WESTERN PIMA COUNTY COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting
September 4, 2008

Meeting was called to order by Chairperson Lil Jones at 7:00 p.m..

Pledge of Alliance was led by Carol Yokum.

Roll taken by Deb Morrow: Present: Lil Jones, Ken Freese, Chris Dimitrakopoulous, Ernest Green, Carol Yokum, John Wyatt. Excused: Fay Miller. Quorum attained.

Minutes were accepted as corrected by the Council and are available at the Library and on the website at www.WPCCC.info

Treasurer report was given by Ken Freese. A check in the amount of $500.00 was received from Supervisor Bronson for WPCCC use. A balance at present is $1,501.51.

A new bill for $22.50 is to be paid.

UNFINISHED BUISINES:

1. Deb Morrow reminded all of location of recycle area north of NAPA. Noted trash and garbage are not appreciated. It is suggested and would be appreciated if the various collectables be separated at home. Bags will be emptied and returned for future use. Volunteers are needed.
2. Lil Jones reported the Grant she had worked on and submitted to the Tohono O’odham Nation has been accepted and will be funded at $42,336.00. This is for replacement of street lights. This is for the north area outside of the McMoRan area. The poles now in place will be used. The new lights will be installed by APS. Payment for up keep will be on resident electric bill as at present. In October/November there will be a letter with information regarding the lighting district.

NEW BUISNESS:

1. None noted

SPEAKERS:

1. Lil Jones introduced Deb Miller from Supervisor Bronson’s office. If you have any County problems or questions please call her office at District3@pima.com or 520-740-8051. Bronson will visit Ajo with county representatives in September/October.
2. Carol Yokum introduced Jerry Bennet who spoke regarding PHI Cares, the parent company to Air Evac, membership. The cost of air evacuation is about $20,000.00. Membership in PHI Cares costs $40.00 per person or $60.00 per family per year. After Social Security and insurance no further charges. Must call/demand and use AIR VAC. No substitution.

3. Ernie Green introduced Nick Francis new General Manager of the Plaza for ISDA. At present in the process of defining the concept. For the future of the Plaza. Community sessions are planed for the beginning of October to collect ideas for community uses and commercial uses. Office is in previous owners office space, till it is rented out. Open 9 to five or call ISTA. The second floor will be renovated and rented as two existing apartments and office spaces. The Plaza as a whole is in poor condition and will take many years, time and money to meet the goal of saving the plaza and breaking even.

   To the question when will the “Ajo in the Wall” restaurant be open: I understand all but one inspection has been completed. Then most likely staff will need to be hired, trained., etc. Most likely in November, or later.

   To the question what about the grocery store: An extremely large area. Will be difficult to lease as is under marketing definitions. County marketing plan is being used as guide for basic planning as to the needs of the community.

   To the question regarding the Depot: ISDA has yet to complete the purchase of the Depot. Funds are being sought. When purchased present occupants will be moved to a specially designed area. After renovation the Chamber of Commerce will rent part.

   To the question of the warehouses to the East side: They were included in the sale to ISDA. They are presently being short-term leased to previous owners.

   ISDA is a not for profit corporation. It is not in competition with the community. The goal is to attract and build businesses for the future of the community.

   The Plaza (grass & trees) itself is still owned by the previous owners. ISDA has leased the property and is in charge of maintenance and upkeep.

   If you want to have a say in what is happening in town join one or more of Ajo’s many community oriented organizations. If you want to join ISDA drop in or call the ISDA office at 520-387-6823.

4. Lil Jones introduced Kent Burbank and Vanessa Helms with the Victim Witness Program of the Pima County Attorney’s Office. This program is in the process of establishing an advocate in Ajo. The program assists a crime victim in coping with the effects of a crime, get answers to questions, learn to deal with confusion, fear, guilt, anger, and that they may become survivors. The office offers court assistance and crisis intervention. Volunteers receive training in intervention and victimology. If interested in volunteering, contact a Volunteer Coordinator at 520-740-5525.

5. Chris Dimitrakopoulus introduced Fatima McCasland Desert Senita Community Health Clinic. It was noted the remodeling of the “assisted living building” is in progress, The interior has been completely gutted and has been redesigned. The work should be completed in 90 days. There will be six chairs. Staffing is now being sought. There will be a second dentist hired. A dental assistant has been signed. All funds have been raised for this project.

   All furnishings have been acquired. It is hoped there will not be a need for leased equipment or furnishings.

   A second doctor for the Clinic is still being sought. When prospects come to Ajo They are disappointed by the size of the town, distance to Phoenix or Tucson and the housing available. Therefore, uninterested. If anyone knows of a retired doctor who would come in part time, one or two day a week we will work with them. This is a nation wide problem. There are openings across the country and no one to fill them.

   A grant was applied for last February. It was learned two weeks ago that it has been awarded. It is for an in house Pharmacy in the Clinic. It will be located just off the waiting room. It will qualify for reduced cost prescriptions. Staffing is now being sought. It is planned that not only lower prescription costs but more readily excepted insurance co-pays. New Senita brochures are available at the Clinic.

6. John Wyatt introduced Sgt. Holt of the Pima County Sheriffs Department.

   Sgt. Holt referred back to a question earlier. When the person reported a problem the officer at the desk asked, “do you really want to be known as a victim?".

   Holt noteed, first, that it is legal terminology. If you report a crime but do not wish to be known as a victim, legally there is no crime and no charges can be filled.

   Holt noted he will take the problem back to the office and see if a better way of expressing the answer to better serve the community.

Call to the Floor:

1. Lil Jones recognized Linda Lamb, Manager, Salazar-Ajo Public Library. Lamb invited all to attend a meeting at the library on Wednesday, September 17th at 10:00 a.m. The purpose is to solicit public input into the planning for a better resources for the community. This is critical to library focus, programming, spending and for immediate and longer-term future.

As there was no further business before the floor, the Chair, Lil Jones, adjourned the meeting 8:20 p.m..

Submitted:
Ernie Green
Secretary

Back

Last edited on 09/25/2011.

HTML and Programing by
Thomas R. Powell