Wednesday, January 11, 2017

What Can We Expect From Mayor John Giles' Performance On-Stage For Tomorrow's Inauguration?

Just can't resist having some fun with "an old Mesa guy" who is so diverse that he can wear a baseball cap and a tutu at the same time

... might be a Nut-Cracker of  a show!

WHOA! Deepest Quake in Recorded History has Struck/Magma Layer

Pushing Upward
Published on Jan 10, 2017
Views: 71,415
A 612 Km, this quake broke the depth recorded and is at the magma transistion layer. Links @ http://www.BPEarthWatch.Com

Ducey Talks To BroomHead > No, NOT MAKING THIS WORD COMBINATION UP

Gov. Doug Ducey’s third State of the State address focused on education. Gov. Ducey spoke with The Mike Broomhead Show and praised the good teachers in Arizona and wants them to be rewarded. “We want to focus on what we doing right in K-12 education. We get it done with the teachers in the class room. We value their work. I want them to feel respected and rewarded. It’s time for a raise for Arizona teachers. “
Mike Broomhead then asked him about how to handle teachers that are not getting it done.
The Governor didn’t hold back saying “ it’s charged to the principals to train them up and get them up to speed and if they’re not going to get up to speed we need to get new teachers.”
Mike and the Governor also talked about industries relocating to Arizona. Gov. Ducey said that “our pipeline is full” and listed a number of examples of businesses coming to our state.   Gov. Ducey also wanted to mention law enforcement in Arizona.  He thanked all of our cops and wants them to know that Arizona has their backs. 
Read more: http://kfyi.iheart.com/onair/mike-broomhead-13345/the-governor-talks-state-of-the-15459191/#ixzz4VT7QKyDQ


Mike Broomhead is the fastest growing name in talk radio today! Mike has been with KFYI since 2005. He uses his business and life experience to address the issues that Arizona citizens face today. Rooted in fiscal and social conservatism, Mike leaves no doubt where he stands on any issue. He fights for the freedoms of Americans and brings the hottest issues of the day to his listeners. Mike initially made a name for himself speaking at the largest pro-troops rallies in the country. He was called upon to debate against the anti-war crowd on both television and radio and is now highly requested around the country to speak at events. Mike also had the privilege of being the master of ceremonies for 2 Presidential visits in 2004.
Mike is a strong believer in giving back to the community and volunteers his time for several organizations including the Best Buddies program at Marcos de Niza High School; Project We Remember We Remember that supports Military Families; Packages From Home that is dedicated to US servicemen and women overseas; and Patriot Day Celebration that benefits Fighter Country Foundation.
Mike is the president of Broomhead Electric, LLC. He still maintains his contractor�s license in Arizona.
In addition to radio, Mike is a biker and gun enthusiast. Before radio, Mike was a winning bull rider and rodeo announcer. Mike is so proud of his 2 daughters and 3 amazing grand kids.


 

HIGH-TECH Sure, but ....Let's Keep Mesa In Mind for Rich Resources


While vast agricultural fields here have turned into real-estate holdings for "master=planned communities; with a car-dominated culture sprouting suburban shopping malls, parking lots, congested and dangerous highways, and industrial parks, there's a conference at the Mesa Convention Center later this month with a different emphasis where a press release back in August 2016 reminded your MesaZona blogger that there are other things that attract people to stay and to meet downtown and to have opportunities to benefit from the rich resources of the region.
United States Lavender Conference to be held in Mesa, Arizona
January 26-28 2017
 
The conference will kick off with a welcome reception on Thursday evening, and offers pre-conference workshops starting Thursday morning and offers education and collaboration opportunities for lavender growers and will be expanding this year to offer a separate track for those who want to expand their knowledge of the use of lavender. This year's artisan track focuses on culinary use of lavender.

Mesa  is an area steeped in farming culture, with a focus on farm to table cuisine, innovative farming technology, and the agritourist. 

