Council learns first phase of trails project will cost $25,000
by Barry Cohen

CAVE CREEK – With many in attendance expressing a desire to catch at least part of the TV broadcast of the NCAA men’s basketball championship game pitting UCLA against the University of Florida, official business was dispatched promptly at the April 3 Cave Creek Town Council meeting.

The council voted 6‑0 to authorize purchase of a new John Deere Gator utility vehicle from A to Z Rentals to replace the one that was stolen from town hall earlier this year. The town’s insurance, less a small deductible, has already reimbursed the town for the stolen vehicle. The cost of the replacement Gator is not to exceed $10,709.  Wayne Andersen, town engineer, promised the new vehicle will be better secured to prevent another theft.

Also approved unanimously was the award of a bid to Sundland Asphalt for double‑pass chip seal paving, single‑pass chip seal paving, fog seal and extruded curb for dirt roads, paved roads and the Sheriff’s Dept. parking lot. Cost of the project is not to exceed $500,000.

At the outset of the meeting, Jerry Lowe, a Carefree Kiwanis board member, introduced four students from Desert Arroyo Middle School who are officers of the Builders Club, a community service group. Carli Hansell, Monique Garcia, Olivia Slack and Morgan Richardson were called “future leaders of our community” by Lowe. “I just want you and Cave Creek residents to know that we are in good hands, and the vast majority of our young adults are headed in the right direction,” he emphasized.

Prior to an update on the town’s financial status, Chairman of the Mayor’s Trail Advisory Committee Steve Jurewicz reported that the first phase of Cave Creek’s trails project could be completed by May, at an estimated cost of $25,000. Phase I, as reported in the March 29 issue of The Desert Advocate, will create a trail to run parallel to Spur Cross Road between Grapevine and Fleming Springs roads. Jurewicz suggested a contest be held to develop trail signage that is attractive and consistent with the image of Cave Creek.

Contact the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com