Council hears update on Connie’s Bridge at July 23 meeting

No completion date yet for Connie’s Bridge

Council heard an in-depth update on progress on the Pinal Creek Bridge project, aka Connie’s Bridge, from representatives of Meridian Engineering Company. Meridian representatives said no completion date has been set yet due to difficulties scheduling paving work.

The project has suffered multiple delays over the past two and a half years.

Eric Lydia, the current project manager/superintendent, led the presentation, supported by regional manager Curtis Rogers and general superintendent Edgardo “Junior” Mono, who both joined the meeting via Zoom.

One of the significant challenges faced by the project was issues with the underground drill shafts, which required extensive time and effort to resolve. For example, one piling was located too close to the railroad tracks and had to be eliminated. These issues led to an overall delay of approximately two and a half months.

Weather has also been a significant factor in delaying the project. The area experienced exceptionally wet winters and severe monsoon seasons in 2022 and 2023, resulting in a total of at least 30 lost working days. The subsequent cleanup and resumption of work extended these delays further.

 

“Meridan will finish this. We started it and we’ll finish it. … Schedule-wise it probably won’t be as scheduled, but the quality and the structural integrity of it will be there. And esthetically, with the new rail package and the lighting package.” – Eric Lydia, Meridian Engineering

Also, with the wash running continuously during the first winter, it was impossible for heavy equipment to operate, causing additional delays. Efforts to divert the water and compact the soil to support construction equipment added to the project’s timeline.

The project also faced setbacks due to necessary engineering adjustments on the deck, which led to a three-week delay. The deck adjustments required a redesign which took a total of at least four months, accoding to Globe’s City Engineer, Luis Chavez.

There were problems pouring the deck top, which will need to be sandblasted, ground down, grooved, and coated with ACFC coating. Questions about structural integrity of the deck led to a several-week delay. Problems also occurred with the deck bottom, which will need to be remediated.

The installation of gabions, which are wire cage baskets filled with rocks used for bank stabilization and erosion control, also caused delays. Initial installation errors necessitated a complete redo, which Meridian Engineering took full responsibility for. 

Coordinating with the railroad also has involved delays, as for some work the railroad has to provide a flagger, and it’s difficult to schedule this worker in advance.

Looking ahead, Meridian Engineering will be completing the approach slab on the railroad side, tying in the curb and gutter on Broad Street, installing railroad gates and signals, realigning the sidewalks and road, finishing paving operations, and relocating utilities. There will have to be a full detour, and the company is coordinating with the City on traffic control plans. In addition, about 230 feet on Hill Steet will have to be milled and paved, as well. 

Meridian keeps the City updated every week with a look-ahead that covers the next three weeks.

Lydia emphasized Meridian’s commitment to quality. He assured Council that the bridge’s structural integrity is being confirmed through testing.

Council requested another update in August to monitor the project’s progress. Lydia confirmed that Meridian Engineering would continue to provide regular updates.

Council considering air ambulance coverage for City employees and residents

Continuing a discussion from its last meeting, Council is gathering further information about the possibility of purchasing air ambulance coverage for all City employees and residents. Representatives from AirMedCare Network (Banner Air) and PHI Cares Medical answered questions at this meeting, which concluded with Council moving the matter forward to their next meeting for action.

Mayor Gameros and other councilmembers emphasized the importance of people having air ambulance coverage, because a medical emergency leading to unexpected air ambulance services can cause severe financial strain and even bankruptcy if not adequately covered.

Representatives from both air ambulance companies provided information about the benefits they could provide and the related costs to the City for different levels of coverage. Both representatives also highlighted the importance of having dual coverage – that is, arrangements with both services – to avoid financial distress for residents and employees during emergencies. When time is of the essence, people won’t be able to select which service will be used. Generally, whichever service can respond faster will provide the flight. The person would then be flown to wherever their medical emergency requires them to go.

One key takeaway from the discussion was that residents and employees need to understand exactly what will and will not be covered. For example, if a person has coverage with one service but is flown by the other service, that flight will not be covered. Also, City Manager Paul Jepson noted that some people have coverage under the Affordable Care Act, but that coverage has a very high deductible.

To purchase coverage with both services, the City anticipates total costs of approximately $50,000 to $70,000. To cover City residents will cost approximately $50,000, which would be paid out of the general fund, and to cover those City employees who are not residents of Globe would cost approximately $15,000, which would be paid out of the BCBS account. However, these numbers could change substantially depending on the specific coverages that Council chooses to purchase.

According to Jepson, the City will probably choose coverage that would allow City employees to be flown out of anywhere in the state or possibly the nation, while residents would get more limited coverage allowing them to be flown out of either Gila County or a three-county area.

Banner Air

• Offers municipal site plans covering households within the city of Globe and additional counties.
• Multiple county options and statewide coverage are available.
• Residents who get coverage through the City can upgrade to nationwide coverage for an additional annual fee.
• When one person in a household is covered, all household members will be covered, including all dependents and up to two non-dependents. This includes students living away from home as long as their legal residence is still in Globe.
• Banner guarantees no covered person will have any out-of-pocket costs for emergency flights.
• Banner will bill covered people’s insurance. For uninsured persons, Banner will bill the person at the Medicare allowable rate.
• Proposed cost for employee coverage is $8,125, providing statewide coverage for all employees, including those living outside the City. However, Council may choose a different package, which could cause the cost to change.
• For residential coverage there are multiple county options, with prices varying. A price of $31,559 was quoted, but this could change.