"Blooming Where You're Planted: Continuing to Grow a Professional Lavender Industry"
Our business is blooms! We understand that each of you considering coming to the 2017 conference holds a different level of knowledge concerning lavender and has a different level of interest. We are planning an experience in Mesa, AZ that will give you the opportunity to gain something from the conference that will help you "bloom!" This time, we have expanded the conference to three tracks related to levels of experience and interest so even though you are not locked in to attend just one track, you can more clearly see how to customize your conference experience.
  • I Want to Start a Lavender Farm - For those seeking advice and knowledge about what it takes to grow lavender as a crop and to explore various business models for converting lavender into profit.
  • I Have a Lavender Farm - For those who have an established farm and want to gain skill and knowledge about current issues from leading experts in the field.
  • I Want to Use Lavender - For the gardener or business owner who wants to understand the use of lavender and discover creative ideas for cooking and crafting with lavender.
USLC & Member Annual Meeting is an opportunity to gather the members of our industry to offer significant learning opportunities and networking to support a professional lavender industry.
For example, the basic standards or ethics of the US Lavender Grower’s Association are offered in workshops like, "What we can claim about lavender," "Value added Products- how to source, make or package" and "Culinary do's & don'ts." Important science will be shared in several presentations at different levels, i.e "Introduction to lavender" and "Disease & crop care." Check back for more breakout session descriptions as they are developed.
In addition to classroom style learning, you can attend extracurricular events and learn from one another through networking in structured and unstructured forums and gatherings. Our pre-conference workshops will offer more in depth opportunities to explore important topics with experts in that area.
You may consider enjoying the area before or after the conference as your discount rate will apply 3 days before and after USLC 2017. There is so much to see! Check out more information about Mesa, AZ.

Extensive List of Speakers

Donna Maria Coles Johnson
(or “dM,” as she is affectionately known by fans and friends alike) is a powerful and influential voice in the women’s small and independent entrepreneurial movement.
She has become a trusted advocate and a voice of influence and friendship for women business owners around the world. Among other honors, dM has been named by the US Small Business Administration, Washington, DC Office, as the Home-Based Business Advocate of the Year, named by Black Enterprise.com as one of the “Black Blogosphere’s Best”, named by Forbes.com as one of the 25 most influential women Tweeting about entrepreneurship, and quoted and/or featured for entrepreneurial expertise in several publications, including Working Mother Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, Women's Day, Washington Business Journal, Ebony Magazine, and Upscale Magazine. She is the author "Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotion," a book which has become a staple in the world of small scale beauty entrepreneurship. 
 
Dr. Jeffers is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Clemson University.  He has statewide responsibilities for diseases of ornamental crops in nurseries, greenhouses, and landscapes, and he also works on diseases of trees in both urban and natural ecosystems.  In addition, he teaches Principles of Plant Pathology to both undergraduate and graduate students.  Currently, his research focuses on diseases caused by species of Phytophthora.  He came to Clemson in 1995 after 7 years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison working on fruit crop diseases and 3 years in private industry developing biological control products for postharvest diseases.  He earned PhD and MS degrees in Plant Pathology from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.

Proprietor of RavenCroft, Dr. Lemmers is a charter member of the U.S. Lavender Growers Association and current treasurer of the Oregon Lavender Association. After taking degrees in chemistry in Colorado, and biochemistry at Cambridge, England, he earned his MD degree at Stanford, and then trained in surgery, urology, and kidney transplantation at OHSU in Portland. Following a 10-year professorship in surgery, he established a private practice, and subsequently diversified into lavender farming. The focus of his talk stems from special interests in the chemical nature of lavender essential oils, and how those characteristics influence the quality and applicability of lavender-derived products.

Christine Teeple has been running the marketing, event planning, product development and production side of Red Rock Lavender located in Concho, Arizona since 1998. Christine is a Founding Member and former Board Member of the USLGA. She is co-presenting the Pre Conference Workshop entitled “How to Start a Lavender Business”.
Christine’s segment will cover the following:
•  Create Your Business Plan
This is one of the most important steps you will take because the plan serves as your road map for the early years of your business and helps to make you successful. You will have the opportunity to work on your own business plan during the session.
•  Return on Investments and Measurements (ROI)
We all want to make sure we are making money. Measurements to determine your ROI are an important and continuing process. This session will discuss the various venues and selling options for lavender businesses. You will learn how to calculate ROI and will be shown examples of venues and selling options that can be the most profitable to provide you with some direction as to the type of products or services your will company provide.


Mesha Munyan holds a M.A. degree and teaching certificate. She has been growing and distilling lavender for 20 years in Sequim, WA. After extensive product manufacturing with lavender, she has launched Meshaz Natural Perfumes, winning 56 awards in these last 2 years. Recently, her lavender angustifolia oils were awarded 2 gold and 1 silver in the International Supreme Oil Awards 2015 by New Zealand Lavender Growers Association.
 
