Arizona Highway Commission Notes

August 26, 1935.

The Arizona State Highway Commis-sion met in special session in their of-fices in the Highway Building at 10:00 A. M., August 26, 1935. Those present were Chairman Dowell, Vice-Chairman Angle, Commissioner Addams, Barth and Seale, also the State Engineer, the Secretary and Assistant Attorney Gen-eral, A. I. Winsett.

State Engineer O'Connell advised the Commission that he submitted to the San Francisco Office of the Bureau of Public Roads for approval, the agree-ment underwriting 65% of the total pro-gram containing three saving clauses which would protect the State, first, in the event it would be impossible to get certain types of skilled labor from the relief rolls; second, in case the De-partment could not get any men what-soever from the relief rolls; and third, in the event the Federal Government granted any leniences in future con-tracts, the contract entered into at this time would not be binding to the State, but in spite of many telegrams sent back and forth, it had been impossible to get the agreement forwarded to Washington and in order to facilitate matters, he had, after receiving per-mission from the various Commission-ers, made a trip to San Francisco, first going to Sacramento for the purpose of obtaining California's support, which he had received. State Engineer O'Connell then informed the Commission that Mr. C. H. Purcell, State Highway Engineer, Department of Public Works of Cali-fornia, had accompanied him to San Francisco, and together they had con-tacted Dr. Howes and had succeeded in having him recommend the inclusion of the saving clauses in the agreement and also had succeeded in having him for-ward Arizona's agreement to Washing-ton.

State Engineer O'Connell informed the Commission that the State of Utah, as well as California, is supporting Ari-zona on this matter and he requested that in the event of our Agreement be-ing held up in Washington, that he be permitted to go there to work out any questions that might arise. He also advised the Commission that in the event of his going to Washington, he had requested Mr. Preston G. Peterson, President of the Western Association of Highway Officials, to accompany him as the representative of the Western Group, but Mr. Peterson had stated he would be unable to go and had suggest-ed that Mr. K. C. Wright, Chief Engi-neer of the Utah Highway Department, go in his place.

State Engineer O'Connell reported that while in San Francisco, he had had a conference with Dr. Howes regarding the plans of this Department for work on the Kingman-Boulder Dam Road and that Dr. Hewes found the regular Fed-eral Aid Program well balanced, but, in order to have the Program sent on to Washington for final approval, it was necessary to come to some sort of an agreement regarding the Kingman-Boulder Dam Road, so therefore, Mr.

O'Connell had written a letter stating that inasmuch as the budget had been adopted in June prior to the receipt of the regulations for the conduct of road work under the Emergency Relief Ap-propriation Act of 1935, and inasmuch as it is not possible to do oil surfacing work under the limitations of these regulations, the Arizona Highway Department would agree to modify their plans to the extent of using the $220,-000 set up in the budget on Project 102-C, (Grading and Draining and Oil Surfacing), on Projects 102-A & B, (Oil Surfacing) for the purpose of grading on 102-C and another project to be selected further South, between Project 102-B and Kingman, and then provide for the Oil Surfacing of Proj-ects 102-A, B and C from our 1937 Fed-eral Aid Funds.Appreciation was expressed for the work of Mr. O'Connell and for the man-ner in which he handled these matters and the opinion was expressed by the Commission that he go to Washington in order that the approval of Arizona's Program may be expedited.

Chairman Dowell advised the Commission that on Sunday, August 18, 1935, he attended the celebration held at Kingston, New Mexico, for the open-ing of the Black Range road between Santa Rita and El Paso, which also was attended by New Mexico Highway Offi-cials and the Governor of New Mexico. He further stated that they have a won-derful mountain road, some thirty-six miles, constructed at a cost of approxi-mately $750,000, which is a credit to the West and which will materially shor-ten the distance of the East and West connection from El Paso to points in Arizona, especially to the Southern part of the State.

On the matter of the complete dis-mantling and erection of the Humboldt buildings and Crane, which was dis-cussed at the last meeting, State Engineer O'Connell informed the Commis-sion that investigation had proved it would not be practicable to ask for re-lief labor to do this work and, inasmuch as the building complete, to be used as Phoenix Shops, would cost some $30,000. rather than $12,000 as previously fig-ured, he could not in view of the large road program ahead, recommend the spending of $30,000 at this time. The Commission accepted State Engineer O'Connell's recommendation and the matter was dismissed.

Mr. W. L. Carpenter, Superintendent of Equipment, informed the Commission that while there is an insurance policy which covers the shops and machinery at Phoenix, there is no policy covering equipment that might be in the shops for repair, and he asked that such a policy be taken out for the reason that should a fire occur, the greatest loss would be to the equipment which might be undergoing repairs. Mr. Carpenter was advised that this matter had been taken up by the Commission in the past and the records showed there had not been sufficient loss to merit a policy of this kind. After discussion, Mr. Car-penter was instructed to look into the matter and submit a report to the Commission showing what the cost of such a policy would be, and showing the average amount of equipment per month that is received by the Shops for repairs.

