Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Agenda: Mesa City Council Study Session Thu 29 March 2018

Here we go again presenting for your information, interest and curiosity tomorrow morning's agenda for the Study Session of your elected representatives on the Mesa City Council. You might have noticed that some members are more active than others, at least in public at these open meetings - how would you rate your city councilmember if you even know who they are?   There's an election soon. . .
August 28, 2018 for the Primary Election and November 6, 2018 for the General Election
Candidates seeking municipal office may obtain nomination paperwork (petitions and other required forms) at the Office of the City Clerk. 
All nomination paperwork must be filed no earlier than April 30, 2018 and no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 30, 2018 at the Office of the City Clerk in order for candidates to have their names appear on the Primary Election ballot. 
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NOTE: Minutes from 3 closed-to-the-public Executive Sessions held on January 11, February 8, and March 5, 2018 are on the agenda for approval 
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Your MesaZona blogger asks that question for a good reason: the only .way representative democracy can work is if you get active where you live and get-to-know the candidates who are elected by you. Six months from now Districts 4, 5 and 6 are open with incumbents in-office in D5 and D6. Chris Glover D4 is termed-out. In addition to those three regular elections, there's a special election in D3 where Francisco Heredia was appointed to fill a vacancy. In other words, four of the six seats on the Mesa City Council are in play in the next six months: one seat will definitely have a new person; the other three (all incumbents) can succeed themselves if district voters express confidence in their performance and choose to vote them in again.
Keep in mind that whoever gets elected get paid to represent your interests and issues: otherwise they're only influenced by what others tell them to do.  
For more information and details about the Mayor & Council, please go http://www.mesaaz.gov/city-hall/mayor-council
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Meeting Agenda - Final
Mesa Council Chambers 57 East First Street
7:30 AM Council Chambers - Lower Level Thursday, March 29, 2018
Mayor John Giles
Vice Mayor David Luna - District 5
Councilmember Mark Freeman - District 1
Councilmember Jeremy Whittaker - District 2
Councilmember Francisco Heredia - District 3
Councilmember Chris Glover - District 4
Councilmember Kevin Thompson - District 6
 
Roll Call (City Council members participate in person or by telephone conference call.)

1 Review items on the agenda for the April 2, 2018 regular  Council meeting
   Blogger Note: There are 26 Items on this agenda for Mon 02 April (scroll down)

2 Presentations/Action Items:
  • 18-0350 Hear a presentation and discuss the City's role and preparation efforts for the United States 2020 Census. 2-a
3 Approval of minutes from executive sessions held on January 11, February 8, and March 5, 2018.

4 Acknowledge receipt of minutes of various boards and committees.
  • 18-0392 Transportation Advisory Board meeting held on January 16, 2018.4-a
  • 18-0395 Library Advisory Board meeting held on January 16, 2018.4-b
  • 18-0410 Judicial Advisory Board meeting held on March 7, 2018.4-c

5 Hear reports on meetings and/or conferences attended.

6 Scheduling of meetings and general information.

7 Adjournment.

(Page 1 City of Mesa)

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THE PUBLISHED AGENDA
Meeting Name: City Council Study Session Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 3/29/2018 7:30 AM Minutes status: Draft  
Meeting location: Council Chambers - Lower Level
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Not available  
Meeting video:  
Attachments:

File #Agenda #TypeTitleActionResultAction Details
18-0350 2-aPresentationHear a presentation and discuss the City's role and preparation efforts for the United States 2020 Census.  Not available
18-0392 4-aMinutesTransportation Advisory Board meeting held on January 16, 2018.  Not available
18-0395 4-bMinutesLibrary Advisory Board meeting held on January 16, 2018.  Not available
18-0410 4-cMinutesJudicial Advisory Board meeting held on March 7, 2018.  Not available
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Agenda for the April 2, 2018 regular  Council meeting
Please Note Item 5-a
File #: 18-0357   
Type: Resolution Status: Agenda Ready
In control: City Council
On agenda: 4/2/2018
Title: Calling the Primary Election for August 28, 2018; designating election dates; and providing the last date for candidates to file nomination papers. (Citywide)
Attachments: 1. Resolution
RESOLUTION NO.  
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MESA, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA,
  • DESIGNATING ELECTION DATES AND PURPOSES OF EACH ELECTION
  • PROVIDING THE PLACE AND THE LAST DATE FOR CANDIDATES TO FILE NOMINATION PAPERS
  • PROVIDING THE DEADLINE FOR VOTER REGISTRATION
  • PROVIDING THE TIMES THAT POLLS WILL BE OPEN.  
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Mesa, as follows: 

Section 1. That August 28, 2018 has been set as the time for holding the Primary Election in the City of Mesa for nominating a candidate for Councilmember in Council District 3 to fill the remainder of an unexpired term (until January 2021) and for Councilmembers in Council Districts 4, 5, and 6, whose terms shall expire in January 2023.
  
