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Fire chief cites staffing and property-line issue; USFS and animal control give community updates
Summary
Fire Chief Stoltenberg reported the new Tonto Basin station sits 5 feet over a neighbor’s lot line and the department logged 56 calls in October; staffing remains a challenge and the governor added $5 million for rural fire grants. USFS urged residents not to dump green waste and noted a Bermuda Flats trail closure; animal control reported a dog pickup and said it will remove trapped skunks on request.
Community public-safety and service updates included the fire chief, sheriff’s lieutenant, U.S. Forest Service and animal control.
Fire Chief Stoltenberg reported that the new Tonto Basin fire station sits 5 feet over the neighboring lot line and that he is meeting with the lot owner to acquire the needed property. He said the department responded to 56 calls in October, up from 52 in September, and described staffing issues that he tied in part to lower pay scales for rural areas. He said one candidate is currently in the academy and that staff schedules have been adjusted to maintain coverage. Stoltenberg noted the governor added $5 million to the budget for rural fire department grants that departments may apply for.
Supervisor Humphrey asked Bill Sturgeon to look into an 'old bladder' on county property referenced by a resident.
Lt. Lahti of the Gila County Sheriff’s Office reported 73 calls for service in the past month, reminded residents they can report abandoned vehicles for tagging, and reiterated that county-owned buyout parcels have been posted with 'no trespassing' signs and should be reported to law enforcement if items are removed.
Jeremy Plain of the U.S. Forest Service asked residents not to dump green waste into Campaign Creek or on forest land, described work with a design firm on a floating dock project, and clarified that the only trail closure he was aware of was Bermuda Flats, closed Nov. 15–Feb. 15 for nesting birds.
Animal control said a previously loose male dog was picked up and is at the shelter (staff named him 'Air Bud') and confirmed officers will remove and relocate a skunk if a resident traps one and requests pickup.
The meeting recorded these operational updates and requests for follow-up rather than formal decisions.
