2010 12 infocus 038

December 2010

Volume 25 / Issue 7

Home Plate for the Holidays

Saturday, December 4 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Goodyear Ballpark Celebrate the season with family and friends during the Home Plate for the Holidays event at Goodyear Ballpark (Estrella Parkway, south of Yuma Road). Sing along with choirs from local schools, play in 40 tons of snow, and shop for unique holiday gifts from local arts and crafts vendors. Try out your ice skating skills on the outdoor rink! Santa arrives by fire truck and will be available for pictures.

Admission and parking are free.

Small fees for some activities.

For more information, visit goodyearaz.gov/ ballpark.

Sponsored by Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry, Hilgers Orthodontics, and APS

da

5 ge C

-p

g

-p

the Holi

ys

2

2

pg

for

Ed

r

Leading

ea op Goody

tration - pg

g4

Sh

eg is

R

an

Se wer Rates

Business

Water

d

a m p a i gn

Rates are Changing

for Water and Sewer Customers South of I-10 Water and sewer rates are changing in January 2011. The utility bill for a residential customer who uses 8,000 gallons per month will increase by about $4.64 per month from an average in 2010 of $93.78 to $98.42 next year. This increase was approved in May 2009 when the City Council adopted a resolution to increase water and sewer rates over a four-year period to ensure the Public Works Department’s self sufficiency through rates and user fees due to increased cost of water resources and water treatment, and increases in power and chemical costs.

Customers pay for the volume of water used each month, based on a four-tier system. Beginning in January, the cost of the least expensive water rate tier will increase by 5 cents per 1,000 gallons.

High and very high water use will be charged at higher rates to partially offset the higher costs of providing that service. To estimate how the new rates affect your bill, compare your 2010 water bills to the chart below.

In addition to volume charges, customers pay base fees for water and sewer. These fees are increasing for all customers. The amount of the cost increase depends on the type of residence, business, size of meter, and whether you live inside or outside Goodyear city limits. Check your utility bill for details.

Base Rate Changes for Residential Water and Sewer

Examples of Monthly Water and Sewer Costs

including volume and base rate charges for residents with ¾” meter

Flat rate sanitation charges of $22.80 and applicable taxes are not included in this example, but will appear on your utility bill. Charges for customers outside Goodyear city limits are 25% higher than for customers inside city limits. For rate information, visit www.goodyearaz.gov/rates.

Business Permit Fee and Registration

Due December 31, 2010

It’s time for all Goodyear businesses to register with the City and pay the $75 annual permit fee. Businesses have always been required to register, but prior to 2010, Goodyear was the only West Valley city which did not charge a fee for doing business. Some cities charge a bit less, and others a bit more. Goodyear’s $75 fee is in the mid-range compared to those charged by other West Valley cities.

Protection and Safety • “Protect Your Business” program informs registered businesses immediately of any robbery, scam, or other criminal activity in the area • Fire and police have info that helps trim response times for emergency calls

Registered businesses enjoy many benefits, including: A presence on the City of Goodyear website which has more than 65,000 visitors per month: • On the Shop Goodyear page (see article on page 4) which allows you to: • post job openings • list your hours • offer coupons • advertise specials, features, etc.

• In the Visitor section listings • On locator maps with information about your businesses

The $75 annual permit fee is due December 31, but a grace period is in effect until January 31.

Failure to register and pay the fee can result in fines of up to $500. A business permit is required for any person or company doing business in the City of Goodyear, including home-based businesses. Nonprofit organizations, churches, schools, and vendors who sell only at Goodyear Market Place are exempt. Individuals and sole proprietors must include proof of citizenship, such as driver’s permit, passport, visa, etc. along with the application. The registration program helps the sales tax auditor make sure all businesses are collecting and paying the proper taxes.

Receiving Good News for Business, the electronic business newsletter, and outreach e-blasts directly to your registered business e-mail address for news and City-sponsored events/ activities of special interest to business owners, such as • Small Business Breakfast Series – experts offer tips for growing a business and boosting visibility • Financial Seminars – tax planning, lending practices,

credit management • Economic development news and information • Recruit new businesses • Employment opportunities • Workforce trends

Mail or hand deliver registration renewal forms or new registration applications along with cash, check, or money order for $75, to City of Goodyear Business Permit Registration, 190 N. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear, AZ 85338.

