The Oro Valley Public Library is one of several Pima County libraries to have a "Seed Library." I was thrilled to learn about it.
A practice done for over 12,000 years, seed sharing and saving for growing native plants for food and other purposes is a part of our southwest heritage and historical traditions. It ensures the strongest plants by cultivating seeds that are better adapted to our climate and then sharing those seeds within our community. That is why the Pima County Public Library started the Seed Library in January of 2012 and their seed catalog is expanding every year with more enthusiastic participants wanting to get involved.
The Seed Library is used by visiting in person to browse and choose your packets or viewing the alphabetical online catalog where you can search for specific plants and then reserve for pick-up. Currently the seeds are categorized by "Easy" and "Advanced" meaning the ease or difficulty of harvesting and collecting the seeds, not how to grow them. Seed availability depends on donations, growing success, and the seasons so they suggest checking back often to see what's new.
So how do you "borrow" seeds from the library? Simple! Just use your library card as you would normally and scan the barcode on the seed packet. Each packet contains enough seeds to grow at least 5-10 plants and you can check out up to 6 packets a month.
"Borrowing" seeds is a different term in the Seed Library. You do not need to return the same seeds in the future so there are no overdue fines or due dates. In fact the library stresses not to worry about saving seeds now. Just find seeds that interest you and learn how to grow and have fun in the garden. If you would like to become a donor, their website has information on how to collect, store, and donate seeds.
The Seed Library is a great way to get out in the garden at relatively no cost to you. Instead the focus is on "nurturing a culture of sharing and abundance," educating, and "reconnecting our community to the traditions of growing tasty, healthy food." So why not try your luck at a vegetable garden, desert plant landscape, or flower bed. And anyone willing to share photos of your garden, feel free!
--- Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!
I stood in amazement in front of the Oro Valley Public Library, mesmerized by the "Tree of Knowledge" as I have done so many times before. Commissioned under the 1% for Public Art Program that was adopted in 1997, this mandates that an amount equal to one percent of the budget of all commercial development and public works projects be spent to develop public art.
Standing proud and majestic, the words entwined with growing vines, read on the open book below:
"The more you read, the more you know. The more you know, the more you grow. The smarter you grow, the stronger your voice. When speaking your mind or making your choice," like a prayer to all that pass by, resonating in the minds of the young and young at heart.
The "Tree of Knowledge"
The sculpture, created by Joe A. Tyler, is an intrinsic example of his appreciation of nature.
Born and raised in the Sonoran Desert and with a degree in Environmental Horticulture, Tyler found beauty in all things natural, including over 500 species of trees on his 40-acre ranch. This lead to an opportunity as Founding Director of the Arboretum at Arizona State University for six years, at which point he made the decision to pursue art full time and has worked on over a hundred projects over the last twenty years, mostly in the large public art forum.
Tyler writes on his website: "I have been inspired by many various inconsequential, surprising little things, such as a conversation, a phrase, a song, a thought while driving in traffic, a dream, an ordinary rainstorm, the colors of a rainbow or a relaxing moment after a long hot hard day of sweaty work under the welding helmet. Suddenly without warning the perfect form will appear in my minds’ eye. Sometimes the best ideas come from community members or from the particular history or folklore of a town."
His pieces, primarily done with welded metal, also include wood, copper, brass, glass and a variety of other mediums and can be seen in Germany, Japan, California, and thought the southwestern United States.
With a "goal as an artist is to give the client, whether public or private, a piece of artwork that they feel a connection to because it reflects their own visions, dreams and deep desires," I believe Mr. Tyler has done that and beyond with his vision of the "Tree of Knowledge."
The next time you happen to be at the library, spend a few moments in front of the sculpture, that in a way, has become a symbol of one of Oro Valley's finest contributions to our art, culture, and connection.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)
Water Utility Commission Studying Water Rate Change For 2015
The Oro Valley Water Department is reviewing water rates for 2015. The water utility commission will review a rate study in October. There will be a public hearing in November. Any proposed change will be presented to the town council in December. If approved, rates will change in February.
Oro Valley Public Art Tours Are Back
Oro Valley's Economic Development department has announced that Oro Valley's public art tours are back.
The next tour is this Tuesday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. The tour begins and ends at Oro Valley Town Hall. You must reserve a seat if you want to go. Seats are limited to 10 individuals. Register here.
Oro Valley Super Bowl Tonight
Like football? Tonight, Ironwood Ridge hosts CDO. "The Nighthawks (2-1) have won the last three meetings, including a 42-14 drubbing [of CDO] in 2013." (Source) Game time is 7 PM. Want to read more?
