Concrete poured for first of two Santa Cruz bridges

Work on the bridge over the Santa Cruz hit another milestone on Tuesday night as work crews poured the concrete for the deck of the first of two new bridges to span the river. The project is being done by the Town of Marana and ADOT in conjunction with other work.

When the project is completed, Ina Road from the freeway to Sivlerbell will be expanded to four lanes, giving it the same number of lanes as the road has east of the freeway.

Currently the first of two bridges is being built. One this new bridge is completed, the old bridge, which is currently carrying traffic in both directions, will be demolished and a second, two-lane bridge will be built.

The project will also build a bridge over I-10, letting Ina Road go over the freeway and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

Video of the bridge pour.

Video of completed bridge pour:

Until September 30, no late fees on new or renewed dog licenses

The Town of Marana is committed to the safety or our residents and their pets. The new Animal Services Division is working hard to get the word out on the importance of licensing and vaccinating all Marana dogs. Many of our residents are still acclimating to dealing with the Town and not the county for their animal services. As such, there are currently no late fees being assessed on any new or renewed dog license through September 30, 2017. 

Town code requires that owners of dogs ages 3-months and older obtain a dog license within 30 days of being in the Town of Marana incorporated limits. 

Owners must show proof of current rabies vaccinations to get a dog license. Licenses can be applied for on-line, by mail or in person. 

Licenses obtained through the county prior to July 1 are still valid until their expiration. At that time renewals should go through the Town of Marana’s Animal Services division.

Manager's Message: Good for business, good for residents

By Gilbert Davidson, Marana Town Manager

Marana has positioned itself as a business-friendly community, and that has made us the fastest growing municipality in southern Arizona and one of the fastest growing communities in the entire state. By making it easy to build businesses in the Town, we are providing more amenities for our residents and giving more people a reason to move to Marana.

One way Marana has paved the way for businesses is by providing the infrastructure to support continued growth. Marana leads the region in new single-family residential permits for a reason. Our goal of top-notch customer service makes developers want to do business with the town, and our maintained roads, parks, and trails only enhance their quality of life. Through June we have issued over 400 permits, placing us well ahead of the pace we need to hit our projections for the calendar year.

We like to say a lot of dirt is being turned in Marana, and this has never been truer than right now, especially in north Marana. The expansion of the Marana wastewater treatment facility and accompanying recharge facility will put in place sustainable options for manageable growth. Marana’s portion of the Tangerine Road Corridor Project will create a robust corridor that connects the Marana and Oro Valley communities. The addition of the new Tangerine Sky Park will soon provide another recreational option for residents to go outside and stay active.

The latest project to begin in north Marana is the Marana Road realignment. The project will construct a traffic circle on Sandario Road that will connect to Marana Road. This will redirect traffic heading west on Marana Road to use the traffic circle, as well as provide easier access to businesses on Sandario Road. The project is also the beginning of our Marana Main Street, which will give Marana a consolidated downtown area that will become a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Development in north Marana is important because it brings modern amenities to the area and creates a gathering space for all residents. The Town is getting constant inquiries about north Marana, and the improvements made to Tangerine Road, Twin Peaks Road, and Marana Main Street are driving that interest.

The Ina Road Interchange Project is in full swing. When completed, local traffic will travel over I-10, avoiding the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and ensuring a safer transportation corridor for everyone. Those travelling west on Ina Road towards Silverbell Road will soon see a brand new bridge as the Town works with Arizona Department of Transportation to expand Ina Road west of I-10 to four lanes.

Businesses continue to flock to all parts of the community. You can now see Top Golf’s driving range poles from the freeway, their Marana-located facility slated to open in November when they will begin offering entertainment options to people from all over the region. Also opening soon is International Towers Inc., a communications provider that will bring 150 employees to Marana Technology Center located on Tangerine Road east of I-10.

Marana Center off Twin Peaks Road is starting to generate even more development. Hampton Inn is breaking ground as well as Northwest Medical Center’s new stand-alone emergency room. The Town continues to receive inquiries about the area, and we are excited to see more businesses and jobs come to the area as well as other parts of Marana.

Our existing retail areas remain popular. Arizona Pavilions has recently seen a number of stores open, including the Screamery, Home Goods, and soon Barro’s Pizza. Arizona Pavilions remains a popular destination for new residents, with HSL breaking ground on a new apartment complex, and a new 108-room assisted living facility also being built in the south Marana area.

Marana Marketplace on Orange Grove Road and Thornydale Road will welcome a Smoothie King and a Popeye’s Chicken, while just up the road Mod Pizza is working to fill the space next to Fry’s Food and Drug on Ina Road and Thornydale Road.

Other restaurants are moving into North Marana as well, including the Twin Peaks Pizzeria at Twin Peaks Road and Coachline Boulevard, a Shell Gas Station with an accompanying Dairy Queen at Tangerine Crossing, and Mama’s Hawaiian BBQ in the food court at the Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center.

As you can see, dirt is moving in Marana, and that is not only good for business, but good for our residents. For those interested in learning more about what’s happening in Marana, visit MaranaAZ.gov.

This Manager's Message originally ran in the Marana News

Parks and Rec: All Call for Fall

Fall is right around the corner and Marana Parks and Recreation has a robust list of offerings for your family to get active, and stay active this fall.  We are excited to launch over 20 new activities in addition to our most popular fall programs and events for your family's enjoyment. 

Six local schools will feature Parks and Rec after school programs. From weekly Art Literacy programs to Create with a Beat classes to art classes to sports intramurals, there are programs for a variety or interests.

There are sports for both adults and children. Adult sports include open gyms for basketball and volleyball at the Leman Academy. It is a great way to play a little pick-up hoops or volleyball, while keeping cool inside the school’s gym. If you get really good at pick-up hoops, then you might want to join the men’s basketball league. Like to do a little less running and jumping, then give our Pickleball meet-up a try. Pickleball is a paddle sport played with a wooden paddle and a small plastic ball that resembles a whiffle ball. Tennis your game? We offer tennis lessons for those ages 15 and up.

