During the Nov. 27 meeting of the Holbrook City Council, received updates from Interim City Manager Cher Reyes who informed them that the cost for the recent recall election came to $6,647. She also noted that council packets are now available for anyone interested in serving on the council. The election for four seats and that of the mayor will be held on March 12. Those packets must be turned in to city hall no later than 5 p.m. on Dec. 12. The council seats that will be up for election are those currently held by Adam Marsh, Tim Dixon, Francie Payne and Mike Nilsson, and the mayor’s seat currently held by Phil Cobb.
Reyes noted that APS (Arizona Public Service) has located three poles on Mission Lane that will work for lighting and that she is currently waiting on the cost estimate. She requested that APS make repairs to seven light poles for the Christmas decorations. She noted that the decorations along Hopi Drive were not lit up due to those poles lacking power or brackets.
Reyes reported that the airport lighting project is moving along with conduit being installed with an estimated completion date of Dec. 22.
A lot of projects are awaiting repairs due to lack of working equipment. She noted that two employees traveled to Phoenix earlier that day to look at street sweepers and costs. “I’d like to have this buttoned up and taken care of by Feb. 1,” noted Reyes, adding that there are still chips laying in the Lisitzky subdivision and no way to pick them up. If a solution is not found quickly she stated that a sweeper may have to be rented.
A building permit has been issued to Atsuo Sakurai, the maker of Arizona Sake, for a new building that will be constructed in the 1900 block of Navajo Blvd. between the Dollar General and the Super 8 hotel. Reyes also commented that the multi-million dollar expansion project has begun at the Maverik on Navajo Blvd.
A city manager recruitment consultant will be meeting with the council on Dec. 11 regarding the 11 finalists for the city manager’s position. The names of those candidates have not yet been released.
Reyes informed the council that resident Jeffery Wright has approached the city with an interest in purchasing two city-owned parcels located south of the Little Colorado River near Romero Road in the amount of $1,100, or $550 per parcel, to create a buffer next to his property. Since it is in the floodplain the land has limited use and no structures can be built on the property.
Reyes stated that she received comparable property sale prices from a local real estate broker who estimated the value of the property as $600 to $700 per parcel. “Since the property can’t really be used for anything aside from a billboard or recreational use, I’m thinking it’ll be more towards the $600,” stated Reyes.
Councilman Richard Peterson stated he would prefer the property be placed up for bid in order to avoid anyone after the fact coming to the city stating that they would have like an opportunity to make an offer on the property also.
The council advised staff to place the two parcels of land of .18 acres up for bid to the highest bidder with the bidding to start at $600 per parcel.
Reyes informed the council that a Request for Proposal was issued for a city attorney and the only response came from Dickinson Wright, the city’s current attorney. The RFQ from the firm stated that the rate would remain at the 2008 municipal rate of $200 per hour for general matters and $250 per hour for litigation matters.
Reyes also read a statement on behalf of herself and the mayor, commending Director of Administration Pat Nichols for his efforts on behalf of the City of Holbrook. “Pat did some research on printing of the city’s utility billing and found a way to save up to $2,000 annually on the printing costs.” She added that when an employee goes beyond their job requirements they deserve recognition.
Chamber of Commerce Director Cindy Tafoya addressed the council, informing them that the 12 Days of Christmas will begin on Friday, Dec. 14, and will end on Christmas Day. An art walk will kick off the event at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14 along Navajo Blvd. and Hopi Drive in downtown Holbrook. “All of the downtown businesses are participating. They’ll be open and they will be providing either entertainment or treats or snacks, or something special on sale within their stores,” stated Tafoya.
Mayor Phil Cobb reminded kids from ages seven to 13 to take part in the upcoming Elks Hoop Shoot at Hulet Elementary School on Dec. 8. Councilman Adam Marsh commended the city on the Christmas lights that were put up during the week and the city workers who have been winterizing the city buildings and putting new roofs on some of those buildings. Councilman Earl Kester also commented on the decorations and recommended that the city reach out to some of the larger cities like Mesa and Phoenix to see if they have any lights they are no longer using and would like to donate to add to the holiday lighting.
Also approved by council were invoice payments totaling $44,873.
