Make Marana 2040: Second round of workshops seek input from the public

Building a town or city isn’t just an idea. Be a part of building your own community with the Town of Marana General Plan 2040. 

Town of Marana is hosting the second round of Marana 2040 General Plan public workshops on December 12 at Marana Municipal Complex and on December 13 at Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Library. Attendance is not required for both nights. Participants can choose between the two options to attend.

For the second round of workshops, attendees will have the opportunity to provide their input on future growth and development in Marana through interactive scenario planning and transportation planning exercises.

Interested in seeing the results of the first workshop and survey? Click here.

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Traffic Alert: Coachline Blvd & Twin Peaks

COACHLINE BLVD RECONSTRUCTION and PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IMPROVEMENTS

START DATE: 11/26/2018                                       END DATE: 5/31/2019

Sunland Asphalt & Construction, Inc., in conjunction with The Town of Marana, will be performing road construction including concrete pavement in low water areas, milling, paving, striping, ADA ramp removal and replacement on streets and sidewalks.

During the milling and paving operations, heavy equipment and large trucks will be present. There may be some driveway access restrictions while crews are working in front of homes. Pedestrians may experience short duration sidewalk closures while we upgrade the crossing ramps and add pedestrian crossing signals. Any cars left in the area of construction will be towed at owner’s expense. For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Another successful Marana Segment of El Tour de Tucson

Over 1,000 cyclists and their supporters showed up at Heritage River Park on Saturday, November 17 for the 25-Mile Marana Segment of the El Tour de Tucson Event. It was the third year Marana has hosted their own segment of the race, and the shorter distance has proven to be an attraction for less experienced riders, or those riding with their families.

Marana Parks and Recreation helps to put on the event and believes it helps represents the Town’s strategic goals of Community and Recreation.

“This was an outstanding event,” said Marana Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy. “It is exciting to see so many people getting out and exercising.”

The Town also believes that the race is not only a great way to get residents to experience the Marana Heritage River Park, but is also a great attraction for people to visit Marana.

“It was a perfect day for our visitors to enjoy Heritage River Park and learn a little more about our great community,” Conroy said.  

The first two years of the event saw the race begin near the playground and splash pad portion of the park. This year the race began in front of the farm portion of the park and actually had riders leaving the area in the opposite direction. The idea was to create more room for the riders and spectators.
 
Marana Parks and Recreation staff worked with Perimeter Bicycling Association of America Inc. (PBAA).staff to organize this event at Heritage Park, while Marana Police Department and Town Traffic Engineering staff did an outstanding job with traffic signage, signals and point control keeping cyclist safe while riding on Marana roads.  

“As always it was a total team effort by Town of Marana staff to execute this exceptional community and fitness event,” Conroy said.

Marana Water Festival teaches students about water conservation

On Thursday, November 15 the Town of Marana participated in the third annual Marana Water Festival at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park. The event was put on by Arizona Project Wet and staffed by Marana Water and other Town of Marana employees, as well as Tucson Water and the University of Arizona.

Over 800 Marana Unified School District fourth-graders attended the event and learned about the watershed, water conservation, groundwater, and the water cycle. The idea behind the event, and events like it all over the state, is to give students a greater understanding of where their water comes from and why water conservation is so important. 

“Once they learn about these concepts at the Marana Water Festival, they will take this information home and apply it there,” said Marana Water Director John Kmiec.

Kmiec noted that water conservation is always very important in Southern Arizona, but even more so with drought conditions impacting the Colorado River, from which Marana receives a lot of its water.

The students attended the event in two separate shifts and went through four different stations. Each station focused on a different aspect of the program and allowed the students hands-on activities to reinforce the ideas.

The volunteers at the event went through a training program to aid them in teaching the program’s lessons.

The Marana Water Festival is one of many Arizona Water Festivals. The hope is that they will  instill a deeper understanding of water in the earth system and Arizona’s water resources through a community water festival event, teacher professional development workshop, and extensive volunteer and community involvement.

Interstate 10 lane closures near Ina Road set for Nov. 17

Motorists on Interstate 10 near Ina Road should expect overnight lane closures the night of Saturday, Nov. 17.

