2009 08 infocus 029

Volume 24 / Issue 6

Welcome to Western Avenue!

Enjoy a stroll along the new sidewalks and relax on the art benches created by nationally renowned artist James Hendricks. This public art project, part of the Western Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project, reflects Goodyear’s history and connection with agriculture, aviation, mountains, desert and nature.

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You can have a permanent presence in this vibrant corner of Goodyear by donating a brick inscribed with the name of your company or family, or recognizing a special person or event. The 4-by-8-inch bricks will be installed on the sidewalk of Western Avenue. Donations will help the City raise funds to continue revitalization of Western Avenue.

The funds will also be used to purchase holiday lighting, permanent art banners and other features for this historic commercial district. Bricks are $50 each. To download an order form for the Commemorative Bricks Fundraiser, go to www.goodyearaz.gov.

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August /September 2009

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New Bulk Trash Pickup

Now You Can Schedule Your Pickup Online The City of Goodyear is introducing a year-long pilot program Aug. 31 that will allow residents to schedule bulk trash collection online by visiting the City’s website at www.goodyearaz.gov.

It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s custom made for your convenience! Residents can schedule their pickup online two days prior to the day they want their bulk trash picked up.

Tackles Impact of Foreclosures and Vacancies Foreclosures and vacant homes can have a serious impact on a community. Home Owners Association and Neighborhood Alliance board members, property managers, neighborhood watch members and all interested residents are invited to attend the free HOA/Neighborhood Summit at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 20 at City Hall, Room 117.

Speakers and presentations will provide information and resources to local leaders from HOAs and Neighborhood Alliances. Attorney Kristen Rosenbeck, who also teaches the Southwest Valley HOA Academy, will be the featured speaker.

Police, Code, and Neighborhood Services will be presenting.

Bulk Trash Hotline: 623-882-7799 How to Schedule a Pickup

Reserve your place at the HOA/Neighborhood Summit by calling 623-882-7812 or e-mail Lschuett@goodyearaz.gov.

Click Online Services on the homepage. Then click on Schedule Bulk Trash Pickup.

If you need step-by-step instructions, click on Learn About Bulk Trash Pickup for slides that walk you through the process.

Log In Page Log in with your sanitation account number. All addresses are tied to this number, so you cannot change the address where the pickup will occur.

Service Page This page allows you to choose a day on the calendar or from a list of available dates. If a day is shown in grey or black, that day is filled and you will have to select a different day. You can make cancellations and view all scheduled dates here. Once you have selected your collection date from the calendar, the Registration Page will appear. Please click on register to continue.

Confirmation Page This page displays the date that you have scheduled. Collection day reminders, confirmations, updates and cancellations will be sent to you automatically. Now, click Finalize Service to submit your online request.

9-11 Event at Firehouse The United Goodyear Firefighters along with the Goodyear Police Union invite you to a 9-11 memorial on Friday, September 11. The event will take place at Station 185 at PebbleCreek Parkway and Clubhouse Drive. The memorial will start at 8 a.m. After the brief ceremony, the community is invited to a pancake breakfast with all donations to sponsor fire charities.

Public Welcome at Art Reception The next Art in Civic Spaces reception will be on Thursday, September 10 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Goodyear City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Rd. West Valley artist Thomas Schultz will display his black and white photographs of California’s Salton Sea on the first and second levels of City Hall, and Judith Bihary’s gourd sculptures will be on view in the lobby display case. Visit the artists’ websites: www.judybihary.com and www.thomasschultzphotography.com.

Account Page

You can view your account information by clicking on Account. You can make changes to your account information such as name, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses.

Bulk Trash Bulk trash items include materials that are bulky or cumbersome such as tree limbs and branches, furniture, toys, appliances, televisions, and other items which do not fit in the trash container.

• Brush should be cut to 4’ lengths.

• Grass clippings placed out for bulk collection must be double bagged or in sealed boxes.

• Bulk trash should be placed in the street, next to the curb.

• Cacti must be placed in sealed boxes.

• It is the resident’s responsibility to clean up small debris that may remain after collection.

