Yesterday's posting was about the town Council's consideration this evening of continuing the temporary use of A-Frame signs. In that posting, we observed that the town provided no fact-based evidence that the use of these signs is, in any way, justified.Oro Valley's 2005 General Plan and the town's zoning codes do not permit the use of A frame signs. So the only way that the signs can be promoted as if the town Council grant special permits. In order to arrest they would be overriding the wishes of the voters.
The Oro Valley Sign Code states the the town should “Promote the effectiveness of signs by preventing sign over-concentration, improper placement, excessive clutter, size, and number.”
It also should: “Safeguard and preserve the unique character of the Town and create an attractive and appealing community environment in which to live, work, and visit.” (Citizen email to council)It seemed to us that council should have more than anecdotal information or the possible testimony of vested interests at tonight's meeting in making a decision. They should consider some facts. For example:
- The town has granted 52 A-Frame permits from 10-12-11 to 9-20-13.
- Yesterday, in a drive around, we found 10 A-Frame signs.
- Rooney Ranch: 5
- Frys Center (Lambert and La Canada): 4
- Walgreens/Ace (First and Tangerine): 1
- Safeway Center (Rancho Vistoso and Tangerine): 0
- Oro Valley Marketplace: 0
- Actual Oro Valley sales tax revenues are ahead of plan through November, according to the report that town Finance Director Stacey Lemos will report tonight.
- Nationally, retail sales are rebounding. ("Wall Street rebounds as retail sales point to healthy economy")
Every time the Town Council decides to override an ordinance they are violating a public trust. Sure, there are times when it really is appropriate for a change, even a temporary one. Things however are not today what they were four years ago when the first temporary relief was granted. The urgency just isn't there.
Let's see what the Council thinks tonight.
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8 comments:
Sadly, the Council betrayed the public trust. For 2 more years, businesses may use A-frames. Not one business owner was at the meeting to say how important the signs are to the business.
That's correct. Isn't it funny how Mary Snider made a point of telling everyone that she hasn't received even one complaint about the A-frame signs from any citizen other than Don B. I believe Dave Perry also made a point of saying that if it were such a big problem then the room would have been filled with citizens asking to speak about it.
Interestingly, THEY BOTH failed to mention that not one business owner showed up at the meeting to speak in favor of it! Where were all the business owners with all their receipts proving that the signs increased their business? All we heard were anecdotal stories from Dave Perry...This business owner told me this and this business owner told me that. No proof of anything!
The "best" part of the discussion was when Hiremath claimed that if we don't continue to do everything we can to help businesses, then we're going to lose sales tax revenue from those businesses and that means we'll have to institute a property tax. This is their battle cry every time.
First it was...If we don't approve the Economic Development Agreement for OV Marketplace, we'll have to institute a property tax! Now it's...If we don't allow A-frame signs we'll have to institute a property tax. Wait...I thought OVM was supposed to solve that problem.
I didn't believe them the first time. I don't believe them now.
One of the benefits of attending a council meeting in person is that you get to look at the facial expressions and body language of the council members whenever a citizen is speaking at the podium. If you watch from home and a citizen is speaking, you see only the speaker, not the council.
I noticed that when Don Bristow was speaking AGAINST the continuation of the A-frame signs, Waters and Hiremath were looking everywhere except at Mr. Bristow. Looking at the ceiling, looking around the room, staring at the desk, rubbing their eyes, etc. They looked bored and agitated that they had to "suffer" through his well-presented speech. But when Dave Perry was speaking IN FAVOR of continuing the signs, Hiremath and Waters were looking right at him the whole time, hanging on to his every word.
Seems like they only "listen" to those with whom they agree.
This reminds me of the excuse for raising the utility tax, yet the council can't find reason to lower it while the economy has clearly improved. What's with the inability to make decisions based on a rational evaluation of the facts, current laws and policy, ostensibly to benefit all Oro Valley residents?
The four controlling members of the council do not require facts from staff or their special interest backers. These four, along with staff, under the control of these four, have a documented track record of supporting and passing items that meet the councils' private agenda.
Very few items which are not of their liking ever get put on the agenda or are buried for months. Staff usually does a good job on background and requested actions. However, the justification for recommending Council approval are mere statements like "Market Demand", "Administrative Decision", etc. Logical facts to support these vague justifications are rarely presented.
Citizens' comments are received with closed minds and lack of consideration. The Mayor will always arrange for one of their supporters to speak last to discount any comments that don't support their predetermined vote. The Mayor's last presenter's information need not be accurate or factual.
Victorian Cowgirl, your observations regarding the Mayor Hiremath and Councilmember Waters, are correct. It is normal for Hiremath to roll his eyes, look at the ceiling, do one of his grins, or even do a phone or text during a presentation that doesn't support his predetermined vote. Waters, in addition to not looking at the speaker, will look at his computer screen which demonstrates a lack of interest in listening to speakers who don't support the majority four agenda. I would like to know what Mr, Waters is viewing on his computer... is he watching the news or surfing the web?
Victorian Cowgirl, did you happen to notice when Hiremath called on Waters, and Waters, after a slight pause, responded with... Is time? Hiremath then said... yes, it's time. Waters made a motion.
You are so right. I do miss many facial expressions and the body language during the Call to the Audience. Watching at home, I do see the mayor frequently whispering to Mr. Waters. When the camera is on the Council, I do see Ms. Snider leaning to motion to Staff, or signaling another council member. When the camera is on one councilmember, I often hear Ms. Snider interrupting and "suggesting" words or "ideas".
ovimportant,
I saw the Hiremath/Waters interaction you mentioned. Why does the mayor need to remind any councilmember to make a motion?
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