Wednesday, April 12, 2017

How Digital Can We Get Here In Mesa?

Digital Southwest Here in Mesa
Next Century Cities will host a regional broadband summit, Digital Southwest, in Mesa, Arizona from 9:00am to 5:00pm MST next Tuesday, April 18, 2017 in partnership with the City of Mesa.
To watch the full event live, go to: https://livestream.com/internetsociety/digitalsw
Source: Broadband Breakfast


This full-day event will bring together broadband champions from federal, state, and local government, as well as community leaders and broadband policy experts from the Southwest and across the nation.
More information >
http://nextcenturycities.org/event/digital-southwest/
The event will feature stories of broadband deployment success, digital inclusion initiatives, financing opportunities, and more.
Participants will hear from mayors, other city officials, state and federal policymakers, rural and tribal representatives, as well as national broadband experts. From financing to infrastructure development to smart cities, panelists will share a wealth of practical information.

Participants may also take advantage of NTIA’s connected event on broadband planning and funding the following day. See below for details.

Conference: Tuesday, April 18, 2017 from 8:30 to 5pm at the Mesa Convention Center, 263 N Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201
Welcome Reception: Monday, April 17, 2017 from 5:30 to 7pm at the Mesa Arts Center, 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201



Agenda for Digital SW in Mesa, AZ, April 18, 2017
Keynote Speakers:
US Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ)
FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn
Mayor Giles
 
Breakfast and Keynote




Panel One: What’s Working– Stories of Success
Hear from elected officials and city leadership who can share stories about what is working in their communities.
 
 
 
 
 
John Bowcut, IS/SFCN Director, Spanish Fork, UT
Bob Fifer, Mayor Pro Tem, Arvada, CO
Beth Huning, Chief Engineer, City of Mesa, AZ
David Littell, RIVCOconnect Manager, Riverside County, CA
Kimball Sekaquaptewa, Manager of Tribal Critical Infrastructure, Amerind Risk
Don Williams, Senior Program Specialist for Broadband at US Department of Commerce

Panel Two: Broadband Infrastructure Needs
Where are the gaps in broadband infrastructure in our country?
What can be done to improve access for the underserved and the unserved?
John Brown, CISSP, President / CTO,  CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC
Jonathan Chambers, Partner, Conexon LLC.
Christopher Mitchell, Policy Director, Next Century Cities
Matt Rantanen, Director of Technology, Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association
Jory Wolf, Vice President, Digital Innovation, Magellan Advisors

Presentation on PAWR: Bill McGuire, US Ignite, PAWR Project Office

Lunch and Keynote

Breakout Session One: Models 101
What are the ways in which a counties, cities, or towns might successfully bring broadband to their communities?
Mitch Drake, Executive Engagement Leader, Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc.
Mark Feest, General Manager, Churchill Communications
Mark Goldstein, President, International Research Center
Andrew T. Gonzales, PIO/Telecom Manager, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative
Virgil Turner, Director of Innovation and Citizen Engagement, Montrose, CO
 
Breakout Session Two: Small Cells and Pole Attachments
What do communities need to know about pole attachments?
What are small cells and how can local leaders create a collaborative and mutually beneficial process with vendors who are seeking to deploy them?
Todd O’Boyle, Deputy Director, Next Century Cities
Michael Calabrese, Director, Wireless Future Program, New America, Open Technology Institute
Casey Lide, Partner, Law Firm of Baller, Stokes, and Lide
Courtney Schmidt, Executive Vice President, SureSite Consulting Group, LLC
David Young,  ‎Fiber Infrastructure and Right of Way Manager, Lincoln, NE
 
Breakout Session Three: Rural and Tribal
What are the unique issues and barriers in rural and tribal lands that leave many of these areas unserved? What solutions exist that can help to improve access?
John Badal, CEO, Sacred Wind Communications, NM
Brian Howard, Research & Policy Analyst, American Indian Policy Institute, Arizona State University
Shawn Irvine, Economic Development Director, Independence, OR
Blake Mobley, IT Director, Rio Blanco County, CO
Belinda Nelson, Director, Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority and Gila River Telecom, Inc.
Matt Rantanen, Director of Technology, Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association

Panel Three: Broadband Financing
How are communities funding broadband expansion?
What resources exist to help local communities fund infrastructure and digital inclusion efforts?
Keith Adams, Assistant Administrator, RUS
Jordana Barton, Senior Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
Tom Coverick, Managing Director, KeyBanc Capital Markets
Tim Herwig, District Community Affairs Officer, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Aimee Meacham, Director, Broadband Services Program, NTIA


REGISTRATION
Register now for Next Century Cities’ third regional broadband summit, Digital Southwest, in Mesa, AZ.
This conference is an opportunity for cities from the state and region to learn about successful models for ensuring that all have access to fast, affordable, reliable broadband access.
Registration is free for all government employees, and $100 for general admission.
You can register online by following this link.