HOA Summit

Not Allowed for Bulk Collection Household waste, hazardous materials, large auto parts, boats, tires, oil, rocks, dirt, and unwanted material from construction repair or demolition such as roofing materials, drywall and concrete are not allowed. Non-City containers will be considered “bulk” if found at curb and will be collected as bulk trash.

• DO NOT place bulk trash on driveways, sidewalks, electrical boxes, cable boxes, mail boxes, light poles, water meters or landscape.

• DO NOT place bulk trash where it may be a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles.

After winning the prestigious All-America City Award in 2008, Goodyear set about marketing the City’s achievement in order to promote economic development. The Goodyear logo that has long appeared on traffic signals throughout the Ccity is being replaced in many locations with All-America City decals. All-America banners will soon grace street light poles in select areas of the City. Showcasing Goodyear’s status as an All-America City lets visitors and locals know that Goodyear is recognized nationally as a dynamic and vibrant place.

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Last June while attending the National Civic League conference, a group of us attended meetings on how to best market the award. Representatives from cities that were past award winners showed us many innovative examples of how they used the All-America title to build pride in their communities. The representatives all agreed that marketing the award played a major role in economic development and awareness.

The current state of the economy does not allow for additional dollars to market the All-America City award.

Consequently, to save costs, we merged the INFOCUS and the Recreation Catalog. The savings allowed the City to purchase decals and banners that proudly display the City’s outstanding national achievement to visitors, employers, developers, realtors and all others who drive through our fine community.

Vice Mayor Georgia Lord

Goodyear City Council

Holiday Schedule Labor Day Monday, September 7, 2009 City Offices Closed Sanitation Collection: There is no sanitation collection on Labor Day, Monday, September 7. Following Labor Day, pickup that week for garbage and recycling will switch to the day after your normal scheduled pickup day. Bulk collection will be Tuesday– Friday of that week; no Saturday bulk collection.

Goodyear Public Works and Water Resources Department, Sanitation: 623-932-1637

Council meetings and work sessions are held at the Justice Center, at 185 N. 145th Ave. Visit goodyearaz.gov Joanne Osborne, Frank Cavalier, Vice Mayor Georgia Lord, for meeting schedules Mayor Jim Cavanaugh, Dick Sousa, Rob Antoniak, and Joe Pizzillo and to watch meetings.

Goodyear City Council Calendar July 14 – August 23, 2009 Council Vacation

Monday, August 24 Regular Meeting – 4 p.m.

Work Session will follow the Council meeting

With Budget Behind Us, We are Moving Forward

City Manager John F. Fischbach

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After months of intense work, we have finally adopted a 09/10 budget of $375 million.

City management, with the support of the City Council, had to make many difficult decisions to achieve a balanced budget and close the $13.9 million shortfall. We managed to do this by finding most of our $6.8 million cost savings internally rather than by cutting direct services to citizens. We continued our freeze on employee raises and have 63 fewer positions (an 11% reduction in staffing) due to frozen vacancies, voluntary separations, or reductions in workforce. We eliminated two director positions, eliminated almost all consulting contracts and curtailed most staff travel and training, including tuition reimbursement. To help shore up the gap, we used $3.1 million from our rainy day fund and developed a plan to generate $4 million in additional revenues, primarily by imposing a half-cent sales tax increase on all retail sales except restaurants and contracting. As the year progresses, we will carefully monitor our incoming revenues, adjusting expenditures as needed if revenues do not meet our conservative estimates.

With the budget behind us for now, we launched a new operating year as of July 1. Work is progressing on the design of City Center including a new library, City Hall, public plaza and 4-acre park. We will soon be able to more precisely determine the cost of the project which should receive favorable construction bids during this unstable economy. We anticipate making a decision in a couple of months on whether we will be able to go forward with the project. Should we proceed with the “heart and soul” of our city, it will mean up to 600 new jobs during the construction phase over the next two years.

We are also moving ahead with several major water and wastewater capital improvement projects worth $18 million plus $4 million in street projects, representing approximately 30% of our total Capital Improvement Plan. To move forward with housing initiatives that are vital to our community’s overall quality of life, we have made “housing” a function of Community Development and will focus on the administration of Home Housing Rehabilitation, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) housing projects and other programs like foreclosure prevention and recovery assistance to build stronger neighborhoods.

