In the Tuesday meeting of the Winslow City Council, the council unanimously approved, with all members present, participation in the memorandum of understanding presented by Navajo County regarding justice and magistrate court costs.
The county provides services through the courts for the City of Winslow at an annual cost estimated at $93,855. While all other municipalities in the county had already signed the memorandum, Winslow officials were reluctant to participate due to the cost of services, which is nearly half of the total amount to be received by the county from all municipalities.
“We understand that we need to make a decision. We have had several meetings with the county and the information was difficult to understand at first. Now that we do understand, I don’t know that we agree with it,” stated City Manager Jim Ferguson.
He explained to the council that the amount being assessed by the county for the cost of services is higher than other municipalities because Winslow has the highest number of misdemeanor cases and the formula used by the county is based on a percentage by each area.
“If we don’t take part in this agreement, then we have to hire our own and that will be more expensive. I was hoping we could negotiate the fee, but the county is not interested,” explained Mayor Robin Boyd.
The mayor indicated that such action by the county would affect how the city handled issues involving misdemeanor crimes. “We gave direction to the police department a long time ago to take (criminals) off the street. Now the county is coming back and saying, ‘Great job, now pay us more.’ We are not going to direct the police to do otherwise but we will have to take a harder look at how we handle things and perhaps come up with other solutions,” Boyd remarked.
In other business, Ferguson reported that construction projects taking place along Second and Third streets are coming along nicely, and that the work and landscaping should be finished up in the next couple of weeks near the intersection of Williamson and Second. The construction along Third Street is expected to finish up this week.
Councilman Thomas Chacon expressed concern that the fireworks fund was not sufficient for the cost of the Fourth of July event and suggested that perhaps the city could contribute in some way.
Chamber of Commerce Director Bob Hall agreed that the fireworks were underfunded by approximately $5,000, but added that donations will be accepted at the gate at Emil Nassar Stadium from those who wish to contribute.
Ferguson stated that the city could not discuss funding at the meeting, as it was not part of the agenda, but that it could be placed on the next agenda if the council would like to contribute funds after the event.
Fire Chief James Hernandez informed the council that there would be no special restrictions on the use of fireworks this weekend other than those imposed by the state. Those restrictions include any air-propelled fireworks, so any fireworks such as spinners or sparklers are acceptable.
It was noted that there is a vacancy on the Board of Adjustment and on the Historical Preservation Committee. Anyone interested in volunteering for either of those positions should call the city clerk at 289-1416.
In other action June 28, the council:
* Approved an ordinance changing the rates, fees and charges relating to the Arizona Department of Water Resources at a rate of approximately 38 cents per residential bill, and reducing the water reconnection fee from $75 to $40.
* Approved an agreement between the city and Alison Kolomitz to serve as the city magistrate for the period of July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2013, for an annual amount of $20,000.
* Approved additional improvements to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s contract with Michael J. Valente Contracting in conjunction with the traffic signal construction project to include completion of sidewalk construction on Williamson Avenue between Second and Third streets at a cost of approximately $45,000.
* Approved a resolution declaring as public record amendments to the city tax code and an ordinance relating to the privilege license tax, adopting the 2010-11 amendments.
* Approved the appointment of Robert Zaccaria to the Historic Preservation Commission.
* Approved the appointment of Emmett Foster and Brittany Fischer to the Arts Council.
