City Manager Blog: The Weekly: Tempe Jazz

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

The Weekly: Tempe Jazz

As a music style, jazz is improvisational and experimental as opposed to tightly structured and controlled. Each musician is adding a unique contribution with a practiced ear toward making it blend with the other musicians to create a pleasant result. If each only played their own piece without regard for the other players the results would be discordant and unpleasant.
On January 27th the City Council conducted its usual series of meetings and by the end of the evening I was struck with the image that it felt a bit like enjoying and evening of listening to good jazz.
The main number of the evening was a public hearing on a medical marijuana dispensary zoning ordinance. A number of residents spoke to the issue and brought a variety of different perspectives, not just opposition and support. In doing so, they seemed to go out of their way to respect the other speakers even though they did not agree with them. The combination of thought, compassion, passion and respect was like listening to good jazz. It wasn’t practiced or orchestrated but each player was mindful of the others. In the end, the City Council adopted an ordinance for the zoning of dispensaries that was a balance between the different perspectives. Good blending.

We also implemented additional security measures in the City Council chambers. While we have had a police presence for some time at Council meetings this was the first time we used metal detectors and x-ray equipment to ensure that no one entering Council Chambers was carrying a weapon. It is unfortunate that we have to do so but after events in Tucson it is clear that reasonable measures must be taken to ensure the safety of the public as well as the public officials present. With a full crowd of residents we were understandably concerned that there could be delays and problems. Turns out, everyone cooperated completely, moved through almost without delay and no real problems occurred. Smoothly played.

Council also reviewed budget forecasts for City operations and a budget plan for a streetcar system. With the information in hand about the City budget and where we have strengths and weaknesses, Council was able to look at an operational budget for streetcar for 2017 in the context of the larger fiscal picture. The analysis has shown that the streetcar system would have a positive payback to our community and the challenge was to find a way to cash flow the operation. Council continued to advance the project and refine the budget ideas that would fund the operation. Bold notes.
Together We’re Better

The regional Unity Walk occurs this Saturday, February 5, 2011 at Tempe Town Lake beginning at 10:30 a.m. (assembly at 10 a.m.) The theme is “Walking for UNITY in our CommUnity to promote mutual respect and understanding” and is jointly hosted by Tempe, ASU, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix and Guadalupe. Tempe participants will assemble at the ASU lot 59 and will be sporting red tee shirts and all the color contingents will come together one mile later at Tempe Beach Park for the Unity Festival. Please join in this wonderful demonstration of unity in our larger regional community. Beautiful harmony.

Diversity in Tempe

That’s the heading of an email that I got one day last week. I thought this would be the perfect closing to the Weekly.

“Good morning Charlie

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the joys of diversity and the things Tempe does to encourage that diversity. It is my pleasure to work at the Tempe Center for the Arts where I have been able to closely watch the progress on the dam and pedestrian bridge. Conveniently this also provides me an excellent opportunity to observe the wildlife that uses the lake and downstream areas.

There are, as I imagine you are aware, a wide variety of birds that use the Tempe Towne Lake. For the last couple years we have noticed a rather large pelican visiting the lake during the winter months. This year it brought a 'close' friend along so now we have a pair of pelicans hanging out in the middle of the desert, apparently using Tempe Towne Lake as a winter vacation spot. I don't know how word got out to the avian community that Tempe was such a diverse and welcoming place, but clearly they are getting the message.

I am so pleased the lake was back in operation in time for this unusual visitor and his(?) new friend I simply had to take a moment and share my happiness with you.”

Temp Jazz

Tempe creates outstanding value for those we serve through shared vision, superior service and sustainable practices.
Charlie Meyer

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BRAG BOARD

JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH
A letter of appreciation was received praising the Police Department for the speedy recovery of two bikes stolen while riders were attending a Mill Avenue event. “I want to commend Tempe and its police force,” he wrote, and also praised the city’s bike paths to the Western Canal via Mill and Baseline as a great amenity.

Resident expressed thanks to the Water Department relating to concerns regarding the first water bill at a property. He wrote of his appreciation for the time “…spent reviewing concerns and making recommendations on how to achieve the best possible resolution. The advice and follow up was very helpful in resolving the water meter issue.”

