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Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Get A Grip: The End of Empire > The History of The Future Present?

To introduce this post, the genesis springs from your MesaZona's blogger most frequent Twitter communicator, Niall Ferguson. Nothing he writes is off-the-top of his head; it is steeped in a wide-ranging grasp and understanding of history from academia actively involved in contemporaneous events. Among other positions, Niall Ferguson is senior fellow of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University

Opinion | Niall Ferguson in The Boston Globe

The coming world crisis

By Niall Ferguson August 28, 2017

All over the world, antiquated political institutions are in crisis. It will soon become clear that authoritarian regimes are in just as much trouble as the democracies, even if they can hide it better.

Ferguson's opinion piece starts with this: “Is the world slouching toward a grave systemic crisis?” asked historian Philip Zelikow at the annual gathering of the Aspen Strategy Group earlier this month. Now that’s what I call a question!
and ends with this: " . . .the history of the future shrouds itself in its customary mystery, mocking our attempts to predict it.
_________________________________________________________________________
On August 5, Philip Zelikow delivered the following keynote address at the annual meeting of the Aspen Strategy Group, a discussion forum for experts and government practitioners. Zelikow, who is currently the White Burkett Miller Professor of History at the University of Virginia, has served at all levels of American government, and for administrations of both parties—including roles at the White House, State Department, and Pentagon. He was also the executive director of the 9/11 Commission. In this speech he reflects on the much-discussed concept of “world order,” interrogates the claim that a “more open” world is really better for Americans, and issues a warning about America’s world leadership. The full text is here > https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive
Do open societies really work better than closed ones? Is a more open and civilized world really safer and better for Americans? If we think yes, then what is the best way to prove that point?
Zelikow's answer comes in three parts in the keynote address, using George Orwell as one of reference points
Every one of America’s major adversaries now has the strategic initiative.
They—Russia, Iran, China—are currently better positioned to set the time, place, and manner of engagement, including political engagement. On every vector, we react.
_________________________________________________________________________

"Zelikow, who teaches at the University of Virginia, is more than just a history professor. He has also served Republican as well as Democratic presidents in the White House, State Department, and Pentagon. His pessimism is that of a practitioner as well as a scholar.
Zelikow resists the temptation to engage in the kind of Trump-bashing that is more or less obligatory in Aspen, where liberal Manhattan goes each summer to breathe cool Colorado air. His critique is directed at all three of the post-9/11 administrations.
Zelikow laments that instead of asking pragmatic questions — like “Where can we do the most to tilt the balance toward an open and civilized world?” or “What states or regions or issues are pivotal?” — the Bush, Obama and Trump administrations have all been lured by the threat of Islamic terrorism into “the broken ‘wilderness’ areas of the world . . . just the places that . . . are least likely to change the course of world history in any positive way.”

"As Zelikow rightly notes — and as I tried to explain back in 2003 — this is the late Victorian imperial playbook ...:

Ferguson's entire opinion piece can be viewed in this link >
https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2017/08/28

MAG Launches New Website

An announcement retrieved from the Inbox 28 Aug 2017 @ 12:17
The Maricopa Association of Governments is excited to launch its newly redesigned website at www.azmag.gov.

We believe you will love the new look and functionality of the site, which has been designed with the user in mind.
We have reorganized the site to be easier to use for both new and former users.

WHAT IS MAG???... If you don't know

About Us / About MAG

About MAG

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is a Council of Governments (COG) that serves as the regional agency for the metropolitan Phoenix area.

MAG is the regional air quality planning agency and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for transportation for Maricopa County. This includes the Phoenix area and the neighboring urbanized area in Pinal County, containing the Town of Florence and City of Maricopa.

MAG provides regional planning and policy decisions in areas of transportation, air quality, water quality, and human services. MAG was formed in 1967 when local elected officials recognized the need for long range planning and policy development on a regional scale. They realized that many issues such as transportation and air quality affected residents beyond the borders of their individual jurisdictions.

MAG was founded in the spirit of unity and cooperation. MAG members believe that they can solve common problems, take an active role in long range regional issues, and address concerns that affect all communities. You can contact one of MAG's staff members for additional information or click here to download our free general information booklet.

