The meeting was called to order by the Chairperson Lil Jones at 7:p.m..
Pledge of allegiance was led by Debbie Morrow.
Roll was taken by Carol Yokum. Present: Lil Jones, Debbie Morrow, Ernie Green, Ken Freese, Arlene Dreste, and Carol Yokum. Excused: Chris Dimitrakopoulus, and Jimmie Lou Guzman. Quorum attained.
Treasurer Report was given by Ken Freese. All bills paid. $1,161.30 present bank balance.
The minutes of the last meeting, September 3, 2009, were approved by the council and are available at the Library and on our website at www.WPCCC.info.
OLD BUSINESS: None noted.
NEW BUISNESS: None noted.
SPEAKERS:
Carol Yokum was introduced by Lil Jones. It was noted the volunteer reading program had begun for the school year. If you did it last year and have not started, call your teacher for scheduling. If you are interested in joining this worthwhile group please Carol her at 387-1101. A new training session is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13th.
Joan Painter, ASD Principal was scheduled to speak this evening. Carol Yokum noted it was homecoming week and Painter was very involved with those activities. GO RAIDERS!
John Peck of ISDA, was introduced by Lil Jones. Peck noted there is a grant possibility for the Ajo Community Food Service Project for sustainable gardening and is funded by the Department of Agriculture. It would include business training, community kitchen operation, produce production, and marketing. Peck requested a letter of support from WPCCC to include in the grant application. On the motion of Carol Yokum, seconded by Ernie Green, a letter of WPCCC support would be prepared before the November 19 submission date.
Daniel Tylutki, ( Too-luke-e ) Senior Planner, Pima County Community Development and Neighborhood Conservation Department and Tod Whitwer Pima County contracted environmental consultant were introduced.. A County PowerPoint program illustrating the grant application for $400,000 funding by the Environmental Protection Agency. A similar plan in operation at Flowing Wells was used to illustrate how Brownfields works. The grant would be used for the Ajo, Why, Lukeville corridor. Brownfields was defined as abandon properties that had used contaminates in their operation, such as gases and oils, and contaminated the property. The program will conduct site assessments with permission and at no cost to the property owner. The goal is to encourage property owners of contaminated properties to transfer ownership to a public or private entity for redevelopment promoting economic development. The grant would include ISDA as partners. Permission of some property owners may be a problem for fear of contamination and condemnation. Minor contamination would not be a problem. Contamination on a large scale such as ground water or danger to others would necessitate reporting to authorities by law. These tests would otherwise cost property owners $2,500 to $5,000. For major testing $5,000 to $50,000. The audience was asked for ideas or suggestions for business or public uses along Hwy 85. A form was offered. Other meetings are to follow. A letter of WPCCC support for this grant application was requested. By unanimous vote of those council members present, a letter of support will be prepared.
Tedra Fox, stimulus program manager for Pima County was introduced by Ernie Green. Her subject regarded the Ajo portion of the Pima County portion of the stimulus package.
The Ajo stimulus funds will fund four programs: $53,500. to assist enrollment of 35 Ajo youths in Tucson Youth Development summer work programs. $468,000 allocated to Desert Senita Community Health Center. $344,080 for pharmacy construction and electrical upgrades and digital x-ray equipment. $124,000 to be used for operational funds: a nursing assistant, a dental assistant and a scheduler. For the Unified School District: $84,371 to ARRA Individuals with Disabilities Act. $1,606 for ARRA Pre-school Programs. $144,006 to ARRA Title 1 Supplemental educational programs-low income students. $182,167 ARRA Educational Stabilization Fund through the Governors office. $15,000 toward emergency services for family hardship aid. Pima Community College will receive funds to start classes for dislocated workers, GED and special ed students. Also classes in alternative energy and sustainable building materials. To follow use of the money go to www.recovery.gov online.
Joe Silins, Pima County Home Repair Program, Development Neighborhood Conservation Department was introduced by Tedra Fox. Pima County received $1.7 million in stimulus funds to weatherize as well as other repairs for about 400 homes in the county. Low income home owners of regular, mobile or manufactured are eligible. Pima County inspects, prepares estimate and hires contractor for roof repair, heating and cooling repairs, and winterization repairs. Based on income, household, and need. Winterization can also be requested by renters by first getting an agreement with the land lord and they agree not to raise the rent for one year. Contact Mr. Silins at 529-243-6765.
David Rodriguez, Workforce Development Specialist with PPEP, was introduced by Mr. Silins. Discussed program for those looking to change or find a new career. His organization can help with training and can pay certain fees for tests such as a GED or a commercial drivers license. On the job training a major tool. PPEP may pay half of employee wages if working toward fulltime work. Call 520-603-7627 for information.
Lt. Clemens, Commander, Pima County Sheriff’s Department Ajo District was introduced by Arlene Dreste. It was reported two new corrections officers will come to Ajo in November and one new Deputy soon after. Deputies are serving many search warrants. Some cases were dismissed because the cases fell through the cracks between Ajo and Tucson. Operation Stonegarden is providing for overtime enhancing cooperation with the US Border Patrol. Detective Jeremy Olsen is now working with the school.
Deb Miller, Supervisors Bronson’s Office was introduced by Lil Jones. Pima County is seeking public input regarding possible project needs for bond election in 2010. There are a number of open meetings planned. Dates are available on line or in the library. Bonds are used for facilities, flood control and sewer systems, etc.. The last two bonds passed in 2004 and 06. Those projects are under construction or completed. See www.bonds.pima.gov. The subject of Dump hours and days closed were discussed. It was felt Sunday closure was bad for working people, but it is county wide. Mike Mekelburg noted it might be beneficial if the two days of closure were on separated days, like Sunday and the middle of the week.
Devon Reno, Public Relations Officer, US Border Patrol was introduced by Ernie Green. Reno noted permanently assigned agents were being added daily. Groundbreaking for the SBInet surveillance towers is set to start soon. The USBP expects a devastating affect on drug and human trafficking when completed. It was asked if there would be a web access to the surveillance camera as noted when the SBInet was first announced. Reno said he had no such information. Mimi Philips thanked Reno for the hard work of the Border Patrol volunteers for the international Day of Peace. Reno can be contacted at the Ajo Station at 387-7002.
On the motion of Carol Yokum, seconded by Ernie Green the meeting was closed by the Chair Lil Jones at 8:20 p.m..
Submitted:
Ernest Green
Secretary
Last edited on 09/25/2011.
HTML and Programing by
Thomas R. Powell