Community Conversation Videos - Finance, Planning, Engineering

Principal Planner Steven Cheslak

The Town of Marana frequently hosts Community Conversation events where staff members interact with residents. These events allow staff to speak to the public about their area of expertise and answer any questions they may have.

This spring the Town of Marana hosted a trio of Community Conversations with talks by the Finance, Planning and Engineering. Here is video from the three presentations.

Finance Director Yiannis Kalaitzidis discussed the process the Town goes through to create the budget for the 2020 fiscal year as well as taking a detailed look at the numbers.

Principal Planner Steven Cheslak discussed the new businesses and building projects coming to Marana. Among the projects he covered were new businesses coming to North Marana, Cortaro, and near Marana Center and the Premium Outlets.

The Town of Marana's Assistant Director of Engineering Jennifer Christelman discussed a number of the Town's infrastructure projects. She went into detail on the Tangerine Corridor, Ina Road, and upcoming projects at Adonis Road and Lon Adams.

Busy weekend in Marana

Saturday, April 6 is a very busy day in the Town of Marana. There are two fun events in our parks, a Memorial at the airport, and a Shred-It event for those needing the safe disposal of documents.

8:00 a.m. - Kids at the Park Day + Fitness Fun 5K

Kids at the Park Day on April 6.

Join Marana Parks and Recreation for a FREE day of fitness and fun in Gladden Farms Community Park. This event is robust with activities that encourage families to get outdoors and explore their local parks and paths! The best part… it’s all FREE! Don’t miss out.

Not only is it the start of Splash Pad Season, but we will have a face painter, balloon twister, inflatables and more.

Come early and celebrate the new 2.5 mile extension of the shared use path in north Marana! Enjoy on-course entertainment provided by Salpointe High School Drum-line.

Kids at the Park Day

7:00 p.m. - Free Music In Marana: Caiden Brewer

Caiden Brewer

Bring your dancing shoes for a night of free music in the park! Enjoy music while lounging in a chair or on a blanket (borrow one from us if you don't have one). ​The first free concert of the year is Marana's own Caiden Brewer. Brewer plays country music and has become a real fan favorite at Marana events. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park.

Grab a bit from our great food vendors Carole’s Homemade Salsa & Up In Smoke BBQ and Sweet Sensations.

Free Music In Marana

9:00 a.m. - Paper Shred-It

Town of Marana and Shred-It partner for a paper shred event.

Free paper Shred-It Event for Marana Residents with non-commercial documents that need shredding. The shredding will occur on-site at Twin Peaks Elementary from 9:00 a.m. until noon, unless the truck fills up. Donations to the Marana Community Food Bank are encouraged and greatly appreciated.

Paper Shred

DOWNLOAD FLYER

10:00 a.m. - U.S. Marine Memorial Service

Nighthawk 72 Marina Memorial at the Marana Regional Airport/photo courtesy Tucson Local Media

The Marana Regional Airport will host a U.S. Marine Memorial Service on April 6, 2019 at 10 a.m. The Memorial Service at the Marana Regional Airport is to honor the 19 U.S. Marines that were tragically killed in an MV-22 Osprey Tilt rotor aircraft accident at the Airport on April 8, 2000.

The ceremony will include posting of colors by the Marine Corps, wreath laying by various organizations, guest speakers Honorable Mayor Honea, Department of Arizona Marine Corps League Commandant John Rodriguez, and Cpl Joshua Hanson, 3rd Battalion 5th Marines 0331 Machine Gunner, rifle salute, taps, bagpiper, and vocalist Amanda Sinner.

A special missing man formation flyover provided by the Scorpion Squadron of the West Coast Ravens Formation Team.

The event is free and open to the public.

Other events

There are some other great events in Marana later in April.

April 12 - Marana Macro Machines

Marana Macro Machines, Friday April 12 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Splash Pad at Heritage River Park.

On Friday, April 12 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Splash Pad at Heritage River Park, get up close with the people and machines that work to make our community great! Free ice cream vouchers for the first 200 kids. Visit a wide variety of vehicles, including a sweeper, loader, blade, striping truck, landscape truck and trailer, fire truck, police squad cars, and morel Observe police squad car demonstrations and more.

Marana Macro Machines

April 27 - Camping Under the Stars

Camping Under the Stars

Join us for the 11th Annual Camping Under the Stars event!! Experience the great outdoors by camping overnight in our beautiful Ora Mae Harn Park. Registration will include your tent site, movie in the park, campfire, star gazing, crafts, games, and environmental exhibits

Camping Under The Stars

We are showing Peter Rabbit as part of our Marana Camping Under the Stars event. Join in on the fun and spend the night camping or just come for the free movie. Whether you come for just the movie or the movie and the camping event, it is sure to be a great time for all.

