Monday, May 07, 2018

Study Session + Details: Final Agenda for Tonight's Mesa City Council Meeting Mon 07 May 2018


^!^ Heads Up > This is A BIG DEAL in-the-works. STAY WOKE
GET INVOLVED: The Mesa City Council believes that its people, not leaders, are what makes a City great and actively works to encourage citizen participation in the decision-making process. Whether it is through neighborhood meetings, advisory boards and committees, telephone calls and letters, or email, the Mesa City Council sets policies based on the input and needs of its citizensThat's the policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  How it works is up to you!
LINK > http://www.mesaaz.gov/city-hall/mayor-council 
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One of this blog's is to keep you informed 



U HAVE THE RIGHT-TO-KNOW



Mesa operates under a charter form of government with citizens electing a mayor and six councilmembers to set policy for the City.
The government of this city works well only when YOU CONNECT
1. City Council > http://www.mesaaz.gov/city-hall
2. Council, Board & Committee Research Center >  here



_________________________________________________________________________
HEADS UP: Last Item 10-a on the agenda for the regular meeting
File #: 18-0547   
Type: Resolution Status: Agenda Ready
In control: City Council
On agenda: 5/7/2018
Title: Submitting to the qualified electors of the City of Mesa, at the General Election on November 6, 2018, the question of increasing the City's transaction privilege (sales) tax by 0.25%, from 1.75% to 2.00%, beginning on March 1, 2019. The increase will be used for the sole purpose of funding Mesa Police and Mesa Fire and Medical services, personnel, equipment, and facilities. (Citywide)
Attachments: 1. Resolution


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Meeting Details: Study Session @ 4:45 pm 

Highlight: 2 proposals for the development of City-owned land adjacent to Riverview Park
File #: 18-0574   
Type: Presentation Status: Agenda Ready
In control: City Council Study Session
On agenda: 5/7/2018
Title: Hear a presentation, discuss, and provide direction on two proposals for the development of City-owned land adjacent to Riverview Park.
Attachments: 1. Presentation
 
 

Meeting Name: City Council Study Session Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 5/7/2018 4:45 PM Minutes status: Draft  
Meeting location: Council Chambers - Lower Level
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Not available  
Meeting video:  
Attachments:
  • 4 records
  • Group
File #Agenda #TypeTitleActionResultAction Details
18-0574 2-aPresentationHear a presentation, discuss, and provide direction on two proposals for the development of City-owned land adjacent to Riverview Park.  Not available
18-0598 3-aMinutesHuman Relations Advisory Board meeting held on March 28, 2018.  Not available
18-0597 3-bMinutesEconomic Development Advisory Board meeting held on April 3, 2018.  Not available
18-0589 3-cMinutesHistoric Preservation Board meeting held on April 3, 2018.  Not available

