April - June, 2021 CityLine Newsletter

CityLine

April - June, 2021

FORGING A NEW PATH New City Manager 3

State of the City 5-8 Photo Credit: Michael Jordan Photography

New City Manager

A Message from Mayor Thomas L. Schoaf This issue focuses on the State of the City for 2021. At this time last year, I did not envision the dramatic impact COVID-19 would have on 2020. There are a few aspects of our lives which have not been significantly impacted. Unfortunately, the virus may continue to affect us for the remainder of 2021.

Our focus this past year was on promoting public health while minimizing the negative effects of restrictions on our business and personal lives. We worked with our businesses within mandated State guidelines to minimize restrictions while promoting safe operations from a public health perspective. We used federal CARES Act dollars for grants supporting impacted local businesses and non-profit organizations. We instituted safe operating procedures for our City staff so that they are able to provide needed services to our residents while promoting safety for all.

We were still able to move several major projects forward during 2020. We completed the engineering effort for the City Center project which will allow us to begin building the infrastructure such as road improvements, utilities and the first steps on constructing the Park. We continued to work with local individuals interested in building in the City Center which will hopefully lead to the sale of our first parcels of land. We worked with Sun Health to complete the entitlement process so that construction of their new La Loma project moved forward. Finally, we supported the needs of the developer at Camelback and Dysart so that construction for several new businesses has begun.

We were fortunate that our City revenues held up very well during this past year. Our revenues depend very heavily on local state taxes. These sales taxes have exceeded our budget projections and have grown year over year even during the pandemic. This is a very positive sign for our City going forward.

The State of the City presentation and corresponding slides are available on our City website at litchfield-park.org/613 if you would like to hear the details or review the slides. As always, the Council and City Staff are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have. You can reach me directly at tschoaf@litchfield-park.org.

Litchfield Park Mayor & City Council Thomas L. Schoaf, Mayor tschoaf@litchfield-park.org Paul Faith, Vice Mayor pfaith@litchfield-park.org John Romack, Council Member jromack@litchfield-park.org Ann Donahue, Council Member adonahue@litchfield-park.org Tom Rosztoczy, Council Member trosztoczy@litchfield-park.org Lisa Brainard Watson, Council Member lbrainardwatson@litchfield-park.org (Back row l to r): Ann Donahue, Tom Rosztoczy, Vice Mayor Paul Faith, and Ron Clair (Front row l to r): John Romack, Mayor Thomas L. Schoaf, Lisa Brainard Watson

Ron Clair, Council Member rclair@litchfield-park.org

COVID-19 Business Assistance Program The City of Litchfield Park offered grants up to $10,000 to businesses and non-profit organizations experiencing a financial hardship due to COVID-19. The intent of the program is to assist with revenue loss due to the pandemic and to support the businesses continued viability. The decision to fund all or part of the grant was made by the City Council based on information provided in the COVID-19 Business Assistance Program Application.

COVID-19 Relief Grant Recipients Phase 2 Phase 1 • Beauty Box Salon & Suites • A Little Drama • Dr. Martin & Dr. Gibbs DDS • Barbell Fitness • Fringe Salon & Suites • China Red Café • Ground Control • GR Taylor Enterprises • Tap Savvy • Litchfield Dental Care • Rayne Walker Massage • The Wigwam • Society West Salon • Southwest Valley Chamber or Commerce • Supercuts • Teeny Town Playland • West Valley Mavericks 2

litchfield-park.org

Matthew Williams was hired in December 2019 as Assistant City Manager and Community & Recreation Services Director. Upon Bill Stephens retirement in January, Matthew Williams was appointed Interim City Manager. Effective March 29, he was hired as the permanent City Manager. Williams is originally from Georgia and holds a Master's in Public Administration from Auburn University. Previously, Williams served as the Economic Development Director for LaFayette, Georgia (2012 - 2015), Community Services Manager for Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona (2015 - 2017), and Town Manager for Huachuca City, Arizona (2017 - 2019). He has provided the following message to the Community: I am honored to serve as City Manager and plan to be in Litchfield Park long term. My family and I love the community and all the things that make Litchfield Park unique. The City has weathered COVID-19 well and we are in a good position financially and staff-wise.

I look forward to the challenges of building the City Center, updating City infrastructure, working with the historical society to restore the P.W. Litchfield home site and most importantly maintaining the lifestyle that Litchfield Park has come to be known for.

My wife Laura, and son Jack consider ourselves blessed to be part of Litchfield Park. I enjoy meeting with citizens and as always I welcome any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact me at mwilliams@litchfield-park.org or 623-889-6211.

Sincerely, Matthew C. Williams

Liberty Utilities’ New Energy Efficient Facility

City of Litchfield Park Funds PPE for LESD

Liberty has completed a new administration and customer service facility, focused on sustainability and located at 14920 W. Camelback Rd. in Litchfield Park.

We are delighted that in-person learning has resumed, in great part to educators being prioritized for vaccinations, encouraging research by the Center for Disease Control, and Litchfield Elementary School District’s strong mitigation that is HealthyVerify certified. It’s been an absolute joy to see students and teachers engaging in academic growth and caring relationships.

Kurt Althof, Regional Program Manager, External Communications

Liberty believes protecting the environment is an important priority, operating as cleanly and efficiently as possible to benefit current and future generations. As such, Liberty has embedded its sustainability approach and initiatives throughout the new building.

The new facility is powered by 682 solar panels covering 14,792 square feet around the property and batteries have been installed to store energy for use during non-generating times. In addition, electric vehicle charging stations are available for both employees and public use.

Water use efficiencies are found throughout the campus. The outdoor landscaping includes plants that are drought tolerant and adapted to the local climate. These plants are watered with A+ quality, treated recycled water from Liberty’s Palm Valley Water Reclamation Facility.

In addition, a pollinator garden was constructed that hosts over 300 Arizona pollinator-friendly plants. The garden is certified as a monarch way station and is one of many gardens Liberty has planted. Inside the building, water use efficiencies include low-flow faucets and toilets as well as Water Sense appliances.

Additional sustainable practices include: 100% LED lighting, sky lights, and solar lighting tubes to reduce the amount of energy consumed.

Almost all building materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the site, reducing transportation emissions. Customers will enjoy an interactive exhibit in the Customer Experience Center to learn more about how Liberty’s sustainable practices for life in Arizona and across the nation. “We hope this type of sustainable building will be a model for future development and construction in Arizona”, said David Heighway, Director of Engineering for Liberty Arizona.

“This new facility will provide an exceptional customer experience and is another example of the numerous investments we have made and continue to make in our water and wastewater infrastructure to better serve our community and customers,” said Matthew Garlick, President of Liberty Arizona.

Pictured right: David Schwake, longtime Litchfield Park resident, volunteer, and community leader.

Shelly Smith Hornback, Director of Community Relations

Healthy habits can go a long way in helping students and staff members stay well so that students may attend school. Thanks to a generous COVID relief grant from the City of Litchfield Park, the Litchfield Elementary School District Educational Foundation will buy $10,000 worth of face masks and hand sanitizer for Litchfield staff and students.

These are crucial health and safety materials that keep children in classrooms by slowing the spread of COVID-19.

You can learn more about Educational Excellence in a Pandemic by visiting our YouTube channel to watch a free webinar featuring Superintendent Gunning and Dr. Ana Moran, medical director of HealthyVerify Certification. As an infectious disease doctor at Barrow Neurological Institute, Dr. Moran played an important role in LESD’s HealthyVerify certification process. She joined Superintendent Gunning on March 24 to discuss vaccines, masks, and quality education.

About a quarter of our students are more comfortable accessing our educational excellence from the privacy of their own home. The teachers in our new Digital Learning Academy offer live teaching lessons and award-winning social emotional learning to students who have chosen to remain in online learning for the duration of the school year. DLA marks LESD’s 17th school and we are proud to offer options for families to decide what is best for them.

As we work diligently to keep students and staff safe and healthy, we are also reflecting on the magnanimous life of a beloved community hero who lost his brief battle against COVID on February 3. David Schwake was a local icon who tirelessly served our community for more than four decades and was our award-winning food services director for more than half of that. Memories of our dear friend inspire us to keep working hard for children, as he did with such grace and commitment for more than forty years.

April - June, 2021

3

New City Manager

A Message from Mayor Thomas L. Schoaf This issue focuses on the State of the City for 2021. At this time last year, I did not envision the dramatic impact COVID-19 would have on 2020. There are a few aspects of our lives which have not been significantly impacted. Unfortunately, the virus may continue to affect us for the remainder of 2021.