In addition to starting and running her lavender farm 16 years ago, Sarah Richards created a manufacturing and retail facility in a charming 1916 bungalow located in the historic waterfront district of Coupeville in Central Whidbey Island. It has been remodeled to suit several purposes – manufacturing, retail & tea room sales, and nursery display. She has formulated her body, household, and food products which are now manufactured in this facility. She has several successful food products that are sold both at her shop and in various stores in her area, including the Navy Exchange system in the Puget Sound region.

Dr. Cindy Jones is a biochemist and herbalist and founding member of USLGA.  She has been formulating and making skin care products for 15 years and has developed a reputation for formulating natural and botanical products. On her farm she grows a variety of herbs including lavender which she uses in skin care. She owns Sagescript Institute and makes her own skin care line called Colorado Aromatics.
 
Cyndie Rinek is owner and operator of Blooming Hill Lavender.  Along with being a member of the USLGA, Cyndie is a longtime member of the Potomac Unit of the Herb Society of America, a Master Gardener and a local garden club member.  Cyndie and her husband, Peter, a Landscape Architect settled in Philomont, Virginia located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge.  Cyndie left the corporate world and spent the last 20 plus years learning about, collecting, propagating, planting, growing and selling many different varieties of lavenders at local fairs and garden shows and steadily building a clientele of loyal lavender enthusiasts.

Martha Wilczynski is owner and operator of Lavender Hill Farm of Niles, Michigan. She and her husband, Bill planted their first half acre of lavender in 2001. Since then they have expanded the lavender field to over 4100 plants of eight different varieties. Martha’s education and experience includes degrees in Chemistry, Plant Pathology and Landscape Architecture. She worked as an environmental consultant for 15 years until leaving in 2008 to continue growing their lavender business.  She operates the farm as a U-pick destination with a farm shop where she sells a line of lavender products she developed.  In 2014 she added a greenhouse and now propagates and sells plants from cuttings of their field plants. Martha’s talk will deal with important decisions before and during establishment of a lavender farm, as well as recommendations for care and maintenance of the plants.

Jennifer Carman is a therapeutic herbalist, dietitian and nutritionist who has been working in health care since 1984. As past president of the Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, she works at bridging the gap between the field of medical nutrition therapy and the use of herbal therapeutics for wellness. Her MSc is in Therapeutic Herbs from Maryland University of Integrative Health, BS in Nutrition from Pennsylvania State University. Carman and James A. Duke PhD, Ethnobotanist (author of more than 40 herbal books) collaborated with Maryland Hospitals for Sustainability to present “Science-based practical applications and gardening techniques of common kitchen herbs and spices” in 2012.

Ellen Reynolds and her husband Gregg own Beagle Ridge  Herb Farm in Southwest VA. Although the farm is in a remote location and being open only on weekends seasonally for the first several years she has developed a following for her products. Now celebrating their 15 th year in business, they have welcomed visitors from all 50 states and 19 foreign countries. Beagle Ridge, the 160 acre retreat is home to several business enterprises including Lick Mountain Excursions a guided nature ride operation, Serendipity, a event and wedding venue and Flying Flowers, a walk through butterfly house which was just named one of the 14 "Not To Miss"  butterfly destinations in the nation by Birds and Blooms Magazine. Presently, with a grant from VA Tourism, she is developing a Lavender Trail in VA. 3 farms are included presently and another 4 will be added in 2017.

Chris Mulder holds a B.S. degree in education and is co-owner of Barn Owl Nursery, a small herb and lavender farm in Wilsonville, OR. She grew up in the nursery business and has been working with herbs for over 35 years. She established her part time, home based herb business on 5 acres in 1982, with her husband, Ed. Chris enjoys sharing her special interest in growing and using many cultivars of lavender and herbs in their landscape.

Dave Grembi received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1975, and a Master’s Degree in Health Policy and Administration from the University of North Carolina in 1988. Dave has worked in the Health Care field for 34 years, starting off as a cardiovascular and pulmonary clinician and then evolving to the management and administrative ranks.

