January - March, 2021 CityLine Newsletter

CityLine

January - March, 2021

BE IN THE KNOW

City Manager Retires 3 City Center Update 6

A Message from Mayor Thomas L. Schoaf

•

•

•

City Manager Retiring

When we each considered the upcoming year on December 31, 2019, I doubt anyone imagined the unusual and unanticipated events which would unfold. A recap of a few notable City related items: • Our City Manager, Bill Stephens, announced his retirement after three years of service. Bill brought us a broad and diversified set of experiences including being a USAF Colonel (Ret), several assignments as Base Commander, experience in law enforcement, and experience as City Manager of Benson, Arizona. He successfully led City operations, maintained the quality of our Community, and successfully hired several staff members such as a Finance Director, an Assistant City Manager and a code Enforcement Officer. We will miss Bill’s calm and professional leadership.

Our City Attorney since 1990, Susan Goodwin, also announced her retirement from the practice of law and service as our City Attorney.

Susan has been routinely recognized as an Arizona Super Lawyer who is universally respected by all those familiar with Arizona municipal law. Susan advised the City through some difficult issues and provided creative solutions to many of the problems we presented to her.

She will be missed by the entire Council and Staff.

Anticipated sales or leases of land in our City Center development did not materialize. The lack of sales has not stopped the planning of this important project. We designed a spectacular central park and drafted a phasing plan to begin its construction. We designed the necessary Litchfield Road improvements including a roundabout intersection for Litchfield Road and Village Parkway. We made significant progress on the engineering and design of the necessary internal utility system and the road and transportation components. Council will soon consider a phasing plan to begin constructing these improvements. So, progress continued.

Sun Health received next phase approval of their La Loma project with excavation scheduled to begin before the end of 2020. The Litchfield Historical Society continued its successful fund-raising campaign for their new PW Litchfield Heritage Center on the La Loma hilltop. These two important projects gathered further momentum in 2020 towards transforming the La Loma property.

Contact our City Staff, me or a Council Member with any questions or comments.

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

Welcome New Neighbors

• Aioli Gourmet Burgers LLC, Litchfield Marketplace • Desert Reign Medspa PLLC, Wigwam Creek 13000 W. Indian School Rd. A-2 13730 W. Camelback Rd. • Litchfield Endodontics, Downtown 111 W. Wigwam Blvd, Ste. B

• Cubesmart, Dysart & Camelback Rd. 4835 N. Dysart Rd. • St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center Emergency Deptartment, Dysart & Camelback Rd. 4975 N. Dysart Rd.

2

litchfield-park.org

It has been both an honor and my pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful community. I am excited and looking forward to the next chapter of my life and by the time you read this message, I hope to be off somewhere hiking, seeing a National Park or visiting with my grandchildren. Growing up nearby and serving at Luke Air Force Base, Litchfield Park will always hold a special place in my heart and memory. Our City has a very bright future and I’m happy I had the opportunity to contribute, in some small way, to the success of our community. Litchfield Park is a wonderful City and it is my sincere hope that Litchfield Park will continue to prosper and be the perfect blend of family, community and business. Thank you so very much for your support and understanding during my time here. I’ve been very blessed to serve Litchfield Park, our Citizens, Council and Staff.

Farewell and May God bless you!

Beginning on January 4, 2021, Assistant City Manager Matthew Williams will serve as the Interim City Manager until City Council appoints a new City Manager. For more information call City Hall at 623-935-5033 or visit litchfield-park.org.

Meet Our New “Enforcer”

2020 Elections

Citizens of Litchfield Park, my name is Jerald Smith and I am the new Code Enforcement Officer for your city. I am sure some of you have already met me in person, by phone or email. I am new to Arizona and come from Washington State. I have over 15 years of experience working in municipal government with a law enforcement background.

I was hired in June and hit the ground running following up with your questions and concerns.

Litchfield Park held a Primary Election on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, for the purpose of filling three (3) seats on Litchfield Park’s City Council.

Initially, six (6) candidates filed their Statement of Interest with the Clerk’s Office, which allowed them to begin collecting the required amount of signatures to have their name put on the ballot.

Jerald Smith, Code Enforcement Officer

The first thing I noticed when I came to Litchfield Park is how beautiful it is. The palm trees are perfectly trimmed and the streets are very clean. I was impressed by how well each of your properties are maintained and I could tell how much you all take pride in where you live and/or work. I am grateful and excited to be part of this community and keeping Litchfield Park beautiful.

I want to remind all citizens about how you can do your part in continuing to keep Litchfield Park a special place. With it being cooler temperatures this time of year, it happens to be the perfect time to complete those projects pertaining to property maintenance. Here are a few things to take into consideration: •

Shop Litchfield Park and support area businesses! Help sustain the local economy and maintain City programs and projects including parks, recreation, and public safety. How? A portion of the retail tax from purchases you make at Litchfield Park businesses is a primary source of revenue for the City. Please extend a “welcome” to these new Litchfield Park businesses: • Autozone, Dysart & Camelback Rd. 13007 W. Camelback Rd.

After almost 3 years of serving the City of Litchfield Park as your City Manager, William D. Stephens is retiring. “Bill” has been an integral part of the City providing a vast amount of knowledge, supporting Mayor and Council, and leading staff to success. Upon his departure from the City of Litchfield Park, he provided the following message to the Community:

Repair all peeling paint and keep roofing materials in good condition.

• Weeds, brush and grasses must be trimmed to a height to not exceed 6 inches.

• Trim dead palm fronds.

• Keep property free of construction debris and junk.

For more information on City Code or to fill out a complaint form online go to litchfield-park.org/1007. You can contact me by phone at 623-935-1066, or by email jsmith@litchfield-park.org.

We can keep our community looking beautiful by working together!

Terri Roth, City Clerk

A State of Emergency was declared in March 2020 due to COVID-19.

With the restrictions that were put in place as a result of this declaration, some candidates withdrew their names. This is because they could not go door to door and receive signatures safely. Due to their withdrawal, that left four (4) candidates to run for three (3) seats.

COVID-19 also made it challenging for candidates to file their Nomination Papers by the April 6, 2020 deadline, but Staff was available to assist the candidates. All four (4) candidates were able to file their paperwork in a timely manner.

Following the final canvass, the City Council adopted the results from the Primary Election on August 18, 2020 and issued Certificates of Election to Ron Clair, Ann Donahue, and John Romack, all incumbents.

Since all three (3) seats were filled during the Primary, a run-off in the November 3, 2020 General Election was not necessary.

Of the 4,575 registered voters in the City, 2,173 ballots were cast in this 2020 Primary Election, compared to the 2018 Primary with 3,954 registered voters and 1,842 ballots cast.

I encourage you to visit Maricopa County at recorder.maricopa.gov or servicearizona.com and update your information if necessary, so your voice can be heard in the next Primary Election set for 2022.

