Quartzsite Town Council Meeting agenda for Tues. Aug. 9, 2011

PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Regular Meeting
Town of Quartzsite Common Council
Tuesday, August 9, 2011 9:00 AM

IN ACCORDANCE WITH TOWN CODE SECTION 2-4-1 AND ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES SECTION § 38-431.02,

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO MEMBERS OF THE QUARTZSITE COMMON COUNCIL AND TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA, WILL HOLD A REGULAR MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2011 AT 9:00 AM, AT THE QUARTZSITE MUNICIPAL CENTER, 465 N. PLYMOUTH AVE., ¼ MILE NORTH OF MAIN STREET (B-10). SEE AGENDA WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND INCORPORATED HEREIN. MEMBER(S) OF THE COMMON COUNCIL WILL ATTEND EITHER IN PERSON OR BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE CALL.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE COUNCIL’S AGENDA FOR THE MEETING MAY BE REVIEWED AT THE QUARTZSITE MUNICIPAL CENTER. THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN A COPY OF THE AGENDA DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS AT THE QUARTZSITE MUNICIPAL CENTER, 465 N. PLYMOUTH AVE., ¼ MILE NORTH OF MAIN STREET (B-10), QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA.
________________________________

Karen Norris, Town Clerk

DATE POSTED: August 5, 2011
TIME POSTED: 5:00 p.m.

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES OR THOSE WHO REQUIRE SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS PLEASE CONTACT KAREN NORRIS AT 928-927-4333 IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING

COUNCIL MAY NOT ACT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES ARE IN PLACE WHICH MAY DELAY ENTRY INTO TOWN HALL, SO ATTENDEES MAY WISH TO COME TO TOWN HALL EARLIER THAN USUAL.

NO WEAPONS OF ANY KIND MAY BE BROUGHT INTO TOWN HALL.

AGENDA

TOWN OF QUARTZSITE

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2011 9:00 AM

CALL TO ORDER:
INVOCATION:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
ROLL CALL:
Mayor Foster Vice Mayor Cowell
Council Member Anderson Council Member Kelley
Council Member Lukkasson Council Member Winslow


APPROVAL/AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:

080911 – SP1. Discussion and possible action to declare that a State of Emergency exists in Quartzsite, AZ. (Open for public discussion)
Ed Foster, Mayor

REPORTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Town Manager’s Report – Alex Taft, Town Manager.
Community report – Council Member Anderson.

CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Approval of accounts payable (Check Series 32368 - 32433/total = $237,806.93).
2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 26, 2011.
3. Approval of ratification of policies of Regular Council Meeting for public discussion;
approved by Council at the Emergency Meeting of July 10, 2011.

NEW BUSINESS:
080911 – 1. Discussion and possible action to fill the vacant Council position pursuant to Town Code Section 2-4-1 which states “the Council shall fill a vacancy that may occur by either of the following: 1) appointment for the unexpired term.; 2) Appointment until the next regularly scheduled Council election if the vacancy occurs more than thirty days before the nomination petitions deadline.” (Not open for public discussion)
Alex Taft, Town Manager

080911 – 2. Swearing in of newly appointed Council Member.
Terry Frausto, Magistrate

080911 – 3. Approve or reject Resolution No. 11-12; adoption of the Town of Quartzsite Budget for Fiscal Year 2011/2012. (Not open for public discussion)
Alex Taft, Town Manager

080911 – 4. Approve or reject Resolution No. 11-11; authorizing the execution of 1) an agreement regarding transfer and use of property and right of first refusal; 2) an ingress-egress agreement; 3) a waterline easement agreement; and 4) a memorandum of agreement, land use restriction and right of first refusal, and authorizing the Town Manager to execute all documents and perform all such tasks as required to satisfy the terms of the agreement. (Not open for public discussion)
Nora Yackley, Planning & Zoning

080911 – 5. Discussion only regarding training a Town employee to perform the backflow testing duties. (Not open for public discussion)
Jerry Lukkasson, Council Member

080911 – 6. Approve or reject reduction of church sewer rates for the months June, July and August, on a per seat basis. (Not open for public discussion)
Jerry Lukkasson, Council Member

ADJOURNMENT:



PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES OR THOSE WHO REQUIRE SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS PLEASE CONTACT KAREN NORRIS AT 928-927-4333 IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING

COUNCIL MAY NOT ACT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

THE QUARTZSITE TOWN COUNCIL MAY GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING LEGAL ADVICE FROM THE TOWN ATTORNEY(S) ON ANY OF THE ABOVE AGENDA ITEMS PURSUANT TO A.R.S. § 38-431.03 (A)(3).

