Arizona Daily Star: "Independents, go ahead and vote in the primary"

Election season has arrived. Deputy Town Clerk Hilary Hiser wrote an op-ed for Arizona Daily Star on the impact of independent voters in the elections. 

"With the election season upon us, I keep reminding candidates not to forget about independent voters. I encourage local candidates to stress the importance of participation during the Aug. 28 primary election when they speak with the public. “Why?” is the most common response I receive. The short answer is that independents don’t historically vote during primary elections, despite being eligible to since 1998. But the implications for this lack of participation are perhaps even more significant.

"Registered independents make up roughly one-third of the nearly 524,300 registered voters in Pima County. National trends indicate the share of independent voter registration is the highest it has been in over 50 years. In 2016, the Pew Research Center reported that independent voters were the highest registered voting group in the nation. A 2016 Gallup poll indicated that independents outnumber major political party registrations two to one.

"Despite such a large voting bloc, independent voters tend to have lower overall participation in all types of elections."

Traffic Alert: McDuff Road

Construction along McDuff Road between Grier Road and the eastbound I-10 frontage road will begin on Monday, 6/11/2018, and continue for approximately seven weeks. Workers will be removing the degraded pavement along the entire length of the roadway, stabilizing the subgrade, placing new asphalt, and installing new pavement markings. In addition, new curb, sidewalk, and access ramps will be built along the east side of the roadway. Crews will typically be active Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

During the project, through-traffic along McDuff Road will be prohibited. Access for local residents will be maintained at all times. Directional signs and traffic control devices will be set up to detour traffic around the work area. Access for local residents will be maintained at all times.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with all traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs. Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Town, MUSD partner to provide School Resource Officer

Marana PD School Resource Officer (SRO) David Samorano and Marana High School Principal Dr. David Mandel. (Photo Courtesy Marana Unified School District)

On June 5 the Marana Town Council approved to extend a service agreement with the Marana Unified School District to provide a School Resource Officer at Marana High School in support of the District's School Safety Program.

In 2014 the Marana Unified School District, with support from the Town of Marana, applied for and received funding from the Arizona Department of Education to fund a School Resource Officer position at Marana High School. It was the first time the school had one on campus since 2009, and the Marana Police Department School Resource Officer has served at the school continuously since 2014, twice winning awards for School Resource Officer of the Year.

This year Marana Unified School District did not receive a grant award for the School Resource Officer position at the high school, but both parties want to continue to have the position at the school. The agreement between the Town and MUSD will have both parties share the costs of the School Resource Officer’s compensation during the term of the agreement. 

Officer David Samorano will serve as Marana High School’s School Resource Officer this upcoming school year, and believes the presence of an officer on campus creates a safer learning environment.

“Officer presence on the campus provides a quicker response to incidents whether small or extraordinary,” Samorano said.

MUSD will pay 50% of the School Resource Officer’s monthly compensation during each ten-month school year. The position will continue to function in the same capacity, teaching Law Related Education classes and maintaining a presence at the school to provide for a safe school environment. 

“Through a School Resource Officer, relationships are forged and the future leaders of our community are educated,” Samorano said. “With a curriculum focusing on law-related education and safety, we contact students on a level other than an investigative purpose. This allows open communication, understanding and trust between future leaders and the Marana Police Department.”

It is the intent of Marana Unified School District and the Town of Marana to apply for grant funding for the position during the next funding cycle.

Traffic Update: Pavement Preservation - Sandario

The Town of Marana pavement preservation will continue Thursday, June 7, 2018 and Friday, June 8, 2018 on Sandario Road north to Marana Road. This work will occur during nighttime hours beginning at 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. Expect moving lane closures and lane shifts.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

START DATE:  6/7/2018                                           END DATE: 6/8/2018
DAILY START TIME: 20:00:00                                 DAILY STOP TIME:  5:00:00
SEVERITY: MODERATE

PROJECT CONTACT: For questions related to this specific project, please contact Town of Marana Public Works Office at (520) 382-2536.

Volunteers needed for bat study

 Were your hummingbird feeders mysteriously drained during the night this past summer? Did you know that the midnight raiders were bats? Most of Arizona’s 28 bat species eat insects, but two species drink nectar and eat pollen and fruits from plants such as the saguaro, agave and your hummingbird feeders. The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with cooperation from the Town of Marana will be commencing their 2018 nighttime hummingbird feeder and bat monitoring project and they need your help! 