In accordance with the City Charter, if a District Councilmember candidate at the Primary Election receives the number of votes constituting a majority of all the valid ballots cast for the office of Councilmember in that district, that candidate will be declared elected without running at the General Election. 

Also in accordance with the City Charter, a General Election shall be held on November 6, 2018 for those seats where no candidate was elected at the Primary Election.
For each such seat, the two persons (or more than two in the event of a tie vote) receiving the highest number of valid votes cast at the Primary Election for that office shall be the only persons named on the ballot at the General Election. 

Section 2. Candidates seeking municipal office may obtain nomination paperwork (petitions and other required forms) at the Office of the City Clerk. 
All nomination paperwork must be filed no earlier than April 30, 2018 and no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 30, 2018 at the Office of the City Clerk in order for candidates to have their names appear on the Primary Election ballot. 

Section 3.  Candidates seeking municipal office may obtain nomination paperwork (petitions and other required forms) at the Office of the City Clerk. 
All nomination paperwork must be filed no earlier than April 30, 2018 and no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 30, 2018 at the Office of the City Clerk in order for candidates to have their names appear on the Primary Election ballot. 

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Mesa, Arizona, this 2nd day of April,
2018.  

 
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8 Liquor Licenses
 
2 Contracts

4-a
File #:
18-0374   

Type: Contract Status: Agenda Ready


In control: City Council
On agenda: 4/2/2018

Title: Three-Year Term Contract for Off-Site Records Management and Storage Services for Various City Departments as requested by the City Clerk’s Office (Citywide) TOTAL = $225,000
The contract will provide secure, confidential document storage and inventory control for various City departments as required. The vendor will be required to follow all federal, state and local guidelines, as well as industry standards and certifications for the transportation and storage of City records. An evaluation committee representing the City Clerk’s Office, Municipal Court and Purchasing recommends awarding the contract to the highest-scored proposal from Arizona Records Storage Center, at $75,000 annually, based on estimated usage.
Attachments: 1. Council Report 
 
4-b
File #: 18-0370   

Type: Contract Status: Agenda Ready


In control: City Council
On agenda: 4/2/2018

Title: Purchase of Seven Additional Utility Carts (Six Electric, One Gas) for the Water Resources Department (Citywide)
The new Signal Butte Water Treatment Plant needs five carts; three general-duty units for their Maintenance Division and two heavy-duty units for their Operations Division. 
The Greenfield Water Reclamation Plant needs two utility carts; a general-duty unit for daily operations use, and a rugged heavy-duty unit. 
 The Water Resources Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase using the National IPA / Region 4 Education Service Center cooperative contract with EZGO Division of Textron, Inc., at $62,891.98.
Attachments: 1. Council Report
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  • 5 Resolutions
  • 8 Ordinances
 
NOTE: ITEM 6-e
File #: 18-0266   
Type: Ordinance Status: Agenda Ready
In control: City Council
On agenda: 3/19/2018
Title: Amending Title 8, Chapter 4, Section 15 “Prohibited Substances and Discharge Limitations” of the Mesa City Code, a part of the Sanitary Sewer Regulations, to include a provision regarding establishment of wastewater discharge pollutant mass limitations for industrial users. (Citywide)
Attachments: 1. Council Report, 2. Ordinance