 
_________________________________________________________________________
AGENDA FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 44 RECORDS
Meeting Name: City Council Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 5/7/2018 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
18-0511 2MinutesApproval of minutes of previous meetings as written.  Not available
18-0505 3-aLiquor License Application180th Regimental Field Artillery Association This is a one-day event to be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 4:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M on Sunday, May 20, 2018 at The Latin Kitchen located 540 West Broadway Road. (District 4)  Not available
18-0506 3-bLiquor License ApplicationNational Football Foundation This is a one-day event to be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 2:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., at Riverview Park located 2202 West Rio Salado Parkway. (District 1)  Not available
18-0507 3-cLiquor License ApplicationRosatis Pizza and Pub A restaurant that serves lunch and dinner is requesting a new Series 12 Restaurant License for AZ Pizza LLC, 849 North Dobson Road, Suite 112 - Matthew John Surma, agent. The existing license held by Tempe University Ventures Inc. will revert to the State. (District 1)  Not available
18-0501 4-aContractOne-Year Renewal to the Term Contract for Service Recognition Awards for City Employees as requested by the Human Resources Department (Citywide) This contract provides employee recognition awards for the City's Service Award Program administered by the Human Resources Department. Service award recognition mementos are given to benefited employees based on their anniversary date in five-year increments. The Human Resources Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the renewal contract with O.C. Tanner Company, dba O.C. Tanner Recognition Company, at $65,000, based on estimated usage.  Not available
18-0492 4-bContractThree-Year Term Contract for Collection Services for Various City Departments as requested by the Business Services Department (Citywide) City staff initiates collection activities for delinquent charges, fees, and taxes assessed by various departments after in-house collection efforts are exhausted. This contract will cover collection activities for delinquent utility bills, sales tax, conference center, property damage, order of protection, excess false alarms, airport and miscellaneous receivables. An evaluation committee representing the Business Services and Financial Services Departments, and Purchasing recommends awarding the contract to the highest-scored and lowest-bid proposal from Valley Collection Service, LLC, at $28,000 annually, based on estimated usage.  Not available
18-0489 4-cContractPurchase of One Replacement Light-Duty Pickup Truck for the Fire and Medical Department (Citywide) The vehicle being replaced is part of the ongoing vehicle replacement program managed by Fire and Medical. The vehicle has met established criteria and will be either traded, auctioned, sold, or deployed to special uses. The Fire and Medical Department, and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase from the existing contract with Berge Ford (a Mesa business), at $29,880.83. This purchase is funded by the Capital - General Fund.  Not available
18-0491 4-dContractOne-Year Renewal to the Term Contract for Catering Services for the Mesa Convention Center as requested by the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department (Citywide) This contract provides professional food and beverage catering services at the Mesa Convention Center. The Convention Center collects all monies due from clients for events and distributes the contractor’s settlement payment after the event. The Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the renewal with Personal Touch Catering, Inc.  Not available
18-0493 4-eContractPurchase for Fiber Optic Expansion to the Mesa Cemetery for the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department (as requested by the Information Technology Department) (Citywide) This purchase will provide fiber cable installation, adding the Cemetery Administration building to the City’s high-speed data network. It will improve the connectivity and speed, eliminate the existing monthly service cost and reduce the need for other network security hardware that is necessary for a VPN connection over cable or DSL. To minimize cost, the project will be utilizing existing Transportation conduit and City-owned fiber. The Information Technology Department, the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department, and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase using the State of Arizona cooperative contract with the lowest-quoted vendor: BPG Technologies, LLC, for $50,000, based on estimated requirements.  Not available
18-0495 4-fContractPurchase for FlowRider Refurbishment Parts and Services for the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department (Sole Source) (Citywide) This contract will provide for the replacement of the protective matting and nozzle flaps for the FlowRider at the Rhodes Aquatic Complex. FlowRider Inc. is the exclusive manufacturer of the FlowRider attraction. The Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department and Purchasing recommend awarding the contract to the sole source vendor, FlowRider Inc., at $88,602.10.  Not available
18-0496 4-gContractFour-Year Term Contract for Payment Card Acceptance Security Services Solution as requested by the Business Services and Information Technology Departments (Citywide) This contract will provide a hosted solution to accept card-not-present credit card transactions that is fully PCI compliant. It will provide the ability to take transactions through online, phone and IVR channels and allow for recurring payments. An evaluation committee representing the Business Services and Information Technology Departments and Purchasing recommends awarding the contract to the highest-scored respondent, Hosted PCI, at $66,000 annually, based on estimated usage.  Not available
18-0499 4-hContractOne-Year Renewal to the Term Contract for Refuse Roll-Off Containers for the Environmental Management and Sustainability Department (Citywide) This contract provides 30-yard and 40-yard roll-off containers used to service residential and commercial customers requesting refuse service to keep up with Mesa’s customer demand. The Environmental Management and Sustainability Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the renewal contract with Galfab LLC (formerly Wastebuilt Southwest LLC), at $93,000.  Not available
