east valley
Volume 2 Issue 04 Mesa, AZ
August 11, 2019
Community college part of White House program TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
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IN THE BIZ
Mesa resident who attends Mesa Community College was part of a White House celebration of workers and those who teach them skills. Hannah Chelolah was part of a contingent of Maricopa Community College District representatives who marked Pledge to America’s Workers Month and discussed their innovative efforts to prepare students for the jobs of the future. Chelolah discussed the Everyone Can Code program and how she used coding skills she learned through earning the swift micro certificate to contribute to the Resources, Information and Services for Everyone (RISE) app. “The RISE app was designed and created by a team including Maricopa faculty, my fellow classmates and myself to help students find food, shelter and other resources,” she said. “I have personally reaped the benefits of Apple’s pledge and feel confident that workers in Arizona can increase their job skills and marketability by earning the swift micro certificate,” she said, calling it an “amazing opportunity” to brag about the program to White House officials. Maricopa Community Colleges train and provide certifications for 95 percent of the most in-demand jobs in Arizona with almost 90 percent of students staying in the Valley after graduation. The RISE app, now available in the iTunes App Store, was designed to help students cut the time they spend looking for basic needs and resources so they Public Notices ............... page 3 © Copyright, 2019 East Valley Tribune
can focus on their education. The RISE app was developed for and by MCC students, but its use could be expanded to other colleges. The Everyone Can Code project was built by faculty to create a nine-credit microcertificate that students can complete in less than a year, leading to employability. Mesa, Chandler-Gilbert and Scottsdale Community Colleges have partnered with East Valley cities and technology companies, such as Apple, to launch first-ever coding, cloud and networking certification and degree opportunities through the creation of a Maricopa IT Institute at Mesa. In 2017, there were over 10,000 unfilled jobs in Maricopa County Arizona with the designation of application software developer or programmer. Everyone Can Code started in 2017 and attracts a diverse array of students ranging from high school pupils to retirees. “Offering programs like App development reinforce key initiatives to align education programs around the skills needed in Arizona’s economy,” said district Chancellor Maira Harper-Marinick. Mesa Community College now offers a blockchain technology certificate of completion, becoming one of the first community colleges in the country to provide a such a course of study. Phoenix College offers significant financial assistance to students who are pursuing degrees in the fields of computer science, engineering and related STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields that lead to po(USPS 004-616) is published weekly
Mailing Address: 1620 W. Fountainhead Pkwy., Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282
(480) 898-6500 Steven Strickbine, publisher Paul Maryniak, executive editor
Mesa resident Hannah Chelolah, a student at Mesa Community College, recently attended a White House celebration.(Special to the Tribune)
tential engineering careers. Scottsdale Community College unveiled a state-of-the-art, expanded computer networking lab to help students become certified and trained in cloud computing and virtualization. It now supports 1,000 virtual machines. Nearly all Maricopa Community Colleges continue to work on expanding allied health care opportunities. “Maricopa Community Colleges will focus on innovations inside and outside the classroom,” added Harper-Marinick. “As the largest job training provider in the state, we look forward to the continued collaboration with industry and state leaders to strengthen our exceptional programs that enhance our student’s skills and enable them to be more competitive in today’s economy.” Subscriptions are $26 for 2 years, $14 for one year. Periodicals postage paid at Phoenix, AZ 85026.
