The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Person Deb Morrow. The pledge of allegiance was led by Rick Shumway. The roll was called by Carol Yokum. All members were present except Arlene Dreste and Tony Montez.
In the absence of the treasurer, Arlene Dreste, Deb Morrow announced that there is a balance on hand of $1,200.28 and there are no outstanding bills.
The secretary, Lil Jones, announced that the minutes of the last meeting had been accepted by the Board and were on file at the Library and on the web site, WPCCC.info.
There being no old or new business, the meeting proceeded directly to the speakers for the evening.
The first speakers were Tom Drzazgowski and Carmine DeBonis from Pima County there to answer questions concerning zoning permits and requirements and advise about the recent revision in charges for building permits. Mr. DeBonis advised that unless the building was a commercial building, building permits were not required for residential properties. There is a requirement for a zoning permit but the fee for this has been substantially reduced from the possibility of hundreds of dollars to $46.00. The reason for this drastic, and welcome, reduction is because construction in Ajo (residential) does not require the inspections that are required and made in other parts of the county. It was strongly advised that individuals contact the zoning department prior to making improvements on their properties to make sure that all requirements are met. Tom Drzazgowski provided his telephone number and e-mail address so individuals could easily contact him for zoning permits or to report zoning problems. His telephone number if 520-740-6675 and his e=mail address is Thomas.drzazgowski@pima.gov.
Maria Gmuca was introduced by John Peck. She provided general information on the time line for the completion of projects currently under construction in the plaza by ISDA. It is anticipated that the current upgrades to the South Plaza building will be completed within the next two months. This will include repairing the structural damage caused at the corner by someone running into the building. The depot will be opened for bids within the next couple of weeks and should be finished by next fall. There will be two workshops held, one April 21 and one May 12, to allow input into the project allowing individuals to provide information as to what they would like to see in the downtown area. She also provided some information concerning the Starbucks survey in the area. There have been leaflets, e-mails, and information in the newspaper about this project and Maria asked for support from the community.
John Peck spoke briefly on the Economic Development Plan for Pima County. The first meeting on this project is tentatively set for May 23.
There was no report from the Chamber of Commerce or the Sheriff's office.
Robert Moreno introduced Tim Goodin from the Border Patrol who read from some reports on activities in the area. Goodin stated that he would enlist the assistance of the border patrol agents in the area to help with the Starbucks program. In response to questions concerning the completion of the new building in the Why area, he announced the date is set at 7/12/2012 with occupancy some time in September. Construction of the new facility will reduce the carbon footprint of the building by replacing the asphalt on parking and outdoor areas with concrete. Desert landscaping will be used. Goodin then introduced Kelly Graham who will be the next liaison officer with the Border Patrol. His contact information is Kelly.L.Graham@cbp.dhs.gov , telephone 520-387-7002.
Deb Miller from Supervisor Bronson's office then reported that the generator will be set up at the school for use during emergency outages. The school has entered into an agreement with the county so hopefully within the next few months installation will be completed. There was no further report from the Supervisor's office and Ms. Miller urged anyone with concerns or questions to contact her.
Brian MacKenzie, principal at the Ajo School, was introduced by Lil Jones. He reported that the closed campus incident was, hopefully, a one time event. Students had been warned that more than 9 tardies from lunch would result in a one day closing of the campus. They followed through with this warning and released the Information to the newspaper so that parents, students, and shop owners would be aware of the consequences of students returning late from the lunch break. He explained the instructional coaching program that is currently in use in the classrooms. This provides for coaches to assist teachers in their classrooms and help them to improve the quality of teaching that takes place. The program appears to be going well and is well received by the teachers and students.
There were no signups for the Call to the Floor or the Minute to Spiel and on motion duly made, seconded and passed, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lillian M. Jones, Secretary
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