Ward 5 Update

By Council Member Richard Fimbres 

On July 23, the 11th Annual Arizona Bilingual Kidz Expo took place at the Tucson Convention Center.  I want to thank Alma Gallardo and Arizona Bilingual for another successful event and the work they do for our community. …

Another school semester will be starting soon. The school zone 15 miles per hour signs are out in the morning and afternoon, with crossing guards helping students cross our streets to get to our elementary, middle and high schools.  The University of Arizona and Pima College are starting their semesters and college students are moving into the dorms and houses in our neighborhoods.

With this, my office has received complaints about, including: loud parties, trash cans being left out, parking, fireworks and pet issues naming several issues and concerns that have been raised and my office has gathered information, to inform everyone who may not know about some of the rules about parking; dates of times for trash pick up; dates for upcoming Brush and Bulky pickup; noise levels and what to do about loud parties. 

Parking:  Parking your vehicle is a permitted use on any portion of a property provided the vehicles do not block City right-of-way (sidewalks, alleys). Also, when you park your car, please don’t block access to your neighbor’s mailbox or driveway. If you are intending to have an event, be courteous and let your neighbors know about the event and when parking will be available on the street. Please ensure all vehicles have current registration and are operable.

About your trash: To reduce flies and odor, please bag and securely tie all your trash and do not overfill containers. Never place hot ash or coals, or other burning materials in containers.    Yard waste may be disposed of, as long as it fits within the container with the lid closed. Don’t leave your containers out past your pick up date.  Please return it to the space you have it in your yard. For any damaged trash containers, contact Environmental Services at (520) 791-3171.

To find out your trash pickup date, either call Environmental Services at (520) 791-3171 or go online to maps2.tucsonaz.gov/zoomtucson/.   

Please have your trash and recycle containers out to the street and on those days, please try not to block mail boxes and driveways.  Residential recycling is collected every other week. To check your schedule, go to www.tucsonaz.gov/es/residential-recycling and type in your address or use the Recycle Coach app to view your schedule, set up reminders, or submit a service request.

Brush and Bulky: Environmental Services offers Brush and Bulky twice a year. Environmental Services will pick up 10 cubic yards of materials with the following guidelines: They will take brush, cacti (must be contained), lumber up to five feet, scrap metal, piping up to five feet, appliances, refrigerator and freezers with doors removed, automobile tires (limit five), and home furnishings.

Environmental Services will not collect: Dirt, stone, concrete, gravel, glass, household hazardous waste (i.e. paint, oil, pesticides and liquids).

To find out your Brush and Bulky pick up date, either call Environmental Services at (520) 791-3171 or go online to /maps2.tucsonaz.gov/zoomtucson/.   

Cleaning up after your dog:  It doesn’t take much to remember that we have pets in our community. In fact, if you don’t watch your step, you are liable to step in one such reminder! Besides being unsightly and smelly, animal waste can be hazardous to the health of our children who play in the community and other pets. One of the most common forms of disease transmission between dogs is through fecal matter.  When walking your dog out in our community, remember that it should be leashed. Also, it is important to remember to immediately clean up after your pet. Take along a baggie with you to pick up waste and then dispose of it properly.  By taking a few simple steps to clean up after your pet, you can contribute not only to the beautification of our community, but also towards the elimination of one of the most irritating nuisances in our community.

Loud Parties and Red Tags: With the start of a semester come loud parties. Although I understand student excitement about the school year, there are codes that are in place and must be followed.  A loud party or unruly gathering can result in a red tag, which has several consequences. If red tagged, a visible “red tag” will be placed in street view, notifying the neighborhood of the issuance.  The red tag comes with a fine and if a college student is involved, a report to the Dean of Students of the respective school. The “red tag” states that if another unruly gathering occurs within 180 days that fines will be given in amounts of $500-$1500.

The practice of social distancing and wearing masks, as well as washing hands have been strongly advised during this COVID-19 pandemic by the Pima County Health Department.   Be safe and be healthy and also wash your hands.