editor: fred miller March 15, 2021 #5 March/2021
Hello,
Some welcome news from the fed gov...With no thanks to repugnicans that all voted against it, the stimulus relief bill will help many cities as well as individuals suffering from trump virus effects.
Bıisbee is due to receive $1.2 million in coronoa virus relieve/stimulus money. Once again monies for smaller cities will be disbursed by the state where larger cities of 50k populartion or more will get direct money. Given how difficult it has been to pry dough from Il Duce's hands from the initial CARES funding last year (about $200-$300 million remain unspent) hopefully he will not control the disbursement.
Hold your nose and read what the wankers are doing at the legislature this week below. Get some of your ya-yas out by doing request to speak. (how to do it below).
This is one of my comments on a bill to prohibit outside funding for voter sites: "Why is this legislator poking his nose into something that should be decided on a county basis? Not your business, butt out. Another attempt by Rep Hoffman to micromanage and override local control. No merit to this bill. Please vote no." See what I mean.
I'll have something on the Bisbee economy in the next issue...if I get some info needed. And as promised a while back a primer on researching politicians and corporations. And a rundown on the commercial churn.
Til then,
fred
Council Work Session
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 6PM.
Due to Covid 19 this meeting will be conducted electronically by Zoom and Facebook. The public can join, listen and view the meeting as follows:
· City’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/COB118Arizona/). A Facebook account is not necessary.
· Zoom by calling in at 1-346-248-7799 or by the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88966097765 the meeting/webinar ID is 889 6609 7765.
· The public can submit comments that will be read at the dais by a staff member to publiccomment@bisbeeaz.gov. Citizens can also be recognized to speak during the meeting only if they sign up ahead of time at the email address above. Please indicate if you are signing up to speak under Call to the Public or a specific item number.
Extensive background here: http://bisbeeaz.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03162021-361
note: In the background there is documentation of two claims of raw sewage, the petition signed by a lot of folks, a long 2015 WestLand Resouces report on the sewer lateral system, and Wastewater budgets from the past 6 years.
AGENDA
Discussion on the repair and maintenance of sewer connections that serve more than one single family residence.
Theresa Coleman, City Manager Jesus Haro, Public Works Director .................
Due to Covid 19 this meeting will be conducted electronically by Zoom and Facebook. The public can join, listen and view the meeting as follows:
City’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/COB118Arizona/). A Facebook account is not necessary.
Zoom by calling in at 1-346-248-7799 or by the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89545452686 the meeting/webinar ID is 895 4545 2686.
The public can submit comments that will be read at the dais by a staff member to publiccomment@bisbeeaz.gov. All comments shall be submitted by no later than Tuesday at noon. Citizens can also be recognized to speak during the meeting only if they sign up ahead of time at the email address above. Please indicate if you are signing up to speak under Call to the Public or a specific item number.
REGULAR SESSION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 AT 7:00 PM VIA ZOOM.
background here: https://www.bisbeeaz.gov/agendacenter Of interest: #4 possible approval to buy two trucks already bought #7 lays out the zoning code for all things marijuana in Bisbee; retail and testing establishments, uses on private property, city property and many other details. #8 proposal to hire a consulting engineer to produce a master plan with a water model and capital improvements needed on AW water systems and the city's OB fire supression system. Some interesting water/system maps in the attachments. AW will hire the consultant and pay 25% of the cost, the City 75%. I could not find any cost estimates in the agreement. #9 more rollout trash cans and possible additional pickup for OB #10 asphalt for street repairs mainly in Warren, road schedule in the bg. #12 adopting an ordinance sayng that workforce housing sales could be done without an auction, and broadens the scope of eligible buyers. #13 exec session to discuss stuff. It would seem that discussion of a quit claim deed in 1944 is not the stuff of an exec session...just saying. #14 Discussion as a result of #13 consideration of 1 Hillcrest. Maybe purchase of a lien cause they owe so much dough? AGENDA INVOCATION: A Moment of Silence PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MAYOR’S PROCLAMATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
40 Years Longevity recognition for Julie Delk
CALL TO THE PUBLIC THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL BE DISCUSSED, CONSIDERED AND/OR DECIDED UPON AT THIS MEETING: GENERAL BUSINESS: 1. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Subject to availability of funds 2. Approval of the Consent Agenda
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Session of the Mayor and Council held on March 2, 2021.
