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  • 🏗️ Gilbert builders assail proposed huge fee hikes ⚖️ Corporation Commission sues Gilbert meat distribution company 💄 Pop-Up Cosmetics Sale at Bronde BLVD and more...

🏗️ Gilbert builders assail proposed huge fee hikes ⚖️ Corporation Commission sues Gilbert meat distribution company 💄 Pop-Up Cosmetics Sale at Bronde BLVD and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #033

Author

Lloyd Heath
December 07, 2023

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In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 📅 Week of Wonder: The Pulse of Gilbert's Local Scene (Dec 1-7, 2023)

 😞 Child climbed through dog door before drowning in Gilbert pool, police say

🏗️ Gilbert builders assail proposed huge fee hikes

 🎨 Winter Sports and Activities Registration Opens in Gilbert; Something for Everyone

 🤑 8 winning Powerball tickets sold in Arizona

⚖️ Corporation Commission sues Gilbert meat distribution company in Superior Court

 😵 Fight involves gender changes on Arizona birth certificates

 💄 Pop-Up Cosmetics Sale at Bronde BLVD

 🚓 Gilbert police collecting annual Blue Line of Love drive

 🎵 Winterfest fundraiser features music ensembles

December 7th

December 8 - 19

Week of Wonder: The Pulse of Gilbert's Local Scene (Dec 1-7, 2023)

  1. Gilbert Police Department Blue Line of Love Holiday Drive

    • Gilbert Police Department 75 E Civic Center Dr, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Nov 20, 12:00 AM – Dec 18, 11:59 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  2. Hale Theatre Presents A Christmas Carol

    • Hale Centre Theatre - Arizona 50 W Page Ave, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Nov 30, 5 PM – Dec 23, 8 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  3. Performance: A Christmas Carol - A Play with Music

    • Hale Centre Theatre - Arizona

    • Date: Sat, Dec 2, 2 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  4. Tour O.H.S.O Brewery in Downtown Gilbert

    • O.H.S.O. Brewery- Gilbert 335 N Gilbert Rd #102, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Sat, Dec 2, 11 AM – 12 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  5. Gilbert Cars & Coffee

    • Sweetz Cold Brew Coffee Co. 835 N Gilbert Rd #101, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Sat, Dec 2, 8 – 11 AM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  6. Lead Local Arizona

    • Mission Community Church 4450 E Elliot Rd, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Sat, Dec 2, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  7. The Global Bikes Gilbert Sunday Funday Ride!

    • Global Bikes & E-Bikes 835 N Gilbert Rd #111, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Sun, Dec 3, 7 – 9 AM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  8. Water Baptism | Living Word Gilbert

    • Living Word Gilbert 202 S Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Sun, Dec 3, 12:00 – 12:30 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

Child climbed through dog door before drowning in Gilbert pool, police say

In a tragic incident in Gilbert, Arizona, a 1½-year-old boy died after drowning in a backyard pool. The young child managed to get into the backyard through a dog door and fell into the unfenced pool. The Gilbert fire and police departments responded to the drowning call around 2:30 p.m. at a residence near Greenfield and Guadalupe roads. Upon arrival, they found the child and transported him to a hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead. The Gilbert Police Department is currently conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident

Visit Gilbert Fire's Water Safety page for important drowning prevention tips and information.

Gilbert builders assail proposed huge fee hikes

Gilbert, Arizona, is facing intense scrutiny from the building industry over proposed significant increases in development impact fees. These fees, levied on developers for residential, commercial, and industrial projects, are meant to cover the costs of providing public services and infrastructure to new developments. The town council recently held a public hearing to discuss these changes.

Brennan Ray, an attorney representing the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, voiced several concerns during the hearing. He questioned the accuracy of the Land Use Assumptions and Infrastructure Improvements Plan, which recommends raising fees by over 200% in some cases. For instance, fees for a single-family home could surge by 129.5%, while office construction fees might see a 252.6% increase.

Ray highlighted the burden these hikes would place on future residents, estimating an additional cost of about $6,000 per person. He emphasized that such costs would ultimately be passed on to homebuyers, renters, and developers, significantly increasing their financial load.

The report, prepared by LRB Public Finance Advisors, based these increases on an anticipated growth of 17,529 new residents by 2033, requiring an estimated $107.8 million for services and infrastructure. However, Ray criticized the report's assumptions, particularly concerning the allocation of costs for road improvements and the potential for "double-dipping" in developer contributions.

Gilbert's Budget Director, Kelly Pfost, explained that the fees are updated every five years as per state statutes, with recent adjustments due to the North Water Treatment Plant project. She also noted that the town's population growth is expected to slow, aligning with regional projections.

Council members expressed concerns about the impact of these increased fees on future growth. They questioned the affordability of projects like the Ocotillo Bridge and the potential for residents to bear the costs of infrastructural developments if growth stagnates.

The plan proposes fee hikes for water and wastewater infrastructure, with varied increases depending on the size of the meters. It also outlines road and intersection projects necessitated by new construction. The final version of the plan is set for adoption on January 9, followed by a public hearing on February 20, with new fees expected to be adopted by April 2 and effective from July 1.

