Our Right of Way team was thrilled to collaborate with the landfill staff for a successful tire disposal event. Over the course of a day, they sorted and loaded several hundred tires, transporting them to the landfill where they were placed in designated bins for shipment to a tire disposal facility in Queen Creek. It was a great team effort that helped ensure proper disposal!
Division Highlights
No Dumping Signs
99 Avenue and Glendale Avenue
The City has been experiencing significant illegal dumping of various materials at a vacant parcel of land along the east side of 99 Avenue, just north of the Park & Ride facility in West Glendale. In response, the Traffic Signs & Pavement Markings team placed “No Dumping” signs in the vacant property along 99 Avenue to deter these illegal dumping activities. Despite these efforts, large piles of construction debris, soil, and other refuse continue to accumulate, creating an unsightly and potentially hazardous environment This illegal dumping not only affects the aesthetics of the area but also poses environmental and health risks due to the unknown nature of the materials The City is considering additional enforcement actions and monitoring measures to hold violators accountable
Alive at 25 Expansion
Paving a Path for Safer Driving
All nine Glendale high schools now have access to the Alive at 25 Driver Awareness Program, a goal achieved by the Transportation Department Traffic Education Team
Recently, 300 students at Copper Canyon High School received this potentially life-saving instruction. The course has been delivered to 1,131 students at Glendale high schools so far this year, and over 1,000 more students are expected to receive training by the end of the academic year. Alive at 25 teaches students about the dangers associated with risky driving behaviors such as speeding, impairment, distraction, and failure to use seatbelts. Collision prevention techniques and defensive driving strategies are discussed at length, in addition to identifying the consequences for choosing unsafe driving behaviors. Well done, Traffic Education team!
Division Highlights
Solar Light Installation
West Missouri Avenue and North 71 Avenue
On October 23, 2024, two new solar light poles were installed in the vicinity of the west Missouri Avenue and north 71 Avenue intersection The new lights will enhance pedestrian safety in the area by using environmentally friendly lighting
The crosswalk provides a connection for pedestrians between west Missouri Avenue and Bicentennial Park Solar lights were identified to be the most efficient way to proceed with this project due to the following benefits:
Environmentally friendly fixtures that will not add to the global carbon footprint
1 Project could be completed in a fraction of the time, as staff did not have to wait for designs from the power company.
2. Wire theft/vandalism has been eliminated.
3. No monthly electricity bills.
4. Limited maintenance for the next 10 years.
5. No underground wire locating billings/tickets from AZ811. 6.
Signal Repair
99 Avenue and Glendale Avenue
Glendale Transportation was notified of damage to a signal pole that was caused by a vehicle crash at the intersection of 99 Avenue and Glendale Avenue A Traffic Signal Technician was dispatched to assess the damage The technician secured the site, cleaned the area, and notified the Traffic Signal Supervisor while waiting for a crew to arrive The following morning, a crew was assigned to install a new pole The Traffic Signals tam successfully installed and restored the traffic signal. th
Division Highlights
Traffic Signal Optimization Program
West Missouri Avenue and North 71 Avenue
The City of Glendale’s Transportation Department has been recommended, by the ITS committee, to receive funding for two Traffic Signal Optimization Program (TSOP) projects. The award was under MAG’s Intelligent Transportation Systems Program. Approval from the full board is pending, but is expected in December The two corridors were as follows:
a) 59 Avenue from Camelback Road to Mohawk - 34 signal – 2 plans - $79,000
b) 75 Avenue from Bell Road to Deer Valley – 10 signals – 2 plans - $27,000
The project will result in the implementation of the best possible signal timing plans along two of the city’s major arterial roadways
Traffic signal optimization is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve traffic movement and make our streets safe and efficient. By coordinating all the signals along the corridors, the idle or stop time at signalized intersection will be minimized thus reducing emissions from vehicles. This is one of the ways that Glendale is levering technology to make our skies cleaner.
