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 Community Newsletter September/October 2022
Greetings Neighbors!
I hope this email finds you doing great! Days have been full as we kick off fall in Arizona. While our recent rains have been much needed, don't forget about all of the many monsoon resources the City has available should you need assistance. There are many free upcoming events to attend or get involved in, so be sure to check out the Community Events section of this email or subscribe to the City of Mesa Calendar of Events. The City of Mesa is also seeking public comments on a community initiative for two honorary street designations: Calle César Chavez and Martin Luther King Jr. Street. Share your feedback online at www.mesaaz.gov/togethermesa.
My intention is that these regular emails help keep you updated on what's going on in Mesa and the conversations being had at Council that effect residents in District 4 and around the city. If you have any questions, want to share about issues that are important to you, or if I can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at district4@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-3004.
-Vice Mayor Jenn Duff
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We are proud to proclaim September 15-October 15, 2022 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Mesa. The Hispanic community contributes to the economic growth and cultural vibrancy of our city, and we invite everyone to join us in celebrating Hispanic heritage not just this month but all year long. Pictured: Mesa Hispanic Network Executive Team, Mesa en Español team and Mesa City Council.
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On September 15, 2022, City Council had an in-depth discussion on proposed adjustments to utility rates. It may come as no surprise that shortages have created increased pressure on our utilities. With that, Council continues to engage in meaningful dialogue on how those pressures impact our community. The discussion included consideration of recommended electric, natural gas, solid waste, wastewater, and water utility rates, components, fees and/or charges.
At the September 19, 2022 Council meeting, Council passed a Notice of Intention which provides a 60 day notice of intent to adjust utility rates and establishes a public hearing date of December 1, 2022 at 5:45pm at the Mesa City Council Chambers. There is ample time for public feedback and input on proposed rate increases, and I look forward to engaging with residents further on this important issue. You can reach out to me directly at 480-644-4003 or district4@mesaaz.gov.
For more information on proposed rate recommendations, key dates, presentations and reports visit, https://www.mesaaz.gov/government/office-of-management-budget/utility-rates.
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I'm excited to share that the Extension Bike Lane Project is moving forward! The City of Mesa sought input from citizens regarding a potential active transportation project on Extension Road from Baseline Road to Main Street for separated bike lanes. Residents provided largely positive feedback through a public survey that was available April 25, 2022 - May 9, 2022 and installation is expected to begin in the spring of 2023.
To learn more and view the survey results visit, www.mesaaz.gov/bikeped.
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This residential utility assistance program offers a 30% discount on the Water Service Rate, one of the water rate components on a customer’s bill. For example, on a 3/4" water service (most common size for residences), the discount reduces the fixed, monthly charge from $29.23 per month to $20.46 per month. This is an $8.77 savings per month! This program does not change any other water rate component.
This program is for permanent, full-time residents at the service address who are 60 years of age or older. Review other qualification criteria before applying.
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I had the privilege of speaking with the residents of Fellowship Square Historic Mesa recently. We had such a great conversation about water resources, downtown development, the Real Time Crime Center, and Mesa's Climate Action Plan. |
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We welcomed the second cohort of the Mesa College Promise scholars at Mesa Community College. This program is a public-private partnership between the City of Mesa and and community and business partners to provide a path to college for eligible students in Mesa, including two years of tuition. To learn more about Promise click here. |
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I joined with Mesa North Stake members to complete several service projects benefitting a A New Leaf for 9/11 National Day of Service. It was a beautiful morning of remembrance and giving as we honored those who sacrificed their lives on September 11, 2001. |
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Mesa Arts Center Season Kickoff Festival included live music, interactive displays, MABEL, ASU student films, art installations and revealed their five new fall exhibitions. Stop by the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum to see these great exhibits! |
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City of Mesa offering senior utility program (AZ Family) The city’s Limited Income Senior Rate Program is a residential utility assistance program that offers a 30% discount on the water service rate- one of the key water rates on a consumer’s bill....
Mesa urges water conservation efforts by limiting overseeding lawns (KJZZ) Fall is overseeding season in Arizona — when residents transform their lawns to a greener, winter turf. But with the Southwest battling a historic drought and water cuts, the City of Mesa is encouraging residents to limit or forgo their overseeding efforts this year.
Mesa names new planning director (Phoenix Business Journal) The new hire from Riverside, California succeeds Nana Appiah, who was announced last December as Mesa's new director development services.
City of Mesa offers lifetime health benefits to eligible city employees (AZ Family) As the cost of living rises around the country and especially throughout the Valley, many municipalities are finding it difficult to recruit and retain talented and hard-working employees. One Valley city is now aiming to bring back an old recruiting technique -- lifetime benefits -- to help it compete in this hot jobs market....
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September 27 - Planning Department Public Meeting 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Proposed zoning ordinance text amendments regarding drive-thru's, temporary uses and outdoor eating will be discussed at this in person meeting.
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September 28 - Resident's Guide to Taking Care of Your Neighborhood 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Learn about free City services that can benefit you and your neighborhood, practice how to report issues like graffiti or potholes and how to find the contact information for key city staff in your area
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September 28 - 80's Party at the Plaza 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Get your disco on with us as we celebrate the opening of The Plaza at Mesa City Center with a night of music, skating, food trucks and roller derby demos.
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October 6 - Drive-Thru Voter Registration 8:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Register to vote, update your voter record, check your voter status, request a Vote-by-Mail ballot, find Election information, and get your questions answered. Mesa Community College Southern Dobson Campus Southwest parking lot. (Please enter from Dobson Road onto Solar Way.)
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October 8 - Celebrate Mesa 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. This free family festival located at Red Mountain Soccer Complex, 905 N Sunvalley Blvd, will have live entertainment, vendors, inflatables, food trucks, carnival rides, and much more!
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 September/October Council Meetings Monday, September 19 - 5:45 p.m. Monday, October 3 - 5:45 p.m. Monday, October 17 - 5:45 p.m.
September/October Study Sessions Monday, September 19 - 4:30 p.m. Thursday, September 22 - 7:30 a.m. Monday, October 3 - 4:30 p.m. Thursday, October 6 - 7:30 a.m.. Thursday, October 13 - 7:30 a.m. Monday, October 17 - 4:30 p.m. Thursday, October 20 - 7:30 a.m. Thursday, October 27 - 7:30 a.m.
*- Meetings subject to start time changes
The Mesa City Council holds two Council meetings a month, in addition to weekly study sessions. The process for public participation in meetings can be found here.
Mesa broadcasts its council and study session meetings live on Mesa Channel 11's YouTube page and Facebook.
Council agendas are available Here.
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