| District 3 - Soaring to New Heights
an update from Councilmember Dennis Kavanaugh
January, 2009- Vol 1, Issue 1 |
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| A Note from Councilmember Kavanaugh |
It has been a busy time for the City Council since I took office last June. First and foremost, Mesa, like virtually every other American city, has been faced with an unprecedented loss of revenues due to the economy. In December 2008, the Council approved dramatic reductions for the balance of this fiscal year and for the 2009-2010, fiscal year. No area of city government was spared these cuts and unfortunately, we will see a diminished level of city services during this coming year.
Now more than ever, we will need help from our residents, particularly in offering volunteer services. Virtually every city department has a valued place for volunteers and I hope District 3 residents continue our proud tradition of volunteer service to our community. Also, please continue to help us out by making your major purchases in Mesa as we rely so heavily on sales tax revenues.
As a city, we need to have a continuous review of revenue and expense options open to the city. I hope the Mayor does reconvene the Financing the Future Citizen Committee to study the results of its previous recommendations and to consider further suggestions to our city for its fiscal health. It is no secret that I support levying a secondary property tax on our existing bond debt. This is for projects previously approved by Mesa voters. Our council has until May 1 each year to levy the secondary property tax and to set the tax rate. No further vote of the populace is required for bonds already approved. Currently, a secondary property tax could produce up to $28 million dollars annually to help with our fiscal crisis. I also hope that in the future, the voters can decide on a primary property tax for our community. Four years ago, as a member of the Financing the Future Citizen Committee, I proposed a primary property tax designated solely to fund police, fire and the courts (which constitute almost 70% of our city's budget). While that idea did not have majority support then, it is worth reviewing now.
We do have some exciting things happening in District 3. The opening of light rail has produced a wave of excitement among residents and businesses and has stimulated new development in West Mesa. The Mekong Plaza shopping mall is a great example of adaptive reuse of the old Target store and its parking lot has been crowded since day one. Across the street, we look for the opening of an upscale Hispanic market (Pueblo Market) this spring. We are seeing the beginnings of an international dining/shopping area at the start of the light rail line.
We have completed work on design guidelines for the Fiesta District. Changes to our zoning code are also anticipated to reduce barriers to reinvestment in West Mesa and the Fiesta District. Banner Desert Hospital, Mesa Community College and Fiesta Mall have all seen significant dollars invested in their locations. Through a partnership with the West Mesa Community Development Corporation and the Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO) the city is encouraging façade improvements by West Mesa businesses. The new regional pool facility at Rhodes Junior High School is under construction and will be a valuable community asset when it opens this fall.
Finally, District 3 continues to have stellar neighborhood groups that work hard to keep crime down and property values up. I truly appreciate all that they do for our city.
Dennis Kavanaugh
Councilmember, District 3
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| Meet Commander Vicki Myers- Head of the Dobson Police Station |
Commander Myers' background spans more than two decades of increasing responsibility and achievement. Originally, from Michigan, she relocated to Mesa in November 2007, when she was selected for a commander position with the Mesa Police Department and assigned to the Superstition Division. Then on January 4, 2009, she transferred to the Dobson Division. "We are happy she is overseeing our district," said Councilmember Kavanaugh. In addition to her responsibilities as a Commander, she is also the project manager for the new Dobson Division Station.
"Most police facilities continue to operate well past their planned and practical life span, often becoming seriously overcrowded, lacking in sufficient infrastructure, and making due with outdated security and safety systems," said Commander Myers. "These conditions often impair staff efficiency and morale, occupant safety, policing effectiveness, and public perception of the department."
As project manager, Commander Myers views her role as consensus building: to facilitate a successful and cost-effective project outcome in a thoughtful and efficient manner, and to incorporate all aspects and needs of the stakeholders. To that end, she is meeting with the various stakeholders to review possibilities. She is also developing a Project Pre-Design Team. This team will provide the avenue through which all major planning, design and construction decisions are made. The Project Pre-Design Team must be diverse, representing all policing, city, and community interests equally. Ideally, members will include:
· Police staff representatives
· Ad hoc members
· Architects/consultants
· City planners, finance
· Public works
· Community members
· Other government representatives
If you are interested in serving on the Project Pre-Design Team on a volunteer basis, please submit a notice of interest, detailing your qualifications, to:
Commander Vicki Myers
Dobson Division
Mesa Police Department
130 N. Robson Street
Mesa, AZ 85201-6697
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| District 3 Gets Involved |
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The residents in District 3 have stepped up to the plate to participate in the numerous City of Mesa Citizen Advisory Boards and Committees. Currently there are 18 district 3 residents serving on the different boards. "I want to thank these residents for taking an active role in our city," said Councilmember Kavanaugh. "This is the most District 3 participation I have seen on these boards in a long time. I appreciate their dedication and want to encourage other friends and neighbors to get involved. If you want to have a voice in the city, and have time to dedicate, I encourage you to apply."
