Saturday, May 21, 2016
Re: ASU Downtown Mesa > A report from Payson on ASU Plans There = Reality Check
Pre-Notes from your MesaZona blogger: ASU appears to be hell-bent on expansions using the same strategies to acquire real estate or lands for new campuses with 2,500 students like the one here in Mesa getting all the media-hype, with both Mayor John Giles and City Manager Chris Brady doing a slick-and-quick attempt to present sketchy proposals to the Mesa City Council in the past two weeks to gain approval for spending a whopping $180 Million big buck$ - saddling taxpayers with 50% more debt for questionable benefits [to whom?]
Proceed with caution ... report on same plan in Payson, with underlines and bold formatting for emphasis.
One reason for locating institutions for higher education along the path of Valley Metro Light Rail public transit is to discourage the use of private cars. Yet one of the first questions raised is What about parking spaces?? People who work in City Hall are concerned about losing parking privileges right next door! The budget presented includes $4 Million for more parking!
Your MesaZona blogger's first reaction to the mayor's proposal, first brought up in public in January in John Giles' State-of-The-City speech [preceded by an announcement he was running for re-election] was that the city was hoping to capitalize on the boom in student housing construction that's overtaken Tempe - that's not even included in what has been presented to the Mesa City Council, but is included in the 2500-student ASU expansion planned for Payson.
Perhaps the image to the right, from the Arizona Republic's coverage of SOTC16 hints at some of the underhand-ed signals the mayor is inadvertently giving . . . and then, again, the Devil's always in the details that have not been worked out yet with a June 10 deadline approaching fast.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Orbital ATK Awarded $16 M International Contract for DSU-33D/B Proximity Sensor
click to enlargeOrbital ATK, Inc. (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, announced today that it has received a $16 million order for its state-of-the-art DSU-33D/B proximity sensors. The order was placed through Direct Commercial Sales with an international customer, with delivery of the fuzes expected to begin in mid-2016.
The DSU-33D/B is an all-weather, active, radio-frequency ranging sensor that has the capability to sense the height of a weapon above the target zone to maximize its effectiveness. Orbital ATK is the leader in fuzing systems, delivering more than 155,000 sensors to the U.S. Air Force (USAF), Navy and allied nations since 1999.
Orbital ATK supplies numerous fuzes to the U.S. military and has recently begun production on the Hard Target Void Sensing Fuze for the USAF and is in development on the next generation all-purpose bomb fuze.
Just clearing away the layers of space junk blanketing Earth could keep Orbital ATK's fleet of space tugs busy for decades. Image source: NASA.
Orbital ATK Defense Systems Group is an industry leader in providing innovative and affordable ammunition, precision and strike weapons, electronic warfare systems, and missile components across air-, sea-, and land-based systems.
Source : Orbital ATK, Inc.
Price Chart of Orbital Atk NYSE:OA Stock
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=0ahUKEwi26MiVx-nMAhVMwmMKHRhaCpIQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.businessfinancenews.com%2F28601-orbital-atk-inc-signs-5year-idiq-contract-with-the-us-defense-department%2F&psig=AFQjCNH1x1cOHVj_8LITh8NbsTn_xt8i4A&ust=1463864509308451
More News
Motley Fool
US Space LLC Files Suit Against Orbital ATK & ATK Space Systems ...
SatNews Publishers-May 4, 2016
Orbital ATK had itself identified on-orbit servicing as a source of between ... Orbital ATK Inc. et al., case number 652303/2016 in the Supreme
BRIEF-Orbital ATK awarded $16 mln international contract for DSU ...
Reuters-May 19, 2016
May 19 Orbital ATK Inc : ... with delivery of fuzes expected to begin in mid-2016 Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: (Bengaluru ...
Soros Increases Bet Against the S&P 500
Wall Street Journal (blog)-May 16, 2016
... the ammunition maker spun off last year from defense company Orbital ATK Inc. Mr. Soros had sold off in the fourth quarter his stake in Olin, ...
It May Be Cooler In Arizona's White Mountains . . . Headlines = Embezzlement, Nepotism, Removal of a Town Manager
Hmmm... perhaps a pre-cautionary tale about dangers and consequent prosecutions with nepotism and "family" connections in government.