Currently, he has several projects in the areas of Biofuels, “Essential Oil” extraction from plants and sustainable engineering activities upon which about 20 undergraduate students are actively participating.  For a more comprehensive list of his academic and industrial activities, consult http://cbee.oregonstate.edu/people/faculty/hackleman.html and for more on some of the student projects, http://sei.oregonstate.edu/  For info on his start-up Company:  www.oilextech.com 

Sandra Shuff began her businesses with a love for Lavender and a goal of diversification.   She owns and operates a 50 acre certified Organic farm and forest with a unique opportunity to grow, harvest, distill, and formulate multiple aromatics in one location.  She has diversified herself into three distinct yet related companies in Deer Park, WA.
Evening Light Lavender – Lavender & Aromatic Botanical Farm.
Positively Aromatic – Artisan distillation of Essential Oils & Hydrosols, Natural Cosmetic, Formulating and importer of Essential Oils.
Lavender Manor  – Event and Wedding Venue.
She is pleased to have the opportunity to share her vision, successes, and challenges.  Through this session, along with her co-presenter David Belt, she desires to give you inspiration and ways to development of your business’ diversification through Agritourism.

Her belief that education is a lifetime activity is reflected in both her continuing education and teaching. 

Following a 22-year career in the U.S. Air Force, spent primarily in caves and windowless underground vaults, Dave Belt (and wife, Suzy, plus children Kiva and Collin) wanted to spend time working outdoors -- a second career with plenty of sunshine and fresh air.  
In this conference presentation, Dave will outline how he and his family developed the agri-tourism aspect of their business and will share some of the successes and “lessons learned” along the way. His hope is that other lavender operators, whether just beginning or already established, will be inspired to explore the benefits of developing an agri-tourism facet of their business.

. . . and six more!
http://www.uslavender.org/speakers

Monday, January 09, 2017

Follow Your Money: Where Is That Clean-Audit CAFR 2016 For City of Mesa???

CAFR
City's Annual Financial Review for 2016


??


 

Men In Gray: Mesa City Council Monday, January 9, 2017 ON THE AGENDA

Heads Up!
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION All citizens are permitted and encouraged to speak on agenda items including and preceding “Items from citizens present.”
If you are interested in speaking on such an agenda item, please fill out a blue card in the back of the room and give it to the City Clerk.  When the Council considers the item, you will be called to the podium to provide your comments.
The City of Mesa is committed to making its public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities.  For special accommodations, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (480) 644-3333 or AzRelay 7-1-1 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
Si necesita asistencia o traducción en español, favor de llamar al menos 48 horas antes de la reunión al 480-644-2767.


Please Note: CONSENT AGENDA

All items listed with an asterisk (*) will be considered as a group by the City Council and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Councilmember or citizen requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered as a separate item. 
If a citizen wants an item removed from the consent agenda, a blue card must be completed and given to the City Clerk prior to the Council’s vote on the consent agenda.

City Council Study Session @ 5:15 pm
Meeting Agenda - Final

Roll Call
(Members of the Mesa City Council will attend either in person or by telephone conference call)
1 Review items on the agenda for the January 9, 2017 regular Council meeting.
2 Acknowledge receipt of minutes of various boards and committees.

2-a 17-0062 Historic Preservation Board meeting held on December 6, 2016
3 Hear reports on meetings and/or conferences attended
4 Scheduling of meetings and general information.
5 Adjournment.
Any citizen wishing to speak on an agenda item should complete and turn in a blue card to the City Clerk before that item is presented.


City Council Regular Meeting @ 5:45 pm
Meeting Agenda - Final
11 pages


Items on the Consent Agenda
[Approval of previous meeting minutes, liquor license applications ]

4 Take action on the following contracts:

*4-a $417,000 annually
17--0019
3-Year Term Contract for Wire and Cable for the Materials and Supply Warehouse (for Various City Departments) (Citywide)
This contract will establish a pre-qualified vendors list who will be eligible to competitively quote for wire and cable.  The City unsuccessfully attempted to obtain a fixed-price contract on three previous occasions and determined that a qualified vendors listing would be the City’s best option. 
The evaluation committee recommends awarding the contract to the qualified proposals from Border States Electric; Standard Wire & Cable Co.; Consolidated Electrical Distributors Inc., dba Arizona Electric Supply (a Mesa business); Wesco Distribution; and Anixter; cumulatively not to exceed $417,000 annually, based on estimated requirements.


