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Special Issue Spring Recreation Catalog Inside

February 2009

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For the Love of the Game...

Come to the Fan Fest February 21 at the Goodyear Ballpark

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Published by City of Goodyear Communications Office

Contents

Council Calendar – page 2 Council Corner – page 3 February 2009 Small Business Workshops – page 3 Volume 24 Volunteer Profile – page 3 Issue 2 Financial Seminars – page 4 Editor: Artist Reception – page 4 Paula Ilardo From the Mayor – page 5 The Ziz – page 5 Contributing Heart & Sole 5K and 1-Mile Run – page 6 Writer: Tres Rios Nature & Earth Festival – page 6 Nora IMS Arizona Marathon – page 6 Fascenelli Spring Training is Here! – pages 7 - 9 From the City Manager – page 10 Design: Library Services – page 10 Michael Web-Wize Tip – page 11 Leone Bullard Avenue Businesses Open – page 11 All-Mail Ballots – page 12 Water Conservation Classes and Free Audits – page 13 Conserve Water to Lower Your Sewer Bill – page 13 Stormwater System – page 14 Road Closures – page 14 Testing for Census Jobs – page 15 Holiday Schedule – page 15 Cowboy Codey – page 15 Emergency Messaging System – page 15 West Valley Safety Expo – page 16 Free Prescription Discount Cards – page 16 Spring 2009 Recreation Catalog – page 17

Calendar of Events Sunday, February 15, 2009 7 a.m. – Full Marathon, Canyon TrailsTowne Center 8 a.m. – Half Marathon, Estrella Community College

Heart & Sole Run/Walk Saturday, February 21, 2009, 8 a.m.

Goodyear Ballpark 1933 S. Ballpark Way East of Estrella Parkway, south of Yuma Road

Goodyear Ballpark Grand Opening & Fan Fest Saturday, February 21, 2009 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Goodyear Ballpark 1933 S. Ballpark Way

Tres Rios Festival

March 7 – 8, 2009, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Base and Meridian Wildlife Area Adjacent to Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale

Council meetings and work sessions are held at the new Justice Center at Venida Business Park, located at 185 N. 145th Ave. on the south side of Van Buren Street.

Visit goodyearaz.gov for current Goodyear City Council meeting schedules and to watch City Council meetings.

Brenda Holland, Frank Cavalier, Vice Mayor Rob Antoniak, Mayor Jim Cavanaugh, Dick Sousa, Georgia Lord and Joanne Osborne

Goodyear City Council Calendar

Monday, February 23 Work Session – 5 p.m.

Regular Meeting – 6 p.m.

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IMS Arizona Marathon

Goodyear City Council

Monday, February 9 Work Session – 5 p.m.

Regular Meeting – 6 p.m.

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For the citizens of Goodyear

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Monday, March 9 Regular Meeting – 6 p.m.

Monday, April 13 Regular Meeting – 6 p.m.

Monday, March 16 Work Session – 5 p.m.

Monday, April 20 Work Session – 5 p.m.

Monday, March 23 Regular Meeting – 6 p.m.

Monday, April 27 Regular Meeting – 6 p.m.

I thought I’d share with you how the principles found in Stephen Covey’s book, “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” are the same principles that your City leaders use to make Goodyear a great place to live:

1. Be Proactive. In an economic downturn, City leadership budgeted conservatively and identified savings to maintain service levels at a time when other cities are cutting back on services.

2. Begin with the End in Mind. Our shared vision as an All-America City continues to deliver excellent services and good ideas for the public’s benefit: universities, spring training baseball, and award-winning recycling programs.

3. Put First Things First. We prioritize the needs of residents by creating taxpayer value and attracting economic growth such as jobs at Amazon.com, Macy’s and Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

4. Think Win/Win. The young people of Goodyear need a voice, so the Youth Commission was established to gain their input and add a fresh perspective to government.

We all win.

5. Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood.

Goodyear is a city that seeks citizen involvement. From the Planning and Zoning Commission to the Ethics Committee, Goodyear knows the value our residents bring.

6. Synergize. We partner and collaborate for success.

The Education Summit brought together our six school districts and City staff to create a plan for improving outcomes for students; and our Business Workshops will help our local business community stay competitive. See update on Business Workshop speakers on this page.

7. Sharpen the Saw. We balance City business with a family-friendly environment. An interim library is in the works and our recreation programming and family events are first-rate.

Joanne Osborne

Dynamic Valley Speakers Announced for FREE Small Business Workshops Barry Broome, CEO of Greater Phoenix Economic Council, will speak on the economy, trends and opportunities at the first of two workshops – Feb. 17 and Feb. 19 – being offered by the City of Goodyear to help local businesses stay prosperous during these tough economic times. Another highlight of the Feb. 17th workshop will be Part 1 of “Stop, Drop and Grow,” a competitive edge program by David Moss, director of the Small Business Development Center.