Download registration forms and instructions at www.goodyearaz.gov. Online registration is not available at this time.

Approaching the end of 2010 and looking toward the new year is a good time to reflect on our families, friends, neighbors and community.

Although this year has had its challenges, our community has much to offer residents of all ages. To learn more about these opportunities, check out INFOCUS and the latest website updates at www.goodyearaz.gov.

Holiday Schedule City Offices Closed: Friday, December 3 for City Employee Event (APS Office will be open) Christmas Eve Friday, December 24 New Year’s Eve Friday, December 31

Recreation and sports opportunities abound locally. The City offers courses such as dance classes for toddlers, Little League, and trips for active adults. Now is a great time to sign up for that cooking class you have always wanted to take. Goodyear also has a beautiful system of community and neighborhood parks and natural trails to explore as the weather cools down. A hike through the beautiful Estrella Mountains is a great way to spend a sunny Arizona afternoon.

We also have great neighborhoods, many of which were featured during the recent G.A.I.N. and Taste of Goodyear events. The Fill-A-Need holiday program helps connect families in need with generous gifts and donations from City employees, residents, and local businesses. The Ballpark has hosted the Star Spangled 4th of July celebration, the spooky Field of Screams Halloween Haunt, and a winter wonderland for the December 4th Home Plate for the Holidays event.

Sanitation Collection: There are NO changes to trash and recycling container collection on Friday, December 3, Friday, December 24, Christmas Eve and Friday, December 31, New Year’s Eve. There will be NO BULK COLLECTION service provided on Friday, December 24, Christmas Eve and Friday, December 31, New Year’s Eve. If your designated day falls on one of these holidays, your bulk trash will be collected on the next regular designated pickup day for your zone.

With so many opportunities available here in our community, let’s look to 2011 as a time to share with friends and family as we enjoy the many activities, events, and recreational fun Goodyear has to offer.

Visit goodyearaz.gov for more information.

PayShare...

Because You Care

Goodyear City Council

PayShare Utility Assistance Fund was recently established by the City of Goodyear for customers to make one-time or repeating donations in any amount, no matter how small.

Through PayShare, residents can put a few dollars towards a fund that helps residents in tough financial situations catch up on water and sanitation bills.

Subscribe online to PayShare and set up monthly contributions of any amount, even just a dollar or two, which will be added to your monthly bills. Or opt for a one-time donation by check, payable to the City of Goodyear. Please write “PayShare” on the check memo line.

For additional information, e-mail parrish.spisz@goodyearaz.gov, call 623-882-7781, or visit www.goodyearaz.gov.

Council meetings and work sessions are held at the Justice Center, at 185 N. 145th Ave. Visit www.goodyearaz.gov for meeting schedules and to watch meetings.

Goodyear City Council Calendar

Vice Mayor Joe Pizzillo

Dick Sousa

Frank Cavaliere Joanne Osborne Sheri Lauritano

Monday, December 6 Work Session – 5:30 p.m.

Monday, January 10, 2011 Regular Meeting – 6 p.m.

Monday, February 28 Regular Meeting – 6 p.m.

Monday, December 6 Regular Meeting – 6 p.m.

Monday, January 24 Regular Meeting – 6 p.m.

Monday, March 14 Regular Meeting – 6 p.m.

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

Monday, February 14 Regular Meeting – 6 p.m.

Monday, March 21 Work Session – time TBD

Shop Locally

City Manager John F. Fischbach Goodyear, like all other Arizona cities, runs on sales tax. This means that the majority (54%) of the day-to-day functions such as police, fire, parks and recreation, planning, and city administrative services including finance, economic development, communications, IT, and human resources are paid for by sales taxes. (Services such as water, sewer, and sanitation are not funded by sales tax, but rather by the monthly fees you pay for these services.)

Because we are so dependent upon sales tax to support the daily operations of public safety and key departments, we have created Shop Goodyear for the Holidays to help promote spending at home for this Christmas holiday. We thank our sponsor businesses who donated prizes. And we thank those of you who are participating in Shop Goodyear for the Holidays by shopping our local stores Sponsors: and bringing your sales receipts to City Hall to win those prizes.

We also want to help our local businesses year round as much as possible during this down-turned economy so they remain healthy.