Photo by Doris Evans

Over the past 10 years, citizen scientists throughout southern Arizona have graciously volunteered numerous hours each summer to monitor their hummingbird feeders for signs of visiting bats. They have provided us with valuable information that allows us to better understand the behavior of the federally endangered lesser long-nosed bats (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae) and the Mexican long-tongued bats (Choeronycteris mexicana), an Arizona species of concern. The lesser long-nosed bats migrate north from Mexico and arrive in southern Arizona as the saguaros begin to bloom. They continue to travel throughout southern Arizona feeding on the blooms of saguaros and agaves, as well as at your hummingbird feeders. 

If you enjoy watching wildlife and sitting on your porch during summer evenings please consider volunteering your time for this worthy cause. Your efforts will allow wildlife and resource managers in Arizona to better understand the ecology of these species. The goals of this project are to understand when these species arrive in southern Arizona, determine foraging habits and movement patterns, and to document when the migratory species depart Arizona. With your help, we hope to continue receiving valuable information and use it to understand their behavior as well as how to better protect these bats. 

If you are interested in participating in the hummingbird feeder monitoring project this year, please visit the official website sponsored by the Town of Marana, http://www.maranaaz.gov/bats. The website allows participants to sign up as volunteers and to download information about this year’s monitoring protocol. 

 For additional information please contact:
Emily Scobie, Volunteer coordinator, Arizona Game and Fish Department: escobie@azgfd.gov
Ted Fleming, Media coordinator: tedfleming@dakotacom.net
Janine Spencer, Town of Marana: jspencer@maranaaz.gov
Scott Richardson, U.S Fish and Wildlife: scott_richardson@fws.gov
Joel Diamond, Arizona Game and Fish Department: jdiamond@azgfd.gov 

Traffic Update: Pavement Preservation - Cochie Canyon and StonePipe Way

The Town of Marana pavement preservation will continue Wednesday, June 6 through Friday, June 8, 2018 on Cochie Canyon Trail and Stonepipe Way. This work will occur during daytime hours beginning at 7:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Expect moving lane closures and lane shifts.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

START DATE:  6/6/2018                                           END DATE: 6/8/2018
DAILY START TIME: 7:00:00                                  DAILY STOP TIME:  17:00:00
SEVERITY: MODERATE
PROJECT CONTACT: For questions related to this specific project, please contact Town of Marana Public Works Office at (520) 382-2536.

Local stakeholders form "Marana Momentum Alliance" to better serve the community

MARANA - Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Marana Schools 2340 Foundation, MHC Healthcare, and Town of Marana have combined resources to better serve the community as the "Marana Momentum Alliance."

The alliance's mission is to empower everyone to maximize their opportunities and manage their futures by providing resources for career and education, health and wellness, and veteran and senior services.

The Marana Momentum Alliance brings together the unique strengths and talents of each partner organization to increase the beneficial power of their efforts through a series of one-stop shop events. The first event is scheduled for September 22 and will focus on career and eduction resources. The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona currently serves as the lead organization for the event with support from its partners. 

“The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona is thrilled to be a part of this important alliance through the Marana Resource Center," said Marana Resource Center Executive Director Linda Hampton. "We believe that lasting solutions to poverty will not be found in just a bag of food.  Working alongside our partners, we can grow the impact of our efforts and do more to assist those in our community who need us the most.”

The role of lead organization for each event will rotate through the alliance. MHC Healthcare will serve as lead for the Health and Wellness event scheduled for Spring 2019. 

“MHC Healthcare is excited and honored to be a partner of the Marana Momentum Alliance," said MHC Healthcare CEO Dr. Clint Kuntz. "We look forward to working with Marana Unified School District, Town of Marana and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to bring worthwhile events that will provide timely, helpful resources. We are here for you and plan to help attendees fill their “Life Tool Box” with useful materials focused on improving your health and overall well-being.” 

The third event will be in the fall of 2019 and will focus on senior and veteran services. Event logistics will be led by the Town of Marana. 

"At the Town of Marana, we hear almost daily from residents in need," said Town of Marana Community and Neighborhood Services Director Lisa Shafer.  "It is so important that we work with other agencies to provide the support and services these residents need to build a successful future.  By forming the Marana Momentum Alliance, I think we are on our way to providing something pretty incredible for the greater Marana area."

Marana Schools' 2340 Foundation and Marana Unified School District also play a large role in the alliance, acknowledging the importance of providing resources to the younger generation and their families.