Our focus this past year was on promoting public health while minimizing the negative effects of restrictions on our business and personal lives. We worked with our businesses within mandated State guidelines to minimize restrictions while promoting safe operations from a public health perspective. We used federal CARES Act dollars for grants supporting impacted local businesses and non-profit organizations. We instituted safe operating procedures for our City staff so that they are able to provide needed services to our residents while promoting safety for all.

We were still able to move several major projects forward during 2020. We completed the engineering effort for the City Center project which will allow us to begin building the infrastructure such as road improvements, utilities and the first steps on constructing the Park. We continued to work with local individuals interested in building in the City Center which will hopefully lead to the sale of our first parcels of land. We worked with Sun Health to complete the entitlement process so that construction of their new La Loma project moved forward. Finally, we supported the needs of the developer at Camelback and Dysart so that construction for several new businesses has begun.

We were fortunate that our City revenues held up very well during this past year. Our revenues depend very heavily on local state taxes. These sales taxes have exceeded our budget projections and have grown year over year even during the pandemic. This is a very positive sign for our City going forward.

The State of the City presentation and corresponding slides are available on our City website at litchfield-park.org/613 if you would like to hear the details or review the slides. As always, the Council and City Staff are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have. You can reach me directly at tschoaf@litchfield-park.org.

Litchfield Park Mayor & City Council Thomas L. Schoaf, Mayor tschoaf@litchfield-park.org Paul Faith, Vice Mayor pfaith@litchfield-park.org John Romack, Council Member jromack@litchfield-park.org Ann Donahue, Council Member adonahue@litchfield-park.org Tom Rosztoczy, Council Member trosztoczy@litchfield-park.org Lisa Brainard Watson, Council Member lbrainardwatson@litchfield-park.org (Back row l to r): Ann Donahue, Tom Rosztoczy, Vice Mayor Paul Faith, and Ron Clair (Front row l to r): John Romack, Mayor Thomas L. Schoaf, Lisa Brainard Watson

Ron Clair, Council Member rclair@litchfield-park.org

COVID-19 Business Assistance Program The City of Litchfield Park offered grants up to $10,000 to businesses and non-profit organizations experiencing a financial hardship due to COVID-19. The intent of the program is to assist with revenue loss due to the pandemic and to support the businesses continued viability. The decision to fund all or part of the grant was made by the City Council based on information provided in the COVID-19 Business Assistance Program Application.

COVID-19 Relief Grant Recipients Phase 2 Phase 1 • Beauty Box Salon & Suites • A Little Drama • Dr. Martin & Dr. Gibbs DDS • Barbell Fitness • Fringe Salon & Suites • China Red Café • Ground Control • GR Taylor Enterprises • Tap Savvy • Litchfield Dental Care • Rayne Walker Massage • The Wigwam • Society West Salon • Southwest Valley Chamber or Commerce • Supercuts • Teeny Town Playland • West Valley Mavericks 2

litchfield-park.org

Matthew Williams was hired in December 2019 as Assistant City Manager and Community & Recreation Services Director. Upon Bill Stephens retirement in January, Matthew Williams was appointed Interim City Manager. Effective March 29, he was hired as the permanent City Manager. Williams is originally from Georgia and holds a Master's in Public Administration from Auburn University. Previously, Williams served as the Economic Development Director for LaFayette, Georgia (2012 - 2015), Community Services Manager for Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona (2015 - 2017), and Town Manager for Huachuca City, Arizona (2017 - 2019). He has provided the following message to the Community: I am honored to serve as City Manager and plan to be in Litchfield Park long term. My family and I love the community and all the things that make Litchfield Park unique. The City has weathered COVID-19 well and we are in a good position financially and staff-wise.

I look forward to the challenges of building the City Center, updating City infrastructure, working with the historical society to restore the P.W. Litchfield home site and most importantly maintaining the lifestyle that Litchfield Park has come to be known for.

My wife Laura, and son Jack consider ourselves blessed to be part of Litchfield Park. I enjoy meeting with citizens and as always I welcome any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact me at mwilliams@litchfield-park.org or 623-889-6211.

Sincerely, Matthew C. Williams

Liberty Utilities’ New Energy Efficient Facility

City of Litchfield Park Funds PPE for LESD

Liberty has completed a new administration and customer service facility, focused on sustainability and located at 14920 W. Camelback Rd. in Litchfield Park.

We are delighted that in-person learning has resumed, in great part to educators being prioritized for vaccinations, encouraging research by the Center for Disease Control, and Litchfield Elementary School District’s strong mitigation that is HealthyVerify certified. It’s been an absolute joy to see students and teachers engaging in academic growth and caring relationships.

Kurt Althof, Regional Program Manager, External Communications

Liberty believes protecting the environment is an important priority, operating as cleanly and efficiently as possible to benefit current and future generations. As such, Liberty has embedded its sustainability approach and initiatives throughout the new building.

The new facility is powered by 682 solar panels covering 14,792 square feet around the property and batteries have been installed to store energy for use during non-generating times. In addition, electric vehicle charging stations are available for both employees and public use.

Water use efficiencies are found throughout the campus. The outdoor landscaping includes plants that are drought tolerant and adapted to the local climate. These plants are watered with A+ quality, treated recycled water from Liberty’s Palm Valley Water Reclamation Facility.

In addition, a pollinator garden was constructed that hosts over 300 Arizona pollinator-friendly plants. The garden is certified as a monarch way station and is one of many gardens Liberty has planted. Inside the building, water use efficiencies include low-flow faucets and toilets as well as Water Sense appliances.

Additional sustainable practices include: 100% LED lighting, sky lights, and solar lighting tubes to reduce the amount of energy consumed.

Almost all building materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the site, reducing transportation emissions. Customers will enjoy an interactive exhibit in the Customer Experience Center to learn more about how Liberty’s sustainable practices for life in Arizona and across the nation. “We hope this type of sustainable building will be a model for future development and construction in Arizona”, said David Heighway, Director of Engineering for Liberty Arizona.

“This new facility will provide an exceptional customer experience and is another example of the numerous investments we have made and continue to make in our water and wastewater infrastructure to better serve our community and customers,” said Matthew Garlick, President of Liberty Arizona.

Pictured right: David Schwake, longtime Litchfield Park resident, volunteer, and community leader.

Shelly Smith Hornback, Director of Community Relations

Healthy habits can go a long way in helping students and staff members stay well so that students may attend school. Thanks to a generous COVID relief grant from the City of Litchfield Park, the Litchfield Elementary School District Educational Foundation will buy $10,000 worth of face masks and hand sanitizer for Litchfield staff and students.

These are crucial health and safety materials that keep children in classrooms by slowing the spread of COVID-19.

You can learn more about Educational Excellence in a Pandemic by visiting our YouTube channel to watch a free webinar featuring Superintendent Gunning and Dr. Ana Moran, medical director of HealthyVerify Certification. As an infectious disease doctor at Barrow Neurological Institute, Dr. Moran played an important role in LESD’s HealthyVerify certification process. She joined Superintendent Gunning on March 24 to discuss vaccines, masks, and quality education.

About a quarter of our students are more comfortable accessing our educational excellence from the privacy of their own home. The teachers in our new Digital Learning Academy offer live teaching lessons and award-winning social emotional learning to students who have chosen to remain in online learning for the duration of the school year. DLA marks LESD’s 17th school and we are proud to offer options for families to decide what is best for them.

As we work diligently to keep students and staff safe and healthy, we are also reflecting on the magnanimous life of a beloved community hero who lost his brief battle against COVID on February 3. David Schwake was a local icon who tirelessly served our community for more than four decades and was our award-winning food services director for more than half of that. Memories of our dear friend inspire us to keep working hard for children, as he did with such grace and commitment for more than forty years.

April - June, 2021

3

Why Can’t I Recycle (Fill in the Blank)? Automated License Plate Laila Amerman, Recycling Education & Communications Specialist Reader Cameras Matthew Williams, City Manager

There’s a lot of confusion about what can (and cannot) be recycled in curbside carts and why. Why do we only take certain items and not others? To be recycled through curbside collection, a material must pass three tests:

Over the next several months, the City will be installing 32 Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras around the City. Similar systems are also being deployed in Tempe and Youngtown. Nationally, cities that have installed these systems have seen, on average, a 60% drop in non-violent crime.

• Can it be safely collected in a curbside cart?

