Bits and Pieces

"Crimefighter" focuses on internet safety for kids

This month's edition of "Crimefighter," a publication of the Oro Valley Police Department, focuses on internet safety for kids. The article provides a list of internet use guidelines for you to share with children and a list of basic guidelines for parental supervision. The article includes links for additional safety tips and videos. You can read the entire newsletter from the link we have provided.  You may want to sign up for "Crimefighter" and other Town of Oro Valley publications.

Aquatic Center Reopens

"The Oro Valley Aquatic Center has reopened after a temporary closure in December for improvements to the pump room, circulation and filtration, along with general maintenance and cleaning. The previous pool filters had reached the end of their useful lives and were replaced with modern, deep-bed filters. Although not noticeable to the eye, these filters allow for finer filtration to ensure a high standard of water quality for swimmers. To accommodate for the size of the new filters, the Aquatic Center’s pump room plumbing was expanded to the east. This new area will soon be enclosed and resulted in no loss of deck space for the public." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

OVCN is on a "mission"

This past Sunday, Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene minister Chris Collins informed congregants that the Planning and Zoning Commission had not approved the Church's rezoning request.  Collins expressed his disappointment but emphasized his resolve to turn this setback into a victory.  OVCN sees their request in entirely religious terms. The defeat of the measure by the commission was based on the commission's conclusion that the sports complex which will sit on the property adjacent to the church is simply not suited for the character of the neighborhood of which it is a member. It also is not suited to the 2016 General Plan. The next hearing on the request is March 1. We expect a large turnout.

OVCN-A matter of perspective for some

A long dialogue on Nextdoor voiced poster opinions on the OVCN rezoning request. One of the posters included a map [panel right] to support their assertion that the size of the OVCN sports complex will be small in relation to the size of the "existing high school, park and swim complex." That is correct. However, it's not relevant to the rezoning request.

What we found interesting was the picture the commenter posted. The picture they posted is the one on the bottom right of the panel. It severely visually understates the impact on the adjacent neighborhood, as show on the picture on the top, because it includes a very small portion of the residential area. Even the map on top, which is the one the town uses, understates the area impacted.  There are many homes to the south and further west that are concerned about the impact.

 

We have to give the commenter credit for deceptiveness. The map is rather clever way of implying that the rezoning is a not "big deal".

Oro Valley issues call for Board and Commission Vacancies

The Town of Oro Valley is accepting applications from residents who are interested in serving on a Town Board, Commission or Health Care Benefits Trust, which was just recently approved by Council. These volunteer groups provide an opportunity for residents to be active in Town government.  These are:

• Health Care Benefits Trust
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Planning and Zoning Commission 
• Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee
• Public Safety Personnel Retirement System Board

You can apply here.

Council approves drive-thru use for NW Corner of Naranja and La Canada

This past Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council voted 6-1 to approve a drive-thru use for a multi-use facility that will be built on the NW corner of Naranja and LaCanada. The drive-thru use had been opposed by some residents because it will increase traffic at an already busy intersection.  Paul Oland, representing the applicant, pointed out that the uses for which the property are currently approved would result in even more congestion than his client proposed. Read about that project here.

Shannon Road pavement and reconstruction project begins Feb. 21, drivers should expect traffic delays 

"The Town of Oro Valley will begin the Shannon Road pavement and reconstruction overlay project on February 21. During construction, Shannon Road from Lambert Lane to Naranja Drive will be limited to one lane of traffic with speed reduced to 25 mph. Drivers should expect delays. Please see details below. The project is expected to finish by April 14." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Bits and Pieces

Daily public access to Steam Pump Ranch in the offing
Town Manager Mary Jacobs is hopeful that the Steam Pump Ranch will be daily Oro Valley attraction. This after the town renovates once renovation of the garage on the property is done. She has included $550,000 for that. Once completed, staff will work from the facility. You can read more about this and other items in the TMRB here.

July 4th fireworks at Community Center
The town has cancelled its July 4 celebration but not the fireworks. “The good news is that we are still planning an epic fireworks show from the Community and Recreation Center. We will be using larger shells that will soar higher into the night sky,” said Parks and Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan. “We really wanted to host a July 4th celebration this year. This community needs it, but ultimately the decision is about public safety.” (Source)

Need sandbags for the monsoon?
"Beginning Monday, June 15, the Town of Oro Valley will provide free sandbags to residents who may need to protect areas of their homes from storm runoff during monsoon. Sandbags can be picked up [at Naranja Park] beginning Monday June 15, through the duration of the 2020 monsoon. Due to a limited number of supplies, only Town of Oro Valley residents are eligible, and there is a limit of 10 sandbags per vehicle. Sandbags are self-service; you will need to bag and load your own sand." (source)

Community Center and Aquatic Centers open Monday
"The Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center and Oro Valley Aquatic Center will be reopening on Monday, June 1, 2020." Doing this safely will be of primary importance. The town will be following county reopening rules.

The bad guys are back
One of things Chief Riley told us in our interview a few weeks back was that she expected shoplifting to be center state as retailers re-opened. KGUN9 showed a video of bad guys doing just that at Walmart this week. Take a look. Call the cops if you know these guys. Crime never takes a break.

Ben Coronado, Oro Valley resident, appointed Civilian Aid to the US Secretary of the Army
He was appointed on May 14 at Ft. Huachuca. "CASAs, a vital part of the Army, promote good relations between the Army and the public and advise the secretary on regional issues." Read about him here.

Guest View: Diane Peters ~ A Winfield-Solomon Showdown: Check and Mate.

The below conversation, regarding the Community Center budget “surplus,” took place during the March 20th Town Council meeting. Once again, Councilmember Solomon was disrespectful to the mayor, only to be outsmarted by Mayor Winfield who gracefully used Solomon’s own words against him.

A credibility problem and Solomon’s Freudian slip

Mayor Winfield: I understand that there’s differing opinions about this and I respectfully acknowledge that, but I believe the characterization of the reference to a surplus in this fund - I have an interest in wanting to gain credibility with the community and I believe that the continued reference to a surplus undermines that and I believe that it discredits us collectively. I’m talking about the staff and the council.

