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Maricopa Unified School District releases agenda for upcoming governing board meeting
MARICOPA (Sept. 5) — The Maricopa Unified School District has released its agenda for next week’s governing board meeting. Click here to read what’s on tap Sept. 10. Click here to read the agenda for the study session held one hour before the board meeting.
Rollover reported on State Route 347
MARICOPA (Sept. 5 ) — A vehicle has rolled over on Southbound State Route 347 at Maricopa Road. The incident was reported at about 1:30 p.m. today causing traffic backups.
Details will be posted as they become available.
PCSO Investigating sexual conduct case
MARICOPA (Sept. 4) — The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Persons Crimes detectives are investigating a case of sexual conduct with a minor, stalking and exploitation of a minor.
The 15-year-old victim reported that Greg Andersen, 45, of Maricopa, has been having sexual relations with her multiple times over a six-month period. The victim reported that Andersen also took nude photographs of her and then placed some of the photographs on a Web site.
The victim stated that she recently returned the cell phone Andersen had bought her, left the state and obtained another cell phone to which Andersen would not have the number. However, Andersen, who is a senior engineer for Verizon, was able to get her new phone number, which was also a Verizon number.
While the victim was out of state, Andersen purchased a car and told the victim is was for her. He also reportedly asked the victim to marry him on different occasions, though Andersen is currently married.
On Sept. 3, 2008, Andersen was booked into the Pinal County Jail on multiple charges and a search warrant was served on his residence on West Jean, outside of Maricopa. This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges may be pending.
Courtesy of PCSO
Mosquito fogging scheduled for Friday within parts of the city of Maricopa
FLORENCE (Sept. 2) ––Pinal County Environmental Health Services announced today that a mosquito sample collected in the city of Maricopa has tested positive for West Nile virus.
This brings to 25 the total number of West Nile virus positive mosquito samples collected by Environmental Health in 2008.
In response, Environmental Health will conduct adult mosquito fogging, weather permitting, Friday Sept. 5 from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. The area to be fogged includes the subdivisions of Maricopa Meadows, Alterra North and Alterra South.
The pesticide that will be used during fogging is called Anvil. It is a pre-mixed, ready to use product that contains two active ingredients: Sumithrin (2%) and piperonyl butoxide (2%). Sumithrin is a man-made version of a natural pesticide found in chrysanthemum flowers. Piperonyl butoxide enhances the ability of Sumithrin to kill mosquitoes. Anvil is registered with the U.S. EPA and is effective against mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus. There are several things that residents can do to reduce exposure during fogging:
There are several things that residents can do to reduce exposure during fogging:
Close all windows and doors. Air conditioners can still be operated, but if they have vents to bring in outside air, they should be closed. Turn off evaporative coolers.
· Stay inside your home
· If possible, bring pets inside.
· Thirty minutes after the end of the scheduled fogging each night, you may resume normal activities.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile virus can cause severe illness in people and horses, although not everyone that is infected will develop symptoms. People of all ages can be affected. However, the elderly may be more prone to serious illness.
County health officials urge all county residents to “Fight the Bite” and follow these simple personal precautions to avoid mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry:
· Avoid outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
· If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs and use an insect repellent containing an EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the label.
· Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens and remain closed. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them.
· Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around the home by removing standing water in potted plants, tires, bird baths and other containers where water may collect.
· Ensure that swimming pools and decorative water features are properly maintained.
· Change water in flowerpots, birdbaths and pet watering bowls located outdoors at least twice per week.
The County has a mosquito hotline and a Web page. If you would like information on mosquito prevention and control, please call: 866-287-0209, ext. 6200, or visit the West Nile virus Web page at www.pinalcounty.org/envhealth .
For information or questions concerning the health effects of West Nile virus, please call the Pinal County Public Health Information Hotline: 866-763-7252.
Courtesy of Pinal County
Maricopa Republican Club to host candidates in Maricopa
Republican candidates will be available to meet and greet voters at various residences throughout Maricopa.
Locations and Times:
Dates: Sept. 6, Sept. 27 and Oct. 18
Where: Lockridges 5-5:45 p.m.
