Bits and Pieces

Hornat requests petitions
The public records requests of the Town Of Oro Valley have one from Council Member Joe Hornat. In it, Hornat requests an electronic copy of the petitions signed for his recall.

The signs go up

It didn't take long for the signs for the community center to and recall Mayor Hiremath to go up. In fact, they were up May 1.  There is a relationship between the signs, Had there been no purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club from Hiremath major campaign contributor Huberto Lopez there would have been no recall effort.

Some find it curious that this permanent sign was so quickly erected at the community center minutes after the purchase was signed while there is no comparable sign yet at Naranja Park.

No mold in the Oro Valley Community Center
The Oro Valley Community Center has no mold. "According to a mold inspection report issued by Environmental Strategies, Inc., the Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center (formerly El Conquistador Country Club), has been given a clean bill of health. The report cover letter states, "...it is apparent from the air sampling results that there is no indication of a mold issue in this facility."
(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)

Summer 2015 Parks and Recreation Program Guide available
The guide includes details on summer camps for children, recreational programs for all age groups, aquatics and special events through August 2015. It is now online. The Summer Guide also contains information on amenities and membership at the new Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center. (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)

May is membership month at the Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center
"May is Membership Month at the new Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center (formerly the El Conquistador Country Club), at 10555 N. La Cañada Drive. Although guests can sign up for membership year-round, the $20 registration fee will be waived during the month of May. Click here to view the membership flyer." (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)

Reduced fees for Oro Valley Community Aquatic Games: Just $10!
The Town of Oro Valley will be holding its first-ever Community Aquatic Games on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center, 23 W. Calle Concordia. Guests looking for some friendly competition can register for just $10. Registration can be done in advance or on event day. For complete details and rules, click here. (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)

Your Input Needed For Redesign of Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center

Your input is needed for the newly-purchased Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center. It is needed so that the center will be what the majority of  Oro Valley residents want it to be.

Resident input has been sparse
The town has attempted on two occasions to get significant resident input on what they would like to see in the center. Unfortunately, only about 100 of Oro Valley's 41,000 residents came to these meetings.

• On June 29, the Town held an open house, “Meet the Architect” event to assist the architects with remodeling the Community and Recreation facility. Around thirty people attended this meeting. The majority of those were former El Conquistador Country Club members, now Community Center members. Councilmembers Hornat and Waters and their wives were also there, as were members of Town Staff.
• On August 17 the town hosted a "design charrette." There were about seventy people. Once again, however, many attendees were former El Conquistador Country Club members, now Community Center members. Some members of the Oro Valley Youth Advisory Committee were there together with the Town Manager, town staff, Mayor Hiremath and council members Hornat, Snider, and Waters.

Weighing-in matters
The town is moving quickly to design and then remodel the center. They will move with or without broad resident input. In their haste, they will make expensive, long-lasting decisions. It is up to the residents of the community to make sure that these decisions reflect what they and not a select few want.

For example: One area where town staff believes they have achieved consensus is the remodeling of the full service restaurant. Oro Valley planner, Paul Keesler, for example, mentioned that during the first open house there was great support to keep the restaurant. There is no study substantiating his assertion.

The Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center belongs to every Oro Valley resident. Residents will subsidize this center with tax dollars and more. Oro Valley's residents need to opine:

• What do you want done with the facility? 
• What do you want included within the facility? 
• Do you want a full-service restaurant, as they are planning? 
• Would you like the Town to demolish the building and build a new one? 

If Oro Valley's residents don't speak on this, their recommendations will never be heard. Their recommendations will never have the opportunity to be reflected in the rebuild of the center.

Making your voice heard
Do not remain silent. Become involved. Do not let the small minority who attended these two meetings make all the recommendations. Here's what you can do:

• Attend future meetings (See below)
• Drop by the fitness lobby and put suggestions and questions in the old-fashion suggestion box.
• Use the newly created email address OVCRCsuggestions@orovalleyaz.gov to submit your ideas, suggestions, questions, and concerns. 
• Communicate with the Town Manager and council members to let them know what you want.
• Tell your friends and neighbors how they can opine

Public Hearing Tomorrow Night
There is a public hearing tomorrow night at 6pm at the El Conquistador Country Resort. The town will announce changes to the Pusch Ridge Golf Course and related club house located at 10000 N. Oracle Rd. Oro . The meeting starts at 6pm in the Coronado room.
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Thanks to Oro Valley resident Diane Bristow for contributing to this posting

Use of Half Percent Sales Tax Levy In Limbo

Solomon illness causes decision delay

Last week, the Oro Valley town Council discussed, but did not vote on broadening the use of the half cent sales tax. This tax is dedicated to the town’s golf and community center operation. It amounts to more than $2.6 million annually and its growing.

Winfield wants to broaden use of funds and issue bonds to pay for parks and recreation wants

Winfield’s intent is to used these funds together with potential bond financing “...for construction of parks and recreation, golf, and community center capital projects, and/or other uses as determined by council.”  

The specific measure would continue to dedicate about $2 million to golf and the community center; and use the remainder of sales tax revenues, about $800,000 for other facilities.

