Friday, April 29, 2011

Public Hearing on Proposed Budget - May 3

Public Hearing on Recommended Budget for FY 2012 – Tuesday, May 3 at the regular session of Mayor and Council Meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. City Hall, M&C Chambers, 255 W. Alameda.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

COT Proposed FY 2012 Budget

During the April 26, Mayor and Council meeting, the proposed FY 2012 City of Tucson Budget, was discussed. During the next few meetings, the Mayor and Council will go over the proposal. Vice Mayor Fimbres wants to hear back about this proposed budget.

Send questions or comments to ward5@tucsonaz.gov, subject line: 2012 Budget.

Thanks!

12 Rec Book

C of O and Mom and Pop Night - April 28

C of O and Mom and Pop 4-28-11

Guest Commentary This is why I supported a vote-by-mail system for this year's city election

(The following is an oped piece written and printed in the Tucson Weekly.)

by Richard Fimbres

Regarding the questions Jonathan Hoffman posed in the April 14 Tucson Weekly about the Tucson City Council's decision to move to a vote-by-mail system—"Why?" and "Why now?"—the answers are simple: the actions of voters, and changes in the laws by the Arizona Legislature.


1st Annual Cinco De Mayo Health Fair - May 5

Tucson Youth Development/ACE Charter High School and ReActivate have partnered to create a Cinco De Mayo Health Fair. Parents and their children of ACE Charter High School will get to experience a new and exciting program that emphasizes nutrition and exercise for living active and healthier lifestyles.

Compensation Plan Recommendation

On April 26, 2011, the Human Resources director submitted her recommendations regarding the FY12 Compensation Plan to Mayor and Council.

There will be a public hearing on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. in the Mayor and Council Chambers to address any disputes that may be raised. All disputes must be submitted in writing to either the City Clerk's Office or at the public hearing no later than the close of the hearing on April 29, 2011.


Hr Comp Plan

eBenefits - Federal and State

Have you heard of the combined effort of DOD and VA to improve communication to veterans, known as eBenefits?

TUL Offering A Helping Hand

In these trying economic times, the Tucson Urban League is here to lend a helping hand with your utility bills. If you live within the city limits of Tucson and meet the required income criteria, you may qualify for utility assistance. If interested, call for more details, 791-9522 ext 2519.

Water Flier

Congress Street Closure Extended Through May 6

Additional time is required to complete repairs to a 36” reclaimed water line that failed on Tuesday, April 19, 2011. The primary reason that repairs will take longer than originally anticipated is due to the need for specialty materials. According to Fernando Molina, Public Information Officer for Tucson Water, the 36” pipeline is designed specifically for high pressures and reclaimed water use, and must be ordered and shipped from a manufacturer in Alabama. Additional components, such as valves and pipe restraints, also needed to be special ordered or custom fabricated.

Friday, April 22, 2011

DM Economic Impact Report

FY10 EIA Presentation

Tucson Legislative Agenda Presentation

The following is the presentation to M/C on April 20 from Mary Okoye on the Tucson 
Legislative Agenda and the recent session of the Arizona Legislature.





April 19, 2011TucsonBudget

TUSD Ethnic Studies

The following link is to a letter sent by Vice Mayor Richard Fimbres to the TUSD Governing Board in support of the Ethnic Studies Programs.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/54538059/KMBT35020110421160648

Broken Water Line at Ajo Road and Randolph Avenue (Expected Fix Done 4/23)

Tucson Water crews are responding to a broken 8” water line located at East Ajo Road and Randolph Avenue. As a result of the repair work, the westbound lanes of traffic on Ajo Road are closed at Randolph Avenue. Westbound traffic is being diverted to northbound Randolph Avenue, and then westbound along 48th Street to Country Club Road. The two outside lanes of eastbound Ajo Road remain open. Eastbound lane restrictions are subject to change.

The water line break is affecting approximately 12 customers in that location. Kino Hospital is not affected by this break.

Repairs are expected to be completed by Saturday morning.