Cobblestone Farms
44203 W. Granite Drive
For information call Andy at (520) 568-4346
Hermansons 6-6:45 pm
Villages/Sagecrest
44080 W. Palmen Drive
For information call Marty or Brenda at (520) 494-7265
Morgans 7 -7:45 pm
Province Homes
21085 N. Get Around Drive
For information call Steve or Cynthia at (520)-208-6963
Sewell’s 8-8:45
Glennwilde Subdivision
2135 W. Centennial Court
For information call Mike at (602) 400-2941
Courtesy of the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce
Honeycutt Road to close in September: City releases Santa Rosa Bridge project update
MARICOPA (Aug. 30) — As work continues on Honeycutt Road in preparation for the Santa Rosa Bridge, contractors will be creating a temporary bypass road adjacent to the construction zone.
In order to construct the bypass, Honeycutt Road will be closed from Maricopa Groves Parkway to Santa Rosa Parkway from 7 p.m. Sept. 7 to until 5 p.m. Sept. 12. A detour route will be in place.
The bypass road will enable residents to utilize Honeycutt Road while the bridge is being built.
However, Maricopa Police Department and Public Works staff are reminding drivers that this area will be a construction zone; drivers should proceed with caution and obey all signage.
It is estimated that the bridge will be completed in early 2009.
Courtesy of the city of Maricopa
City of Maricopa’s City Council packets are now available electronically
By RuthAnn Hogue
MARICOPA (Aug. 29) — Interested in finding out what’s being discussed at City Council meetings?
While agendas have long been available electronically and in hard copy, those who have requested a copy of the thick paper packets of supporting materials have traditionally had to stop by City Hall to pick up one.
And they had to be on a list.
Such is no longer the case.
The City Clerk’s Office is doing its part in helping the environment by going paperless when it comes to the City Council packets, Vanessa Bueras said in a recent email notice.
Citizens, Council and staff can now view the agenda and council packet online by going to: the proper city Web site links.
The change means that more members of the public will have access to in-depth information than ever before, making it easier for them to participate in governmental processes.
Here are instructions for accessing the documents:
Click here
Under “Upcoming Events” click on agenda
The backup documentation will be in blue under the agenda item.
“Please visit this page often in case we revise the agenda or update staff reports,” Bueras noted. “Please note that staff will no longer be printing paper packets thus saving the city thousands of dollars in paper costs.”
She also thanked everyone who helped the department with the project.
“It has taken years to accomplish but needless to say it was worth the wait,” the city clerk said. “I hope everyone is as excited as I am.”
City Briefs
City offices closed Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day
MARICOPA (Aug. 29) — The following city services are affected:
Transit buses will not operate
Library will be closed
Public Safety administrative offices will be closed
City Hall will be closed
All offices, city buildings and transit services will resume normal operating hours on Tuesday, September 2.
City hosts first interactive town hall.
City staff and Mayor Anthony Smith presented information about upcoming city projects to a full room at Global Water Center, and to the live television audience watching Maricopa20.
After the brief presentation, members of the audience asked questions and provided feedback on everything from dog parks to sustainability. In addition, the television audience could submit questions via the Internet and have them answered throughout the evening’s event. (view presentation)
If you were unable to attend the event, the Community Town Hall will be rebroadcast on Maricopa20 at the following times:
6 p.m. - Friday, Aug. 29 and Sept. 5
8 a.m. - Saturday, Aug. 30 and Sept. 6
11 a.m. - Tuesday, Sept. 2 and Sept. 9
Saving the American Dream: foreclosure workshop scheduled
The City of Maricopa is partnering with the Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Taskforce to assist and educate homeowners in various stages of foreclosure. The event will consist of three workshops, as well as opportunities to meet individually with representatives from five different lenders and two non-profit agencies. The workshop will be held at Santa Rosa Elementary School, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18; light refreshments are included.
Register Now for the Founders Day Chili & Barbecue Challenge.
The City of Maricopa is proud to partner with Wells Fargo to offer a free event specifically designed to give local chefs and cooking gurus an opportunity to showcase their talents in the Founders Day Chili Cook-Off and the Second Annual Barbecue Challenge on October 11, 2008.
Chili Cook-Off contestants will battle it out for best overall chili and a $1,000 cash prize. Additionally, prizes will be awarded for best meat chili, best vegetarian chili and spiciest chili. Local restaurants will also be able to enter their chili, with a specific category dedicated to their entries. All chili must be prepared onsite the day event, allowing attendees to watch the contestants culinary creativity.
