Bits and Pieces

Zinkin steps back

Former council member and community activist Mike Zinkin has decided to step back from Oro Valley politics. He will not be running for council in August.  "Since 2005, I've been actively involved in Oro Valley affairs, and now it's time for me to step back and allow new voices to emerge as vigilant observers."  Mike does plan to continue his focus on the massive waste of water that Town uses to irrigate two parks and a golf course. "I will continue to critique the excessive misuse of Oro Valley's drinkable water. This waste is avoidable."  (Source: Email to LOVE)

No end in sight for Town's waste of drinking water

At the moment, it seems that the town council is not focused on this drinking water waste. They're not going to consider extending the reclaimed water system to these southern areas of the town.  We think they're waiting to see what the State is going to do regarding purification of this water and its reintroduction in the drinking water system. In the meantime, over the years (and there will be many of them), the town is going to continue to waste many millions of gallons of drinking water. "With the end of 2023, it's clear that throughout the year, the Town squandered 74,275,000 gallons of our drinking water on their properties. To put this in perspective, this amount could have supplied over 10,600 homes, considering the average household's monthly usage of 7,000 gallons. For comparison, the Canada Hills Community Association comprises about 3,100 homes." (Source: Zinkin Email to LOVE)

Tarris' "Centennial" Trip begins Sunday

Oro Valley resident Tim Tarris and Buchanan Bleeker are on their way around the world in a single engine plane, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the first flight around the world. Love will follow the 32 plus day event. Read more about Tim's exciting adventure Tuesday.

Firefighters endorse Murphy for Council

The North Tucson Firefigthers union has endorsed Mary Murphy for town council. They note in their January 20 letter: "You have proven to put public safety at the top of your priority list, and we thank you. Your advocacy for and the understanding of public safety issues is commendable. We believe your experience and authentic desire to better your community makes you a strong candidate for this position. Additionally, your commitment to making sure our town is safe has been unwavering. We look forward to working with you in the needs of the community." (Source: January 20 letter to Mary Murphy)

50th Anniversary Celebration in progress

"The Town of Oro Valley proudly announces its upcoming 50th Anniversary on April 15, 2024. The Town invites residents to join in a year-long celebration filled with exciting events and collaborations with local businesses as we reflect on half a century of history, growth and community.  From community events to historical and arts exhibits, a diverse range of activities has been planned, including a 50th Anniversary Parade on April 6 and a special community celebration on April 13."  Learn more here. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Some Thoughts Until September

Here’s what to look for this summer
Every other year LOVE takes a summer break. It happens when there is no town election. Fortunately, this year, there is none….though we do expect a “doozy” next year as there will be three council seats up for election.

While we are away, however, we continue to follow Oro Valley happenings.We will do that again this year. We will report events to you when we return in September. We do have a list of  things to keep an eye on while we’re away. 

Here are some of the things we expect to be reporting about in September

Making the Naranja Park entrance pedestrian safe now

This is our number 1 priority. The current pedestrian situation is completely unacceptable. The town has said that they are planning to do some things. We figure that they should have done a lot by September 12, our return date.

Any decision the council made regarding plans for the Vistoso TrailsNature Preserve

The town has completed a Master Plan study on to build the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. At one point, the study’s findings became so challenging that the lead outside consultant on the project quit. To many residents in the area, the final plan, which will be reviewed with council, is too elaborate and far more invasive to life for those who live around the golf course.

Jeff Wilkins

Jeff Wilkins will have completed his first quarter as Oro Valley Town Manager. We wil (try to) interview Wilkins to report his first impressions of our town.

Outrageous Giveaway 2

The Council may consider yet another investment in the Oro Valley Marketplace (aka Oro Valley Village Center). This one for about $12 million. They are under no obligation to do so; but town staff has been in negotiations with the developer and center owner Town West for 18 months to do just that. It will be very interesting to see how Council handles this.
 

The “Big Sports Complex” Affair

Then, of course, there is the matter of the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) wanting to obliterate the lifestyle of those who live in the “Original Oro Valley.” The project is a major sports complex at their Concordia/Buena Vista location. It requires council approval of zoning changes to make this a reality. We don’t know when the next hearing is on this; but it is a huge problem for those who need to protect the lovely lifestyle that area affords.

