COMMISSION NOTES

ARIZONA HIGHWAY COMMISSION NOTES

The Arizona Highway Commission met in special session in its offices in the Highway Building at 10:00 A. M., December 22, 1938. Those present were: Chairman Dowell, Vice-Chairman Angle, Commissioners Langmade, Scott, and Seale; also, the State Engineer, Howard S. Reed, the Acting Secretary, Mary Foudy Clinton, and Assistant Attorney General, A. R. Lynch.

The Tentative Minutes of November 23, 1938, were read and approved with Commissioner Scott requesting that his vote on the letting of the contract for the printing of the highway magazine be changed to "yes."

Upon recommendation of the State Engineer, who had received concurrence from the Bureau of Public Roads, it was moved by Commissioner Seale, seconded by Commissioner Scott, and unanimously carried, that the contract on the Flag-staff-Fredonia Highway-F. L. 9-A (1) (1939) and F. A. 132-B (1) (1939)A. F. E. 8903, be awarded to the low bidder, Oswald Brothers of Los Angeles, in the amount of $194,075.93, subject to the rules and regulations of the Bureau of Public Roads, and further, that there be a continuous program on this subject and funds be pledged in the next budget for the oiling of this stretch of road.

The subject of the relative merits of steel and wood posts was brought up by Mr. Reed, he stating that at an interview a few days previous with Mr. Chris Totten of the Lumbermen's Association, and Mr. R. H. Kennerdell of the Cedar Products Company, Mr. Kennerdell had said he would make an investigation and report on the two types of posts as they are used in Arizona.

Commissioner Seale presented an argument in favor of wood posts, stating that the cutting and marketing of theseposts is a native industry in Arizona, and can be compared with the cattle and agriculture industries and a stand against wood posts would react against the livelihood of certain of our citizens. Commissioner Langmade stated he favor-ed the type of posts that would call for the least expenditure on the part of the State, and asked if an investigation of this could be made. The Secretary read from the Minutes of January 30, 1937, an excerpt from a report of the Mater-

Trials

Trials Engineer regarding the life of cedar used on our rights of way.

Upon motion by Commissioner Seale, seconded by Commissioner Scott, it was carried, Commissioner Langmade voting "No", that the use of steel posts along the highways of the State of Arizona be deferred until such times as the Commission has a chance to get a study and report with reference with the respective merits of wood and steel posts, and to have a conference with the representatives of the two industries. An exception was made in this motion, that of Federal Aid Project 16 (3rd Reop.) on which the Highway Department is working at the present time, and an Agreement has been made with the Right-ofWay Department for use of steel posts.

Applications were submitted for a permit to remove a frame house from Casa Blanca to Gilbert, by Jeanie M. Nelson, and also to move a frame house from the Daniel Ranch to Gadsden (about two and one-half miles) by Chas. M. Simon. It was moved by Commissioner Angle, seconded by Commissioner Seale, and carried, Commissioner Scott being absent from the room, that these applications for permit be granted, subject to the usual precautions and that a front and rear flagman is provided during the moving.

The State Engineer read a letter from J. C. Willeford, Justice of the Peace at Mammoth, presenting a petition for the oiling of the road through Mammoth, and a memorandum from District Engineer Hutchins estimating it would take about $5,000 to oil through the town.

Reporting on his attendance at the meeting of the American Association of State Highway Officials held at Dallas, Texas, December 5th to 8th the State Engineer said that every state with the exception of Tennessee, Montana, and Wisconsin, was represented and that it was of importance to our Highway Department. Prominent representatives of the Bureau of Public Roads also were present, including Thomas A. MacDonald, Chief of the Bureau and Mr. Fairbanks. Mr. Reed took part in two discussions the Planning Work and Secondary Roads. In the first, the general conclusion reached was that when the Highway Department is prepared to get our material together, the Bureau of Public Roads will cooperate and statistics will be made available for the Highway Commissioners. Regarding Secondary Roads, the general thought brought out was that the standards should be more or less reduced or revised, so as to provide for the building of more of these roads. In all the different speeches at the Convention, the outstanding subject seemed to be Safety and Planning Work. Commissioner Dowell, who also had attended the Convention in Dallas, said there were 600 delegates registered and the outstanding feature was the address of Thos. H. MacDonald on State Wide Planning and its importance. Mr. Fairbanks held conferences with different representatives including Mr. Miller, of the Arizona Highway Department, outlining what was expected of the states. It is necessary that they determine the value of a highway as to its importance and earning power and when funds are asked, they can in that way determine what is needed. The Bureau of Pubilc Officials asked cooperation with City and County Officials. Commissioner Dowell took advantage of 979 mile trip through Texas, furnished by the Texas State Highway Department to all delegates who could go after the Convention closed. Members of the Texas Highway Department were along to explain the type and cost of the highway traveled, the number of years the paving had been in, the expense of it, and also detailed information about one of their large bridges.