To view the whole packet of information regarding this meeting, visit http;//www.ci.quartzsite.az.us

Date change: Tues. Aug. 9th Diane rides for her life

Submitted by Maggie Ross

Quartzsite has brought National attention lately with it’s political strife, police investigations and negativity. I wanted to write this article and give the citizens of the area something to focus on that would inspire and bring about a bit of good things that are going on right under their noses. It is a story of survival and one that will inspire you to be better then what you are.

Last year I met my friend Diane shortly before she had a terrible bicycle accident that ended up airlifting her to Phoenix and almost losing her leg. Being an athlete and long distance runner it looked like she might not ever run again alone walk the same way. After months of recovery she was on her way to having the seven pound rod and screws removed from her leg when she hit a bump in the road. She was diagnosed with stage four metastic breast cancer and she began the fight of her life--that of survival and recovery.

Several friends joined together and we formed Team Diane. We wanted to be a support group to pray, drive to doctor appointments, listen, encourage and to be there to help Diane with her journey since she had no family except her dog, Mariah. This journey of friendship and support has changed each and every one of our lives and has made us stronger, and brought us to facing our own challenges. We have been INSPIRED by Diane’s courage, her ability to meet a challenge head on and to move forward with such a positive attitude.

On Tuesday, August 9th Diane Rowello

will leave from Rainbow Acres at 5:00 AM

to head to Peoria on her bicycle to attend her final chemo therapy session before her breast surgery.

She wants to commemorate this stage of her journey to recovery with a bicycle ride and

make this phase a positive and memorable event in her life.

When she makes up her mind to do something there is little that stops her.

If you want to cheer her on and send her off, line the sides of Cholla Road and give her the send off she deserves.

I know it is early for all of you but it is never too early to do something that will change your life--BE INSPIRED!!

La Paz Health Dept. warns of West Nile Season

SUMMER MARKS WEST NILE SEASON

La Paz County, AZ- La Paz County Health Department would like to remind residents and visitors to avoid mosquitoes when outdoors during dusk to dawn hours. “It’s that time of year again when mosquitoes are active,” said Marion Shontz, Director of the La Paz County Health Department. “Some mosquitoes carry the West Nile virus and our goal is to prevent mosquito bites in the first place.” Mosquito activity usually peaks in August so right now is a good time to put prevention practices to use

Avoid Mosquito Bites
• Wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors at dusk and dawn.
• Use a mosquito repellent, following label directions, when outdoors.
• Mosquito Proof Your Home
• Remove all standing water
• Turn over plastic containers, ceramic pots, tin cans, and other similar water-holding containers;
• Remove discarded tires from your property (used tires are one of the most common mosquito breeding sites);
• Turn over plastic pools and wheelbarrows when not in use;
• Change the water in the bird baths, pet dishes and flower pots at least twice a week;
• If it is impossible to remove standing water (ponds, waterways) briquettes that inhibit larvae maturity are available at local hardware stores;

Check window screens for holes. Or try attracting animals that naturally feed on mosquitoes by building birdhouses, bat-houses, or filling ponds with mosquito larvae eating fish, called mosquito fish.

Monsoon rains can provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes who often travel several miles for a blood meal. Interestingly, only female mosquitoes rely on blood for sustenance while male mosquitoes feed on nectar. It takes 10-20 days for a mosquito to go from egg to adulthood.

West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness and has been found in 48 of the States. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms or may experience mild illness such as a fever, headache, and swollen glands 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. It is estimated that 1% of people bitten by an infected mosquito will develop encephalitis, inflammation of the brain. Symptoms of encephalitis include high fever, headache, muscle weakness or paralysis, seizures, and confusion.

The La Paz County Health Department is committed to serving and educating the community of La Paz County on all public health issues. For more information please stop by the office at 1112 Joshua Ave suite 206 or give us a call at 928 -669 -1100. For those online please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov or www.westnileaz.com.

