CityLine Census 2020 - City of Litchfield Park
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CityLine
January-March 2020: State of the City Issue
Census 2020
Shape your future! The year 2020 is the year of the decennial census. The U.S. Census
Bureau will begin mailing invitations to every household on how to respond to Litchfield
Park residents in March 2020. How can you respond? Complete the census form online, by
mail, or over the phone, by Tuesday, June 30, 2020. Census workers will follow up in person
with households that have not responded by Thursday, April 30, 2020. To guarantee that
you are not contacted by a Census Bureau employee, complete your census by Thursday,
April 30, 2020. It is estimated that completing the form should take less than 10 minutes.
Additional information and FAQs are available on the national and regional websites at
https://www.census.gov/ and https://icount2020.info/.
City Welcomes New Assistant City Manager
The City of Litchfield Park welcomes Matthew Williams as our
new Assistant City Manager/Director of Community & Recreation
Services. Williams holds an MPA degree from Auburn University as
well as dual bachelor’s degrees in history and political science. He
served as the Town Manager for Huachuca City, Arizona from 2018-
2019 where he managed the financial turnaround of the City from
near bankruptcy to financial solvency within 18 months. He served as
the Community Services Manager for Pinetop-Lakeside from 2015-
2017 where he also served as town liaison to 15 non-profit groups.
He was employed as the Economic Development Director for the
City of LaFayette, Georgia from 2012-2015 and worked to bring 12
new small businesses to the City during his tenure. Williams has written over $500,000 in
successful grant applications. He has previously served on various boards including Chairman
of Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization, SEACOM, Rotary Club, Salvation
Army, and others. Williams is a member of ACMA and ICMA. Please welcome Matthew,
wife Laura and son Jack to our community. Williams is assuming the responsibilities that have
been fulfilled by Sonny Culbreth throughout his many years of service.
Welcome New Neighbors
Shop Litchfield Park and support area businesses! Help sustain the local economy and
maintain City programs and projects including parks, recreation, streets, and public safety.
Photo Credit: Michael Jordan
How? A portion of the retail tax from purchases you make at Litchfield Park businesses is a
primary source of revenue for the City. Please extend a “welcome” to these new Litchfield
Park businesses:
• OrthoArizona, Rancho La Loma Medical Building • Tap Savvy, Wigwam Creek
14044 W. Camelback Rd, Suite 120 13000 W. Indian School Rd., Suite A-6
• MBR Contracting, Downtown District • Emerald Heart, Wigwam Creek
104 W. Wigwam Blvd., Suite 102 13000 W. Indian School Rd., Suite A-4
A NEWSLETTER FOR LITCHFIELD PARK RESIDENTS
A Message from Mayor Tom Schoaf
I hope many of you attended and enjoyed the recent State of the City meeting. For those who were
unable to attend, the state of our City is very good. Here are some of the topics we reviewed.
• Council elections this year for three Council seats with 4-year terms. Every resident is encouraged to
consider running for a seat on the Council.
• Our General Plan for the City must be submitted to residents for review and approval every 10 years.
It will be on the General Election ballot for your consideration.
• Our City Youth Council has been active with members attending the local West Valley Youth Retreat
and involvement with City programs such as Christmas in the Park.
• We are moving forward with development of the City Center. Plans are being prepared for various improvements to the east
side of Litchfield Road including removal of the old wall. We also hope to have the first parcel out for sale in a Request for
Bid process.
• Residential development has been completed at Sunset Terrace by Mattamy Homes and is getting close to completion at
Cache and Sunset Terrace by Richmond American Homes.
• Commercial development is well underway at Camelback and Dysart with Dignity Health Emergency Room, Hines Self
Storage and Auto Zone nearing completion.
• The Historical Society is more than halfway to completing their capital campaign to fund construction of the P.W. Litchfield
Heritage Center.
• The City has a pilot program for slowing traffic by installing speed humps designed to accommodate a speed of approximately
25 mph. The first ones will be installed on Bird Lane so that we can access their effectiveness.
• We continue to work on street maintenance and reconstruction consistent with our 10-year street plan.
• We continue to make capital improvements to our Recreation Center so that it remains an attractive community amenity.
• Our next perimeter wall replacement is about to begin south of Bird Lane along Litchfield Road.
• Our financial condition is very healthy with our revenues exceeding our operating expenditures so we have funds to continue
our capital replacements and upgrades.
• The upcoming Census 2020 directly impacts the State Shared Revenue we receive. Please participate.
• Our Recreation Programs and Special Events continue to be well attended; excellent enhancements to life in ‘the Park’.
I am more than out of space without covering everything we reviewed. The slides from the presentation are available on our website
if you would like additional information. Contact our City Staff, me or a Councilmember with any questions or comments. You
can reach me at 623-935-5033 or at tschoaf@litchfield-park.org.
