Bits and Pieces

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Sun City Oro Valley Forum Has No "Shockers"

There were no "shockers" at this week's Sun City Oro Valley Forum.  8 questions were asked and answered.  Each candidate presented a 2-minute opening and a 2-minute closing remark.  We parsed the opening remarks into 6 clips, one for each candidate.  There is one clip in total for the closing remarks. And one clip for each question.  Watch some or all of the forum on the Zeeman Channel.

Could Unaccompanied Alien Children Be Coming To Live In Oro Valley?

It is possible that Oro Valley, like Oracle, will be required to house Unaccompanied Alien Children ("UAC")?

 One of our readers sent us this article: "New Obama Rule Could Force Cities To House Illegals." Oro Valley could be impacted because Oro Valley signed on to Pima County's request for HUD grants.

We suspect that the Obama Administration will tell Oro Valley that it needs to house the people because of this, even though Oro Valley never actually gets HUD funding, the town did sign an Intergovernmental Agreement ("IGA") with Pima County to do so.  The agreement was signed by town attorney Joe Andrews on 7-13-13 of last year.

On the positive side, housing UAC's would immediately fill the  occupancy of the 800 plus "luxury apartments" that are coming on stream soon.
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Generous Oro Valley Residents, the ULS, help Vail Teacher

You will want to read this article about how an Oro Valley couple, Steve and Diane Uhl, are funding a Vail District school teacher's Arizona teaching license.  Their act is a generous response of kindness to a foolish State regulation.
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How Lake Mead's Water Shortage Could Affect Oro Valley

We have extolled the excellent work done by the Town Of Oro Valley in water conservation.  We've discussed steps such as recharging CAP Water, golf course use of reclaimed water, and getting a free home water audit.  In May, Heather's Corner suggested ways that each of us can conserve water.  All have resulted in putting Oro Valley in a safe water quality and water quantity position.

Water use, however, is not entirely in Oro Valley's hands. Oro Valley is also at the mercy of cities like Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas because Oro Valley does use CAP water to recharge its aquifer.

We have been following and reporting to you the steady decline of water levels in Lake Mead. It is now at 39% capacity.  Las Vegas is the primary user of Lake Mead water.  However, if Lake Mead gets lower, Las Vegas, a huge water hog, will draw from the entire CAP system.  This, together with other restrictions, will reduce Arizona's take from the system and, therefore, the take Oro Valley will get.

(Other information; Previous LOVE water postings)
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Oro Valley Republicans Host: "Meet The Candidates" Forget To Invite Straney and Bristow

The Oro Valley Republican group held a "meet the candidates" session last week. They invited Oro Valley's Majority-4. They did not invite challengers Pat Straney or Don Bristow.  Mayor Hiremath was invited.  Candidate Waters said the Hiremath did not attend because he had a "dental emergency."  Visit the Zeeman Channel to watch Hornat, Snider and Waters' remarks.
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Star Compares Straney-Hiremath Leadership Styles

This week, a article in the Star compared Pat Straneys' leadership style to that of Satish Hiremath.  It is easy to tell the leadership styles apart.  Straney guy listens. Hiremath lectures.  Straney unites. Hiremath takes up arms against a fellow council member. End of story.
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Tucson Realtors Endorse Incumbents or "Be Still My Heart"

This week, The Tucson Realtors Association endorsed Oro Valley's incumbents. (Source)
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John's Place: Town Liability Concerns Deprive Citizens of Important Informational Cost Savings

As a homeowner in Oro Valley, I recently encountered a problem that could have cost me thousands of dollars. Most citizens are not aware that the water/sewer lines from the street to their home are their financial liability.

Many people believe that water and sewer lines will last hundreds of years without failing; but the truth is, there are many reasons other than life expectancy of the pipes that can contribute to infrastructure failure - such as tree-root intrusion, rust and weather.

The developer of my home planted a tree adjacent to my driveway. After 20+ years one of the mature tree roots started to raise a section of my drive way. I thought about removing the tree. When Blue Stake contacted the utilities to locate water, gas, electric, telephone, and cable lines near the tree I discovered that locating the water/sewer lines from street to my home was my responsibility. It could have cost me thousands if I destroyed the water/sewer lines trying to remove the tree. Instead, I dug up a ¼ of my driveway, removed the giant tree root and replaced the ¼ of my driveway.

