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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Guest View: Mike Zinkin – What Happened to the Founders’ Vision?

The Founders' Vision has been lost over the past 12 years
The reason the people incorporated Oro Valley was because they did not want to be governed by Tucson or Pima County. They wanted to protect the views, avoid traffic and pollution problems, prevent congested development, and preserve the small town feel. However, this has all but become history.

Look at how much has changed regarding allowances for developers and business establishments
We now have a 7-story retirement community under construction, a plot of land (the Marketplace) that will soon have numerous hotels and apartments, we have pre-graded lots that will be “shovel ready,” and a Council majority that doesn’t appear to adequately study the issues and simply follows staff desires, thereby disregarding the people’s wishes.

I was on the Developmental Review Board when we refused to allow In and Out Burger to have their crossed palm trees (the Council supported our decision). We did not allow the Target store to have a red “Target” sign (their trademark target could be red, but the store name had to fit the color palette of the shopping center). The blue wedge in the Best Buy store was reduced in size. There were no flashing signs allowed in store windows. A lighted sign could say ”Open” but it could not flash. A-frame signs were not allowed.

Look at how much has changed within the town council
The Vice-Mayor position used to be a ceremonial role that rotated among the existing council members. Now the Vice-Mayor serves a 4 year term that does nothing in my opinion but fulfill the ego of the individual.

We used to have Council on Your Corner meetings which allowed for two-way communication between the public and the council, instead of the council hiding behind the dais and limiting public speaking time to 3 minutes with no interaction. I remember having these meetings during the budget process to gauge the desires of the people. It now seems that the Council does not put forth any effort on the budget. They simply give staff what they want.

The Council used to care and consider the results of valid surveys. They used to ask questions of staff during budget study sessions, rather than being lectured by staff about their wishes. The Aquatic Center was a result of this belief, not splash pads and BMX tracks, which have very little constituent support.

The current Council liaison to the Amphi School Dist. does not fulfill the responsibilities put forth in Town Policy 9. When I brought this to the attention of the Councilmember, the response was, “I have not nor plan to ignore my responsibilities as Amphi Liaison. Covid has redefined this responsibility and relationship. I am requesting that the policy reflect those changes. I continue to receive and review the monthly agenda for both the Executive and General Meeting and attend as needed.” However, there has been no change to the current policy.

The Vice-Mayor voted no on an allocation of funds to support the State mandated General Fund. She said she was a “protector of the People’s money” yet insisted on a Splash Pad at Naranja Park.

Town leaders don’t seem to care about the Town’s waste of water
The Mayor refuses to realize there is a water problem in Oro Valley, as well as the Nation. Not one penny in the FY 2023/24 recommended budget is allocated to reducing the Town’s wasteful use of potable water on it properties (such as James Kriegh and Riverfront parks and the Pusch Ridge golf course.)

Major agreements with developers are not disclosed to the public
Some of you may criticize me regarding the El Con golf courses purchase in 2014, however, remember that it was a 4-3 vote. Now we have mostly 7-0 votes. The re-elected majority usually votes as a block. They allowed the former Town Manager to spend money without Council authority, as well as enter into agreements without Council oversight. There is an Economic Development Agreement with Town West that has never been made public and there is a lack of transparency. Agreements made with the developer of the high-density development in the Vistoso Preserve were also never disclosed to the public.

We’re heading in the wrong direction
Oro Valley government used to care about views, traffic, the environment, and appropriate use of monies. Now we are no different than Tucson and Marana.

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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.

Guest View: Mike Zinkin – A Plea to the Younger Demographic of Oro Valley to "Get Involved"

I have documented on many occasions how the newly elected mayor and three councilmembers will be remembered as the most fiscally irresponsible council members in the history of Oro Valley.

Examples
Allowing the past Town Manager to spend $620,000+ unchecked and against Town Policy, spending bonded monies for park amenities that the citizens did not desire and without asking what the cost will be to maintain these amenities in the future, giving over $400,000 to Visit Tucson even though our Bed Tax revenues are down 11%, and until recently, completely ignoring the ADA issue at the Community Center and ignoring the need for a new Police Station.

Does anyone care about these issues? Does anyone care about the horrendous waste of potable water the Town is using on its properties? Does anyone care about the continued golf losses?

The impact of these council decisions will have lasting effects
Those most impacted will be those who are younger…our college students, young couples with small children, and those under 65. Where are these people? Why are they not engaged in the conversation when they will be the most impacted?

These issues will not likely affect me, and yet I still take the time to research them and report on them. Where are the citizens that have children who will be adversely affected by this Council’s decisions?