Statement of Mayor Winfield in support of measure

“I support broadening the use of half-percent sales tax to support priority town parks and recreation facilities, such as our town golf courses, the community center, Naranja Park, Steam Pump Ranch, Amphitheater School District Partnership, multi-use paths and, potentially, other priorities through bond financing. 

Incredibly, 93% of our community agreed that Oro Valley’s parks and recreation system makes our town a more desirable place to live, although not all residents use priority parks facilities. 

Even though the community is unified about the importance of our parks and recreation system, I believe the creation of the community center fund and the dedicated half percent sales tax, has created in effect “winners and losers,” fueling community division and hampering flexibility to fund the town’s parks and recreation assets, including the golf courses and community center.

For example, the town has owned Naranja Park for twenty years and it is only partially developed. Steam Pump Ranch was purchased by the town in 2004. Several of the structures are on the national register of historic places and urgently need restoration work. 

I believe it is good public policy to broaden the use of the half-percent sales tax to spread investment across multiple parks and recreation facilities. This includes the town’s golf courses, the community center, Naranja Park, Steam Pump Ranch and potentially other priorities.I believe this action will ultimately benefit the greatest number of our residents and help to unify our town. That’s why I support this policy decision.”

Other Parks and Recreation Needs

The town has completed its 2021 Parks and Recreation Ten Year Master Plan. The plan will be reviewed and, after some change, approved by council. The priorities of this plan are shown the panel above.

Public Reaction Mixed
This council item was a public hearing. Reactions of the twenty people who spoke were mixed. Those in favor felt that the town had many other important parks and recreation needs that were long ignored. Those against either did not understand the proposal, since it was not explained to them until after the public hearing; or felt that the golf courses and community center had needs that were supposed to have been met long ago. For example, replacing irrigation and making the community center ADA compliant.

Next step
The council will discuss and vote upon the broadening of use of the half percent sales tax at the May 5 council meeting.

Stinnett: "We Need A Change. We Need It Now."

Jack Stinnett is an Oro Valley resident and member of Oro Valley Citizens For Open Governmant (OVCOG).  Jack served as chairman of the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Board the past two years.

Jack told us that he resigned from that position on December 26th because he felt he could do more for Town parks opposing this El Conquistador Country Club fiasco and did not feel it would be appropriate to remain on Parks and Recreation Advisory Board while trying to put this issue before Town voters.

A sudden turn of events had "startled" the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

One minute the 2015 Parks and Recreation Department plan included a community center at Naranja Park. And then it didn't. Jack relates that "The Parks and Recreation Board November 17th meeting was abruptly cancelled and rescheduled to December 9th. In the meeting the detailed layout for the Naranja Park build out was presented but the [originally included] 40,000 sqft Community Center had vanished and was replaced by an “Event Center.”

Apache Junction's Multi Generational Center

At that same meeting: "In the Town Staff presentation, we learned that Town was buying the El Conquistador Country Club resort properties from HSL, a major campaign contributor to Mayor Hiremath, and Council members Hornat, Snider and Waters.

The deal supposedly cost $1 million. The real cost, according to Stinnett, will be closer to $13 million.

Town Manager Caton requested a motion of Parks and Recreation Advisory Board support for this proposal. I proposed the Town requested motion and it did not pass. A subsequent motion to only buy the facility and reject buying the three golf courses passed 5-1. The rest is history."

Jack believes that the town's representation that Oro Valley is getting a community center in the El Conquistador Country Club deal is a smoke screen. "Town Manager Caton represented that the 21,000 soft single story 30 year old, Racketball club with a $2million in repairs and upgrades would miraculously become a 40,000sqft two story Community Center meeting Town resident needs."

Even in the original Parks and Recreation Department plan, The Community Center was seen as a second tier town need that would be developed after the resident’s more desired park’s features were built.

"It would have been a beautiful center, like the Apache Junction Multi Generation Center which was built in 2006 for $5 million," Jack noted to us. "A dream center for young families. It was going to have a child watch room, a teen center, and a climbing wall. Basketball courts for our kids and an indoor walking track for our seniors.  Take a a virtual tour of the center. Instead we're getting a run down recquetball club that fails to address the youth and the senior needs"

"Any council that would approve such an insane deal, without any resident input, doesn't deserve to represent us," noted Jack. "We need a change and we need it now."

A "Town Of Excellence" Must Also Have A Heart

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The Town of Oro Valley has a recreation center. It is located near Bruegger's at La Canada and Naranja (11143 N. La Cañada, #107) ). The town has been spending approximately $30,000-$35,000 a year to lease the facility. Many of the center's activities are facilitated by independent contractors. Programs include Jazzercise, Pilates, T'ai Chi, Dyamic Yoga, and Zumba.

The 2012-2013 Oro Valley town budget eliminates the recreation center and its programs.

In 2010, the current town council initially voted to cut Cayote Run. They reconsidered this decisions when it was noted to them the enormous impact that eliminating that service would have on those who used it.