Moss will return with Part 2 of “Stop, Drop and Grow” at the second workshop on Feb. 19, so you’ll want to be sure and attend both evenings. There will also be a panel on “how to thrive in a down market.” Panelists include Peter Burns of eFactory, Becky Maldonado from Nakama Sushi, and John Manobianco of State Farm.

Both workshops are scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., room 117 at City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Rd. The City is offering this FREE business success series because our leaders recognize the importance of our local business community and the difficulties small businesses are having in today’s economy. For more information and to reserve a seat, contact Parrish Spisz at 623-882-7781, or parrish.spisz@goodyearaz.gov.

Volunteer Profile JC Yancy volunteers as a driver and trainer for Citizens on Patrol, does data entry and participates in DUI task forces.

His current volunteer work also includes traffic control, minor accident collision, MDC (vehicle computer), and VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service).

A 2008 graduate of the Police Department Citizen’s Academy, he and Eric Johnson were the first Goodyear Volunteers to recover a stolen vehicle for the Goodyear Police Department. Yancy’s goal is to become a Goodyear Police Officer.

He and his wife Christina have a teenage daughter and are expecting another child this summer. JC coaches football at the middle school level and teaches West Coast Swing and Arizona Two-Step to high school students.

Need Help to Survive this Economic Downturn? Try Our

FREE Financial Seminars Learn how to handle today’s toughest economic challenges and become “fiscally fit.”

The City of Goodyear presents free seminars that will help residents better understand how to manage their personal finances. This is the second series of free seminars in the Mayor’s continuing Dollarwise Program, presented in cooperation with the Society for Financial Awareness.

This series offers advice for cash management and financial planning. Recent developments in today’s real estate and credit markets are highlighted. Seminars feature useful information and insights for new home buyers and homeowners interested in learning about refinancing options.

Remaining classes in the series are presented from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in room 117 at City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Rd. For more information call 623-882-7800. Samuel Melvin will be the speaker at each of the three upcoming seminars. Admission is FREE.

Wed., Feb. 11 – Real Money - Real Estate • How to sell a home in today’s market • How to avoid the 10 biggest selling mistakes • Market smart investments every seller should know • How to invest in today’s real estate market • Tips and basic strategies for buying rental properties

Wed., Feb. 18 – First-time Home Buyers • First time buyers money-saving secrets • Eight tips every buyer must know • Six deadly sins to avoid when buying a home • Keys to financing your home • Finding the right loan for you

Wed., Feb. 25 – Refinancing 2009 • Key questions • Finding the right loan for you • Debt consolidation loan • Mortgage myths

Mortgage Trouble?

The official Arizona Foreclosure Help Line at 1-877-448-1211 (toll-free) will refer you to housing counselors who will provide you with information for FREE. These counselors can help you understand the law and your options, help you organize your finances and represent you in negotiations with your lender if you need this assistance.

For more information and resources, you can visit the Arizona Department of Housing website, www.housingaz.com.

Additional information about foreclosure prevention options can be found on the internet at www.fha.gov.

Come to Our Artist Reception Highlighting Colorful Paintings and Depression Glass Display

A reception is scheduled from 4:30 to 6 pm on Thursday, February 26 in City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Rd. to celebrate the latest rotating art exhibitions and to give you the opportunity to meet featured artists, Nancy Christy-Moore, Jim Witkowski of Goodyear and Christine Evola.

Ballpark Opening - A Landmark Day February 2009 marks another of several recent significant milestones for Goodyear. When that first pitch is thrown on February 25th to open our inaugural Spring Training season, our City will take center stage in the world of Cactus League Baseball.

February 25th is the day Goodyear welcomes Major League Baseball into the Southwest Valley. We are thrilled and honored that the Cleveland Indians decided to make our fine City their winter home. They are a team of great baseball heritage led and owned by men and women who carry on that heritage with pride and dignity. I have offered the privilege to throw the first strike in our stadium to the greatest player in Cleveland’s history, Bob Feller. If he agrees, 10,000 fans will be honored by his presence.

In the world of economic development, Spring Training is expected to bring $25 to $30 million in tourism revenues for our state in 2009, according to Cactus League research.

Goodyear will receive a good portion of this revenue – an amount that should double when the Reds arrive next year.

Cactus League officials say that teams from colder climates, like Ohio, generate more spending because visitors tend to stay longer to enjoy the sun, play golf and visit attractions.

It is especially fitting that we dedicate our ballpark on Fan Fest Day, February 21. This ballpark and its neighboring recreational complex belong to you, the people of Goodyear. Because we own, operate and program the entire sports complex, the ballpark and eight of the ten lighted practice fields are available to the City and our residents for recreational use ten months out of the year. Besides holding many of our own special events and sports leagues at this new venue, the versatile facility will help attract concerts, trade shows and big sports tournaments to stimulate our tourism revenues. See it for yourself. Bring the family, come out, and join us on Fan Fest Day. We’ve worked hard to bring Spring Training and its benefits to Goodyear. It was not a road traveled often, it was one with roadblocks and pitfalls. But we prevailed.

On Feb. 25th, our hopes and aspirations come to fruition as we forever change the face of our City.

