The highlight of the Sept. 12 Snowflake Town Council meeting was recognition of the five men who volunteered to assist Hurricane Harvey victims in the Houston, Texas, area on behalf of the town.
Police Chief Larry Scarber bestowed the honor on Sgt. Derick Ortiz, Detective Christian Epps, Reserve Officer Chase Carlson, volunteer Brian Carpenter and Tanner Reidhead. Chief Scarber indicated that while not all volunteers are members of the police department, their actions merited formal recognition from the town.
Reidhead noted that it was impressive “how much damage water does.” The men reported that recipients of their help were very grateful.
In other business, Public Works Director Terry Cooper led the discussion about chip sealing roads in town. He thanked citizen Dave Scott for canvassing the neighborhood in preparation for the work to be done.
Regarding Scott’s efforts, Councilman Terril Kay said, “Great things don’t happen without great people like you.”
Information from the neighbors made it possible for town employees to make a better assessment of the situation. Homeowners assisted in the purchase of culverts that will improve water runoff and help prevent future flooding. The town will begin chip sealing the road, as this will also help with water remediation. The route to be chip sealed includes Seventh South and Hillcrest.
The council also discussed the potential change in name of what is currently known as Hatch Avenue to Rodeo Road. As a courtesy, residents will be contacted to see which name they prefer, as the change in road name will result in changes to their addresses. Residents are invited to contact town hall with their preference.
Discussion on the possibility of an intergovernmental agreement to join Navajo County in the Navajo-Gila County Informational Technology Consortium for broadband expansion to rural areas was tabled pending further review.
In order to bring the town into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations at the police department, cemetery and community park, the council approved moving forward with enlisting the services of Tetra Tech Engineering.
Because federal law requires that all ADA adaptations be approved by a certified engineer, the council has approved a budget of $34,922 to finance the supervision of modifications. Improvements include installing new doors and ramps, as well as raising the sidewalk at particular locations.
In other financial matters, Town Manager Brian Richards reported that, all things considered, the town has experienced “lower overhead while increasing services to citizens.” Changes are reflected in a 35 percent decrease in administrative expenditures since 2008, with increased spending in public safety and public works. A completed comparison of budget items over the years is available at town hall.
Councilman Kay expressed concern that water and sewage fees may not be sufficient to cover expenses that will arise when the town begins to remediate outdated supply lines. This particular subject will be discussed further at future budget meetings. Richards reported that in comparison to other towns regarding auditor ratios based on expenses per citizen, “We are being fiscally responsible.” However, since Snowflake has the “smallest retail base in Navajo County,” it behooves town officials to consider economic development possibilities.
Kay noted that possibilities are being explored. He suggested that in preparation for invitations to new businesses, a catalog of available locations and their advantages should be prepared. That way, when a potential investor approaches the town, or is invited to invest locally, options can be presented that have already been vetted to meet the needs of the potential investor.
Kay further noted that while Taylor and Snowflake are “not exactly a consolidation,” it would prove beneficial if the two towns would collaborate their efforts to advertise local business, and to cooperatively develop more opportunities for fiscal growth.
Locally, improvements on the municipal golf course are underway, with further discussion to take place at next month’s meeting.
Improving broadband connections would also increase the enjoyment of professionals and their families “on the mountain.”
Residents are invited to share their ideas via Ask the Mayor at http://ci.snowflake.az.us/.
Councilwoman Allison Perkins saluted those who volunteered for the school clean up. She said she was “humbled and proud to be part of a community where parents were teaching children what it means to be responsible, not just in words, but by working together.”
