Marana Water News: The Monsoon

The Monsoon is in full swing this summer, and here at Marana Water, we wanted to give some facts and tips on the best ways to be ready.

Over the past few weeks, the Tucson region has seen dramatic downpours leading to flash flooding, or other road hazards, resulting from these tremendous storm systems. In the months of June through September, the Arizona desert sees the powerful winds, incredible lightning displays, and heavy rains of the annual monsoon. While these storms can provide beautiful scenes, they also require some precautions to ensure everyone safety.

The National Weather Service (NWS) works to provide up to the minute information about weather around the county. At the University of Arizona, meteorologists collect data from atop the Environment and Natural Resources building on campus for analysis. The scientists here are part of a global system that simultaneously send up weather balloons twice a day gathering data to help with issuing the weather alerts on the radio, cell phones, and television. For more on the team at the U of A, click here.

Flash flooding is one of the biggest results of these monsoon storms. Our flat desert landscape is not as adept at absorbing that much water so quickly, and streets and washes can flood very fast. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has information about how to protect yourself and your property in the event of of a flood. More information on the CDC can be found here. Additionally, the Town's Public Works department has put together a map showing areas where flooding could occur. Click here to access this map when planning any trips throughout the Town during these storms. "Turn Around, Don't Drown" is used by many entities when promoting flood safety. Be aware of your surroundings while driving, especially at night when it might be more difficult to see the water levels. If the flooding as affected traffic signals, be sure to treat each intersection as if it were a four-way stop.

Dust storms and lighting can also cause problems during these storms. Dust storms can hinder visibility while driving. The Arizona Department of Transportation put together some helpful tips to stay safe during a dust storm. Check them out here.

Lightning can be beautiful to watch from the safety of your home. If you are close enough to hear thunder, then the lighting is not as far away as you may think. The National Weather Service provides facts, tips and amazing images on their lighting safety pages here.

As these last few summer monsoon months come to a close, be sure to take the time to prepare. Creating a disaster plan and preparedness kits, including water, for your family are an easy start to keeping safe during these storms. On behalf of the Town, Marana Water wishes everyone a safe end of summer.

Everyday Heroes Create Endless Possibilities in Marana’s Parks: Episode 3

Across the country, cities and towns are celebrating Parks and Recreation Month throughout July.  As part of Marana’s recognition of the community’s outstanding recreation facilities, the Town Council unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing Parks and Recreation month. This honorific acknowledges the profound contributions of parks to civic well-being.  They encourage outdoor recreation, help ensure the health of all residents, and maintain a high quality of life in Marana. 

Not all superheroes wear capes, and in Marana, a dedicated corps of Parks and Recreation staff perform heroic feats every day. They are lifeguards, landscapers, and Pilates instructors.  They maintain trails, create special event decorations, and plan programs for seniors.  For many, they are the most public faces of local government and provide the embodiment of tax dollars at work. Each week for the rest of July, we’ll be highlighting one of these remarkable, everyday superheroes. We encourage park visitors to say hi to our staff out in the field. These friendly employees love seeing residents take advantage of these beautiful spaces.  They love these parks as much as you do, and they’re eager to tell you why.

The Miraculous Maintenance Man: Jesus Carrillo, Jr.

All summer long, countless Little Leaguers will step up to the plate in Marana.  They’ll dig into the batter’s box, knock the dirt from their cleats, and get ready to take a rip.  Swing after swing, batter after batter: the scars left behind on the field are unmistakable. These are the hard marks of childhood manifest.  And the next day, when it’s time to return the field to its former glory, to prep the land for another epic ballfield battle, there’s only one person for the job: Jesus Carrillo, Jr.  Maintenance Man.

Actually, Jesus is the first person to point out that there are dozens of Maintenance Men and Women.  “I love Marana as both a place to work and live. My passion is being outside, and here I get to work with a great team of people who all think the same way.”

Parks and Recreation crews tirelessly maintain the Town’s many facilities, from the Heritage River Park Splash Pad to the dog parks at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park.

“It’s clear that visitors and residents here really appreciate our parks,” says Jesus. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise to him, though, since often, when he isn’t working, he’s also one of those park users himself.

Jesus has lived in Marana since he was just five years old.  When his family immigrated to the US from Mexico, his father, Jesus, Sr., worked first at a dairy farm in the area, and then at Evergreen Maintenance Center, one of the largest operators at Pinal Airpark.  Jesus, Jr. attended Marana schools and graduated from Marana High before getting into the landscape business.

“I’ve got family all over the place—some in California, some up in Eloy, all over, and they all love to come visit Marana.  This is just a great community.  It’s peaceful, friendly, and safe.  I’ve got two children, and the older is just about to start in Marana schools.  I can’t think of a better place for us to live.”

And with that, the Miraculous Maintenance Man fades into the night.  Or rather, into a shockingly hot day. Jesus and his colleagues maintain Marana’s parks rain or shine, hot or cold.  That steadfast commitment, that uncompromising willingness to serve, is what makes them superheroes.  Keep fighting the good fight, friends. A grateful Town appreciates your efforts.

Marana Water News: WateReuse and the water portfolio

On this day in 1921, Congress named the wonderful western border of Arizona the Colorado River. Originally called the Grand River, the Colorado River continues to be a major part of all aspects of life in the West. Understanding the demands on the river, and how to meet them in a sustainable and responsible manner are national issues being addressed in a variety of ways.

This week, water professionals from around the state, Marana Water Director John Kmiec included, are attending the annual state WateReuse Conference in Flagstaff. During these few days, presentations are made on potable reuse applications, advancements in technology, public outreach, and much more.