If you are a resident of Mesa and are interested in serving on one of the following boards, contact Nikki Amberg at (480) 644-3002 or send an e-mail to nikki.amberg@mesaaz.gov for more information about the board. You can also access information about the different boards and committees by clicking here.
Prospective board and committee members must complete an Application Form which is available online. Completed PDF forms may be mailed to the Mayor's Office or sent by fax to 480-644-2175. Appointments to the boards are recommended by the Mayor and approved by the City Council.
Thank you for your interest in helping to make Mesa an even better place in which to live, work and play.
Here is a list of District 3 board members. We thank you for your service to the city and the community.
Building Board of Appeals Historic Preservation Committee
Jennifer Sandstrom Jared Smith
Tom Hedges
Housing Advisory Board
Human Services Advisory Board
Christian Karas
Linda Starr
Rhonda Oliver Industrial Development Authority
John Gutierrez
Douglas Gerlach Nathan Ricks
Merit System Board Municipal Development Corporation
Dr. Joseph Cayer Larry Woolf
Jill Bonewell
Parks & Recreation Board
Museum & Cultural Advisory Board
Mark Yarbrough
Andrea Soto
Self-Insurance Board
Planning & Zoning Board
Thomas Lagerhausen
Frank Mizner
Transportation Advisory Board
Ian Bennett
Larry Woolf
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| Building Strong Neighborhoods Coming to District 3 |
 The City of Mesa's next Building Strong Neighborhoods Initiative is underway in the neighborhood located immediately south of Broadway to W. Pueblo and west of Longmore to Sycamore. The program will begin with an orientation or "kickoff" meeting Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at Adams Elementary School. Residents will hear results of a survey the City of Mesa Neighborhood Outreach Office conducted within the neighborhood boundaries. The primary goal of the Building Strong Neighborhoods Initiative is to preserve and strengthen neighborhoods by providing residents and businesses with education, training, and access to existing resources to address neighborhood issues. The Neighborhood Outreach Office will present one Building Strong Neighborhoods Initiative in each Council District during the 08/09 fiscal year. For more information regarding the Building Strong Neighborhood Initiatives, contact Cynthia Garza at (480) 644-5889.
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| Mesa Library Update |
 The City of Mesa Library is providing free homework help thanks to Indian gaming funding. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade can visit the City of Mesa Library or the Library's Web site, www.mesalibrary.org, to get free help from qualified tutors. Live Homework Help, an online tutoring service from Tutor.com, connects students to expert tutors in math, science, social studies and English. Spanish-speaking tutors are available to help students in math and science. The free service allows students to connect to an expert tutor either from a City of Mesa Library computer or from their home PC or Mac with a library card, seven days a week, from 2 p.m. to midnight and receive homework help via the Internet. For more information or to view a demo visit our website. On another front, due to city budget reductions, the City of Mesa library hours are being modified. Effective Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009, the hours of operation for the library are as follows: The Dobson Ranch Library, 2425 S. Dobson Road
· Monday closed · Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. · Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. · Sunday closed The Main Library, 64 E. 1st Street· Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. · Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. · Sunday closed For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kate Havris at (480) 644-2704.
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| It's Finally Here - Light Rail Comes to Mesa |
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It took over a decade to plan and more than a billion dollars, but finally the light rail opened in the Valley and in Mesa on Saturday, December 27, with a much-anticipated grand opening event. It was an especially exciting day for Councilmember Kavanaugh because he has been involved with the project since 1996 - a project goal he started when he first was elected to Council. Twelve years later, the 20-mile light rail line is complete. "I was one of the very first light rail supporters on the City Council and helped put together the coalition of Councilmembers who approved bringing light rail into Mesa. I have been part of the decisions on the nature of the system, its alignments coming into the city, public art aspects, and integration with residents/businesses from 1996-2004, when I left Council," stated Kavanaugh.
In total, 28 light rail stations will take riders from Bethany Home Road and 19th Avenue down Central Avenue into Tempe and Mesa. For more information, contact Valley Metro at www.valleymetro.org.
Important Metro Information
Hours of Service
Weekdays
Trains begin the first full trip of the day at 4:40 a.m. at the end-of-the-line stations. The last full trip of the day begins at 11 p.m., arriving at the opposite end of the line at midnight. Trains arrive every 10 minutes from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; all other hours, every 20 minutes.
Weekends and holidays
Trains begin the first full trip of the day at 5 a.m. at the end-of-the-line stations. The last full trip of the day begins at 11 p.m., arriving at the opposite end of the line at midnight. Trains arrive every 15 minutes between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.; all other hours, every 20 minutes.
