Rodeo Grounds Lighting Project Contract Goes To Stratton Electric

By Naomi Hatch
   This year’s high winds caused damage at the Taylor Rodeo Grounds.
   Approximately two years ago, surplus light poles were placed in the rodeo area. Due to the lack of engineering, the poles were not sufficient for the fixtures that were mounted on them and during the extremely high winds this spring, two of the four anchor bolts on one of the poles had completely broke.
   At a special Taylor Town Council meeting held May 9, Town Manager Eric Duthie said, “Without speculating on causes…all in all we need to make some changes.”
   Mayor John Cole said that he would take the blame. He noted that upon inspection, they found other poles that had problems, although not as severe, but they felt it was just a matter of time.
   Town Engineer Stu Spaulding has put together a package that includes new poles and new fixtures that are rated far beyond the level of winds experienced in Taylor.
   Duthie said that bids went out according to law and closed at 1 p.m. on May 8, at which time they were opened. Because of previous miscommunication, it was just discovered that it takes 10 weeks for delivery. Duthie spoke with company officials, who requested approval by May 9 in order to have the lights installed in time for the 4th of July Rodeo.
   Spaulding gave background on the package he put together. There are four poles and two will be taken down. He noted that those poles will be used on other town sites, and at some point the old poles will be used for speakers.
   One bid was received from Phil Stratton Electric Inc. for $62,000.96, including pole installation, cross arms, flood lights, foundations and mobilization.
   Duthie said that previously the council gave staff direction to try to get the problem resolved, but with the economy as it is, there has been some concern expressed by citizens and staff members as to whether they should move forward on the project or hold on for a while.
   “The council has made it clear that this is a priority project, but there is some question about the timeliness right now,” said Duthie.
   Mayor Cole expressed concern about using generators if they don’t move forward with the project, and having to deal with the noise and the expense of the rental of generators.
   “On the budget side, the department heads in town have been working on reducing the budget based on reduced revenues in town, and they are having to prioritize and make some tough decisions,” said the mayor. “We need to keep that in mind.” He noted that he thought they should also consider the liability if one of the poles should fall and there is an injury.
   Eddie Hancock, who serves on the Special Events Committee, said, “We don’t take the expense lightly,” and acknowledged the difficult job of the council, but wanted them to be aware “there are many years of service and activity that have gone into these celebrations.” He said that most present at the meeting were good business folks and understand the economy. “Our plea is that Rodeo Park is not the place to cut the budget,” noting that this will be the 55th annual night rodeo at the 4th of July celebration. He noted that there are other categories that could be trimmed that are not in some way income producing. Hancock said there are 10 rodeos locked in to coming to Taylor this year and possibly two more. The rodeos bring people who eat in the restaurants, stay in motels and buy gas here.
   There had been rumors that Town of Snowflake officials were not willing to give the $20,000 committed nearly a year ago to help replace existing light poles.
   Mayor Cole said that Snowflake Mayor Kelly Willis was unavailable and so he spoke with Vice Mayor Kerry Ballard and Duthie spoke with Snowflake Town Manager Paul Watson.
   “We have a commitment of $20,000 from them to help with this project if we vote to approve this,” said Mayor Cole.
   Hancock said to the council, “Feel our support for you, feel our thank you. There’s been huge money spent. I’d be less than honest if I wasn’t concerned with the pledge of Snowflake.” He then explained that Dan Turley has been attending the special events committee meetings and went to Snowflake’s finance director regarding the $20,000, and was told they were having financial problems and did not have the money. Hancock pointed out that Snowflake has used the arena for Pioneer Day rodeos for two years at no charge, noting he recognizes they are appreciative of it being made available to them. “They promised the $20,000. The $20,000 has not shown up, folks. Somebody’s got to turn a wrench,” said Hancock.
   Leon Palmer said he went to Snowflake the previous day to find out the facts regarding Snowflake’s commitment of money. He talked to an employee who said all Taylor has to do is send a bill. “I’d like to remind you just a little bit that when these events happen, they’re revenue events. They do bring revenue in by providing the event,” said Palmer.
   Gary Solomon said he had just learned that the Sweet Wheels Car Show would be held in Snowflake in conjunction with the Pioneer Days celebration.
   Shawn Palmer said he felt that meetings like this were good opportunities to discover the feelings of the community and serve as sounding boards to see how the community feels. He pointed out that people are staying closer to home this year because of the economy, which should increase attendance at the celebrations.
   Duthie clarified Snowflake’s commitment explaining that town officials committed the money to Taylor a year ago and in the interim there has been no request because there hasn’t been money spent on Rodeo Park. He said, “This week we have reaffirmed their commitment,” and explained that they are giving the money with no strings attached.
   Vice Mayor Jim Gibson moved to award a $62,000.96 contract to Stratton Electric for the Taylor Rodeo Grounds lighting project. The motion passed unanimously.