We previously noted the OV Council action as it pertains to the Municipal Operations Center being put on hold and plans to go ahead with a police substation at the OV Marketplace. (See May 6 post Marketplace Substation Approved--MOC Delayed
As it concerns the police substation, Council Member Al Kunisch is reported as saying: "I think this is a win-win for the town."
We would say; "It's a win-win situation," but the winners are Vestar & the police department.
Let's not forget VESTAR IS NOT TO BE TRUSTED. Sure, they're giving OV a "shell" of a building for a buck a year, but there are plenty of strings attached.
For one, Vestar dictates how soon OV takes occupancy. Additionally, the cost to outfit the "shell" is approximately $264,000. That excludes annual operating costs estimated to be $17,000 by Chief Danny Sharp.
Vestar snookered the citizens of Oro Valley once with that $23.2 million giveaway. Let's not get snookered again!
One more thing. The police presently rent two facilities at a cost of almost $80,000/year. One is on Rancho Vistoso Blvd. just far enough away from that Marketplace!
Read The Explorer article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2009/05/13/news/doc4a09fcad522f4030402709.txt
Showing posts with label NEW TOWN OPERATIONS CENTER. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NEW TOWN OPERATIONS CENTER. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Pertinent Information Concerning Oro Valley's Stimulus Request
As a result of some of the comments on our recent posting, It Seems That Naranja Park Site Has A New Name we thought it would be worthwhile to further address the potential federal government stimulus package as it pertains to Oro Valley.
We appreciate the fact that Council Member Salette Latas took the time to comment, and offered Jerene Watson, our Assistant Town Manager's explanation as to how this stimulus package came to be.
There is certainly no argument that the request came from Gabrielle Gifford's office on Dec. 17, and the "wish list" needed to be addressed in a very short time-frame.
That in itself raises the question: "Why would something of such importance that required a list from our government for a stimulus package with a value of tens of millions of dollars, have only "sixteen waking hours" to respond?"
We believe the more important issue is this: "Is our town government run by "staff" or our seven elected officials?" The answer should be the latter, but in this case, our readers can be assured that the members of council (supposedly other than the mayor) had no input into the priory list, and furthermore, regardless of what "boobie-baby" our mysterious blogger may say, these individuals did not find out the particulars until the information was forwarded on to Ms. Gifford's office.
We reiterate the fact that it was totally presumptuous to rename the Naranja Park as "The Naranja Recreational and Cultural Complex," and request $150M in funds when the voters turned down a $48.6 bond issue. To speculate that the citizens would rather spend $150M of potential government money (it won't happen!) rather than repair our roads and make sure we have enough water, was more than indiscriminate.
We would pose this question: What would you consider "pork barrel,"
1) A Municipal Operations Center
2) An historically facility (Steam Pump Ranch),
3) A Park (Naranja Park)
4) An additional upgraded phone system (Town Hall)
or road repair and water concerns in a desert environment?
Well, Oro Valley's priority list didn't get to road & water concerns until they took care of the "pork barrel" items 1-4.
Whether you call them "earmarks," entitlements" or "pork barrel, that makes no sense whatsoever!
Perhaps the town staff should have asked Senator McCain to help with the priority list. After all, he knows an "earmark" when he sees one.
We appreciate the fact that Council Member Salette Latas took the time to comment, and offered Jerene Watson, our Assistant Town Manager's explanation as to how this stimulus package came to be.
There is certainly no argument that the request came from Gabrielle Gifford's office on Dec. 17, and the "wish list" needed to be addressed in a very short time-frame.
That in itself raises the question: "Why would something of such importance that required a list from our government for a stimulus package with a value of tens of millions of dollars, have only "sixteen waking hours" to respond?"
We believe the more important issue is this: "Is our town government run by "staff" or our seven elected officials?" The answer should be the latter, but in this case, our readers can be assured that the members of council (supposedly other than the mayor) had no input into the priory list, and furthermore, regardless of what "boobie-baby" our mysterious blogger may say, these individuals did not find out the particulars until the information was forwarded on to Ms. Gifford's office.