The Oro Valley Housing Survey

Town staff has completed a survey of town housing needs. Many believe that the survey questions biased responses to favor more apartments…more congestion in Oro Valley… a more “balanced”community.  Regardless, the allure of federal funds that will become available to the town as it grows to subsidize low income housing will become very alluring. You ought to be concerned if you want Oro Valley to remain a single family residential community. As one resident wrote: “Federal funds may dictate “Section 8” to achieve the - financially attainable housing - which is not a fit for this community.” Beware: That from which you wanted to escape by moving to Oro Valley may follow you here.

Use of potable water on town owned parks and the Pusch Ridge Golf Course

The town continues to use potable water for irrigation at Riverfront and Kreigh Parks, at the Pusch Ridge Golf Course, and in serving CDO high school. Reclaimed water would be a better solution. We think, but we don’t know, that the cost of bringing reclaimed water to these facilities is prohibitive. The town has discussed further treating the reclaimed water, purifying it, and inserting it into the potable water supply. It’s all talk at this point but something does need to be done.

We will also keep an eye on other things like

…the July court appearance of Sabrina Garcia, the person who was driving the car that killed a teenager and her half sister on St. Patrick’s Day. It happened near the entrance to Naranja Park…thus, our obsession with getting the town to do something to improve pedestrian safety now.

Meanwhile, enjoy your summer.

We certainly do plan to do so

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Bits and Pieces

Monsoon Prep: Sand Bags are available 
“ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (June 15, 2023) – June 15 marks the official start of monsoon season, and the Town of Oro Valley wants to make sure residents are monsoon ready! Beginning today, June 15, the Town will provide free sandbags to residents who may need to protect areas of their home and property from monsoon storm runoff. This year, the sandbag pickup has moved to a new location, 9451 N. Egleston Drive, which is behind the fields at James D. Kriegh Park.” (Town of Oro Valley Media Release).  Read more about the town’s sandbag program here.

Alert: Traffic control change on Rancho Vistoso Blvd at Safeway

“Based on the volume of accidents caused by left-hand turns onto Rancho Vistoso Blvd., the Town will be installing signage prohibiting left-hand turns when exiting the Safeway Vistoso Plaza (located on the northeast corner of Tangerine Road and Rancho Vistoso Blvd). Motorists who wish to travel south, east or west from the shopping center will now use the plaza’s southern exit onto Tangerine Road, then proceed to their direction of travel at the intersection. The sign and associated striping is tentatively scheduled for June 15, pending utility blue stake clearances. Staff has already communicated with Safeway that the sign is going to be placed, and the Town will provide an educational flyer for businesses to share with patrons. After the installation, we will be monitoring the compliance of the traffic control change to determine if further measures are needed.” (Source: Town Manager Report for June 2023)

Single Family residence permitting activity lower than last year

“Single Family Residential Activity Nine new Single Family Residential (SFR) permits were issued during the month of May compared to 10 SFR permits issued in April. Year-to-date, 44 SFR permits have been issued since the beginning of the year compared to 110 issued during the same period in 2022.” (Source: Town Manager Report for June 2023)

Wilkins on-board

Town Manager Jeff Wilkins started his tenure with Town of Oro Valley on June 12. 

Water Rates to increase in August

The Town Council unanimously approved an increase in water rates at its June 7 Town Council meeting. The increased water rates will go into effect in August. The increase will cost the average homeowner $1.20 per month in the base rate plus 13 cents per thousand gallons used. The total for the average customer (7,000 gallons used over month) is an increase from  $44 per month to $46 per month. According to Town Water Director Peter Abraham, the increase is needed to cover an increase in CAP water deliver costs and an increase in capital project costs. The increase aligns with Abraham’s philosophy of increasing rates annually at lowest rates possible. The town also increased its reclaimed water rate to cover a 5% increase in the cost of delivery of reclaimed water from Tucson Water. That’s about 10 cents per thousand gallons. (Source: Town Council Meeting, June 7, 2023).

