Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Where Most Hate Crimes Occur In US — It's not where you t...


Published on Aug 22, 2017
Views: 6,618
The latest FBI statistics show that hate crimes remain a nationwide problem. A wide variety of crimes fall under this umbrella term, from attacks against gay people to vandalism of religious sites. Some incidents attract more attention than others, but this map shows where the greatest concentrations of reported hate crimes occur.

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Monday, August 21, 2017

How AI Can Enhance Our Memory, Work + Social Lives | Tom Gruber

No doubts at all??????

Published on Aug 21, 2017
Views: 4,124
How smart can our machines make us? Tom Gruber, co-creator of Siri, wants to make "humanistic AI" that augments and collaborates with us instead of competing with (or replacing) us. He shares his vision for a future where AI helps us achieve superhuman performance in perception, creativity and cognitive function -- from turbocharging our design skills to helping us remember everything we've ever read and the name of everyone we've ever met. "We are in the middle of a renaissance in AI," Gruber says. "Every time a machine gets smarter, we get smarter."

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more.

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KEEPING YOU INFORMED: 2017 Legislative Update AZ PSPRS


Published on Aug 17, 2017
Views: 10
Update of 2017 legislation related to the PSPRS

IF THE J-20 STEALTH FIGHTER IS SO AMAZING WHY IS CHINA BUYING RUSSIA'S S...

They just don't get it - other countries in the world don't have to buy from the U.S.
Published on Aug 21, 2017
Views: 198
Even as China is publicly showing off its new Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter at the Zhuhai air show for the first time, Beijing is continuing its efforts to acquire advanced Russian fighters.

Indeed, while a pair of J-20s garnered the attention of the world’s media, the Russian government quietly announced that it has started work on building 24 Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E fighters for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). China signed a contract for the delivery of two-dozen Su-35s in November 2015 worth at least $2 billion.

Sunday, August 20, 2017

BIG Agenda > Mesa City Council Meeting Mon 21 Aug 2017

FINAL MEETING AGENDA 13 Pages
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..

If there's something other people need to prepare or think about beforehand, they have time to do that.
And make sure you stick to the agenda – no straying
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.
14 Liquor License Applications
 2 Bingo Applications

