Manager Message: Ina Road is Open for Business

Message from Town Manager Gilbert Davidson

Message from Town Manager Gilbert Davidson

As construction along I-10 at Ina Road progresses, the Town of Marana is excited to partner with businesses in this district to keep our local economy thriving. In mid-February, the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Ina Road Corridor project will enter its second phase. During this phase, the on- and off-ramps of I-10 at Ina Road will close, and traffic on Ina Road will be unable to cross from one side of I-10 to the other. In order to support commerce in this area, Marana is offering businesses several ways to increase their exposure.

Most visibly, drivers along Ina will soon notice new signs emphasizing the wide variety of businesses located along this stretch. If you’re visiting your favorite donut shop, for example, you might learn from these signs that there is also a brewery nearby, as well as a bowling alley, a number of mechanics, restaurants, retail shops, and much more. Commerce along Ina Road represents a range of sectors, and we hope that these signs will help keep customers coming back, despite all the orange cones.

To help businesses on Ina increase their own exposure, the Marana Town Council has also modified the Sign Code. Now, businesses in construction zones anywhere in the Town can set up temporary signs to attract customers. This provision enables businesses that may be obscured by machinery to maintain a visible presence.

In our efforts to support Ina businesses, Marana has also undertaken a more innovative approach that leverages technology. Our Tech Services team has designed Project Ina, which soon you will find in the App Store and Google Play. This tool will allow businesses to post promotions and messages in a central location where frequenters of this area can easily find and take advantage of any deals. By creating a central source for this kind of information, we are hoping to mitigate the inconvenience of construction.

Finally, the Town of Marana has partnered with the Marana Chamber of Commerce to facilitate an open dialogue among business owners, Town officials, and the ADOT construction team. In early February, staff from both the Chamber and the Town will team up for a business walk along Ina Road. During our visits with these business owners, we will not only provide them with literature on business support opportunities, but also hear from them what we as a community can do to help them even more.

Major construction projects are always a challenge for everyone, from businesses to the shoppers who want to support them. However, once this major infrastructure improvement is complete, drivers will enjoy a safer Ina Road interchange and better access to the businesses that now are more difficult to reach. When the project concludes, Marana will repave the entire stretch of Ina Road from Thornydale to Silverbell. And best of all, because Ina will now pass over the train tracks and I-10, you’ll never get stuck at the railroad crossing again! By making the effort to support local businesses during this project, we can all help them make it through construction, so that they’re still there for us to enjoy when the work is done. 

This Manager Message was originally published in the the January 25 edition of the Marana News.

Tangerine Road Update

Roadwork is continuing to progress along Tangerine Road. Drivers in this area should be aware of the upcoming closure on Camino de Mañana. Tangerine Corridor Constructors (TCC) is scheduled to begin removing and reconstructing Camino de Mañana, south of Tangerine Road. Work activities are scheduled from February 13 through February 26, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. During this time you can expect the following:

  • Camino de Mañana will be temporarily closed from Big Sky Ranch Drive to Tangerine Road.
  • Residents and the traveling public will need to use Twin Peaks Road as an alternate route.
  • Traffic control will remain in place 24 hours a day.
  • Camino de Oeste will remain closed at Camino de Mañana.
  • There may be an increase in noise throughout the area with the increased construction activities.

For more information on upcoming work activities, please use the button below to access all the latest information on the progress of this project. 

Marana Water News: It's Electrifying! Upgrading Production Sites

Here at Marana Water our goal is to operate the public water system in a safe and reliable manner. This can cover many aspects as we have seen over the stories in the past few months. This week we are highlighting the maintenance of our electrical panels at the production sites. Production facilities are the sites where our wells, reservoirs, pumps, and booster stations are located. These facilities keep water flowing through the system at required pressures and to meet peak demands. 

Electric components before upgrade is completed

Electric components before upgrade is completed

The electrical panels are used to operate this production equipment. Not only providing power, but also timing and scheduling need to be as efficient as possible. Over time the condition of these panels can degrade due to weather conditions and general use. This wear can cause electrical shorts, corrosion of panel components, and unsafe working conditions, all of which can lead to water service interruptions. Corroded components cause higher resistance and create "hot" spots that can be a fire hazard. They can also cause breakers to lose their ability to trip properly when a short occurs. Even rodents can get in the panels and cause damage to wires due to sealing erosion. Any of these types of issues can prevent our operators from accessing the panel to perform routine maintenance.

Over the past 20 years, technology advancements and changes to the electrical building code have increased the lifespan and safety of this type of infrastructure. Marana Water is working on upgrading all our electrical panels to meet these new guidelines, and we have made substantial progress. When reviewing the panels for upgrade, an initial assessment is made to determine priority, a new panel is designed to meet safety requirements, the project goes through the public procurement process, and, finally, it's built. The status of each of our sites in this schedule is in the graphic to the right. Once completed, all the well sites will look similar to the contained, neat, and orderly electrical panels seen below.