Chefs participating in the Second Annual Barbecue Challenge will enter their best beef or pork ribs. The judging panel will award a cash prize of $750 for the best in each category. Chefs must prepare ribs onsite for attendees to watch.
Submit your registration form by October 3. For questions about the event or for more information, contact Katy Konski at (520) 568-9098.
Chairman David Snider to Hold Maricopa Office Hours on Wednesday, September 3.
Board of Supervisors Chairman David Snider will hold his monthly office hours at the Maricopa Interim City Hall on Wednesday, September 3. Supervisor Sniders office hours in Maricopa are normally observed on the first Tuesday of the month; however, due to the Primary Election, hell be available to meet with residents the following day. The Chairman and District 3 Supervisor will be at the Interim City Hall, located at 45145 W. Madison Avenue from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
“My appreciation goes out to the City Council and staff with the City of Maricopa for loaning me the office space to meet with constituents in this area,”Chairman Snider said. “There is never a lack of topics to discuss in this and the surrounding communities. We’ve just cut the ribbon on a new Justice Court for this precinct. I am pleased that we were able to work as a team to accomplish such an important project.”
Chairman Snider said that he will be available to answer any questions or discuss regional topics during his office hours.
If you would like to schedule a specific time to meet with the Supervisor, please call his office at (520) 836-0003, otherwise, it’s a first-come, first-served opportunity to meet with Chairman Snider.
- release from Pinal County.
Courtesy of the City of Maricopa
City responds to challenge to recent annexation
MARICOPA (Aug. 29) — Three property owners within the area known as Annexation 07-01 filed a legal challenge against the annexation on 06/12/2008. The City of Maricopa has filed a response with the courts and the issue is pending. We will update all property owners and residents of the area as soon as possible regarding the status once the matter has been resolved. Please note that all services to the area will continue to be provided by Pinal County and other private providers as applicable. If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Dailey at 520-316-6815 or Nicole.Dailey@maricopa-az.gov .
For more information about the annexation effort visit the city’s annexation page on its Web site.
Courtesy of the city of Maricopa
City Council to meet on election day, discuss possible quiet zone for train whistles
The Maricopa City Council will discuss the possibility of creating a quiet zone when it meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at Global Water Resources, 22590 N. Powers Parkway.
The topic is on the agenda thanks to citizens who have expressed concerns that once Union Pacific Railroad completes its double-tracking project through the city that the noise level might become unbearable.
Here is the night’s full agenda: (Click here for a link with supporting documents)
1.0 Call To Order
1.1 Invocation
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
2.0 Roll Call
3.0 Proclamations, Acknowledgements and Awards
3.1 Proclamation proclaiming September 20th as Kids Day America / International.
Proclamation
3.2 Proclamation proclaiming September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
Proclamation
3.3 The Support Services Department will present a donation on behalf of the City of Maricopa employees to Food Opportunity Resource (FOR) Maricopa in the amount of $1,040.00.
4.0 Report from the Mayor
5.0 Call to the Public
The procedures to follow if you address the Council are: Council requests that you express your ideas in five minutes or less and refrain from any personal attacks or derogatory statements about any City employee, a fellow citizen, or anyone else, whether in the audience or not. The Mayor will limit discussion whenever he deems such an action appropriate to the proper conduct of the meeting. At the conclusion of an open call to the public, individual members of the Council may respond to criticism made by those who have addressed the Council, may ask Staff to review a matter, or may ask that a matter be put on a future agenda. However, members of the Council shall not discuss or take legal action on any matters during an open call to the public unless the matters are properly noticed for discussion and legal action.
6.0 Minutes
6.1 Approval of Minutes from the August 5, 2008 City of Maricopa City Council Work Session.
6.2 Approval of Minutes from the August 5, 2008 City of Maricopa City Council Regular Meeting.
6.3 Approval of Minutes from the August 5, 2008 City of Maricopa City Council Executive Session.
7.0 Public Hearings
7.1 The City Council shall hear public comment regarding a request by Rose Law Group, PC on behalf of Wildcat Capital Managers, LLC who is requesting a Minor General Plan Amendment to the City of Maricopa General Plan Future Land Use Plan. This amendment is being requested for General Plan Future Land Use designation change of 76+ acres from Medium Density Residential to Employment to facilitate future Commerce opportunities in this area. The site is located at the southwest corner of Warren Road and McDavid Road within the City of Maricopa General Plan Area. More Specifically the property is located in the northeast quadrant of Section 27, Township 4 South, Range 2 East. The City of Maricopa General Plan designates the site as Medium Density Residential. The land owner is requesting that the City’s General Plan Land Use designation, for the acreage specified, to be changed to Employment.
