Mayor's Corner

 Dear Class of 2020: 

We know this is not what you expected your Senior year to be like. When you walked on campus last fall –

FINALLY a Senior – you had no idea the challenges and disappointments that would come your way. 

We agree, it’s not fair. 

Success is not measured by the challenges you face, and every journey has its challenges. We see you, and your strength is truly inspiring. Just know that we are here – and we’ve always been here by your side.

You should be proud of all that you have accomplished. The celebrations may need to wait and it may look different this year, but the message is the same, YOU EARNED THIS! 

The Class of 2020 is a class to be remembered and we are extremely proud of you. 

Congratulations!! 

Mayor Arturo R. Garino and Nogales City Council

Dear Friends,

On March 21, 2020 Mayor Garino and City Council declared a state of emergency, due to COVID-19. A methodical plan was developed in conversation with City department directors and implemented across departments. Each Executive Order by Governor Ducey that impacted City operations has been seamlessly implemented across the City. City buildings have limited access to the public, while providing alternative means for residents to access City services and an alternate worksite policy that protects City employees was implemented, while continuing to serve the residents of Nogales.

In addition to protecting City employees, the City is informing residents on three critical issues. First, flattening the curve; second, supporting local businesses; and, finally, protecting against fraud. Recently, Mayor Garino put out an important message on flattening the curve. He advised residents to maintain at least 6 feet of distance, and to go to stores by themselves, if possible. The Mayor also recommended frequent hand washing. The video was made in both Spanish and English and posted on the City’s Facebook page and website, covid19.nogalesaz.gov.

Here are other steps the City has done:

• The City begins discussions on Response Plan
   
• The City sends COVID-19 info to elderly public housing residents
   
• The City suspends evictions for non-payment
   
• The City suspends utility shutoffs for non-payment
   
• The City Closes bars, movie theaters, gyms, and fitness centers and prohibits on premise dining, only permitting local food vendors to serve residents with delivery, pick-up, and drive-thru.
   
• The City declares a state of emergency and a financial state of emergency
   
• The City sets dropbox at City Hall for check/money order payments
   
• The City implements Library-to-Go Program
   
• The City launches covid19.nogalesaz.gov
   
• The City helps affected businesses with use-based trash pick-up
   
• The City limits public attendance of Council Meetings and livestreams on YouTube
   
• The City Limits public access to city buildings
   
• The City hand-delivered small business emergency loan flyers to 88 local businesses
   
• Mayor Garino frequently communicates with local and state officials, such as the Governor’s Office, regarding COVID-19
   
• The City is Encouraging Local Businesses to Publish Hours of Operations and Ways for Residents to Access their Goods and Services, While Practicing Social Distancing
   
• The City is Coordinating with Santa Cruz County on COVID-19 Impacts Across the County
   
• The City launched Banners for Businesses an initiative to help local essential businesses and businesses with an online presence
   
• The City acquired surgical masks and gloves for City employees as another tool to help flatten the curve and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
   
• The City, aided by the personal efforts of Mayor Garino, acquired PPE for its first responders. Nogales Police Department and Nogales Fire & Medical Department personnel are equipped with the proper PPE.
   
• City Library partnered with the School District to assist students who need help with computers.
   

Dear Friends,

Due to the COVID-19 Concerns (Corona Virus) I have decided to postpone the State of the City Address until

further notice. I was excited to speak about all the wonderful projects that were completed throughout 2019 and

future projects, but our focus now is ensuring the well-being of all Nogales residents and employees. Once a new

date is selected I will make sure to, once again, let the community know so you can all hopefully be there.

On March 4th I had the pleasure, along with Governor Doug Ducey and other state, local and federal officials,

to break ground on an exciting new project along State Route 189 in Nogales, Arizona. I was also part of a panel

where I was asked to speak about why the modernization of SR-189 is so important to the City of Nogales and

myself.

