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Gilbert anti-blight ordinance; Gilbert Fire & Rescue's Rides with Santa

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #018

Author

Lloyd Heath
November 20, 2023

😈😈😈😈

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 🏡Gilbert to consider anti-blight ordinance

 🌊Gilbert lawmaker wants to scrap centerpiece of state water law

👮‍♂️Gilbert police are looking for a man convicted of sex offenses involving children

⚖️Landowner's concerns about Gilbert councilmember now part of ethics investigation

 👨‍🏫Community rallies to support former Power Ranch Elementary principal

 🎅Gilbert Fire & Rescue’s Rides with Santa

 🏈Millennium football upset bid comes up short at Higley

November 20th

November 21st

November 22nd

Gilbert to consider anti-blight ordinance

Gilbert is developing a Community Preservation Ordinance to maintain the town's appearance as it ages. This ordinance will allow the town to address issues like dilapidated roofs, dead plants, broken windows, and warped fencing on properties. The town could clean properties of noncompliant owners and place a lien for the cost. The ordinance is expected to be adopted early next year and is part of the City of the Future Initiative to maintain quality of life and avoid urban decline. The ordinance will allow inspectors to address blight in backyards and proactively handle situations, ensuring equitable enforcement. It's a tool to support residents and help maintain community standards, not a punitive measure. The ordinance will also align Gilbert's standards with surrounding jurisdictions and provide resources for residents who need assistance with repairs. Concerns about the town overstepping HOA roles and potential abuse of the code were discussed, with measures in place to manage these issues.

Gilbert lawmaker wants to scrap centerpiece of state water law

Senate President Warren Petersen is proposing changes to Arizona's 1980 Groundwater Management Act, specifically the requirement for residential developers in urban areas to demonstrate a 100-year water supply. Petersen criticizes the Department of Water Resources' (DWR) decision to halt new development in areas around Buckeye and Queen Creek due to insufficient long-term water supply. He suggests reducing the 100-year requirement, claiming it's arbitrary and suggests a lower standard like 25 years, similar to California. Kathleen Ferris, architect of the 1980 Groundwater Act, disagrees, emphasizing the importance of the 100-year supply standard for Arizona's future water security. Petersen's proposal has raised concerns about its impact on Arizona's water sustainability, especially given the state's desert climate and ongoing water challenges.

Gilbert police are looking for a man convicted of sex offenses involving children

The Gilbert Police Department is seeking information about the whereabouts of a man convicted for sex offenses involving children, police said.

Paul Nelson was convicted for sex offenses involving children on Nov. 15 stemming from a 2021 Gilbert police investigation. The judge issued a warrant for Nelson’s arrest after he failed to appear for the verdict, police said.

Nelson is believed to be possibly armed and suicidal, according to police. The photo below depicts Nelson both with and without hair, police said he may or may not have hair currently.

Police said Nelson could be traveling in one of two vehicles:

- Gray 2010 Honda Accord with plate BEE9946

- White 2003 Nissan Xterra with plate ATX4498

The plates may have been changed or switched, police said.

If you have any information regarding Nelson’s whereabouts, contact Gilbert Police at 480-503-6500.

Landowner's concerns about Gilbert councilmember now part of ethics investigation

A recording has emerged in an ethics complaint against Gilbert council members, revealing a conversation between landowner Jeff Cooley and Mayor Brigette Peterson. In the recording, Cooley expresses concern about potential extortion by Council Members Jim Torgeson, Bobbi Buchli, and Chuck Bongiovanni, who were allegedly pressuring Cooley to agree not to sue the town over commuter rail in exchange for supporting the District at Cooley Station project. The complaint, filed by former Councilmember Bill Spence, expanded upon discovering the recording and additional emails. Council members named in the complaint deny involvement in any coercion or pressure campaign. The complaint highlights a complex situation involving town politics, development projects, and commuter rail issues, raising questions about transparency and ethics in local government decision-making. Read Full Story.

Community rallies to support former Power Ranch Elementary principal

The Higley Unified School District board room was filled with parents, staff, relatives, and students from Power Ranch Elementary School in Gilbert, rallying in support of former principal Chris Reuter. Reuter recently resigned under unclear circumstances, and his resignation was accepted by the board as part of the consent agenda. Community members expressed a range of emotions, from confusion to anger, criticizing the lack of transparency from the district and refuting rumors about Reuter’s departure. They praised Reuter’s leadership and integrity, expressing a sense of loss and betrayal with his departure. Reuter's family, including his wife, defended his character and criticized the handling of the situation, which they feel has harmed their family and the school community. The community members are seeking answers and advocating for Reuter, highlighting the impact of his departure on the school and its morale.

Gilbert Fire & Rescue’s Rides with Santa

Help the Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department spread a little holiday cheer this season at our annual Rides With Santa event.

Donate a new, unwrapped toy or gift card to Gilbert Fire & Rescue’s holiday drive and enjoy a ride on a Gilbert fire truck, photos with Santa and more.

There will even be a special appearance from the Grinch.

All toys and gift cards will be donated to Gilbert Public Schools to benefit children in need.

Event Detail

  • Saturday, December 2

  • 9 AM – 11 AM

  • Walmart | 2501 S. Market Street

Millennium football upset bid comes up short at Higley

The Millennium Tigers' football season ended with a 43-23 defeat against the top-seeded and defending champion Higley Knights in the 5A playoffs. Despite a strong performance, the Tigers, led by Coach Lamar Early, were unable to overcome mental mistakes and penalties in the crucial fourth quarter. Millennium, finishing the season with a 7-5 record, showed resilience, keeping the game close until the final quarter. Higley capitalized on Millennium's turnovers and penalties, pulling away with a decisive lead. Both teams faced numerous penalties, but Higley's offense, led by quarterback Gunner Fagrell and running back Dax Hall, proved too much for Millennium. Coach Early praised his team's effort and highlighted the valuable experience gained by underclassmen in playoff and region games.