Good afternoon.

You know I relish a spirited debate in the public square, and Tuesday’s Workshop was no exception. We got an update on City Hall construction and the adoption of some building and fire codes that will primarily affect new construction. And it seems that our Glendale Lean Academy has certified 110 employees since 2023. If you are not familiar, Lean Six Sigma Training is a progressively rigorous process-improvement protocol that teaches participants how to identify and refine processes to save money, time, and frustration in workflow. I cannot imagine a better program for professional development for staff and for government in general. Great job!

But most of the fireworks were saved for the discussion of the City Administrative Policy pertaining to councilmember stipends and car allowances. Based on the policy, the stipends are meant to cover a council member’s costs that are not otherwise paid for by the city-- this includes use of a home office, internet service, meals and mileage for meetings, events, and other official business. But Councilmembers already receive $18k for office expenses, conferences, local meetings, events, and mileage that is meant to cover these costs.

The car allowance and stipend are optional, and we can elect to receive one, both, or neither. I have elected to take none. The issue I have is that this policy was developed after a salary increase for councilmembers was rejected by voters in 2019. And while it may be customary for governments to provide their elected officials allowances for cellphones and vehicles, or mileage reimbursements, none in Arizona provide this type of stipend.

Some Councilmembers believe that expenses for a home office seem reasonable, especially in light of working from home during covid and the City Hall construction. And some have indicated a willingness to revisit the issue after the new City Hall opens. But I would like to see a policy that is discussed, voted upon, and adopted after open discussion so the debate sees the light of day. It’s a small ask for a big change in policy.

Until next week, keep cool and stay hydrated!

Councilman Bart Turner

Barrel District, City of Glendale

CITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

All city offices will be closed

in observance of the Labor Day Holiday

Monday, September 1st.

The city of Glendale offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of the Labor Day holiday, but residents and visitors can still take advantage of many services and recreational opportunities. City offices will reopen on Sept. 2.

All residential garbage, recycling and bulk trash collection services will take place as usual on Labor Day and throughout the holiday week. The Glendale Municipal Landfill and the Solid Waste customer service office will be closed on Sept. 1, in observance of the holiday. Visit Home | City of Glendale, AZ or call 623-930-2660 for more information.

Glendale Public Libraries will be closed on Labor Day and will reopen at 10 a.m. on Sept. 2.

Glendale Fire Department

Announces the Retirement of...

Assistant Chief Ken Barnes

Many Thanks for 35 years of Dedicated Service.

Congratulations Chief Barnes

Citizens' Police Academy

The Glendale Police Department is excited to offer a 11-week free program designed for citizens of Glendale and members of the business community. The Citizen Police Academy program allows participants to become involved with the Glendale Police Department and gain an inside perspective of the different roles and responsibilities of both our sworn officers and non-sworn employees. Throughout the 11-week program, participants will meet and get to know the men and women of the Glendale Police Department, discuss how they make our community safe, and partake in hands-on experiences with the tools and equipment they use.

Space is Limited; Classes are held Wednesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and two Saturday day classes; Must be 18 years or older, available to attend full 11-week program and must complete the application process. Program Curriculum Includes:

Crime Scene Investigation
D.U.I. Recognition
K-9’s
EOD (Bomb Squad)
Assertive Driving – Take a spin in one of our Squad cars on our driving track!
Firearms training
Investigations – Fugitive Apprehension, Gangs, Homicide
Detention Operations and Tour
Communications Operations (9-1-1 center) and Tour
Community Action Teams
And more…

For more information, email: GPDCAT@glendaleaz.com

Glendale Bond Election 2025

Registration Deadline:

The deadline to register to vote is October 6, 2025. This will be an all-mail election. The Maricopa County Elections Department will begin mailing ballots to all registered voters on October 8, 2025. All ballots must be received by Election Day, November 4, 2025.

For election information, such as how to register to vote or to verify your registration status, please visit the Glendale City Clerk’s election page.

Mail ballots can also be dropped at the Glendale City Clerk's Office, M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Glendale Fire Department Annual Report

When we see a recap of trail rescue in the dead of summer or a devastating car wreck we are reminded of the men and women of Glendale Fire that answer the call day in and day out. But there is so much more they handle simply by virtue of working for the City of Glendale.

Being home to two of the region’s largest event venues means handling over 130 huge, high-profile events ranging from university graduations to world class concerts and sporting events, and even short-notice events coordinated with the US Secret Service. It’s just a day in the life.