OLD BUSINESS 3. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance O-21-06; Authorizing the Acquisition of Real Property from Annie Robbins located at 75C Ok Street. Theresa Coleman, City Manager 4. Discussion and Possible Approval of the Quotes from Enterprise for Equity Leases for two Colorado pickup trucks. Theresa Coleman, City Manager NEW BUSINESS 5. Discussion and Possible Approval of the Recommendation from the Bisbee Arts Commission to fund a Grant Application for the Friends of the Copper Queen Library in the amount of $500.00 from the Bisbee Arts Commission Fund. Leslie Johns, Bisbee Arts Commission Council Liaison 6. Discussion and Possible Approval of the Recommendation from the Bisbee Arts Commission to fund a Grant Application for Yotaki, Judy Murray in the amount of $500.00 from the Bisbee Arts Commission Fund. Leslie Johns, Bisbee Arts Commission Council Liaison 7. Discussion and Possible Approval of the Notice of Intent to adopt Ordinance O-21-08; Amending the Zoning Code of the City of Bisbee, Adding Article 10B, Recreational Marijuana Establishments and Testing Facilities. Theresa Coleman, City Manager 8. Discussion and Possible Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Bisbee and Arizona Water Company to hire and pay a consulting engineer to perform a study to improve fire suppression in the City. Theresa Coleman, City Manager 9. Discussion and Possible Approval to purchase 100 Universal Carts (Roll-out Cans). Jesus Haro, Public Works Director 10. Discussion and Possible Approval to purchase asphalt from KE&G in an amount not to exceed $215,000.00. Jesus Haro, Public Works Director 11. Discussion and Possible Approval to purchase fog seal from Western Emulsions in the amount of $11,109.94. Jesus Haro, Public Works Director 12. Discussion and Possible Approval of a Notice of Intent to adopt Ordinance O-21-09; Bisbee Workforce Housing Initiative. Theresa Coleman, City Manager 13. Possible approval of a motion to go into Executive Session for the following matters:
An executive session pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3) FOR DISCUSSION or CONSULTATION WITH the CITY ATTORNEY TO PROVIDE LEGAL advice ON a Notice of Claim from Nolan Gouguet.
An Executive session pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3) for discussion or consultation with the city attorney to provide legal ADVICE on the county court co-located INTERGOVERNMENTAL agreement.
an executive session pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3) for discussion or consultation with the city attorney on a quit claim deed from phelps dodge corporation recorded in 1994.
An executive session pursuant to A.R.S.§ 38-431.03(A)(7) Discussions or consultations with designated representatives of the public body in order to consider its position and instruct its representatives regarding negotiations for the purchase, sale or lease of real property located at 1 hillcrest, bisbee.
Joe Estes, City Attorney 14. Discussion and Possible Action regarding the property located at 1 Hillcrest as discussed in Executive Session. Joe Estes, City Attorney 15. City Manager's Report:
Other Current events (No Discussion)
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Cochise County to get Economic Relief
As part of the American Rescue Plan, aka the coronavirus relief package, passed by democrats in Congress-with no votes by republicans-Cochise County and cities will receive much needed funds. This is the initial disbursement.
