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 Community Newsletter Summer 2024
Happy Summer Neighbors!
I hope you are all enjoying your summer and staying cool! This month's update includes important information on how to report the use of illegal fireworks, a community survey to enhance the Trap Neuter Return (TNR) program, election details, and more!
Additionally, monsoon season is here! Are you prepared? All Mesa residents are encouraged to have an evacuation plan for the most severe instances and have a disaster kit with water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, batteries, medications and first aid supplies. Pet owners should also have a disaster kit for their four-legged friends. We also encourage you to stay updated on current weather forecasts. View sandbag and storm preparation information and a complete list of contact numbers.
If you ever have any questions, want to share about issues that are important to you, or if I can be of assistance, please reach out to me at district4@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-3004. My door is always open.
-Councilmember Jenn Duff
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Mesa Police Department Creates New Way of Reporting Fireworks
The Mesa Police Department has formed a new way for residents to report illegal fireworks, and they can do so anonymously.
Beginning today, July 1, 2024- July 6, 2024, whenever someone sees illegal firework activity, they can report it through the City of Mesa website (mesaaz.gov) under the “Residents” tab, “Police,” and then “Report Fireworks.” Here, they can submit a request or create an anonymous request before they submit the complaint. This will create an email that is sent to a specific mailbox that is monitored at all hours of the day and night.
The fireworks mailbox is monitored by Special Operations lieutenants, sergeants, and the Real Time Crime Center to ensure no complaints are missed. Once a complaint is verified by either patrol officers in the community or by the Real Time Crime Center over video monitoring, officers will be dispatched to the area to investigate.
To further combat illegal firework activity, a dedicated group of Mesa police officers have been assigned to firework specific calls for service on the 4th of July. In addition, both Mesa Police and Fire Departments will continue to inspect pop up tents that sell fireworks as part of their commitment to the enforcement of firework laws.
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City of Mesa's Trap Neuter Return Program
We need your help! We're excited to announce that we're enhancing our Trap Neuter Return (TNR) program to help maintain healthy community cat colonies in Mesa. Your input and participation are crucial to the success of this initiative.
What is TNR? Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a humane and effective method to help control community cat populations and reduce nuisance behaviors including fighting, spraying, destructive behavior, and predation. With TNR, cats are humanely trapped, spayed/neutered, ear-clipped, and returned to their environment.
Would you like to be a part of the program? Please take a few moments to complete our survey and share your thoughts. Together, we can create a better environment for our community and its feline residents.
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The Mesa City Council has called a General Election for November 5, 2024. Residents who are registered voters by October 7, 2024, are eligible to vote in the November 5, 2024 election. Early voting by mail begins on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. At the General Election, the qualified electors of the City shall vote on the following measures:
Question 1 – Permanent Base Adjustment Question 2 – General Obligation Bond – Enhance Community Safety Question 3 – General Obligation Bond – Enhance Recreational Facilities and Expand Educational and Cultural Experiences Question 4 – 2050 General Plan
For more information, please contact the Mesa City Clerk's Office (480) 644-4868 or visit the site.
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We know that the climate actions we take today impact future generations. That’s why Mesa is giving today’s youth an opportunity to make a difference. The Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund (MYCAF) empowers young people ages 15-24 years old by funding student-led projects related to our #MesaClimateActionPlan, including heat mitigation, water stewardship, clean air and increasing Mesa’s shade tree canopy.
Youth can apply until July 31!
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We celebrated the completion of the Mesa Police Property Building, located next to our Mesa Police Headquarters. This state-of-the-art facility will provide the Mesa Police Department with the resources to effectively serve and protect our community. This new facility stands as a point of pride in our commitment to building a safer, stronger Mesa. |
I am excited to welcome Against the Grain, a 100% gluten free bakery, cafe, and grocery, to the heart of #DowntownMesa! Located at 124 W. Main St., this family-owned business is devoted to bringing the best and most affordable options to our community. Check out their menu and visit today! |
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Exciting news! Pedal Haus Brewery has announced that it will open this fall in #DowntownMesa, at 201 E. Main St., in the former iconic Pit Stop autobody shop space. The new concept - the "biergarten" - will provide outdoor gathering space for the community to enjoy great drinks, food, lawn games and live music. |
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Natural Gas Meter Safety Tips - Ensure the safety of your family by following these simple guidelines when it comes to your natural gas meter:
- Keep the area in front of and around your meter clear at all times. This will allow our employees to access the meter whenever necessary.
- Avoid stacking anything on your gas meter.