Ward 5 - April Newsletter

April 2011 Newsletter 2

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Tucson Urban League - Utility Flyer

Utility Flier

Road Construction Update

Construction Begins_Magee Road_La Canada to Mona Lisa 04252011

Repairs to 36” Reclaimed Pipeline to Continue Through Next Week - Tucson City News

Repairs to 36” Reclaimed Pipeline to Continue Through Next Week - Tucson City News

About Tucson | The Official Website for the City of Tucson, Arizona

About Tucson The Official Website for the City of Tucson, Arizona

TUSD - AASD Celebration - May 6

Aasd Flyer 01

Tucson Urban League Job Fair - May 3

Job Fair PDF

Water Line Break Update

Tucson Water crews worked through the night to drain a 36” reclaimed water line that burst yesterday morning, resulting in the closure of Congress Street west of Interstate 10 to Grande Avenue. Workers are still assessing the extent of needed repairs, and expect the closure to
remain in place for another week.

The pipeline was successfully drained of excess reclaimed water overnight, and the focus is now on cleaning out the excavated area to expose various utility services in the area. This will allow workers to conduct a complete assessment of damage to the reclaimed water line, as well as additional water lines in the location of the break. “Our intent is to make sure that all repairs made at this location last several generations,” stated Sandy Elder, Deputy Director for Tucson Water.

Don't Borrow Trouble

Don’t Borrow Trouble® Pima County (DBT®PC) is a program of Southwest Fair Housing Council. It is an unbiased, non-profit agency that knows the programs, products and people throughout Tucson. DBT®PC resources can help you understand your options when it comes to the education and resources for all aspects of home ownership, credit, credit cards, foreclosure intervention and prevention strategies and options.. With the right information, you can discern the credible from the disreputable and identify the best options for you and your family.

For more information, go online here.

Vice Mayor Fimbres in the Tucson Weekly

ON THE BUS

The Tucson City Council voted 6-1 last week to hike normal bus fares from $1.25 to $1.50, and approved a more modest increase in economy fares for low-income riders, who make up about half of Sun Tran's users.
The economy fare will increase from 40 cents to 50 cents, and a monthly pass for low-income residents will go from $12 to $15.
It was the first increase in economy fares in more than a decade, when the fares were increased from 35 cents to 40 cents.
The lone dissenter was Ward 6 Councilman Steve Kozachik, who wanted to increase economy fares to 60 cents, as recommended by city staff and the Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee, in an effort to help close the city's budget deficit.
The increases will bring in an additional $1.3 million, but the decision to scale back the low-income fare hike will keep the city from bringing in another $260,000.
"We think we can fill the gap," said City Manager Mike Letcher, who was probably happy the council agreed to raise the fares at all.
Brian Flagg, who runs the Casa Maria soup kitchen, told us he was happy with the outcome, although he didn't think fares needed to be raised at all.
"Given the political realities, this was really good," Flagg said. "The mayor and council listened to the heartfelt pleas of the transit community. They acted like Democrats tonight, and that was heartening."
But Sami Hamed, who chairs the Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee, said he was disappointed that the council didn't boost the economy fare by the full 20 cents.
"They didn't solve a problem," Hamed said. "They just slapped a Band-Aid on it. They're just going to have find more money somewhere else."
Ward 5 Councilman Richard Fimbres suggested that the city look into ways to bring in more dollars by expanding advertising on buses. The current City Council policy limits what kind of advertising the city can sell on the buses.
Kozachik was skeptical that the move would generate much revenue, but we think it's a move in the right direction. We do wish that some advertising on buses could be in the form of billboards on the side rather than the full wrap-around adverts that a handful of Sun Tran buses are now sporting.

DM Economic Analysis

Scott Hines has provided the DM FY2010 Economic Impact Analysis. It is available on the DM public website.


http://www.dm.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110420-020.pdf 

Seeking Common Ground Award Nominations

Metropolitan Pima Alliance is seeking applicants for our seventh annual Common Ground Awards ceremony. MPA's Common Ground Awards recognizes community leaders, projects and events with successful collaboration for the overall benefit of the community. 

