Weekly Update
March 26, 2021
Check the Town's website frequently
for COVID-19 response updates.
Governor Ducey Lifts COVID-19 Restrictions with Executive Order
As Arizona has administered 3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine and experienced 10 weeks of declining cases, Governor Ducey lifted COVID-19 restrictions in the State of Arizona, including those imposed by local governments such as cities and counties in yesterday's Executive Order.

The new measures take away the authority from local governments to approve public events of more than 50
people, all COVID-19 related requirements for businesses such as bars, restaurants, and gyms will "transition to recommendations, and any remaining government mask mandates will be phased out."

The Governor emphasized that while we’re in a different spot than we were when these provisions were implemented, individuals and businesses will need to continue to act responsibly. Businesses, and entities that physically serve the public, are encouraged to continue to take actions recommended by the CDC, ADHS, and others. Cities and Towns can only set and enforce mitigation policies in their own government buildings and/or on public transportation, including, but not limited to, requiring face coverings.

The CDC guidelines, which the Town, County and State previously identified as the benchmark data to follow and guide us through this pandemic, still have Maricopa County in the "substantial" spread category. The chart below was taken from the business dashboard on Arizona Department of Health Services webpage yesterday.

The standard initially established by the Governor and adopted by the Town is that businesses could not reopen until all three benchmarks were in the "low" spread category and remained so for two consecutive weeks. It should be noted that the data below is always two weeks in arrears in order to make sure the numbers are all reported.
What Does this Mean for Paradise Valley?
This wide-reaching executive order has many impacts for Paradise Valley residents and visitors, Town staff, and our resorts and businesses. Next week, Town staff will evaluate this new order, and revise and implement changes to the Town's reopening plan. When making this evaluation, staff will consider best practices as established by the CDC, and the health, safety and comfort level of those working in and visiting our buildings.

The Governor's Executive Order will allow greater flexibility for our resorts and businesses to serve their clientele. The executive order specifically allows businesses to continue requiring masks and physical distancing at their own discretion. The Town will fully support them as they adapt to these changes and we ask that you respect the rules they establish.
Five Star Perimeter Roads - Work Continues to Progress
On the west half of the Mockingbird Lane improvements are ongoing and include curbs, gutters, sidewalks, raised medians, and landscaping. Bicyclists must seek alternate routes as cycling is currently prohibited on Mockingbird between Lincoln Drive and Meadowlark Lane. This is for the cyclists' safety, as well as for drivers.

Starting in April, the final rubberized asphalt surface course on Lincoln Drive will be placed east of Mockingbird Lane. The eastbound travel lanes will be completed first with the westbound lanes to follow. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution when driving through work zones.
Longtime PV Employee Brad Streberg Retires
Paradise Valley's Lead Facilities Technician Brad Streberg is retiring after 23 years of service. If you have ever visited one of the Town's buildings whether it be Town Hall, the Police Department, or the Court, you have Brad to thank for how well-maintained they are.

Brad started as a facilities technician in 1998. In 2007, he was promoted to Lead Technician as a result of his hard work, knowledge, and dedication to the Town. For those of us who have worked with him on a daily basis, hit will be hard to not see him all over the Town campus popping out of an electrical closet, or at the top of a ladder fiddling with a misbehaving light fixture.

We will miss Brad, but we wish him and his family the best as they start their new life in St. Croix (as in the Caribbean). Thank you, Brad, for your years of service helping to make Paradise Valley the great place it is.
EPCOR Water Main Break
On the morning of Thursday, March 25th Town’s Public Works Department staff discovered a water main break on the west side of Camelback Manor Drive just south of Lincoln Drive at approximately 6:45am. The Engineering Department was notified, determined the break was in the EPCOR water service area.

EPCOR was contacted and had a repair crew on site by 7:30am. EPCOR staff isolated the area of the break, had underground utilities marked before digging, and worked with the Engineering Department to obtain an emergency right-of-way permit and traffic control plan. Town staff working in conjunction with EPCOR was able to get the water shut off before the roadway was damaged.

Approximately 18 homes were affected by the water main break which was repaired and back in service by 1:30pm.

The Town of Paradise Valley does not own or operate any potable water systems. Town residents and resorts are serviced by the City of Phoenix, EPCOR, City of Scottsdale or the Berneil Water Company. When there are issues with water pressure, water main breaks, etc. residents often contact the Town who then puts them in contact with the appropriate water service provider. A map of the water provider service areas and contact information can be found on the Town's website by clicking the link.
Above Left: Public Works discovers a water main break.
Above Right: Repairs in process
Police Updates
Elks Statewide Officer of the Year
Corporal Kelly Ingram, who was the Paradise Valley Police Department’s Officer of the Year, was informed this week that she was selected as the Elks' Arizona State West District Officer of the Year.

