Town staff participate in Southern Arizona Construction Career Days

The Town of Marana was well represented at the Southern Arizona Construction Career Days earlier this week. Marana Water staff, engineers and Traffic Technicians from Public Works were on site on Wednesday, November 7 and Thursday, November 8 at the Pima County Rodeo Grounds.

Southern Arizona Construction Career Days is an annual event to introduce students to careers in and related to the construction industry. Area high school and middle school students attended. 

The event began six years ago, and has grown. This year 1,880 students from at least 65 schools attended The students came from as far away as f Rio Ricco, Bisbee, Safford and Globe, as well as the Tucson area.

Vendors, including the team from Marana, were able to share their stories about their experiences in the construction industry, as well as introduce students to new careers in construction that they previously were not exposed to.

According to Public Works Deputy Director Fausto Burruel, there are a number of careers in the construction industry that are struggling to find qualified applicants and exposure to these careers are a great way to spark enthusiasm in young people who will be joining the workforce in a few years.

Vendors not only spoke to students and answered their questions, but many had hands on activities that brought the information they were presenting to life.

Traffic Signal on Arizona Pavilions to blink through Tuesday morning

The Town of Marana and PACE Electrical are happy to announce that the new traffic signal installed just south of Cortaro Road on Arizona Pavilions will be going to flash mode after the morning rush hour this Thursday, November 8, 2018. 

The traffic signal will flash throughout the weekend and Veteran’s Day Holiday and go fully functional after the Tuesday morning rush hour, November 13, 2018.  Occasional traffic signal testing will be performed prior to going to full red flash on Thursday.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

 Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

 If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

  Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

News Release: Town of Marana joins City of Tucson in lawsuit to protect ratepayers

MARANA – Town of Marana has joined City of Tucson in a lawsuit filed today in Pima County Superior Court as part of their ongoing effort to protect the public from any potential adverse health effects that could be caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) that are present in portions of the groundwater supply. The lawsuit names as defendants five (5) companies, including 3M, that manufactured, marketed and sold aqueous film-forming foam (“AFFF”), a firefighting product that contained certain PFAs, including PFOS and PFOA. The lawsuit alleges that PFAs from the Defendants’ AFFF caused contamination of public water supply wells.

Through the lawsuit, Town of Marana and City of Tucson seek to recover all costs associated with the PFC contamination, including the costs for treating and removing PFA contamination from public drinking water supply wells, and to ensure those costs are borne by the responsible parties, not ratepayers.Town of Marana is currently pursuing the design and construction of treatment facilities for two of its affected water systems. This lawsuit will seek reimbursement for the costs of Marana’s efforts to date and for future costs associated with removing these products from Marana’s water supplies.

For additional information about the lawsuit, please contact Louise Caro, Partner, Napoli Shkolnik PLLC at (212) 397-1000.

As construction winds down, remember to Shop Ina

Between the Ina Road Interchange Project and the Ina Road Beautification Project, things have been very busy on Ina Road between I-10 and Thornydale. There is light at the end of the tunnel and things are going to get better in a hurry, but area businesses are still feeling the pinch and could use the public’s support.

One major component of the Ina Beautification Project was the milling and resurfacing of a long stretch Ina Road. While the improved roadway will benefit all of those who live, work, and shop in the area, it also causes a number of delays and difficulties for drivers. There was no convenient time to do the project, but the decision was made to do that portion of the project during the larger Project Ina work and before the holiday shopping season began. Knowing that traffic delays were an unavoidable portion of the project, it seemed best to piggy back with the existing interchange project, rather than wait until after the project was completed and extend construction in the area even longer.

The good news is that the resurfacing portion of the project was completed on Monday, November 4, which will make travelling in the area easier. The previous week was the worst of the project and from now until spring 2019 when the projects are completed, things will get incrementally better.

Although travelling in the area can still be difficult at times, local businesses have remained open and need customer support now more than ever. While many have made it through the construction with only small losses in revenue, others have been hit hard during the project and need a strong holiday season to make it until the project is completed and access to the freeway is restored. 

