After much discussion and two motions, the Oro Valley Council at the October 3 meeting ended up with neither overhead or underground power lines on Tangerine road from La Cholla to La Canada.
The TEP spokesperson acknowledged that 21 to 22 new poles for power distribution are required, but would only agree to pay for the basic overhead lines estimated to cost $250,000. To install underground lines, he estimated would run an additional $450,000, none of which TEP would be willing to contribute to.
There were also two caveats. One, the existing 11 poles already carrying transmission lines would continue to remain above ground, regardless of the status of the new lines, and within 10 years Tangerine will be widened, and lines may have to moved in the future.
The original motion to DENY a "CUP" (Conditional Use Permit) which allowed for overhead lines was approved 5-2 with Al Kunisch and KC Carter in the minority. Both gentlemen stated they were against a CUP, but felt that was a viable alternative. A CUP would be required as Oro Valley does not allow for any new power lines to be installed overhead.
A second motion to use up to $450,000 from the contingency fund was defeated as well, 5-2, with Helen Dankwerth and Paula Abbott voting in the affirmative. Both these ladies stated they were not happy using these funds, but felt it was the only option.
As a result of the two votes not allowing for either above or below ground lines, it ended up "status quo." Perhaps either Oro valley or TEP or both will wait until a new developer comes along who is told "no new development," as there is no power available. Perhaps then, a new source of funds will be available.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
New Oro Valley Acting Town Attorney Appointed
Tobin Sidles, long time Oro Valley Town Prosecutor, was appointed Acting Town Attorney on a unanimous vote by the council at their October 3 meeting. The council has nine applicants to fill the position to be vacated on October 7, as a result of Melinda Garrahan's previously announced retirement.
Oro Valley Economic Development Administrator Resigns
David Welsh, the Oro Valley Development Administrator, submitted his resignation today, effective the last week in October. Welsh accepted a position with TREO. Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities, Inc. an economic development agency for the greater Tucson area and surrounding community.
Bob Peters "Right On Target"
Just in case you missed it, please be sure to read Bob Peter's letter from the Oct 3, Explorer.
It's Bob's opinion, but I believe anyone would be hard pressed to disagree. Thanks for the straight forward message. We believe you are "right on target."
Art
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Oro Valley Will Brainwash, Not Educate
At the September 19 Oro Valley Town Council meeting, the council voted to hire a marketing firm (to the tune of $50,000) to “educate” Oro Valley voters on the proposed $160 million Naranja Town Park. Since this park will be funded by approval of a bond issue and then maintained annually through the use of a property tax, councilmember Gillaspie worried (rightly so) that this “education” campaign would be seen as using public funds to influence a vote.
Oro Valley Communications Administrator Mary Davis asserted that this campaign will be used only to provide “facts” concerning the park, such as providing an outline of the master plan and all of the cost-components. However, since voter approval will be required to pass the bond issue and the property tax, it seems to me that the “education” campaign is really just a lead-up to an election. Therefore, it amounts to using my tax dollars to persuade me how to vote.
Presenting only one side of an issue is not educating…it is brainwashing.
Why do I believe that we are about to be brainwashed? Because I’m reminded of last year’s Vestar “education” campaign which was nothing more than a one-sided propaganda festival endorsed by Terry Parish, who is also endorsing the Naranja Town Park education campaign. But perhaps the Town figures that if voters fell for the Vestar blitz, they’ll probably fall for this, too.
And didn’t Vestar’s campaign repeatedly state that their marketplace would generate so much in tax dollars that we would have, “No New Taxes!” Well then, let’s wait for Oro Valley Marketplace to be built and when all those millions of tax dollars start rolling in, we can use that money to finance the Naranja Town Park.
Robert Peters,
Oro Valley
It's Bob's opinion, but I believe anyone would be hard pressed to disagree. Thanks for the straight forward message. We believe you are "right on target."
Art
*************************************************************************************
Oro Valley Will Brainwash, Not Educate
At the September 19 Oro Valley Town Council meeting, the council voted to hire a marketing firm (to the tune of $50,000) to “educate” Oro Valley voters on the proposed $160 million Naranja Town Park. Since this park will be funded by approval of a bond issue and then maintained annually through the use of a property tax, councilmember Gillaspie worried (rightly so) that this “education” campaign would be seen as using public funds to influence a vote.
Oro Valley Communications Administrator Mary Davis asserted that this campaign will be used only to provide “facts” concerning the park, such as providing an outline of the master plan and all of the cost-components. However, since voter approval will be required to pass the bond issue and the property tax, it seems to me that the “education” campaign is really just a lead-up to an election. Therefore, it amounts to using my tax dollars to persuade me how to vote.
Presenting only one side of an issue is not educating…it is brainwashing.
Why do I believe that we are about to be brainwashed? Because I’m reminded of last year’s Vestar “education” campaign which was nothing more than a one-sided propaganda festival endorsed by Terry Parish, who is also endorsing the Naranja Town Park education campaign. But perhaps the Town figures that if voters fell for the Vestar blitz, they’ll probably fall for this, too.
And didn’t Vestar’s campaign repeatedly state that their marketplace would generate so much in tax dollars that we would have, “No New Taxes!” Well then, let’s wait for Oro Valley Marketplace to be built and when all those millions of tax dollars start rolling in, we can use that money to finance the Naranja Town Park.
Robert Peters,
Oro Valley
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