Caton Authorizes Funds For Cleanup
One Of Many Wash Downs Caused By Storm
Monday's monsoon "Storm of the Century" was a doozy. Oro Valley received at least 3" of rain. It was pounding down.
"Town staff have been out in the field every day since the storm, assessing damage, addressing safety concerns and clearing debris. Due to the large volume of storm damage, additional resources are being allocated to expedite the recovery process.
'The Storm we had on Monday hit our community very hard, and we have been in clean-up mode ever since,' commented Town Manager Greg Caton. 'Recognizing that we need to make quicker progress to clean up our streets, I have reallocated all appropriate staff resources to work on this effort, as well as funding to contract with outside resources to clear and haul debris. We ask for the patience of the community as clearing the debris will take weeks.'
In the next few days, the Town will provide additional information to the public via press releases, the Town's website and social media about specific work being performed in their neighborhoods as well as links to information on storm recovery and preparing for future events." (Town of Oro Valley Press Release)
The town has a massive cleanup challenge. Let's hope they can get to it soon.
--- Oro Valley Library Power
The Oro Valley branch of the Pima County Library has 3 upcoming events.
September 27: Landscape Plants for Arizona: Increase Curb Appeal with Proper Planting
There have been 30 auto breakins in the past 2 weeks. Thieves go into cars that are unlocked during the night and steal whatever they can. It is happening in communities where homes are relatively close together and where cars are easily accessible from the street. Watch a KGUN 9 report of this.
These are crimes of opportunity. If you don't want to have a problem:
1. Lock your car or put it in your garage
2. Do not leave anything in your car
--- "Save Our Kids Golf Scramble"
"The event will be a 4-person scramble with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m. A tasty Mexican buffet lunch will follow golf in the clubhouse. As always, there will be great prizes to be won and a lot of fun to be had by all."
Visit the links to learn more and to sign up for the scramble.
--- "Oro Valley Receives National Award For CitizenParticipation
Oro Valley, Arizona (September 11, 2014) - On September 4, the Town of Oro Valley received the 2014 Silver Circle Award in Citizen Participation from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA), for the Your Voice, Our Future Public Participation Plan." (Town of Oro Valley Press Release)
We're printing "Bits", our usual Friday feature, today, because tomorrow is the July 4 holiday. Enjoy!
--- READ: Key LOVE Election 2014 Email, Published By Southern Arizona News Examiner
Last Saturday, we sent an important Election 2014 email to our LOVE email list. We are pleased that the Southern Arizona News Examiner published it. Please take a moment to read the posting. The August 26 election is critical to Oro Valley's future.
--- July HiVE Deployments
These is the schedule for this month's Oro Valley Police High Visibility Enforcement on Oracle Road, between Magee and Suffolk. Be aware. Be careful!
July 9, 2014 4 - 7 p.m.
July 15, 2014 7 - 10 a.m.
July 22, 2014 4 - 7 p.m.
July 30, 2014 4 - 7 p.m.
(Source: Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)
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PLEASE DO NOT TAMPER WITH CAMPAIGN SIGNS
We have received reports of sign tampering of signs of the Don Bristow and Patrick Straney. In some cases, the signs were stolen. In other cases, the signs were moved or deliberately covered by a Majority-4 sign. As we have reported previously, tampering with a sign is a felony. Please leave the campaigns signs as they are placed. And please do not tamper with them in any manner.
--- Oro Valley Shows Continued Slow Business Development
The Oro Valley economic development report lists new businesses coming to Oro Valley. Yet again, this month's report shows that there is nothing of any significance in terms of new businesses. The only significant item, as reported last month, is that Chuy's is coming to the Capin Car Center. Chuy's will be located where 2 other restaurants have already failed. The report lists yet another nail salon, "Art of Nails", coming to town. This one at First and Tangerine where Ace Hardware is located.
We wonder: Have they ordered their A-frame sign yet?
--- What Me Worry? Oro Valley High Paying Jobs
Speaking of economic development, click here for another example of "high paying" Oro Valley job opportunities. Its a job as a produce clerk at Sprouts.
--- Your Oro Valley Neighbor: World Class "Air Racer" Jon Sharp
Source: Nemesis NXT Web Site
"Nemisis Air Racing (Oro Valley, Ariz.) is an air racing team owned and operated by Jon and Patricia Sharp. Formerly a composites engineer at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works (Palmdale, Calif.), Jon Sharp is a legendary [and retired] air racer: He won the Reno Air Racing National Championships nine consecutive times in a tiny International Formula 1 racing aircraft, dubbed Nemesis, which he and his team developed and fabricated in the early 1990s. The most successful aircraft in air-racing history, the original Nemesis is on display in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (Washington, D.C.)." (Source).
