Economic development presentation at City Council

"Moving Forward, Cherishing the Past," was the title of the presentation by the city Director of Economic and Community Services, Randy Bombardier. Mounted as a PowerPoint computer presentation the were the draft of a program Bombardier plans to refine and use.

The basic economic study will take some time. Meanwhile, Bombardier has established some immediate goals and objectives. The first goal is one that has been around Winslow for a long time: Housing. He plans to capture lost income from those people who work here or nearby and live somewhere else. This could be as many as 400 jobs and their family incomes and children in the school system added to Winslow.

Investment momentum could create as many as 250 single-family homes and 200 multi-family units. This will solve a major problem for Winslow when it seeks new industry by providing adequate housing. Bombardier also targeted the creation of the Housing Commission.

Another goal was to create interest in Winslow for more retail business, the travel industry and entertainment. This would position Winslow more securely as a retail hub for the region. Increasing business will increase tax collections and put some of the vacant commercial sites to use.

A third goal is to conduct a survey to determine the need for advanced telecommunications. This is already identified as a major need for the whole northern Arizona region. To enter the 21st century e-commerce markets it is basic.

Along with this Bombardier plans to create an Advisory Board with members of various planning constituencies on it. These include the Focus Future clusters, the IDA and the Chamber of Commerce among others.

Other goals were discussed for mid- and long-range planning.

The Council heard a short presentation on the process for the hiring of a new city administrator. They will be interviewing candidates today (Wednesday, Feb. 21) and expect to begin negotiations with the top candidate immediately.

John Roche gave a presentation on the plans for the $500,000 transportation enhancement grant from the Federal Highway Administration. This will be used for the development of the corridor from La Posada to the Hubbell Trading Post including First, Second and Third streets.

In other business the Council:

Approved a liquor license for China Inn II located on Transcon Lane;

Approved the new Library Internet Access Policy;

Approved the request by the Rialto Theater group to become the fiscal agent for their Arizona Heritage Fund Grant;

Approved revisions to the CDBG contract transferring funds from the Family Resource Center (no longer at the same location) to the Lee Street Park;

Authorized the reclassification of the Recreation Manager position to a higher grade;

Approved an Ordinance for prorating utility funds;

Approved a change order for concrete replacement and installation of ADA ramps;

Approved the emergency purchase of three mobile radios;

Approved emergency repair for one grinder at the Waste Treatment plant;

Approved emergency purchase and payment of material to replace a 10 inch water line; and

Approved a special events liquor license and the waiving of fees and utilities at the Rodeo Grounds along with insurance coverage as requested by the Winslow Jaycees for the Baca Rough Stock rodeo Series.

The Council also tabled a proposed agreement for a telemarketing plan consultation and continued the question of sale for the city's 1978 Boom Truck.

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