• Oro Valley's 34% voter turnout recently approved the city's new general plan for the future by a vote of 77% to 23%.
• Public Hearing on I-10 Interchange @ Twin Peaks & Linda Vista to be held Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. at Twin Peaks Elementary School.
• The Dove Mountain Civic Group has a Hiking Club, and is forming a Bicycle Club. For more info contact: Gary Borax 744-5991.
• Gladden Farms to complete a 16-acre regional park within the next year. It will; include 2 baseball fields, restrooms, soccer fields and more. The park will be located on the south end of Gladden Park.
• In October, the median sale price of houses in Tucson rose almost 38% over the previous October's median price, taking the price tag to $224,000.
• The Tucson housing market is experiencing a 10-high in homes available for sale. Over 5,000 homes are now for sale, which may signal a bit of a shift from a seller's to a buyer's market.

November, 2005

On the northwest edge of Tucson lies Marana, Arizona. Just a few short years ago, this was a small, quiet, typically developing area of Arizona. But those years have seen the city of Tucson grow beyond capacity, and the majority of the overflow is fast filling up this desirable area.

On any given day, hundreds of beautiful new homes are under construction in the now burgeoning Marana. Of course, when so many people move into an area over such a short period of time, there is infrastructure work to be done – usually at an accelerated, and often frantic pace. To provide basic services such as water, sewerage, and electricity is only a small part of what needs to be addressed in rapid growth regions. There are considerations of schools, hospitals, shopping, recreation, police and fire protection – and a whole lot more.

Another problem that faces communities that are growing at an inordinately fast rate is the government itself. When a small community like Marana grows at its present rate, the government – including personnel and divisions – must really strain to keep up. Simply prioritizing the quickly changing needs of the citizens is an entire function demanding full time attention, and lots of expertise. Should budgets be directed at schools first, or roads or police or fire or family services – and so on. It's a tough cornucopia of ever-changing problems. Fix one, and two more pop up.

The city of Marana is aggressively meeting the challenges head on, and with vigor. Developers are also contributing to the basic needs of the growing city's population. The city, of course, is constrained to the extent the tax base, staff, and ordinances allow.

Several small but well placed shopping and entertainment areas are either in the process of construction, or on the drawing board, or waiting for permits. Road construction is something the residents are used to now – as the city tries to keep pace with the glut of private vehicles congesting the city's old road systems.

There are some major non-housing developments slated for Marana, a city which is clearly aiming to retain its rural, desert beauty and open spaces despite the new homes and businesses that are popping up in record numbers. In keeping with that philosophy, two Marana projects are noteworthy. The city's planned Heritage Park, along the Santa Cruz River, and Forest City Land Group's Gladden Farms Regional Park.

Heritage Park

The city is vying for Federal funds on this project – up to one million dollars could be awarded to Marana, should it fulfill all the requirements of the grant. The project is massive and some of its highlights include:

• Farming display.
• Exhibit area.
• Community food bank garden.
• Group gathering area.
• Demonstration farm field.

Keep up with the project through the city's website.
Gladden Farms Regional Park (a.k.a. Gladden Farms Community Park)

The town of Marana has joined with Gladden Farms to develop 16 acres. The acreage will be used to create a park that will serve the needs of the entire Marana community. Completion of the park is scheduled for May of 2006. Highlights of the Gladden Farms Community Park will include:

• Two Little League baseball fields.
• Soccer fields.
• Separate play structures for young and older kids.
• Picnic ramadas and BBQs.
• Restrooms.

The finished park will be at the south end of Lon Adams Road.
For more on the city of Marana visit their website.

MARANA TOWN OFFICIALS AND DEPARTMENTS

Marana Town Hall (520) 382-1900
11555 W Civic Center Drive
Marana AZ 85653

Mike Reuwsaat, Town Manager

Jared Barr, Asst. Town Manager

Jim DeGrood, Assistant to the Town Manager

Jocelyn Entz, Town Clerk

Roy Cuaron, Finance Director

Jane Howell, Human Resources Director

Marana Development Service Center (520) 382-2600
11555 W Civic Center Drive
Marana AZ 85653

Jim Mazzocco, Development Services Administrator

Barbara Berlin, Planning Director

Jack Holden, Building Official

Marana Community & Economic Development (520) 382-1901
11555 W Civic Center Drive
Marana, AZ 85653

Dick Gear, Community & Economic Development Administrator

Marana Northwest Regional Airport (520) 682-2999
11700 W. Avra Valley Road

Marana Operations Center (520) 545-1264
5100 W. Ina Road
Tucson AZ 85743

Marana Water Department (520) 545-1264
12775 N. Sanders Road
Marana AZ 85653

Brad DeSpain, Utilities Director

Marana Public Works Department (520) 682-3934
12775 N. Sanders Road
Marana AZ 85653

