In the May 11 meeting of the Holbrook City Council, it was announced that Vice Mayor Francie Payne would be stepping down from her position as of that date. Payne was out of town and not present for the meeting, so the statement was read by Mayor Kathleen Smith.
In that statement, Payne expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to serve for the past eight years. She also stated her appreciation to citizens, city staff and fellow council members. “We now have clean, updated properties, new equipment, more training opportunities for employees and offer a fair wage with adjustments every year.”
In her official statement to The Tribune, Payne stated, “I’ve enjoyed my time on the council, but this month marks the end of my second four-year term and that seems enough. I encourage anyone interested in the future of Holbrook to consider applying to be appointed to the council. It is a lot different sitting on the dais than sitting in the audience, but in the end, it’s worth enduring the challenges.”
Per Holbrook City Charter, May would have been the end of term for Payne, and council members Mike Nilsson and Tim Dixon, as well as Mayor Smith who won in a recall election to complete the term of former mayor Merrill Young. But in April of 2021, the council voted to extend their own terms by one and a half years, stating that it was to align with state and federal election dates. Charter cities are not required to hold elections on the dates assigned to state and federal elections as per the State constitution’s “home rule charter” provision, Article 13, § 2, which gives charter cities autonomy over matters of purely municipal concern. In addition, according to city charter, a change of elections requires a vote of the people.
The city charter does state that elections are to be held every two years, beginning in 1995. That would have required an election in March of 2021 and March of 2023 but no elections were held. Those who voted in favor of that change at the time were then Mayor Merrill Young, and councilmembers Tim Dixon, Mike Nilsson and Adam Marsh. Those voting against the measure were Payne and council members Kip Woolford and Earl Kester.
Following the announcement of Payne’s resignation, Smith outlined the process according to Section 2.12 of the city charter for appointing a citizen to fill the vacancy. “In the case of vacancies for whatever reason, the remaining members including the mayor shall, by majority vote, select a qualified person. The vacancy on the council shall be filled within 31 days but not less than 15 from the date the council receives notice of vacancy.” The position shall be filled until the next election is held.
To qualify for council, a resident must have resided in the city for at least two years preceding the date of vacancy and remain living in the city for the term of office. Citizens may submit a letter of intent to the city and qualified applicants will be interviewed by council prior to a selection being made at the June 8 meeting.
Council member Arcenia Pacheco asked if the council couldn’t simply allow the candidate with the next highest number of votes from the August 2022 election fill the position. “Instead of having to go through all of that all over again. If we didn’t agree to that, whoever we interview whatever their letter of intent was, then we have to go to a special election, which that would be costly and delays time.”
Smith noted that the item was not on the agenda for consideration. “This is how traditionally it has been. It’s been nine months since the last election… so I think it’s been enough time to let somebody come and have a chance if there are some people that are interested in applying.” She added that if the person who received those next highest votes would like to submit a letter of intent, that would be fine. The individual who received the next highest votes in the last election was former council member Adam Marsh.
Dixon said he felt the public did speak in the last election and that if that person (Marsh) was willing to serve he should be appointed. “If that next person does put their hat in the ring, I think it might be a good process. We don’t have anything written down saying ‘we will do this process.’ We can appoint someone without necessarily going through that process, especially when the public has already spoken.”
Council member Karina Pack replied to the comments stating, “I respectfully disagree. I think it would be good to let it go to the public.”
Mayor Smith reiterated that the charter does state that the decision shall be determined by majority vote, and encouraged the individual to submit a letter of intent if they wish to be considered. “By law, this is our charter and this is what we follow.”
During call to the public, Colleen Marsh addressed the council regarding the Friends of the Holbrook Animal Shelter. “We’re bringing in tons of kittens, tons of puppies, lots of dogs and cats that just need some love and we’re asking for fosters.” She noted that no fingerprinting is required as part of the foster process. Those who are approved are provided with all the materials needed to care for the animal, including food, baby bottles for kittens, etc. “We have an immediate need with about half a dozen animals in need of immediate care right away.” Call the shelter or email the Friends of the Holbrook Animal Shelter for more information.
Chamber of Commerce Director Cindy Tafoya also addressed the council regarding the upcoming Old West Fest on June 9 and 10. “We will start off on Friday with an art show and we are inviting food trucks to come out that evening. Kip Woolford is in charge of that and he is bringing in a lot of artists and demonstrators and so it’s going to be a fun night.”
The next day will start off with the Bucket of Blood races with a 5K, 10K and a half marathon. The event on Saturday will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with vendors, entertainment, horseshoe, pie eating and chili competitions. Musicians are still being sought for Battle of the Bands. There will also be a junior rodeo held at the Navajo County Fairgrounds for a $2 entry fee.
The chamber, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center, will be hosting entrepreneur workshops in July and August for those who are interested in learning how to start and manage a small business. In June a Digital Presence training will also be held. Contact the chamber to sign up.
Ray Secareanu who owns a home on Colorado Drive near the railroad also addressed the council requesting the city address the concerns of the trains speeding through the city. He noted that in areas such as Flagstaff, trains are required to go approximately 10 mph, whereas they are traveling approximately 30 to 40 mph through Holbrook, causing foundation damage to his property and likely others near the tracks.
