During the regular monthly meeting of the Kearny Town Council last week, members of the community came forward with some concerns.
One resident was concerned that the town’s website is not up to date with current board members, current events and last-minute changes to monthly council meetings. Another member of the community voiced her opinion on the trash and animal waste present on the town’s sidewalks, how the entrances to the town appear unkept, and that potholes needed to be maintained until the roads could be paved correctly. All matters brought forward were heard and staff will take under advisement, investigate, and report their findings at a later date.
Following the public comments, the council, under the leadership of Vice Mayor Aleyna Boatman, due to Mayor Curtis Stacy’s excused absence, approved the consent agenda, including a discussion and approval of a letter of intent authorizing “Motive Asset Partners” to perform a feasibility study for the construction of a cell-site tower in the area of Alden Road. It was made clear that this was only for a study, and they have not been given any further information and did not have any impact on whether or not building such a tower would happen in the future.
It was announced that the Town has been given a Community Impact Grant Award from Arizona Public Service in the amount of $5,000 for Kearny Little League field Improvements.
The council then heard a proclamation and there was a presentation of awards given to Jon Bailey, Sr. and Jon Bailey, Jr. regarding their acts of heroism regarding helping extinguish a wildfire in the Town of Kearny on Feb. 11, 2025.
Town Administration reported that the town would be allowing the Copper Basin Chamber of Commerce to use Pioneer Park for Pioneer Days. The Town is also allowing the Kearny Little League to use the Little League fields at Pioneer Park for the Little League season as well as for the softball tournament during Pioneer Days. Ray Unified School District will also be using the ball fields Feb. 1 through April 8. No fees would be charged.
There was a discussion to cancel the lease agreement with Innovation Retail Center for what was going to be the new location of the Kearny Public Library. The council was presented with an option of beginning the procurement process for the restoration of the Kearny Library at its original location. It was made known that they have saved money from not paying rent on a building in a year and funds that were given to the town for the Police Department and Library from Wendy Rogers. After hearing all options, the council decided they needed more information on the subject and tabled the issued until the March 2025 meeting.
There was also a discussion to contract with Osuch Consulting for financial advisor services including budget preparation, audit reconciliation, and other miscellaneous fiscal oversight. It was made aware that the previous financial advisor had resigned 6 weeks prior to the night’s meeting and that Osuch had worked with the town before in exemplary manner. Concern of budgeting was brought up, however, the Town ensured that it was in the Annual budget and stated in this instance it would be a better option due to the fact the town would be getting a whole team of advisors as opposed to one person. All council members agreed, and the motion was passed.
There was a discussion to dedicate the performance ramada at Pioneer Park to the late Eugenia Slater for her many years of service and commitment to the Town of Kearny and its citizens. It was then suggested that this dedication be made to both Eugenia and her late husband Bert Slater for being a longtime staple to the community. With this dedication, a plague honoring their service to the community would be installed at the Pioneer Park Ramada and would be mentioned at the opening of each Pioneer Day Festival. All council members agreed to honoring both members and the motion was passed.
Other matters were a discussion and ratification of an intergovernmental agreement between Ray Unified School District and the Town of Kearny to continue the placement of one Kearny Police
Department Officer on District campuses as a Student Resource Officer through June 30, 2025.
for financial consideration of $82,218.
In other business, the council:
- Discussed and approved a payment in the amount of $16,606.17 to CopperNet Systems, Inc. for prior work that had been completed for data and technology infrastructure procurement and installation at Kearny Town Hall.
- Discussed and approved a payment in the amount of $15,647.00 for the installation of three new Variable Frequency Drives and associated electrical work to repair damaged blower system components at the Kearny Water Reclamation Facility.
- Discussed and ratified a WIFA Change Order No. 5 in the amount of $115,817.30 for the installation of the effluent channel self-cleansing filtration system and temporary pump rental during the furnishing of said materials. The new filtration system would be more efficient in ensuring bacteria caused by waste would not escape into the reclaimed water supply and pumps would be used during the repair and replacement process. All council members agreed and the motion was passed.
- Discussed and approved for the Mayor to co-sign a letter to the Arizona State Weighs and Means Committee withdrawing support for HCS 2021, a bill which would prevent Arizona cities and towns from utilizing a food sales tax. This bill, if passed, would not allow towns to set taxes on groceries that are purchased from local businesses. It was brought to light that if this were to pass, the town would lose out on over $40,000 in revenue which is approximately 5% of the towns budget, in which could jeopardize the budget of one town maintenance worker. James Ruiz then came forward to make a point that perhaps this matter should be discussed with Norm’s Hometown Grocery to see how this law may help or hurt the business. However, due to the fact this is a statewide bill that would eventually be heard at a later date and would be placed on a ballot to be voted on, the council agreed to allow Mayor Stacy to sign this co-op letter.
The next regular scheduled meeting is scheduled for March 17, 2025.