At the June 18, 2014 Town Council Meeting, Councilman Mike Zinkin, who represents Oro Valley for The National League of Cities (NLC), discussed that NLC sponsors a Service Line Warranty Program to help homeowners save thousands of dollars in expensive utility line repair costs while addressing the community's aging infrastructure.  It is a low cost insurance program. The Town of Oro Valley can’t recommend or endorse a particular organization or company because of liability and ethical issues so the council passed on any action.

However, the Town could at least inform the citizens through their water bills or the Town Web Site that there are many insurance programs out there that could provide significant cost savings should a water problem occur. This would be a public service announcement. It would be the responsibility of the homeowner to decide if they want coverage and contact any company offering the insurance program.
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Residential Water Rates To Rise On February 15

In various discussions, Oro Valley Water Commissioner, Phil Saletta,  has assured residents that there is a satisfactory supply water for Oro Valley both in the near and long-term.

One of our readers sent us a link to an article entitled: "Colorado River Drought Forces Painful Reckoning for States." The article starts:

"The sinuous Colorado River and its slew of man-made reservoirs from the Rockies to southern Arizona are being sapped by 14 years of drought nearly unrivaled in 1,250 years."

Obviously, this is not a good thing for those states that rely on the Colorado River for even the smallest amount of water.  It is even a larger problem for the State of Arizona and communities within it because that state, along with some others, will be the first whose guaranteed take will be restricted if and when restriction becomes necessary.  This is to what they agreed when they agreed to use the water from the system.

A report ("Colorado River Water Supply Report Total System Contents") provided by the town confirms what the news report said. The Lake Mead and Lake Powell Reservoirs are less than 50% capacity. Their supply continues to dwindle. Three of the 5 smaller reservoirs are in similar shape.

Add to this the fact that California is experiencing a severe drought and that the forecast for snow pack in the Sierra Nevada mountain range shows the pack levels well below normal.  Thus, snow melt, a major source of their water, will also be low.

For us, all of this means that we need to conserve water.

At its last meeting, the Oro Valley Town Council voted to increase water rates for residential and irrigation users.  The increase provides un update to the tiered rate structure for residential users. That is the cost paid by residential customers for each tier of the water rate.   Speaking at that council meeting, Phil Saletta, Oro Valley Water Department Director stated: "The tiered [residential] rate structure is in place from a water conservation pricing perspective."  He further explained that the conservation he is seeking is reduction of water use for landscaping.

The way the structure works is that residents pay proportionately per thousand gallons for the water that they use. The rates per thousand gallons are as follows:

Tier                             Existing        After Februry 2
0-7,000                           $2.20               $2.23
7001-16,000                     2.99                 3.01
16,001-32,000                  4.03                 4.07
over 32,000                      5.38                 5.39


Commercial water rates, unlike residential water rates, are going down.  When asked by Council Member Zinkin how this decrease would encourage conservation, Saletta responded: "We all know that businesses are important to the community. They have generally a uniform level of use throughout the year...It is really their business that drives water usage.  We want to have uniform rate for commercial so that in the future they are not paying that dramatic tiered rate of their usage."

A flat water rate structure for commercial users will not encourage commercial to reduce consumption.  The conservation mechanism, according to Saletta, is the fact that businesses control their costs.

Another rate increase is proposed next year, according the the town's commissioned cost of water service study.

There has been no increase in residential rates since 2009.  The new rates are effective on February 15. Billing at the new rates starts on March 18.
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Celebrate Oro Valley: The Oro Valley Water Department

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We never write about the Oro Valley Water Department.  In fact, the only time we ever refer to it is when we complain, which we often do, about the Utility Tax. The Utility Tax is not of their making.

We take water for granted.  Turn on the spigot. Water pours out.  It is clean. It is potable. It is constant.  It is of reasonable pressure.   The Water Department makes this happen.