A committee of Elks, including the President of the Elks Americanism, reviewed each of the Arizona nominees for Officer of the Year, and chose to honor Corporal Kelly Ingram as their 2021 winner. Congratulations, Corporal Ingram!
Fantastic Display of Teamwork
On Tuesday, March 23, the PVPD Communications team, including Dispatcher Beckwith, Dispatcher Forte, and Dispatcher Stedman received multiple 9-1-1 calls of a head-on collision on Lincoln Drive near 41st St.

Despite the multiple calls, they were able to get Officer Bach, Officer Chavira, Corporal Garrity, and Officer Unger to the scene quickly.

Upon arrival, officers located a seriously injured and drug-impaired male driver had crossed the center line and crashed into a second vehicle in the westbound lanes of traffic. The male became combative toward officers and firefighters at the scene but was effectively restrained and transported by EMS.

As the officers were reconstructing the collision, Detective Marshall and Detective Toporek went to the hospital to contact the male. Corporal Fisk used information gathered from the scene officers and the detectives to secure a search warrant for the male’s blood to test it for impairment.

The overall incident was managed well by Sergeant Williams, who was able to coordinate the officers at the scene and the investigators at the hospital. This was a great team effort and each member of the team was able to provide a positive contribution
Summary of the March 25th Council Meeting
The highlight of many Council meetings is the leading of the Pledge of Allegiance by a local student who has achieved academic, athletic, or personal success. Last night was no exception as Lawson Lundstedt led the Council in the Pledge.

Lawson Lundstedt was recently recognized as a Person of Distinction by the Paradise Valley Independent for his extensive commitment to charity and volunteer service. He has volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul, Welcome to America, and ICMC.

He is also an Eagle Scout and is a St. Jude Children’s Hospital Leadership Recipient. Thank you, Lawson, for your exceptional service and for opening the March 25th meeting.

Do you know a Paradise Valley student that might be interested in participating in a Town Council meeting by leading the Pledge? Please contact Sarah Meland at smeland@paradisevalleyaz.gov or at 480-348-3544.
The Town Council took the following actions at last night’s meeting:

  • Adopted Resolution 2021 06 Extending the Authorization of Temporary Rescission and Amendments to Certain Zoning Ordinance Provisions in Response to the COVID 19 Pandemic and Related Town Practices to Stop the Spread of COVID 19
  • Adopted Resolution 2021 07 Authorizing the Filing of an Amicus Brief in Sun City Home Owners Association v. Arizona Corporation Commission, et al., Case No. CV20 0047 PR, Arizona Supreme Court
  • Made the following appointments to committees, commissions, and boards:
Advisory Committee on Public Safety (ACOPS)
Timothy Dickman
Jim Hawthorne
Jay Ozer
Kathy Petsas
Mark Winograd
Ryan Wooddy
Council Member Anna Thomasson (Chair)

Board of Adjustment
Robert Brown
Priti Kaur
Emily Kile
Rohan Sahani

Hillside Building Committee
Scott Jarson

Historical Advisory Committee
Kathryn Gasser
Jennifer Gustafson
Catherine Kauffman
Christine Labelle
Jennifer Nagel
Maureen Strom
Beth Wickstrom
Municipal Property Corporation 
Blair Portigal

Paradise Valley Mountain Preserve Trust
John Graham
Teresa Zachariah

Personnel Appeals Board
Ron Clarke
Rachelle Leibsohn

Planning Commission
Pamela Georgelos
Karen Liepmann
William Nassikas

PV Arts Board
Phyllis Barbee
Jan Lindell
Marianne Mallia
Janie Russo


Red indicates a reappointment.

Note: Volunteers whose terms were not up this year are not shown.
Paradise Valley is Hiring
We are currently recruiting for Lead Building Maintenance Technician. If you know of anyone who is qualified and may be interested, please pass this along. The Recruitment Brochure is attached. Applicants must apply online at: https://paradisevalleyaz.gov/168/Employment-Opportunities
Upcoming Town Meetings and Events
April 6th - Planning Commission, 6:00 pm via Zoom

April 7th - Coffee with a Cop, 7:30 am via Zoom

April 7th - Board of Adjustment Meeting, 5:30 pm via Zoom

April 8th - Town Council, 6:00 pm via Zoom

April 14th - Hillside Building Committee, 8:00 am via Zoom
Remember to check the Town's website for meeting updates, changes, and agendas.
Town of Paradise Valley | paradisevalleyaz.gov