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PUBLIC HEARING:
Item 7-a  ZON17-00572 > Continuance to May 7, 2018 City Council Meeting 
Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Tentative
Meeting date/time: 4/2/2018 5:45 PM Minutes status: Draft  
Meeting location: Council Chambers - Upper Level
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Not available  
Meeting video:  
Attachments:
File #Agenda #TypeTitleActionResultAction Details
18-0375 3-aLiquor License ApplicationArizona Hemophilia Association This is a one-day event to be held on Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 6:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M., at Korea Mart, 1350 South Longmore. (District 3)  Not available
18-0376 3-bLiquor License ApplicationArizona Hemophilia Association This is a one-day event to be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 6:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. at Korea Mart, 1350 South Longmore. (District 3)  Not available
18-0377 3-cLiquor License ApplicationArizona Hemophilia Association This is a one-day event to be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 6:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M., at Korea Mart, 1350 South Longmore. (District 3)  Not available
18-0378 3-dLiquor License ApplicationMaag Toy Foundation This is a one-day event to be held on Sunday, April 15, 2018 from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., at Sloan Park, 2330 West Rio Salado Parkway. (District 1)  Not available
18-0379 3-eLiquor License ApplicationSolid Rock Foundation This is a one-day event to be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 6:30 P.M. to 10:45 P.M., at Las Sendas Golf Course, 7555 East Eagle Crest Drive. (District 5)  Not available
18-0380 3-fLiquor License ApplicationThe Apollo Foundation Inc. This is a one-day event to be held on Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 12:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M., at Eastmark Great Park, 10100 East Ray Road. (District 6)  Not available
18-0381 3-gLiquor License ApplicationThe Dobson Ranch Association This is a one-day event to be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018 from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., at Los Altos Recreation Center, 2524 West Campo Alegre Circle. (District 3)  Not available
18-0382 3-hLiquor License ApplicationMariscos Mr. Alex A restaurant that serves lunch and dinner is requesting a new Series 12 Restaurant License for Alex 2 LLC, 1038 East Main Street - Eduardo Romero Gonzalez, agent. The existing license held by Alma Food Mart LLC will revert to the state. (District 4)  Not available
18-0374 4-aContractThree-Year Term Contract for Off-Site Records Management and Storage Services for Various City Departments as requested by the City Clerk’s Office (Citywide) The contract will provide secure, confidential document storage and inventory control for various City departments as required. The vendor will be required to follow all federal, state and local guidelines, as well as industry standards and certifications for the transportation and storage of City records. An evaluation committee representing the City Clerk’s Office, Municipal Court and Purchasing recommends awarding the contract to the highest-scored proposal from Arizona Records Storage Center, at $75,000 annually, based on estimated usage.  Not available
18-0370 4-bContractPurchase of Seven Additional Utility Carts (Six Electric, One Gas) for the Water Resources Department (Citywide) The new Signal Butte Water Treatment Plant needs five carts; three general-duty units for their Maintenance Division and two heavy-duty units for their Operations Division. The Greenfield Water Reclamation Plant needs two utility carts; a general-duty unit for daily operations use, and a rugged heavy-duty unit. The Water Resources Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase using the National IPA / Region 4 Education Service Center cooperative contract with EZGO Division of Textron, Inc., at $62,891.98.  Not available
18-0357 5-aResolutionCalling the Primary Election for August 28, 2018; designating election dates; and providing the last date for candidates to file nomination papers. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0361 5-bResolutionApproving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Pedestrian and Bicyclist Sub-Grantee Cooperative Agreement with the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to accept $30,000 in grant funds. The funds will be used by the Police Department’s Traffic Division for overtime and employee-related expenses for pedestrian and bicycle safety throughout the City. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0367 5-cResolutionExtinguishing two public utilities and facilities easements located at 9135 East Guadalupe Road (District 6) The owner has requested the easements to be extinguished to accommodate the development of a mini-storage facility.  Not available
18-0383 5-dResolutionApproving and authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant award from the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority in the amount of $49,345.20 to support the construction of the playground at Eagles Park. (District 4)  Not available
18-0261 5-eResolutionApproving the Municipal Incorporation of a certain area known as "San Tan Valley, Arizona." (Pinal and Maricopa Counties) Based on state statutory requirements, the City of Mesa is required to adopt by resolution the approval of allowing a public vote for the incorporation of San Tan Valley, Arizona.  Not available
18-0240 6-aOrdinanceAmending Section 10-4-3 of the Mesa City Code to establish a speed limit of 45 mph on an existing section of Ray Road from Power Road to the east City limits, as recommended by the Transportation Advisory Board. (District 6)  Not available
18-0241 6-bOrdinanceAmending Sections 10-4-5 and 10-4-6, respectively, of the Mesa City Code to establish a speed limit of 35 mph on a proposed section of Cadence Parkway from Ellsworth Road to a point 1,200 feet east of Ellsworth Road and a speed limit of 30 mph from a point 1,200 feet east of Ellsworth Road to Williams Field Road, as recommended by the Transportation Advisory Board. (District 6)  Not available
18-0242 6-cOrdinanceAmending Section 10-4-5 of the Mesa City Code to establish a speed limit of 35 mph on an existing and proposed section of Crismon Road from Ray Road to Williams Field Road, as recommended by the Transportation Advisory Board. (District 6)  Not available
18-0243 6-dOrdinanceAmending Section 10-4-5 of the Mesa City Code to establish a speed limit of 35 mph on an existing and proposed section of Inspirian Parkway from Elliot Road to Ray Road as recommended by the Transportation Advisory Board. (District 6)  Not available
18-0266 6-eOrdinanceAmending Title 8, Chapter 4, Section 15 “Prohibited Substances and Discharge Limitations” of the Mesa City Code, a part of the Sanitary Sewer Regulations, to include a provision regarding establishment of wastewater discharge pollutant mass limitations for industrial users. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0270 6-fOrdinanceZON17-00478 (District 5) The 9100 block of East University Drive (south side) and the 100 to 300 blocks of North Ellsworth Road (west side). Located on the west side of Ellsworth Road, south of University Drive (16.7± acres). Rezoning 13± acres from RM-4 to RM-4-PAD; and Site Plan Review. This request will allow for a multi-residence development. Andy Jochums, Beus Gilbert, applicant; Valencia Heights, LLC, owner. Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 6-0)  Not available
18-0271 6-gOrdinanceZON17-00519 (District 5) The 7100 block of East Main Street (north side) and the 0 to 100 block of North Sunvalley Boulevard (west side). Located east of Power Road, on the north side of Main Street (7.6± acres). Rezoning from LC and LC-BIZ to RM-4-PAD; and Site Plan Review. This request will allow for the development of an attached single residence subdivision. Greg Loper, applicant; Bottomline Investments, LTD, owner. Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 6-0)  Not available
18-0272 6-hOrdinanceZON17-00581 (District 2) The 4700 through 4800 blocks of East Baseline Road (north side). Located east of Greenfield Road on the north side of Baseline Road (21.8± acres). PAD Modification. This request will allow for modifications to an approved PAD for a multi-residence development in the RM-3-PAD zoning district. Stephen C. Earl, Curley & Legarde, applicant; Baseline Gateway Apartments, LLC, owner. Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 6-0)  Not available
18-0267 7-aPublic HearingConduct a public hearing on the Minor General Plan amendment ZON17-00572 (District 5) For continuance to the May 7, 2018 City Council meeting.  Not available
18-0180 7-bResolutionZON17-00572 (District 5) Resolution. The 5800 through 5900 blocks of East Thomas Road (south side) and 3400 through 3500 blocks of North Recker Road (west side). Located at the southwest corner of Recker Road and Thomas Road (27± acres). Minor General Plan amendment to change Character Type from Mixed Use Activity District to Neighborhood. The request will allow for the development of a single-residence subdivision. Sean Lake, Pew & Lake, PLC, applicant; DTD-DEVCO 13, LLC, owner. Staff Recommendation: Denial P&Z Board Recommendation: Adoption (Vote: 5-2) For continuance to the May 7, 2018 City Council meeting.  Not available
18-0178 7-cOrdinanceZON17-00320 (District 5) Ordinance. The 5800 through 5900 blocks of East Thomas Road (south side), and the 3400 through 3500 blocks of North Recker Road (west side). Located at the southwest corner of Recker and Thomas Roads (27± acres). Rezoning from RS-90 to RSL-4.5-PAD; and Site Plan Review. This request will allow for the development of a single-residence subdivision. Sean Lake, Pew & Lake, PLC, applicant; DTD-DEVCO 13, LLC, owner. Staff Recommendation: Denial P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-2) For continuance to the May 7, 2018 City Council meeting.