In Arizona, water is also precious natural resource that requires shepherding.   Promoting sensible water use is a good idea.  Using reclaimed water is a good idea. Replenishing the aquifer is a good idea.   The Oro Valley Water Department does all that and more.

The challenge of doing all this is not a simple one.  Per it's April 2012 Water Utility Commission Annual Report issued in April,  Oro Valley Water:

• served 18,545 (page A-1) metered customers, 95% if which are residential (page A-5)
• delivered 2.4 billion gallons of potable water (page A-1), 59% of which to residential properties (page A-5)
• spent $8.8 million (page 44)
• employed 36 people (page 7)
• generated revenues of $15.3 million (page 43)
• Had the capacity to provide approximately 17,184 acre feet of water ("one acre of water that is 1" deep) per year.  This equals 5.6 trillion gallons of water. 78% of this water can come from the aquifer. 9% can come from CAP.  The rest is from reclaimed water. (page  18). (There are 325,851 gallons in one acre foot of water.)

Oro Valley Water: operates in a reliable, cost effective manner.

Phil Saletta, Water Utility Director, and his team are to be complemented for their hard work on our behalf.

Celebrate, Oro Valley.  We've got one fine water department is a place in the world where water matters!
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Oro Valley Council (As Usual) Hits Us With Another Water Rate Increase

No surprise. The Town Council once again voted to increase our water rates. This has become an annual event for the residents of Oro Valley.

Read The Explorer article below.



OV council adopts water rate changes


The Oro Valley Town Council has approved a water rate change for municipal customers.

The new rates do not impact base water rates for residential customers. Instead, increases to groundwater preservation fees are scheduled to take effect in October 2011.

Groundwater preservation fees for potable water would increase 20 cents per 1,000 gallons of potable water use, rising to 95 cents per 1,000 gallons.

Reclaimed water customers, mostly golf courses, would pay 10 cents more per 1,000 gallons of effluent use. The rate would increase to 50 cents per 1,000 gallons.

The changes would mean a 4.1 percent rate increase for residential customers, based on the water usage of the average Oro Valley household, about 8,000 gallons per month. Most residential customers would pay an additional $1.60 per month, according to a water utility analysis.

Changes also include a $5 increase to the service establishment fee, bringing the fee to $35 for residential customers.

Meter installation fees also are scheduled to increase. Currently, residential customers with 5/8ths-inch meters pay $247. The new cost for meter installation will be $296. New meter and service establishment fees go into effect Dec. 18.

Oro Valley Water Rate Increase On Agenda At Nov 17 Meeting

"It's Back!" What's back is what has become an annual event in Oro Valley---another water rate increase!

It may be imminent. Please see the council agenda for the Nov 17 meeting. (Left column of blog)

Item #3

PUBLIC HEARING - RESOLUTION NO. (R)10 - 82 AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING INCREASES IN WATER RATES, FEES AND CHARGES FOR THE TOWN OF ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY

The council will do as they wish, but you may want to have your voice heard.

It Looks Like Another Water Hike Is In Our Immediate Future

Sure, water is a precious commodity, but does that mean that the Oro Valley Water Utility has to ask for a rate increase just about every year?

For those of us that are seniors on social security, it was distressing to note that for the 2nd year in a row, there will be no increase in social security benefits.

Hopefully, the Oro Valley Council will take that in consideration before they approve yet another rate increase.

Speaking personally, our water rate has tripled since our arrival in Oro Valley 17 years ago. Certainly, we're not using three times the water that we did back then.

Oh well! At least there won't be another tax increase imposed on gas, electric & water bills----or is that too, in our future?

Oro Valley Resident Speaks Out Against Water Rate Increase

We certainly agree with Mr. Feldman's point as noted in his letter to The Explorer.


Water, the new liquid gold in OV


Water, the most expensive utility in Oro Valley.

They call petroleum "liquid gold." In Oro Valley, water is now the new liquid gold.

Where does it go from here? The council has approved an increase every year, except for 2007 since 1997. A total of 90 percent increase since 1997, almost double. If any business raised their prices this much, they would be out of business.

Why does the council go along? Surely, there must be some solution to curb expenses and cut overhead to maintain a stable price to the residents of Oro Valley.