The Project Ina area includes a wide variety of businesses, from craft breweries to mechanics, a bowling alley to restaurants. There are all kinds of shops and stores, and with the final repaving of Ina, access is improved.

We invite you to Shop Ina and support these locally owned businesses. Go get an oil change or a beer. Go buy some cookies or take the family out to dinner. Buy a dozen donuts or a dozen tacos. Heck, make it two dozen.

We understand travel in the area can still be difficult, but it is getting better. Let’s help our fellow Marana business owners this holiday season and Shop Marana.

A full list of area businesses, as well as project updates and details, download the Project Ina App.

Things to do in Marana in November and beyond

November and early December is a busy time in the Town of Marana. Over the next month, the Town will host one of their biggest signature events, their annual Thanksgiving road race, a Marana specific leg of the El Tour de Tucson, and another edition of the Marana Game Day Cornhole Tournament.

On The Horizon

Dec 8 - Dispose-A-Med
Dec 15 - Electronic Recycling Event
Jan 1 - Egg Nog Jog

UPDATED Traffic Alert: Ina Road resurfacing extended

The Town of Marana’s Milling and Paving operations has been extended on Ina Road thru Monday  November 5, 2018. Construction will begin at 6:00A.M. and end at 5:00 P.M. Expect lane closures, heavy delays, and increased truck traffic. The Town will mill 3 inches of the existing asphalt and then repave the section of Ina road, between Ulene Place and the Canada del Oro wash

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Traffic Alert: W. Starry Night Lane

Construction on W. Starry Night Lane will begin Monday, November 5th, 2018 and continue for approximately one week.  Workers will be removing the existing pavement on Starry Night west of Sunflower in its entirety.  In addition, cement stabilization of the subgrade and regrading will occur prior to placing new asphalt.  Existing utilities will be adjusted to final grade once paving is completed.  Crews will typically be active Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

During the project, all traffic on Starry Night will be prohibited.  Parking is available on N. Sunflower Park Dr. and/or on Starry Night east of Sunflower.  Access for emergency vehicles and personnel shall always be available.   On trash day, please place your containers at the curb as you would normally do so.  Tucson Asphalt field personnel shall identify and move containers for pickup and return to your location once empty.
For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with all traffic control devices, and flagging personnel.  If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

New Finance Director Yiannis Kalaitzidis begins at Town of Marana

After an extensive and competitive recruiting process, Finance Director Yiannis Kalaitzidis began his service at the Town of Marana on Monday, October 29.

“We are very fortunate to bring Yiannis to our Marana team,” said Deputy Town Manager Erik Montague. “His years of technical accounting experience and well-rounded knowledge of municipal best practices in the areas of finance will provide immediate and long-term benefits to the Town.”

Kalaitzidis replaces Montague, who previously served as Finance Director before accepting the position of Deputy Town manager.

“Moving to Marana is homecoming for me,” said Kalaitzidis. “I am excited to join a team of exceptional leaders that have helped the Town of Marana build a solid reputation as one of the best run municipalities in the State of Arizona.”

Kalaitzidis has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, with degrees in Finance and Accounting and has worked in a variety of government roles over the last 18 years. He began his career with the Auditor General, State or Arizona before becoming the Deputy Finance Director and eventually the Finance Director for Pinal County.  After a short time in California as the Accounting Manager for the City of Santa Monica, he spent the last four years as the Accounting Supervisor for the City of Peoria.

Kalaitzidis is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association Committee on Treasury and Investment Management, and a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Arizona.

MPD wins inaugural Heroes Hoopfest

The Marana Police Department (MPD) defeated Northwest Fire Department (NWFD) 56-47 to win the first annual Heroes Hoopfest, and claim the Hoopfest Cup. The game was played on Monday, October 29 at the Solar/Shade Super Structure over the basketball courts at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park.

