One of our readers sent the following message. Below, we posted the Council Minutes on this issue.
*********************************************************************************************
"The last council meeting was a prime example of ineptness mixed with "good ole boy" networking.
We were able to witness the council withhold recommendation of renewal of a liquor license to Torino Ristorante based on a not-so-well cloaked ax that Chief Sharp has to grind with the owner. There have been no liquor violations, no bar fights. The only crime I witnessed personally was the price they charged for a glass of merlot. Three thousand customers a month speaks of high regard for this cozy bistro.
The Council, after gaining no insight regarding misconduct during discussion, voted unanimously to deny recommendation. Apparently, some reluctant members consciences were appeased when they learned the state liquor board disregarded their non-recommendation on the initial license (no harm, no foul?). However, should the state deny this license, the Townspeople will lose one of the FEW classy restaurants we have.
Make room for Wendy's - would you like some wine with that cheeseburger?"
***************************************************************************************
Council Minutes below
12/05/07 Minutes, Town Council Regular Session 5
2. PUBLIC HEARING- CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR A SERIES 12 (RESTAURANT)
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR TORINO RISTORANTE LOCATED AT 10355 N.
LA CAÑADA DRIVE, SUITE 141
In response to questions from the Town Council, applicant Ollie Shouse
explained that he has operated two restaurants at this corner for seven years and
there have been no incidents related to alcohol at either restaurant. He also
explained that due to some personal issues, he filled out the application within
three days and he mistakenly left out some of the required information.
In response to a request from Mayor Loomis, Chief Civil Deputy Attorney Joe
Andrews reviewed the process for submittal of a liquor license application.
Mayor Loomis further reviewed the process at the State level should the
application be recommended for disapproval.
Mayor Loomis opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public
hearing was closed.
12/05/07 Minutes, Town Council Regular Session 5
MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Parish and seconded by Vice
Mayor Dankwerth to recommend disapproval of the issuance of the Series 12
Liquor License to the Arizona State Liquor Board for Mr. Ollie Shouse at Torino
Ristorante located at 10355 N. La Canada Drive, Suite #141, due to an
incomplete application and at the recommendation of the Chief of Police Daniel
Sharp.
MOTION carried, 7-0.
Read The Explorer article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/article/show/21051
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Oro Valley Is Not Immune
In this week's blogcast, we question why some members of Town Council seem to think that we, the taxpayers of Oro Valley, and the town itself are immune from the bust in the home building and home value market. Because, Dear Blogger, we are not immune.
Here are two articles that appeared to today's New York Times Online pointing out the significant impact current housing market difficulties are having on municipalities.
And how "belt tightening" not "tax and spending" is in order.
Read:"The Sound Of The Bubble Bursting"
Read: "Taxes Are Reassessed In Housing Slump"
Here are two articles that appeared to today's New York Times Online pointing out the significant impact current housing market difficulties are having on municipalities.
And how "belt tightening" not "tax and spending" is in order.
Read:"The Sound Of The Bubble Bursting"
Read: "Taxes Are Reassessed In Housing Slump"
John Musolf Addresses GOVAC Financial Issues
Those of us who know John Musolf, know him to be an intelligent man with a vast knowledge on financial matters. On a number of occasions, John has attempted, unsuccessfully, to convey some of his knowledge to the Oro Valley Town Council. At one recent meeting, from his "perch", Terry Parish went so far as to denigrate John after his enlightened 3 minute presentation as allowed by the council.
John has written us concerning the GOVAC financial situation. Please take the time to read his message
*****************************************************************************************
"I attended an Oro Valley Town Council Study Session on December 12, 2007 where the Greater Oro Valley Arts Councill ("GOVAC") discussed the organizational direction, special events, and recommended funding levels with the Council. There was no opportunity for the public to comment on the GOVAC presentation that evening.
I attended the Oro Valley Town Council meeting on December 19, 2007 and was given the opportunity as a public citizen to comment on the GOVAC presentation given on December 12, 2007. Most of the presentation on December 12, 2007 was given by President Satish Hiremarth of GOVAC.
President Satish commented that GOVAC has supported the quality of life in arts and culture in Or Valley for the last ten years. I believe what GOVAC is doing is admirable, but their activities must be on a sound business basis.