Meet me at ...

The Ziz

A giant wing-shaped sculpture called The Ziz has been installed in the center of a reflection pool at the entrance to the Goodyear Ballpark and Sports Complex. The Ziz is the new centerpiece landmark for the new ballpark and spring training home of two Ohio baseball teams: the Cleveland Indians this year and the Cincinnati Reds next year.

The 6,000-pound fiberglass sculpture is 60 feet, 6 inches tall – the distance from home plate to the pitcher’s mound. It was created by artist Donald Lipski and made at the Fiberglass Animals, Shapes & Trademarks Corp. in Sparta, Wisconsin. The signature art piece traveled by flatbed truck more than 2,000 miles in nasty Midwest weather, crossed the Rocky Mountains and arrived safely after three days on the road.

Depression glass is being exhibited in a case in City Hall’s lobby thanks to the Three Rivers Historical Society. This clear or colored translucent glassware was distributed free or at low cost in the U.S. around the time of the Great Depression. Major food manufacturers put a piece of glassware in boxes of food as an incentive to purchase.

Movie theaters and businesses also handed out a piece simply for coming in the door.

Although of marginal quality, Depression glass has been highly collectible since the early 1960s. Scarce pieces may sell for several hundred dollars.

These exhibitions are part of the “Art in Civic Spaces” program which enhances Goodyear municipal facilities and gives artists opportunities to show their work in a public venue.

The Cactus League expects record attendance this year, despite the economy, because the Indians and Dodgers represent totally new tourism markets.

Eventually, when the economy turns around, the ballpark will bring in even more revenue by stimulating surrounding mixed-use development.

Photos by Rich Darby

The Ziz, named for a mythological winged creature believed to protect birds, incorporates the themes of baseball and flight, said Lipski. It was inspired by the work of Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi. Lipski’s works have been exhibited at many museums, including the New York Museum of Modern Art.

Fan Fest Day

Tour Your New Ballpark and Celebrate Spring Training!

February 21

Saturday, Feb. 21, 8 a.m.

Goodyear Ballpark – 1933 S. Ballpark Way The fourth annual Heart & Sole 5K Run/Walk and 1-mile fun run/walk is being held for the first time at the new Goodyear Ballpark, east of Estrella Parkway, south of Yuma Road.

This event is great fun for all ages, (strollers are welcome).

There will be live music, interactive vendor booths and food vendors. All participants receive a t-shirt, ribbon, goodies, post race raffle and refreshments. The event is presented by West Valley Hospital and sponsored by The CORE Institute.

Registration is required for all participants and takes place at the event. $25 for 5K, $20 for 1-mile fun run/walk. For more information, or to learn about the Put Your Best Foot Forward lecture series, call 623-882-7525 or visit www.goodyearaz.gov/rec.

Tres Rios Nature & Earth Festival Goodyear is proud to sponsor the free Tres Rios Nature and Earth Festival on March 7 – 8 at the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area near the confluence of the Gila, Salt and Agua Fria rivers. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.

The event celebrates the rivers, wildlife, outdoors, history and heritage of the area and Arizona.

Highlights include fishing clinics, bird watching, wildlife displays, canoe trips, hiking tours, a Children’s Nature and Fun Zone, musical entertainment, and food and crafts for sale.

The event is in Avondale, adjacent to the Phoenix International Raceway, five miles south of I-10 on Avondale Boulevard. For more details, visit www.tresriosnaturefestival.com or call 623-204-2130.

IMS Arizona Marathon Helps Goodyear Resident Joshua Gass The inaugural Integrated Medical Services (IMS) Arizona Marathon and Master Block Half Marathon will be sweeping through the West Valley on Feb. 15. The marathon will consist of a full (Boston Marathon qualifying) marathon, a half marathon, and marathon relay. The full marathon begins at Goodyear’s Canyon Trails Towne Center at 7 a.m. and takes runners, joggers, and walkers through four West Valley cities.

The half marathon begins at Estrella Community College at 8 a.m.

To register, go to www.thearizonamarathon.com.

The event is raising money and awareness for The Arizona Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in coordination with the efforts of blood cancer survivor Joshua Gass of Goodyear.

It’s a big day in Goodyear!

We’re dedicating the new Spring Training Ballpark and the art sculpture on the plaza.

This is your chance to tour the best Spring Training ballpark in the Valley!

The dedication ceremony starts at 9:30 a.m. followed by Fan Fest which lasts until 2 p.m.

Qualify to win prizes just for visiting all parts of the ballpark.

Check out the cushy seats in Club Seating. See what it’s like inside the luxury suites.

Take great pictures of the ballpark from the Terrace.

See what it’s like to party at the Right Field Pavilion.

Individual game tickets for this area include unlimited food and beverage!

Eat, drink and celebrate because all concession stands will be open for the event.

An inflatable speed pitch, home run derby and other baseball-related activities for kids of all ages to try out their skills.

Visit the team shop.

And, best of all, take a look inside the locker rooms and batting cages.