8.0 Agenda Items Items on the agenda are open for citizen input. Please fill out a card and present it to the City Clerk before the meeting begins. The mayor will call upon you for your comments. Consent Agenda. All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine matters and will be enacted by one motion and one roll call vote of the Council. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council Member or member of the public so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence of the agenda.
8.1 *SPR08-06. DCEK, LLC is requesting approval of the Site Plan, Landscape, Elevations and Photo-metric plans for the proposed Phase II Desert Cedars Plaza, a 1.45 acre commercial development; this proposal includes a total of 11,120 square feet of retail. The site plan review encompasses one (1) shop building consisting of nine (9) suites. The site plan review encompasses one (1) shop building consisting of nine (9) suites. The site is located at the northeast corner of the John Wayne Parkway (SR347) and Bowlin Road within the City of Maricopa incorporated limits. The site was zoned “CB-1″ Local Business Zone under case number PZ-PD-004-02 by Pinal County. Discussion and Action.
Staff Report
8.2 *MOU. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approving a request by Grants Manager Mary Witkofski to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Maricopa Public Safety Department and the Maricopa Unified School District for the purpose of two School Resource Officers to be placed at Maricopa High School and Maricopa Wells Middle School through the School Safety Grant with the Arizona Department of Education. Discussion and Action.
Memorandum of Understanding
Staff Report
8.3 *MOU. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approving a request by Grants Manager Mary Witkofski to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Maricopa and Arizona State Land Department, State Cartographer’s Office to support the program goals of the Arizona Height Modernization Program (AZHMP) for geodetic surveys in Arizona and positively contribute to the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS). Discussion and Action.
Memorandum of Understanding
Staff Report
8.4 *Consent to Apply for Grant. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approving a request by Grants Manager Mary Witkofski to consent to apply for and complete all necessary paperwork associated with the grant application and grant process and designate the City Manager to sign all necessary paperwork for the Local Transportation Assistance Fund II application through the Arizona Department of Transportation in an amount not to exceed $57,880.91. Discussion and Action.
Staff Report
8.5 *Resolution 08-47. A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, authorizing a grant application for the Local Transportation Assistance Funds (LTAF II) to assist in eligible transit related projects that are qualified under Arizona Department of Transportation guidelines. Discussion and Action.
Resolution
8.6 *Award of Contract. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approving a request by Budget Manager Corrine Wilcox-Cornn to renew a professional services contract with Albert Holler & Associates for sales tax auditing services for fiscal year 2009 in the amount of $36,000 to be paid from line item number 100-41510-320. Discussion and Action.
Staff Report
Contract
8.7 *Letter of Agreement. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approving a request by Development Services Director Brent Billingsley to approve a letter of Agreement between the City of Maricopa and Sonoran Creek, LLC. Discussion and Action.
Letter of Agreement
Staff Report
8.8 *Personnel Action. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approving a request by Planning Manager Kazi Haque to approve the reclassification of Rodolfo Lopez’ position of Planner’s Assistant to the position of Assistant Planner. This reclassification will have no budgetary impact. Discussion and Action.
Staff Report
8.9 *Approval of Contract. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approving a request by Support Services Director Karen Shaffer to approve amendments for our Blue Cross Blue Shield policy. Discussion and Action.
Staff Report
Original Contract (2007)
Contract Amendment
2008 Rate Schedule
Rate Acceptance Form
8.10 *Approval of Report. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approving a request by Financial Services Director Roger Kolman to approve the annual report on Development Impact Fees required by ARS 9-463.05(g) and Article 17-3(b) of the City Code. Discussion and Action.
Staff Report
8.11 *Approval of Vendors. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on a request by Purchasing Manager Dennis Kirkland to waive that portion of Section 3-4-13 (B) of the City Code that prohibits the use of open purchase orders for items costing more than $50.00 per unit for the remainder of fiscal year 2008/2009. Discussion and Action.
Staff Report
Vendor List
8.12 Resolution 08-48. A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, finding existence of a slum or blighted area in the City of Maricopa, Arizona and declaring the necessity for redevelopment of such area. Discussion and Action.