• Can it be safely and cost-effectively separated from other materials and baled at a Material Recovery Facility (MRF)?

• Is there an end-market to buy the material?

Let’s look at a few examples.

Batteries. Putting batteries into a curbside recycling cart creates a big safety risk, as they can ignite a fire in your cart, our truck or at the MRF. This is why batteries are accepted for recycling at designated collection sites, like the Glendale Landfill or a local retailer, but not allowed in your carts.

Plastic bags. It’s important to keep plastic bags and wrap out of recycling carts, as they create risks at the MRF. These items tangle around sorting equipment and bring operations to a halt, leaving workers to cut them out by hand. Return your clean bags to a local retailer to be recycled separately.

Clamshell containers. Berries, salad and other perishables are often packaged in plastic clamshell containers. While these items could be collected and separated from other materials at the MRF, there is currently no end-market for them. If no one wants to buy the materials to turn them into new products, they cannot be recycled. It’s best to reuse these items at home or dispose in the trash.

When you focus on putting the right items in your recycling cart and keeping everything else out, you make a big difference. By sending materials to their next life, you help preserve our natural resources, create jobs and provide valuable inputs for U.S. manufacturing.

These cameras will be installed at entrances and exits into all City neighborhoods and are strictly used to capture vehicle tags, vehicle make, model and color. They are not used to monitor speed and traffic signals, nor use any facial recognition technology.

This new camera system will allow the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to be directly connected in order to observe vehicles which may have an active warrant, silver/amber alert, etc., as well as their direct location within the City. Camera footage will also be used in police investigations in order to monitor when suspect vehicles have entered and/or exited City limits.

These solar powered cameras will be installed on existing poles within the neighborhood or on new 12’ foot poles.

For more information, please contact Matthew Williams at mwilliams@litchfield-park.org.

RECYCLE RIGHT NOT LIKE THIS

LIKE THIS

State of the City The 2021 State of the City Meeting was held virtually on Saturday, February 13, 2021. Although the format looked much different this year than years past, residents and stake holders were able to view this meeting on YouTube and engage with Mayor Thomas L. Schoaf and City Council Members during a live question and answer session immediately following the presentation.

Looking Back at 2020 and Ahead to 2021

Mayor Schoaf introduced a variety of updates including: COVID-19, Elections, City Center Update, Sun Health/La Loma Project, Residential Development, Commercial Development, General Plan Amendment/Rezoning, General Plan Update, P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center, Bird Lane Traffic Calming, Street Improvements & Maintenance, Vista Verde Drainage Project, Downtown Storm Drain Project, City Park Enhancements, Financial Update, 2020 Census, Rec Programs & Special Events, Recreation Center Renovations, and Cameras and Sheriff’s Posse.

COVID-19

Following state protocol, an emergency proclamation was issued to help mitigate the spread of the virus and to help keep citizens, Council members, Board/Commission members, and City staff safe. Local businesses were open with restrictions and advised of opportunities available that may help them monetarily during these difficult circumstances. City sponsored activities were cancelled or revised, Council/Commission/Board meetings were held online, and City Hall was temporarily closed.

Elections

The Primary Election was held on August 4, 2020 and three open seats were filled. Of the incumbents who filed, Council members Ron Clair, Ann Donahue and John Romack won their seats for a four year term.

Within the City, there are 4,575 registered voters and the response rate was 47.50%.

Sun Health/La Loma Project

Sun Health’s current and future development on the La Loma Campus was approved by Council. The campus is located on the Northwest corner of Litchfield and Camelback roads. It will consist of independent and assisted living units, age-restricted traditional neighborhoods, parks and community garden spaces, an agritourism-oriented market place, and a new community facility building. The first phase of the development, The Orchard at Rancho La Loma, will be located on approximately 15.5 acres.

Residential Development

Cachet at the Wigwam, located on Litchfield Road and Village Parkway, is closing in on completion. All permits have been issued and of the housing types available, ten single family homes, nine townhomes, and sixteen condos are still under construction.

Commercial Development

Commercial development continued at two demographic locations: • Southeast Corner of Dysart and Camelback Dignity Health Emergency Care opened March 2020, and both AutoZone and CubeSmart opened in April 2020. Construction has also begun on the Denny’s restaurant and opening is planned for May 2021. There is a permit pending for a Cobblestone Car Wash and there has also been discussion of a possible drive-up coffee shop and fast food restaurant.

Never bag-up recyclables. Gather them up “loose” and put them directly into recycling carts.

4

litchfield-park.org

• Northwest Corner of Wigwam Boulevard & Litchfield Road Major General Plan Amendment and Rezoning applications were submitted separately in 2018 to facilitate a project proposed to include multi-family units with a possible commercial component.

The General Plan Amendment was reviewed by Council in December 2018 and continued to allow the related rezoning application to be processed with the amendment. Comments regarding the rezoning were provided to the applicant. There has been no further movement on the proposed project.

General Plan Update

Cities are required to update their General Plan every 10 years. To meet deadline requirements, the current plan (including all amendments) was re-adopted in May 2020. An updated General Plan will be created when it becomes possible to garner in-person public participation and comments. After the Plan is updated, it will be brought to the voters for possible approval.

P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center

Final design drawings were approved by the Litchfield Park Design Review Board on December 3, 2020. The project team is currently focusing on completing infrastructure plans that will support the project and hilltop. Project fundraising continues until the project is fully funded. The Litchfield Park Historical Society Capital Campaign has currently brought in $2.3 million, 66% of the $3.5 million goal. Generous donations were recently received from Boswell and Sun Health Foundations.

Bird Lane Traffic Calming

Along Bird Lane, there had been an increase in speeding and excessive cut-through traffic. Bird Lane residents were surveyed and favored the idea of speed humps in order to slow traffic in the area. Construction was completed in July 2020 and modified for emergency vehicles in November 2020.

Street Improvements & Maintenance

All public streets were inspected for maintenance needs and the City’s Ten-Year Pavement Management Plan was updated. The following projects have been completed or are under construction: • Camelback Road was widened to allow left-turn access to Jackie Robinson Field driveway.

• Bid awarded for Litchfield Road resurfacing from cart path to Camelback Road, construction is set to begin April 2021.

• Safety project completed to install “No Parking” zones and new crosswalks on Old Litchfield Road near Staggs Park.

• A sidewalk has been installed at Turtle Park.

April - June, 2021

5

Why Can’t I Recycle (Fill in the Blank)? Automated License Plate Laila Amerman, Recycling Education & Communications Specialist Reader Cameras Matthew Williams, City Manager

There’s a lot of confusion about what can (and cannot) be recycled in curbside carts and why. Why do we only take certain items and not others? To be recycled through curbside collection, a material must pass three tests:

Over the next several months, the City will be installing 32 Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras around the City. Similar systems are also being deployed in Tempe and Youngtown. Nationally, cities that have installed these systems have seen, on average, a 60% drop in non-violent crime.

• Can it be safely collected in a curbside cart?

• Can it be safely and cost-effectively separated from other materials and baled at a Material Recovery Facility (MRF)?

• Is there an end-market to buy the material?

Let’s look at a few examples.

Batteries. Putting batteries into a curbside recycling cart creates a big safety risk, as they can ignite a fire in your cart, our truck or at the MRF. This is why batteries are accepted for recycling at designated collection sites, like the Glendale Landfill or a local retailer, but not allowed in your carts.

Plastic bags. It’s important to keep plastic bags and wrap out of recycling carts, as they create risks at the MRF. These items tangle around sorting equipment and bring operations to a halt, leaving workers to cut them out by hand. Return your clean bags to a local retailer to be recycled separately.

Clamshell containers. Berries, salad and other perishables are often packaged in plastic clamshell containers. While these items could be collected and separated from other materials at the MRF, there is currently no end-market for them. If no one wants to buy the materials to turn them into new products, they cannot be recycled. It’s best to reuse these items at home or dispose in the trash.

When you focus on putting the right items in your recycling cart and keeping everything else out, you make a big difference. By sending materials to their next life, you help preserve our natural resources, create jobs and provide valuable inputs for U.S. manufacturing.

These cameras will be installed at entrances and exits into all City neighborhoods and are strictly used to capture vehicle tags, vehicle make, model and color. They are not used to monitor speed and traffic signals, nor use any facial recognition technology.

This new camera system will allow the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to be directly connected in order to observe vehicles which may have an active warrant, silver/amber alert, etc., as well as their direct location within the City. Camera footage will also be used in police investigations in order to monitor when suspect vehicles have entered and/or exited City limits.

