Winslow was one of six municipalities in the state to implement Next Generation 9-1-1. The system, installed in July, allows dispatchers to utilize new technology in their emergency response. Winslow Police Department Communications Supervisor Michael Jones said, “In the past, we were only able to determine the phone number of someone calling 9-1-1 and where they were, roughly.” The Next Generation system allows large amounts of data to travel faster than high speed broadband internet. “We can now see exactly where a caller is as close as a few meters,” said Jones.
In addition to the call system, dispatchers and first responders are also using a new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system by Kaseware. The CAD is cloud based and fully mobile allowing operators to access information from anywhere with any device. This means that in the event of a power or internet outage, 9-1-1 services in the area would remain operational. It also allows for the set up of a mobile response base in the event of a large-scale evacuation situation.
The CAD and Next Generation 9-1-1 systems have helped improve the city’s Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating, which could potentially lower homeowner’s and business insurance rates. They also assure faster response time in emergencies and utilize fiber optics to transfer large amounts of data faster than broadband internet. Because of the improved data transfer speeds, the systems will also feature text, photo, video and live stream to 9-1-1 capabilities.
Jones said, “Those technologies do exist and I will be meeting with 9-1-1 coordinators from across Arizona next month to discuss the roll out of those capabilities.” Jones anticipates those services in Winslow within the next five years.
Following the recusal of Mayor Tom McCauley, the council unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the acceptance of a cooperative purchasing agreement with McCauley Construction, Inc. to provide job order contracting services as permitted under a Coconino County Contract. The company is owned and operated by the mayor’s brother with no stock or shares owned by the mayor. However, McCauley said, “In the interest of the city, I will recuse myself for this vote. That said, this will save us a lot of money because Coconino County has already gone through the process of getting the bids.”
City Finance Director Elias Jouen explained, “This is cooperative agreement that we want to piggy back on through Coconino County. It will allow the city to use the piggy back procurement method for construction services and will save us a lot of time and money because we don’t have to go out to bid every time we have a small project.”
Council member Samantha Crisp asked, “When you do go out to bid, how many companies usually respond?” City Manager Steve Pauken responded, “It varies based on the size and type of the project. Logistically, this (agreement) will be advantageous to the city because someone else (Coconino County) has already gone through the process of getting the best price.”
A resolution authorizing the acceptance of a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration for the airport improvement program also passed unanimously. The grant, in an amount not to exceed $242,609 will be used to fund the design of the reconstruction of Taxi Way B at the Winslow-Lindbergh Regional Airport.
During the call to the public, Winslow resident Rayna Castillo addressed her desire to bring a splash pad to Winslow. She cited the Holbrook and Snowflake facilities success and suggested the open space next to the indoor swimming pool, located at 500 E. Cherry Street.
In council business, Councilman Ricky Jackson called attention to the need of a Winslow representative on the Northland Pioneer College governing board. “It is an appointed position until an election is held in 2020,” Jackson said, “And it is very important that we have representation. You can contact me or the college if you are interested in the position.” Councilwoman Judy Howell mentioned that she and other citizens were unhappy with the condition of the flags in the Desert View Cemetery, “We need to remove or replace them.”
In other business, the council:
* Approved a resolution authorizing the finance director and the senior accountant to open a safekeeping account, invest city funds in securities and execute contracts, agreements or transactions in connection with such investment accounts.
* Proclaimed Sept. 11 as 9/11 Remembrance Day in the City of Winslow.
* Proclaimed the week of Sept. 12-15 as Navajo County Fair Days in the City of Winslow.
* Approved the monthly financial report given by Jouen. Citywide revenues for the month of July totaled $742,500 or 2.9 percent of the total budget. Citywide expenditures were $902,000 or three and a half percent of the budget.
* Appointed Shadae Johnson to the Arts Council.
An executive session was on the agenda for the council to discuss the city manager search. Mayor McCauley proposed the executive session not include the current city manager or the Human Resources Director, David Coolidge.
Councilman Robin Boyd expressed his disagreement with the proposal. “I have a problem with this. The city manager search includes the HR director and the city manager, and they have been specifically excluded from this. Excluding them is dividing the city for me and dividing the council and I am extremely opposed to this.”
Vice member Bob Schlesinger voiced his agreement with Boyd, “The council was who directed the city staff to be part of this process.” Boyd moved to oppose adjourning to executive session. “I move that we do not go in to executive session in the way in which it was presented, that the HR director and the city manager be excluded.”
McCauley replied, “I have some legal questions that I need to ask without the presence of Mr. Pauken.” To which Boyd responded, “I am not going into an executive session like that.” A roll call vote to oppose the session failed 4-3, with Marshall Losey, Boyd and Schlesinger entering votes in support and McCauley and council members Crisp, Howell and Jackson voting against. The executive session took place as planned. No action was taken or discussed upon the council’s return to regular session.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Winslow City Council will be at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 25, in the council chambers, located at 115 E. Second St.