Former chief also being prosecuted; district ‘lacked controls’
Posted: Friday, May 13, 2016 5:00 am | Updated: 4:38 pm, Mon May 16, 2016.
SHOW LOW — Almost four years after Natalie “Tallie” Bingham (formerly Natalie Cluff) was placed on administrative leave for alleged policy violations, the former administrative manager of the Show Low Fire District was arrested, charged with embezzling almost $1.8 million of district funds.
Bingham is being prosecuted with 21 felony counts related to the embezzlement and submitting fraudulent audits.
According to Bingham, her father, former district chief Ben Owens and former assistant chief (and her then-fiance) “had no knowledge of her actions and were guilty only of trusting her.”
However, the Navajo County Attorney’s Office told The Independent that Owens is being prosecuted for conspiracy, illegally conducting an enterprise, assisting a criminal syndicate and money laundering.
Editor’s note: This statement issued by the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District following the release of the Auditor General’s report on the embezzlement case involving the former Show Low Fire District is being published unedited and in its entirety.
"The Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District is a special taxing district formed in 2014 as a result of the successful collaboration and the merger of the Lakeside, Show Low and Linden Fire Districts. TMFMD is dedicated to proactive risk reduction efforts, medical services and fire response. We value our community and the public trust we have earned. Fiscal responsibility and integrity are the cornerstones upon which we are built.
In July of 2012 the Show Low Fire District was made aware that public funds may have been stolen or otherwise misused. The staff at SLFD, led by Chief Randy Chevalier, took the information to the Fire Board who initiated an investigation by multiple third-party consultants. That investigation demonstrated significant financial issues that should be turned over to law enforcement. In August of 2012 the former SLFD employees implicated in the investigation had either retired or resigned . . .
Since the merger in 2014, TMFMD continues to work with law enforcement to see that any person who has handled public funds inappropriately is prosecuted. TMFMD has built upon the financial “best practices” instituted in SLFD.
TMFMD has added safeguards including stringent internal controls, financial policies and strict nepotism policies, etc. In the two years prior to merger SLFD received unremarkable audits indicating any financial concerns had been resolved and all public funds were accounted for. In the two years since merger, TMFMD has also received unremarkable audits.
On May 10th, 2016 the Auditor General’s office for the State of Arizona released the public report related to the investigative findings of SLFD and those former employees. We encourage members of the public to read the report located at https://www.azauditor.gov/sites/default/files/16-402_Report.pdf. Additionally, an arrest has been made and charges have been levied against those former SLFD employees implicated in the criminal investigation.
Pinetop-Lakeside removes town manager
Racette ousted by 5-2 vote
Posted: Friday, April 8, 2016 5:00 am
Follow The Money // Watch Mesa City Council Meeting Mon 05.16.2016
1 Take action on all consent agenda items.
4 Take action on the following contracts:
16-0552 Purchase of Electronic Document Review Equipment for the Development Information Management Enterprise Solution (DIMES) Project for the Information Technology Department (Citywide)
The Development Services Department is launching a new cloud-based DIMES to replace the existing system, Tidemark. As part of the upgrade, the City will begin providing electronic document review (EDR) for the development community for planning cases and construction plans. EDR will eliminate the vast majority of required physical storage space, document retrieval costs and plan printing costs for the department as well as costs for developers for printing and delivering plans. Viewing large, detailed plans electronically, requires high definition monitors with greater screen space than is currently available.
The Information Technology and Development Services Departments, and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase using the State of Arizona cooperative contract with Dell Marketing, LP, at $146,637.62. This purchase is funded by the Development Services Technology Fund.
*4-a
16-0551 Three-Year Term Contract for Large Format Commercial Printing for the Business Services Department (Citywide)
This contract is used to print large format printing projects that Print Services is unable to complete because of a lack of proper equipment or because it is not economically possible to do so. Printed materials include: flatbed printed items, clings, posters/banners and oversized banners.
The evaluation committee recommends awarding the contract to the highest scored proposals from ARC Document Solutions and Perkinson Reprographics Inc., dba PRI Graphics (a Mesa business), cummulatively not to exceed $96,200 annually, based on estimated requirements.