These solar powered cameras will be installed on existing poles within the neighborhood or on new 12’ foot poles.

For more information, please contact Matthew Williams at mwilliams@litchfield-park.org.

RECYCLE RIGHT NOT LIKE THIS

LIKE THIS

State of the City The 2021 State of the City Meeting was held virtually on Saturday, February 13, 2021. Although the format looked much different this year than years past, residents and stake holders were able to view this meeting on YouTube and engage with Mayor Thomas L. Schoaf and City Council Members during a live question and answer session immediately following the presentation.

Looking Back at 2020 and Ahead to 2021

Mayor Schoaf introduced a variety of updates including: COVID-19, Elections, City Center Update, Sun Health/La Loma Project, Residential Development, Commercial Development, General Plan Amendment/Rezoning, General Plan Update, P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center, Bird Lane Traffic Calming, Street Improvements & Maintenance, Vista Verde Drainage Project, Downtown Storm Drain Project, City Park Enhancements, Financial Update, 2020 Census, Rec Programs & Special Events, Recreation Center Renovations, and Cameras and Sheriff’s Posse.

COVID-19

Following state protocol, an emergency proclamation was issued to help mitigate the spread of the virus and to help keep citizens, Council members, Board/Commission members, and City staff safe. Local businesses were open with restrictions and advised of opportunities available that may help them monetarily during these difficult circumstances. City sponsored activities were cancelled or revised, Council/Commission/Board meetings were held online, and City Hall was temporarily closed.

Elections

The Primary Election was held on August 4, 2020 and three open seats were filled. Of the incumbents who filed, Council members Ron Clair, Ann Donahue and John Romack won their seats for a four year term.

Within the City, there are 4,575 registered voters and the response rate was 47.50%.

Sun Health/La Loma Project

Sun Health’s current and future development on the La Loma Campus was approved by Council. The campus is located on the Northwest corner of Litchfield and Camelback roads. It will consist of independent and assisted living units, age-restricted traditional neighborhoods, parks and community garden spaces, an agritourism-oriented market place, and a new community facility building. The first phase of the development, The Orchard at Rancho La Loma, will be located on approximately 15.5 acres.

Residential Development

Cachet at the Wigwam, located on Litchfield Road and Village Parkway, is closing in on completion. All permits have been issued and of the housing types available, ten single family homes, nine townhomes, and sixteen condos are still under construction.

Commercial Development

Commercial development continued at two demographic locations: • Southeast Corner of Dysart and Camelback Dignity Health Emergency Care opened March 2020, and both AutoZone and CubeSmart opened in April 2020. Construction has also begun on the Denny’s restaurant and opening is planned for May 2021. There is a permit pending for a Cobblestone Car Wash and there has also been discussion of a possible drive-up coffee shop and fast food restaurant.

Never bag-up recyclables. Gather them up “loose” and put them directly into recycling carts.

4

litchfield-park.org

• Northwest Corner of Wigwam Boulevard & Litchfield Road Major General Plan Amendment and Rezoning applications were submitted separately in 2018 to facilitate a project proposed to include multi-family units with a possible commercial component.

The General Plan Amendment was reviewed by Council in December 2018 and continued to allow the related rezoning application to be processed with the amendment. Comments regarding the rezoning were provided to the applicant. There has been no further movement on the proposed project.

General Plan Update

Cities are required to update their General Plan every 10 years. To meet deadline requirements, the current plan (including all amendments) was re-adopted in May 2020. An updated General Plan will be created when it becomes possible to garner in-person public participation and comments. After the Plan is updated, it will be brought to the voters for possible approval.

P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center

Final design drawings were approved by the Litchfield Park Design Review Board on December 3, 2020. The project team is currently focusing on completing infrastructure plans that will support the project and hilltop. Project fundraising continues until the project is fully funded. The Litchfield Park Historical Society Capital Campaign has currently brought in $2.3 million, 66% of the $3.5 million goal. Generous donations were recently received from Boswell and Sun Health Foundations.

Bird Lane Traffic Calming

Along Bird Lane, there had been an increase in speeding and excessive cut-through traffic. Bird Lane residents were surveyed and favored the idea of speed humps in order to slow traffic in the area. Construction was completed in July 2020 and modified for emergency vehicles in November 2020.

Street Improvements & Maintenance

All public streets were inspected for maintenance needs and the City’s Ten-Year Pavement Management Plan was updated. The following projects have been completed or are under construction: • Camelback Road was widened to allow left-turn access to Jackie Robinson Field driveway.

• Bid awarded for Litchfield Road resurfacing from cart path to Camelback Road, construction is set to begin April 2021.

• Safety project completed to install “No Parking” zones and new crosswalks on Old Litchfield Road near Staggs Park.

• A sidewalk has been installed at Turtle Park.

April - June, 2021

5

Vista Verde Drainage Project

In July 2017, a storm flooded several condos in the Vista Verde (Peninsula) area. The City received a 75% matching grant from the Flood Control District in the amount of $187,500 for design and construction. The preliminary design for larger catch basins and overflow channels has been completed. The City is awaiting approval from the Condo’s HOA. Final design and construction should begin in 2021.

Downtown Storm Drain Project

In order to ensure there is a reduction in flooding potential for the upcoming City Center, the City was selected to receive a $946,100 matching grant from Flood Control District of Maricopa County. This project will extend the existing storm drains to Fairway Drive. The design is anticipated to be approved this year with construction beginning in 2022.

City Park Enhancements

Rose Park flower beds were renovated and are being neatly maintained. New playground equipment was installed at Camelback Park for citizens to enjoy.

2020 Census

The 2020 Census has been completed. For the first time in Census history, residents were invited to respond online. The City of Litchfield Park’s online response rate was just under 80%. Although the initial report was delayed to the White House, the report is very important as it determines Congressional seats and State shared revenues. Once all data is calculated, the final counts will impact communities across the country for the next 10 years. Thank you to all who participated.

Community & Recreation Services

Recreation Programs enhance the quality of life for city residents including youth sports, aquatic classes and lessons, pool events, and a licensed preschool.

Youth Sports was named a “Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider” by the National Alliance for Youth Sports. New COVID-19 safety measure implemented with Fall 2020 season: all coaches and spectators required to wear masks, all equipment sanitized throughout games by staff, no postgame snacks, handshakes, or fist bumps. Coach Pitch and Basketball spring & fall 2020 were cancelled due to COVID-19.

Fall Flag Football & Tee Ball and Winter Basketball were held for a total of 460 youth participants, youth tennis registered 316 registrants with a reduced class size from 14 participants to 8.

Aquatics, an American Red Cross Accredited Facility, delayed pool opening until June 1, 2020 in accordance with Governor Ducey’s Executive Order with a maximum capacity of 50 patrons. Pool furniture was limited to enforce social distancing. Extended open swim times, and limited programming was offered; 165 program registrants for youth stroke & development swim classes, water aerobics, and lifeguard training. Kiwanis Club of Litchfield sponsored a Free Swim Day on June 20, serving 100 participants. Youth group swim lessons, private lessons, pool rentals and Litchfield Lagartos swim team were cancelled.

Pool season came to a close on June 23 due to COVID-19.

6

litchfield-park.org

Litchfield Park Preschool, an Arizona Department of Health Services licensed facility, held three classes for children ages 3 1/2 to 5, with 19 students per class. Due to initial COVID-19 shutdown, the 2019 - 2020 school year ended on March 6, 2020. The 2020/2021 school year had a delayed start of October 26 in keeping with the Litchfield Elementary School District. Class capacity was adjusted to a maximum of 13 and individual desks were purchased as part of safety measures, converted classes to virtual learning on November 9 due to rising COVID-19 cases.

Weekly innovative programming included: pre-recorded educational and activity videos posted to City website, arts & crafts and educational packets available for pickup at Rec Center, Show & Tell and office hours via Zoom. In person learning resumed January 4, 2021. Teachers and students continue utilizing PPE.

Primary Revenues ‐ by Source (%) Fiscal Year 2020

Intergovernmental, State Shared Revenues 21%

City Sales, Use & Bed Taxes 67%

Other ‐ Incl Rent, Fines, Interest 2%

Franchise Fees & Licenses 1% Building Permit Fees 3%

Last 5 Fiscal Years

Sales Tax ‐ Construction

$9.0

$7.0

$1.7 M

$1.8 M

$1.9 M

$1.7 M

$5.1 M

$5.3 M

FY 2020 Actual

FY 2021 Projected

$1.5 M $1.6 M

$6.0

$1.6 M $1.8 M

$5.0

$1.7 M $1.6 M

$4.0

$3.0

Sheriff’s Posse

Sales taxes and state shared revenues equal 88% of the fiscal year 2020 City’s revenues with 67% from retail sales, use and bed taxes, 21% from state shared revenues, and 12% from other sources. The primary sources of revenue include recreation, community and special event services, special districts, franchise fees and licenses, building permit fees, court fines and forfeitures, and sales tax.