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Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Nothing New Under The Sun: Special Report On Speculators

In idle moments (and there aren't many these days) your seven-decades-old MesaZona blogger is a history buff - that's both kinds of history anywhere from official history that's written in books published under the name of "Our Town", with roots going back six generations to the mid-19th Century from Mormon Pioneers in Utah expanding The Kingdom of Desert into the Promised Land of The New Zion, and to what's called Pre-History mostly not written about from all the centuries before. Life is too short now to dig into all that, so let's just go back just a little in time to the year 2005. Here's what yours truly serendipitously stumbled into cruising the internet highway: Some things haven't changed much:
Part I - Land barons have locked up empty fields
from Mesa to Florence              
The East Valley’s land speculators generally fall into three categories:
There are the old farm families whose parents and grandparents locked up large blocks of desert and converted it to fields. Streets throughout the East Valley bear many of their names: Ellsworth, Dobson, Lesueur, Sossaman and Schnepf.
There are the traditional development companies that buy land with plans to cover it with houses or shopping centers. John Graham has been one of the most ambitious builders through his company, Sunbelt Holdings Inc. In 1995, Graham began building the 2,150-acre Power Ranch that runs for three miles south of Pecos Road along Power Road.
Finally there are the pure land speculators. They are investors who use the land as a commodity. They have no ties to a particular patch of ground, as the farmers do; nor do they have plans to build on it themselves, as the developers do. They buy land and hold it. Some master plan it and get it zoned. Ultimately they sell it to builders and either pocket the profits or plow it into their next venture.
Sometimes the speculators form partnerships with the builders to share profits.
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Business Briefs + The Kingdom & The Power

