News May 20, 2009
Funds Down For Tonto Creek Bridge, By Jesse Bryant
Amidst a long debate in the Gila County Board of Supervisors over whether to retain a Washington congressional lobbyist, it was learned that the earmarked money for the Tonto Creek Bridge has been reduced. Due to other agencies charging handling fees, the money Congressman Rick Renzi earmarked for the project nearly four years ago now sits at about $2.1 million dollars and will likely only be sufficient to pay for location, and environmental studies. Design and construction will be contingent upon future earmarks in the federal transporta- tion bill, which comes only once every five years. The debate surrounded the question of whether to contract with a Washington lobbying firm, or whether to pursue grant writers and funding researchers for such things as stimulus money. Chairman Dawson insisted that upon the advice of Congressman Pastor, grant writers instead of lobbyists were the way to go. Ultimately, the contract with the lobbying firm was passed two to one, Supervisors Martin, and Pastor arguing that a lobbyist is needed for the Tonto Creek Bridge funding, and the forest industry and health issues in northern Gila County. In the previous week's meeting. The board debated whether to hire a lobbyist to pursue the Job Corps earmark for Southern Gila County, specifi cally to Senator Kyl's office. Chairman Dawson proposed the idea. Supervisors Martin and Pastor insisted on more discussion about the Job Corps project before approving the hiring of a lobbyist. The Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation unanimously voted to pay a lobbyist to pursue the Job Corps program.
Little Caesars Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Local Franchisee Takes Pride in Company’s Longstanding Commitment to Quality, Value and Innovation: On May 8, Little Caesars in Globe/Miami celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Little Caesars brand, and the value, quality and innovation for which it is known. "As a Little Caesars franchise owner, I am proud to be part of a company that is the industry leader and provides value and convenience for consumers," said Michael Cook, owner of the Little Caesars in Globe/Miami. "I look forward to growing with Little Caesars in the Globe/Miami area for many years to come." The company has long valued creativity and innovation, helping to build a widely recognized brand. Little Caesars is known for product favorites like Crazy Bread® and promotional innovations such as Pizza!Pizza!® and HOT-N-READY®. In addition, Little Caesars offers strong brand awareness with one of the most recognized and appealing characters in the country, Little Caesar. Along with value and convenience, giving back has been part of Little Caesars' philosophy since the fi rst store opened. Little Caesars in Globe/Miami is continuing that tradition by donating pizzas for school functions and various programs for our youth. "The commitment to community service began with the founders themselves, who have always believed in the importance of giving back," said Cook. "The benefits of being involved in the Globe/Miami community are tremendous, from both a personal and business standpoint." Little Caesars founders Michael and Marian Ilitch opened their fi rst store in 1959 in Garden City, Mich. From just one location, Little Caesars has grown to include restaurants in all 50 United States as well as in more than 20 countries, and is recognized as the world’s largest carry-out pizza chain. "Mr. and Mrs. Ilitch epitomize the "American dream" attained through hard work and perseverance, and I am excited to be part of such a strong brand," said Cook. "Little Caesars has given me the chance to own my own business and build a future for my family." Little Caesars' value and convenience has translated into growth for the company: Last year, it opened more domestic units than any other pizza chain in the U.S., opening stores in 41 states. It also built restaurants in seven countries. Little Caesars helps franchisees grow their business by providing ongoing training and resources. At the company's core is a commitment to supporting the professional goals of local entrepreneurs, providing them with the opportunity to open a business with a brand that supports franchisees with the tools of a proven system. Little Caesars offers its franchisees training, architectural and construction services to help with design, ongoing research and development of new products, and effective marketing programs and support.
Teens Injured In Rollover, Susan K.
Photo by Susan K.: A Ford Bronco traveling northbound on Copper Hills Road at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, lost control and rolled onto its side. Several teenagers were pulled from the Bronco. One victim was airlifted to a valley hospital. Her condition is unknown at this time. At the same time emergency personnel with Globe Fire were at Globe High School working with Native Air to educate students about the dangers of drinking and driving. There is no indication that alcohol was a factor in Tuesday's crash.