18-0500 4-iContractThree-Year Term Contract for Rock and Concrete Materials for Various City Departments (Citywide) This contract will provide rock and concrete materials for Citywide departments in their daily operations. The Transportation, Energy Resources, Water Resources, and Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Departments and Purchasing recommend awarding the contract to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidders: Fort McDowell Yavapai Materials; Material Delivery, Inc.; and Arizona Metro Mix, LLC; for $850,000 annually, based on estimated usage.  Not available
18-0490 4-jContractOne-Year Renewal to the Term Contract for 15kV Aluminum Electrical Cable for the Materials and Supply Warehouse (for the Energy Resources Department) (Citywide) This contract provides for a ready supply of 15kV aluminum electrical cable used in underground installations to distribute 12kV primary power between electrical substations and distribution transformers adjacent to customers utilizing electrical service. The cable is used in new construction and overhead to underground conversion projects. The Business Services, and Energy Resources Departments, and Purchasing recommend authorizing the renewal contract with Western United Electric Supply Corp., at $396,000, based on estimated usage.  Not available
18-0488 4-kContractPurchase of One Replacement Asphalt Grinder for the Transportation Department as requested by the Fleet Services Department (Citywide) This asphalt grinder will replace one that is at the end of its service life. The grinder being replaced will be either traded, auctioned, sold, or deployed to special uses. The new model is larger, has increased capabilities, and will greatly improve productivity while meeting current and future needs for street maintenance. The Fleet Services and Transportation Departments, and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase using the National Intergovernmental Purchasing Alliance / City of Tucson cooperative contract with Empire Southwest (a Mesa business), at $419,732.76. This purchase is funded by Local Streets Sales Tax.  Not available
18-0498 4-lContractThree-Year Term Contract for Pull and Valve Boxes for the Materials and Supply Warehouse (for the Water Resources and Energy Resources Departments) (Citywide) This contract will provide pull and valve boxes for new service installations and repair work performed by the City’s utilities departments. Materials and Supply orders and maintains stock inventory as needed. The Business Services, Water Resources and Energy Resources Departments and Purchasing recommend awarding the contract to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidders: Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Inc., dba Arizona Electrical Distributors; and Fortiline Waterworks, Inc.; at $163,700 annually, based on estimated usage.  Not available
18-0503 4-mContractReplacement/Upgrade Purchase for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Components for the Information Technology Department (Citywide) This purchase is part of the City’s Lifecycle Management Program to replace aging hardware and software that has reached the end of its supportable life. The items in this purchase support the ability of ITD to provide virtualized desktops to employees, contractors and vendors who have special security or mobility needs that cannot be met with a physical desktop computer, or that can be met more cost-effectively with virtual desktops. Virtualization allows the City to run many copies of the Windows desktop operating system on centralized, more powerful servers, and more effectively sharing resources. The Information Technology Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase using the State of Arizona cooperative contract with the lowest-quoted vendor, iT1 Source, for $76,493.48 plus 10% contingency, for a total of $84,142.83. This purchase is funded in the IT Lifecycle Management Program Budget.  Not available
18-0566 4-nContractPurchase for Fiber Optic Expansion to the City of Mesa Employee Wellness Center for the Human Resources Department (as requested by the Information Technology Department) (Citywide) This purchase will provide fiber cable installation, adding the Mesa Employee Wellness Center building to the City’s high-speed data network. As a result, it will improve the reliability of the connection and speed, eliminate the existing monthly service cost for DSL, and reduce the need for additional network security hardware that is necessary for a VPN connection over cable or DSL. The Information Technology and the Human Resources Departments, and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase using the State of Arizona cooperative contract with BPG Technologies, LLC, for $50,000, based on estimated requirements.  Not available
18-0497 4-oContractPurchase of Pipe and Fittings for the New Signal Butte Water Treatment Plant as requested by the Water Resources Department (Citywide) This purchase will provide pipe and fittings to stock the maintenance shop at the new Signal Butte Water Treatment Plant. The Water Resources Department and Purchasing recommend awarding the contract to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidders: Four Peaks Fasteners Inc, dba FPF Industries; Core and Main LP; Best Plumbing Specialties; Tri Star Industrial LLC; and Dana Kepner Company; at $32,800, based on estimated requirements.  Not available
18-0494 4-pContractOne-Year Term Contract for Hayward Gordon Repair Parts for Screw Centrifugal Pumps for the Water Resources Department (Sole Source) (Citywide) The Greenfield Water Reclamation Plant is experiencing ongoing ragging issues in the solids train, which are accelerating the wear on the rotating and stationary wet end parts on both the recirculating and mixing sections of their large screw centrifugal pumps. This contract is required to maintain the necessary level of spare parts in stock for the speedy repair and return to service of critical pumps at the plant. The Water Resources Department and Purchasing recommend awarding the contract to the sole source vendor, Hayward Gordon, at $100,000, based on estimated usage.  Not available
18-0504 4-qContract16-Month Term Contract for Water and Wastewater Equipment Repairs and Maintenance for the Water Resources Department (Citywide) Water Resources will utilize this contract as a supplement to four existing contracts for vertical turbine pumps repairs, submersible pump/motor repairs, well and well pump repairs, and electric motor rewinds and repairs. This contract will allow more flexibility to quote larger repairs with other vendors, and to quote the purchase of new pumps and motors with more vendors. The Water Resources Department and Purchasing recommend authorizing the purchase using the City of Chandler cooperative contract with DXP Enterprises, Inc.; Foster Electric Motor Service, Inc.; Hennesy Mechanical Sales, LLC; James, Cooke & Hobson, Inc.; Layne Christensen; Phoenix Pumps, Inc.; Southwest Waterworks Contractors, Inc.; and Weber Water Resources, LLC; at $300,000, based on estimated usage.  Not available
