Marana 2.0 students share ideas with Town Council

On Tuesday night, Marana Town Councilmembers learned about a range of issues across this community from a unique perspective. These speakers were neither developers, nor Town staff, nor consultants.  They were students from Marana High School, and for the past eight months, they have each worked in departments within the Town, as well as at a few local nonprofits.  Now at the end of their internships, these students were ready to report their findings to the Town Council.

The students presenting on Tuesday night have just concluded the first year of Marana 2.0.  This program offers seniors at Marana High School the chance to learn about local government not by reading a textbook, but through practical, lived experiences. Departments from across the Town, from Police to Special Events to Technology Services, have mentored these students and in turn benefited from their unique contributions.  With the school year drawing to a close, the Marana Town Council was eager to find out what the students learned and accomplished.

As Raymond Schnell advanced his Powerpoint, the Town Council saw a concrete example of what he had accomplished.  As an intern with the Town’s tech services team, Raymond began his experience with an interest in app development.  It was clear from his final project that this interest paid off.  He had created from scratch a quiz app, designed to test how well his peers understood local government.  Simply developing the quiz was not enough, though.  He also pushed his project into a test market, analyzing the results of his classmates.  Raymond explained that tools like this one can help Marana evaluate how well it’s communicating with residents, and how the Town can improve its outreach.

After the presentations, each Councilmember took a few moments to congratulate the students on all they had achieved.  “What I got from listening to you,” extolled Councilmember Dave Bowen, “is how much ability you have, how ready you are to take on the challenges that you will face. It’s been great hearing from you.”

Councilmember Carol McGorray echoed Councilmember Bowen’s remarks.  “I spoke to each of you before the meeting, and I’m so impressed because you’re all part of this same program, and yet you bring such a different viewpoint from your particular experiences to us here on the Council tonight, and I really appreciate that.”

The Town of Marana is pleased that the first year of this program was so successful.  “We had nine students present tonight, and these kids worked hard all year to get to this point,” says Town Clerk Jocelyn Bronson, who spearheaded the program.  “We’re looking forward to watching this program grow and get better every year.”

As this school year winds down, the Town of Marana is already brainstorming ways to improve the program for next year.  During the presentations, one student suggested expanding this opportunity to juniors, instead of just seniors.  While these plans are strictly preliminary at the moment, there is little doubt that this program will grow and flourish in the years to come.  To keep up with that progress, be sure to check back with the Marana Newsroom.

A Sneak Peak into the New Elementary School in Gladden Farms

When the 2016-2017 school year kicks off next August, an eager class of kindergartners won’t be the only new additions to Marana Unified School District. A new elementary school in Gladden Farms will open its doors for the first time.  Recently, Chasse Building Team, the firm contracted to construct the new school, offered a tour of this new site, and the Marana Newsroom is ready to provide you with a glimpse inside these new walls.

Reading is perhaps the most important skill for young students to learn, which is why this reading nook is at the heart of the new school.  Located just behind the main entrance, teachers will be able to take their students to this comfortable spot for dedicated reading time.

This new school embraces the importance of collaborative learning.  Every classroom enjoys one moving glass wall which teachers can configure in different ways in order to create the perfect learning environment for every lesson.  The walls will be among the final installations, but this open space shows where one of them will soon stand.

Classrooms are far from the only places where learning can happen, and this new school is well equipped to provide creative spaces for students to engage with each other and their teachers.  This central staircase will conveniently double as bleachers, allowing students to use this area for presentations and assemblies.

School safety is always a top priority, and this new school includes some of the latest technology to keep students secure.  Double doorways on arterial hallways are magnetized, so that all doors can be closed with the push of a button.

Just off the cafeteria and auditorium space is a music room.  Soon, it will echo with the cacophony of children plucking their first violin strings and tooting their first horns.  Across the hall is a PE room, where students can exercise when it’s too hot or cold to go outside.

Throughout the school year, Arizona’s weather means that students can enjoy comfortably eating their lunch outside, but sometimes, it’s just too hot or cold.  This canopy offers the best of both worlds.  With a roof two-stories above the ground and large roll-up doors, this feature will provide extensive opportunities for students to get outdoors.  However, when the weather doesn’t cooperate, all the school has to do is roll down those doors and enjoy the climate-controlled inside space.

During the early stages of construction, Chasse built a “mock-up wall,” allowing the firms of BWS Architects and Winslow & Partners to provide early feedback.  After all, it’s much easier to alter a wall before it’s built than afterwards.

Throughout construction, this site has seen up to 133 workers industriously laboring to complete the school by June 15.  Not only are they on target to meet that goal, but they recentlycelebrated 100 straight days without an accident.  Safety is a priority for the Town, Marana Unified School District, and the Chasse Building Team, so this accomplishment is certainly worthy of a burger and a hot dog.

***

On August 8, 2016, an army of young scholars will descend on this new elementary school.  Just a year ago, this site was nothing more than a graded patch of dirt.  Soon, though, it will begin educating a new generation of Marana students.  This innovative building will provide a creative space for kids to explore new knowledge and engage with the world around them.  The Chasse Building Team offered nearly 100 visitors a glimpse into this new school, and it was clear that more than a few of them wanted to figure out how they themselves could re-enroll in kindergarten.  Unfortunately for them, they’re probably a little too big for the desks.

