Council directs commission to regulate, not ban, home-based mechanics

Council eyes looser regulations for micro-business vendors

New online portal will streamline city permitting and code compliance

City welcomes new planning and zoning administrator

Retiring city manager returns on two-year contract to finish key projects

City approves construction contract for Pinal Creek sediment removal

Millions approved to complete delayed water transmission main

City withholds $172,000 in damages from bridge contractor

Council approves $73,000 for Copper Mountain Transit services

Council directs commission to regulate, not ban, home-based mechanics

GLOBE, Ariz. — The city council voted unanimously to strike proposed prohibitions on home-based auto repair, handyman services and animal grooming from a new zoning code text amendment. Instead of an outright ban, the council directed the planning and zoning commission to draft regulations that mitigate neighborhood impacts like noise, blight and hazardous materials. During the meeting, the need to balance neighborhood character with residents' ability to earn a living was emphasized, though strict bans on high-hazard commercial uses, such as residential auto-body paint booths, were maintained.

Council eyes looser regulations for micro-business vendors

GLOBE, Ariz. — In a push to foster local entrepreneurship, the city council agreed to explore new licensing regulations for micro-businesses and mobile vendors as part of an upcoming municipal code update. Instead of placing the regulatory burden solely on the city to track state tax and health compliance, the proposed changes would require vendors to self-certify their state compliance when operating locally. Proponents of the measure argued this shift will protect the city from liability while making it easier for small-scale entrepreneurs to operate legally.

New online portal will streamline city permitting and code compliance

GLOBE, Ariz. — The building safety department announced the upcoming launch of CitizenServe, a new software platform designed to track permitting, licensing and code enforcement online. Expected to roll out this spring, the portal will allow residents and developers to submit applications, pay fees and receive real-time updates across multiple city departments. Staff touted the software as a critical tool to combat municipal staffing shortages and improve customer service by significantly reducing development review times.

City welcomes new planning and zoning administrator

GLOBE, Ariz. — Zachary Montgomery was introduced as the city's new planning and zoning administrator, replacing outgoing administrator Dana Burkhardt. Montgomery brings over 25 years of municipal planning experience across eight states, most recently serving in Page, Arizona. Addressing the council, Montgomery emphasized a customer-service approach to land use and development, stating an immediate goal is to streamline local procedures and "find a 'yes' any way I can" for builders and residents.

Retiring city manager returns on two-year contract to finish key projects

GLOBE, Ariz. — The city council honored City Manager Paul Jepson for 10 years of service, announcing that while Jepson officially retired last month, he will return on a two-year contract through an independent firm to aid in the city's transition. Jepson was recognized for his political acumen and leadership through challenges including a major wildfire and subsequent floods. Jepson said the contract extension will allow him to finalize major ongoing initiatives, including a new fire station, critical sediment removal and emergency weather preparations.

City approves construction contract for Pinal Creek sediment removal

GLOBE, Ariz. — To meet a strict 220-day federal funding deadline, the city council approved a contract with Tiffany Construction Company to perform emergency flood mitigation in Upper Pinal Creek. Utilizing a cooperative agreement with Gila County to bypass lengthy bidding delays, the construction manager at risk contract will address the removal of an estimated 210,000 cubic yards of sediment. Officials emphasized the expedited procurement method is crucial to meeting the Natural Resources Conservation Service deadline and advancing secondary embankment stabilization designs.

Millions approved to complete delayed water transmission main

GLOBE, Ariz. — The city council approved a $2.44 million contract with Apache Underground and Excavating to complete the 2.5-mile water transmission main project. The infrastructure project previously stalled after the fall federal government shutdown and subsequent personnel changes delayed a required cultural resource assessment on Bureau of Land Management property. The city successfully purchased nearly $1 million in ductile iron pipe late last year to avoid a looming 10 percent price hike, keeping the project on budget while awaiting final environmental clearances.

City pays bridge contractor $240,061

GLOBE, Ariz. — The city council approved a final payment of $240,061 to Meridian Engineering Company for the completion of the Upper Pinal Creek bridge project and a nearby canyon crossing. City officials praised Meridian's professionalism during final financial negotiations and noted the new bridge successfully withstood recent catastrophic flooding.

Council approves $73,000 for Copper Mountain Transit services

GLOBE, Ariz. — The city council unanimously approved a $73,000 intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Miami to fund Copper Mountain Transit for the upcoming year. The regional bus and dial-a-ride service recently acquired new Ford and Chrysler vans to reduce high maintenance costs associated with older transit units. Miami Town Manager Alexis Rivera noted a 60 percent increase in dial-a-ride usage over the last two years, highlighting the service's vital role for local seniors and residents without personal vehicles.

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