Councilmember Solomon: I completely disagree with that assessment. We have income and we have expenditures. Part of that income is the dedicated half-cent sales tax that was specifically dedicated to the Community Center and Golf Courses. There’s no dispute, look at the original resolution, it’s quite clear. And that is just part of the reality, so that is part of the income. None of us were involved in the purchase of the golf courses but it was obvious at that time that it would need a subsidy. Actually, all of our parks and recs are subsidized by taxes. So, no, I disagree. There is a surplus – the income vs. the expenditures.

Let’s look at the Aquatic Center, income vs. expenditures. There’s a $600,000 difference, so there is a $600,000 loss. You never seem to want to bring that fact up.

Winfield: Actually, I do. Thank you for bringing that up. (He turned to Finance Director, Stacey Lemos and asked the following question). Ms. Lemos...When we talk about a surplus, there’s a revenue side of all these different facilities and there’s an expenditures side. So let’s talk about the Aquatic Center for a moment. What is the revenue?

Stacey Lemos: The revenue from the operations of the Aquatic Center is approx. $600,000.

Winfield: And the expenditures for the Aquatic Center?

Lemos: I believe the expenditures are about $1.2 or $1.3 million dollars.

Winfield: And we refer to that difference as what?

Lemos: Because those operations are included in the General Fund, it’s a subsidy from the General Fund revenues.

Wait for it…

Winfield: Mr. Solomon referred to it as a loss. (Check and Mate).

(Lemos then began talking in circles, first stating that “subsidy” was used for the Aquatic Center because its losses are subsidized with General Fund revenues, but also stating that “subsidy” was “an accounting term” used for the CCF because it’s a separate fund entity.)

Winfield: Thank you and I’ll just add that…what was presented to the Town before the purchase and the half cent sales tax…the projections that were given at that particular time, and projections are projections, but I think we can all agree that they were significantly overly optimistic.

And so what that created was an expectation within the community that the half cent sales tax, yes, was going to provide a subsidy for I think the first two, possibly three years, but not $2.5 million year after year, or $2 million, but that that subsidy was going to be significantly less. The majority of those funds were going to go into capital investments. So that’s where we have this credibility problem - that what was presented to the community at that particular time just simply isn’t what has unfolded. I can accept that. Projections are projections and reality is reality. But to characterize this as a surplus undermines our credibility.

Solomon: My concern is the characterization that the council misrepresented the aspects of this fund and that it lost credibility with the residents of Oro Valley. That is not at all clear, that’s an opinion. There’s just as many people, or more so, who disagree with that opinion. So for the mayor to state that almost as a fact is what I find irresponsible and not fair.

(Then wouldn’t Solomon’s “opinion” about how many people agree or disagree also be “irresponsible and unfair” since he doesn’t know for sure how many people are in each category but he stated it as a fact?)

Solomon continued: We can discuss all we want about income vs. revenue…But I just think it’s inappropriate from the dais to state that council lost credibility, implying that something wasn't presented correctly or done correctly…If some people think there’s a loss of credibility, fine, but that’s certainly not a statement that you’re justified in making from the dais.

Vice-Mayor Barrett: I just want to add that in the previous year’s budget…there was also $6 million dollars budgeted for capital improvements to the Community Center and golf courses and that $6M was originally contemplated as being part of the CCF. So for that type of capital improvements to be budgeted separately and then to still say that the CCF is running a surplus when the original promise was that capital expenditures would be made from the CCF is I think where the difficulty with credibility that the mayor is referring to comes from and I think it’s appropriate for him to call that out if he feels that that’s something that’s important.

Losses? What Losses?
Lemos appeared uneasy when answering Winfield’s question regarding the difference between a loss, a subsidy, and a surplus. My impression was that she does not like to answer questions that haven’t been scripted in advance (as many people believe was the case during the Hiremath reign in order to paint the Community Center and Golf financials in a positive light.) Winfield was trying to point out that you don’t have a surplus when the expenses are higher than the revenues and she just wouldn’t say it.

But that’s OK because Steve Solomon inadvertently said it during his bi-weekly lecture series.  And Steve Solomon is always right.  Just ask him.

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Diane Peters has lived in Oro Valley since 2003, moving here to escape the humidity of the East Coast. She’s been involved in OV politics and development issues since 2006. In 2014, she organized a citizens group, Citizen Advocates of the Oro Valley General Plan, who over a 9-month period, successfully negotiated a controversial 200-acre development project. In her past life, she worked in medical research at various University Hospitals in New England. Her interests include reading, writing, nature photography, travel, art galleries, museums, and politics.

Bits and Pieces

Its A Small World

Who would have thought it.

We traveled to Palm Desert (Ca) this week.  We visited the mountaintop town of Idyllwild. Its in the San Bernadino National Forest.

There, were found Oro Valley homeowner Larry Everitt tending his shop, "Everitt's Minerals and Jewelry".  Larrt has a home in Rancho Vistoso. He plans to retire there.  He's is considering opening a store in Oro Valley or a neighboring community.

"Everitt's Minerals and Jewelry" has an interesting selection of minerals from the world and jewelry.  It was a fun place to browse. A store like this would be a nice addition to Oro Valley.
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"Tickets on sale for OV’s 40th Anniversary Dinner & Silent Auction

Oro Valley, Ariz. (April 4, 2014) – As part of its 40th Anniversary Celebration, the Town of Oro Valley, in partnership with the Oro Valley Historical Society and the Oro Valley Country Club, will hold a Dinner & Silent Auction on Friday, April 18, 2014.

The event, which will be held at the beautiful Oro Valley Country Club, 300 W. Greenock Drive, will begin at 5:30 p.m. with no-host cocktails, live entertainment and a silent auction to benefit the Oro Valley Historical Society. Dinner (surf and turf combo plate) will be served at 7:30 p.m.