LOW-COST SHADE TREES AVAILABLE THROUGH TREES FOR TUCSON TO IMPROVE HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY

As Earth Day 2011 approaches, Tucson Clean & Beautiful reminds the distributes low-cost desert-adapted trees for Tucson area residents to plant at their home and in community public spaces through the Trees for Tucson program. Trees for Tucson continues to accept applications throughout 2011 for home shade trees as well as community project requests on a first-come, first-served basis.

TPAC News and Opps

TPAC News and Opps

NALEO EDUCATIONAL FUND URGES ACTION ON COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund issued the following statement regarding today’s White House meeting on comprehensive immigration reform:

“The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund welcomes the meeting between President Obama and a bipartisan group of leaders to discuss comprehensive immigration reform.

National Infant Immunization Week Update

WHAT: Border Wide Inauguration of National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW)/ Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA)

WHEN: Tuesday, April 26, 9:15 a.m.

WHERE: El Rio Community Health Center, 101 W. Irvington, Tucson, AZ 85714

President's Meeting with Stakeholders on Fixing the Broken Immigration System

In a meeting in the State Dining Room this afternoon, the President and members of his Cabinet and senior staff met with a broad group of business, law enforcement, faith, and former and current elected leaders from across the political spectrum to hear their ideas and suggestions on how to tackle our shared challenge of fixing our nation’s broken immigration system in order to meet our 21st century economic and security needs.

TUCA Scholarship Foundation

TUCA Logo
TUCA SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
 
  
TUCA values education and the future of our children. The Tucson Utility Contractors Association Educational Scholarship Foundation was formed to encourage and support graduating high school students and individuals seeking continuing education. Events sponsored by TUCA help expand the Foundation's endowment fund.

TUCA Scholarships are available to all Members and Members' Employees.  Applications must be postmarked no later than May 1st.


  scholarship
Past Recipient


"We Build Our Community"

Water Line Break; Congress St. closed I-10 to Grande Ave. - Tucson City News

Water Line Break; Congress St. closed I-10 to Grande Ave. - Tucson City News

Pedestrian and Bicyclist Restrictions: Congress St. and Bonita Ave. - Tucson City News

Pedestrian and Bicyclist Restrictions: Congress St. and Bonita Ave. - Tucson City News

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

36" Reclaimed Water Line Break / Congress and Bonita

This morning at approximately 10:45 a.m., a 36" reclaimed water line that was being put into service failed. A break in the reclaimed water line occurred near the intersection of Congress and Bonita.  Westbound traffic on Congress is being re-routed to Bonita, and eastbound Congress is being diverted to Avenida del Convento. Tucson Water is coordinating with other nearby utilities that may have been impacted.

The cause of the failure is still being investigated at this time and we ask for patience as we work to restore service to affected customers.

Monday, April 18, 2011

What does the future of transportation look like to you? There’s still time to comment on ADOT’s Long Range Plan

How would you plan for our state’s transportation system if you could look 25 years into the future? You still have time this week to provide the Arizona Department of Transportation with your comments as we work to develop the state’s Long Range Transportation Plan.

Amigos De Pima Luncheon - May 26

Amigos de Pima Flyer

SUN TRAN, SUN VAN GENERAL MANAGER WINS OUTSTANDING TRANSIT INDIVIDUAL AWARD

Katrina Heineking, General Manager of Sun Tran and Sun Van, the public transportation system and comparable paratransit service in Tucson, Arizona, was recently awarded the Outstanding Transit Individual Award from Arizona Transit Association (AzTA) and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).  The awards luncheon was held April 12 during AzTA’s annual conference in Mesa, Arizona. 

I-10 - Kino Valencia Update

The Arizona Department of Transportation will close ramps and lanes along eastbound and westbound Interstate 10 next week as it continues work on a project to make the drive from Kino Parkway to Valencia Road smoother.

