Bits and Pieces

Hiremath Resigns From MAIG

On October 25, we reported that Mayor Hiremath had signed-on to support NYC Mayor Bloomberg's ill-conceived effort to restrict gun ownership (MAIG).  We were the first to report the fact that Mayor Hiremath had signed on to this group.

Though we did not say it in the posting, we knew, at that time, that his endorsing MAIG was politically dangerous for the Mayor, since what MAIG advocates rankles the "law and order" citizenry.  These people are Mayor Hiremath's political base.

Now, we learn, the Mayor has resigned from MAIG.  (Source) Apparently, the Mayor actually looked into the group and, after gun advocacy groups got on his case, decided that it was best politics to get out of it.

We guess that Mayor Hiremath finally decided that a law abiding community like Oro Valley "don't want no more gun control."

Didn't Mayor Hiremath have enough sense to know this in the first place?
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Oracle and Magee Continue To Be Oro Valley's Major Collision Intersection

(source)
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Your Water Rates To Rise In January

This week, the Oro Valley Water Commission discussed the final report of consultant CM2Hill on the cost of serving customer and increased water rates.  The final study results and recommendations are the same as we reported in September.  Rates will be going up in January.
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Neighborhood Meeting On Kai Property November 19

There is a second public hearing next week on the Kai Property.  Meritage Homes would like to build 211 homes on 117 acres of the Kai Property. The homes will be located on the central and northern portions of the Kai Property.  Use of the property in this manner will require a zoning change, as we have previously reported.

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Oro Valley Named Bicycle Friendly

"The Town of Oro Valley has been named a “Silver Level” Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) by the League of American Bicyclists. The League describes a bicycle-friendly business as one that, “welcomes cyclists with trails, bike lanes, share-the-road campaigns, organized rides and Bike to Work Day events...As part of this new designation, the Town will have access to a variety of free tools and technical assistance from the League to make biking even better in Oro Valley. (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Bits and Pieces

Hiremath Rethinking Anti-Gun MAIG Membership

Last Friday, we posted that Mayor Hiremath had endorsed as a member New York Mayor Blumberg's Mayors Against Illegal Guns group.  We read now that Hiremath is realizing that he may have made a mistake. He's received emails regarding what is alleged to be MAIG's position against the 2nd amendment.  Apparently, he never investigated the group.

This is not the first time Mayor Hiremath has entered into something without doing his homework. We've heard, for example, that his entire preparation for a council meeting comes from a briefing with  town staff. He never reads what he is given.
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KC Carter Wash Dedicated

This morning, the town dedicated the KC Carter wash. Carter was an Oro Valley council member. The wash is located at the Lambert Lane Bridge, west of Congressional. The dedication plaque is on the south side of Lambert on the wall along the multi-use path.

"KC Carter served on the Oro Valley Town Council from June 2004 to June 2010. He was a champion of the Stormwater Utility, garnering public support and laying the groundwork for the storm-ready community we enjoy today."

(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Holiday Event Schedule

The holidays are coming up fast. Here are some dyes for your calendar:

12/6:     Tree Lighting Oro Valley Marketplace
12/7-8: Arts Fest at Oro Valley Marketplace (SAACA) 1
12/14:   Oro Valley Holiday Parade
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November HiVE Dates Announced

Six motorcycle officers will be deployed at Oracle & Magee and at Oracle & Suffolk on the following dates:

November 7, 2013   4 – 7 p.m.
November 14, 2013 7 – 10 a.m.
November 21, 2013 4 – 7 p.m.
November 25, 2013 4 – 7 p.m.
November 27, 2013 7 – 10 a.m.

(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Shop Oro Valley Holiday Campaign launches Nov. 1 

"The Town of Oro Valley will once again launch a "shop local" holiday campaign, complete with prize drawings for participants. The Shop Oro Valley Holiday Campaign is held November 1, 2013 - January 3, 2014. During this time, anyone who shops at an Oro Valley business and spends at least $25 is eligible to participate in a weekly prize drawing sponsored by Oro Valley businesses."

(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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OVPD Kicked Off Project Graduation With Breakfast Event and Guest Speaker Greg Byrne

On Thursday, October 31, 8 – 9 a.m., Oro Valley Police Chief Daniel Sharp will host the 11th annual Project Graduation Business Breakfast at the Hilton El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort in Oro Valley. This event, which was by invitation only, recognizes local businesses that support Project Graduation, such as the Hilton, which has been a corporate sponsor since the program’s inception. Greg Byrne, vice president and director of athletics for the University of Arizona, was this year’s guest speaker.

(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Nominations for OV Volunteers of the Year due Today

Nominations for the Town of Oro Valley's 2013 Volunteers of the Year are due today.   Nominees should embody the spirit of volunteerism by going above and beyond the call of duty in an effort to better our community. One man and one woman will be selected based on the outstanding nature of their volunteer efforts and will be recognized at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception on December 12, 2013, 6 - 8 p.m. at the Hilton El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort.