HOTELS:
We have secured a very limited number of hotel rooms in the Residence Inn Phoenix Mesa, which is just a short distance from the conference. You may reserve either a Studio Style Suite for $129/night or a One Bedroom Suite for $139/night.To take advantage of the group rate, please call 480-610-0100 or visit this website and mention “Digital Southwest Conference” when booking. 
We also have a very limited number of hotel rooms will be made available at the group rate of $129/night for a Standard King or Double Room at the Phoenix Marriott Mesa, which is conveniently located just steps from the main event space. To take advantage of the group rate, please call 480-898-3000 or visit this website and mention “Digital Southwest Conference” when booking. 

NTIA HALF DAY EVENT
NTIA’s BroadbandUSA will host a free half-day, in-depth technical assistance workshop on broadband planning and funding on April 19, the day after Digital SW, in Mesa, AZ.
Arizona Broadband Workshop
 
 
 
Event Details
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), through its BroadbandUSA program, is holding an in-depth technical assistance workshop on broadband planning and funding in Mesa, Ariz., on Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Broadband is a critical driver for American prosperity and economic growth.
As a result, state and local governments are seeking ways to expand broadband access and digital inclusion to improve economic growth, workforce development, education outcomes and healthcare in their communities. 

   • Does your community need broadband?
   • Do you want to learn more about how to plan and fund broadband infrastructure access in your community?
   • Do you need help getting started or make sure you are on the right path?


If you answered yes to those questions, please join BroadbandUSA’s technical assistance team for a half-day workshop with a deep dive into planning and funding a broadband infrastructure project. This team has substantial public and private sector experience in broadband deployment and implementation.

The technical assistance  workshop is free to attend and can assist your community in meeting your broadband needs.
Who: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (U.S. Department of Commerce).
Experts from NTIA's BroadbandUSA Technical Assistance team will lead the workshop.

When: Wednesday, April 19, 2017; from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MST.
This workshop will be held a day after the Next Century Cities "Digital Southwest" broadband summit in Mesa, AZ.  

Where: Mesa Arts Center
1 E Main St
Mesa, AZ 85201

Have questions about Arizona Broadband Workshop? Contact BroadbandUSA
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Here in Maricopa County > Federal Health Standards Violated

Effective Tues., April 11 and Wed., April 12, 2017 ADEQ Issues Ozone High Pollution Advisory for Maricopa County
 
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing ozone High Pollution Advisories (HPAs) for Maricopa County, effective Tues., April 11, and Wed., April 12, 2017. These HPAs are due to ozone levels expected to accumulate enough to exceed the federal health standard for ozone.
Our Mission ??????
To protect and enhance public health and the environment
People most affected by ozone include children, senior citizens, people who work or exercise outdoors and people with pre-existing respiratory disease. Ozone can irritate the respiratory system, aggravate asthma and reduce the immune system’s ability to fight off respiratory infections. Ozone-related health problems include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, headaches, nausea, and throat and lung irritation.
CONTACTS
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) provides a daily forecast for air quality and issues HPAs or Health Watches when these conditions exist. Please visit azdeq.gov/environ/air/ozone/ensemble.pdf or call (602) 771-2367 for tomorrow’s forecast or SUBSCRIBE to receive air quality forecasts via email and/or text message.
CONTACT: Caroline Oppleman – (602) 771-2215 desk/(602) 540-8072 cell 
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) is a regulatory agency whose goal is to ensure federal clean air standards are achieved and maintained for the residents and visitors of Maricopa County. The department is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act. The department offers air quality information and resources on its Clean Air Make More website: cleanairmakemore.com.
CONTACT: Bob Huhn – (602) 506-6713 desk/(602) 526-7307 cell
 
 
 
 

Matt Salmon Hoping To Spawn Life Outside-of-Politics?