Following Ballpark Rules Will Make Game Days More Fun These items are prohibited: • Cans, glass, beverage containers, squeeze bottles, Directions: The Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, thermos bottles, hard coolers, and large bags. is south of Yuma Road, about two miles south of I-10, • Firearms, weapons, noisemakers, and laser pens. just east of Estrella Parkway (exit 126 from I-10).

• Action sports equipment such as skateboards, scooters, roller blades, bicycles, and shoe skates.

• Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs.

• Animals and pets (except for dogs for guests with disabilities).

• Obscene or indecent clothing.

Ballpark Ground Rules: • No smoking within the Goodyear Ballpark.

• No trespassing on the field at any time.

• No foul, abusive language or obscene gestures.

• Guests are required to sit only in their ticketed seat.

• Guests interfering with the game will be ejected and subject to arrest.

• No resale of tickets within 200 feet of the Ballpark. No peddling or soliciting.

Spring Training is Here Seating Choices Give You the Ultimate Baseball Experience PRIME, CUSHY SEATING PREMIUM BOX SEATS – Extra-wide, cushioned seats in the front two rows from dugout to outfield; includes in-seat service for food and beverages.

CLUB SEATING – Shaded, extra-wide, cushioned seats on the third base side with in-seat service.

A private bar and dining tent is exclusive to this area.

MAKE IT A REAL PARTY! BOOK A LUXURY SUITE FOR ENTERTAINING CLIENTS / SPECIAL EVENTS – Roomy indoor lounges and large outdoor terraces. Single suites hold up to 15 people, or combine two to accommodate up to 30.

Suites include parking passes, wait staff, souvenir programs, plasma TV and group welcome on the video board. Several food and beverage options are available.

BOOK THE TERRACE – Located on the rooftop behind home plate, the Terrace is a more casual way to enjoy the game. This private, covered area accommodates up to 90 people, and includes buffet-style food service and wait staff.

BOOK THE RIGHT FIELD PAVILION FOR LARGE FUNCTIONS – Accommodates up to 500 guests.

All-inclusive tickets for this partially shaded area provide unlimited buffet and fountain drinks, so you won’t miss any game action when it’s time to eat.

Individual game tickets also available for Right Field Pavilion.

Indians Ticket Prices and Seating

New Roads Make Access to Ballpark Parking Easy

Play Ball!

Buy Your Spring Training Tickets Now! Indians Spring Training Games Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday Monday Wednesday Friday Saturday Wednesday Friday Sunday Monday Friday Saturday Tuesday Thursday Monday Tuesday

Feb. 25 Feb. 26 Feb. 27 Mar. 1 Mar. 2 Mar. 4 Mar. 6 Mar. 7 Mar. 11 Mar. 13 Mar. 15 Mar. 16 Mar. 20 Mar. 21 Mar. 24 Mar. 26 Mar. 30 Mar. 31

1:05 pm 1:05 pm 1:05 pm 1:05 pm 1:05 pm 1:05 pm 1:05 pm 1:05 pm 1:05 pm 1:05 pm 1:05 pm 1:05 pm 1:05 pm 1:05 pm 1:05 pm 1:05 pm 4:05 pm 1:05 pm

San Francisco Arizona San Diego Colorado* Texas Chicago Cubs Milwaukee* Kansas City* Colorado* Oakland Milwaukee Seattle* Oakland Los Angeles Dodgers Chicago White Sox* Los Angeles Angels San Diego Seattle

Purchase tickets online at Indians.com, by phone at 480-784-4444, or at any Ticketmaster Outlet.

You can now purchase tickets in person at the Goodyear Ballpark Box Office, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Beginning Feb. 22, Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

*Goodyear Residents Day: Goodyear residents receive $2 off

Fun Promotions Highlight Spring Training

any outfield reserved seat with proof of residency.

3-Game Mini Plans Available Mini Plan A Chicago Cubs (March 4) Milwaukee Brewers (March 6) Kansas City Royals (March 7) Mini Plan Z Seattle Mariners (March 16) Oakland Athletics (March 20) LA Dodgers (March 21)

• Autograph Days: Feb. 27, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 24 • Seniors Stroll the Bases: Feb. 26, Mar. 2, 11, 16, 24, 30 • Kids Run the Bases: Mar. 1, 7, 15, 21 • Play Catch on the Field: Mar. 26 • Fan Appreciation Day: Mar. 31 • Military Appreciation Days: Every home game except Mar. 4 and 21 Receive the normal group discount rate with valid military ID. • College ID Days: Every Wed., Thurs., and Fri. home game except Mar. 4 Receive the normal group discount rate with valid College ID. • Senior Days: Every home game except Mar. 4 and 21 $2 off Outfield Box or Outfield Reserved seats for fans 60 years old and up.

• Goodyear Resident Days: Mar. 1, 6, 7, 11, 16, 24 $2 off any Outfield Reserved seats with proof of Goodyear residency.

Discounted tickets may only be purchased at the Goodyear Ballpark Box Office. Four tickets per person.