Arizona Cities @ Work Spotlight: Asia Philbin

AZ Cities @ Work is recognizing exemplary local elected officials, municipal staff, and municipal volunteers. Town of Marana employee Asia Philbin is being recognized for her commitment to public service and the Town of Marana. As a Water Resources Coordinator, she deals with water resources, water and wastewater system assets, and energy management, making sure that residents receive clean water daily.

Marana Police supports Special Olympics

If you chose to dine at the Texas Roadhouse in Marana on April 1, you might have been alarmed to see police vehicles swarming the parking lot. No criminal activity was to be seen here, however, as diners were treated to a different kind of police service: the food serving kind. 

View fullsize

Marana Police, Pima County Joint Task Force, Oro Valley Police, Marana Explorers, and Marana police volunteers gathered for their annual "Tip-A-Cop" event on Friday to support Southern Arizona Special Olympics. Marana officers handed out donation envelopes to diners and even helped keep glasses and bread baskets full. Representatives from Southern Arizona Special Olympics were also in attendance to speak to diners and thank them for their contributions. 

View fullsize

Southern Arizona Special Olympics provides kids with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to train and compete in state, national, or world-wide competitions at no cost. Marana Police Department began supporting Special Olympics over twenty years ago, and nine years ago began the Tip-A-Cop fundraising event at Texas Roadhouse. 

"This year, we raised about six thousand dollars," Sergeant Will Hess reported of the night's fundraising efforts. He has been actively involved with the event since its inception. 

"Marana Police Department does a lot for our kids in the community," Hess said. "Our youth are important to our future. Through athletics, kids learn teamwork, compassion, and camaraderie, and how to learn through failure and success. These are skills they can then use to lead a prosperous life."

View fullsize

Participating athletes are not charged to compete in Special Olympics. Funds raised by the officers go toward putting on the event and supporting the athletes. The 2016 State Summer Games is May 5-7 and will be held at Raymond Kellis High School in Glendale, Arizona. In addition to fundraising, Marana police officers participate every year in the torch run, and run beside Special Olympians through the Marana community. This year, the Marana torch run is scheduled for May 4. 

Josh Montgomery, Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, is grateful for the Marana Police Department's involvement. 

"Law enforcement is the backbone of our organization, both locally in Arizona, as well as globally," Montgomery said. "Police officers continuously give up their time and resources to help people with intellectual disabilities, and we couldn't be what we are without them."

View fullsize

Tip-A-Cop is one of the many efforts organized by Marana Police Department that focuses on positive police-citizen interaction. Marana police officers often find opportunities to interact with community members outside of the typical traffic stop. They visit regularly with business owners, provide educational opportunities through the Citizens Police Academy, and train high schoolers in the Marana Police Explorers program, to name a few. 

"Community policing is a mindset here at the Town of Marana," Police Chief Terry Rozema said. "We talk a lot about serving and protecting our community, and the community needs to trust us before we can effectively do those things. When the community trusts us, they join us in solving problems."

View fullsize

Marana police motorcycles flanked the restaurant entrance for photo opportunities, and spectators were invited to look at Pima Regional SWAT and bomb equipment. Officers answered questions and opened their vehicles for tours. The dashboard of a police vehicle was even covered in traffic citations--although upon closer inspection, those 'citations' were actually recruitment brochures for the Volunteers In Police Service program at the Town of Marana.  

View fullsize

Throughout this year's Tip-A-Cop event, it was clear how much Marana's officers enjoyed opportunities like this one.  To keep up with all the exciting activities our officers are up to every day, like the Town of Marana and the Marana Police Department on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @TownofMarana and @MaranaPD.  Periodically, you can also read stories about the Marana Police Department in the Marana Newsroom.  

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Town of Marana splash pad opens

In anticipation of hotter weather just around the corner, Town of Marana has opened its popular splash pad to the public. Hours of operation are 8 A.M. - 7 P.M. daily.

Marana residents greeted the news with overwhelming enthusiasm when Marana Parks and Recreation announced the early opening on their Facebook page.

The splash pad, which is located at 12205 N. Tangerine Farms Road near the Gladden Farms community, measures 4,500 square feet. The pad has an agrarian theme with water features including a tractor, windmill, horses and crops. This year, more benches have been added for additional seating.

There is no admission fee and restrooms are on site.

Mary Eisenhower joins Town of Marana in celebrating the Columbine II's future

Mary Eisenhower shares her memories as a child aboard America's first Air Force One. Photo by JD Fitzgerald

“If this plane could speak, imagine the stories it could tell,” Mary Eisenhower said at the Columbine II: America’s first Air Force One reception on March 18 at the Marana Regional Airport.

Granddaughter to 34th President Dwight Eisenhower, Mary spoke to a rapt audience of elected officials and media as she stood in front of the Lockheed VC-121A-LO Constellation. Originally named for her grandmother’s state flower, the Columbine II made history for holding the first ever Air Force One designation. The first Air Force One would go on to transport not only a President, but also Queen Elizabeth II, Richard Nixon, and John Foster Dulles. 

