During the Winslow City Council on Feb. 13, City Manager Steve Pauken introduced the council to new library director Galen Worthington. Worthington said, “I came here from Sedona. There wasn’t anything wrong with Sedona, but there was certainly something that felt right about coming to Winslow.” He expressed a love for the institution of libraries and their importance to communities.
“Libraries are one of the most amazing institutions ever created by human beings. People from all walks of life, all backgrounds and all economic levels can come and rub shoulders with each other. A great library is a repository of a place’s culture and history.”
Worthington intends on coming back to future council meetings to share the ideas he has for continuing Winslow’s great library and the legacy left by previous director Docia Blalock.
The water meter replacement project in Winslow took another step forward during the council meeting. The council approved an extension of a contract with PACE Advanced Water Engineering. The city initially entered into the agreement with PACE in July for the purpose of developing the proposal for the advanced metering infrastructure. Finance director Elias Jouen presented the motion for the council to extend the PACE contract, “Staff recognized the need for the continued involvement of PACE for additional services including review of necessary submittals, testing, inspections and startup documentation from the contractor.”
The original contract was not to exceed $28,980. The extension is not to exceed $44,160 bringing the total to $73,140. The funds are budgeted in the water fund specifically for this project.
The council also approved the fiscal year 2017 financial audit presented by certified public accounting firm, Fester and Chapman. The report showed a net increase of $4 million. Increases were seen in the airport fund and water fund, and decreases found in the sanitation and wastewater funds. A full report on the audit is available at City Hall.
Pauken also reminded the council and public that the City’s five-year capital improvements plan has been completed and input is being sought to form the next one. A public meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, at the Chamber of Commerce to ask for ideas and input for the next budget year.
Animal Control Officer Stratton Salyers explained that he has partnered with PAWS rescue in Scottsdale and has had great success in getting animals adopted from their facility. From November to January, 19 dogs have been transferred to PAWS from the Winslow Animal Care Facility.
Salyers said, “We have parvo warnings already this year, and the ticks are already pretty bad. Please don’t dump your animals,
bring them to the shelter instead so that we can make sure they remain healthy.” Salyers also alerted the public and council to the new hours for the facility, which are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
The council also approved the liquor license application for permanent extension of premises for Relic Road Brewing Company, located at 107 W. Second St. The extension of premises will allow for alcohol to be consumed on the sidewalk immediately in front of the restaurant. According to owner Troy Armstrong, more seating and an outdoor waiting area are necessary due to the increase in business as well as in anticipation for the upcoming tourism season.
Mayor Robin Boyd proclaimed February as Black History Month in Winslow, asking citizens to celebrate the diverse cultures in the community.
In other business the council:
* Approved the appointment of Tess Kenna and Brandee Leary to the Winslow Historic Preservation Commission. Leary will serve until May 2020, and Kenna until May 2018.
* Approved the appointment of Larrilyn Oso and Christa Knox to the Arts Council, both terms expire in April 2019.
* Approved an ordinance abandoning city owned property located on Berton Avenue north of Third Street. Berton Avenue and its adjoining alley have not been improved and extend to a significant vertical drop in terrain north of the rights of way. City staff, including Community Development Director Paul Ferris found the lots to be of no use to the City of Winslow and better used for commercial development by the owner of the two parcels that border the rights of way. Business and adjoining property owner Sidney Moore will appropriate the parcels at the market value of $250.
* Approved a request for $1,000 from Robert Carr, organizer of the annual Native American Music Festival. The festival will be held March 31 at the Elks Lodge.
The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Meetings take place in the council chambers located at 115 E. Second St. The public is invited to attend.