*
4-b $1,068,077.59
16-1322
1-Year Renewal of the Term Contract for Residential Refuse and Recycling Containers for the Environmental Management and Sustainability Department (Citywide)
This contract provides a supply of 35-gallon, 65-gallon, and 95-gallon plastic refuse and recycling containers for residential use.
The Environmental Management and Sustainability Department, and Purchasing recommend authorizing the renewal with Rehrig Pacific Company, at $1,068,077.59, based on estimated requirements


*4-c $3,057,596.40
17-0025
Purchase of Eight Replacement Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Automated Side Loading (ASL) Refuse Trucks for the Environmental Management and Sustainability Department (Citywide)
The eight trucks being replaced have met established criteria and will be retired and sold at auction.  Today, Solid Waste is providing service for approximately 296,000 barrels operating with 50 trucks.
The Fleet Services, and Environmental Management and Sustainability Departments, and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase from the active contract with Rush Truck Center of Arizona Inc., at $3,057,596.40.  This purchase is funded by the Utility Replacement Extension and Renewal Fund, Capital Enterprise Fund, and the Solid Waste Development Fee


*4-d $46,840 for six months
16-1324
6-Month Renewal of the Term Contract for Elevator/Vertical Transportation Unit Maintenance for Citywide Facilities as requested by the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department (Citywide)
This contract provides a single vendor to perform routine maintenance and repair services for 57 elevators/vertical lift units at various City buildings.  This six-month renewal contract will allow staff time to prepare for a re-solicitation of the contract.
The Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the renewal with ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corporation, at , based on estimated requirements.

*4-e $40,616.64

17-0026
Purchase of One Fleet Addition Cut-Away Van with Enclosure Service Body for the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) Department (Citywide)
This service vehicle addition was budgeted for in conjunction with the staff that has been added to support new PRCF facilities.  It will primarily be driven by the Facilities Maintenance Technician II - Electrician to maintain the new ballfields at Fiesta Sports Park and the new construction that is about to occur at Pioneer Park.
The Fleet Services, and Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Departments, and Purchasing recommend awarding the contract to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder, Berge Ford (a Mesa business), at $40,616.64.  This purchase is funded by the Capital General Fund.


*4-f $49,247.26
17-0018
Purchase of Replacement Grinding Equipment for the Dobson Ranch Golf Course, as Requested by the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (Districts 3)
This equipment is needed to ensure the City has properly maintained mowers for the highest cut-quality to provide turf health for our peak golf seasons.  This replacement equipment is part of the Golf Lifecycle Plan and necessary due to safety, age and the inability to repair the current equipment, which is 20 years old. 
The Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing purchase from the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder, Textron, Inc., at $49,247.26.


*4-g $56,884.50 annually
17-0021
3-Year Term Contract for Fiberglass Waterslide Repair for the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department (Citywide)
This contract will provide for the necessary preventative maintenance including repair, waxing and buffing of the City's nine full-size fiberglass waterslides, two fiberglass kiddie slides and one cementitious/vinyl kiddie slide at various Aquatics facilities. 
The Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department, and Purchasing recommend awarding the contract to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder, 8 Blocks Maintenance Co., LLC, at $56,884.50 annually, based on estimated requirements.


*4-h $173,979.74.
16-1325
Purchase of Computer Hardware Flash Storage Array for the City’s Data Center as Requested by the Information Technology Department (Citywide)
This purchase will provide a flash storage array to back-up City data that integrates with the City’s Data Center infrastructure moving to the AT&T facility.  This storage solution will replace several cabinets of legacy storage arrays into a single unit and provide improved performance and lower operating costs by using less space and power in the new Data Center.
The Information Technology Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing purchase from the State of Arizona cooperative contract with lowest quoted vendor, cStor, at $173,979.74. This purchase is funded by the Information Technology Life Cycle Program budget.


*4-I
Larry Miller Toyota, at $102,370.57
San Tan Ford, at $32,230.73
Combined total of $134,601.30

17-0017
Purchase of Four Replacement Vehicles for the Police Department (Citywide)
The vehicles being replaced have met established replacement criteria and will be retired and sold at auction. The four replacement vehicles are for the Police Department’s Special Operations Unit.
The Police Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase using the State of Arizona cooperative contracts with Larry Miller Toyota, at $102,370.57; and San Tan Ford, at $32,230.73; for the combined total of $134,601.30.  This purchase is funded by Asset Forfeiture (RICO) Funds.