Westbound I-10 is scheduled to be reduced to a single lane from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. between Orange Grove and Ina roads for paving.

This work is in addition to a previously announced lane closure on westbound I-10 scheduled between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 20.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Marana Police Facility Dedication Ceremony

MARANA - The Marana Police Facility has been operational for a few weeks, but on Wednesday, November 14 the Marana Police Department held a formal dedication ceremony in celebration of its completion.

“This building is a tribute to this community’s unwavering support and to the support and teamwork of all the Town’s departments,” said Marana Deputy Chief Ruben Nunez, who served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. 

Ground was broken on the $23 million project in June of 2017, but it has been in the works since 2011. Police Chief Terry Rozema said that he saw the need for a new facility prior to accepting the job, and he got the ball rolling for the project shortly after becoming police chief.

Now that the project is complete, the police station is even better than Rozema envisioned.

“I had an idea of what this facility would be like,” said Rozema. “I had this vision of what it was going to be like and how it would work…nothing could have prepared me how amazing this facility is when you actually walk through it.” 

The bulk of the facility was paid for with a temporary half-cent sales tax that will be repealed on January 1, 2019. The tax had the support of the public and the business community.

Marana Mayor Ed Honea spoke on the public outreach process prior to initiating the sales tax. “We went to the Chamber of Commerce, we went to HOA’s, we went to [the businesses]. The Chief lobbied every single person in this town. I think he spoke to all 45,000 people! We said ‘what do you think of the idea of a half-cent sales tax, so that when we build this new police facility we are not going to have a debt for 30 years?’ Everybody seemed to agree with it.”

Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta explained that the Town had a number of options as to where the facility would be build, but in the end placing it in North Marana made the most sense from a growth standpoint, as well as the facility being a perfect complement to the Marana Municipal Complex campus.

Also speaking at the dedication were Project Manager Rick Carr from Abacus, architect Michael Rosso of Architekton, and Todd Steffen, the president of CORE Construction.

Chief Rozema said some people have suggested that the building serves as his legacy, but he disagreed with that.

“I really hope that is not my legacy,” Rozema said. “I did not become a cop to build buildings. I didn’t even become a police chief and come to Marana to build buildings…Our legacy, I hope, is one where we have instilled and implemented a philosophy, an ideology and a culture of policing that transcends time. That we go out and provide a level of service to this community that is un-paralleled. To the extent that this building assists us in doing that, then that is part of the legacy.”

Marana Deputy Chief Ruben Nunez served as the Master of Ceremonies.

The Marana Police Color Guard presents the flags.

Marana Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta.

Marana Mayor Ed Honea.

“Not one phone call, not one e-mail, not one letter, not one complaint in the newspaper, because people of the Town of Marana love our Police Department,” noted Marana Mayor Ed Honea.

Project Manager Rick Carr from Abacus.

Architect Michael Rosso of Architekton.

Architect Michael Rosso of Architekton.

Todd Steffen, President CORE Construction.

Todd Steffen, President CORE Construction.

Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema.

Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema.

“It has been a long journey,” said Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema.

“They do such an amazing job giving unparalleled service to our community,” Rozema said of Marana Police Officers.

Cutting the ribbon at the Marana Police Facility Dedication.

Cutting the ribbon at the Marana Police Facility Dedication.

Plan ahead for the 2019 Special Events season

You can now plan ahead for the 2019 special event season! Whether you want to sponsor an event, have a vendor booth at some of the largest gatherings in town, perform in front of an audience of thousands, or just have a good evening with friends and family, we have something for you.

Every year over 40,000 people attend the Town of Marana special events series. It’s easy to see why. Family-friendly venues, local community showcases, free entertainment, and unique attractions make for priceless memories, and those experiences are some of the many reasons why the Marana community has become a destination for new residents, businesses, and visitors.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD the 2019 Marana Events Engagement Opportunities book to learn more.

Vendor and performer calls will be announced leading up to each event. Please follow the Town of Marana on Facebook or Twitter or subscribe to the Marana Newsroom to receive notifications.

Physical copies of the books will be distributed from the Town of Marana booth at the Dec 1 Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting.