Over the years, residents in various parts of town have been “up in arms” over land and development issues that impact their views, their neighborhoods, and their property values. They organize and spend a lot of their time and energy on these issues that directly impact them. But where is their anger over the Council’s reckless spending and water waste?

An appeal to the younger generation
Unless the younger population of the Town gets involved, this Council will continue unchecked. The result? In about 10 years, there will be a Council faced with paying for the maintenance and upkeep of the Town’s amenities -- the cost of maintaining the splash pad, the BMX track, the Vistoso Preserve. When coupled with the cost of providing needed services, the Council in office in 10 years will either have to reduce amenities, reduce services, or levy an additional tax on you to pay for these things.

People need to get involved, ask questions of the Council, and implore them to consider the future costs of the decisions that they make today that will impact you tomorrow.

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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.

Water Rate Hikes Coming...Reclaimed Water Use Becomes A Strategic Decision

Potable water rates and wastewater use in forefront

Two items on last week's Town of Oro Valley Town Council agenda related to water. One is a water rate increase. The second is a discussion the potential for extending the towns reclaimed water system to those parks currently use potable water for irrigation.

Potable water rates will increase in August

The council unanimously (6-0, Jones-Ivey absent) approved it's annual increase in water rates. An annual increase is part of Water Director Peter Abraham's plan to gradually increase rates to compensate for increased cost. This year, the cost of CAP water went up, causing the need for this year's increase cost. The rates schedules were accepted as presented. 

Mayor Winfield would like to see the town increase the cost of water to those homes that use more than 3,000 gallons of water a month.  Council Member Solomon disagrees. He noted the unfairness of this increase in subsidization by larger homes for smaller homes. The current rate schedule already does this.  The average use of water for Oro Valley homes is 7,000 gallons per month.  Winfield's suggested change further increase water cost to most resident.

Reclaimed water system to stay as is for now...further discussion needed

Council members Nicolson and Bohen had asked that a discussion of the wastewater system be on the agenda. They wanted to know: Can the system be extended to those town parks that use potable water? If so, what would it cost to do so?  What would be the impact on the town's potable water supply?

Abraham sees multiple uses of Oro Valley's reclaimed water allotment

Oro Valley Water Director Peter Abraham framed his response in a broader context. "When I started diving into this my mind was going to some amazing places that might be of better benefit to the community than just extending the reclaimed water system. We have an opportunity here to further ensure our sustainability. We have the resource. Let's take our time and wrestle with it."  One possibility is that reclaimed water can be treated and injected into our current potable water system.

Town Manager Jacobs: Future use of reclaimed water is a major policy issue

Oro Valley Town Manager Jacobs agrees that "this is a major policy issue. It is something we need to figure out in terms of what is right for this community. This should be incorporated into the strategic leadership plan."

Yes. The reclaimed water can be extended to the southern area of town

The cost of doing so depends on the route and the engineering challenges along the way. Abraham guesses that it could be $8 million dollars. But then again it could be $10 million or $6 million. Since Abraham doesn't know the route, he can not give a firm estimate of the cost of extending the route.  

Yes. The town does have enough capacity of reclaimed water to be able to supply those parks that are currently using potable water

These parks used 6.4 million gallons of drinking water in April [panel left]. That is the equivalent use for 917 single family residential home.

Jacobs will present a motion to the town council at next week’s meeting to “…analyze and develop policy options for the cost-effective and efficient long-term use of the Town’s unused reclaimed water entitlement.” (Source) This is to be completed by June 30 2023.

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Town Dawdles On Drinking Water Wasting... While Lake Mead Continues Its Decline

The water level of Lake Mead, the source of Oro Valley's sustainable drinking water supply, continues to decrease

This, despite the fact that CAP “Level I” water restrictions are in place. These restrictions have been applied to only Arizona farmers this time around. But one day, as more restrictions will be necessary, towns and cities will be impacted.

CAP water is important to Oro Valley because it is the only source of sustainable water for the community. The town uses CAP water to replenish the groundwater it uses.

Town has done nothing to reduce its drinking water use on golf courses and park

The town has been extremely active in encouraging residents to use as little water as possible. Yet, the town continues to pour millions of gallons of drinking water on its golf courses and parks. Love and contributors have written about this ad nauseam. The town has done nothing but continue to pour this water in what can only be considered to be an irresponsible act.

While the source town's sustainable water supply decreases

We’ve included the entire chart that follows to show exactly the facts regarding Lake Mead. Even though the data looks daunting (click on the chart to enlarge it), the numbers are clear: Lake Mead is simply overdrawn. One day that will impact Oro Valley.