18-0535 5-aResolutionApproving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the East Valley Institute of Technology for the design, installation, and maintenance of a decorative lighting system within a public utility and facilities easement. (District 3)  Not available
18-0458 5-bResolutionApproving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to receive $25 per child/adult, with an annual maximum determined by ADHS’s budget, to provide immunization services to the public. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0478 5-cResolutionApproving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into three separate Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) with the Flood Control District of Maricopa County for the construction, construction management, operation and maintenance of drainage improvements. (Districts 2, 4 and 5) The three proposed IGAs are for the following projects: 1) Lazona and Broadway Drainage Project - north of Broadway Road and east of Stapley Drive (District 4); 2) Venture Out Drainage Project - north of Broadway Road and east of Greenfield Road (District 2); and 3) 64th Street and Halifax Drainage Project - north of Brown Road and east of Recker Road (District 5). The Flood Control District of Maricopa County will fund 75% of the project construction costs incurred for each project up to a maximum contribution of $250,000 per project. The City will be responsible for funding the remaining costs.  Not available
18-0481 5-dResolutionApproving and authorizing the City Manager to enter a new five-year Intergovernmental Agreement with Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management, effective July 1, 2018, to continue regional emergency operations management and disaster services, as required by Arizona state statute. The City’s FY 2018/19 cost for the services is $24,461.28, which is calculated by a population-based formula. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0468 5-eResolutionApproving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Development Agreement for City Share Reimbursement with Legacy Traditional School - East Mesa for the reimbursement of $112,000 for regional street and street lighting improvements that are being required by the City in conjunction with a proposed commercial development known as E. Guadalupe Road and S. Signal Butte Road Improvements, located at 2836 South Signal Butte Road. (District 6)  Not available
18-0482 5-fResolutionApproving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Agreement with Valley Metro Rail for funding of the Tempe/Mesa Streetcar System Study to evaluate transit options linking the cities of Tempe and Mesa. Mesa’s total cost for the study shall not exceed $300,000. (District 1, 3 and 4)  Not available
18-0484 5-gResolutionApproving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Gilbert and the Town of Queen Creek for the construction and operation of the Greenfield Water Reclamation Plant. The City of Mesa will operate and maintain the plant and the associated costs will be shared by parties of the Agreement. (Citywide)  Not available
18-0479 6-aResolutionResolution. Approving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Development Agreement with Lynn M., Scott W., and Peggy A. Urry to defer sewer requirements in order to facilitate the development of two residential homes on property located at 1849 South Recker Road. (District 2)  Not available
18-0407 6-bOrdinanceZON17-00324 (District 2) Ordinance. 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
18-0471 7-aOrdinanceANX17-00253 (District 6) Annexation of property located in the 10600 through 10800 blocks of East Williams Field Road (south side). Located south of Williams Field Road and west of Signal Butte Road (27.12± acres). Initiated by the applicant, Valerie Claussen, Pew and Lake, PLC, for the owner, Groh Revocable Trust.  Not available
18-0472 7-bOrdinanceZON18-00143 (District 6) The 10600 through 10800 blocks of East Williams Field Road (south side) and the 6000 through 6200 blocks of South Signal Butte Road (west side). Located south of Williams Field Road and west of Signal Butte Road (27.12± acres). Rezone from Maricopa County RU-43 to City of Mesa AG. This request will establish City zoning on recently annexed property. City of Mesa, applicant; Demuro Properties, owner. Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0)  Not available
18-0473 7-cOrdinanceZON17-00247 (District 6) The 10600 through 11600 blocks of East Williams Field Road (south side) and the 6000 through 6400 blocks of South Signal Butte (both sides). Located on the south side of Williams Field Road from a quarter mile west of Signal Butte Road to Meridian Road; and located on the east and west sides of Signal Butte Road to approximately one-half mile south of Williams Field Road (251± acres). Rezone from AG and GI-CUP to a Planned Area Development (PAD) Overlay with underlying RM-2, RSL- 2.5, RSL-4.5, RS-6, RS-7 and RS-9 for 236± acres and LC for 15± acres. This request will allow for the development of a master planned community. Sean Lake, Pew & Lake, PLC, applicant; Demuro Properties, owner. Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0)  Not available
18-0241 8-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 8-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
18-0408 8-cOrdinanceZON17-00580 (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 8-dOrdinanceZON17-00585 (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 8-eOrdinanceZON17-00591 (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 8-fOrdinanceZON17-00593 (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 8-gOrdinanceAmending 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
18-0267 9-aPublic HearingConduct a public hearing on the Minor General Plan amendment ZON17-00572. For continuance to the August 20, 2018 City Council meeting.  Not available
18-0180 9-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 August 20, 2018 City Council meeting.  Not available
18-0178 9-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 August 20, 2018 City Council meeting.  Not available
18-0547 10-aResolutionSubmitting to the qualified electors of the City of Mesa, at the General Election on November 6, 2018, the question of increasing the City's transaction privilege (sales) tax by 0.25%, from 1.75% to 2.00%, beginning on March 1, 2019. The increase will be used for the sole purpose of funding Mesa Police and Mesa Fire and Medical services, personnel, equipment, and facilities. (Citywide)  Not available