Police Commander Olson to serve as interim UofA Police Chief

Oro Valley Police Officer Chris Olson will serve as Interim Police Chief for the University of Arizona for fiscal 2023-34. Olson is long-time member of the Oro Valley Police Force and a senior leader of the force. The University will reimburse the town for all related personnel costs. Olson worked at the University earlier in his career. (Source)  Council Member Steve Solomon, speaking at the June 21 council meeting, noted that Olson’ s appointment is certainly a testimonial to the quality of the OVPD.

Guest View: Mike Zinkin – The Hypocrisy of our Town Leaders regarding Water Conservation

 

The Town of Oro Valley town codes require smart water use

Let’s look at the Town of Oro Valley’s Water Code. It is Chapter 15 of the Town Code which can be found on the Town’s website.

• Chapter 15-18-1 states: “The intent of this article is to conserve and protect the Town’s high quality, safe and reliable water supply for the current and future needs of the community.”

• Chapter 15-18-2 (which was amended in Oct. 2021) states: “…waste, excessive use, or unreasonable method of use of water be prevented, and that conservation of water be exercised in the interests of the Town of Oro Valley and for the public welfare.”

• Chapter 15-18-3 states: “It shall be unlawful at any time for any customer of the Town of Oro Valley Water Utility to knowingly make, cause, use or permit the use of water provided by the Town for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, irrigation or any other purpose in a manner contrary to any provisions of this code.”

• Chapter 15-18-4 discusses potable water and the ramifications of a potential declared shortage. Paragraph E states: “Priority for potable water demand shall be designated as follows:

Highest Priority -- Residential indoor domestic use and fire protection.

Second Highest Priority -- Commercial/institutional/industrial uses.

Third Highest Priority -- Public and private landscape irrigation sites, including golf courses, athletic fields and parks.

Remember, we are talking about potable water, not reclaimed water. Potable water is drinking water.

Hypocrisy: Town wastes 55 million gallons of potable water on two parks and a golf course
The Town Code discusses water conservation and the importance of potable water use. However, our town continues to waste potable water on Riverfront Park, Jim Kriegh Park, and the Pusch Ridge Golf course.

In a 12-month period, the Town used for irrigation purposes 10,586,000 gallons at Riverfront Park and 9,973,000 gallons at Jim Kriegh Park, while at Pusch Ridge it used 34,608,000 gallons. Pusch Ridge utilized over 30% more water than both parks combined.

Questionable use of bond money
So what is our Town Council doing? They are spending bond money to replace -- as a past Council majority would say, “our beautiful tennis courts,” -- with post tension courts, install another splash pad at Naranja Park, and reconstruct and expand the Community Center parking lot.

How about spending bond money for the future of the entire community? And how about we stop over seeding the parks, close the Pusch Ridge course, and supply Jim Kriegh and Riverfront parks with reclaimed water?

Do something for the future of the entire town.
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Mike Zinkin and his wife have lived in Oro Valley since 1998. He served on the Oro Valley Development Review Board from 2005-2009, the Board of Adjustment from 2011-2012, and the Town Council from 2012-2016. He was named a Fellow for the National League of Cities. He was a member of the NLC Steering Committee for Community and Economic Development and a member of the Arizona League of Cities Budget and Economic Development Committee. He was an Air Traffic Controller for 30 years. Mike has a Bachelor’s degree in history and government from the University of Arizona and a Master’s degree in Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education from California State University, Northridge.

Bits and Pieces

Yikes! Pusch Ridge Golf used more than 805 homes-worth of drinking water in the past three months

When the Town Council decided in July to reopen the Pusch Ridge 9-hole course, it did not address the fact that this course uses drinking water for irrigation. 

In the past three months, the course used drinking water equivalent to that used by 805 average Oro Valley homes. The council did not even consider, for an instant, the idea of extending the reclaimed water system to this course. Instead, they left this drinking water use problem for a future council, since this council committed to operating the course for the next three years.

Big economic development win: Leonardo Electronics US coming to Innovation Park

"I’m pleased to report that today, the official announcement was made regarding the future relocation and expansion of Leonardo Electronics US Inc. to Innovation Park in Oro Valley. Leonardo will be constructing a new state-of-the-art semiconductor laser manufacturing facility comprising of approximately 120,000 square feet. They anticipate construction to begin this spring. The total capital investment will be approximately $100 million and 170 net new jobs. Sun Corridor estimates a total economic impact to the Tucson region of $374 million over the next 10 years. 