(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Oro Valley Seeks To Fill Vacancy On Historic Preservation Commission

"The Town of Oro Valley is accepting applications from local citizens who are interested in serving on the Historic Preservation Commission. To serve on a board or commission, members must be residents of the Town, be available to attend the designated meetings and be committed to the completion of the Town’s Community Academy within their term.

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) has one open position that serves up to a three-year term. The HPC was formed to promote the educational, cultural and economic welfare of Oro Valley by ensuring the preservation of historic buildings, districts, landmarks, structures, documents, photographs and other artifacts that represent the historic background and development of the greater Oro Valley area. The HPC meets on the first Monday of every month at 5 p.m. at Town Hall, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive.

Residents who are interested in applying for the position may contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 229-4700 or download the Volunteer Application by clicking here..."

(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Just For Kids Concert Tomorrow In Oro Valley Council Chambers

"Just for Kids, presented by Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, takes place at the Oro Valley Town Hall Council Chambers, 11000 N. La Canada [ at 10 Am tomorrow] and is free to the public. Each month, a new theme explores interactive performances. The program teaches children about music through engagement and hands-on experiences with instruments.


The series is made possible through underwriting support from Oro Valley resident Bill Adler, the Oro Valley Community Foundation, and Keve and Irma Sankman. In-kind support is provided by the Town of Oro Valley."

(Source)

Bits and Pieces

USAT Duathalon Tomorrow

The USAT Duathalon will run through Rancho Vistoso tomorrow.. This is a move of the event from April. (Press Release)  It is a run-bike-run event.  A triathlon includes swimming.

Hiremath and New York Mayor Bloomberg Want Stricter Gun Control

Oro Valley Mayor Satish Hiremath, acting in his capacity as Mayor, has joined Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG). The idea behind the group is to make it more difficult for those who legally want to purchase a weapon to get one.

Hiremath is one of 7 Arizona Mayors to join MAIG. The others are from Avondale,  Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Tempe, Tolleson and Tucson.

Ballfields Coming To Narana Park?

Council Member Mary Snider Mentioned that two ballfields are being considered for the Naranja Town Site.   Apparently, this is under discussion by the Oro Valley Parks and Recs department, with some involvement of town manager Greg Caton.
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Town Will Not Overseed Our Parks This Winter

We have been told by town communication manager Misti Nowak that the town is not planning to over seed our parks this year.

Over seeding is necessary in order for the parks to look nice during our winter months when so many resident and visitors are here in Oro Valley.  The practice  of over seeding was discontinued several years ago.  However, we've been told by the town counsel that there is no budget problem and in fact, a surplus.  So, why not overseed the parks?  Otherwise, the parks look terrible in the winter.   Is this in "In Our Nature?"
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You Gotta Be Kiddin: Vail Wants To Run "On The Cheap"

"The unincorporated area of Vail to our southeast is looking to incorporate. "Citizens for Vail, a pro-incorporation group comprising volunteers living in the area, believes the town can live off just state-shared revenues to provide the bare minimum of services required under state law....

No city hall. No police station. No senior center. No new parks. No performance center. And most important, no increases in property taxes.."(Source)

Are they kidding?   Who would want to live there?

A town's share of the state revenues are based on population. The more people, the more money.  Vail's less expensive land is going to continue to grow.  Growth will drive the need for services.    They may promise no taxes and sparse services now; but that will change once people move in and decide they want more.
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Tucson's General Plan Involvement Process Looks Pretty Sparse Than Oro Valley's

"Prop. 402 concerns the ratification of Plan Tucson as the general plan for the city. The plan is a blueprint designed to guide the city’s growth and development over the next decade...Plan Tucson is the result of years of hard work by city staff and public input, incorporating 64 public meetings and more than 800 comments from stakeholders. The plan covers many areas including housing, public safety, education, business development, environmental quality and historic preservation, all with a focus on sustainability." (Source)

Is this the best they can do?  We expect more public meetings and comments here in Oro Valley as we build our General Plan 2015.
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Dial-A-Ride Setting Records

Oro Valley's Dial-A-Ride set another passenger record last year.

"Fiscal year 2011-12 saw a ridership increase of 123%, from an average of 53 daily passenger trips to 110, and from 14,373 riders annually to 32,061. In FY 2012-13, ridership continued to grow at a rate of 61%. Now, as the Town clears the first quarter of FY 2013-14, this service is still experiencing a growth rate of about 30% and hitting all-time ridership records.

Oro Valley's Assistant Director of Development and Infrastructure Services Aimee Ramsey added, "The fact that our ridership continues to grow is a clear indication that the Town of Oro Valley is doing an outstanding job of meeting the transportation needs of our residents."" (Oro Valley Press Release)
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