Procurement Department Closure Day - April 22

Due to the need for mandatory furlough days for Fiscal Year 2011, the following Procurement Department divisions will be closed on Friday, April, 22nd:  Administration; Purchasing; Design, Construction & Services; Procurement Program Services (pCard); and Print Services.  The only divisions open this day will be Procurement's Mail Services and Stores Division (including Surplus & Auction).  Mail delivery and pickup service will operate as usual.

Phone representatives will not be available for closed Procurement Divisions and all deliveries for closed Procurement Divisions shall be dropped off at City Hall/7th Floor.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Tucson jumps ahead with OK of mail elections

(Yuma Sun Editorial - April 7)


Yuma County residents have received letters asking if they would like to vote by mail in advance of the May 17 special election to decide whether to extend the jail district sales tax. It is likely there will many requests for the mail ballots as a large majority of local voters now use that method.

Let's Play Baseball!

Tucson Padres Baseball Home Opener – The new Minor League’s home opener is Friday, April 15, 7:00 p.m. at Kino Veteran’s Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way. $6.50 general admission. More info: www.tucsonpadres.com.

COSTCO's Grand Opening, Great Day for Ward5, City of Tucson and Pima County

Today is a great day for Ward 5, the City of Tucson and Pima County with the opening of the new COSTCO store.

Don't Miss 4th Annual Historic Miracle Mile Event

If you haven't heard already - the HISTORIC MIRACLE MILE OPEN HOUSE & TOUR is happening for the fourth year.

Club Crawl Street Closures

The following downtown travel restrictions will be in place this weekend to accommodate the annual Spring Club Crawl music festival.


HHW Collection Event, April 16

Do you have cans of paint or unused chemicals sitting in your shed or garage? The City of Tucson and Pima County have an option for you to clean out your space while keeping these hazardous materials out of the environment. On Saturday, April 16, 2011, the Household Hazardous Waste Program will be sponsoring a collection event at Himmel Park.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Costco Grand Opening

Costco PR

Tucson businessmen visit Sonora, like what they find

A group of 42 local businessmen who recently returned from a fact-finding trip to Sonora say enthusiasm for cross-border commerce is strong.

Read the rest of the article here.

Electrical Apprenticeship & Training Program: openings for apprenticeships

Apprenticeship Opportunities IBEW and NECA Providing Quality Training for the Electrical Industry

ADOT Update

The Arizona Department of Transportation is closing ramps and lanes this week as it continues work on a project to make the drive along eastbound and westbound Interstate 10 from Kino Parkway to Valencia Road smoother.

Lanes and ramps will be closed next week from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. During lanes closures, one lane will remain open at all times. Detour signs will be in place for ramp closures.

Furlough Day Friday - April 15

City Hall and City business offices, including all Council offices except for Council Member Regina Romero’s Ward 1 office, will be closed on Friday, April 15, 2011, for a furlough day.

Monday, April 11, 2011

West Wing Update

This week we are kicking off a series of interviews with Hispanic Administration officials who are not only examples of how much the Obama Administration reflects America’s great diversity, but who are also carrying out work that is vital to the Hispanic community and to all Americans. The first of this series is an interview with Mayra Alvarez, Director of Public Health Policy in the Office of Health Reform at the Department of Health and Human Services. Check it out here: 

Eastbound I-10 Reopened

The Arizona Department of Transportation has reopened both directions of Interstate 10 east of Tucson between State Route 90 and SR 83. The highway had been closed overnight to provide a safe work zone for the removal of the old Marsh Station Bridge and the Mescal Road/J-Six Ranch Road Bridge, which was damaged by a fire on March 15.  

Saturday, April 9, 2011

M/C Meeting April 12 - Sun Tran Bus Rates

You're invited to attend the public hearing on the proposed transit fare increase on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 – 5:30 p.m., Mayor & Council Chambers, 255 West Alameda.


