Opposition To Proposed Bypass To Be Considered By Holbrook City Council

By Linda Kor
   A third meeting is to be set regarding the proposed statewide transportation plan, which would include the much-debated bypass, or alternate route, around the City of Holbrook. The meeting date still needs to be determined but is expected to be set for either Dec. 15 or 16.   This will be the final public meeting in Holbrook regarding the Arizona Department of Transportation’s projected 20-year transportation plan for this area.
   Although Holbrook City Councilman Kent Darris asked city staff to write a resolution stating the council’s opposition to a bypass during the Nov. 10 meeting, the council voted down the resolution Nov. 24 meeting pending more information. Darris was not present at that most recent council meeting.
   The resolution presented by staff to the council stated opposition to any bypass of Holbrook by the Arizona Department of Transportation. It also stated that the city opposes the construction of any new highways in or around the city that have the stated purpose of bypassing Holbrook. The reasons cited in the resolution were that the cost of building a new controlled-access highway would be enormous, requiring the acquisition of thousands of acres of new rights of way, and the high cost of concrete and asphalt, putting a tremendous burden on taxpayers and future highway users.
   In addition, the resolution stated that a new controlled access highway bypass would divert vehicles away from existing businesses that are dependent upon commerce generated from traffic on existing highways.
   Mayor Jeff Hill stated that he was opposed to the resolution as presented. He expressed concerns regarding the effect of making such a resolution prior to the third meeting, as more information would be obtained at that time. “The resolution (presented) does not say ‘within city limits.’ I want to see what they (ADOT) finalize and table this resolution until after the December open house,” stated Hill.
   Noting that a resolution of opposition really holds no authority, Councilman Wade Carlisle stated, “This is just a resolution, any council after this one can change it. There have to be real triggers before any bypass is going to be considered. If there are 50,000 cars coming through town and you can’t cross the street, even Kent Darris will want a bypass,” he said, in reference to the request for the resolution by Darris.
   An initial discussion to table the item was made, which was then changed to a motion to vote down the resolution as none of the council members felt the resolution was worded properly and they wanted to see the results of the third open house. The motion was approved unanimously, with Darris and Councilman Charles Haussman absent from the proceedings.
   In other business Nov. 24, the council:
   * Approved an application for a special event liquor license for Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish for Dec. 12.
   * Approved advertising for the position of a permanent city manager.
   * Approved a $15 fee per 1,000 gallons of potable/construction water purchased and a utility reconnect fee increase from $25 to $35.
   * Approved the contract for Interim City Manager Ray Alley in the amount of $45,500 for a six-month term.
   * Agreed to keep the regular meeting date of Dec. 22 on the calendar since a quorum would be able to convene.