Upgrades to four west Chandler parks, addition of digital technology at the Sunset branch and other city libraries, and improvements to the city’s website were among actions authorized by the Chandler City Council at its Sept. 27 meeting.
Among the measures, councilmembers:
Awarded a construction contract to Nickle Contracting LLC for improvements to Stonegate Park in an amount not to exceed $423,863.75. Stonegate is an 8.32-acre neighborhood park which serves the residents of the square mile bordered by Ray and Warner roads and Arizona Avenue and McQueen Road. The renovations will upgrade the irrigation and lighting systems, add a new picnic ramada and improve sidewalks and landscaping, including converting some perimeter turf areas to low-water-use landscape.
Approved a contract with Shade ‘N Net for the purchase and installation of playground shade structures at Harter Park south of Ray Road east of McClintock Drive; Nozomi Park, near West Chandler Aquatic Center; and Price Park next to Chandler mall.
Approved a contract with OverDrive, Inc., to provide digital book technology and services as part of the Greater Phoenix Digital Library Consortium, in an amount not to exceed $200,000 for a two-year period. The consortium is a partnership of 11 libraries that cooperate in purchasing e-format materials for library customers, including those at the Sunset branch in west Chandler. By sharing a website, GPDL members maximize their materials budget, provide access to a wider range of materials, and share the cost of yearly maintenance of the website.
Authorized an agreement with Simpleview in an amount of $54,970 (utilizing Prop. 302 Maricopa County grant funding) for website enhancements, consulting and hosting of the city’s tourism website, www.VisitChandler.com . The website features Chandler tourism information including hotel accommodations, attractions, a calendar of events a dining guide and other useful data.
Authorized the purchase of a street sweeper from Balar Equipment in the amount of $240,944.20. The sweeper will be paid for primarily through a grant from the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council.
On Saturday, Oct. 6, Chandler’s Culinary Festival will feature food from area restaurants with more than 40 samplings and a variety of wines, craft beers and spirits. The event is from 5-10 p.m. in downtown Chandler. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.tastechandler.com .
In other action, Mayor Jay Tibshraeny noted that Chandler’s Reverse Osmosis Facility on old Price Road north of the Intel plant pumped its five billionth gallon of recycled water back into the ground. Intel and the city have been innovators in the water treatment industry by using the latest technology in Reverse Osmosis to treat Intel’s industrial process water to drinking quality standards.
The water is then recharged into the ground, providing a renewable resource. The facility was the first of its kind in the United States. Officials say it continues to set an example not only for conservation but as a successful public-private partnership between the city of Chandler and Intel.
Councilmember Rick Heumann noted that a new restaurant, Nando’s Mexican Café, will be opening on the northeast corner of Germann and Dobson roads.
He also invited residents to make plans to participate in G.A.I.N. (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) events on Oct. 20. Details are online at www.chandlerpd.com .
Councilmember Jack Sellers thanked Maricopa Association of Governments and the Arizona Commerce Authority for hosting a roundtable event to promote trade with Mexico.
During a council study session, six Chandler employees were recognized for their years of service. They are Kenny Thatcher, Police, 30 years; Michael Johnson, Fire, 30 years; Daniel Kuefner, Fire, 30 years; Jim Phipps, Communications and Public Affairs, 15 years; Claud Cluff, Community Services, 15 years; and Courtney Allen, Community Services, 10 years.
Council meetings are aired live, as well as replayed, on Chandler Channel 11 and streamed at www.chandleraz.gov/video .