Peter Rabbit and his three sisters -- Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-Tail -- enjoy spending their days in Mr. McGregor's vegetable garden. When one of McGregor's relatives suddenly moves in, he's less than thrilled to discover a family of rabbits in his new home. A battle of wills soon breaks out as the new owner hatches scheme after scheme to get rid of Peter -- a resourceful rabbit who proves to be a worthy and wily opponent.

Peter Rabbit

Gallery: Dog day at the park

Seventy dogs and their owners came to the Ora Mae Harn dog park to receive services at the Marana Animal Services’ dog vaccination clinic held in conjunction with the Marana Council Connections event. Dogs were offered dog-friendly ice cream treats while their humans engaged with Town Council and staff.

“I love living in Marana because of things like this,” a resident commented.

Things to do in Marana for February and beyond

On The Horizon

Mar 30 - Marana Founders' Day
Apr 6 - Free Music In Marana: Caiden Brewer
Apr 27-28 - Camping Under the Stars/Free Movie in Marana
May 4 - Free Music In Marana: Kate Becker
May 18 - Free Movie in Marana: Emoji Movie
Jun 1 - Free Music In Marana - The Drift
Jun 15 - Free Dive-In Movie - A Wrinkle In Time

Two upcoming opportunities to meet your Town Council

Marana residents have two opportunities to meet their Town Council in early 2019 as part of the Council Connections event series. The public is invited to meet and mingle at two fun locations:

Home Plate Marana

Date: Wednesday, January 9

Time: 5-6:30 P.M.

Address: 8579 N. Silverbell Road | Marana, AZ 85743

Light refreshments will be provided.

Brought to you in partnership with Home Plate Marana.

Ora Mae Harn District dog park

Date: Saturday, February 9

Time: 1-3 P.M.

Address: 13250 N. Lon Adams | Marana, AZ 85653

Featuring Doggy Ice Cream Social

• Free rabies vaccinations for Marana resident dogs

• On-site dog licensing

Brought to you in partnership with Humane Society of Southern ARizona

December 8 Dispose-A-Med

The Dispose-A-Med event that will be taking place Saturday, December 8 , 2018 at Fry's Food & Drug Store located at 7870 N. Silverbell Road, from 10am-Noon.

The Marana Police Department, in partnership with the Marana-Foothills Optimist Club, Marana Prevention Alliance, and Vistoso Funeral Home, encourage citizens, businesses and schools to join us in sharing information about drug awareness and preventive measures.

The Police Department provides this opportunity for the proper disposal of unused and/or expired prescription drugs. Prescription and over-the-counter tablets and capsules will be collected. For safety and confidentiality reasons, any items turned over for collection cannot be returned. We cannot accept drugs from commercial organizations. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

THE MARANA POLICE DEPARTMENT WOULD LIKE TO LET EVERYONE KNOW OF A CHANGE WHEN IT COMES TO THIS EVENT. SYRINGES, CREAMS OR LOTIONS WILL NO LONGER BE COLLECTED. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.

Marana begins grease recycling and collection on Nov. 19

Marana begins grease recycling and collection on Nov. 19

The Town of Marana is doing their part to protect the local sewer systems by once again hosting a Holiday Season grease collection and recycling event. 

Just a little bit of cooking grease, if poured down the drain, can clog pipes, cause sewage to back up, and lead to costly repair bills.

The Town will collect grease beginning on Monday, November 19 at the Marana Water Operations Yard at 12775 N. Sanders Road. The collection will conclude on Friday, January 4.

The collected grease will be recycled into biodiesel.

Spaces open on Marana Citizens’ Forum

The Marana Citizens’ Forum (Forum) brings residents, business owners and community partners together to study and address multidisciplinary issues facing the Town. The Forum also functions as a focus group for special projects.   Outcomes and recommendations are presented to the Town Council.

The Forum meets for two sessions each calendar year.  Each session consists of six 1 ½ hour meetings, held every other Thursday in the Conference Center at the Marana Municipal Complex beginning at 5:30 p.m.  The next session will begin September 20, 2018.  

All applications will remain active for one year from the date of receipt. 

Applications are available at under Community/Marana Citizens’ Forum.  Applications can be submitted online.  Call 382-1960 for additional information.

Local stakeholders form "Marana Momentum Alliance" to better serve the community

MARANA - Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Marana Schools 2340 Foundation, MHC Healthcare, and Town of Marana have combined resources to better serve the community as the "Marana Momentum Alliance."

The alliance's mission is to empower everyone to maximize their opportunities and manage their futures by providing resources for career and education, health and wellness, and veteran and senior services.

The Marana Momentum Alliance brings together the unique strengths and talents of each partner organization to increase the beneficial power of their efforts through a series of one-stop shop events. The first event is scheduled for September 22 and will focus on career and eduction resources. The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona currently serves as the lead organization for the event with support from its partners. 