His company is Nemesis NXT.
--- Lots To Do At The Oro Valley Library
Looking for something to do? Look no further than the Oro Valley Branch of the Pima County Library. Here's a link to their many events.
--- No Time Left For Photo Opportunities
One of LOVE's Facebook friends noted that some of the Majority-4 show up for town photo opportunities ("Events") while the Minority-3 don't always show up. Council Members Hornat, Snider and Waters are retired. Apparently, they have the time to show up for photo opportunities. Mayor Hiremath loves photo opportunities. He would never miss one.
The Minority-3, on the other hand, did not seek council seats to build their ego. Council Members Bill Garner and Brendan Burns have jobs. They are not retired nor do they own their own business. They work for "the man." Council Member Zinkin spends his time preparing for council meetings or helping residents. None of these 3 have much time left over for photo ops.
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Storytime at the Oro Valley Public Library had some very special guests last week. Meet Sir Snickers and J.J. along with their handler and President/Founder of Step Up Into TLC (Theraputic Loving Caballos), Nancie Roahrig.
It was a packed house to welcome the four-legged guests; a miniature and Clydesdale horse. I worried as a large group of children (some crawling, some walking) and parents circled around to see the magnificent creatures. A garbage truck decided to empty the bins not far behind in the parking lot. Rest assured that these horses were pro's, barely batting an eye at the rumbling and clanging from behind them. The children took turns petting and brushing the animals while screaming and cheering (even some in tears), but these gentle boys have seen it all.
They are part of an non-profit organization that Nancie started to focus "...on bringing smiles, fostering therapeutic healing, both emotionally and physically and building self-confidence and social skills through people interaction with our horses. Our program provides this opportunity to children and adults with special needs, at risk youth, elderly/senior groups and the terminally ill." (Source)
Step Up Into T.L.C. make their rounds to group homes, hospitals, retirement communities, schools, churches, and as we were lucky enough to enjoy, libraries, allowing everyone to interact and learn about their beauty inside and out.
Horses, as many know, are often used therapeutically. "The power of our horses is amazing. Providing an unconditional love. Just being present and not judging says volumes and provides a nurturing safe place."
Those who work in equine therapy have long known that these animals have an affinity to help heal the young and young at heart. They help teach trust, confidence, and enjoyment above all.
So Oro Valley, I highly recommend contacting Nancie if you know of someone in need of some horse time. How does a horse drawn cart ride sound? You could set it up for your community. And to all you moms and dads, they also do pony rides for birthday parties. Wouldn't that be a big hit?
--- Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)
Firehouse subs is planning its third location. This now will be either at the Oro Valley Marketplace or at a First and Oracle location. Owners Bob Westerman and Lee Transue are hopeful the Oro Valley location will be open by third quarter of 2014. (Source)
--- January HiVE Dates
The Oro Valley Police Department has posted the following dates for a high enforcement area on Oracle, between Magee and Suffolk Road:
January 8, 2014 7:00am to 10:00am.
January 14, 2014 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
January 23, 2014 7:00am to 10:00am.
January 30, 2014 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
"Seven (7) motorcycle officers from OVPD and PCSD will focus on Oracle/Magee and Oracle/Suffolk intersections, however, the HiVE area will be expanded to Oracle and Ina. OVPD/PCSD look to increase traffic safety awareness and safety through the expanded area." ( The Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)
--- Casino Being Built North Of Oro Valley
"The San Carlos Apache tribe is going to build a casino in southeastern Pinal County.
The Apache Sky Casino, planned for a 230-acre site just outside of the village of Dudleyville along Highway 77, is something to look forward to not only for the tribe and other residents in this quiet corner of the state, but for gaming enthusiasts in Oro Valley and Tucson’s other northwest suburbs." Phase I is planned to open April 2015. (Source)
--- Got Room?
The "Friends of the Oro Valley Library" need 1,500 square feet of storage to store books for their annual book sale. Call 548-3286 if you can help (Source)
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The Amphi School District is selling $41 Million in bonds, the fourth of a bond series voters authorized in 2007. The Bonds are rated Aa2 by Moody’s & A+ by S&P. The Bonds are secured by voter-authorized unlimited ad valorem (property) taxes on properties in the school district. By law, the Pima County Treasurer must levy annual tax sufficient to pay debt service. Tax revenues does not follow through school district’s general fund. The bonds have a 5% coupon rate and the longest term, 14 years, is selling at a 4.5% yield (Source: Amphi Bond Offering)
--- Tomorrow At Steam Pump Ranch
Tomorrow is the "Second Saturday" event at Steam Pump Ranch. Here's what's happening:
"9 - 10 a.m.