14 Job Contracts
5 Take action on the following contracts:
17-0851 Purchase of Courtroom Hallway Monitor Replacement and Upgrade for the Mesa Municipal Court (Citywide)
This purchase will replace and upgrade the monitors installed outside each courtroom that display the daily docket. The monitors were installed when the building was constructed and are malfunctioning and several have been removed.
Mesa Municipal Court and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase using the State of Arizona cooperative contract with CCS Presentation Systems, at $58,256.49.  This purchase is funded by Court Technology Restricted Funds.
*5-a
Page 4 City of Mesa Printed on 8/18/2017
August 21, 2017City Council Meeting Agenda - Final
17-0824 One-Year Renewal Contract for Janitorial and Sanitation Supplies for the Materials & Supply Warehouse (for City Departments) (Citywide)
City departments require a broad supply of janitorial and sanitation products to support daily maintenance operations.  Supplies include:  sanitizing and disinfecting cleaners; waste receptacles; paper products including paper towels, cups and napkins; brooms, brushes and handles; latex gloves; etc.
The Business Services Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing a renewal contract using the National IPA/City of Tucson cooperative contract with Waxie Sanitary Supply (a Mesa business), at $100,000, based on estimated requirements.
*5-b
17-0853 Purchase of one Replacement Phosphor Projector and Related Equipment for the Arts & Culture Department - Mesa Arts Center (Citywide)
This purchase will provide a new projector to replace and upgrade the Piper Theater projector.  The current projector is not readily compatible with the computer output resolutions of today’s computers.  The current maximum output of the existing projector is equivalent to a 720p television, and it is excessively noisy.  This purchase will upgrade the Piper Theater's projector to 4K resolution and it will be a much quieter projector.  The new projector will increase the opportunities for using video projection with performances and other events. 
The Arts & Culture Department and Purchasing recommend awarding the contract to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder, B & H Photo & Electronics Corp., at $40,605.31.  This purchase is funded by the Mesa Arts Center Restoration Fund.
*5-c
17-0857 Three-Year Term Contract for Rotary Gas Meters for the Materials and Supply Warehouse (for the Energy Resources Department) (Citywide)
This contract will provide large capacity rotary gas meters used in the City’s natural gas distribution systems for the purpose of billing customer gas usage.  These meters are for new construction projects and maintenance and repair of existing utilities.
The Business Services and Energy Resources Departments, and Purchasing recommend authorizing the contract with the lowest, responsive and responsible bidders:  Honeywell, dba Mercury Instruments LLC; Romet Limited, LLC; and Western Gas Technologies; cumulatively not to exceed $268,210 annually, based on estimated requirements.
*5-d
Page 5 City of Mesa Printed on 8/18/2017
August 21, 2017City Council Meeting Agenda - Final
17-0855 Three-Year Term Contract for Meter Set Assemblies for the Materials and Supply Warehouse (for the Energy Resources Department) (Citywide)
This contract will provide meter set assemblies for new construction projects and the maintenance and repair of existing gas utilities. The Gas Utility uses meter set assemblies in the City’s natural gas distribution system.
The Business Services and Energy Resources Departments, and Purchasing recommend authorizing the contract with the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder, Georg Fischer Central Plastics LLC, at $88,316 annually, based on estimated requirements.
*5-e
17-0823 Term Contract for Maintenance, Repair, Operating Supplies and Related Services for Citywide Use (Citywide)
This contract will supply various City Departments with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) supplies in a retail and wholesale (internet) environment.  In addition, this contract will supplement the City’s current term contract for industrial supplies using the City of Tucson cooperative contract with Grainger.  The provision of both cooperative options is advantageous to the City leveraging two nationally bid contract rates for the best prices on these products.
The Business Services Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the term contract using the Maricopa County/U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance cooperative contract with Home Depot U.S.A., Inc. (six local Mesa locations), at $275,000 annually, based on estimated requirements.
*5-f
17-0825 Three-Year Term Contract for Park Playground and Aquatics Facility Poured-In-Place Surfacing and Synthetic Turf Repairs, Maintenance and Installation for the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department (Citywide)
The City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department currently operates and maintains 40 park playground systems, one splash pad, and four slide entries at the Aquatic Facilities that contain poured-in-place unitary surfacing.  This contract will provide for the supply, installation, maintenance and repair of rubberized playground safety surfacing and synthetic turf for our park playground systems, splash pad and aquatic facilities.  Proper maintenance ensures safety to Mesa residents and patrons.
The evaluation committee recommends awarding the contract to the highest-scored and lowest-priced proposal from FlexGround, LLC, at $200,000 annually, based on estimated requirements.
*5-g
Page 6 City of Mesa Printed on 8/18/2017
August 21, 2017City Council Meeting Agenda - Final
17-0850 Purchase of One Replacement Narrow Aisle Lift Truck for the Business Services Department as requested by the Fleet Services Department (Citywide)