There are a number of youth sports options as well. There are golf and tennis lessons, including Itty Bitty Open Golf. Want your kids to try something new and different? Lacrosse is a fast growing sport that is just starting to take root in the west and we are offering a lacrosse clinic to brush up on those skills for this fast-paced, exciting sport. Youth flag football has always been one of our most popular offerings and our registration for our leagues is underway. Pee Wee Soccer begins play in September, and the leagues are filling up fast.

A fit lifestyle is one of the core values of Marana Parks and Recreation and we have a number of fun, healthy class and events for every interest. We have martial arts, indoor aerobics, water aerobics, and Zumba fitness. There is our Desert Education series for those who want to learn more about our wonderful Sonoran Desert environment. We offer guided hikes and guided mountain bike rides, and soon will begin offering guided horseback rides, so look out for those to start.

We love putting on events, and have some fun ones coming this fall. Like to run? The Turkey Trot returns in November, offering 5k and 10k races. Want something even more grueling? The Dirt Dash at The Wild Burro is our first timed trail run and the 14.8k (9.2 miles) race will take runners over a variety of elevations and challenges, while giving them great views of the Torolitias and surrounding areas.

The Marana Game Day Cornhole Tournament celebrates the traditional tailgate party with a little competition. This year the event moves to the Pines Golf Club, giving you even more entertainment options.

We also offer a variety of classes. Love music theatre and choir, then our Marana Community Music Theatre is waiting for you? For those who want to forge a better bond with their babies, we offer the 1 to 3 Mini Me Parent Classes. New dog, or misbehaving dog? Dog Obedience Classes are available. We have a variety of arts and crafts classes including Make & Take Crafts, Paper Art, and a Preschool Art Camp.

We also offer Self Defense of Busy People, as well as Street Smart Self Defense classes for both women, as well as teens and students.

For more information on all our All Call for Fall programs please see http://www.maranaaz.gov/fallfun.

First portion of Marana Road Realignment underway

The Town of Marana has begun work on the initial stages of the Marana Road Realignment/Marana Main Street projects. The project will not only help with the eventual realignment of Marana Road near I-10, but also begins the push to developing Marana Main Street into a downtown district.

This portion of the project began in July and is scheduled to conclude in December.

One key aspect of the project is the construction of a traffic circle on Sandario Road. This traffic circle will serve as the entry point to Main Street, as well as help with safety on Sandario Road. Work began on the traffic circle in July and that portion of the project is due to be completed in late October.

Because of the work being done on Sandario, a detour was established for motorists. Residential motorists can take the detour just south of the McDonald’s or at Denny Street. Commercial vehicles will need to take the frontage road down to McDuff Road and then over to Grier Road.

During the projects all area businesses on Sandario are remaining open and will be accessible from Sandario, even with the detour in place.

The other portion of the project is the construction of the Marana Road tie-in to the west of the traffic circle. The new roadway will provide access from Marana Road down to the traffic circle. This will allow travelers to access Sandario Road without having to stop at the Marana/Sandario intersection that can become quite busy with freeway traffic.

Work on this roadway is scheduled to conclude in December.

Dispose-A-Med allows safe disposal of medications

Abuse of prescription medications is a problem in communities all over America. Unused or expired prescription medications have become a real safety issue as they are leading to accidental poisonings, overdoses, and abuse. The non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks second to marijuana as the most common form of drug abuse in the country.

The Marana Police Department and their community partners are trying to do something about it. Since 2010 they have held Dispose-A-Med programs to try and get expired and unused prescription medications off the street and properly disposed of. To date the program has been a huge success.

Since the program’s inception they have collected over 4,100 pounds of medication. Since the start of 2017 they have already properly disposed of 642 pounds.

The events are held once a month at the Target at 3901 W. Ina Rod. The events are from 10 a.m. – noon. This month’s event is Saturday, August 12.

At these events residents are able to safely dispose of any unused or expired prescription medications. Prescription and over-the-counter tablets and capsules will be collected, as well as liquids, creams, veterinary medications, vitamins, and needles.

“We can collect almost anything,” said Marana Police Department Volunteer Thomas Cox, who assists with the program.

The only limitation is that they cannot accept drugs from commercial organizations.

Unused prescription drugs that are not disposed of safely can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold, while unused drugs that are flushed down the toilet can contaminate the water supply. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.

The Marana Police Department partners with the Marana Health Center, Marana-Foothills Optimist Club, and the Marana Prevention Alliance to put on these monthly events. 

They do caution that for safety and confidentiality reasons, any items turned over for collection cannot be returned. They cannot accept drugs from commercial organizations. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

For more information contact Officer David Danielson at the Marana Community Resource Unit at 520-382-2051 or 520-382-2055.

Summer Schooling 2017, Pt. 7: Time Flies When You Are Having Fun

This week I am wrapping up my internship with the Town of Marana and next week I will begin my senior year at ASU. This is a sentimental time in my life and as I depart from the Town, I look forward to what the future has in store. I would like to give a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Town Hall who have taken the time to make me feel part of the team and show me firsthand how a municipality operates.  During this internship I was able to learn about the profession of public administration, explore the past, present, and future of Marana, and have a blast doing so!

I have learned how the water department manages to stay afloat with their constant stream of business and regularly changing regulations. I watched the Marana Airport’s projects take off as they plan huge improvements. I was able to observe the Town learn new tricks as they began offering Animal Services for their furry four-legged residents.  I witnessed the professionalism and dedication the Police Department displays on a daily basis as they patrol the Town. I was able to spend a day with the finance department who invest their time to ensure public tax dollars are being used responsibly. Overall I was able to learn from a dedicated Town staff that shows up every day with the goal of serving the public.

For my final project I will be coming back down to represent Marana at the Arizona League of Cities and Towns. This event hosts mayors and councilmembers from all across the State of Arizona and there is an unspoken competition between the other municipalities (as well as former intern-led Marana booths) to have the best booth at the conference. Since day one I have been searching for how to best represent the Town and after three months I feel confident that Marana will have the most memorable booth. Without giving too much away, we will be celebrating Marana’s 40th Anniversary while highlighting Marana’s unique businesses. Luckily the Town is filled with dedicated workers who are constantly lending a helping hand and want to help make it a success. As I sign off on my final blog I would like to thank you for accompanying me along my adventure here at the Town of Marana! –Thomas Prior

Thomas Prior is a Management Intern with the Town of Marana who is learning about all facets of local government.. He is currently a senior at Arizona State University’s Barrett the Honors College pursuing a Bachelors in Public Service & Public Policy with a Business Minor.

