Winslow joins multi-state project to make I-40 a renewable energy hub

The economic implications are equally significant. The project is expected to bring a wave of job opportunities to Winslow and surrounding areas, ranging from construction roles necessary for building the infrastructure to more specialized positions managing and maintaining the CTCs. These job prospects are anticipated not just during the initial phases of construction but continuing as the centers operate and expand.

Moreover, the development of these clean transportation hubs is poised to make Winslow a key player in the emerging clean energy sector. By fostering connections with new industries and reinforcing the city’s strategic importance along I-40, Winslow could see an influx of private investment and economic diversification, further stabilizing and enriching its local economy.

Although this plan differs from the development from Atlas Global Development, they do go hand in hand and have very similar goals. Both poise Winslow as an inland port and have commitments to make the plan environment friendly. The Tribune will dive deeper into this plan in the next edition.

The Winslow City Council also heard a presentation from Arizona Public Service that addressed the recent power outages in town and how the company is preventing wildfires. Janet Dean, APS’ public affairs manager for northeast Arizona, presented a significant technological advancement that involves the capability to automatically shut off power during high-risk conditions to prevent the ignition of wildfires. Dean highlighted that APS has pinpointed 13 power lines in northern Arizona that pose heightened wildfire risks, although none are in close proximity to Winslow. She clarified that these lines are primarily located near Prescott, Flagstaff and Payson. According to Dean, APS went through the data and found that if this program had been implemented for the past five years, they would have only had to purposely shut off power four times. Dryness and wind and other hazardous conditions have to align in a very unfortunate way to actually trigger APS to turn off power.

Further insights were provided by Jason Hatch, supervisor of the APS crews operating between Flagstaff and Show Low. Hatch likened the challenge of diagnosing the causes of power outages to “trying to chase ghosts.” Often, by the time the crews arrive at the site, the winds—which are suspected triggers of these outages—have subsided, leaving the root causes ambiguous. Nonetheless, Hatch reported that APS has identified and begun to address some of the problematic areas. Upgrades to the infrastructure in these regions are expected to enhance reliability and help maintain power continuity for residents.

In other business, the council:

*Approved the following proclamations: May 5 as Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives Day, May 6-12 as National Nurses Week, May 13-19 as Local Media Week and May 13-17 as National Police Week.

* Approved a liquor license application for Winslow Truck Stop, located at 2202 North Park Drive and Chang Thai located at 1 Transcon Lane.

* Approved a license agreement between the city and CellularOne for installation maintenance and operation of communication equipment at a cost of $365 per month.

* Approved a notice of intent for proposed new and increased fees and charges including: public records requests will now include an hourly rate of $25 for staff time exceeding two hours and a $30 charge for a 64 GB flash drive. Penalties for building without a permit in the construction sector have increased to three times the permit fee for a second offense and five times for subsequent offenses. There is also a new $80 permit fee for residential re-roofing and block fence permits. Recreational service fees have been adjusted, with swim team participation fees increasing from $30 to $40 per month during the September-May season and from $40 to $50 per month during the June-August season. Youth basketball league fees have risen from $55 to $65 per participant, and family rates from $155 to $165. Rental rates for municipal swimming pool parties will see an increase from $60 to $80 per hour, and the Girl Scout House rental will now have a flat rate of $100, removing hourly reservation fees.

Infrastructure maintenance will introduce new fees, such as $11 per square foot for sidewalk repairs and $50 per linear foot for curb and gutter repairs associated with new water connections.

Additionally, a new licensing fee, equating to 5% of gross annual revenues, will be charged to businesses involved in solid waste, recycling collection, or transportation within Winslow. There will be increased charges for digital fax services at the local library, rising from 15 cents to $1, alongside penalties for lost or damaged items which will now reflect actual replacement costs.

The police department will introduce a new fee structure for records requests that require more than two hours of staff time and will charge $360 for three officers to manage funeral processions, with an additional $60 for each hour beyond two hours. New fees for home occupation reviews and permits are set, as well as a $25 fee for microchipping dogs at the animal care facility.

* Approved the discontinuation of residential recycling pick-up.

* Approved two policies that make it easier to prosecute people experiencing homelessness, one criminalizing camping on city property and another that sets procedure for dealing with homeless encampments.

The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, in the meeting room located at 523 W. Second St.