*4-j $51,406.08.
17-0022
Purchase of Four Replacement Night Vision Goggles for the Police Department, Aviation Unit (Sole Source) (Citywide)
Night vision goggles are designed to operate under a variety of lighting conditions, ranging from very low light to high light.  The new goggles will replace four worn, degrading and obsolete models in the Aviation Unit’s current inventory.
The Police Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase from the sole source vendor, Aviation Specialties Unlimited, at $51,406.08.


*4-p $8,711,698
and authorize a change order allowance in the amount of $871,169.80 (10%).
17-0029
Elliot Road Waterline - Sossaman Road to Signal Butte Road (District 6)
Construction of a new 42-inch pipe connecting to an existing 42-inch pipe just west of the intersection of Signal Butte and Elliot Roads, extending three miles west along Elliot Road to Hawes Road. At Hawes Road, the pipe diameter will be reduced to 30-inches and continue west one mile to an existing 24-inch pipe at Sossaman Road.
Staff recommends awarding the contract for this project to the lowest responsive bidder, Kinkaid Civil Construction LLC, in the amount of $8,711,698, and authorize a change order allowance in the amount of $871,169.80 (10%). This allowance will only be utilized for approved change orders.

Funding is available from the 2014 authorized Water bonds.

*4-q  $458,510,

17-0030
Mesa Fire and Medical Regional Dispatch Center and Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) No. 3 (District 3)
GMP No. 3 for the Mesa Fire and Medical Regional Dispatch and EOC includes the additional scope of work necessary to upgrade the Emergency Operations Center, to provide key technology enhancements including state-of-the art software and related equipment.
Staff recommends awarding the contract for completion of this project to CORE Construction Services, Inc., in the amount of $458,510, (GMP No. 3).  There is no additional change order allowance with this GMP.

Funding is available from the 2008 and 2013 authorized Public Safety Bonds Program, and by the SRPMIC Grant.

*4-r $8,611,361.72,
and authorize a change order allowance in the amount of $215,284.04 (2.5%).
17-0031
Central Arizona Project (CAP) Raw Water Pipeline (District 6)
The City of Mesa is currently in the process of building a new water treatment plant at the northeast corner of the Elliot Road and Signal Butte Road intersection.  This proposed pipeline will provide a water source for this treatment plant. This 54-inch pipeline will extend approximately 3-miles from the City’s existing turnout structure at the CAP canal, to the Signal Butte Water Treatment Plant (SBWTP).  The raw water pipeline will deliver up to 53 million gallons of water per day to be treated at the plant.
Staff recommends awarding the contract for this project to Garney Construction, in the amount of $8,611,361.72, and authorize a change order allowance in the amount of $215,284.04 (2.5%). This allowance will only be utilized for approved change orders. Funding is available from the 2014 authorized Water bonds
 
*4-s  $2,379,040.02, based upon a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $2,265,752.40,
plus an additional $113,287.62 (5%) change order allowance.
17-0015
Greenfield Park Improvements Project Construction Manager at Risk - Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) No.2 (District 2)
On October 17, 2016, City of Mesa Council awarded GMP 1 contract in the amount of $671,854.25 with a change order allowance of $33,592.71 (5%) to Hunter Contracting Co. to provide construction services. GMP 1 included earthwork grading, pond dewatering and excavation, and initial storm water infrastructure improvements. Additional enhancements include pedestrian walkways and street lights, ADA accessibility upgrades for the lake, updates to the playground and fitness equipment, a new restroom facility, playground shade, and parking lot expansion.  The lake will continue to serve as the irrigation water source for the western portion of the park.  
Staff recommends awarding the contract for the completion of this project to Hunter Contracting Co., in the amount of $2,379,040.02, based upon a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $2,265,752.40, plus an additional $113,287.62 (5%) change order allowance. This allowance will only be utilized for approved change orders. Funding is available from the 2012 authorized Parks Bonds, 2013 authorized Streets Bonds and the Environmental Compliance Fee.


