Queen Creek’s 2023 State of the Town was presented last night with a video highlighting the accomplishments made in 2022.
The presentation was made in partnership with the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Julia Wheatley, members of the town council and Chamber President and CEO Chris Clark shared a series of the community’s achievements that align with the town’s Corporate Strategic Plan.
New Mayor Wheatley opened the video.
“(The year) 2022 was another big year for our growing community and we are so excited to share the many milestones. But it also brought some difficult changes for our community. In June we lost our beloved Mayor Gail Barney,” Wheatley said. “Mayor Barney was nearly a lifelong resident of Queen Creek and served on the council for 20 years including 12 years as mayor. Mayor Barney dedicated his life to service he and his family have been staples of our community and we are so thankful for the impact he made and will continue to make on the hometown he loves so much.”
Wheatley also talked about the retirement of John Kross, who had been Queen Creek’s town manager for 15 years and served the town for a total of 26 years.
“Both Mayor Barney and John Kross were instrumental in so many of the strategic decisions that helped shape this community,” Wheatley said. “They both leave a tremendous legacy here in Queen Creek and I know we will continue the positive momentum they both work so hard to create, and we are fortunate to have Bruce Gardner spearheading that effort as he officially became Queen Creek's new town manager just two weeks ago. Bruce has been in a leadership role within the organization since 2007 serving as a director and then assistant town manager. The council and I are very excited to continue to work with Bruce as we serve our community.”
Quality Lifestyle:
Council Member Bryan McClure looked at how the town continues to improve residents’ quality of life.
“Mayor Barney always said it was the people that make Queen Creek so special and I think we can all agree,” McClure said. “We also have some incredible parks and trails that enhance the quality of life here in Queen Creek by helping provide connections for us.”
He also praised the town’s economic team for bringing more businesses that serve residents.
Broke ground on Frontier Family Park, an 85-acre park on Signal Butte, north of Queen Creek Road.
Broke ground on phase two of Mansel Carter Oasis Park.
Celebrated the extension of the Sonoqui Wash Trail to Crismon, with a number of safety enhancements for the equestrian community.
Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre experienced records numbers, with a 43% increase in revenue.
The Economic Development team received their reaccreditation as an Accredited Economic Development Organization through the International Council for Economic Development.
Secure Future:
Council Member Robin Benning addressed the actions the town took to reduce the cost of government while maintaining its levels of service.
“The town's first large-scale industrial development was approved located near Germain and Meridian roads,” Benning said. “The project includes more than one million total square feet and will break ground in early 2023, furthering the town's competitive position.”
Froze the amount residents pay in property taxes – as home values go up, the tax rate will go down, saving the median home in Queen Creek $353 over the next five years.
Bond rating upgrade from Fitch and S&P to AA+, one step away from the highest rating.
Refinanced a loan from 4% to 2.85%, saving $2.1 million in cash flow over the next 16 years.
Residents approved a permanent base adjustment, which means beginning next year, the town’s annual budgetary expenditure limit will be based on the updated formula, eliminating the need for a Home Rule election every four years.
Issued more than 1,300 single family home permits, reviewed more than 200 business licenses, and permitted an estimated $808 million in construction value.
Superior Infrastructure:
Council Member Leah Martineau looked at the town’s infrastructure improvements, particularly on roadways.
“Last year, a number of important roadway projects were completed, with the most exciting being the extension of the State Route 24. The Arizona Department of Transportation completed the interim roadway from Ellsworth to Ironwood, providing additional connectivity for Queen Creek and the region.”
The Arizona Department of Transportation completed the State Route 24 interim roadway from Ellsworth to Ironwood, providing additional connectivity for Queen Creek and the region.
The town and neighboring jurisdictions partnered to provide more north-south connections, including two new portions of Meridian Road from Queen Creek Road to the State Route 24 and a new portion of Signal Butte Road from Germann past the State Route 24.
Work continues on a number of roadway improvement projects including:
The Queen Creek Road improvements from Ellsworth to Crismon;
The Meridian Road improvements from Combs to Cherrywood, in conjunction with Pinal County; and
Connectors in the downtown core to help further the vision of the adopted Town Center Plan, creating a vibrant and walkable downtown.
Completed a comprehensive utility master plan to enhance the town’s ability to manage water while maintaining the lowest possible costs for customers.
Safe Community:
The address also took note of the creation of the Queen Creek Police Department.
