The Winslow City Council received good news last week regarding the fight against weeds this monsoon season.
A weed abatement report noted that the city had used 978 hours of inmate labor and 843 hours of adult probation labor in the effort, which saved the city $14,659 in minimum wage labor costs, while ridding Winslow of a great deal of weeds. It was also reported that a new code enforcement officer would begin work in August.
Mayor Robin Boyd said that many sidewalks had been completed while he was on vacation and lots of weeds had been cut. He also thanked the about 75 people who showed up to clean Clear Creek, and Councilman Hardy for cooking for them.
Councilman Thomas Chacon commented that the sidewalks on Short Street had been completed. He also asked for a moment of silence in honor of former councilwoman Marsha Juergens, who recently passed away.
Councilman Curtis Hardy commented on the increase in water rates, saying that it was necessary to keep the water supply accessible, and noted that a recent storm had knocked out power to one of the wells. He complimented the water department for its forward thinking.
City Manager Stephen Pauken reported that the city still has vacancies on the Arts Council, the Board of Adjustment and the Historical Preservation Commission.
He noted that the Clear Creek cleanup had filled a 20-yard dumpster, with many hands making it an easy and enjoyable day.
The new finance director, Elias Jouen, was slated to start work in August, according to Pauken, who said he has worked well in school districts in Arizona and California, coming here from Bisbee.
The Department of Public Housing will have a training session on upcoming changes for the council on Sept. 29.
It was reported that a water pump went down during a recent storm and will need to be replaced after 14 years of use. The job will be going out for bid.
During the call to the public, Marie Lamar asked what options the city has to deal with those who do not comply with the codes.
City Attorney Ellen Van Riper and Brian Scarmooso from the audience said that many were aged and not able to comply with the codes. Both the city manager and the attorney said that each case would be handled on its own basis and that something might be done to get a volunteer group to help.
Ken Evans noted that graffiti is becoming a problem again.
Albert Thompson of the Little Colorado Development Corporation thanked the city for working with them regarding housing for Native Americans.
In other action July 28, the council:
* Approved an ordinance amending the section of the city code on employee benefits regarding vacation conversion to pay and donation of vacation hours by qualified employees.
* Approved a request from the Just Cruis’n Car Club for its annual car show on Oct. 2 and 3.
* Approved the consent calendar, including the check register, minutes of the July 14 council meeting, and closure of Hicks Avenue between First and Second streets and waiver of vendor fees for the 12th annual Fire Truck Tug.
* Proclaimed Aug. 1 as Suvoyuki Day in Winslow. The proclamation was presented to Homolovi Park Ranger Ken Evans.
State Senator Carlyle Begay had been slated to make an appearance at the meeting, but did not.