The Acting Secretary read a letter from Assistant Attorney General A. R. Lynch relative to the proposed Fray Marcos de Niza monument. Mr. Lynch stated there is no question that the WPA operating procedure No. 0-4 gives to the WPA power to expend WPA funds for the construction of the monument, but he is unable to find any authority in our statutes permitting the state highway commission to expend highway funds for that purpose.

A letter was also read from Assistant Attorney General A. R. Lynch concerning the status of former members of the last legislature now holding positions in the Highway Department, and stating he is of the opinion that the former members of the legislature holding office under the Department are eligible to continue in office.

Upon a communication from F. Lee Kirby, Forest Supervisor, Tonto National Forest, was read by State Engineer Reed, suggesting that the special use permit for the maintenance camp at Tortilla Flat be terminated if this area is no longer needed by the Highway Department. Mr. Reed also read a memorandum from the District Engineer stating the building, which in recent years has been used as a school house, is not worth moving, however, Maricopa County School Superintendent Ring would like to have it to use part of the lumber at the Horse Mesa School. Upon recommendation of the State Engineer, it was moved by Commissioner Angle, seconded by Commissioner Scott, and unanimously carried that the special permit for the maintenance camp at Tortilla Flat be terminated and the building be sold to the Maricopa County School Superintendent for the sum of $1.00.

E. Power Conway, President of the Phoenix-Tempe Stone Company, appeared before the Commission and asked for reconsideration of his claim for $1400 against the Highway Department, which claim was presented in October, 1937, and again in September, 1938. Mr. Conway gave the history of this claim and the reason he had for feeling that it is a legitimate one against the Highway Department. John L. Gust, Attorney for the Phoenix-Tempe Stone Company, also presented an argument in justification of the claim. A motion was made by Commissioner Angle, seconded by Commissioner Langmade, and unanimously carried, that the State Engineer, assisted by Attorney Lynch, go back into the files of this case and make a thorough investigation and report to the Commission before final determination be made.

State Engineer Reed brought up the question of the sign on the right of way at the Picacho wye. Recommendation was made by Commissioner Angle and concurred in by the Commissioners that new signs visible either day or night be erected before the present sign is removed in accordance with an agreement prePreviously made to the Commission. Letters were read by the State Engineer from Senator Carl Hayden to W. J. Jamieson, State Administrator. W.P. A., and from Mr. Jamieson to himself regarding the naming of the Roadside Improvement Park at the north end of Tempe Bridge as "Moeur Park." This park would extend from the bridge head on the East side of the highway to about one hundred yards North of the WaterUsers' canal going under the highway, and it goes back from the center line a variable distance of from one hundred to two hundred fifty feet and follows an irregular outline along the hills. After an interval, during which the family of the late Governor B. B. Moeur was con-tacted by telephone, a motion was made by Commissioner Angle, seconded by Commissioner Seale, and unanimously carried, that this area be designated "Moeur Park," the date for the dedication ceremonies to be set later. The State Engineer read a letter from Assistant Attorney General A. R. Lynch to Charles L. Rawlins, Attorney for Anna B. and Fred I. Hengehold, regarding settlement with the Hengeholds for the sum of $1500 for the right of way through Their property. It was suggested to the Commissioner by Mr. Lynch approval or disapproval of this sum be given at this time so the matter would be quickly settled with the Hengeholds and possibly save the necessity for a condemnation suit. Upon recommendation of the State Engineer, it was moved by Commissioner Seale, seconded by Commissioner Scott, and unanimously carried, that the State Engineer be authorized to settle with the Hengeholds on the basis of $1500 for the property. State Engineer Reed referred to an article in the December 21st issue of the Arizona Republic regarding suit con-cerning wage scale brought against the State of Arizona by sixteen state employees and won by them. Assistant Attorney General Lynch told the Commission the Supreme Court had ruled the wage scale fixed by the Highway Department applied to all in the different Counties of the State. Regarding this subject, Commissioner Seale suggested that Mr. Lynch look into an offer made the State Highway Department from a Janitor's Service Company, which might mean a considerable saving to the Highway Department. The State Engineer read letters from Earl Albert Russell of Los Angeles, Roderick Reid of Denver, President of the Mountain States Telephone and TeleThe Nogales-Tucson highway, a great deal of which has been rebuilt to keep apace with the requirements of modern traffic, is a fine example of modern road design. Wide road bed, broad shoulders, and rounded cuts which add to the beauty of the road and slow down erosion, are all built into this modern Arizona highway.

graph Company, and from the Tucson Chamber of Commerce, all addressed to the Highway Department, commending the Highway Magazine and the brochure, "Scenic Arizona."