The elimination of the recreation center from the town budget may have a similar "unintended consequence." That is, there are people who use the center for very important purposes.  There is a program called: Parkinson Exercise.  This is a unique program. Some who use it spoke eloquently about its importance to them in the call to audience portion of last week's Town Council meeting. For them, the program is unique.

There are those who believe that spending on the recreation center is a good thing. There are those who believe that it is not. That really is not the question is it? To us the question is: What does the Town Council intend to do to mitigate the impact of closing the center on those who need this service?

A "town of excellence" must also have a heart.    Hurting those in need is never a good thing.
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2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Phase 1 To Assess What People Want

2020: What people want
The Town Of Oro Valley is developing a Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The first phase of the plan is to determine what residents want. The town will approach this in several ways. One way is to do a statistically valid survey.

2014: What people wanted
The last survey was done in 2014. The most wanted items, those wanted by at least half the respondents are listed in the panel below.

Vice Mayor Barrett reminded us  in 2018 while a candidate for office of the 2014 survey results. "Far at the top were Playgrounds, Ramadas, and Walking Paths." Add to this list ballfields and basketball courts.

Click to enlarge

Not on the most wanted list: A community center or municipal golf. Golf, in fact was rated as "not important" by 63% of the respondents.

The town built a plan for Parks and Recreation based on its existing facilities, the wants of the community, and the practical limitation that all facilities will be built on a pay as you go basis.

Then, in 2015 everything changed.

2015: An opportunistic purchase cast the plan aside
The opportunistic acquisition of the El Conquistador Country Club was at odds with the findings of the 2014 survey. Suddenly, golf and a community center jumped to the top of the list.

Mayor Satish Hiremath justified the "sudden turn" as fitting into the plan. He told LOVE that the purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club was "...a very unique opportunity for the Town to acquire a turn-key operation that will serve as the Community and Recreation Center." He then overstated the level of interest residents had in a community center telling LOVE that "Recent community survey results have indicated that the majority of our residents are interested in having a community center." Hiremath stated that "...Golf and Tennis fit into our strategy of youth and amateur events." (source)

Click to enlarge

2016 General Plan provides guidance
The 2016 "Your Voice Our Future" General Plan was approved by the voters. The plan reaffirms the 2016 community survey results. It focuses Parks and Recreation on community events, outdoor recreation, the arts, and playing fields and courts.

The 2020 plan needs your input
The planning process is detailed on the town's website, planyourparksov. Do visit the site. Find ways to get involved. One thing you can do immediately send the town your ideas on what would you like Oro Valley Parks and Recreation to consider for future planning. Take the time to submit your thinking.

Remember: The plan considers more than just parks, golf, the community center and the aquatic center. It also includes Steam Pump Ranch and community events, such as holiday, running and bicycling events. It includes our trail system. It's for all of us of all all ages. So do think broadly and send in your thoughts.

We will be posting more about the master plan and the planning process in future love postings. Key word: 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
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Oro Valley Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources: Opportunities Galore

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We visited with Oro Valley's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources the other day.  It was our opportunity to share our thoughts on future directions.

Here's a list of some opportunities we shared during our visit:

Resolving Senior Leadership
Director Ainsley Legner is retiring in February.  Under her watch, Oro Valley's facilities have grown and developed.  She's been at the helm for much of what we now have, including our new Aquatic Center.  Thank you, Ainsley.  Next: Oro Valley will need to find the individual who will take us to the "next level."

Generating Revenue For Our Programs
The days of relying on the town's budget for all revenue sources have long passed.   Seeking out and securing sources of funding for important projects is the future. Sources include more than user fees. Sources include naming opportunities, corporate sponsored events, and private and public grants.

Increasing Visibility
Oro Valley's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources events are an all too well-kept secret,  Did you know that this March there's a Kids Fun Run and a Catalina State Park Hiking Challenge?  Did you know that there are fitness classes?  Did you know that there are pet obedience classes? Probably not.

Implementing The Town's Strategy
The Oro Valley Town Council and town staff are working on the 2013 strategic plan. How will the department integrate these strategies into its plan?   "Supporting cultural events and opportunities" and "Support local, national and international sporting events" are two of the goals being considered for the plan.  These goals are directly in  Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources' "sweet spot."

Improving Youth-Related Activities
Oro Valley needs more youth oriented activities; activities that keep our kids out of the malls and away from the violent video games; activities that promote healthy living and healthy social interaction.  Perhaps the town's youth advisory board can help here.

A Recreation Center
We don't have a recreation center; that is, a separate building that is a focal point of parks, recreation, and cultural resources activities. It is a place for activities for all ages.  It can be a centerpiece for Oro Valley as it is for many other cities and towns.


A Real Senior Softball Field
Oro Valley does not have a senior softball field; one where the left and right field line is 275 to 300 feet; one with a fence. What Oro Valley does have is a field at Kreigh Park with no fence and a 225 right field line.  It's too small and unsafe. There are a scores players who live in Oro Valley. Some play on the Oro Valley team. Some play on other teams because the facilities in Oro Valley are negligent.  Saddlebrook has a nice field.  Tucson has many.  Green Valley is putting the finishing touches on theirs.  It's time for Oro Valley to have one.  Heck. Why not four? Then we can host tournaments in Oro Valley; and tournaments bring players from across the nation.  This means money for our hotels and retail businesses.


