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* * * This message has been distributed by the City Manager's Office. All content contained in this message is an expression of the elected official. * * *
From: Ward 4 Contact: 791-3199 or ward4@tucsonaz.gov
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June 15, 2021
Happy Pride & Juneteenth!
This month we celebrate the milestones of the LGBTQ+ community and recognize the activists who paved the way for the codified civil rights and protections we have today. As we know, there is still work to do. There are ongoing attempts to roll back critical protections for the LGBTQ+ community. Homophobia and transphobia continue to rear their ugly heads. It's on all of us to ensure hate has no home in Tucson.
We have something else to recognize this week - Juneteenth. Juneteenth commemorates the day - June 19, 1865 - that Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to let enslaved African-Americans know they were free. It's important to note this was two and a half years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth, also known as "Juneteenth Independence Day," "Freedom Day," and "Emancipation Day," has been recognized by the American black community for over a century. While many celebrate Juneteenth with get-togethers in their community, it is a complex occasion. Systemic racism reaches throughout our neighborhoods and institutions to this day. The fact that it took two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation to free the slaves in Galveston is a reminder that our work is ongoing and without and end date. To acknowledge this historic day, we must acknowledge the work we still have to do.
Here's to a month of learning, listening, and showing up for our friends and neighbors. Below are some resources to help you make the most of Pride and Juneteenth this year.
Resources:
Stay cool and enjoy the rest of your week.
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Important Dates:
- Tuesday, June 22: City Council Meeting. Click here and go to "Mayor & Council Meeting Live" to watch! (To watch past meetings, visit the City of Tucson YouTube page. This is also where future meetings will be live streamed).
- Thursday, June 24 at 5:30 PM: Ward 4 Virtual Town Hall with Houghton South Neighborhood Association (Civano / Sierra Morado / Saguaro Trails). Register here and RSVP on Facebook here.
- Saturday, June 19: Happy Juneteenth.
- Sunday, July 4: Happy Independence Day.
- Wednesday, July 7: City Council Meeting. Click here and go to "Mayor & Council Meeting Live" to watch! (To watch past meetings, visit the City of Tucson YouTube page. This is also where future meetings will be live streamed).
- Saturday: July 24: The Annual Ward 4 Back to School Bash - drive-thru edition! We are excited to bring back our Back to School Bash for its 20th year. This year, the event will be in drive-thru format. It will take place from 8-10 AM at 8123 E Poinciana Drive. More details coming soon!
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June 8, 2021 Mayor & Council Session Recap
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Public Transit Remains Free Through End of the Year: At the June 8 Mayor & Council Meeting, we affirmed that public transportation will remain free through the end of 2021. During the pandemic, Mayor & Council decided to make public transit free to support essential workers. We are glad we are able to keep this public resource cost-free in the coming months as people re-enter workplaces and local businesses and government offices open up.
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Water Differential Rate Public Hearing: At last week's M&C meeting, we held a public hearing about the proposed implementation of a differential rate structure for Tucson Water customers located in unincorporated Pima County. Thank you to everyone who called in and made their voice heard. We passed a motion to keep the public hearing open through the June 22 Mayor & Council meeting. In the meantime, Mayor & Council will review additional analysis about the proposed change and converse with Pima County leaders about the proposal. If you would like to submit a public comment, here are the directions:
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Members of the public may submit written comments on any items scheduled. To do so, send an email to cityclerk@tucsonaz.gov. The email should include the individual’s name, the agenda item for comment and be limited to no more than 500 words.
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Individuals wishing to speak during call to the audience and/or the public hearing (subject to technological availability) will join the meeting via teleconference. You must submit a written request to cityclerk@tucsonaz.gov. The email should include your name, and the phone # you will use for the teleconference. The phone # will be used to identify the individual when/if being called upon to speak. Once your request to speak has been received by the City Clerk, you will be provided instructions on how to connect to the teleconference.
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2022 Recommended Budget Public Hearing: We also held a public hearing regarding the City of Tucson's recommended annual budget for fiscal year 2022. After closing the public hearing, we passed a motion to tentatively adopt the the fiscal year 2022 budget. The law states that Mayor & Council must first tentatively adopt the budget estimates and then hold a special meeting for final budget adoption following at least two consecutive weeks of the budget estimates posted publicly. During our meeting on June 22, 2021, we will hold another public hearing on the tentative budget, and upon conclusion of the hearing, we will convene in a special meeting and finally determine and adopt estimates of proposed expenditures by purpose which shall together constitute the budget for Fiscal Year 2021/22. On July 7, 2021, Mayor & Council will make the necessary tax levies. To view the tentative budget schedules, click here.
