Planning and Future Building Session outlines city goals

Colored pom-poms were passed out Saturday, lending an atmosphere of enthusiasm as all city departments brought forward their budget plans, goals and objectives for the fiscal year 2007-2008.

People, sustainability and quality of life were the major themes of the City’s Budget Planning and Future Building Session at the U. of A. Maricopa Agricultural Center.

City Manager Rick Buss started the session with his top 10 recommendations, including public safety, annexations and economic development.

Economic development was also on the minds of many presenters, beginning with City Management Assistant Danielle Casey, who discussed future land use that can positively impact city development. She emphasized the importance of “dig-ready” land, land that is zoned and equipped with proper plumbing and sewage services. This, she said, is essential to bring retail, professional services, higher education and medical institutions needed to create a center of employment in Maricopa.

City Management Assistant Danielle Casey listens to council at a Maricopa City Council meeting on Jan. 16.

Police and fire department representatives also gave presentations highlighting goals for the coming year, reiterating that the fire department will officially become part of the City of Maricopa on July 1.

The Chief of Police also stated the police department has a zero tolerance policy for speeders, and, in order to correct behavior, they are enforcing guaranteed citations.

Furthering the theme of economic development, City Clerk Vanessa Bueras said the clerk’s office is on track to become a passport acceptance facility, as new travel laws require a passport to travel out of the country regardless of destination.

Bob Jackson, Director of Public Works, said one of his main goals is to install city-owned traffic signals at five locations. He also recommended the creation of separate departments for the purposes of transportation planning, traffic engineering and traffic signal construction and maintenance.

Director of Public Works Bob Jackson presents to council Jan. 16.

Maricopa City Clerk Vanessa Bueras works with council at their retreat at the Sheraton at Wild Horse Pass Jan. 30 in preparation for Saturday’s city presentations.

Along these lines, City Planning Director Amy Haberbosch listed downtown revitalization as one of her goals for the coming year. She also stressed the need to promote a fair and affordable housing program in Maricopa.

She added that she will continue with current annexation petitions.

Human Capital Manager Karen Shaffer wrapped up the meeting with a reiteration of the themes of people, sustainability and quality of life. A tentative retreat to modify and review the budget is scheduled for April, and final approval is scheduled for June, in time for the beginning of the fiscal year in July.

Photos by Aaron Thacker