Countdown To Cotton Festival Blog No. 1

By the time the last of the fireworks exploded over the skies at the Fourth of July Star Spangled Spectacular we were already jumping head first into planning our next signature event, the Cotton Festival. In reality planning for the event began long before, but now that Independence Day is behind us, we go full bore into not only planning October’s Cotton Festival, but also the Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting, which occurs six weeks later.

All of our events take a lot of teamwork to happen. While we have an events coordinator who oversees the operation, we cannot put on an event that hosts thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people without the help of most of our departments, as well as Northwest Fire and other community partners. To make sure your experience at the Cotton Festival is an enjoyable one, all of our departments meet weekly to ensure their role in putting on the event is clearly defined and is working in harmony with all the other departments.

Like most of our signature events, this year’s Cotton Festival promises to be our biggest yet, and that means we have to plan to accommodate for more people, more traffic, and in turn, give them more fun things to do. Although we are in the early stages of planning, we have already expanded the number of carnival rides that will be available. This year we will have five FREE attractions for children of all ages, sizes, and thrill seeker levels. There will be things for adventuresome teens, to the most cautious toddlers.

That is just a start. We have already been hard at work coordinating our rodeo activities, looking for the perfect musical act to provide the soundtrack for the evening’s festivities, and are looking at how to get more volunteers involved. We truly want this to be a community event.

We have just begin putting together the plan for the “Chili Bowl”, the chili cook off hosted by the Community Food Bank in Marana. They are beginning to gather local businesses and organizations to compete for the best tasting chili. Cotton Festival attendees can pay to try bowls of chili and vote for their favorite. The funds raised from the tasting go to the Food Bank in their efforts to fight hunger in the community.

Yummy chili and a good cause sounds good to us.

We have listened to your feedback and we know that the animals at the petting zoos are very popular and that the kids just love to play in the fluffy cotton pile. We are hard at work brainstorming on how to make both of those experiences even better.

Soon it will be time to turn our attention to the food vendors that make Cotton Festival so much fun (and delicious.) Once again we are working with Marana High School to use the Cotton Festival as a way to let their clubs entertain the kiddos, while also fundraising for their own activities.

While October 21 seems like a long way away, it will be here before any of us know it. Although we are getting an early start on things, there is still so much left to do to make sure you have a great time at Cotton Festival.

We will keep posting updates at the Marana Newsroom as well as on our social media platforms, so keep an eye out.

See you in October.

Bridgework a part of Ina Interchange Project

The Town of Marana and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) are working together to build a new bridge on Ina Road traversing the Santa Cruz river. The Ina Interchange project, and the challenges to traffic that it presented, seemed like a perfect time for the Town and ADOT to partner on the bridge project.

This month they will begin pouring a new bridge deck over the Santa Cruz. That new bridge will be two lanes and upon its completion, all traffic will be diverted to it so that crews can demolish the existing bridge and begin construction of a new, second two-lane bridge. When the entire bridge project is completed Ina Road from I-10 to Silverbell will be expanded to two lanes in each direction, equaling the number of lanes on the east side of I-10.

The decision to build two lanes at a time will mean there will be very few traffic restrictions. While the first bridge is being built, traffic will continue to travel over the current two-lane bridge as has been the norm.

In addition to the bridge there will be some work done on the trail that runs under the bridges as well as efforts taken to make sure the bats that live in the area have their habitat maintained.

Steff and the Articles thrilled to return to Marana

With their varied set list and lead vocalist’s Steff Koeppen’s Captain America-inspired dress, Steff and the Articles were one of the big hits from Marana’s Fourth of July Star Spangled Spectacular. The band will make their return to the Town on August 5 as part of the Free Music in Marana event at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park.

As the name implies the show is free, so come out and enjoy the music while lounging in a chair or on a blanket (borrow one from us if you don't have one!). Better yet, purchase a treat from a local food vendor to make your night even more complete.

The band has a nice varied set list that mixes some familiar tunes with new ones. 

“Fans can expect to hear  covers they can sing along to as well as much of our own original music, which will include a preview of the songs from our upcoming album,” Koeppen said of their September 15th release.

Their performance at the Star Spangled Spectacular had people talking well after the event. Their version of recent and classic top-40 pop songs showed off the band’s ability to add their own musicality to familiar songs. Koeppen herself has a strong, engaging voice, and she is backed by a tight band that includes some unique instruments. A pair of violinists round out their group, providing a distinct sound that separates them from other indie-pop bands.

The band’s performance at the Marana Star Spangled Spectacular not only had the fans clamoring for a return visit to the Town, but had the band wanting to come back.
“The July 4th show was so much fun,” Koeppen explained. “It was the first time we'd played in Marana since we were first getting started in 2010, and there were lots of new ears for us to reach. We were very excited to be a part of such a spectacular town event.”

The event was also a homecoming for the band as several members are from the area.
“Marana is actually where half of the band grew up, so it feels good to go back to where we started playing music and showcase how far we've come as a group,” Koeppen said.

The fact they are playing outside to an all ages crowd is very exciting for the band.

“Events like these are also much different than the bars and clubs we are used to playing in town or on tour, so we enjoy getting the chance to play for a different crowd of people as well as younger fans,” Koeppen said.

The group’s original songs touch on jazz, classical, and folk styles while maintaining an accessible, pop-oriented sound. Infectious and catchy are two words that describe their music and while they do not shy away from the “pop” label, with a band this talented it is hardly a negative description.

The band has built a strong following having opened up for national acts such as A Great Big World, Holychild, and Copeland. Koeppen played on Copeland’s most recent record “Ixora.” Since 2012 the band has released a full length record and an EP, and not only toured extensively around the West, Southwest and Mexico, but saw their single “Two Cities” garner rotation on the MTV Networks.