FREQUENTLY REQUESTED PHONE NUMBERS
Animal Control 602 506-7387 Goodyear Fire Customer Service 623 932-2300
APS (to report street light outages) 602 371-7171 Library District (Litchfield Park) 602 652-3000
Bus (Valley Metro) 602 253-5000 Liberty Utilities (water & sewer) 623 935-9367
Chamber of Commerce (Southwest Valley) 623 932-2260 after 4:30 p.m. call 623 935-3395
City Hall Luke Air Force Base Information 623 856-1110
Administration/Clerk/City Manager 623 935-5033 New Life Center (women’s shelter) 623 932-4404
Building Department 623 935-1066
Police (MCSO) Emergency 9-1-1
Building Permits & Property Maintenance 623 935-1066
Non-Emergency 602 876-1011
Court 623 935-7091
Recreation Center 623 935-9040
Finance 623 935-4364
Human Resources 623 935-4364 Southwest Gas Corporation 877 860-6020
Public Works/Field Operations 623 935-4356 Waste Management 888 964-9780
Cox Cable 602 277-1000 West Valley Arts Council 623 935-6384
Dust Control Violations 602 372-2703 West Valley View 623 535-8439
PUBLISHED BY: City of Litchfield Park EDITOR: Chris Weaver DESIGNED & PRINTED BY: Complete Print Shop, Inc.
2 | Jan-Mar 2020 litchfield-park.org
Friends of the Litchfield Park
Library’s Reading Room
The Friends of the Litchfield Park Library will not be holding
a book sale during this year’s Litchfield Park Art & Wine
Festival due to a lack of long-term storage and fewer volunteers.
If circumstances change, we hope to hold book sales again in
the future.
We invite readers to visit the library’s Reading Room where the
Friends have three large bookshelves full of fiction and non-
Saturday, April 11, 2020
fiction, plus a smaller case for media items. Two entire shelves
are devoted to children’s picture books, board books, juvenile and On Saturday, April 11, 2020, during the hours of 7am-5pm, the
teen books. We have many adult fiction books, both hardback and City of Litchfield Park is encouraging a city-wide Community
paperback, and large-print editions. On the non-fiction shelves Garage Sale. Litchfield Park residents who live within the city
we have quality cookbooks, gardening, crafting, history, and limits and wish to participate are encouraged to set up a garage
biography volumes, plus collectibles. The media items include sale at their own home. This is an opportunity to recycle items
DVDs, CDs, and audio books. Prices are $1 for hardbacks, $.50 for that you no longer have a use for and that someone else may
paperbacks, $1 for media items, and collectibles are individually need. Questions? Call 623-935-9040.
priced. Our ‘for sale’ items in the Reading Room come from
withdrawn library books and donated items. We welcome and Guidelines for the Community Garage Sale Event
look forward to receiving quality book and media donations from
the public for sale in the Reading Room, and wish to thank those • One day only: Saturday, April 11, 2020
individuals who have so generously supported the library with • Time is from 7am-5pm
their past donations. • A city-issued garage sale permit is NOT required for this event
• All other sign requirements apply (see below)
The Friends of the Litchfield Park Library support library
programs throughout the year for children and adults, and all • No rain date will be scheduled
fundraised money is donated to the library. For more information
please contact Kerrlita at 623-935-1911 or Susan at 623-935-4403. Signage Requirements
Kerrlita is the Friends’ new president for 2020. • Maximum sign size is 2 ft. x 2 ft.
• Signs are to be affixed to a stake and placed in the ground
• No sign may be: (a) affixed to a utility pole; (b) affixed to a
Litchfield Park Art & Wine Festival city tree; (c) placed in such a way as to obstruct the view of
Saturday, March 7 & Sunday, March 8 pedestrians or street traffic
Save the date! Great food, live music, fine art vendors and much • Signs may be posted one day in advance on Friday, April 10,
more! Eventgoers enjoy over 200 art booths, a beer and wine garden and must be removed at dusk on Saturday, April 11
serving local microbrews and tastings from Arizona wineries, • Reminder: the City does not supply signs to residents
live music, entertainment, and a variety of appetizing food and
beverage choices. Join us on Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and If you would like to have your address listed on the Litchfield
8, each day from 9am-5pm in downtown Litchfield Park. Free Park website so people are aware of your sale, please email your
parking and admission. Additional event information is available address to Tricia Kramer at tkramer@litchfield-park.org. Listing
online at litchfield-park.org or by phone at 623-935-9040. your address is strictly voluntary.
