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  • 🏗️ Major Upgrades in Gilbert's Emergency Response 💼Hobbs Proposes Bold $16.3 Billion Budget and more...

🏗️ Major Upgrades in Gilbert's Emergency Response 💼Hobbs Proposes Bold $16.3 Billion Budget and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #065

Author

Lloyd Heath
January 18, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🏗️ Construction Boom Leads to Major Upgrades in Gilbert's Emergency Response

🧡 Orange Ribbons for Preston Lord: HOA Decision Sparks Debate

💼 Governor Hobbs Proposes Bold $16.3 Billion Budget for Arizona, Targets Major Cuts and Reform

🗣️ Debate at GPS Board Meeting Over Focus of Physical Education Conventions

❓ CUSD Board Member Questions Legality of Agenda Change in School Redesign Project

🎨 Decorating class helps mom catch bug that grows into business

🤝 Gilbert looking for Day of Service to Seniors volunteers

🏸Indoor pickleball court opens in Gilbert

Upcoming

Construction Boom Leads to Major Upgrades in Gilbert's Emergency Response

In Gilbert, Arizona, the landscape is rapidly changing with the surge of new home construction, compelling first responders to adapt their strategies. Gilbert fire officials have announced plans to rebuild the town's oldest fire station, Station 4, located near Ray and Lindsay roads, to better accommodate the growing needs. This station's expansion aims to include 10 bedrooms, aligning with the town's standard for fire crew accommodations across three shifts.

In anticipation of the population growth, Gilbert has proactively equipped most of its fire stations with the necessary infrastructure, including extra rooms to gradually increase engine and crew capacity. The busiest station, Station 2, is also slated for upgrades in 2026, with plans to bring on 13 new personnel as call volumes approach 3,000 annually.

Chief Rob Duggan has revealed ongoing discussions with town planners about establishing a new, smaller fire station in the increasingly dense Heritage District downtown. This future station is expected to house shorter fire trucks, specifically designed for better navigation through the district's narrow streets and alleys.

The Gilbert Fire Department is also collaborating closely with the fire marshal and code inspectors. This cooperation is crucial for emergency preparedness in mixed-use buildings that characterize the new neighborhoods. The department is already strategizing and training for these new types of structures, focusing on accessibility and emergency response techniques.

Additionally, the department has been partnering with the Tempe Fire Department, a leader in high-rise emergency response training. This collaboration is increasingly vital as Gilbert's new construction trends towards taller buildings, requiring specialized response skills.

Orange Ribbons for Preston Lord: HOA Decision Sparks Debate

In Gilbert, Arizona, a homeowner association (HOA) has sparked controversy after removing orange ribbons displayed in a local community. The HOA management company for Whitewing, a gated community of million-dollar homes where police executed search warrants in November.

These ribbons were a symbol of support and love for the family of Preston Lord, a 16-year-old who tragically lost his life in a brutal incident at a Halloween party in Queen Creek. The community-wide gesture, which saw ribbons adorning parks, street signs, and trees, was initiated by a grassroots effort to honor Preston's memory.

The ribbons, however, were taken down by the HOA's management company, citing lack of authorization and appropriateness within the common areas. This action has led to a heated debate on social media, with residents expressing disappointment and frustration. While some support the HOA's decision, citing concerns about potential litter, others view the removal as a disregard for community sentiment. The situation highlights the delicate balance between community expression and HOA regulations, sparking discussions about compassion and bureaucratic processes in neighborhood governance.

Governor Hobbs Proposes Bold $16.3 Billion Budget for Arizona, Targets Major Cuts and Reforms

Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona has introduced a bold $16.3 billion budget plan for fiscal 2025, targeting an $889 million revenue gap. This proposal, notably, includes significant cuts to transportation projects and a strict control over the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs). These reductions are strategically planned to facilitate $488 million worth of new initiatives, focusing on childcare, prisons, housing, and public education.

Despite its ambitious nature, the budget is facing stiff resistance, particularly from Republican leaders. Criticism came swiftly from Rep. David Livingston and Sen. John Kavanagh, who deemed the proposal unrealistic and a non-starter with the Republican majority. On the other hand, Democrats have shown support, praising the Governor for her focus on vital state priorities and attributing the revenue shortfall to long-standing Republican tax policies and ESA expansions without oversight.

Central to the controversy is Hobbs' plan to reform the ESA voucher program. The current program allows families to receive vouchers for private education, theoretically saving the state money. However, many recipients have never attended public schools, leading to potential excessive costs. The proposed reforms include enrollment restrictions and the elimination of prior-year eligibility, aiming to save the state approximately $244 million.

In addition to ESA changes, the budget proposes the elimination of a tax credit for private school scholarships and delays in noncritical capital projects, including significant transportation initiatives. These measures are part of a broader strategy to cut unnecessary spending and focus on essential investments for middle-class families, healthcare, and education.

The proposed budget also includes substantial funding for family support and higher education, with $100 million allocated for childcare assistance and $200 million for higher education improvements. This includes significant investments in medical education across various universities in the state.

Furthermore, the budget addresses inmate healthcare improvements, with a $203 million allocation to the Department of Corrections. This is in response to court-mandated improvements and includes funding for additional staff and rising costs in inmate care.

Despite the optimistic tone set by Governor Hobbs, the budget's outlook is more positive than recent estimates from the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. The committee anticipates a smaller revenue shortfall due to new tax policies. The differing projections between the committee and the Governor's budget highlight the uncertainty surrounding the state's financial future.