The conference is presented by the Arizona section of the national WateReuse organization. Their mission is to "educate policymakers and the public about the benefits of water reuse and to advocate for laws, policy and funding to increase water reuse." Water reuse is exactly what it sounds like, recycling water to be used again in another capacity. This water is typically treated domestic wastewater and used more than once before passing back into the water cycle. Places that participate in water reuse are replicating the water cleaning process faster than the water cycle, therefore allowing the water to be used again more quickly. Reuse options include water that is unsafe to drink but can be used for irrigation or industrial use, mixing the recycled water with other sources such as rivers or reservoirs before being reused, or purified to meet drinking water guidelines. For more information on potable reuse in Arizona, watch the video above.

At this year's conference, Mr. Kmiec is presenting on the history of water resources in Marana, and how the department is continually searching for renewable resources to serve our customers. The Town provided water service beginning in 1990, seven years before the water department was founded. Beginning with approximately 500 customers, the department now serves over 6,500 water and over 2,500 wastewater customers. Initially, Marana water only had an allocation of 47 acre-feet (AF) from the Central Arizona Project (CAP). This water was transferred from the Cortaro-Marana Irrigation District when the department took over some of the service area. Until the mid-2000s, groundwater was used to supplement this supply until a second transfer of 1,481af. This transfer from the Flowing Wells Irrigation District brought the renewable supply for the department to 1,528af, which is where the CAP allocation for the department is today.

The CAP allocation is a vital renewable part of the water portfolio, and incorporating water reuse processes will only expand this renewable portion. Marana Water is in development of an effluent recharge basin project that will allow for treated wastewater to be introduced into the aquifer in Marana.

Marana Water's annual water usage by type. The purple area is the projected recharge recovery once the project is completed

Using aquifer recharge basins for groundwater replenishment is one method of reusing water. Others forms of water reuse include agricultural or turf irrigation, industrial process water, and surface water replenishment. Treatment technologies such as advanced oxidation, dual media filtration, granular activated carbon, ozonation, and reverse osmosis. Each of these processes treat water differently, but the outcome is very similar; water that has been processed and ready to be treated for reuse. To learn more about these different procedures to produce and to reuse water, and about the WateReuse organization, click here.

Water reliability and sustainability are tenets of the Marana Water mission. Ensuring an affordable renewable water supply is part of every strategic discussion made. Working closely with state agencies, regional water providers, and our water resources coordinator, Marana Water is dedicated to securing water supplies to sustain the Town's future growth planning.

Marana Water News: Happy New (Fiscal) Year!

After months of work from all the Town departments, especially the Finance Department, the new budget was approved on June 21. This new budget went into effect on July 1, 2016. This budget approval sets the limits on what each department can spend in the next year, and projects how much revenue the Town is expecting to collect to offset these expenditures. For more information on the overall Town budget, click here. 

In the Marana Water department, there are two distinct budgets. One for the water department and one for the water reclamation department. Each department projects their own revenues from rates and fees, and prepares a balanced budget to meet all personnel, maintenance, and other expenditures throughout the current fiscal year.

Over the past two years, Marana Water has been working on a preventive maintenance program to ensure that our infrastructure is running as efficiently as possible, which allows us to keep rates as low as possible. The inclusion of a tank maintenance program this year is a great example of this program at work. Over the next five years, the first phase of this new program will be implemented. The adoption of the new fiscal year budget provides the funds to get this program off the ground. These tanks are vital to the consistency and reliability of our water system. Ensuring they are maintained well extends the life of the equipment for as long as possible. Painting or refurbishing a tank is much less expensive than construction of a new one. The images below display the before and after of one of the tanks we were able to work on last year.

Reservoir before

Reservoir after completed painting and maintenance

Across the Town there are many ongoing construction projects that can span over several fiscal years, and Marana Water is no exception. The map below shows the projects our department is currently working on; that are in some stage of construction. Some are designed and are just preparing for a contractor, while others are well underway in construction of the new infrastructure. Keep checking the News page for future stories on these construction projects. The ongoing funding for these projects is included in the capital budget that was also approved on June 21.

While the beginning of a new fiscal year is an exciting time for us, it is also a reminder that we are the stewards of the rates our customers pay. A duty we do not take lightly. These rates are used to fund all the necessary expenses we incur to provide water service in a safe and reliable manner. From water sampling costs to the tank maintenance program, the majority of theses costs for service are covered by rates. Balancing the need to provide safe and reliable water service with affordable water rates is constantly at the forefront of all budget decisions.

Marana Hosts Delegation of Mandela Fellows

On a hot Friday afternoon, senior staff members at the Town of Marana hosted a group of Washington Mandela Fellows in the Town Council Chambers.  Prior to their arrival, Jocelyn Bronson, Marana’s Town Clerk, had diligently studied the roster: she wanted to pronounce each name exactly right. Standing before the group, though, Jocelyn conceded defeat.  The range of names, spanning a variety of languages, each with its own linguistic idiosyncrasies, had eluded her. 

This diversity of names speaks to the diversity present in this group. Hailing from countries across sub-Saharan Africa, these Fellows were visiting Marana as part of a five-week educational experience at Arizona State University.  During this program, they hoped to learn how public organizations in the United States provide high-quality public service.

Tom Simbule, the deputy director of the Mufulira Planning Department in Zambia, is approaching this fellowship with the outlook of a planner.  “This is a great opportunity for me,” he says.  “My goal is to become a servant leader. I want to put others before myself.  I want to take time to listen. In planning, we have a wide array of stakeholders, and I need to listen to all of them in order to serve the public effectively.”

Over the course of three hours, the Fellows engaged with several key leaders at the Town. Kicking off the afternoon, Town Manager Gilbert Davidson welcomed the group by highlighting Marana’s approach to civic service. “Marana’s top priority is to serve our residents. If we’re not providing excellent customer service, we’re not doing our jobs,” explained Davidson. “That central focus drives everything we do.”

Human Resources Director Curry C. Hale, Town Clerk Jocelyn Bronson, and Communications Manager Vickie Hathaway spent the remainder of the afternoon explaining in detail exactly how the Town accomplishes the mission set forth by Davidson. Whether through recruitment of high quality staff, meticulous preservation of Town records, or creative engagement of the public, Marana staff are constantly looking for innovative ways to serve the public.