PREVIEW

Interstate 10 lane closures near Ina Road set for Nov. 15 and 20

Motorists on Interstate 10 near Ina Road should expect overnight lane closures for road maintenance and bridge work the nights of Thursday, Nov. 15, and Tuesday, Nov. 20.

Work is scheduled in the following locations between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. each night:

• The right lane of both eastbound and westbound I-10 on Thursday, Nov. 15 

• The right two lanes of westbound I-10 on Tuesday, Nov. 20 

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Marana begins grease recycling and collection on Nov. 19

Marana begins grease recycling and collection on Nov. 19

The Town of Marana is doing their part to protect the local sewer systems by once again hosting a Holiday Season grease collection and recycling event. 

Just a little bit of cooking grease, if poured down the drain, can clog pipes, cause sewage to back up, and lead to costly repair bills.

The Town will collect grease beginning on Monday, November 19 at the Marana Water Operations Yard at 12775 N. Sanders Road. The collection will conclude on Friday, January 4.

The collected grease will be recycled into biodiesel.

Town staff participate in Southern Arizona Construction Career Days

The Town of Marana was well represented at the Southern Arizona Construction Career Days earlier this week. Marana Water staff, engineers and Traffic Technicians from Public Works were on site on Wednesday, November 7 and Thursday, November 8 at the Pima County Rodeo Grounds.

Southern Arizona Construction Career Days is an annual event to introduce students to careers in and related to the construction industry. Area high school and middle school students attended. 

The event began six years ago, and has grown. This year 1,880 students from at least 65 schools attended The students came from as far away as f Rio Ricco, Bisbee, Safford and Globe, as well as the Tucson area.

Vendors, including the team from Marana, were able to share their stories about their experiences in the construction industry, as well as introduce students to new careers in construction that they previously were not exposed to.

According to Public Works Deputy Director Fausto Burruel, there are a number of careers in the construction industry that are struggling to find qualified applicants and exposure to these careers are a great way to spark enthusiasm in young people who will be joining the workforce in a few years.

Vendors not only spoke to students and answered their questions, but many had hands on activities that brought the information they were presenting to life.

Traffic Signal on Arizona Pavilions to blink through Tuesday morning

The Town of Marana and PACE Electrical are happy to announce that the new traffic signal installed just south of Cortaro Road on Arizona Pavilions will be going to flash mode after the morning rush hour this Thursday, November 8, 2018. 

The traffic signal will flash throughout the weekend and Veteran’s Day Holiday and go fully functional after the Tuesday morning rush hour, November 13, 2018.  Occasional traffic signal testing will be performed prior to going to full red flash on Thursday.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

 Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

 If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

  Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

News Release: Town of Marana joins City of Tucson in lawsuit to protect ratepayers

MARANA – Town of Marana has joined City of Tucson in a lawsuit filed today in Pima County Superior Court as part of their ongoing effort to protect the public from any potential adverse health effects that could be caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) that are present in portions of the groundwater supply. The lawsuit names as defendants five (5) companies, including 3M, that manufactured, marketed and sold aqueous film-forming foam (“AFFF”), a firefighting product that contained certain PFAs, including PFOS and PFOA. The lawsuit alleges that PFAs from the Defendants’ AFFF caused contamination of public water supply wells.

Through the lawsuit, Town of Marana and City of Tucson seek to recover all costs associated with the PFC contamination, including the costs for treating and removing PFA contamination from public drinking water supply wells, and to ensure those costs are borne by the responsible parties, not ratepayers.Town of Marana is currently pursuing the design and construction of treatment facilities for two of its affected water systems. This lawsuit will seek reimbursement for the costs of Marana’s efforts to date and for future costs associated with removing these products from Marana’s water supplies.

For additional information about the lawsuit, please contact Louise Caro, Partner, Napoli Shkolnik PLLC at (212) 397-1000.

As construction winds down, remember to Shop Ina

Between the Ina Road Interchange Project and the Ina Road Beautification Project, things have been very busy on Ina Road between I-10 and Thornydale. There is light at the end of the tunnel and things are going to get better in a hurry, but area businesses are still feeling the pinch and could use the public’s support.