Visitors will enjoy tours of the restored 1870'sPusch Family Ranch House and information on its history in Oro Valley.
10 - 11 a.m.
Guest speaker Joyce Rychener will give a demonstration on traditional desert gardening. Participants will learn what it takes to be a successful gardener in the Sonoran Desert, including the planting and harvesting of crops. Children will make a basic weaving craft out of natural materials." (Source: Oro Valley press release)
--- Library Eliminates Late Fees For Kids
"The Pima County Library says late fees have kept 50,000 kids from returning to the book shelves. In the interest of literacy the Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to eliminate late fees for kids and teens." (Source)
--- Michigan Left
By now, you may have experience the "Michigan Left" from eastbound Ina onto Oracle, headed north. Read more here.
--- Did You Know
...that half the population of the US lives in 146 counties and that Pima County is one of them? (Source)
--- Your County Tax Dollars At Work
"The family of a young Arizona boy who was fatally struck by Pima County Sheriff’s Department vehicle has filed a claim seeking $50 million in damages." (Source) According to the police report, the officer was on a routine call and swerved to avoid the boy. Unfortunately, accidents happen.
We wonder: Why do some people try to turn a tragedy like this into a windfall?
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--- As previously reported, Oro Valley Town Manager Greg Caton presented to council on Wednesday his recommended town budget for 2013-14. You can view the document and his presentation to council on the town's website.
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Wednesday, on a 5-2 vote, the Oro Valley Town Council approved the an ordinance for the sale and consumption of liquor at Steam Pump Ranch. Such is still banned from all other Oro Valley parks and venues.
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Tuesday, the Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit for the Memory Facility to be located on the southwest corner of Oracle and Desert Sky Rd. We have previously reported this to to you. The actual permit can only be approved by council. During the hearing on the facility, resident Bill Adler observed that the facility can not be approved on the basis that it is a "skilled nursing facility." This is one of the categories for permitting a conditional use permit. Bill noted that it is not skilled nursing facility. Indeed, most of these facilities are staffed by medical aids. We learned that Bill's concern is being considered by Oro Valley Development and Infrastructure Department and that they are planning to create a new category for this type of facility.
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Dollar Express has opened in the Oro Valley Marketplace. It is next to WalMart.
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The dates for the Oro Valley Friends Of The Library spring book sale are:
Wednesday, April 10, 9 am – 7 pm
Thursday,
April 11, 9 am – 7 pm 1/2 Price Sale begins at 3 pm!
Friday, April 12, 10 am – 5 pm 1/2 Price Day!
Saturday, April 13, 9 am – 5 pm $5.00 Bag Day
--- Watch the dumbest crooks on the planet rob the self-serve car wash on Cool Drive.
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Drivers Beware: HiVE motorcycle police deployments this month will be on Oracle Road between Magee and Suffolk Drive.
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The Oro Valley branch of the Pima County Library System will be adding nine more open hours starting February 10. Click here to view both the current and new times.
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The library has a number of events that it is promoting this month. Click here to see them.
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By now, you have received your 2014 Pima County property tax valuation for 2014. It likely shows an increase in your property's valuation. You can ready why here You have until April 1 to appeal.
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A Dollar Express Store is coming to the Oro Valley Marketplace. It is a division of Dollar Tree Stores.
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The Oro Valley HiVE enforcement program will continue this month. Six motorcycle officers will be deployed at Oracle & Magee and at Oracle & Suffolk on the following dates:
Feb. 11, 2013
7 – 10 a.m.
Feb. 13, 2013
4 – 7 p.m.
Feb. 18, 2013
7 – 10 a.m.
Feb. 21, 2013
4 – 7 p.m.
Feb. 22, 2013
4 – 7 p.m.
Motorists are asked to be aware of the additional enforcement activity and drive safely. (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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"The Town of Oro Valley is proud to announce the guest speakers for the February 9 event at Steam Pump Ranch. Barbara McIntire and Nancy Cobb, the great, great granddaughters of George and Matilda Pusch, will give a special presentation at 12:30 p.m., including items that Geroge and Matilda Pusch traded with Native Americans in exchange for flour and sugar.
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Property tours, hosted by the Oro Valley Historical Society
12:30 p.m.
Guest speakers: Barbara McIntire and Nancy Cobb, Pusch Family descendants
Second Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch are held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. This exciting new way to visit Oro Valley’s vivid past will include special guest speakers, tours, and an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and eat lunch on‐site.