*4-b
16-0556 One-Year Renewal of the Term Contract for AC Delco and Motorcraft Vehicle Parts for the Fleet Services Department (Citywide)
This contract provides genuine AC Delco (General Motors) and Motorcraft (Ford) parts for the City's fleet. The fleet consists of approximately 320 Ford automobiles, 285 Ford vans and light trucks, 115 General Motors automobiles and 225 General Motors vans and light trucks.
The Fleet Services Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing a one-year renewal with USD, Inc., at $150,000 annually, based on estimated requirements.
*4-c
Page 3 City of Mesa Printed on 5/12/2016
May 16, 2016City Council Meeting Agenda - Final
16-0553 Purchase of One Replacement Heavy Duty Truck with a Telescopic 55' Pole Setting Derrick and Flatbed Body for the Transportation Department (Single Bid) (Citywide)
The new truck will replace two vehicles that have met established replacement criteria and both will be retired and sold at auction.
The Fleet Services and Transportation Departments, and Purchasing recommend awarding the contract to the single, responsive and responsible bidder, Altec Industries, Inc., at $227,339.90. This purchase is funded by Local Street Sales Tax.
*4-d
16-0554 Three-Year Term Contract for Storm Pump Maintenance and Repair for the Transportation Department (Citywide)
This contract will provide the City with the ability to maintain and repair storm water pumps at various locations throughout the City.
The Transportation Department and Purchasing recommend awarding the contract to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidders, Precision Electric Company (Primary); and Phoenix Pumps, Inc. (Secondary); at $196,000 annually, based on estimated requirements. This purchase is funded by the Environmental Compliance Fee.
*4-e
16-0555 Purchase of Infrastructure Equipment to Support Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras for the Police Department (Citywide)
The Police Department, Information Technology Division is requesting the purchase of infrastructure items in support of the CCTV upgrade project. Items needed include switching equipment to connect the cameras to the network, dedicated servers to process the video streams, and storage to retain video recordings. The current video recording solution is analog and fragmented between multiple manufacturers. A conversion to an enterprise video management system will resolve the current inconsistencies and offer centralized management of video recordings.
The Police and Information Technology Departments, and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase using the City of Tucson cooperative contract with CDW-G, at $53,863.88. This purchase is funded by the 2015 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant.
*4-f
Page 4 City of Mesa Printed on 5/12/2016
May 16, 2016City Council Meeting Agenda - Final
16-0549 Replacement Purchase of Cisco Network Equipment for the Police Department (Citywide)
Replacement of Mesa Police Department’s existing firewalls is necessary to better guard against modern-day threats and take advantage of next-generation security services for malware and intrusion detection. The proposed replacement equipment will allow the Police Department to secure its network and ensure the integrity of law enforcement data.
The Police and Information Technology Departments, and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase using the State of Arizona contract with Insight Public Sector, at $129,114.66.
*4-g
16-0558 Northwest Water Reclamation Plant - Variable Frequency Drives Replacements and Fiber Loop Project (District 1)
The Northwest Water Reclamation Plant (NWWRP) currently treats an average of 9 million gallons of wastewater per day. The plant is equipped with 30 existing Variable Frequency Drives (VFD). The VFDs are beyond their useful life and replacing them with newer technology will increase reliability and reduce operating costs. A fiber optic communications loop will also be installed, thereby enhancing security, and increasing reliability.
Staff recommends awarding the project contract to Hunter Contracting, at $2,169,260.35, based on a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $1,972,054.86, plus an additional $197,205.49 (10%) as a change order allowance. This allowance will only be utilized for City-approved change orders. Funding is available from the 2010 authorized Wastewater Bond.
*4-h
16-0534 Rio Salado Pathway - SR101L to Dobson Road (District 1)
The City received a federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant and a Transportation Alternative (TA) grant to construct a shared-use pathway along the Salt River Bank southern levee that will provide a regional connection to networks in the City of Mesa, City of Tempe and City of Phoenix.