Mayor & City Council Members
TOM SCHOAF, Mayor RON CLAIR, Council Member TOM ROSZTOCZY, Council Member
tschoaf@litchfield-park.org rclair@litchfield-park.org trosztoczy@litchfield-park.org
PAUL FAITH, Vice Mayor ANN DONAHUE, Council Member JOHN ROMACK, Council Member
pfaith@litchfield-park.org adonahue@litchfield-park.org jromack@litchfield-park.org
LISA BRAINARD WATSON, Council Member | lbrainardwatson@litchfield-park.org
litchfield-park.org Jan-Mar 2020 | 3
Litchfield Park Home & Garden Kiwanis Litchfield Park 10K, 5K,
Tour 1 Mile Run & Healthy Classroom
presented by Litchfield Park Historical Society & Museum
Challenge
On Saturday, March 14, 2020, from 10am-4pm, the Litchfield Saturday, February 22
Park Historical Society and Museum is hosting a Home &
Garden Tour in historic Litchfield Park. Tour eight architecturally The Kiwanis Litchfield Park Run is held on Saturday, February
different Litchfield Park homes highlighting the second annual 22, 2020. Run or walk the City’s beautiful orange and palm tree
Litchfield Park Home Tour. Tickets are $25 each. This year the lined route! The fee for running in one of the competitive races—
tour also includes a Vintage and Homemade Goods Market at 10K, 5K, 1 Mile—is $30 per racer. The fee for participating in
Scout Park. the Healthy Classroom Challenge, a one-mile untimed fun
run/walk, is $15 per participant. Walk-up registrations will
On Friday, March 13, from 6-9pm, join us for the Friday night be accepted on Friday, February 21, 2020, from 5-7pm at the
Friends of the Museum event, a party in the backyard garden of Litchfield Park Recreation Center, 100 S. Old Litchfield Road,
a Litchfield home. Financially support the museum while visiting and beginning at 6:30am on race day. Registration forms are
with friends and enjoying a gourmet buffet and sipping wine available online at litchfield-park.org, http://www.litchfield-
and beer while listening to live music. This ticket also includes park.org/calendar.aspx?EID=2145, or in the Recreation Center
the Saturday Home Tour. There are only 100 pre-sale tickets at lobby. Event proceeds benefit Friends of the Rec, a 501(c)(3)
$75 each. nonprofit organization committed to encouraging social and
recreational activities for youth and families in Litchfield Park
Pre-ticket sales for both events are available for purchase at and the surrounding west valley communities. Call 623-935-9040
lphsmuseum.org using PayPal. Tickets with cash or credit for details.
cards are available for purchase at the Litchfield Park Museum,
13912 W. Camelback Road, Litchfield Park, Wednesday, March
11 through Friday, March 13, from 10am-4pm. Tickets will be Arts in the Park Outdoor Concerts
available to purchase the day of the tour with cash or credit card. All concerts held on The Wigwam front lawn
A ticket is NOT required for the Vintage Market. Additional
information about the tour, including the special “Friends of Sunday, March 15, 2020
the Museum” preview event on Friday evening, March 13, is Arts in the Park Outdoor Concert Series
available by calling 623-535-4414 or visiting lphsmuseum.org. Sunday free concert featuring
the Desert Knights Band
on the front lawn of
The Wigwam from 3-5pm
Litchfield Park’s Future City Center https://www.facebook.com/
The City of Litchfield Park partnered with Canyon View High dkbcountry/
School videography students to create a 4-minute video short
titled “Litchfield Park Future City Center,” viewable online at
https://www.litchfield-park.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=938.
During the interview, City Manager Bill Stephens provides
information on a variety of City Center topics including:
• City Center status;
• moving the plan forward;
• decisionmakers on entities that will occupy the City Center;
• current zoning;
• type of development residents can expect;
• first visual signs of progress;
Friday, April 17, 2020
• parking management; Arts in the Park Outdoor Concert
• theatre details; and Season Finale Friday free concert
• division of parcels. featuring Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns
on the front lawn of The Wigwam from 7-9pm
Questions concerning the City Center may be directed to Bill coldshottandthehurricanehorns.com
Stephens, 623-935-5033 or bstephens@litchfield-park.org.
4 | Jan-Mar 2020 litchfield-park.org
2020 Elections Use a Contractor or Do It Yourself?
by Terri Roth, CMC, City Clerk by Mary Dickson, Chief Building Official
Litchfield Park will hold a Primary Election on Tuesday, August Nothing in the law prevents a property owner from building or
4, 2020, for the purpose of electing three Councilmembers. A making improvements to structures on their own property. You
General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, can do the work yourself, or with a contractor, as long as certain
for the purpose of adopting a General Plan Update, pursuant to conditions are met:
A.R.S. and possible run-off. • The work is intended for occupancy by the homeowner—no
rentals, rehab flips or commercial properties.
Effective, August 27, 2019, individuals wishing to apply for a
Council seat, must complete and sign a Statement of Interest and and
file it with the City Clerk for that office prior to obtaining any • The home will not be for sale or rent for a period of at least
signatures on a candidate petition. All candidates must be qualified one year from the date of completion of the work.
electors of the City. Candidates shall have resided in the City for
at least one year preceding the election in which they are running. If either of these two conditions are not met, Arizona law says
you must use a licensed contractor!
Candidate packets are now available and may be obtained at
the City Clerk’s Office, 214 W. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Should you choose to go the DIY
Park, AZ, 85340, Monday through Friday, 8am-3:30pm by route, be cautious hiring unlicensed,
appointment only. Nomination papers may be filed with the City unbonded contractors. While tempted
Clerk no earlier than Monday, March 9, 2020, and no later than by lower bids, all too often the
Monday, April 6, 2020, at 5pm. To obtain additional information, consumer ends up losing hundreds
or to schedule an appointment, contact Terri Roth, City Clerk at or even thousands of dollars. What’s
623-935-5033 or troth@litchfield-park.org. worse, as the property owner, you
have no recourse through Arizona
Registrar of Contractors (ROC) if
you hire an unlicensed contractor.