To that end, we have every registered retail business listed on our website – www.goodyearaz.gov. Just click on the Shop Goodyear button on the homepage to find them.

Thanks for shopping Goodyear at the holidays and all year long.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all our residents and best wishes for a great selling season to all Goodyear businesses!

Estrella Cleaners Great Goodies & Gifts In Stitches! Fine Fabrics Jamila Williams, Mary Kay Beauty Consultant Jamila’s Gift Service Oasis Bagels Salon Diversified Sherwin/Williams Universal Beauty Salon Grand Prizes: Ground Control Osborne Jewelers Salon Diversified

Win Diamonds, a Wine Tasting Party, Gift Cards The annual Shop Goodyear for the Holidays program is in full swing. Local residents and visitors can win great prizes by saving receipts and entering weekly drawings. Entry forms for the weekly drawings are available at Goodyear City Hall or online at www.goodyearaz.gov and click on Shop Goodyear.

To enter Shop Goodyear for the Holidays weekly drawings, simply mail or hand deliver entry forms, along with receipts for general merchandise, food, beverages, groceries, fuel, or services such as those provided by nail, hair and skin care salons, totaling $25 or more from Goodyear stores and restaurants to: Shop Goodyear for the Holidays, Goodyear City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear, AZ 85338 The Grand Prize drawings will be held on December 23 at Goodyear City Hall. There are three grand prizes: a diamond necklace from Osborne Jewelers, a $150 wine or beer tasting party from Ground Control, and a $150 gift certificate to Salon Diversified. Winners need not be present, but participants must be 18 years or older to enter. City employees are not eligible to participate.

By shopping at local businesses, Goodyear residents help keep local dollars local, working for them. Retail sales tax dollars make up more than half of the City’s operating budget and pay for police, fire, streets, parks and recreation, and more.

Market Your Business Online

Goodyear’s new Shop Goodyear program on the City’s website helps you showcase your business every day of the year to a huge audience. An average of 65,000 visitors per month visit Goodyear’s website. The Shop Goodyear site gives our residents and all other visitors to Goodyear’s website a One-Stop Shopping Place to find Goodyear businesses with a valid business registration license. It’s almost like a Yellow Pages ad online that you can update constantly. If your business is not online already, this is your chance to market it online.

Just click on ASK–FIND–DO on our website’s homepage!

Here’s what the new Shop Goodyear has to offer: business listing by name and categories, plots your location on a map, lists your address and hours, displays your logo, lets you put specials and coupons online, gives you the opportunity to list job openings in your business, lets you list “Frequently Asked Questions” about your business, and allows you to include descriptions and photos of your business/products. The more businesses that participate, the more successful the site will be and the more views it will get.

We hope you choose to showcase your business.

4

Leading Edge Marketing Campaign

2011 Spring Training Tickets On Sale December 4

to Bring Jobs and Business to Goodyear

The City of Goodyear hosted a well-attended Economic Development Showcase for more than 100 industrial brokers and developers in November, launching the City’s new Leading Edge marketing campaign.

The Leading Edge Showcase

event featured the City’s

efforts to work proactively

with the real estate community

in order to bring more

industrial investment and jobs

to the community, and increase

awareness of Goodyear’s

commercial assets and

outstanding quality of life.

Highlights of the event featured

presentations detailing

corporate relocation success

stories, including Amazon.com,

Suntech, and Sub-Zero. The Leading Edge Showcase emphasized the City’s quality of life, available workforce, business parks, and transportation accessibility – all factors in promoting job growth and business development in Goodyear.

The keynote speaker was foreign trade zone (FTZ) expert, Curtis Spencer of IMS Worldwide, Inc., who is helping form FTZs in Goodyear to help attract global industries.

The Leading Edge video can be viewed on the City website, www.goodyearaz.gov or on YouTube.com. To request copies of Goodyear’s Leading Edge promotional marketing materials, contact Economic Development Director Paula Ilardo at 623-882-7820 or pilardo@goodyearaz.gov.

Goodyear Fire and West Valley Hospital Honored at WESTMARC Awards Goodyear Fire Department and West Valley Hospital received an Honorable Mention at WESTMARC’s 18th Annual Best of the West Awards in the Service to Communities - Health & Wellness category for its “Door-to-Balloon” technology.

