New building and fire codes, new City software approved at Council’s October 22 meeting

City adopts new building and fire codes

As discussed at Council’s previous meeting, Council officially adopted updated building and fire codes. They consist of the 2021 International Codes, including the International Fire Code and the 2020 National Electric Code, with local amendments.The updated codes also consolidate fire and building regulations into a single chapter for ease of reference.

Public Works Director Tony Manfredi explained that the local amendments were created to align with the City’s specific policies and procedures, and state requirements. They included adjusting regulations to improve safety and accommodate the city’s unique characteristics, such as climatic conditions, soils, and historical building practices. Manfredi said many of the restrictions that existed in the old code have been removed because they were deemed too restrictive or unnecessary.

“We are no longer riding in the rear of the pack, we are in the front of the pack. This is an example of being progressive and showing that we want to better our environment for our citizens.” Tony Manfredi

A key concern raised during the meeting was ensuring public access to these codes. The codes will be available through an online portal, and council members also discussed the importance of providing alternative access for residents who may not use the internet. City Manager Paul Jepson pointed out that people can access the portal at the library, and librarians can help them print copies. Manfredi said the City also allows people to check out hard copies of the code from the City Clerk’s office, just like checking out a library book.

Chief Walters said the new codes will also simplify the permitting process, as fire and building codes will align better. Manfredi said the city’s permitting system will now be more user-friendly, with clearer rules for permit expirations, renewals, and extensions.

City of Globe to get new software

Council approved a contract that will lead to the City getting new software that will be used for processes like code enforcement, business licensing, permits, and development services. Public Works Director Tony Manfredi explained that the new system will replace the city’s existing software, which has become insufficient for Globe’s growing needs. 

The new software platform will allow multiple departments, including Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Fire, and Planning and Zoning, to better coordinate their activities. It should improve efficiency across various city services, particularly in processing requests, issuing permits, and managing inspections.

Manfredi said one of the key features of the new platform is its integration of GIS/GPS technology, enabling city employees to access real-time data while in the field. For example, the system will make it possible to generate inspection reports instantly and deliver them to applicants on-site. This will eliminate the need for manual data entry and paper records, making the entire process more efficient.

“This gives us a better opportunity for all of our departments to communicate more effectively and efficiently, and gives us more options to process requests and deliver from a customer service standpoint in a timely manner.” Tony Manfredi

Additionally, the software supports zoning information and digital codes, allowing officials to easily reference building and fire codes during site visits.

The system is user-friendly and web-driven, and will provide a public portal for residents to track the status of their permits online. Through this portal, people can submit permit applications, view updates, and receive feedback, all from the convenience of their homes.

Jepson said the transition to the new platform will occur gradually, and there will be an overlap between the current and new systems. By the next fiscal year, the city plans to be fully operational on the new software.

The contract is with CitizenServe, a software platform provider, and is in an amount not to exceed $52,300.

City’s 2021-22 financial audit clean

Council heard a presentation on the City’s 2021-22 (FY22) financial audit by Scott Graff, from Colby and Powell PLC. The City received a clean audit, although it had been delayed. Graff has 26 years of experience, including six years working with the City of Globe. 

The audit covered the period from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. The audit is designed to ensure there are no misstatements in the City’s financial statements and to help uncover any weaknesses in internal controls. 

Graff noted that the City’s net position, which is similar to a business’s net profit, increased by $4.5 million during the financial year, indicating that the City’s financial situation improved during FY2022.

In addition to the regular annual report, Graff performed a specific audit and report on compliance with major programs. This was required because the city received and spent substantial federal funds during the year, totaling over $2.5 million. The second audit checked for compliance with federal funding requirements, and no issues or non-compliance were found.

“I think we understand the difficulties we’ve had with turnover in the last couple of years, but I’m really impressed with the current employees that we’ve hired here recently and their commitment, and hopefully getting more people involved with the audit process to accelerate the deadline.” Mayor Al Gameros

The main audit identified one significant finding related to the preparation of the City’s working trial balance. Although audit adjustments are common to correct bookkeeping errors, the number of adjustments required in this case led the auditors to include a formal finding on this subject. Graff recommended that the City create written procedures to reduce the need for adjustments in the future. Graff acknowledged that the errors probably happened due to the amount of staff turnover in the Finance Department.