President Satish said there had been a rolling deficit in operating GOVAC for the last six years. He talked about the contributions that Oro Valley taxpayers had given GOVAC for the last three years:
2005/2006: $180,000
2006/2007: $110,000
2007/2008: $110,000
There was no audit available or documentation breakdown presented on how the Oro Valley taxpayer’s funds had been spent by GOVAC for those three past budget years.
President Satish mentioned that GOVAC is requesting an increase of about $100,000 from Oro Valley taxpayers for 2008/2009 (total $210,000). President Satish went on to state that GOVAC is in a deficit and had already drawn in advance the 3rd quarter funds from the Oro Valley budget to continue operating.
President Satish then stated that it might be possible that GOVAC would go deeper into deficit and may have to go into bankruptcy in January 2008 unless 4th quarter funds could be drawn in advance from the Oro Valley budget to continue operating.
President Satish then referred to a documented projected expenditure breakdown for the five special events that GOVAC wants to sponsor for 2008/2009 and the funds that Oro Valley taxpayers might provide.
The original intent of the Master Operating Agreement between the Town of Oro Valley and GOVAC was that 5o2n funding would diminish over time, not increase. It appears that the Oro Valley taxpayers will be asked to continue to increase their contributions as deficits grow.
It appears that GOVAC needs some professional accounting and audit support to prudently learn how to budget and balance both revenue and expenses and live within reasonable parameters (a sound business basis).
The Oro Valley taxpayers can’t be expected to continue to “bail-out” GOVAC for past deficits and future projected ones. Significant work must be done by GOVAC to provide the detail to show their activities can be primarily self-sustaining with minimum taxpayer funding.
John Musolf
Oro Valley resident and taxpayer
John has written us concerning the GOVAC financial situation. Please take the time to read his message
*****************************************************************************************
"I attended an Oro Valley Town Council Study Session on December 12, 2007 where the Greater Oro Valley Arts Councill ("GOVAC") discussed the organizational direction, special events, and recommended funding levels with the Council. There was no opportunity for the public to comment on the GOVAC presentation that evening.
I attended the Oro Valley Town Council meeting on December 19, 2007 and was given the opportunity as a public citizen to comment on the GOVAC presentation given on December 12, 2007. Most of the presentation on December 12, 2007 was given by President Satish Hiremarth of GOVAC.
President Satish commented that GOVAC has supported the quality of life in arts and culture in Or Valley for the last ten years. I believe what GOVAC is doing is admirable, but their activities must be on a sound business basis.
President Satish said there had been a rolling deficit in operating GOVAC for the last six years. He talked about the contributions that Oro Valley taxpayers had given GOVAC for the last three years:
2005/2006: $180,000
2006/2007: $110,000
2007/2008: $110,000
There was no audit available or documentation breakdown presented on how the Oro Valley taxpayer’s funds had been spent by GOVAC for those three past budget years.
President Satish mentioned that GOVAC is requesting an increase of about $100,000 from Oro Valley taxpayers for 2008/2009 (total $210,000). President Satish went on to state that GOVAC is in a deficit and had already drawn in advance the 3rd quarter funds from the Oro Valley budget to continue operating.
President Satish then stated that it might be possible that GOVAC would go deeper into deficit and may have to go into bankruptcy in January 2008 unless 4th quarter funds could be drawn in advance from the Oro Valley budget to continue operating.
President Satish then referred to a documented projected expenditure breakdown for the five special events that GOVAC wants to sponsor for 2008/2009 and the funds that Oro Valley taxpayers might provide.
The original intent of the Master Operating Agreement between the Town of Oro Valley and GOVAC was that 5o2n funding would diminish over time, not increase. It appears that the Oro Valley taxpayers will be asked to continue to increase their contributions as deficits grow.
It appears that GOVAC needs some professional accounting and audit support to prudently learn how to budget and balance both revenue and expenses and live within reasonable parameters (a sound business basis).
The Oro Valley taxpayers can’t be expected to continue to “bail-out” GOVAC for past deficits and future projected ones. Significant work must be done by GOVAC to provide the detail to show their activities can be primarily self-sustaining with minimum taxpayer funding.
John Musolf
Oro Valley resident and taxpayer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)