FEBRUARY 2016
REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN
OF MIAMI MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Monday February 8, 2016 6:30 PM
Town Council Chambers - Sullivan Street
The Town of Miami is on board with the IDA's upcoming
Promise Zone application. The vote took place at last night's
Regular Meeting of the Town of Miami Mayor and Council.
With everyone in attendance, the vote was 4 to 3, with
Councilmembers Black and Medina and mayor Darryl
Dalley against it. The biggest issue was voiced by Black,
who wondered why anyone would consider signing off on
something without knowing the details. He complained
about the lack of a contract to review and was uncomfortable
writing what he felt was essentially a blank check. Mayor
Dalley shared his concerns.
Clifford Potts from Payson, the president of the Gila County
Industrial Development Authority, which would serve as the
lead agency should the area be designated a Promise Zone,
was eloquently deflective of all the negative questions and
concerns, but not tremendously enlightening about the
details of the program.
The Promise Zone Initiative was announced by President
Obama as part of his 2013 State of the Union address. There
are three rounds of applications. The bulk of the winners are
in the urban category, but each round also includes one rural
and one tribal designation. An area encompassing several
Kentucky counties got the rural nod in round one. The low
country of South Carolina was awarded the rural designation
in round two. Applications are now being accepted for
round three, but must be received by February 23rd.
The premise of the program is essentially that a child's zip
code should not determine his destiny. Lack of economic
opportunity cripples residents of highly impoverished areas.
To combat that, areas declared a Promise Zone get
preferential treatment in various federal programs as well as
one-on-one guidance from federal employees including five
AmeriCorps/VISTA volunteers, all geared toward
strategically planning and implementing revitalization
efforts. Among the goals are lower crime, higher education
and private business investment.
There are numerous requirements necessary to be
considered, including the suitability of the lead applicant
who, for the rural category, must apply in partnership with
local governments. For that reason, the IDA has been
seeking-and receiving-the support of all the local entities
involved in the area they desire to have designated a Promise
Zone.
It's a very long shot that the IDA will be successful as the
requirements are stringent, the application lengthy and
involved, and the competition fierce. Many areas will be
applying. The designation lasts 10 years, or longer if
congress passes tax incentives. But there is also no shortage
of individuals concerned about the fine print.
What sparked the greatest reaction is the White House's
Welcoming Communities Campaign and the suggestion that
it should be connected to the Promise Zones. The fear is that
areas designated a Promise Zone will be forced to accept a
large number of middle eastern immigrants here under
Welcoming Immigrants. It's been suggested that HUD, the
agency behind the Promise Zones, should make an area's
receptiveness to immigrant relocation part of the vetting
process. But if HUD does consider that aspect of an
applicant, then by definition, areas less receptive will not be
designated. To date there is no known quid pro quo. It
should also be realized that the federal government can
relocate immigrants easily without Promise Zone
designations, particularly in areas like Gila County, which
are comprised primarily of federal land. But that doesn't
stop conspiratorialists from having a field day over what the
Promise Zone might bring.
Self-proclaimed journalist Susan K spoke during the Call to
the Public saying that we are being taken over by the United
Nations and predicting that if the area becomes a Promise
Zone, Muslim immigrants will rape our children. The troop
of pre-teen boy scouts in attendance seemed oblivious to the
notion, but the scout leader wore a look of astonishment on
his face, perhaps not as much over what was said, as the
wanton disregard for the kids hearing it.
Miami businessman and wastewater advisory board member
Ray Webb spoke in favor of the application saying that as a
community we need this. His sentiments were echoed by
publisher Linda Gross, Bullion Plaza director Tom Foster
and Gila County Supervisor Mike Pastor. Mayor Dalley
bristled at Pastor's presence, viewing it unwelcomed
politicking. Former Miami Mayor Chuy Canizales also
supports the application, saying that like the USDA sewer
project, a Promise Zone designation would be good for the
area.
Vice Mayor Don Reiman saw it as a good opportunity and
said that after investigating it, he was fully behind the
application. He seemed to view the over an hour and a half
discussion as unnecessary, and left shortly after the vote as
did the boy scouts and their bemused leader.
Tom Foster and Joe Sanchez presented the annual report for
Bullion Plaza. New fans, lighting, and air conditioning in
the Rose Moffitt and Native American rooms have been
installed. The second floor renovation has started. Windows
in the front of the building have been replaced with windows
specially made by Pella to fit the historical character of the
museum. Upcoming events including hosting Stemfest,
working with the Concert Association for a musical series,
and with the CVCA on some educational theatrical
programs, as well as working with the Frank Lloyd Wright
Taliesen project. Board meetings are at 4 PM on the second
Wednesday of every month.