 

The Miners: A Futuristic Story by “Nombe Watanabe”

Those of you who have been following LOVE for years will remember one of our regular bloggers who went by the pseudonym, “Nombe Watanabe.” We always looked forward to his posts as they were not only factual, civil, and well-reasoned, but also witty. We recently received the following submission from “Nombe.”

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The Location
Tucson Area in the not-too-distant future, in the 82nd year of the Great Drought. The “hot zone” is divided into resource areas for exploitation.

The Cast
Hans, Ping Xi, and Tommy Joe are miners, copper miners to be exact, although from time to time there is a call for other materials. Their common language is Spanglish and they live in an underground dormitory blasted into what was once Kartchner Caverns. Their lives are short and brutish, but the pay is good and they can support what is left of their families in the North.

The Story
The robotic trains come down from the temperate zone in the Canada Resettlement Administrative Area (CRAA), bringing water, food and other supplies. Then the trains are loaded for the return trip with copper wire, and other processed minerals, stripped by the miners from any ruins or standing buildings left in the desert. Why struggle for minerals in the earth, when refined product is parching on the surface?

The miners can only work at night, for it is too hot for human existence during the day. But from the former US/Mexican border to the Nevada wasteland, there is a rich vein of abandoned wealth free for the taking.

Back in the 21st Century, people used to wonder how the various governments could allow such expansive development. As the climate grew warmer and the great water sheds declined, still they built and still people moved to an area not able to support human habitation into the 22nd Century.

When it all collapsed, the climate migrants swarmed northward. North to water, north to food, north for a chance at life. Some made it, most did not.

The Message
You really have to think about development in the desert during a major drought and climate change. Think about the motives of the people who tell you that it will be fine, and that there is plenty of water. Remember, there is plenty of water, until there isn’t.

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Editor’s Note: On the same day that we received this article, LOVE learned that the amount of potable (drinking) water utilized on the Pusch Ridge course during November 2021 was 4,045,000 gallons.

The Watchdog Report: Community Center and Golf Financials, End of Fiscal Year 2019/20

 

The Town has published the financials for the past fiscal year (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020).

• Contracted services (food and golf) lost $1,616,922. This is an improvement of only $52,311 from the prior fiscal year.

• There were 264 golf members at the end of the fiscal year, which is an all-time high. However, membership was back down to 257 as of August 31st.

• The Overlook/Garden Café lost $147,201 which is $33,284 more than the prior fiscal year.

• YOUR dedicated sales tax revenues funding the Community Center and Golf were $2,584,916, which is $121,827 more than the prior fiscal year.  Primarily due to YOUR sales tax input, the Community Center Fund (CCF) ended the fiscal year with a positive balance of $408,438. If you live in an HOA adjacent to the golf courses, you not only contribute with your sales tax, but you contribute another $125,000 via HOA fees.

• The Town’s operations (fitness, swim, and recreation) lost $231,729.

HSL gets another pass
The plan for FY 2020/21 is to withdraw another $750,000 from the General Fund to pay for the improvements needed to make the community center ADA compliant.

The current Council has foolishly decided to continue with the 36-hole model. They also recently extended the effective date from 10/1/20 to 1/31/21 for HSL to begin leasing the Pusch Ridge course from the Town. This means that the Town continues paying for 45 holes of golf for another 4 months. It appears that the hospitality industry has been adversely affected by COVID. So the Town will assist HSL by continuing to provide for the “resort” course. In other words, the Town will take $125,000 from homeowners while they give HSL a pass.

I imagine that you are as tired of all of this as I am.

Let’s talk about the water situation
In FY 2019/20, the Conquistador Course needed 103,920,000 gallons of water (319 acre feet), while the Canada Course needed 106,908,000 gallons (328 acre feet). To give you an idea of how much water that is, 1 acre foot of water will service 4 homes a year. That equals 870 homes for the Canada course and 729 homes for the Conquistador course. According to the Town Manager’s Executive report, there were 122 Single Family building permits issued in all of FY 2019/20.

Yes, it was reclaimed water, but WATER IS WATER. We pay Tucson for the water. How much could we save in water alone if we had only 18 holes of golf?

Tucson’s share of the CAP water is diminishing due to the drought and the increased population in the Colorado basin and the St. George Utah area. Water is a serious issue in Arizona and Oro Valley has decided to use more than its share on 45 holes of golf.