Another area of concern highlighted in the audit was the over-expenditure in several city departments, including Community Organizations, Police, Fire, Magistrate, Sanitation, Economic Development, and Fleet Maintenance. The City’s general fund remained under budget by $1.6 million, but these individual departments exceeded their allocated budgets. Graff recommended that future budget adjustments, including utilizing contingency funds due to departments going over budget, be presented to and approved by the Council to maintain transparency. City Manager Paul Jepson pointed out that the problems resulted from loss of core staff in the Finance Department during that year, so department heads weren’t receiving timely reports about their financial position.

Despite the clean opinion, the audit had been significantly delayed. Arizona state law mandates that municipal audits be completed within nine months of the fiscal year-end, and Globe missed this deadline. However, there are no penalties for this delay beyond a requirement for the city to post a form on its website disclosing the audit being late, which the City has done. 

The City is now preparing for the 2023 and 2024 audits. Jepson emphasized the importance of hiring a strong finance director, which the city is now recruiting for.

New city staff introduced

Public Works Director Tony Manfredi introduced Katrina Estrada, the City’s new Community Development Building Safety Permit Technician. She will serve as a public-facing figure at the front desk. Manfredi praised her for adaptability and strong customer service skills. She has previously worked for a local hospital as a phlebotomist and at Gila County’s Health Department.

Eric Bowman, the Finance Department’s Administrative Services Manager, introduced the newly hired Finance Department Senior Accountant, Dani Beathard. Bethard brings nearly 17 years of accounting experience, including a stint with the State of Arizona in Phoenix, where she worked in auditing. Amid a national shortage of accounting professionals, Bowman emphasized the importance of this hire, as Bethard will play a crucial role in the city’s financial operations. 

Citizens Academy graduation celebrates civic engagement

In a lively and heartwarming event, the City of Globe celebrated the graduation of its 6th Citizens Academy class. This group of dedicated participants spent several weeks immersed in the operations of various city departments, rotating from department to department each week,to gain insight into how the city functions and how local government works to meet the needs of its citizens.

Lisa Fletcher led the ceremony, which included presenting graduation certificates to the students and a presentation by one of the graduates, Susie Dubisar. The winner of the culinary competition, where each City department cooked dinner for the class on the night of their session, was also announced. This year’s contest ended in a tie between the Public Works and Police departments, although Dubisar said all the meals were fabulous.

Motions approved

Council also approved motions for the following:

• Accounts payable in the amount of $136,756.30.

• A conditional license for using a DEA Exhibit called “Drugs and You: Use Your Head” for display at the Globe Public Library.
• An expenditure in the amount of $17,497 to be paid to Gila Monster Construction for a new shade structure at the library. Jepson explained that the initial project involved constructing a ramada, with a planned budget of $25,000. However, due to code compliance issues, the cost of the project rose to an estimated $33,495. The city had already promised to cover any shortfall in the funding for the project, and had previously budgeted $18,000 for library improvements.
• A contract with G&G Specialty Contracting for the Besh-Ba-Gowah Building Restoration Project, in the amount of $287,063. Travis Ashbaugh, Assistant Public Works Planning Director, explained that the initial funding for the project came from multiple sources, with significant contributions from Freeport and various match funds. However, when bids were procured, the price of the project exceeded original expectations. Council approved the City spending $51,893 from  contingency funds to cover the shortfall. Jepson said this transfer will fully fund the restoration project and allow work to begin as soon as possible.
• Renewing a contract with Rochelle’s Cleaning Service, in an amount not to exceed $37,000. Eric Bowman explained that the contract covers cleaning for several city buildings, including parts of the police department, the Advocacy Center, the Amster Building, and City Hall. The contract amount is being increased from $24,500, due to the fact that Rochelle will now be purchasing her own cleaning supplies and equipment instead of receiving them from the City, and because the responsibilities within the contract have increased. 
• A contract with Madden, a marketing company, for digital marketing services to promote tourism, offered as part of the Office of Tourism Marketing Co-op Program, in the amount of $31,300. Melissa Steele explained that this contract is a continuation of the city’s existing marketing plan, focusing on digital strategies to boost tourism. Madden will continue to provide search engine optimization, search engine marketing, Google video distribution, and remarketing services. A key component of this initiative is the use of the VisitArizona.com website, which helps the city capitalize on Arizona’s larger tourism platform. 

 

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.

To view this meeting online, visit .

To view documents related to this meeting, click here. 

Full minutes can be found by going to the City Hall website 

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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