Quartzsite town council Corrected Agenda and a mystery agenda?

Quartzsite, Arizona- Early this morning, a new agenda appeared taped to the outside of Town Hall's glass-enclosed display board. In what appears to be a town document, Mayor Ed Foster called a Special Meeting scheduled for the same time as the Regular Meeting tomorrow at 9am. The one item on the new agenda states, "Discussion and possible action to declare that a State of Emergency exists in Quartzsite, AZ (Open for public discussion)"

In my opinion, the new agenda is obviously different from the town-issued agendas I've received from Town Hall in the past. There is no posting time on the Special Meeting agenda. The use of Bold Type and the font size used is also different. I've never seen Town officials post with blue painters' tape before either.

Also, the Town Clerk did not send me a copy of the Special Meeting Agenda called by Foster. So I have my questions on the validity of this "document".

I did receive the following Corrected Agenda from Quartzsite Town Clerk this morning via email, stating,
"Corrected wording on Consent Agenda item number 3.
Removed item number 3; Approve or reject Resolution No. 11-12; Adoption of budget."

CORRECTED ~ 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 actions regarding Regular Council Meetings and public

participation; 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. 11-11; 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 – 4. Discussion only regarding training a Town employee to perform the backflow testing duties. (Not open for public discussion)
Jerry Lukkasson, Council Member

080911 – 5. 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

Only in Quartzsite!

Quartzsite is probably the only town where you will see this!

A man was seen yesterday walking up and down Main Street 

wearing Ed Foster for Mayor signs. 

That doesn't sound too unusual, does it?

However that man is 

John "Jack" Jones

whose wife, 

Jennifer "Jade" Jones,

 is running AGAINST Foster 

in the August 30th special mayoral recall election. hmmmm....

He will probably explain he was just exercising his rights of free speech of

 "digitus impudicus" 

(meaning he was flipping people off)

No wonder voters and outsiders may be confused.....

"Only in Quartzsite!" 

Photo by Shanana "Rain" Golden-Bear

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!