The Fredonia Town Council met in the council chambers at the Fredonia Town Offices on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Council members Frank Banks, Kenny Johnson and Mayor Don Johnson were in attendance, as were Town Clerk Tracy Stumpf and Deputy Town Clerk Brittany Jackson. Council members Dirk Ballard and Cecil Scott were absent. Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
The council first addressed consent items, unanimously approving the current meeting’s agenda and minutes from the previous regular meeting and executive session. The council also authorized the Payment Register for November 19, 2024.
During the Public Comment period several residents spoke about their concerns over a possible zone change from Unassigned to Industrial near Curly Horse Lane and 89A. The issue was addressed later in the meeting.
The mayor reported that street lights project is completed. He also reported that the town’s sewer project is temporarily on hold due to permitting issues. Sonya Kimball reported that the senior center served 398 meals, delivered 790 meals and provided 1981 takeout meals in the last month. New staff and volunteers are making a positive difference at the center. “We appreciate what you do,” Mayor Johnson said. “It’s a ton of work. I don’t know how you do it all.”
The council discussed damage caused by landscaping at the cemetery, noting that the town will mitigate. The issue of leave time and leave time payout for town employees was tabled for further research.
Kenny Johnson described the capping of the levy, noting that the top will be scraped and material added to provide a walking trail. No motorized vehicles will be allowed on the trail.
The council then reported that the sidewalks are in on the Kaibab Drive project, and that the upfront engineering fee charged by Garkane for construction site visits will be integrated into the town permitting process.
Norman Warren’s application to place a modular unit on his property at 65 E Dobson was unanimously approved by the council.
Mark McAllister’s request for a zone change from Unassigned to Industrial for his property at Curly Horse Lane and 89A was unanimously approved. It turns out that where the concerned residents thought McAllister’s property was located and where it is actually located to the north were different. The issue was peaceably resolved. McAllister plans to move his stone cutting business to the location.
Duke Reidhead of Reidhead Forest Management in Fredonia applied to put in an affordable housing development on First East Street. Reidhead spoke eloquently about the need for affordable housing in Fredonia and its benefits to the local economy and school system, stating that his units will be well-built but small enough to be affordable for young families. The council unanimously approved the application.
Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
Fredonia Town Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the town offices. Agendas and minutes can be found on the town website at fredoniaaz.gov.