One major component of the Ina Beautification Project was the milling and resurfacing of a long stretch Ina Road. While the improved roadway will benefit all of those who live, work, and shop in the area, it also causes a number of delays and difficulties for drivers. There was no convenient time to do the project, but the decision was made to do that portion of the project during the larger Project Ina work and before the holiday shopping season began. Knowing that traffic delays were an unavoidable portion of the project, it seemed best to piggy back with the existing interchange project, rather than wait until after the project was completed and extend construction in the area even longer.

The good news is that the resurfacing portion of the project was completed on Monday, November 4, which will make travelling in the area easier. The previous week was the worst of the project and from now until spring 2019 when the projects are completed, things will get incrementally better.

Although travelling in the area can still be difficult at times, local businesses have remained open and need customer support now more than ever. While many have made it through the construction with only small losses in revenue, others have been hit hard during the project and need a strong holiday season to make it until the project is completed and access to the freeway is restored. 

The Project Ina area includes a wide variety of businesses, from craft breweries to mechanics, a bowling alley to restaurants. There are all kinds of shops and stores, and with the final repaving of Ina, access is improved.

We invite you to Shop Ina and support these locally owned businesses. Go get an oil change or a beer. Go buy some cookies or take the family out to dinner. Buy a dozen donuts or a dozen tacos. Heck, make it two dozen.

We understand travel in the area can still be difficult, but it is getting better. Let’s help our fellow Marana business owners this holiday season and Shop Marana.

A full list of area businesses, as well as project updates and details, download the Project Ina App.

Things to do in Marana in November and beyond

November and early December is a busy time in the Town of Marana. Over the next month, the Town will host one of their biggest signature events, their annual Thanksgiving road race, a Marana specific leg of the El Tour de Tucson, and another edition of the Marana Game Day Cornhole Tournament.

On The Horizon

Dec 8 - Dispose-A-Med
Dec 15 - Electronic Recycling Event
Jan 1 - Egg Nog Jog

UPDATED Traffic Alert: Ina Road resurfacing extended

The Town of Marana’s Milling and Paving operations has been extended on Ina Road thru Monday  November 5, 2018. Construction will begin at 6:00A.M. and end at 5:00 P.M. Expect lane closures, heavy delays, and increased truck traffic. The Town will mill 3 inches of the existing asphalt and then repave the section of Ina road, between Ulene Place and the Canada del Oro wash

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Traffic Alert: W. Starry Night Lane

Construction on W. Starry Night Lane will begin Monday, November 5th, 2018 and continue for approximately one week.  Workers will be removing the existing pavement on Starry Night west of Sunflower in its entirety.  In addition, cement stabilization of the subgrade and regrading will occur prior to placing new asphalt.  Existing utilities will be adjusted to final grade once paving is completed.  Crews will typically be active Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

During the project, all traffic on Starry Night will be prohibited.  Parking is available on N. Sunflower Park Dr. and/or on Starry Night east of Sunflower.  Access for emergency vehicles and personnel shall always be available.   On trash day, please place your containers at the curb as you would normally do so.  Tucson Asphalt field personnel shall identify and move containers for pickup and return to your location once empty.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with all traffic control devices, and flagging personnel.  If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

New Finance Director Yiannis Kalaitzidis begins at Town of Marana

After an extensive and competitive recruiting process, Finance Director Yiannis Kalaitzidis began his service at the Town of Marana on Monday, October 29.

“We are very fortunate to bring Yiannis to our Marana team,” said Deputy Town Manager Erik Montague. “His years of technical accounting experience and well-rounded knowledge of municipal best practices in the areas of finance will provide immediate and long-term benefits to the Town.”

Kalaitzidis replaces Montague, who previously served as Finance Director before accepting the position of Deputy Town manager.

“Moving to Marana is homecoming for me,” said Kalaitzidis. “I am excited to join a team of exceptional leaders that have helped the Town of Marana build a solid reputation as one of the best run municipalities in the State of Arizona.”

Kalaitzidis has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, with degrees in Finance and Accounting and has worked in a variety of government roles over the last 18 years. He began his career with the Auditor General, State or Arizona before becoming the Deputy Finance Director and eventually the Finance Director for Pinal County.  After a short time in California as the Accounting Manager for the City of Santa Monica, he spent the last four years as the Accounting Supervisor for the City of Peoria.

