Monday, April 16, 2018

Tonight's Mesa City Council Meeting ENTIRE AGENDA Mon 16 April 2018


In the midst - and FOG - of the annual ongoing budget review process don't get lazy or apathetic or overwhelmed by some of the other 37 items on tonight's meeting agenda.
How strong is strong representative local government ???
Only as strong as YOU MAKE IT > Do U COMMUNICATE?
...and work to keep your government open, transparent and accountable
 "The Mesa City Council believes that providing access for citizens to communicate with the Council is vital for a strong representative local government. . . "
Do YOU really care?
Item 4-f
This is funded by Wastewater Bonds from 2010
Northwest Water Reclamation Plant Miscellaneous Improvements, Construction Manager at Risk-Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) (District 1) The Northwest Water Reclamation Plant was constructed in 1990 and was expanded in 2000. As a result, some of the process equipment and associated piping, valves, and controls need to be replaced or upgraded, as they have reached the end of their useful life. In addition, one of the existing buildings is being re-purposed as a maintenance building, and new storage space is being provided. Staff recommends awarding this GMP project to Hunter Contracting in the amount of $2,888,594.67, and authorize a change order allowance in the amount of $288,859.47, for a total amount of $3,177,454.14. This project is funded by 2010 authorized Wastewater bonds.
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This is typically what can happen when YOU don't care or bother to get informed or talk to and interact with your six district Mesa City Council members. Do you even know WHO represents your interests? How to call them directly? How to email them?
 