Good Morning . . . Lots to read for your interest today (and apologies to Rogue Columnist Jon Talton for lifting a phrase from his reporter's playbook)
Please take the time while you're here on this landing-page to look around this blog for a perspective of what's on this site.
Be curious and see what's online, like more than 180,000 people (or mebbe robots or even trolls) who take the time to read what's here - it's meant to cause a reaction just like the animated image opening this post where every action, according to Newton's Law of Physics, causes an equal re-action. That's the good-faith intention and mission here: to get you, dear readers, more engaged and involved.
It's not drinking Koop-Aid that mebbe helps to explain the whacky things going on in Arizona and The East Valley of The Sun  but if might be 'Something in The Water' . . .
That's not anything more far-fetched than some of the statements from the spigots in the corporate-owned pipeline of mainstream media that flow faster than a raft tubing down the rapid-running currents in the Salt River. If we drink the treated SRP tap water, who knows? .... we're just thirsty for news
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From the East Valley Tribune Staff Report on 22 March 2018 and related links:
Business Briefcase
> Headline: Salt River Project announces new general manager/CEO
"Salt River Project’s Board of Directors have selected Mike Hummel to succeed Mark B. Bonsall as the general manager and chief executive officer. He will lead day-to-day operations of the public power utility.
Hummel, 57, will assume responsibilities in May. He is currently SRP’s deputy general manager of resources and finance. Bonsall announced his intention to retire last year after working at SRP since 1977. . . "
 
> Headline: The Kingdom and The Power
(Blogger Note: The Nitty-Gritty about Mike Hummel)
The Salt River Project was recently in the news, with proposed pay increases including $251,000 a year for board President David Rousseau. The story noted that this was more than Gov. Doug Ducey ($95,000) or Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton ($88,000). SRP backed off following the news in the Arizona Republic. The real day-to-day boss in the new general manager, Mike Hummel, who will make $1.04 million. Despite the modest title, this is a position of immense influence. Former general managers include heavyweights Jack Pfister and Dick Silverman.
Phoenix lacks engaged moneyed stewards such as Bill Gates and Paul Allen in Seattle, or major headquarters such as Amazon. This only magnifies the power of SRP. It is no ordinary utility, even though it supplies electricity to the Phoenix metropolitan area along with Arizona Public Service. But much of what it does happens behind the scenes . . .
Link > http://www.roguecolumnist.com
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Headline: Realtors trying to block expansion of state sales tax
The Arizona Association of Realtors is trying to forever block state lawmakers from expanding the state sales tax.
An initiative launched March 9 proposes to constitutionally prohibit a sales tax from being imposed on services. . . The initiative came as a surprise to House Speaker J.D. Mesnard.
It's been fun
 

Whole Lotta Heavy-Lifting To Dig Into Shovel-Ready Stories

Let's start off this post with a Dummy Hypothesis - we all know those great "Dummy Books": Windows for Dummies or Microsoft for Dummies or Accounting Principles for Dummies are good examples. Some mainstream media and independent news sources have a lot of resources (staff, equipment, tools), your MesaZona blogger uses all of his senses + a sixth-sense called "A Nose For The News"
. . . when something stinks, it stinks. Period. The same thing applies to other senses: what we see and what we hear if we keep our eyes and if we keep our ears open and Stay Woke.
Then again what we hear is another human sense that reacts to a whole spectrum of communication wave-lengths that get filtered through our perceptions of what's real or not, and what's believable or not. We may also all be reverting to our primitive hominoid Neanderthal Tribal Instincts self-segregating ourselves in cocoons of comfort-zones both mentally and physically where we live.
Here is Mesa that sets the stage for How Power Plays-Out.
Is seeing believing? Or can we can tricked some of the time?
Is what we hear believe-able?
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Left-to-right: Bob Worley, ASU President Michael Crow and ex-U.S. Senator 'Revolving-Door' Matt Salmon, who announced at the time of his retirement he was hired by ASU as Vice-President for Government Affairs  
Arizona’s addictive subsidies game Robert Robb I don’t really like the phrase “crony capitalism,” even though I’ve used it from… 
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Fortunately at times it's very visible - you can see it and hear it if you pay attention. One of the recently broadcast episodes unfolded here on February 26, 2018 with a special appearance in front of the public at a Mesa City Council Study Session by Mega-Millionaire Bob Worsley taking on two roles at the same time - one as an Arizona State Senator holding public office and one a private real estate speculator. 
Here in Arizona - and almost anywhere else - that's a combustible mixture that's blown up more than a few times when real estate interests add fuel to the fire and it starts to stink. Let's just say they're Opportunity Zones or OZ for short
(wondering who the Wizard of OZ is yet???????)
In the 20th Century two outstanding examples pop up: Charles Keating/The Savings-and-Loan Crisis/The Keating 5, The Re-Call of Governor Meacham).