There was a discussion of the disposal of a building the town
didn't know it had. Miami wants to have it assessed and
ready for sale. Located at 267 S. Wentworth Avenue, no one
seems to know how the town acquired it but all were in
agreement about getting rid of it.
Town Manager Joe Heatherly was appointed zoning manager
on pragmatic grounds. A zoning issue came up and there
was no one to answer it. Now there is.
The Boomtown Spree has been scheduled for Saturday April
16th, with no mention that Globe is hosting the ATV
Jamboree that same weekend.
Police chief Scott Gillen said the department is outfitting
five new radar guns for use in police cars. Drivers beware.
The sewer project update included a broken needle valve,
which should take two weeks to fix. They'll try to operate
without it in the interim.
And the town started filling potholes last week, but couldn't
do cold patch because it was too cold.
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN
OF MIAMI MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Monday February 22, 2016 6:30 PM
Town Council Chambers Sullivan Street
Councilmember Mike Black wants Vice Mayor Don Reiman
fined and suspended. The possibility was discussed at last
night's Special Meeting of the Town of Miami Mayor and
Council. Black's issue was Reiman's abrupt departure after
the Promise Zone vote at the last meeting, which he felt
violated Town Council rules. But as Mayor Darryl Dalley
summarized, there were many things that could have been
“done better” at that meeting, most specifically adhering to
the 20-minute rule on discussion. Talk about being part of
the Promise Zone application took closer 90 minutes, with
no vote on whether it should have continued beyond the 20
minute limit. Councilmember Rosemary Castenada agreed
with the Mayor. Dalley also voiced disappointment at the
newspaper coverage, which he felt focused solely on the
Promise Zone issue. “We need to have a better image,” he
said.
Councilmember Angel Medina chastised KQSS and morning
man Big John Libynski for comments about vandalism
occurring over the weekend, but while Medina focused on
attitude, he failed to address the substance of Libynski's
comments: that the lack of cameras at the public works yard
is unacceptable. Many residents have voiced dismay this is
the second time the yard has been vandalized and nothing
was done to install security cameras after the first major
incident. This time, the courier truck was burned and
damage occurred to other vehicles.
Police Chief Scott Gillen mentioned the incident but had no
further details on motives or suspects. Security cameras
were discussed by the Council, but the focus was on
replacing cameras in Veterans Park which have been stolen.
Town Manager Joe Heatherly was directed to investigate a
solution for Veterans Park, and the possibility that cameras
might be installed in the public works yard as well.
For now, Heatherly reports that he has left the pavillion
lights in place since the holidays at Veterans Park, which is
otherwise dark. He reports that all other Christmas
decorations have been removed, and 24 potholes have been
filled, with the few remaining expected to be handled shortly.
Chief Gillen reported that for the week of February 15th
there were 94 calls for service, 13 citations, eight arrests, two
juvenile incidents, 16 traffic stops, 12 disturbances, two
alarm calls and one criminal damage.
The Council saved the Town $12,000 a year in expenses.
They unanimously voted to end the $1,000 a month contract
with the Globe Fire Department for services. Among the
issues mentioned were Globe's failing at helping create a
volunteer force for Miami, which was part of the agreement.
Currently Miami has a beautiful fire truck, and no qualified
volunteer to drive it. But fires in Miami will still be covered.
An agreement with Tri-Cities is in place, and assistance from
Globe, if needed, will be paid per occurrence.
Jameson Owen, from Kincaid, the construction firm
handling Phase Two of the sewer project, provided an
update. Most everything is working according to plan, but
due to a few problems causing delays, they will miss the
June deadline for completion of Phase Two.
One of the major problems surfaced during digging.
Caverns were discovered that must be filled, and tanks were
uncovered that must be removed. Southwest Gas has agreed
to remove the line they installed in 2011 is in conflict with
Phase Two construction. The problem with Arizona Eastern
Railway right of way permits has been resolved to the
approval of both the USDA and Wastewater Advisory Board.
And Miami's issues with AMEC also appear to be resolved
with a new AMEC manager in place.
There are 111 sewer accounts that are more than three
months past due, one of which owed the Town $23,000.
That account recently made a $5,000 payment and promised
a plan for paying the remainder. Letters go out next week to
accounts three months or more in arrears requesting payment
in five days, or service will be terminated.