This purchase will provide one replacement material handling, lift truck (forklift) to support Business Services' Materials and Supply East Warehouse daily operations. The current vehicle has met established replacement criteria and will be either traded, auctioned, sold or deployed to special uses as part of the ongoing City of Mesa vehicle replacement program.
The Fleet Services and Business Services Departments, and Purchasing recommend awarding the contract to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder, Arnold Machinery, at $41,926.94.  This purchase is funded by the Warehouse Internal Services Fund.
*5-h
17-0822 Purchase of a New Mechanical PM-10 Street Sweeper with High Dump Capacity for the Transportation Department as requested by the Fleet Services Department (Citywide)
Transportation Field Operations will use this mechanical street sweeper to support their asphalt milling operations to meet the demands of their in-house asphalt patching and paving program.  In addition, this sweeper will comply with Maricopa County’s PM-10 Rule 310 - Fugitive Dust from Dust-Generating Operations.
The Fleet Services and Transportation Departments, and Purchasing recommend awarding the contract to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder, Freightliner of Arizona, LLC, at $265,721.61.  This purchase is funded by the Local Streets Sales Tax Fund.
*5-i
17-0826 One-Year Renewal Contract for Refuse Container Bin Lids for the Environmental Management and Sustainability Department (Citywide)
This contract provides 100% recyclable black lids used for metal bin refuse containers for commercial customers throughout the City.  This contract ensures Solid Waste Management readily has a supply of lids to meet the maintenance requirements of the City’s bin inventory.
The Environmental Management and Sustainability Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the renewal contract with Plastic Recovery Technology, dba PRT, at $29,100, based on estimated requirements.
*5-j
Page 7 City of Mesa Printed on 8/18/2017
August 21, 2017City Council Meeting Agenda - Final
17-0854 Three-Year Term Contract for Manhole Cleaning, Inspections and Video Documentation for the Water Resources Department (Citywide)
This contract will provide a qualified contractor to perform manhole inspections using National Association Sewer Service Company classification and video documentation.  The contractor is required to clean all sewer manholes by a power washer prior to any inspections.  As part of the City’s Wastewater Asset Management Program, approximately 500 manholes are required to be inspected annually to assess the condition, locate defects and identify manholes that need to be rehabilitated or have an insert installed.
The Water Resources Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing a contract with the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder, Hoffman Southwest Corp., dba Professional Pipe Services (Pro-Pipe), at $108,000 annually. This purchase is funded by Wastewater CIP Bonds and the Utility Replacement Extension and Renewal Fund.
*5-k
17-0858 One-Year Renewal Contract for Traffic Signal Pole Painting Services for the Transportation Department (Citywide)
This contract provides for the refinishing of traffic signal poles, mast arms, signal heads, cabinets and mounts at each of the 400-plus traffic signalized intersections.  Refinishing traffic signal components is planned on an eight-year cycle and is necessary to protect the metal and provide contrast for the traffic signal heads preventing corrosion on the poles and heads that occurs when the finishes wear off.  Additionally, traffic signal heads typically become less visible as the black fades or bare metal is exposed.
The Transportation Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing a renewal with OLS Restoration, Inc., at $200,000, based on estimated requirements.  This contract is funded by the Local Streets Sales Tax.
*5-l
Page 8 City of Mesa Printed on 8/18/2017
August 21, 2017City Council Meeting Agenda - Final
17-0852 Purchase of Two New License Plate Reader Camera Systems for the Police Department (Citywide)
This purchase will provide two mobile License Plate Reader (LPR) camera systems, hardware and access to law enforcement only data, available through Vigilant Solutions. This equipment will assist the Department in strategizing a four-point approach to hot spots policing, intelligence lead policing, problem oriented policing and community policing.  It will allow personnel access to data related to LPR scans obtained by the Patrol Division.
The Police Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase using the City of Tempe cooperative contract with Vigilant Solutions LLC, at $85,657.77.  This purchase is funded:  $79,060 by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community grant and $6,597.77 from the Police Department Restricted Funds budget.
*5-m
17-0856 Emergency Purchase of Two New Low Acuity Vehicles for the Fire and Medical Department (Citywide)
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has established standards for fire departments to ensure timely response to emergencies.  To continue meeting the standards, the Mesa Fire and Medical Department (MFMD) needs to have a sufficient number of available apparatus to respond to emergency calls.  MFMD has purchased two new vehicles to address increased call volume and satisfy the NFPA response-time standards. The vehicles will be staffed after regular staffing needs have been met.  This emergency purchase was approved by the Fire Chief and the Assistant City Manager as necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health and safety. 
The Fire and Medical Department and Purchasing recommend ratifying the emergency purchase using the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) cooperative contract with Professional Sales & Service, L.C., at $578,580.32.  This purchase is funded by 2013 authorized Public Safety Bonds.