Throughout the afternoon, the Fellows gradually became more and more active in their engagement with Marana staff. For much of their time, Fellows focused on how Marana maintains a positive, productive work environment.  Human Resources Director Curry Hale emphasized the role his department plays in educating, informing, and updating Town staff. The Fellows, though, were quick to ask pointed questions to ascertain exactly how Marana’s organizational culture evolves over time. One Fellow directly connected this question to his own home context:

“There are lots of technical experts in my workplace.  We have to adapt our organization to their personalities.  How do you adapt the organization to meet individual needs? What programs do you have to cater to these different team members?”

“Our goal is to treat everybody fairly,” responded Hale.  “That’s different from treating everyone the same.  It’s about finding out what motivates a particular employee.  For some people, that’s autonomy.  For others, it’s constant feedback and interaction. Whichever approach we use, it’s about making sure we get the job done.”

Around the room, heads nodded in agreement.

By the end of a Friday afternoon, it’s easy to expect a certain amount of lethargy, but not with the Mandela Fellows. From start to finish, they demonstrated an acute sense of curiosity, of wanting to glean as much as they could from the day’s speakers.

“We want to have an idea about best practices, to have knowledge so that when we go back home, we adopt them as best we can,” explained Ya Amie Touray, who works as a legal licensing and enforcement officer at the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority in Gambia. For her and for her colleagues, this program offers the opportunity to apply international lessons in a variety of contexts.  The Town of Marana is proud to be part of that effort.

Summer Schooling, Part 7: Marana is Aiming to Grow Smarter

I have reached the midpoint of my internship with the Town and find myself working on several different projects, all of which are seeking to improve current situations by looking ahead and embracing new ideas. 

I am using my experience as a landscape designer for a project with Parks and Recreation where I will be helping with an irrigation system that is nearing the end of its expected life span.  It is already showing signs of distress and has needed a few costly and time-consuming repairs.  Parks and Rec is taking a pro-active approach and has made the decision to replace the failing system before constant maintenance and repairs cost more than replacing the system.  It is also an excellent opportunity to incorporate new technology and water harvesting methods that minimize water consumption and will save money in the long run. 

I am also working on a project for the water department where I will be putting my master’s degree in Planning to good use.  I will be “balancing the water checkbook.”  Everyone in the Southwest knows water is important; we try to conserve it as much as possible and work hard to make sure we have a water supply that will last long into the future.  The water checkbook is the Water Department’s method of calculating existing use, future use, and credits all while projecting it out over the next one hundred years.  It’s a complicated system that I hope to be able to simplify using GIS.  GIS is a very powerful mapping system that can perform some pretty complex calculations.  It can also be set up to perform these functions automatically and very accurately. 

Embracing innovative practices and being pro-active is something I have found to be a constant theme throughout my time so far.  All of the departments are using new techniques to increase our ability to provide more with less.  Everyone is working diligently to ensure we get the most out of our resources and assets and that they are available to the next generation of users.  These two projects, I think, reflect the Town of Marana’s ambition to be an efficient entity that is constantly looking to grow smarter.  

Ina Road/I-10 construction update as of July 22

The Interstate 10, Ina Road Traffic Interchange project in Marana, north of Tucson, continues its first phase of construction, anticipated to last through early 2017. Ina Road will remain open during this phase. In addition, major utility work will also begin and continue throughout this phase. The work is scheduled as follows:

Daytime Utility Work (currently ongoing 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Lane closures on the eastbound Interstate 10 frontage road and on Starcommerce Way are in place through late July for utility work. Message boards and crews will guide drivers through the work zone. Interstate 10 will remain open in both directions during the work.

Overnight Median Work on Ina Road (8 p.m. to 5 a.m.)

• Ina Road is narrowed to one lane in each direction between the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and Camino de la Cruz intermittently nightly through early August to allow crews to remove and repave the center median islands to accommodate utility line work.
• Once this work is completed, Ina Road will revert to two lanes in each direction; however, intermittent left-turn lane restrictions will remain in place for approximately three months to accommodate daytime utility line work scheduled to begin in early August.

Overnight Work on Eastbound I-10 (8 p.m. to 5 a.m.)

• The right lane on eastbound I-10 will be closed from 8 p.m. Sunday (July 24) to 5 a.m. Monday (July 25) for sign removal north of Ina Road.

Work on I-10 Frontage Road (around the clock)

• The left lane on the eastbound I-10 frontage road near Starcommerce Way will be closed beginning 8 p.m. Sunday (July 24) through late summer for widening to accommodate the reconstruction of the frontage road in preparation of the traffic detour when Ina Road closes in early 2017.
• Beginning at approximately 6 a.m. Monday (July 25) the westbound I-10 frontage road will be closed around the clock between Ina Road and Cortaro Road through the end of the year to allow crews to reconstruct and widen the frontage road in preparation of the traffic detour when Ina Road closes in early 2017.
• Massingale Road will be closed at the westbound I-10 frontage road during this work. Drivers may use Camino de Oeste as an alternate route.
• All ramps will remain open.

Daytime Utility Work (6 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• In early August, utility line work will begin along Ina Road, east of I-10, from the UPRR to Camino de la Cruz. The work will require intermittent left-turn lane restrictions to remain in place for approximately three months.
• Also in early August, the eastbound I-10 frontage road between Starcommerce Way and Ina Road may have intermittent lane restrictions during the day for utility work.

Daytime Detour Work on I-10 (6 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• In mid- to late August, four crossovers on I-10 will be built, two north of the Canyon del Oro (CDO) wash and the other two north of Massingale Road.
• Traffic will remain in its current configuration until Ina Road closes. 
• When Ina Road closes in early 2017, westbound I-10 traffic will be detoured to the westbound I-10 frontage road between Orange Grove Road and Ina Road and back on to I-10 north of Massingale Road. Eastbound I-10 traffic will be shifted to the westbound I-10 lanes while crews begin the reconstruction on the west side (eastbound I-10). A temporary connection ramp will be built from eastbound Ina Road to the eastbound I-10 frontage road (near the Mike Jacobs Sports Park entrance).