Property Maintenance
by Stacey Frederico, Code Enforcement Hiring a licensed contractor offers many protections to the
residential property owner. First, a contractor cannot obtain a
Litchfield Park is the envy of other Valley of the Sun cities
license without having a minimum amount of experience and
with our beautiful parks, stately trees, clean streets and unique
pass a business management test. The applicant is also subjected
housing! Property owners are required by City Code to uphold
to a criminal background check, may be required to take a trade
the aesthetic beauty of our community by maintaining their
examination, and must not have any unresolved contracting
property as well as abutting streets and adjacent Right of Ways.
complaints.
• Trash and Debris. Remove wind borne debris after storms.
• Accumulations. Keep property free of storage boxes, Should you experience problems with a licensed contractor, you
construction debris, and junk. have the ability to file a complaint against the contractor’s license
• Landscaping. Keep trees, hedges, shrubs trimmed. They within a two-year period from the date of occupancy or date the
cannot overhang streets or alleys or obstruct the visibility of last work was performed. Under certain conditions, you may also
street corners. be eligible to apply to the Registrar’s Residential Contractors’
• Over Height Vegetation. Weeds, brush and grasses must be Recovery Fund for shoddy or abandoned work. For additional
trimmed to a height not to exceed 6 inches. information, go to https://roc.az.gov/.
• Inoperable or Unregistered Vehicles. Cannot be visible from
the street. Consumer Tips
• Property Maintenance. Repair all peeling paint and keep • Avoid door-to-door solicitors offering low-cost construction
roofing materials in good condition. Replace broken windows, services.
keep porches and patios clean. • Do your homework before hiring a contractor by checking
• Improper Parking. Vehicles must be parked in an area with the Registrar of Contractors office to ensure the
designated/designed for parking. contractor is currently licensed and if they have any claims
against them.
Code Enforcement’s responsibility is to enforce established
Zoning & City Codes for the purpose of cleaning and enhancing • Obtain several bids or estimates and ask for references.
the appearance of our community. Everyone’s efforts will • Obtain a written contract from the contractor that includes all
maintain high property values, keep crime at bay, and instill pride services to be provided, the license number of the contractor,
in our community. and start up and completion dates of the project.
litchfield-park.org Jan-Mar 2020 | 5
State of the City
The 2020 State of the City Meeting was held on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at
The Church at Litchfield Park’s Souers Hall. Prior to and following the two-hour
meeting, attendees were invited to network with organizational representatives
and City Staff at information tables.
Looking Back at 2018 and Ahead to 2019
Mayor Schoaf introduced a variety of updates including: Appointments; Elections;
Youth Council; City Center; Residential Development; Commercial Development;
General Plan Amendment/Rezoning; General Plan; La Loma Homestead; Bird
Lane Traffic Calming; City Park Enhancements; Jackie Robinson Little League
Field; Road Maintenance; Recreation Center Renovation; Under Construction;
Financial; 2020 Census; and Community & Recreation Services Programs &
Special Events.
Appointments Youth Council
Ron Clair was appointed to the City Council on November Six members attended the first annual West Valley Youth
19, 2019, to fill the vacancy resulting from Peter Mahoney’s Retreat in Goodyear to network and collaborate with Youth
resignation. Ron’s term will expire in 2021. Commissions from five surrounding west valley cities. Members
were involved in several activities including Christmas in the
Elections Park and recycling efforts. Youth Commission applications will
Three seats for City Council are open for the Primary Election be accepted beginning Friday, May 1, 2020, for the term starting
Saturday, August 1, 2020, and ending Saturday, July 31, 2021.
and all seats are 4-year terms. The City will hold a General
Election to vote on a General Plan Update. The City is required
to update this plan every 10 years. Pro/con statements must be Residential Development
received by Friday, August 7, 2020, and a publicity pamphlet will Residential development continued in two demographic locations
during 2019, including Cachet at the Wigwam at Litchfield Road
be mailed by Thursday, October 1, 2020. Both the Primary and
and Village Parkway and Sunset Terrace located north of the
General Elections will be all-mail elections.
Litchfield Marketplace near Camelback and Litchfield Roads.