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WhizKidz picks Mesa for its third Valley preschool sive care and creates a support system for them to navigate parenting tohizKidz Preschool is taking the gether. leap to the East Valley this fall. “We create really amazWhat was once PS Academy ing communities,” Piccaio in Mesa, a K-12 school for students with said. “Almost every month, autism and other exceptionalities, has we’ll have a family event, been converted to WhizKidz’s third loca- and what that does is it tion, slated to open in August. brings parents to meet This is WhizKidz’s first location in the and just connect. That’s East Valley; the preschool also has cam- also a big, big game-changpuses in Scottsdale and Phoenix. er. We’re not large and WhizKidz is an all-inclusive preschool corporate; it’s my husband with play-based curriculum and weekly and I, and we’re there at enrichment classes, including music, P.E., the events and part of the WhizKidz owner Martha Oiccaio said her new Mesa location is a state-ofthe-art facility. (Special to the Tribune) art and gardening. hiring process.” named Pieceful Solutions K-12 school — At the Scottsdale location — the largWhizKidz has anythe academy re-branded in June and moved est of the three preschools at over 8,000 where from 25 to 30 people on staff. square feet — students can be seen car“We are very particular on the things to its new location in Gilbert this month — ing for the zucchinis, tomatoes, kale, sun- that we’re looking for that align to our opened up, and WhizKidz began renovating flowers and more growing in the garden. core values and align who we are. So it’s the building four months ago. “We were really looking to get into the WhizKidz also provides diapers and a full circle,” she said. wipes, as well as all-natural meals and The goal of Piccaio’s is to ensure the East Valley because there are a lot of young snacks for its preschoolers. parents, in addition to their children, feel families,” Piccaio said. “We’ve had families who’ve moved from Scottsdale and pur“We are family centered, so we offer con- a sense of belonging. venient, all-inclusive care, which means “We want people to find a place. It’s our chased a home out in the East Valley who parents literally just have to drop off their psychology: When you feel that you be- have called us back, [saying], ‘You guys have kids,” said WhizKidz Owner Martha Piccaio. long somewhere, you stay. And if you feel to come out here. There’s nothing out here.’” Similarly, the Scottsdale campus was At 5,500 square feet, the Mesa loca- loved and you feel safe, you thrive. And tion boasts a state-of-the-art facility if the parent feels accepted, they’re most converted three years ago; what is now with space to cook nutritious meals for likely to be open to our suggestions,” she WhizKidz used to be BASIS Scottsdale the students — meals that accommodate said. “We are an extension of their family.” Primary. BASIS Scottsdale Primary has children’s specific dietary needs. This year, Piccaio plans to offer parent- since relocated to 136th Street. Piccaio started WhizKidz in 2007 from The Mesa campus will have nine class- ing workshops free of charge to parents her home in Glendale, and eventually rooms, where students engage in hands- of children enrolled into WhizKidz. on learning stations, as well as take part “They come to us with questions or moved into what was once Sahuaro Prein sensory learning and sensory play. wanting feedback and support, and we school in Phoenix, transforming it into Each week, children are introduced to don’t always have that appropriate an- WhizKidz’s first campus. The Scottsdale campus then opened in a new letter, number, color and shape, as swers to their questions,” she said. “So, 2016. well as other objects, words and things we’ll bring in a parenting consultant.” WhizKidz is now enrolling students that pair with each of those new areas. The parenting consultant will host trainAccording to Piccaio, WhizKidz’s cur- ing classes off-site, including potty training ages 0 to 5 for the 2019/2020 school year. Enrollment caps at 125 students, riculum sets the children up for success classes, toddler survival skills and more. when they reach kindergarten. “It’s good to have that added resource,” and tuition averages about $260 a week. Those interested in taking a look at the “We work with Zoo-phonics [a multi- Piccaio said. sensory language arts program], which Piccaio said she always had plans to ex- Mesa campus before the school year begins is a really good program. [When] a lot of pand to the East Valley; she was merely can schedule a tour on WhizKidz’s website. The grand opening celebration of the the kids that have been with us for sever- waiting for the right building to convert. al, several years get to kinder, they’ve al“We wanted to make sure there was new campus will take place August 10 ready learned what they’re being taught enough space for children, good outdoor from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 4909 E. Brown Road, Mesa; in kindergarten because of the programs areas — all those things that we believe that we’re using,” she said. are important for children to have as 480-999-4255; whizkidzpreschool.com WhizKidz also fosters a community for part of their development,” she said. parents to meet, offers parents all-incluAfter looking at many buildings, the onceBY KRISTINE CANNON Tribune Staff Writer
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EAST VALLEY BUSINESS
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AUGUST 11, 2019
Public Notice CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING STAPLEY PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS Project No. LF0329STP
The City of Mesa is developing plans to upgrade the playground equipment at Stapley Park. The old playground equipment will be removed and replaced with new playground equipment along with new play area surfacing. The City of Mesa would like students and members of the neighboring community to share their input on which type of play features will be in the new playground. You are invited to attend a Public Meeting where City staff will be available to answer your questions. No formal presentation will be given. Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2019 Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00pm Location: Eagles Park Community Center-Room 118 828 E. Broadway Rd Mesa, AZ 85204 If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Michele Arrollado, Lucy Lopez or Juanita Gonzales with the City of Mesa Engineering Public Relations Department at (480) 6443800. Published: East Valley Tribune, Aug 4, 11, 2019 / 22307
Public Notice CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING WASHINGTON PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS Project No. LF0330WSH
The City of Mesa is developing plans to upgrade the playground equipment at Washington Park. The old playground equipment will be removed and re-placed with new playground equipment along with new play area surfacing. The City of Mesa would like the neighboring community to share their input on which type of play features will be in the new playground. You are invited to attend a Public Meeting where City staff will be available to answer your questions. No formal presentation will be given. Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2019 Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Location: Step Up SchoolAccordion Room 44 E 5th Street Mesa, AZ 85201 If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Michele Arrollado, Lucy Lopez and Juanita Gonzales with the City of Mesa Engineering Public Relations Department at (480) 644-3800.