Contact Us

302 North 1st Avenue, Suite 300
Phoenix, Arizona 85003

Phone (602) 254-6300
FAX (602) 254-6490

Contact MAG:

MAG Email
Para ayuda en Español, por favor llame al (602) 452-5076.

______________________________________________________________

Newsroom / MAGAZine Newsletter

MAGAZine Newsletter

You can subscribe here http://www.azmag.gov/Newsroom/MAGAZine-Newsletter

MAGAZine August 2017

August--October 2017: This is the fourth part of a five-part series that covers the five decades of MAG and the major milestones that represent how MAG has made a difference to the residents of our region.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Meetings & Agendas http://www.azmag.gov/Calendar
Maps & Data http://www.azmag.gov/Programs/Maps-and-Data
Programs & Projects http://www.azmag.gov/Programs
Publications http://www.azmag.gov/Publications

Meet Your Board of Supervisors

Meet Your Regional Council

Calendar of Events

29 Aug

08:00 AM -Healthy Communities through Criminal Justice Response to Domestic Violence

30 Aug

11:30 AM -Regional Council 8/30/2017 Meeting

31 Aug

10:00 AM -Transportation Review Committee 8/31/2017 Meeting

05 Sep

11:30 AM -Economic Development Committee 9/5/2017 Meeting

Monday, August 28, 2017

Quantum Teleportation From Space Achieved by China!

Published on Aug 28, 2017

Use the ColdFusion link, http://www.audible.com/coldfusion, to get a free audio book and 30day trial!

Mesa Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences Spent Nearly $30 million in 2015

News Release:

MESA NONPROFIT ARTS AND CULTURE ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR

AUDIENCES SPENT NEARLY $30 MILLION IN 2015

Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 Study Shows Spending Supported Over 1,000 Jobs

MESA, Ariz. (Aug. 28, 2017): Mesa nonprofit and public arts and culture organizations and their audiences contributed nearly $30 million in direct economic activity in 2015, supporting 1,024 full-time jobs and generating almost $3.1 million in local and state government revenues, according to Arts & Economic Prosperity 5, a national study conducted by Americans for the Arts every five years.

http://www.americansforthearts.org/

Compared with the findings five years earlier, AEP5 shows an increase of $4.5 million in total economic impact in Mesa, growth in overall attendance by 100,000 visits (719,470 in 2015) and the addition of over 170 arts and culture jobs.

Participating nonprofit and public arts and culture organizations in Mesa spent a total of $16.8 million, while attendees spent $12.8 million directly related to their participation in cultural activities, excluding the cost of event admission.

Arts and culture attendees in Mesa were found to be fairly representative of the community at large, in terms of both age distribution and household income, when compared to census data for the area.

Fourteen nonprofit arts and culture organizations in the City of Mesa were among organizations in 341 communities across the nation participating in the study, which included collecting detailed budget information in more than 40 expenditure categories and surveying a varied sampling of attendees at arts events.

Nationally, nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences collectively spent $166.3 billion to support 4.6 million jobs.

Other Valley communities participated in the study and also benefitted significantly from arts and culture spending.

In Phoenix, 90 nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences accounted for nearly $402 million in expenditures ($164.6 million by organizations, $237.2 million by audiences).

West Valley expenditures totaled $22.9 million ($13.1 million by organizations, $9.8 by audiences).

This study shows the undeniable economic impact of arts and culture organizations in Mesa and the vital revenue audiences bring into our local businesses,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles. “Growth in attendance in recent years reinforces that there is a strong desire for arts experiences and opportunities in our city.”

Of the survey respondents who identified as residents, 52.5% said that, had the event they were attending been unavailable, they would have “traveled to a different community to attend a similar cultural event,” implying lost revenue in Mesa if the area lacked the arts opportunities and experiences desired by its residents and visitors.

Expenditures in 2015 contributed $1.37 million in local-government revenue in Mesa and $1.72 million to the state.

In 2015, nonprofit and public arts and culture event attendees in Mesa spent an average of $17.77 per person, excluding the cost of admission. The 13% of attendees who were non-residents spent an average of $32.21 per person. Of the survey respondents who identified as residents (all over the age of 18), 63.5% were under the age of 55, and 36.5% were 55 and older.