The reconstruction project to fully reconstruct the interchange will improve traffic operations on I-10 and on the Ina Road traffic interchange. The project consists of widening I-10 to three lanes in each direction and Ina Road to two lanes in each direction from Silverbell Road to Camino de la Cruz.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned roadway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur due to weather or equipment issues.

Drivers are reminded to share the road, be cautious, and slow down while traveling through the work zone.

For more information about this project, please visit the website at http://azdot.gov/inati.

Everyday Heroes Create Endless Possibilities in Marana’s Parks: Episode 2

Across the country, cities and towns are celebrating Parks and Recreation Month throughout July.  As part of Marana’s recognition of the community’s outstanding recreation facilities, the Town Council unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing Parks and Recreation month. This honorific acknowledges the profound contributions of parks to civic well-being.  They encourage outdoor recreation, help ensure the health of all residents, and maintain a high quality of life in Marana. 

Not all superheroes wear capes, and in Marana, a dedicated corps of Parks and Recreation staff perform heroic feats every day. They are lifeguards, landscapers, and Pilates instructors.  They maintain trails, create special event decorations, and plan programs for seniors.  For many, they are the most public faces of local government and provide the embodiment of tax dollars at work. Each week for the rest of July, we’ll be highlighting one of these remarkable, everyday superheroes. We encourage park visitors to say hi to our staff out in the field. These friendly employees love seeing residents take advantage of these beautiful spaces.  They love these parks as much as you do, and they’re eager to tell you why.

The Exercist: Renee Zimmerman

Renee Zimmerman is passionate about her exercise.  “Have fun and get fit” she repeats over and over, like a mantra.  And when she leads forty seniors in a water aerobics class, it’s clear that her enthusiasm is infectious.

With Cindy Lauper blasting from a boom box, a small and aging army kicks, swings, and jives to the beat. A clarion call cuts through the music and Renee’s voice sings out the next move.  Like a well-organized flash mob, the smiling and grooving army flows seamlessly into the next phase.  Laughter echoes around the pool, and Renee’s bubbly zeal maintains a steady stream of vigorous encouragement.

“I love music, dance, exercise, and socializing.  My classes through the Marana Community Center let me combine all of these!” 

Renee first started leading fitness classes in Marana in 1999. To her, this community has always felt like home.  “I love how it feels countrified without actually being way out in the country,” she explains.  In her day job, she works for American Airlines, and so teaching fitness classes gives her an opportunity to release her considerable energy. 

That energy, in fact, is almost as formidable as the devoted following she has acquired since launching her water aerobics class in 2010.  In its first year, the class only attracted a handful of participants, but since then it has rapidly grown into a powerful force.  When you hear Renee’s music emanating from the Ora Mae Harn Park Pool, watch out: The Exercist is leading her army.

Marana Police adds eight new officers in department pinning ceremony

From left to right: Jerry Ysaguirre, Mason Lacaillade, Allicia Caughlin, Dionysius Cazares, Aubrey Lopez, Quan Nguyen, Daniel Nicholas. Not pictured: Jeff Couch

On Wednesday afternoon, officers from across Marana gathered to honor eight new additions to the Town’s police department.  These freshly minted officers have completed the Town’s rigorous police academy and field training program and are now ready to begin their careers as fully trained and qualified officers. 

“Our Police Academy and Field Training program offer a chance to instill our culture in these new officers,” said Chief Terry Rozema as he officiated the ceremony.  “The men and women who go out into Marana wearing this badge are important to this community.”

In a ceremony that opened with a moment of silence, the risks of entering this profession were a focus of Chief Rozema’s comments. “It’s hard to bring people into this profession at a time when it’s scary to be an officer,” he explained. “Everything that’s going on, though, does not change how we conduct ourselves every day.  We treat every person we meet out on the job with total respect.”

Beaming with pride, parents, spouses, and children pinned polished badges on their loved ones.  For Officer Allicia Coughlin, one of MPD’s inductee’s in this ceremony, this accomplishment felt especially meaningful.

“It means everything to me. I’ve wanted to be an officer since I was very young.  My dad was an officer, and I was always impressed with officers’ morale and how they handled themselves,” she said through a broad grin after the ceremony.

During the ceremony, Chief Rozema also took a few moments to congratulate three officers who had recently earned new appointments. Officers Coleman Hunter, Jeff Rowe, Bradley Clifford, and Mike Jost will all become Lead Police Officers. In this position, they will serve as key leaders of patrol units.

As the Marana Police Department grows, the officers and staff who serve the Town’s residents demonstrate outstanding public service. With this pinning ceremony, MPD’s ranks grow and the department welcomes a new class of eager officers, ready to continue this legacy.

Town seeks vendors for Marana start of El Tour de Tucson

On November 19, the Town of Marana will host its own official start for El Tour de Tucson.  This new leg of the route will begin at Heritage River Park in north Marana.  The Town expects approximately 500 riders to register for this start, and will host a small community event where we expect approximately 1000 attendees. The event will begin at approximately 12:00pm and conclude at 2:00pm.

In order to create a fun and welcoming atmosphere, the Town is seeking 3-5 vendors. Due to the small nature of the event we are seeking one vendor for each of the following categories:

• Coffee
• Dessert (ice cream, soft serve, funnel cake, etc.)
• Lunch entrée (burgers, hot dogs, pizza, etc.)
• Bike shop
• Other vendors may be accepted based on capacity

Vendors will be accepted as paperwork is submitted. The first vendor in each category to provide all required documentation will be selected for this event.

If you are interested in participating in this event, please complete a Vendor Request Form. These forms are due by 5pm on August 22.

For a complete list of the information required of vendors, please visit www.MaranaEvents.com.