With the Cincinnati Reds winning the National League Central Division title this year, the 2011 Spring Training season at Goodyear Ballpark is sure to be filled with exciting baseball from all of the Cactus League favorites!

Game day events such as Autograph and Fan Appreciation Days will return, as will popular post-game activities like Kids Run the Bases, Seniors Stroll the Bases, and Play Catch on the Field.

What’s new for the upcoming season?

New 2011 mini plans. Goodyear Ballpark’s mini ticket plans now allow fans to choose any combination of three Indians and Reds home games. These flexible ticket plans offer bundled discounts and great seating locations.

Half-price tickets for children 12 and under with the purchase of a regularly priced ticket. Child Ticket Pricing is available in the Outfield Box, Outfield Reserved, and Berm seating areas.

Spring season ticket plans are also available and are perfect for avid baseball fans and ideal for businesses to reward loyal customers or use as employee incentives.

Season plans include: all Indians and Reds home games, Indians-only and Reds-only plans.

Season and mini plans are available beginning November 22.

Individual tickets are on sale December 4 at 10 a.m. and may be purchased at Goodyear Ballpark Ticket Office, by phone at 623-882-3130, or online at Indians.com and Reds.com.

Consumer Fireworks Banned The City of Goodyear has placed a complete prohibition on the personal use of fireworks within city limits, after passing City Ordinance 10-1224 in response to a new state law that takes effect December 1 which allows the sale of certain consumer fireworks. Under the new state law, HB2246, municipalities cannot ban fireworks sales, but they can prohibit their use. Violators who use fireworks within Goodyear city limits will be charged with class 3 misdemeanors.

Working together with West Valley In May, Governor Jan Brewer signed into law a bill allowing those age 16 Hospital, Goodyear Fire Department and older to buy and use ground and handheld fireworks, including sparklers, paramedics and other emergency spinners and illuminating torches. State law forbids the sale or use of aerial fireworks, such as bottle rockets and Roman candles. personnel in the area use the latest technology to help In addition to the complete prohibition of the personal use of fireworks, Goodyear patients suffering from an regulations also require that signs be placed at each cash register and in each area exceptionally dangerous where fireworks are sold. type of heart attack receive Professional display fireworks at large events such as the Star Spangled 4th of July the care they need nearly celebration in Goodyear are still permissible with a permit. However, in times of high fire 20% faster than national danger, the Fire Marshal or Fire Chief can prohibit the use of display fireworks. guidelines recommend.

For more information, contact Maria Herriage, Goodyear Fire Marshal, at 623-882-7303.

5

Christmas Tree Recycling

Plan ahead and take advantage of Goodyear Public Works Department’s annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program, which begins the day after Christmas and continues through January 10. Drop-off sites are located throughout the City and are available 24 hours a day. Be sure to remove all decorations and lighting. Trees are chipped daily and used for mulch and ground cover at local farms. More than 20,000 pounds of Christmas trees were collected in 2009. For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 623-932-3010. There are five convenient drop-off locations: • Foothills Community Park, 12795 S. Estrella Parkway, next to the parking lot.

• PebbleCreek Eagle’s Nest parking lot, 3645 N. Clubhouse Drive.

• Palm Valley Park, 13133 W. Monte Vista Drive, on the north side of the park.

• Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, in the northwest corner of the parking lot.

• Goodyear Parks Operation Yard, 200 S. Calle Del Pueblo, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Register Now for the Third Annual

IMS Arizona Marathon Run

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Register now for the Third Annual Integrated Medical Services (IMS) Arizona Marathon, MasterBlock Half Marathon, Wal-Mart Marathon Relay, and Cancer Treatment Center 5K on President’s Day weekend, Sunday, February 20, 2011.

The event starts at Verrado in Buckeye, and takes runners, joggers and walkers through Goodyear, Avondale, Litchfield Park, Phoenix, and Glendale, finishing at Westgate City Center, home of the Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Coyotes.

The IMS Arizona Marathon features a full (Boston Marathon-qualifying) marathon, a half marathon, marathon relay, and a 5K walk/run. Come out and enjoy the sensational Arizona weather and compete in one of the four races that best suits you.

Register now for the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay or 5K. All marathoners receive a t-shirt and finisher’s medal. Each 5K participant receives a t-shirt and finisher’s medal. Visit www.thearizonamarathon.com to learn more; register early and save.