Why? Public Meetings U.S. 60 From Superior to Globe, by Ted Lake
The ad from the Arizona Department of Transportation says “ YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED ON U S 60 SUPERIOR TO GLOBE. " This is all about location, design, a concept report and environmental studies on our section of Hwy 60. Then we are told of three public meetings where you are invited to give your input on the project study area. Doesn't this make you wonder what is happening here?. Is the state going to re-align our highway 60 around our towns because of Resolution Copper's big $4 billion project or just exactly what is this all about? Bill Pederson, Public Information Officer for the ADOT says this has nothing to do with the proposed Resolution Copper Mine. He points out our section of U.S. 60 here through Globe- Miami and Superior is a major east-west regional transportation route through central Arizona that provides a commercial and recreational connection for statewide and interstate traffic. The combination of a two-lane mountainous roadway, some urban segments and vehicle mix slows traffic and does meet the needs of regional travelers. Pederson adds that continuing traffi c growth will increase congestion and operational problems. Based on the deficiencies of the existing highway and the projected traffic volume growth, a project is needed to improve traffi c service and regional connectivity, to reduce the potential for traffic crashes, and to also enhance access to areas for public use. The purpose of the project, Pederson says is to provide a regional highway that meets the transportation needs of the traveling public. It has nothing to do with the Resolution Copper Mine. Before a highway can be constructed, he says it has to be designed. Before it can be designed, we have to know what to design. The Location/Design Concept Report will establish the alignment of the roadway, where bridges are needed, drainage facilities, and other factors that the roadway designers will need to prepare the construction plans. The Environmental Impact Statement will be a parallel study that will examine a wide range of environmental factors that have to be taken into account. ADOT, we are told, is very early in the study and no decision has been made regarding a roadway alignment. The purpose of these meetings is to give the public an opportunity to express our views about what should be addressed in such a project, and to suggest possible solutions for improving US 60 between Superior and Globe. Well, we'll just have to go to one of the ADOT meetings and fi nd out more. They are scheduled for Tuesday June 2, 2009 at the Best Western Gold Canyon Inn and Suites in Gold Canyon, Wednesday June 3, 2009 at the Globe High School Auditorium and for Thursday June 4th at the Superior Jr/Sr High School Multi Purpose room. ADOT says each public meeting will be from 5:30 to 7:30pm with a project overview presentation at 6 p.m.
Chrysler Slated Superior Dealer Franchise
Arnold Motor Sales, in Superior, one of the Chrysler dealerships affected by their cutbacks.: Five Dealerships in Arizona are on the list of 789 in this country that Chrysler Corporation plans to terminate. This was announced last Thursday (May 14). Chrysler, which has been in chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization proceedings since April, wants to drop 25% of its car dealers nationally including a longtime well-known agency in the town of Superior. The five listed include: Arnold Motor Sales of Superior, Darner Motor Sales of Mesa, Jones Ford-Mercury in Wickenburg, Brother's Motors located at Flagstaff and Performance Dodge in Phoenix. Arnold Motor Sales will continue to service the community as a used car and repair facility.
Miami Annexes State Land, Then What?, by Ted Lake
Miami town officials have been excited the Arizona State Land Department has given the green light to initiate the annexation of 80 acres in Section 32 south of Town. This raises speculation that a developer will eventually purchase the site for a new home development for Miami. Theoretically, about 320 homes could be built on a parcel of this size. However, to initiate such a sale of state trust lands, someone has to come up with a considerable amount of money to pay for all of the costs up front which are required in necessary planning before the Land Commission approves any such sale. As a point of information, this state agency during the past several years basically has only been placing "trust lands" up for sale if they are for residential development purposes. To, in any new home development of this size, don't be surprised if the Arizona State Real Estate Department requires. A second access to the area before approval of any fi nal subdivision plat(s). Jamie Hogue, Deputy Director of the Arizona State Real Estate Department outlined for us sometime back the requirements that will have to be met before any "School Trust Lands" are to be advertised for sale for new home developments. These were: 1. The Land Department staff would need to review the request for sale to ensure that the proposed sale is in the best interest of the Trust, i.e., is there a market for such residential development and are there any other land uses that would better meet the Department’s " highest and best use" requirement. She said her agency may need 1-2 months to analyze the available information and work with the potential applicant to determine whether or not the transaction is appropriate. 