January - March, 2021

3

A Message from Mayor Thomas L. Schoaf

•

•

•

City Manager Retiring

When we each considered the upcoming year on December 31, 2019, I doubt anyone imagined the unusual and unanticipated events which would unfold. A recap of a few notable City related items: • Our City Manager, Bill Stephens, announced his retirement after three years of service. Bill brought us a broad and diversified set of experiences including being a USAF Colonel (Ret), several assignments as Base Commander, experience in law enforcement, and experience as City Manager of Benson, Arizona. He successfully led City operations, maintained the quality of our Community, and successfully hired several staff members such as a Finance Director, an Assistant City Manager and a code Enforcement Officer. We will miss Bill’s calm and professional leadership.

Our City Attorney since 1990, Susan Goodwin, also announced her retirement from the practice of law and service as our City Attorney.

Susan has been routinely recognized as an Arizona Super Lawyer who is universally respected by all those familiar with Arizona municipal law. Susan advised the City through some difficult issues and provided creative solutions to many of the problems we presented to her.

She will be missed by the entire Council and Staff.

Anticipated sales or leases of land in our City Center development did not materialize. The lack of sales has not stopped the planning of this important project. We designed a spectacular central park and drafted a phasing plan to begin its construction. We designed the necessary Litchfield Road improvements including a roundabout intersection for Litchfield Road and Village Parkway. We made significant progress on the engineering and design of the necessary internal utility system and the road and transportation components. Council will soon consider a phasing plan to begin constructing these improvements. So, progress continued.

Sun Health received next phase approval of their La Loma project with excavation scheduled to begin before the end of 2020. The Litchfield Historical Society continued its successful fund-raising campaign for their new PW Litchfield Heritage Center on the La Loma hilltop. These two important projects gathered further momentum in 2020 towards transforming the La Loma property.

Contact our City Staff, me or a Council Member with any questions or comments.

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

Welcome New Neighbors

• Aioli Gourmet Burgers LLC, Litchfield Marketplace • Desert Reign Medspa PLLC, Wigwam Creek 13000 W. Indian School Rd. A-2 13730 W. Camelback Rd. • Litchfield Endodontics, Downtown 111 W. Wigwam Blvd, Ste. B

• Cubesmart, Dysart & Camelback Rd. 4835 N. Dysart Rd. • St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center Emergency Deptartment, Dysart & Camelback Rd. 4975 N. Dysart Rd.

2

litchfield-park.org

It has been both an honor and my pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful community. I am excited and looking forward to the next chapter of my life and by the time you read this message, I hope to be off somewhere hiking, seeing a National Park or visiting with my grandchildren. Growing up nearby and serving at Luke Air Force Base, Litchfield Park will always hold a special place in my heart and memory. Our City has a very bright future and I’m happy I had the opportunity to contribute, in some small way, to the success of our community. Litchfield Park is a wonderful City and it is my sincere hope that Litchfield Park will continue to prosper and be the perfect blend of family, community and business. Thank you so very much for your support and understanding during my time here. I’ve been very blessed to serve Litchfield Park, our Citizens, Council and Staff.

Farewell and May God bless you!

Beginning on January 4, 2021, Assistant City Manager Matthew Williams will serve as the Interim City Manager until City Council appoints a new City Manager. For more information call City Hall at 623-935-5033 or visit litchfield-park.org.

Meet Our New “Enforcer”

2020 Elections

Citizens of Litchfield Park, my name is Jerald Smith and I am the new Code Enforcement Officer for your city. I am sure some of you have already met me in person, by phone or email. I am new to Arizona and come from Washington State. I have over 15 years of experience working in municipal government with a law enforcement background.

I was hired in June and hit the ground running following up with your questions and concerns.

Litchfield Park held a Primary Election on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, for the purpose of filling three (3) seats on Litchfield Park’s City Council.

Initially, six (6) candidates filed their Statement of Interest with the Clerk’s Office, which allowed them to begin collecting the required amount of signatures to have their name put on the ballot.

Jerald Smith, Code Enforcement Officer

The first thing I noticed when I came to Litchfield Park is how beautiful it is. The palm trees are perfectly trimmed and the streets are very clean. I was impressed by how well each of your properties are maintained and I could tell how much you all take pride in where you live and/or work. I am grateful and excited to be part of this community and keeping Litchfield Park beautiful.

I want to remind all citizens about how you can do your part in continuing to keep Litchfield Park a special place. With it being cooler temperatures this time of year, it happens to be the perfect time to complete those projects pertaining to property maintenance. Here are a few things to take into consideration: •

Shop Litchfield Park and support area businesses! Help sustain the local economy and maintain City programs and projects including parks, recreation, and public safety. How? A portion of the retail tax from purchases you make at Litchfield Park businesses is a primary source of revenue for the City. Please extend a “welcome” to these new Litchfield Park businesses: • Autozone, Dysart & Camelback Rd. 13007 W. Camelback Rd.

After almost 3 years of serving the City of Litchfield Park as your City Manager, William D. Stephens is retiring. “Bill” has been an integral part of the City providing a vast amount of knowledge, supporting Mayor and Council, and leading staff to success. Upon his departure from the City of Litchfield Park, he provided the following message to the Community:

Repair all peeling paint and keep roofing materials in good condition.

• Weeds, brush and grasses must be trimmed to a height to not exceed 6 inches.

• Trim dead palm fronds.

• Keep property free of construction debris and junk.

For more information on City Code or to fill out a complaint form online go to litchfield-park.org/1007. You can contact me by phone at 623-935-1066, or by email jsmith@litchfield-park.org.

We can keep our community looking beautiful by working together!

Terri Roth, City Clerk

A State of Emergency was declared in March 2020 due to COVID-19.

With the restrictions that were put in place as a result of this declaration, some candidates withdrew their names. This is because they could not go door to door and receive signatures safely. Due to their withdrawal, that left four (4) candidates to run for three (3) seats.

COVID-19 also made it challenging for candidates to file their Nomination Papers by the April 6, 2020 deadline, but Staff was available to assist the candidates. All four (4) candidates were able to file their paperwork in a timely manner.

Following the final canvass, the City Council adopted the results from the Primary Election on August 18, 2020 and issued Certificates of Election to Ron Clair, Ann Donahue, and John Romack, all incumbents.

Since all three (3) seats were filled during the Primary, a run-off in the November 3, 2020 General Election was not necessary.

Of the 4,575 registered voters in the City, 2,173 ballots were cast in this 2020 Primary Election, compared to the 2018 Primary with 3,954 registered voters and 1,842 ballots cast.

I encourage you to visit Maricopa County at recorder.maricopa.gov or servicearizona.com and update your information if necessary, so your voice can be heard in the next Primary Election set for 2022.

January - March, 2021

3

Recycling Today Matters for Tomorrow Backyard Retreats!

Seeking Applications for Boards and Commissions Help shape the future of the City of Litchfield Park! Apply today to be on one of our Boards and/or Commissions. Appointed members can affect the City by providing advice and feedback on matters happening in the Park.