Completed updated electrical panel

Our team at Marana Water is working to complete the projects to provide a safe working environment for our operators as well as ensuring reliable water service to our customers.

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El Rio Open Space Preserve Earns Water Infrastructure Financing Authority (WIFA) Grant

The Town has been awarded a grant for $35,000 from the Water Infrastructure Financing Authority (WIFA) for technical assistance to develop detailed landscape and engineering plans for the El Rio Preserve, adjacent to the Santa Cruz River. The Marana Town Council voted formally to accept this grant during last night’s meeting.

A concept plan for the site, presented to Council on August 2, 2016, shows a trail, wildlife-watching blinds, a ramada, and picnic tables. Native vegetation will be seeded and planted and some invasive species removed. More information is available at www.maranaaz.gov/elrio.

Preparations for this project include a cultural resources survey and jurisdictional delineation for compliance with the Clean Water Act. The project is supported by AZ Game and Fish Department, Tucson Audubon Society, and the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection. The Town is also developing plans for disc golf at a nearby site that floods less frequently.

El Rio Preserve provides rich riparian habitat for nesting and migratory birds –over 220 species of birds have been observed, and it is identified as a regionally important wildlife linkage. It also acts as a stormwater retention basin that prevents flooding of nearby neighborhoods. Local educators have expressed interest in using the site for outdoor education and will be providing input for the plans. 

With the help of this technical assistance grant, the Town will hire a firm experienced in designing a riparian restoration project with aesthetically pleasing water harvesting features and low impact recreation amenities. These plans are intended to reduce mosquitos, improve the Town’s ability to maintain the area, reduce flooding concerns, and create an urban oasis for wildlife and residents.

Marana Honors Roher Family with 2016 Marana El Tour Family Award

Last November, more than 300 cyclists participated in the first ever Marana segment of El Tour de Tucson. This brand new, 28-mile distance gave riders of all ability levels the chance to participate in one of Arizona’s most popular cycling events. Marana prides itself as a family-friendly community with a variety of amenities that serve kids and adults alike. This shorter segment of El Tour fit perfectly within Marana’s all-inclusive appeal.

To celebrate this inaugural event, Marana invited participating families to post pictures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram from their ride day. Town staff then selected one family as best representing the spirit of this event. At last night’s Town Council meeting, the Roher family received the Marana El Tour Family Award.

Ryan Roher first began cycling in group events with his two sons, Aiden, age 15, and Elim, age 12, in early 2016. They participated in both the Cochise County Cycling Classic and El Tour de Mesa before they were finally able to ride in an event in their hometown of Marana.

Ryan has always seen cycling as an ideal activity for the whole family. “Riding is a sport that anyone can do, no matter their age, fitness level, or body composition. Even non-athletes can ride a bike, so it’s a great way to spend time together doing something that is a healthy lifestyle choice.”

The Roher family, who live in Gladden Farms, moved to Marana in 2012. With easy access to several new bike paths, families like the Rohers enjoy plenty of outlets for healthy living. Throughout the year, Marana offers a variety of runs, rides, and swims, all offering participants the chance to get out and enjoy our beautiful community. To keep up with all Marana’s events, be sure to visit www.MaranaEvents.com.

 

Marana Water News: Conserving Water in Winter

When thinking about water conservation typically we focus on the summer months. Watering plants and lawns, filling swimming pools, and washing cars are all summer time activities that we caution our customers on high water use. However, activities such as showers, laundry, flushing toilets and other daily household functions typically account for most of the water use in a month. Additionally, during the winter months this water needs to be heated, which can increase energy bills as well. Here are some tips to decrease water, and subsequently energy, use during the winter months.

  • Try to use cold water when washing clothes whenever possible
  • Cold water can be used when brushing teeth, and don’t forget to turn the tap off during brushing
  • Be sure the dishwasher is full before running it. This will save water relative to hand washing a few dishes at a time
  • Drip faucets to avoid freezing pipes, but use a bucket to collect that water to be used for watering plants
  • Insulate your hot water pipes. This will help keep the pipes from freezing and also increase the time it takes for the water to warm up, thus reducing the amount of water needed for showers and hand washing

Remember that broken pipes are the biggest threat to the water bill during the winter. Check out our story here  for some tips on how to avoid frozen and potentially broken pipes.

Should you have any unaccounted-for water use, we have several tools in the office to help customers identify when the water went through the water meter. Give our office a call at (520) 382-2570 for more information.  

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Marana Accepting Nominations for Community Awards

Branding Iron and Crystal Legacy phoot.png

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marana Police Department Joins Effort to End Organized Retail Theft

Organized retail theft costs retailers in the Marana region millions of dollars every year. In order to abate the consequences of this expensive crime, the Marana Police Department has joined other area law enforcement agencies and merchant associations to form the Coalition Against Retail Theft (CART).

CART will employ a variety of tactics to combat organized retail theft. The We Watch, We Prosecute campaign will offer workshops to business owners and consumers about how they can proactively deter potential theft.