Dennis Dolan, Community Response Manager

Marana Police Department (520) 382-2000
11555W. Civic Center Drive
Marana AZ 85653

Chief Richard Vidaurri

Marana Municipal Court (520) 382-2700
11555 W Civic Center Drive
Marana AZ 85653

James West, Magistrate

Marana Parks & Recreation Department (520) 682-3324
11599 W. Barnett Road
Marana AZ 85653

Ron Smith, Parks & Recreation Director

Marana Town Attorney & Prosecutor (520) 682-3401

Frank Cassidy, Town Attorney fcassidy@marana.com

Marana Town Council (520) 682-3401

Mayor Ed Honea ehonea@marana.com

Vice Mayor Herb Kai hkai@marana.com

Jim Blake jblake@marana.com

Patti Comerford pcomerford@marana.com

Tim Escobedo tescobedo@marana.com

November, 2005.

New CAP Offices

The Central Arizona Project (CAP) has opened a new office in Marana . The new offices are located at 10900 West Twin Peaks Road. Water is brought into the area via canal from the Colorado River. CAP oversees this necessary project, including the additional filtration needed to remove minerals not present in ground water.

CAP is also involved in the discussed reservoir project. The desired reservoir has been under discussion for quite some time, and will most likely not even begin for many, many years (5-10 years, or perhaps even more) – and maybe not at all. This reservoir would represent a massive undertaking requiring the smooth interaction between numerous entities from both the private and the government sectors. And if all the other hurdles are jumped, there's still the money needed for the funding of the project. It would require a great deal of money.

TOWN OF MARANA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers are essential to any organization, especially one with limited resources and an ongoing need to provide information and services to citizens and businesses. Volunteers can often mean the difference between holding an event and holding an excellent event, or no event at all.

Because the Town of Marana is committed to providing exceptional services to its citizens, we also understand the value of volunteers. For that reason, there are currently two programs available to help citizens learn more about the community they live in – Citizen Resource and Education Workshop (C.R.E.W.) and the Citizens Police Academy. Upon completion of these programs, participants are then eligible to become volunteers for the Town.

These programs and others that are in the development stage are designed to educate and inform the public about the local government body that serves them. In turn, informed citizens help shape the future of the community by becoming involved in Council activities, participating on boards, commissions and advisory committees, and by volunteering their time to special projects and events.

For more information about these programs, contact:

Jane Howell
Project Coordinator
Email: jhowell@marana.com
Phone: (520) 682-3401

Jocelyn Bronson
Volunteer Services and Orientation
Email: townclerk@marana.com
Phone: (520) 682-3401

MARANA PARKS AND RECREATION HAS RELOCATED

The Marana Parks and Recreation Administration has recently relocated to their new offices at the 13251 North Lon Adams Road. All reservations, registrations, and administration will now be conducted at this location. Please make a note of the phone number and address changes below.

Marana Parks and Recreation Administration
13251 North Lon Adams
Marana, AZ 85653
520-382-1950
Fax 520-382-1951

Town of Marana's Official Construction Alert

This is one of a continuing series of alerts that will be issued throughout the construction of the I-10 widening, between Cortaro Road and Marana Road (Milepost 246 to 236). These alerts will announce construction detour and closure information as it affects traffic. Motorists are asked to obey all posted speed limit signs within the construction area and be alert for construction crews and personnel.

AVRA VALLEY AND TANGERINE ROAD TRAFFIC SHIFT - Traffic on Avra Valley and Tangerine Road, under I-10, will be shifted back and forth while the contractor completes work on the I-10 bridge deck, pier caps and abutments, that spans the roads. Turning movements from the frontage roads and ramps will not be affected. This work will take place Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.

NIGHTTIME LANE RESTRICTIONS ON I-10 BETWEEN CORTARO AND TANGERINE ROADS - Nighttime lane restrictions on I-10 will continue for the next several weeks while the contractor stripes and paves sections of the interstate in the area. Work will take place Monday through Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning.In the event of inclement weather, this work may be delayed without notice.

You Can Help Pave the Way to Marana’s Future

You can become a permanent part of Marana’s history and make a lasting impression for your family or business by purchasing an engraved brick that will be laid in Marana’s new Municipal Complex entry.

The pavers will be 6 x 9, engraved with two lines with 18 letters on each line, heading, title and individual(s) or business name – no slogans.