The game was part of the celebration of the new covered basketball courts, but also in conjunction with Friday night's National Night Out event put on by MPD.

MPD used a late run to earn the win. MPD held a slim 35-34 lead with 16:00 left in the game but proceeded to score 19 of the next 26 points and led 54-41 with just over a minute to play. NWFD finished strong, ending the game on a 6-2 mini-run. 

Although the two organizations frequently square off on the hardwood, this organized game between the two will become an annual event. The trophy awarded by Marana Parks and Recreation has room to engrave the winner’s name.

“We’d like to make this game an annual event,” said Marana Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy.

The trophy was awarded to Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema by Marana Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta. Rozema served as player and coach for the squad that was also guided by Officer Ira Sewell, who was in full uniform on the sideline.

The solar structure is the second installation at a Town park, and joins the existing 6,097 sq. ft. solar structure located in Ora Mae Harn District Park. This project not only provides electrical credits and environmentally friendly energy, it also serves as an outstanding amenity for the park. This structure will provide shade for park patrons watching swim meets in the pool or their children playing on the large playground.

The two structures, as well as future structures erected at the Marana Municipal Complex, are part of a power-purchase agreement with Solon. The company pays for the installation costs of the solar arrays, while the Town pays a discounted rate for the energy it uses. Estimates by the Town of Marana Public Works Department believe the installations will save the Town roughly $3 million over a 30-year period.

“When there is shade and savings, that is a win-win for everyone,” said Solon’s Luke Alms.

The event was also sponsored by Truly Nolan, who provided free hot dogs for spectators and participants.

GALLERY: 2018 Marana Farm Festival

Photos by JD Fitzgerald

Learn more about this event here, and follow MaranaEvents.com for new 2019 event dates!

After one year, Animal Services a success

The Marana Animal Services Division rounded out its inaugural year of operation on July 1, 2018. The program was implemented to provide top tier customer service to Marana residents, while trying to curtail skyrocketing costs. The data is in, and the first year of the program has been a success.

Town of Marana Community & Neighborhood Services Director Lisa Shafer, who oversees the Animal Services Division, gave an update to the Marana Town Council at their October 16 meeting. 

“We had a very successful first year,” Shafer said.

The primary goal in creating the Animal Services Division was to provide a better level of service to the Marana Community. By having Animal Control Officers dedicated to the Town, response times are quicker based on their more intimate knowledge of the area. One immediate advantage to the Animal Services Division is their success rate in reuniting families with their pets. In the first year of the service, Town staff picked up 263 stray dogs and cats, and 133 were taken directly back to their owners. Another 38 strays were returned to their owners by the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, who the Town has contracted with for kenneling services.

The return rate for all Marana strays was 49.6 percent, with Marana Animal Control officers able to return more than half of the strays they encountered. The numbers are already showing an increase in performance this year, with over 72 percent of strays returned over the past three months. 

“We are having a fabulous first three months,” said Shafer.

According to Shafer, the fast response by the Town’s Animal Control Officers has also reduced the burden on the Marana police officers. She explained that many residents had to rely on Marana Police Department for calls due to the long response times from the previous animal control services.   

“[residents] were giving up and just calling 911,” Shafer said. “Our PD in years past were taking a lot of barking dog complaints, as well as vicious dogs.”

The Town of Marana Animal Services Division has also proven to be cost effective for the Town. The first year of the new division saw expenditures reduced by $9,635 or four percent from Fiscal Year 2017, while revenues were up by $12,069 (14 percent) from dog licensing and donations.  

The Town issued over 4,400 Marana Dog Licenses in that first year.

Traffic Alert: Ina Road resurfacing

The Town of Marana will begin Milling and Paving operations on Ina Road beginning Monday, October 29th through Friday, November 2nd. Construction will begin at 6:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. daily. Expect lane closures, heavy delays, and increased truck traffic. The Town will mill (remove) three inches of existing asphalt and then repave the section of Ina Road between Ulene Place and the Canada del Oro Wash.