A Master Plan For Naranja Park
Yes. The voters rejected a master plan accompanied by a property tax for Naranja Park; but the rejection was about a property tax, not about developing the park.  Yes. There is now an archery center and there  is talk of a dog park and Naranja Park.  Where, though, is the master plan?  What should this property look like when it is "built out"?  Should the recreation center be there?  Should senior softball fields be there?  Should a shell for concerts be there?

Those are our thoughts.  What would you like to see?

Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Operations Span Many Activities at Net Cost of $5million

The Town of Oro Valley is preparing a 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. LOVE is publishing a series of articles about the plan. This article presents some background information on the town’s current Parks and Recreation status.
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Total Parks and Recreation 2020 net spending: $5million
The town has budgeted approximately $5 million in net spending for Parks and Recreation. This number is after applying an estimated $3.5 million in anticipated user fees. (The amount does not include the half cent sales tax levy for golf and the community center.)

Golf and the Community Center grab almost half the budget
The town’s 47 holes of golf and the community center require 44% of total net spending. There are two full courses and one that is Ka 9 hole course (Pusch Ridge). This last course is in the process of closing.

Parks Management of site trails and parks provides something for everyone
The town maintains trails and parks at a cost of $1.1 million

Source: Town of Oro Valley 2020 Budget
(Click to enlarge)

• Canada Del Oro Riverfront Park (30 acres)
• CDO Shared Use Path (4 mile paved path)
• James D. Kriegh Park (20 acres)
• Honey Bee Canyon Park (77 acres)
• Naranja Park (213 acres)
• West Lambert Lane Park (40 acres of hiking)

Parks management has fewer than 10 people in the budget. The facilities are in constant upgrade mode. For example, work is set to start on a playground for Naranja Park. The town is seeking your input on this.

The Aquatic Center is a major community draw
The Aquatic Center is adjacent to Kreigh Park on Concordia.  That pool was a given to the town by the County along with Kreigh Park. In 2012, the town invested $6.5 million to renew it. The
Aquatic Center is the host for many swimming events, bringing in swimmers and swim teams from throughout the southwest. It is known and respected throughout the swim community. The Aquatic Center is truly a visitor draw. And, given all that, it is a bargain of net spending of a bit over $700,000 in 2020.

Recreation and Culture brings our town together
Recreation and culture is ”...responsible for providing recreational programs, activities, classes, hikes, and special events for all ages, as well as ball field management and contracts. It is also responsible for management of all town historic and cultural properties, such as Steam Pump Ranch” (page 178 Oro Valley 2020 Budget).  This year the town plans net spending of about $300,000 in this area. That’s 6% of the budget

All this requires Administration
The remainder of the budget, 13% of total net spending, is for administration of the department. The department has four full time personnel. Spending on personnel is about two thirds of the budget. The remainder is on operations and management. The cost of the 2020 Parks and Recreation Master plan study is included in these operations and management expenses.

The town will be doing a complete inventory of all facilities as part of the master plan study.

Mayor Hiremath Answers LOVE Reader Questions On Community and Recreation Center

Oro Valley's pending decision to acquire the Hilton EL Conquistador golf and tennis facility is a game changer for our community.  The plan is to use it as a community and recreation center.

Many of our readers have asked us questions regarding the acquisition of the property. Rather than guessing the answers, we posed the questions to Mayor Hiremath. He was kind enough to respond quickly.

Here are the questions and his response to each:

1. How did Oro Valley Come upon the opportunity to purchase this property? This idea was spurred during discussions with some potential purchasers of the hotel (that purchase opportunity ultimately fell through).
2. Why do you believe that this is the right thing for the community to do? This provides a very unique opportunity for the Town to acquire a turn-key operation that will serve as the Community and Recreation Center. Recent community survey results have indicated that the majority of our residents are interested in having a community center. Additionally, the Golf and Tennis fit into our strategy of youth and amateur events.
3. Why doesn’t the town purchase the property directly from Met Life? We explored that opportunity and they wanted a higher purchase price.