(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Rumor has it that the Oro Valley branch of the Pima County Libray will be closing at 7 PM, like the Green Valley Branch, and not 8PM, like other Pima County branches. This is a change from the current 8PM closing time. The change in closing time will impact not only those who use the library to get their books but also those who use the meeting rooms.
Have you noticed any other changes in library operation since the County took it over?
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Apparently, this week's neighborhood meeting on Desert Springs was a bit contentious. As reported by the Arizona Daily Star. As we have previously reported, the property owner is seeking a major general plan amendment that would substantially change land-use to medium density and commercial use from it's presently intended land-use of low density, resort use. We've asked in previous postings that you get involved in this desert springs general plan amendment. Hopefully some of you attended this neighborhood meeting. The Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission second public hearing on Desert Springs takes place a week from this coming monday. Once this public hearing occurs, the matter moves in front of the town Council. There, it will require a super-majority for passage.
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It was nice to see the HIVE team deployed yesterday afternoon at Oracle Road and Magee: one motorcycle cop had pulled over a driver on the northbound lane while the other set employees to pounce on any violators while sitting at the Circle K. If the intended deployment is too slow drivers down and make them more aware of what they're doing on the road, then this is a good thing. That section of roadway becomes a speedway in the rush hour traffic.
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If you are interested in hunting in Oro Valley, then this news report from KVOA will be of interest to you.
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The holiday "Shop Oro Valley" promotion starts November 1.
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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.
At the Jan. 6 meeting a motion by Barry Gillaspie was approved unanimously to have the Interim Town Manager & Town Attorney negotiate with Pima County in an attempt to improve our library services. Additionally, other avenues should be pursued including dealing with the State Legislature.
Oro Valley presently has an Inter-Governmental Agreement with Pima County as it pertains to running the library which is effect until June 2012.
There were dozens of issues (including our budget shortfall) that had an impact on those of us who reside in Oro Valley. From our perspective, here's what we believe were the ten top stories concerning the politics of Oro Valley during the 2009.
We'd like to hear what you think: Whether you agree----or not.
10) Oro Valley Council Votes To Stop All Retail Giveaways.
In an action, we believe was a long time in coming, the Council voted on January 21, 6-1 to stop all retail giveaways. Who was the only "No" vote? Mayor Paul Loomis.
9) Oro Valley Council Votes To Continue Utility Tax
The Utility Tax on our gas, water and electric bills that was passed by the previous council was due to expire on April 1. This tax on water is used to pay for Police. Go figure. Anyway, the tax got extended. Lead by Mayor Paul Loomis, the Council voted on March 4 to continue this tax.
8) Another Water Rate Hike
Although the Oro Valley Water Director indicated the town didn't need yet another rate hike, he saw fit to ask the Council for an increase at the November 18 meeting. Sadly, only Bill Garner and Salette Latas voted "no," and as such, we will see higher water bills starting in 2010.
7) The Arizona Supreme Court Heard CityNorth Subsidy Case
On September 30, the Arizaon Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the suit brought by The Goldwater Institute contending that the city of Phoenix violated the Arizoan Constitution Gift Clause by offering an out-of-state developer in excess of $90 million in future sales tax revenue for a retail development. We all anxiously await the court's decision which should have an impact on prior Oro Valley "giveaways."
6) Oro Valley Sign Code
The Oro Valley sign code became a very contentious issue pitting, for the most part, the business community and real estate agents against the scientific community and a vast majority of homeowners. The two main points of contention are the lit storefront signs from "dusk to dawn," and the "open house" signs displayed by real estate agents. Hopefully, the council will come up with a compromise, (if that's possible) in 2010.
5) The "Police Issue"
Although you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who is not happy about the safe community we all call home, there are many who don't like the tactics of the Oro Valley Police Unions. Many of us believe the police look out more for their own than they do for the people of the community. Why do we say that? You need look no further than the fact the Police refused to consider a layoff of even one of their own while every other department in town was concerned about our budget constraints.
Too bad Mayor Loomis got his way and "caved in" to the cop's demands.
4) The Library Issue--Double Taxation.
Certainly the "library" was another of those contentious issues. On one side, for the most part were the "friends of library" who had every right to have their voices heard, as they gave so much to the library even being here. On the other side, were many of the taxpayers of Oro Valley. Most of us appreciate the value of having our "own library" but don't like the fact that we incur double taxes in doing so. The issue is: Should the Oro Valley Library remain autonomous and should we be obligated pay double taxes; or should the Library cede control to Pima County, like the other 27 branches in Pima County and save us hundreds of thousands of dollars?
