Winslow City Manager Steve Pauken presented the Winslow City Council with a letter of resignation last week. Pauken is taking an early retirement as his contract is set to expire in January of 2022. In his letter to the council Pauken wrote, “Five years ago, I met with the mayor and council and talked about the City of Winslow, its pluses and minuses, its gems and its warts and what could be done to leave this place better than we found it.” As he read from the letter in the council meeting, a visibly emotional Pauken thanked the city staff for their continued support.
“This has been a great place, you’ve all been great people. I think I can say with some measure of confidence that I will walk away on a high note and leave it better than we found it,” stated Pauken, whose last day will be Jan. 4, 2019.
In other business, the council moved forward in the Truth in Taxation process by adopting an ordinance to declare an emergency for the proposed property tax increase. The emergency status allows the initiative to appear on Aug. 14 Navajo County Board of Supervisors agenda.
“This is part of the Truth in Taxation process,” City Finance Director Elias Jouen said. “We present to mayor and council the ordinance to approve and adopt the new property tax rate, which will increase by $2.77 per $100,000 of property value. The board of supervisors takes final action on approving this.” The public was already notified of the increase through newspaper publication and a public hearing held last month. The levy, if approved will be in effect for fiscal year 2018-2019, which began July 1. The council voted unanimously in the absence of Vice Mayor Bob Schlesinger.
In council business, Councilwoman Judy Howell said, “I just want to remind everyone of our furry friends out at the Winslow Animal Shelter that need homes. Because of the fundraising, and a $10,000 anonymous donation, Animal Control has been able to purchase a 2006 Ford F-350 from an auction in Scottsdale. They were also able to purchase commercial shade canopies.”
Councilwoman Samantha Crisp noted the condition of the Vargas Field ramada area. “On the Fourth of July, we were at the ramadas park and it was pointed out to me and Steve Pauken that our park was in a little bit of a sad state.” She then asked Pauken if a plan had been put in place to address the issue. “Yes, there is money in the capital improvements budget that will allow us to replace the old restroom and place irrigation at the location,” he replied.
In other business, the council:
* Approved the Tourism Promotion contract between the City of Winslow and the Winslow Chamber of Commerce. The contract is for the purpose of promotion, management, financing and/or development of increased tourism including the operation of the visitor’s center.
* Approved an extension of the lease of the Hubbell Trading Post, located at 523 W. Third St., between the city and the chamber of commerce. The lease will expire June 30, 2021.
Appointed Kevin Murray to the Winslow Arts Council until April 1, 2021.
* Heard the quarterly court report from Justice Court Judge B.J. Little covering the period of January through March. Little said, “I think the adoption of the new city code, the possession of alcohol within city limits has increased municipal court appearances. In January of 2018, there were four, in March there were 47.”
The second July meeting of the Winslow City Council has been cancelled. The council will meet at 7 p.m. on Aug. 7 in the council chambers, located at 115 E. Second St.