4. Do you believe that the general decline in interest in golf has bottomed out as Greg Caton does? Yes. A lot of golf courses are in transition and investors are seeing the growth potential in this industry. 
5. Do you believe that it is not necessary for council to get public input on this transaction? If so, why? We are currently receiving a lot of public input regarding this potential. Residents are welcome to submit their thoughts and ideas through Constituent Services, where it will be tracked, answered (if appropriate) and ultimately shared with Council.
6. Why does the town need to raise the sales tax to finance this? Why not bond it? A bond is a loan. We need additional revenue to pay for the capital improvements. Additionally, there are operational shortfalls, which require an additional revenue stream. You can’t pay for operational short-falls with a bond (or loan).
7. Why must the council make a decision on December 17? In other words, whey the rush? The new purchasers are looking to sell the property shortly after their acquisition, so that is driving the timing. We had completed extensive due diligence, and that information will be presented over the coming weeks. I believe we have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
8. Why should the town, subsidizes sports such as golf that most of us don’t play or plan to play? Communities offer a wide-range of recreational opportunities that fit the needs and desires of a diverse community. We all benefit from a diversity of offerings. For example, I personally may not utilize our parks; however, I still receive benefit from a community that offers park amenities. I believe you utilize our trail system and some residents don’t. So, the residents who golf, but don’t use the trail, might ask why should we build trails when they don’t use them. Again, it is our responsibility to offer a wide range of parks and recreational opportunities.
9. Why doesn’t the town sell the golf course to a third party? The facility operates as one unit, so that is the way we are approaching the acquisition and the operations. After a few years, the golf course will be a profitable asset. So, I believe long term this will be in the best interest of the community to maintain control and ownership.
10. If Hilton cannot market the hotel with its courses and tennis courts, why does the town think that Oro Valley can successfully promote golf and tennis? We are contracting with a company (Troon) which focuses on golf, tennis and fitness (although we will operate the fitness portion). They are experts in the business, and with the capital improvements we have planned, will move the facility to an improved position in the market.

HSL Management is purchasing the property from MetLife.   The town is purchasing the property from HSL Management.  HSL Management contributed funds to Mayor Hiremath's PAC.  We respectfully asked the Mayor if he felt there was a conflict of interest.  Though we did not expect him to respond, he did.

"I believe this project will be in the best interest of the community and I will base my decision with that perspective in mind. There were a variety, and numerous, contributors to my campaign over both election cycles, each that have a passion and interest in their respective areas. The implication that campaign contributions are a factor in my decision making is ludicrous"

Once again, thank you Mayor Hiremath for answering your questions.

Oro Valley has a web page that provides facts about the proposed community and recreation center.

If you have other questions, we encourage you to write to  Oro Valley constituent services.

Finally, we invested our time in visiting the facility. Here is a link to the pictures.
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Our thanks to the Hilton Hotels and Resorts for our tour of the La Canada facility.
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Guest View-Brian Selvy: Revisiting the Cost of a New Community Center

The recalled incumbents vastly overstate the cost of of  a real community center
The "Majority 4" continue to say that a new community center which meets the expectations of Oro Valley residents would cost over $20 Million. Mary Snider mentioned the $20 Million figure again recently, and this was not based on her own research but what a landscape architect told her. A landscape architect isn't the most qualified person to make such an estimate.

Architekton Designed Community Center

Not $20 million but $10 million
Tempe-based Architekton is an architectural design firm that has successfully designed and built many community and recreation centers, YMCAs, and multi-generational centers all over Arizona. They successfully built centers for diverse clients for $90 to $215 per square foot. Even taking into inflation, these centers could all be built for less than $250 per square foot today.

In 2014, the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommended a 40,000 square foot recreational center. At even the overly conservative price of $250 per square foot, Oro Valley could build a customized community center for $10 Million. At $200 per square foot, which is reasonable, the center would cost $8 Million.

Snider inflates the numbers
To put in perspective how unrealistic and inflated Snider's $20 million number is, consider this: A $20 Million, 40,000 square foot recreation center would come out to $500 per square foot - an absurd price that doesn't pass the giggle test. As a comparison, two LEED Certified Silver
health and wellness complexes at Arizona State University (which require special green building materials and processes) were built for $310 and $335 per square foot, respectively.

A old clubhouse is not what the residents want in a community center
Let's also look at the other aspect of the Snider's statement: We'd have to spend $20 Million to get what Oro Valley residents desired.

Let's break this down. First of all, this implies that the 30 year old El Con racquetball club building is what residents desire: An old building that has converted racquetball courts, a dance studio with 8' high ceilings, workout equipment in hallways, and a non-ADA compliant structure. That in no way is what Oro Valley residents desire.

Second, take a look at the Architekton designed buildings for yourself: these include custom community meeting rooms, indoor sports courts, indoor tracks, fitness facilities, etc. They are what residents of a prestigious town such as Oro Valley want.

Snider's claim that it would take $20 million to give the residents of Oro Valley what they want in a community center is yet another blatant example of the M-4 generating an El Con cover story that doesn't hold water.
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Brian Selvy has lived in Oro Valley for 5 years. He and his wife moved here from a suburb of Los Angeles and chose to settle down in Oro Valley due to the abundant natural beauty, small town feel, good schools, public safety, and slower pace of life. He has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and an M.S. degree in Systems Architecting and Engineering from the University of Southern California. He and his wife spend the majority of their free time enjoying the constant whirlwind of activity associated with having two young children. Additionally, he enjoys helping coach his daughter's teeball team, hiking, working out, gardening, and reading. Some of his favorite local activities are hiking in the Catalina and Tortolita Mountains and enjoying evenings on the patio at Noble Hops, preferably sipping on a local beer from Dragoon.