Let's flash-back to 2016 when Mesa Mayor John Giles appeared in his State-of-the-City Speech - it's the same plot line as the drama on 26 February where the devil's still in the details about ASU.
This time around there are more twists and details we need dig deeper to uncover the sources of what stinks.
Investigative news reporting on that was published on March 1, 2018 in the article from The Arizona Daily Independent linked to above. In the image to the right: AZ State Senator Bob Worsley outside the Arizona State House where bills and legislation he's introduced frequently get interpreted as "Crony Capitalism'




Thanks to digging by The Arizona Daily Independent we can see what's gone on behind-the-scenes after Mesa voters rejected the radical transformation of downtown Mesa into a "satellite campus" for ASU.
As things turned out it was beyond reality - projecting half-baked Pie-In-The-Sky proposals on promising to deliver anything concrete based on transient students to ride the boom in student housing that devoured downtown Tempe.
The central business district on Main Street has been left as 'The Old Donut-Hole' since the outflux to 1970's suburbia.
Now said Bob Worsley "the time is ripe and the moment has arrived" to revive the moribund CBD that's only been on flat line life-support for 12 years from the Mesa Arts Center opening in 2005 and the arrival on Main Street through the CBD by Valley Metro Light Rail Service in August 2015. Now another '15-year moment' has arrived for Investors - 'angel investors' or otherwise - to buy into The New Zion purchasing not just one property at a one but swooping in to grab up and assemble commercial properties all at once last year . . . Who's the designated dealmaker: take a look ^
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Take a look at the land-grab after reading some information about the perfectly legal accounting tricks 
CH Mesa Holdings was registered on June 27, 2017 in Delaware.
Why in the State of Delaware? DSTs
Why Delaware Statutory Trusts Are Becoming Popular
DSTs have grown in popularity as replacement properties for real estate owners seeking to reinvest sale proceeds into net-leased properties producing a steady stream of income.
"Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code is an important tool that allows real estate investors and property owners to exchange one business or investment property for another without immediately incurring taxes. This transaction, often referred to as a “1031 exchange” or “like-kind” exchange, allows an investor to reinvest the full amount of net sale proceeds into new investments while deferring capital gain taxes until the investor eventually cashes out. . . The DST’s structure also permits investors to engage in a subsequent 1031 exchange if they decide to sell their beneficial interest in the trust or when the trust terminates. However, in order to receive such tax-deferred treatment, DST investors should be aware of several important restrictions and limitations. . . "
READ MORE information and details using this Link > https://www.law.com
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MACDEVLLC, the entity listed on the City of Mesa's development agreement for the Worsley/Habitat Metro Drew Street Parking Lot project
Maricopa County Recorder documents shows that CH Mesa Holdings, LLC, a registered limited liability corporation (File Number: 6458344) filed deeds for the following properties that can be viewed below from an insert taken from this report
https://arizonadailyindependent.com/2018/03/01/mesas-asu-project-needed-to-make-good-on-worsleys-bet/
Mesa’s ASU Project Needed To Make Good On Worsley’s “Bet”