PHI Air Medical

• Offers extended coverage to include multiple counties.
• The plan could include either statewide or nationwide coverage for City employees.
• The municipal site plan for residents extends coverage beyond city limits for an additional annual cost.
• Household coverage includes all dependents, with specific provisions for non-dependents living in the household.
• Membership eliminates out-of-pocket expenses for both insured and uninsured individuals.
• With nationwide service, employee coverage was quoted at $6,250, factoring in the number of employees living within and outside the city.
• Residential coverage pricing has multiple county options and was quoted at $19,250.

Given that the City is purchasing coverage for residents and employees, including employees living outside Globe, and each service offers multiple different tiers and options, comparing pricing is complicated. Council will be receiving additional information from the two companies, including specific costs and coverage details for both employees and residents, in order to make a decision at its next meeting.

City brings in attorney for prosecutorial services

Council approved a contract with Prescott Law Group for legal services for the City of Globe. Attorney Andy Jolley will provide part-time prosecutorial services, bringing extensive experience from working with other small towns in Northern Arizona.

The decision aims to address the city’s growing needs in code enforcement and legal matters as Globe expands. Jolley’s role will involve guiding staff on writing citations, conducting pre-trial conferences, and negotiating compliance to reduce the number of cases that go to court. Jolley has 13 years of experience in this field.

Jolley is expected to start his role immediately, which begins with a six-month trial period. The contract is not to exceed $18,000, and the City Manager is authorized to extend the duration of the contract within existing funding limitations.

So far, Globe has relied on City Attorney Bill Sims to cover legal needs, including city code and civil traffic cases. However, with increasing volumes in code enforcement and city development, additional expertise has been needed.

“I say grew up in a small town. I know how to talk to people, so I can generally help them understand that here’s what we’re looking for, here’s what you’re willing to do, here’s how it’s going to resolve. And if we can’t resolve it that way, then the judge, you know, kind of brings the hammer in behind it.” – Attorney Andy Jolley

The contract outlines a monthly rate of $1,500, with an additional hourly rate of $150 for any case exceeding 10 hours. The $18,000 is intended to be adequate for one year, although adjustments may need to be made.

Councilman Rios emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency in enforcement to avoid any perceptions of favoritism. Jolley pointed out that his “outsider” perspective can be an asset in ensuring fair treatment for all residents. Jolley lives in Prescott but will be traveling to Globe for court dates.

USDA offers grants and loans for home improvement

USDA State Director Charlene Fernandez presented to Council about the USDA’s “504” program, offering money for home improvement, which kicked off in Globe-Miami this week.

Fernandez explained that the 504 program is very popular and helps eligible people make repairs and improvements to their homes. Grants for $10,000 are available and do not have to be paid back. The money can be used for things like a new roof, rehabbing a bathroom to make it more accessible, or improving a kitchen. People have to meet certain requirements, such as age and income.

“A lot of people, when they hear USDA, they right away think about meat. Well, we’re more than meat – we do we do build homes, we do self-help housing, and we do repairs for those homes for those individuals that are eligible.” – Charlene Fernandez

In addition to the grant, people can also apply for a $40,000 loan at 1% for 20 years, but this money can only be used to rehab a home they already own.

The Development Day program is being held in Miami, but it’s for the whole community.

Fernandez said these Development Days have been held across Arizona, reflecting the Biden-Harris Administration’s priority of directly meeting community needs. The USDA’s hands-on approach encourages listening to and addressing specific local concerns.

Fernandez emphasized that this event is not a one-time opportunity. They plan to return regularly, as long as there is community interest and participation. Community members are encouraged to share this information widely.

The USDA is also working with the San Carlos Nation and other tribal nations through the Rural Partners Network. This pilot program offers help in dealing with over 20 federal agencies for assistance with various issues.

Additionally, the USDA’s Summer Childhood Meals Program will provide Sunbucks to eligible families in Globe for three months, ensuring children are fed even when school is not in session.

Free parenting assistance available through the county

During public comments, Kiana Thompson with Gila County Child and Family Resources made a brief presentation to let people know about the program, which provides in-home visitations to help families learn about parenting.

The program can last up to five years to help people become better parents. There is no charge, and people can unenroll at any time. The program has been working in the area for about two years and already works with the hospital and WIC.

Motions approved

Council also approved motions for the following:

• Accounts payable in the amount of $2,150,975.23. Jepson explained that the amount is high this time due to this being a five-week cycle instead of the normal two-week cycle, as well as many payments being made for a year in advance with the passage of the new budget.
  

Members of the Globe City Council: Mayor Al Gameros, Vice Mayor Mike Stapleton (District 4), and Council members Freddy Rios (District 1), Mike Pastor (District 2), Jesse Leetham (District 3), Mariano Gonzalez (District 5), and Fernando Shipley (District 6). All members were in attendance at this meeting except Councilman Leetham.

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The Globe City Council meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meetings are currently open to the public at 50% capacity. Members of the public are requested to wear a mask except when seated. Seating is limited to allow for social distancing.

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