The City is seeking applicants for the following advisory boards and commissions to the Council for term year beginning in March 2021: • • • •

Design Review Board / Board of Adjustment Industrial Development Authority Board Recreation and Public Grounds Commission Planning and Zoning Commission

Qualifications to apply: • •

At least eighteen (18) years of age or older A full-time resident of the City of Litchfield Park for at least one (1) year

Historical Society’s CARS Program Meredeth Stucky, Litchfield Park Historical Society Secretary

Help support the Litchfield Park Historical Society and Museum (LPHS) by donating your unwanted car, truck, trailer, RV, motorcycle, off-road vehicle, farming, heavy equipment, boat, or plane. Running or not!

We will convert your donation into a fair market value tax deduction.

With a clear title to the vehicle, simply call 844-569-4483 or visit careasy.org/nonprofit/Litchfield-Park-Historical-Society. All vehicles donated to the LPHS are picked up by our vehicle service partner, CARSTM. They do everything from towing, providing auction services, and processing paperwork for the state owner transfer and taxes.

Laila Amerman, Recycling Education & Communications Specialist

Mary Dickson, Chief Building Official

In 2020, the average household in Litchfield Park recycled about 315 pounds of bottles, cans, paper and cardboard. The annual impact from your weekly recycling routine is pretty impressive: 3 mature trees, 374 kWh of electricity, and 690 gallons of water saved just by recycling in your home.

Backyards are becoming our personal oasis! No longer just a pool; outdoor kitchens, gazebos and fire pit conversation areas are becoming the norm. If you are planning on doing a backyard update keep in mind that permits and approvals may be required on some projects.

Even more impressive is the environmental impact you have as a community. In 2020, Litchfield Park residents recycled nearly 400 tons (or 800,000 lbs.) of materials – equivalent in weight to 2 ½ blue whales or 785 dairy cows. Together, residents saved an estimated 6,300 trees, plus enough electricity to power 86 homes and enough water for nearly 23,000 people.

Your actions matter. Every empty bottle, clean can, flattened box, and dry piece of paper you remember to put into the recycling bin makes a difference for our environment and our economy. American manufacturers rely on your clean recyclables as raw materials when producing new products – from paper towels to food packaging to new car parts.

Now is a great time to pledge your continued commitment to recycling in 2021. For practical tips and resources to help you stay on track, visit wm.com/recycleright.

Deadline for submittal is Friday, January 22, 2021.

If you think your vehicle is too expensive to repair or you don’t want to bother selling it online, please consider this opportunity to help support the Museum. For more information about the Litchfield Park Historical Society and Museum, go to lphsmuseum.org.

These backyard structures typically are detached from the home and have roofs with open sides. They vary slightly only in definition: Ramada roofs are solid, pergolas usually have open slats or a latticed ’roof’; while a gazebo typically has more than four sides and a raised floor deck.

Design Review

We are the #1 donor organization for vehicles in the West Valley!

Applications are available at City Hall, or can be printed from the City’s website at litchfield-park.org/96.

Ramadas, Gazebos & Pergolas

We Want to Hear from You We are curious about your recycling questions! Please take a short survey, created by Waste Management, and tell us what you want to know about recycling. Waste Management will take your responses and use them to create future CityLine articles.

To take the survey, you can go to the website below or scan the QR code. You’ll be taken to a Microsoft Form. You should be able to access the quiz, even if you don’t have a Microsoft account.

Thanks in advance for sharing your questions with us. bit.ly/35CqHnv

Regardless of size, any backyard structure must go through a design review process. The City Planner and/or the City’s Design Review Board (DRB) must approve the project before a building permit application can be accepted.

Plans for this review will be similar to that of the construction documents but must also include information about colors and material finishes. Contact Pam Maslowski for more information: Planning Dept.- pmaslowski@litchfield-park.org or 623-889-6205.

Zoning •

Structures must meet certain setbacks and clearances from other buildings. Contact the Planning Department for information about specific zoning areas.

Permits • • • •

Required for all structures over 120 sq. ft. in area.

Provide plans showing size and height of the structure, building materials being used, roof pitch, any electric being run for lights/fans, etc.

A site plan is necessary to show the location of the project on the property in relation to existing house and other structures.

Contact Building at: building@litchfield-park.org or 623-935-1066 for more information.

Outdoor Kitchens •

Permits are required if you are running electric, plumbing, gas or propane to the area.

Fire Pits •

Permit and inspections are required to run new, natural gas lines. Do not tap into an existing gas line as it may compromise appliances upstream.

Enjoy your outdoor oasis with peace of mind that it was built structurally sound and to code!

4

litchfield-park.org

January - March, 2021

5

Recycling Today Matters for Tomorrow Backyard Retreats!

Seeking Applications for Boards and Commissions Help shape the future of the City of Litchfield Park! Apply today to be on one of our Boards and/or Commissions. Appointed members can affect the City by providing advice and feedback on matters happening in the Park.

The City is seeking applicants for the following advisory boards and commissions to the Council for term year beginning in March 2021: • • • •

Design Review Board / Board of Adjustment Industrial Development Authority Board Recreation and Public Grounds Commission Planning and Zoning Commission

Qualifications to apply: • •

At least eighteen (18) years of age or older A full-time resident of the City of Litchfield Park for at least one (1) year

Historical Society’s CARS Program Meredeth Stucky, Litchfield Park Historical Society Secretary

Help support the Litchfield Park Historical Society and Museum (LPHS) by donating your unwanted car, truck, trailer, RV, motorcycle, off-road vehicle, farming, heavy equipment, boat, or plane. Running or not!

We will convert your donation into a fair market value tax deduction.

With a clear title to the vehicle, simply call 844-569-4483 or visit careasy.org/nonprofit/Litchfield-Park-Historical-Society. All vehicles donated to the LPHS are picked up by our vehicle service partner, CARSTM. They do everything from towing, providing auction services, and processing paperwork for the state owner transfer and taxes.

Laila Amerman, Recycling Education & Communications Specialist

Mary Dickson, Chief Building Official

In 2020, the average household in Litchfield Park recycled about 315 pounds of bottles, cans, paper and cardboard. The annual impact from your weekly recycling routine is pretty impressive: 3 mature trees, 374 kWh of electricity, and 690 gallons of water saved just by recycling in your home.

Backyards are becoming our personal oasis! No longer just a pool; outdoor kitchens, gazebos and fire pit conversation areas are becoming the norm. If you are planning on doing a backyard update keep in mind that permits and approvals may be required on some projects.

Even more impressive is the environmental impact you have as a community. In 2020, Litchfield Park residents recycled nearly 400 tons (or 800,000 lbs.) of materials – equivalent in weight to 2 ½ blue whales or 785 dairy cows. Together, residents saved an estimated 6,300 trees, plus enough electricity to power 86 homes and enough water for nearly 23,000 people.

Your actions matter. Every empty bottle, clean can, flattened box, and dry piece of paper you remember to put into the recycling bin makes a difference for our environment and our economy. American manufacturers rely on your clean recyclables as raw materials when producing new products – from paper towels to food packaging to new car parts.

Now is a great time to pledge your continued commitment to recycling in 2021. For practical tips and resources to help you stay on track, visit wm.com/recycleright.

Deadline for submittal is Friday, January 22, 2021.