We have also combined our Communications Division with our Economic Development Department to form a stronger department to market our city. With a more coordinated and multi-pronged marketing approach, Goodyear will position itself as a business-friendly city and develop programs for business attraction and retention. It is critical that Goodyear position itself to take maximum advantage of an expanding economy when the recovery occurs.

Citizen Academy

Learn How Your City Operates and How You Can Be Part of its Success Learn first-hand about the inner workings of your local government at the 10-week Citizen Academy beginning Sept. 10, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in various Goodyear city facilities. The academy is open to residents or business owners in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.

Academy highlights include meeting the mayor and council members. Learn how the mayor-city manager form of government works, and how revenue is generated and spent. There will be an overview of the tax base, federal funds, economic development, citizen committees and commissions, how neighborhoods and HOAs work with government, and key services like water, roads, traffic, trash and recycling. Enjoy a K-9 demonstration, dinner with firefighters, a guided tour of parks and other city facilities, and learn about plans for future development.

The fee is $40 per person and includes dinners and course materials. Register at www.goodyearaz.gov or pick up an application at Goodyear City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Rd., or Litchfield Park City Hall, 214 W. Wigwam Blvd. Make checks payable to City of Goodyear. For more information, contact the Community Advocate at 623-882-7800.

New Sales Tax Rate Going into Effect Sept. 1

New Budget Maintains Core City Services Like many municipalities across the country, Goodyear has been forced to balance the needs for City services in 2009/10 with a diminished revenue base caused by reduced sales tax collections at both the local and state levels, considerable slowing of residential building permits and sharp declines in development plan review revenues. The City Council adopted a final budget FY 09/10 of $375 million on June 22 which is 7.4% lower than the previous year’s budget. The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) of $250 million for the City’s major building projects makes up the majority (67%) of the total budget.

A half-cent increase in the City’s general sales tax rate safeguards the City’s essential core services paid for out of the $73 million General Fund, including police and fire (33%) and public works and water (27%). Other programs vital to our community such as parks and recreation, special events, and continued support of community funding programs are also in the General Fund, which represents a 10.5% decrease over last year’s $89 million.

The City’s retail sales tax rate is changing from 2.0% to 2.5% as of September 1. The increase will affect everything in Goodyear except for restaurants and contracting. Sales tax pays for basic city services such as police, fire, streets, parks, and recreational programs.

With the increased half-cent sales tax, you would pay: • A half penny more on a $1 purchase • 5 cents more on a $10 purchase • 50 cents more on a $100 purchase • $5 more on a $1,000 purchase Based on average spending levels, it is estimated that the increased sales tax would amount to about $70 per person per year or about $195 per household per year.

This new 2.5% sales tax level is the same as Avondale’s rate and lower than Litchfield Park’s, which is 2.8%. For questions, please call Joe Lewandowski at 623-882-7899.

The budget also includes grant funding of $12 million, a substantial increase over last year due to stimulus packages; $33 million in debt service requirements; and $16.9 million in the rainy day fund.

Citizen Input Sought at Public Meetings and Hearings General Plan Amendment

Goodyear has initiated a Major General Plan Amendment (GPA) to update the Circulation Element of the 2003 General Plan. Citizen Review Meetings have been scheduled for Aug. 11, 12 and 13 at 6 p.m. in Conference Room 101, 195 N. 145th Ave. and Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. at Mobile Elementary School. Detailed exhibits are available on the City of Goodyear website. The first public hearing for this Major GPA has been tentatively scheduled for the Sept. 16 Planning & Zoning meeting in the Council Chambers. For information, call Joe Schmitz, 623-932-3005.

Community Service Plan

The City is in the process of updating the Five-Year Consolidated Plan (2010-14) which addresses community service needs. The plan is used to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Housing Rehabilitation funds. Please attend a citizen input meeting, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. in City Hall, Room 117, 190 N. Litchfield Rd. or a public hearing at the Aug. 19 Planning & Zoning meeting at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Please visit our website, www.goodyearaz.gov and fill out the online survey.

For more information, call Katie Wilken, 623-882-7948.