Seating is limited; cost is $50. Tickets may be purchased through the Oro Valley Country Club by phone at 520-297-1121 or in person, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Don’t forget the 40 Days of Deals! Also part of the celebration is the 40 Days of Deals campaign, going on now through April 25. Each day, Oro Valley businesses are offering special deals to customers. To view the 40 Days of Deals calendar, click here or visit us at www.orovalleyaz.gov."(Source Oro Valley Press Release)
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"Oro Valley to host U.S. National Synchronized Swimming Championships this weekend

Oro Valley, Ariz. (April 8, 2014) – The Town of Oro Valley will play host to the 2014 U.S. National Synchronized Swimming Championships, April 8 – 12, 2014 at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center, 23 W. Calle Concordia. This national event, which is hosted in partnership with Tucson Synchro, Tucson Sports and the AZ Synchronized Swimming Association, will feature more than 350 swimmers from 41 teams across the nation in the 13-15, Junior and Senior Divisions. Additionally, the USA Junior National Team will give an exhibition performance on Saturday, April 12 at 11:30 a.m. For complete details, click here or visit www.orovalleyaz.gov." (Source Oro Valley Press Release)
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Wow. Way To Go BASIS School Oro Valley

"BASIS Oro Valley graduated its first group of seniors in 2013; 100% of graduates were accepted to 4-year universities and these 13 students earned over two million dollars in merit-based scholarships.

Among our Upper School students (grades 8 – 12) 15% are AP Scholars, 4% are AP Scholars with Honor, 14% are AP Scholars with Distinction, and 4% are National AP Scholars. BASIS Oro Valley students competed in the National History Day: State Competition earning six first place entries, one second place entry and 14 qualifications for the National History Day National competition where 4 students received metals for ""Outstanding State Entry.""

BASIS Oro Valley students also took second place at the Regional Math Counts competition, first place at the Math Matters competition, and earned one Gold Key and 3 Silver Keys in the National Scholastic Awards. BASIS Oro Valley teachers also earned recognition. Adrienne Fluitt was named a Top 10 Charter School Teacher in AZ and Teresa Shorbe earned the distinction of AZ Teacher of the Year from National History Day. Learn More about BASIS Oro Valley at www.basisorovalley.org. " (Source)
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CDO Shared Use Path Closed Through Saturday

"The CDO Shared Use Path (from La Canada Drive to Oro Valley Marketplace) will be closed completely from Thursday April 10th through Saturday April 12th for pavement sealing and re-striping. It will re-open on Sunday April 13th." (Source)
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Oro Valley Related Theft Suspect Causing Mayhem in Phoenix

A suspect in the January "smash and grab" car thefts at LA Fitness has been cashing stolen checks and using stolen ATM cards in the Phonex area.  Watch the news report.
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Bits and Pieces

GFRD and Oro Valley To Partner On On-Site, Full-Time Health Clinic For Employees

 "The Town of Oro Valley, Arizona is seeking competitive proposals from qualified and interested firms to design, furnish, staff and manage an on-site health and wellness clinic to provide quality medical services to Town employees and dependents....Golder Ranch Fire District is considering partnering with the Town of Oro Valley in the operation of this Health and Wellness Clinic. The Fire District has 147 employees and a total of 494 individuals covered by their health insurance." (Source: Oro Valley Bid Solicitation 14032)
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Zinkin Appointed To NLC Steering Committee

Council Member Mike Zinkin "...has been appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2014 Community and Economic Development Steering Committee. This committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC federal policy positions on issues involving housing, community and economic development, land use, recreation and parks, historic preservation and international competitiveness. The appointment was announced by NLC President Chris Coleman, mayor, St. Paul, Minn." (NLC Press Notice)
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Burns Gets New Job

Council Member Brendan Burns is now a member of prestigious law firm Fennemore Craig.  Brendan practices in the area of commercial litigation, plaintiff's personal injury, professional liability, medical negligence defense, and land use planning and zoning. (Source: Press Release)
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Oro Valley Schlock Sign

Here's our nomination for Oro Valley's Schlock Sign.  We didn't know that Oro Valley allowed this kind of sign.  It looks like a bed sheet with some writing on it. We hope the quality of the $7.99 haircut is better than the quality of the sign.  We also wonder if this type of sign is "In Our Nature."
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Aquatic Center Closed For Maintenance

The Oro Valley Aquatic Center will be closed for maintenance from January 27 to February 2.(Oro Valley Press Release)
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Oro Valley 2013SRO Annual Report Available

The Oro Valley Popular Annual Report can be viewed on line or downloaded.
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"OVPD teen driving program receives a boost from National Auto Collision Centers

The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) School Resources Unit has received a donation of $1,100 from National Auto Collision Centers for the Impact Teen Driving Program.

Program curriculum is being taught by OVPD School Resource Officers in Oro Valley high schools. With the donation from National Auto Collision Centers, an incentive will be added to the program. Students who complete the course will receive an I.C.K.Y. (Ignorance Can Kill You) to place in their vehicles as a reminder to not engage in distracting tasks while driving, such as texting." (Source: The Oro Valley Police Department press release)
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Drzazgowski Wins Shop OV Holiday Campaign 

"The Town of Oro Valley is proud to announce that Oro Valley resident Molly Drzazgowski is the winner of the final prize drawing for the Shop OV Holiday Campaign. Drzazgowski will receive a two-night stay at the Hilton El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort, including a choice of one round of golf for two, or two 50-minute custom spa treatments and breakfast for two at the Sundance Café. " (Oro Valley Press release)
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OV announces art, photo and multimedia contest For K-12 students 

"In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Town of Oro Valley is proud to host the "Life in OV" art, photo and multimedia contest for students in grades K - 12.

The contest is an opportunity for Oro Valley's youth to showcase their unique perspective on life in OV. Whatever is important to them-family, friends, pets, school, clubs, sports, parks, nature-we hope they will share their vision through art, photos or multimedia. Get contest rules here. (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Bits and Pieces

GCU Bids Revealed

Last week, we learned what Oro Valley, Tucson, and Marana offered Grand Canyon University to induce them to locate in their communities.

Oro Valley offered land near Naranja Park for $1.8 million and was going to charge an additional $3 million for grading and utility improvements.  Marana proposed about 130 acres near Linda Vista Blvd and a half-mile from I-10 for a price ranging between $24,000 and $34,000 an acre.  Tucson offered the El Rio Golf Course for about $257,000 per year for 50 years. (Source)

Oro Valley Chamber President Dave Perry complemented the town for making a bid at the town council meeting this week, noting that the location of a University in Oro Valley would be a seminal event.

