New Winslow city attorney is named

In her presentation to the council, Harris expressed her “pick up the phone and make one call” approach to representing municipalities.

Gust Rosenfeld has been in the business of municipal law since 1921 and represents 18 cities and towns across Arizona. Harris explained that she and her firm have extensive experience in code enforcement, economic development, and dealing with blight and abatement. “We are familiar with tax incentives for development and have worked with several municipalities to revise their codes,” Harris said.

The firm also brings with it prosecutor Mark Yaqmino, who has 30 years of municipal law experience in Arizona. He explained that the city prosecutor is ultimately the head of law enforcement in any given city and plans to treat the role as such.

Councilman Marshall Losey asked about the firm’s availability, explaining that, “sometimes the city attorney is needed in Winslow on council meeting days, sometimes from as early as noon through the evening and into the next day.”

Harris answered by stating her intention to keep the schedule of previous attorney Ellen Van Riper as she saw that it worked for the city.

In the public forum business owner Michelle Pennington asked the attorneys of their experience with animal control issues, including court dates and report reading.

Yaqmino answered, “Of course these issues will be pursued if the reports are sufficient and will definitely be on site to deal with court issues.”

Two other firms presented their pleas to gain the contract for the city, including Simms and Murray of Phoenix, and Sheldron and Speed of Flagstaff.

Following the brief presentations the council adjourned into executive session. Upon returning to regular session, Gust Rosenfeld, headed by Nicole Harris, was named city attorney. That contract will begin July 1 as Ellen Van Riper takes an appointment as city attorney for the City of Surprise.

Councilman Losey continued the discussion of the Winslow Rodeo Grounds, asking the council to allocate $20,000 from the capital fund to turn the rodeo grounds into an asset for the city. Losey went on to volunteer as liaison between the public rodeo committee and the city council.

Losey also informed the council of the decision by Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) officials to not renew funding contracts for the Meals-on-Wheels and congregate meal services provided by the Winslow Council on Aging at the senior center.

The councilman serves on the center’s board of directors, and relayed the sadness and disappointment at not being able to continue delivering meals or providing congregate meals for center members and guests. He added that the center is down four jobs, one in administration and three in the kitchen, among other casualties. He noted that community members and business have donated monies, and the Little Colorado Medical Center (LCMC) will provide congregate meals beginning July 5. Meals will be served from noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the LCMC cafeteria. Reservations will be needed one day in advance for any who would like to participate.

Upcoming for the senior center are fundraisers including a Saturday, June 17, yard sale.

The food pantry services will continue, “However,” Losey said, “we are constantly looking for volunteers.” The food pantry services are offered to anyone in need, serving 25 to 30 families three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Losey gave his personal phone number, (928) 587-7207, as contact for anyone wishing to volunteer.

He also asked the council for a work session regarding the condition of the Winslow Desert View Cemetery. Losey made the suggestion of xeriscaping to save water, to save effort, and to present a well-groomed and respectful atmosphere.

Citizen Neil Harrah added later that he agreed that the cemetery is in disrepair and needs some attention. “I think the cemetery is a disgrace.” He said.

Losey closed with, “It is my belief that all of us on this council have the best interest of the community at heart.”

In the status report from City Manager Steve Pauken, three vacancies on the Arts Council, Historic Preservation Committee and the City Retirement Committee were announced.

Pauken also urged the council to be in full attendance for the July 11 meeting, as the tax levy will be on the agenda.

Pauken also noted that the Arts Council held a Second Saturday fundraiser, with the funds earmarked for the Winslow animal control facility. The Arts Council raised $200 during that event by selling raffle tickets.

The ongoing runway project at the municipal airport has temporary stripes on the runway. Shoulders are being finished, and it was expected to be fully open to use June 17. There is a contingency plan to move equipment if needed for the tankers used for fire fighting.

Pauken went on to give an update on the street improvements in the city limits. Ten miles of arterial streets have been resealed and restriped. “That surface treatment is not just for show,” the city manager said. “Sealing streets rejuvenates and extends their lives a minimum of five years.” He added the cost-saving effect, saying that it would have cost $1 million per mile to rebuild roads, while fog sealing cost the city $35,000 to $40,000 for 10 miles.

As is common this time of year, Pauken reminded members of the public to keep an eye on weed growth on and around their property. The Public Works Department has been busy cleaning up medians and sidewalks throughout the city, working last week on the Mike’s Pike median and focusing this week on the West Side median. Volunteers, as always, are appreciated, and the city will provide tools and safety equipment for any volunteers to work on weed clean up.

Also mentioned was sidewalk buckling due to heat. Pauken asked the public to let the city know about sidewalks cracking and buckling if they are seen.

Pauken offered an update on the Vargas Field renovation, thanking Tim Westover of the Public Works Department for his team’s work on the project. The field has been leveled using a laser leveling technique from the same company that maintains the Diamondbacks’ Chase Field in Phoenix. New turf is expected on Vargas Field by the end of the summer.

Police Chief Dan Brown and Lieutenant Ken Arend presented certificates to local businesses who have supported Law Publication, a drug awareness and crime reduction magazine aimed toward children. The magazine is distributed by law enforcement officers and supported by local

advertisements. Those recognized included Tri-R Towing, North Country Healthcare, The Falcon, Attorney Greg Green, Community Bridges, Winslow Ford and Winslow Dental. Arend noted, “The support we receive from businesses in this community is outstanding.”

Also on the agenda was a review of the 2017-18 Bed Tax budget with Chamber of Commerce Director Bob Hall. Because the budget was submitted to the council in the last meeting and approved, Hall was present to answer any questions that may have arisen.

No questions were asked, but Hall explained that the city will no longer be splitting the utility costs for the Chamber of Commerce. A cost-sharing initiative that was put into place some years ago will be coming to an end and the chamber will take over its utility payment at 100 percent.

Hall also invited the council and the public to attend the Route 66 All Community Meeting scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 30, at the Hubbell Building, 523 W. Second St. The roundtable discussion is for for Route 66 enthusiasts, business owners, tourists and any who may be in support of Route 66. An RSVP is appreciated by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 289-2434.

Hall told the council that the 19th annual Taste of Winslow event held the Saturday before was the most successful to date, bringing in more than $9,000. That money will go toward local events and sponsorships.

Business owner Michelle Pennington gave thanks to Chief Brown, city council members and the public for attending Taste of Winslow as well as the Second Saturday Arts Council event. She also invited everyone to the Sweetland Community Garden groundbreaking event at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, at the garden adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial Park.

Marie LaMar expressed her gratitude for the striping that has been done on Winslow streets. “It has a good affect on our appearance, she said.”

LaMar also asked the council to take a “real look at tourism dollars.” Her hope is to reallocate “a few of those dollars to bring in more business to town,” and she sees the potential in the rodeo grounds.

Other business items included the approval of the consent calendar, including the check register, minutes from the May 23 council meeting, and an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Phoenix for the Cooperative use of its hosted and developed municipal tax dashboards.

The final order of business was cancellation of the July 25 and Aug. 22 council meetings, barring any emergency situations.

The public is invited to view the agenda of the council and listen online at the city website ​www.winslowaz.gov​. The next meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27, preceded by a work session with the Diné Development Group at 6:30 p.m. at the council chambers located at 115 E. Second St.