Latter-Day Saint Ex-Two-Time-Arizona Congressman is on a mission for a new wild image, seen taking to the road on the way to a new milestone in his public life.
You like his new Born-Again wild image?
Time will tell in an event on April 29th where attendees are encouraged to wear 'semi-formal' attire with 'a touch of the wild side like leather, lace leopard, etc.
Huh?




“It’s Been A Wild Ride” – a Roast and Toast to Congressman Matt Salmon
April 2017 – Please join us in celebrating at our 50th Anniversary kickoff event “It’s Been A Wild Ride” — a Roast and Toast to Congressman Matt Salmon, a longtime friend and advocate of Hacienda.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Arizona Grand Resort | Grand Ballroom | 8000 E. Baseline, Phoenix AZ
6:00 pm — General Registration & No-host Bar
6:00 pm — VIP Reception
7:00 pm — Dinner & Program
Semi-Formal attire with a “touch of the wild side” ( leather, lace, leopard, etc. )

Please join us on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at the Arizona Grand Resort. This evening will be a night of laughter and tears, music and great food, and you don’t have to own a Harley. “It’s Been A Wild Ride” – The Roast and Toast of Congressman Matt Salmon, benefits Hacienda HealthCare and in celebrating their 50th Anniversary.

The event’s guest list is the Who’s Who of current and former lawmakers.

Roasters include:
  • Republican Rep. Jeff Duncan of South Carolina
  • Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona
  • Former Arizona Attorney Gen. Grant Woods
  • NFL Hall of Famer and former Congressman, Steve Largent
  • Former Chief of Staff Adam Deguire
  • Former Chief of Staff Steve Chucri
  • Other invited roasters are…Republican Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and John McCain of Arizona, pending availability.
Proceeds from this celebration will help Hacienda fund the vital programs necessary to maximize each client’s fullest potential, provide compassionate care and offer a sense of family and community.







 

Keeping-On-Track with RAIL > Mesa's Hopping this Month!

Got this in the INBOX 20 hours ago - passing it along ...
Have no idea who writes the copy for RAIL's information pieces send out via MailChimp but here we go!
April is a-bloom! Tons of things are happening along Mesa's light rail corridor including Learning in the Park to prep your kids for Kindergarten, Pop Up Brass Band performances, an Easter Egg Hunt, free concerts, an International Jazz Festival, and more! The City is working on next year's budget, and Mesa's made the news a couple of times -- check it all out
Join RAIL at a number of events in April!
https://www.facebook.com/RAILdistrict

RAILmesa is a registered neighborhood group and 501c3 non-profit organization that advocates for a stronger, healthier, more resilient community and economy with access to quality jobs, transit, housing, and world-class education for all, especially along Mesa’s Light Rail Corridor. 
You are receiving this e-mail because you asked to be informed of activities of the RAIL / I Believe in Mesa's Downtown neighborhood group.    
Our mailing address is:    
RAIL - Retail Arts Innovation and Livability

12 N Center St, Mesa, AZ
c/o NEDCO
Mesa, AZ 85201

Here's what's coming up:

April Meeting
April 26 6pm - Our Monthly meeting. Map your Neighborhood!. Gilbert Light Rail Update. What's going on in downtown Mesa. 

April Events
Tons of Events in April! Plenty of things to do in April, including an International Jazz Festival, ZapCon, and more!

Federal Building Renovation
In the News: More than four years after Mesa voters approved a new downtown historical museum, and after $600,000-plus . . .

Pioneer Park Remodel
April - Starting at the end of the month, Pioneer Park will be closed for a complete remodel of the playground and site.

City Budget Process
Annual Budgeting Starts now! Potential $17.5 million shortfall, $8.6 million in cuts -- what are your priorities?

Mesa to Use Private Jails?
In the News: Mesa police officials are negotiating a contract with CoreCivic — the company previously known as CCA...

Why Aren’t We Building Middle Income Housing?

This article covers a lot of the underlying issues around building non-luxury housing. Worth the read.
Read the Whole Article Here
We also track development projects, community events, and more. If you have tips or event updates for anything along the Mesa Light Rail Corridor, send it to us at together@railmesa.org!