6 Resolutions


7 Introduction of the following ordinances and setting August 28, 2017 as the date of the public hearing on these ordinances: (7)


17-0840 Z17-023 (District 2)  1132 South Oakland Drive.  Located west of Greenfield Road and north of Southern Avenue (1.2± acres).  Rezone from OC-PAD to NC-PAD, PAD Modification, and Council Use Permit for an in-patient substance abuse treatment facility. 
Staff Recommendation:  Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation:  Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0)
*7-a
Page 10 City of Mesa Printed on 8/18/2017
August 21, 2017City Council Meeting Agenda - Final

17-0841 Z17-024 (District 2)  The 2300 block of East University Drive (south side).  Located east of Gilbert Road on the south side of University Drive (2.4± acres).  Rezone from RSL-2.5-BIZ to RM-2-PAD; and Site Plan Review.  This request will allow the development of an attached single-residence subdivision. 
Staff Recommendation:  Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation:  Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0)
*7-b
17-0843 Z17-026 (District 5)  The 6500 block of East Brown Road (north side).  Located west of Power Road on the north side of Brown Road (8.0 ± acres).  Rezone from RS-9 and OC-PAD to RM-2-PAD; Site Plan Review; and Special Use Permit.  This request will allow for the development of a transitional senior living facility. 
Staff Recommendation:  Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation:  Approval with conditions (Vote: 4-1)
*7-c
17-0844 Z17-027 (District 5)  1402 North Recker Road.  Located on the west side of Recker Road north of Brown Road (1.1± acres).  Rezone from RS-7 to RM-2-BIZ.  This request will allow for development of a second detached residence. 
Staff Recommendation:  Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation:  Approval with conditions (Vote: 4-1)
*7-d
17-0845 Z17-028 (District 5)  The 5400 to 5600 blocks of East Thomas Road (north side).  Located east of Higley Road on the north side of Thomas Road
(11.01 ± acres).  Rezone to modify the existing PAD overlay.  This modification will reduce the side and rear yard setbacks within the existing subdivision. 
Staff Recommendation:  Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation:  Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0)
*7-e
17-0848 Z17-033 (District 5) 
The 5600 through 5900 blocks of East Longbow Parkway (north side) and the 3100 through 3200 blocks of North Recker Road (west side)
(50± acres). 
Located south of the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway.  Council Use Permit.  This request will allow installation of two multi-tenant Freeway Landmark Monument signs within a commercial center. Stephen C. Earl, Earl, Curley & Lagarde, P.C., applicant; Dover Associates, LLC & Longbow CAS, LLC, owner.
Staff Recommendation:  Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation:  Approval with conditions (Vote: 6-0)
*7-f
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August 21, 2017City Council Meeting Agenda - Final
 
17-0839 Z17-022 (District 6)  The 8500 block of East Guadalupe Road (south side).  Located on the south side of Guadalupe Road east of Hawes Road (10.2 ± acres). 
Rezone from RS-6-PAD to RSL-3.0-PAD and Site Plan Review. This request will allow the development of a single residence subdivision. 
Staff Recommendation:  Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation:  Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0)
*7-g
17-0838 Z17-021 (District 6)  The 8500 to 8800 blocks of East Guadalupe Road (north side).  Located on the north side of Guadalupe Road west of the 202 San Tan Freeway
(20± acres).  Rezone from LC-PAD to RS-6-PAD; and Site Plan Review. 
This request will allow the development of a single residence subdivision. 
Staff Recommendation:  Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation:  Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0)
*7-h

17-0847 Z17-029 (District 4)  West Side-Clark Historic District Overlay. 
Rezone for the West Side-Clark Historic District to add the Historic District Overlay.  This area is generally bounded by lots on the north side of West 2nd Place on the north, lots on the south side of West Pepper Place on the south, North Date on the west, and North Country Club Drive on the east.  This request will create a local Historic District. Christine Close and other property owners of West Side-Clark Historic District, applicant; property owners of West Side-Clark Historic District, owners.
Staff Recommendation:  Approval P&Z Board Recommendation:  Approval (Vote: 6-0)
*7-I
17-0849 Amending Title 11, Chapter 67 Section 4 (E) “Conditions Requiring Mandatory Supermajority Vote by City Council” of the Mesa City Code. (Citywide)
To comply with recent changes to Arizona state statutes, this amendment will modify the conditions regarding written protest requirements that trigger a supermajority vote by the City Council to approve land use actions.
Staff Recommendation:  Approval P&Z Board Recommendation:  Approval (Vote: 6-0)