Staff Creativity Helps in Tough Budget Times

City Manager John F. Fischbach

As part of our efforts to weather the economic downturn, I appointed a group of directors to a Staffing and Redeployment Subcommittee with the goal of FULLY UTILIZING OUR EMPLOYEES’ SKILLS AND RESOURCES while maintaining a high standard of service delivery to our citizens.

During the past few weeks, they have worked with the other department directors to determine where employees could be redeployed for possible 12- to 18-month assignments that would fully utilize their time and/or special skills. I accepted the committee’s initial recommendation to redeploy 13 people and have had the pleasure of watching our plan unfold.

As always, I am very impressed with the enthusiasm and team spirit everyone has exhibited for the good of the City. This subcommittee will continue to work with Department Directors as positions become available and new needs are identified.

We have also formed a 17-member Employee Budget Task Force with employees from every department and all levels of the organization. Their goal is to identify and discuss ways the City can operationally save money to help balance next year’s 2009/2010 fiscal year budget. I’ve always found that the people doing the actual work are the best ones to determine how it can be done better and more efficiently, and Goodyear employees are no exception! To date, this energetic group has identified many creative cost savings initiatives and will be identifying the financial impact, pro and con, over their next few meetings. I know their recommendations will be sound and progressive.

It is this kind of creativity and “out of the box” thinking on the part of employees throughout our organization that will help see us through these slow times with as little negative affect on services as possible.

In between INFOCUS issues, I will periodically write messages to our citizens to keep you posted on timely topics important to the City. To learn how to receive them electronically, please read the “e-Notify” article on page 11.

Library Services Coming Soon!

Web-Wize Tip of the Month

How to Sign Up for Email Subscriptions eNotify allows you to sign up to receive email notifications on 20 topics from the City. By subscribing, you will receive information usually before it’s available to the general public. For instance, if you’d like to receive an electronic version of INFOCUS Citizen Magazine via email, you will receive a link to it a week before it is mailed out to all residents. To view a list of items you may subscribe to, simply click on the eNotify button at the bottom right of the City’s Homepage.

When the eNotify screen appears, you can read a description for each item to determine if you’d like to subscribe, and then click on the List Name(s) you’d like to receive email notifications about.

Once you select the eNotify items you’d like to subscribe to, you will Enter your Email Address, then choose either HTML or Text as the Email Type you’d like to receive the notifications as. HTML offers special formatting within the email, and Text will include just plain text, with no formatting.

The last thing you will need to do is click on the Subscribe button, located at the bottom of the page. After you’ve signed up, you will receive a confirmation email listing which items you’ve selected. You will begin receiving these emails once they are available. Don’t worry, you always have the option to remove/unsubscribe yourself from any or all of these lists. Each eNotify email provides a link at the bottom to unsubscribe from the list.

In partnership with the Maricopa County Library District, the City of Goodyear will be opening a temporary public library next to City Hall, at 250 N. Litchfield Rd., Suite 185.

The library is expected to open sometime next month. This temporary facility takes advantage of an intergovernmental agreement between the City and the Maricopa County Library District to share the cost of library services. The City will pay the facility lease cost which is about $55,000 per year, and the County will pay the operational cost. Library hours are planned to be 40 to 50 hours per week.

Goodyear’s leaders are anxious to bring this temporary library to the residents prior to building the planned City Center Library in early 2011 because history has shown that residents turn to their local libraries for support in hard economic times. They use libraries for both life sustaining activities such as job searching, applying for food stamps and other forms of aid as well as for entertainment including children’s programming and borrowing books and DVDs which, in normal times, they would purchase.

Goodyear’s Friends of the Library is a non-profit group of citizen volunteers who will help establish the library and its services. Recently they determined their by-laws and chose their board members, shown at the right (l to r): President Al Osorio, Vice President Vickie Hamilton, Secretary Wally Campbell, Corresponding Secretary Lorraine Bieszczad, and Treasurer Pat Neal.

Bullard Avenue Businesses Open During Road Work Bullard Commerce Center LSH Lights Arizona Procoat Onyx Stone LLC City Electric Supply Co. ORCO Construction Supply Cross Fit Fury Paragon Business Equipment Desert Palms Pet Resort Parks Landscape Endurance Lacrosse Salt River Plumbing Estrella Gymnastics Fesenius Medical Services See Spot Clean Goodyear Glass & Mirror Service Master by AZ Team Shop-Anything Automotive Haney Motorsport Thee Wedding Warehouse Kawasaki Super Store LAX Locker West

The City wants you to know that all the businesses in the Bullard Commerce Center on Bullard Avenue south of I-10 (listed at the left) are open for business while improvements are being made to the road.

The businesses can be easily accessed from Van Buren Street to the south and from McDowell Road to the north. There is easy access into the driveways of the business park from Bullard Avenue.

The gift shops of Southwest Specialty Foods and Snyders of Hanover are also open and easily accessible from Bullard Avenue.