Summer Schooling, Part 6: Marana Schools Giving Kids the Tools They Need

With summer vacation drawing to a close and school right around the corner, I thought a quick rundown of what is going on with MUSD would be a good topic for this week.  For those of you who live in Gladden Farms area, there is a new elementary school opening up.  It is the first new school in MUSD in quite some time and it has a fantastic new look.  The grand opening and a tour will be offered on July 20 at 4:00pm.  It is one of two schools that will be offering a computer science immersion program that uses Minecraft to create a cutting edge learning environment. MUSD has teamed up with Code to the Future to create this program which allows kids to incorporate computer science in all aspects of their learning environment.   Quail Run Elementary school on Cortaro Road will also be participating in this program.  These two schools will be the first in Arizona to participate in this type of program.

I recently spent some time with the head of Marana Unified School District’s Career and Technical Education program, Cathie Raymond.  I have been a big fan of these programs for a long time now.  CTE programs give kids in high school an opportunity to get working knowledge and experience in career fields.  The goal is always higher education with the understanding that technical and trade schools are still a form of higher education.  Not all kids are going to get a bachelor’s degree or may take some time off before pursuing one, and CTE allows these kids an opportunity to get good paying jobs right out of high school and allows them the freedom to discover exactly what they want to do. 

The CTE program will be expanding into aviation very soon.  I was very glad to hear this for a couple of reasons.  First of all as an Air Force brat and son of an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic, aviation is near and dear to me, and I will always support it.  I have seen the results of a career in aviation, and it can be a very lucrative career field that does not require a four year degree.  Secondly, the Town has a lot of businesses that are aviation-related and are growing.  Within a short drive there is Tucson International Airport that offers a whole host of jobs and just up the road at Pinal Air Park there are more opportunities in aviation.  This is a fantastic move on the part of MUSD and the CTE program, and I really hope it is widely used and gains the recognition that all CTE programs deserve.

With the first day of school on August 8, it is time to start getting school supplies and this year’s round of clothes and shoes that will be destroyed within the first months of school.  It’s time to start getting them back on a normal routine and getting ready for another year of school.  As a parent, I think MUSD is one of the better districts in the area.   All of the new programs are proof that it is embracing the future and ready to give our kids the tools they need.  

Discover Marana Earns 2016 Governor’s Tourism Award for Interactive Technology

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This week, the Arizona Office of Tourism awarded DiscoverMarana.org with the Governor’s Tourism Award for Interactive Technology, honoring the Town of Marana’s commitment to supporting the local economy.

A year ago, the Town of Marana launched DiscoverMarana.org, a state-of-the-art tourism portal that attracts visitors to Marana from across Arizona, the United States, and abroad. This undertaking is aimed at supporting Marana’s extensive tourism industry, including top-tier resorts, world-class golf courses, and spectacular scenic beauty. Since going live, Discover Marana has provided visitors with a highly engaging, personally tailored experience that showcases Marana’s wide variety of tourism opportunities. 

“By positioning Marana as the Gateway to Southern Arizona,” says Director of Economic Development and Tourism Curt Woody, “the brand emphasizes the mix of modern amenities and historic Sonoran setting that is unique to Marana.”

While Marana’s wealth of attractions provides the backbone of the tourism effort, Discover Marana helps package them in a way that is accessible and appealing to thousands of potential guests.  The Town has employed aggressive digital marketing initiatives, including organic search engine optimization and paid search advertising, to drive web visitors to Discover Marana.  As a result, the site enjoys an average of 1,500 unique sessions per month.  Even more encouraging is the growth in organic sessions; since its launch, the site has seen a 507% increase in non-paid traffic.

Part of what has enabled the success of Discover Marana is the Town’s close relationships with key stakeholders across the community.  The Marana Chamber of Commerce hosts a visitor center that invites tourists to peruse the website and plan their stay in the Town.  Furthermore, Marana has collaborated closely with the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, a Five-Star, Five-Diamond property located within Town limits.  This relationship has allowed the resort and the Town to share digital content across platforms, including drone video footage and high resolution photography.  This enables the Town to provide stimulating visual content on Discover Marana, content that in turn inspires our guests to want to see this stunning landscape for themselves.

In addition to the partnerships with the Chamber and the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, Marana also partners with the Simon Premium Outlet Mall at Marana Center. The Town has spotlighted retail opportunities at the Mall on the Discover Marana blog, and in particular has targeted the market of international travelers visiting Marana from northern Mexico.

Shopping, lodging, golfing, mountain biking, hiking, and more: all these activities spur Marana’s tourism industry. By working closely with community partners, Discover Marana has successfully featured each of these allures, and many others, in its pages.

“Discover Marana has been live for almost a year, and I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come in that time.  This tool is allowing Marana to support our local economy by attracting visitors from near and far,” explains Woody.  “In the next year, we plan to build on that success and develop even more innovative ways to market Marana as the Gateway to Southern Arizona.”

Marana Seeks Youth Delegates for League of Arizona Cities and Towns Annual Conference

Marana is looking to appoint three youth delegates to attend the League of Arizona Cities and Towns annual conference.  The ideal candidates will be aspiring leaders who care about making a difference in their community.

This event will take place on Wednesday, August 24 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona. Marana will provide transportation costs and registration fees for attendees.

During the youth program, delegates will engage with their peers and with state leaders on a number of important issues affecting young people.  In the morning, the Governor’s Youth Commission will present to the delegates in a session dedicated to inspiring community leadership, in particular as it relates to the GYC’s five core issues: substance abuse, bullying, teen dating violence, distracted driving, and civics education.

Following this stimulating conversation, the delegation will participate in Learning through Laughter.  During this exercise, attendees will learn confidence and leadership through improvisation and comedy. Tristan Gandolfi, Founder and CEO of Humor Writes will lead delegates through a fun, interactive workshop.

Finally, youth will have an opportunity to network with other students and display poster boards that highlight unique programs or ideas from the various youth councils.

