During the June 27 meeting of the Holbrook City Council, City Manager Randy Sullivan reported that a new billboard sign would be going up along Interstate 40 near Sun Valley for westbound drivers to view as they approach Holbrook. The billboard will advertise the city’s three dog parks, one at the north end of Navajo Blvd., one at the west end of Hopi Drive and the other at Hunt Park, as well as the number of motels, RV parks and restaurants in the city.
Sullivan also noted that there are still activities to sign up for in the summer recreation program, including a kids’ cooking class on July 18, pre-kinder crafts on July 18 and 25, and a free music camp July 10-14 for kids in second through eighth grades with instructors Heidi Hunsaker and Beth Self. Those taking part in the music camp will perform for the dedication ceremony of the Mike Machusak Recreation Center, located across from the city offices, at noon on July 14 and also at Wild West Days that evening.
Mayor Bobby Tyler reported that 42 kids took part in a baseball camp sponsored by Arizona Public Service Co. at John Barrow Little League Field, where they received instruction from four former Major League players. He also thanked Little League volunteer Kellie Spangler for her efforts in organizing the event.
Tyler also noted that Congressman Tom O’Halleran will host a town hall at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, at Flagstaff High School, located at 400 W. Elm St. Those attending are encouraged to arrive early.
Councilman CJ Wischmann reported that a Swedish movie crew would be staying in Holbrook while making a film on the Hopi Reservation from the later part of September to the end of October. They anticipate 30 crewmembers will be staying in town during this time. Cindy Tafoya, director of the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce, will be working with the film crew to arrange the accommodations they need, including meals and any workforce labor they may require.
Councilwoman Francie Payne commended those individuals who were recognized for their service to the community during the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of Holbrook event. She also said she was “blown away” by the incredible talent of the young Native American dancers who performed during the event.
The council approved a liquor license application for Mark Dragoo as the new owner of Young’s Corral, which will now be called The Corral in keeping with the history of the building. “It’s a local trademark. The sign has been here since Route 66’s heyday, so we’ll keep the sign and just change the top name on the sign,” he explained.
Dragoo has hopes of opening the bar the first week of August. He also owns PT’s Bar in Winslow and Winslow Shuttle, and plans to extend the shuttle service to Holbrook. “We’ll have some more local transportation here not only during the day, but in the evening for people who may have exceeded their capacity to get home safe, whether it be from our establishment or any establishment.” Dragoo also said that he is looking forward to being part of the community in the same manner that he is in Winslow, where he supports local youth athletic organizations.
The council approved an amendment to the city’s personnel policy pertaining to sick leave. The changes are the result of a new state law that went into effect this year requiring that sick leave be provided for all employees, including those who work part time. Those who work 20 hours or more a week will receive eight hours of sick leave each month and those working less than 20 hours will receive four hours each month. If the sick leave is not used it cannot be provided as a cash payout once the employee no longer works for the city.
The council also approved an extension of the current agreement with Navajo County for court collection and criminal justice services. Sullivan stated that the justice court brought in approximately $50,000 from fines this past year and the expenses that are taken from that amount include funds to pay the city’s portion of the judge’s salary and a part time clerk’s salary.
The council approved the payment of invoices totaling $72,511.27, as well as payments to Walt’s Hardware totaling $202.57 and to The Tribune-News totaling $50.