Public Notice CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA COMMERCIAL WATER METER REHABILITATIONS PHASE 11B PROJECT NO. CP04680001 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received
has been scheduled, details can be referenced in Project Specific Provision Section #3, titled “Pre-Bid Review of Site.” Work shall be completed within 257 consecutive calendar days, beginning with the day following the starting date specified in the Notice to Proceed. Bids must be submitted on the Proposal Form provided and be accompanied by the Bid Bond for not less than ten percent (10%) of the total bid, payable to the City of Mesa, Arizona, or a certified or cashier’s check. PERSONAL OR INDIVIDUAL SURETY BONDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. The successful bidder will be required to execute the standard form of contract for construction within ten (10) days after formal award of contract. In addition, the successful bidder must be registered in the City of Mesa Vendor Self-Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/ pur-chasing/vendor-self-service). The successful bidder, simultaneously with the execution of the Contract, will be required to furnish a Payment Bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, a Performance Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, and the most recent ACORD® Certificate of Liability Insurance form with additional insured endorsements. The right is hereby reserved to accept or reject any or all bids or parts thereto, to waive any informalities in any proposal and reject the bids of any persons who have been delinquent or unfaithful to any contract with the City of Mesa. BETH HUNING City Engineer ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk Published: East Valley Tribune, Aug. 11, 18, 2019 / 22622
until Thursday, September 19, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. All sealed bids will be received at Mesa City Plaza Building, Engineering Department at 20 East Main Street, 5th Floor, Mesa, Arizona; except for bids delivered 30 minutes prior to opening which will be received at the information desk, 1st floor, Main Lobby of the Mesa City Plaza Building. Any bid received after the time specified will be returned without any consideration. This contract shall be for furnishing all labor, materials, transportation and services for the construction and/or installation of the following work: This project calls for the rehabilitation of 15 water meter assemblies (WMA) at 10 sites in the City of Mesa. The existing WMAs are within underground vaults, and are sized 3-inches, 4-inches or 6-inches. The concrete lid of the concrete vaults will be removed with the remaining vault to be abandoned in place per the approved plans. The existing WMAs shall be replaced with new dual 2-inch, 4-inch or 6-inch WMAs, and relocated above ground. Site work will include installation of new piping restoration of the site, and landscape improvements to mitigate to impact of the view of the WMA. The Engineer’s Estimate range is $650,000.00 - $750,000.00. For all technical, contract, bidrelated, or other questions, please contact Stephanie Gishey at stephanie.gishey@mesaaz.gov. Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of dis-qualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process. This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, to assure that contract decisions are made in public, and to protect the integrity of the selection process. All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified above. Contractors desiring to submit proposals may purchase sets of the Bid Documents from ARC Document Solutions, LLC, at https://order.earc.com/arcEOC/PWELL_Main. asp?mem=29. Click on “Go” for the Public Planroom to access plans. NOTE: In order to be placed on the Plan Holders List and to receive notifications and updates regarding this bid (such as addenda) during the bid-ding period, an order must be placed. The cost of each Bid Set will be no more than $23.00, which is non-refundable. Partial bid packages are not sold. You can view documents on-line (at no cost), order Bid Sets, and access the Plan Holders List on the website at the address listed above. Please verify print lead time prior to arriving for pickup. For a list of locations nearest you, go to www.e-arc.com. One set of the Contract Documents is also available for viewing at the City of Mesa’s Engineering Department at 20 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ. Please call 480-644-2251 prior to arriving to en-sure that the documents are available for viewing. In order for the City to consider alternate products in the bidding process, please follow Arizona Revised Statutes §34.104c. If a pre-bid review of the site