Staff recommends awarding the project contract to the lowest, responsible bidder, J. Banicki Construction, Inc., in the amount of $3,116,308.50, and authorize a change order allowance in the amount of $311,630 (10%). The project funding is comprised of a $1,599,999 grant from Federal Highway Administration CMAQ, a $1,585,674 grant from Federal Highway Administration TA, and $242,265.50 from the 2012 authorized Parks and Recreation Bond and City of Mesa Transportation Local Street Sales Tax, for
a total amount of $3,427,938.50
*4-i
5 Take action on the following resolutions:
16-0384 Approving and adopting the updated City of Mesa Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and, consistent with Federal Emergency Management Agency recommendations, authorizing City departments to make non-material modifications to the Plan. (Citywide)
The EOP establishes policies and procedures that enable the City of Mesa to mitigate loss of life, minimize injuries, protect property, preserve a functioning administration, and maintain activities essential to the survival and recovery from natural and man-made hazards. In addition, it establishes the guidelines for conducting efficient, effective, and coordinated emergency management operations involving all resources available to the City of Mesa.
*5-a
16-0559 Approving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Public Highway At-Grade Crossing Improvement Agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) for railroad safety improvements at Alma School Road. (Districts 3 and 4)
This Agreement authorizes Mesa to use and maintain UPRR property to install sidewalk and modify the existing medians at the Alma School Road Crossing. These improvements and associated costs were approved by Council in November 2015 through an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation.
*5-b
16-0498 Modifying fees and charges for the Arts and Culture Department. (Citywide)*5-c
16-0499 Modifying fees and charges for the Business Services Department. (Citywide)*5-d
16-0501 Modifying fees and charges for the Development Services Department. (Citywide)
*5-e
16-0502 Modifying fees and charges for the Transportation Department. (Citywide)*5-f
16-0503 Modifying fees and charges for Municipal Court, Transcript Fee. (Citywide)*5-g
16-0535 Approving the FY 2016/2017 Annual Action Plan for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and authorizing the City Manager to amend, sign and submit the Annual Action Plan for FY 2016/2017. (Citywide)
*5-h
Page 6 City of Mesa Printed on 5/12/2016
May 16, 2016City Council Meeting Agenda - Final
16-0536 Approving and authorizing the City Manager to prepare, sign and submit applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to receive FY 2016/2017 entitlement funds under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (CDBG), as amended, for City department activities approved by the City Council. (Citywide)
*5-i
16-0537 Approving and authorizing the City Manager to prepare, sign and submit applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to receive FY 2016/2017 entitlement funds under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (CDBG), as amended, for non-profit organization activities approved by the City Council. (Citywide)
*5-j
16-0538 Approving and authorizing the City Manager to prepare, sign and submit applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to receive FY 2016/2017 entitlement funds under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (CDBG), as amended, to fund for-profit organization activities approved by the City Council. (Citywide)
*5-k
16-0539 Approving and authorizing the City Manager to prepare, sign and submit applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to receive FY 2016/2017 entitlement funds under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 (ESG), as amended, for activities approved by the City Council. (Citywide)
*5-l
16-0540 Approving and authorizing the City Manager to prepare, sign and submit applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to receive FY 2016/2017 entitlement funds under the HOME Investment Partnerships program (HOME), as amended, for City department activities approved by the City Council. (Citywide)
*5-m
16-0541 Approving and authorizing the City Manager to prepare, sign and submit applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to receive FY 2016/2017 entitlement funds under the HOME Investment Partnerships program (HOME), as amended, for non-profit organization activities approved by the City Council. (Citywide)
*5-n
16-0542 Approving and authorizing the City Manager to prepare, sign and submit applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to receive FY 2016/2017 entitlement funds under the HOME Investment Partnerships program (HOME), as amended, to fund for-profit organization activities approved by the City Council. (Citywide)
*5-o
Page 7 City of Mesa Printed on 5/12/2016
May 16, 2016City Council Meeting Agenda - Final
8 Discuss, receive public comment, and take action on the following ordinances:
16-0446 Amending Section 9-6-5 of the Mesa City Code increasing sidewalk width requirements to five-feet wide in the Desert Upland Development Standards to be consistent with the required sidewalk widths on local residential streets in the City. (Citywide)
*8-a
16-0500 Amending section 1-12-3 of the Mesa City Code pertaining to the application of the existing Court Sustainability Fee. (Citywide)
*8-b
16-0466 A16-01 (District 1) Annexation of property located north of the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway between Gilbert Road and Val Vista Drive (82.9+ acres). This request has been initiated by the City in order to bring a City-owned parcel into the municipal boundaries of Mesa.