The Pima County Board of Supervisors, by a 3-2 vote, denied Oro Valley's request for more funding for the Oro Valley Library. In addition, the Board also voted to oppose any attempt by Oro Valley to change State Law so the we can have our own library.
3) Paula Abbott Resigns From Council
On November 9, Ms. Abbott abruptly resigned from the Oro Valley Council, "effective immediately." We believe Abbott's action came seven weeks too late, as she joined with Loomis, Carter and Kunisch on September 23 to force our Town Manager out after his eighteen years of dedicated service.
2) Mike Zinkin Runs For Mayor Of Oro Valley.
We couldn't have been more pleased to learn that Mike Zinkin decided to run for Mayor of Oro Valley. Mike brings so many things to the table. His work experience as an Air Traffic Controller certainly allows him to work under the most stressful conditions. His experience on the Development Review Board, including two years as chair gives him the experience to know how to run a meeting. Most important is Mike's demeanor. He knows how to treat people and will work closely with the council & staff. Additionally, Mike appreciates that the people of Oro Valley are its main asset, and he will treat us all with dignity and respect. We are proud to support Mike Zinkin for Mayor of Oro Valley.
1) David Andrews Terminated As Town Manager After 18 Years Of Dedicated Service.
We believe unequivocally, that the vote of Mayor Loomis, Vice Mayor Carter, Council Person Al Kunisch, and the recently resigned Council Person Paula Abbott was the most egregious action ever taken by any council in the history of Oro Valley. We contend that Loomis orchestrated the removal of Mr. Andrews and that he and the other three violated the Open Meeting Law of Arizona by conspiring PRIOR TO the September 23 Special Session in having David lose his job. The final chapter of this despicable action is yet to be written. For one thing, Loomis does NOT deserve the vote of any fair minded person. So let's remind Paul Loomis how egregious his actions have been by voting him out when the ballots hit the mailbox in February.
First the Pima County Supervisors said "no" to Oro Valley running its own library. Now the Az League of Cities & Towns refused to support Oro Valley in its quest to be autonomous.
Hopefully, the Town Council will take the appropriate action so the citizens avoid continuously being double taxed.
The Arizona Daily Star, in its main Editorial today, weighed in on the Oro Valley Library issue.
The Star endorses Oro Valley joining the Pima County Library District.
Most of the editorial is a rehash of the article they published yesterday. They provide only the following "logic" in supporting their position:
"Regionalism is the path to our future, in transportation, air-quality control, water planning and in other duplicative, overlapping services — including libraries — that localities used to manage as separate fiefdoms."
Now, if that isn't a compelling reason then I can't imagine what is! Guess it should include regional approaches to police too. After all, there is overlap there. And how about lighting. After all, we all share the same sky!
Why would The Star bother to comment on Oro Valley's desire to separate itself from the Pima County Library District? The only reasonable conclusion is that it must have been a very slow news day in the Editorial room.
A Daily Star article details the Oro Valley library issue. The Pima County Library District wants complete control of the library. A select few in Oro Valley want complete control of the library, opting out of the Pima County Library District.
We're not sure where to come down on this issue. But we have a suggestion:
First, the town should prepare and present a cost analysis that quantitatively presents the costs to its citizens of either alternative: Branch or Free-Standing.
Second, the town should prepare a list of the qualitative reasons why having one or the other would be best.
Third, as Art posted in a comment to an August 19th post: The town should put the issue to a vote-
"Can anyone let us know why a vote of the people wouldn't be in the best interest of the community---whatever the outcome?
Perhaps the voters do know better than the "select few.""
Two members of the library committee have letters in the July 1 Explorer.
John Musolf saw fit to resign from the committee as he felt his rationale of turning the library over to Pima County was the fiscally responsible thing to do, but his pleas consistently fell on "deaf ears."
Allistair Innes, a long time "Friend of the Library," was in the forefront of having Oro Valley keep control, and try to find a way to alleviate the double, and possible triple taxation concerns of many citizens.
Here are the two letters. We should note, John's letter was shortened dramatically by the Explorer. We will give you the "unedited version" below.
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Sordid tale of library friends letter campaign
A number of weeks ago, I wrote a Letter to the Editor recommending that the Town of Oro Valley turn over the operation of the Oro Valley Library to the Pima County Library District. This was based on the fact that Oro Valley taxpayers pay double taxation for the operation of the OV library (library tax to Pima County and OV general fund tax money).The Town manager is predicting OV budget shortfalls for 2009/2010 and 3 years beyond for the general fund and that money could be used to alleviate the budget shortfalls.