Oro Valley Hospital To Provide Space For Parkinson's Exercise Program

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In our posting last week, A Town of Excellence Must Also Have A Heart, we observed that the 2012 2013 Oro Valley operating budget, as recommended by the town manager, eliminated funding for the Oro Valley Recreation Center ("rec center").  The problem we had with that proposal was that it did not consider the impact of the closing of the rec center on those that use it; particularly those with Parkinson's Disease,who have a special exercise program in which they engage that is exceptionally beneficial for them.

We were concerned that one of the unintended consequences of closing the rec center would be that these people would be hurt, just like many would've been hurt if the Council had not found a suitable solution to providing Coyote Run services.

Good News: We learned at the May 2 Council Meeting that the Oro Valley Hospital will provide space for the Parkinson's exercise program. The plan is for the town to continue to sponsor and advertise the program.  The program should stay the same for all participants except for it's location.  

The future is unclear regarding other rec center activities. It appears to be the sentiment of of most Council Members to close the recreation center. This would save the town approximately $58,000 annually. It would also get the Town out of sponsoring and subsidizing programs that individuals could obtain by going to local work out facilities.

As members Hornat and Solomon noted, private activities of individuals should be funded by those individuals and not funded by the town. After all, doing such on the part of the town result in subsidizing private enterprise. This is something they believe the town should not do.  (Will they apply the same standard when considering a budget proposed donation to the Chamber of Commerce, a private organization that should be funded by the private sector?)

Members Waters and Snider were concerned about the impact on individuals who use the facility. It appeared that they want town to consider a transition plan from the current program to something that individuals can do on their own.

Council member Garner observed that the town should consider putting any recreational facilities which would include expanded recreation activities at the property the town owns steam pump Ranch. His vision is for a rec center that would have far broader usage. This is an interesting concept.
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Mayor Hiremath's Epiphany: Suddenly, An Oro Valley Community Center Is His #1 Priority

"What are your top 3 priorities for the next 4 years?" This question was asked to the 2 Mayoral candidates at the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum. The first words from Mayor Hiremath: "A Community Center."

A Community Center

We were astounded when we heard this.

Mayor Hiremath never has previously acknowledged that a community center is even on his "radar."  Then, suddenly, Mayor Hiremath listed it as his top priority.

According to Hiremath:  "I'm in dialogue with other community partners about maybe doing something at a community center." (Source: Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum)

Council Member Bill Garner has been advocating for a community center for years. His calls have been ignored by the Majority-4.  "I've been investigating a public/private partnership that could put a community center at Steam Pump Ranch," Council Member Garner observed to us some time ago

LOVE, as published in October 2013, has been urging the creation of a community center. The Majority-4 ignored us.

Why is Mayor Hiremath suddenly agreeing with Council Member Garner and with LOVE.   Did Mayor Hiremath suddenly have an epiphany or is there something else's in play?

Is It Baseball, Soccer or Both?

The Mayor also wants to build baseball fields:  "I'm already in contact with major league baseball." At the same time, Council Member Snider wants Oro Valley to build two more soccer fields to accommodate a Major League Soccer team's spring practice. (Source: Video Above)  So, they want 4 more fields?  Does this make any sense?

And a Teen Center

And, yes, Mayor Hiremath wants to build a teen center. "I'm talking to private developers about trying to  partner with us."

Why isn't a Teen Center part of a Community Center?  Research what other communities have done.  You will find that the community center usually has a teen center, a senior center, and a recreation center.
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We ask:

Has Mayor Hiremath and his fellow incumbent candidates actually thought any of this through?

When ideas are spoken by Mayor Hiremath, ideas that the he has never before revealed, one has to wonder:  Did the Mayor have a epiphany? Or is he simply trolling for votes? 
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Bits and Pieces

Oro Valley housing market heated in July
"In the Oro Valley area, June 2015 active inventory was 293, a 15% decrease from June 2014. There were 69 closings in June 2015, a 15% increase from June 2014. Year-to-date 2015 there were 395 closings, a 5% increase from year-to-date 2014. Months of Inventory was 4.2, down from 5.8 in June 2014. Median price of sold homes was $260,000 for the month of June 2015, up 1% from June 2014. The Oro Valley area had 82 new properties under contract in June 2015, up 55% from June 2014." (Source: Long Realty)

Candidates Continue To Seek Signatures
Volunteers for the opposing candidates in the Oro Valley Town Council and Mayoral Recall Election in November are making a final push for signatures to get candidates Steve Didio, Ryan Hartung, Shirl Lamonna and Pat Straney on the ballot. If you are interested, here is where you can sign:

• Oro Valley Library: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon
• Sun City Residents can sign the petitions at the Sun City Recreation Center Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 to 11:30am.

Shirl Lamonna, who is opposing recalled Mary Snider in this election, advised LOVE: "I think I can speak for all us when I say that I have never worked with a more dedicated group of volunteers. Many of them worked in both the Referendum and Recall efforts. And despite the nearly unbearable summer heat, they again volunteered to get signatures on our Nomination Petitions to give this community a chance to have a voice - or four voices - on Council. It's time to finish up next week and let this awesome team return to their normal lives. We are eternally grateful for their commitment and for all those residents who signed."