16-0543 Approving and authorizing the City Manager to disburse FY 2016/2017 Human Services funds for activities by non-profits approved by the City Council and to enter into agreements for the disbursement of Human Services funds. (Citywide)
9 Take action on the following subdivision plat:
16-0509 "Eastmark Development Unit 3/4 Parcels 3/4-1 Through 3/4-3" (District 6) The 9700 through 10000 blocks of East Ray Road (north side), located east of Ellsworth Road and north of Ray Road. 251 PC District - residential lots (51.4± AC.). DMB Mesa Proving Grounds, LLC, owner; Daniel Hemken, P.E. Hoskin Ryan Consultants, INC., engineer.
10-b 16-0545 A resolution approving the 2016 District Assessments for Mesa Town Center Improvement District No. 228. For fiscal year 2016/17, the Town Center Improvement District will be assessing 546 parcels at a 3% increase, for a total of $287,262.47.
11-a 16-0547 Conduct a public hearing on modifications to terms/rates/fees/charges of City-owned utilities: items 11-b through 11-h.
11-b 16-0482 An ordinance modifying terms/rates/fees/charges for electric utility services. (Districts 1 and 4)
12-a 16-0548 Conduct a public hearing.
12-b 16-0479 A resolution approving a Five-Year Capital Improvement Program for fiscal years ending 2017-2021. (Citywide)
13 Items from citizens present. (Maximum of three speakers for three minutes per speaker).
http://mesa11.com/vod/?show=1405
Cheat Sheet for Residents/Voters Here In Mesa: What is Nepotism?
Nepotism is a form of discrimination in which family members or friends are hired for reasons that do not necessarily have anything to do with their experience, ...
The term originated with the assignment of nephews to cardinal positions by Catholic popes and bishops . . .starring as a religion-based practice.
All candidates running campaigns in upcoming elections - this is important - and voters and residents of Mesa might be advised to take a clear look inside city government to root out nepotism.
Those already elected - and those aspiring to enlist public support for election to the Mesa City Council - might think it's a good thing to prove to constituents that you place open and honest government ahead of personal, religious and party loyalties.
Do we need a local anti-nepotism ordinance? Or will politicians come clean?.
nep·o·tism
All candidates running campaigns in upcoming elections - this is important - and voters and residents of Mesa might be advised to take a clear look inside city government to root out nepotism.
Those already elected - and those aspiring to enlist public support for election to the Mesa City Council - might think it's a good thing to prove to constituents that you place open and honest government ahead of personal, religious and party loyalties.
Do we need a local anti-nepotism ordinance? Or will politicians come clean?.
ˈnepəˌtizəm/
noun
the practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.
"hiring my daughter was not nepotism—it was just good business" [LOL]
Synonyms: favoritism, preferential treatment, the old boy network, looking after one's own,
bias, partiality, partisanship
Antonym: impartiality
the unfair practice by a powerful person of giving jobs and other favors to relatives.
Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
Corruption, nepotism and malfeasance is rampant in governments
Sorry, but this doesn't pass the sniff test.
In-laws should be included in anti-nepotism statutes, requiring elected leaders to abstain from votes involving family members.
Anti-nepotism statutes were created as an effort to help clean up government and assure constituents that those in power weren't giving preferential treatment to family members when it came to hiring.
Sadly, political appointments are more about loyalty than getting the best person for the job
Sorry, but this doesn't pass the sniff test.
In-laws should be included in anti-nepotism statutes, requiring elected leaders to abstain from votes involving family members.
Anti-nepotism statutes were created as an effort to help clean up government and assure constituents that those in power weren't giving preferential treatment to family members when it came to hiring.
Sadly, political appointments are more about loyalty than getting the best person for the job
job
Take-Aways Here in Mesa for Upcoming Election Season + Past Election Results with Links
Posted: Thursday, May 19, 2016 6:00 am
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
-
Flash News: Ukraine Intercepts Russian Kh-59 Cruise Missile Using US VAMPIRE Air Defense System Mounted on Boat. Ukrainian forces have made ...