A neighborhood group successfully scared away Grand Canyon University from Tucson. The City of Tucson and its residents, never miss an opportunity to choose poverty and pipe dreams (Rio Nuevo) over economic prosperity. Their success helps cement Tucson as one of the poorest cities in the country.
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Town To Fund Business Incubator Feasibility Study

Town Of Oro Valley is soliciting bids for a feasibility study for the business incubator.   Study cost is estimated from $20,000-$30,000.  The town will host a bidder's conference this monday, September 9, in the Kachina Room at town hall. (Source: Oro Valley Bid Solicitation)
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"OV Aquatic Center receives Outstanding Facility Award

The Oro Valley Aquatic Center was named recipient of the 2013 Outstanding Facility Award for Populations 25,000 – 100,000 by the Arizona Parks & Recreation Association (APRA).  Facilities were judged on several criteria, including: impact on leisure opportunities for the service area, innovative features, aesthetics and unique methods of financing the project." (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Oro Valley 2013 Revenues Exceed Budget

The Town Of Oro Valley's 2013 revenues for three major funds exceeded budgeted amount.

• General Fund revenues came in 5.5% over budget. "The overage was due primarily to Local Sales Taxes (specifically the construction sales tax category) and License & Permit revenues due to increased development activity seen during the fiscal year."  Retail tax collections exceeded budget by almost 5%.
• Highway Fund revenues "...totaled $2,648,329, or approximately $168,000 over the budgeted amount of $2,480,005."
• "Bed tax collections for the fiscal year totaled $788,796, down approximately $6,000, or 0.8%, from last year....Total actual revenues for the year came in over budget by $14,289, or 1.8%."

(Source: Town Finance Director Lemos' report to the Oro Valley Town Council on September 4.)

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Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce Has Active Quarter

The Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce submitted its quarterly report to the Oro Valley Town Council on September 4.  "The Chamber President and staff attended Business Retention Site Visits with the following businesses: Ideal Rehabilitation, Carrabba’s, Pusch Ridge Apartment Homes, Vistoso Drug, Personal Training Institute, B2 Salon and My Gym Children’s Fitness Center....12 Town officials took advantage of the free Chamber breakfasts, luncheons and mixers."
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CDO Multi-Use Path "Connector" To Be Completed By End Of Year

"The Town received bid proposals for the CDO Shared Use Path on August 23, 2013, and anticipates having an executed construction contract by September 25, 2013. Subsequently, construction is expected to begin by October 7th, with an anticipated project completion date no later than December 31, 2013." (Source: Chris Cornelison, Oro Valley Constituent Services Coordinator/Management Assistant)
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September HiVE Deployments

The Oro Valley Police Department will be in force on the following days on Oracle, between Magee and Suffolk:

• September 11, 2013,  7 - 10 a.m.
• September 12, 2013,  4 - 7 p.m.
• September 23, 2013   7 - 10 a.m. 
• September 24, 2013   4 - 7 p.m.

(Source: The Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)
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Do You Know This Woman?

"The Oro Valley Police Department obtained updated photos of the check fraud suspect from the media release on August 26, 2013. OVPD is still asking for the public’s help in locating these suspects. If you have any information on the whereabouts of the suspects, please call 911, 88-crime or (5520) 229-4920."

(Click On This Picture To Enlarge It)

(Source: The Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)
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Oro Valley's Aquatic Center Pool is "Fast"

The Oro Valley Aquatic Center has a fast pool.  We reported this to you several weeks ago.  Since then, we heard from Kristy Diaz-Trahan, Oro Valley's Director of Parks and Recreation.  We asked Kristy about Oro Valley being the states 2nd fastest pool.

"In the early design stage of the new Oro Valley Aquatic Center, a fast pool was always desired. The pool was designed with attributes that swim coaches and athletes believe are necessary for “fast pool” results," she wrote. Here's why:

• Deep surge gutter – the gutter is designed to take maximum surge when the wave generated by the swimmer laps over the gutter cap, minimum splash back against the swimmer
• Wide lane lines – the lane lines are a full 2m wide, which lessens the effect of waves generated by the swimmer in the adjoining lane
• Deep water – the deeper the water the less chance of turbulence and resistance from water “bouncing” off the floor that can affect the swimmer in their lane

"We had the Oro Valley Open [June 29-30] this past weekend (just shy of 500 athletes) and I spoke to two families...(1) from Vail with children swimming for FORD Aquatics. Their son improved his 50m freestyle by 2-seconds and their daughter improved her 100m backstroke by 7-seconds! and (2) spoke to a father from Scottsdale who loved the facility. Said he’s been going to meets all over Arizona and this (OVAC) is by far the best! He said that in addition to a top-notch facility, the Oro Valley hospitality has been outstanding, and the view (Catalina’s) is priceless. He said watching the mountain turn purple (Friday night) was just amazing."

What? You haven't been to the Aquatic Center?

Then, you don't know what you're missing!

Click here to see what's going on at the center.
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Bits and Pieces

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Oro Valley projects a relatively balanced receipt and spending pattern over the the next five years in the General Fund, which is the fund that pays for day to day town operations. Total spending is projected to exceed total receipts by about $600,000. This is certainly within the projection's estimating error.  Highway fund spending is projected to exceed revenue by $1.1 million.  The shortfall in both funds is to come from contingency reserves which result at $8.8 million AND $1.7 million by FY 2017 for the general fund and the highway fund, respectively.

The operating fund spending projections includes significant spending on capital items, such as replacement of vehicles and computers, according the Stacey Lemos, Town Finance Director.
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A fresh idea:  Oro Valley Resident Tom Komaski suggested, at last weeks Oro Valley Town Council meeting, that Oro Valley divide into districts, with one Council Member elected to represent a district. His feeling is that residents will receive "better" representation as a result.
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Summer Kick-off Event at the Aquatic Center:

Date: Monday, May 27, 2013
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Oro Valley Aquatic Center, 23 W. Calle Concordia

Join us for free pizza, music and opportunities to register for swim lessons and summer classes and programs! Family Summer Passes will be available for purchase (three-month passes are $155 for Oro Valley residents; $180 for non-residents). Vendor/Instructor informational tents will be set up around the pool. Fitness Partner Program Participants will also be on site to promote dual memberships. (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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We won't be publishing Monday. Its' Memorial Day.  Have a great weekend.
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What A Party... Maybe Some Security Would Be Good

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Friday night. Town Of Oro Valley celebrated the opening of the Oro Valley Aquatic Center. Saturday and Sunday it hosted its first major event.  We think all went well, with two exceptions: Security and Parking.

