LCMNA

03-01-02010: Traffic Signal Work Ina/La Canada

PIMA COUNTY

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

201 NORTH STONE AVENUE, FOURTH FLOOR

TUCSON, ARIZONA 85701-1207

PRISCILLA S. CORNELIO, P. E.	(520) 740-6410
DIRECTOR	FAX (520) 740-6439

*CONSTRUCTION ALERT*

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:

Annabelle Valenzuela, Community Relations Manager

Office (520) 740-6445

Cell phone (520)591-9563

Email: Annabelle.Valenzuelda@dot.pima.gov

LA CAÑADA: INA ROAD TO CALLE CONCORDIA ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

TRAFFIC SIGNAL WORK AT LA CAÑADA AND INA ROAD INTERSECTION

Pima County Arizona, on Monday, March 1, 2010 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, KE&G the contractor for the Pima County Department of Transportation and the Regional Transportation Authority will be working at the intersection of La Cañada and Ina Road and will turn-off power to the traffic signal at this intersection. Sheriff Deputies will be directing traffic during through the intersection.

Power is expected to be restored and the traffic signal is expected to be fully operational by noon Monday morning. Please approach the area with caution and obey all traffic control.

Project Scope

La Cañada from Ina Road to Calle Concordia will be widened to four lanes to accommodate increased traffic demands in the area for the year 2030. The improvements will improve vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian safety and provide a key north-south all weather route for residents, commuters and emergency service providers in the northwest.

The project is estimated to be complete in approximately 22 months. For more information, contact Annabelle Valenzuela, Pima County Department of Transportation at (520) 740-6445.

The Regional Transportation Authority is the fiscal manager of the $2.1 billion plan approved by Pima County voters on May 16, 2006. The RTA Board is comprised of representatives from local jurisdictions in Pima County, including the cities of Tucson and South Tucson, Pima County, the towns of Marana, Oro Valley, and Sahuarita, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and the Tohono O’odham Nation. A representative of the Arizona State Transportation Board also serves on the board. For more information about the RTA plan, visit www.RTAmobility.com or call (520) 770-9410.

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Proposed Cell Tower at Sage/Romero

Conditional Use Permit Hearings - Land Use Issues

This item, for the southeast corner of Sage/Romero, the current TEP Utility pole, is in the Pima County right-of-way.

P21-09-036 PC ROW - WEST SAGE STREET
Chad Blunt, in the right-of-way located at 1715 West Sage Street in the SR zone, requests a conditional use permit for a communication tower/utility pole replacement. Chapter 18.97 in accordance with Section 18.07.030H2e7 of the Pima County Zoning Code allows a communication tower/utility pole replacement meeting certain conditions as a Type 1 Conditional Use in the SR zone. (District 1)

The applicant proposes to add 16' to the current 38' pole height, for a finished height of 54' to add a cell tower. He may replace the existing pole with a new one that will accommodate the original TEP use as well as the additional AT&T use. Additional fenced equipment will be located at the base of the tower.

A current communications pole exists on the Mesa Verde school campus, but the pole was funded by a grant providing internet access for the students, and a stipulation of the grant is that the pole not be a co-location for services the grant does not cover.

In general, the County favors co-locations when possible.

The final decision is rendered by the Zoning Hearing Administrator, as a Type 1 Permit does not require a hearing by the Planning and Zoning Commissioners or the Board of Supervisors. The decision may be appealed.

The LCMNA Liaison supports a 60-day continuance to facilitate discussions between Mr. Blunt and the neighboring residents.
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UPDATE:
At Wednesday's (Feb 10, 2010) hearing regarding the cell tower application on Mesa Verde school property by Chad Blunt, the Hearing Administrator Jim Portner granted a continuance of 60 days for Mr. Blunt to be in touch with neighbors proximate to the proposed tower. Mr. Blunt assured Betsy Sandlin (Romeroneighbors) and Donna Heidinger (LCMNA) that he would contact us by email when a meeting is scheduled. When one is, he said it will likely be at Mesa Verde School.

This matter will be heard again at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 14 in the basement hearing room at 201 N. Stone--and this item will not be re-noticed by mail. Mark your calendar now!

Notice of any further information will be sent to you by email from RomeroNeighbors and will appear on the LCMNA website.

As a postscript to the postponement of the hearing to April 14, Mr Portner advised the residents in attendance that the Federal Communications Act of 1996 forbids the consideration of certain items, such as health impact, as opposition to the placement of communications towers. Please review the legislation mandates if you are considering opposing the applicant's request.

Residents may call Deputy Chief Zoning Inspector Tom Drzazgowski with questions: 740-6675.