Sales Tax ‐ Other

$10.0

$8.0

Kiwanis Club of Litchfield helped sponsor the resurfacing of the Rec Center tennis and basketball courts. Some projects that will be completed in 2021 are: pool deck will be resealed and repainted to preserve the existing deck, the perimeter wall surrounding the pool will be re-stuccoed and painted along with the Preschool and Rec Center building.

Financial Update

City Sales & Use Tax Revenues Sales Tax ‐ Retail & Restaurant

Recreation Center Renovations

Posse members are trained volunteers and undergo background checks and drug testing. Posse has limited law enforcement authority; they can make an arrest after being directed to do so by a Deputy. They assist with special events and watch for potential crime opportunities, such as: open doors, vacation watch, non-criminal activities, etc. Posse has been a part of the City since 2003 and currently has two members.

They are planning to rebuild the program to 10 - 12 members to assist MCSO and provide additional security to the Park. It will take 12 - 18 months to rebuild the program and are highly dependent on support from MCSO.

Recreation, Community & Special Event Services 5%

Special Districts 1%

Specials Events was able to host the following events prior to the COVID-19 shutdown: Litchfield Park Gathering, the January & February Arts in the Park Concerts, Kiwanis Trout Fishing Derby, Friends of the Rec Run, and the Spring Art & Wine Festival. The following events were cancelled: March & April Arts in the Park Concerts, 4th of July Splash Bash, G.A.I.N. Night held on Litchfield Elementary School grounds.

COVID-19 mitigation efforts were put in place and these Special Events were held: Memorial Day Ceremony (virtually), Drive-In Movie Night in October, Oktoberfest, Festival of Arts was held in November, and Christmas in the Park hosted a virtual parade as well as live elements.

COVID-19 mitigation efforts at events included face masks and social distancing required, expanded distancing between booth spaces, onsite handwashing and hand sanitizing stations, routine cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces, line queues, daily vendor health screenings, first aid booth offering COVID-19 information, and signage notifying attendees about mitigation measures.

MILLIONS

• Fairway Drive pathway replaced.

• Pavement maintenance for numerous City streets planned.

Construction began in March 2021.

• Prepared plans for Staggs Park parking lot options.

• New high-visibility crosswalks installed.

$2.0

$4.0 M

$4.4 M

$3.3 M $1.0

$0.0

FY 2017 Actual

FY 2018 Actual

FY 2019 Actual

Revenue Without Construction Sales Tax vs. Total Expenditures

Total Revenue vs. Total Expenditures Last 5 Fiscal Years

Last 5 Fiscal Years

$12,500,000

$12,500,000

$11,500,000

$11,500,000

$10,500,000

$10,500,000

$9,500,000

$11,622,451 $9,873,780

$9,873,780 $9,500,000

$8,941,901

$8,500,000

$8,184,811

$8,941,901 $8,500,000 $8,184,811

$7,500,000

$7,500,000

$6,500,000

$6,500,000

$5,500,000

FY 2016 Actual

$5,500,000

FY 2016 Actual

FY 2017 Actual

Total Revenues Without Construction Sales Tax

FY 2018 Actual

FY 2019 Actual

Operating Expenditures (CIP Excluded)

FY 2020 Actual Total Expenditures (Including CIP)

FY 2017 Actual

FY 2018 Actual

FY 2019 Actual

FY 2020 Actual

Total Revenues Without Construction Sales Tax

Operating Expenditures (CIP Excluded)

Total Expenditures (Including CIP)

Total Revenues All Funds

Note: FY 2016, and FY 2017 Total Expenses figures reflect the purchase of Scout Park and vacant City Center parcels ($2.8 & $2.1 million in fiscal years 2016 & 2017).

April - June, 2021

7

Vista Verde Drainage Project

In July 2017, a storm flooded several condos in the Vista Verde (Peninsula) area. The City received a 75% matching grant from the Flood Control District in the amount of $187,500 for design and construction. The preliminary design for larger catch basins and overflow channels has been completed. The City is awaiting approval from the Condo’s HOA. Final design and construction should begin in 2021.

Downtown Storm Drain Project

In order to ensure there is a reduction in flooding potential for the upcoming City Center, the City was selected to receive a $946,100 matching grant from Flood Control District of Maricopa County. This project will extend the existing storm drains to Fairway Drive. The design is anticipated to be approved this year with construction beginning in 2022.

City Park Enhancements

Rose Park flower beds were renovated and are being neatly maintained. New playground equipment was installed at Camelback Park for citizens to enjoy.

2020 Census

The 2020 Census has been completed. For the first time in Census history, residents were invited to respond online. The City of Litchfield Park’s online response rate was just under 80%. Although the initial report was delayed to the White House, the report is very important as it determines Congressional seats and State shared revenues. Once all data is calculated, the final counts will impact communities across the country for the next 10 years. Thank you to all who participated.

Community & Recreation Services

Recreation Programs enhance the quality of life for city residents including youth sports, aquatic classes and lessons, pool events, and a licensed preschool.

Youth Sports was named a “Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider” by the National Alliance for Youth Sports. New COVID-19 safety measure implemented with Fall 2020 season: all coaches and spectators required to wear masks, all equipment sanitized throughout games by staff, no postgame snacks, handshakes, or fist bumps. Coach Pitch and Basketball spring & fall 2020 were cancelled due to COVID-19.

Fall Flag Football & Tee Ball and Winter Basketball were held for a total of 460 youth participants, youth tennis registered 316 registrants with a reduced class size from 14 participants to 8.

Aquatics, an American Red Cross Accredited Facility, delayed pool opening until June 1, 2020 in accordance with Governor Ducey’s Executive Order with a maximum capacity of 50 patrons. Pool furniture was limited to enforce social distancing. Extended open swim times, and limited programming was offered; 165 program registrants for youth stroke & development swim classes, water aerobics, and lifeguard training. Kiwanis Club of Litchfield sponsored a Free Swim Day on June 20, serving 100 participants. Youth group swim lessons, private lessons, pool rentals and Litchfield Lagartos swim team were cancelled.

Pool season came to a close on June 23 due to COVID-19.

6

litchfield-park.org

Litchfield Park Preschool, an Arizona Department of Health Services licensed facility, held three classes for children ages 3 1/2 to 5, with 19 students per class. Due to initial COVID-19 shutdown, the 2019 - 2020 school year ended on March 6, 2020. The 2020/2021 school year had a delayed start of October 26 in keeping with the Litchfield Elementary School District. Class capacity was adjusted to a maximum of 13 and individual desks were purchased as part of safety measures, converted classes to virtual learning on November 9 due to rising COVID-19 cases.

Weekly innovative programming included: pre-recorded educational and activity videos posted to City website, arts & crafts and educational packets available for pickup at Rec Center, Show & Tell and office hours via Zoom. In person learning resumed January 4, 2021. Teachers and students continue utilizing PPE.

Primary Revenues ‐ by Source (%) Fiscal Year 2020

Intergovernmental, State Shared Revenues 21%

City Sales, Use & Bed Taxes 67%

Other ‐ Incl Rent, Fines, Interest 2%

Franchise Fees & Licenses 1% Building Permit Fees 3%

Last 5 Fiscal Years

Sales Tax ‐ Construction

$9.0

$7.0

$1.7 M

$1.8 M

$1.9 M

$1.7 M

$5.1 M

$5.3 M

FY 2020 Actual

FY 2021 Projected

$1.5 M $1.6 M

$6.0

$1.6 M $1.8 M

$5.0

$1.7 M $1.6 M

$4.0

$3.0

Sheriff’s Posse

Sales taxes and state shared revenues equal 88% of the fiscal year 2020 City’s revenues with 67% from retail sales, use and bed taxes, 21% from state shared revenues, and 12% from other sources. The primary sources of revenue include recreation, community and special event services, special districts, franchise fees and licenses, building permit fees, court fines and forfeitures, and sales tax.