“Every dollar spent on nonprofit arts and culture produces a significant return on a significant investment,” said Catherine “Rusty” Foley, executive director of the statewide arts and cultural advocacy organization, Arizona Citizens for the Arts.

Cindy Ornstein, Director of Arts and Culture for the City of Mesa, stated, “Impact of the arts and culture industry in the City of Mesa can be observed in increased activity and burgeoning development efforts in and around downtown. Developers repeatedly cite the growing arts scene as a major catalyst for their interest in Mesa. With the recent groundbreaking of Artspace Mesa Lofts and new development projects being planned, . . it is clear that a creative environment and varied arts offerings are viewed as essential assets for a successful urban center.”

For the full national study, visit www.artsusa.org.

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About the City of Mesa Arts & Culture Department

The Arts and Culture Department of the City of Mesa, Arizona serves as the cultural liaison and ambassador for the City; the chief advocate for the importance of arts and culture to community life, education and economic development; and the oversight body for the three City-owned arts and culture venues/programs: the i.d.e.a. Museum, the Arizona Museum of Natural History, and the Mesa Arts Center. The Department supports the idea that arts and culture—rooted in the value that creativity and discovery are the engine of human progress and well-being—are essential to healthy and civilized societies, and to fulfilled and productive human activity.

Casey Blake

Director of Public Relations

Mesa Arts Center

Office 480.644.6620│Cell 480.390.1258

Casey.Blake@mesaartscenter.com│MesaArtsCenter.com

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Agendas: Mesa City Council Meetings Mon 28 Aug 2017

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.

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.

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
Link > Council, Board and Committee Research Center

City Council Study Session @ 5:15 pm
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 August 28, 2017 regular Council meeting.
2 Hear reports on meetings and/or conferences attended.
3 Scheduling of meetings and general information.
4 Adjournment.
HERE'S THE VIDEO UPLOAD

City Council Meeting @ 5:45 pm
128 KB 7 pages
Mayor's Welcome
Let's hope John Giles know what day it is - at last week's meeting on Monday he said it was Thursday ...

HERE'S THE VIDEO UPLOAD: [19 MINUTES]

Roll Call (Members of the Mesa City Council will attend either in person or by telephone conference call)
Invocation by Pastor Tony Frazee with Gateway Bible Church.
Pledge of Allegiance
Awards, Recognitions and Announcements
1 Take action on all consent agenda items.
Items on the Consent Agenda
*2 17-0919 Approval of minutes of previous meetings as written
Link >

File #:

17-0919

Type:

Minutes

Status:

Agenda Ready

In control:

City Council

On agenda:

8/28/2017

Title:

Approval of minutes of previous meetings as written.

Attachments:

1. August 21, 2017 Regular

3 Take action on the following contracts: (6)

17-0914 Three-Year Term Contract for Commercial-Grade Fitness Equipment for the Fire and Medical, and Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Departments (Citywide)

This contract will provide commercial-grade fitness equipment to include treadmills, elliptical/cross trainer, stationary and recumbent bikes, leg extension machines, plyometric stands and other cardio and strength fitness equipment. Fire and Medical will purchase fitness equipment as-needed to replace equipment that has reached end-of-life and new equipment if needed. PRCF will purchase fitness equipment for the Red Mountain Multigenerational Center’s fitness area as needed to replace end-of-life equipment at the Center.

The evaluation committee recommends awarding the contract to the highest-scored proposal from Fitness 4 Home Superstore, Inc., dba Commercial Fitness Superstore, at $90,000 annually, based on estimated requirements.

*3-a

Page 2 City of Mesa Printed on 8/24/2017
August 28, 2017City Council Meeting Agenda - Final

17-0916 Purchase of Reagents and Supplies for DNA Analysis for the Police Department (Sole Source) (Citywide)
This purchase will provide QIAGEN consumable kits and supplies required for Forensic Services' Biology Unit to process DNA samples quickly and accurately.
The Police Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase with the sole source vendor, QIAGEN, Inc., at $150,000, based on estimated requirements.
*3-b

17-0917 Three-Year Term Contract for Police Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Services for the Police Department (Citywide)
This contract will provide maintenance and repair of the Police Department motorcycle fleet, which currently consists of 23 Kawasaki Concours 1400 motorcycles.
The evaluation committee recommends awarding the contract to the highest-scored proposal from Arizona Kawasaki, Inc., dba Kelly's Kawasaki (a Mesa business), at $140,000.00 annually, based on estimated requirements.
*3-c

17-0915 One-Year Renewal Contract for Manhole Covers, Frames and Adjusting Rings for the Materials and Supply Warehouse (for the Water Resources Department) (Citywide)

This contract provides for the supply of manhole covers, frames and adjusting rings. Water Resources uses these items for new construction projects and for maintenance and repair of existing facilities.