 “I remember flying on this plane when I was only four or five,” Mary said to the audience, “I used to sit up front and talk to the pilots.”

Marana Police Department honor guard and Marana High School men's chorus open up the ceremony on March 18, 2016. Photo by JD Fitzgerald.

Town of Marana and Dynamic Aviation, the company that owns and is currently restoring the Columbine II, worked together to put on a celebration ceremony in honor of the plane's eventual departure for Virginia, where Dynamic Aviation is based. After years of baking in the desert, the Town wanted to send the plane off in Marana style.

"Back in the day, this plane was a celebrity," Town Manager Gilbert Davidson said as he opened up the ceremony. "Now, it's been given new life."

Mary walked through the plane's interior prior to the ceremony, and reminisced fondly with Karl Stoltzfus Sr., Chairman of Dynamic Aviation, who is also her friend. Karl pointed proudly at a console on the side of the plane.

“Those are the very same buttons your grandpa used to press,” he said, to her delight.

Mary Eisenhower reminisces inside the Columbine II. Photo by JD Fitzgerald.

Those buttons make up a large portion of what little is left behind of the Columbine II’s vintage interior. Upon reaching its Virginia destination, the Columbine II will undergo a dramatic restoration to replace what is now missing. 

The Columbine II has endured a rollercoaster of events since its origin as America’s very first Air Force One for President Dwight Eisenhower in the 1950s. As aircraft technology rapidly progressed, Columbine II became obsolete, and spent the next several decades resting in the hot Arizona sun before being purchased by Mel Christler in 1970. Even after he discovered the patriotic history of the plane, the Columbine II had been reduced to a shell of its former self, and sat dormant in the Marana Regional Airport for over a decade.

In 2014, Town of Marana highlighted the Columbine II in a Town-produced community newsletter. What began as a local story quickly blew up into a global sensation, as media from around the world caught wind of Marana’s hidden treasure. It wasn’t long before Karl Stoltzfus Sr. saw the story, and purchased the Columbine II in hopes of restoring it.

Now, in 2016, that dream is coming true. 

Spectators watch as Columbine II prepares for take-off. Photo by JD Fitzgerald.

After months of work by Dynamic Aviation to restore its engines, the plane was deemed ready for flight after extensive tests were conducted on March 19.

It was a bittersweet moment when the Columbine II took off for the last time from Marana Regional Airport on March 21 toward its new Virginia home. As a consistent staple in the Marana community, it was with both pride and sadness that spectators watched as the Lockheed Constellation rose steadily into the air before slowly vanishing in the eastern horizon. 

The Columbine II may no longer call Marana home, but this is a send-off that the Marana community couldn't be more proud of.

The Columbine II takes off from Marana Regional Airport for the last time on March 21.

Left: Mary Eisenhower, granddaughter to President Dwight Eisenhower standing inside the Columbine II. Right: Karl Stoltzfus Sr., Chairman of Dynamic Aviation, sitting in the cockpit. 

The Dynamic Aviation crew worked for months to restore the Columbine II to flying conditions. 

Marana Recognized as Owner of the Year by Cornerstone Building Foundation

Last Thursday night, the Cornerstone Building Foundation recognized the Town of Marana with its 2016 Owner of the Year Award.  This honor acknowledges Marana’s commitment to a forward-thinking planning strategy and its high quality service to the building community. 

The Cornerstone Building Foundation was established over 20 years ago to foster strong cross-sector relationships for members of the construction industry.  Its founder, Robert Hershberger, aimed to recognize annually a “Dream Team” of members across the building community.  This year, Marana is proud to be part of that “Dream Team.” In addition to its annual awards, the Foundation also provides scholarships to support students pursuing careers in the design and construction industries. 

Marana Planning Director Ryan Mahoney and Building Official Benny Sanchez accepted the award on behalf of the Town.  “We’re honored, especially given the list of past winners, to stand among giants,” says Mahoney. “We’re all helping the Town of Marana to improve our services.  Our work with the construction industry helps the whole Town improve and grow.”

This year’s award was presented to the Town as a result of Marana’s efforts to partner with Vintage Partners and Simon Properties in their construction of the new Premium Outlet Mall at Marana Center.  From initial planning to its final ribbon cutting, this project took slightly under two years.  Marana helped facilitate this rapid pace by designating a plan reviewer to serve the builder on site.  This ensured that builders could alter their design quickly and efficiently, without having to wait for a lengthy review process.

The Owner of the Year Award also honored Marana for its strong working relationship with the residential building community.  The Dove Mountain neighborhood, in particular, has experienced significant growth over the past several years, and Marana has collaborated closely with developers and builders to keep pace with this demand.  These relationships serve Marana residents, both present and future, in powerful ways. 

The Cornerstone Building Foundation also recognized six other honorees at their annual awards banquet:  Architect of the Year- Swaim Associates; Consultant of the Year- Monrad Engineering; Contractor of the Year (large projects)- Concord General Contracting;  Contractor of the Year (small projects)- Kittle Design and Construction; Professional Service of the Year- Ronstadt Insurance; Subcontractor of the Year- Flooring Systems of Arizona; Supplier of the Year- Arcadia, Inc. 