This is part of the Ina Road Beautification Project, which is being done in conjunction with Arizona Department of Transportation’s Ina Interchange Project. The beautification/improvement project is designed to make the area even more appealing for customers when the interchange is complete and Ina Road is fully accessible once again.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

 Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

 If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

  Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Make Marana 2040: Your input is needed!

Town of Marana is currently working on the General Plan 2040 update, and your input is needed. For those who were unable to attend the first set of workshops, you can still participate by taking the survey.  The survey will be available through November 4th, 2018.

View the survey results from the first set of workshops.

Make Marana 2040: First round of workshops a success for General Plan update

View the PDF version of this report.

Project Background

How can Marana preserve and enhance its existing qualities while reaching its fullest potential as a community? That’s one of many questions to be explored as part of the process of updating Marana’s General Plan (Learn more about the Marana 2040 General Plan).

Town of Marana hosted the first Marana 2040 General Plan public workshops on Wednesday, October 3 and October 4 to solicit feedback from community members on their vision for Marana’s future.

Workshop Overview 

The first set of community workshops were held on October 3 and 4, 2018 at 6:00 PM. On October 3rd, the workshop was held at the Marana Municipal Complex and on the 4th the workshop was held at the Wheeler Taft Abbett Library. The objectives for this workshop were to: 

• Inform attendees about the basics of what a General Plan is and how it is used;

• Engage the public in developing a vision for Marana; 

• Identify issues affecting the Town and opportunities to capitalize on; and 

• Locate key assets and challenges geographically that make Marana unique. 

What Happened? 

A total of 43 people attended the two workshops. Upon arriving, each attendee was asked to sign-in by providing their name and email to be added to the project eBlast list for future project notifications and updates. The attendees were also asked to identify on a map, generally, where they live or work in Marana to see what areas of the Town are being represented in the workshop results. Attendees at the October 3rd workshop used red dots, and are dispersed across the Town of Marana, between Gladden Farms, Dove Mountain, and Continental Ranch. Attendees at the October 4th workshop used blue dots, and are mostly north of Tangerine Road and west of Interstate 10, with some dispersed along the eastern edge of the Town. 

The workshop began with a presentation featuring a broad overview of what a General Plan is and the update process, and included four exercises to gather community input that will help guide the General Plan update. These exercises and the results are described and summarized on the following pages. 

Exercise 1 – Survey 

A series of 20 survey questions regarding various topics related to the Town of Marana were asked throughout the presentation. Participants were able to provide their responses using an electronic polling device. Below are highlights from the survey results. 

• Most participants (25%) have lived in Marana for less than one year, and 44% live in the northwest portion of Marana, which is north of Avra Valley Road and west of Interstate 10. 

• A majority of participants (59%) are not familiar with the current 2010 Marana General Plan. 

• Over 90% of respondents rated Marana’s housing quality as average or better. 

• Most participants, 32% rated the diversity of housing in Marana to be above average, but also identified a wide spectrum of housing they would support, of which mixed-use housing received the most votes with 22%. 

• Marana’s recreation and open space system was highly rated, with 85% of participants rating Marana’s overall park facilities average or better and 90% of participants rating the quality of trails and pathways as average or better. 

• Retail shopping in Marana is viewed as roughly average in Marana, with 42% of respondents rating it as such, but 45% of respondents rated dining and entertainment as below average. 

• The top 3 things participants like about Marana are housing (22%), the location outside the Tucson metro area (19%), and outdoor open spaces and trails (15%) 

• The top 3 things participants think need to be improved are dining (25%), jobs (19%), and shopping (17%). 

• 61% of respondents would like to see the Town grow more in the northeast portion of Marana, which is north of Avra Valley Road and west of Interstate 10. 

• Respondents identified Marana’s best asset for the future as opportunities for growth and business development (24%), and the biggest threat to Marana’s future as a lack of jobs (28%). 

View the workshop survey results.