Bullard Avenue will be three lanes northbound between Van Buren Street to I-10 and two lanes southbound. The project is expected to be completed by mid March.

February 9 is Key Date for All-Mail Ballot;

Last Date to Register to Vote or Change Address

The last date to register to vote for Goodyear Mayor and three Councilmembers is February 9, 2009. This is the same day Goodyear’s ballots are scheduled to be mailed to registered voters for the March 10, 2009 Primary Election.

If you are already a registered voter in Arizona, but have moved since you last voted, you will need to go online to change your address by Feb. 9, 2009 so your ballot will be mailed to the correct address. It will not be forwarded. To register or change your address, go to www.servicearizona.com and click on Voter Registration.

If needed, a runoff election will be held May 19, 2009. With an all-mail ballot, Goodyear residents can mark their ballots at their leisure and mail them free of charge to Maricopa County, the City’s elections contractor. Ballots are due to the County by March 10th at 7 p.m. It is recommended that you mail it to the County on or before Friday, March 6th to assure it arrives on time.

If you spoil or lose the ballot you received in the mail, you can pick up a provisional ballot at Goodyear City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Rd. between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Registered voters can also drop off their ballots at the City Clerk’s Office during those same hours beginning February 9, 2009.

If you have not mailed or dropped off your ballot by the March 10th Election Day, you can drop it off at the City Clerk’s Office on Election Day between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. You can also drop it at the following polling places between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.: Recorder and Elections Recorder and Elections Elections Main Office (Downtown) Southeast office (Mesa) MCTEC Office 111 S. Third Ave., Phoenix, AZ 222 E. Javelina, Mesa, AZ 510 S. Third Ave., Phoenix, AZ

El último día para registrarse para votar por correo y cambiar su dirección es el 9 de febrero El último día para registrarse para votar por el alcalde de Goodyear y tres miembros del concejo es el 9 de febrero del 2009. Es el mismo día en que las boletas de votación de Goodyear están programadas para ser enviadas por correo a todo votante registrado para votar en la próxima elección primaria del 10 de marzo del 2009.

Si ya se registro para votar en Arizona pero se mudo después de la ultima vez que voto, necesita cambiar su dirección en el Internet antes del 9 de febrero del 2009 para enviarle su boleta de votación a la dirección correcta. (No le llegara si no cambia su dirección.) Para registrarse o cambiar su dirección visite la página de Internet www.servicearizona.com y seleccione Voter Registration (Registro de votante).

Si es necesario, una votación secundaria se llevará acabo el 19 de mayo del 2009. Al tener toda votación por correo, residentes pueden llenar sus boletas de votación a su conveniencia y enviarlas por correo sin costo alguno a Maricopa County (Condado de Maricopa) quien es el contratista de la ciudad para las elecciones. La boleta de votación debe llegar al Condado antes de las 7 de la tarde, el 10 de marzo. Le recomendamos que la envíe por correo antes del viernes, 6 de marzo para asegurase que llegue a tiempo.

Si pierde o daña la boleta de votación que recibió por correo, puede recoger una provisional en Goodyear City Clerk’s Office, City Hall (La oficina de la Secretaria Municipal en el Ayuntamiento de la ciudad de Goodyear), 190 N. Litchfield Rd. entre las 8 de la mañana y las 5 de la tarde, de lunes a viernes. Los votantes registrados también pueden entregar sus boletas de votación en la oficina de la Secretaria Municipal de la ciudad durante esas mismas horas comenzando el 9 de Febrero del 2009.

Si no envía o lleva su boleta de votación antes del 10 de marzo puede llevarla el día de la elección a la oficina de la Secretaria Municipal entre las 6 y las 7 de la tarde. También puede llevarla a uno de los siguientes lugares de votación entre las 6 y las 7 de la tarde.

Recorder and Elections Recorder and Elections Elections Main Office (Downtown) Southeast office (Mesa) MCTEC Office 111 S. Third Ave., Phoenix, AZ 222 E. Javelina, Mesa, AZ 510 S. Third Ave., Phoenix, AZ

FREE Classes Teach How to Landscape with Less Water

FREE Residential Water Audits Help Find Indoor and Outdoor Leaks

You don’t have to sacrifice a great looking landscape just to save water. Both are easily achievable.

Come learn how! Register for these FREE classes by calling 623-932-3010 or by going to our website at www.goodyearaz.gov/h2o365. Registration must be made seven days in advance of the class date.

Save water, save money.

Goodyear’s new “Home Irrigation Checkup Program” is intended to help residential water users find leaks and save money, especially during the critical peak summer months. The program is primarily an analysis of your outdoor irrigation system to identify broken or missing parts or inappropriate settings. It also includes a check of your indoor plumbing fixtures to identify inefficient ones and obvious leaks. An appointment will take 1-1¾ hours and you will need to be at home to provide access, turn on the irrigation system, and open timers.

Pruning for Health And Beauty Feb. 17 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. or Mar. 7 – 9 to 11 a.m.