As Marana grows, the Town is constantly exploring how to innovate and offer the highest quality service to residents and businesses in the community. This award recognizes these efforts, and pushes the Town to continue that commitment. ​ 

The Washington Times: Aviation pro to restore first Air Force One

In this March 7, 2016 photo, Karl Stoltzfus, Dynamic Aviation founder and chairman, poses for a photo with his restored DC-3, Miss Virginia, undergoing maintenance inside one of his company's hangars in Bridgewater, Va. Stoltzfus has purchased the plane known as "Air Force One," an aircraft that shuttled President Dwight Eisenhower around the globe, for a bit less than the $1.5 million asking price. (Daniel Lin/Daily News-Record via AP)

BRIDGEWATER, Va. (AP) - It was a project so big, Karl Stoltzfus said, that he wasn’t thrilled about undertaking it.

But facing the prospect that the first plane known as “Air Force One” - an aircraft that shuttled President Dwight Eisenhower around the globe - could wind up on the scrap heap, it was a project he couldn’t resist...

Local Leaders Break Ground on Tangerine Corridor Infrastructure Improvements

This morning, regional leaders from Marana, Oro Valley, Pima County, and the Regional Transportation Authority broke ground on a major infrastructure project that will affect residents from across these communities.  Over the next several years, construction crews will steadily widen and flatten Tangerine Road to create a seamless corridor from Oracle Road to Interstate 10.  With these extensive improvements, drivers on this essential artery can look forward to a safer, smoother, and more accessible roadway.

At the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, Marana Town Manager Gilbert Davidson underscored the importance of collaboration among these jurisdictions.  “Marana, Oro Valley, Pima County, and the RTA all had to work together to make this project happen.  When it’s completed, our region as a whole stands to benefit.  We are all deeply committed to the long-term success of this investment.”

For years, drivers and passengers in this region have navigated the peaks and valleys of Tangerine Road.  During the groundbreaking ceremony, more than one speaker referenced how much their children have enjoyed the steep ups and downs of the road.  That unique feature, though, poses a major risk during inclement weather.  During major monsoon events, the dips of Tangerine road will often flood, making passage dangerous, if not impossible.  Not only does this inconvenience drivers, but it forces public safety officers and emergency vehicles onto less direct and more time-consuming detours.  A flatter and wider road will therefore better serve residents who live nearby. 

Speakers at today’s event acknowledged the costs associated with this major infrastructure project.  By sharing these costs across Marana, Oro Valley, Pima County, and the RTA, each jurisdiction is able to cover its fair share without shouldering an unmanageable burden, explained Pima County Supervisor Ally Miller. 

Over the next few years, this project represents just one of several major infrastructure improvements for this region.  Pima County has already begun bridge construction for Sunset Road over the Santa Cruz River, and this summer, the Arizona Department of Transportation will begin building the Ina Road overpass at I-10.  While this active work may slow traffic in the near term, local leaders expect it to more than make up for that cost in the long term. 

“Our communities are growing rapidly,” explained Davidson. “To keep up with that growth, we need to plan far into the future.  Projects like this one exhibit that foresight.”

To learn more about the progress of this project, keep up with the Marana Newsroom, and follow the Town of Marana on Facebook and Twitter.  You can also visit the Tangerine Road Corridor project to stay up to date with the project’s construction schedule. 

MHC Healthcare: Dirt is Moving at Dove Mountain Health Center

MHC Healthcare is making progress with our new Dove Mountain Health Center. More updates to come in the future.

Town Council Will Study Budget in Open Session, March 8

Stay updated, get involved, and learn about the budget before it’s adopted.  On March 8, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., staff will be presenting and discussing fee schedule changes, long-term liabilities planning, CIP recommendations, and pavement preservation.  These important units support the development of the fiscal year 2016-2017 budget.  Not able to make it?  Other key budget dates will be posted periodically at Your Town, Your Budget, where you can also register to receive updates in your inbox.

Press Release: Dedication of the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery

The public is invited to the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery dedication ceremony on Saturday, March 26th at 10:00 A.M. located at 15950 N. Luckett Road.

The dedication will be coordinated by the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery Foundation Inc. Marana, a non-profit dedicated to raising and providing funds for the facility.

“The cemetery will be a tremendous asset, not only for Marana, but the entire Southern Arizona region,” said Mayor Ed Honea at the ground breaking ceremony in November 2015. “We need to do as much as we can to honor and respect our veterans.”

The Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Marana will serve as a place of refuge and peace, providing emotional comfort to the families of veterans buried there. The 42 acres of land were donated by the Kai Family Foundation of Marana, and will contain pre-placed crypts as well as columbarium niches.

Press Release: Marana celebrates the restoration of the Columbine II, the Original Air Force One

In a few short months, Marana will bid farewell to a piece of history that has lived in our backyard for many years.  Columbine II, America’s first Air Force One, will soon depart for Virginia, where it will undergo an extensive renovation to return it to its former glory.  To celebrate its past, Marana will host a farewell reception for media and elected officials at the Marana Regional Airport on March 18. 

A new chapter is about to begin in this plane’s incredible life, continuing a story that began many years ago and many miles away.  This exclusive event will feature special guests and community leaders who appreciate the importance of this story. 