Is the City of Mesa's government including both those elected and those paid to do their jobs to represent your interests
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Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 4/16/2018 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
18-0454 2MinutesApproval of minutes of previous meetings as written.  Not available
18-0435 3-aLiquor License ApplicationLuke-Greenway Post No. 1 - The American Legion This is a one-day event to be held on Friday, April 20, 2018 from 3:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M., at Riverview Park, 2100 West Rio Salado Parkway. (District 1)  Not available
18-0436 3-bLiquor License ApplicationJDRF International This is a one-day event to be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 6:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M., at Sloan Park, 2330 West Rio Salado Parkway. (District 1)  Not available
18-0437 3-cLiquor License ApplicationMavyn This is a one-day event to be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 3:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M. on Sunday, May 6, 2018, at Mind’s Eye Studio, 43 West 6th Avenue. (District 4)  Not available
18-0438 3-dLiquor License ApplicationSunnyside Breakfast Lounge A restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch is requesting a new Series 12 Restaurant License for K Bar M Restaurants LLC, 2823 North Power Road, Suite 101 - Richard Kyle Weltsch, agent. The existing license held by Garfio Enterprises LLC will revert to the State. (District 5)  Not available
18-0393 4-aContractOne-Year Renewal to the Term Contract for Tire Maintenance and Repair Services for the Fleet Services Department (Citywide) This contract provides tire maintenance and repair services for the City’s fleet of wheeled equipment. Work includes providing all labor, equipment, tools, service trucks and services required for inspection, scheduled maintenance and repairs of all wheeled equipment including monitoring and maintaining tire pressure; checking tire tread depth; rotating, inspecting and repairing tires; installing new tires; submitting reports; and providing emergency road calls. The Fleet Services Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the renewal contract with Jack’s Tire & Oil Management Company, Inc., at $400,000, based on estimated usage.  Not available
18-0414 4-bContractOne-Year Renewal to the Term Contract for Commercial Printing for the Business Services Department (Citywide) Business Services - Print Services provides essential and cost-effective printing services to all City Departments to support their programs. Print Services will use this contract for the print projects that they do not have the proper equipment for, or it is not economically possible. The Business Services Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the renewal contract with Di-Mor Business Forms, Inc., at $40,300, based on estimated usage.  Not available
18-0415 4-cContractOne-Year Renewal to the Term Contract for Original Equipment Manufacturer Heavy-Duty Equipment Repair Services for the Fleet Services Department (Citywide) This contract provides pre-qualified repair firms to provide non-exclusive equipment repair service for the City’s fleet of approximately 200 heavy-duty trucks on an as-needed-basis. The vendors furnish all labor, tools, materials, garage facility and insurance to perform body and related mechanical repair work for the City's fleet of heavy-duty vehicles as directed by the City. The Fleet Services Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the renewal contract with Empire Southwest LLC (a Mesa business); Balar Holding Corp., dba Balar Equipment Corp.; and Short Equipment (formerly Wayne Industrial Holdings LLC, dba OEM Parts and Service); for $160,000, based on estimated usage.  Not available
18-0433 4-dContractDollar-Limit Increase to the Term Contract for Fire Protection Equipment Maintenance and Repair Services for Citywide Locations as requested by the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department (Citywide) This increase is needed to provide additional repairs to fire suppression equipment to minimize fire code violations and for the installation of radio dialers at various City facilities to improve quarterly monitoring. The Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department and Purchasing recommend increasing the dollar-limit with Metro Fire Equipment, Inc., by $75,000, from $151,680 to $226,680 annually, based on estimated usage.  Not available
18-0416 4-eContractOne-Year Renewal to the Term Contract for Storm Drain Grates and Manhole Covers for the Transportation Department (Citywide) This contract provides storm drain grates and manhole covers to be used by the Transportation Department. These grates and covers are used to replace damaged or missing pieces throughout the City. The Transportation Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the renewal contract with Grate Solutions Company, Inc.; and Neenah Foundry Company; cumulatively not to exceed $116,700, based on estimated usage.  Not available
18-0412 4-fContractNorthwest Water Reclamation Plant Miscellaneous Improvements, Construction Manager at Risk-Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) (District 1) The Northwest Water Reclamation Plant was constructed in 1990 and was expanded in 2000. As a result, some of the process equipment and associated piping, valves, and controls need to be replaced or upgraded, as they have reached the end of their useful life. In addition, one of the existing buildings is being re-purposed as a maintenance building, and new storage space is being provided. Staff recommends awarding this GMP project to Hunter Contracting in the amount of $2,888,594.67, and authorize a change order allowance in the amount of $288,859.47, for a total amount of $3,177,454.14. This project is funded by 2010 authorized Wastewater bonds.  Not available
18-0411 4-gContractFleet West Roof Repair (310 East 6th Street) (District 4) The project scope is to remove the mechanical units from the northeast portion of the roof and remove the current waterproofing and insulation, exposing the metal deck. Once the deck is exposed, City staff will inspect and determine the limits of the metal deck that will need to be replaced. The identified areas will be removed and replaced and the entire roof will be insulated and waterproofed. New mechanical units with drain lines will then be installed. Staff recommends awarding the contract for this project to the lowest, responsible bidder, Paul R. Peterson Construction, in the amount of $144,595.90, and authorize a change order allowance in the amount of $14,460, for a total amount of $159,055.90.  Not available
18-0434 4-hContractElliot Road Tech Corridor Project - Ellsworth Road to Signal Butte Road (District 6) The objective of the project is to transform Elliot Road into a “Technology Corridor” to serve as an economic development catalyst for the area. The project includes street widening, storm water harvesting areas, new street lights, landscaping, new traffic signal, underground traffic signal infrastructure for a future signal at 96th Street and other esthetic additions. Staff recommends awarding the contract for this project to the lowest, responsible bidder, Nesbitt Contracting Company, Inc., in the amount of $9,578,841.55, and authorize a change order allowance in the amount of $957,884.16, for a total amount $10,536,725.71. This project is funded by 2013 authorized Street Bonds and Transportation Funds.  Not available
18-0413 5-aResolutionSetting May 21, 2018 as the public hearing date to review the proposed FY 2018/19 annual assessments for the Mesa Town Center Improvement District No. 228. The proposed final assessments do not include any rate increases. (District 4)  Not available