But to get the full picture, including national academic and field training, hazard drills, interagency briefings, and community education programs, check out the Glendale Fire Annual Report for 2024-2025. It's impressive.

Read the Glendale Fire 2024-2025 Annual Report

Age to Purchase Tobacco Products and Vapes Raised to 21

In June, the Governor signed legislation raising the age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21 years of age to take effect in September. In order to align with state law, the City will amend the current code in regard to cigarettes to include definitions and language pertaining to e-cigarettes and vapes and raising the legal age to purchase and possess all tobacco products from 18 to 21 years of age.

Vaping products can be very deceiving-often colorful and resembling thumb drives or makeup kits. If your teen is experimenting with vaping, make sure they know the law and encourage them to quit. There are smartphone Apps available to help them do just that.

Download quitSTART

quitSTART is a free smartphone app for teens who want to quit smoking. This app takes the information you provide about your smoking history and gives you tailored tips, inspiration, and challenges to help you become smokefree and live a healthier life.

quitSTART | Smokefree

Where can I get help?

Report local issues, concerns, and requests for service

GlendaleOne is your one-stop shop for access to non-emergency city services, important information, phone numbers, and digital requests for City services. Need to report an abandoned vehicle? A missed garbage pickup? Need information on a building permit? Now you can do it all at GlendaleOne. Just enter the location, type of issue, details, and contact information to submit.

Click here to send a request directly to the department in charge of your request.

Have You Seen This?

So Impressive, we had to share..."

Last week the Glendale City Council attended the Arizona League of Cities and Towns Annual Conference which offers elected officials and staff the opportunity to go to seminars, learn how other cities across Arizona address problems, and generally share the accomplishments of the past year with our colleagues in other cities.

On the last evening of the Conference, the League President provides an update and usually some entertainment for attendees. Mayor Kevin Hartke, City of Chandler really hit it out of the park with this original song that articulates so well, what is special about each member City and Town across Arizona.

Many thanks to Mayor Kevin Hartke, City of Chandler

Statewide Traffic & Barrel District Construction

Visit AZ511.com on event days to get the latest information on road conditions and traffic updates.

Upcoming Work Scheduled

Streets between Royal Palm Road and Olive Avenue, and between 59th Avenue and 61st Avenue – Crack sealing to take place in late Summer/Fall to prepare for Slurry Seal application to take place later in the program.

Streets between Butler Drive and Olive Avenue, and between 63rd Avenue and 67th Avenue – Crack sealing to take place in late Summer/Fall to prepare for Slurry Seal application to take place later in the program.

Streets north of Royal Palm Road to Echo Lane, between 61st Avenue and 63rd Avenue – Crack sealing to take place in late Summer/Fall to prepare for Slurry Seal application to take place later in the program.

Townley Avenue, west of 61st Avenue – Crack sealing to take place in late Summer/Fall to prepare for Slurry Seal application to take place later in the program.

Residential streets between Cholla Street and Cactus Road, between 59th Avenue and 67th Avenue – Crack sealing to take place in late Summer/Fall to prepare for Slurry Seal application to take place later in the program.

For a map of real time City of Glendale Road Closures and Restrictions, click here

DON'T MISS WHATS NEW IN GLENDALE

Don't Miss the 12th Annual Glendale Standup for Veterans.

Twelve years ago, we were inspired to host our own Veterans StandUp event to ensure veterans in Glendale have the personalized attention they need to resolve any matter all at once. If you are a veteran or know a veteran, definitely plan to stop by and see all the services gathered in on place and committed to leaving no veteran to deal with obstacles alone. Even if you need nothing, there are hundreds of men and women who come by for lunch and to catch up with old friends.

Multiple government agencies will be on site to resolve any issue you have including:

AZ Department of Motor Vehicles, Glendale City Court, VA Benefits Reps, Veteran Service Organizations, etc. Attorneys from the State Bar of Arizona will be doing free legal consultations in family law, wills & trusts, bankruptcy and consumer debt. Dozens of employers will be on hand to interview and offer employment to veterans and their spouses all day.

Don't miss it!

Checkout Tickets for Upcoming Shows

Hot Rod Night is Back!

Select Wednesdays

Starting September 10th

5-9pm

Westgate Entertainment District is bringing back its Hot Rod Night series on select Wednesdays in September and October. Look for a full showing of classic cars and hot rods, live music, and happy hour deals from restaurants and bars.

