Quartzsite council approves public defender amendment, stop signs and consent agenda in July 14 meeting

The Quartzsite Common Council approved several operational items July 14, adopting contracts and traffic measures and approving the consent agenda.

Amendment to public-defender agreement: The council approved the first amendment to the professional-services agreement with Fred H. Welch to continue public-defender services in the town magistrate court after confirming that the budget had been adjusted to account for the amendment. No public comment was made on the item; motion carried.

Consent agenda: The council approved the consent agenda, which included accounts payable check series (totaling $995,210.37) and payroll checks ($110,483.99) for a combined total of $1,105,694.36. Minutes from the June 23 meeting were approved with clerical corrections noted by a council member and accepted by the clerk.

Traffic control: The police department requested, and the council approved, installation of two additional stop signs at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Sunset Street to convert it to a four-way stop intended to reduce speed and improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Staff said they will coordinate signage and warning devices ahead of installation.

Chamber of Commerce agreement: Council reviewed a revised service agreement with the Chamber of Commerce but voted to table the item to the first meeting in August so staff can incorporate suggested edits and legal input; public comment was not taken because the item was tabled.

Actions recorded at the meeting include adoption of the consent agenda, approval of the public-defender amendment, installation of the stop signs, and tabling of the Chamber of Commerce service agreement for further edits and review.

The meeting concluded with additional reports and future-agenda items and the council adjourned.