Thanks to all concerned area residents who gave of their time to appear at the Hearing.
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STAFF REPORT:

Resident Betty Carras' killer to be sentenced in Feb

(below is a response to queries regarding a letter-writing campaign in the memory of Betty Carras and regarding the sentencing of her killer)

<<<Because the sentence of Natural Life is part of the plea agreement, I don't believe the Judge can change that. Thus anything anyone writes won't impact it either. However, I think it is important for the record for everyone to know : who Betty was, what she meant to them, the community; how this violent murder impacted individuals, how it has changed everyone's lives & what people expect from our judicial system.

Letters are to be written to Honorable Judge Clark W. Munger, however the letters should be mailed to the prosecutor. Due to disclosure rules, the prosecutor will prepare the letters and provide them to all required. This way they become part of the court record. So it is the same letter, to the Judge, just mailed to the prosecutor for inclusion. Therefore it is not necessary to send to both, it would just be a duplication and could be confusing.

Letters addressed to Honorable Judge Munger should be mailed, before the sentencing, to:

Michelle Araneta

Deputy Pima County Attorney

32 N. Stone Ave

Tucson AZ 85701

RE: CR-20082748-001 John Vincent Nitzke

Ms.Gail Leland
Executive Director
Homicide Survivors
32 N. Stone Suite 1408
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 740-5729 office
(520) 850-5729 cell
homicidesurvivors@pcao.pima.gov
www.azhomicidesurvivors.org>>

(Info below summarized from the January 20, 2010 EXPLORER NEWSPAPER)

John Vincent Nitzke, 49, a homeless man, pleaded guilty to killing 81-year-old Northwest resident Dorothy "Betty" Carras. Betty was found dead (strangulation) on May 22, 2008 in her home, near the intersection of North La Cañada Drive and West Magee Road.
Formal sentencing is scheduled for late-February in Pima County Superior Court in the courtroom of Judge Clark Munger.

01/27/2010 - Irritable JAVELINAS!

01/27/2010, around 10:30 AM, a resident walking a 30 lb dog on Avenida de las Americas at Camino de Maximillian was aggressively chased by a large javelina. The javelina charged from behind and tried to attack the dog - the resident and the dog maneuvered around a split rail fence and a large bush until the javelina lost interest and went away. There were no young javelina in sight at any time - the resident had not seen the javelina until it rushed up behind her. The incident was reported to Game & Fish, who did not feel the incident was sufficiently important to ask for the location or record the name of the caller. G&F did advise, tho, that javelina do not like coyotes, and consider dogs equivalent to coyotes.

One day prior, a javelina, with young in tow, repeatedly attacked a fence which enclosed a dog in the 2200 block of West Rapallo Way. (One or 2 years ago, a woman walking her dog was attacked on this same street - the javelina attacked the dog, and the woman tried to intervene to rescue her small pet.)

The javelina appear to be somewhat testy - which may be due to the disruption of the 4 washes in the immediate area (Garfield, Carmack, Pegler and Nanini).

It never hurts to be alert as we walk our pets, and maybe take along a walking stick.

01/27/2010 P&Z Summary Re HSL proposal for La Cholla

RE: Co7-09-07 HSL RIO CANCION PROPERTIES, LLC – N. LA CHOLLA BLVD PLAN AMENDMENT
Request of HSL Rio Cancion Properties, LLC, represented by The Planning Center, to amend the Pima County Comprehensive Plan from Medium Intensity Urban (MIU) to Neighborhood Activity Center (NAC) for approximately 17.92 acres located on the west side of La Cholla Blvd south of the Hardy Road alignment in Section 28, Township 12 South, Range 13 East, in the Northwest Subregion. (District 1)
Notification area: 1,000 feet

This item was #5 on the agenda and was heard from approximately 9:30 to 10:30 Wednesday morning. All the Commissioners were in attendance. At least 6 residents from the La Morada Subdivision at Tucson National plus the LCMNA liaison attended.

Pima County Planner read the Staff Report, indicating that the County was not in favor of granting the NAC designation but would attach special policies to the current MIU designation to allow this proposal to develop w/accessory commercial uses onsite, and answered questions posed by the Commissioners.

The Planning Center and reps from HSL then formally presented the Continuous Care Retirement Center (CCRC) proposal (80 independent-living casitas, 120 assisted-living units w/accessory commercial uses for the convenience of all onsite residents) to the Board and answered questions posed by the Commissioners.

The public was invited to comment: 3 residents of the La Morada subdivision spoke as did the LCMNA liaison. Concerns regarded
     the proposed CB-1 zoning for an interior part of the property as incompatible for the area, and
     the incompatible height and sq footage of the main building (3 stories, approx 115,000 sq ft).

The applicant was allowed to respond to the residents' concerns, and the public hearing was closed.

The Commissioners recommended that special policies be attached to the current MIU Comprehensive Plan Land Use designation:

The special policies are:

      1.   Single story residential casitas are required along the west and south boundaries of the site.
      2.   The location of the multi-story building will be set at the time of rezoning. This core area will be rezoned CB-1, commercial zoning, for the CCRC use only.
      3.   The multi-story building height will be limited to 34ft.