City Center Update Mixed Use Development
In 1996, the City adopted the “Village Center Specific Plan” that
Lakeside at La Loma. Sun Health submitted General Plan
provided guidelines and an illustrative plan for development of
Amendment and rezoning applications for a proposed
the City Center/downtown area. Between 2014 and 2017, the
development plan that would include: independent living and
City purchased a number of parcels within what is planned to
assisted living units; traditional neighborhoods with age-restricted
be the City Center. The acquisition of these properties provides
single-family attached and detached units; parks and community
an opportunity to develop a City Center that benefits the City.
garden spaces; agritourism-oriented market place; and an open
Destination LP was hired to assist in planning the City Center
space amenity, including a small lake. The application is under
in 2017. A City Manager’s Working Group was formed to work
review. Sun Health plans to build a new 18,696 square foot
with Destination LP as they developed new ideas and public
community center building with outdoor event space along
meetings were held to gather public input. During 2019, after
Camelback Road, west of the existing La Loma Medical Plaza.
review by the Planning & Zoning Commission, Council accepted
The Community Center is allowed under the current zoning. The
Destination LP’s plan on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, noting it
City’s Design Review Board will review the site and architectural
would be used as a guideline for development. Negotiations with
plans.
Destination LP began regarding property development. A City-
initiated General Plan Amendment, Zoning Code Amendment
and rezoning application were processed and approved by Commercial Development
Council in November, 2019 that removed the Village Center Plan Commercial development continued at two demographic
and entitled the properties for the desired City Center design and locations:
uses. During 2020, a Model Development Agreement is being • Southeast Corner Dysart & Camelback. Construction began
prepared to ensure users will continue to follow the vision for in 2019 and is underway for on-site and off-site improvements,
the property, a City Manager’s Working Group has been formed Hines Self Storage, Dignity Health Emergency Room/Urgent
to market the property to potential users and planning the future Care, and AutoZone. An application to amend the final plat is
park and roadways are underway. being processed to facilitate development for new users.
6 | Jan-Mar 2020 litchfield-park.org
• Northwest Corner of Wigwam Boulevard & Litchfield Financial Update
Road. A major General Plan Amendment and rezoning Sales taxes and state shared revenues equal 84% of the fiscal
applications were submitted to the City during 2018 to year 2019 City’s revenues with 67% from retail sales, use and
facilitate a proposed project that would include multi-family bed taxes, 17% from state shared revenues, and 16% from other
units and a possible commercial component. The General sources. The primary sources of revenue include recreation;
Plan Amendment was reviewed by Council in December community and special event services; special districts; franchise
2018 and continued to allow the related rezoning application fees and licenses; building permit fees; court fines and forfeitures;
to be processed with the amendment. Comments regarding and sales tax.
the rezoning were provided to the applicant. The City is
waiting for the response to those comments. Census 2020
Participation in the Census 2020 increases funding to the City.
General Plan Update U.S. Census forms will be mailed to residents and received in
Cities are required to update their General Plan every 10 years. homes by Thursday, March 20, 2020.
To meet deadline requirements, the current plan (including all
amendments) will be processed for re-adoption prior to the May Community & Recreation Services
2020 deadline. An updated General Plan will then be created for Recreation programs enhance the quality of life for city residents
possible adoption. The City’s increased population requires that including youth sports, aquatic classes and lessons, pool events,
the updated plan be brought to the voters for possible approval. and a licensed preschool. Youth Sports was named a “Better
Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider” by the National
P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center Alliance for Youth Sports; introduced a new Coach Pitch program
Project fundraising began in June 2019 and will continue until for ages 7 and 8; registered 1,252 youth in youth sports; coaches
the project is fully funded. The Capital Campaign has brought in volunteered 3,388 hours, and youth tennis registered 443 youth.
$2,035,726 representing 58% of the $3,500,000 goal. Aquatics, an American Red Cross Accredited Facility, had 1,569
program registrations for youth group and private swim lessons,
Lagartos Swim Team, water aerobics, and Lifeguard & Water
Bird Lane Traffic Calming
Safety Instructor Training; reserved 69 pool rentals that served
Many residents have complained about excessive speed on Bird
4,136 participants; and served over 500 participants on two Free
Lane. Residents from Bird Lane neighborhoods were surveyed
Swim Day events sponsored by Kiwanis of Litchfield Park. The
and favored speed humps to slow traffic. Construction should
Aquatics staff received a gold award for the “Best Social Media
begin in February 2020.
Campaign” for the Flick ‘n Float Movie Night by Arizona Talent
in Events Concepts (AzTEC). Litchfield Park Preschool, an
City Park Enhancements Arizona Department of
Construction was completed on the Village Park restroom. Health Services licensed
The Jackie Robinson Little League Ball Field was dedicated on facility, held three classes
June 21, 2019. for children ages 3 to 5,
with 19 students in each
Road Maintenance/Drainage Improvements class; increased the school
Vista Paseo Drive was completely reconstructed and two specially sessions from 9 to 10
designed catch basins were installed on Vista Verde Drive. months; added a new
Kindergarten Summer
Recreation Center Renovations Bridge Program; expanded
The main pool was re-plastered and retiled in February 2019. the curriculum to include
Aquatic Environmental Services replaced the chemical systems science and Spanish; and continued the monthly first responder
for all pools in November 2019. and community helper classroom visits. Special Events supported
over 20 award-winning special events and received several 2019
Under Construction Arizona Talent in Event Concepts (AzTEC) awards including
A variety of projects are under construction including the Best Social Media Campaign; Best Commemorative Poster; Best
Southwest Gas Legacy Pipe Program (Wigwam Boulevard Merchandise for Sale; Best Brochure; and received $10,000 from
and center of City) rescheduled from last year by Southwest the National Endowment for the Arts Grant and $3,000 from the
Gas; road maintenance program including Wigwam Boulevard Arizona Commission on the Arts Grant.