Their latest record will be released on September 15 and the Fee Music in Marana show will be their last before their album release show. With plans to play a lot after the record’s release, the Marana show is the last of its kind for a while.

“For anyone under 21, this might be the only chance to catch us playing live for the next few months,” Koeppen added.

Free Music in Marana with Steff and the Articles

FREE MUSIC IN MARANA

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 2017

7:00 pm -  9:00 pm

CROSSROADS AT SILVERBELL DISTRICT PARK

7548 NORTH SILVERBELL ROAD TUCSON, AZ, 85743 UNITED STATES

Summer Schooling 2017, Pt. 6: Conference Take-Aways

Last week I was fortunate enough to attend the Arizona City/County Management Association’s Summer Conference. This wonderful event consists of dedicated public servants from municipalities across the State of Arizona who gather to share ideas, talk through difficult issues, and stay up-to-date with matters affecting our state. Our terrific Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation always asks “what are your three take-aways”, so I would like to share with you my three takeaways I gathered from the conference.

During a session titled “Leveraging Your City or County’s Reach: Effective Volunteer Programs” we discussed how to create mutually beneficial volunteer programs for citizens and municipalities. The City of Surprise highlighted their popular citizens patrol program which has been operating for 20 years. The program is made up of about 60 residents who donate their time to assist the Surprise Police Department through critical tasks including traffic control, street patrol, and even securing crime scenes. While many of the Citizen Patrol volunteers are retirees, some dedicate 40+ hours a week to give back to their community without asking for anything in return. This is a great example of a successful program which according to the City of Surprise has an average annual cost savings of $700,000. The Town of Marana has a similar program which volunteers can engage in tasks ranging from patrol to administrative support. For more information about the Marana Police Volunteer Program or to apply to become a candidate for the program, be sure to check out the Town’s website.

Like anything, there are growing pains associated with expanding an organization. A problem many local governments face as they expand is that departments within the organization unintentionally become autonomous. A session titled, “Silo Busting Strategies that Work in Your Organization” addressed this exact issue and provided examples of successful co-departmental collaborations.  The Marana Welcome Center is a perfect example of how the Town is creating a culture of collaboration. Need to pay your water bill? Want to license your dog? Have a question about business licenses? The Welcome Center is your one-stop shop for making payments and getting answers! Although Marana is a comparatively a smaller organization, it is refreshing that the Town is pro-active in promoting collaboration.

According to the Arizona Department of Economic Security, about 36,497 individuals in Arizona experienced homelessness in 2015; 6,000 of those individuals reside in Pima County. Representatives from the City of Phoenix and Maricopa County shared how they transitioned from outreach to outcomes. They strive to encourage engagement rather than enforcement and are exploring innovative ways to reduce homelessness throughout Arizona. It was inspiring to see a room full of Arizona city and town manager’s exchanging best practices and finding helpful solutions to homelessness.  

Overall, the ACMA Summer Conference was a fantastic learning experience and reminded me why I became interested in local government in the first place. It is an industry full of good-hearted public servants who are all working hard to make their neighborhoods and communities a little bit better.

Thomas Prior is a Management Intern with the Town of Marana who is learning about all facets of local government.. He is currently a senior at Arizona State University’s Barrett the Honors College pursuing a Bachelors in Public Service & Public Policy with a Business Minor.

Ina Road Update: Planning for Monsoons Keeps Project on Schedule

The Ina Road Interchange Project is running on schedule and things are progressing well. Although a lot of that can be attributed to the hard work of all those involved in the massive undertaking, some smart planning has also helped.

“We are progressing on-schedule,” said Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Public Information Officer Tom Herrman.

ADOT and their contractors have planned for the tricky conditions that come in Southern Arizona during the latter part of July and August. One key component of that planning is scheduling early shifts to accommodate both the intense heat of the day as well as  strong rainfall which typically rolls into the area in the late afternoon and early evening.

The timeframe created for the project also has built in monsoon delays, taking account of the region’s rainy season.

“It is just like how in Minnesota they build in snow delays,” Herman explained.

Herman noted that they are making good progress with the project. Currently most of the work is being done on the west side of the freeway, so for many of those on the eastside there is not as much to see.

The Marana Newsroom will have further updates on Ina Road Interchange Project as they become available. Download the Project Ina app for the latest updates, traffic conditions, and deals from area merchants delivered right to your mobile device.

Night Moves gives Marana Police Explorers hands on experience

The Marana Police Department strives to give the young people going through their Law Enforcement Explorer Program the most authentic experience possible. The culmination of that experience is their “Night Moves” training exercise.

This year’s exercise has been expanded to cover three nights. On July 20-22, between 4 pm and 10 pm Marana Explorers, plus explorers from nine other agencies, will participate in the simulated exercises.  

The Explorers will be assigned to teams and supervised by a uniformed police officer in a marked police vehicle. The teams will be dispatched to a variety of simulated calls for service in real world locations. The Explorers have to work the radio, navigate travel to the calls, investigate the calls, complete any necessary reports and manage their own time. Night Moves is as close to the experience of being a Police Officer as anyone can get without being sworn in.

“These kids learned what it is truly like to be a police officer hands on,” said Marana Police Officer Kevin Litten, who oversees the Explorers program. “Anything I would do in a day, they are responsible for on that five-hour shift.”

The simulation utilizes police officer and volunteer role players to be the victims, witnesses, and suspects for the scenarios. These scenarios will take place in the Gladden Farms, Dove Mountain and Continental Ranch areas. For safety, a uniformed police officer will be at each location.

In addition to the Marana Police Department, Explorers from the El Mirage Police Department, Marana Police Department, Oro Valley Police Department, South Tucson Police Department, Tucson Police Department, United States Border Patrol – Tucson Sector, United States Border Patrol – Douglas Sector, Glendale Police Department, and Pascua Yaqui Tribal Police Department will participate.

The Explorer program is for young men and woman who are between the ages of fourteen and twenty who are interested in Law Enforcement. Police Officers provide training to the Explorers so they can determine if they would like to pursue a career in Law Enforcement.

