replacing the cement. “The Rodeo Committee is perfectly able to design that and come to us for approval,” said Hatch. Palmer moved on to concerns about Paper Mill Road buckling and said the previous Saturday he had wit-nessed a backhoe nearly lose control. Councilman Gary Solomon said that was him. “This is something on our list,” pointed out Mayor Fay Hatch, noting that as soon as funds were available, it would be repaired. “From a legal perspective, if you see something like this happen on Saturday, you need to make a call on Saturday,” said the town attorney. The next issue Palmer had was with the maintenance of town hall. “We’ve got a great facility here,” said Palmer, but pointed out they had lights not working for a while in front. “I was real glad to see the mainte-nance that’s been done.” Palmer said he felt that one of the biggest eyesores in town is the front landscaping of town hall. “That was an effort by some very well meaning people,” said Councilman Solomon. “I just want to be careful of stepping on toes.” Palmer said he wanted this to be an item on the town survey included on monthly water bills. There was discussion of ideas, with Palmer offering to purchase lawn seed and materials to provide water to the area. Duthie said that water was there, taken out and then put back again. Mayor Fay Hatch felt there would be too many ideas with the survey and stated, “I think we (the council) need to decide.” After further discussion, Palmer moved to table this item until the next council meeting and in the mean-time council members would collect information from citizens. The motion passed unanimously. Palmer next expressed concern about intersection visibility. “If it’s a safety issue, we ought to report it,” said Vice Mayor Jane Lee. Duthie explained that issues on a state highway should be reported to him and he would report them to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), which would respond immediately to a safety issue. Palmer asked that employees and police officers keep this in mind, and report safety issues to the staff. Palmer expressed concerns about the Freeman Park soccer field, noting that he thought it should be fenced. Duthie had asked Ray Webber to explain to the council his son Justin’s Eagle Scout project. Webber said that Justin is working on getting donations from fencing companies, which will determine the length of the fence; however they would like to do the entire soccer field from where the volleyball field is to the end of the parking lot where the swing sets are. “The volunteerism is incredible,” said Duthie. “This project has been in place and moving forward for some time, and we’re very appreciative of Justin and his family.” Duthie further reported that an overlay will be done on the walking track when they do the roads. Palmer then expressed concern that as he receives deliveries, the drivers of large trucks don’t have enough notice to make the turn at the “Y” on State Route 277. “We have had contact with ADOT; it’s a highway, so it’s their road,” said Duthie. “They were amenable to discussion back in March or April.” He also noted that a sign indicating “Paper Mill Road” has been in-stalled 200 yards before the Snowflake and Taylor sign. Hatch advised Palmer that he could express his concerns to the State Transportation Board. “Some people have complaints, some people have ideas, they voice their opinions and concerns, and I think it’s important we listen to them,” said Palmer as he requested that the closing of town hall be a question on the water bill survey. Ramage had researched this, talking to front office staff, who were appreciative of keeping their jobs even though they were cut to 32 hours a week. They said that they have had two complaints in 15 months. He noted that Town Clerk Kelly Jones is always there and will answer the door. There is a slot to make pay-ments or return keys, and other staff members are not off Fridays. “I asked several months back when it was brought up before,” said Councilman Mark Reed, noting there had been two complaints then. “As far as complaints, I’ve heard many, many, many more than two,” said Palmer. Duthie pointed out that he has an understanding with staff that more than one person will be in the build-ing at all times, feeling that is a safety concern, and if they go to five days, it would require the two girls to take off a Monday and a Friday. Duthie further pointed out that they are open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., which was a 50-hour work week prior to closing Friday, which now gives them a 40-hour work week. There was discussion on the amount of savings and Palmer stated, “I don’t see that big savings. If they’re happy to have that job, I think they’d be happy to have that extra day. I would love to see that on the survey.”