I managed a large manufacturing plant for several years. In each of those years, we faced cost increases which threatened to reduce the bottom line. Each year we found ways to cut costs and/or reduce payroll to maintain an acceptable bottom line.

Every problem has a solution. The council needs to demand a cost-cutting process be implemented by the water utility to maintain a more stable operation. A suggestion would be to bring in a consulting firm to do an analysis. Fresh minds have fresh ideas.

In my view, if neighboring towns can supply water for less, why can't Oro Valley?

Hal Feldman, Oro Valley

Oro Valley Top Stories For 2009

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.

Water Rates Going Up (Again)

Town Council voted, 4-2 to increase water rates tonight. We believe there was only one year since 1996 that the OV Water Utility has not raised our rates.

Phil Saletta, Director of the Water Utility, presented a rather uncompelling case for increasing water rates. Only Bill Garner & Salette Latas believed the rate increase was NOT justified.

Also, let's not forget, thanks to Loomis, Carter & Kunisch we still have the additional 2% tax on our water usage (plus gas & electric.)

The Cost Of Water Going Up----Again

I don't know about you, but since my wife & I purchased our home here in 1993, the cost for our water usage has TRIPLED. Well, it's about to go up again.

As we probably all know, the sewer bill,is not part of OV Water but is included on our monthly statement.

However,let's not forget, although it's not much, we're still paying that 2% additional tax on our water (plus gas & electric) compliments of Mayor Loomis & his "friends."

And, don't forget why. It was imposed so we could have more police on the payroll---like we need more police!

Read why and by how much in The Explorer article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2009/10/14/news/doc4ad512581c7a9687

NIMBY- Cops Say No... Instead-Raid The Piggy-Bank

In a letter published in the Explorer, John Musolf notes the "heavy police protection" present at the March 4 council meeting where council approved the extension of the utility tax. The tax funds "public safety" jobs.Read John's letter: Who’s running OV — police, or council, manager?

In a related letter, OV should find ways other than jobs to save money, the Fraternal Order of Police state that they "...would like to see the town look for ways to cut the budget through programs instead of people." Apparently an accountant ( :-)), the writer added: "We believe that using a very small portion of the contingency fund money and municipal operations building fund money to get through this next year, along with the attrition rate, the 33 employee positions and services they provide to this town could be saved". The writer provides no concrete analysis, using real world numbers to prove that this can be done. What the writer is saying, however, is: "Take the money from somebody else. Just leave us alone."

When it comes to budget cutting, NIMBY applies.

Difficult economic times demand difficult decisions and sacrifices by all. All, of course, except Public Safety.

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.

Oro Valley Used More Water Than Allowed In 2000-2005

The Explorer reports that during the years 2000-2005, Oro Valley’s water utility withdrew more groundwater from its source aquifer than it was allotted, according to the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

The main reason---water for golf courses which has since been rectified by going to reclaimed water.

Read the Dec 10 article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/12/10/news/doc493f12b1d3ced156780198.txt

Water Rates Up Again?

One of the consent agenda items (that's a council item that can be approved without discussion by council members if they so desire) is consideration of raising water rates... yet again.

The item: "Resolution No. (R)08 - 70 Providing Notice of Intent to establish and
increase water rates fees and charges for the Oro Valley Water Utility -
public hearing to be held at 7:00 p.m., November 5, 2008"

And remember, as water rates go up so do the taxes the town raises on them.

What an ugly situation.

Rates increasing. No real countercheck.

The Ultimate Solution For Water

Oro Valley's thirst for water will most certainly need to come from CAP water; especially given potential growth caused by Arroyo Grande. At some point, maybe 50 years from now, alternatives will be needed to supplement CAP water. Desalinization of sea water, delivered either from Mexico of from California, will be the only answer.

So, if you want to think look into the future, click here to read more.

The Explorer Discusses Possible Water Rate Hikes

The June 18 Explorer has an article and a number of scenarios as to water rate fee increases.

We note that Mayor Loomis sounds a little like a politician when he says: “The bill as written makes it a little bit of a challenge when it comes to planning.”