Intersection
Restriping
Four Intersections along Glendale Avenue
The Signs and Pavement Markings Division are making important improvements to enhance safety along the Glendale Avenue corridor in west Glendale The division staff recently completed the restriping of the crosswalks and stop bars at the signalized intersection from 99 Avenue to El Mirage Road Those included the following:
99 Avenue and Glendale Avenue
Glen Harbor Blvd and Glendale Avenue
Landfill Access and Glendale Avenue
El Mirage Road and Glendale Avenue
The result of the recently completed project will enhance the intersection for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. These types of enhancements typically have a significant positive impact on traffic flow and pedestrian safety
Employee Recognition
Kudos
Victor Abril & ROW Team
We want to extend kudos to Victor Abril and the ROW team for their diligence in ensuring that all accounts payable documentation is submitted accurately and on time. We appreciate your commitment to maintaining open lines of communication
- Maya Pazos, Chantell Vidaure, & Judy Anderson -
Matt Smith
I would like to take a moment to recognize Matt Smith for the outstanding work he has done at Glendale Regional Airport since his arrival Matt has been incredibly engaging with the staff and is always seeking ways to improve the airport for both tenants and staff alike His initiative in providing the new VIR Tower and the special tool for tracking pilots during departures and arrivals has been invaluable in enhancing operational efficiency Beyond his technical contributions, Matt is a true leader by example No matter how challenging a task may be, he consistently finds solutions to ensure the job gets done and things continue to run smoothly.
Matt's dedication and proactive approach have made a significant impact, and we are grateful for the positive difference he has made at Glendale Regional Airport.
- Isaiah Acosta -
The Signal Division & the Signs and Pavement Markings Division
Thank you for working together to get the school speed feedback project completed on Camelback Road in advance of Maryvale Preparatory Academy You have made Camelback Road, in the vicinity of the school, a much safer area for all the kids that attend the school Keep up the good work
- Tony Abbo -
Employee Recognition
Kudos
Edwin Achondo
Edwin always comes into work with a positive attitude and is always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed!
- David Soto -
Susan Angotti
Susan has been a great help to me in so many ways, so I wanted to give her a shout-out to say thank you and let her know how much she is appreciated! Thank you, Susan!
- Sari Nieto -
Tim Hoover, Michael Siebert, Manuel Figueroa, Bryan Hernandez, Jesse Morales, Eliseo Aranda, Danny Resendes, Jose Reyes Carlos Munoz
Thank you to the entire team for stepping up at the last minute to help facilitate a successful environmental inspection of our Streets, Graffiti and ROW Landscaping areas Great job!
Victor Abril
- Max MoralesNathan Whyte
Thank you for taking on the procurement process and really digging in to learn what is needed and providing information during the RFP process. Thank you for your help. :)
- Jan Lawson -
Thank you Nathan for all the support you have given me to ensure I am having a good work/life balance. It's meant a lot and I want you to know it's really appreciated!
- Sari Nieto-
Diego Padilla, Steve Pena & Becca Fastje
I would just like to thank everyone involved with this request and its near completion! We are very thankful to, at long last (since 2018), have additional traffic safety items added to the roadway on Camelback Road near our campus. Your efforts are very much appreciated!
- Patty Slider | Director of Campus Operations, Maryvale
Preparatory Academy -
Employee Recognition
A Day in the Life of a Transit Operator
What do they do?
To become a Transit Operator with The City of Glendale, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a passenger endorsement is required. A typical day for a Glendale Onboard driver begins with arriving at the field operations site. Transit Operators start by performing a pre-trip inspection, ensuring their bus is safe for transporting Glendale residents. After checking in at the office, grabbing a money canister, and gathering necessary paperwork, they are ready to hit the road!
Throughout the day, drivers transport Paratransit and Microtransit clients around The city of Glendale. Whether it’s taking someone to a doctor's appointment or running errands, the Glendale Onboard team ensures that all passengers arrive at their destinations safely
New Committee Member
Welcome to the Team!
We are excited to welcome Gilbert Gonzales to our newsletter committee! He will be taking charge of providing valuable monthly safety tips to help keep everyone informed and protected. If you have any questions or suggestions about the newsletter, feel free to reach out to Gilbert, as well as any of our committee members directly We are thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the great insights Gilbert will bring!
Anniversaries
Reflective of Most Recent Hire Date
Max Morales, Superintendent, Streets - 10 years
Pedro Arias, Transit Operator - 5 years
Rudy Romero, Streets Supervisor - 4 years
Justin T Smith, Lead Transit Operator - 3 years
John Johnson, Lead Transit Operator - 3 years
Judy Anderson, Administrative Support Specialist - 2 years
Glendale Events
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Job Postings
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Events & Information
Health & Wellness
Bridges Around the World will be ending December 2nd. Let’s keep going with the NEW Challenge- starting Dec 9th - Jan 3rd WellStyles Challenge: Step Up to a Better You
Click Here to Access the WellStyles Portal
Dec. 11 – Webinar: Your Holiday Survival Guide; 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Zoom Webinar
Some people accept the fact that they will gain weight over the holidays It does not have to be so
Join health and fitness coach Drew Saenz from Team Up Wellness to learn the steps you can take to get through the holidays without packing on the pounds Session will be held via Zoom Webinar and recorded Click link to register or see the GRID Calendar
Dec. 16– WellStyles Mobile App Update! Our WellStyles wellness portal powered by Virgin Pulse is changing names.