If you think your vehicle is too expensive to repair or you don’t want to bother selling it online, please consider this opportunity to help support the Museum. For more information about the Litchfield Park Historical Society and Museum, go to lphsmuseum.org.

These backyard structures typically are detached from the home and have roofs with open sides. They vary slightly only in definition: Ramada roofs are solid, pergolas usually have open slats or a latticed ’roof’; while a gazebo typically has more than four sides and a raised floor deck.

Design Review

We are the #1 donor organization for vehicles in the West Valley!

Applications are available at City Hall, or can be printed from the City’s website at litchfield-park.org/96.

Ramadas, Gazebos & Pergolas

We Want to Hear from You We are curious about your recycling questions! Please take a short survey, created by Waste Management, and tell us what you want to know about recycling. Waste Management will take your responses and use them to create future CityLine articles.

To take the survey, you can go to the website below or scan the QR code. You’ll be taken to a Microsoft Form. You should be able to access the quiz, even if you don’t have a Microsoft account.

Thanks in advance for sharing your questions with us. bit.ly/35CqHnv

Regardless of size, any backyard structure must go through a design review process. The City Planner and/or the City’s Design Review Board (DRB) must approve the project before a building permit application can be accepted.

Plans for this review will be similar to that of the construction documents but must also include information about colors and material finishes. Contact Pam Maslowski for more information: Planning Dept.- pmaslowski@litchfield-park.org or 623-889-6205.

Zoning •

Structures must meet certain setbacks and clearances from other buildings. Contact the Planning Department for information about specific zoning areas.

Permits • • • •

Required for all structures over 120 sq. ft. in area.

Provide plans showing size and height of the structure, building materials being used, roof pitch, any electric being run for lights/fans, etc.

A site plan is necessary to show the location of the project on the property in relation to existing house and other structures.

Contact Building at: building@litchfield-park.org or 623-935-1066 for more information.

Outdoor Kitchens •

Permits are required if you are running electric, plumbing, gas or propane to the area.

Fire Pits •

Permit and inspections are required to run new, natural gas lines. Do not tap into an existing gas line as it may compromise appliances upstream.

Enjoy your outdoor oasis with peace of mind that it was built structurally sound and to code!

4

litchfield-park.org

January - March, 2021

5

City Center Update

Also being finalized are plans for construction of the Phase 1 improvements to include extension of Village Parkway to Desert Avenue, a roundabout for the intersection of Litchfield Road and Village Parkway, Phase 1 of the Park, an interim parking lot, and related landscaping. That construction is expected to begin next spring.

Woody Scouten, City Engineer

The other half of the City Center equation is constructing the buildings and recruiting the tenants who will provide the shops, restaurants, and other businesses that will bring people to the City Center and create the excitement and intensity of a true urban downtown. An update on that effort will be provided in the future.

The name says it all. Not only is the City Center located at the heart of Litchfield Park’s downtown, but it will also be a destination that draws residents and visitors to the future focal point of the West Valley. A mix of restaurants, shops, boutiques, offices, and residences, the City Center will have something for everyone, including a 2.5-acre park located amidst the surrounding buildings. Whether it’s a night on the town, casual dining, shopping, or just some gelato enjoyed in the Park, there will be many reasons to visit downtown Litchfield Park.

The City intends to develop the currently vacant 30 acres into two and three-story buildings on five parcels that front directly on the streets to create an urban-style shopping and dining experience. Offices and residences on the second and third floors over the retail businesses will help to create that urban feel and add day-long activities that are the hallmark of a city center. The Park will include a playground for families and an amphitheater for concerts and impromptu entertainment. Special events will be held on the 60,000 square foot lawn, which will also be a great place to toss a Frisbee.

Following acceptance of the initial plan, City staff and consultants have spent the last several months gaining an understanding of the utilities and other existing improvements on the property that hearken back to the days when this area was the headquarters of the Goodyear Farms operations. Many old utility lines must be removed, relocated, and replaced in order to prepare the property for development as the City Center. The last several months have also provided time to consider alternative street concepts and layouts, and to refine those designs with input from the City Council and the Recreation and Public Grounds Commission. That effort has allowed the design team to improve the original City Center concept and prepare detailed infrastructure construction plans.

To rebuild the utilities and construct the major infrastructure for the project, the City selected Achen-Gardner Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) to manage all construction activities. This CMAR approach allows the contractor to become a member of the City’s development team, along with City staff and the design engineer, EPS Group, during the design process. This approach provides real-time cost analysis during design to ensure that cost savings are achieved wherever possible, and to afford a smooth construction process.

The utilities work, as well as demolition and site preparations, represent the first phase of construction on the City Center site. Construction plans for all utilities work are currently being finalized with construction expected to begin in February 2021.

6

litchfield-park.org

KEYNOTES 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

PALM PLAZA CREEK COURT PALM TREE PLANTING IN TREE GRATES ARCHITECTURAL CREEK BRIDGE WATER WALL WITH SEATWALL BISTRO TABLES & CHAIRS CAROUSEL RETAINING WALL SPLASH PAD/WATER FEATURE EDUCATION GARDEN WITH PATHWAYS BELVEDERE CONCRETE AMPHITHEATER SEATWALL TURF ENTERTAINMENT STAGE ARCHITECTURAL SHADE STRUCTURE 30’ x 20’ PUBLIC RESTROOMS / UTILITY CLOSET

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

ENTRY PLAZA ENTRY MONUMENT AVIATION PLAY ZONE PARKING PARKING / FOOD TRUCK AREA SIDEWALK LOW SCREEN WALL NORTH PROMENADE SOUTH PROMENADE LANDSCAPE BENCH STAIRS TRELLIS STRUCTURES DECORATIVE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING CAROUSEL PLAZA ARCHITECTURAL GATEWAY SPIRE MEMORIAL PLAZA WITH SEATWALLS

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

MEMORIAL ROSE GARDEN BLUE STAR MEMORIAL PEACH POLE ACCENT TREE PAUL LITCHFIELD CLOCK TOWER AMPHITHEATER SCREEN WALL AMPHITHEATER RAMP 25’ x 15’ PUBLIC RESTROOM SHADE TREE CLUSTER WATER FEATURE WITH CITY OF LITCHFIELD PARK LOGO

January - March, 2021

7

City Center Update

Also being finalized are plans for construction of the Phase 1 improvements to include extension of Village Parkway to Desert Avenue, a roundabout for the intersection of Litchfield Road and Village Parkway, Phase 1 of the Park, an interim parking lot, and related landscaping. That construction is expected to begin next spring.

Woody Scouten, City Engineer

The other half of the City Center equation is constructing the buildings and recruiting the tenants who will provide the shops, restaurants, and other businesses that will bring people to the City Center and create the excitement and intensity of a true urban downtown. An update on that effort will be provided in the future.

The name says it all. Not only is the City Center located at the heart of Litchfield Park’s downtown, but it will also be a destination that draws residents and visitors to the future focal point of the West Valley. A mix of restaurants, shops, boutiques, offices, and residences, the City Center will have something for everyone, including a 2.5-acre park located amidst the surrounding buildings. Whether it’s a night on the town, casual dining, shopping, or just some gelato enjoyed in the Park, there will be many reasons to visit downtown Litchfield Park.