The bill he refers to is the one that home builders and others in the construction industry have been busily working with members of the state legislature — including Senate President Tim Bee (R-Tucson) — to pass legislation that changes how cities and towns collect and implement impact fees.

As we discussed in a number of earlier posts on this subject, if the legislatures pass this bill it may freeze water impact fees for two years. That is why many other communities in Arizona are against it.

We hope the council---with or without the backing of Loomis, will take the necessary action to overcome this bill that is good for the builders, and not so good for the citizens.

Read the article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/06/18/news/doc4858413c3c40f952050250.txt

Erik Shapiro Cautions Us--Water Will Be "Hohokam"--"All Used Up"

Our Oro Valley neighbor Erik Shapiro's letter to The Explorer should be heeded. Water is a scarce commodity, especially here in the Arizona desert.



Eventually, Oro Valley's water will be 'all used up'

“All used up”: that’s what that the O’odham word hohokam really means. Hokam means one thing that is used up. Repeating the first syllable in the O’odham language makes it plural: “all used up.” When O’odham people referred to a ruin as Hohokam, they were not naming the people that built it, they were just describing its ruined condition. Romantic glosses such as the “vanished people” aside, hohokam just means something that is “all used up.”

Oro Valley has one place – in Honey Bee Canyon – that is officially signed as hohokam – “all used up.” In the years to come, and given present development policies, it might well be that one day an O’odham commentator would describe the whole town of Oro Valley as hohokam – “all used up.”

I applaud supervisor Ann Day’s criticism of the Oro Valley town council on open space conservation, and would appreciate her continuing oversight. With a couple of noble exceptions, the current council has demonstrated an inability to make responsible decisions without adult supervision.

Ann Day is right; Rancho Vistoso is already hohokam — “all used up.” Unless the council and their developer allies are stopped, they will make the Arroyo Grande property hohokam – “all used up” – as well.

Colorado River water is over-allocated, and Arizonans – including the town of Oro Valley — are last in line for the water. The treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo guarantees Mexico’s right to Colorado River water. The Native American right to Colorado River water is guaranteed by an early 20th century U.S. Supreme court ruling, the Winters Doctrine. And Arizona relinquished absolute rights to Colorado River water as part of the settlement to a lawsuit between the two states which enabled the building of the Central Arizona Project.

Oro Valley planners think they can pipe water in from the Central Arizona Project to water the lawns and feed the misters that will be distributed over the development that was Arroyo Grande. But they are wrong. By the time the water is needed, it will be hohokam – “all used up.”

Erik Shapiro

Oro Valley

Terry Parish Deserves Some Credit--Re: Water Rates

The blog has not been too favorable to Council Member Parish, but it is only fair to give credit where credit is due.

I listened & watched the video of the April 16 meeting. Consent agenda item E. Resolution No. (R)08 - 27 Providing Notice of Intent to Increase Water Rates, Fees and Charges for the Oro Valley Water Utility was "pulled" by Mr. Parish.

Rather than agree another rate increase was required, after lengthy discussion and a presentation by Phil Saletta, the town’s water utility director, a motion by Mr. Parish to continue this item with the possibility of adding additional tiers for water consumption was passed.

Keeping in mind, this item was only a "notice of intent" to have a rate increase, it was good to see the council agree that gathering additional information was the prudent thing to do.

It has been brought to my attention that perhaps Mr. Parish doesn't deserve as much credit as I gave him. It seems that the Water Utility requires a rate increase, at least to some extent, as a result of the Council's previous action to allow the home builders a five year phase-in period for water impact fees lobbied the Council for the 5 year phase-in, rather no phase-in and Parish was all for this.

If this 5 year phase-in was not approved this proposed increase may not be necessary. Might this be another example of an action with "unintended consequences?" Our readers can decide.

Explorer Writes About Potential Oro Valley Water Rate Increase

On April 10 we did a posting: Again---"It's Like Being Nibbled To Death By Ducks"
We noted that Oro Valley will consider another increase in our already very high water bills.

You can read the Explorer article on this issue here.
http://www.explorernews.com/article/show/21848

Note: At the Council meeting,Terry Parish "pulled" this item from the consent agenda. It was then decided to continue the item for further review. We think that was a good idea.