Miami and Gila County met about the Mackie Camp Bridge
and a new design proposal is in the works that can save
money for the Town. During the Call to the Public, Bullion
Plaza Director Tom Foster brought up two items-problem
skateboarders and basement issues. What is needed to
combat the skateboarders who use the Bullion Plaza steps
and railings is signage. No signs saying skateboarding is
prohibited now exist. As for abating the basement, Foster
reported plans to apply for a grant from Freeport McMoran
for removing hazardous material, including the old boiler
system.
Michael 23 partner, JoAnna, requested adding the annual art
walk to the next agenda.
Librarian Delvan Hayward announced that the library will be
closed this Friday due to an important meeting staff needs to
attend in Payson. She also reported that the library has
switched phone companies. They're now using Vonage. And
the White Elephant Sale will be held indoors at the Library
March 4th and 5th.
There's a new business coming to Miami. The Mayor
welcomed Bam's Leather & Pipes which is holding an open
house this Saturday, February 27th, from 10 AM to 2 PM on
Highway 60 at 300 W. Live Oak.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY OF GLOBE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Tuesday February 23, 2016 6:00 PM City Hall - Pine Street
Globe has a new city manager. The appointment of Paul
Jepson was announced at Tuesday night's Regular Meeting
of the City of Globe Mayor and Council. Jepson, who has
been the intergovernmental affairs director for the city of
Maricopa, will start in three weeks.
Paul Jepson
Globe will also be getting a public safety support service
manager. The council voted to create and approve the
position after a request from Chief of Police Mark Nipp at a
previous meeting. Chief Nipp outlined the job description,
which will be posted online shortly.
No new news in the settlement with Arizona Water
Company. The matter was tabled last night, as the Council
wanted to first meet with city attorney Gary Hayes over the
details. Hayes presented a broad overview of the settlement
at the last city council meeting. The big issue is now a
non-issue. In the settlement, Globe will continue to serve
water to its wastewater treatment plant, which would have
been very costly to the city if AWC became the provider.
Additional details include Globe retaining all current
customers in the disputed area to the north that includes the
wastewater plant. AWC will get future customers, and the
more than 40 customers in the disputed area to the south.
Globe will keep the Arlington tank and AWC will buy the
existing infrastructure for about $140,000.
Acting City Manger Jerry Barnes gave the happy news that
the US 60 water main project has been pressure tested and is
expected to be finished by the March 9th completion date.
Work is 70% complete on the Hayden tanks. And the
contractor for Well #4 is on site testing it.
Jodi Martin gave a presentation on delinquent sewer
accounts for Globe sewer customers outside the city limits.
She said many of the 300 non-city customers are delinquent.
Notices are planned for mailing after a vote at the next
meeting, and newspaper ads will be placed notifying
delinquent customers that continued non-payment will result
in shut off.
Joe Jarvis suggested an annual sewer rate increase. He said
the last survey taken in 2013 showed that rates do not cover
expenses.
Rick Powers of Jacobs Engineering provided a structural
bridge report. Six of Globe's bridges are ok. Seven are
considered substandard in accordance with a national index.
Most of the city's bridges were built in the 1940s or before.
The Pinal Creek Bridge on Yuma Street has a substandard
rating of 60. Repairs should cost $35,000.
The Pinal Creek Bridge on Jesse Hayes Road has a
substandard rating of 47.5 and needs to be replaced. The
cost will be $1,411,000 but because it's substandard, it's
available for federal funding.
The McMillen Wash Bridge on Highland Drive has a 60
rating. Repairs should cost $6,000.
The Copper Gulch bridge on High Street has a 49 rating,
which is borderline for replacement. Fixing it will cost
$560,000. Replacing it will cost $2.3 million but because it's
substandard, federal funding is available.
The Graveyard Wash Bridge on Hackney is in need of
$6,000 in repairs.
The Pinal Creek Bridge on Haskins Road has a rating of 46.
A fix will cost $40,000. Replacement will run $1,060,000,
for which federal funding is available.
The Pinal Creek Bridge on Cottonwood has a rating of 29.
Repairs will cost $175,000. Replacement will be $1.2
million. Federal funding is available for it too.
The city will be selling three garbage trucks. A local auction
will be held for one, but if it doesn't sell for the minimum
price, all three will go to an online auction next month.
A new volunteer code enforcement position has been created
to help with code enforcement.
Public budget meetings will begin on Tuesday March 1st, 5
PM at City Hall.
Thursday the city council is taking a field trip to the state
capitol. And Senator McCain might be coming here. His
office called and wanted to know if there were any federal
issues the city wanted to discuss with him. And so it goes in
an election year.