Mr. H. B. Hutchins, Superintendent of the Motor Vehicle Division, advised the Commission that the Grimm Stamp & Badge Company of St. Louis, Mo., were the low bidders, however, none of the samples accompanying the bids complied with our specifications. Mr. Julian Powers, Engineer of Materials, informed the Commission that with the limited time they had in which to make tests, the only thing they could do was immerse the plates in water to see if there was adequate protection on the enamel, but in no case except on the plate from the Kittle Manufacturing Company, had there been adequate pro-tection. Mr. Powers also stated the gauge is all right on all of them, but one thing very noticeable on three of the plates submitted, was that no provi-sion had been made for a prime coat to give a good enamel.

Mr. Hutchins presented the certified check in the amount of $550, which was attached to the bid of the Grimm Stamp and Badge Company, and also wires to and from the Company stating the Department had found the sample plate showed several variations from the plans, particularly in the width of stroke in county and state, name and year, and insufficient embossing around the bolt holes, as well as unsatisfactory adherence of copper enamel on face of plate, and asking if they will furnish plates in exact accordance with the plans in regard to stroke of letters and enamel in the event the contract is awarded to them, to which they replied they proposed furnishing plates in exact accordance with the plans and specifications. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Addams, seconded by Commissioner Barth and unanimously carried, that inasmuch as there is approximately $7,000 difference in the bids submitted, and inasmuch as Mr. D. B. Hutchins has informed the Commission that he has a wire stating they will give bond and a guarantee to the effect that the plates will be in accordance with the specifications, the bid on the 1936 Number Plates be awarded to the Grimm Stamp & Badge Company in the amount of $10,557.46.

It was regularly moved by Commissioner Barth, seconded by Commissioner Seale, and unanimously carried, that a resolution in respect to the death of General L. H. Manning, stepfather of State Engineer O'Connell, be adopted. State Engineer O'Connell thanked the Commission for the resolution.

The Secretary read a letter from the Schafer-Norton Company of Tucson, Arizona, signed by C. A. Schafer, requesting the improving of that short section of Hermosa Street between Oracle Road and Casa Grande Road and requesting that this improvement be taken care of at the same time as the widening of Oracle Road. The communication was referred to the State Engineer.

ARIZONA HIGHWAYS SEPTEMBER, 1935.

A delegation from the City of Phoenix, consisting of Mr. Fred Wilson, City Manager; Mr. C. E. Griggs, City Engineer; Mr. Frank O. Smith, representing the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. E. T. Hazelett, of Phoenix, appeared before the Commission. Mr. Wilson presented a written request on behalf of the City of Phoenix, requesting the Highway Commission to take whatever action is necessary to have the proposed highway from Horse Thief Basin to the Black Canyon Road designated as a forest highway, and verbally advised the Commission that the City of Phoenix is going head with its program to develop that area as a recreational area and they are about to call for bids on the Dam and Water Works there. The matter was discussed with members of the delegation and it was regularly moved by Commissioner Addams that the State Engineer be requested to vote for the designation of the Horse Thief Basin Road from the Junction of the Black Canyon road to Horse Thief Basin as a Forest Highway. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Barth. Commissioner Seale requested that Commissioner Addams permit a supplement to his motion that the survey and designation carry on through Crown King into Prescott. Commissioner Addams stated he would be glad to make another motion covering Commissioner Seale's request, however, the City of Phoenix had requested only that the proposed highway from Horse Thief Basin to the Black Canyon road be designated a Forest Highway and to combine the two requests in one and the same motion may complicate matters for the City of Phoenix. Commissioner Seale stated he didn't understand why it was necessary to have two motions to cover the request, and Mr. Frank O. Smith, a member of the delegation, pointed out that the City of Phoenix has certain work going on now in Horse Thief Basin and the suggested amendment to the motion made by Commissioner Addams may cause many complications, however, he wanted it understood that Phoenix has no objection to the extension of this survey, but they respectfully requested the Commission to act upon the two motions separately.

Commissioner Addams asked for a vote on his motion without the amendment inasmuch as he had been advised by Mr. Smith that the addition of the amendment may in some way handicap the Bond Issue of the City of Phoenix. On the call of the roll on the motion that the State Engineer be requested to vote for the designation of the Horse Thief Basin Road from the Junction of the Black Canyon road to Horse Thief Basin as a Forest Highway, Commissioner Seale voted "No", Commissioner Barth "Yes", Commissioner Angle "Yes", Commissioner Addams "Yes", and Commissioner Dowell "Yes". The motion was carried.