Feather Tailed Stories
Oro Valley resident Alan Block maintains a web site where he posts pictures he has taken of bird. The shots are amazing. Take a look at here.

Oro Valley's Mount Rushmore
Oro Valley resident Jim Hicks thinks that the work of the Majority-4 and Police Chief Dan Sharp are worthy of a "Mount Rushmore" depiction on the  Catalina mountains. This picture is from his public facebook page.

What do you think?

Oro Valley to host design charrette for remodeling the Community and Recreation Center
"The Town of Oro Valley will hold a design charrette to discuss remodeling the Community & Recreation Center. The event will be held Monday, August 17, 5:30 - 8 p.m. in the Sunset Room of the Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Drive. Both members and non-members are invited to attend, as the Town seeks to meet the needs of the entire community.

This charrette is a planning and collaborative session which gives attendees an opportunity to work alongside design professionals to create a five-year vision for the facility as well as outline intermediate steps and priorities." (Town Of Oro Valley press release).

Beware of Phone Scams
This quarter's Oro Valley Police Department Crimefighters report discusses 2 phone frauds. One concerns a purported call from the IRS saying that you owe taxes and then threatening you with arrest if you don't pay immediately. The other is a scam from someone claiming that they are from Microsoft and they you have a software virus. They then ask you to cede control of your computer to them. Don't do it.

You should know that both of these scams are bogus. The IRS does not call you to collect debt. Nor do they threaten you. Microsoft has the "worst customer service" in the industry so you know they would never call to help you. (No. Really, I'm not kidding.)

There is other very useful information in the report, such as internet dating scams. Take a few minutes to read it.

Back To School Safety Tips

"The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) would like to remind the community that most private and public schools are back in session this week. Please be cautious when driving, as there will be an increase in the number of children walking or riding bikes. As a reminder:

• You may not pass a school bus when it stops and displays the stop sign and flashing red lights. You must stop! This includes both directions of travel when a physical median is not present. 
• The school zone is 15 miles per hour. You must be at or below 15 miles per hour prior to entering the zone. The zone is marked by the first sign as you enter. 
• It is prohibited to pass another vehicle while in a school zone. 
• Please pay attention to the crossing guard's directions and be prepared to stop.
• School crosswalks require drivers to stop at the point a pedestrian enters into the crosswalk.
• Please do not text and drive.

OVPD is anticipating a large amount of school-related vehicle and pedestrian traffic, so we ask that you start your day earlier and give yourself plenty of time for increased congestion. You will see increased police presence around schools to ensure the safety of everyone." (Source: Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)

Bits and Pieces

Daily public access to Steam Pump Ranch in the offing
Town Manager Mary Jacobs is hopeful that the Steam Pump Ranch will be daily Oro Valley attraction. This after the town renovates once renovation of the garage on the property is done. She has included $550,000 for that. Once completed, staff will work from the facility. You can read more about this and other items in the TMRB here.

July 4th fireworks at Community Center
The town has cancelled its July 4 celebration but not the fireworks. “The good news is that we are still planning an epic fireworks show from the Community and Recreation Center. We will be using larger shells that will soar higher into the night sky,” said Parks and Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan. “We really wanted to host a July 4th celebration this year. This community needs it, but ultimately the decision is about public safety.” (Source)

Need sandbags for the monsoon?
"Beginning Monday, June 15, the Town of Oro Valley will provide free sandbags to residents who may need to protect areas of their homes from storm runoff during monsoon. Sandbags can be picked up [at Naranja Park] beginning Monday June 15, through the duration of the 2020 monsoon. Due to a limited number of supplies, only Town of Oro Valley residents are eligible, and there is a limit of 10 sandbags per vehicle. Sandbags are self-service; you will need to bag and load your own sand." (source)

Community Center and Aquatic Centers open Monday
"The Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center and Oro Valley Aquatic Center will be reopening on Monday, June 1, 2020." Doing this safely will be of primary importance. The town will be following county reopening rules.

The bad guys are back
One of things Chief Riley told us in our interview a few weeks back was that she expected shoplifting to be center state as retailers re-opened. KGUN9 showed a video of bad guys doing just that at Walmart this week. Take a look. Call the cops if you know these guys. Crime never takes a break.

Ben Coronado, Oro Valley resident, appointed Civilian Aid to the US Secretary of the Army
He was appointed on May 14 at Ft. Huachuca. "CASAs, a vital part of the Army, promote good relations between the Army and the public and advise the secretary on regional issues." Read about him here.

The Watchdog Report: July through October 2017 Financials

The October 2017 financials were on the Consent Agenda during the December 6th Council meeting. However, because the mayor has instructed councilmembers to ask their questions of staff prior to the meeting, once again there was no discussion about the continued losses of the Community Center. Does the mayor believe that the citizens are not interested in hearing about this continued drain of taxpayer money?