If you are interested in participating in this program, please complete the short application here by Wednesday, July 27, at 4:00 p.m. If you have any further questions, please contact Tony Hunter at thunter@maranaaz.gov or by calling (520) 382-1982.  For more information and for the full event schedule, click here.

Please note that all students must have signed permission forms from parent or guardian and permission from school to attend conference.

Everyday Heroes Create Endless Possibilities in Marana’s Parks: Episode 1

Across the country, cities and towns are celebrating Parks and Recreation Month throughout July.  As part of Marana’s recognition of the community’s outstanding recreation facilities, the Town Council unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing Parks and Recreation month. This honorific acknowledges the profound contributions of parks to civic well-being.  They encourage outdoor recreation, help ensure the health of all residents, and maintain a high quality of life in Marana. 

Not all superheroes wear capes, and in Marana, a dedicated corps of Parks and Recreation staff perform heroic feats every day. They are lifeguards, landscapers, and Pilates instructors.  They maintain trails, create special event decorations, and plan programs for seniors.  For many, they are the most public faces of local government and provide the embodiment of tax dollars at work. Each week for the rest of July, we’ll be highlighting one of these remarkable, everyday superheroes. We encourage park visitors to say hi to our staff out in the field. These friendly employees love seeing residents take advantage of these beautiful spaces.  They love these parks as much as you do, and they’re eager to tell you why.

The Amazing Argonaut: Quintin Jones

As he gazes down from his lofty perch, you know Quintin means business. Children shall not run beside the pool, divers shall not leap into shallow water, and everyone—yes, everyone—shall enjoy a refreshing, safe afternoon at the Ora Mae Harn Park Pool. 

Tucked amid spreading eucalyptus and elm trees, the pool offers a cool oasis during the summer heat.  With swimming lessons for the kids, water aerobics for seniors, and Dive-in Movies for all ages, pool-goers from all walks of life can find a compelling reason to escape the torrid summer temperatures of the desert in Marana’s refreshing waters. 

And whenever the pool is open to the public, lifeguards like Quintin are there to ensure the safety of all users. 

“My main goal is to allow everyone to have a great time while preventing dangerous behaviors,” explains Quintin. As he describes his daily activities, his eyes dart distractedly around the pool.  Even when he’s not on duty, he’s on duty.

This is Quintin’s second summer as a lifeguard in Marana, and during his two stints with the Town, he’s developed a fondness not only for pool users, but for the culture of Marana as a whole. 

“I love working with everyone around here.  The events we have both at the pool and across Marana are great for the community, and I’m really proud to be a part of that.”

Last year, Quintin completed his first year of college at Northern Arizona University after graduating from Mountain View High School in Marana Unified School District.  During his freshman year of college, he participated in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, and this fall, he plans to enlist in the Air Force. 

“I’m very interested in the medical field,” says Quintin. “Lifeguarding has given me a small window into what that kind of career would be like.  In the future, I’m hoping to become a nurse.”

It’s clear that Quintin aspires to even higher levels of superhero-dom, and we in Marana are proud that he’s started his journey here.  Today, he’s a lifeguard.  Tomorrow, a cadet, perhaps.  Someday, a nurse, saving lives. For now, The Amazing Argonaut watches over our pool and protects our waters.  Just keep swimming, Quintin.  Just keep swimming.

Marana Water News: Sewer billing 101 - WQA and more

Currently, Marana Water has 6,747 water accounts, and of these, 5,692 are sewer customers. The water and sewer charges are listed on one statement for customer convenience. While water consumption charges are relatively easy to calculate, the sewer billing is a little more intricate. Since there is no meter on the outflows from homes and businesses, other means are required to determine monthly sewer charges.

In the Marana Water service area, Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (RWRD) and Marana Water provide sewer services to these 5,600 connections. Both providers use similar methods for calculating a sewer bill, however Pima County RWRD uses different units in their calculation. Marana Water calculates the charges based on a per 1,000 gallon rate while Pima County RWRD uses hundred cubic feet (CCF), which is the equivalent of 748 gallons, when determining sewer charges.

Similar to the water side, the sewer calculations have a monthly minimum fee and a rate on the amount of consumption, or a volumetric calculation. Since sewer outflows are unmetered, an average is calculated based on the three winter months called a Winter Quarter Average (WQA). The winter months of December, January, and February are used because, in theory, these months should show typical indoor water use since irrigation systems and pools are not as heavily used. This indoor use is what Marana Water wants to capture since it is a good measure of what water has been discharged into the sewer system.

Example of a WQA calculation

Sewer billing example

Calculated every July using the previous December, January, and February, the WQA is the maximum sewer consumption per account. Each month, a customer is billed either the WQA or their monthly consumption, whichever amount is lower. For example, a customer has a WQA of 5,000 gallons and a July water use of 7,000 gallons. The customer will be billed the 5,000 gallon amount rather than the actual water use of 7,000 gallons. Using the WQA allows for consistent sewer billing month to month, and gives the customer the ability to adjust their average by conserving water during the winter months.

As mentioned above, there are some small differences between Marana and Pima County RWRD sewer customers. The monthly minimum rates for a residential connection are the same, but Pima County RWRD has several classes of sewer customers, for example, seated restaurants, laundromats, or bakery customers. Each of these classes have different volumetric rates based on the effort to treat the discharged water. For more information on Pima County RWRD rates and sewer classifications, please click here.

Summer Schooling, Part 5: Marana’s Heritage, Alive and Well

Last week I spent lunch with my family at the Cattleman’s Café.  It is in a working cattle auction house located in north Marana.  I have been there a few times before to eat, but I have never been there on an auction day. It turned out to be far better than a lunch with my family; it was an experience and my kids are already asking when we can go back. 

Usually when you pull up, there are a few trucks and cars outside, and the café is full of locals, but the rest of the converted barn is quiet.  The historic photos that are all over the place are a good reminder of where the Town came from and contribute to the feel of the Old West.