Here In Mesa: Not Just One but 2 TOWN HALL MEETINGS THIS WEEK: Biggs & Flake

Two vulnerable Republicans elected to Congress by voters in Arizona have recently and quickly scheduled town hall meetings here in Mesa after a firestorm of public protests and a petition posted to Change.org back in February that they are trying to avoid scenes of contention in recently broadcast town hall meetings all over the country.
Both, however, limit their time exposed or interacting with the public concerns.
This was posted on Twitter @ 4:08 pm yesterday 10 April 2017
Join me on Thursday, April 13 for a at the Mesa Convention Center.
More info at:
Sen. Flake will be holding a town hall on Thursday, April 13 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. PT at the Mesa Convention Center - Building C. Seating is first-come, first-served. View the parking map here

WHERE: Mesa Convention Center
             Building C
             201 N. Center St.
             Mesa, AZ 85201

TIMELINE: Thursday, April 13
                 6:00 p.m. PT: Doors open for the public
                 7:00 p.m. PT: Town hall begins
                 8:30 p.m. PT: Town hall concludes


TOWN HALL CODE OF CONDUCT
  • Constituents may begin to park or line up on the property one hour before the program begins. Doors will open an hour before the program begins.
  • Attendees with signs, banners, or objects that create a disturbance will not be admitted. 
  • To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and productive town hall, all attendees must comply with posted and audible instructions and failure to comply will result in immediate removal.

Monday, April 10, 2017

Special Board of Adjustment Meeting for District 5 820-acre PAD @ Red Mountain Ranch

In what's listed on the calendar as a public meeting, but members of the board have scheduled an executive session to discuss or consult the Board's legal counsel about a challenge and appeal to the Zoning Administrator's interpretion of a zoning case.

Questions about the appeal to the Zoning Administrator interpretation regarding Red Mountain Ranch Golf Course, BA16-049 contact:
Lisa Davis, Planner II, 480-644-3594
lisa.davis@mesaaz.gov




Board of Adjustment Public Hearing
City of Mesa
Meeting Agenda - Tentative
Wed 12 April @ 5:00 pm
City Council Chambers 57 E. First Street
Chair Tony Siebers

Vice Chair Trent Montague
Board member Wade Swanson
Board member Ken Rembold
Board member Steve Curran 
Board member Kathy Tolman
Board member Terry Worcester


Special Board of Adjustment Meeting

1 Call meeting to order

.
2 Review and discuss items listed on the Public Hearing agenda for April 12, 2017.


3 Recess the Special meeting and Convene an Executive Session pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3) for discussion or consultation for legal advice with the Board’s Attorney regarding BA16-049 appeal from the Zoning Administrator’s interpretation for processing a request to develop a single residence subdivision in the location of the driving range for the Red Mountain Ranch Golf Course subject to an approved development master plan adopted as part of a Planned Area Development  (PAD) overlay district.
4 Take action on the following cases: None

5 Items not on the Consent Agenda

6 Take action on the following case: 6a
What is this all about?
Link to ADJ 17046 > http://mesa.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?m=l&id=/matter.aspx?key=10586 

Here's the detail with 8 different documents
http://mesa.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3014983&GUID=1582DA09-5DEE-4CFE-A149-F42E69297053 

There is a 16-page Staff Report - this goes back to Mesa City Council actions taken in 1990 with an Administrative review asked for

There is a 77-page appeal filed by Pew & Lake, served by email and hand-delivery to John Wesley and Gordon Sheffield dated 26 July 2016
BA16-049  4400 blocks of North Power Road - west side; the 5600 through 6800 blocks of East Thomas Road - north side; the 6000 through 6200 blocks of East Thomas Road - south side; the 3600 through 4400 blocks of North Recker Road - both sides, and the 5900 through 6700 blocks of East Viewmont Drive, both sides;
820 plus or minus acres [also known as the Red Mountain Ranch Development Master Plan (DMP), which is now referred to as a Planned Area Development (PAD)] (District 5)
Consider an appeal of a Zoning Administrator interpretation regarding the method of processing a request to develop a single residence subdivision in the location of the driving range for the Red Mountain Ranch Golf Course.
The Zoning Administrator’s interpretation is that the request must be processed as a major modification to the Red Mountain Ranch Development Master Plan’s ‘-PAD’ overlay zoning district, as it is considered a significant change that requires the modification or removal of a condition of the zoning.
The applicant is appealing this interpretation. 
Staff Planner: Lisa Davis

Staff Recommendation: Uphold Decision of Zoning Administrator 

7 Other business
.
8 Items from citizens present.


9 Adjournment.

NO CAPTAIN ONBOARD