For those who were unable to attend the first set of Workshops, you can still participate by taking the Survey.  Survey available through November 4th, 2018

Exercise 2 – Visioning 

The second exercise involved developing a Vision Statement for the Marana 2040 General Plan. A Vision Statement reflects what community members value the most about their community and the shared aspirations for their community. The Vision Statement should be inspirational and set the tone for the General Plan’s goals and policies. 

The purpose of the Visioning Exercise was to develop a Vision Statement to guide the General Plan and the future of the Town. During this exercise, participants were asked to individually create a Vision Statement using a worksheet that had two ‘fill-in-the-blank’ options, and one “Create Your Own” Vision Statement option. The participants were given a series of values, assets, adjectives to complete this exercise, but were also able to come up with their own words. Once completed, the participants formed small groups to write one vision statement that best reflected their ideas about Marana’s future. 

The fill in the blank examples provided were as follows:

Option 1

• Marana promotes a/an [adjective]                    quality of life that is built on [values]                ,                     , and                   . We pride ourselves with having [assets]                  ,                  , and                     that respond to our diverse needs. The Town will grow in a manner that ensures that new growth and development improves our community and retains our shared values.

Option 2

• Marana in 2040 is recognized as a/an [adjective]                ,                     , and                   place to live, work and play. Our community, with its [assets]                  ,                  , and                   provides [future assets]            ,               , and                   and is a preferred regional and national destination.

Option 3

• Create Your Own

Top Vision Statement Descriptors

Following are the top terms that were used to describe the Town of Marana as part of participants’ vision for the community’s future: 

Adjectives

• Vibrant

• Family-Oriented

• Active

• Unique

Values

• Sustainability

• Sense of Community

• Stewardship

• Community Spirit

Assets

• Quality Neighborhoods

• Open Space

• Jobs

• Housing

The following provides the results from each of the small groups. For the fill-in-the-blank options, words filled in by the groups are shown in ALL CAPS.

• Marana promotes a VIBRANT quality of life that is built on COMMUNITY SPIRIT, STRONG FAMILY, and SENSE OF HERITAGE & TRADITION. We pride ourselves with having A DOWNTOWN, OPEN SPACE, and QUALITY NEIGHBORHOODS & SCHOOLS that respond to our diverse needs. The Town will grow in a manner that ensures that new growth and development improves our community and retains our shared values.

• Marana promotes a VIBRANT quality of life that is built on SUSTAINABILITY, INTEGRITY, and INCLUSIVENESS. We pride ourselves with having QUALITY NEIGHBORHOODS, ENTERTAINMENT, and JOBS that respond to our diverse needs. The Town will grow in a manner that ensures that new growth and development improves our community and retains our shared values.

• Marana promotes an ACTIVE quality of life that is built on STEWARDSHIP. We pride ourselves with having OPEN SPACE, and NIGHT-TIME SKIES that respond to our diverse needs. The Town will grow in a manner that ensures that new growth and development improves our community and retains our shared values.

• Marana promotes a FAMILY-ORIENTATED quality of life that is built on SENSE OF COMMUNITY, COLLABORATION, and SUSTAINABILITY. We pride ourselves with having HOUSING, QUALITY NEIGHBORHOODS, and SCHOOLS that respond to our diverse needs. The Town will grow in a manner that ensures that new growth and development improves our community and retains our shared values.

• Marana in 2040 is recognized as an ATTRACTIVE, UNIQUE, and VIBRANT place to live, work and play. Our community, with its JOBS, ENTERTAINMENT, and CULTURAL RESOURCES provides COMMUNITY SPIRIT, SECURITY, and SENSE OF HERITAGE & TRADITIONS, and is a preferred regional and national destination.

• Marana promotes an UNIQUE quality of life that is built on COMMUNITY SPIRIT, INCLUSIVENESS, and UNITY. We pride ourselves with having OPEN SPACES, VIEWS, and TOWN SERVICES that respond to our diverse needs. The Town will grow in a manner that ensures that new growth and development improves our community and retains our shared values.

