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

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the chairperson Lil Jones who reminded all not having voted to do so now as this is election of officers foe 2009.

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ernie Green.

Roll was taken by Chris Dimitrakopoulus: Present: Lil Jones, Carol Yokum, Ken Freese, Deb Morrow, and Ernie Green. Excused: Faye Miller and John Wyatt. Quorum attained.

Treasurers report was given by Ken Freese. Present cash on hand is $1,434.49. Freese noted a bill on hand from the Copper News for $45.00 and requested a motion for payment. The motion was made by Carol Yokum. Seconded by Ernie Green. Motion Passed.

OLD BUSINESS:

  1. Lil Jones again reminded those present to vote as pole was about to close and result would be announced at the conclusion of the meeting.
  2. Deb Morrow announced the recycle center will close, temporarily as of Saturday. Due to the economy no processors are buying recyclables ay this time. Deb Miller noted she will contact Tucson to see what may be the status there and if possible to clear the Ajo collection site.

NEW BUISNESS:

  1. Lil Jones noted a letter from John Wyatt who is in Colorado tending his ill father. As he will be in Colorado for an indefinite time, he wishes to resign.
    Mr. Wyatts’ resignation is accepted with regret.

SPEAKERS:

  1. Al Kulwin, Community Block Grants Program was introduced by Debbie Morrow. Kulwin explained ways the grant program could benefit low to medium income areas. Funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development is in the funding cycle for 2009. Ajo is sure to get some funding, if applied for, as well as other unincorporated communities of the County.. Past funding areas: park improvements, walk-in freezer for food bank, Curly School Project, etc., to name a few. Grants range from $5,000 to $200,000. Applications far out number recipients. Due February, chosen in July, and awarded in October. Grant funds for home repair are also available.

  2. Mr. Richard Ducote, Freeport McMoRan was introduced by Chris Dimitrakopoulus. Ducote began by introducing Mr. Roy Archer the new manager of Ajo Improvement Company. It was noted that the price of copper and of the McMoRon stock have dropped considerably in the last six months as the international supply has exceeded demand. Any question regarding the mine opening is presently out of the question.

    Testing in the mine will continue. The question of the completion of the water/sewer systems arose. It was noted that all projects started by Phelps-Dodge would be completed as planned, but not on scheduled. The budgeting must be reviewed. No new date has been set. The soil testing program is continuing. Approximately 160 of 1,500 parcels have been completed. Written reports should begin in another month. The new power line was questioned. It was noted it is not a new thing but a renewal of its previous permit. All property owners who are directly involved have been notified by registered letter. The renewal is still pending. The new primary water line for Ajo should be completed late next year. Street lights in the AIC area was questioned. A study is underway to determine how to pay for upgrades. The alternate power plan was discussed. It is basically the same as Arizona Public service. If interested apply at AIC. It is a long process.

  3. Nick Francis, Plaza General Manager, was introduced by Carol Yokum. Francis made a brief report of Plaza progress. He invited all to a general meeting of Ajo residences for a tour of the Plaza properties and an open discussion of ideas for uses.

    The date is January 17, 2009. Further info will be in the Copper News.

  4. Officer Greg Gibson, Border Patrol Community Relations Officer, was introduced by Lil Jones. Gibson noted it was the desire of the Border Patrol to improve community relations. It was asked if it was safe at the present to mountain bike near the border and it was noted recreational activities in Organ Pipe is of little safety concern.

    Another hiker said all he meets is Park Rangers and Border Patrol. Asked if Comino Del Sol is safe it was noted this is an area of illegal alien activity. Over 250 agents are stationed here. Gibson noted there are no plans to construct housing for agents. The fence is alive and well and awaiting continued construction. Regarding the choice of most agents to live other than Ajo. They can not be told where to live. It was asked if the check point on #85 was scheduled for a permanent facility. What is there is all there will be.

  5. Sgt. Chris Wilson, Pima County Sheriffs Office, Ajo Office, was introduced by Ken Freese. An attendee recognized the efforts of the Sheriffs department then complained some Sheriffs in front of his business for extended periods, shining lights on the entrance. That he had been pulled over for no reason after leaving at closing time. Noting referenced customer harassment. Others in the audience similar experiences. Officer Wilson noted he had no knowledge of the incidents. If any one has a complaint get the three number from side of car and repot incident to the Sheriffs office. Lil Jones noted people with specific problems take them to Lt. Bill Clements. Six new deputies have begun patrol duty. One person, now in jail was connected to 72 burglaries. There was a request from the floor to patrol the allies as well as streets. Principal Fred Fout noted Deputy Michael Seeley’s presence on campus is significant. A complaint from the floor noted deputies often park across from Circle-K for long periods of time. It was noted the curve slows traffic down and the lights from Circle-K illuminates the car interior for passengers counts and contents, door damage caused by beak-ins and possible car theft among other things. It was the general feeling that the community and deputes work together with mutual respect.
  6. Fred Fout, principal of Ajo Schools, was recognized by Lil Jones. Fout shared school news. His major project for the new year is Joint Technical Education District program---Partnerships.. Being requested are construction arts, clinical nursing, among others.
  7. Deb Miller, Supervisor Bronson’s office, was introduced by Ernie Green. Miller noted Bronson will start a new program in the new year for the purpose of discussing county issues with residents. Bronson will be in Ajo on the first Friday Of each month, from 9:00 a.m. till noon. At the Ajo Community Center.

  8. Lil Jones announced the election results for 2009:

    Officers for the year 2009 will be accomplished at the next boars meeting.

  9. Good an Welfare:

As there was no further business from the floor the meeting was adjourned by the Chair Lil Jones at 8:30 p.m.

Submitted:
Ernie Green
Secretary

 

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Last edited on 09/25/2011.

 

 

 

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