Winslow Officials Advised That CCA Will Look To Tucson As Prison Site

By Sam Conner
The Winslow City Council met on Tuesday to hear reports from City Manager Jim Ferguson and Finance Director Regina Reffner. Ferguson reported that the Corrections Corporation of America had informed him that although they remain interested in Winslow as a possible site for a private prison, they foresee bidding to put the entire 5,000-bed facility near a larger metropolitan area, namely Tucson, when the state issues its call for requests for proposals. Engineer Mark Woodson reported that the traffic light replacement on Second and Third streets, and Williamson Avenue will be done after the Renaissance II project is completed. Two-thirds of the costs will be funded by the Arizona Department of Transportation, and the one-third from the city will come from turn-back funds from when the city took responsibility for the part of old Route 66 in town which includes Second and Third streets. Reffner reported that the city is still in good financial health and all funds are maintaining adequate reserves. However, staff is monitoring all revenues very closely to make sure the city does not overspend those revenues, causing it to dip into its reserves. All departments have been instructed to review their current budgets looking for additional ways to reduce spending. The consent calendar that consisted of approvals of the check register and minutes of previous meetings was approved. Action items included a special events liquor license request for the Desert Scene Lodge, which was approved. An authorization for a design change for Renaissance Two was approved, and included changes in five areas and an increase of $298,997 in cost. That resulted in a total cost of $1,926,400, which is still within the council’s direction that the total construction costs not exceed $2 million. The changes would include revisions to the electrical plans; additional construction of electrical conduit and wiring throughout the project to allow for future installation of power outlets in safety extensions to service street vendors and other users during parades and festivals, and installation of all-weather outlets on light poles to power holiday lighting; design of spread footings to support light poles that are located above an existing main water line; revision and upgrades to benches and solid waste containers specified for the project; and redesign costs associated with unforeseen site conditions. An ordinance that would have amended the city code to not require the removal of weeds and other vegetation from vacant, undeveloped land was sent back to city staff members for revision after much discussion. Councilwoman Judy Howell was strongly opposed to the measure. Councilwoman Marsha Juergens said it was poorly written, and Councilman Thomas Chacon indicated that he had some concerns. An ordinance that amended the schedule of rates, fees and charges to require a deposit of $150 for dumpster requests through the city for the cleanup or demolition of property within the city limits generated much discussion. It passed 4-3 with support from Mayor Robin Boyd, and Councilmen Peter Cake, Harold Soehner and Marshall Losey. The third ordinance which would have authorized the exchange of approximately 80 acres of city property located west of the cemetery, north of Fleming and south of Interstate 40, for approximately 187 acres of property located west of Highway 87 and south of the Winslow Airport Industrial Park was removed from the agenda at staff request, and will be considered at the March 9 council meeting. This ordinance had been tabled at an earlier council session. The final ordinance authorizing the city to enter into a non-exclusive 20-year cable license agreement with CableOne Inc. was approved.