Friday night's event had 1,500 attendees.  The gathering was  highlighted by a ribbon cutting by the Mayor, Council Members, and town officials.

Mayor Hiremath opened the festivities by recognizing members of Council, past and present, that decided to build the facility.  That includes current members as well as Barry Gillaspie.  We had the chance to talk with Barry at the opening.  "This is just the kind of thing we should do for our residents," he noted.

 

Oro Valley Town Council Cuts The Ribbon

The facility looked great.  We were corrected by one attended who noted that the facility looked "spectacular."

It is spectacular.

The facility includes an Olympic 25x100 meter pool, a 25 meter lap pool, a splash pad for the kids, a huge water slide, ample rest room areas and a family changing room.

Saturday and Sunday, the Town hosted the 8-U state championships.  This included more than 200 children and their families. There were about 2,000 present.  There were 32 events held over the two days in 2, 4-hour periods.  The timing clock worked fine.  The stands, which are situated on the west side of the facility, were serviceable.  There is a fabulous view Pusch Ridge from the stands.

With two key adjustments, Oro Valley's new aquatic center should be open for major events.


Adjustment 1:  Require substantial security presence at all events

Saturday and Sunday, Oro Valley hosted 200 kids and their families.  All it takes in one wacko to wreak havoc.  There was no security presence at the entrance to the facility either day.  So, anyone could bring anything in anytime.  There is no other way to get into the facility.  So, security presence at the "door", like at other sporting venues, would make a preventive difference.

There were no personnel visibly designated as "security" at the event, as there are at public sporting events.  Visible police presence was almost non-existent.  There was only one female officer visible on Saturday. There was no visible police presence on Sunday.

In addition, there were no police cars on-site.  We know from our interview with Chief Sharp on the Oro Valley SRO program, that visibility is an important component of prevention.

Certainly, Oro Valley will want to require visible security at all sporting events.


Adjustment 2: Parking's a mess

Of course, as one would expect, there were some glitches we observed:  No coffee in the snack bar. An incomplete walkway from the stands to the deck on the south entrance to the stands.

Parking is a "big glitch."

The Park's parking lot holds, maybe, 100 cars.  An ice cream vendor had decided to park in a space directly in front of the facility.  Overflow parking went into the CDO abutting parking lot, which was full; or across Concordia on a neighborhood street.  There were no parking attendants so, really, you were on your own to find a space.  In addition, there were no walkways from the CDO lot if you walked along Calle Concordia; and no sidewalk from Calle Concordia into Kreigh Park.

Security and parking are certainly two areas that Town Council will want to consider as it debriefs on the opening of the center.
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Bits and Pieces

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Tonight is the grand opening of the Oro Valley Aquatic Center.  Festivities start at 5 PM with a ribbon cutting and guest speaker.  And then at 6PM there's a community pool party that runs till 10PM.   You get a chance to meet Olympic champion Lacey Nymyer John and watch a movie at 8 PM.
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 Saturday is the first swimming to be held at the aquatic center.    It is an 8-U meet. "On Saturday, after the competition, the pool will re-open to the public at 3 p.m. (general admission prices apply), and the Town will host a dive-in movie event at 6:30 p.m. for the athletes, their families and the general public. The film will be Madagascar 3, in keeping with the swim competition’s “Under the Big Top” theme." (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Tomorrow, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Oro Valley Police will be holding a "check the kids car seat" event at the Oro Valley Marketplace.  "With an estimated 85 percent of car seats installed incorrectly, the purpose of this event is to educate caregivers about the importance of car seat safety and proper installation. Certified passenger safety technicians will be on-site to provide one-on-one "hands-on" help with installation." (Source: Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)
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"In an effort to expand the existing Shop Oro Valley Campaign and Business Retention and Expansion Program, the Town of Oro Valley and the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce partnered to launch OV Cash Mob. The first event will be held Thursday, March 21 at 4 p.m. Participants, or "mobbers," are asked to meet at Town Hall, located at 11000 N. La Canada Drive, where the first business will be announced...Following the March 21 OV Cash Mob, mobbers are invited to attend the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce's mixer at the Quality Inn and Suites, located at 7411 N. Oracle.

Cash Mob accomplishes several objectives," said Chamber President/CEO Dave Perry. "It raises awareness of local businesses and what they offer, and it keeps money circulating in Oro Valley. Add on the social and networking opportunities at our mixer that evening, and we'll have a fun, valuable time."  (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Check your Comcast Cable bill.  Mine includes a $7.38 franchise fee paid to the Town of Oro Valley.  Another hidden tax we failed to detect.
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Parks and Rec: A Community Asset and An Economic Driver

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We met with Kristy Diaz-Trahan, the Town Of Oro Valley's Director of Parks and Recreation several weeks ago, shortly after Kristy had joined the town. We found her to be enthusiastic, energetic and excited about the opportunity to shape Oro Valley's parks and recreations program. You can read about Kristi's background here. Suffice it to say that she is a 20-year experienced veteran in this area.

Kristi was very enthusiastic about the town's aquatic center:

 "This facility was a bold investment in our future, and thankfully, Council had that long-term vision. Council understood its potential not only as a community asset, but as an ongoing economic driver for Oro Valley. [The Aquatic Center} is already drawing national interest, and is putting Oro Valley on the map for those who live outside the region."

Kristi embraces the link between the development of outstanding parks and recreational facilities and Oro Valley's economic viability. This thinking that Parks and Recreation's can drive economic growth and generate a return on investment represents a "sea change" in thinking.

Can you imagine other parks and recreation facilities in Oro Valley that would be both an asset to the community and an economic venture?

Here's an example.

