Winslow Justice Court Judge BJ Little gave a quarterly court report to the Winslow City Council during July 11.
In it, Judge Little noted an increase in traffic offenses in the court from 442 for January through March to 456 for April through June.
When asked about the increase by Councilman Thomas Chacon, Little explained most of those are traffic infractions coming from the Interstate 40 corridor surrounding Winslow. The justice court also handled 55 civil lawsuits, 204 criminal charges and 11 juvenile offenders.
In other business, the council approved community support payments to local organizations for the 2017-18 fiscal year. Recipients of these subsidies include the Council on Aging in the amount of $46,000; the Old Trails Museum, $35,000; and Little League, $4,999. Each of these amounts was included in the budget approved by the council in June.
According to Finance Director Elias Joeun, “Funds are also budgeted to pay up to $138,000 from estimated bed tax receipts to the Chamber of Commerce for tourism and $350,000 from city sales tax to the Little Colorado Medical Center, each to be released monthly per receipt of tax revenues.”
A motion to approve the payments passed unanimously.
The council authorized the staff to use an open purchase order system for regularly used vendors. This is a routine action item and passed unanimously. Many local businesses are on the list of regular vendors, including 3C’s Auto Body, Casey’s Color Center, and Dyna Rock and Sand.
Action items approved included the appointment of Linda Card and Laura Pontel to the Arts Council following the resignation of Marlowe Katoney and Sam Conner, and the appointment of Joyce Shorthair as executive director of the Winslow Public Housing Authority. Shorthair has been acting as interim director.
Ordinances approved included the Transaction Privilege Tax, the adoption of the tax code of Winslow as public record, amending rates, fees, and charges regarding recreation fees, and amending the rates, fees, and charges pertaining to utility services.
Councilwoman Judy Howell reported shade tarps were placed at the Winslow Animal Control Facility. She noted that it was a temporary solution and they are working toward a more permanent fix. Howell also reminded community members to adopt shelter animals.
Councilman Chacon expressed appreciation for city staff, including Roberta Cano for putting together Fourth of July festivities including the Freedom Fest and the fireworks show. Chacon also proposed putting a resolution on an upcoming agenda for the naming of the multi-purpose fields on Maple Street in honor of Valentine Lopez.
Councilman Marshall Losey alerted the council and the public to street lights out along Hillview Street. He also gave an update on the congregate meals being served to seniors in the Little Colorado Medical Center cafeteria. Meals cost $3.50 and are served from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Seniors are encouraged to call the cafeteria at (928) 289-4691 24 hours ahead of their intended meal to reserve a space. The hospital is also preparing 10 to 12 meals a day for home delivery by senior center staff.
During the call to the public Marie Lamar listed what she understood as city employee salaries, noting nine employees are paid above $100,000 per year. Her point was that the city employees are “paid well…and management of our community needs more detailed attention.”
Business owner Tom McCauley took the podium to point out attendance numbers from surrounding area rodeos. He noted, “8,500 spectators at the Taylor/Snowflake Rodeo, 22,000 attended the Prescott Rodeo.”
The next meeting of the council is scheduled at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, in the council chambers located at 115 E. Second St.