Resolution
Staff Report
8.13 GPA08-02. The City Council shall hear public comment regarding a request by Rose Law Group, PC on behalf of Wildcat Capital Managers, LLC who is requesting a Minor General Plan Amendment to the City of Maricopa General Plan Future Land Use Plan. This amendment is being requested for General Plan Future Land Use designation change of 76+ acres from Medium Density Residential to Employment to facilitate future Commerce opportunities in this area. The site is located at the southwest corner of Warren Road and McDavid Road within the City of Maricopa General Plan Area. More Specifically the property is located in the northeast quadrant of Section 27, Township 4 South, Range 2 East. The City of Maricopa General Plan designates the site as Medium Density Residential. The land owner is requesting that the City’s General Plan Land Use designation, for the acreage specified, to be changed to Employment. Discussion and Action.
Staff Report
Exhibit: Planning and Zoning Commission Staff Report
Exhibit: Caymus Development Agreement
8.14 Airport Development. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approving a request by Development Services Director Brent Billingsley to proceed with the airport development effort. Discussion and Action.
Staff Report
Airport Study Phase III Report
8.15 Public Safety Committee. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on opening up the recruitment to fill two (2) vacancies on the Public Safety Committee. Discussion and Action.
Staff Report
8.16 Special event permit. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approving a Special Event Permit for an event known as October Barn Dance to be held on October 4, 2008 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Sonny Dunn’s Barn, 16450 N. Porter Road, Maricopa, AZ 85239. Discussion and Action.
Permit Application
8.17 Special Event Permit. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approving a Special Event Permit for an event known as Against Abuse Inc. Seeds of Change Gala on April 4, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Global Water Center, 22590 N. Powers Parkway, Maricopa, AZ 85238. Discussion and Action.
Permit Application
8.18 Resolution 08-49. A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, approving and adopting the Development Agreement with Trilogy Maricopa Construction, LLC, Fulton Homes Corporation and Security Title Agency, Inc. regarding the Avalea Master Planned Development. Discussion and Action.
Development Agreement
Resolution
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Exhibit E
8.19 Brick Pavers. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approving a request by City Engineer Karen Wonders regarding repair and replacement options for the brick pavers at the entrance to Rancho El Dorado and shall provide direction for the option with which to proceed. Discussion and Action.
Staff Report
Exhibit
8.20 Quiet Zones. The City Council shall hear a presentation by Kellee Kelley regarding Quiet Zones. Staff is also asking for general direction from Council regarding Quiet Zones. Discussion and Action.
Staff Report
8.21 Approval of Purchase. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approving a request by Development Services Director Brent Billingsley to approve a purchase with G&G Construction for emergency repair and replacement of concrete and asphalt in multiple locations throughout the City. Work will include repair or replacement of curbs, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and roadway settling, that have been identified by staff as safety hazards. This purchase is based on City of Chandler Cooperative Contract No. ST4-913-2100 and is in compliance with City of Maricopa Purchasing Code, Section 3-4-14. Discussion and Action.
Staff Report
Exhibit 1
Exhibit 2
Exhibit 3
8.22 Pacana Park Expansion. The City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on a request by Community Services Director Marty McDonald to approve the final site plan for the 10-acre expansion of Pacana Park and instruct staff to issue an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for construction services. Discussion and Action.
Staff Report
Exhibit 1
Exhibit 2
8.23 Approval of Purchase. The Mayor and Council shall consider and possibly take action on a proposal to purchase various used cardio-vascular and strength training equipment from Xtreme Fitness, LLC and to move it from its current location for an amount not to exceed $ 32,000, waiving the bid requirement of Section 3-4-4 C of the City Code for purchases of items exceeding $ 10,000 and transferring budgetary authority from line item 100-49500-350 (contingency) to 100-42230-741 (machinery) to fund the purchase. Discussion and Action.
Staff Report
9.0 Executive Session
9.1 The Maricopa City Council may go into executive session for purpose of obtaining legal advice from the City’s attorney on any of the above agenda items pursuant to A.R.S.§ 38-431.03 (A)(3).
9.2 The Maricopa City Council may go into executive session for purpose of discussion or consultation with the City Attorney to consider its position and instructs its attorney regarding the public body’s position regarding entering into a Development Agreement with Trilogy Maricopa Construction, LLC, Fulton Homes Corporation and Security Title Agency, Inc. pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(4).
