Taylor Council Makes Quorum Despite Season’s Monsoon Rains

By Naomi Hatch
   The monsoon rains have made their presence felt this year in many ways, even requiring one member to participate in the July 22 Taylor Town Council meeting by phone to make a quorum. Three council members made it to town hall, including Vice Mayor Jim Gibson, Robin Palmer and Jane Lee. Councilman Brian Birtcher attended the meeting via conference call.
   Three resolutions in the consent agenda were approved, but Palmer had a question regarding the annexation of land owned by the State of Arizona.
   Town Attorney Sterling Solomon explained that the earlier agreement represented a standard agreement that stated for 40 years there would be a freeze on such things as impact fees. Solomon asked that the limit be changed to five years, but said he feels it will probably be 15 years.
   The council unanimously approved a resolution that states that the town has formally declared its intent to annex land owned by the state in the form of Resolution 2008-02, which was passed and adopted by the council Jan. 23. It also states that the council will enter into a pre-annexation development agreement with the state and described the land. The council approved the resolution that approves the annexation.
   Assistant Town Manager Paul Poczobut Jr. explained that this does not complete the annexation process, but the State Land Department requires such a resolution. Poczobut further explained that the State Land Committee is scheduled to meet next month to accept the annexation by the town.
   In other business, the council approved Resolution 2008-09, which authorizes the sale of the Roy Palmer Business Park, and ratifies the council’s designated agent to execute the purchase and cancellation agreement on July 11 to be Councilman Jay Whipple in the absence of Mayor John Cole. This resolution ratifies Councilman Whipple’s signature of the purchase and cancellation agreement concerning the business park.
   The council also approved Resolution 2008-12 adopting the fiscal year 2008-09 budget. Finance Director Gus Lundberg was present to answer questions.
   The council approved Resolution 2008-11, a notice of intent to increase water and sewer user fees.
   An item regarding an appeal to put a sign for Taylor Mini Storage on property not owned by the firm’s owner was tabled until the council’s Aug. 13 meeting.

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