"The Marana Unified School District and the Marana Schools’ 2340 Foundation observe the challenges many of our students and their families must overcome every day. The Marana Momentum Alliance brings together resources to provide a helping hand to those with critical needs or a pathway to succeed." said Marana Unified School District Superintendent Doug Wilson.  

The Marana Momentum Alliance is now accepting vendors for upcoming events. Donations, volunteers, and sponsorships are also being solicited. Those who are interested in participating can learn more here.

Traffic Alert: Pavement Preservation - Civic Center Drive

The Town of Marana pavement preservation will continue Saturday, June 2, 2018 at the roundabout on Civic Center Drive, which will be closed in all directions. The work will occur during daytime hours beginning at 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., with the possibility of the roundabout reopening sooner. 

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

START DATE:  6/2/2018                                           END DATE:  6/2/2018
DAILY START TIME: 8:00:00                                  DAILY STOP TIME:  17:00:00
SEVERITY: MODERATE
PROJECT CONTACT: For questions related to this specific project, please contact Town of Marana Public Works Office at (520) 382-2536.

Traffic Alert: Orange Grove Pump Station

The Town of Marana will be preforming an annual mechanical service on the Orange Grove Pump Station. This work will occur during nighttime hours beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 7th until Friday, June 8th at 5:00 a.m. 

This is a single lane closure on eastbound Orange Grove Road near Interstate 10 interchange.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Marana Town Talk Episode 1: Summertime Adventures, Budgets, and Bats

Town of Marana debuts the first episode of "Marana Town Talk", a new government podcast that balances education and entertainment with thoughtful commentary on local current events. 

Communications Manager Vic Hathaway and Communications Specialist Brad Allis kick off the series with an analysis of the Marana State of the Town Address (1:04) followed by a discussion of exciting adventures you can have in Marana this summer (9:46). In anticipation of the new fiscal year beginning July 1, listeners can then learn more about the budget process and where your tax dollars are going with Deputy Town Manager Erik Montague and Budget Analyst Michael Dyckman (22:45). Finally, as we move into the hot summer months, learn about the Town's bat studies with Environmental Project Manager Janine Spencer-Glasson (32:15). 

AUDIO ONLY

AUDIO AND VISUAL

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

State of the Town recap

Parks and Recreation programs

Marana Events

Budget

Press Release: Town names new Public Works Deputy Director

After a competitive process, Fausto Burruel has been selected to fill the position of Public Works Deputy Director. He will assume the position effective June 18, 2018. Previously, Burruel served as the Town of Marana Traffic Engineering Division Manager.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Fausto’s professional skills, knowledge, abilities, and experience join the Public Works Department leadership team," said Public Works Director Mo El-Ali." Fausto’s significant experience in the public works field combined with his outstanding customer service and high emotional IQ will serve the Town well.”

Burruel brings 15 years of traffic engineering, traffic operations, project management, and maintenance management experience.

"I look forward to the new challenge the Public Works Deputy Director position offers and I believe my experience and leadership approach will blend well within the department," Burruel said. "Public Works is a strong group and I’m excited to be part of the team and help the department continue on a successful path. Additionally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how grateful I am to the Engineering Department for the experience, relationships, and support they’ve provided."

Before working at the Town of Marana as the Traffic Engineering Division Manager, Burruel served as the Traffic Section Chief for Pinal County and as the Engineering Project Manager for the City of Casa Grande. 

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, a Master of Public Administration, is a registered Professional Engineer in Arizona, and has 10 years of supervisory experience.

Traffic Alert: Pavement Preservation - Grier Road

The Town of Marana pavement preservation will continue on Friday, June 1, 2018 through Saturday, June 2, 2018 on Grier Road from Interstate 10 to Clyde Road. This work will occur during daytime hours beginning at 7:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Expect moving lane closures and lane shifts.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

START DATE:  6/01/2018                                           END DATE: 6/2/2018
DAILY START TIME: 7:00:00                                  DAILY STOP TIME:  17:00:00
SEVERITY: MODERATE
PROJECT CONTACT: For questions related to this specific project, please contact Town of Marana Public Works Office at (520) 382-2536.
 

Traffic Alert: Pavement Preservation - Downtown Marana

The Town of Marana pavement preservation will continue Thursday, May 31, 2018 through Friday, June 1, 2018 on Civic Center Drive, Bill Gaudette Drive, Marana Main Street and Fire Access Road. This work will occur during daytime hours beginning at 7:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Expect moving lane closures and lane shifts.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter

START DATE:  5/31/2018                                           END DATE: 6/1/2018
DAILY START TIME: 7:00:00                                  DAILY STOP TIME:  17:00:00
SEVERITY: MODERATE
PROJECT CONTACT: For questions related to this specific project, please contact Town of Marana Public Works Office at (520) 382-2536.