2. If the land is presently classified for grazing and a grazing lessee occupies the land, the Commissioner would need to reclassify the land and value the grazing improvements which would be reimbursable to the lessee should the land be reclassifi ed and the grazing lease vacated. This process can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year depending on whether or not the grazing lessee chooses to appeal the Commissioner’s order reclassifying the land or if there is a disagreement over the value of the reimbursement for the improvements (Ted's Note. My land maps show there is a lease covering the entire 640 acres of section 32 in which the 80 acres is located. It is with the State of Arizona and Page Land and Cattle Company #5-84130. It is also my understanding the cost for improvements lost are to be paid to the rancher by the party who fi led an application for the public sale). 3. The state land petitioned for sale must be currently zoned for some type of rural residential land use. The applicant to purchase the land would need to work with the Department to complete a variety of due diligence tasks (ALTA survey, archaeological survey, agreements for utility services, possible drainage studies, etc) that could include re-zoning the land to a more intense residential use. These due diligence and re-zoning activities can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year. (Note: If the land is in an alluvial fan or has extensive drainage issues, the time period necessary to complete these tasks could be longer). (Ted’s Note: All of these costs are to be paid for by party petitioning for the sale plus costs of advertising sale). 4. Assuming the Arizona State Land Department decides to proceed with a sale of land for residential development and all of the above activities are completed, the Department would then order an appraisal and determine the minimum bid for auction. If the Board of Appeals approves the value and if the applicant does not appeal that value, the Department must publicly notice the auction for 10 weeks before an auction can be held. Hogue further states by putting a parcel of state land up for sale, there are a number of variables that can greatly affect the length of time needed to process a transaction. Some of the activities can be completed concurrently, but a transaction averages anywhere from 1 to 2 plus years to process. (Ted’s Note: Local economic development offi cials in Globe were aware of an unusual offer made in the summer of 2007 by Ms Hogue, who again is the Deputy Director of the Arizona State Land Department. Her idea was the state agency would consider the possibility of doing all of the above requirements with the department's staff, paying for the necessary planning costs with state monies along with the possibility of imitating the auction sale process itself in placing a substantial amount of the "school trust land by the High Desert Middle School up for public action with the buyer(s) committed to major residential home developments here." However, in order to have this proposal even considered, a study would have to be submitted to the Arizona State Land Commissioners by the community showing there was a "critical" housing shortage in Globe- Miami. As unique as this proposal was, the possibility of making from 500 to 1,000 acres of state land available for new home subdivisions east of Globe was an eye opener. However, nothing ever materialized from Hogue's suggestion, which could have resulted in major "economic boom" for the Globe-Miami area, new homes, retirement community, etc. Last year, I talked with Hogue again about this suggestion, but she said because of budget cuts, the State Land Department was in no position to consider such an idea again. Hogue did say her agency could help in rezoning issues. By the way, there are more than 2,148 acres of state land around the High Desert Middle school which was annexed into the Globe city limits by the city council. That annexation was later approved by the Arizona State Land Department in January 1994. With state land and other lands involved, the total amount of the area annexed was 3,650 acres)
Lengthy Discussion Over Job Corps, By Jesse Bryant
The Globe City Council approved a letter of support for establishing a Job Core in southern Gila County. The 5 to 1 vote came after a lengthy discussion among the council and audience. Mickey Nye of Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation, and acting EDC Director Bill Marshall spoke in support of the project, as well as Gila County Supervisor Chairman Shirley Dawson. The primary goal, it was explained, is to bring an opportunity for young people ages 16 to 24 to learn a job skill. These children would be primarily those who need a second chance at life and education. However, anyone under any kind of court supervision or using alcohol or drugs will not be permitted in the program. Job Corps is a program under the federal government. While many Job Corps are bid out to private companies, the proposed Job Corps for southern Gila County will operate as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC Camp) and will be run by the United States Forest Service. The campus would likely be built somewhere in the Six Shooter Canyon area. Councilman Terry Wheeler voiced opposition to the program based on his experience as an administrator in the Job Corps in the 1960's. Globe resident Diana Wheeler told the council that an acquaintance who had recent experience in Job Corps in Oklahoma informed her that the program is very problematic and a great burden to the community. Mrs. Wheeler stated that she would be willing to have the individual share that experience with the council. Mayor Shipley stated that public hearings will be held concerning the establishing of a program in the area, and that citizens will have an opportunity to express if they want the program or not. Other council members agreed that if any children are saved through the program, then it is worth it.