The History of the Original Air Force One

President Dwight Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower exit Air Force One in 1953. 

In the December sky over New York City, an air traffic control mix-up nearly changed the course of US history.  The year was 1953, and two planes carefully descended into the Big Apple.  One pilot radioed his flight number, Air Force 8610, to ground control. At the same time, another pilot, at the helm of Eastern Airlines 8610, prepared a similar flight path.  Hindsight would later reveal that for a brief moment, air traffic controllers had conflated the two planes. Both pilots aimed for the same runway, at the same time. One of them carried the President of the United States.

President Dwight Eisenhower did not find himself in a mid-air collision in December 1953.  Instead, he went on to create an Interstate Highway System, to end segregation in the Armed Forces, and to institute a fledgling American space program. Instead of resulting in tragedy, this moment gave rise to the most recognizable airplane moniker in history: Air Force One.

When President Eisenhower traveled the nation’s skies, he did so in the premier aircraft of the day, a Lockheed Constellation named Columbine II. After December’s close call, no flight controller would ever again refer to the President’s plane as Columbine II, or Constellation, or Air Force Flight 8610.  The first Air Force One would go on to transport not only a President, but also Queen Elizabeth II, Richard Nixon, and John Foster Dulles. 

Today, though, that history is but a distant memory.  As aircraft technology rapidly progressed, “Columbine II” became obsolete. Eventually, the Air Force relegated it to a boneyard of planes at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, deep in the Sonoran Desert.  Abandoned and forgotten, the plane slowly baked under the hot Arizona sun. 

An Unexpected Discovery

In 1970, Mel Christler unwittingly purchased Columbine II through an Air Force auction, along with four other decrepit planes.  He planned to use this patchwork fleet as crop-dusters over agricultural fields.  The worst of the lot, “Columbine II”, would be mined for parts. 

A decade later, after Christler had stripped the plane to a shell of its former self, he got a call from a Robert Mikesh, Curator of the Smithsonian Institute.  Buried deep in the museum’s archives, far from the public eye, Mikesh had uncovered a startling link between the husk of a plane falling apart in Arizona and a crucial player in American aviation history.  With incredulity, Christler listened as Mikesh described his plane’s stunning past.

After learning of this remarkable discovery, Christler sought in vain to restore the original Air Force One to its former glory.  By 1990, he had refurbished the plane to flying condition, and flew it to Abilene, Kansas, Eisenhower’s hometown, to join the centennial celebration of this community’s favorite son.  Thereafter, the plane assumed the life of a nomad, moving from home to home across the Southwest, until it reached the Marana Regional Airport, where it has resided since 2005.  Many thought this would be the final resting place of this storied relic. 

A Chance At New Life

Karl Stoltzfus, Sr., though, had other plans.  In 1967, Stoltzfus founded K&K Aircraft, Inc., an operator of custom planes to provide services for a variety of aviation customers.  Soon, his company evolved into Dynamic Aviation, which today performs a number of aviation functions, from airborne data acquisition to charter and medevac solutions.  A US history buff, Stoltzfus was intrigued when he heard the story of Columbine II, but was perplexed to learn that if it deteriorated much more, it would soon disappear into the desert sand.  He quickly set out to change that narrative, and in 2015, Dynamic Aviation purchased Columbine II. 

For months, now, Dynamic Aviation’s mechanic team has worked relentlessly at Marana Regional Airport to return Columbine II to the skies.  Planes are meant to fly, Stoltzfus believes, and the original Air Force One should be no exception.  His grandiose plans, however, don’t stop there.  In its heyday, Columbine II carried the most powerful leaders in the world, but a look at its dilapidated interior today would suggest otherwise.  Soon, Columbine II will fly from Marana to Bridgewater, Virginia, where it will undergo an extensive renovation.  Its gleaming vintage fixtures will shine again.  Its proud past will come to life.

Marana News: Crime continues to fall in Marana

Written by Brad Allis, Marana News

Over the past five years, crime is down in Marana. Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema recently met with the Marana Chamber of Commerce to review crime statistics. 

2015 also marked the fifth year of service for Rozema in Marana, so the department can see how crime rates have reacted to the policies that have been put into place since his tenure began...

Marana Founders' Day Honors Past, Anticipates Future

PARADE STARTS AT 8 A.M.

On Saturday, March 5, the Marana Heritage Conservancy will host a celebration of Marana’s history.  This year’s 38th Annual Founders’ Day will bring to life the rich past of this Town.  Since its incorporation in 1977, and indeed, for many years before even then, Marana served as an agricultural hub for southern Arizona.  Long-time residents know this history well, and the Marana Heritage Conservancy aims to honor their contributions through this event. 

Attractions at Founders’ Day include a classic car show, parade, food trucks, live entertainment and more.  All the festivities will occur at Ora Mae Harn Park, 13250 N. Lon Adams Rd, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on March 5.  Join Marana and celebrate not only this Town’s past, but its exciting future.  

