A Note from Karin
Hello Tucson,
The materials for our Wednesday meeting are posted here:
Home - OnBase Agenda Online (hylandcloud.com)
I’m hearing initial feedback regarding the package pulled together by former City Manager Mike Ortega and current Manager Tim Thomure (in consultation with city staff, employee unions, community members) for a sales tax question Mayor and Council may refer to voters for March 2025 consideration. I appreciate the input as it will help us to understand the questions and concerns of residents. It’s clear to me that one key element of further consultation and outreach will be providing full context...in other words, how would these investments fill critical gaps in the city budget taking all resources into account. Some of those resources, such as the opioid settlement funds being administered by the County Health Department in partnership with the city, are not easy to track by constituents; the whole picture is needed for voters to fairly evaluate the gaps being targeted in the sales tax package being considered.
The Ward 6 team and I have been working with colleagues and ward residents on several future items coming to the table. Councilmember Fimbres and I have requested a September 25 agenda item to hear from TPD and the City Attorney on potential ordinance updates that could address crime trends in proximity to Hookah Lounges (we will also review data associated with 24/7 smoke shops). Vice Mayor Dahl and I have requested a presentation from the City’s Flood Program administrator in conjunction with the Regional Flood Control District (RFCD). Midtown neighborhoods impacted by the Midway and Christmas washes such as Palo Verde and the Garden District (and neighborhoods to the north in Ward 3) have been highlighted on the RFCD map for years. We’ll hear more about recent studies completed as well as plans for mitigation over the next couple of years.
Public Comment is Encouraged for Review of City Magistrates
The City of Tucson Magistrates Merit Selection Commission is currently reviewing applications for reappointments for the following City Magistrates:
Lisa Surhio & Wendy Million
Public participation is welcome and encouraged from those who have had direct experience with the magistrate’s courtroom. All comments should be submitted in writing by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, to:
City Magistrates Merit Selection Commission
City Clerk's Office
P.O. Box 27210
Tucson, AZ 85726-7210
All comments are confidential and disclosed to Commission members only. Public comments should include the basis for expressed opinions.
New Fire Engines Arriving to Supercharge Our Fleet
The Tucson Fire Department is about to get even stronger with the arrival of four brand-new fire engines, thanks to funding from voter-approved Proposition 101, Tucson Delivers: Safer City.
Our Fire Fleet Management team recently gave these high-tech machines a close inspection to ensure they meet our exacting standards. These new Class 1 pumpers, which will soon join our fleet of 22, are built for speed and reliability and boast impressive features, including 750-gallon water tanks, enhanced air-conditioning systems for crew comfort, and wireless headsets for improved fireground communication.
The new engines will be sent to some of our busiest stations in the city!
City of Tucson Parks and Recreation launches "Leash up. Clean up." Campaign during responsible dog ownership this month.
The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation department is excited to announce the launch of the "Leash Up. Clean Up." campaign, which kicks off in September in celebration of Responsible Dog Ownership Month. This initiative encourages all pet owners to keep their dogs on a leash in public spaces and to always clean up after their pets. The campaign's primary goal is to promote responsible pet ownership by emphasizing the importance of following local and state regulations. Additionally, it aims to highlight the environmental, health, and public safety benefits of adhering to these guidelines.
The campaign has several key goals:
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Encouraging responsible pet ownership by reminding the community to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them.
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Raising awareness about the negative impacts of off-leash dogs and dog waste on the environment, public health, and safety.
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Promoting compliance with laws by increasing awareness of Arizona Revised Statutes and Tucson City codes.
The "Leash Up" portion of the campaign focuses on the dangers associated with off-leash dogs in Tucson's desert landscape, home to wildlife like javelinas, coyotes, and snakes. Off-leash dogs risk attacks or altercations with these animals and other pets, posing dangers to both pets and wildlife. The campaign also emphasizes the need for dog owners to respect the comfort and safety of others, as many people are fearful of dogs. Additionally, some dogs are uncomfortable around other dogs, leading to altercations and tense moments in parks. It is also important to note that sports fields are not appropriate places for animals, especially off-leash dogs.
The "Clean Up" aspect of the campaign highlights the importance of keeping public spaces free from dog waste, which poses a health risk to people and is unsightly. The campaign stresses that cleaning up after pets is a basic courtesy, as dog waste is unpleasant and should not be left for others to step in. Moreover, dog waste can spread diseases and parasites such as salmonella, E. coli, and roundworms, which are harmful to other animals and humans. Contrary to popular belief, dog waste is not a fertilizer; it is highly acidic and can damage grass, contaminate gardens, and affect water sources with harmful bacteria.