“The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona is thrilled to be a part of this important alliance through the Marana Resource Center," said Marana Resource Center Executive Director Linda Hampton. "We believe that lasting solutions to poverty will not be found in just a bag of food.  Working alongside our partners, we can grow the impact of our efforts and do more to assist those in our community who need us the most.”

The role of lead organization for each event will rotate through the alliance. MHC Healthcare will serve as lead for the Health and Wellness event scheduled for Spring 2019. 

“MHC Healthcare is excited and honored to be a partner of the Marana Momentum Alliance," said MHC Healthcare CEO Dr. Clint Kuntz. "We look forward to working with Marana Unified School District, Town of Marana and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to bring worthwhile events that will provide timely, helpful resources. We are here for you and plan to help attendees fill their “Life Tool Box” with useful materials focused on improving your health and overall well-being.” 

The third event will be in the fall of 2019 and will focus on senior and veteran services. Event logistics will be led by the Town of Marana. 

"At the Town of Marana, we hear almost daily from residents in need," said Town of Marana Community and Neighborhood Services Director Lisa Shafer.  "It is so important that we work with other agencies to provide the support and services these residents need to build a successful future.  By forming the Marana Momentum Alliance, I think we are on our way to providing something pretty incredible for the greater Marana area."

Marana Schools' 2340 Foundation and Marana Unified School District also play a large role in the alliance, acknowledging the importance of providing resources to the younger generation and their families.

"The Marana Unified School District and the Marana Schools’ 2340 Foundation observe the challenges many of our students and their families must overcome every day. The Marana Momentum Alliance brings together resources to provide a helping hand to those with critical needs or a pathway to succeed." said Marana Unified School District Superintendent Doug Wilson.  

The Marana Momentum Alliance is now accepting vendors for upcoming events. Donations, volunteers, and sponsorships are also being solicited. Those who are interested in participating can learn more here.

Ribbon cutting to celebrate Sun Shuttle Service to Premium Outlets

 To commemorate the launch of Sun Shuttle’s new public service to Tucson Premium Outlets, located near Twin Peaks Road and Interstate 10, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), the Town of Marana, and the Marana Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting event on Monday, March 19. The event will be held from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. at Tucson Premium Outlets, 6401 W. Marana Center Blvd, at the Bus Plaza by the North entry. The public is invited to attend.

Sun Shuttle, the region’s neighborhood transit service funded by the RTA, serves Marana, Oro Valley, Catalina, Sahuarita, Green Valley, San Xavier, Tucson Estates and Rita Ranch/Southeast Tucson.

Sun Shuttle Routes 412 and 413 will provide service Monday – Saturday to the Tucson Premium Outlets. On Routes 412 and 413, passengers can travel throughout Marana, or transfer to several Sun Tran routes for free or to Sun Express Routes 104X and 204X for travel to Downtown or the Aero Park complex. To ride Sun Shuttle, the cost to the public is $1.75 one-way full fare, or 75 cents for seniors 65 years or older, persons with disabilities, Medicare cardholders, and qualified low-income with a SunGO ID & Card. Children five years and younger can ride free with a paying adult.

For specific route information, visit the website at suntran.com/sunshuttle, or call the Customer Service Center at (520) 792-9222 weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. or weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sun Shuttle adding service to Premium Outlets

Beginning later this month there will be new service changes to Sun Shuttle Routes, including several that might impact Marana residents. New service to the Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center

Starting Monday, March 19, two routes will be discontinued, while two routes will add additional stops.

Route 410: Saturday service will be discontinued due to low ridership over many years. The weekday schedule has also been adjusted.

Route 411: Service has been discontinued due to low ridership over many years.

Route 412: A  new stop to serve the Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center has been added. Weekday and weekend schedules have been adjusted. Travel will be redirected west on Linda Vista Boulevard to serve the Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center, and will no longer service stops on Tangerine Road and North Thornydale Road.

Route 413: A new stop to serve the Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center has been added and weekday and weekend schedules have been adjusted.

The Regional Transportation Authority Board (RTA) recently approved the changes in an effort to increase efficiency and improve on-time performance. The current schedules and routes, which were set to expire March 6, will remain active until the changes go into effect on March 19.

Updated Sun Shuttle brochures are available now at suntran.com/sunshuttle and will be available on the vehicles starting Monday, March 12. Brochures provide passengers current fare information and detailed route schedules. The new schedule information will be effective through August 4.

UPDATED ROUTES
MARANA AREA TRANSIT MAPS

Marana hosting a trio of community conversations

During the month of March, the Town of Marana will be hosting three neighborhood meetings at various locations within the Town. Among the topics being discussed will be:

• Commercial, residential, and roadway construction projects
• Community policing
• Parks and recreation
• Town budget
• upcoming Town Council elections

The Town will also have staff on hand to answer questions regarding code enforcement and animal services. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

The meetings will be held in Dove Mountain, South Marana, and North Marana and are designed to educate the public, as well as let residents interact with Town staff. 