. . . Worsley pleaded with the Council to protect the speculative investments he made in the area based on the ASU scheme.
My wife and I have been meeting with people all over the Valley,” said Worsley. “Just today my wife met two people who want to invest in Mesa. Last week, we met with wealthy people from Paradise Valley who want to invest in downtown Mesa based on what they hear is happening. ???
Speaking of dollars – hard dollars, we – the group I am invested with – we have invested over $20 million already on a bet that downtown Mesa is ready for what’s next.”
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Blogger's Note: Isn't that the same slogan used by Mesa Mayor John Giles for his election campaign and same slogan for his platform while holding office inside City Hall?
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Worsley concluded, “I just wanted to say one thing; we need this investment in ASU. We need this center in downtown Mesa.”
CH Mesa Holdings was registered on June 27, 2017 in Delaware. Maricopa County Recorder documents shows that CH Mesa Holdings, LLC, a registered limited liability corporation (File Number: 6458344) filed deeds for the following properties:
APNAddressLast Deed Date
138-35-015114 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520110/03/2017
138-35-016 120120 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520110/03/2017
138-36-008A18 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520110/30/2017
138-36-012 4848 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520107/19/2017
138-42-022 155155 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520107/07/2017
138-42-030137 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520112/12/2017
138-55-004202 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520110/03/2017
138-55-009206 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520110/03/2017
All of the above properties show a mailing address of 4320 E Brown Road, STE 110, Mesa, AZ 85205. Lyons Development LLC shares the Brown Road address with CH Mesa Holdings, LLC. According to the Arizona Corporation Commission, as of 2017, Worsley has been registered as a member of Lyons Development LLC.
Lyons Development LLC registered the following entities in 2017:
L21665169LYONS DEVELOPMENT LLCMESA 114 W MAIN LLC
L21757686LYONS DEVELOPMENT LLCMESA 137 W MAIN LLC
L21853908LYONS DEVELOPMENT LLCMESA 48 W MAIN LLC
L21638767LYONS DEVELOPMENT LLCMESA 155 W MAIN LLC
L21657535LYONS DEVELOPMENT LLCMESA 18 W MAIN LLC
Ranch Communities of America, owner of 29 West Main Street, is listed on Worsley’s financial disclosure statement along with CH Mesa Holdings.
 [View Worsley 2018 Financial Disclosure Statement]
CH Mesa Holdings, LLC bought all buildings for sale in downtown Mesa within 1000 ft. of the proposed project; one such property being as close at 237 ft from the site.


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RELATED CONTENT:

Story image for bob worsley from East Valley Tribune
East Valley Tribune-Mar 13, 2018
Bob Worsley and Phoenix developer Tim Sprague also spoke on in favor of bringing ASU to Mesa. Both men are involved in groups that have made significant investments in buildings in land in downtown Mesa over the past year. Worsley, who said his group has invested over $20 million downtown, said, ...
Story image for bob worsley from AZCentral.com
AZCentral.com-Feb 28, 2018
Bob Worsley is also involved, his office confirmed. The firm is considering redeveloping the buildings into a mix of restaurants, office space and entertainment venues. "That historic part of Mesa is exciting," said Roy Bade, executive vice president of Caliber. "Once it's presented correctly, it's a real exciting 
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Whatever happened to Sky Mall, that Worsley sold for $150M to Rupert Murdoch?
INVOLUNTARY BANKRUPTCY

Inability to combat in flight web access grounds SkyMall

Xhibit Corp. announced Friday that it and substantially all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Phoenix based SkyMall, LLC, filed voluntary…
 

Monday, March 26, 2018

The Buzz In Mesa: Sudden Swarm of Investors > Real Estate Scandal


Following in the pathway of Queen ' Bee' Christi Worsley (see below), it looks like the public life and political career of husband AZ State Senator Bob Worsley may be on-the-line here in Downtown Mesa over his gambling million$$$$$ as a private investor in real estate speculation simultaneously at the same time holding public office to pass legislation and bills in the Arizona State House to create private wealth for his 'family-and-friends'... almost sounds like The Mafia in The East Valley. It's a swarm of attention well-deserved when the Arizona Daily Independent published a report on 01 March on the February 26, 2018 Mesa City Study Session. https://arizonadailyindependent.com
It's a deep-dive into data and information - a Honey Pot of Details that your MesaZona blogger wants to add to about the Limited Partnership, LLCs and Family Trusts handling the financing, acquisition and development that began last year in March 2017: The Caliber Diversified Opportunity Fund II, LP (read more and scroll down below)
The Mesa City Council (Vote 5-2) ignored the wishes of the public and elected to move forward with plans . . .
 
