Nicole Hudson

The council meeting began with an invocation led by Councilman Clark, followed by the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items focused on recognizing departing members and retiring personnel. The council recognized outgoing council member J. Brent Hatch for his service since 2012, including time as vice mayor. The meeting also honored retiring Police Chief Brad Provos for his 39 years of dedicated service, highlighting major accomplishments such as completing and opening a new regional communications center and new evidence storage facility, modernizing equipment (body cameras, rifles, hybrids), expanding regional communication systems, revamping the paid cadet program, and achieving data-driven policing results, including a 15% reduction in calls for service and a 54% reduction in liquor thefts. Chief Provos and Councilman Hatch both expressed gratitude for their time serving the city.

The meeting included the swearing-in and oath of office for new council member Gentry Hatch. Key discussions focused on the consent calendar, which was unanimously approved, covering resolutions for sidewalk improvements with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), submission of an application for better utilizing investments, and acceptance of waterline and lease agreements related to the Fool's Hollow subdivision and airport ground lease. A public hearing and subsequent adoption of Resolution R202606 authorized the submission of an application to ADOT for continued Federal Transit Administration Section 5311 funding for public transit systems. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Show Low Sports and Event Center project, reviewing revised layout and interior design concepts. Discussions detailed schematic design progress, including reducing the overall building footprint by approximately 3,200 square feet through efficiency gains, particularly in the kitchen and lobby areas, with estimated savings of $500,000. The design team presented high-level concepts for the lobby, meeting rooms (including sloped ceilings to match the exterior roofline), and the gym.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks welcoming the attendees to the year 2026, noting the absence of Councilman Hatch. Key agenda items included a call to the public where citizens raised questions regarding cooperation with ICE and surveillance cameras, which were directed to staff for follow-up. A major part of the meeting was the presentation of the annual comprehensive financial report for fiscal year 2025 by the independent auditor, which presented a non-modified (clean) opinion with no material weaknesses noted. The financial review highlighted positive trends in the general fund balance and sales tax revenue, while also addressing variances in certain fund balances. The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included acceptance of emergency repairs for Well 4 and Well 13, and the minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting. Subsequent discussion involved the approval of the updated programming for the Shol Sports and Event Center, including a review of the design phase cost estimate.

The City Council meeting began with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, noting Councilman Clark's absence. During the Call to the Public, the Fire Chief from Timber Mesa expressed gratitude for the city's support following recent fatalities, highlighting the efforts of police and staff. The agenda included recognition of the Show Low Junior High School softball team for their successful tournament performance, where team members received t-shirts. The council also recognized the graduates of the second annual Citizens Academy, which provided 12 citizens with an in-depth look at local government operations. The meeting proceeded with the presentation of the new Police Chief, Greg Westover, who was introduced with a detailed overview of his 24 years of law enforcement experience, his connection to the region, and his commitment to community policing, culminating in a badge and star pinning ceremony.

The meeting included discussions on special events, specifically the placement of a giving machine at the bluffs in the barn, scheduled from November 18th to December 2nd. The police department presented strategies to address traffic issues, focusing on enforcement, engineering, and education. The council considered acceptance of commercial roof replacement, aquatic center pool replaster and repair, and a contract for manhole replacement. Additionally, there was a public hearing and consideration of ordinances related to land development, including amendments to allow for plat approvals and at-risk grading projects.