I would like to state that I am a registered voter of Pima County and the state of Arizona. I am also a taxpayer of Pima County and the state of Arizona. I do have a summer home where I visit some of my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
When the Explorer News published two letters in response to my letter, the Explorer did not know that the “Friends of the Oro Valley Library” had concocted a letter writing campaign (conspiracy) to attempt to discredit my letter. On the “Friends of Oro Valley Website”, the “Friends” had written:
"Someone must respond to John Musolf's letter in the Explorer. It can't be me, but I have written one that anyone could redo as their own. Please e-mail the board and ask if someone will do this. I will get the letter to them. Have them call me 825-xxxx".
"Apparently xxxx has a neighbor who is going to sign off on the article. I guess this avoids any comments from the public that it is a Friends of the Library article."
This chat information has since been deleted from the “Friends Website”. However, the whole sordid story can be read by going to the Let Oro Valley Excel Blog website. (http://www.letorovalleyexcel.blogspot.com)
I do not have any problem with the two ladies voicing their “own” opinion on the content of my letter. This is assuming it was their opinion and not something “ghost-written” for them. I have written a comparison between the two letters and some of the same language, numbers and talking points in the letters reek of collusion. The words “our” and “we” appear repeatedly in the context of their letters referring to the “Friends of the Library”.
I did not know that the “Friends” were responsible for the operation of the OV library.
Additionally, neither letter discusses or refutes the double taxation statement I made in my letter.
The “Friends of the Library” is a 501(c)(3) legal organization. Section 501(c)(3) organizations are subject to limits or absolute prohibitions on engaging in political activities. In my opinion, trying to influence (lobbying) the passing of a resolution to support the OV Library out of general funds certainly borders on being “unethical”, if not “downright breaking the law” concerning political activities.
My suggestion to address the issue of turning over the OV library to Pima County would be to place the issue on the ballot and let the Oro Valley voters decide what the best course of action would be. We did this the “old-fashioned Democratic way” with the Naranja Town Park!
The first letter from Judith Kuehl was filled with many misrepresentations and conjectures:
“Mr. Musolf appears to want us to give away a $7 million asset”.
Where did Judith come up with the $7 million dollar asset figure? The Pima County Library District funded $2 million of the original construction cost and $1.1 million of the library expansion and currently owns 50% of the building.
“The current library district tax for 2009-2010 is projected to be $1.8 million (not $2.35 million), of which approximately one-third is returned to the town to help run the library”.
At the time my letter was published the library district tax was 2.35 million. The Pima County administrator just recently changed the tax rate so that the new tax is 1.8 million. So evidently, Pima County returning only one-third is just as acceptable as returning one-quarter of our taxes.
“If we become a branch of said system, could our locally purchased books be fed into the county and permanently lost to our local facility? Can we stand to lose as much as 30 percent of our locally purchased books, many of which are bought by our Friends of the Library and not from town funds”?
In 2006, Tucson turned over the operation of 23 libraries and their books to the Pima County Library District. There was no mass drainage from any of the branches to another branch. Judith is also implying that once the Friends of the Library make a donation that they want to keep complete control over “their books”.
I also find the words “many of which are bought by our Friends of the Library and not from town funds” questionable! When the library first opened their doors where does Judith think the original collection that fills over 95% of the OV shelves come from? The answer is Pima County Library District.
“Pima County officials would be setting policy for our local library, and the employees would not be answerable to the OV Town Council, even though they are employed in our OV facility”.
Gee Judith!
They would not be our OV employees and would not be working in our OV facility. The OV library facility would be the property of Pima County and the employees would be paid by Pima County. Why would the Oro Valley Town Council get involved?
“If we allow the county to take over the facility we will still be paying our library tax, plus a yearly charge, for a minimum of three years, to the county. This amount could equal $1.5 million over that same three-year period”. What is Judith’s source for this projected yearly charge of .5 million per year? Evidently Judith knows something that the rest of us do not!
“Currently our Oro Valley librarians purchase the books we want or need. If we become a branch of the Pima County system, the county would select and purchase materials”.
From the inception of the Oro Valley Library until two years ago Oro Valley was part of the centralized buying. All 27 branches including Oro Valley did input their request based on patron demand and circulation. Oro Valley opted out of that system because “we” are unique.
“Would we lose access to our community center for other than county-sanctioned events”?
Evidently Judith has talked to Pima County Supervisors or District Library Officials and they told her only county-sanctioned events would be allowed in the Oro Valley Library. Even the OV Library task group couldn’t find that out!