The $130+ million project is meant to improve mobility and safety and will help increase international trade

coming through Nogales by linking the Mariposa Port of Entry and Interstate 19. Some of the upgrades along SR-

189, that the Arizona Department of Transportation will work on, include flyover ramps that will connect directly

with the interstate and therefore, will eliminate the need for commercial trucks to have to stop at stoplights as they

travel to and from I-19 and the international border.

Another benefit to the project is that it will reduce vehicle congestion on Mariposa Road. The flyover ramps will

also increase safety for Nogales High School students. The project also includes a new roundabout at Target Range

Road and improved drainage and traffic signals, among other improvements.

I’m very excited about the project as it is very important for the City of Nogales, and for the entire state of Arizona,

economically. 

Dear Friends, 

On behalf of myself and the Nogales City Council I would like to extend an invitation for everyone to attend the upcoming State of the City Address. I am excited to speak about all the wonderful projects that were completed throughout 2019. We are getting things done! Street paving projects and infrastructure improvements are just a few of the topics that I hope to highlight. I am also looking forward to sharing the future goals and projects the city has planned with all Nogales residents. 

The State of the City Address will take place on Thursday, March 26th at 10:00am at the Nogales Recreation Center on Hohokam. This is event is completely free and open to the public. I hope to see you all there as we all work to make life in Nogales great! 

Events and Happenings: 

1. Valentine’s Ice Cream Social at the Casitas de Santa Cruz – Mayor Garino and Councilmembers Esther Melendez Lopez and Nubar Hanessian recently attended a Valentine’s Day ice cream social held at the Casitas de Santa Cruz retirement apartments. The resident’s had fun and ate cupcakes, made by the Mayor’s wife, and ice cream with a variety of toppings to indulge their sweet tooth. 

2. Colors of Spring Art Contest – 6th grade students throughout Nogales and Rio Rico were recently invited to participate in the Colors of Spring Art Contest. This contest encourages students to put their imaginations to work by creating butterflies using any desired medium such as: cardboard, plastic, wood, metal, etc. and that conveys this year’s theme: Colors of Spring. The contest runs from February 24th through March 9th. All submitted work will be hung on display at Nasib Karam Park on March 20th and the top three most creative classes will each be awarded a pizza party. This project is made possible thanks to the support of the Superintendents, Principals, Teachers, Councilwoman Esther Melendez-Lopez and the Cultural Arts Committee. We look forward to seeing all the wonderful entries submitted. 

Dear Friends,

On behalf of myself, Mayor Garino and Nogales City Council we would like to wish you and your families the very best this Year ~~ 2020!

The City is looking forward in completing many projects this year.  We are getting things done! Street projects, improvements in water and sewer infrastructure are certainly hi-lighted this year. 

The city is well on its way in updating the General Plan.  We are undoubtedly very excited and looking forward to economic growth in future annexation.  With the help of our council and staff, we are working to make life in Nogales great!  I encourage everyone to give us a call or send us an email, I look forward to hearing from you.

 Events and Happenings:    

1.  The City and volunteers from the 0S3 Movement Bicycle Group celebrated the completion of “phase one” (of 3) of the Monte Carlo biking & multi-use trail system.  Although, it was not an official inauguration it sure was great to see so many in supportive of these efforts!  

“The Fun Side of Nogales” as referenced by 0s3 group is the place to enjoy the natural desert scape while checking out the majestic 33ft metal art bicycle structure created by local artist Karla Osete and her father. 

Volunteers of the 0S3 Group worked diligently on the paths, greenery and rock mosaics of the (1) kilometer long trail.   We encourage everyone to visit the trails and to volunteer in ‘phase 2’ of this 2-year project.      

2.  Mayor and council members welcomed newly appointed City Manager, Edward B. Johnson.  Mr. Johnson was sworn to office on January 13.   He served our country in the U.S. Army, for 21 years, retired Army lieutenant colonel.  “Eddie” a former chief administrator with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has extensive executive level experience.  “Welcome Eddie!”  “You're Among Friends!”

--