By Mayor Sam Hosler, Town of Kearny
This column is written well before publication, but so far the monsoon season has been teasing us, withholding the great galumphing toad-strangling storm we all expect. When it does happen, it is likely that there will be power outages. When these happen, first check on your neighbor who might depend on power for medical devices. Second, give a call to Arizona Public Service at (800) 253-9405. You might not be the first to let them know, but subsequent calls give them a better idea of the size of the outage.
This number (APS Customer Service) is also the first place to call if you spot a non-working streetlight. The town contracts with APS to keep our lights going. Citizen calls are the “first line” of notice, especially on evenings and weekends. Don’t wait to call Town Hall – let APS know directly. Be sure to give the house number closest to the light.
The Kearny Police Department asked me to notify the public that parking on the wrong side of the street is a violation of state law and that citations will be issued. Trailers and motor homes are also being parked for long periods of time, which is also a violation, and will cause real problems when the streets are being paved in August.
Yes, we’re a friendly town and pull over for brief conversations. But think of the safety issue, especially at night when headlights are on in the wrong lane and blind oncoming drivers. Take a little extra time to turn around and park properly… your neighborly chat will be more enjoyable.
The Town of Kearny is readying grant applications to improve our water towers, provide a new pumping facility to improve water pressure on the “top side” of town, and to redevelop Well Number Three into a productive well. The Town Hall is also busy readying itself for the regular audit of the Town of Kearny and the Office of the Magistrate.
Road work has already begun on Alden Road. The 400 blocks of Essex, Fairhaven, and Greenwich and the whole of Mountain View will begin next week.
A special meeting of the Kearny Town Council will be held at Town Hall on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 6 p.m. to consider a raise in the property tax levy. A citizens’ committee has been formed to make recommendations to the Council.
Finally, school is starting this week in Hayden and Winkelman, and next week in Kearny. The people of The Church of the Good Shepherd always host the teachers, staff, and administration with a “welcome back” meal. Let’s welcome the start of school by attentive driving, especially in school zones.