On auction days, the lot is full of trucks with large trailers and the barn side is a flurry of activity.  Livestock is moving in and out while an auctioneer is lively and getting the best dollar he can out of the crowd.  Today, the crowd consisted of hard working cattleman, ranchers, and their families.  They are legitimate cowboys: all wearing jeans, boots, and Stetsons, trying to make their hard work pay off.  Their kids were up in the loft practicing their roping skills and just having a good time. 

Those photos that adorn the walls really come to life when you see everyone there.  The nostalgia you feel on any other day is replaced with history come to life and a feeling that the Old West is alive and well.  It is a good reminder of the value in preserving the heritage of the town and the importance of incorporating local community values and traditions that create a sense of place in everything we do. 

I have been a practicing landscape designer in the Tucson region for about five years and am nearly done with my master’s degree in planning.  In both professions we are always looking into how to create a sense of place, how to make a park or subdivision come to life.  In Marana I don’t think we need to look into creating a new one, but rather need to continue embracing the one that already exists. 

I would encourage everyone to enjoy lunch with your family and friends on an auction day at the café (Wednesdays from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm).  Go to the Heritage River Park for the Cotton Festival and show up for the Founders’ Day Parade.  Embrace the ranching and farming community that exists and have a great time learning about our past and carrying it into the future.  

Marana to Host Visiting Mandela Washington Fellows from Sub-Saharan Africa

On July 22, senior staff at the Town of Marana will host a cohort of Mandela Washington Fellows from Arizona State University. This six-week program offers graduate-level students from sub-Saharan African nations the chance to study American democratic institutions and apply any lessons they learn in their home contexts. For several hours, these students will engage with Town staff in order to learn how the Town supports a strong local economy, maintains transparent channels of communication with residents, and fosters a strong organizational culture.

At first glance, the connection between Marana and countries like Kenya, Guinea-Bissau, and Namibia may appear tenuous, but students like Janepher Shedrack-Kimaro help bridge that divide. Janepher currently works with the Mtwara Regional Administrative Secretariat in Tanzania. In this office, she supports redevelopment efforts, considers rezoning requests, and reviews land dispute appeals. A growing community like Marana offers Janepher the chance to understand how a planning department in Arizona operates, and how it differs from her own experiences.

Altogether, the Mandela Washington Fellows hail from twenty countries across sub-Saharan Africa. Every year, this ASU program hosts 50 fellows in two institutes—Public Management and Civic Leadership. Through the national Young African Leaders Initiative, launched in 2010, these fellows will build personal and professional connections that will allow them to return to their home countries and contribute in meaningful ways to improving democratic institutions, strengthening local economies, and ensuring peace and security across Africa.

During the afternoon in Marana, staff members from various departments will share with these students how they collectively work to serve the residents of this community. Speakers include Town Manager Gilbert Davidson, who will provide an overview of the Council-Manager form of government, and Human Resources Director Curry Hale, who will provide insight into how his department supports the diverse needs of staff.

“We see ourselves as an organization of excellence, and this isn’t just a catchy phrase,” says Hale. “In order to achieve this goal, we believe in living out our cultural values of Dedicated Service, Respect, Teamwork, and Engaged Innovation every day. Hosting the Mandela Scholars is a great opportunity to share who we are as a local municipality and have global influence.

“One of the things we’re particularly excited to share is the Town’s culture and a general overview of how HR works in our organization. We want the students to see differences and similarities between how government runs here versus at home and use this knowledge to enhance their effectiveness when they return home.”

The Fellows’ afternoon in Marana is just one part of larger journey across Southern Arizona. Along the way, they will also visit the Tucson Food Bank, where they will learn about one of Southern Arizona’s leading nonprofit organizations. From there, they will go onto Kartchner Caverns to take in some of the spectacular beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Through these diverse experiences, these Fellows will have the chance to bridge the gaps between government and non-profit, between urban and rural, between development and preservation. In many ways, these same gaps exist as much in Tanzania as they do in Pima County. By hosting Janepher and her colleagues, Marana will participate in a global exchange that will leave both the Mandela Washington Fellows and Marana Town staff better equipped to engage with these questions in the years ahead.

Click here to learn more about the Mandela Washington Fellowship. 

Ina Road construction begins first phase; Ina Road remains open through early 2017

The Interstate 10, Ina Road Traffic Interchange project in Marana is scheduled to begin its first phase of construction Wednesday (July 13) which is anticipated to last through early 2017. Ina Road will remain open during this phase. In addition, major utility work will also begin and continue throughout this phase.

Daytime Utility Work (currently ongoing 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Lane closures on the eastbound Interstate 10 frontage road and on Starcommerce Way are in place through mid-July for utility work. Message boards and crews will guide drivers through the work zone. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Interstate 10 will remain open in both directions during the work.

Overnight Utility Work on I-10 (8 p.m. to 5 a.m.)

• Eastbound I-10 will be narrowed to one lane from Cortaro Road to Ina Road beginning 8 p.m. Wednesday (July 13) through 5 a.m. Thursday (July 14). The eastbound I-10 off-ramp at Ina Road will be closed during this time.
• Westbound I-10 will be narrowed to one lane from Orange Grove Road to Ina Road beginning 8 p.m. Thursday (July 14) to 5 a.m. Friday (July 15). The westbound I-10 on-ramp at Ina Road will be closed during this time.
• The work is to allow utility crews to install a gas line underneath I-10.

Overnight Median Work on Ina Road(8 p.m. to 5 a.m.)

• Ina Road will be narrowed to one lane in each direction between the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and Camino de la Cruz for two nights on Wednesday (July 13) and Thursday (July 14) and again Sunday (July 17) through Friday (July 22) to allow crews to remove and repave the center median islands
• Once this work is completed, Ina Road will revert to two lanes in each direction. The work is to accommodate utility line work.