Travel Impact:  Light delays

Marana Macro Machines: educational and fun

The Town of Marana capped off Public Works Week 2018 with the first Marana Macro Machines event. Upwards of 1,000 people showed up to Marana Heritage River Park to check out all of the vehicles from Public Works, Police, Northwest Fire District, and more:

• Public Works provided vehicles, demonstrations, and a few giveaways. 
  • The Public Works Department had a wide variety of vehicles including a motor grader, a dump truck, a wheel loader, a drum roller, and more.
  • They gave children a hands on demonstration on how they locate and mark pipes, gas lines, and power lines underground. 
  • They handed out free flowers, ice pops, and plastic hard hats. 
• The Marana Police Department provided vehicles, demonstrations, and music.
  • Among the vehicles on hand were patrol cars, motorcycles, and SUV's. Children were allowed to explore the police vehicles, including turning on flashers and talking into the radio. 
  • Pima Regional SWAT had their armored vehicle on hand as well, and children were allowed to climb in that vehicle as well. 
  • The Marana Police Explorers, teens learning about law enforcement, conducted a simulated traffic stop. 
• Traffic Engineering and Traffic Operations provided displays and presentations. 
  • Among the displays were information on traffic signals, traffic control plans, roundabouts, and traffic signs.
  • They handed out stickers made from the same reflective material that is used on stop signs to make them visible at night. 
• The Marana Water Department provided the water purification display vehicle. 
  • The vehicle opens up to show all of the various filtration and purification processes including chlorine disinfection, granular activated carbon, UV/advanced oxidation, reverse osmosis, and ultrafiltration. 
• Animal Services and the Humane Society showcased some adorable puppies, as well as displays on their services.
• The Marana Regional Airport had a table where they educated people about the facility, and helped organize the helicopter landing from one of their tenants. The helicopter landed on the street in front of the park, and then was opened up to allow children to sit inside. 
• Northwest Fire DIstrict brought out a fire truck, while the NW Fire Local 3572 grilled up hotdogs and hamburgers.
• Thanks to Parks and Recreation for making sure Marana Heritage River Park looked great and showcased their community garden and event spaces.
• Credit also goes to the City of Tucson, the National Weather Service, and Pima Regional SWAT.

Splash into summer fun

Summer is coming and Marana Parks & Rec is inviting you to soak in the summer with us. We have a number of great activities for all interest and skill levels, as well as all ages.

“We are very excited about all the water-based activities we have to offer this summer,” said Town of Marana Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy. “There is something for every age group, including some very special programs.”

Nothing says summer like cooling off in the water. The Heritage River Park Splash Pad opened on April 7, while the pool at Ora Mae Harn Park opens on May 29.

The Marana Pool has seven swim lanes, a diving bay and ramada-style seating. The pool is 25 yards in length and has depths ranging from 3 to 12 feet. Admission is free.

There is a lot of other fun to have at the pool than just going for a swim (but who doesn’t love that?) The Marana Marlins Swim Team practices there. The Marlins are a youth swim team for swimmers 18 years and younger.

Older competitors fear not, we have events for you. Competitors of all ages can compete in our July Aquathons, which combine swimming and running, in a race for all ages.

Do you think you have what it takes to compete against other swimmers in swimming the distance of the Santa Cruz River in Marana? Then the “Swim the Cruz” Swimmer’s Challenge may be for you.

This is a self-paced swim challenge that you can participate in from any pool you'd like, including your own. Compete against yourself and others throughout the summer months, swimming the distance of the Santa Cruz River in Marana and win incentives along the way.

Marana has created a pair of aquatic programs for children with special needs. The Sensory Splash programs at both the splash pad and the pool were designed to provide a safe, positive and exclusive aquatic and social "meet up" experience. The idea was to create an adaptive aquatic experience through planned activities for the participants to enjoy in a welcoming environment.

The Town is offering swimming lessons at the Marana Pool. The lessons are designed to be comprehensive, yet affordable.

“Our philosophy is that kids should be able to go to their neighborhood pool and learn to swim,” said Conroy. “We think this is affordable for everybody in the community to have their kids learn to swim at their neighborhood pool at Ora Mae Harn Park.”