The prices per brick are as follows:
$50 for individuals or families
$125 for non-profits and governments
$250 for business or corporate logo bricks. One color digital image of logo required, black single line engraving.

To purchase a brick contact Diane Mangialardi at (520) 382-1900 or adminmgr@marana.com

The Town of Marana – Calendar of Events

November and December 2005

Nov 1: 7:00 pm, Town Council Meeting at Marana Town Hall. 6:00-9:00pm, Family Night at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Nov 2: Marana Planning Commission meeting @ 6:30 p.m. in the Council chambers. 6:00-9:00pm, Barrel Racing practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Nov 3 : 6:00-10:00pm, Town of Marana, Parks and Recreation Team Roping Practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Nov 4: 5:00pm-9:00pm, Twin Peaks Elementary Fall Carnival, 7995 W. Twin Peaks Rd., info call Kris McNally @ 990-7462

Nov 5: 6:00pm, Town of Marana Team Roping Series, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Nov 8: 5:30 p.m., Marana Water Utility Advisory Committee & Manager's Water Committee Joint Meetings at the Marana Operations Center. 6:00-9:00pm, Family Night at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Nov 9: 6:30 pm, Board of Adjustments Meeting - as needed. 6:00-9:00pm, Barrel Racing practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Nov 10 : 6:00-10:00pm, Town of Marana, Parks and Recreation Team Roping Practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Nov 11: Veteran's Day- Town offices closed

Nov 12: 10:00am-4:00pm, Continental Ranch Fall Festival, Windmill Park, info call Continental Ranch Home Owner’s Association @ 297-7600. 8:00am, Saddle Roping, Western Heritage Arena, info call Rudy Clark 240-3076

Nov 13: 9:00am, Marana FFA Roping, Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Nov 15: 7:00 pm, Town Council Meeting at Marana Town Hall. 6:00-9:00pm, Family Night at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Nov 16 : 6:00-9:00pm, Barrel Racing practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Nov 17 : 6:00-10:00pm, Town of Marana, Parks and Recreation Team Roping Practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Nov 19: 7:00 am El Tour de Tucson, (begins at Tucson Convention Center) info call Lawrence @ 745-2033. 7:30am-6:30pm, 4-H Horse Show, Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Nov 22: 6:00-9:00pm, Family Night at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Nov 23: 5:00 pm, TURKEY BOWL XI, Marana High School, info call Toby @ 410-8629. 6:00-9:00pm, Barrel Racing practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Nov 24-25: Thanksgiving Day - Town offices will be closed

Nov 29: 6:00-9:00pm, Family Night at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

DECEMBER

Dec 1: 6:00-10:00pm, Town of Marana, Parks and Recreation Team Roping Practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Dec 2: 6:00pm, Town of Marana Team Roping Series, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Dec 3: 4:00pm-7:00pm, Tree Lighting Festival, Marana Municipal Complex, info call 382-1950 includes: Santa & Mrs. Clause, Wagon Rides, Food Vendors, Children’s Area, and Tree Lighting @ 6:30pm. 9:00am-2:00pm Tucson Mountain Riders, Western Heritage Arena

Dec 6: 7:00 pm, Town Council Meeting at Marana Town Hall. 6:00-9:00pm, Family Night at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Dec 7: 6:00-9:00pm, Barrel Racing practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Dec 8: 6:00-10:00pm, Town of Marana, Parks and Recreation Team Roping Practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Dec 13: 5:30 p.m., Marana Water Utility Advisory Committee & Manager's Water Committee Joint Meetings at the Marana Operations Center. 6:00-9:00pm, Family Night at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Dec 14: 6:30 pm, Board of Adjustments Meeting - as needed. Marana Planning Commission meeting @ 6:30 p.m. in the Council chambers. 6:00-9:00pm, Barrel Racing practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Dec 15: 6:00-10:00pm, Town of Marana, Parks and Recreation Team Roping Practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Dec 17: 9:00am-6:00pm, Miracle in Marana, Ora Mae Harn Park. 6:00-9:00pm, Family Night at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Dec 21: 6:00-9:00pm, Barrel Racing practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Dec 22: 6:00-10:00pm, Town of Marana, Parks and Recreation Team Roping Practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Dec 25: Christmas Day

Dec 26: Christmas Day observed. Town offices will be closed

Dec 27: 6:00-9:00pm, Family Night at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Dec 28: 6:00-9:00pm, Barrel Racing practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis

Dec 29: 6:00-10:00pm, Town of Marana, Parks and Recreation Team Roping Practice at Western Heritage Arena, info call 382-1950 ask for Lea Ann or Tom Ellis