City of Scottsdale, AZ

05/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/06/2024 16:39

Scottsdale Update - May 6, 2024

Scottsdale Update - May 6, 2024

By Jan Horne, public information officer, 480-312-2636

May 6, 2024

HEADLINE NEWS

TONIGHT! Scottsdale considers strengthening local laws to address noise, nuisance parties and short-term rentals. The Scottsdale City Council on Monday, May 6, will consider amending city code provisions to improve the city's ability to hold people accountable for noisy neighborhood gatherings which often occur at short-term rental properties. Review the City Council report (PDF).

Three ordinance changes will be presented:

  • Promoters who use residential properties for nuisance parties will be defined and designated as a responsible party under city code, increasing the city's ability to hold bad actors accountable for causing nuisance parties in neighborhoods.

  • Scottsdale police will be provided the authority to remove non-residents from a property after a nuisance party is declared, something that is not easily done under existing city code.

  • Minors will be specifically prohibited from renting a short-term rental property, allowing the city to better enforce violations when necessary.

These ordinances would apply to all residential properties, not just to those offered for rent. However, the issue with nuisance parties is clearly more acute at short-term rental properties.

In 2017, the Arizona State Legislature eliminated the ability for local cities and towns to regulate these types of rentals based solely on their classification or use. Since the state has preempted cities and towns on this matter, the city cannot prohibit short-term rentals nor pass an ordinance that is more restrictive than state law.

Scottsdale residents and neighborhoods dealing with problem properties are encouraged to find more resources and information at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search "short-term rentals."

Help identify where shade and trees would enhance livability. Attend one of two meetings:

  • 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road

  • 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 16, Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park, 8950 E. Pinnacle Peak Road

Following a brief project overview, representatives will collect your input. Contact Sustainability Director Lisa McNeilly if you need more information.

Prevent drownings - the most common cause of death in the United States for children ages 1-4. Keep your loved ones safe with these safety tips:

  • Take CPR classes at least every two years, and practice between to keep your skills sharp.

  • Supervise children wherever they could find water. Children can drown in as little as an inch of water.

  • No one should swim alone, including adults.

  • Install a pool fence or other approved barriers around the pool. Learn what's required in Scottsdale.

  • Keep a phone by the pool to call 911 in case of an emergency.

  • More tips.

"Beat the Heat" helps seniors as summer heat rises. This annual program provides care packages to vulnerable homebound seniors during the summer. We need your donations, including bottled water, nutritional drinks, snacks, ice packs, fans, hygiene items, gift cards and books of stamps. Drop off donations 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, through May 17, at the Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda.

Maricopa County confirmed 645 heat-associated deaths in 2023, which breaks the previous year's total by more than 50%. The city offers eight hydration/cooling stations: Granite Reef and Via Linda senior centers, Vista del Camino Community Center, Paiute Neighborhood Center and all four city libraries: Appaloosa, Arabian, Civic Center and Mustang. People can stay in these stations during regular business hours.

The city also partners with nonprofits to provide day relief centers which give refuge from the outdoors and provide meals and water, showers, and navigation for additional services: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, South Scottsdale Presbyterian Church, 3421 N. Hayden Road; and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays, Vista del Camino Community Center, 7700 E. Roosevelt Drive. Find other Valley cooling stations.

Learn about the responsibilities of city Boards and Commissions and how you can serve.

THINGS TO DO

Support Spring Arizona Restaurant Week, May 17-26.Arizona Restaurant Week showcases local chefs and their culinary achievements with special menus and dining experiences at participating restaurants.

Celebrate the history of the Indian Bend Wash with free community events throughout May. The Indian Bend Wash flood control project transformed a serious flooding hazard into a world-renowned network of parks, lakes, paths and golf courses traversing through the heart of Scottsdale. In 1985, Scottsdale officially dedicated the $54 million project, nearly 20 years after the first park in the Indian Bend Wash was built.

Spanning 11 miles in the heart of Scottsdale, the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt features more than 24 grade-separated crossings. This project is rated among the top urban "green spaces" in Arizona.

Help us celebrate the history and beautiful landscapes of the Indian Bend Wash with free community events and activities throughout May:

  • Paws in the Park: 8-10 a.m. Sunday, May 19, Chaparral Dog Park, 5401 N. Hayden Road. Bring your four-legged friends to Chaparral Park for this free event featuring local dog vendors!

  • Dive-in Movie: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, May 25, Eldorado Aquatic Center, 2301 N. Miller Road. Join us for a free movie with a splash at Eldorado Aquatic Center! The movie will start shortly after sunset.