Marana Police Officer David Danielson will serve as a trainer in these workshops. There, participants will learn how to collaborate effectively with police and prosecutors in order to identify and convict perpetrators of organized retail theft. Participants will also receive free visual reminders that they can post in stores to raise awareness about the consequences of this crime.

Click here to learn more about the Coalition Against Retail Theft and to sign up for a workshop. All Marana business owners are encouraged to attend.

Marana Water News: 2016 in Review

2016 was a great year here at Marana Water. We rolled out a new website, established our email notification list for our weekly stories, began the tank maintenance program, sustained our Grecycle partnership, and continued construction projects, all while continuing to operate our water and wastewater systems at the service level our customers have grown accustom.

The gallery below shows many of the projects and programs in which Marana Water participated in 2016. Working with other Town departments and community partners follow our Town cultural values of dedicated service, and 2017 will be no different. The tank maintenance program is well underway, sewer construction projects are chugging along, our water sampling program is keeping our water safe, and the water resources team is ensuring water reliability for our customers. 

2017 is going to be just as busy! Our customer base is constantly expanding and our staff is working to keep the water and sewer systems safe and reliable. We are excited to build off 2016, and are working hard to make 2017 just as great. 

Want to keep up with everything happening with Marana Water? Hit the Sign up button below. 

Beat Back Buffelgrass in Marana

On Saturday, January 21, Marana will partner with the Southern Arizona Buffelgrass Coordination Center to host the annual Beat Back Buffelgrass Day.  During this regional event, teams will gather at a number of locations to help put a stop to this unwelcome interloper. 

Looking out on a picturesque desert landscape filled with saguaro and palo verde, it’s easy to forget how fragile this environment can be.  These resilient trees, after all, have evolved to withstand blazing heat and meager precipitation.  Every desert dweller knows to steer clear of native trees—those thorns and spines can be vicious.   These unique flora and fauna, though, have evolved only to cope with the threats of their own ecosystem.  While they’re often impervious to sun and heat, they are nevertheless vulnerable to a few pernicious invasive species.  One of those invaders, buffelgrass, threatens to engulf vast stretches of the Sonoran Desert. 

In the 1930s, buffelgrass was introduced to southern Arizona to control erosion and provide grazing pasture for cattle.  What those early planters didn’t realize, however, was that this weed would quickly proliferate across the desert.  With seeds that spread easily with the wind, buffelgrass rapidly became a constant pest in nearly every open space in the region. 

As this noxious grass sprouted uncontrollably, it began to challenge native plants for water and nutrients in the soil.  Suddenly, trees as sturdy as the saguaro have often found themselves unable to compete with buffelgrass.  Where once stood the proud symbol of Arizona, a grassland and saguaro skeleton are all that remain.

With wide stretches of drought-tolerant grass comes also an increased risk of fire.  Unlike plants native to the Sonoran desert, buffelgrass burns at a scorching 1,400°F.  When these wildfires occur, they destroy acres of cactus, which in turn threatens the habitat of southern Arizona’s unique animal life.  The desert tortoise and pygmy owl both depend on these plants for food and shelter, but when wildfires deprive them of these resources, the ripple effects reverberate throughout the ecosystem. 

In the mid-2000s, a number of local jurisdictions, recognizing the threat of buffelgrass, combined their efforts to form the Southern Arizona Buffelgrass Coordination Center.  As part of this partnership, Marana joins Oro Valley, Tucson, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the US Forest Service, the Arizona Department of Transportation, and others in a joint effort to rid the region of this pest.  Since its inception, SABCC has hosted an annual Beat Back Buffelgrass day in January, with groups gathering at a number of sites to stamp out this weed.

This year, Marana has selected a site in El Rio Park, next to the Santa Cruz River.  Buffelgrass is especially damaging when it grows near water.  When summer monsoons flood the Santa Cruz, the rushing water disperses buffelgrass seeds downstream, allowing the species to hasten its spread even more.  In addition, riparian regions in Arizona foster a complex biodiversity that is harmed by the presence of nonnative species.  When buffelgrass invades the banks of the Santa Cruz, cottonwoods, mesquites, and willows find it increasingly difficult to thrive. 

Participants in this year’s Beat Back Buffelgrass event can look forward to a productive morning of habitat protection and community spirit.  “Every year, I love seeing the folks who come out to help.  We all care about protecting this beautiful land, and the time just flies by as we work, laugh, and swap stories,” says Janine Spencer, who is organizing the event in Marana.  Janine also encourages volunteers to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat.  At the end of the day, volunteers will walk away with a Beat Back Buffelgrass t-shirt, sticker, and a sense of satisfaction at having helped to protect the desert.  To learn more and sign up, visit www.Buffelgrass.org.  

Main line: 520-382-1999
Emergency: 911
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Water: 520-382-2570
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All financial transactions occur at the first floor reception counter of the Administration building.

Main Address:
Marana Municipal Complex
11555 W Civic Center Drive
Marana, AZ 85653
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