A development manager commended the Community Development Department for his “…very positive experience, and appreciated the kindness and thoughtfulness that always was extended.”

A note of compliments and thanks was received regarding an employee in Public Works. Writer was grateful for a quick resolution to parking issue regarding safety to neighborhood homes and a school. The employee was able to provide information needed to get the project on track.

Kudos were sent regarding two Public Works employees for guiding a resident through the professional preparation for a hearing. She was appreciative for the time taken by the staff to acquaint her with the drawings she needed to support her request and for the time spent explaining and assisting her in reviewing her efforts.

Community Development received an update on Court One with thanks for making it possible. “We have made hundreds of kids at different times very happy and Court One has become the place of choice in the volleyball world. We have received hundreds of compliments from people in state and out of state who have set foot in Court One at some point.”

A letter was received commending six outstanding members of the Fire Department. Gentleman passed out when he got out of his vehicle and responders not only took him to hospital for medical attention, but also notified his family, and made sure that the family was notified about his vehicle. He complimented the men on their efficiency, knowledge and compassion. “They are all a credit to the fire service and should be awarded appropriate department recognition for their lifesaving efforts.”

Additional items for Brag Board;
Thanks to Public Works for attending to ruts in alley and addressing dust control concerns.
Thanks for taking care of an alley problem so quickly.
Thanks for “good quality customer service from Water Department.”

A Good Samaritan from Public Works stopped to help a stranded motorist with a falt tire. The city employee quickly supplied the distraught driver with a lug wrench, helped remove the tire and put on a spare tire. Another great example of adding value to our community and perpetuating the city's service oriented reputation. The Public Works Director noted that acts such as these distinguish communities that care from communites that care less.

A local 28 year sales representative who has worked with various citites throughout his career obtaining permits, wrote to commend several employees for treating him with respect, expediatancy, and helpfulness. He wrote, "No other city in the valley is like this." Great job to all involved!

OCTOBER

A resident sent kudos via Facebook thanking staff for organizing the recycling project at Kiwanis Park recently. They wrote, "I had documents to shred, I noticed a lot of people in the electronics disposal line as well as the one for chemicals. Very well organized, well layed out, no delays, very helpful folks, just great."

September

A 20 year resident who experienced a watermain break emailed to thank the water department for repairing a watermain break that occured in the front of his residence and flooded the whole street. When he left for work at 10:30 a.m. there was a huge whole in front of his driveway. He expected to return home from work that evening finding no water service, a mess in his yard, and a hole in the street. Thanks to the quick work of our water crew, when he returned at 5 p.m., he found the broken water valve repaired, the hold backfilled, and a clean street! He would like to thank them for "outstanding" service.

Another resident emailed the Police Department commending a park ranger for his great on-view activity and arrest. The suspects entered an area with the intent to steal rebar. Thanks to the quick acting ranger, he called the police and the suspects were arrested.

August

Tempe Public Library staff was applauded by a resident who used the facilities at the library during a job search this summer. The process was lengthy, to say the least, but the patient and attentive. She noted that although during these tough economic times when employees hours have been cut, staff conducted themselves with professionalism and courtesy. facilities like the library, make her proud to represent Tempe.

A local developer sends his gratitude for Development Services front counter staff who consistently go out of their way to respond to phone calls, and set an example of helpfulness during the permitting process. He has worked with many organizations and associations and finds the staff of Development Services to be exemplary!

July

Planners in Development Services received commendations by a 30 year resident and design professional. He appreciated the quick and accurate services he received by employees who followed up without being asked and spent time on his behalf, researching zoning ordinances.

An outdoor advertiser wrote to compliment Development Services employees for their their assistance in problem solving a tenuous and potentially hazardous situation. The gentlemen he dealt with were efficient and courteous. He wrote, "I deal with many municipalities and it is always a pleasure to deal with the staff, top to bottom, in Tempe."

An executive director from Wickenburg had a positive experience with an HR employee who went the extra mile to be helpful. The employee exemplifies the "Tempe spirit" and the City is fortunate to have her as an employee."

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

The Weekly: Tempe Jazz

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