9.3 The Maricopa City Council may go into executive session for purpose of discussion or consultation with the City Attorney to consider its position and instruct its attorney regarding the public body’s position regarding all pending litigation and claims against the City pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(4).
10.0 City Manager’s Report
11.0 Adjournment
Note: This meeting is open to the public. All interested persons are welcome to attend. Supporting documents and staff reports, which were furnished to the Council with this Agenda, are available for review.
Recent trio of suicides prompts city to offer prevention resources to Maricopa residents
MARICOPA (Aug. 21) — City officials in an apparent response to three recent suicides in as many weeks are offering tips to residents to help them deal with the stress of a poor housing market, the potential for foreclosure, loss of employment or anything else that might cause them to lose hope.
“The City of Maricopa cares deeply for its residents, and we want to ensure that information is provided to anyone that may need support,” Mayor Anthony Smith said. “Help is available, treatment is effective and lives can be saved. By learning when, where and how to speak up and seek help for oneself or others, we can take the first step in preventing suicide in Maricopa.”
Many people are shocked to learn just how prevalent suicide is in our nation today. It is alarming to learn that more people die from suicides than from homicides in our country every year, Maricopa officials stated in a media release.
It is now the 11th leading cause of death for all Americans, but suicide is the third cause of death for young people aged 15-24. According to the Federal Center for Disease Control, more teenagers and young adults died in 1999 from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke and chronic lung disease combined.
Suicide is a serious public mental health challenge. The good news is that suicides are preventable, if people know what to look for and when to speak up.
To that end, the City of Maricopa is providing the following information as a resource if anyone needs assistance:
Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition
Toll-Free Crisis Hotline: 866-205-5229
Web site: www.azspc.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Toll-Free Crisis Hotline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
National TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)
Web site: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Hopeline
Toll-Free Crisis Hotline: 800-SUICIDE
Web site: www.hopeline.com
Teen Lifeline Crisis Resources
Toll-Free Crisis Hotline: 800-248-TEEN
Web site: www.teenlifeline.org
Youth Suicide Prevention Program
Web site: www.yspp.org
We encourage all residents to become familiar with the risks and warning signs of suicide. Speak up if you are troubled, and listen closely to loved ones who speak to you when they are in pain.
Courtesy of the city of Maricopa
Maricopa Fire reminds adults to be careful with children when near water in the outdoors
MARICOPA (Aug. 24) — This week’s drowning prevention tips from the Fire Department of Maricopa will focus on residential lakes, ponds, canals and boating safety. All of these bodies of water have their own unique hazards and each can be deadly.
Many new communities have been designed around lakes. These lakes are made to be pleasurable to the eyes and to be enjoyed from a distance, not for swimming. When enjoying these water features, Maricopa Fire Department would like to remind you that the following hazards may exist:
* Trash, broken glass and jagged rocks are not easily seen
* Many residential lakes contain reclaimed water, water that is not considered consumable by humans
* Unseen hazards like weeds and grass that could entangle your child’s leg or arm
* Chemicals, pesticides, algaecides used in and around the water may cause health problems
* Lakes are unsupervised, without any type of barrier system and murky. All of these are risk factors that increase the potential for a drowning
* Some communities offer boating and some recreational use. These lakes are usually regularly maintained, but still have minimal safety precautions in place
Maricopa is surrounded by agricultural land, which has an intricate canal system. Canals offer similar hazards to those listed above with the addition of some other, often overlooked, hazards.