micro seal and mill and overlay on Litchfield Road between
the golf underpass and Camelback Road; Litchfield Road wall State of the City Presentation
replacement; perimeter wall repair and painting; lake lighting The full State of the City presentation is available online at
improvement; Camelback Park playground replacement; and litchfield-park.org, access Departments > City Departments and
Public Works yard improvements. Services > City Council > State of the City.
litchfield-park.org Jan-Mar 2020 | 7
2020 Flag Ceremonies
8:15am City Hall Front Lawn, Reception to Follow
Merchant Marine 82nd Founder’s Day March 15
Flag Raising Ceremony: Friday, March 13
US Army Day 245th Birthday & Flag Day June 14
Flag Raising Ceremony: Friday, June 12
US Coast Guard 230th Birthday August 4
Flag Raising Ceremony: Tuesday, August 4
US Air Force 73rd Birthday September 18
Flag Raising Ceremony: Friday, September 18
US Navy Day 245th Birthday October 13 Join LESD’s
Flag Raising Ceremony: Tuesday, October 13
Winning Team!
by Shelly Smith Hornback,
Marine Corps 244th Birthday November 10
Director of Community Relations
Flag Raising Ceremony: Tuesday, November 10
The year 2020 marks a major milestone for Litchfield Elementary
School District; we now serve more than 12,000 students! As the
southwest valley continues to experience explosive growth, our
Litchfield Park Youth Council reputable history of quality education continues to attract families
who move to the area to enable their children to attend our A+
The Litchfield Park Youth Council (LPYC) 2019-2020 term is schools. We are honored by this privilege and responsibility, and
in full swing. The LPYC currently consists of eight members; a we need a strong team to be successful.
few who have returned and some new faces who bring with them
fresh ideas. Especially in light of a statewide and national teacher shortage,
we are proud of our 92% teacher retention rate that helps keep
The new term began with members attending the West Valley qualified teachers in our classrooms. This directly translates
Youth Retreat hosted by Leadership West. Our Youth Council to students who feel safe and loved so they can access their
members were able to collaborate and network with other young brilliance at school and in life. Teachers are at the core of student
leaders from neighboring cities. This all-day retreat focused on achievement, and they rely on a strong team to ensure every child
the importance and understanding of mental health and included has access to the emotional connections and personalized learning
breakout sessions, civic engagement topics and team building. required to demonstrate academic success and personal growth.
Due to the success of the retreat and the excitement generated This means student transporters, food services professionals,
among the members, the West Valley Youth Advisors have administrative support staff, classroom aides, and all the rest of
determined that the retreat will become an annual event. our more than 1,500 employees play a vital role in the lives of
more than 12,000 students.
In the month of December, a few members were able to volunteer
during Litchfield Park’s “Christmas in the Park” parade. They The Litchfield Elementary School District Job Fair will be
provided support to the event staff by helping dignitaries to their held at Mabel Padgett Elementary School, 15430 W. Turney
assigned parade vehicles as well as assisting participants to their Ave., Goodyear, from 9-11am on Saturday, March 28, 2020.
designated lineups. This is a fun opportunity to meet the leaders from every school
and department in our district. We will also meet potential
Moving into the rest of their term, this Youth Council is eager to Substitute Teachers, which is another position in high-demand
engage in community activities and is hopeful to meet residents (though we call them “Guest Teachers” and treat them with
through City events and gain perspective as to what the residents deep respect!). Interviews and Letters of Intent may be offered
feel is of interest and importance to them. The Council looks on the spot at this informative opportunity to learn about our
forward to the challenge to develop projects that will have a outstanding employee health benefits, excellent professional
positive impact in Litchfield Park. Should you happen to see any development opportunities, and the positive work culture that
of the Youth Council at an event, please stop by to say hello, as fuels our award-winning team. Visit www.lesd.k12.az.us to learn
they truly wish to meet members of the community. more about this special opportunity.
8 | Jan-Mar 2020 litchfield-park.org
Liberty Utilities Proud to Support Take a Bite Out of Crime!
and Be a Part of Our Communities Does your neighborhood have a Neighborhood Watch? Over
by Jenny Cross, Regional Program Manager 40 million crimes are committed every year and the number
continues to grow. The Sheriff ’s Department cannot be on every
Liberty Utilities is proud to partner, support, and contribute to corner; therefore, citizens need to become involved. It is essential
the communities where we work, live, and serve our customers. to effectively combat crime.
One of the events we partner and volunteer our time with is the
Valley of the Sun United Way’s annual Maricopa StandDown The benefits of a Neighborhood Watch:
event that provides services and resources to Arizona’s homeless
• builds strong neighborhoods;
and at-risk military veterans. These resources include housing,
• encourages communication;
healthcare, food, clothing, and more. Our team assembled 300
• gets people involved and helps build partnerships to solve
hygiene kits and volunteered to assist veterans in acquiring the
problems;
resources they needed at the event. We also provided support
• becomes the eyes and ears of the Sheriff ’s Office; and
bags to the Reveille Foundation to hand out to the veterans at the
• supplements county resources.
