Lilly's Updates

May 7, 2025 Mayor and Managers Meeting Hosted by Benson

On April 18, 2025, Bob and I attended an event at the Arizona State Capital to honor the spirit of the American Revolution, Native American heritage, our nation’s Veterans, and military service organizations. There were historical reenactments, storytelling and dancing by Yellow Bird Productions, live performances by TSgt Lisa Cimino from the 161st Air National Guard, the 108th Army Band, and the Phoenix Symphony. We learned about the history of our country and state through interactive exhibitors. 

The purpose of my participation was to learn about Passport 250, which was being introduced by the Arizona America250 Commission. Arizona is creating a digital app for unique Arizona excursions and experiences, such as Hike250, Dine250, Treasures250, Birding250, Dark Skies250, Read250, and more!  I wanted to be sure Tombstone is included in this app.  While in attendance I also learned Arizona's replica Liberty Bell will be on display in all 15 counties, accompanied by historic documents, art pieces, and interactive exhibits. I met with the Marcus Carney, Co-Chair of the Travel and Tourism Subcommittee to inquire about Tombstone being the location in Cochise County to receive the Liberty Bell.

On February 6th, I met with Commander Bradshaw for a tour of the was given a tour of the Cochise County Jail.

On January 26th, I attended the Cochise County Mayor/Manager Luncheon

On February 6th I took a tour of previously funded CDBG Projects

Dusty and Charissa took me on a tour of previous projects funded by the CDBG grants. Our first stop was the Fire Station, built in 1996. Dusty mentioned that we received a certificate of necessity from DHS to operate an ambulance. Currently, the Fire Station needs to meet many OSHA requirements.  For example, they need new lockers for their bunker gear and need to relocate the washing machine used to clean their bunker gear. The washing machines, which cost $5,000, is also outdated and needs replacement.

The Fire Department hosts State Wildland and County Chief Association meetings, with a reliable water source for firefighting during wildfires. Additionally, we host 20 Hotshot Firefighters at the station. The Chief mentioned he found a Fireflex Pumpkin Tank.  Charissa was as surprised as I was that we had one.  Dusty remembered that Jesse Grassman ordered one when he was our Fire Chief because he was involved in wildfires.  I questioned why it was part of our asset list.  These items can cost anywhere from 2K to 10K.  I am not sure what ours costs us.

The Chief mentioned they are currently waiting for repairs on the swamp cooler. I questioned the need for a swamp cooler when three mini units are already in place. I was advised to leave it to the experts.
Next, we moved to the food bank, which was previously located where the Rangers now operate at the intersection of 4th and Allen Streets. They relocated here around 2006 or 2008 and now serve a broader population. Their client base must be low and income outside of the 85638 Zip Code.  The limit used to be an income under $34,000. It is now under $55,000, and they are now able to assist everyone in Cochise County with government-provided commodity boxes. Clients from the 85638 Zip Code can select items from the shelves, mimicking a shopping experience, thanks to donations from local grocery stores like Safeway and Food City. Volunteers meticulously track inventory to ensure recipients do not receive expired items.

The food bank only has one paid employee, all others are volunteers.  Dusty would like to use the current CDBG funds to build a larger more accessible facility near the Public Works where we would have a 60-by-80 walk-in fridge and freezer.  He said he has discussed this plan with Mike. Currently, they only have two refrigerators and five freezers, which is inadequate for their food storage needs. Promotions are aided by Cool FM, while inmates help move heavy boxes and maintain the property.
Dusty then took us to Walnut Gulch and Bennett Wash, located at the intersection of Calle San Rafeal and Gleason Roads. First we stopped by Well #2, located just before the gulch which, the tower there monitors the pump's operation and informs our Public Works Department of its efficiency. The Walnut Gulch connect Territorial Estates I to Territorial Estates II. The house at the intersection with the green roof belongs to Terry and Michelle Nichols, parents of Robby Nichols (our current Public Works Director) who were concerned that our work might impede their access. To address this, we constructed a bridge for them, as well. This was such a big project Dusty had to coordinate efforts with HUD and CDBG to fund the nearly $750,000 project for the completion of the bridges, which was a significant undertaking and took many years to finish.  

Additionally, I learned that beside Nichols’ property, there is a classifier that sorts gravel, as well as a stockpile of old road materials owned by the city.

After that, we visited the Tombstone Marshal’s Office, where we learned about the CDBG grant that funded the remodeling of the Marshal’s Office. A constituent previously asked me why City Hall is no longer at the same location it occupied 20 years ago. I learned that the grant's focus was on safety, which required the building be dedicated solely to the Marshal's Office, excluding City Hall or Public Works.

The Marshal’s office still requires some repairs, particularly from the gutter system that damaged an interior wall, along with needed restorations for a historic staircase, estimated to cost between $70,000 and $80,000 due to the necessary adherence to historical standards. 

The CDBG grant also funded improvements at the Senior Center.  I passed on the tour there, because I patronized the Senior Center and am aware of the many changes firsthand.

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While attending my second event as a Representative of Tombstone, Ward 4 at the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the US Army Electronic Proving Ground (EPG) U.S. Army Fort Huachuca, I learned so much.
EPG has one mission: plan, conduct, analyze, evaluate and report the results of developmental tests, operational tests, and evaluations in support of our Network, Electronic Warfare and C5ISR customers to give our soldiers an unfair advantage, as Col. Rob Barnhill explained. 
Honored were Ms Luz Chinea and Mr Rafael Anton. They both have amazing careers deserving of the honor.  As a female, I was in awe of Ms. Luz Chinea, who joined the army in 1984 after graduating with a mechanical Engineering degree. She has served 39 yrs with EPG. 
They were honored for their achievements in the successes of EPG. It was their desire to solve problems and their excitement of finding answers through exhaustive research that made the EPG a global leader.

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While attending my first event as a the Ward 4 Representative, I learned about the projects happening in other Cities around Cochise County from increasing resident housing, providing more recreational opportunities for its citizens, development of industry and jobs. Learning from other help shape my vision for Tombstone's future.

The students from the culinary class at Tombstone High School didn't just serve great tasting food, they did it all professionally. Their efforts, attention to detail, preparation, presentation and service that went into creating this chuckwagon meal, was one more stepping stone in their growth as culinary artists.

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I am profoundly grateful to everyone who attended tonight’s City Council Meeting, during which I was officially sworn in as Ward 4 Councilman, alongside my fellow Council Members—Colin Regan, John D. Goodspeed, Jimmy Green—and Mayor Dusty Escapule, in the historic district of Tombstone. I was deeply touched by the support shown by fellow Tombstone Marine Corps League members, whose presence meant a great deal to me. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve our community.

This meeting was significant not only for myself and the new Council Members but also for the citizens of Tombstone. It was especially meaningful to see the City recognize the service of previous Council Members and extend gratitude for their dedication to our community.

Mayor Dusty Escapule’s great-granddaughter, Kyndl Jackson, the National American Miss Arizona Princess, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance with confidence and grace—an inspiring moment that made her entire family proud. Additionally, all Department Heads who ensure the smooth operation of our City were sworn into their respective positions.

It was truly a day for Tombstone to celebrate, reflect, and be proud of its leadership and community spirit.