Cochise County $24.2 million
Benson $1.16 million
Bisbee $1.25 million
Douglas $4.3 million
Huachuca City $460,000
Sierra Vista $6.78 million
Tombstone $310,000
Wilcox $840,000
All cities less than 50,000 people will receive the funds from the state. Cities of more than 50,000 will receive direct funds
The American Rescue Plan, otherwise known as the coronavirus relief package, addresses healthcare issues related to COVID-19 and economic problems from the pandemic.The major pieces of the plan are payments to individuals, extended unemployment, money for states and localities, money for schools. Some of the particulars are:
Extends unemployment payments of $300 per week until September
Expands the tax credit for children
New money for PPP small business loan program
Education grants
Low-income energy use assistance and WIC increases
Older American community programs
COVID-19 related funds for vaccines, increase testing, new equipment
Business support for restaurants, transportation sectors
Emergency rental assistance
..................
LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS THIS WEEK
Some of the odious bills being considered this week in the lege. .. Ordering a woman what to do about a pregnancy, voter suppression, increase speed limits, expand vouchers to the entire state, guns everywhere, felony for demonstrators, purging voter roles and much more
You can have a voice through Request to speak. Here the explanation: https://www.cebv.us/rts.html Go here for signing up: (it is easy) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScdjBMoAJrjHD57GGegmdUCKAowcr93K4vQA6a7_AjyElBtrQ/viewform Go here to comment: https://apps.azleg.gov/RequestToSpeak
Request To Speak
House and Senate Bills in Committee
Gone now, but this is what the wankers did on Monday……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
HB2366, sponsored by Kevin Payne (R-21), increases the criminal speeding threshold from 85 to 90. Excessive speed is dangerous and will increase the burden on our first responders and hospitals at a time when they are already dangerously overburdened. In a crash at speeds over 50 MPH, the force of impact doubles with every 10 MPH increase in speed, which also increases the risk of serious injury and death. Scheduled for Senate Transportation & Technology Committee, Monday. OPPOSE.
HB2395, sponsored by Jennifer Longdon (D-24), would make it illegal for people to park their vehicles such that they block the sidewalk. These intrusions on pedestrian space don’t just rudely place dangerous moving cars in a space that should be safe for children. They can structurally damage sidewalks that aren’t meant to bear the weight of multi-ton cars and trucks, and create access issues for people who use wheelchairs or walkers or push strollers. Scheduled for Senate Transportation & Technology Committee, Monday. SUPPORT.
HB2569, sponsored by Jake Hoffman (R-12), would bar election officials from receiving private or public funds to run an election, register voters, or combat election disinformation. Struggling to meet the extraordinary costs of holding an election amid a pandemic, some states and cities accepted grants in 2020 to improve access to the polls for all registered voters. Conservative groups sued on grounds such grants would disproportionately help Democrats, but election analysts say private funding is necessary if the government isn't going to commit to sustainable long-term funding. Passed the House on party lines. Scheduled for Senate Government Committee, Monday. OPPOSE.
HCR2023, sponsored by Jake Hoffman (R-12), is a non-binding resolution opposing federal action to regulate state elections (such as HR1, which would expand voting rights, change campaign finance laws to reduce the influence of money in politics, limit partisan gerrymandering, and create new ethics rules for federal officeholders). Scheduled for Senate Government Committee, Monday. OPPOSE.
Tuesday……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Nothing of note. Breathe!
Wednesday…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
SB1003, sponsored by Michelle Ugenti-Rita (R-23), would restrict voters from adding their signature to their early ballot envelope to no later than 7 PM on Election Day. This follows a recent court case that challenged the practice of some county recorders of giving voters five days to do this. Arizona passed a law in 2019 allowing voters with signatures that didn’t match the ones on file to fix, or "cure," their ballots up to five days after Election Day, but courts ruled the law did not extend to missing signatures. Rather than restricting the process, lawmakers should let county recorders help voters make their ballots count. Scheduled for House Government & Elections Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.