“What we do is give them the real world, realistic training to make sure this is a career field they really want,” Litten said. “To help give them that education so they don’t have to waste time as they are older if this is something they don’t really want to do.”

If you have any questions regarding the Marana Police Explorer Program, or would like more information on this training exercise, please contact Officer Kevin Litten at (520) 975-9487. For more information on this program, please visit the Marana Police Explorers Facebook page (Facebook.com/MaranaPoliceExplorers).

Town adjusts turn light timing to aid traffic

With major construction projects underway, Marana residents and visitors have had to deal with traffic issues, but the Town is doing their best to do what they can to adjust to changing traffic conditions. With projects at West Ina Road and I-10, East Tangerine Road and Cortaro/Cortaro Farms Roads, plus smaller projects on North Silverbell Road, West Twin Peaks Road and even south of the town at Sunrise Road, traffic has been affected adversely. 

Scott Leska, the Town of Marana Engineering Manager told business leaders at a Marana Chamber of Commerce Community and Regional Update that they recognize things are “tough” in places for their residents and businesses and that the closure of West Ina Road at the interstate has proven to be big challenge for the town. With extra traffic utilizing West Orange Grove Road to get off I-10, traffic was becoming an issue on North Thornydale Road between Orange Grove and Ina. 

Leska and his team’s first task was to re-time the traffic signals at the intersection and get the traffic moving on Thornydale. The most notable aspect of the retiming is the double service or double pump of the left hand turn lanes from eastbound Orange Grove onto north bound Thornydale. With more traffic utilizing Orange Grove to leave I-10, the Town saw a need to get traffic flowing better onto Thornydale to avoid back-ups on Orange Grove and the freeway. 

The turn lanes now get two green lights, allowing more cars through the intersection. 

“What we found, doing that, with just minor tweaking of the traffic timing, we could get more traffic moving through that left-turn movement,” Leska said.

Although more traffic was getting through that intersection and onto Thornydale, that caused problems of its own. The move caused a substantial delay and back-up with the left-turn movement at the intersection of Thornydale and West Costco Drive. 

“It seemed that everyone wanted to go to Costco,Home Depot, and the other businesses within that area,” Leska said.  

Drivers had to back up to the south of the dual left turns and occasionally blocked through traffic.

To combat the new problem, the Town allowed a double-service left-turn movement for that traffic cycle as well. As with the change at Orange Grove Road, that too helped with traffic flow. 

Due to the amount of traffic diverted due to construction activities within this area, the whole corridor will remain over capacity until the Ina Road project concludes. The Town’s goal is to  keep traffic moving as efficient possible. Traffic Signals were retimed at Horizon Hills, and have utilized flashing-yellow left-turn arrows. The Town has used these left-turn flashing yellow arrows elsewhere in the community, which have seen an decrease in vehicular delay.  This has also helped keep drivers more vigilant in their driving habits as well as provided increased flexibility regardingsignal timing.

Cortaro/Cortaro Farms Road is another route used as a detour around the Ina Road construction.  This route too has been problematic and difficult at times for the traveling public 

The staff worked “diligently” with ADOT to retime the traffic signal at the interchange and ADOT created dual left turn lanes to get motorists off I-10 and onto eastbound Cortaro Farms Road. The retiming of this interchange traffic signal is intended to allow drivers spend less time on the off-ramp and allow more time to drivers traveling under the freeway along Cortaro Road.

“It’s not perfect, but it is slowly getting to a solution we can handle, at least for the next 20 months,” Leska said. 

After ADOT completes the construction at the Ina Road interchange, traffic should normalize, and congestion should be reduced significantly at the Orange Grove Rd and Cortaro Road interchanges along I-10.  The Department of Public Works will keep a close eye on the traffic congestion in the area, and focus on working to provide other solutions that help motorists to keep moving. 

Police Facility Construction Begins with Groundbreaking Ceremony

Town of Marana police break ground for the new police facility.

With a collective sense of anticipation, the Town of Marana broke ground on a new police headquarters on Wednesday morning. This new facility will add to the campus of the Marana Municipal Complex, already home to the Town’s administrative staff, parks and recreation department, and the Marana Municipal Court. Construction is expected to be complete by summer 2018.

To mark the occasion, Marana hosted a public ceremony for officers, local dignitaries, contractors working on the project, and community members. In recognition of this milestone, that audience learned a little bit about the story behind how this project came together.

It all began in 2014, when Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema approached Town Manager Gilbert Davidson with a Peanut Buster Parfait in one hand and a small request in the other. As Davidson silently chewed, Terry Rozema made his pitch.

“We need a new police headquarters. This kind of investment will ultimately enable our department to meet the growing demands of our growing community. This isn’t about constructing a new building. This is about serving our Town.”

The Chief had Davidson’s attention.

Marana Town Manager Gilbert Davidson opens the groundbreaking ceremony.

“I think the Chief and his team literally spoke with every human being in the Town of Marana to talk about why we needed to have an investment in this community for a new police department.”

No amount of eloquence, though, could conjure up the $21 million that this idea would cost. For that, Town staff came up with an innovative financial tactic that could generate that revenue without incurring any debt.

Typically, when governments fund large scale capital projects, like building a police facility, they will issue bonds which must be paid back over several decades. Though this strategy can be effective, the interest on these bonds can add considerable sums to the total project cost. Furthermore, if a Town issues bonds for one project, then often issuing bonds for another project a few years later becomes even more costly, if not altogether impossible.

To work around this challenge, Town staff proposed increasing Marana’s sales tax temporarily by 0.5%. These new revenues could then be directed into an account solely dedicated to the police facility, such that when the fund reached a target balance, the tax would immediately terminate.

Raising the sales tax in this way required the approval of the Marana Town Council, and the Town Council needed to be sure that the community would support them in this endeavor. In order to gauge and build that support, Marana’s councilmembers, along with Chief Rozema, conducted an extensive public information campaign aimed at educating residents and business owners about the importance of a new police headquarters to Marana.

Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema speaks to the crowd. 

“I would be a horrible salesperson,” commented Chief Rozema, “I really have to believe in something to sell it. What I was selling was not the construction of a building. What I was selling is a better police department.”