Oro Valley does not have any senior softball facilities. Yet, Senior softball is an economic driver. This is because tournaments can be sponsored that bring in thousands of participants with their families. There can be several tournaments during the year. This would drive business activity in Oro Valley . The only other true senior softball facilities in the majority of PIMA County are located on the east side of Tucson at Lincoln Park or down near Davis Monathan Air Force Base. There is nothing north of 22nd St. The field that is used by the Oro Valley softball team is so bad that opposing players don't want to play there. Imagine world-class softball bringing thousands Oro Valley.

There are other opportunities though. For example Oro Valley has world-class bicycling capabilities. Why not convert that into a moneymaking opportunity by sponsoring bike tours or races? All we need to do is simply finish the CDO Wash trail. This is slated for 2013.

It is amazing what we could all come up with if we were think about parks and recreation facilities as both a community asset and a money making opportunity.

What do you think?
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Bits and Pieces

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"The Oro Valley Aquatic Center is partnering with the Fitter & Faster Swim Tour this spring to provide a swim clinic with six-time Olympic medalist Matt Grevers and NCAA Champion Annie Chandler. The clinic will be held May 19, 2013 at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center, 680 W. Calle Concordia." (Source: Town Of Oro Valley press release)
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Hold on to your wallets.  Pima County is beginning the process of planning its spending for 2014. Part of that planning is the planning for bond issuances. Yes. Most heavily indebted County in the state by far actually plans how to incur more debt. One of the items being considered is a $30 million bond offering to promote Geo tourism.  "The County is already working with the University to develop a concept for a geotourism center where visitors would get more information on just about any topic that makes the Old Pueblo so special."  (Source)
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There is a large tract of land that is being bladed that abuts to the west side of Oracle Road, north of steam pump village.  It is being bladed in preparation for the construction of 288 apartment units. These will be known as: "Encantada at Steam Pump."  The apartments are being built by HSL Steam Pump Properties, an operation of developer Humberto Lopez' HSL Tucson-based operation.   We have written previously about this property.  

Next week's Oro Valley Town Council meeting  includes a consent agenda item for allowing the developer "...to utilize a portion of the Town-owned park property adjacent to their project for recreation and drainage purposes."    The park is a small area that abuts the CDO Wash paved trail.   the agreement with the developer requires that they maintain this park. (Source)
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This week's widely-reported robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank in Rancho Vista also reminds us  that Oro Valley is not immune from crime.   This is not the first time that a robbery has occurred in that area.   The Bank of the West in Rancho Vistoso was robbed in late December.

According to crimereports.org,  a website  into which both the county and the town use to report crime,  there were 32 crime incidents in just one week in Oro Valley.  Most of these are thefts.  A few of these  are assaults.

One of the unfortunate consequences of growth in population and density is a growth in crime.    Last nigh's shooting at Oracle and First is yet another example.  The once quiet suburb of Oro Valley is now becoming a small city.   As it grows so will its crime.
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Here's a reminder of some upcoming events from Parks and Rec:

Saturday, March 9:  MOVE Across 2 Ranges Hike  (Start in Catalina State Park)
Saturday, March 9:  2nd Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch
Friday, March 15:   Aquatic Center Grand Opening
Saturday, April 13: Settlers Days at Steam Pump Ranch
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91 trees along Woodshade Trail (goes back to dog park fr RV Blvd) have been identified for removal because they are "dead, dying, infested or diseased."
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Bits and Pieces

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It is never a good thing when an Oro Valley police officer is charged with a crime. In this case, the officers name is Mario Molina. Ofc. Mulino is charged with shoplifting from Walmart. The matter is being pursued by the Pima County Sheriff. Ofc. Molina has been relieved of active-duty. (Source: Oro Valley Press Release, Arizona Daily Star)
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“On Friday, March 15, 5 – 10 p.m., the Town of Oro Valley will host a Community Pool Party in honor of the Aquatic Center Grand Opening.” The event is free and is open to the public. The press release for this activity also lists eight pending aquatic events that will be conducted at the facility. Seven of these will be conducted by October. (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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The Oro Valley Police Department published its 90 day evaluation of the 15 HiVE officer deployments: • There were a total of 528 traffic stops: ◦ 349 stops for moving violations ◦ 179 stops for non-moving violations • 162 drivers received citations for moving and/or non-moving violations • 365 drivers received warnings for moving and/or non-moving violations • 3 collisions occurred during deployments

“A three-month comparison using 2011 and 2012 data illustrated a decline in collisions at the Oracle and Magee intersection. Oracle and Suffolk saw an increase of collisions, with the most common collision (90%) being a "rear-end" collision. All of the collisions at Oracle and Suffolk were non-injury collisions.” (Source: The Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)

Is it possible that the increase in the number of collisions at the Oracle in Suffolk intersection were caused by people slamming on their car’s brakes to avoid being detected by the HiVE deployment?

Oro Valley plans to continue these deployments indefinitely.
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The town's new director of Parks and Recreation is Kristy Diaz-Trahan. She is from New Mexico. We plan to interview Kristy in late February after she gets settled.
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The second annual Move Across 2 Ranges event is March 9 in the Tortolitas and Santa Catalinas. Courses range from 5 to 21.5 miles. Registration, which includes a shirt and an invitation to the post-challenge "Managed the Move" party at The Keg Steakhouse and Bar, 12005 N. Oracle(Source: Arizona Daily Star)
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Youths!  Looking for summer employment?  Pima County is taking applications for summer jobs.  Last year, the County accepted 1,560 applicants. Click here to read more.
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Oro Valley crime statistics for 2012  are available.  Some highlights of interest;

• 14,465 Volunteer police hours, up from 2011 (13,867, but down from 2010 (16.967)
• 1,681 arrests, down from 2011 and 2010 levels
• 4,439 traffic citations
• 6,310 warnings
• Thefts represent the largest number of crimes at 663.
• 2 Homicides