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HB 2111 - the "2nd Amendment Firearm Freedom Act": On April 6th, Governor Ducey signed a bill announcing that the State of Arizona would not be recognizing the authority of any federal gun laws. As stated by Council Member Kozachik at last week's meeting, the U.S. Constitution, Article 6, Clause 2, the Supremacy Clause, states that States cannot pre-empt the United States Government on issues of federal control. Attempting to pre-empt federal law is a dangerous path to follow and would have long-lasting consequences. In keeping with the words of the U.S. Constitution, Mayor & Council would like to state the City’s intention to enforce federal gun laws in the City of Tucson. We passed a motion to direct the City Attorney to draft a resolution for adoption that says within the City of Tucson, federal gun laws would apply regardless of what the State says.
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Out and About!
All-Star Game at Tucson High
Since so many football programs were cut short or canceled due to COVID-19, the City of Tucson, The Arizona Bowl, local school districts, and the business community came together on Friday, June 4, to create one last football showcase event for Southern Arizona High School Seniors. And lucky for me - I got to do the coin toss at the start of the game!
All practices along with the culminating game were filmed and made available for players to use for recruitment purposes. Thank you to all the partners and sponsors who worked to make the showcase a success. And a huge congratulations to all the All-Star players!
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Congratulations, TFD Recruit Class 21-1!
Congratulations to the 30 graduates of Tucson Fire Department Recruit Class 21-1! We are lucky to have 13 new recruits local to Tucson and the rest coming from Texas, Illinois, Colorado, and elsewhere. This class brings a variety of skills; past experiences include working as an electrician, a race car driver, a missionary, and a chocolatier. We are proud to have you.
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Pools are Open!
12 City pools have opened for the summer season! Entrance to City pools will remain free throughout the summer. Whether you're bringing the kids to the new Clements splash pad or exploring our beautiful pools around the City, there are many options for beating the heat. For complete information on City pools, locations, and hours, click here.
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Lifeguards Needed!
Tucson Parks and Recreation is still recruiting lifeguards for the summer pool season. A lifeguard must have proficient swimming abilities; knowledge of water hazards, lifesaving techniques, and first aid; and be able to recognize hazardous situations and adopt effective courses of action. Applicants must be at least 15 years old to apply. Apply online by June 20 (link below). For individuals lacking the Lifeguard Certification, call (520) 791-4245 for certification information.
Read the job description and apply / City pools and splash pads
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Recreation Centers to Reopen for Weight Room and Walking Track Use
Tucson Parks and Recreation will reopen recreation centers for limited use by reservation only. Centers will be open just for weight room and walking track use. All memberships will continue to be suspended through the end of the calendar year. If you would like to reactivate an existing membership or have questions about your membership, call or visit an open recreation center. Members of the public can pay the daily fee or use a membership pass. If you have questions about your membership or would like to make changes, call the Recreation Center near you.
Locations opening June 28:
Note: Morris K. Udall Center is currently activated as a vaccination site. The reopening of this facility will be assessed at a later date.
How to make a reservation:
1. Call the recreation center you would like to use and staff can reserve a time slot for you or
2. Register online at EZEEreg.com
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Road Races and Track and Field Events
Tucson Parks and Recreation department is hosting its annual summer track and field and road races throughout June and July. Track and field events are held Tuesdays, through July 20, at Palo Verde High School, 1302 S. Avenida Vega. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m., with events starting at 7 p.m. Road races will take place every Thursday, June 10-July 22, at various locations. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., with events starting at 6 p.m. Ribbons will be given to the top finishers at each track and field meet and each run. For more information, call (520) 791-4870.
Summer Track and field and road races / Tucson Parks and Recreation
Ward 4 Update
If you follow me on social media, you may already know that TMC Rincon officially broke ground on their brand new Eastside Ambulatory Center last month! The new Ambulatory Surgery Center, located at Houghton and Drexel, will allow us to access critical medical and surgical services, both pediatric and adult, without driving across town. I had the opportunity to give remarks at the May groundbreaking to highlight the importance of this resource to our Eastside neighborhoods.
Thank you to all the community leaders and stakeholders who helped bring this resource to Ward 4!
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How Can I Stay Updated?
There are multiple ways to stay updated with my office and the City's work:
- Looking for city updates? Follow the Ward 4 City of Tucson page to learn about core services, projects, events and helpful information about all things Tucson.
- Looking for me? Follow my Councilwoman Nikki Lee page to see what I'm up to around town, articles I write, official events I'm hosting, and more!
- Follow my Council Member twitter account, @CouncilwomanLee.
- Follow my Council Member instagram account: @nikkilee_az.
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