Daytime Work on I-10 Frontage Road (6 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• In late July, the westbound I-10 frontage road will be closed around the clock between Ina Road and Cortaro Road for approximately five months to allow crews to reconstruct and widen the frontage road in preparation of the traffic detour when Ina Road closes in early 2017.
• All ramps will remain open.

Daytime Utility Work (daytime work from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• In early August, left turns on eastbound Ina Road will be restricted, east of I-10, from the UPRR to Camino de la Cruz for utility line work. The work will begin after the overnight median work is complete.

Daytime Detour Work on I-10(6 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• In mid- to late August, four crossovers on I-10 will be built, two north of the Canyon del Oro (CDO) wash and the other two north of Massingale Road.
• Traffic will remain in its current configuration until Ina Road closes. 
• When Ina Road closes in early 2017, westbound I-10 traffic will be detoured to the westbound I-10 frontage road between Orange Grove Road and Ina Road and back on to I-10 north of Massingale Road. Eastbound I-10 traffic will be shifted to the westbound I-10 lanes while crews begin the reconstruction on the west side (eastbound I-10). A temporary connection ramp will be built from eastbound Ina Road to the eastbound I-10 frontage road (near the Mike Jacobs Sports Park entrance).

The reconstruction project to fully reconstruct the interchange will improve traffic operations on I-10 and on the Ina Road traffic interchange. The project consists of widening I-10 to three lanes in each direction and Ina Road to two lanes in each direction from Silverbell Road to Camino de la Cruz.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned roadway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur due to weather or equipment issues.

Drivers are reminded to share the road, be cautious, and slow down while traveling through the work zone.

For more information about this project, please visit the website at http://azdot.gov/inati.

Summer Schooling, Part 4: Events in Marana Demand Tremendous Teamwork

This past week has been the last of my scheduled department follows.  The whole month has been an excellent experience and a hard core cram session into what it takes to make a municipality successful.   Along the way I have gained a better understanding of the individual aspects that are needed to make a whole team dedicated to public service.  Thank you to everyone that allowed me to tag along in order to give me a glimpse of your talent and expertise.  As a longtime resident, I have always appreciated the roads and schools and businesses, but I never noticed or appreciated the people responsible for making Marana unique and setting it apart from the other municipalities in the area.   Thank you!

My last rounds were with the communications and events team, parks and rec, and public works.  Much of what was going on in these departments was getting ready for the Fourth of July celebration.  These departments are by no means the only ones that helped out, but they were responsible for the bulk of the planning and execution. 

I encourage everyone to get involved and enjoy the many opportunities the Town provides us for recreation and community gatherings.  Did you know the Town has four signature events it hosts?  Obviously there is the Star Spangled Spectacular, but there is also the Cotton Festival, a Holiday Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting, and Founders Day.  All of these events are family oriented and help strengthen the bonds that tie the community together.  Check out the Marana Events app for details about how to be involved, promote your business, or just to have a good time.

Parks and Rec also does a fantastic job for the community.  Did you know the pool is free?  That’s an incredible perk and a cheap way to get the family out for a day.  Right now the Movies in Marana are held at the pool; it has been dubbed the “dive in” for the summer.   They have a summer golf league that meets on Friday evenings. There is a disc golf course and parks are all over the place.  They host multiple fun runs and the last leg of the El Tour will start in Marana this year.  Parks and Rec is also responsible for maintaining miles of trails in the Tortolita Mountains. 

My wife and I sometimes complain about finding affordable events and things to do with the family.  This whole time we have not really looked into what the Town itself provides.  I’m sure we are not the only ones who do this, so spread the word and let everyone know that your Town has a lot of ways to have a good time.

Summer Schooling 2016, Part 3: The Marana Family

The day to day happenings of life can sometimes be a little overwhelming.  Has anybody else felt like an extra set of hands, for even just an hour or two, would allow you to get that one last chore done, or give you that moment needed to run that last errand on your list? In my household, I sometimes wish for something like that, and I know my wife does too.  Between finishing up grad school, maintaining a full time job and raising a family, I have had to prioritize certain items over others just to accomplish tasks that are due.  Usually my wife will shoulder the burden of those items that just keep getting rolled over and if she can’t someone else in the family will help out until we get it all done.  The support structure that surrounds me is fantastic and they have and always will help out until the job is done. 

The past couple of weeks I have been rotating through the departments of the Town that remind me of my support structure.  I have been with the Town Clerk’s office, as well as the Legal, Human Resources, Technology Services and Finance departments.  The people that work here are the helping hands, the family that allows the Town to operate at the highest of levels and accomplish all the goals the Town has set. 

The Clerk’s office is a fantastic group that is responsible for maintaining the history of the Town.  Did you know the Town is required, by law, to keep important documents for hundreds of years and in some cases forever?  They ensure all of our millions of documents and plans are properly stored, catalogued and available with just a moment’s notice.   It is a monumental task that is performed flawlessly.

Tech services have been broken into two divisions.  One side is responsible for maintaining hundreds of computers, miles and miles of cable, multiple server rooms, the radio system for our police department, and more.  This is all accomplished by a team of 5 people working out of the main municipal complex but facilitating half a dozen different locations.  The rest of tech services ensure all of our programs are running bug free, new programs are evaluated and modified to our needs, and new apps are created.  I am sure I am missing something in there, but this group talks in a talk I struggle to keep up with.

Finance is responsible for our $47 million budget; they manage all of our assets, cover pay roll and benefits for three hundred plus employees, issue business licenses, and more. 

Legal has two sides to its department as well.  One side prosecutes crimes and the other makes sure the business of the Town is on the up and up. 

HR recruits only the best and the brightest to work for the Town. 

These departments are so important to the day to day operations of the Town.  I have spent a day with each of them and only just scratched the surface of what they do and their capabilities.  Each department has about ten people, and in many cases less than that, and they ensure we do not have to prioritize tasks.  They are the support structure, the vital components of the Town.  They are the family that is always there making sure we are successful.