Winter Sports and Activities Registration Opens in Gilbert; Something for Everyone

Gilbert Parks and Recreation, located in Arizona, has opened registrations for an array of winter sports leagues and various recreational activities. This season's lineup includes winter break camps, the festive Galentine's Bingo, and the exhilarating new Polar Plunge event. Additionally, highly anticipated events like the 2024 Father/Daughter Dances on February 2nd and 3rd, and the Kids Baking classes at the Gilbert Community Center, are expected to be in high demand.

Adults can also indulge in various sports leagues and classes. Offerings include tennis lessons, a co-ed volleyball league, and an indoor soccer league hosted at Cactus Yards. These activities provide a perfect opportunity for residents to engage in socializing while maintaining their fitness.

The entire schedule of winter sports leagues, classes, and programs is accessible through Gilbert's online catalog. To keep the community informed about ongoing and upcoming activities, the town circulates a monthly newsletter focused on Gilbert Parks and Recreation offerings. Residents are encouraged to register promptly to secure their spots, especially for the more popular events.

8 winning Powerball tickets sold in Arizona

Arizona's latest Powerball drawing turned out to be a lucky event for several residents, as multiple prize-winning tickets were sold across the state. The most significant win was claimed by an individual in White Hills, who won $150,000 from a Powerplay ticket purchased at Carioca 93 gas station on White Hills Road.

In addition to this substantial prize, other notable winnings include a $100,016 ticket sold at a Safeway in Phoenix and a $100,000 ticket from a Walmart in Glendale. Furthermore, six more lucky winners each bagged $50,000 from tickets bought at various locations in the Valley. These include a Fry's Food Store in Avondale, Circle K in Fountain Hills, Fiesta Market in Nogales, another Circle K in Phoenix, a Walmart in Tucson, and a Fry's Fuel Center.

This series of wins has brought excitement and fortune to the local communities, with multiple Arizona residents enjoying unexpected windfalls from the Powerball lottery.

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Corporation Commission sues Gilbert meat distribution company in Superior Court

The Arizona Corporation Commission is taking legal action against Agridime, LLC, a Gilbert-based meat distribution company, for alleged violations of state securities laws. Despite a temporary cease and desist order issued by the Commission in April 2023, Agridime and its owners are accused of illegally selling over a million dollars in cattle investment contracts to Arizona investors. The Commission has filed a civil complaint in Maricopa County Superior Court for contempt and is seeking an injunction to stop further sales in Arizona, in addition to civil penalties and investor restitution.

The Commission's complaint alleges that Agridime made false statements and omitted crucial information, including the use of new investment funds to pay earlier investors. While these allegations have not been proven in court, they highlight the risks associated with unregistered investments. The Commission warns that such business opportunities often require proper registration and disclosure. Investors affected by Agridime's practices are encouraged to contact the Commission's Securities Division for assistance.

Fight involves gender changes on Arizona birth certificates

Arizona's health official Jennie Cunico is defending the state's policy on amending birth certificates for transgender individuals, stating that it follows state laws and is constitutional. The current law requires medical or chromosomal verification for changes. Judge James Soto is reviewing the policy, which could impact transgender individuals' rights, school enrollments, and legislative efforts. The lawsuit claims the law infringes on constitutional rights and pressures transgender people into surgeries. The health department argues the law is not discriminatory and applies equally to all.

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Pop-Up Cosmetics Sale at Bronde BLVD

TYPO- EVENT ON SATURDAY DEC 9th Pop-up alert! 🚀 Join us at Bronde Blvd Salon for an exclusive Flekk Cosmetics sale. Elevate your beauty game with stunning deals! 💄✨ All sales final.

Gilbert police collecting annual Blue Line of Love drive

The Gilbert Police Department is actively engaged in their annual Blue Line of Love Holiday Drive until December 18, 2023. This charitable endeavor is dedicated to aiding local families in need during the festive season. The department is seeking donations of various items, including gift cards for retail, restaurant, or grocery stores, new and unwrapped toys for teenagers, personal hygiene products, and new gift-wrapping materials. Donations can be made at the Gilbert Police Department Central lobby and the San Tan substation, with a special provision for gift card drop-offs in a secured box outside the main department building. In conjunction with the drive, a Photos with Santa event is also scheduled for December 12, offering a unique opportunity for community engagement and support.

Those in need of help this holiday season can submit a request for assistance. 

Winterfest fundraiser features music ensembles

Gilbert Classical Academy is hosting its Winterfest event on December 9, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 1016 N. Burk St. This public event features live performances from the school's musical ensembles, complemented by vendor booths, carnival games, food, and a silent auction. Principal Dr. Dan Hood highlights the event's role in supporting the performing arts, which are crucial to the academy's curriculum. Proceeds from Winterfest will benefit the school's music programs, including choir, orchestra, and band. The academy, part of Gilbert Public Schools, offers a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on grammar, logic, and rhetoric, as well as competitive athletics and nearly 50 student clubs. The event exemplifies the school's commitment to fostering a well-rounded educational experience. For more information or to schedule a visit, check GilbertSchools.net.

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