Sure Nice To Have 'Freedom-of-Information' > Here's The Hard Part: Using It

While many battles are still getting fought to force cities to be Open, Transparent and Accountable, at least on one front we see some progress: It's a Game-of-Cards, just like Monopoly. The stakes are just as high
There's just over two weeks left in the campaign, and we still have no plans to produce more than this single print run of the game — so if you want to get your hands on a copy, now's the time to back us on Kickstarter so you don't miss out! We're overwhelmed by the support for this project (huge thanks to everyone who has backed it already), and we're excited to bring this formerly top-secret CIA training game to so many people around the world.
CIA: Collect It All on Kickstarter
International Shipping Is Now Available For CIA: Collect It All On Kickstarter!
"As most of you know, we recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for CIA: Collect It All — our fleshed out and polished version of the CIA's training card game that was recently obtained under a FOIA request. Two days later, we hit our funding goal, and now we've more than doubled it!
Before we knew just how much interest there would be, our plan was to limit shipping to the US — but the requests from other countries came pouring in alongside the pledges, and so now we're happy to announce that CIA: Collect it All is now available in 170 countries!
CIA: Collect It All on Kickstarter
As we warned from the start, international shipping isn't cheap, but we've tried to secure the best rates we possibly could. If you were waiting on availability in your country before backing the campaign — or if you pledged for the digital print-and-play version but would like to upgrade to a physical copy now's the time.
There are a few major countries we are unable to ship to (such as Brazil and Russia) due to limitations of our fulfillment partner, and unfortunately there's nothing we can do about that right now, so we apologize if you're still left out.
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LINK > https://www.techdirt.com

^!^Heads UP^!^ Here In Mesa May 12: Jon Talton > He's Got A New Book

Perhaps, and just perhaps or just by chance or just by good fortune, your sometimes mellow MesaZona blogger gets really over-excited and way beyond-thrilled to the bone and marrow to connect with the mysterious fictional hero David Mapstone, created in words published on pulp paper for inquisitive and curious minds who love to read local stories firsthand, removed at a distance from hard-to-face realities that
connect the past to the present to obliterate the convenient group amnesia that takes over too many chapters in Arizona's murky history. 
Talton celebrates investigative reporting and deplores the real-estate development that has damaged Phoenix as he delves into the dirty past and politics of the city.
Jon Talton Official Author Website http://www.jontalton.com/news.html

