Winslow rates above average in Community Policing assessment report;<br>New City Planner introduced<br>

The City Council hear a report from Police Chief Steven Garnett on the Community Assessment of the Winslow Police Department. The assessment, done by the Arizona Regional Community Policing Institute, was very favorable. Garnett said that it was a "one-time deal."

Garnett added that some departments are reluctant to be assessed by outsiders. His officers have shared in the work of this assessment and "we know the areas we need to work on."

January 10, 16 community members shared views with the police department about things that are and are not satisfactory with police work in Winslow. The meeting was facilitated by staff from the Community Policing Institute. Community members categoried robbery, burglary and property crimes also with drugs as their highest areas of concern. Community priorities fro service were noted as youth programs and police department programs. Especially for crime prevention and home/ business security checks. Those who had contact with the police department were unanimous in their opinion that police behavior is professional. Citizens felt the police need to be kept current with new technology.

Garnett said that he was pleased the department rated highly. He and his staff mean for it to be the most highly rated small force in Arizona.

Randy Bombardier, Director of Economic Development and Community Services, introduced Lissa Davis who is the newly hired City Planner. Davis comes to Winslow from Oregon and Bombardier mentioned that she has background in neighborhood associations that will be valuable to Winslow. Davis said that she has found the people of Winslow friendly and very helpful as she and her husband settled into town.

As a first issue of Council consideration and action Winslow gave Don Petranovich a proclamation honoring his years of teaching and coaching, as well as recognizing his recent award as Arizona's "Winningest" coach in girls' basketball in the 20th century. [see photo, pg. 7]

In other business the Council:

*Approved a special liquor license for the Chamber of Commerce at the WInslow ROdeo Grounds during the Baca Rough stock Rodeo;

* Approved the application for Historic Preservation Heritage FUnds for the stabilization of the Hubbell Trading Post;

* Authorized acceptance of Governor's Office of Highway Safety grant for purchase of law enforcement equipment for the police department and noted the Council's pleasure that the WPD are going for and receiving so many grants;

* Approved purchase and payment of computers for the City Court;

* Approved various budgeted items for the Public Housing Department;

* Approved grant-funded purchase and payment for computers for Weed and Seed Safe Haven;

* Approved change order and payment for fence next to City Well #1;

* Approved contract to replace the Indoor Pool Spa; and

* Authorized the purchase of sports lights and pad mounted transformer for Vargas field.

Relighting Vargas Field

The new lights for Vargas Field that will go in this year, represent the donation of time by APS workers and equipment and poles from the company, with a match from the city from its sinking fund. Money for the lights for Little League games has been set aside for two years. The city will purchase the lights and transformer.

The lighting will meet the same standards of "footcandles" as the lights at the high school football field. Charles McLaws, Little League coach and board member said that this will change the scene at Little League night games.

Councilman Thomas McCauley pointed out that this was a perfect example of what partnering can do for the City of Winslow.

The city is estimated to be getting a system that could cost between $250,000 and $300,000 for about $50,000 in city funds.