EAST VALLEY BUSINESS
Public Notice PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF MESA COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Transfer of City-Owned Properties Public Comment Period (August 12, 2019 – September 10, 2019) Public Meetings (August 26, 2019 & September 5, 2019) Date of Publication: August 11, 2019 Transfer of City-Owned Properties
The City of Mesa (City) has received a request from A New Leaf, an Arizona non-profit agency, to have three (3) City-owned properties transferred title ownership to A New Leaf. Each of the three properties have been leased by A New Leaf for more than ten (10) years. Under the City’s policy for the “Criteria for the Disposition of City Property Encumbered by CDBG, HOME, and NSP funding to Nonprofit Agencies” approved under City Council Resolution No. 11018, approved on Au-gust 28, 2017, properties leased to nonprofit agencies for a continuous period of ten (10) years are eligible to be sold/transferred to the nonprofit agency leasing the property. A New Leaf has met those requirements and has made a request for the property transfer.
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In accordance with the federal regulations at 24 CFR, Part 570.505, the City may not change the use or planned use unless the City provides affected citizens with reasonable notice of, and opportunity to comment on any proposed change. The properties and their proposed changes are as follows: 217 W. University Drive – the property lease is to operate an alternative youth center providing counseling, education, administration, and related services for youth ages 8 to 17 and their families. Due to funding cuts for the program, the proposed use would be to house the IT services, quality management and facility support for all of A. New Leaf services. These services afford emergency and quality responses of acute importance to support the clients and staff of A New Leaf. Address Confidential – the property lease is to operate a youth shelter and domestic violence sup-port services. Due to funding cuts for the program, the proposed use would be transitional housing for single women who are successfully overcoming challenges, homelessness, domestic ab-use, achieving financial goals and learning to live independently. Address Confidential – the property lease is to operate a shelter for women and children seeking shelter from domestic abuse. The shelter provides women the time and resources needed to re-cover from trauma they experienced and gain independence from their abuser. The facility provides safe housing, meals and basic needs, support services including case management, financial coaching, employment assistance, childcare, life skills development and referrals for additional assistance. There will be no change to the use and services at this property. Notice of Public Comment Period A 30-day public comment period regarding the proposed transfer of properties and uses will begin on Monday, August 12, 2019 and end on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. All written comments received no later than September 10, 2019 will be considered. In addition, the City will hold two (2) public meetings to hear comments and address questions related to the property transfers. Written comments may be sent to: Raymond Thimesch, City of Mesa, P.O. Box 1466, Mesa, AZ 85211-1466. You may also contact him at (480) 6444521, or via e-mail at Ray.Thimesch@ mesaaz.gov for further information. Public Meetings Public Meeting #1: Will be held on Monday, August 26, 2019 at 5:00 pm at the Mesa City Plaza located at 20 E. Main St., Room 170 East. Public Meeting #2: Will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 5:00 pm at the Mesa City Plaza located at 20 E. Main St., Room 170 East. The City of Mesa will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who need an alternative accessible format of notices. If you need to request translations, or additional information, please contact Ray Thimesch at (480) 644-4521, e-mail: Ray.Thimesch@ mesaaz.gov Liz Morales, Housing and Community Development Director (August 11, 2019, East Valley Tribune) Equal Housing Opportunity Published: East Valley Tribune, Aug 11, 2019 / 22616
AUGUST 11, 2019
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