Marana News: Small business thriving at Marana Regional Airport

Article by Al Aven, Special to the Marana News

Robert Munoz spent 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring with the rank of master sergeant, capping his military career in aviation maintenance and flight operations. He knows how important safety and survival are when it comes to aircraft, so three years ago he and a partner in Cunningham, Tenn., started Pro Flight Gear, LLC, dedicated to aviation life support equipment. 

Marana News: Town looks to improve older neighborhoods

Photo by JD Fitzgerald, Tucson Local Media

Article by Brad Allis, Marana News

Over the next few years, the town of Marana wants to create more parity between the different neighborhoods in town. As more and more developers have built in Marana, the amenities offered in newer neighborhoods have surpassed those available in older areas. The town has begun the process of looking at investing in old neighborhoods to improve the infrastructure. 

Townies: Working for the Public

Every day in Marana, a web of visible and invisible systems operates behind the scenes.  Officers patrol the streets.  Engineers plan out the roads.  Accountants balance the budget.  You, the taxpayer, trust us to keep this machine running.  A few times each year, we’ll be sharing how that happens, profiling each of these departments, pulling back the veil to reveal what makes Marana’s government tick.   We hope that by taking you behind the scenes, you’ll not only gain a deeper understanding of how your government functions, but also help us improve by sharing your perspectives on these processes.  Thanks for reading, and we hope you enjoy this Marana Newsroom original series, Townies.

***

“It was so cool!” Public Works Executive Assistant Loren Churchman remembers.  “It was like a little factory.  It heats up the material, which is a 30-pound rubber block, then pushes it down a hose and into the crack in the asphalt, which is then washed clean.  On the day it arrived, everyone wanted to admire our new toy.”    

Few people are as excited about crack sealers as Marana’s public works staff.  The thirty nine employees of this department maintain Marana’s 511 lane miles, enforce the Town code, manage a vast fleet of over 200 vehicles, and oversee the operations of 38 buildings.  With so much to do, it’s little surprise that a highly efficient tool for improving roads would attract widespread attention. 

Recently, we had the chance to spend a few days with some of the Public Works crews.  We got to see what they do day in and day out, and more importantly, we got to know them as individuals.  They’re heavy machine operators, concrete finishers, landscapers, inmate coordinators, shop foremen, and asphalt spreaders.  They’re also pizza lovers, doting fathers, and dollhouse builders.  They’re public servants, and it’s fascinating to learn how they serve the public.

***

On a cold December morning, Marana’s asphalt team prepared to head out into the field.  Donning a fluorescent vest and steel-toed boots, Ruben Cruz climbed into one of the team’s trucks.  “My father spent 38 years working on asphalt for the City of Tucson.  I’ve been with Marana for 16 years.”

You could say he knows a thing or two about pavement.

Ruben works as part of a quartet of Bunyan-esque laborers who are responsible for maintaining almost every inch of asphalt that’s on Town rights-of-way, including streets, driveways, and parking lots.  

Before the day’s work could begin, though, the team needed one crucial ingredient: the asphalt itself.  Three tons of it.  Keith Francis, the team’s supervisor, drove a lumbering truck to the Orange Grove Asphalt Plant, where the molten material was dropped from a towering mixer into a massive heater on the back of the “patcher,” Keith’s affectionate name for his truck.  Orchestrated through an inscrutable series of buzzes, he manages to weigh his empty truck, accept 6000 pounds of hot asphalt, and reweigh his full truck without using a single smart device.   The light and horn signals that communicate when to stop, drive forward, and depart were devised decades ago, and appear built to survive any number of apocalyptic horrors.  If the end days ever do arrive, Marana’s paved surfaces may fare surprisingly well.

By 8:00 A.M., the team has arrived in Continental Ranch, where they’ll spend the day repairing nine cracks.  When the asphalt crew fills in a fissure, it has two options: use the new crack sealer or dig up the entire space around the crack and fill it in with asphalt.  For narrow cracks, the sealer is the perfect tool, but today, these cracks all exceed two inches in width, requiring a more extensive repair. 

Marana’s Public Works staff love to use jargon. They love it even more if it rhymes. When they tear up a section of pavement so that they can replace it with new material, they call it a “mill and fill,” and that’s what the crew was up to on this wintry morning. 

The first step was to mill a rectangle of old asphalt around the crack.  Picture a glass cube mounted on wheels.  Inside is room for a single seat and a set of controls.  Attached to the front is a box drum with powerful teeth that can chew through asphalt.  Slowly and carefully, Marcel Rodriguez, a third member of the team, drove the pavement eater over the crack, following its path from the middle of the street to the sidewalk, breaking the asphalt surrounding it into small pieces of rubble.  When he reached the curb, the drum hummed to a halt and Marcel surveyed the wreckage.  Now the real work began.

There are lots of ways to break asphalt, but once it has been broken, there’s only one way to remove it.  Shovels and muscles.  Taking turns, each crew member buried his shovelhead in the newly cut trough and heaved the contents into the bed of a nearby pick-up.  As they worked, a sweeper quickly brushed scattered bits of debris back into the hole, ensuring that when they finished, the street would remain as clean as they found it. 

The ditch now empty, it was time to prepare the surface for the new asphalt.  First, Keith and Marcel rim the edges with pitch black tack oil. “Don’t get near this stuff,” they caution.  This would account for the black spots all over their jeans. 