18-0397 5-bResolutionAuthorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Boy Scouts of America, Grand Canyon Council, to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of $20,000, and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0398 5-cResolutionAuthorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Child Crisis Arizona to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of $10,000, and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0399 5-dResolutionAuthorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by East Valley Adult Resources to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of $15,000, and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0400 5-eResolutionAuthorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Furnishing Dignity to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of $14,826.24, and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0401 5-fResolutionAuthorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Gene Lewis Boxing Club to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of $7,500, and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0402 5-gResolutionAuthorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Mesa Arts Center to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of $15,000 for Summer Arts & Culture for Kids and Youth Classes, and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0403 5-hResolutionAuthorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Project 25 World to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of $15,000, and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0421 5-iResolutionApproving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a National Criminal History Improvement Program Grant Agreement with the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission to accept $281,516 in grant funds, with a required City match of $31,280. The funds will be used by the Police Department’s Records Division for the conversion of microfilm and reels into digital format. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0423 5-jResolutionApproving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Development Agreement for City Share Reimbursement with DMB Mesa Proving Grounds, LLC, for the reimbursement of $181,983.40 for regional traffic signal improvements that are being required by the City in conjunction with a proposed residential development known as Eastmark - Ray Road and Signal Butte Road, located at 10813 East Ray Road. (District 6)  Not available
18-0424 5-kResolutionApproving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Queen Creek concerning the relocation, construction, and placement of a City gas line in Combs, Rittenhouse, and Gary Roads. (Town of Queen Creek) The new gas line will allow Mesa to serve new developments that are planned on the northwest, southwest and southeast corners of the newly-aligned intersections of Rittenhouse and Combs Roads by being located within the new roadway alignment. It will also add capacity and reliability to the existing infrastructure. The Agreement provides that the City will pay Queen Creek for the construction and administrative costs of the gas line replacement, estimated at $461,700. Funding is available from the 2014 Gas Bond Program.  Not available
18-0273 5-lResolutionAuthorizing the issuance and sale of General Obligation bonds of the City of Mesa. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0274 5-mResolutionAuthorizing the issuance and sale of utility systems revenue bonds of the City of Mesa. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0451 5-nResolutionAuthorizing the defeasance and redemption of a portion of the City's outstanding Utility Systems Revenue Bonds, Series 2006 and 2008; and Utility Systems Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2014. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0241 6-aOrdinanceAmending Sections 10-4-5 and 10-4-6 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-bOrdinanceAmending Sections 10-4-3 and 10-4-5 of the Mesa City Code to modify the boundaries of the current 45 mph speed limit on Crismon Road from the north City limits to Elliot Road, and to establish a speed limit of 35 mph on a new section of Crismon Road from Ray Road to Williams Field Road, as recommended by the Transportation Advisory Board. (District 6)  Not available
18-0407 6-cOrdinanceZON17-00324 (District 2) The 1800 block of South Recker Road (east side). Located north of Baseline Road on the east side of Recker Road (3.80± acres). Rezoning; and Site Plan Review. This request will allow the land to be divided for the development of detached single residence housing. Shane Urry, applicant; Lynn M. Urry, Scott W. Urry and Peggy A. Urry, owners. Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0)  Not available
18-0408 6-dOrdinanceZON17-00580 (District 5) The 8700 through 8800 blocks of East Broadway Road (south side). Located on the south side of Broadway Road, west of the 202 Red Mountain Freeway (3.2± acres). Rezoning from RM-3-PAD to LC-BIZ; and Site Plan Review. This request will allow for the development of a self-storage facility. George Pasquel, Withey Morris PLC, applicant; Broadway and 202, LLC, owner. Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0)  Not available
18-0409 6-eOrdinanceZON17-00585 (District 3) The 700 block of West Baseline Road (south side). Located on the south side of Baseline Road west of Country Club Drive (1.9± acres). Site Plan Modification. This request will allow for the development of a medical office in the NC zoning district. Andrew Greybar, LGE Design Group, applicant; Mesa GI Holdings, LLC, owner. Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0)  Not available
18-0417 6-fOrdinanceZON17-00591 (District 1) The 800 block of North Gilbert Road (east side). Located on the east side of Gilbert Road south of Brown Road (1.7± acres). Rezoning from OC to LC; and Special Use Permit and Site Plan Review. This request will allow for the development of a building materials and services facility with accessory outdoor display. Boyd Thacker, Brock Craig & Thacker Architects, applicant; Highplains Land, LLC, owner. Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0)  Not available
18-0418 6-gOrdinanceZON17-00593 (District 6) The 7500 block of East Hampton Avenue (north side). Located south of Southern Avenue and west of Sossaman Road (2.4± acres). Rezoning from LI-PAD to LC-PAD and Council Use Permit; and Site Plan Review. This request will allow for the development of a plasma center. Paul Gilbert, Beus Gilbert, PLLC, applicant; Hampton Property, LLC, owner. Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0)  Not available
18-0405 6-hOrdinanceAmending Section 11-31-34 of the Mesa Zoning Ordinance pertaining to the establishment and operation of Medical Marijuana Facilities. (Citywide) The amendments reflect minor updates including adding an exception to the separation requirements, allowing deliveries, and modifying security plan requirements. Staff Recommendation: Approval P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval (Vote: 6-0)  Not available
18-0419 7-aSubdivision Plat“Guadsworth Unit 1” (District 6) The 9000-9100 block of East Guadalupe Road (south side) and the 9000-9100 block of East Onza Avenue (north side). Located west of Ellsworth Road on the south side of Guadalupe Road. 3 LC-PAD commercial lots (6.89 ± acres). Western Devco, LLC, developer; Raymond S. Munoz lll, EPS Group Inc., surveyor.  Not available
18-0420 7-bSubdivision Plat“Guadsworth Unit 2” (District 6) The 2800 block of South Ellsworth Road (west side) and the 9100 block of East Onza Avenue (north side). Located south of Guadalupe Road on the west side of Ellsworth Road. 3 LC-PAD commercial lots (3.01 ± acres). Western Devco, LLC, developer; Raymond S. Munoz lll, EPS Group Inc., surveyor.  Not available