Mesa’s ASU Project Needed To Make Good On Worsley’s “Bet”
"At the February 26 meeting of the Mesa City Council, Sen. Bob Worsley made a rare appearance in an effort to promote a proposal to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Arizona State University. The senator’s appearance surprised many Mesa residents who had never before seen their representative show any interest in the City’s business. . . In May 2016, Mesa Mayor John Giles announced plans to build a new campus for Arizona State University (ASU). . . In November 2016, Mesa voters rejected a sales tax that would have funded the project . . .  "
Blogger's Note: Between now and then The Fog [Friends Of Giles] - the generations-old LDS political machine that has controlled politics, finance, insurance and real estate here in Mesa - made sure to get their close cohorts and faithful followers answer 'a calling' to get elected to local, state and national public office. With friends in high places they could stack the deck with legislation to benefit their private investments and personal corporate welfare.  READ THIS ENTIRE REPORT > Arizona Daily Independent 01 March 2018
Prior to the vote, with former congressman and ASU lobbyist Matt Salmon sitting behind him, Sen. Bob Worsley pleaded with the Council to protect the speculative investments he made in the area based on the ASU scheme.
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How the scheme works > Make offers for a low-ball price to snatch up properties
(Please note this data is taken from the ADI link. Some of the properties may have been in foreclosure earlier)
CH Mesa Holdings was registered on June 27, 2017 in Delaware. Maricopa County Recorder documents shows that CH Mesa Holdings, LLC, a registered limited liability corporation (File Number: 6458344) filed deeds for the following properties:
APNAddressLast Deed Date
138-35-015114 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520110/03/2017
138-35-016 120120 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520110/03/2017
138-36-008A18 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520110/30/2017
138-36-012 4848 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520107/19/2017
138-42-022 155155 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520107/07/2017
138-42-030137 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520112/12/2017
138-55-004202 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520110/03/2017
138-55-009206 W MAIN ST MESA, AZ 8520110/03/2017
All of the above properties show a mailing address of 4320 E Brown Road, STE 110, Mesa, AZ 85205. Lyons Development LLC shares the Brown Road address with CH Mesa Holdings, LLC. According to the Arizona Corporation Commission, as of 2017, Worsley has been registered as a member of Lyons Development LLC.
Lyons Development LLC registered the following entities in 2017:
L21665169LYONS DEVELOPMENT LLCMESA 114 W MAIN LLC
L21757686LYONS DEVELOPMENT LLCMESA 137 W MAIN LLC
L21853908LYONS DEVELOPMENT LLCMESA 48 W MAIN LLC
L21638767LYONS DEVELOPMENT LLCMESA 155 W MAIN LLC
L21657535LYONS DEVELOPMENT LLCMESA 18 W MAIN LLC
Ranch Communities of America, owner of 29 West Main Street, is listed on Worsley’s financial disclosure statement along with CH Mesa Holdings. 
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“My wife and I have been meeting with people all over the Valley,” said Worsley. “Just today my wife met two people who want to invest in Mesa. Last week, we met with wealthy people from Paradise Valley who want to invest in downtown Mesa based on what they hear is happening. Speaking of dollars – hard dollars, we – the group I am invested with – we have invested over $20 million already on a bet that downtown Mesa is ready for what’s next.”
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RELATED INFORMATION AND CONTENT:
Caliber Diversified Opportunity Fund II, LP
The Caliber Diversified Opportunity Fund II, LP exists to produce income and capital gains that pass through to investors through purchasing assets or land at potentially attractive prices, developing those assets with in-house expertise, and managing each asset to its full potential. The Caliber Diversified Opportunity Fund II, LP allows investors diversify their investment across multiple properties while also allowing access to assets that are much larger than they could purchase individually.
Published on Mar 27, 2017
Views: 11, 763
On YouTube > https://www.youtube.com/user/CaliberCompanies
Website: http://caliberdiversified.com/

Two announcements from Aug 2017

Phoenix Business Journal-Aug 9, 2017
“We are deeply grateful for the continued support of our investors who we work diligently for to provide the best returns,” said Chris Loeffler, co-founder and CEO of Caliber. “Providing our clients with insider-level access to secure commercial investments that offer superior risk-adjusted returns and growth potential is the ...

AZ Big Media-Aug 8, 2017
Caliber – The Wealth Development Company today announced the launch of a $100 Million real estate fund, the Caliber Diversified Opportunity Fund II, LP (the “Fund”). The Fund will invest in “middle market” U.S. commercial real estate assets that can deliver attractive risk-adjusted return through a combination of current ...
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How this works in Tucson, according to the Arizona Daily Independent
Same players different town
" On the same day as the Council meeting, Caliber Wealth Development Company, “a real estate investment, development and management firm, and project partner, Habitat Metro,” announced the purchase of eight downtown buildings for $7.5 million on Main Street. In a press release, Caliber claimed that “the nearly 100,000 square-feet of historic urban buildings are important project components to the economic strengthening and downtown transformation efforts of Arizona’s third largest city.”
Caliber Development, a subsidiary of Caliber, will serve as design-general contractor.
Caliber is also involved in developing a hotel in Tucson’s struggling downtown redevelopment TIF project known as Rio Nuevo. Rio Nuevo, a taxing district under the control of the state of Arizona, was forced turn to the Legislature this year to seek an extension from its end year of 2025 to an end year of 2035 in an effort to ensure it can meet its debt burden.
In July 2015, the Arizona Attorney General, in response to a question from Worsley, issued an opinion that the controversial Rio Nuevo District is exempt from the State’s gift clause. The decision paved the way for the Rio Nuevo Board to spend money at will.
The residents of Tucson called on the Legislature to terminate Rio Nuevo, however the latest proposal passed in the House last week, and is awaiting a hearing in the Senate..."

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