EnviroMission signs Contractor for Solar Tower near Quartzsite, Arizona

EnviroMission Signs Hensel Phelps as U.S.

Solar Tower Contractor

Phoenix, AZ – EnviroMission Limited (OTCQX: EVOMY) has signed United States construction services contractor, Hensel Phelps Construction Co. (Hensel Phelps), to Solar Tower power station development in the United States.

Hensel Phelps has been contracted to provide a Guaranteed Maximum Price and deliver the 200MW Solar Tower power station in La Paz County, Arizona for EnviroMission.

Hensel Phelps, Western District Manager and Vice President, Steve Grauer, stated “Hensel Phelps is excited to be the builder and a collaborative team member for EnviroMission’s unique and innovative Solar Tower in Arizona.”

“Hensel Phelps has assigned a dedicated team to the project and has the Board’s commitment of all corporate resources to support the successful completion of the project and will assume all of our pre-construction expenditures through the close of project financing,” Mr. Grauer said.

EnviroMission CEO, Roger Davey, applauded the appointment of Hensel Phelps as a “project maker!”
“Infrastructure developments of the scale of EnviroMission’s proposed 200MW Solar Tower require such
specialized capabilities and resources as those identified and readily available at Hensel Phelps.
EnviroMission looks forward to working with Hensel Phelps to deliver the world’s first Solar Tower power station in the United States near Quartzsite, Arizona.

Hensel Phelps’ proven processes and procedures, and track record of delivering challenging, diverse, and
complex projects will bring the necessary level of expertise to Solar Tower development,” said Mr. Davey.
Hensel Phelps construction services expertise has delivered major projects including the renovation of the
Pentagon, rocket launch facilities at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Air Force Base, numerous hospitality,
healthcare, industrial, commercial and transportation projects, including San Jose and Denver International
Airport’s plus the People Mover systems at DFW International Airport in Texas and the PHX Sky Train at
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as well as American Embassy projects in Berlin, Germany and Cape Town, South Africa.

Hensel Phelps’ continued commitment to the environment and sustainable projects has resulted in over eighty projects completed or in progress being LEED certified, resulting in the company being recognized as a leader in eco-friendly projects, employing at least 350 LEED Accredited Professionals.

Hensel Phelps is an employee owned construction management, design builder and general contracting
company, established in the United States in 1937 with over 2,100 employees today, annual construction
revenues exceeding $3 Billion and bonding capacity that exceeds $5 Billion.

Further information about Hensel Phelps Construction Co. is available at www.henselphelps.com

Quartzsite Churches sponsor Community Picnic on Fri. Aug. 12th

Quartzsite churches are coming together again to host their annual Community Picnic on Friday, August 12th at 5pm. The volunteers will be serving up free hot dogs and hamburgers and "all the fixin's" for local residents in the nice air-conditioned Senior Center. Come enjoy your neighbors and friends for the annual Community Picnic!

Today's issue of Desert Messenger now online

The current issue of the Desert Messenger, "Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper" is now available to read online at http://www.epageflip.net/title/6362


So much has been said about Quartzsite and the political atmosphere, but very little is being shared about what actually is going with our community. Outsiders say we are all living in fear, but that's not how it appears on the street. Even Mrs. Jennifer Jade Jones said in court Monday that she is "living with concern, not in fear". I believe that statement may be shared by many.


The Senior Center is open throughout the summer, serving up delicious lunches for only $3. Salvation Army and the Quartzsite Community Thrift Stores are very busy with deals galore! The Food Bank always needs donations to help residents eat healthy. Isaiah 58 Project serves up delicious food to the hungry. There's a few restaurants that stay open during the summer and folks are enjoying their meals. Gas station prices have lowered a bit over the past few days. Many residents are off visiting family and friends in cooler areas of the country, taking a break from the summer heat.


Headlines on the front page are, "Quartzsite makes national news!" and Best of Quartzsite!"
There's a great story about one woman's planned ride to recovery on page 3. 

Pages 4 & 5 are full of letters to the editor.

On Page 6, Voices from the Past, a column by Rosalee Oldham Wheeler, shares another piece of history of Arizona's State Flag.

Page 7 has photos of the famous Dustball Rally drivers enjoying a break at Silly Al's Pizza.