Tucson Parks and Recreation invites all community members to participate in the "Leash Up. Clean Up." campaign. By keeping dogs leashed and cleaning up after them, we can protect our environment, safeguard the public, and promote a respectful and welcoming atmosphere for all. A toolkit has been developed to assist in promoting and educating the community about the dog leash and litter laws. The toolkit includes template key messages for use on social media, as well as graphics and artwork for banners and other advertisements. For more information on the "Leash Up. Clean Up." campaign or to access the toolkit, visit our website at tucsonparks.info/LeashUpCleanUp.
Community Events and Resources
Casa Alitas & Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security notified the County on Aug. 28 it had been allocated another $18,706,639 to reimburse costs incurred providing temporary shelter and travel assistance to legally processed asylum seekers released into Santa Cruz, Cochise, and Pima counties by DHS. At the current rate of releases, this additional funding will allow the County to continue the Temporary Sheltering Program well into 2025.
August 29, 2024 - Award of further FEMA SSP Funding for Temporary Sheltering Program (civicplus.com)
With that being said, please continue to bring in donations to our office. We are open 9-1pm, M-F and after 1pm with appointment.
All clothing sizes: small, medium and large. Nothing bigger please.
Women:
Underwear and Bras all sizes (sport bras will work)
Shoes all sizes and any style
Jackets/sweatshirts
Sweatpants
Men:
Shoes all sizes
Jackets/sweatshirts
Sweatpants
Socks for men, women and children. Toiletries and female hygiene products.
Tucson’s Diaper Bank
Tucson’s Diaper Bank asking for donations. Can you help? Over the past 30 years, the Arizona Diaper Bank—the nation's first diaper bank—has had an important effect on our local communities. For the benefit of over 600,000 individuals, including infants, toddlers, elderly people with disabilities, and adults, they have distributed more than 20 million diapers and incontinence briefs. They distribute these goods in collaboration with local partners so that people may access the diapers and other services they need. We will be accepting donations here at the ward 6 office in the month of September. Please drop off your donations M-F, between the hours of 9-1pm. We are located at 3202 E 1st Street.
Free Computer Use
Our Ward 6 office now offers free public computer access, providing a vital resource for those without a reliable computer or internet access at home. These computers can be reserved by emailing ward6@tucsonaz.gov or calling 520-791-4601. Let us know when you would like to use it and we will have it ready for you. Our regular business hours are from 9 am to 1 pm, Monday through Friday. If you need to use it after 1pm, we can accommodate. Let us know if you have additional questions.
Household Hazardous Waste
The City of Tucson's Environmental and General Services Department (EGSD) hosts Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events on the second Saturday of every month.
Ready, Set, Rec Ward 6 Van
What's Happening in Ward 6 this Week!
Parks & Connections Bond Oversight Commission
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
HYBRID FORMAT
Link to Virtual Meeting
or in-person at
Parks and Recreation Administration Building, 900 South Randolph Way, 85716
WMG’s Beavers and Brews
WMG’s Beavers and Brews immersive experience is an important annual fundraising event that will help advance their river restoration efforts! It will take place at WMG’s Living Lab on Tuesday, September 24th located at 1137 N Dodge and will include food, drink, opportunities to engage on river stewardship, and information on the latest beaver survey and planned beaver reintroduction. The Learning Center will be transformed
into a riparian habitat, with the sights and sounds of Mattie Canyon and Ciénega Creek, showcasing photos by Julius Schlosburg of the habitat where beavers will be released next year.
The drinks will be on point, with Maui Brewing beer, Whiskey del Bac’s beaver-themed cocktails, and wine from Sand-Reckoner, as well as Maya Tea and rainwater refreshments. Advance tickets are $25, including two drinks. Register today at www.Watershedmg.org/BeaversandBrews
Ready, Set, Rec! Fall Kickoff
Tucson Parks and Recreation and Ready, Set, Rec! are kicking off the fall season with a superhero-themed event. All six mobile recreation vehicles will be set up with games and activities, a jumping castle, music, a superhero costume contest, raffle prizes, info booths and food trucks. The event is free for all ages. Food will be available for purchase.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 9 a.m.-noon Where: Gene C. Reid Park (southwest at the corner of Country Club Road and 22nd Street)
City of Tucson Resources
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