Chairman Dowell presented letters from M. R. Tillotson, Superintendent of the Grand Canyon National Park; Edgar C. Bye, Director Bureau of Field Studies, New Jersey State Teachers College; Guy Kelcey, Sales Manager Signal Service Corporation; Arno B. Cammerer, Director National Park Service, Washington, highly recommending the Magazine and the Brochure. A letter from Otis Peabody Swift, of Life Magazine, was also presented by Chairman Dowell to be placed on file.

Upon recommendation of the State Engineer, it was moved by Commissioner Seale, seconded by Commissioner Angle, and unanimously carried, that all advertising in the magazine, "Arizona Highways," be eliminated; that no new contracts be made and the few contracts now in effect be terminated on their expiration date.

Commissioner Scott stated that because of the deplorable condition of portions of Highway 66, a detailed survey of the same had been made by the State Engineer and report drawn. There is to be a meeting in Flagstaff on December 28th, at 10:00 A. M., between representatives of Highway 66 and State Engineer Reed, District Engineers Van Horn and Grant, and Commissioners Seale and Scott, of the State Highway Depart ment. An invitation was extended to all the Commissioners who could possibly do so, to attend this meeting.

Commissioner Angle referred to the claim of Pima County against the Highway Department for eight months rental at thirty-five dollars per month for office space in the basement of the Court House. It was brought out that the work being done by the Motor Vehicle Division is a direct aid to Pima County and it was the consensus of opinion that rent should not be charged for these quarters inasmuch as there is a similar set-up with other counties and no claim is being made for rent. The State Engineer was asked to work out this question with Pima County on the basis of what the other Counties of the state are doing.

The State Engineer referred to a claim which had come into the Highway Department from the Navajo Agency, E. R. Fryer, Superintendent, for $5,422.61 for gravel used in the building of the Flagstaff-Fredonia Highway, F. A. 95-B and F. L. 4-C. This claim was based on a price of two cents a ton and Mr. Reed stated he felt the Highway Department ought not be compelled to pay for the gravel under the circumstances which prevailed in this instance, viz: the roads are being used for the benefit of the Indians on the Reservation and he would take up the question with the Indian Service.

H. P. Watkins, Secretary of the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, appeared before the Commission with the statement that more work is badly needed on Highway 81 south of Safford and Bowie Junction, as this road is becoming increasingly dangerous and is in a deplorable condition; that it should be given consideration for two reasons: (1) Because it is hazardous and (2), it is one of the two roads in the County. Attention was called to the Phelps Dodge development work within forty miles of Safford and the possibility of Arizona being favored in the purchase of supplies for this development if it were possible to get to the source of supply over good roads. Mr. Watkins stated that if there is more money set up in this year's budget for other roads than will be needed, it will be appreciated by the people of his County and would allay fears and distrusts, if these funds could be applied to Highway 81 south.

Chairman Dowell asked Vice-Chairman Angle to take the chair while he made a motion that when funds are available and averages occur, for which there have not been already been commitments, up to the amount of $50,000, that it be applied to Highway 81 south. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Seale and carried, Commissioner Angle and Langmade voting "no."

The Acting Secretary read a letter from J. G. Grove, addressed to the State Highway Commission under date of December 13, 1938, concerning the reorganized Coast-to-Coast National Highway Association in Texas, whose purpose is to cooperate with State and National efforts in securing super-highways across the nation. A map was attached to the communication showing a proposed general location of the extension of State Highway 77 as a super-highway and the Commission was asked to state what it thought of the effort. The letter and accompanying map were filed with the State Engineer in in order that he may give his views on same.

A letter from James Girand, Secretary of the Arizona Municipal League, transmitting a resolution adopted by his organization requesting that the Statewide Planning Survey be extended to include studies of traffic conditions within the incorporated limits of the various municipalities of the State, was also presented. The State Engineer stated he also had received a copy of this communication and had answered it.

The Commission adjourned at 1.05 P. M., to go into Executive Session and reconvened in open session at 1:30 P.M., at which time it was decided to meet again on January 4, 1939 at 10:00 A. M.

The Commission reconvened in open meeting at the request of the State Engineer at 1:40 P. M., Commissioners Langmade, Scott, and Seale present. Commissioner Langmade acted as Temporary Chairman, and the Acting Secretary presented and read a resolution respecting the establishment, location and relocation of specific designation of the Flagstaff Fredonia Highway, Federal Land Project No. 9, Section A, and Federal Aid Project 132, Section B. It was moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Seale, and unanimously carried, that the resolution as read be adopted.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned to meet again at 10:00 A. M., January 4, 1939.

You are leaving Arizona and entering Utah at the state line on Highway 89. Completion of a stretch of oil surfacing on this road early this year will mean a hard surfaced road from Canada to Mexico.