Info on a Community Fun Day planned for Sat. Aug. 13th at the park and other events begin on page 8. 

Be sure to save the dates of Oct. 1 for a plant sale fundraiser for Hi Jolly Cemetery.

On October 29th, the Hi Jolly Cemetery is hosting a "Spirit Walk" at the Cemetery as part of the Arizona Centennial celebration. Members of the community will be "Spirits" of Quartzsite's past and telling stories as visitors walk through the cemetery. The huge project taken on by the Cemetery Board should be very entertaining and educational.

The Quartzsite Business Chamber is creating a new publication all about Quartzsite planned to be published in October. Advertising rates and details can be learned by calling the chamber at 928-927-9321.

Paw Power's Animal Shelter will be closing on October 1st, while they raise funds to relocate. Read Roger Williams' letter on Page 9.

Quartzsite attracts many food vendors during the season, so the schedule for Food Handlers Classes can be found on Page 11. 

There is also a protest of Blythe's Solar project planned for Sat. Aug. 13th. More info on Page 11.

The County Assessor has two articles in this issue along with a recent press release that came late. Page 11 & 14 contain information necessary for homeowners. 

Obituaries are on Page 12-13, along with more community information.

On Page 14, you'll find a column written by Coach Louise on the importance of the "Giveaway".

On Page 15, a new addition to the Desert Messenger, is "Quirky Quartzsite's Perspectives" written by contributing author, Violet Kiss. She interviewed many local business owners and shares her "perspective". 

Page 16 contains information on local church services.

On Page 17, you'll find one of the two "Coupons" in this issue, for our elementary students. During the summer, Desert Messenger, in cooperation with Quartzsite Elementary School's Behavioral Coach, has published coupons focusing on the 6 Pillars of Character. Parents & community partners are asked to be on the lookout for students showing these characters and acknowledge them through these coupons. The 6 Pillars of Character are: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, Citizenship.

On Page 18 Contributing author, Beth Praast educates readers on how to deal with Feral Cats in our community. Arizona has a huge problem with Feral Cats. When the issue came before Health and Development Board, they decided to educate the community through these articles.

Page 19 tells stories of our community volunteers and one particular "Food Bank Angel"! Gotta check it out, for we have many incredibly giving people in our community.

Page 20 is the famous Puzzle Page.

Astrologist Barbara Lee's column, "Astrological Perceptions" is on page 21.

On Page 22 is Paul Winer's cartoon and Classifieds are on Page 23.

Quartzsite is a diverse community and this issue shows it. I hope you enjoy reading it. The papers will be delivered to about 60 locations in and around Quartzsite today!

Monday, Aug. 15 cut off date La Paz residents to file address changes

ASSESSOR’S CORNER

This week we would like to let the taxpayers know that Monday, August 15 will be the cut off date for any ownership or address changes for tax year 2011. For those of you who have moved and didn’t notify either the Treasure’s Office or the Assessor’s Office, your tax bill is going to the mailing address we have in our data base. Any changes that are made after this date will not reflect on the 2011 tax bill. An example, if you bought a piece of property and closed escrow after the 15th of August, you will not receive the tax bill the old owner will be the one to receive it. It will be up to the buyer and seller as to who pays the tax bill.

The taxing authorities have all submitted their budgets for 2011/2012 and the Board of Supervisors have had their meetings and the new tax rates have been set. The La Paz County Treasures Office will prepare the Assessor’s information and send it to the printer to have the Tax bills printed for the tax year 2011.

Your first installment payment is due October 1st and will be delinquent Nov 1st. If you wish to pay your taxes in full you may do so by December 31st without accruing interest. You should be receiving your 2011 Tax bill the later part of September.

We hope that if you had an address change you did not forget to contact our office. If you don’t receive your tax bill you might want to give the Treasurer’s Office a call to find if your tax bill was returned. You can reach the Treasure’s Office at (928) 669-6145, and they will be happy to assist you. As always call our office if you have any concerns or questions or tune in to KLPZ 1380 AM Country with Keith & Juanita.

Until Next Time…..

George & Staff……..
George Nault


La Paz County Assessor
1112 Joshua Avenue, Suite 204
Parker, Arizona 85344
Phone (928) 669-6165 Fax (928) 669-9740