Renewable Energy Bill

Can Boost Local and State Economy

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Arizona Governor Jan Brewer recently signed into law landmark legislation that will allow the state to attract solar and other renewable energy companies, such as wind, biofuels and geothermal industries. This legislation creates the Quality Jobs Through Renewable Industries program that will stimulate new investment in solar and renewable energy manufacturing and headquarter operations through corporate income tax credit and real and personal property tax reductions.

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For companies worldwide, the program opens a door to a vibrant state with more than 300 days of sunshine a year – a state with a built-in semiconductor workforce that sits next to California, the world’s fourth largest solar market. Many solar and other energy companies are looking to expand to meet growing demand and would like to bring their high-paying jobs, innovation and technology to Arizona. Several have shown a specific interest in locating in the City of Goodyear.

In the past year alone, other states offering economic incentives have landed 11 renewable energy facilities totaling an investment of $2.7 billion. Now, with this powerful legislation, Arizona – and Goodyear – can be competitive and attract renewable energy companies that are still adding jobs in this weakened economy. We finally have a viable economic development tool that will enable us to compete for companies looking to invest millions of dollars and provide high-wage renewable energy and solar jobs for our community. The renewable energy industry could be an economic boost and provide environmental value to Goodyear.

Police Department Awards Police employees, the Mayor and City Council members, and department directors attended the Police Department Awards reception on June 18, 2009 as Police Chief Mark Brown gave several awards to employees to recognize them for achievements, years of service, fitness, distinguished service to the community and for acts of conspicuous bravery.

Life Saving Award Sergeant Jeff Wooten, Officer Don Host, Officer Erik Edmisten, Detective Justin Hughes Chief’s Award of Excellence Sergeant Jeff Mercy, Police Explorer Captain Samantha Griego, Detective Justin Hughes

Officer Erik Edmisten, Officer Don Host, Sergeant Jeff Wooten

Sergeant Jeff Mercy

Meritorious Service Award Officer Jason Mattie for Conspicuous Bravery in the performance of his duties Unit Citation Sergeant Jason DeHaan, Officer William Ryan, Officer Joe Pacello, Officer Brad Hardin

Police Explorer Captain Samantha Griego

Detective Justin Hughes

Distinguished Service Awards Detectives Justin Hughes, Eric Stall, Anna Ybarra, Latroy Campbell, James Dougal, and Joe Roman for Dedicated Service and Outstanding Contributions to the Investigations Division, Police Department, and Community Arizona Gang Investigators Association Officer of the Year Detective Scott Daniel for Outstanding Service as a member of the Gang Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission Courage and Professionalism Performance of Duties Mary Ward

Officer in the Jason Mattie Officer (center) with Chief Mark Brown (l) and Commander Ralph McLaughlin (r)

Goodyear Library Events August-September 2009

Adult Book Discussion Group Join other interested community members in being part of the library’s first adult book discussion group.

• Monday, August 17, 2 p.m. – organizational meeting • Monday, September 21, 1 p.m. – discussion group Goodyear City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Rd., Room 117

Stories by Ranger Pat Join special Storyteller Ranger Pat for her amazing tales about Arizona wildlife! Ages 4 and up.

Wednesday, September 16, 3:30 p.m.

Goodyear Branch Library, 250 N. Litchfield Rd., Suite 185 Wikki Wacky Wednesday Kids get to create a mural with wikki sticks in the children’s area of the library. Ages 4 to 8.

Wednesday, September 23, 3:30 p.m.

Goodyear Branch Library, 250 N. Litchfield Rd., Suite 185

Preschool Story Time Start the week off right with fun stories, songs, and activities. Ages 3 to 5.

• Monday, September 14, 10:30 a.m., repeated at 11:15 a.m.

• Monday, September 21, 10:30 a.m., repeated at 11:15 a.m.

• Monday, September 28, 10:30 a.m., repeated at 11:15 a.m.

Goodyear City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Rd., Room 117

New Online Utility Billing System is Coming!