So, with the water situation and the continued losses, why does a Town of 45,000 citizens provide 45 holes of golf? This golf course fiasco gets more absurd and ill-advised as time goes on.

. . .
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.

Town To Seek Input On Water Rate Increase

Notice of Intent for rate increase approved
The Town of Oro Valley will be seeking your input on a planned water rate increase. This is part of the process for a rate increase. The approval by the Oro Valley town council last week allows the posting of a notice of intent and begins the process of public hearings. New rates, if approved, will be in effect as of July 3.

Rationale the result of an methodology change
The rationale for the increase is to "...make the rates equitable to all rate users", according to Town Water Director Peter Abraham. "We tried very hard to make sure that one user group does not subsidize another."  In this instance, the town wants to increase the residential water rate and decrease the reclaimed water rate.

Last year, the town hired a consulting firm who did a study that resulted in allocating more cost of water delivery to residential users and less to reclaimed water users. Essentially, the consulting firm changed the methodology of how water cost should be allocated. Thus, based purely on their methodology, Abraham concluded that an increase in residential water cost is needed.

During the meeting, Council Member Jones-Ivey asked why there is a recommendation to increase water rates when water conservation efforts have been so successful?  Abraham responded that: "That without conservation the rate increase would be greater than it would be otherwise." He proffered that if residents consumed more water, then more infrastructure to support the service would be needed and, therefore, costs would go up.

In other words, according to Abraham's logic, no amount of effort on the residential user water conservation effort would have influenced this decision.

Under his plan, golf courses using reclaimed water will pay less. You, the residential user, will pay more.

Ride along taxes on water will increase too!
LOVE has previously reported about water rate increases. Increases have happened every year, without fail. The cost of water to Oro Valley residents has shot up exponentially over the years.  Read about it here.

As we have pointed out in previous postings, when water cost goes up add on fees and taxes go up. For example, add 12.5% to the cost of water to pay for a sales tax and a utility tax.  Add to that a groundwater preservation fee and a Supertax fund. Both of these are based on a percent of water cost.

The council is not required to increase rates
The passing of the resolution to increase water rates starts the process of public discussion. It does not require the council to raise rates. It merely means that the council can not increase rates greater than the the recommended change. The council can, at its option, leave rates as is. It can even decrease rates.

At no time during during the discussion among council members last week was there any mention of the fact that add on taxes and fees will also increase. This is something the public will have to bring to their attention. Perhaps the council needs to consider capping these ride along costs.

Bits and Pieces

Many in Oro Valley mourn the passing of Mr. Peanut
Last night, we learned of the death of Mr. Peanut in an upcoming Super Bowl add. He suffered a noble but tragic death, saving the life of two veteran celebrities. We fondly remember him standing tall in Times Square so many years ago. Mr. Peanut was remarkable in that he never aged. Simply amazing. Those of us in Oro Valley who knew him will miss this 104 year old icon. You can watch his tragic death here.

 Marana, like Oro Valley, faces water challenge to growth
The Town of Marana is racing to be big, possibly reaching 50,000 in population in a few years.

They are preparing a potable water study. According to town manager Mehta, the town has a fair amount of water reserves, but the study will look at how future demands might impact the system. It will also consider the Drought Contingency Plan, enacted by the state government in 2019.

"Another area where the town expects new growth is Dove Mountain, where there are 10,000 planned residential homes and nearly half of that amount is already built." (source)

Marana is bent on growth. Perhaps, if they have so much water, they should annex the State Lands.

We have no idea why growth is so important to desert communities. It makes no sense to drive growth in the desert. There just ain't enough water no matter what "they" tell you.

O'Halleran voted to impeach President Trump
Oro Valley is US House of Representative Arizona 1st District. It is huge, It runs from the Colorado border to Oro Valley. Our representative is Tom O'Halleran.

O'Halleran was one of the 229 democrat members of congress to vote in favor of impeaching President Trump (source).

We suppose that this makes you happy if you are a registered democratic and angry if you are a registered republican. For those of us who are independents, however, it sends a very different message as in: "Why can't we all just get along."

We have looked over O'Halleran's voting record. One thing he seems to have done for the 1st district is voting for the US-Canada-Mexico trade agreement, an agreement that was thought at one time to be impossible, an agreement brought about by the President he voted to impeach.

O'Halleran is running for reelection. He has three democratic challengers in the August primary. It will be interesting to see how they play against each other in the coming  months.

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Know Your Parks and Recreation Department
Oro Valley Parks and Recreation includes parks, facilities, and cultural activities. It is a centerpiece of our town. The town is embarking on a process of building a master plan. This will provide direction on where the town will invest in the coming years.