Each meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. and last until approximately 7:30 p.m.

March 8th
The Highlands at Dove Mountain- Ball Room
4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd.

March 14th
Wheeler Taft Abbett Library- Children's Room
7800 N. Schisler Dr.

March 22nd
Town of Marana- 2nd Floor Conference Center
11555 W. Civic Center Dr.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please call (520) 382-1926

Love Your Town

Happy Valentine's Day! Are you looking for ways to show your love to the community? The Town of Marana offers several programs that will help you do just that. 

Volunteer your time

The Town has many opportunities for volunteers from one-day projects to ongoing programs. Whether you'd like to contribute your skills in administrative work or help out with special events or public safety programs, we are happy to have you on board. Learn More.

Nominate someone for a Town of Marana community award

Every year the Town of Marana recognizes one organization and one individual for making their "mark" on the community with the Branding Iron Awards, and one youth age 18-and-under with the Youth Legacy Award. Know someone who is passionate about community service? Tell us all about them! We are accepting nominations now.

Community Clean-up Trailer Program

Studies show that clean neighborhoods have lower crime and greater residential satisfaction. The Department of Community Development- Code Enforcement Division provides a community clean-up trailer as a resource for residents who do not have the means and/or equipment to maintain their properties. It also provides a great opportunity for neighbors to come together to complete community beautification projects.  Learn More.

Download the Marana Animal Services App

Next time you see a stray dog or cat, you can help bring them back to their owners by posting them on the Marana Animal Services App. The app leverages the power of communities to reunite families with their four-legged members. Learn More.

Adopt a Trail

The Town of Marana currently owns and maintains just over 57 miles of paths and trails. The Town of Marana Parks and Recreation Adopt-A-Trail Program allows an interested individual, informal group, or formal organization to volunteer their time to help maintain Marana’s trail system. Learn more. 

Adopt a roadway

Help keep the roads clean! Adopt a roadway and participate in quarterly cleanups. Public Works will provide supplies for your use. To learn more, call Public Works at 520-382-2536. 

Enhance your skills, save a life

Learn valuable skills that you can use to help others. Marana Parks and Recreation currently offers lifeguard certification training and lifeguard refresher training.

Give back to the community AND GET school credit

Do you need to work on a public project for school credit? The Town of Marana works with student groups to accomplish big community-impact projects. This is a great opportunity to earn real-world working skills as you prepare for your future after school. Learn more.

Conserve water

Because we live in the desert, water is a most precious resource. We must all do our part to use water wisely to ensure an adequate and safe supply for future generations. There are many ways that the Water Department is working to conserve water, and you can learn more on how you can make a difference here. 

Join the police explorers

Our mission is to work hand in hand with the members of the Marana Police Department to educate today's youth who are interested in a law enforcement career. We are dedicated to building a positive image of law enforcement by earning the mutual trust and respect of the community through our professionalism and commitment to excellence. Learn more.

Learn more about public safety

The Citizens Police Academy is designed to provide our citizens and business community with a greater understanding of the Marana Police Department and its operations through classroom instruction and hands-on experiences. This Academy is a 42-hour block of instruction taught by department employees that showcases several units in the department. Learn more.

See something? Say something!

Whether it's reporting a crime by calling 911 or reporting a pothole, let us know when something seems amiss. Visit the Report a Problem page for non-emergency issues, or download the My Marana App on your Apple or Android phone.

If you are interested in more ways to show your love to the community, please contact the Town of Marana at contact@maranaAZ.gov or leave a comment below. 

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

 

Marana PD hosts Dispose-A-Med

The Marana Police Department and several of their community partners are conducting a Dispose-A-Med event on Saturday, December 9th at the Target at 3901 W. Ina Rd. The event is from 10 a.m. – noon and will be set up directly in front of the store. Residents are able to safely dispose of any unused or expired prescription medications. Prescription and over-the-counter tablets and capsules will be collected. We will not be able to collect liquids, creams, veterinary medications, vitamins, and needles.

The Marana Police Department is collaborating with the Marana Health Center, Marana-Foothills Optimist Club, Marana Mortuary, and the Marana Prevention Alliance to put on these monthly events. 

Since the program’s inception in 2010, they have collected over 4,100 pounds of medication. Since the start of 2017, they have already properly disposed of 642 pounds of medication.

For safety and confidentiality reasons, any items turned over for collection cannot be returned. They cannot accept drugs from commercial organizations. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Unused prescription drugs that are not disposed of safely can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold, while unused drugs that are flushed down the toilet can contaminate the water supply. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.

For more information, contact Officer David Danielson at the Marana PD Community Resource Unit at 520-382-2051.