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Today's Mesa City Council Study Session: STAY WOKE Mon 16 April 2018

Got any idea what's going on in the government you elected?? If not, why not? OPPORTUNITY ZONES
According to this official source (http://www.mesaaz.gov/city-hall/advisory-boards-committees/city-council )        
During meetings, citizens may address the council on items pertaining to the agenda. . .
Speaking at a Meeting
The Mesa City Council believes that providing access for citizens to communicate with the Council is vital for a strong representative local government.  The following are methods in which to express your opinion at various Council meetings.
What you need to know for today's Study Session is here:
On agenda: 4/16/2018
Title: Hear a presentation, discuss, and provide direction on the
Fire and Medical Department BUDGET.
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City Council Meetings
Study Session
Thursdays
7:30 a.m.
City Council Chambers (lower level)
57 E. First Street

Study Session (prior to Council Meeting)
Every first and third Monday of the month (Council meeting days may change due to national holidays)
4:30 p.m.
City Council Chambers (lower level)
57 E. First Street 

Council Meetings
Every first and third Monday of the month (Council meeting days may change due to national holidays)
5:45 p.m.
City Council Chambers (upper level)
57 E. First Street
Council Agendas

Council Approved Minutes

WatchLiveButton

 
 
 

As part of each meeting agenda, action may be taken on: zoning matters, awarding of contracts to purchase equipment, supplies or for construction improvements within the City, liquor license applications, ordinances, and resolutions.
Agendas can be found here at the Council. Board and Committee Research Center >
DO YOUR RESEARCH TO GET INFORMED: today's study session starts at 4:30 pm. Here's the published Agenda

Meeting Name: City Council Study Session Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 4/16/2018 4:30 PM Minutes status: Draft  
Meeting location: Council Chambers - Lower Level
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Not available  
Meeting video:  
Attachments:
File #Agenda #TypeTitleActionResultAction Details
18-0310 2-aPresentationHear a presentation, discuss, and provide direction on the Fire and Medical Department budget.  Not available
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File #: 18-0310   
Type: Presentation Status: Agenda Ready
In control: City Council Study Session
On agenda: 4/16/2018
Title: Hear a presentation, discuss, and provide direction on the Fire and Medical Department budget.
Attachments: 1. Presentation - Response Rates, 2. Presentation - Budget

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Please note items listed on the agenda with an asterisk are part of the consent agenda. Items on the consent agendas will be adopted with one motion and vote if no citizen or Councilmember requests that it be removed from the consent agenda for separate consideration.
If you wish to speak on a consent agenda item, you must submit your request to speak before the vote on the consent agenda.  Speakers are limited to three minutes each.
Minutes of past City Council meetings are posted at this site after they are approved by the City Council. The preliminary agenda of the next council meeting is posted at this site approximately four days before a council meeting and the final agenda, which incorporates any last minute changes to the preliminary agenda, usually is posted at this site the morning of the council meeting.
 

