During the Nov. 10 meeting of the Snowflake Town Council, Mayor Lynn Johnson reported that the Mayor’s Corner portal on the town’s website has been a very positive means for the community to express their concerns and appreciation. One matter in particular was addressed further during Call to Public. Concern was voiced that hydrants in town have now been publicly labeled in such a way that arsonists might determine which buildings to burn based on perceived lack of sufficient water to douse the flames.
Assistant Fire Chief Willie Nelson clarified that while hydrants are coded for outflow rates of water, the public should be aware that the trucks themselves transport sufficient water. “There is no need for the citizenry to be concerned about their safety. They are not in jeopardy,”
While many see maintenance of fire hydrants as the responsibility of the fire department, they are, in reality, the joint responsibility of several agencies in town, including the Water Department, Fire Department and the town. Residents are also encouraged to participate in hydrant maintenance by keeping the area around them clear of weeds and debris and, eventually, snow.
Young men (and now, women) interested in an Eagle Scout project to map and maintain hydrants are invited to contact Taylor-Snowflake Fire and Medical at (928) 536-7600, or email Nelson at fire@tayloraz.org.
District III Supervisor Jason Whiting introduced Glenn Kephart, the new Navajo County Manager, to the council. Kephart said he is looking forward to an ongoing working relationship with the town and the county. He said his philosophy is, “What is good for one community is thereby good for the whole.”
On a lighter note, the council voted to waive the town’s nepotism policy due to the recent marriage of Terry Cooper and Debbie Franchini, who were recognized as two highly valued town employees. Both work at the town’s golf course, but in different departments.
Mayor Johnson suggested the council might need to revisit this policy, since it seems odd to expect employees to request permission to marry. Cooper interjected by saying, “With all due respect, we didn’t ask permission.”
Congratulations and good-natured ribbing followed the vote. On a different matter, Cooper was also appointed Agent for Liquor License for the golf course.
In other business, it was decided that the council would take the necessary steps to officially form an Industrial Development Authority. It is believed that an official authority will clearly inform potential investors of the support for new industry in town.
The council also approved a resolution regarding the Navajo County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation. Doing so makes it possible for the town to apply for more grant money for safety issues.
The council voted to accept Gordon Farr, Jr., as the new member of the Zoning and Planning Commission. Farr fills the vacancy resulting from Russ Smith’s recent resignation.
Snowflake-Taylor Police Chief Larry Scarber, reported that earlier in the day during the Navajo County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Navajo County Sheriff’s office presented the Life Saving Award to a number of local citizens.
The award was presented to NCSO Deputy Jim Hudspeth; STPD Sgt. Dan Rush, STPD; STPD Officer Brandon Gardner; Department of Public Safety Trooper Russ Sipes; Assistant Fire Chief Willie Nelson; and Snowflake-Taylor EMTs Matt Krekeler and Mead Tenney for their aid to a distressed citizen earlier this year.
Nelson said, “We were just doing our jobs.” Nonetheless, on behalf of the town Mayor Johnson expressed appreciation for the group’s service and commitment to public safety.