Nancy Ledeboer, Library Director for Pima County Public Library, told the Library Oro Valley Library Review Committee that the Branches may vary according to the Branch Managers’ determination of local needs, but that the County is basically doing the same things that Oro Valley is doing. As Ms. Ledeboer explained it, the County Staff develops a shell and the Branch Manager fills it.
The second letter from Arlene Lehto was filled with many similar and almost identical misrepresentations and conjectures:
“Mr. Musolf appears to want us to give away a $7 million asset”.
Gee Arlene!
Judith Kuhel and you must be close neighbors. Funny, both of you ladies came up with the same identical $7 million dollar figure.
The two of you must have written your letters together over coffee, since your quote has the same words and dollar amount as Judith! Incidentally, The Pima County Library District funded $2 million of the original construction cost and $1.1 million of the library expansion and currently owns 50% of the building.
“Furthermore, Mr. Musolf doesn't seem to realize that the county board lowered our secondary tax from $2.35 million to $1.8 million for 2009 – 2010.
Gee Arlene!
You and Judith Kuhel are both very observant. Total coincidence of course! Both of you noticed that I quoted 2.35 tax million in my letter. At the time my letter was published the library district tax was 2.35 million. The Pima County administrator just recently changed the tax rate so that the new tax is 1.8 million.
“He fails to mention that would include as many as 30 percent of the books we asked for and paid for. As just another branch, our books, checked out through other libraries, would stay with them”.
Gee Arlene!
You and Judith Kuhel are both very observant of the same omissions from my letter. Total coincidence of course!
Funny you both used 30 percent for the Oro Valley inventory reduction. Even the Library Task Force suggested the supposed drainage would probably be 20%
.
You and Judith both used the words “our books” referring to the ones that the Friends had purchased and donated to the OV Library. When the OV library first opened their doors where does Judith think the original collection that fills over 95% of the OV shelves came from? The answer is Pima County Library District.
In 2006, Tucson turned over the operation of 23 libraries and their books to the Pima County Library District. There was no mass drainage from any of the branches to other branches.
“Really, do we really want Pima County to hire our employees, select our books and not be answerable to our council”?
Gee Arlene!
Both you and Judith want control of the library to remain with the OV Town Council. Total coincidence of course! The library would belong to Pima County and the employees would be Pima District employees. Why would the Oro Valley Town Council get involved?
“We would also lose the income from the semi-annual book sales (approx. $20,000 per year)”.
Gee Arlene!
Evidently you may have talked to the same Pima County officials that Judith Kuhel did and those Pima County officials told you that the semi-annual book sales would be eliminated in an IGA turnover. Even the OV Library task group couldn’t find that out!
In February 2009, the Oro Valley Town Council appointed a citizens committee to review the feasibility of turning the library over to Pima County. At the first meeting, it was apparent a majority probably favored turning the library over to the county.
After five months of intensive research including hours of one-on-one meetings with administrators, staff and patrons of other Pima County libraries, it was obvious that it would be impossible to maintain the same level of service to Oro Valley residents if the library was turned over to the Pima County and became one of 27 libraries under county administration.
It was agreed in the committee that the town is at a crossroads. Our town now has a population of over 44,000. We are a large municipality, however, under the present state statutes no municipality has control over funds raised by a county library district. The taxes are paid to the county and they pay our municipality whatever they wish to pay. At the present that represents around 50 percent of the costs of running the library, less than a third of the library property taxes paid by our residents. Last year, Oro Valley residents paid $2.3 million in library tax, and the county returned only $650,000 in reimbursements.
If we turn the library over to the county at this time, we will lose the leverage to take this, together with other municipalities, to the state legislature. We will also lose bargaining power with the county when the present intergovernmental agreement expires in 2012. If we turn over the library, Oro Valley will pay a large additional amount of money for the privilege of giving Pima County our library.
In the end our recommendation was unanimous and was intended to give the town time to potentially save over $1 million for the residents of Oro Valley, eliminate $700,000 of expense from the general fund, and keep the library.
Alisdair Innes, Review committee member, Oro Valley
Note: At the Council Meeting it was noted that one member of the committee was opposed to the report. Therefore, it might be erroneous to say it was "unanimous."
Art
The Az Star June 25 article discusses the recent council approval of the $121.5 million budget and the acceptance of the Library Committee's report, although staff was advised to review the report and its recommendations.
We believe Explorer reporter Patrick McNamara did an excellent job in documenting the OV Library issue as it was discussed at the June 17 Council meeting, and some of the "shenanigans" going on behind the scene prior to the meeting.
The Oro Valley Public Library is one of several Pima County libraries to have a "Seed Library." I was thrilled to learn about it.