4. Commercial uses are restricted to CCRC accessory uses for the enjoyment of community residents and their guests.

The residents had hoped for a 29 ft building height. The liaison had asked for a Zoning Code Text Amendment allowing this use to be considered the same as a motel/hotel, which is allowed in TR Zones and permits commercial accessory uses without a CB-1 zoning.

This item goes forth to the Board of Supervisors tentatively on March 9, 2010, at which time the final decision will be made. The residents will continue to lobby for their issues. The liaison expects to pursue a Zoning Code Text Amendment.

Board Vacancy - Mountain Vista Fire District

01-22-2010: Director Meighan White retired from the Mountain Vista Fire District Board last week, thus creating a vacancy.

Prospective applicants for this unpaid position must live within the MVFD boundaries.

Please contact Administrative Chief Scott Butler at 575-4087 for additional info.

01-16-2010 LCMNA Board Minutes

La Canada/Magee Neighborhood Association
Board Meeting
Saturday, January 16, 2010
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Fireside Room

I. Call to Order – President Dave Davis called the meeting to order at 10:05. Those in attendance were Steve Hildebrand, Kathy Gatto, Donna Heidinger, Karen Sonnek, Sharon Paul, Phil Perkins, Mike Treece, Scotty Campbell, Steve Sisson, and Judy Moll. Andrew Ford was absent. One guest was present, Scott Oldendorph.

II. Secretary’s Minutes – Judy handed out the minutes for the November 7, 2009 Board meeting and the December 3, 2009 General Meeting. Donna made a motion to approve both sets of minutes. Steve H. seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

III. Treasurer’s Report and Nonprofit Status

A. Current Funds – Karen reported that there is $792.41 in the bank. $90 was collected at the General Meeting.

B. 501(c)3 Status – no report

C. Yard Sale - no report

IV. Committee Reports

A. La Canada Road Widening – Dave reported that some saguaros are too big to move (at Villas de La Canada). The roadway will have to be lowered about two feet (at that location), the roots of the cacti will be compromised, and the cacti will die. Also liability for the county is too high. The Hackworths who live next to the Carmack Wash were concerned that they would lose their wall but their wall will be saved. They did not receive or read the information from the Army Corps of Engineers from January 2009, informing residents about the road work. Steve H. was concerned that conduits would not be in place for safety crossings along La Canada. Donna will write a letter to Rick Ellis, requesting the sites for the conduits. The construction company hopes to have the section from Ina to Magee completed by the end of 2010.

B. Magee Road Improvement – Steve S. reported that Mr. Schlesinger and the County DOT met with Betsy Sandlin and residents along the Carmack Wash. Work on Magee Road will begin this year.

C. La Cholla Road Improvement – Judy reported that La Cholla Hills residents who live along La Cholla will get a ten foot wall if the residents vote in favor of the wall.

Dean Papajohn from the County DOT will meet with residents of La Cholla Hills on January 21 to explain what the County can do and to allow the residents to vote.

There will not be a traffic signal at the north entrance of La Cholla Hills, but the lines will be laid so a signal could be installed at a later date, if the senior living facility is built on the west side of La Cholla. Work is scheduled to begin on the road in 2011. Board members encouraged Judy to let the residents know that they must get the County to put into writing any promises they make to residents so they can’t back out at a later date.

D. Mountain Vista Fire District – Mike reported that the District spent $100,000 on the Hardy property which can’t be used now for a fire station. The District now plans to purchase three acres at 1176 Magee for a station. The site on Shannon near Overton should be operational by summer 2010. With the two new stations coverage will be excellent with six minute response times.

E. Zoning/Rezoning Issues – Donna reported that there will be a meeting on January 20 in the Ironwood Room at Omni National Golf Course at 5:30 for the developers to discuss their plans for the senior living center on La Cholla. The Planning and Zoning Hearing on this center will be January 27 at 9:00 a.m. at 201 N. Stone, Basement Room C. The plans for this senior living center are still not solid.

V. Old Business

A. Meeting Signs – After a lengthy discussion, Karen offered to put the signs in her temporary storage unit in her yard. Sharon will look at the unit to make sure there is enough room for the signs. Those residents who have signs will be asked to put them out for the next meeting.

B. Flyer Affordability – It was decided not to send a flyer for the General Meeting until we have more money in the bank. We will rely on increased e-mail lists of residents. Donna will send out an e-mail to the 400 residents on the list and ask that they send it on to neighbors.