We reiterate the fact that it was totally presumptuous to rename the Naranja Park as "The Naranja Recreational and Cultural Complex," and request $150M in funds when the voters turned down a $48.6 bond issue. To speculate that the citizens would rather spend $150M of potential government money (it won't happen!) rather than repair our roads and make sure we have enough water, was more than indiscriminate.
We would pose this question: What would you consider "pork barrel,"
1) A Municipal Operations Center
2) An historically facility (Steam Pump Ranch),
3) A Park (Naranja Park)
4) An additional upgraded phone system (Town Hall)
or road repair and water concerns in a desert environment?
Well, Oro Valley's priority list didn't get to road & water concerns until they took care of the "pork barrel" items 1-4.
Whether you call them "earmarks," entitlements" or "pork barrel, that makes no sense whatsoever!
Perhaps the town staff should have asked Senator McCain to help with the priority list. After all, he knows an "earmark" when he sees one.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
It Seems That Naranja Park Site Has A New Name
I'm sure we all remember the voters of Oro Valley overwhelmingly said "no" to funding the Naranja Bond issue to the tune of $48.6 million.
What you may not recall is the fact that Mayor Loomis wanted the funding to be $150-160 million. Obviously, that would have also been defeated, probably even more so.
We also probably know that President-elect Obama is going to ask congress to approve a stimulus package that could exceed one trillion dollars. Our representative in congress, Gabieille Giffords asked Oro Valley to supply a "wish list" as to programs we would want to fund.
Anybody want to guess which were the top three PRIORITIES for infrastructure funds?
We'll tell you.
Number one: The Oro Valley Municipal Center.
Number two: Steam Pump Ranch.
Number three: ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS FOR "THE NARANJA RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL COMPLEX."
We must ask: Who decided that the Naranja Park gets this new name, and how was it determined that this defeated "sports complex" deserved to be more of a priority than our infrastructure needs, such as roads and water issues?
Yes---- we know the list had to be provided in a couple days, but as far as we're concerned, whoever determined that $150M is deemed necessary for this park, ahead of all the other necessary items, was not thinking rationally.
Perhaps, we'll find out in the near future who was responsible for (probably unilaterally) coming up with this 18 item list.
We thought our readers might want to know.
What you may not recall is the fact that Mayor Loomis wanted the funding to be $150-160 million. Obviously, that would have also been defeated, probably even more so.
We also probably know that President-elect Obama is going to ask congress to approve a stimulus package that could exceed one trillion dollars. Our representative in congress, Gabieille Giffords asked Oro Valley to supply a "wish list" as to programs we would want to fund.
Anybody want to guess which were the top three PRIORITIES for infrastructure funds?
We'll tell you.
Number one: The Oro Valley Municipal Center.
Number two: Steam Pump Ranch.
Number three: ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS FOR "THE NARANJA RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL COMPLEX."
We must ask: Who decided that the Naranja Park gets this new name, and how was it determined that this defeated "sports complex" deserved to be more of a priority than our infrastructure needs, such as roads and water issues?
Yes---- we know the list had to be provided in a couple days, but as far as we're concerned, whoever determined that $150M is deemed necessary for this park, ahead of all the other necessary items, was not thinking rationally.
Perhaps, we'll find out in the near future who was responsible for (probably unilaterally) coming up with this 18 item list.
We thought our readers might want to know.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Az Star Reports On Oro Valley's New Proposed Budget
We previously noted the town budget now at $201 million includes two contingency expenditures:
$48.6 million for the Naranja Park Bond Issue, and $32 million for the new Municipal Operations Center, which could be approved WITHOUT voter approval.
We believe both these entities have merit----within reason. We hope the new town council will take a hard look at the way this existing council spends OUR money, and that they will show a little fiscal responsibility.
There are other areas where we feel the town could and should save money. One place to start would be to cut back the "contributions" to various entities such as TREO, GOVAC and the like.
Isn't it a good time to start "living within our means?" We sure hope our new council including Bill Garner & Salette Latas will bring some sanity to our town government.
Read the Az Star article here.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/85737/238848
$48.6 million for the Naranja Park Bond Issue, and $32 million for the new Municipal Operations Center, which could be approved WITHOUT voter approval.
We believe both these entities have merit----within reason. We hope the new town council will take a hard look at the way this existing council spends OUR money, and that they will show a little fiscal responsibility.