The Virgin Pulse name is changing to Personify Health. This is a rebranding of the SAME portal we have been using, it should function the same, but the name and logo are changing over on Dec. 16. Please be aware, the mobile app will change over on Dec. 16, and you will need to sign back in using your current username and password. Visit Good Life Wellness on the GRID for more info and watch for emails from Personify Health announcing the updates.
Transit Updates
Congratulations! The City of Glendale travel reduction plan was approved by the Maricopa County Travel Reduction Program Regional Task Force during their recent public meeting Click on the QR code to register as an Alternative Mode User by visiting: https://sharetheride com You can also find us on THE GRID under Transportation Programs
The Bus Stop Enhancement Program is moving forward with 30 Bus Stops, within the City of Glendale, to comply with ADA requirements. Here’s the Valley Metro Christmas schedule:
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24:
Weekday service (light rail, streetcar and bus)
No Express/RAPID bus service
Customer Service is open 8 a m -5 p m
Christmas Day, Dec. 25:
Sunday service (light rail, streetcar and bus)
No Express/RAPID bus service
Customer Service is closed.
December Safety Tips Events & Information
Impaired Driver Awareness Month
This holiday season, stay safe by avoiding impaired driving Plan ahead for a designated driver or alternative transportation to keep the roads safe for everyone.
Older Adult Driver Awareness Week
Older Adult Driver Awareness Week promotes safe driving for older adults and highlights resources to help maintain their independence while ensuring road safety
NSC offers virtual and in-person, instructor-led training Employees trained through NSC Learning make their workplace safer for everyone Check out the NSC Learning Events Calendar and/or click on the logo to the right to learn more! National Safety Council
New Spanish Phone Line
The Transportation Department has launched a dedicated Spanish line to better serve the City's Spanish-speaking citizens This new service allows employees to transfer calls to the Spanish line at 4476 whenever there is a language barrier, ensuring that all citizens can access transportation-related services and information with ease and efficiency. If citizens are attempting to access the line externally, they may dial (623) 930-2079.
A special thank you goes out to Maya Pazos and Raul Alvarez for their efforts in starting this important service, helping to bridge communication gaps and enhance accessibility for our diverse community.
Events & Information
Projects in the Works
67th Avenue Pavement Preservation (Greenway Road to Bell Road):
This project will involve the rehabilitation of the pavement on 67th Avenue, from Greenway Road to Bell Road In addition, the project will include median modifications, as well as upgrades to signage, striping, and signal detection Construction is slated to begin in early 2025 Paveco has submitted a bid of $2,423,779, with the contract pending approval by the City Council.
83rd Avenue & Bethany Home Road Intersection Improvements:
Corner
This holiday season, I would like to express my sincerest appreciation for your unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions throughout the year. May your holidays be full of family, friends, warmth, and happiness Wishing you a joyous holiday and a prosperous New Year.
This project will add a northbound to eastbound rightturn lane at the intersection of 83rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road. The bid opening is scheduled for December 19, 2024, and onstruction is expected to commence in early 2025 - Shahid Abbas -
Glendale Avenue & Sarival Avenue Signal Installation:
D i r e c t o r ’ s
This project will install a new traffic signal at the intersection of Glendale Avenue and Sarival Avenue. The bid opening is scheduled for December 11, 2024, with construction expected to begin in early 2025.
Transportation Challenge
Carefully Read the Directions Below
Use the two words below to make as many words as possible! You can only use the letters in the words HOT and Chocolate. They MUST be real words that are at least three letters long. You can send your list of words in one of the following ways...
Through email to Emily Pompa, Cassandra Johnston, Tracy Klein, Susan Angotti, Julie Patterson, Gilbert Gonzales or Tony Abbo
Putting your answers in the suggestion box at your site with your name
Scanning the QR Code on page 1 of the newsletter
November Winner
David Soto
If you have the most words, you will win a $10 gift card! Any ties will be broken with a drawing. The winner will be announced on Friday, December 20th. Good Luck!