C. Board Vacancies – no report

VI. New Business

A. Spring General Meeting – Sharon will check with the church to see if April 29 is an open date for the chapel.

B. Next Board Meeting – Sharon will check with the church to see if February 13 is an open date at 10:00 a.m.

VII. Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Moll, Recording Secretary
January 18, 2010

11/29/09 vandalism/theft

LCMNA please post this email

Be on the alert : I would like to report to the community that we had our car battery stolen last night, from our carport, they also did something to the car that even after an installation of a new battery the car will not start. They are very quite and skillful. We live off Ina/Chapala, behind Cross Middle school.

Lost Cat 11/28/2009

from lisat20@comcast.net

Please can you send this out for us? We are heartbroken. Our indoor-only cat [Mindy] escaped [8500 block of North Mulberry] while we were out of town either Saturday night or Sunday morning [11/28 - 11/29 2009] and has not returned. She is a medium hair grey/white/slight orange tabby with very round eyes and a very fluffy tail.

If anyone has seen her, please let us know.

Thank you,

Lisa Thornton 219-2633

Minutes for approval at 12/03/09 mtg

La Canada/Magee Neighborhood Association
Spring General Meeting
April 30, 2009
6:30-8:00 p.m.
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Chapel

I. Opening
   A. Appreciation – Vice President Steve Hildebrand thanked the following for their support of LCMNA: the Lutheran Church of the Ascension for hosting our meetings for many years; St. Andrews Presbyterian Church for hosting our meeting tonight; Mike Wilson of Auto Presort for printing and mailing our flyer; Minkus Advertising for our pens; Wachovia and Jason Turetsky for the website; and Vantage West for         donations.

        Donna Heidinger paid tribute to Jerry Mitchell, a resident in our neighborhood, who passed away in March. Jerry was very active on the CAC’s for the La Canada and Magee road widenings, a Board member of St. Mark’s Methodist Church, and coordinator of LCMNA meeting signs for years. He will be greatly missed in the neighborhood and community.

   B. Introductions – Steve asked all the Board members to introduce themselves.

        He then introduced Ann Day, our representative on the Pima County Board of Supervisors. She praised Donna for all she does for our neighborhood. She also applauded the residents for the large number who attend our LCMNA meetings.  Then she discussed the state of the county budget. This fiscal year the county has enough funds to stay in the black. Next fiscal year funds will decrease, because         property tax appraisals will fall in 2010. Layoffs and department cuts will be necessary as well as raises in parks and recreation fees. The state budget needs to be resolved before the county can make a finalized budget. She then discussed the La Canada road widening. She said the federal stimulus money can’t be used for this road. She mentioned the CART RTA Appeals meeting at 4:00 on May 12. She said that residents who attend the meeting should stress the fact that La Canada is a residential area, not a commercial one. She said that the Magee/ La Cholla intersection work is still two years away. The graffati program is still funded.

        Steve introduced Nancy Young Wright, one of our representatives to the State Legislature. She passed out some budget information. Arizona has the second worst deficit in the United States. Many more cuts need to be made and more revenue must be found. The Governor has a plan, the Republicans have a plan, and the Democrats have one. Now the three must come to a compromise. Nancy’s    emphasis in public meetings is to bring more jobs to Arizona and to protect education. There are fewer people moving into Arizona, declining tax collections, and housing and auto sales are down. The recession has caused layoffs and hiring freezes. More food stamps and unemployment compensation will be needed. She referred to the handout regarding what caused the deficit. She asked residents to        contact her in person or by e-mail with questions and concerns.

   C. Board Vacancies – Steve asked any residents to contact a Board member if they are interested in being on the Board of LCMNA.

II. Committee Reports
   A. Financial Report – We have $1572 in our treasury.

   B. Fundraising - Karen reported that we made $1335 at the Yard Sale. Karen thanked everyone for donating merchandise for the sale. The proceeds from the sale help pay for our mailings and Board insurance.

III. Old Business
   A. Development – Donna reported on development of three parcels of land that have all been delayed.

   B. MVFD Update – Donna reported that Mountain Vista Fire District will annex an area soon to be part of Oro Valley. The residents preferred MVFD fire protection to Golder Ranch because MVFD could provide the same excellent fire protection at a cheaper cost to homeowners.

IV. Ongoing Business
   A. La Canada Roadway Improvement – Steve Hildebrand reported that Director of Transportation Priscilla Cornelio has gotten approval for the drainage program.  Bids should be let at the end of June. Utilities are being moved now. The north section has received approval to begin construction. The south section has not.

   B. Magee Road Improvement and Realignment – Steve Sisson stated that the next CAC meeting will be May 11 at 6:00 p.m. at Pima College NW. The art work, sound readings and sound walls will be discussed.

V. New Business – Steve Hildebrand discussed the presentation that the La Canada Citizens’ Group will make to the CART of the RTA on May 12. He asked that as many residents as possible attend so that there will be a strong showing in support of the presentation.

VI. Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Moll, Recording Secretary

May 4, 2009

* 90 people attended the meeting and $29 was donated.