- Protect your meter against vehicular damage.
Avoid planting trees, shrubs, or bushes within three feet of your meter. As plants grow, their roots can damage piping or the gas meter.
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A heartfelt thank you to our incredible City of Mesa Advisory Boards and Committee members! By providing valuable insights and recommendations, you help shape policies and initiatives that align with the City of Mesa's vision for a thriving community.
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It was an honor to join my colleagues as Vice Mayor Francisco Heredia presented the Juneteenth proclamation to the Mesa-East Valley MLK Committee.
Community members, elected officials, and stakeholders came together to celebrate not just freedom but resilience, strength, and the unyielding spirit of people who have faced unimaginable hardships and have risen to shape our nation in profound ways.
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I had the honor of welcoming several local business owners at the Mesa Business Builder (MBB) Small Business Networking Event. The MBB provides a wealth of small business support services and programs, hosting a variety of special engagements that help build a brighter business future. The event featured New York Times bestselling author Timothy Koegel, who gave a fascinating presentation on critical speaking and presentation skills. |
Molina Healthcare of Arizona and Social Spin Laundromat hosted an open house event at 1255 E. Southern Ave. #1 to showcase their collaboration creating a hub for services not typically found at a laundromat. In addition to offering no-cost laundry services every Wednesday, Molina provides no-cost health checks, haircuts, and food distribution.
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I had the honor of participating in a panel discussion with Nicole Rodriquez and Ray Delahanty, also known as CityNerd. Hosted by Urban Phoenix Project and StrongTowns Phoenix, this discussion focused on safe streets and urbanism in our communities. As an advocate for safer streets in Mesa, I emphasized the importance of community involvement and effective urban planning to enhance safety and livability. |
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July 4 - AZ Celebration of Freedom 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Join us at the Mesa Convention Center for an evening filled with fun activities. Don’t forget to grab your 3D glasses provided by AT&T to watch the spectacular fireworks—while supplies last. See you there!
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July 6 - Book Launch - Beaker & Gonk! 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Author Debi Novotny will launch her new book at AZMNH! You can get your copy of BEAKER & GONK signed by the author. Copies will be available in the museum store. This event will be great fun, with crafts, prizes and a reading code for summer readers. Free with admission! |
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July 9 - FASFA Assistance & Mesa College Promise Application Assistance 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Get free, individualized assistance on completing your FAFSA at the Workforce Center @ Mesa. Interested in getting fully funded for two years at MCC? At this workshop you can also complete your FAFSA and the Mesa College Promise application!
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July 13 - Winter in July 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Fun 'N' Fitness will be hosting its 2nd Annual Winter in July event at Pioneer Park! This event will take place on Saturday, July 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We are bringing back a massive snowball fight along with music, games, and crafts.
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July 30 - Primary Election 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Are you ready for Election Day on Tuesday, July 30? Mesa’s Primary Election ballot will include candidates for Mayor and Councilmembers in Districts 1, 2, and 3, whose terms will expire in January 2029. |
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August 10 - Goodbye Summer Swim Party 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Say goodbye to summer and come swim at Shepherd Aquatic Complex for the last opportunity of the season. Regular admission rates apply, summer swim passes will be accepted. |
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August 17 - Dive-In Movie: TMNT Mayhem 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Come lounge in the pool at Carson Aquatic Complex while enjoying Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mayhem on the inflatable screen! Pre-registration is recommended for our Dive-In Movie. The cost is $5 per person and there is a $5 optional tube rental available (first come, first serve). |
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Downtown Mesa Farmers Market Every Sunday - 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Located at The Post in Downtown Mesa, you'll find local produce, baked goods, dog treats, holistic products, fresh food, arts & crafts, plants, coffee, and more! Every Sunday at The Post for the summer. |
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 July Council Meetings Monday, July 1 - 5:45 p.m. Monday, July 8 - 5:45 p.m.
July Study Sessions Monday, July 1 - 5:15 p.m. Monday, July 8 - 5:155 p.m.
*Council break will begin Tuesday, July 9 and resume on Thursday, August 19.
August Council Meetings Monday, August 19 - 5:45 p.m. Monday, August 26 - 5:45 p.m.
August Study Sessions Thursday, August 15 - 7:30 a.m. Monday, August 19 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, August 22 - 7:30 a.m. Monday, August 26 - 5:15 p.m. Thursday, August 29 - 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. Learn more about the process for public participation in meetings.
Mesa broadcasts its council and study session meetings live on Mesa Channel 11's YouTube page and Facebook.
Council agendas.
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