LOVE will be writing feature pieces about the department and about the master plan. You can read more about this Monday.

In the meantime, the panel at right is from Oro Valley 2020 budget. It details the towns Parks and Recreation goals for 2020.

Kudos to Oro Valley's Highway Department
The sinkhole that developed on El Conquistador Way, west of Oracle Rd was quickly repaired over a three day period by the very capable Oro Valley Highway Department. The repair looks great! Way to to, Oro Valley Highway Department.

Donate your fruit!

Click To Enlarge

We came across a suggestion on Nextdoor.com from one of our neighbors. It has to do with all the citrus that is ripening on our trees.

The idea. Donate the fruit you don't want.

The writer mentioned places you can take it. (panel left).

Donating is a lot better than throwing it away!

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Bits and Pieces

Night Work On Michigan Left Continues

Night construction of the Oracle and Ina intersection continued this week. We experienced it twice this week.  It would be a good idea to avoid the intersection at night because traffic can be backed up as they continue to pave the intersection.

Beware Of Caller ID Spoofing

Caller ID spoofing is an illegal activity that allows a caller to masquerade as someone else by falsifying the number that appears on the recipient's caller ID display.  It is being used to con county residents into paying fees to they don't owe. The caller ID displayed on your phone is not necessarily the real ID of the caller. So, beware.

County To Put Off Bond Elections Until 2015 At The Earliest

County Administrator Chuck Huckleberry has concluded that a county bond issue, one filled with "dream" projects, is simply not feasible at this time.  He says that the county is no looking to 2015 or 2016.  This delays county funding of one of Oro Valley's dream projects, a business incubator.  (Source)

Oro Valley Is, however, moving forward with a feasibility study of the incubator.  The town has issued a request for proposal for the study. Sealed proposals will be received until September 27, 2013 at 4:00 pm.

Town Offering Community Academy

The Oro Valley Community Academy is a series of sessions designed to acquaint residents with the town's governance. Attendance at the Academy is a requisite for participation on an Oro Valley volunteer board or commission.

"A series of six classes will be held on Thursday evenings, 6 - 8 p.m., Oct. 10 - Nov. 21, 2013. All classes take place at Oro Valley Town Hall, 11000 N. La Cañada. Space is limited."  Click here to register.

Oro Valley receives national award for graphic design

"The Town of Oro Valley received an Award of Excellence in Graphic Design for its 2013 Marketing Brochure from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA). This national award, which seeks to recognize "projects and concepts that showcase creative talent and design that also perform essential communication functions," was announced at the 3CMA National Conference on Sept. 5, 2013." (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)

Click here to view this award winning brochure.

Congratulations to town communications director Misti Nowak and her support team.

Oro Valley seeks volunteers for Water Utility Commission

Oro Valley is seeking to fill two positions on the water utility commission.  The term of the appointment is for a two year period beginning January 1, 2014.

"Interested parties should have knowledge and/or interest in water-related issues.  Applicants must be residents of the Town of Oro Valley and customers of the Oro Valley Water Utility."

 The application for the positions is available online.   Applications must be submitted by November 1.  (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Short Stuff: Last Week's Council Meeting

Here's some of the "stuff" that we have not reported that occurred at last week's Oro Valley council meeting:

• The town's general fund budget surplus of $1.7 million occurred because Oro Valley has yet to pay $2.1 million to Tucson Electric Power for burying wires on Oracle Road. 


• The new water company "automated meter reading program" is still in its implementation phase. The results for those locations installed:  More accurate readings have resulted in increased revenues.  In addition, savings have been achieved because to town does not use meter readers.


• Heirloom Farmers Market's lease of Steam Pump Ranch from Oro Valley includes the right to have liquor as approved on a case-by-case basis by the town manager and the chief of police.  Roxanne Garcia, representing Heirloom, said that the right to have liquor was needed because, from time-to-time, local wineries may want to display their product.

• Council approved by a 7-0 vote the public art for the Sun City Recreation Center.  The art had been approved by a  4-2 vote by the Conceptual Design Review Board.  Kelly Huber, who was put on the Conceptual Design Review Board to bring artistic talent to the board, voted against it because, as Planner Williams noted, she was concerned that this was a "...repeat artist with a repeat theme. She was looking for a more unique concept."


• The Council rejected, 4-3 a proposal to discuss new tax initiatives.  The reason that proposal was put forth was to enable a discussion of a renter's tax.  Read why Council Member Zinkin wanted this item discussed.

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