Budget meetings

Budget meetings are being held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, opposite from Council meetings as we prepare for the new fiscal year. These are posted public meetings. The final budget meeting is scheduled for May 15.

National Library Week

A proclamation was read proclaiming April 8-14 as National Library Week. A presentation by Globe Librarian, Andrea Ricke explained the importance, services, and usage of our city library. Andrea and her staff do an amazing job with programs for all age groups, especially for the kids.

Refurbished police cars

At the April 10 meeting, the first refurbished police cruiser was displayed and a presentation by Brandon Gillum on the process and cost was presented to Council. The vehicle looks brand new for half the cost of the purchase of a new one. The vehicle was totally re-done in a six-month turn around period. If you would like to look at the vehicle, stop by the police station.

Vagrancy public meeting

A public meeting was held on April 18 to hear the concerns from residents and business owners about trespassing and public intoxication. The meeting was headed by Interim Police Chief Robert Folker. The law was explained about public intoxication and trespassing. There were about 35 people in attendance that included the Homeless Coalition and some church groups. This is a very complex topic, since we are also dealing with drug abuse, alcohol abuse, behavioral health, and mental health. The meeting was a positive one because it led us to some possible solutions to follow-up with the future.

Meeting Congressman Tom O’Halleran

I had a lunch meeting with Congressman O’Halleran on April 20 as he spent the day in Globe. He was in town to hear about our community and rural concerns. Discussions were held about education, rural housing, hospital funding, and economic development.

Safe House update

An update was given to the Council about the status of the Safe House. The current house was to close at the end of April and the county was to open the new one sometime in May. We were told that the new home would be called the Alderman House after Councilman Larry Alderman, which is well deserved due to his commitment to this project.

Town hall meeting

A Town Hall meeting has been scheduled with Supervisor Tim Humphrey and myself to allow the public to ask questions outside of a public meeting in the areas that we both serve. The meeting is scheduled for May 29 with the location to be announced.

Branding and marketing

The city’s kickoff meeting for branding and marketing was held on April 12 at the Chamber of Commerce. The city has hired Liz Noland with Ignite Brand Marketing. There were many stakeholders in attendance. The key to the future of our city and community in marketing is to all work together as we are stronger if we are all moving in the same direction. We need to understand that our returns will not happen overnight but will set the stage for future years.

Joint Planning Advisory Council

I was invited to attend the Joint Planning Advisory Council event held on April 26 at the Wild Horse Pass Casino in Chandler where there were about 200 attendees. This annual event is to inform and recognize businesses that are leaders in the exporting of goods from Arizona. I was part of a five-person action panel that answered questions from the attendees to give a perspective from larger cities to rural communities.

Pine Street water main replacement

The Council approved the bid for Phase 1 of the Pine Street water main replacement project in the amount of $133,052.00 to Central Arizona Civil Construction Company. This project will begin later in the summer and is eligible for possible WIFA reimbursement.

Agreements

The Council approved two agreements at the April 10 meeting. The first agreement approved was the Water/Effluent Exchange Agreement with Freeport McMoRan. The second agreement was the Purchase and Sale Agreement, Special Warranty Deed, bill of sale, License agreement of the interconnect agreement with Arizona Water Company for the sale of Arlington Tank

Get involved

I again invite our residents to attend our council meetings so that you are informed with the many different topics being discussed. Our meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month starting at 6 p.m. Your input is vital so come by and get involved as we move forward to build a clean and friendly city.