The City intends to develop the currently vacant 30 acres into two and three-story buildings on five parcels that front directly on the streets to create an urban-style shopping and dining experience. Offices and residences on the second and third floors over the retail businesses will help to create that urban feel and add day-long activities that are the hallmark of a city center. The Park will include a playground for families and an amphitheater for concerts and impromptu entertainment. Special events will be held on the 60,000 square foot lawn, which will also be a great place to toss a Frisbee.

Following acceptance of the initial plan, City staff and consultants have spent the last several months gaining an understanding of the utilities and other existing improvements on the property that hearken back to the days when this area was the headquarters of the Goodyear Farms operations. Many old utility lines must be removed, relocated, and replaced in order to prepare the property for development as the City Center. The last several months have also provided time to consider alternative street concepts and layouts, and to refine those designs with input from the City Council and the Recreation and Public Grounds Commission. That effort has allowed the design team to improve the original City Center concept and prepare detailed infrastructure construction plans.

To rebuild the utilities and construct the major infrastructure for the project, the City selected Achen-Gardner Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) to manage all construction activities. This CMAR approach allows the contractor to become a member of the City’s development team, along with City staff and the design engineer, EPS Group, during the design process. This approach provides real-time cost analysis during design to ensure that cost savings are achieved wherever possible, and to afford a smooth construction process.

The utilities work, as well as demolition and site preparations, represent the first phase of construction on the City Center site. Construction plans for all utilities work are currently being finalized with construction expected to begin in February 2021.

6

litchfield-park.org

KEYNOTES 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

PALM PLAZA CREEK COURT PALM TREE PLANTING IN TREE GRATES ARCHITECTURAL CREEK BRIDGE WATER WALL WITH SEATWALL BISTRO TABLES & CHAIRS CAROUSEL RETAINING WALL SPLASH PAD/WATER FEATURE EDUCATION GARDEN WITH PATHWAYS BELVEDERE CONCRETE AMPHITHEATER SEATWALL TURF ENTERTAINMENT STAGE ARCHITECTURAL SHADE STRUCTURE 30’ x 20’ PUBLIC RESTROOMS / UTILITY CLOSET

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

ENTRY PLAZA ENTRY MONUMENT AVIATION PLAY ZONE PARKING PARKING / FOOD TRUCK AREA SIDEWALK LOW SCREEN WALL NORTH PROMENADE SOUTH PROMENADE LANDSCAPE BENCH STAIRS TRELLIS STRUCTURES DECORATIVE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING CAROUSEL PLAZA ARCHITECTURAL GATEWAY SPIRE MEMORIAL PLAZA WITH SEATWALLS

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

MEMORIAL ROSE GARDEN BLUE STAR MEMORIAL PEACH POLE ACCENT TREE PAUL LITCHFIELD CLOCK TOWER AMPHITHEATER SCREEN WALL AMPHITHEATER RAMP 25’ x 15’ PUBLIC RESTROOM SHADE TREE CLUSTER WATER FEATURE WITH CITY OF LITCHFIELD PARK LOGO

January - March, 2021

7

Enhanced Health and Safety Measures Wine Dinner Series in Place at Events for your Protection Jenna Sullivan, Marketing & Events Manager

SPECIAL EVENTS

Calling all wine lovers! Join us at the famed Wigwam this winter as our renowned Wine Dinner Series returns, January through March 2021. For one weekend each month, The Wigwam invites you to join us for an enchanted wine focused evening, each highlighting a different featured winery and a selection of their most popular vintages. Each night in the series will revolve around a seasonally influenced four-course menu − created by Executive Chef, Kirsten Seltzer, and Executive Sous Chef, Chris Knouse − with each course crafted to perfectly pair with one of the guest winery’s featured pours of the night.

Upcoming festivals and events

Event details are subject to change. Please check litchfield-park.org for information and updates.

Embodying an inspired farm-to-table culinary philosophy, The Wigwam’s three unique restaurants proudly support our surrounding communities, with a focus on the freshest locallysourced ingredients. The resort’s award-winning signature restaurant, Litchfield’s, is one the Phoenix area’s most prized dining destinations for locals, guests, and tourists alike. A recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Litchfield’s extensive wine list complements the famed fare. For more casual dining, drop by Red’s Bar & Grill for a relaxing ambiance and endless golf course views.

Red’s Bar & Grill is home to the Valley’s best burgers and a rotating selection of local craft beers. Treat yourself to a craft cocktail, fresh-pressed juice or the widely known Park Proper Sandwich at the Wigwam Bar, overlooking the resort’s sparkling Tower Pool. The Wigwam’s onsite restaurants offer the perfect backdrop for specials occasions, casual dining, and everything in between.

For more information, or to reserve your seat at one of our restaurants or our intimate Wine Dinner Series evenings, visit wigwamarizona.com.

LITCHFIELD PARK GATHERING

KIWANIS TROUT FISHING DERBY

Every year some of the finest artists in the Southwest participate in this beautiful Native American arts & cultural festival. Their art will be on display and for sale throughout the weekend. Artist demonstrations and live performances, and various children’s activities will take take place.

The festival is free and open to the public from 10am to 5pm.

Tierra Verde Lake will be stocked with 750 lbs. of rainbow trout for the annual trout fishing derby sponsored

by Kiwanis Club of Litchfield. Age group trophies will be awarded in several categories, including largest, smallest and most trout caught. There will also be opportunities to win raffle prizes. Separate fishing sessions for children and adults will be offered.

January 9 & 10

January 23

ART & WINE FESTIVAL March 6 & 7

Celebrate the visual and performing arts with us! Whether you enjoy fine art, live for live music, or simply love the relaxed ambiance of outdoor festivals, this is your destination. Located in the center of town, Litchfield Park’s annual Art & Wine Festival includes over 200 artists exhibiting original fine art and handcrafted creations. The Beer & Wine Garden will feature an assortment of Arizona’s best wineries and local microbreweries.

8

litchfield-park.org

FRIENDS OF THE REC RUN February 27

Every year racers converge on our city to run this flat, palm-lined street course. There are three competitive races - the 10K, 5K, and 1 Mile. The fastest finishers in each age group receive medals. A separate 1 mile group fun run/walk geared towards students and their families is also offered. Online registration is available through active.com.

MAKE LITCHFIELD’S ALL YOUR OWN Litchfield’s, The Wigwam’s signature farm-to-table culinary destination, is now hosting exclusive private dinners for intimate parties of 2 to 25.

The entire restaurant is yours, including Litchfield’s famed fare, making innovative use of the freshest locally sourced ingredients, masterfully prepared on Litchfield’s expansive pecan wood-stoked grill.

Litchfield’s extensive wine list, a recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, will also be available, along with the restaurant’s acclaimed craft cocktail menu.

This exclusive dining experience starts at $140 per person and is only available for a limited time.