Proposed Transit Fare Increase Information

Friday, April 8, 2011

10 in 2010

10 in 2010

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Interstate 10 east of Tucson to close overnight April 8

The Arizona Department of Transportation will close both directions of Interstate 10 east of Tucson and west of Benson from 9 p.m. Friday (April 8) until 7 a.m. Saturday (April 9) to provide a safe work zone for the removal of the old Marsh Station Bridge and the Mescal Road/J-Six Ranch Road Bridge, which was damaged by a fire on March 15, 2011.


Victims' Rights Week Commemoration Event at FoxTheater

I am pleased to announce a new community event to commemorate Victims' Rights Week.  On Thursday, April 14th at 6:30 p.m., the Fox Theater (17 W. Congress St.) will show the Tucson premier of the film, Heaven's Rain.  The film's producer, Brooks Douglass, will be our special guest.


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Walgreen's Schedule of Free Health Tests

KMBT35020110406140824

Safe Route To Schools Update

The following are the upcoming events about Safe Route to Schools.

Plan Tucson Schedule of Meetings

Please come to any of the following meetings to learn more about the new General Plan underway, and to share your thoughts. Activity books available for children to work on during meetings.

Tucson Urban League Job Fair

TUL Job Fair

Food Prep Workshop at El Pueblo Farmers Market

Food Prep Worshop SUSD

Permits Issued for March Total More than $4 Million

Media Release PDSD March 2011

National Infant Immunization Week

Inaugural Event Flyer_Final 3-30-11_NIIW 2011

Friday, April 1, 2011

Vote By Mail Agenda Item - April 5 M/C Meeting

As society continues to advance and change, one thing remains constant, casting a vote.   Over time, changes have been proposed and made to allow people the opportunity and convenience, to cast their vote in elections, with the potential of saving money.

When I was elected to the Tucson City Council in 2009, the voters charged me with reviewing the practices, procedures and potential cost saving measures for the City of Tucson during these tough, economic times.  One area in which to save money is to consider changing how elections are conducted.

During the March 22 Mayor and Council meeting, I brought forth the consideration of having the City of Tucson conduct their elections through a vote by mail process.  By a vote of 6 to 0, they approved holding a public hearing for further consideration and action. 

Presidential Proclamation--Cesar Chavez Day

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary

Presidential Proclamation--Cesar Chavez Day

A PROCLAMATION
     Our Nation's story of progress is rich with profound struggle and great sacrifice, marked by the selfless acts and fearless leadership of remarkable Americans.  A true champion for justice, Cesar Chavez advocated for and won many of the rights and benefits we now enjoy, and his spirit lives on in the hands and hearts of working women and men today.  As we celebrate the anniversary of his birth, we honor Cesar Chavez's lasting victories for American workers and his noble methods in achieving them.

CITY SENIOR CONTRACT OFFICER NAMED BUYER OF THE YEAR

The City of Tucson’s Department of Procurement is proud to announce that Senior Contract Officer Christina Schipansky has been named the 2011 Buyer of the Year by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. (NIGP) Copper Chapter of Southern Arizona. 

Myers Neighborhood Website Up and Running!

Myers Neighborhood Association Website is finaly up and running.

http://myersneighborhoodassociation.yolasite.com/


Be sure to check daily or weekly for new and exciting events, projects, chat groups and volunteer opportunities.

Tucson Water Repairs to Affect Water Service on City’s Northeast Side

Water service will be temporarily disrupted to residents in an area on the northeast side of Tucson during the early morning hours of Saturday, April 2, 2011. The repairs will require water service disruptions to an area bounded roughly by Broadway Boulevard on the north, Freeman Road on the east, Old Spanish Trail on the south, and Houghton Road on the west.

Plan Tucson Meetings Set

The City of Tucson is preparing a new General Plan, called Plan Tucson, and when completed, it will replace the City’s existing General Plan. General plans, which are required by state law, provide policies to guide decision making in the many areas important to a well functioning city, from jobs, housing, and education to land use, transportation, and natural resources.