To participate in the car show, arrive at Westgate at 4 p.m. on the evening of the selected show. Spots will be allocated in the order that vehicles arrive. Cars made in the 1980s and earlier can park on Entertainment Blvd. in WaterDance Plaza. Cars made in the 1990s and later can park on Westgate Blvd. near Fountain Park.

Visit westgateaz.com/events for event and parking information.

State Farm Stadium RV Super Show

The RV Super Show will take place inside in the stadium and admission is free to the general public. There will be a large assortment of new and

used RVs to choose from - all with RV Show savings!

Aug 29th, 30th, and 31st @ 9am

Admission is Free

SUNDALY, SEPTEMBER 14TH @ 7PM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30th @ 1PM

Secure Your Tickets Today!

HAPPENING AROUND THE CITY

Excellence in Education Golf Outing!

September 19th, 2025

Join the Glendale Chamber of Commerce for our 26th Annual Excellence in Education Golf Outing!

Tournament Features & Details:4 Person Scramble
4 Closest to the Pin Contests
Putting Contest
2 Long Drive Competitions
Friday, September 19, 2025
Location: Verrado Golf Club (Founders Course)

4242 N. Golf Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

Check in 6:30AM - Shotgun Start 7:30AM
Registration Fee Includes: Green Fees, Golf Cart, Goodie Bag, Lunch

Low-Cost Mobile Wellness and Vaccine Clinic

9.8.25

7am - Noon

St. John’s Lutheran Church

7205 N 51st Ave, Glendale, AZ

We’re bringing the vet to you! Our Healthy Tails Mobile Veterinary Clinic is hitting the road to bring wellness exams, vaccines, and flea and tick preventions to locations across the Valley and beyond. This event will feature:

$0 Vaccine Exam (No Medical)
$25 per vaccine (Da2PP, Rabies, Bordetella, FVRCP, Leptospirosis)
$25 Microchip ($15 if adding on)
$12 Dewormer

Appointments are required with limited walk-In available. $25 deposit required. The mobile clinic will be at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale.

Click to Register for Upcoming Clinic

Glendale Public Library

Calling All Writers!

Get expert writing advice in one-on-one consultations and workshops with writers Rosemarie Dombrowski and Shawnte Orion in our Writer in Residence program, running from August through October 2025.

Rosemarie Dombrowski (RD) is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Phoenix, AZ, the founding editor of rinky dink press, and the founding director of Revisionary Arts, a nonprofit that facilitates self-care and healing through poetry. She’s published four collections of poetry and is a Teaching Professor at Arizona State University.

Shawnte Orion is the author of Gravity & Spectacle and The Existentialist Cookbook He is an editor for rinky dink press and his poems have appeared in Threepenny Review, Barrelhouse, Sugar House Review, New York Quarterly, and on the flipside of a split 7-inch vinyl record with San Francisco band Sweat Lodge.

Visit his website at https://batteredhive.blogspot.com for more information.

For session times and locations,

visit: https://library.glendaleaz.gov/Home

SEPT 8

Japanese Taiko Drumming

6-7pm

Velma Teague Library

All Ages Workshop

Eileen Morgan’s program explores the fascinating cultures of the Far East through exciting performances and an interactive lecture that showcases the mesmerizing Taiko drum, beautiful bamboo wind instruments and the unique percussion instruments of Japan, China, Korea, and Vietnam.

Sept 3

1-3pm

Main Library

Adults 18+

Are you looking for a one- on-one session to learn how to use technology better?

Drop in for help to get you comfortable using an application.

Basic Excel, Word, Email
eBooks
Websites and Social Apps

SEPT 2-30

I Spy Autumn!

All Day

Velma Teague Library

Program Type: Passive

Age Group: Children 3-12

Yellow leaves, red apples, and more are hidden in plain sight in this month’s passive activity! Solve all the mysteries on the gameboard and win a prize! While supplies last.

Visit Glendale Libraries

Glendale Parks & Recreation

Ballet Under the Stars

Thursday, September 25th @ 7pm

Sahuaro Ranch Park - just south of the Glendale Main Library.

9802 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ

Join the City of Glendale as we welcome back Ballet Arizona to Sahuaro Ranch Park for our annual production of "Ballet Under the Stars". This FREE event combines classical and contemporary works by the Valley's finest dancers in a unique, outdoor setting.

Pre-show activities begin at 5:00 pm and include:

- Food Trucks onsite for additional dining options

- Live acoustical music

- Family Friendly activities including neon face-painting and balloon animal artists