StandDown and any other time a vet is in need. To learn more
about the many ways we support our military and veterans in Most crimes are crimes of opportunity, and therefore can
Arizona, please visit our website at: https://libertyutilities.com/ be prevented. Law enforcement experts state the battle against
residential/about/what-we-do/committed-to-our-veterans.html. crime is half won when people take a few simple steps to lessen
their chances of becoming victims. Some steps include: install
In addition to supporting military services, we also value youth a security alarm and proper door and window locks; avoid
and water conservation education. Recently, Liberty Utilities overgrown or large shrubbery next to your home; install motion
partnered with Arizona Project WET (APW) and Western Sky outdoor lighting; park your vehicle in your garage; avoid leaving
Middle School to conduct a school water audit to install new valuables in your vehicles that are in plain sight; and lock your
aerators to conserve water. Mrs. Renbarger’s 6th grade class, vehicle when it is not in use.
APW, and Liberty Utilities volunteers changed 83 aerators
throughout the school saving 1,273,290 gallons per year! Thank If you are interested in learning how to initiate a Neighborhood
you to Mrs. Renbarger and her students for showing outstanding Watch, contact Matthew Williams at City Hall, mwilliams@
water stewardship and making a difference in their school! litchfield-park.org or 623-935-5033.
Outdoor Heating Safety
by Tanja Tanner, Community Risk Reduction Coordinator, Goodyear Fire Department
Outdoor Propane Heaters These heaters are extremely hot; please use
Propane patio heaters and outdoor heaters are caution to avoid touching the heating area. As
becoming very popular and are increasingly with indoor heaters, give the outdoor heaters
visible at restaurants and on backyard patios. space. At least 24” minimum above clearance
As their name implies, outdoor heaters are and 24” minimum wall/or other combustible
for outdoor use, not for temporary indoor use. materials clearance.
Although an outdoor heater may seem suitable for
a replacement indoor heat source, it is not designed Don’t store propane cylinders within 20 feet of an
or intended for indoor use simply because it presents outdoor heater that is in use. Also, if a forced air
a hazardous situation. Although outdoor propane heater is being used, don’t aim the heater at cylinders
that are not in use.
heaters are generally portable, attempting to move
them while in use is not advised. Outdoor propane heaters offer the convenience of
portability and mobility and, although moving them
Outdoor Propane Heater Safety is a simple task, moving a propane outdoor heater and/or
Much like space heaters, outdoor propane heaters are for propane cylinder while in use is not safe. The reason for this
heating small areas and, because they are portable, as well as is that consumer LP Gas cylinders are designed for vapor
the cylinders, safety is an issue. Most often seen in public places, service when used in this capacity. Moving them while in
such as a restaurant patio, outdoor heating incorporates the use use can cause liquid propane to enter the hose and burners,
of multiple heaters to heat numerous “smaller areas” or zones. creating a potentially unsafe situation. Outdoor propane heaters
Because these outdoor heaters can emit intense heat either should be turned off and disconnected prior to relocation.
through infrared means or forced air, propane cylinder storage is
a topic of extreme importance. Source: www.propane101.com/outdoorpropaneheaters.htm
litchfield-park.org Jan-Mar 2020 | 9
Your Plastics Stay Closer to Home
by Laila Amerman, Recycling Education & Communications Specialist
The issue of plastic waste in the environment has become a mainstream media
topic in the past two years. A steady stream of social media images showing
marine animals tangled in plastic has increased scrutiny on the use of plastic
items ranging from single-use straws to shopping bags. The very attributes
that make plastic so useful also make it a problem at end of life. Plastics do
not degrade and can remain in the environment for decades. When plastic is
not managed properly, it can end up in rivers and streams, and ultimately the
ocean. Studies indicate that 80% of the world’s marine debris is land-generated,
with 50% coming from four countries: China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and
Vietnam. With China’s import ban, plastic from across the globe began to
move to a variety of countries that are not well equipped to handle the material,
furthering the likelihood of more plastics entering waterways.
As part of our commitment to the environment, Waste Management has
stopped sending residential plastics to export markets. The recyclable plastics
we collect from households across the U.S. and process at our material recovery
facilities are now sold only to domestic markets. We also are working to expand
domestic markets for responsible recycling and beneficial use of plastics.
Waste Management is an advocate for proper management of materials through end of life. You can help by recycling the right kinds
of plastics in the City of Litchfield Park. Use the shape of a plastic to determine if it can be recycled. Choose a reusable bag or bottle
to cut down on plastic waste. Only recycle your clean plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars. When in doubt, throw it out. Learn more at
wm.com/recycleright.
