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District 2 Supervisor Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Archuleta update for July 12 — Census 2020 Positions Available

by Community Contributor • July 12, 2019 • Comments Off

Coconino County Government

ELIZABETH C. ARCHULETA

Supervisor, District 2

District 2 News & Updates

Here we are well into Summer months and hopefully you are enjoying the warmer months. As always we await the monsoons and hope our forest stay safe from fire.

District 2 is collaborating with our Parks and Recreation Department, Willow Bend Environmental Center and NAU along with other community partners to repaint the revolving mural at The County Sawmill Park. We are looking for artists who are interested in participating in this community project. My vision is to have the mural encompass all Diversity in Coconino County to include the geology, ecological, economic development and of course our People.

Please contact my office if you are interested. I will be convening a meeting soon and hope to complete the project by mid-September.

Thank you and Happy Summer

Visit our Website

Picture Canyon Tour Tomorrow

Join Willow Bend Environmental Education Center for their monthly Picture Canyon Tour tomorrow, July 13th from 8:00 am to 10:30 am. Tours last last 2-3 hours and cover basic history, ecology, geology, and archaeology of Picture Canyon. The 3-mile loop will offer viewing, photography, and educational opportunities and will cover iconic sites along the way. Tours are offered on a first come first serve basis. For more information, and directions visit Willow Bend’s website.

If you like to garden you can also volunteer in the Gardens at Willow Bend. Join the Friends of the Willow Bend Gardens for the next garden volunteer effort on Friday and Saturday, July 19th-20th from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Come for an hour or stay for the day. We will provide tools, gloves, and instruction. Please bring sunscreen, water, and a hat. For more information, contact Susan Lamb at susan@susanlamb.net or call Willow Bend (928) 779-1745.

County Zoning Ordinance Open House

The public is invited to attend an open house on the updated Coconino County Zoning Ordinance from 3 – 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 18 at the Thomas Auditorium, 2500 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff.

The focus of this update is to:

Modernize the six-chapter code by reviewing land use provisions for those that are obsolete or unused, introduce new land uses to reflect changing trends and update the definitions.
Review land uses that currently require conditional use permits for those that might instead be administratively permitted, meaning that these land uses may be permitted either with an administrative or a building permit.
Clarify and improve performance standards to guide design and standards for many new and updated uses.
Streamline and clarify administrative processes, such as expanding waiver criteria for administrative adjustments.

Join us for Movies on the Square

The County and District 2 are hosting Movies on the Square! This Saturday, July 13, we are showing How to Train Your Dragon 3. Enjoy food and games before the show starts at 7:30 pm. County employees that stop by our booth will be entered to win a special prize!

Every Saturday through mid-September there are Movies on the Square which provides entertainment prior to each movie and have food vendors for your convenience in creating a wonderful family atmosphere.

Hope to see you there!

Siren System Test in Oak Creek Canyon

Coconino County Emergency Management, Yavapai County Emergency Management, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Sedona Fire District will test the emergency siren system in Oak Creek Canyon at approximately 10 a.m., Tuesday July 16.

The system notifies Oak Creek Canyon and Uptown Sedona residents of severe emergencies that require evacuation.

During emergencies, sirens will be used when the U.S. National Weather Service issues a Flash Flood Warning for Oak Creek Canyon. If the sirens sound, people in the canyon are asked to stop what they are doing, immediately get to high ground and tune-in to KAFF 930 AM or 92.9 FM for specific directions.

Area residents are encouraged to register for emergency notifications at www.coconino.az.gov/ready.

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WHAT: Emergency siren test

WHEN: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 16.

WHERE: Oak Creek Canyon

WHO: Coconino County Emergency Management, Yavapai County Emergency Management, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Sedona Fire District

For additional information call 928.679.8311 or go to www.coconino.az.gov/ready.

Census 2020 Positions Available

County Appoints Health and Human Services Director

Thomas Pristow has been named the new Coconino County Health and Human Services department Director by County Manager James Jayne. The Board of Supervisors are expected to confirm the appointment during the August 27 board meeting. Pristow will begin his service on August 26.

Pristow will lead the newly formed Health and Human Services department which merged the Public Health Services District, Community Services and the Career Center on July 1, 2019. He will lead staff through the integration of the department, enhance community collaborations, explore service delivery efficiencies and support the County’s mission, vision and priorities.

“We are excited to have Thomas join the Coconino County team,” said Deputy County Manager, Dr. Marie Peoples. “The County conducted a comprehensive nationwide search that resulted in a deep pool of highly qualified candidates. Thomas has an impressive background with a proven track record of leading through transitions, enhancing community collaborations and exploring service delivery efficiencies. His extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities will be invaluable as we continue to reimagine service delivery in the newly united Health and Human Services department.”

Currently, Pristow is the Deputy Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. He oversees support services for the state’s Child Welfare, Medicaid, Homelessness, Child Support, Behavioral Health, Child Support and Public Health. He directs over 3000 staff members and a manages a $2.2 billion annual budget. Pristow also served as the Department of Health and Human Services for Cuyahoga County, worked as the Director for the State of Nebraska Children and Family Services as well as human service roles in Virginia and Vermont.

“I’m honored to lead this new Health and Human Services department,” said Pristow. “I look forward to leading the professional staff at Coconino County as we continue to find new ways to serve our most vulnerable populations. Our staff and supervisors will be supported, and I will encourage innovation in how we meet the needs of our communities. We will work with stakeholders, county leadership and our customers to enhance service delivery to make our programs the best in the country.”

Pristow is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the U.S. Army. He earned his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and his Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore.

The new Health and Human Services department integration will improve service connections, simplify intake processes and improve service accessibility by promoting the health, safety and well-being of children, seniors, families, visitors and residents of the County through a comprehensive health and human services delivery system.