The Winslow City Council was presented with Winslow Economic Development Director Una Wirkebau’s SWOT (Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats) survey results last week.
In her presentation, Wirkebau stated that over 200 Winslow residents completed the survey, distributed both online and in person. It revealed that most respondents found the people of the town to be its greatest strength.
Weaknesses included blight and overall appearance and lack of housing and jobs and among the opportunities listed were entrepreneurial projects and the low cost of living. Threats to the town and its development were lack of policy regarding drugs and alcohol abuse as well as aging infrastructure.
Wirkebau plans to integrate more public art into her overall endeavors for Winslow and maintains the open door policy that residents and business owners can contact her at any time with further ideas and concerns. To contact Wirkebau, call Winslow City Hall at (928) 289-2423.
The council also heard a presentation from Local First Arizona, a non-profit business coalition that specializes in promoting, supporting and celebrating local businesses throughout the state.
Braxton Hynes, the rural economic development program manager at Local First Arizona began. “We are very intentional about not wanting to treat symptoms but wanting to address root systemic causes and help initiate change to help support rural communities. We do that through many different prongs. As we partner with Winslow, we will be on the ground in the community working toward these prongs.”
The presentation outlined the opportunities available to Winslow through the organization. The group collects data and offers guidance to rural economic development directors. “We collect over 125 data points that measure needs as well as progress and initiatives.”
The five pillars of information Local First looks at in any given community are business strength and entrepreneurship, community connection and engagement, talent development and retention, resource stewardship and sustainability and health and well-being.
According to Hynes, this data is then used to award a benchmark score allowing Local First Arizona to move forward with promotion of the community and guidance toward resources to better their economic development and recovery.
Winslow has partnered with the organization and will be undergoing the data collection in order to utilize the services offered by Local First Arizona.
In other business, the council:
* Made a proclamation recognizing the Air Is Life Act of 2021. The Act was passed by Navajo Nation Jonathan Nez and the Navajo Nation Council and prohibits the use of commercial tobacco products in enclosed, indoor workspaces and public places as well as within 25 feet of any indoor area across the Navajo Nation.
* Heard a presentation from the Winslow Council on Aging in which Executive Director Marshall Losey explained the ongoing need for food and monetary donations to support programs offered at the center. He said, “Through COVID, we have had to have limited offerings. But we do hope for the best and to return to in person services soon.”
* Heard a status update from Winslow City Manager John Barkley in which he mentioned that Wiseman Aviation, who manages the Winslow Airport, will be taking over the restaurant at the airport. It was previously reported that a local restaurateur would be moving into the space, that contract has been canceled. Barkley was unsure of a timeline for getting a new eatery into the space.
* Heard the monthly finance report for the month of September from Winslow Finance Director Elias Jouen. Citywide revenues for the month were $1.5 million bringing the year-to-date total to $4.3 million. Citywide expenditures for the month were $1.4 million bringing the year-to-date total to $4.4 million.
* Heard a quarterly report from Winslow Fire Chief James Hernandez. In his report, Hernandez mentioned zero calls for fire service in October or November. September saw 26 calls for service. No structures were lost in the last quarter.
* Reappointed Lawrence Kenna to the Airport Commission until Dec. 31, 2024.
* Reappointed Sean Gravier and Brian Law each to the Planning and Zoning Commission until Dec. 31, 2024.
* Appointed Gina Williams to the Arts Council until April 1, 2023.
* Approved a contract awarded to Clean as Can B for janitorial services for $6,500 per month. The company will be responsible for the City of Winslow’s buildings and select facility locations and will include the Winslow Public Library and Police Department among other office buildings and locations.
* Approved a rental agreement with the Winslow Council on Aging until Dec. 31, 2026. The city will receive $60 total as rent over the five-year period for the use of facilities located at 212 E. Second St.
* Approved a lease agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Tanker Base at Winslow Lindbergh Regional Airport for five years. Annually rent for the lease will be $2,625.
* Approved a request from the Hashknife Pony Express in the amount of $1,000 in support of their February 2022 ride. The 64th annual ride will make its way from Holbrook to Scottsdale. There are no plans for the group to stop in Winslow.
The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11, in the Hubbell Building, located at 523 W. Second St.