The idea was that affordable, convenient lesson are not only a benefit to parents and young swimmers, but the community as a whole.

“From a safety standpoint, swim lessons help keep the community safer by having children learn at an early age,” said Conroy. “It is a public safety benefit as we give children those tools to protect themselves around water. “

Our great lifeguards help keep the pool safe, and we are offering younger swimmers a chance to get lifeguard training. This is a great way to get the necessary skills to become a Marana lifeguard in the future.

Junior Lifeguarding program is conducted by the American Red Cross. The program is designed to guide youths ages 11-14 to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course. The course focuses on building a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills of future lifeguards.

The Splash Pad in North Marana has been open since early April and people have been flocking to the splash pad at Gladden Farms Community Park. This facility features a large variety of fun water features appropriate for all ages. Restrooms, shaded seating and drinking fountains are on site.

Later this summer residents will have a second splash pad option. The new splash pad at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park will open, giving Marana residents another aquatic amenity.

“We think the splash pad will provide recreation for thousands of people to cool off this summer in a fun, enjoyable, safe environment,” Conroy said.

The second splash pad will give residents in Southern Marana, specifically those in Continental Ranch and Continental Reserve, a water feature nearby.

 “That is a heavily populated area and families and kids in that area have not had an aquatic facility nearby which they can enjoy,” Conroy said.  We think the splash pad will provide recreation for thousands of people to cool off this summer in a fun, enjoyable, safe environment.”

Senior water aerobics will return to the pool at Ora Mae Harn Park. The program is offered through the Marana Senior Program, which offers a variety of services and recreation opportunities for active adults ages 50 plus. The program offers both an annual membership for $40, or a four-month membership for $20.

The pool and splash pad will also serve as movie theaters. In June and July our free Dive-in Movies return. On June 16 we will show Despicable Me 3, the latest installment of the misadventures of Gru and his hilarious Minions. On July 21 journey to a galaxy far, far away and join us for Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Marana Police Department starting Youth Citizen Police Academy

The Marana Police Department is starting a Youth Citizen Police Academy, a program designed to promote and enhance our teens’ understanding and awareness of the many duties and responsibilities of the Marana Police Department and the law enforcement community.

Cadets of the Youth Citizen Police Academy will have the opportunity to become familiar with the day to day operations of the Marana Police Department, enabling them to gain a better understanding of the policies and laws that guide an officer's decisions and their decisions as citizens. Presentations will be made by sworn police officers or qualified personnel on a multitude of topics, such as the Marana Police Department’s mission, ethics, hiring, laws, crime prevention, community oriented policing, communications, K-9, Crisis Negotiations, SWAT, officer safety techniques and more. In addition to the lectures, cadets will be involved in physical activates each day that will challenge them and help them build skills in areas such as teambuilding, leadership, critical thinking, trust and health and fitness.

Registration is required and is open to any juvenile who meets the following criteria. (A) The juvenile must be between the ages of twelve and sixteen, (B) must not have a pattern of criminal behavior (subject to MPD review), and (C) lives or attends a school in the Town of Marana.

Participation requires a commitment to the full week. Beginning Monday July, 16, 2018 through Friday, July 20, 2018 from 8am to 3pm. Graduation will be held on Saturday, July 21st 2018 from 9am to noon. If accepted, cadets will meet at the Marana Police Station located at 11555 W. Civic Center Drive and must be present 15 minutes prior to start time.

The Marana Police Department will begin accept applications for the Youth Citizen Police Academy starting May 25th until June 20th of 2018. The exact schedule of the of course will be provided to the students a week prior the Youth Citizen Police Academy starts.

The Academy is offered free of charge, but is limited to 20 “Cadets.”

If interested, please contact Officer Danielson of the Community Resource Unit at 520-382-2051 or ddanielson@maranaaz.gov, concerning the application process.

UPDATED Traffic Alert: Pavement Preservation Emigh Road

The Town of Marana pavement preservation will continue Friday, May 25, 2018 through Tuesday, May 29, 2018 on Emigh Road. This work will occur during daytime hours beginning at 7:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Expect moving lane closures and lane shifts.

No work will occur on Monday May 28, 2018

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly.

Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Pavement Preservation Program Update

During the May 1st Marana Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Mo El-Ali and staff presented a status update of the Town’s six-year Pavement Preservation Program. The presentation covered work completed in the last four years, ongoing work in the current year, and work planned for next year.