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Bits and Pieces

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The Town of Oro Valley is soliciting bids for a town attorney.  The individual will not be a full-time Oro Valley employee; rather, the person will be a sub-contrator to the town serving at the pleasure of council.
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The FAA is travelled to Oro Valley this week to meet with Securaplane. The inquiry is in relation to fires occurring on Boeing DreamLiners. (KVOA Report).  There is no report that Securaplane's product has anything to do with the fires. Securaplane has announced plans for a new facility in Innovation Park.
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On Wednesday, January 30, 2013, 6:30 - 8 p.m., the Town of Oro Valley will hold an open house-style neighborhood meeting in Council Chambers, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive. The meeting is in reference to an intersection safety study at the intersection of Moore Road and La Cholla Blvd. The purpose of the study is to develop short- and long-term strategies to improve safety.(Oro Valley press release)
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If you'd like your name to be included on the "Friends of the Pool" plaque inside the Oro Valley Aquatic Center, then Friday, Feb. 1 is your last chance to donate! When the Oro Valley Aquatic Center opens its doors on March 8, 2013, a special plaque inside the facility will list the names of all individuals and organizations who became "Friends of the Pool" by donating $250 or more. While "Friends of the Pool" donations are always gladly accepted, those wishing to have their name included on the plaque must donate by Feb. 1 (Source: Oro Valley press release)
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Bits and Pieces

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November 1 and November 8 HiVE report combined results.  The location of the enforcement activity was Oracle at McGee and at Suffolk:

• 78 traffic stops
• 48 moving violation stops
• 16 moving violation citations
• 49 written warnings
• 36 drivers were stopped for equipment and/or registration violations
• 12 drivers received combination citation and warning for non-moving violations
•   0 collisions

(Source: The Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)

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Town Council approved fees for the archery range at last week's town council meeting:

• Daily Fee: $5
• Annual Adult Pass: $60
• Annual Student Pass: $60 (with a student ID)
• Free: 12 and under as supervised by an adult

There will be no formal method of enforcing the use of the range.  There will be an "iron ranger" (container) for people to use for their daily fee.  The plan is for annual passes to be available at town hall or over the internet.  

There is no plan for a family pass, military or a senior rate.

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The Oro Valley conceptual review design board is now a 7 seven member board, four of whom should posess architectural expertise.
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Did you know that TREO is still on the public dole?  The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 this week to give TREO $500,000! "Republicans Ray Carroll and Ann Day voted against the increased funding, saying TREO needs to be more transparent in the way it spends taxpayers' money."  What could be more transparent than junkets to San Diego.  (Source)
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Council Meeting Highlights: Aquatic Center Logo Unveiled

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Oro Valley's New Aquatic Center Logo

Oro Valley unveiled its new logo for the aquatic center at last night's Oro Valley Town Council meeting.  MTCVB  worked with the town to create it.  Economic Development Director Amanda Jacobs noted that the help from MTCVB was greatly appreciated.  The town needed to create the logo quickly so that the logo could used by MTVB to promote the aquatic center at an upcoming international swim.

Allison Cooper, Oro Valley resident and MTCVB Director of Marketing, presented the logo.  Allison noted that the aquatic center logo was designed to be:

• Usable across all media channels
• Easily understood
• Clean and simple
• Timeless
• Contemporary
• Representative of Oro Valley

Also, the town will have a new web site: aquaOV.com for the aquatic center.  (Web site is not yet operating)

Allison also showed collateral material (a mesh bag) to be handed out by MTCVB to swim conference to attendees. The bag has TUCSON SPORTS in big letters in the middle of it and aquaOV.com in small letters at the bottom of the bag. Tucson is predominate on the mesh bag and Oro Valley very small letters.  We do wish it had been the other way around!
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Last night, in the "call to audience" section, Bill Adler spoke regarding his perception that there has been reduction in the level of service at the Oro Valley Library since it was taken over by the county.  Bill remembers being assured that the services will be the same at the public hearing that was held regarding the transfer of the library to the county . Bill believes that the service has degraded. There are, he notes, no new programs. The web site is more difficult to navigate.
   
Did anyone else actually believe that the level of service at the library would be the same under county control?

Items D, the TREO report, was pulled  from the consent agenda for further discussion.  Councilman Garner noted that the report regarding specifics about Oro Valley were missing from the report.  The report was accepted on a 7-0 vote.

Regular agenda item actions:

• Approval of a liquor license for Wal-Mart by a 7-0 unanimous vote.
• A DUI home sentence resolution was approved for the magistrate court to use.  This may result in a reduction of incarceration costs. 
• By a 6-1 margin (Zinkin dissenting), the council approved reducing citizen input into the construction design process.
• A sign code amendment to add specific fines for sign code violations was denied, 5-2.   As we noted in a previous posting, the town has no means of nor any interest in enforcing these violations. They will consider what to do sometime in the next six months.

Meeting time: 2h 20 mins.

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Shoring Up The Bed Tax

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Yesterday, in "How Fiscally Sound Is The Bed Tax?", we discussed the bed tax, which is the "work horse" for paying for the reconstruction of and the operation of the aquatic center.  We have concluded there is some need to "shore up the bed tax", especially for 2013 and beyond.  This is because there is a shortfall of funding at that time.

We believe there is another reason to bolster this fund.  This is because there is a risk that the revenue stream will not materialize as projected.  Such could occur because the economy continues to be sluggish.  It could also occur if the major revenue source, the El Conquistador, has financial problems. And it does!

The bed tax is only as successful as the  El Conquistador. This is because the  El Conquistador is the main source of bed tax revenue.  There are others sources of the bed tax but they are not significant in relation to the El Conquistador.

If anything happens to the El Conquistador's revenue stream, if their sources of room bookings are lower than projected, then bed tax revenues will not be as projected.  So, its a "problem" when SAACA decides to not hold its Jazz Festival in October at the El Conquistador, choosing instead to hold it outside or Oro Valley.

Now, we have learned that the El Conquistador is in consensual bankruptcy.  This adds another level of uncertainty around the stability of this bed tax revenue source. 

The resort is owned by Ashford Hospitality Trust.  It is managed by Hilton. On 12/29/09, Ashford refinanced an almost $20 million loan from Met Life. (Source)  Met Life actually is the primary secured debt holder.  As such, they will  "call the shots" in any bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding.

Yes. The El Conquistador is in the process of renovation. Our guess is that the property is being put in "shape" in order for it to be sold.

The future of the El Conquistador is uncertain. Therefore, the future of bed tax revenues are uncertain.