Ultimately, the Council determined that the public wholeheartedly supported this project. After voting to implement the temporary sales tax, Town staff received not a single complaint from the public.

Davidson remarked that this support was “a testament to the leadership of the department and really to everyone within the PD that there’s that much respect in the community for the job that they do.”

When complete, the new facility will offer a number of upgrades for Marana’s police officers. There will be classrooms for trainings, improved evidence processing areas, community spaces, a shooting range, and even a kennel for the Marana K-9 units. Most importantly, though, there will be an increased capacity to serve Marana’s growing population. Marana’s officers are single-mindedly committed to public service, and this new department will enable them to fulfill that mission.

Today’s ceremony was recorded on Facebook Live and can be viewed below

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Left to right: Councilmember Bowen, Vice Mayor Post, Mayor Honea, Councilmember McGorray, Police Chief Rozema, Councilmember Comerford, and Town Manager Gilbert Davidson break ground for the new police facility.

Left to right: Michael Rosso and Joe Salvatore from Architekton, Richard Carr from Abacus, Todd Steffen and Mike Stecyk from CORE, Marana Police Chief Rozema, Jake Otten, Nichole Kotsur and Tracy Garrison from CORE. 

Mayor Honea speaks to the crowd.

Aerial of groundbreaking event and future location for the police building.

Press release: New police facility groundbreaking ceremony

The media and public are invited to join the Town of Marana and the Police Facility Project Team as the Town breaks ground on a new police facility at the Marana Municipal Complex on Wednesday, June 7 at 9 A.M.

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The building, once completed, will be the result of months of public education and outreach, a community-supported half-cent sales tax increase, and years of research, planning, and development. The designs include improved amenities to accommodate the police department’s various services, as well as the capacity to manage Marana’s anticipated population growth, and the commensurate police department growth, over the next twenty years:

EXPANDED TRAINING FACILITIES

Marana Police Department will have a state of the art training facility once construction is complete, with classrooms, gym, shooting range, and virtual training room available for region-wide use.

IMPROVED SECURITY

Police officers will soon park their vehicles in a secured parking lot, as well as provide separate holding cells for adults and minors that are secured from other parts of the police building.

EXPANDED STORAGE AND EVIDENCE ROOMS

The new storage rooms for evidence will centralize all Marana police materials, with room for growth over the next twenty years.

BRAND NEW K-9 AMENITIES

K-9 units will be able to take care of their dogs in the new K-9 amenities, which will offer dog kennels, a care center, tools, and indoor/outdoor areas.

ADMINISTRATION

Larger administrative and records rooms will be able to accommodate all police records, including a special storage space for homicide cases.

INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY ROOM AND UPDATED COURTYARD

The public will be able to make use of the new public building through its inclusive community room. Ideal for meeting space and ceremonies, the community room is available to all Town departments and the public for various events, classes, and functions. A removable wall feature also allows the community room to open up to the improved courtyard, which will encourage staff and the public to see this area as a center of activity.

The building is projected to be completed by summer 2018.

Marana Splash Pad Opens this Saturday with Live Alligators!

April Fool’s!  Okay, there won’t actually be live alligators, but there will be lots of refreshing fun in the sun at the Marana Splash Pad. Pack your swimsuit and your rubber ducky, because it’s time to splish splash in Marana.

Two years ago, Marana opened the heritage-themed Splash Pad at Gladden Farms Community Park. Beneath the expansive shadows cast by two large shade sails, kids can frolic through gushing, alligator-free streams of refreshing water all summer long. Colorful tractors, a soaring windmill, and a menagerie of farm animals are sure to delight the young and young-at-heart who visit this joyful oasis.

Visitors to the Marana Splash Pad are encouraged to plan for a fun and safe outing. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, drinking water, and waterproof shoes. While the splash pad itself offers a soft, squishy pavement that’s cooled by the flowing waters, the surrounding cement can become quite hot under the summer sun. This is also a great opportunity to break out one of your favorite sun hats as both extra sun protection and a stylish accent to your swimwear. And of course, don’t forget to pack your alligator repellant.

Marana to Create Animal Services Division

On March 14, the Marana Town Council voted to begin the process of providing animal care and enforcement. As part of this new program, the Town will contract with the Humane Society of Southern Arizona to provide sheltering service, while the Town itself will hire two new animal control officers who will respond to resident calls. By adopting this new framework, the Town hopes to ensure the highest quality of support for all Marana residents.

The Town has decided to pursue this strategy after nearly a year of staff research, including site visits to nearby jurisdictions, interviews with support agencies like the Humane Society, and budget analyses of projected costs. This approach will allow Marana to provide a direct customer response to residents who request animal services. By adopting this model, the Town will be better able to achieve our community-wide vision of excellence. In the long term, Marana’s enforcement efforts will result in more animals returned quickly to their homes and fewer stray animals in need of rescue.

“Our top priority is to be responsive to resident requests,” says Town Manager Gilbert Davidson. “By managing our own animal control officers, the Town will be able to tailor animal care to the needs of our community. We will be able to respond promptly to all calls and meet the high expectations our residents have for their government.”

In addition to hiring two animal control officers and providing shelter services through the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, the Town also plans to partner with local veterinarians to provide emergency care for animals picked up by Town officers. Lisa Shafer, Marana’s director of community development and neighborhood services, will oversee the implementation and operation of this new program.

“One thing we want to emphasize is that from the public perspective, the list of services which residents currently enjoy will not change,” explains Shafer. “They will still be able to adopt pets, drop off strays, license their dogs, and so forth. The only difference is that now the Town will be able to enhance those offerings for everyone involved.”

Marana is already considering several potential enhancements which Town staff will continue to research and evaluate. For example, Marana’s Technology Services department will develop a mobile app for pet owners that will enhance the customer service experience. With projects like the MyMarana app, the Marana Events app, and the Project Ina app, the Town has demonstrated a success record in developing this type of tool.

“We’re very excited about the opportunity which this program affords,” says Shafer. “We feel very strongly that every animal in Marana deserves to be treated with care and compassion. This new program will help us achieve that vision.”