8 Take action on the following subdivision plat:
17-0835 “Canyon Preserve at Mountain Bridge” (District 5) 
The 1600 through 2000 blocks of North Ellsworth Road (east side).  Located on the east side of Ellsworth Road south of McKellips Road
(30.46 ± acres). 
Paul Dugas, Pinnacle Ridge Holdings, LLC, developer;
Daniel W. Matthews, P.E, Wood, Patel & Associates, Inc., engineer.

 

PUBLIC HEARING Tomorrow: Important Issues

Items not on the Consent Agenda
> Annexation case:
> Creation of the East and West Redevelopment Areas and take action on the resolutions creating the East and West Redevelopment Areas and expanding the City’s Central Business District.


 
17-0875 Conduct a public hearing on the creation of the East and West Redevelopment Areas
17-0876 A resolution finding and declaring the necessity for the creation of the East and West Redevelopment Areas. (Districts 1, 2, 3 and 4) (2/3 vote required)
17-0877 A resolution approving the expansion of the existing Central Business District to include the proposed East and West Redevelopment Areas. (Districts 1, 2, 3 and 4)

Introducing: #PHXEastValley Angel Investor Initiative

The new Initiative is a regional partnership to catalyze economic growth by raising awareness of the importance of angel investing and enhancing access to early-stage funding for  tech startups.
Link > http://www.phxeastvalley.org/introducing-phxeastvalley-angel-investor-initiative/

HERE'S THE PITCH:
Curious of what an Angel Investor is?
An Angel is an individual who invests his or her own money in startup companies in exchange for an equity share of the businesses. An individual Angel may invest as little as $5,000 in a business while an angel group may pool their capital to make a much larger investment. In addition to capital, Angels often invest time in entrepreneurs to help them grow their businesses. Return on investment is made when the entrepreneur successfully grows the business and exits it, generally through a sale or merger.
Why are people intrigued by being Angel Investors?
Each Angel is motivated by a different set of factors. Some of the typical reasons why Angels choose to invest are:
  • The idea of helping entrepreneurs with their skills and expertise
  • Giving back to the local community
  • Use this opportunity as an active form of investing
  • Generate return on investment
What Do You Need to Have to be an Angel Investor?
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has established “accredited investor” criteria to help ensure that angels who are sophisticated investors, have access to resources needed to perform due diligence, and can afford to lose invested funds.
If you are interested in becoming an Angel Investor you must have:
  • A Net Worth of $1M, or
  • An Annual Personal Income of $200k, or
  • A Family Income of $300k
Are you a potential angel investor interested in learning more? Get in Contact with us today!
Additional details about angel investing and opportunities for education on the topic are forthcoming, so stay tuned! 

________________________________________________________________________________
. . . In the meantime, you can read this

20 Things All Entrepreneurs Should Know
About Angel Investors
By Richard Harroch
Source: https://www.forbes.com

Angel investors invest in early stage or start-up companies in exchange for an equity ownership interest. Angel investing in start-ups has been accelerating. High-profile success stories like Uber, WhatsApp, and Facebook have spurred angel investors to make multiple bets with the hopes of getting outsized returns.
Here are my thoughts on frequently asked questions from entrepreneurs about angel financing.
1. How much do angel investors invest in a company?
The typical angel investment is $25,000 to $100,000 a company, but can go higher.

2. What are the six most important things for angel investors?
Here is what angels particularly care about:
  • The quality, passion, commitment, and integrity of the founders.
  • The market opportunity being addressed and the potential for the company to become very big.
  • A clearly thought out business plan, and any early evidence of obtaining traction toward the plan.
  • Interesting technology or intellectual property.
  • An appropriate valuation with reasonable terms.
  • The viability of raising additional rounds of financing if progress is made.