5 Take action on the following resolutions:

*5-a Use of Eminent Domain
17-0057
Staff has successfully negotiated purchases on 35 parcels (30 property owners) and continues to appraise and negotiate with the remaining 88 parcels (62 property owners), but have not yet been able to acquire the property. 
Staff is requesting approval to continue negotiations to acquire certain property along the Gilbert Road Light Rail Extension (Mesa Drive Light Rail Station to Gilbert Road, along Main Street), and in order to avoid construction delays, authorizing and directing staff that fee title, easements or other interests in and possession of certain property be acquired by the City of Mesa through eminent domain as a matter of public necessity. (District 4)

*5-b

17-0013 Approving and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to enter into an Obligation Document with the U.S. Department of Justice, United States Marshals Service to accept $66,485 for the reimbursement of Police personnel overtime expenses relating to a Joint Law Enforcement Operations Task Force. (Citywide)

*5-c
17-0014 Approving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a SubGrant Award Agreement with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, to accept $159,072 in grant funds from the Victims of Crime Act, Victim Assistance Grant Program, which will be used for salaries and employee benefits of three victim services specialists at the Police Department’s Mesa Family Advocacy Center. (Citywide)

*5-d Terms?

16-1260 Approving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Development Agreement with Pecos Merrill 20 LLC, for the property located at the southwest corner of Pecos and Merrill Roads. 
This parcel is being acquired for a future groundwater facility, due to the projected growth in the southeast quadrant of the City. 
Included in the Development Agreement are terms that will allow for the continued farming on the parcel until future development of the property occurs and the responsibilities for developing Merrill Road. (District 6)

*5-e

17-0059 Prescribing and adopting standards of financial disclosure for local elected officials. (Citywide)

*5-f

17-0049 Accepting the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2016.


6 Discuss, receive public comment, and take action on the following ordinances:

*6-a
16-1296
Creating a new Mesa City Code Title 6, Chapter 24 “Escort Services” requiring licensing for the provision of services by an escort, escort assistant or escort bureau, and making corresponding amendments to Mesa City Code Title 6, Chapter 16 “Sexually Oriented Businesses” consistent with the creation of Title 6, Chapter 24. (Citywide)

*6-b
16-1258 Z16-054 (District 1)  2200 block of East University Drive (north side).  Located east of Gilbert Road on the north side of University Drive (2.11 ± acres). 

Rezoning from RS-6 to RM-2-BIZ; and Site Plan Review. 
This request will allow for attached single residence development.  Doug Sweeney, Brighton Companies, LLC., applicant; David K. Stephens Trust, owner.
Staff Recommendation:  Approval with Conditions P&Z Board

Recommendation:  Approval with Conditions 
(Vote: 6-0-1)

7 Discuss, receive public comment, and take action on the following ordinance and take action on the following resolution relating to pavement cut restrictions and pavement restoration fees:

*7-a
16-1238
Amending Title 9, Chapter 1 "Right-of-Way Permits" of the Mesa City Code and adding pavement cut restrictions, pavement restoration fees and other regulations concerning construction work in the City right-of-way. (Citywide)
This amendment will add pavement cut restrictions and pavement restoration fees for work in the City right-of-way. The pavement restoration fees collected will be used for street maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.  Adopting the proposed amendments and pavement restoration fee will have an overall revenue increase of approximately $40,000 per year.


*7-b

16-1319
Amending the Schedule of Fees and Charges to include pavement restoration fees



8 Take action on the following subdivision plat:
*8-a
17-0048
 "Sec First & Macdonald” (District 4)  The 40 to 100 blocks of West 1st Avenue (south side) and 100 to 200 blocks of south Macdonald (east side).  Located on the southeast corner of 1st Avenue and Macdonald. 2 T5MSF lots (1.949 ± acres).  Mesa Housing Associates II, developer; City of Mesa, owner.

Council Memo, Vicinity Map, Final and Preliminary Plats can be accessed here



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Mesa Office of Economic Development > "Delivering the Data Center of 2025 in 2015" Needs An Update

Two Opportunities
1 Data Center Opportunities - Mesa City Center
2 Elliot Road Technology Corridor
Both offer
ROBUST INFRASTRUCTURE
STREAMLINED ENTITLEMENT PROCESS

Why Phoenix-Mesa Metro Area? ...and Why Mesa?
SALES TAX EXEMPTION + TALENTED WORKFORCE
Question: Do the corporate 'give-aways" to high-tech companies create jobs?
Question: If so, what types of jobs?
Question: How talented is the local workforce? Do they have the skills for the jobs or not?
Question: How streamlined is the approval and regulatory process?

Zelensky Calls for a European Army as He Slams EU Leaders’ Response

      Jan 23, 2026 During the EU Summit yesterday, the EU leaders ...