“Unlike many cities, Queen Creek had the rare opportunity to build a law enforcement department from the ground up specially tailored to the town's values and unique culture,” according to the video. “Eighteen months after the council voted to create the Queen Creek police department, on Jan. 11 at midnight the sheriff's department sent out its last radio call wishing the new police force all the best. A few minutes later the first ever police chief for the town of Queen Creek made his first radio call, officially making the department operational.”
Council Member Dawn Oliphant looked back on everything the police department has achieved so far.
“It is hard to believe it has already been a year and quite a busy year at that. So much hard work went into launching the police department and that hard work continues,” Oliphant said. “One of our primary policy goals is to use data and technology to maintain low crime rates and improve traffic safety. QCPD has taken a proactive approach in this area with the development of a traffic unit and specialized training. Nearly 20% percent of officer contacts were for traffic stops and much of QCPD's outreach efforts have focused on safety on the road through ‘Drive to Arrive’ messaging. The second highest call for service is crime prevention, which includes our community-based policing efforts. Another key policy goal of QCPD was creating meaningful collaboration engagement and partnerships. Our officers are visiting schools, reading at the library, attending community events and visiting neighborhoods and businesses.”
She added that the department’s criminal investigations division handled more than 650 cases last year, averaging 50 -plus cases per month.
Vice Mayor Jeff Brown, who helmed the council for months following Barney's death, discussed important additions to the Queen Creek Fire & Medical Department.
"Not only did the police department launch, the town opened two permanent fire stations. Permanent fire station two opened in the southwest area of town and fire station five opened in the southeast area of town.
"These stations include state-of-the-art technology, enhancing service to residents and the health of our firefighters," Brown added. "To further our service to the community, the Queen Creek Fire & Medical Department renewed their
autism certification and re-established a number of community-based safety programs, including free CPR classes, 'Stop the Bleed' training and child seat installations."
The Queen Creek Police Department launched on Jan. 11, 2022. Major highlights include welcoming to K-9s, Obi and Jack; certifications through IBCCES and the Arizona Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing; 25% of the sworn personnel being part of the crisis intervention team; and an emphasis on traffic enforcement and community engagement activities.
The Queen Creek Fire & Medical Department celebrated the opening of two permanent fire stations.
In partnership with Vitalant, monthly blood drives resulted in a 30% increase in donations from 2021.
Received a number of awards related to the Queen Creek Police Department:
The outreach plan for the launch of QCPD received a Silver Circle from 3CMA and an award of merit from PRSA Phoenix;
The “Intro to our PD Vehicles” and “Women in Law Enforcement” videos both received awards of merit from PRSA Phoenix; and
QCPD having met the 30x30 initiative at launch received the “2022 Agency of Excellence Award” from the Western Region International Public Management Association for Human Resources, as well as an honorable mention from Ragan Communications and the Diversity Award from PRSA Phoenix.
Savings for public safety personnel who are in tier 2 of the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System by having a fully funded pension.
Effective Government:
Council Member Travis Padilla looked at how Queen Creek is maintaining an effective government when it pertains to water.
“In addition to conserving water, the town is continuing to seek opportunities to reduce its reliance on groundwater following an agreement with the Central Arizona Project. Twenty percent of the town's water supply is from a sustainable source. Two additional efforts are underway including securing water rights from Harquahala and from a farm in western Arizona.”
Volunteers contributed nearly 84,000 hours saving taxpayers approximately $2.5 million (based on IndependentSector.org’s 2022 average volunteer hour).
Last year, there was a 2% increase in materials diverted from the landfill through the town’s Recycle Center and a 27% increase from recycling events.
Working with HOAs and schools on the WaterFluence program to optimize landscaping and early detection of leaks.
Transitioned to a new recreation software, simplifying the online registration process for special interest classes and ramada rentals.
The State of the Town, along with a complete list of the town’s 2022 accomplishments, are available online at QueenCreekAZ.gov/StateoftheTown (video).
We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.
Janet Perez News Editor | Queen Creek &
San Tan Valley @AzNewsmedia
Meet Janet Janet Perez joined Independent Newsmedia as editor of the Queen Creek Independent and Florence Independent in 2020. She started her career in 1989 with the Gannett-owned El Paso Times. In 1992, she moved to Tempe and has worked in newspapers, magazines, radio and television. She left Arizona for three years to work at New Mexico State University and Baylor University before returning to work at Arizona State University. Missing the business, she went back to journalism in 2017.
Community: A long-time pet owner, she supports animal welfare causes.
Education: University of Texas at El Paso with a BA in journalism and a minor in political science.
Random Fact: She had a head full of random facts.
Hobbies: Reading, watching documentaries, cooking and playing with her dogs.
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