Mesa City Council Study Session Agenda Thu 13 April 2017

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.

The Mesa City Council believes that its people, not leaders, are what makes a City great and actively works to encourage citizen participation in the decision-making process.




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 April 17, 2017 regular Council meeting.

2 Presentations/Action Items:

• 2a  17-0284 Hear a presentation and discuss the FY 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Program with a focus on utilities. 2-a
• 2b 17-0332 Hear a presentation, discuss and provide direction on department budgets and Utility Rate recommendations for the following:

1.  Environmental Management and Sustainability

2.  Energy Resources

3.  Water Resources

3 17-0477 Information pertaining to the current Job Order Contracting projects.

4 Acknowledge receipt of minutes of various boards and committees.
17-0478 Economic Development Advisory Board meeting held on April 4, 2017.4-a

17-0458 Historic Preservation Board meeting held on March 7, 2017.4-b

5 Hear reports on meetings and/or conferences attended.

6 Scheduling of meetings and general information.

Source: http://mesa.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Vigorous Rogue Reporting from Jon Talton: Embracing Reality-Based News

This could become a real habit > Going rogue again with Jon Tilton. See how to get the most out of Rogue after reading this . . .The crisis of legitimacy
12 April 2017
( Illustration by Carl Muecke , from Jon's article )

Donald Trump lost the popular vote by a historic margin, three million votes.
He never released his tax returns.
He asked for, and received, the help of Russian intelligence in hacking the Democrats and undermining his challenger, Hillary Clinton.
He is in violation of the emoluments clause of the Constitution, has not stepped back from his tangled business interests, has stuffed his cabinet with similarly compromised billionaires.
His first National Security Adviser was a Russian agent.
The fate of 319 million Americans was decided by 77,744 votes in three states out of more than 136 million ballots cast nationwide.
Now he has claimed a mandate to radically remake America.
For many, if not most, of Hillary Clinton voters, Trump is an illegitimate president.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stymied President Obama's Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland, an unprecedented act. Garland received neither a hearing nor a vote. McConnell recently executed the "nuclear option," denying the filibuster to Democrats so he could assure the confirmation of the arch-conservative Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.
For millions of Americans, we now have an illegitimate Supreme Court, too.
The reaction of Republicans is along the lines of, "This is how we felt during the Obama presidency, too." This is symptomatic of our Cold Civil War. But Obama was soundly elected and re-elected. He was careful to preserve continuity with his predecessor, George W. Bush, observed every norm, and governed from the center — even using the Republican health-care plan as the template for the Affordable Care Act.

This is different.
When W. was elected despite losing the popular vote, Democrats weren't happy but only a fringe questioned his lawful right to take office — even though many had hesitations about the outcome being decided in the Supreme Court (thanks, Sandy) rather than the House of Representatives, as the Constitution required. And before 9/11, Bush governed from the center. Remember his work with Sen. Ted Kennedy on No Child Left Behind?
Nothing like this has happened in my lifetime, although we began drifting that way with many conservatives adopting the posture that Bill Clinton was an illegitimate president. Soon this would be applied to any Democrat that won the White House. To find a comparable analogy, we must go back to the election of 1860, when Southerners refused to accept the victory of Abraham Lincoln and Southern states began to leave the union.
Today, states are much weaker. We also have an enormous standing military and national security state. These would make short work of any blue-state secession. That is, unless the military itself fragmented. Then things would get, as they say in the South...interesting.
The media will do its best to normalize Trump. To do so is shameful, but the search for "balance" will continue, even if the facts suffer. But it won't work. For one thing, Trump himself will not be normalized. He will continue to be reckless, impulsive, a wanna-be authoritarian putting his family in positions of power while acceding to the worst of Republican ideology. Even if Trump's "skinny budget" and embrace of plutocrats totally shafts his white working class base, they will stay with him. They love the strongman. They support white majoritarianism above all. They form a core that, along with the vote suppression of red states, Jefferson Beauregard Sessions, and a right-wing Supreme Court, makes me wonder if Democrats will ever be allowed to win again.
The damage will be worse than most imagine and long-lasting: to climate, the commons, transportation, science and research, the social safety net, the public's lands, the environment, health and safety. If the Republicans can get their act together, they're coming for our "entitlements."
Trump has the nuclear codes. To be sure, Vladimir Putin has something on him at best. At worst, Trump and his cronies such as Rex Tillerson have such deep business connections to Russia that "America First" will be a sick joke.
On the other hand, we're dealing with an unstable illegitimate president who has asked why we have nuclear weapons if we don't use them.
He disdains expert opinions.
He makes Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II look like a steady statesman by comparison. It's been more than seven decades since we've had a war among major powers — just long enough for memories to fade and dangerous illusions to set in.
Meanwhile, we have millions of educated, reflective Americans who refuse to accept this man. As they should. This is perilous territory.
 
Get the most out of Rogue click here
There's more than the column.
To the right, The Front Page offers interesting news you might not have seen elsewhere; it is gathered by me and Front Page Editor Richard Silc, updated daily.
Also, the site provides four pages under "Top Stories": Arizona's Continuing Crisis, Best of the Front Page, Climate/Energy/Water and the City Desk.
Each is a gateway to important stories on these topics.
And check out the Phoenix 101 archive for Jon Talton's original columns on Phoenix and Arizona history. Thanks to researcher Mike Sampson.

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

BroadbandUSA 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.   More Info Here April Events Tons of Events in April! Plenty of things to do in April, including an International Jazz Festival, ZapCon, and more! More Info Here Federal Building Renovation In the News: More than four years after Mesa voters approved a new downtown historical museum, and after $600,000-plus . . .  More Info Here 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. More Info Here City Budget Process Annual Budgeting Starts now! Potential $17.5 million shortfall, $8.6 million in cuts -- what are your priorities?  More Info Here Mesa to Use Private Jails? In the News: Mesa police officials are negotiating a contract with CoreCivic — the company previously known as CCA... More Info Here

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!