Council approves funding to move project forwardOro Valley Town Council voted 6–1 to approve additional funding for the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve pond project, allowing construction to proceed. The decision finalizes funding needed to move the long-discussed restoration effort into its next phase.
Prior design spending reduced available construction funds
Council’s decision focused on addressing a budget shortfall after Town staff had already spent about $427,460 of the $2 million originally approved budget on design work for the pond and broader restoration of the preserve. That left approximately $1.57 million available for construction, which was not sufficient to cover the full construction bid of $1,883,939.
Contingency funds used to close funding gap
The Town has budgeted $2 million in general fund contingency funds for this year. Council approved using $461,399 from that contingency to complete funding of the pond and parking project, covering the shortfall identified in the construction bids.
Public comment at the meeting showed strong support for fully funding the project. Approximately a dozen residents spoke, with most urging Council to proceed after years of delay. One speaker said the project “has gone on an awfully long time” and should be completed, while others highlighted its value as a community amenity and restoration effort. One speaker also referenced prior concerns raised by the preserve’s easement holder, Archaeology Southwest, (ASW) regarding the use of reclaimed water. Another speaker directly rebutted those concerns, stating they were based on incorrect assumptions about the project design.
The Council did not discuss the easement holder’s concern regarding the use of reclaimed water. As LOVE has previously reported, those concerns appear to have little merit based on the rights granted to the Town in the easement agreement to restore the pond. In addition, ASW has rescinded its request for mediation of the matter.
Parking included to support access and avoid future costs
Funding for a parking area, estimated at about $113,967, was included as part of the approval. Discussion focused on whether to build the parking lot now or defer it to a later phase. Staff and the project consultant said parking would support accessibility, including ADA access, and help manage expected use. Several councilmembers noted that delaying the parking could lead to higher costs if the work must be rebid later.
Area will include memorial garden to be funded separately
A planned memorial garden associated with the project will not be funded through the construction contract. Instead, it will be funded using proceeds from the sale of the Zimmerman house, a property that was gifted to the town. Its funding is separate from the Town-funded portions of the project.
Construction ahead
With funding approved, the Town will proceed with executing the construction contract for the base bid and parking alternative. Once under contract, the contractor will begin pre-construction coordination, including scheduling and permitting. Construction activity is expected to follow, with Town staff providing updates to Council as the project moves forward.
Parking included to support access and avoid future costs
Funding for a parking area, estimated at about $113,967, was included as part of the approval. Discussion focused on whether to build the parking lot now or defer it to a later phase. Staff and the project consultant said parking would support accessibility, including ADA access, and help manage expected use. Several councilmembers noted that delaying the parking could lead to higher costs if the work must be rebid later.
Area will include memorial garden to be funded separately
A planned memorial garden associated with the project will not be funded through the construction contract. Instead, it will be funded using proceeds from the sale of the Zimmerman house, a property that was gifted to the town. Its funding is separate from the Town-funded portions of the project.
Construction ahead
With funding approved, the Town will proceed with executing the construction contract for the base bid and parking alternative. Once under contract, the contractor will begin pre-construction coordination, including scheduling and permitting. Construction activity is expected to follow, with Town staff providing updates to Council as the project moves forward.
- - -
- - -