Family to Occupy Permanent Home In Clearing South of Tangerine Road

When urban planners in Marana’s Development Services department consider new housing permits, they take a variety of considerations into account. How close is the nearest school? How can we ensure that homes are near major thoroughfares without sitting directly on a busy road? What infrastructure needs will the homes require? For a new family about to take up residence in Marana, though, the Town has chosen to ignore all these considerations.

Soon, a father, mother, and their three offspring will settle into an open clearing just south of Tangerine Road, east of Twin Peaks, and north of the soon-to-open Tangerine Sky Community Park. The family have received special permission to occupy so unorthodox a location as an open clearing. Their home will have no utilities. The structure will not be reviewed by a building inspector. In fact, there won’t even be a structure. But for this family of steel deer, Marana’s newest art installation, a patch of dirt under the open sky is all they need.

The idea for these newcomers to Marana started with Trevor O’Tool. Trevor holds a Bachelor in Fine Arts in 3-D and Expanded Media from the University of Arizona. As a welder, chaser, and metal processer, he has constructed bronze sculptures to be incorporated into the work of other artists. He founded a clothing company in Lake Havasu City and exhibited sculptures throughout Tucson. And a few evenings each week, he’s a hooker.

“Basically, my job is to hook the ball back during scrums,” explains Trevor, with a bashful grin. “And whenever the ball goes out of bounds, I throw it back in during line outs.” Trevor has been the hooker for the Tucson Magpies, a recreational rugby club, since he graduated from the UA four years ago.

In fact, it was through rugby that Trevor met Angela Wagner-Gabbard, a resident of Marana and a member of the Marana Citizens’ Forum subcommittee on public art. In 2014, the five-member subcommittee provided guidance to the Town Council on how best to execute the Transportation Art by Youth Grant, a program sponsored by the Pima Association of Governments, which provides resources to incorporate art into transportation projects. The grant enables art-oriented youth organizations to collaborate with professional artists to design projects that help beautify a variety of infrastructure improvements. Angela encouraged Trevor to submit a proposal, and after a lengthy review process, Marana, for the first time ever, hired a hooker.

Marana’s new art installation will be part of the improvements along Tangerine Road between Dove Mountain and Thornydale Roads. In reviewing a variety of proposals, Marana’s grant reviewers, including the subcommittee of the Citizens’ Forum, wanted to see a design that reflected the natural environment of this setting. This arterial road connects northern Marana and Oro Valley with Interstate 10, crossing just south of the Tortolita Mountains. The wildlife that inhabits these mountains includes several species of megafauna which enjoy an elevated status in the popular imagination. Mountain lions prowl these canyons, wild horses lope through the saguaro forest, and mule deer bound up the steep slopes. Lots and lots of mule deer.

Those deer are what Trevor had in mind when he proposed his sculpture. “The solicitation for this project indicated that Marana wanted a design that referenced the Native American history of this site. The Hohokam used to live in the Tortolitas, and when I learned that they associated the deer with ideas like gentleness and innocence, I decided to go in that direction. Right now, Marana is building Tangerine Sky Park nearby, and eventually, there will also be a school in this area. I think the Hohokam symbolism of deer will really fit nicely in this setting.”

When Marana staff and members of the Forum subcommittee saw his design, they couldn’t help but agree. The image of a massive doe and buck, leading a family of three fawns, captured the imagery they had hoped for.  Trevor received overwhelming approval to move forward with his design.

Trevor O'Tool's proposed sketch of deer.

Constructing five oversized deer that can withstand temperature extremes, powerful monsoon rains, and driving winds presented Trevor with a daunting challenge. Fortunately, the very premise of the grant funding his work meant that he did not have to meet that challenge alone. The language of the grant requires that at least 20% of the funding support youth stipends, and the Career and Technical Education program of Marana Unified School District offered the perfect talent pool for completing the project. Marana High School’s welding program prepares students to pursue careers in metal fabrication, and its graduates have gone on to work with companies like Sierra Mining and Crushing, JB Steel, and CAID Industries. Trevor’s design proposed constructing the deer from flat sheets of steel cut into triangles, and so a collaboration with MHS’s welding program was a natural fit. Ken Webb, who runs the welding program, was eager to facilitate this opportunity for his students.

“It’s a cool project to be a part of,” Ken shouted recently over the din of grinders and welders loudly crafting a metallic fawn. “This sculpture is going to be around for years to come, and these kids may eventually take their kids to see this sculpture. It’s really gratifying for all of us to have that experience.”

Randy Chambliss, a recent graduate of Marana High, smooths out a section of the fawn's head.

Since the students first began this project in the summer of 2016, they’ve had to strategize with Ken and Trevor to figure out how exactly to translate an artist’s sketch into a set of towering steel sculptures.

“It’s kind of like building a Lego set, except a grown-up version,” says John Campbell, who started working on this project as a senior and has stayed with the team since he graduated last year. And although welding is most often associated with flying sparks and molten metals, as John and his classmates have learned in the welding program, the first step requires long hours in front of a computer screen. That’s because projects like this one are first designed in SolidWorks, a 3D design software program that creates a digital model of the final design. The students then used the school’s 3D printer to create a physical miniature of the final sculpture.

The deer model (with broken ear) stands in the shadow of its substantially larger facsimile.

Finally, once that model matches the intended specifications, the students must translate those dimensions into their Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Plasma Cam. The CNC Plasma Cam is the industry standard for cutting sheet metal with absolute precision, slicing through the metal with far greater accuracy than is possible with a handheld cutter.

John Campbell checks measurements in the software program that operates the CNC Plasma Cam.

Once the Marana High team had cut out all 295 plates for the first deer, they began the arduous process of assembling them into a sculpture. The first step of that process required tack welding the plates together, a technique that holds the pieces together temporarily.

This stage, John admitted, was more challenging than expected. “Anytime you go from a digital design to a physical design, you’re going to find differences between theory and reality.” In this case, one issue they encountered arose from as small a difference as 1/8 inch.