How to prevent cities from financial disaster


Saturday, April 14, 2018

Whose News? Know Where To Find it?



Back in time last year there was a lot of fanfare and hoopla created when a ribbon was cut in a ceremony marking the occasion of the opening of  'a newsroom' on the same day and in the same place where the new digs for the Mesa Chamber of Commerce got relocated - 165 N Centennial Way, the downtown campus for Mesa Community College. It seemed back then an odd pairing. Now there's been 'a pause' from the team of two who can't make a living reporting on the people, events, places and businesses that make Mesa a wonderful and unique place to live . . . the lack of financial support is from the business community.
Image result for palladium partners llc, GRID mesa az
from mynews
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Apple Global Command Data Center Here In Mesa Now 100% Renewable Energy

With all this talk and vocalizing at Mesa City Council sessions about 'adjustments' in usage fees for Utilities, did we totally miss the good news? What's Amazing? This category covers all the cool and amazing stuff happening around the earth: Apple Claims That All Its Facilities Are Now Fully Powered By Renewable Energy Sources
Quite unlike the City of Mesa that uses utilities usage/consumption fees and charges as cash cows from small residential customers at the same time subsidizing massive industrial/commercial consumption- increasing 'adjustments' all the time year-after-year - Apple believes the future depends on renewable energy sources. . . quite unlike a number of new data centers approved here in Mesa that each can consume 286MW of SRP-supplied power, data centers were the first target of Apple towards green energy.   
Apple has finally achieved its milestone of getting all of its facilities powered with 100% clean energy. This means that all the facilities owned and operated by Apple rely on only renewable sources for their power. This includes all their retail stores, offices and data centers in all the locations all over the globe. Along with achieving its goal, Apple has also inspired others to follow them. In the company’s press release of the announcement, it was also declared that nine manufacturing partners have also committed to power all of their Apple production with 100% clean energy. . . .
READ MORE > http://wonderfulengineering.com/apple
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Clean air here in Mesa????
In a lot of parts of the world, wealth is equal to the health . . . The  effects of breathing polluted air? It is responsible for an array of medical conditions which include asthma, lung cancer and heart attacks - the government of Maricopa County and the City of Mesa have tried to suppress the issue when contaminated air frequently exceeds federal health standards all the time.  
Clean Air Is The New Luxury That Defines The Status Of A City


From A Rising Fortune in Organic Bread to Real Estate Riches

That's the way Christopher Todd likes to do it.
What's the story?
Here ya go:
Readers of this blog might want to remember that the sale of Alpine Valley Bread was featured in a post on this site a couple of years ago.
Likewise in a recent announcement about Caliber Wealth Creation LLP for 'a make-over' of downtown Mesa, Christopher Todd Properties is one of the investors.
(You can use the search box in the upper left-hand top of this page for more information)
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EXCLUSIVE: Rental home developer to invest $3B in Arizona
Phoenix Business Journal-20 hours ago
Christopher Todd Communities LLC is investing $3 billion to develop rental home communities in Arizona by 2030. ... "There will be in excess of $275 million in investment costs in year 2020 moving forward," said Todd Wood, CEO of Christopher Todd Communities, adding he is using traditional bank construction financing ...
Blogger Note: See this report from 2014 in
A Lot of Bread
Baking company prospers, thanks in part to National Bank of Arizona
By Debra Gelbart
". . . Wood believes the right financial partner can make all the difference in how successfully a business transitions to a higher volume of production. “National Bank of Arizona and our banker, Peter Duran, understand the needs of a small to medium-sized business like ours and they have been instrumental in making sure we have all the resources we need to expand our business.” NB|AZ saves the company as much as $9,000 a year by eliminating checking account fees . . .  “We appreciate NBAZ being there for us as we continue to grow. It’s a great relationship.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWDg7FtLNss