SB1010, sponsored by JD Mesnard (R-17), would allow anyone to request a recount of an election, through tabulation machines or by hand, and regardless of the margin of victory, as long as they post a bond to cover the cost. The proposal, which is being touted as a way to bolster confidence in elections, comes amid baseless allegations and conspiracy theories among Trump supporters of fraud in the 2020 election. County recorders on both sides of the aisle warn of the time and personnel it would take to conduct such recounts. Allowing rich people to demand a recount simply because they can afford it will never restore confidence in our elections. Scheduled for House Government & Elections Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.
SB1083, sponsored by Michelle Ugenti-Rita (R-23), would change the law to require an automatic recount when elections are within 0.5%. Currently recounts are required only when the margin of difference between the top two candidates is no more than 0.1% or 200 votes, whichever is less. That is a huge change. Biden won Arizona by 10,457 votes (0.3%). If this measure had been in effect last year, the state would have had to recount over 3.3 million ballots, at considerable taxpayer expense. No good reason exists to increase the automatic recount threshold so significantly. Eight lawsuits were filed to attempt to decertify Biden's victory; all failed as no evidence of voter or election fraud has emerged in Arizona. Scheduled for House Government & Elections Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.
SB1105, sponsored by JD Mesnard (R-17), would increase the summary printed atop ballot measures such as citizen's initiatives from 100 to 200 words. Legal challenges to the 100-word summaries, calling the descriptions "misleading," have become a favorite tool that dark-money special interests use to scour the ballot free of topics they don't like. This type of challenge succeeded in 2020 with Stop Surprise Billing and in 2018 with Invest in Ed — and failed with the 2020 marijuana initiative when the judge noted that a 100-word summary "can’t be expected to encompass everything." At best, adding an extra 100 words will make petitions more crowded, leaving less room for signatures. At worst, it bolsters the efforts of groups like Goldwater and the Chamber of Commerce to steer politics in Arizona with their seemingly limitless funds. Scheduled for House Government & Elections Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.
SB1127, sponsored by David Gowan (R-14), relaxes laws surrounding speeding. Under the proposal, driving up to 75 mph in a 65 mph zone would be a maximum fine of $15, and the state would not be able to add points to a person’s license or report the citation to their insurance company. Opponents have raised concerns that the proposal will encourage speeding and make the roads more dangerous, as well as that lowering the fines will cut much-needed revenue to the state. Scheduled for House Transportation Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.
SB1260, sponsored by JD Mesnard (R-17), would exempt disabled veterans from state property taxes, contingent on voter approval of a separate bill, SCR1019 (see below). Arizona gives away more money every year in tax cuts and credits than it spends, leaving us with a state government that is underfunded in nearly every area and struggles to provide the most basic of services. If we wish to truly care for our veterans, let's institute educational and economic support programs, and improve health care and other safety nets. This bill was one of Ducey's priorities last year, but failed to pass due to opposition in the Senate. Scheduled for House Ways & Means Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.
SB1377, sponsored by Vince Leach (R-11), would exempt businesses from COVID-related liability except in cases with clear and convincing evidence of gross negligence or wilful misconduct. The bill is similar to an attempt from last session, which stripped protections from workers and the public. The sponsor says the measure is needed to "get the economy back on track," but ignores one fundamental truth: Until we restore public health, and people are confident that they can interact without risking infection, there will be no economic recovery. Scheduled for House Judiciary Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.
SB1382, sponsored by Wendy Rogers (R-6), would redefine firearms and ammunition stores as "essential businesses," preventing the governor from closing them during a state of emergency. Sales of guns and ammo have skyrocketed during the pandemic; an increase in deaths and injuries has followed. Homes with guns have a higher risk of suicide, domestic violence and unintentional shootings, especially for children. In a state of emergency, the added stress and elevated emotion dramatically increase the likelihood of these deadly situations. Scheduled for House Judiciary Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.
SB1409, sponsored by Warren Petersen (R-12), would require an “impact statement” as a condition of approval which serves as a tool to oppose proposed multi-family housing projects. This adds to delays, wastes taxpayer dollars, and essentially exacerbates the very issues it claims to address. The sponsor is characterizing it as an “affordable housing” bill, but in reality, it would add to the bureaucracy of the zoning process for affordable housing developments. Scheduled for House Government & Elections Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.