Kalaitzidis is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association Committee on Treasury and Investment Management, and a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Arizona.

MPD wins inaugural Heroes Hoopfest

The Marana Police Department (MPD) defeated Northwest Fire Department (NWFD) 56-47 to win the first annual Heroes Hoopfest, and claim the Hoopfest Cup. The game was played on Monday, October 29 at the Solar/Shade Super Structure over the basketball courts at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park.

The game was part of the celebration of the new covered basketball courts, but also in conjunction with Friday night's National Night Out event put on by MPD.

MPD used a late run to earn the win. MPD held a slim 35-34 lead with 16:00 left in the game but proceeded to score 19 of the next 26 points and led 54-41 with just over a minute to play. NWFD finished strong, ending the game on a 6-2 mini-run. 

Although the two organizations frequently square off on the hardwood, this organized game between the two will become an annual event. The trophy awarded by Marana Parks and Recreation has room to engrave the winner’s name.

“We’d like to make this game an annual event,” said Marana Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy.

The trophy was awarded to Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema by Marana Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta. Rozema served as player and coach for the squad that was also guided by Officer Ira Sewell, who was in full uniform on the sideline.

The solar structure is the second installation at a Town park, and joins the existing 6,097 sq. ft. solar structure located in Ora Mae Harn District Park. This project not only provides electrical credits and environmentally friendly energy, it also serves as an outstanding amenity for the park. This structure will provide shade for park patrons watching swim meets in the pool or their children playing on the large playground.

The two structures, as well as future structures erected at the Marana Municipal Complex, are part of a power-purchase agreement with Solon. The company pays for the installation costs of the solar arrays, while the Town pays a discounted rate for the energy it uses. Estimates by the Town of Marana Public Works Department believe the installations will save the Town roughly $3 million over a 30-year period.

“When there is shade and savings, that is a win-win for everyone,” said Solon’s Luke Alms.

The event was also sponsored by Truly Nolan, who provided free hot dogs for spectators and participants.

GALLERY: 2018 Marana Farm Festival

Photos by JD Fitzgerald

Learn more about this event here, and follow MaranaEvents.com for new 2019 event dates!

After one year, Animal Services a success

The Marana Animal Services Division rounded out its inaugural year of operation on July 1, 2018. The program was implemented to provide top tier customer service to Marana residents, while trying to curtail skyrocketing costs. The data is in, and the first year of the program has been a success.

Town of Marana Community & Neighborhood Services Director Lisa Shafer, who oversees the Animal Services Division, gave an update to the Marana Town Council at their October 16 meeting. 

“We had a very successful first year,” Shafer said.

The primary goal in creating the Animal Services Division was to provide a better level of service to the Marana Community. By having Animal Control Officers dedicated to the Town, response times are quicker based on their more intimate knowledge of the area. One immediate advantage to the Animal Services Division is their success rate in reuniting families with their pets. In the first year of the service, Town staff picked up 263 stray dogs and cats, and 133 were taken directly back to their owners. Another 38 strays were returned to their owners by the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, who the Town has contracted with for kenneling services.

The return rate for all Marana strays was 49.6 percent, with Marana Animal Control officers able to return more than half of the strays they encountered. The numbers are already showing an increase in performance this year, with over 72 percent of strays returned over the past three months. 

“We are having a fabulous first three months,” said Shafer.

According to Shafer, the fast response by the Town’s Animal Control Officers has also reduced the burden on the Marana police officers. She explained that many residents had to rely on Marana Police Department for calls due to the long response times from the previous animal control services.   

“[residents] were giving up and just calling 911,” Shafer said. “Our PD in years past were taking a lot of barking dog complaints, as well as vicious dogs.”

The Town of Marana Animal Services Division has also proven to be cost effective for the Town. The first year of the new division saw expenditures reduced by $9,635 or four percent from Fiscal Year 2017, while revenues were up by $12,069 (14 percent) from dog licensing and donations.  

The Town issued over 4,400 Marana Dog Licenses in that first year.