Speed
Travels at posted speed limits
Light rail & local bus:
· 1 ride $1.25
· All day pass $2.50
· 3 day pass $7.50
· 7 day pass $17.50
· 31 day pass $45
*Youth, senior, and disabled fares available
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| Fiesta District to Get New Look |
 There are big changes in store for the Fiesta District that includes Fiesta Mall, Mesa Community College and Banner Desert Medical Center. The City made a commitment to reinvent this area in order to sustain a significant retail presence. The district is a hub for advanced business and financial services, health care and retail industry clusters in District 3. One of the first things you may see is new signs and facades including the new brand/logo. The City of Mesa retained PMC who prepared the new design for the Fiesta District, a major City business center in District 3 in need of revitalization. The Design Plan will include development of a district brand, vision, and identified improvements to define a unique sense of place while improving transportation and pedestrian linkages. PMC will work collaboratively with the City and the community to redefine, brand and improve the project area. Fiesta Mall has major renovations currently underway including the planned opening of Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods and an In-N-Out. The five-year outlook for the area includes planned private investments of $1 billion by 2010 as follows: · New Children's Hospital and facility upgrades at Banner Desert · Medical center with over 800 new employees · New buildings and parking structures at Mesa Community College · Transformation of Fiesta Mall - exterior & interior · Hilton updates and renovates entire facility; renews franchising agreement · Several new restaurants · Fiesta Lofts, over 400 luxury residential units with 50,000 sf. of ground floor retail · Significant upgrades at landmark Bank of America Financial · Plaza tower with exceptionally high occupancy rates · M&I Bank $3 million rebuild of branch at Longmore and Southern · McDonald's at Dobson and Southern, $3 million rebuild of site · 19 acres of mixed use development at Southern and Extension For more information about the Fiesta District improvements please call Economic Development at 480-644-3457 or click on the following link Fiesta District Design Project.
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| New Online Street Sweeping Schedule |
 Do you ever wonder when your street is scheduled to be swept? Wonder no more, the City of Mesa is introducing an online active street sweeping map so residents are just a click away from the schedule. It is easy, go to http://www.mesaaz.gov/transportation and click on the Street Sweeping Schedule link in the right column. The active street sweeping map shows the streets expected to be swept during the current work week by zone. The zones, 1 through 11, are swept in order and the streets being swept are lined in dark red.
The goal of the streets department is to sweep all maintained streets every 5-6 weeks. There are, however, factors that may impact progress such as inclement weather or equipment malfunction.
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| Section 8 Housing Wait List Is Now Open |
 The City of Mesa Housing Authority opened the waiting list for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program on January 7, 2009, and is now accepting applications. All families and individuals may apply. Applications for the wait list are available on-line ( click here) or you can pick it up at the City of Mesa Housing Authority Office at 415, N. Pasadena, Mesa, AZ 85210. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, funded by HUD, provides rental assistance to low income families by contracting with private owners and subsidizing a portion of the family's monthly rent. The family's portion of the rent is based on their income and generally amounts to no more than 30% of their adjusted monthly income on rent, depending on the cost of the unit they select.
All applications (including required documentation) must be submitted in person to the City of Mesa Housing Authority at the address listed above and will be accepted Monday - Thursday, 7:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. each week.
The City of Mesa Housing Authority will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who need an alternative accessible format of notices or provide reasonable accommodations at public facilities. A request for accommodation with the nature of accommodations can be made by contacting Carolyn D. Olson, Director, City of Mesa Housing Authority, (480) 644-3536. If you have additional questions about the wait list or the program you can call City of Mesa Housing Authority at 480-644-3536.
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| Upcoming Events |
MACFest
Every Saturday
10 am - 4 pm
Oct. 2008- May 2009
3 For Free
First Sunday of every month
noon - 5 pm
Free admission to Mesa Contemporary Arts, Arizona Museum for Youth, and Arizona Museum of Natural History
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
Saturday, February 7
8 am - noon
East Mesa Service Center, 6935 E. Decatur
Family Day at Mesa Grande Archaeological Site
Saturday, March 7
8 am - 11 am
Mesa Grande Archaeological Site
West 10th Street and Date/Brown (across from the former Banner Mesa Hospital)
City of Mesa Prayer Breakfast
Monday, March 9
8 am - 9:30 am
Mesa Arts Center
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| Numbers To Know |
Councilmember Kavanaugh's Office
(480) 644-3003
(480) 644-5294 Council Assistant
Police Non-Emergency
(480) 644-2211
Dobson District Community Action Officer
(480) 644-2431
District 3 Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator
(480) 644-5889
Solid Waste Emergency Hotline
(480) 644-2262
Solid Waste Non-Emergency
(480) 644-2688
Animal Control
(480) 644-2268
Graffiti Hotline
(480) 644-3083
Building Safety
(480) 644-4273
Planning
(480) 644-2385
City of Mesa Volunteer Coordinator
(480) 644-3705
Cable Complaint Line
(480) 644-2322
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