There are other areas where we feel the town could and should save money. One place to start would be to cut back the "contributions" to various entities such as TREO, GOVAC and the like.
Isn't it a good time to start "living within our means?" We sure hope our new council including Bill Garner & Salette Latas will bring some sanity to our town government.
Read the Az Star article here.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/85737/238848
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Not News, But Oro Valley Home Prices Are Down By 10.5%
One of our bloggers sent us the following from Zillow.com. Surely, this is not a revelation to those of us living here.
However, it raises the issue as to why this Town Council thinks it's wise to consider burdening the citizens with a $48.6 million dollar park and a $30 million dollar Operations Center while home prices are so depressed.
Perhaps it shouldn't surprise any of us. After all, under the leadership of Paul Loomis this council has been spending our money so indiscriminately throughout the years.
We expect that to stop with this new council.
HOME VALUE TRENDS IN ORO VALLEY
According to Zillow's latest Home Value Report, home values in Oro Valley decreased 10.5% in the first quarter of 2008, compared to the first quarter of 2007. Nationally, single-family home values decreased 7.5% while condo values declined 9.0% during this same period.
However, it raises the issue as to why this Town Council thinks it's wise to consider burdening the citizens with a $48.6 million dollar park and a $30 million dollar Operations Center while home prices are so depressed.
Perhaps it shouldn't surprise any of us. After all, under the leadership of Paul Loomis this council has been spending our money so indiscriminately throughout the years.
We expect that to stop with this new council.
HOME VALUE TRENDS IN ORO VALLEY
According to Zillow's latest Home Value Report, home values in Oro Valley decreased 10.5% in the first quarter of 2008, compared to the first quarter of 2007. Nationally, single-family home values decreased 7.5% while condo values declined 9.0% during this same period.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Oro Valley 2008-2009 Proposed Budget---Up $82 Million
The April 30 Explorer reports that the Oro Valley proposed new budget is $201 million. This is an increase of $82 million from last year.
Why such a big increase, you ask? An Explorer article answers the question.
Nearly $50 million of the increase tracks from budgeted expenses tied to passage of the Naranja Town Site proposed park. In November voters will determine the fate of the park.
Another $32 million of the budget is hinged on the new Municipal Operations Center.
You can read or download a copy of the town manager's recommended budget by visiting the Oro Valley web site. Simply click on the line we have in the bottom left column.
Why such a big increase, you ask? An Explorer article answers the question.
Nearly $50 million of the increase tracks from budgeted expenses tied to passage of the Naranja Town Site proposed park. In November voters will determine the fate of the park.
Another $32 million of the budget is hinged on the new Municipal Operations Center.
You can read or download a copy of the town manager's recommended budget by visiting the Oro Valley web site. Simply click on the line we have in the bottom left column.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Preview Of Oro Valley New Municipal Complex
Oro Valley plans for the new Municipal Complex on Rancho Vistso Blvd are available for viewing. Click here to read.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
OUR NEIGHBOR, AL HEINZE SPEAKS OUT---LOUD & CLEAR
We know Al Heinze. We know about his business sense, and we know about his common sense. Al is no "johnny-come-lately." He was outspoken when the Oro Valley Council was rushing to "throw" money in the pockets of the big developers in 2004, and he is outspoken now.
We are pleased that Al shares our views on Oro Valley, and we are pleased that he is sharing his views with our readers.
Please don't miss Al's comments, by clicking here
We are pleased that Al shares our views on Oro Valley, and we are pleased that he is sharing his views with our readers.
Please don't miss Al's comments, by clicking here
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Overblown
One result of unbridled growth is the administrative bloat that comes with it. And Oro Valley is no exception.
Oro Valley public relations is on the move (Squeezed To The Max), justifying why the town , at this time-when a new budget is in front of Town Council, and new taxes are proposed- must expand administrative facilities; increasing further costs of running this town.
We think that the town should first scrub its administrative structure, clean out the deadwood and the excess spending that always comes with unbridled growth. Oro Valley needs a strict diet before committing to new, expensive projects. Might just be that a good scrubbing will reduce headcount such that a new town operations center isn't needed.