Before you take out your loppers and rip saw, come find out when to prune and how to do it to best advantage. Desert growing seasons–and pruning times–are different from other regions. The City’s certified arborist J.R. Kane will show you when pruning will create new problems. Bring clippers so you can practice in class.

Set Your Timers Feb. 21 – 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Does water run off your lawn after you water?

Are you afraid to touch that box? Over-watering kills more plants than under-watering. Learn to set your timer so YOU can adjust to seasonal variation.

Hands-on practice and recommendations on waterwise settings will be included.

The water audit is being offered free to City of Goodyear water customers (south of I-10) who are in good standing with their water bill. LPSCo customers (north of I-10) who have a Goodyear trash account in good standing will be charged $150 to cover costs. The City is offering this program free only to its own water customers because saving a large quantity of water could help the City delay additional water infrastructure development and/or lessen the need to buy more water rights.

Audits will be “by appointment only” on specified days in January through June 2009. Go to www.goodyearaz.gov/h2o365 to schedule an appointment. A related “checkup” program is being offered to HOAs during the same time frame for irrigation systems only.

Please call 623-932-3010 for more information on either program.

Basics of Beautiful Xeriscaping Feb. 28 – 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Explore ways to use native plants, lawn, and trees to For those South of I-10 create a beautiful yard without using lots of water – it’s known as xeriscape. Take home seven principles that will help you enjoy shade, color, and textures while minimizing costly, time-consuming maintenance.

For all City of Goodyear water customers (homes Master Gardener Tyler Story will send you home south of I-10), the key to keeping your sewer bill low with ideas and references. throughout the entire next year is to minimize the amount

of water you use in the typically low-water-use months of Irrigation System Tune-Up Tips!

January, February, and March. Averaging March 3 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. these three winter months determines Do you see fountains between your your Winter Quarter Average (WQA). bushes or wet spots where there In May, your sewer bill is adjusted to use your are no plants? Learn how to new WQA. You will not be charged for more keep your irrigation system sewer usage than your WQA during the following tuned up. The City’s own 12 months. If your water consumption is lower than irrigation expert, Ron your WQA, your sewer bill may be based upon the Huston, will get you lower usage. If water usage is higher than the WQA, started with hands-on your sewer charge will be based upon the lower WQA. identification of system So, water wisely in the winter quarter to save throughout 2009 and into 2010. parts and connections.

Conserving water is good for your community, the environment and your wallet.

Conserving Water Lowers Sewer Bills

The Word on the Street...

Census Worker Testing

Help Keep Our Stormwater System Clean and Healthy

Several thousand workers will be hired by the U.S. Census Bureau for field positions in Maricopa County. The positions range in scope from clerks to field operations supervisors. The pay structure ranges from $11.25 to $16.50 per hour, depending upon the position.

Stormwater helps supply our precious drinking water sources. As it flows over lawns, driveways, sidewalks and streets, it picks up debris, dirt, chemicals, and other pollutants.

Stormwater flows into a stormwater system. Anything that enters the system is discharged untreated directly into bodies of water such as lakes, streams, wetlands and reservoirs.

These bodies of water are our sources for drinking water and are used for recreation.

Polluted runoff is the nation’s greatest threat to clean water. The practice of healthy habits by homeowners and businesses can keep common pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, automotive fluids, and chemicals off the ground and out of the stormwater system.

You must take a test to qualify. To arrange to be tested, call 602-427-0680.

If the phone bank is busy, leave your name and phone number on the messaging system and you will receive a call back. Please do not show up for the test unless you have called and arranged to be tested.

Testing will be at Goodyear City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Rd, room 117 at 9 a.m. on Feb. 13 and Feb. 19. Practice tests are available to be picked up between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays in the Goodyear City Hall lobby. The test is comprised of 28 multiple-choice questions and takes 30 minutes. However, the testing and related application completion will take about two hours.

Your Property • Locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris and other hazardous materials before beginning an outdoor project.

• Sweep up debris, rather than hosing down areas.

Reduce yard debris by composting and recycling.

• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly.

• Don’t over water and let it run off into the storm drain.

• Pick up and properly dispose of waste when walking your pet.

• Drain your pool or spa into the sewer system. NEVER drain your pool or dump pool chemicals into the street. If you need to drain your pool and live south of I-10 in Goodyear, you are a City of Goodyear water customer and must request a temporary permit by calling 623-932-3010. If you live north of I-10, you are a LPSCo water customer and need to contact LPSCo at 623-935-9367.

Your Vehicles • Never dump used antifreeze, oils or other chemicals into storm drains, sewer systems, septic systems, streams or other surface waters, or onto the ground. Disposal into surface water, storm drains or sewer systems are violations of both federal and state regulations.

• Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations.

• Check your vehicles, machinery and equipment for leaks and spills. Make all repairs as soon as possible.

• Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water and prevent it from flowing into the storm drains.

Your Home or Business Fats, oils, and greases build up in sewer lines over time, restricting the capacity of the pipes. Eventually, the pipes can become blocked, leading to overflows of sewage into streets, where it then enters the storm drain system. Sewage backups and overflows can cause property damage, environmental problems and health hazards.