The real-life subject of Jon Talton's most recent adult fiction novel is a reporter whose professional life and car gets blown-up in-the-line of duty to report the news. At the same time some people have said he was an undercover FBI agent on a mission to uncover foul play in Phoenix - an assignment that forever ended his life.That might have been the end of the story back then for those who never caught killing a news reporter. 
Not now though: It's an open case for those curious enough to bust through an attack on the media killing the messenger with no potential catastrophic consequences to punish the perpetrators. Let's get into it
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Talton's new mystery work of fiction is readily adaptable to the big screen if any industrious media agent wants to option the rights from the author.
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Coming in May:
The Bomb Shelter, The 9th David Mapstone Mystery
"Forty years ago, a Phoenix reporter was killed by a car bomb in one of America’s most notorious crimes. Three men went to prison but was the assassination ever really solved? Did the kingpin who ordered the hit get away with it? It’s a case custom-made for David Mapstone, the historian-turned-sheriff’s deputy. But the past never rests easy in Arizona and when Mapstone’s boss, Sheriff Mike Peralta, promises to reopen the investigation, new murders commence.
The crimes are reenactments of Phoenix’s mob-riddled past, where gangsters rubbed elbows with the city’s elite amid crosscurrents of corrupt cops, political payoffs, gambling, prostitution, and murder cloaked by the sunshine of a resort city. But who is committing them now? A former soldier who is an explosives
expert and deadly with a knife? A woman with screen-siren looks and extraordinary computer skills? Or someone out of Phoenix’s seamy, swinging 1970s with secrets to keep?
Mapstone will need all the help he can get. He enlists a Ph.D. candidate and Black Lives Matter activist to help him comb through secret archives of the original bombing. Mapstone's wife Lindsey, a top hacker, rejoins the Sheriff’s Office and plays a dangerous cat-and-mouse game — one that goes from the digital to the real and risky world. In the house of mirrors from the 1970s killing, they must find the key that connects the past to the present.
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Meet Jon Talton here in Mesa live and in-person:
Explore Arizona StoryFest
1 p.m. Saturday May 12th
Mesa Convention Center
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In this swiftly-paced, compelling novel, a big city is trying to keep its darkest history off limits.
Through Mapstone’s wryly witty first-person narrative, Talton expresses his genuine love of Phoenix as it once was, as well as his exasperated but tolerant attachment to the city as it is today. Clear writing, an intricate plot, and credible characters make this entry a winner.— Publishers Weekly​
"Mapstone is hampered by records still under seal but is helped by his hacker wife, Lindsey, and PhD candidate Malik Jones as he pursues the case more as cop than historian. Talton celebrates investigative reporting and deplores the real-estate development that has damaged Phoenix as he delves into the dirty past and politics of the city. The ninth entry in a justly praised series."
— Booklist

 
 

 

Arts & Culture Here In Downtown Mesa > Gigantic Humanoid Inflatables Meet Motorcycles On Main

Here's some Downtown Transformation you can believe in - right before your eyes if you were here on Main Street on Friday Night. Whoever brought the double-whammy impact of the monthly Motorcycles to Main Street and a short-lived one-time phenomenon of interactive Public Art for just nine days in May are wizards of Creative Place Making.
Main Street comes alive most often and most frequently on the First Friday of every month when night-time automobile traffic is restricted west of Center Street to Country Club Drive. No one was feeling that 'historic vibe' when motorcycles roared into downtown on Friday Night May 4th for the U.S. Premier of FANTASTIC PLANET.
It's absolutely fabulous - don't miss out on this. Some images were captured in a passing blur that roared by.
The celebration activating The Old Donut-Hole marks the first installation here in America of six gigantic inflatable humanoid figures by Australian artist Amanda Parer from the Land Down-Under at Mesa Arts Center and three more perched on rooftops around town.
Hundreds - maybe thousands -  turned out in the heat for close encounters of another kind.