Commissioner Addams stating that inasmuch as he thought the City of Prescott should have a means of getting into Horse Thief Basin and the people of Horse Thief Basin should have a wayof getting into Prescott, made a motion that not only a survey be requested, but the State Engineer be instructed to ask for survey funds and the designation of the road as a Forest Highway from Horse Thief Basin into Prescott. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Barth and on the call of the roll Commissioner Seale voted "No", stating he was doing so because of the fact that both communities are very much interested in this project and he couldn't understand why the one motion wouldn't cover the matter. Commissioner Barth voted "Yes", Commissioner Angle "Yes", Commissioner Addams "Yes", and Commissioner Dowell "Yes". The motion was carried.

In the course of the discussion had with the Phoenix delegation, Commissioner Addams inquired into the status of the Van Buren Street Project from Third Avenue to Seventh Avenue, and pointed out that the State has done everything in its power to get this project under way and asked to be informed when the State could expect to go ahead with the work. Mr. C. E. Griggs, City Engineer, stated that the City Attorney is preparing the notice of hearing on the easements; that all the appraisal work has been completed, and the project can be started right after the hearing or within sixty days. Commissioner Addams requested that the City Commission write the Highway Commission a letter giving the status of this project and expressing their views in the matter.

The Secretary read a letter from the Lions Club of Tucson, signed by Don B. Schafer, Chairman, and Jack Wilson, Secretary, calling attention to the fact that on Highway 80 between Yuma and Gila Bend there are no road signs giving the mileage to Tucson and Douglas, and also calling attention to a traffic hazard at the junction at Gila Bend and requesting that the white stripe on the paving at that point run into the Tucson-Douglas highway, for at the present time it is very confusing to motorists who wish to take the southern route. The communication was ordered received and placed on file until the matter can be looked into further.

The Secretary read a petition from the City of Tucson, signed by various business men doing business adjacent to the Stone Avenue subway, requesting that the detour sign be moved to a point just north of the intersection of Stone Avenue and Miltenberg Street, detour-ing the traffic eastward on Miltenberg to either the Sixth Avenue Subway or the Seventh Street grade crossing in order that they will not continue in their commercial loss, which is caused by the present location of the detour sign. The communication was ordered referred to the City Council of Tucson with the request that they confer with Commissioner Angle and State Engineer O'Connell regarding the matter.

A petition was presented requesting the fencing of Highway 89 from Sahuarita, Arizona, to Continental, Arizona, in order that the number of accidents caused by cattle on this highway might be cut down. State Engineer O'Connell advised that if the Department should fence this section, it will be necessary to obtain more right of way and he would also have to look into the matter of whether or not there are sufficient funds in the present budget to take care of the costs. The communication was ordered referred to the State Engineer in order that he might investigate the matter thoroughly.

The Secretary presented a petition forwarded by Mr. C. B. Wilson, Attorney of Flagstaff, Arizona, addressed to the U. S. Bureau of Public Roads and the Arizona Highway Commission, concerning the establishment of Highway 79 through Sedona and requesting that the highway be established in its present location. The petition was referred to the State Engineer.

A letter was read from the Duncan Valley Boosters' Club stating they are interested in the Patrol Station located at Duncan and inasmuch as the Town of Duncan is unable to provide rest rooms for the people stopped at the Patrol Station, the would be glad to assist in any way they could if the Department would build said rest rooms. Chairman Dowell stated this matter had already been taken up with the Commission. The Secretary read a letter, signed by Mr. Jay M. Gates, President and Manager of the Central Commercial Company, Kingman, Arizona, requesting that Beale Street be chosen as the routing of Highway 66 through Kingman. State Engineer O'Connell advising that there are some Engineering problems concerning this matter, requested that the letter be referred to the Engineering Department for report and it was so ordered.

Mr. W. L. Carpenter Superintendent of Equipment, appeared before the Commission and read letters from District Engineers F. N. Grant and Geo. B. Shaffer relative to anticipated snow removal equipment. Mr. Carpenter stated he had discussed this matter at length with Messrs. Grant and Shaffer and recommended asking changes and the purchasing of new equipment. The matter of a new maintenance camp site on the new section taken over by the Highway Department on State Route No. 71, was taken up. Mr. Carpenter advised the Commission that Mr. Charles E. Jones had offered the Coronado Lodge, located 1½ miles South of Alpine and about 400 feet easterly from the State Highway from Alpine to Clifton on a 2½ acre tract of patented land, well timbered, to the Department for the price of $2,000, which District Engineer Perkins and he recommended be accepted. Mr. Jones appeared before the Commission in person and confirmed the sale price of $2,000 and it was regularly moved by Commissioner Barth, seconded by Commissioner Addams, and unanimously carried, that the Coronado Lodge be purchased in the amount of $2,000..

It was regularly moved, seconded and carried, that the Commission recess at 12:20 P. M., August 26, 1935, to meet again at 2:00 P. M., the same date.

The Commission reconvened at 2:15 P. M., August 26, 1935, all members present.

The matter of the Ehrenberg Patrol Station was taken up and letters written by Mr. F. M. Guirey, Landscape Engineer, and Mr. A. C. Sirboth, Right