“Go Green” and leave a smaller carbon footprint by signing up to receive utility bills by e-mail rather than by snail mail. The e-bill will look exactly the same as the hard copy bill customers have been receiving in the mail each month. Customers can choose the method of payment that is most convenient: • Check – By mail or in person • Cash – In person at City Hall • Online – Debit or credit card Register to receive an electronic bill by e-mail instead of a paper bill delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Some of the many benefits include eliminating the costs of printing and postage, eliminating the use of paper, and making the world a greener place.

To learn more, visit www.goodyearaz.gov and click on Programs & Services, or call the Goodyear Utility Services Division Customer Service at 623-882-7887.

Now’s the Time to Sign Up for a Library Card Almost 6,100 Goodyear households have current library cards issued by the Maricopa County Library District. After Oct. 1, the County cards will not be accepted in Avondale because the City of Avondale is taking over day-to-day operations from Maricopa County Library District.

Goodyear residents who use the Avondale Civic Center Public Library must get new library cards before October 1. Goodyear residents will still be able to use Avondale’s Civic Center Library, as long as they have the new card issued by Avondale.

People who use the Goodyear Branch Library at 250 N. Litchfield Rd. must have a library card issued through Maricopa County Library District. Avondale’s library cards cannot be used at the Goodyear Library; only County library cards are accepted.

There are more than 23,000 households in Goodyear, but only 25% have County library cards. Our goal is for at least 50% of our households to hold County library cards by this time next year.

Sign up at the Goodyear Branch Library and help us meet our goal!

Volunteer Profile Mariah Rojas volunteers with the Municipal Court and Finance Department. She does data entry, filing, search warrants and works on special projects. Rojas is currently taking courses in criminal justice and working towards a degree.

Rojas says she became a volunteer because she wanted to give back to her community...and give she has!

Between February and June, Rojas volunteered 182 hours. She likes spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, hiking, rafting and Mariah Rojas doing all sorts of outdoor activities.

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Desert Dan is still working to keep down summer water usage.

Are you?

Outdoor usage can make up as much as 70% of our community’s water usage in this season.

Everyone can help Desert Dan save the last drop while Max Usage is rampaging. Here’s how:

• Water grass no more often than every other day.

• Water on odd numbered dates if your address ends in an odd digit. Addresses ending in even numbers water on even-numbered dates.

• Wash cars and other vehicles only at car washes that post that they use recycled water.

• Water only between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. when it is not windy or raining.

• Delay watering grass by three days if you get half an inch or more of rain.

• Check your irrigation system for leaks, missing emitters, and misdirected sprinkler heads.

Repair them as needed.

• Engage your whole household. Help your children (age 7-14) complete some of Desert Dan’s Water Marshal Challenges. Free kits and challenges are still available at City Hall and Public Works and Water Resources Facility.

• Sign up for a free Water Conservation Class or Home Irrigation Checkup to learn more ways to save.

The City website, www.goodyearaz.gov/h2o365 lists all offerings.

Water Classes

190 N. Litchfield Rd. www.goodyearaz.gov 623-932-3910

You can still sign up for August water conservation classes at www.goodyearaz.gov/h2o365.

Fall classes will be posted online in September.

Where Does Our Water Go? 8 to 10 a.m., Thursday, August 6 Trees of the Desert: Selection and Care 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, August 6 Set Your Timers 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, August 15

INFOCUS August /September 2009 Volume 24 / Issue 6 Editor: Paula Ilardo Writer: Nora Fascenelli Design: Michael Leone

Watering Guidelines for the Summer Water deeply to keep plants healthy. Throughout the year, change only how often you water.

Watering too often produces rapid growth which results in weak plant structures that break and fall in summer thunderstorms.

Plant Type Water Needs How Often

to Water Trees

Desert-adapted

7 - 14 days

Trees

High water use

7 - 8 days

Shrubs

Desert-adapted

7 - 12 days

Shrubs

High water use

5 - 6 days

Groundcovers/Vines

Desert-adapted

7 - 14 days

Groundcovers/Vines

High water use

2 - 3 days

Succulents, cacti

If no rain

14 - 21 days

Annuals

2 - 3 days

Grass

3 - 4 days

For more detailed information on how much water your plants need, sign up for a free Set Your Timers class on the City website or pick up a copy of Landscape Watering by the Numbers and a free rain gauge at City Hall or Public Works/Water Resources Administration Facility.