Debate at GPS Board Meeting Over Focus of Physical Education Conventions

A recent Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board meeting sparked debate over a teacher's request to attend a physical education convention. Board member Chad Thompson raised concerns about the focus of such conferences, fearing they might turn educators into "amateur armchair psychologists." He specifically criticized aspects of the convention related to social and emotional learning, diversity, equity, and inclusion, which he believes fall outside the scope of physical education and could lead to litigation. Despite his reservations, the board unanimously approved the teacher's attendance at the SHAPE America's national convention, costing $1,200.

CUSD Board Member Questions Legality of Agenda Change in School Redesign Project

Chandler Unified School District’s Governing Board member Kurt Rohrs

In Chandler, Arizona, a recent Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) Governing Board meeting sparked controversy over the handling of a significant agenda item. Board member Kurt Rohrs raised concerns regarding the transparency of an agenda change related to the redesign of Galveston Elementary School. Rohrs suggested that the district might have violated Arizona open meetings laws by modifying the agenda after publication, thus preventing public discussion on a substantial increase in project costs.

The district, however, refuted any suggestion of a legal violation. In a statement, CUSD clarified that the agenda for the December 13, 2023, meeting was lawfully amended and made available to the public well in advance. The district emphasized that any board member had the opportunity to remove the item in question from the consent agenda.

The crux of the issue lies in a substantial increase in the total cost of the Galveston Elementary School rebuild, initially estimated at less than $24 million. The cost has since escalated to over $32 million, with design firm Orcutt Winslow's fees adjusted to 5.4% of this increased total. Rohrs, who joined the board after key decisions on the project were made, has been a vocal critic of the Galveston rebuild, expressing skepticism about various phases of the project.

The project aims to replace the aging school facilities, built in the early 1960s, with new buildings expected to accommodate up to 750 students by the 2024-25 school year. Despite the controversy, the district is moving forward with its plans, with demolition of the current buildings slated for the end of 2023.

Decorating class helps mom catch bug that grows into business

Debbie George, a Massachusetts native and now a Gilbert, Arizona resident, has made a significant leap in her career path, transitioning from electronic component sales to founding Cookie Mill, a thriving cookie business operated from her small 1,100-square-foot house in the Vincenz neighborhood. With the help of a part-time employee, George has turned every inch of her home into a functional space for her business, excluding only her bedroom and bathroom. Despite starting her venture right before the global pandemic hit, Cookie Mill has managed to produce and ship an impressive 70,000 cookies in nearly four years.

George's journey into cookie-making began unexpectedly when she joined her daughter in a cookie-decorating class. Although her daughter eventually stepped away from the business, George found her passion ignited. She relocated to Gilbert with a vision of creating a company that mirrored the corporate scale of brands like Mrs. Fields, inspired by her roots and the agricultural ambiance of Gilbert. Her company logo reflects this, drawing from the countryside aesthetics of Massachusetts.

The business, which primarily caters to corporate clients, specializes in custom-designed cookies, including company logos and QR codes. George prides herself on using high-quality ingredients and has accumulated over 4,800 cookie cutters, enabling her to cater to a wide range of themes and requests. In addition to corporate orders, Cookie Mill also serves family events and sells DIY kits for personal cookie decorating.

George's dedication and hard work have been pivotal in overcoming initial challenges. She sustained her business through the tough early months of the pandemic with the proceeds from the sale of her previous home. While business can be unpredictable, with cycles of high demand and slower periods, George's perseverance and adaptability have been key to her success.

Gilbert looking for Day of Service to Seniors volunteers

Gilbert is organizing a Day of Service to Seniors on January 20, where volunteers will assist senior residents with basic household tasks. The services include yard work, trash handling, cleaning, and minor maintenance. This initiative, in partnership with Weekly Collective, aims to help seniors facing financial or physical challenges. The event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and volunteers can register on the town's day of service website.

Indoor pickleball court opens in Gilbert

Gilbert, Arizona, has recently become the latest addition to the East Valley area to embrace the growing popularity of pickleball, with the opening of the Center Court Pickleball Club. Located at 1433 E. Williams Field Road in the Spectrum Town Center, the new facility boasts a substantial 30,000-square-foot venue featuring 10 courts. This development follows the trend of indoor pickleball facilities springing up in neighboring Chandler and Tempe, along with a larger, upcoming venue near Talking Stick Casino & Resort next to Scottsdale.

Center Court Pickleball Club distinguishes itself with a range of high-end amenities typically found in luxury gyms, catering to players of all skill levels. One of its unique offerings is the "crew membership," which provides players with discounts, special event invitations, and access to premium services. This membership can also be linked with family and friends for additional discounts.

The club's facilities are designed to enhance the player experience, featuring a comfortable members' lounge, fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a dedicated stretch area, a retail shop, a beverage wall, grab-and-go food options, and a wellness area that includes hydro massage and cryotherapy chairs. Additionally, the venue has spaces dedicated to socializing and viewing.

Center Court places a high priority on player interaction, aiming to reduce wait times and connect players of similar skill levels. The facility offers flexible court reservations, private lessons, group sessions, clinics, leagues, tournaments, open play, exclusive events, and competitive yet social gaming opportunities.

A notable feature of the Gilbert venue is the "center court," specifically designed for championship matches with a larger seating area for audiences. The owners of Center Court Pickleball Club have ambitious plans for expansion, with similar venues slated for construction in Scottsdale and Glendale within the year. Their goal is to blend a passion for an athletic lifestyle with exclusive amenities, creating a premier pickleball experience.

For more information, interested parties can visit the club's website at centercourtpickleball.com.

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