Oro Valley public relations is on the move (Squeezed To The Max), justifying why the town , at this time-when a new budget is in front of Town Council, and new taxes are proposed- must expand administrative facilities; increasing further costs of running this town.
We think that the town should first scrub its administrative structure, clean out the deadwood and the excess spending that always comes with unbridled growth. Oro Valley needs a strict diet before committing to new, expensive projects. Might just be that a good scrubbing will reduce headcount such that a new town operations center isn't needed.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Mayor discussed proposed Operations Center in Rancho Vistoso
As the Town of Oro Valley has continued to grow-both in size and
population-we're working hard to house all of the essential functions and
resources necessary to serve the community. The attractive Town Hall campus
was dedicated in 1991, but the intervening 16 years have seen the Town's
population grow from 6,000 to over 44,000. Likewise, so has the supply of
personnel and equipment grown to serve the community.
Long-time residents may recall when the entire Town operated out of
a small pink house on Calle Concordia. For the record, the house is still
there, but this property was never meant to be a permanent home for our
Recreation and Parks, Transit, Public Works and Water Utility personnel who
now work out of seriously cramped quarters.
Two years ago, the Town was able to purchase 23 acres in the Vistoso
Commerce Park, south of Rancho Vistoso Blvd. and east of Ventana Medical
Systems. The purpose of the purchase was to develop the industrial land as
an Operations Center that could better serve the growing community.
Now, the time has come when we must start moving some Town staff to
the site. No final decisions have been reached by the Town Council, but
overcrowding and lack of storage space have become critical issues that must
be addressed.
In looking toward the development of the site, the Town is committed
to following its own development process and guidelines-the same strict
process and guidelines that have produced such appealing facilities as the
Town's beautiful library. We recognize that Oro Valley and the Rancho
Vistoso area are examples of careful planning and sensitive development, and
any structures that end up on the Town-owned site will be built to blend in
with this community.
Naturally, developing any kind of facility will cause some temporary
disruption on the site. But we're committed to doing the job and creating
the needed space as quickly as possible.
All of Oro Valley benefits when we have facilities and resources
such as patrol cars, landscaping equipment and other tools located at an
industrial site that has close proximity to the center of the Town's
population. We will be good and careful neighbors, and we intend to provide
significant opportunities for local residents to comment on the proposed
development. You should expect no less of your community leaders, and we
are committed to creating a Town Operations Center of which we can all be
proud.
Paul H. Loomis
Mayor
population-we're working hard to house all of the essential functions and
resources necessary to serve the community. The attractive Town Hall campus
was dedicated in 1991, but the intervening 16 years have seen the Town's
population grow from 6,000 to over 44,000. Likewise, so has the supply of
personnel and equipment grown to serve the community.
Long-time residents may recall when the entire Town operated out of
a small pink house on Calle Concordia. For the record, the house is still
there, but this property was never meant to be a permanent home for our
Recreation and Parks, Transit, Public Works and Water Utility personnel who
now work out of seriously cramped quarters.
Two years ago, the Town was able to purchase 23 acres in the Vistoso
Commerce Park, south of Rancho Vistoso Blvd. and east of Ventana Medical
Systems. The purpose of the purchase was to develop the industrial land as
an Operations Center that could better serve the growing community.
Now, the time has come when we must start moving some Town staff to
the site. No final decisions have been reached by the Town Council, but
overcrowding and lack of storage space have become critical issues that must
be addressed.
In looking toward the development of the site, the Town is committed
to following its own development process and guidelines-the same strict
process and guidelines that have produced such appealing facilities as the
Town's beautiful library. We recognize that Oro Valley and the Rancho
Vistoso area are examples of careful planning and sensitive development, and
any structures that end up on the Town-owned site will be built to blend in
with this community.
Naturally, developing any kind of facility will cause some temporary
disruption on the site. But we're committed to doing the job and creating
the needed space as quickly as possible.
All of Oro Valley benefits when we have facilities and resources
such as patrol cars, landscaping equipment and other tools located at an
industrial site that has close proximity to the center of the Town's
population. We will be good and careful neighbors, and we intend to provide
significant opportunities for local residents to comment on the proposed
development. You should expect no less of your community leaders, and we
are committed to creating a Town Operations Center of which we can all be
proud.
Paul H. Loomis
Mayor
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)