The Town has been working with Leonardo, Sun Corridor, Arizona Commerce Authority, and other partners on this potential expansion for about three years. Countless hours have been spent working with the company, and an economic development agreement consistent with the Town Council’s Incentive Policy will be placed on Council’s January regular agenda for approval. " (Source: Town of Oro Valley Town Manager Report, December 2021)

Read the company's press release.

Town to swap land for expansion of Community Center parking lot

"I signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chris Phillips, the owner of the dirt lot adjacent to the Community Center’s parking area. This MOU provides the framework for a land swap with the Town that will allow us to maximize the property available for the planned reconfiguration of the entire parking area. The MOU also provides for the Town’s continued lease of the lot for overflow parking until the land swap is consummated. Town staff will now complete the details required per state law to affect this transaction. We expect to bring the required action to Council in February or early March." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Town Manager Report, December 2021)

Study session on Oro Valley Marketplace changes on December 14

The applications for the proposed development at the Oro Valley Marketplace have been resubmitted by the applicant and are under review. The project is scheduled for a Planning and Zoning Commission Study Session on December 14.  The tentative Public Hearing schedule for the applicant’s requests is: 

• January 6, 2022 – Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing
• January 2022 – Town Council Study Session - (TBD) Timing is dependent upon the applicant's final acquisition of ADOT right-of-way along Tangerine and Oracle Roads.
• February 2022 – Town Council Public Hearing - (TBD) Timing is dependent upon the applicant's final acquisition of ADOT right-of-way along Tangerine and Oracle Roads.

Community Center membership approaching pre pandemic levels...Golf memberships steady

 "In the last month, the CRC added 150 members, bringing its total membership to 1,850 members. The facility is quickly approaching its pre-pandemic membership numbers, which typically averaged around 2,200. To accommodate the growth, patrons can use the dirt lot for overflow parking..Indigo Golf is reporting 329 full memberships with six corporate memberships"(Source: Town of Oro Valley Town Manager Report, December 2021)

Guest View-LOVE Contributor: Town Council Kept In Dark About Council Policies and Procedures

Publisher Note: Items that are on the town council agenda matter because it is the only time that all members of council can talk about the item. It is also the only time that the council, generally through resolutions, can take action. The following is from a reader who asserts that town staff has acted improperly in regards to "allowing" items on the council agenda. We have not verified all of the assertions in what follows. If true, however, it most certainly paints a view of town staff not operating in the best interest of the town.

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August 18, 2021 Special Session Council Meeting: Town Staff refuses to place an item on the agenda.
Prior to the August 18, 2020 Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, there was an attempt by some Council members to amend the agenda to include something like the following: 

Discussion and possible action to designate the Pusch Ridge Course as a discontinued facility. 

Had this been on the agenda, the Pusch Ridge course likely would have been closed as I suspect that there would have been at least four votes to pass this item. 

Claiming the need for 12-day notice

However, Town staff illegally kept this item off the agenda. The town staff told the requesting Council members that there was a requirement of giving a 12-day notice for agenda revisions. 

This is not true

State Law requires only a 24-hour notice to amend an agenda.

And that an agenda amendment had to go through the agenda committee.

This is also NOT TRUE. 

Council Policy 11 (panel right) documents the procedures for Council Members to amend an agenda. It says only that Council Members must provide basic information relating to their request  

Staff also said that they were waiting for the mayor’s approval

The Mayor's approval is not needed to add an item to the agenda according to Policy 11.

In total, all this is yet another example of decisions being decided by staff rather than by the elected Town Council

It is very unfortunate that the Council members had no idea of the existence of the Council Policies. These policies should have been handed to them during their first meeting with staff…but, for some reason, they were not.

Consequently, on September 8 Council approved taking money from the HOA's to support a golf course that may well have been closed
Item “G” on the September 8 Town Council Consent Agenda directed the Town Manager to enter into a financial agreement with the HOA’s surrounding the 9-hole Pusch Ridge course. This agreement authorized the Town to take $34,050 from the three HOA’s to assist in offsetting the costs of the course. 

 

Had the discussion item been on the agenda, it is likely that the property would have been designated as "discontinued" and the thousands of potable water that are used on this course save for important consumer use.

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