News
Birding-watching trail to benefit from $30,000 in funding; OKs tourism budget
Thelma Grimes
San Pedro Valley News-Sun
The City of Benson has been awarded two grants totalling $30,000 to improve the bird-watching trail in north Benson between the San Pedro Golf Course and the San Pedro River.
Monday night, the City Council discussed the terms of the $25,000 granted to the city from the Coronado Resource Conservation & Development Area.
Donna Mathews, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said the city doesn't have to match the grant. And as long as the specified project is completed in the next two years, it's free money.
Mathews said the city will be responsible for redoing 12 acres of land. Of that, 10 acres will be improved to eliminate weeds and plant grass seed to improve bird-watching conditions.
Councilwoman Kathy Suagee, who spearheaded the project, was thanked by the rest of the City Council. Suagee said along with the major grant, the city has received a $5,000 grant from Kinder Morgan.
Council also approved a $33,525 contract with Diggins & Sons to sweep the city streets. Brad Hamilton, public works director, said the amount is higher than last year, but that is because they asked the company to sweep more streets.
In other business, the council unanimously approved funding the Arizona Office of Tourism as part of an Arizona marketing program. Tourism director Bob Nilson said advertising makes a big difference, noting that they have successfully advertised and had visitors for the birding trail.
The Arizona Office of Tourism will pay half of the $7,547.95 total, and the city will be responsible for the remainder.
The council also approved spending $10,011 to fund the Cochise County Tourism Council operating budget. Nilson said it's worthwhile because the program brings the city nearly a half million in advertising.
Residents won't be getting relief in sewer rates any time soon. In another discussion item, Brad Hamilton, the city's public works director, said he needs more time to study the rates.
In the March 24 meeting, the council voted to lower rates for residents living in manufactured home parks.
Following the meeting, City Attorney Ann Roberts expressed concern over the issue, stating the city has already settled lawsuits concerning unfair rates, and said she would like more information before the city moves forward.
Instead of moving forward as planned, City Manager Martin Roush said he wants to just start from scratch.
In other business, the council re-approved a resolution to amend water rates for customers. The council discussed slight increases at the last council meeting, however, Roberts said the wrong date for the public hearing was approved.
The city is required to give residents 30 days notice about a public hearing, and setting an April 16 deadline at the last meeting didn't meet the law. On Monday, the council approved the resolution, setting May 14 as the new public hearing date.
The council also approved:
Setting the number of volunteer firefighters on the Benson Fire Department at 35. Chief Keith Spangler said they currently have 25 volunteers, and are interviewing five new prospects next week.
With the set number of volunteers allowed on the department, the council also approved paying $2,400 a month for each firefighter to be enrolled in the workman's compensation program. Spangler explained that the program is needed in case a firefighter is hurt on a call. The city has actually lost money over the last two years, Spangler said because there haven't been any injuries.
Granting an emergency access easement to State Route 90 developer Meritage Homes for the Kartchner Vistas property.
Granting a water easement for Meritage Homes. Hamilton explained that the measure will bring water into phase two of the project. The water will be connected to the city's main water lines.
Following the regular meeting, the council went into executive session to discuss the sale or lease of real property. Details are not available to the public, as an executive session is a closed-door meeting.
San Pedro Valley News-Sun
The City of Benson has been awarded two grants totalling $30,000 to improve the bird-watching trail in north Benson between the San Pedro Golf Course and the San Pedro River.
Monday night, the City Council discussed the terms of the $25,000 granted to the city from the Coronado Resource Conservation & Development Area.
Donna Mathews, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said the city doesn't have to match the grant. And as long as the specified project is completed in the next two years, it's free money.
Mathews said the city will be responsible for redoing 12 acres of land. Of that, 10 acres will be improved to eliminate weeds and plant grass seed to improve bird-watching conditions.
Councilwoman Kathy Suagee, who spearheaded the project, was thanked by the rest of the City Council. Suagee said along with the major grant, the city has received a $5,000 grant from Kinder Morgan.
Council also approved a $33,525 contract with Diggins & Sons to sweep the city streets. Brad Hamilton, public works director, said the amount is higher than last year, but that is because they asked the company to sweep more streets.
In other business, the council unanimously approved funding the Arizona Office of Tourism as part of an Arizona marketing program. Tourism director Bob Nilson said advertising makes a big difference, noting that they have successfully advertised and had visitors for the birding trail.
The Arizona Office of Tourism will pay half of the $7,547.95 total, and the city will be responsible for the remainder.
The council also approved spending $10,011 to fund the Cochise County Tourism Council operating budget. Nilson said it's worthwhile because the program brings the city nearly a half million in advertising.
Residents won't be getting relief in sewer rates any time soon. In another discussion item, Brad Hamilton, the city's public works director, said he needs more time to study the rates.
In the March 24 meeting, the council voted to lower rates for residents living in manufactured home parks.
Following the meeting, City Attorney Ann Roberts expressed concern over the issue, stating the city has already settled lawsuits concerning unfair rates, and said she would like more information before the city moves forward.
Instead of moving forward as planned, City Manager Martin Roush said he wants to just start from scratch.
In other business, the council re-approved a resolution to amend water rates for customers. The council discussed slight increases at the last council meeting, however, Roberts said the wrong date for the public hearing was approved.
The city is required to give residents 30 days notice about a public hearing, and setting an April 16 deadline at the last meeting didn't meet the law. On Monday, the council approved the resolution, setting May 14 as the new public hearing date.
The council also approved:
Setting the number of volunteer firefighters on the Benson Fire Department at 35. Chief Keith Spangler said they currently have 25 volunteers, and are interviewing five new prospects next week.
With the set number of volunteers allowed on the department, the council also approved paying $2,400 a month for each firefighter to be enrolled in the workman's compensation program. Spangler explained that the program is needed in case a firefighter is hurt on a call. The city has actually lost money over the last two years, Spangler said because there haven't been any injuries.
Granting an emergency access easement to State Route 90 developer Meritage Homes for the Kartchner Vistas property.
Granting a water easement for Meritage Homes. Hamilton explained that the measure will bring water into phase two of the project. The water will be connected to the city's main water lines.
Following the regular meeting, the council went into executive session to discuss the sale or lease of real property. Details are not available to the public, as an executive session is a closed-door meeting.
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