IMS Arizona Marathon sponsors include the cities of Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Avondale, the Town of Buckeye, West Valley Magazine, MasterBlock Inc., Wal-Mart, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Core Construction, House of Elliott Media Group, Verrado, Estrella Mountain Community College, Westgate City Center, The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa, Orcutt Winslow, Goodyear in Action, Schlotzsky’s, Waste Management, ASBA Insurance Trust, Massage Envy, and Estrella Mountain Cyclery.

YANA Program for Goodyear Seniors You Are Not Alone (YANA) is a free program offered by the Goodyear Police Department Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS). Seniors can receive regular phone calls and wellness checks from VIPS representatives. If an emergency occurs during a phone call or home visit, the representative will arrange for a police officer to be sent to the residence right away.

It’s a great resource for independent seniors living on their own that have no friends or family members nearby. YANA also helps seniors find other useful services and resources. Registration forms are available through the Goodyear Police Department VIPS/YANA Program, and mailed to YANA, 175 N. 145th Ave., Building E, Goodyear, AZ 85338.

To learn more about YANA, request a registration form, or enroll in the program, call 623-882-7481 or visit www.goodyearaz.gov/yana.

6

Learn About Domestic Violence Join the Goodyear Police Department and the Goodyear Faith Community for a presentation about Domestic Violence Awareness from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 1 at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church at 918 S. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear.

This informative event is hosted by Goodyear Councilmember Sheri Lauritano. Speakers include Glendale Presiding Judge Elizabeth Finn and New Life Center Executive Director Paul Denial.

Come and learn more about domestic violence, what it actually is, the warning signs and prevention, safety planning, and resources for help.

For information, contact Kristina Bunch at 623-882-7310 or kbunch@goodyearaz.gov.

Library Events

December - January Preschool Story Time (ages 3 - 5) Mondays, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, 13 at 10:30 or 11:15 a.m.

City Hall, Room 117, 190 N. Litchfield Rd. Start your week off right with fun stories, songs, and activities.

Parents may choose either the 10:30 or 11:15 a.m. session.

Craft Activity (ages 4 - 8) Wednesdays, Dec. 1 and Jan. 5 at 3:30 p.m.

Goodyear Branch Library, 250 N. Litchfield Rd., Suite 185 Storytelling and Songs with Mrs. Santa Claus Monday, Dec. 13 at 3:30 p.m.

City Hall, Room 117, 190 N. Litchfield Rd. Join Mrs. Santa Claus for seasonal stories and songs! Jan Sandwich delights audiences with her very special magic.

Book Discussion Group for Adults Mondays, Dec. 20 and Jan. 24 at 1 p.m.

City Hall, Room 117, 190 N. Litchfield Rd. Stop by the library to pick up copies of the selections. In December, bring something to share for this special winter holiday potluck.

Check with the Goodyear Branch Library for January’s Story Time schedule.

VIPS Volunteer of the Year Award

Joe and Connie Long, a husband-and-wife team in Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS), received the 2010 Volunteer of the Year Award. VIPS has 18 volunteers who assist the Police Department with special events, administrative and patrol functions, including the You Are Not Alone (YANA) program, DUI Task Forces, and Shop with a Cop. The Longs have been VIPS members since 2007, and instrumental in its success. Together, they demonstrate their commitment to the VIPS mission and represent the best in volunteerism. Congratulations.

Thanks to the G.A.I.N. Planning Committee

Graffiti Buster Program

Restoring Neighborhood Pride One Brush Stroke at a Time Goodyear has launched a City-wide volunteer program, partnering with residents to restore neighborhood pride, one brush stroke at a time.

Graffiti affects us all, residents and businesses alike. When a tagging occurs, it is a sign of gang activity and crime, and getting rid of it can have a huge impact on the neighborhood.

A graffiti-free neighborhood instills a sense of pride in the residents, and helps create a safer and more attractive community.

Assistance is available for neighborhoods and homeowners associations interested in applying to participate in the Goodyear Graffiti Buster Program. Matching paint, supplies, and equipment will be provided.

Volunteers are needed to help eliminate graffiti in their neighborhoods. The City needs assistance with reporting, documenting and removing the tagging.