The Business Services and Water Resources Departments, and Purchasing recommend authorizing the renewal with Peoria Winnelson; and HD Supply Waterworks; cumulatively not to exceed $35,000, based on estimated requirements.

*3-d

Page 3 City of Mesa Printed on 8/24/2017
August 28, 2017City Council Meeting Agenda - Final

17-0912 Purchase of One Replacement Medium-Duty Aerial Bucket Truck and Service Body for the Transportation Department (Citywide)

Transportation - Field Operations will use this truck for the installation and maintenance of approximately 1,540 street name and traffic control signs that are mounted to traffic signal mast arms.

The current vehicle 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 Transportation Departments, and Purchasing recommend awarding the contract to the lowest priced, responsive and responsible bidder, Altec Industries, Inc., at $129,701.18. This purchase is funded by the Local Streets Sales Tax Fund.

*3-e

17-0827 Renewal of the Term Contract for Verizon Wireless Voice and Data Service Plan for Citywide Departments as requested by the Information Technology Department - Communications and Infrastructure (Citywide)
The City’s non-public safety departments had 893 wireless devices that totaled approximately $386,145.98 in usage charges in FY2016/17. The Fire and Medical and Police Departments had 1,413 wireless devices that totaled approximately $662,325.75 in FY2016/17. These devices include phones and AirCards.
Through this program, City devices can draw from the Citywide voice or data allowance if usage exceeds an individual plan’s limit, mitigating overage charges. In addition, equipment upgrades can be leveraged from a Citywide perspective, allowing aging or failing devices to be replaced as needed. Also, the City uses a procurement card to make payment under the agreement, which has increased the City’s rebate.
The Information Technology Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing using the State of Nevada / Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA) cooperative contract with Cellco Partnership, dba Verizon Wireless, at $1,100,000 annually, based on estimated requirements.

*3-f
Brief Paragraph: Renewal of the Term Contract for Verizon Wireless Voice and Data Service Plan for Citywide Departments as requested by the Information Technology Department - Communications and Infrastructure (Citywide)
> The City’s non-public safety departments had 893 wireless devices that totaled approximately $386,145.98 in usage charges in FY2016/17.
> The Fire and Medical and Police Departments had 1,413 wireless devices that totaled approximately $662,325.75 in FY2016/17.
These devices include phones and AirCards.

Through this program, City devices can draw from the Citywide voice or data allowance if usage exceeds an individual plan’s limit, mitigating overage charges.
In addition, equipment upgrades can be leveraged from a Citywide perspective, allowing aging or failing devices to be replaced as needed.
Also, the City uses a procurement card to make payment under the agreement, which has increased the City’s rebate. The Information Technology Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing ...
HERE IS THE LINK:

File #:

17-0827

Type:

Contract

Status:

Agenda Ready

In control:

City Council

On agenda:

8/28/2017

Title:

Renewal of the Term Contract for Verizon Wireless Voice and Data Service Plan for Citywide Departments as requested by the Information Technology Department - Communications and Infrastructure (Citywide) The City’s non-public safety departments had 893 wireless devices that totaled approximately $386,145.98 in usage charges in FY2016/17. The Fire and Medical and Police Departments had 1,413 wireless devices that totaled approximately $662,325.75 in FY2016/17. These devices include phones and AirCards. Through this program, City devices can draw from the Citywide voice or data allowance if usage exceeds an individual plan’s limit, mitigating overage charges. In addition, equipment upgrades can be leveraged from a Citywide perspective, allowing aging or failing devices to be replaced as needed. Also, the City uses a procurement card to make payment under the agreement, which has increased the City’s rebate. The Information Technology Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing ...