• Never pour grease down drains, garbage disposals, into toilets or onto the ground.

• Put baskets or strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids, and empty them into the trash.

For more information, visit www.azstorm.org. To report a problem, call 623-932-1637, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. After hours and weekends call 623-932-1220.

Holiday Schedule Presidents’ Day Monday, February 16 City Offices Closed Garbage, Recycling and Bulk Trash Collection Schedule: There is no sanitation collection on Presidents’ Day, Mon., Feb. 16.

Following Presidents’ Day, pickup that week for garbage, recycling and bulk trash will switch to the day after your normal scheduled pickup day.

Goodyear Public Works Department: 623-932-1637

When census jobs open, qualified people will be called from hiring lists in order by test score. For more information, call either 602-427-0680 or toll free 1-866-861-2010.

Watch the Signs I-10 Ramp Closure Update ADOT will soon reach a major milestone on the I-10 Improvement Project by completing construction of the new median lanes between Sarival Avenue and Loop 101.

ADOT will close on- and off-ramps for reconstruction of the existing outside lanes as the project moves into the next phase of construction. I-10 will remain open during peak travel times throughout the project.

ADOT has closed the Litchfield Road eastbound on-ramp and the Dysart Road eastbound off-ramp on I-10. This closure will last approximately 60 days. Drivers are encouraged to use adjacent ramps.

Business access will remain open during construction.

During the fall and spring we all like to get out and have yard sales. The Goodyear City Code only allows yard sales four times a year. If you want to put up signs for your sale, the requirements are: • Sale signs shall not exceed six square feet.

• Such signs shall not be up longer than three days.

• Signs may not be located upon City sidewalks or within the public rights-of-way (if they are, they are subject to confiscation by the City).

• Signs may be placed in the permitted areas only between sunrise and sunset.

• Signs shall be removed daily prior to sunset or they shall be subject to confiscation by the City.

Cardboard boxes with signs are considered trash, not signs, and will be removed.

Have You Signed Up for the Phone Tree Yet? Everyone Must Sign Up!

Goodyear is implementing a new digitally recorded messaging system, Phone Tree, which delivers important community information to every customer in our billing system. In the event of an emergency, we would use the system to send recorded messages to customers. However, in order for this system to work effectively, we need ALL of our customers to update their contact information. Please complete the confidential form on the City of Goodyear website at: www.goodyearaz.gov/phonetree.

Thank you for your cooperation.

West Valley Safety Expo

Features Child Safety Seat Inspections and More

Don’t miss the 9th Annual West Valley Safety Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 7 at the Goodyear Swap Meet, 17605 W. McDowell Rd., between Cotton Lane and Citrus Road in Goodyear.

Keeping Kids Safe There will be child safety seat inspections from 10 a.m. to noon and free ID kits for kids.

Meet the Protectors Meet police officers, firefighters and EMTs from Goodyear, Glendale, Surprise, Southwest Ambulance, Sun City, Sun City West, Peoria and Luke Air Force Base who help keep West Valley families safe. Spend time with Goodyear’s SWAT teams and police officers.

Learn About the City Visit City departments and learn about the community and what it has to offer.

Music Enjoy tunes by Billy Scott, the Singing Fireman.

Demonstrations and Displays • United Blood Services mobile van • K-9 Unit demonstrations • Residential sprinkler trailer • Stay Safe smoke trailer • Bike Safety Rodeo • Police cruisers, fire trucks, ambulances, SWAT vehicle, DUI Command Van Members of the U.S. Submarine Veterans, Perch Base will be present to display the scale replica of the USS Phoenix, United States Navy Nuclear Submarine!

Free Prescription Drug Discount Cards Residents can save as much as 20 percent on retail drug purchases with Goodyear’s new free prescription drug discount card program. The City has teamed up with the National League of Cities (NLC) to make free prescription drug discount cards available to City residents. The NLC cards are free to all residents, regardless of age, income level or existing health coverage.

There are no enrollment forms, no membership fees, and the discount cards can be used by residents and their family members for any prescription drug not covered by insurance. The NLC cards can be used for discounts on many commonly prescribed drugs at Target Pharmacy at 955 S. Cotton Lane; Walgreens at 387 N. Estrella Parkway; and Safeway Pharmacy, 440 N. Estrella Parkway.

This is not insurance. Discounts are only available at participating pharmacies. By using this card, participants agree to pay the entire prescription cost less any applicable discount. Savings may vary by drug and pharmacy. The card is also accepted at more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies across the country.

Residents can pick up a free discount prescription card at Goodyear City Hall, Community Services at 250 N. Litchfield Rd., Fire and Police Administration Offices in the Venida Business Park at 175 N. 145th Ave., Building E, and all Goodyear Fire Stations.

The discount card program is administered by CVS Caremark, and presented in cooperation with the National League of Cities. For participating retailers nationwide and more information, visit www2.caremark.com/nlc/ or www.nlc.org.