Education, training, and equipment will be provided.

For information or to sign up for the program, please contact Goodyear Neighborhood Services at 623-882-7812 or lschuett@goodyearaz.gov.

Make-A-Difference Day Volunteers Shine

Without the dedicated volunteers who offer their time, talent and effort, events like G.A.I.N. would not be possible. A dozen Make-A-Difference Day, October 23, was a Goodyear neighborhoods participated in the October 16, 2010 national day of helping others – a celebration of Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods event at the neighbors helping neighbors. This year, Goodyear Ballpark. Special thanks go to the G.A.I.N. Planning volunteers tackled projects and made the community Committee. Below, from left to right: Front row – Kortney Song, Bonnye Chastain, Ashlee Chastain. an even better place to live.

Seated – Marsha Kornegay-Hill, Diane Krone, These Make-A-Difference projects would not have been possible Jeanette Royer, Jackie McLaughlin, Jim McLaughlin, Norma Chastain. Standing – Dave Alexander, without the generosity, support, and participation of the many Jim Evans, Sam Rutledge, Brian Bering, businesses that contributed time and resources. With deepest Ruben Martinez, Jocelyn Boehme, John gratitude, Robinson, Jane Gasch, Chuck Watson, we thank Beth Hartig, Joan Dart, Lili Schuett.

the individuals, businesses and organizations that worked to make a difference in Goodyear.

7

City of Goodyear Quick Reference

City of Goodyear

INFOCUS

December 2010 Volume 25 Issue 7 Executive Editor: Paula Ilardo Managing Editor and Writer: Nora Fascenelli Graphic Designer: Michael Leone

Website www.goodyearaz.gov Goodyear City Hall 190 N. Litchfield Rd. 623-932-3910 Mayor and City Council: 623-882-7776 Utilities Customer Service: 623-932-3015 Police Non-emergency: 623-932-1220 Emergency: Call 9-1-1 Fire Non-emergency: 623-932-2300 Emergency: Call 9-1-1 Justice Center, Council Chambers 185 N. 145th Ave. Court: 623-882-7200 Council (City Clerk): 623-882-7830

Engineering, Building Safety, Planning & Zoning 195 N. 145th Ave. Engineering: 623-882-3110 Building Safety: 623-932-3004 Planning & Zoning: 623-932-3005 Goodyear Branch Library 250 N. Litchfield Rd., Suite 185 Maricopa County Libraries: 602-652-3000 Parks and Recreation 3075 N. Litchfield Rd. (in Fire Station 183) 623-882-7525 Goodyear Ballpark and Recreational Complex 1933 S. Ballpark Way Operations: 623-882-3120 Tickets: 623-882-3130

Economic Development 623-932-3025 Volunteer Program 623-882-7807 Public Works 4980 S. 157th Ave. Water, Streets, Sanitation: 623-932-3010 Household Hazardous Waste Disposal (not affiliated with the City of Goodyear) PSC Industrial Service: 5150 N. Tom Murray Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301 602-252-1186 Envirosolve: 2844 W. Broadway Rd. Phoenix, AZ 602-276-7602

Budget Transparency Website

Transparency in Government Spending is a special webpage feature available online, where the public can view financial information including: Annual Budgets from 2002 to present, Capital Improvement Program Five-Year Plan, Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, Monthly Expenditures and Revenues, Grants and Stimulus Funds (ARRA), and Salary Ranges. This feature, introduced earlier this year, is regularly updated.

To visit Goodyear’s Transparency in Government Spending webpage, go to www.goodyearaz.gov/budget. Or, from Goodyear’s homepage, click on “Government” and select “Transparency in Government Spending” from the menu on the left side of the screen. To submit comments and suggestions for balancing Goodyear’s city budget, log on to the Transparency in Government Spending page and click on “Provide Input.”

Winter Holiday Safety Tips Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater fire risk. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

Holiday Decorating • Choose flame resistant decorations.

• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. Blow out candles if they are to be left unattended.

• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.

• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

• Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for strings of screw-in bulbs.

• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights.

8

Holiday Entertaining • Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

• Keep children and pets away from candles, matches, and lighters.

• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials away from children. Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking.

• Be careful when using turkey fryers. Use outdoors, keep away from anything that can burn, keep away from children, and do not leave unattended.