HDMS Celebrated Teacher Appreciation Day
Teachers at High Desert Middle School celebrated Teacher Appreciation Day, May 5th in grand style thanks to the generous donations from local businesses. Teachers were surprised throughout the day by random drawings for prizes and gift certificates. Mr. Steve Estatico and Cindy Paravano wanted to recognize and show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of their staff. Tickets were drawn each period as teachers and students listened for the lucky numbers, wondering what they might win! Fun was had by all. This would never have been possible without the generous donation of our business community. We’d like to thank the following for all your help and support: Caffe de Vida, Gila Community College - cosmetology school, Adobe Wellness Spa, Rainbow Flowers, John's Barbershop, Linda's Beauty Shop, Cobre Valley Motors, Cable One, Cobre Valley Country Club, Country Kitchen, Dairy Queen, A & A Beauty, Movies to Go, Shell Rapid Lube, Dominos Pizza, Super Stop, Irene's Real Mexican Food, Globe Gym, Hog Haven, Avon representative - Maria Rodriguez and Norm/Marian Cocanour. The t e a c h e r s throughout the community give much each and every day to work with our students and this was a fun way to say "Thank you. You are truly appreciated."
Pinal Mountain Elks Lodge Host an Awards Dinner For Students of the Month
Left to Right: Darrell Stubbs, Youth Activities Chairperson. Kevin Swedick, Liberty HS May Student of the Month. Micheal Chavez, Miami HS January Student of the Month. Lilli Lyon, Miami HS April Student of the Month. Osvaldo ramirez, Miami HS March Student of the Month. Jessica Whitmer, Liberty HS March Student of the Month. Recipients not pictured from Miami HS are Riley Mawson and Derrick Andrade; from Globe HS are Torrie Yerkovich, Delia Reed, Bethany Greenwall, and Jenna Lawrence; from Liberty HS are Elizabeth Guevara and Andrew Kindelay.
Miami Sewer Plans Update, by Ted Lake
Here's the latest update on the Town of Miami’s Wastewater Treatment situation. The following outline was released to Miami Town offi cials this week by Brian Davidson of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality after a meeting with the Miami Wastewater Revitalziation Team in Phoenix on May 14. Current Status: The Town of Miami ’s collection system is failing constantly. They have receive violations from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The public works is constantly having to fix leaking and collapsing pipes and preventing sewage from spilling into streets and on private land. Current capacity varies during rainstorms and will more than double the capacity. Freeport McMoran has stepped up and has an agreement with the town to build a new Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Plant will accept the current sewage from Miami and the mine and in 2010 the town of Miami will take over the management of the WWTP. Monies. The Town of Miami was awarded a $35,000 Technical Assistance Grant in 2009 and is going to apply for another one in 2010. The grant application is due June 1, 2009 at midnight. The town is working to ultimately get a USDA grant with Jeff Hooper (Rural Development) to assist the town in the project.Another possible grant is a State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG) the town is exploring. Steps needed: Preliminary Engineering Report (PER). The town of Miami first needs a Preliminary Engineering Report. Hopefully the video scoping currently being used from the WIFA TA grant will help in the PER. Also, if the town receives another WIFA TA Grant, that will go to complete the PER. The city of Phoenix will assist the town in get- Miami Sewer Plans Update by Ted Lake teddlake@yahoo.com ting the application complete. The PER will answer the big questions 1. What is needed? 2. How much will it cost? This will most likely affect the rates the town of Miami is currently paying for its sewer costs. The city of Phoenix is working with the town of Miami to complete this report. This report will be rather comprehensive. The goal to finish it will be January 2010. Environmental Report. In order to address historic and tribal concerns from the State Historic Preservation Offi ce, an Environmental Report is due with the PER. Goal to finish this will also be 2010. An outside Engineering fi rm may be required to complete this report. This will be due at the same time as the PER. Submit to USDA. Jeff Hooper estimates it will take 30-60 days to fi nd and secure the funds for the project. Final Engineering Report. This will help address any deficiencies in the PER and finalize any other concerns. Then Construction. Chuy Canzales, Mayor of the Town of Miami said " I can tell you that this project is estimated to provide $15M to $18M in USDA grant funding in order to replace our deteriorating waste water collector system, and that if all goes well, construction will start in April of 2010."
Bids for Architectural/Engineering Consultant
The San Carlos Housing Authority (SCHA) will be issuing a solicitation for bids for qualified Indian Organizations and Indian owned economic enterprises and from non-Indian Organizations for professional Architectural/ Engineering Consultant services in connection with the design, construction, and contract administration of Project; AZ 11-36 which are located on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Gila and Graham County, San Carlos, Arizona, after ten (10) days from May 13, 2009. This new construction project is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and is subject to federal and tribal regulations and laws. SCHA reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids present and the right to waive informalities or irregularities. SCHA invites, encourages participation by businesses owned by minorities, veterans and woman, and provides additional preference to enrolled members of federally recognized Indian Tribes. Please contact Tolbert Massey of SCHA at (928) 475- 2346.