To book, please call (623) 856-1088 Based on availability. Offer valid Sunday – Tuesday. A service charge of 20% and taxes will be added to the bill. Wine, beer and cocktails are available for an additional charge. $1,000 food and beverage minimum required.

wigwamarizona.com

January - March, 2021

9

Enhanced Health and Safety Measures Wine Dinner Series in Place at Events for your Protection Jenna Sullivan, Marketing & Events Manager

SPECIAL EVENTS

Calling all wine lovers! Join us at the famed Wigwam this winter as our renowned Wine Dinner Series returns, January through March 2021. For one weekend each month, The Wigwam invites you to join us for an enchanted wine focused evening, each highlighting a different featured winery and a selection of their most popular vintages. Each night in the series will revolve around a seasonally influenced four-course menu − created by Executive Chef, Kirsten Seltzer, and Executive Sous Chef, Chris Knouse − with each course crafted to perfectly pair with one of the guest winery’s featured pours of the night.

Upcoming festivals and events

Event details are subject to change. Please check litchfield-park.org for information and updates.

Embodying an inspired farm-to-table culinary philosophy, The Wigwam’s three unique restaurants proudly support our surrounding communities, with a focus on the freshest locallysourced ingredients. The resort’s award-winning signature restaurant, Litchfield’s, is one the Phoenix area’s most prized dining destinations for locals, guests, and tourists alike. A recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Litchfield’s extensive wine list complements the famed fare. For more casual dining, drop by Red’s Bar & Grill for a relaxing ambiance and endless golf course views.

Red’s Bar & Grill is home to the Valley’s best burgers and a rotating selection of local craft beers. Treat yourself to a craft cocktail, fresh-pressed juice or the widely known Park Proper Sandwich at the Wigwam Bar, overlooking the resort’s sparkling Tower Pool. The Wigwam’s onsite restaurants offer the perfect backdrop for specials occasions, casual dining, and everything in between.

For more information, or to reserve your seat at one of our restaurants or our intimate Wine Dinner Series evenings, visit wigwamarizona.com.

LITCHFIELD PARK GATHERING

KIWANIS TROUT FISHING DERBY

Every year some of the finest artists in the Southwest participate in this beautiful Native American arts & cultural festival. Their art will be on display and for sale throughout the weekend. Artist demonstrations and live performances, and various children’s activities will take take place.

The festival is free and open to the public from 10am to 5pm.

Tierra Verde Lake will be stocked with 750 lbs. of rainbow trout for the annual trout fishing derby sponsored

by Kiwanis Club of Litchfield. Age group trophies will be awarded in several categories, including largest, smallest and most trout caught. There will also be opportunities to win raffle prizes. Separate fishing sessions for children and adults will be offered.

January 9 & 10

January 23

ART & WINE FESTIVAL March 6 & 7

Celebrate the visual and performing arts with us! Whether you enjoy fine art, live for live music, or simply love the relaxed ambiance of outdoor festivals, this is your destination. Located in the center of town, Litchfield Park’s annual Art & Wine Festival includes over 200 artists exhibiting original fine art and handcrafted creations. The Beer & Wine Garden will feature an assortment of Arizona’s best wineries and local microbreweries.

8

litchfield-park.org

FRIENDS OF THE REC RUN February 27

Every year racers converge on our city to run this flat, palm-lined street course. There are three competitive races - the 10K, 5K, and 1 Mile. The fastest finishers in each age group receive medals. A separate 1 mile group fun run/walk geared towards students and their families is also offered. Online registration is available through active.com.

MAKE LITCHFIELD’S ALL YOUR OWN Litchfield’s, The Wigwam’s signature farm-to-table culinary destination, is now hosting exclusive private dinners for intimate parties of 2 to 25.

The entire restaurant is yours, including Litchfield’s famed fare, making innovative use of the freshest locally sourced ingredients, masterfully prepared on Litchfield’s expansive pecan wood-stoked grill.

Litchfield’s extensive wine list, a recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, will also be available, along with the restaurant’s acclaimed craft cocktail menu.

This exclusive dining experience starts at $140 per person and is only available for a limited time.

To book, please call (623) 856-1088 Based on availability. Offer valid Sunday – Tuesday. A service charge of 20% and taxes will be added to the bill. Wine, beer and cocktails are available for an additional charge. $1,000 food and beverage minimum required.

wigwamarizona.com

January - March, 2021

9

Goodyear Fire Department FAQ’s

Tanja Tanner, Community Risk Reduction - Education Coordinator

Supporting Quality Education in a Time of Crisis

Shelly Smith Hornback, Director of Community Relations

The Home of the Future: Wingfoot Homes Take Flight in Litchfield Park Lisa Hegarty, Litchfield Park Historical Society

In what is likely the greatest challenge public education will face in our lifetime, Litchfield Elementary School District is immeasurably grateful for the outstanding support of our generous community.

Why do other fire departments respond into Litchfield Park?

Did you know the Goodyear Fire Department is a member of The Central Arizona Life Safety Response System, otherwise known as the Automatic Aid Consortium? This system is comprised of more than 25 cities and fire districts that provide emergency services for an area of more than 2,000 square miles in the greater Phoenix Metroplex. The basic principle for Automatic Aid is that all jurisdictional boundaries are erased which allows for the closest, most appropriate unit to respond to an incident. This seamless provision allows for a quicker response and more efficient use of resources by all partnering agencies. This system is why you may see a fire truck from another city or fire district arrive to your emergency.

The Automatic Aid system is a nationally recognized system for providing fire department based emergency services by using shared resources in a regionally coordinated effort. The Regional Dispatch Center (Alarm Room) utilizes both a Geographical Information System (GIS) based Automatic Vehicle Location system (AVL) and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) technologies that allow for the system to dispatch the closest, most appropriate unit based on type of incident and actual apparatus location(s). This technology also allows for the real time tracking of all CAD based units by the Alarm Room to ensure the closest unit to the emergency is confirmed and allows for tracking of the unit enroute to the incident. It further allows for the fire department dispatcher to relay the location and expected arrival time of the responding unit to the customer.

Our deepest appreciation goes to our families who have committed to the school-home partnership in ways that have never been seen nor required. We all have been thrust into situations that demand significant time, flexibility, and patience. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are rising to the challenge and working closely with educators to help our students achieve their goals. We are seeing modified work schedules, enhanced technology skills, creative work spaces, and extraordinary effort to protect and educate children in this global pandemic. We are deeply honored that our families choose to partner with us for their child’s education.

COVID-19 has shone a spotlight on the digital divide that has always existed. We are grateful to the community for helping to ensure all students in our ”A” rated district have the technology required for distance learning. Special thanks to the following partners for leading initiatives to support our six Title I schools: Becky Bouquot, Desert Financial Credit Union, Estrella Rotary Club, Litchfield Elementary School PTSA, Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek, School Connect, Sandi Stamp, Pete Spaw, Title 1 Tech, and Angie and Kurt Watkins.

As a highly reputable district with a stunning 92% teacher retention rate, we rely on our community to join us in staff appreciation efforts.

