Election Results:  I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted for me in the primary election.  Although I was unopposed, I truly appreciate the continued support that has been shown to me in my first eight years serving as your mayor.  My intention was to serve for only two terms and then retire, thinking that a lot could be accomplished in that time frame.  I found out that ideas, plans, and projects do not happen right away.  Although there have already been many projects that have been completed, there are many more pending in the next couple of years that I wanted to be part of to continue to move our city forward. 

I want to congratulate my two co-council members, Freddy Rios and Mike Pastor, for also being re-elected to their council position for the next four years.  Our full council have a unified vision and are committed to continue to work hard to elevate our city to the next level.  I want to make clear that it takes time and an army to make things happen, so nothing would be possible without the continued dedicated hard work and commitment of our city staff.

I also want to thank our residents for voting yes and passing Proposition 412 (Home Rule) for the next four years, allowing us to set our budget with current time revenue.       

Building and Fire Code Adoption:  A public meeting has been scheduled for August 14 at 2 p.m. in the city council chambers to begin the initial discussion and process to update our twenty-plus-year-old fire and building codes.  This meeting is open to all stakeholders; that includes licensed contractors, business owners, realtors, and the general public.  We are currently operating on the 2003 Building Code and the 2003 Fire Code.

Adopting the most current codes and standard is the most efficient and effective method of creating safe environments that protect and improve public health, safety, and welfare and the economic interests of the community. Updated fire codes help develop a better ISO rating that affects insurance rates for both residential and commercial.

Having worked in the fire service for thirty years in Globe, I know the challenges and dangers of our 100-year-old-plus city. It is important to understand that when doing modifications in any commercial building where the public has access that both building code and fire code are met.  Over 80 percent of our downtown buildings have basements and are built against each other; that increases the risk.  Doing modifications to any commercial building without following the fire and building codes could create a dangerous environment not only for the public, but for our firefighters in the case of a fire emergency. 

I encourage everyone to attend this initial meeting on August 14 to ask your questions and better understand the importance of updated codes.  Codes are developed for the protection and safety of the public and the investment of all business owners.    

End of the Year Bash and New Pool Schedule:  An end of the year pool party was held at the Globe Community Center Pool on July 26 to celebrate the beginning of the school year. There were approximately 300 attendees at the event.  We want to recognize and thank the sponsors for this event, Arizona Complete Health, Freeport McMoRan, and the City of Globe.  During the peak hours of this summer, there were anywhere from 100 to 200 attendees daily. 

The Community Center Pool still remains open now that school has begun with modified hours. The modified hours are as follows:  Monday-Saturday Lap Swimming (8 a.m.-10:30 a.m.); Monday-Wednesday Open Swim (4 p.m.-6 p.m.), Water Aerobics (6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.); Thursday Open Swim (4 p.m.-8 p.m.); Friday-Saturday Open Swim (11 a.m.-8 p.m.); Sunday Open Swim (11 a.m.-7 p.m.).  A huge thank you to Lisa Fletcher for managing this year’s pool activities. 

Citizens Academy:  The next Citizens Academy is scheduled to start September 4 and end on October 22.  It is held every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  For more information or to sign up, contact Lisa Fletcher at 628-940-9207. 

Connie’s Bridge Update:  At the July 23 meeting, council heard an updated report from Meridian Engineering Company on the status and time frame on Connie’s Bridge.  They explained the various delays that have occurred mainly due to remediation work that has been required by our city.  I want to thank our city engineer, Luis Chavez, for his persistency to assure that the highest standard quality of work is met.  Meridian came highly recommended for the project, but have had issues with the sub-contractors they have hired.  They have been very cooperative with our city staff to satisfy all the requests at their cost.

At the end of the day, it is not about the deadline date but the end product.  We have an obligation and commitment to quality assurance and to make sure that once this bridge is completed, that it will meet all the standards, requirements, and design of the contract.    

State of the City Address:  Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 26 at 5:30 p.m. for this year’s 4th Annual State of The City Address.  You will get an update on the past year’s activities and what lies ahead for the future of our city.  There will be food, music, and an opportunity to talk to your council members.