• Marana in 2040 is recognized as an ENGAGING, CONNECTED, and INNOVATIVE place to live, work and play. Our community, with its NATURAL RESOURCES, HOUSING, and NIGHT-TIME SKIES provides JOBS, ENTERTAINMENT, and QUALITY NEIGHBORHOODS, and is a preferred regional and national destination.

• Marana promotes an ENGAGED CONSCIENTIOUS quality of life that is built on STEWARDSHIP, SUSTAINABILITY, and SENSE OF COMMUNITY. The Town will grow in a manner that ensures that new growth and development improves our community and retains our shared values.

Exercise 3 – Issues and Opportunities

The third exercise allowed participants to brainstorm specific issues and opportunities they feel are important to address in the General Plan Update process. In this exercise, participants were asked to write issues on pink index cards and opportunities on green index cards. The issues and opportunities were then sorted into one of six categories: Economic Development, Housing, Land Use, Parks & Recreation, Transportation, and Public Services and posted on a board for viewing.

Top Opportunities

• Quality housing

• Open spaces and natural resources

• Opportunity for trail connectivity

• Room for growth

• Development of Downtown

Top Issues

• Water quality & quantity

• Lack of public transportation

• Lack of housing diversity

• Lack of entertainment, retail, and dining

• Lack of development north of Twin Peaks and west of I-10

Exercise 4 – Asset Mapping

The last exercise was a Mapping Exercise where participants were given a set of red, green, and yellow stickers and were asked to identify positive assets in Marana with a green sticker, areas that need to be improved with a red sticker, and a defining characteristic of Marana with a yellow sticker on a map of the Town. The stickers were then numbered with corresponding notes as to what they are referring to.

The following are highlights from this exercise:

Yellow Results

• Tortolita Preserve

• Saguaro National Monument

• Tucson Outlet Malls

• Gladden Farms

Green Results

• Parks, open space, and trails

• Opportunities for Downtown development

• Roadway improvements

• Senior center

Red Results

• Congested interchange at Cortaro Road

• Road connectivity

• Flooding from Santa Cruz

• Water contamination

Busy weekend in Marana

It is a very busy weekend in the Town of Marana. There is something for everyone, whether you want to meet the police, watch a free movie, view some art, or get your dogs vaccinated.

Marana completes police facility construction, repeals half-cent sales tax

The Marana Town Council voted unanimously to repeal the half-cent sales tax put in place to fund the new Town of Marana Police Facility following the facility’s completion. The decision was made at the October 16 Town Council meeting and will go into effect on January 1, 2019.

“A promise made, a promise kept,” said Marana Mayor Ed Honea.

In April 2015, Town Council approved the sales tax increase to fund the bulk of the police facility project. The sunset tax was designed to raise $18 million dollars to build the facility and then be repealed as soon as the necessary funds were collected. The temporary tax increase went into effect on July 1, 2015.

Based upon current collections and conservative estimates from the independent tax analysis and forecast report by Elliott D. Pollack & Company, the Town anticipates that the one-half percent sales tax will generate the remaining portion of the targeted $18 Million with the December 2018 collections.

“I believe this is a pretty significant achievement to the community,” said Deputy Town Manager Erik Montague in his presentation to Town Council. “This is the second time in my time here that we have fulfilled our promise to the community where we had a temporary tax for a specific purpose.”

The sales tax increase came after nearly a year of public outreach and research. At the July 1, 2014 council meeting, Town Council requested a public outreach plan be developed, and the following month that plan was presented and approved by Council. Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema met with local residents and business leaders and garnered the necessary support to build the project. This public outreach included public meetings, direct business outreach, media interviews, survey cards, and open houses to show the need for the new facility.

With public and business support for the project, Town Council voted in February 2015 to initiate the process to adopt the dedicated one-half percent sales tax to be used exclusively for the design and construction, fixtures, furniture and equipment for a new police department building, and in April they finalized the tax.