The recent and abundant outpouring of support is a heartwarming reminder that our community values quality education. Thank you for all of the sweet treats, coffee gift cards, and classroom supplies.

One dad at Litchfield Elementary School saw how hard his child’s teacher was working and decided to do something special for all of the teachers and staff members at Litchfield Elementary School District.

Kevin Grampp and several generous partners created “Turkeys for Teachers” and distributed nearly one thousand Thanksgiving turkeys to local educators.

A smoke alarm will beep or “chirp” once every minute or so when the batteries are low.

Your smoke alarm should be checked/tested monthly. Replace alkaline 9-volt batteries once a year. Your smoke alarms may be hard wired, if this is the case, once one alarm goes off, they all may go off.

Interconnected alarms alert everyone in the home of potential smoke and fire.

Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Like most electronics, smoke alarms wear out and require total replacement. We suggest at least one dual sensor (Photoelectric and Ionization) alarm in your home. Smoke alarms should be placed on each level of your home, especially in and outside sleeping areas. Remember to “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep”! Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms should remain separate from smoke alarms and installed in an outlet next to your gas appliances and entrance into the home from the garage where potential CO poisoning could occur.

10

litchfield-park.org

The Wingfoot voyage began in 1943 when Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. recognized an opportunity to meet a need in the midst of a growing housing shortage. In spite of increased income and prosperity as the nation climbed out of the Great Depression, World War II government restrictions on building materials hampered new home construction.

Chairman and CEO, Paul Litchfield knew Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.’s expertise in mass production could be put to work in solving the housing problem. Although building homes may have seemed like a big departure for a leading business in the transportation industry, the relationship between housing and labor had long been a keystone of Goodyear Tire and Rubber’s business philosophy. In its earliest years, Goodyear sought to provide housing and home ownership opportunities for its workers, believing doing so attracted employees of good character.

More importantly, Paul Litchfield believed that all businesses had a duty to contribute to society.

A Wingfoot home being transported on a truck

Mr. Litchfield envisioned a fully built and equipped house that could be transported to a location and made move-in ready with on-site connections to water, gas, and electricity. Goodyear Tire and Rubber established a subsidiary, Wingfoot Homes, Incorporated, to develop and manufacture these prefabricated homes. After a couple of years of planning, two locations were selected for Wingfoot production, one in East St. Louis and another in an unused Army airplane hangar near the Litchfield Airport once located just north of the intersection of Litchfield Rd and Wigwam Blvd.

Wingfoot homes sold at a price of $2,650 on a monthly installment plan. With an exterior of pressed wood and a plywood interior, the 26-footlong homes included a master bedroom containing a built-in bed, dresser, nightstand and mirrors; a second bedroom with built-in double bunks; a combined living/dining area; a bathroom with a sink, toilet, and shower; and a kitchen with a gas range, sink and refrigerator. A homeowner only needed to purchase drapes, bedding, dishes, chairs, and a table.

Because the Wingfoot homes were hauled on flatbed trucks, transportation regulations meant the homes could measure no wider than eight feet.

As a result, the design incorporated retractable bays, which expanded on site, transforming the house to a 15-foot-wide, T-shaped floor plan with a living area of 255 square feet.

My smoke alarm is beeping and there’s no smoke. What does that mean?

If your alarm(s) is chirping, you should replace the batteries. After replacing batteries, push the test button to “reset” alarm. If it continues to chirp, try vacuuming each device as dust and humidity can activate these type of alarms.

On October 5, 1945, the “home of the future” descended on Roosevelt Avenue in Coolidge, Arizona. The Coolidge Examiner invited members of the public to inspect Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company’s new Wingfoot home, which was “permanent in structure but not tied to the land” and promised “low-cost living comfort.” Following years of development and testing, it was poised to change America’s housing market with some help from a production facility in Litchfield Park.

Principal Sabine Hooper (l) and Pastor Lynne (r) of the Church of Litchfield Park

Senior Pastor Lynne Kammeraad and members at The Church at Litchfield Park worked with LESD Governing Board Member Kimberly Moran to identify opportunities to support quality education at Litchfield Elementary School and Western Sky Middle School. Thank you for the hand sewn face masks and gift cards to reward teachers for their extraordinary work in a global pandemic. These are remarkable gestures that symbolize our community’s respect and gratitude for the hard-working experts who are committed to educational excellence in good times and in bad.

Especially in times of crisis, we are humbled by the families who choose to attend our award-winning schools and for the community that helps us make it all possible. Please contact Shelly Smith Hornback, Director of Community Relations, to discuss meaningful ways you can join us in this noble work.

Most homes were sold in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Utah, but they filled a niche with various individuals and organizations.

Contractors in Montana and the Dakotas working on dams and other reclamation projects appreciated the utility of Wingfoot home as they could be moved to various jobsites as needed. Milwaukee County in Wisconsin used 184 Wingfoot Homes for public housing for returning war vets while the Atomic Energy Commission purchased 125 homes for workers at Los Alamos, New Mexico, testing site of the atomic bomb.

Locally, Wingfoot homes alighted in Avondale, Goodyear and in Litchfield Park. Twenty-five homes provided housing for Goodyear Aircraft workers and Navy personnel just east of the aircraft plant on Litchfield Road. In Avondale, the homes could be found south of MCA Wingfoot home floorplan 85 on Greenleaf Lane. In Litchfield Park, Wingfoot homes once lined the west side of Old Litchfield Road, near the current location of the recreation center and the Tierra Verde Condos.

In the end, different building codes in each state impeded the Wingfoot’s ability to take off nation-wide. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company had anticipated an output of 48,900 homes per year, but only managed to build just over 2,000 by 1948, bringing this chapter in the company’s history to a close.

January - March, 2021

11

Goodyear Fire Department FAQ’s

Tanja Tanner, Community Risk Reduction - Education Coordinator

Supporting Quality Education in a Time of Crisis

Shelly Smith Hornback, Director of Community Relations

The Home of the Future: Wingfoot Homes Take Flight in Litchfield Park Lisa Hegarty, Litchfield Park Historical Society

In what is likely the greatest challenge public education will face in our lifetime, Litchfield Elementary School District is immeasurably grateful for the outstanding support of our generous community.

Why do other fire departments respond into Litchfield Park?

Did you know the Goodyear Fire Department is a member of The Central Arizona Life Safety Response System, otherwise known as the Automatic Aid Consortium? This system is comprised of more than 25 cities and fire districts that provide emergency services for an area of more than 2,000 square miles in the greater Phoenix Metroplex. The basic principle for Automatic Aid is that all jurisdictional boundaries are erased which allows for the closest, most appropriate unit to respond to an incident. This seamless provision allows for a quicker response and more efficient use of resources by all partnering agencies. This system is why you may see a fire truck from another city or fire district arrive to your emergency.

The Automatic Aid system is a nationally recognized system for providing fire department based emergency services by using shared resources in a regionally coordinated effort. The Regional Dispatch Center (Alarm Room) utilizes both a Geographical Information System (GIS) based Automatic Vehicle Location system (AVL) and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) technologies that allow for the system to dispatch the closest, most appropriate unit based on type of incident and actual apparatus location(s). This technology also allows for the real time tracking of all CAD based units by the Alarm Room to ensure the closest unit to the emergency is confirmed and allows for tracking of the unit enroute to the incident. It further allows for the fire department dispatcher to relay the location and expected arrival time of the responding unit to the customer.