A founder with the future in mind
"Christopher Todd Properties is the brainchild of Todd Wood, an Arizona entrepreneur who started the Mesa-based Alpine Valley Bread Company in 1995. He grew it into a mega-million-dollar annual enterprise before selling. He is now applying his visionary business expertise to this new future-forward venture, returning to his strong roots and passion for real estate development. Mr. Wood has 20 years of experience as a licensed real estate agent in both Utah and Arizona. He has financed, built, and sold over 100 custom, high-end homes as well as owned and leased residential and commercial properties.
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Todd Wood
Todd Wood CEO
“Believe. Trust Me. Hang On.” has been Todd Wood’s compass all his life.
Born into a family of 6 children, Todd started working for the family candy business at age 10 for his grandpa whose motto was, “Our family only works 6 days per week, half days. 6am to 6pm.”
In 1995 Todd and his wife Andrea moved to Arizona with their two young daughters and opened a small family business baking all-natural breads. With Todd’s scrappy and tenacious work habits, dedicating six days a week and “half days”, the family business grew through difficulties and challenges. They began baking organic whole grain breads, long before it was mainstream, and the business took off like a rocket ship. Todd encouraged to everyone to “trust and hang on.” Alpine Valley Bread Company soon became one of the largest national and international organic bread manufacturers.
In 2015, Alpine Valley Bread Company was sold.
Todd learned a great lesson after the sale. “If you want to ruin a great marriage, retire and stay home all day with your wife.” After much pondering and prayer, Todd and Andrea again felt inspired to begin a new business providing all “A New Way to Live!”
Christopher Todd Properties is the parent company of Christopher Todd Communities, both of which were launched in 2016.
Christopher Todd Communities develops private luxury single-family rental smart homes, with all the amenities of a master planned community. The company is planning for a national expansion, bringing the Christopher Todd Communities brand coast to coast.
With this real estate venture, Wood is returning to his strong roots and passion for real estate development. He has been participating in all aspects of real estate transactions for over 30 years: from planning, financing, and building to selling and leasing across both residential and commercial marketplaces.
He is a licensed real estate agent fore more than two decades in both Utah and Arizonan. He has financed, built, and sold over 100 custom, high-end homes as well as owned and leased residential and commercial properties in Arizona.
Prior to Alpine Valley Bread, Mr. Wood spent 10 years in executive sales with Xerox Engineering Systems. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business from University of Utah and an MBA from Arizona State University.
 

Thursday, April 12, 2018

AZ Opportunity Zones Approved by IRS & U.S. Treasury

According to an 'exclusive' recent article from Rose Law Group Reporter ,  yesterday 11 April, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS certified Arizona Governor Ducey’s selections made last month that nominated 168 census tracts here in Arizona to be designated Opportunity Zones, the maximum allowable under a section Included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in December 2017.
Blogger Note: other posts on this sites can be seen for information about distressed Opportunity Zones, CDFIs and New Market Tax Credits) 
Businesses and individuals who invest in Opportunity Zones are able to minimize taxation through preferential treatment of capital gains. (see info graphic >)
Currently, businesses and individuals hold more than $2 trillion of unrealized capital gains, much of which is the result of profitable market investments.
Prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, proceeds from the sale of those assets would be taxed at a maximum tax rate of 20 percent, plus a 3.8 percent surtax. Opportunity Zones offer an enticing alternative.
Instead of being taxed on those investments upon their sale, businesses and individuals may transfer those unrealized gains into an Opportunity Fund and receive very favorable tax treatment.




Opportunity Zones provide three primary tax benefits to investors who invest in the Opportunity Zones through the use of an Opportunity Fund. If you own property in one of these area’s we can help to set up the framework for investment.

  1. Tax on income for capital gains is temporarily deferred for capital gains reinvested in an Opportunity Fund.

  2. Capital gains reinvested in an Opportunity Fund receive a stepped-up basis, which will effectively exclude up to 15 percent of the original gain from being taxed.

  3. Capital gains from the sale or exchange of an investment in an Opportunity Fund are not taxed, so long as the investment is held for at least ten years.

"Now that the Treasury Department and IRS have certified Governor Ducey’s Opportunity Zone designations, investors are poised to create and invest in Opportunity Funds to spur economic development in communities across Arizona. . . "








 

Zelensky Calls for a European Army as He Slams EU Leaders’ Response

      Jan 23, 2026 During the EU Summit yesterday, the EU leaders ...