HAPPENINGS AT THE WIGWAM
NEW INTRODUCING SPRING WINE DINNER SERIES WHISKEY WEDNESDAYS CHARACTER BREAKFAST
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT Fridays & Saturdays Wednesdays | 5-9pm | Litchfield’s Red’s Bar & Grill | 8:30-10:30am
LITCHFIELD’S! $89++ per person
Featuring some of the best whiskeys, Back by popular demand! Join
Sundays | March 1-29 | Four-course dinner, paired with
wines from select wineries. from historic distilleries to boutique your favorite character for
10am-2pm craft whiskey. Choose a flight of breakfast at Red’s Bar & Grill!
February 21 & February 22
Enjoy our seasonal farm-to-table three whiskeys for $18 & enjoy
Freemark Abbey Winery
à la carte brunch menu crafted accompanying jazz music. March 7 & April 4
by Chef de Cuisine, Jason March 20 & March 21
Paterno & craft brunch ZD Wines Winery Reservations required.
cocktails.
April 17 & April 18
Reservations Recommended. Groth Winery
May 15 & 16
San Felice Italian Winery
Reservations required.
wigwamarizona.com | 866.805.6171
10 | Jan-Mar 2020 litchfield-park.orgHow the Spanish Flu of 1918 Left its Mark in Litchfield Park
In November of 1918, much of Arizona was on high alert. at the University of Arizona in Tucson, the local schools in
Phoenix was in crisis. An influenza outbreak, which became Buckeye, and the Phoenix’s Woman’s Club. In some communities,
widely known as the Spanish flu, had arrived. Infecting an emergency hospitals consisted of little more than tents. In
estimated 500 million people worldwide in locations as remote Litchfield Park it became necessary to set up an emergency
as the arctic and the Pacific islands, this global wave of influenza hospital near the current location of The Church at Litchfield
was considered a pandemic. Park on Old Litchfield Road. The temporary emergency hospital
established at the height of the pandemic in the fall of 1918 was
Politics and WWI had a lot to do with how it became known as replaced by a permanent building on the same site in late 1919.
the Spanish flu. In order to maintain wartime morale, censors
in the United Kingdom, France, United States and Germany The Southwest Cotton Company brought Dr. Francis Brown
minimized reporting on the extent of this disease’s devastation. from Bangor, Maine to oversee the care of flu victims. He was
In neutral Spain, the press reported openly on the flu’s effect replaced by Dr. Rothwell after his death a year later. The hospital
on the population, creating the false impression that Spain was served the community until 1932 and was later used as housing
especially hard hit. for Wigwam employees. Today, the western most portion of The
Church at Litchfield Park’s property partially overlaps the former
The symptoms were often typical of the flu including fever, chills, foundation of the hospital, which faced west.
and aches, but alarmingly, the symptoms could swiftly develop
into severe pneumonia causing patients to suffocate from a lack The Goodyear Farms Cemetery near Santa Fe Trail and Indian
of oxygen as their lungs filled with fluid. Another unusual aspect School Road also is a legacy of the Spanish flu pandemic.
of this influenza outbreak was that it was more likely to kill young Although it was established in 1917, many victims of the flu,
adults. October had been the deadliest month for the Spanish flu mainly Southwest Cotton Company employees, are buried there.
pandemic in the United States. Many Arizonans were stricken, In December of 1918, the deadly flu began to subside, although it
but it wasn’t until early November that public health officials took wasn’t until the summer of 1919 that the pandemic had fully run
measures to keep the disease in check. Mandates were issued its course, killing an estimated 6,000 Arizonans. Worldwide it is
requiring the wearing of masks in public, and the Red Cross believed to have killed between 20 million to 50 million people,
made urgent requests for volunteers to nurse the sick. “Fearless making it one of the deadliest epidemics in human history.
men and women only. Cowards not wanted,” reported the November
8th Arizona Republican. The Spanish Flu of 1918: A Pandemic’s Local Legacy is currently on
display at the Litchfield Park Historical Society Museum and
The sudden volume and severity of flu cases in the fall of examines the broad impact this pandemic had both internationally
1918 meant that communities not only in Arizona but around and locally. The museum is located at 13912 W. Camelback Rd.
the country were scrambling for resources. Many emergency and is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to
hospitals were set up in public buildings such as the gymnasium 4pm between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
Above: This hospital in Litchfield Park was built in 1919 following the Spanish flu of 1918. It
was located two blocks north of the downtown business section.
Left: Arizona Governor George W.P. Hunt wearing a mask during the Spanish flu pandemic of
1918 in Phoenix.
litchfield-park.org Jan-Mar 2020 | 11ALERT! Your City Newsletter
Sponsored by: Liberty Utilities, The Wigwam,
Waste Management
MEET YOUR WASTE MANAGEMENT DRIVERS
Claudio Ruiz
“I’m proud to deliver the best service I can working
for Waste Management for my customers. The people
who I service on my route are respectful and nice.”
Henry Dinkins (JR)
“After 20 years of driving for Waste Management,
I’m proud to work for a company that puts its
people and safety first. We work hard to provide
excellent service and keep our customers happy.”You can also read