Our deepest appreciation goes to our families who have committed to the school-home partnership in ways that have never been seen nor required. We all have been thrust into situations that demand significant time, flexibility, and patience. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are rising to the challenge and working closely with educators to help our students achieve their goals. We are seeing modified work schedules, enhanced technology skills, creative work spaces, and extraordinary effort to protect and educate children in this global pandemic. We are deeply honored that our families choose to partner with us for their child’s education.

COVID-19 has shone a spotlight on the digital divide that has always existed. We are grateful to the community for helping to ensure all students in our ”A” rated district have the technology required for distance learning. Special thanks to the following partners for leading initiatives to support our six Title I schools: Becky Bouquot, Desert Financial Credit Union, Estrella Rotary Club, Litchfield Elementary School PTSA, Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek, School Connect, Sandi Stamp, Pete Spaw, Title 1 Tech, and Angie and Kurt Watkins.

As a highly reputable district with a stunning 92% teacher retention rate, we rely on our community to join us in staff appreciation efforts.

The recent and abundant outpouring of support is a heartwarming reminder that our community values quality education. Thank you for all of the sweet treats, coffee gift cards, and classroom supplies.

One dad at Litchfield Elementary School saw how hard his child’s teacher was working and decided to do something special for all of the teachers and staff members at Litchfield Elementary School District.

Kevin Grampp and several generous partners created “Turkeys for Teachers” and distributed nearly one thousand Thanksgiving turkeys to local educators.

A smoke alarm will beep or “chirp” once every minute or so when the batteries are low.

Your smoke alarm should be checked/tested monthly. Replace alkaline 9-volt batteries once a year. Your smoke alarms may be hard wired, if this is the case, once one alarm goes off, they all may go off.

Interconnected alarms alert everyone in the home of potential smoke and fire.

Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Like most electronics, smoke alarms wear out and require total replacement. We suggest at least one dual sensor (Photoelectric and Ionization) alarm in your home. Smoke alarms should be placed on each level of your home, especially in and outside sleeping areas. Remember to “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep”! Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms should remain separate from smoke alarms and installed in an outlet next to your gas appliances and entrance into the home from the garage where potential CO poisoning could occur.

10

litchfield-park.org

The Wingfoot voyage began in 1943 when Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. recognized an opportunity to meet a need in the midst of a growing housing shortage. In spite of increased income and prosperity as the nation climbed out of the Great Depression, World War II government restrictions on building materials hampered new home construction.

Chairman and CEO, Paul Litchfield knew Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.’s expertise in mass production could be put to work in solving the housing problem. Although building homes may have seemed like a big departure for a leading business in the transportation industry, the relationship between housing and labor had long been a keystone of Goodyear Tire and Rubber’s business philosophy. In its earliest years, Goodyear sought to provide housing and home ownership opportunities for its workers, believing doing so attracted employees of good character.

More importantly, Paul Litchfield believed that all businesses had a duty to contribute to society.

A Wingfoot home being transported on a truck

Mr. Litchfield envisioned a fully built and equipped house that could be transported to a location and made move-in ready with on-site connections to water, gas, and electricity. Goodyear Tire and Rubber established a subsidiary, Wingfoot Homes, Incorporated, to develop and manufacture these prefabricated homes. After a couple of years of planning, two locations were selected for Wingfoot production, one in East St. Louis and another in an unused Army airplane hangar near the Litchfield Airport once located just north of the intersection of Litchfield Rd and Wigwam Blvd.

Wingfoot homes sold at a price of $2,650 on a monthly installment plan. With an exterior of pressed wood and a plywood interior, the 26-footlong homes included a master bedroom containing a built-in bed, dresser, nightstand and mirrors; a second bedroom with built-in double bunks; a combined living/dining area; a bathroom with a sink, toilet, and shower; and a kitchen with a gas range, sink and refrigerator. A homeowner only needed to purchase drapes, bedding, dishes, chairs, and a table.

Because the Wingfoot homes were hauled on flatbed trucks, transportation regulations meant the homes could measure no wider than eight feet.

As a result, the design incorporated retractable bays, which expanded on site, transforming the house to a 15-foot-wide, T-shaped floor plan with a living area of 255 square feet.

My smoke alarm is beeping and there’s no smoke. What does that mean?

If your alarm(s) is chirping, you should replace the batteries. After replacing batteries, push the test button to “reset” alarm. If it continues to chirp, try vacuuming each device as dust and humidity can activate these type of alarms.

On October 5, 1945, the “home of the future” descended on Roosevelt Avenue in Coolidge, Arizona. The Coolidge Examiner invited members of the public to inspect Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company’s new Wingfoot home, which was “permanent in structure but not tied to the land” and promised “low-cost living comfort.” Following years of development and testing, it was poised to change America’s housing market with some help from a production facility in Litchfield Park.

Principal Sabine Hooper (l) and Pastor Lynne (r) of the Church of Litchfield Park

Senior Pastor Lynne Kammeraad and members at The Church at Litchfield Park worked with LESD Governing Board Member Kimberly Moran to identify opportunities to support quality education at Litchfield Elementary School and Western Sky Middle School. Thank you for the hand sewn face masks and gift cards to reward teachers for their extraordinary work in a global pandemic. These are remarkable gestures that symbolize our community’s respect and gratitude for the hard-working experts who are committed to educational excellence in good times and in bad.

Especially in times of crisis, we are humbled by the families who choose to attend our award-winning schools and for the community that helps us make it all possible. Please contact Shelly Smith Hornback, Director of Community Relations, to discuss meaningful ways you can join us in this noble work.

Most homes were sold in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Utah, but they filled a niche with various individuals and organizations.

Contractors in Montana and the Dakotas working on dams and other reclamation projects appreciated the utility of Wingfoot home as they could be moved to various jobsites as needed. Milwaukee County in Wisconsin used 184 Wingfoot Homes for public housing for returning war vets while the Atomic Energy Commission purchased 125 homes for workers at Los Alamos, New Mexico, testing site of the atomic bomb.

Locally, Wingfoot homes alighted in Avondale, Goodyear and in Litchfield Park. Twenty-five homes provided housing for Goodyear Aircraft workers and Navy personnel just east of the aircraft plant on Litchfield Road. In Avondale, the homes could be found south of MCA Wingfoot home floorplan 85 on Greenleaf Lane. In Litchfield Park, Wingfoot homes once lined the west side of Old Litchfield Road, near the current location of the recreation center and the Tierra Verde Condos.

In the end, different building codes in each state impeded the Wingfoot’s ability to take off nation-wide. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company had anticipated an output of 48,900 homes per year, but only managed to build just over 2,000 by 1948, bringing this chapter in the company’s history to a close.

January - March, 2021

11

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.

Merchant Marines 83rd Founder’s Day - March 15 Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, March 15 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