Finally, they’re ready for the hot asphalt.  The heater attached to Keith’s patch truck holds the material at a balmy 275°F.  Using a lever above the rear bumper, Tomas Gonzalez tips the container on the back of the truck so that it’s almost vertical.  With another lever, he opens a door which allows the asphalt to ooze into the trench.  Quickly and carefully, Keith, Marcel, and Ruben begin spreading the steaming asphalt before it hardens. 

“If he pours too much,” Keith warns, “he has to shovel it back into the truck, all by himself.”  Marcel and Ruben start laughing behind him. 

“Not a serious bone in their bodies,” mutters Keith, walking away.

The asphalt poured and spread, the team is almost done repairing the first crack.  All that’s left is the steel wheel.  While it’s tempting to picture the kind of machine that left the cartoon roadrunner flat as a pancake, this roller is only a little bigger than a Harley-Davidson.  As Marcel maneuvers it over the freshly poured asphalt, the soft surface rises ahead of him like a swell on the ocean.  Back and forth he drives, flattening every inch of the filler until it is flush with the street.  When he backs up for the last time, the crack is a distant memory.  A long rectangle slightly darker than the surrounding pavement is all that remains.  Only eight more cracks to go.

As the morning progresses, the team drops into a steady routine.  Mill, shovel, glue, pour, spread, roll, repeat.  They tease each other’s foibles, never failing to comment if one crew member misses a spot with the broom or drops a few handfuls of dirt as he tosses it into the truck. 

“It makes the time go by quicker,” observes Tomas, the newest member of the team.  Six months ago, he transferred to public works from Parks and Recreation.  He’s had to learn a whole new job since starting with the crew, but he likes the change of pace.  The work is hard and the hours long, but it’s clear that Keith, Ruben, Marcel, and Tomas find a certain satisfaction from the labor.  At the end of the day, they’ve transformed the drive on a residential road from a turbulent ride to a smooth roll. 

***

In many ways, Keith, Ruben, Marcel, and Tomas are the public face of their department, but when they seal a crack or fill in a pothole, they’re relying on a complex system which enables them to do this work.  On the day they sealed nine cracks, they used five different vehicles to get the job done.  They work hard to maintain these tools, but occasionally, things break.  When they do, it’s time for Marana’s fleet team to step in.

“If it’s got an engine, we take care of it.” 

Pete Barker rocks back on his heels, sipping a steaming cup of coffee in the cavernous garage of the fleet division.  For six years, Pete has overseen the shop’s operation as superintendent.  The sun has barely risen over the Tortolitas, and his cheerful voice greets his mechanics.  Having helped to maintain the Army’s motor pool in both Gulf Wars, Pete is no stranger to early mornings.  Outside the bay doors wait a throng of vehicles, each requiring the expertise of Pete’s team. 

The first patient of the morning is a police cruiser in for a routine check-up.  An oil change, a tire check, a windshield wiper fluid refill, and it’s on its way.   Rich Sieger runs through the full systems check with a quick and thorough eye.  Though you wouldn’t know it from watching him, he hasn’t always been a car guy.

“I started out working in a kitchen.  A friend of my family asked if I wanted to work in his shop.  I didn’t know a thing about engines, but he said he’d teach me everything.  All I had to do was work hard.  The pay was better in the shop, so my decision was pretty easy.  Looking back, I guess it worked out.”

Next up is a mid-2000s Toyota Camry which Town staff use for a variety of functions.  With almost 100,000 miles on its odometer, this car is nearing the end of its time in Marana.  “At 125,000 miles, maintenance costs start to pile up.  At that point, it makes more sense to put the car up for auction and replace it with a newer model,” explains James Miller.  Ten years ago, he started out in Fleet Services as an entry-level technician, and today, he’s now the shop’s foreman, one step below Pete. 

“I still enjoy the routine maintenance of cars, but my favorite part of the job is diagnosing what’s gone wrong when a breakdown occurs.”  Later that day, James’s skills will be put to the test.

When things are going well, the garage at Fleet Services can feel quiet, almost sleepy.  A steady stream of tire and oil changes keeps the mechanics busy.  In one corner, a contractor tints the windows of a new, undercover police car.  In the opposite corner, Joe McGraw tinkers away on a small engine.  In the center bay, Eric Amaro switches dried out tires for slick, new replacements.  Ask each mechanic how he found his calling, and their responses rarely vary: “I’ve kind of always been into cars.”  They’ve been doing this so long, they don’t even remember how they started in the first place.

Cars aren’t the only responsibility of Fleet Services, though.  There are lots of engines in the Town, and not all are attached to chassis and wheels.  Once a month, James, the foreman, is tasked with servicing a network of generators that provide back-up power at various locations.  One of those locations is on top of a mountain.

The road up to the summit of Beacon Hill, a lesser peak in the northern Tucson range, is blocked by a swinging gate.  Securing the gate is a chain made of interlinking padlocks: if you have the key for one, you can open the gate.  Jumping from the cab of his Silverado, James quickly figures out which lock his key opens, throws open the gate, and drives through. 