When we asked if the town was concerned with the potential impact of a bankruptcy of El Conquistador ownership and management  in terms of endangering the bed tax revenue stream we were told by Town Manager Greg Caton and Town Finance Director Stacy Lemos that they were not concerned since situations like the one facing the El Conquistador rarely result in the facilities "going dark, so they will have bookings."  We asked if the town had a contingency plan and Greg did not respond.

There is another reason to shore up the bed tax. That is the uncertainty of the expenditure stream.  The town has already experienced a substantial increase in the cost of reconstructing the aquatic center.  The town has used its bed tax reserves to cover these costs. There are no more reserves.  In addition, the feasibility report on the aquatic center indicated that the center would not be a self-sufficient operation; that it would cost the town money. How much depends on uncertainties like the number of meets held and the costs of running a new facility.

We think that it never hurts to be cautious.

We need to shore up the bed tax.  We need to make it more secure.

One solution is to annex Westward Look.  We have heard that  Westward Look does not want to be part of Oro Valley because of the bed tax, which is 6%.  Council Members with whom we have spoken regarding the bed tax have indicated an interest in reducing the bed tax to 5% as in inducement to Weswtard Look.   This would have the benefit of giving Oro Valley resorts a financial advantage over those outside Oro Valley. It would also broaden the base of the bed tax, well beyond the El Conquistador.  Certainly, it is worth considering.
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Aquatic Center Construction Delayed

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The following is an Oro Valley press release regarding a delay in the opening of the 50-meter pool from August until mid September. This delay will cause Oro Valley swim teams to seek other facilities this fall. There is no indication in the press release if the delay will result in additional cost to the town.

We  disagree with the press release in one regard.  Anyone with experience in renovating just about anything that is relatively old, knows that there are no "unforseen circumstances".  Problems such was weather delays during monsoon season and hidden (to the naked eye) structural problems should be anticipated.  Problems like this always happen in projects of the nature of reconstructing anything.  To not anticipate these problems indicates a lack of expertise on the part of those responsible for the managing and doing the reconstruction.

This delay and in our opinion the lack of anticipating structural and weather problems  are two more reasons for our town council to convene a special session regarding this facility, a special session of which we have written.  Despite the best efforts of a vocal minority Zinkin, Burns and Garner to convene this meeting, not one of the remaining four council members would agree to do so.
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ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (August 14, 2012) - Due to unforeseen circumstances, the completion date for Phase I of the Aquatic Center expansion project (the 50-meter pool) has been extended to mid-September. Crews have been working hard to meet the original August deadline, including construction seven days a week, but additional time is needed due to monsoon storm activity and unanticipated structure issues that were discovered, such as damaged/rusted rebar, cracks on the bottom of the existing pool, and delaminated sections of concrete.

“When renovating a 40-year-old pool, these types of unforeseen circumstances can arise,” said Town Manager Greg Caton. “However, we continue to make sound decisions that will ensure a quality facility for the next 40-plus years. That includes revising our original completion date for Phase I.”

One of the immediate challenges with the updated completion date is finding a pool facility for Oro Valley’s swim teams. Town staff has worked diligently to ensure that all teams will have a facility in which to train.

Amphitheater High School has graciously agreed to accommodate students from the Ironwood Ridge and Canyon Del Oro high school swim teams.  Flowing Wells High School will open their facility to the Pusch Ridge Christian Academy swim team.

The Town is planning a milestone celebration for the completion of Phase I—details are forthcoming. Phase I includes only the 50-meter, Olympic-sized pool. All other elements, such as the slide, splash pad, 25-yard pool, meeting room and family restrooms, are included in Phase II which is scheduled for completion by March 2013.
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Budget Primer: The Aquatics Fund

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The purpose of the Aquatics fund is to pay for the reconstruction of the pool and for its ongoing operation. This fund is integrally linked to the bed tax fund because it is the bed tax fund that funds the aquatics fund. This fund, as revised by town council in June, is $5 million.

The initial financing for the aquatic fund was $3.45 million. On June 20, 2012, town council was forced to add $1.55 million to the aquatics fund to the pool they thought they were going to get for the initial funding. You can read our postings about the aquatic center to read about what happened here.

Because extra required late funding, the funding of the aquatic fund is a "hodgepodge". You can read our comments on this also in a previous post.  Here is the "hodgepodge":

*To be repaid into the General Fund with Bed Tax Funds over next 15 years

The FY2012/2013 Aquatics Pool Center Project Fund has a designation called Donations for $300,000. These donations represent what the Town calls “Capacity” (setting up a reserve for expected future money). This $300,000 will supposedly come from contributions from Naming Rights to the Pool, Corporate Sponsorships, Individual Businesses and Citizens. These funds have not yet materialized
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Don't Need "No Stinkin' Study Sessions"

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Once again, we're doing some downtime thinking while the Town Council and every one of the town's boards takes the summer off.
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Council special sessions are open meetings where the council does the town's business. These meetings are in addition to the regular council meetings. Generally, they are "special purpose focused."  In the past two years, the Oro Valley Town Council has held just 7 special sessions, covering the following topics:

• Fireworks Ordinance
• Employee Benefits and Ancillary Benefits Providers
• Appointment to Preservation Commission/Budget Discussion
• Police Chief Contract/Budget Discussion
• Economic Summit
• Town Manager and Town Attorney Discussion/Air soft guns
• Council Vacancy

The last special council session that was held was more than a year ago, consistent with the Mayor''s "habit" of jamming as much as possible into each regularly scheduled council session.

Council Study Sessions are used by Council to understand and discuss, as a group, important situations, such as the town budget.  By law, any meeting of four or more council members is a violation of "open meeting laws."   So, it would seem to us, that special study sessions are in order for so much of what we find in Oro Valley. For example, discussion of the town budget.

In the past year, the council has had two study sessions; one in September regarding the Town Centre PAD; one in April for 2 hours 36 minutes to discuss the $96 million budget.  That's right.  Aside from when they passed the budget in May, that was the only public vetting of the budget. Every other discussion, if any,  was behind closed doors.  So much for "transparency."

Why has the council met only twice for a total of 3 hours 51 minutes to study important  issues? Aren't there other important issues that the council should deliberate upon as a group? Do you think, for example, that a study session regarding the $5 million aquatic center reconstruction would have been a good idea?  We do.  Can you think of other situations where a study session would have been useful to the council... To the public?
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