If you are going to walk, jog or bike along the canals, be sure you know how to do so safely. Canals can be very dangerous, so please follow these canal safety tips to avoid drowning or injury:
* Never swim in irrigation or drainage canals
* Canals have strong currents that can trap swimmers and hold them under water
* Canal water ways have gates and valve stations that can become entanglement hazards
* Canal water often contains pesticides or fertilizers that can cause reactions in swimmers
* Keep a safe distance from the edge of the canals
* Canal sides are extremely slick, making it difficult to get out
* Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing and tubing are not allowed on the canals
* Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the canal banks
* Never jump in to rescue pets or objects such as toys. Call 911 for help
During the summer, many residents tube on the river or boat at one of the lakes surrounding the valley. Boating has some inherent dangers; many deal with the water itself. Here are some tips to keep in mind while visiting these water features, so that you can safely return to the city of Maricopa:
* Lakes or ponds may be shallow near the bank and then increase in depth sharply further out from shore
* Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. This includes anyone participating in any boating activity
* Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination — over 50 percent of drownings result from boating incidents involving alcohol. For the same reasons it is dangerous to operate an automobile while under the influence of alcohol, people should not operate a boat while drinking alcohol
* Look for the label: Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for yourself and your passengers when boating and fishing
* Develop a float plan. Anytime you go out in a boat, give a responsible person details about where you will be and how long you will be gone. This is important because if the boat is delayed because of an emergency, becomes lost, or encounters other problems, you want help to be able to reach you
* Find a boating course in your area (U.S. Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Sailing, etc) — these courses teach about navigation rules, emergency procedures and the effects of wind, water conditions, and weather
* Watch the weather: Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Stop boating as soon as you see or hear a storm
These tips have been provided by the Maricopa Fire Department. August is Drowning Prevention Awareness Month. Remember to watch your children around water.
Courtesy of the Fire Department of Maricopa
Maricopa taps into spending habits data pool to lend retailers a hand and recruit new business to the area
By RuthAnn Hogue
MARICOPA (Aug. 20) Next time you are asked for your zip code at the checkout stand, you might feel more jazzed about providing it.
That’s because Zip code information along with other customer transaction data is used to identify potential new markets for retailers, and Maricopa is beginning to tap into the resource.
As part of the city’s economic development efforts, retail recruitment is critical to growing the local economic, employment, and service base for Maricopa, Economic Development Planner Danielle Casey explained in a recent City Council meeting, Buxton and city clients - will be helping Maricopa to identify targeted retail company matches for the community. Their approach is based on data from millions of customer transactions which is analyzed to determine consumer purchasing habits and lifestyles.
Marketing materials developed by Buxton Co. will be used to arrange one-on-one meetings with specific retail companies to recruit them to locate in the area.
“I’m very excited about the prospects for this tool,” Mayor Anthony Smith said following Casey’s presentation.
The initial report is expected to be available withint 60 to 90 days and will be updated throughout the year.
“There is the potential to have this copme in time for Christmas,” Vice Mayor Brent Murphree said, noting that it will undoubtedly provide much-needed information to business owners that has not previously been available.
Councilman Ed Farrell agreed adding that struggling owners have come to the Council repeatedly to ask “What can you do to help us succeed? How can you help us keep afloat?”
It’s sad, Farrell said, but his answer used to be “Nothing.”
The Zip Code data program will make that response obsolete.
“With retailers, this will be a big step,” Farrell said.
All research and materials will later be shared with existing and prospective business owners and developers.
For information on the program contact the city’s Economic Development Office.
City invites residents to Hidden Valley Framework Study presentation
MARICOPA (Aug. 18) — Residents interested in learning more about the I-8 and I-10 Hidden Valley Framework Study are invited to attend a community workshop. After a brief presentation, technical staff will be available to answer questions one-on-one in an open house format.
If you go
What: Hidden Valley Transportation Framework Study
When: 6 p.m. Aug. 28
Where: Global Water Center, 22590 N. Powers Parkway
Information: Bob Hazlett, MAG Project Manager, 602.254.6300, hiddenvalley@mag.maricopa.gov.
Courtesy of the city of Maricopa
Police arrest 15-year-old in connection with firecracker explosion at MHS
MARICOPA (Aug. 15) — Maricopa Police officers arrested a 15-year-old student at about 4:30 p.m. Friday on several felony and misdemeanor charges in connection with the explosive device and the injury of several Maricopa High School students a day earlier.
On Thursday, police had responded to the high school on a report of an explosion.
The initial investigation revealed that someone had ignited a large firecracker and thrown it into the middle of a large crowd of students waiting for the bus, injuring more than 10 students.
Those injuries included a laceration to a student’s leg, minor flash burns and inner ear injuries to several other students as a result of the blast, Sgt. Judd said in a prepared statement to the media. Immediately following the incident, the Maricopa Police Department School Resource Officer, in cooperation with the school administration, began an investigation.
The student, whose name is being withheld due to his age, was booked into the Pinal County Juvenile Facility on eight criminal counts, including five felonies and three misdemeanors.
Charges include aggravated assault, disruption of an educational insti
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