Sales Tax ‐ Other

$10.0

$8.0

Kiwanis Club of Litchfield helped sponsor the resurfacing of the Rec Center tennis and basketball courts. Some projects that will be completed in 2021 are: pool deck will be resealed and repainted to preserve the existing deck, the perimeter wall surrounding the pool will be re-stuccoed and painted along with the Preschool and Rec Center building.

Financial Update

City Sales & Use Tax Revenues Sales Tax ‐ Retail & Restaurant

Recreation Center Renovations

Posse members are trained volunteers and undergo background checks and drug testing. Posse has limited law enforcement authority; they can make an arrest after being directed to do so by a Deputy. They assist with special events and watch for potential crime opportunities, such as: open doors, vacation watch, non-criminal activities, etc. Posse has been a part of the City since 2003 and currently has two members.

They are planning to rebuild the program to 10 - 12 members to assist MCSO and provide additional security to the Park. It will take 12 - 18 months to rebuild the program and are highly dependent on support from MCSO.

Recreation, Community & Special Event Services 5%

Special Districts 1%

Specials Events was able to host the following events prior to the COVID-19 shutdown: Litchfield Park Gathering, the January & February Arts in the Park Concerts, Kiwanis Trout Fishing Derby, Friends of the Rec Run, and the Spring Art & Wine Festival. The following events were cancelled: March & April Arts in the Park Concerts, 4th of July Splash Bash, G.A.I.N. Night held on Litchfield Elementary School grounds.

COVID-19 mitigation efforts were put in place and these Special Events were held: Memorial Day Ceremony (virtually), Drive-In Movie Night in October, Oktoberfest, Festival of Arts was held in November, and Christmas in the Park hosted a virtual parade as well as live elements.

COVID-19 mitigation efforts at events included face masks and social distancing required, expanded distancing between booth spaces, onsite handwashing and hand sanitizing stations, routine cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces, line queues, daily vendor health screenings, first aid booth offering COVID-19 information, and signage notifying attendees about mitigation measures.

MILLIONS

• Fairway Drive pathway replaced.

• Pavement maintenance for numerous City streets planned.

Construction began in March 2021.

• Prepared plans for Staggs Park parking lot options.

• New high-visibility crosswalks installed.

$2.0

$4.0 M

$4.4 M

$3.3 M $1.0

$0.0

FY 2017 Actual

FY 2018 Actual

FY 2019 Actual

Revenue Without Construction Sales Tax vs. Total Expenditures

Total Revenue vs. Total Expenditures Last 5 Fiscal Years

Last 5 Fiscal Years

$12,500,000

$12,500,000

$11,500,000

$11,500,000

$10,500,000

$10,500,000

$9,500,000

$11,622,451 $9,873,780

$9,873,780 $9,500,000

$8,941,901

$8,500,000

$8,184,811

$8,941,901 $8,500,000 $8,184,811

$7,500,000

$7,500,000

$6,500,000

$6,500,000

$5,500,000

FY 2016 Actual

$5,500,000

FY 2016 Actual

FY 2017 Actual

Total Revenues Without Construction Sales Tax

FY 2018 Actual

FY 2019 Actual

Operating Expenditures (CIP Excluded)

FY 2020 Actual Total Expenditures (Including CIP)

FY 2017 Actual

FY 2018 Actual

FY 2019 Actual

FY 2020 Actual

Total Revenues Without Construction Sales Tax

Operating Expenditures (CIP Excluded)

Total Expenditures (Including CIP)

Total Revenues All Funds

Note: FY 2016, and FY 2017 Total Expenses figures reflect the purchase of Scout Park and vacant City Center parcels ($2.8 & $2.1 million in fiscal years 2016 & 2017).

April - June, 2021

7

City Center Update

Woody Scouten, City Engineer

Community Garage Sale

Take a Staycation at The Wigwam - and Save!

Tricia Kramer, Community & Recreation Services Director The City of Litchfield Park is holding its annual Community Garage Sale on Saturday, April 10. City residents can set up garage sales at their homes that day between the hours of 7am and 5pm. City issued garage sale permits are not required for this event.

Litchfield Park locals know there’s no better resort destination than the iconic Wigwam, and now Arizona residents can experience this historic luxury for less, thanks to The Wigwam’s special Resident Rate.

The City of Litchfield Park will assist participating households by providing online marketing and promotion of the event. We will also post Community Garage Sale signage around town to help attract potential garage salers.

Residents may erect their own signage, as well.

The City Center project continues to make good progress. Designs are being finalized, funding options are being considered, developers are showing interest in putting buildings on some of the parcels, and construction of the infrastructure is imminent.

The first phase of construction will primarily include infrastructure to serve the five building pads and the park. Demolition of existing features on the City Center site will be undertaken first, in order to prepare the site for major construction. The existing wall along Litchfield Road will be removed along with the last vestiges of the old streets and sidewalks that were a part of the Goodyear Farms headquarters.

Existing trees and bushes on the interior of the site will be removed. The entire 30 acres will then be rough graded to establish the building sites and the park, but to also achieve approximate grade elevations for the future streets. The grading operation will be designed to allow continued use of the vacant land adjacent to City Hall and Honeysuckle Street for City event parking.

Next comes the installation of the water and sewer lines which, when complete, will be turned over to Liberty Utilities for ownership, operation, and maintenance. Water and sewer services will be extended to each building site, including a domestic water service and a fire suppression water line. The so-called “dry utilities,” consisting of telecommunications, electric, and gas, will be installed at the same time with service conduits extended to each building pad and the park. Each building developer will then apply to each utility company for a connection to their facilities as the buildings are constructed.

Underground storm drain pipes will also be installed at this time to collect storm water runoff from each building site and the park and store it in an underground storm water retention system beneath the south end of the park. Drywells spaced around the periphery of the park will percolate the stored storm water into the ground over a couple of days following each storm. When the storm drain pipe installation is complete, then the streets will be ready to be paved and completed.

The current plan is to build the street improvements in Litchfield Road, along with the roundabout, and extend Village Parkway into the City Center as far as the Desert Avenue alignment. This phase of construction will create the main entrance to the City Center off of Litchfield Road at the roundabout and will open up at least two of the development parcels for new buildings. A portion of the park amenities will also be constructed in this first phase, although exactly what will be built is still under consideration. Because the park will become usable in this first phase, a rest room will be built and a temporary parking lot will be provided on one of the adjacent building pads.

8

litchfield-park.org

Signage Requirements • Maximum sign size is 2 ft. x 2 ft.

• Signs are to be affixed to a stake and placed in the ground • Signs may not be affixed to a utility pole or a city tree • Signs may not be placed in such a way as to obstruct the view of pedestrians or street traffic • Signs may be posted on Friday, April 9, and must be removed by dusk on Saturday, April 10 The Community Garage Sale provides a fun and economical opportunity for residents to reduce their carbon footprints by getting rid of their unwanted household items. If you would like to have your address included in our online listing, so people will know you are having a sale, please scan the QR code and submit your info, call 623-935-9040, or email your address to EventOps@litchfield-park.org. Listing your address is strictly voluntary.

Though The Wigwam has long been a go-to spot for visiting family and friends, increasing numbers of West Valley residents have discovered the endless pleasures of booking a much-needed Wigwam ‘staycation’ for themselves. To make the already appealing prospect even more enticing, The Wigwam is offering a special Resident Rate of up to 20% off for Arizona locals. So now is a perfect time to start planning a very well-earned escape for yourself.

A true oasis of casual elegance infused with southwestern charm, the historic Wigwam offers a choice of luxury casitas and intimate suites spread across the resort’s expansive 440-acre grounds. Throughout your staycation, you’ll be treated to a complete array of premium amenities, including sparkling swimming pools with sun-soaked slides for the kids, plus three chef-driven restaurants, a luxury spa, and 54-holes of championship golf.

Of course, guest satisfaction and safety are still The Wigwam’s number one priority. The resort has implemented its Wigwam Cares Wellness Program with a full range of safety protocols employed throughout the property, all based on the latest CDC and World Health Organization recommendations. The Wigwam’s diligent team is committed to ensuring that your stay is completely safe, while still maintaining their reputation for unparalleled resort service.

For more information on The Wigwam’s special Resident Rate or to book your very own staycation, visit www.wigwamarizona.com.

LET’S DO DRINKS AT THE WIGWAM The Wigwam offers three ideal destinations to relax and unwind this spring. Hit the sun-soaked patio at Red’s Bar & Grill to enjoy a cold microbrew and a famous burger. Step up to the Wigwam Bar for a hand-crafted cocktail, with live music on the weekends. Or enjoy fresh, seasonal flavors under the gorgeous night sky at our signature restaurant, Litchfield’s.