Council required that the proceeds from the tax increase be placed in a newly established fund dedicated to building the police facility.  Any collections in excess of $18,000,000 will be used for other costs related to the new police building, including but not limited to operating costs, landscaping, and design and construction of drainage improvements.

The Marana Police Department will hold their dedication ceremony for the new facility on Wednesday, November 14.

TRAVEL ALERT: Expect delays on westbound Interstate 10 near Ina Road

Travelers should expect delays on westbound Interstate 10 near Ina Road for roadway repair. Drivers should allow extra time, consider alternates route while work is underway

Drivers who use westbound Interstate 10 near Ina Road should plan for delays as crews make a repair to the road surface.

• Westbound I-10 is narrowed to two lanes at Ina Road (the right lane is closed).

• Traffic in the area is expected to remain slow throughout the day, especially during the evening rush hour. 

• Drivers should be prepared to merge into the open travel lanes and use caution in the active work zone.

There is no estimated time for the right lane to reopen. ADOT advises drivers to allow extra travel time and consider using an alternate route.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Marana News: Marana Art Expo coming this month

The Marana News had a good article on the Marana Art Expo, which will be held on October 26-27 at the Marana Community Center.

The Town of Marana is receiving an extra dose of culture this month with the Marana Art Expo. 

Hosted by parks and recreation, the expo will feature local artists Robin Parnell, Jerry Gwin and Anja Leigh on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26 and 27 at the Marana Community Center, 1325 N. Lon Adams Road.

The family-friendly event is free and open to the public, and will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday. 

Read the rest at the Marana News website.

Marana, lighting the way to energy savings

On Friday, October 12, the Town of Marana debuted the new Solar/Shade Super Structure at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park. The 9,600 square foot structure covers the existing two basketball courts. 

in addition to the great energy savings achieved from this solar structure, it will also expand the Town of Marana’s ability to provide more recreational and community programs for our citizens. The structure will provide shade during hot Arizona days and it is equipped with state of the art lighting, making games at night an even better experience.

Marana Parks and Recreation believes the structure will provide additional opportunities beyond basketball. 

“This structure will allow the ability to provide programs under this shaded structure during times of the year, that previously would not have been possible on the fully sun-exposed concrete courts,” said Marana Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy. “The lights under this structure are high quality LED lamps which will also provide outstanding lighting for night time sporting and community events. From basketball tournaments to community festivals, this new structure will enhance our ability to better serve our residents.”

The structure at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park is the second located in a Marana park, joining a 6,097  sq. ft. solar structure in Ora Mae Harn District Park. Like the structure at Crossroads, this project will not only provide electrical credits and environmentally friendly energy, it will also serve as an outstanding amenity for the park. This structure will provide shade for park patrons watching swim meets in the pool or their children playing on the large playground structure.

The two structures, as well as future structures erected at the Marana Municipal Complex are part of a power-purchase agreement with Solon. The company pays for the installation costs of the solar arrays, while the Town pays a discounted rate for the energy it uses. Estimates by the Town of Marana Public Works Department believe the installations will save the Town roughly $3 million over a 30-year period.

“These two projects went very smoothly,” said Facilities Superintendent Brendan O’Connor, who served as the project’s project manager. “Solon met the schedules laid out in the pre-construction meetings and they were a pleasure to work with.”

The Town of Marana’s other solar projects with solar arrays include the Marana Municipal Complex’s parking lot, the new secure parking lot at the Marana Police Facility, and a collection of solar arrays at the Marana Wastewater Treatment Plant. 

The arrays in the parks are on a net metering systems which gives the Town the ability to produce power during the day and receive credit for nighttime usage.

“The two projects will save money on costly electrical bills and demonstrate that clean energy is a smart choice for the future,” said Marana Public Works Director Mo El-Ali. “These clean-energy investments support building a healthier, more sustainable community where we work, live, and play. The Crossroads park project will provide a nice community engagement platform. We look forward to collaborating and partnering further with Solon to advance further projects.”