At first, as far as dirt roads go, this one isn’t so bad.  A few ruts, a few sandy patches, but otherwise passable for the heavy duty truck.  In tow is a trailer filled with fuel for the generator.  As James carefully steers his truck up the mountain, the road gradually steepens to a worrying incline.  At one point, a cement pad replaces the dirt surface, but it’s questionable whether this improves things.  With loose gravel littered across the way, it’s easy to picture slipping tires scrambling in vain to find stable purchase.  James’s steely determination never flags, though, and soon he has guided the truck to the ridgeline that will take him to the Town’s generator. 

When he reaches an area enclosed by a chain-link fence, he’s arrived at his destination.  The only problem?  The truck has to go in trailer-first, and James has an area the size of a spacious living room in which to turn around.  With precipitous drop-offs on all sides, he executes what must have been a 20-point turn.  His passenger is grateful for his expertise.

The trailer in place, it’s time to fill the generator’s tank.  While the gas is pumping, James can take a moment to look around.  From this aerie, he can gaze out over the whole Tucson region.  To the north, I-10 winds around Picacho Peak.  To the east, Mt. Lemmon’s broad summit is cloaked in white from a recent snowfall.  To the west, farmers harvest the last of their cotton fields.  Not a bad perch.

Once the tank has enough fuel for the next month, James coils the hose back into the trailer.  Before he’s ready to drive back down the mountain, he has to manually test the generator to make sure it’s ready to go.  Opening a panel on the side of the generator, he flips a switch. 

A second of silence.  Another second.  Another second. 

Suddenly, a loud boom bursts from the back of the generator.  James leaps backward, stunned by the ear-rattling explosion.  This is the first time that day that he’s registered any level of surprise.

“Whoa.”

Carefully, he makes his way around to the back of the generator.  Opening a panel gingerly, he reveals a row of batteries.  The culprit is identified quickly.  Acid drips down its side, and a pool has already formed on the generator’s cement pad.  Thanks to the a couple safety precautions (1. Put the batteries away from the power switch.  2. Don’t stand next to the batteries when you turn on the power.), James escapes unscathed.

Recovered from the initial shock, James begins evaluating his next steps.  The generator only provides back-up power, so the antenna it supports will continue to operate.  Marana PD, which relies on this tower for its radio communications, can continue to operate. 

James roots around in his truck to see if he has any battery acid neutralizer.  No luck.  He calls down to the shop, his cell phone signal relayed by one of the other nearby towers.  Within minutes a new battery is ordered and en route.  The shop already has the neutralizer he needs.  The fleet crew may not have expected the battery to burst, but they’re ready to handle the situation.  They’ve even got an on-call schedule in place in case the repair can’t be finished during the workday.  Within hours, this battery will be replaced.  Only one question remains: why did it explode in the first place?

When James gets back to the shop, he immediately begins dissecting the question with his colleagues.  Maybe the sulphate built up, suggests Pete.  Was there a noticeable odor?  James nods.  This particular battery was three years old, and as batteries age, sediment builds up inside.  Eventually, this sediment pushes two plates together, causing the battery to short circuit.  When that happens, loud noises soon follow.  By now, James has a new battery, battery acid neutralizer, and an explanation.  By the next morning, the generator will be good as new.

In the late afternoon, the last car of the day rolls slowly out the garage door.  A Crown-Victoria with a loose center console, Rich has replaced the bolt that holds it to the car.  A few police officers have gathered near the back of the shop to hear updates on their cars.  Pete wanders down from his office to catch up with old friends.  As a tableau, they unintentionally symbolize the interconnectedness of the Town’s operations.   Police can only patrol if they’ve got working cars.  The asphalt crew can only seal cracks if its equipment is properly maintained.  The Deputy Town Manager can only go to meetings if the Town’s vehicles are serviced regularly.  It’s an ecosystem, after all, and Public Works is right in the thick of it.  They maintain the bones of this Town, and it’s easy to overlook them, until the moment they break down.  Thanks to the work of Keith, Marcel, Ruben, Tomas, Pete, Rich, John, James, Eric, and so many others, that rarely happens.  They make sure the ecosystem works.  Public Works.​

Discover Marana: Celebrate La Fiesta de los Vaqueros in Marana, Arizona

On February 20-28, rodeo participants and spectators from across the globe will descend on southern Arizona for one of the longest-running rodeo competitions anywhere in the world.  La Fiesta de los Vaqueros attracts a wide audience due to impressive performers and unmatched environs.  This year’s event promises to entertain as much as ever, and Marana has played a key role in sustaining and celebrating this proud tradition.   

News release: Pines Settlement Webpage

The Town of Marana has created a webpage for the public to learn more about subsidence issues in the Pines neighborhood.  Throughout the process of rectifying this issue, the Town is committed to transparency through open channels of communication. 

Visitors to this webpage will find engineering reports, maps of the area dating back to 1978, presentations made at public meetings, and more.  By making these documents publicly available, the Town allows residents access not only to historical records about this site, but also to up-to-date plans on how Marana intends to move forward.

“We are firmly committed to resolving this issue as quickly as possible,” says Town Manager Gilbert Davidson.  “This webpage will help us keep the public informed about how we’re doing that, as well as offer residents a way to communicate with the Town to express any concerns.”