All offer great happy hour specials throughout the week, and idyllic settings to kick back and enjoy. wigwamarizona.com

April - June, 2021

9

City Center Update

Woody Scouten, City Engineer

Community Garage Sale

Take a Staycation at The Wigwam - and Save!

Tricia Kramer, Community & Recreation Services Director The City of Litchfield Park is holding its annual Community Garage Sale on Saturday, April 10. City residents can set up garage sales at their homes that day between the hours of 7am and 5pm. City issued garage sale permits are not required for this event.

Litchfield Park locals know there’s no better resort destination than the iconic Wigwam, and now Arizona residents can experience this historic luxury for less, thanks to The Wigwam’s special Resident Rate.

The City of Litchfield Park will assist participating households by providing online marketing and promotion of the event. We will also post Community Garage Sale signage around town to help attract potential garage salers.

Residents may erect their own signage, as well.

The City Center project continues to make good progress. Designs are being finalized, funding options are being considered, developers are showing interest in putting buildings on some of the parcels, and construction of the infrastructure is imminent.

The first phase of construction will primarily include infrastructure to serve the five building pads and the park. Demolition of existing features on the City Center site will be undertaken first, in order to prepare the site for major construction. The existing wall along Litchfield Road will be removed along with the last vestiges of the old streets and sidewalks that were a part of the Goodyear Farms headquarters.

Existing trees and bushes on the interior of the site will be removed. The entire 30 acres will then be rough graded to establish the building sites and the park, but to also achieve approximate grade elevations for the future streets. The grading operation will be designed to allow continued use of the vacant land adjacent to City Hall and Honeysuckle Street for City event parking.

Next comes the installation of the water and sewer lines which, when complete, will be turned over to Liberty Utilities for ownership, operation, and maintenance. Water and sewer services will be extended to each building site, including a domestic water service and a fire suppression water line. The so-called “dry utilities,” consisting of telecommunications, electric, and gas, will be installed at the same time with service conduits extended to each building pad and the park. Each building developer will then apply to each utility company for a connection to their facilities as the buildings are constructed.

Underground storm drain pipes will also be installed at this time to collect storm water runoff from each building site and the park and store it in an underground storm water retention system beneath the south end of the park. Drywells spaced around the periphery of the park will percolate the stored storm water into the ground over a couple of days following each storm. When the storm drain pipe installation is complete, then the streets will be ready to be paved and completed.

The current plan is to build the street improvements in Litchfield Road, along with the roundabout, and extend Village Parkway into the City Center as far as the Desert Avenue alignment. This phase of construction will create the main entrance to the City Center off of Litchfield Road at the roundabout and will open up at least two of the development parcels for new buildings. A portion of the park amenities will also be constructed in this first phase, although exactly what will be built is still under consideration. Because the park will become usable in this first phase, a rest room will be built and a temporary parking lot will be provided on one of the adjacent building pads.

8

litchfield-park.org

Signage Requirements • Maximum sign size is 2 ft. x 2 ft.

• Signs are to be affixed to a stake and placed in the ground • Signs may not be affixed to a utility pole or a city tree • Signs may not be placed in such a way as to obstruct the view of pedestrians or street traffic • Signs may be posted on Friday, April 9, and must be removed by dusk on Saturday, April 10 The Community Garage Sale provides a fun and economical opportunity for residents to reduce their carbon footprints by getting rid of their unwanted household items. If you would like to have your address included in our online listing, so people will know you are having a sale, please scan the QR code and submit your info, call 623-935-9040, or email your address to EventOps@litchfield-park.org. Listing your address is strictly voluntary.

Though The Wigwam has long been a go-to spot for visiting family and friends, increasing numbers of West Valley residents have discovered the endless pleasures of booking a much-needed Wigwam ‘staycation’ for themselves. To make the already appealing prospect even more enticing, The Wigwam is offering a special Resident Rate of up to 20% off for Arizona locals. So now is a perfect time to start planning a very well-earned escape for yourself.

A true oasis of casual elegance infused with southwestern charm, the historic Wigwam offers a choice of luxury casitas and intimate suites spread across the resort’s expansive 440-acre grounds. Throughout your staycation, you’ll be treated to a complete array of premium amenities, including sparkling swimming pools with sun-soaked slides for the kids, plus three chef-driven restaurants, a luxury spa, and 54-holes of championship golf.

Of course, guest satisfaction and safety are still The Wigwam’s number one priority. The resort has implemented its Wigwam Cares Wellness Program with a full range of safety protocols employed throughout the property, all based on the latest CDC and World Health Organization recommendations. The Wigwam’s diligent team is committed to ensuring that your stay is completely safe, while still maintaining their reputation for unparalleled resort service.

For more information on The Wigwam’s special Resident Rate or to book your very own staycation, visit www.wigwamarizona.com.

LET’S DO DRINKS AT THE WIGWAM The Wigwam offers three ideal destinations to relax and unwind this spring. Hit the sun-soaked patio at Red’s Bar & Grill to enjoy a cold microbrew and a famous burger. Step up to the Wigwam Bar for a hand-crafted cocktail, with live music on the weekends. Or enjoy fresh, seasonal flavors under the gorgeous night sky at our signature restaurant, Litchfield’s.

All offer great happy hour specials throughout the week, and idyllic settings to kick back and enjoy. wigwamarizona.com

April - June, 2021

9

Goodyear Fire Department

Connecting in the Time of COVID

Taking a hot steamy shower or the need to ventilate the bathroom might prompt someone to turn on the exhaust/ventilation fan in the bathroom.

Did you ever consider the fan could be a dangerous fire hazard? Most people do not know exhaust fans are designed to run only for 20 minutes at a time and regular cleaning is required for safe operation. This could be a reason the Goodyear Fire Department is seeing an uptick in bathroom exhaust fan fires. Some might think that these type of fires only happen to older homes, but we are witnessing these exhaust fan fires are happening to all ages of homes, even homes built as recently as 2020.

Let’s Stay Connected!

A published report from the National Fire Protection Agency published in 2012 by John R. Hall Jr. found that there were 1,620 structure fires involving fans that originated in the bathroom. This accounted for 42% of all fan fires and 20 million dollars in property damage from 2006 to 2010 (Hall, 2012, p.31 Table3.3).

Better Online Access

Tanja Tanner, Community Education Coordinator

Litchfield Park is not immune to this problem according to Goodyear Fire Department’s Fire Marshal, Michael Brune. Michael has 15 years of experience in the Fire Prevention Division of the Fire Department and is responsible for investigating the origin and cause of numerous types of fires. Some of the fires that Michael investigated included exhaust fans in bathrooms and laundry rooms in single-family homes, where they were the cause of the fire. He goes on to say, “these fires could have easily been prevented by following the tips listed”.

The rise in exhaust fan fires are prompting a need to provide these prevention tips: • Run your exhaust fan for 20 minutes or less ο Install a timer switch ο Consider purchasing a white noise machine • Clean fan cover and motor routinely ο Remove fan cover – clean out lint and dust ο Vacuum the motor blades ο Wash the cover and dry before placing back on fan For more safety information, email or call Tanja Tanner, the Community Education Coordinator for the Goodyear Fire Department. tanja.tanner@goodyearaz.gov or 623-882-7308.

Lisa Hegarty, Litchfield Park Historical Society

It’s been said that history makes us who we are and informs why we are the way we are. The COVID pandemic is surely a piece of history that is shaping us now and will shape our future. One of its greatest impacts has been on community and connection. Like other cultural institutions, the Litchfield Park Historical Society has sought creative ways to stay connected with our community.

While concerns for safety and social distance have reduced in-person opportunities, LPHS is integrating technology to reach farther across distances and divides. Our new website has been redesigned to be more user-friendly and intuitive, making it a more accessible resource. It’s a great place to learn local history by perusing informative articles in back issues of our newsletter or our selection of books on local history now available to order online. Our latest addition to our collection is a book on the history of Luke Air Force Base, by base historian Rick Griset. Because the Southwest Valley’s history is Arizona’s history, we’re developing educational content online. Our website now offers brief video tours of our collections, highlighting the Southwest Valley’s direct connection to world wars and aviation history. You’ll also find student activities designed to serve as an extension of the virtual tours. We’ve also partnered with the Litchfield Park Library to create a virtual tour which was made available county wide through the library system website.