SB1452, sponsored by Paul Boyer (R-20), would expand ESA vouchers to two-thirds of Arizona students, expands ways the money can be used, and even allows double-dipping into other tax credit voucher programs. (The same sponsor is running another bill to ban attendance boundaries for district schools, SB1685; if both pass, Arizona effectively has universal vouchers.) ESA vouchers already siphon hundreds of millions of dollars every year from our neighborhood public schools. Backed by the dark-money Goldwater Institute, the bill would drain Prop 208 funds out of public education as fast as voters can put them in. Scheduled for House Ways & Means Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.
SB1457, sponsored by Nancy Barto (R-15), is a multi-pronged attack on the rights and agency of women. It would give "unborn children at every stage of development" the same rights as an actual person, possibly violating the Constitution, and makes abortion due to any genetic abnormality, including one incompatible with life, a felony. The bill is part of a coordinated package of attacks on women's rights that medical professionals are calling "unconstitutional, medically unsound and dangerous" and that is making national news. Scheduled for House Judiciary Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.
SB1497, sponsored by Michelle Ugenti-Rita (R-23), would require ballots and publicity pamphlets that contain citizen initiatives to carry a "Prop 108 disclosure" that, because of the Voter Protection Act, these measures cannot be changed without a three-fourths vote of the legislature or another initiative. Critics call this a scare tactic and an attempt to discourage voters from passing their own laws. Ugenti-Rita has been trying to push this measure forward since 2013 because the voter-approved restriction stops lawmakers from changing voter-approved laws. However, this is arguably the reason voters passed it, as before the restriction, lawmakers would simply repeal citizen initiatives they didn’t like. Scheduled for House Government & Elections Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.
SB1531, sponsored by JD Mesnard (R-17), would require petition circulators to read the descriptions on initiative and referendum petitions aloud to signers. Each signer would have to affirm to the circulator before signing that they read and understood the description. Signatures which do not follow these rules would be invalid. This move away from personal voter responsibility has one purpose: to make it more difficult for citizens to pass laws lawmakers don't like. Scheduled for House Government & Elections Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.
SB1558, sponsored by Jamescita Peshlakai (D-7), would appropriate funds for construction on the Ganado School Loop Road, built in 1991, which hasn't been maintained or upgraded for 28 years. The road is hazardous in winter snow and turns to mud in the spring. It is the only point of access both to the K-12 schools for 1,388 students and 93 teachers and for the community hospital, as well as for the school buses, parents and community members. Scheduled for House Transportation Committee, Wednesday. SUPPORT.
SB1714, sponsored by JD Mesnard (R-17), requires "paid for by" disclosures on campaign ads to disclose what percentage of contributions came from out of state. Disclosures on ads paid for by political action committees would have to take up a full 10% of the sign's height. The bill's sponsor has publicly groused about how much money was spent against him in the last election cycle. Scheduled for House Government & Elections Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.
SB1793, sponsored by David Gowan (R-14), requires, rather than permits, the secretary of state to purge deceased voters from the statewide voter registration database. This already happens on a regular basis; mandating it could create issues. Eligible voters often end up being removed by mistake, and federal law strictly governs how close to an election these purges can take place. This solution in search of a problem should at least be paired with same-day voter registration so voters can correct any error. Scheduled for House Government & Elections Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.
SCR1019, sponsored by JD Mesnard (R-17), would ask voters to allow the state to exempt disabled veterans from state property tax. Arizona gives away more money every year in tax cuts and credits than it spends, leaving us with a government that is underfunded in nearly every area and struggles to provide the most basic of services. If we wish to truly care for our veterans, let's pass educational and economic support programs, and improve health care and other safety nets. Companion bill SB1260. Scheduled for House Ways & Means Committee, Wednesday. OPPOSE.