In SolidWorks, Ken explained, they didn’t account for the width of each plate. That minor discrepancy turned out to create a compounding problem as the plates did not fit as neatly together in the welding shop as they did on the computer screen. Through careful troubleshooting and teamwork between the MHS team and Trevor, the team was able to make the necessary adjustments to fit all the pieces together without having to start over from scratch.

“That’s a really valuable lesson for these kids to learn,” recalled Ken. “This project requires a lot of critical thinking and problem-solving. They’re learning the computer side of programming to make and cut the parts. They’re learning to apply the skills they learned in my classes, and they’re taking them to the next level. They’re not being treated as students anymore, but rather like this is a job and this is their workplace.”

While the students at Marana High School are building the three fawns, Trevor is taking on the buck, the largest member of the family. With shoulders measuring six feet tall and antlers rising to well over twelve feet, this enormous sculpture dwarfs the array of heavy machinery scattered across the University of Arizona studio where he works. Occasionally, Trevor will have to climb onto its back just to do a quick spot weld on its head.

Trevor O'Tool astride the deer and Eric Norman at its feet.

Fortunately, Trevor has help in the workshop. Shop Tech Eric Norman has been heavily involved throughout the project’s construction, and is bringing his own expertise to help ensure a well-crafted final product. With a masters in fine arts from Washington State University and a degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Eric is well acquainted with the challenges and constraints, as well as the benefits, of executing projects like this one.

“I think it’s hugely important for public institutions to prioritize art in the community,” says Eric, sitting in the shadow of the immense buck. “Art is a community need. In the same way that people need smooth roads, they need public art around them.” For Eric, then, it makes sense that the Tangerine Road improvement project is incorporating both of these priorities.

Trevor smooths out one section of the deer with a grinder.

When the family of deer is complete, it will occupy a strip near the southeast corner of Tangerine Road and Camino de Oeste. Nearby, Marana is currently constructing Tangerine Sky Park. While there will be no direct connection between the sculptures and the park, Trevor and the members of the MHS team all look forward to seeing the public physically interact with the deer.

“Kids are going to want to climb all over these, and honestly, I don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t,” laughs Trevor. “Of course, parents should be there to make sure they don’t fall, but I believe that art like this is best experienced not just by looking at it, but by touching it, and yes, even playing on it.”

Trevor’s playful demeanor shines through in other projects of his, including a manikin laden head to foot with life jackets cautiously approaching a kiddy pool.

Err on the Side of Caution. 2014. Source: trevorotool.com/works

Trevor has subtly put his sense of humor to work on these deer sculptures, as well. While he isn’t committing to a final name for the piece quite yet, he’s considering the title “Deer in Headlights.” That is, after all, what the deer will be every night, standing beside Tangerine Road.

The final sculpture is anticipated to be completed and installed this summer. Tom Houle, a construction manager for the Town of Marana, is overseeing the Tangerine roadwork and working with the sculpture team to figure out exactly how and where to place the deer.

The location of the sculpture, he explains, is perfect for a number of reasons. “This is an elevated site, so the deer will really stand out, even from a distance. Of course, this is also deer country. We incorporated deer crossings into the Twin Peaks project a few years ago, and Phase 2 of the Tangerine project will also have a deer crossing west of Dove Mountain.” It’s factors like these that get Tom excited to see the final installation in situ.

When Marana hired part-time hooker, full-time artist Trevor O’Tool, the Town made a crucial investment in the community’s infrastructure, albeit in a non-traditional sense. Roads help get families to school, water systems deliver safe drinking water, and roadside art integrates a sense of creativity and fun into the fabric of the community. It’s what inspires us to expect our public spaces to be not just functional, but joyful. And it turns out, it isn’t always hard to conjure up that joy. Sometimes, all it takes is a family of five deer by the side of the road.

Marana Accepting Nominations for Community Awards

Every year, Marana recognizes members of our community who exemplify the values of integrity, service, and commitment to improving the lives of others. Marana is seeking nominees for the Branding Iron and Ora Mae Harn Crystal Legacy Awards. This year, these awards will be announced at Founders’ Day on March 25, 2017. The deadline for nominations is February 26, 2017.

The Marana Branding Iron is awarded to individuals who have made a "mark" on the community and have made a substantial contribution to the Town. Past recipients include former U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Wheeler & Charlene Abbett, and Sargent Aerospace & Defense. 

Two Branding Iron Awards will be given at Founders' Day: one in the Individual category (includes an individual resident or non-resident who works in Marana), and one in the Organization category (includes civic groups, non-profits, and private businesses). The person submitting the nomination cannot nominate himself/herself. Past recipients are not eligible. The submission may be awarded in memoriam. 

The Ora Mae Harn Crystal Legacy Award honors the memory of the “Matriarch of Marana.” Ora Mae Harn served on Town Council from 1985-2001 and was mayor on two occasions. To further recognize her commitment to the community, the Town in 2001 named a district park in her honor. During her many hears of commitment to Marana, she was director of the Marana Health Center, instrumental in the formation of the Marana Community Food Bank, and a founding member of the Marana Rotary Club. She also founded and served as the first president of the Marana Heritage Conservancy. Ora Mae Harn exemplified leadership, volunteerism and a steadfast commitment to the community of Marana. 

The Ora Mae Harn Crystal Legacy Award honors Mrs. Harn's dedication and service to the Town of Marana by recognizing individuals or businesses that promote her commitment to the Town of Marana through exemplary volunteer service. 

Nominees for this honor cannot choose themselves, must be living, own a business or live in Marana, not be an elected official, and not be a member of the selection committee. Selection is based on any or all of the following criteria:

• Develops and/or sustains creative solutions to community needs

• Organizes and directs an activity of exceptional importance and complexity

• Serves in a leadership position and personal expertise that has enabled the applicant to contribute valuable service to the community

• Exemplifies of the spirit of community service

• Serves as a role model for others in the community

• Inspires others to engage in volunteer service

• Develops the virtues and skills of civic engagement and social responsibility

• Performs work that has facilitated better understanding and made a significant improvement in human relations, social welfare, and justice among diverse groups

These awards give Marana the chance to share the outstanding work of the people in this community. If you know of a person or group who is contributing to Marana, please consider nominating them for one of these awards.