Our Speakers Series continues to reach the community in partnership with The Church at Litchfield Park. With COVID, our lectures have become hybrid in-person / virtual events, allowing us to connect not only with local residents, but also with audiences from as far away as the United Kingdom. Since COVID, our presentations have explored the women’s suffrage centennial, the story of an Arizona World War II POW camp, and the 1918 influenza pandemic in Arizona and Litchfield Park. We also continue our partnership with the Three Rivers Historical Society in lectures and a current exhibit at the museum on the history of Goodyear and Avondale.

COVID Memory Collection Project Common experiences offer another way for us to connect with one another. LPHS has created a COVID Memory Collection page on our website where you can add your story to the link in our local narrative. No observation or story is too small! In a year full of big events, history is in the smaller details of life. Consider sharing your digital images, objects emblematic of our COVID experience, or written stories. Our memory collection page provides prompts for sparking ideas of things to write about and share. Please contact the museum if you would like to donate items to our collection.

Ride and Seek We’re also looking to create connectedness in our community with a new event this spring.

Ride and Seek, a bicycle scavenger hunt on Saturday, April 24, is designed to be a fun, selfpaced way to learn about our local landmarks, both historical and whimsical. A bike skills rodeo aimed at teaching kids bike safety conducted by the Goodyear Fire Department will also be part of the event.

We invite you to connect with us whether you are looking for an opportunity to learn, engage, volunteer or stay informed! Visit our website for more information on any of the activities or events listed above and consider joining our email list to stay in the loop!

Visit www.LPHSMusuem.org today.

LPHS Museum Hours & Address Open Wednesday from 10am - 1pm 13912 W Camelback Rd. Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

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litchfield-park.org

April - June, 2021

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Goodyear Fire Department

Connecting in the Time of COVID

Taking a hot steamy shower or the need to ventilate the bathroom might prompt someone to turn on the exhaust/ventilation fan in the bathroom.

Did you ever consider the fan could be a dangerous fire hazard? Most people do not know exhaust fans are designed to run only for 20 minutes at a time and regular cleaning is required for safe operation. This could be a reason the Goodyear Fire Department is seeing an uptick in bathroom exhaust fan fires. Some might think that these type of fires only happen to older homes, but we are witnessing these exhaust fan fires are happening to all ages of homes, even homes built as recently as 2020.

Let’s Stay Connected!

A published report from the National Fire Protection Agency published in 2012 by John R. Hall Jr. found that there were 1,620 structure fires involving fans that originated in the bathroom. This accounted for 42% of all fan fires and 20 million dollars in property damage from 2006 to 2010 (Hall, 2012, p.31 Table3.3).

Better Online Access

Tanja Tanner, Community Education Coordinator

Litchfield Park is not immune to this problem according to Goodyear Fire Department’s Fire Marshal, Michael Brune. Michael has 15 years of experience in the Fire Prevention Division of the Fire Department and is responsible for investigating the origin and cause of numerous types of fires. Some of the fires that Michael investigated included exhaust fans in bathrooms and laundry rooms in single-family homes, where they were the cause of the fire. He goes on to say, “these fires could have easily been prevented by following the tips listed”.

The rise in exhaust fan fires are prompting a need to provide these prevention tips: • Run your exhaust fan for 20 minutes or less ο Install a timer switch ο Consider purchasing a white noise machine • Clean fan cover and motor routinely ο Remove fan cover – clean out lint and dust ο Vacuum the motor blades ο Wash the cover and dry before placing back on fan For more safety information, email or call Tanja Tanner, the Community Education Coordinator for the Goodyear Fire Department. tanja.tanner@goodyearaz.gov or 623-882-7308.

Lisa Hegarty, Litchfield Park Historical Society

It’s been said that history makes us who we are and informs why we are the way we are. The COVID pandemic is surely a piece of history that is shaping us now and will shape our future. One of its greatest impacts has been on community and connection. Like other cultural institutions, the Litchfield Park Historical Society has sought creative ways to stay connected with our community.

While concerns for safety and social distance have reduced in-person opportunities, LPHS is integrating technology to reach farther across distances and divides. Our new website has been redesigned to be more user-friendly and intuitive, making it a more accessible resource. It’s a great place to learn local history by perusing informative articles in back issues of our newsletter or our selection of books on local history now available to order online. Our latest addition to our collection is a book on the history of Luke Air Force Base, by base historian Rick Griset. Because the Southwest Valley’s history is Arizona’s history, we’re developing educational content online. Our website now offers brief video tours of our collections, highlighting the Southwest Valley’s direct connection to world wars and aviation history. You’ll also find student activities designed to serve as an extension of the virtual tours. We’ve also partnered with the Litchfield Park Library to create a virtual tour which was made available county wide through the library system website.

Our Speakers Series continues to reach the community in partnership with The Church at Litchfield Park. With COVID, our lectures have become hybrid in-person / virtual events, allowing us to connect not only with local residents, but also with audiences from as far away as the United Kingdom. Since COVID, our presentations have explored the women’s suffrage centennial, the story of an Arizona World War II POW camp, and the 1918 influenza pandemic in Arizona and Litchfield Park. We also continue our partnership with the Three Rivers Historical Society in lectures and a current exhibit at the museum on the history of Goodyear and Avondale.

COVID Memory Collection Project Common experiences offer another way for us to connect with one another. LPHS has created a COVID Memory Collection page on our website where you can add your story to the link in our local narrative. No observation or story is too small! In a year full of big events, history is in the smaller details of life. Consider sharing your digital images, objects emblematic of our COVID experience, or written stories. Our memory collection page provides prompts for sparking ideas of things to write about and share. Please contact the museum if you would like to donate items to our collection.

Ride and Seek We’re also looking to create connectedness in our community with a new event this spring.

Ride and Seek, a bicycle scavenger hunt on Saturday, April 24, is designed to be a fun, selfpaced way to learn about our local landmarks, both historical and whimsical. A bike skills rodeo aimed at teaching kids bike safety conducted by the Goodyear Fire Department will also be part of the event.

We invite you to connect with us whether you are looking for an opportunity to learn, engage, volunteer or stay informed! Visit our website for more information on any of the activities or events listed above and consider joining our email list to stay in the loop!

Visit www.LPHSMusuem.org today.

LPHS Museum Hours & Address Open Wednesday from 10am - 1pm 13912 W Camelback Rd. Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

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litchfield-park.org

April - June, 2021

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First Name 12345 Address City, State 00000

Frequently Requested Phone Numbers Animal Control 602-506-7387 Dust Control Violations 602-372-2703 APS (to report street outages) 602-371-7171 Goodyear Fire Customer Service 623-932-2300 Bus (Valley Metro) 602-253-5000 Library District (Litchfield Park) 602-652-3000 Chamber of Commerce (Southwest Valley) 623-932-2260 Liberty Utilities (water and sewer) 623-935-9367 City Hall after 4pm call 623-935-3395 • Administration/Clerk/City Manager 623-935-5033 Luke Air Force Base Information 623-856-5853 • Building Department 623-935-1066 New Life Center (Women’s Shelter) 623-932-4404 • Building Permits & Property Management 623-935-1066 Police (MCSO) Emergency 9-1-1 • Court 623-935-7091 Non-Emergency 602-876-1011 • Finance 623-935-4364 Recreation Center 623-935-9040 • Human Resources 623-935-5041 Southwest Gas Corporation 877-860-6020 • Public Works/Field Operations 623-935-4356 Waste Management 888-964-9780 Cox Cable 602-277-1000 The Wigwam 866-976-6894 Century Link 844-544-7524

2021 Holiday Office Closures City offices will be closed on the following dates

New Year’s Day Friday, January 1 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday, January 18 Presidents’ Day Monday, February 15 Independence Day (Observed) Monday, July 5 Labor Day Monday, September 6 Veteran’s Day Thursday, November 11 Thanksgiving Day & Day After Thursday, November 25 & 26 Christmas Eve Friday, December 24 Christmas Day (Observed) Monday, December 27

2021 Flag Raising Ceremonies

Ceremonies held at 8:15am. Check City’s website for details.

Memorial Day Ceremony - May 31 7:30am - World War II Memorial US Army 246th Birthday & Flag Day - June 14 Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, June 14 US Coast Guard 231st Birthday - August 4 Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, August 4 US Air Force 74th Birthday - September 18 Flag Raising Ceremony on Friday, September 17 US Navy 246th Birthday - October 13 Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, October 13 US Marine Corps 246th Birthday & Veterans Day - November 10/11 Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, November 10