Attachments:

1. Council Report

Council Report is 125 KB 2 pages
Here it is
City Council Report
Date: August 28, 2017
To: City Council Through: Mike Kennington, Chief Financial Officer
From: Edward Quedens, MPA, C.P.M., CPPO, Business Services Director
Matt Bauer, MBA, CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, Procurement Administrator
Subject: Renewal of the Term Contract for Verizon Wireless Voice and Data Service Plan for Citywide Departments as requested by the Information Technology Department – Communications and Infrastructure (Citywide)
Purpose and Recommendation
Council is requested to approve the Term Contract for the City’s Wireless Voice and Data Service Plan as recommended.
The Information Technology Department - Communications and Infrastructure and Purchasing recommend authorizing using the State of Nevada / Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA) cooperative contract with Cellco Partnership dba Verizon Wireless at $1,100,000.00 annually, based on estimated requirements.

Background / Discussion
On November 23, 2015, Council approved the use of Verizon Wireless Voice and Data Service Plan per State of Nevada / Western States Contracting Alliance Contract #1907.
Through this program, City devices can draw from the citywide voice or data allowance
if usage exceeds an individual plan’s limit (mitigating overage charges).
In addition, equipment upgrades can be leveraged from a citywide perspective, allowing aging or failing devices to be replaced as needed.
The City uses a procurement card to make payment under the agreement which has increased the City’s rebate received by Bank of America.
> The City (Non-Public Safety Departments) had 804 wireless devices that averaged $37,493.19 per month on usage charges ($374,931.92 per year) in FY 2015/16.
> The Fire and Medical and Police Departments had 1,422 wireless devices that averaged $58,230.59 per month on usage charges ($698,767.12 per year) in FY 2015/16.
> The City (Non-Public Safety Departments) had 893 wireless devices that averaged $32,178.83 per month on usage charges ($386,145.98 per year) in FY2016/17.
> The Fire and Medical and Police Departments had 1,413 wireless devices that averaged $55,193.81 per month on usage charges ($662,325.75 per year) in FY 2016/17.
The State of Nevada, as the lead agency, awarded a contract to Verizon Wireless valid from 4/16/2012 through 6/30/2019. The City may use this contract through the State of Arizona with the same contract expiration as a WSCA cooperative member.

2
The 2015 Council approval was for one year.
Due a clerical error entering the wrong year in the expiration date, there was a ten-month lapse in the Council-approved contract period. As soon as this error was found, this item was placed on the Council agenda.
The City has been successful using the State of Nevada / WSCA cooperative contract for the past 21 months. This contract continues to be advantageous to the City and it is in the City’s best interest to use this contract.

Alternatives
Council may choose not to award the purchase.

Fiscal Impact
The annual contract amount is available through the operating budgets of the City Departments using the Wireless Voice and Data Service Plan.
Coordinated With
Information Technology – Communications and Infrastructure, and Purchasing
PURCHASING INFORMATION Action: Cooperative Contract Use Authorization Contracting Agency: State of Nevada / WSCA   Contracting Agency Contract Number: 1907 Mesa Contract Number: 2016017 Contract Term: 8/28/2017 through 6/30/2019
AWARD RECOMMENDATION Cellco Partnership dba Verizon Wireless Basking Ridge, NJ
Description
Wireless Voice and Data Service Plan per Contract No. 2016017, State of Nevada / Western States Contracting Alliance Contract #1907 valid through 6/30/2019
Annual Contract Amount: $1,100,000.00

4 Take action on the following resolutions:

17-0903 Approving and authorizing the the City Manager to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Phoenix for the Water - Use it WiselyTM regional campaign, a regional water conservation messaging effort. (Citywide) *4-a

Page 4 City of Mesa Printed on 8/24/2017
August 28, 2017City Council Meeting Agenda - Final

17-0905 Approving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Grant Agreement with the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission to accept $100,000 in grant funds, which will be used for training and equipment for the Police Department’s Forensic Services Division. (Citywide)

*4-b

17-0918 Approving an update to the criteria for the sale, transfer and lease to nonprofit agencies of properties owned by the City that are encumbered with funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Citywide)

*4-c

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

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.