Five years ago, the Town adopted a 6-year program to preserve and treat all of the roads in Marana. The goal of the program is to maintain, repair or replace every public road in town.

Specifically, the program follows a proactive maintenance philosophy to improve pavement conditions over time, reduce overall maintenance costs and delay the rate of deterioration due to weather, chemicals and wear and tear over time.

Currently, the Town has 520 lane miles (246 centerline miles), which is about the distance between Marana and Malibu, California. The roads are divided into 1507 pavement segments, which El-Ali said are measured based on the segment’s condition and could be “a few hundred feet to a few miles” in length.

“We maintain detailed information on each segment of road,” El-Ali said, explaining that the town keeps data on the length, width, date of construction, treatments applied, and road rating of each segment. This allows the Town to make sure their attention is on the segments of road that need the most attention.

This attention to detail has resulted in an average pavement condition rating of 72, which is considered a good condition rating.

“Marana’s roads are considered to be the best in the region,” El-Ali said.

Between 2014-2017, the Town accepted 40 new lane miles, an increase of nearly 8 percent.

Since 2014, the Town has reconstructed 36 lane miles, but that includes the RTA project on Tangerine Road as well as work on Avra Valley Road.

Between 2014-2017, the Town preserved 142 lane miles, which is 27 percent of the pavement in the Town of Marana. The cost of the project was $5 million dollars. Most of that money came from state Highway User Revenue Funds (HURF), which include gasoline and use-fuel taxes, motor-carrier taxes, vehicle-license taxes, motor vehicle registration fees and other miscellaneous fees. Most of the roads repaired were in subdivisions.

This current fiscal year the Town will be preserving 66 lane miles at a cost of $1.26 million from HURF, which is 13 percent of Marana’s roadway. This year the focus has shifted more to major roads and includes crack sealing and surface treatments.

2018 also saw the Town participate in the first year of the Regional Local Road Repair Program which is funded by a county-wide property tax. Through this $1.1 million program, 100 more lane miles -19 percent of the pavement will be preserved, mostly with crack sealing.

Year two of the program will see the same 100 lane miles treated with similar surface treatments.

Currently, 77 percent of the Town’s roads have a rating between 70-100, which is considered good to excellent. Just three percent of the Town’s roads have a poor rating and they are already scheduled for improvement, including full reconstruction where needed. “Marana’s roads are considered to be the best in the region,” El-Ali restated.

UPDATED Traffic Alert: Pavement Preservation Program- Sandario Road

The Town of Marana pavement preservation will continue Tuesday, May 29, 2018 through June 1, 2018 on Sandario Road starting at Emigh Road working north to Marana Road. This work will occur during daytime hours beginning at 7:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Expect moving lane closures and lane shifts.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

START DATE: 5/24/2018                 END DATE: 05/30/2018
DAILY START TIME: 7:00:00           DAILY STOP TIME: 17:00:00
SEVERITY: MODERATE
PROJECT CONTACT: For questions related to this specific project, please contact Town of Marana
Public Works Office at (520) 382-2536.
Travel Impact: Light delays

Marana Town Council supports 2018 YMCA Community Military Ball

Marana Town Council made an official proclamation on May 15 giving their support to the 2018 YMCA Community Military Ball, which will be held on November 10.

The ball is one of the biggest formal integrations of community and military that occurs in Arizona.

“I want to thank the Town, the Mayor, the Vice Mayor and all of the Council Members for all your support for the military, our current active serving military members, as well as our veterans and retired,” said the events co-chair retired United States Air Force Major General Ted Maxwell. “This community is incredibly open to [us].”

Marana has been named a Purple Heart City based on support for the military.

“Many staff members along with many families in the Marana community, have served or have family members who have served, or continue to serve, in various branches of the Armed Forces,’ the proclamation reads.

Proceeds from the ball will be “dedicated entirely to enhance, extend, and expand access for military families to local community YMCA facilities, programs and services.”

“This ball will give back to the family members of current military members,” Maxwell said.

Maxwell also explained the importance of the Marana Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, which opened in 2016.

That cemetery has changed more lives for veterans as well as family members to have a place of calm and respite, the ability to spend time with their loved ones who are gone,” said Maxwell. “the idea [of] knowing there is a place that our families will have a place to go in the future.”

The YMCA Community Military Ball will be held at the Tucson Convention Center.

The YMCA’s Community Military Ball recognizes the YMCA’s longstanding tradition of service to military families and is a celebration in honor of veterans, active duty, reserve, fallen, and retired servicemen and women from all military branches.