  • Indian Bend Wash Historical Presentation: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, virtual. Join Scottsdale historian Joan Fudala for a virtual, photo-intense flashback tour, covering the evolution of the Indian Bend Wash, from epic floods to the present-day greenbelt flood control system that includes five parks, two aquatic centers, several golf courses, walking paths, three urban lakes and more. Register online.

Pac-12 Baseball Tournament swings back into Scottsdale Stadium. Nine teams will compete May 21-25, with the championship game taking place Saturday, May 25.

The Pac-12 will announce participating teams as the regular season wraps up. Tickets are on sale.

Ongoing:

Get more events information.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Bring your personal and/or commercial documents to this season's final "Shred It" event. The service runs 7-10 a.m. Saturday, May 11, in the Walmart parking lot, 15355 N. Northsight Blvd. Cost is $5 per box or bag.

We need your help to restock Scottsdale's Vista del Camino Food Bank. Participate in the National Association of Letter Carriers' Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive by placing nonperishable food near your mailbox Saturday, May 11. Your letter carrier will pick up items and deliver to food banks.

Do you know a person or business that embodies Scottsdale's spirit? The Neighborhood Advisory Commission invites you to nominate those who strengthen our community through their commitment to and involvement in Scottsdale neighborhoods. Learn more about past winners and nominate someone special today.

Scottsdale's Blue Zones transformation continues. Join Scottsdale's process of becoming a Blue Zones Community as we make Scottsdale a healthier and happier place for current and future generations. With focus on improving well-being and creating an environment where healthy choices are easily accessible, we're translating lessons from longevity cultures into environmental changes that strengthen social ties.

A Blue Zones Project Scottsdale initiative to help neighbors in need by volunteering at a food bank packing party, is happening through May at Vista del Camino. Learn more and take the pledge at BlueZonesProjectScottsdale.com.

Get free device advice from the Library Computer Learning Group's volunteer team. Learn how to download e-books, access the New York Times, stream film to your smart TV and so much more with free digital services available from the library. Bring your device and any associated passwords for a 15-30-minute consultation. Available times: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, Appaloosa Library; or 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, Mustang Library.

Youth and Family Services hosts National Prevention Week to help combat substance abuse. Next week's National Prevention Week (PDF) is a public education platform showcasing the work of communities and organizations dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of substance use prevention. Visit us to learn more at the following locations:

  • 9 a.m.-noon Monday, May 13, Via Linda Senior Center

  • 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday, May 14, Civic Center Library

  • 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday, May 15, Granite Reef Senior Center

  • 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, May 16, Paiute Neighborhood Center

Investing in Our Scottsdale - Take note of these two projects happening now.

  • Phase two of the Historic Old Town Streetlight Replacement project is underway through October and includes replacing streetlights and adding festoon lighting on Buckboard Trail, First Avenue, Brown Avenue, Main Street and First Street. Generally, construction takes place 2 a.m.-noon, Monday through Thursday. Business access will be maintained throughout the project. Get project details.

  • Multiuse path repairs and maintenance start today for about three weeks as Transportation and Streets crews begin work near the following locations:

  • Pima and McDowell roads

  • 108th Street and Shea Boulevard

  • Camelback and Hayden roads

  • Indian School and Hayden roads

FYI

ADOT advises drivers to plan for nightly restrictions as part of the Loop 101 Pima Freeway improvements. The eastbound Princess Drive right lane will be closed at the Loop 101 interchange from 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, to 5 a.m. Wednesday, May 8. The southbound Pima Road right lane will be closed at the Loop 101 interchange from 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, through 5 a.m. Thursday, May 9.

This is part of Arizona Department of Transportation's two-year project to add lanes and improve interchanges on Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/ Pima Road. "Stay in the Loop" by subscribing to project updates on ADOT's website.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Some warning signs of a mental health crisis are excessive worrying, extreme mood changes, changes in sleeping habits and school performance, avoiding social activities and problems concentrating. Learn the signs and how to get help.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month; learn how to protect yourself. With more than 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is America's most common cancer. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers. Follow these safety tips:

  • Wear a SPF 30+ sunscreen.

  • Avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

  • Seek shade and wear clothing that protects your head, neck and shoulders. Rember to wear sunglasses.

  • Avoid tanning beds - the risk of skin cancer increases by 85% if you use a tanning device before age 30.

Job of the Week: Maintenance Technician for Sports Fields at Reata Sports Complex. If you're passionate about turf and landscape management, this is the role for you. You'll oversee maintenance operations at our sports complexes, including 21 sand-based fields that host regional and national tournaments and local practices. Duties include leadership, staff direction, project execution, irrigation, field layout, mowing, fertilization, troubleshooting and landscape maintenance. Learn more and apply.

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