The Snowflake Town Council approved an application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for a splash pad at Pioneer Park at the Sept. 13 council meeting, but the Arizona Department of Housing did not approve that project.
Librarian and grant writer Cathie McDowell attended the Oct 25 council meeting to request approval of one of the other projects on the list compiled following a public hearing, and that they approve a resolution that prioritizes projects to be submitted with the application.
The projects include water line renovation on 19th South; road improvements to Brown Road and/or Rodeo Road; mold and asbestos remediation at the Snowflake Pool; and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements at public facilities (Frederickson Park stand, Police Department entry ramp, bathrooms at the pool, etc.).
McDowell said that the pool would not qualify for funds. She explained that for the road improvements and water line renovation projects to qualify, they must meet the requirements of low to moderate income for persons benefiting, or that the project would aid in the prevention or elimination of slum and blight, or address an urgent need which poses a threat to health.
Vice Mayor Kerry Ballard suggested a project at the cemetery to improve access from the road for people using walkers or wheelchairs.
McDowell said that project would qualify on ADA improvements.
Councilman Stuart Hensley asked the amount of the grant, and McDowell responded that it was approximately $242,000.
Town Manager Brian Richards was asked if he had a project he would prefer. He said that the approximately 20 homes on 19th South are on the Town of Taylor’s water system, but Snowflake provides all maintenance, and doesn’t collect funds from the homeowners. He said that the water line extension could run from the Centennial Ball Field and loop back, putting those people on Snowflake’s water system.
They would have to survey each home to see if it would meet the low to moderate income.
Richards also said that the ADA improvements would be a good project.
“This is a hard one for me,” said Richards, noting that for the past two years, the grant has gone to the Academy Building, and prior to that, they did the Ninth South road, Brewer Lane and First West. “Personally, I’d rather do street improvement, and like the Rodeo Road idea, but we would have to get the income survey.”
McDowell said that they could only do one project, except the ADA project could include several locations.
“They would all be helpful improvements,” said Richards.
“Which would benefit the most people? We want the project that’s going to affect the most people for that money,” said Councilman Lynn Johnson.
“Would we try to do any of these things if we didn’t have the grant?” asked Councilman Cory Johnson.
Richards responded that they would like to do the road, but they don’t have a big road budget. He also felt they could try to do the ADA improvements without the grant. He said they would like to put more parking at the police station.
There was concern that with the amount of the grant, they would have enough to do much road improvement.
Ballard moved to approve the application for fiscal year 2016 CDBG funding for projects prioritized in the following order: ADA improvements; road improvements; and water line renovation. The motion passed unanimously.
In other business, the council approved an amendment of a special use permit granted to Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church for the swap meet.
Belle McCauley is the new manager of the swap meet, and was present to answer any questions.
She asked the council to amend the current special use permit and remove all reference to the OLS Community Center, explaining that the intent is that the facility will be operated as a separate entity and not fall under the special use permit; remove all reference to Father Nathanael Block, because McCauley is the administrator and manager of the swap meet; and include McCauley’s name and contact number on the special use permit.
The council unanimously approved the amendments.
“The swap meet has had very good attendance, and seems like it brings a lot of people into town on Saturday morning,” said Mayor Tom Poscharsky, noting he has met people from many communities.
During reports, Councilman Terril Kay commented that the update received from Richards on the golf course looked very good. He said that he would still like to have a committee work on the five-year plan for the golf course. He suggested that in the pond they were going to drain they put fish for the kids and have some type of derby event for the community. “I think it’s imperative that we continue to do that plan,” said Johnson, adding that a group of gentlemen at a high school softball tournament asked about a golf tournament.
Ballard said he has heard good comments on the golf course.
The vice mayor also encouraged everyone to attend the Prayer for the Nation scheduled at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6, at Pioneer Park.
Poscharsky reminded everyone that there will be just one council meeting in November, and that will be on Tuesday, Nov. 15. At that time they will have the mayoral election results and will swear in the new mayor.
