The Holbrook City Council met Jan. 10 to discuss, among other matters, the donation of a lot south of the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Buffalo Street.
Councilwoman Francie Payne owns the 85’x64’ piece of land and has offered to donate the property to the city for use as a park and garden. Included in the offer is a picnic table and a memorial plaque dedicated to the late Jennifer Good, who was an avid gardener.
“The land is being dedicated as a micro-park that we would like to see become a community fruit garden. I’ll be working with (Holbrook Parks and Recreation Director) John Guttery to determine what would grow best there,” explained Interim City Manager Randy Sullivan.
Council CJ Wischmann expressed concerns over the matter, wondering how the park could be maintained if the city had no extra money. He was also concerned that there may be a conflict of interest since Payne is on the council. He was advised that there was no monetary gain for Payne as the land is being donated, so there was no conflict.
“The water is already there. We were talking of maybe making sections in the garden for residents to grow a garden for those who want to grow a garden, but don’t have any space,” said Sullivan.
The city has several other micro parks that have desert landscaping and require little maintenance, but unlike the land offered by Payne, they were not designated specifically for park development. Vice Mayor Wade Carlisle said he believes that creates a distinct difference. “In my mind, if someone wanted to buy one of those others to build a home, I say the city should sell it. This is a dedicated park. As far as an orchard, you can grow mulberry trees and even apple trees in that area because of the sub-irrigation on Buffalo,” he said, adding that due to the alluvial fill in that area, little water would be required in order for the trees to grow.
The matter was for consideration only, with the item to be decided upon at a future meeting.
In other business, the council approved a proclamation declaring Feb. 6-11 as Hashknife Pony Express Week to honor the annual ride that takes the horsemen from Holbrook to Scottsdale. Following that approval, the council also agreed that $4,000 be provided to the organization, an amount that had been budgeted for the year.
The council also approved a liquor license for Atsuo Sakurai for his business Arizona Sake, LLC.
A decision to add City Clerk Cher Reyes to the Bank of the West signature card was passed in a 3-2 vote. Councilwoman Payne, and Councilmen Richard Peterson and Earl Kester voted in favor of the measure, with Vice Mayor Carlisle and Councilman Wischmann voting against it. Mayor Bobby Tyler and Councilman Tim Dixon were absent from the proceedings.
The council approved a renewal of contract with Lonnie Hatch for use of the community building for dance instruction at the rate of $25 per year, the same contract rate as in previous years.
Sullivan told the council that he had sent a letter to the Arizona Department of Transportation requesting millings for roadwork and is waiting on approval from the Phoenix office. He also mentioned that the Holbrook School District will be re-doing its parking lot at the bus barn and that the city will be working alongside them with a project. “We will be doing the sidewalks and curbs so that the buses will be able to park along the street for additional parking,” he said.
Sullivan also noted that workers will start on the soccer field that will be located south of the pool, as well as the concrete work required for repairs to the men’s shower room at the pool. “This will involve a lot of man hours, but it’ll keep us busy while we wait for funding,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan told the council that a request for proposals had been sent out to firms that assist cities and towns in locating permanent management, and he hoped that they would have responses soon that could be brought before the council.
It was also noted by Sullivan that he and Director of Administration Pat Nichols saved the city $5,000 by using their skills to provide the 1095 forms required for employees due to Obamacare. “Pat and I were able to do this without buying the software that would have cost the city thousands of dollars for the program and maintenance fees,” he explained, adding that this was the second year they did this.
Holbrook Police Lt. Jack Arend reported that Police Chief Mark Jackson was recovering after being struck by another driver while driving a department vehicle on Navajo Blvd. on Jan. 9. Jackson had been transported to the Little Colorado Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries, but was released later that day. He was expected to return to work later in the week.
Councilman Kester commended the city for the work that was done on the dirt road leading from the LDS church to the OK RV Park, saying the road was level and would prevent water from collecting as it has in the past.
Councilman Wischmann commended the Holbrook Police Department for its quick response and handling of a burglary at his mother’s home and one at his as well.
Leo Maestas addressed the council during the call to the public, requesting that on future agendas, the name of the people involved in the acquisition of property by the city be included, referring specifically to the donation of land by Payne.
The council also agreed to cancel the March 14 council meeting due to the elections taking place at the council chambers that day.