The Community Center Fund (CCF) was initially set up to pay for everything connected with the purchase of the Country Club, Golf and Tennis facilities from HSL. Two and a half years later, and this still has not happened.

First Four Months of the Fiscal Year  ~ Over $400,000 in the red
The Community Center Fund ended the first four months of the 2017/18 fiscal year (July 1 through October 31) $415,161 in the red. This is considering all the revenues derived from golf, tennis, food and beverage, and non-aquatic center swimming, along with $680,721 in sales tax revenue.

Troon has lost $1,025,260 in the first four months of the fiscal year, yet still only projects a year-end loss of $1,822,941. We are coming into the prime season for golf, and we can only hope that Troon gets it right this year.

October Losses ~ Troon lost almost $10,000 more this October than last October
While the Town manages the recreation center, Troon is contracted to manage golf, food and beverage, some tennis and swimming. Troon's balance sheet is no better. They lost $270,953 in October 2017 which is $9,905 MORE than they lost in October 2016. This loss is despite an increase in golf memberships and the corresponding increase in revenue from member dues.

Utilities were also $72,007 higher than October 2016.

The Town's portion of the Community Center (the recreation center) lost $44,074 in October. Nevertheless, staff stands by their projection of ending the 2017/18 fiscal year only $86,017 in the red.

How they derive this figure is questionable considering (1) $94,250 is planned in capital outlay and (2) a $120,000 loan re-payment is owed to the General Fund. You might remember that the first $120,000 payment owed in year-one has not been paid…and the payment for year-two was accomplished only by taking an additional $350,000 from the General Fund. (To be clear, the General Fund has transferred $1.5 million of YOUR MONEY to the CCF).

Overlook Restaurant averaging $12,000 per month in losses
The Overlook Restaurant lost $13,687 in October 2017 bringing the total loss in the first four months of the fiscal year to $47,701. Keep in mind that the Overlook pays no rent/mortgage or utilities like a normal business would. This restaurant was closed when the Town purchased the property so why did they re-open it? And why hasn’t the Council tried to contract it out? If there are no bidders for the contract, then CLOSE it. The Town is supporting the elite 242 members of the "club" by providing discounted food, discounted merchandise, and a free driving range. To be more precise, the Town is not supporting the golf members, you are.

Citizens are preparing an alternative
Last summer, the Town paid more than $50,000 for a golf study in an effort to minimize the stupidity of their decision to purchase this property. To date, they have ignored the recommendations. Two citizens are currently preparing an alternative that will be completely vetted and presented to you in the near future.

This purchase was outlandish when it was made and, at two and a half years into this misadventure, there is no reason to believe that the fiscal bleeding will ever stop.

. . . . . . . . . . . .

Mike Zinkin 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. He was a commissioned ensign in the United States Navy Reserve in 1969. He worked as an Air Traffic Controller for 30 years. He and his wife moved to Oro Valley after retiring in 1998. Mike 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. During his time on council, he was named as one of 23 Leadership Fellows for the National League of Cities University, he was a member of the National League of Cities Steering Committee for Community and Economic Development, and a member of the Arizona League of Cities Budget and Economic Development Committee.

Controversy Stirs Over Oro Valley El Con Purchase (Part 1)

Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council will consider increasing the sales tax by a half cent to finance the operation of a community center and recreation facility. The operation includes several golf courses, two swimming pools, and 31 tennis courts. The town will create this facility from The El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort, which it will purchase from HSL Properties for $1 million.  HSL is purchasing it from Met Life.

The Town Of Oro Valley is presenting the following "case" for purchasing this property and converting it to a community center and recreation facility:

• The community has identified a need for a community center in a 2013 survey.    The survey was statistically valid, according to the town.
• Respondents to a recent survey stated that constructing a multi-use community center with facilities for indoor recreation/fitness programs was at least somewhat important to them.
• The cost of purchasing The El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort of $1 million is far less than the cost of building a comparable facility, which is estimated to be $20 million
• The town will pay the purchase price in three equal payments over three years.
• The purchase price will be paid from the town's contingency fund.  There will be no need to issue debt.
• The ongoing cost of operating the facility will be paid by an increase of one half cent in the sales tax.  This will generate $2 million annually. The sales tax will be designated solely for the proposed Community and Recreation Center and related amenities.
• The operation of the property will breakeven in approximately 5 years.
• The opportunity to purchase this property has a short window. "The aggressive timeline set forth by these two parties has also placed the Town on an accelerated timeline."

         (Source: Town Of Oro Valley media release)

The town has done the following "due diligence" effort in evaluating this opportunity:

• "Town of Oro Valley Building Official Chuck King completed the initial inspections on the buildings.
• We then utilized the services of Swaim Associates Architecture for the building proper (analyzing Chuck’s inspection list). They provided a complete review as well as adding suggestions to turn these facilities from a private country club to a public community center.
• Aqua Design International analyzed the condition of the pools (Aqua Design was our designer who engineered all the pools and water features of our present Aquatic Center). They also supplied the estimate to remediate the pools to an acceptable operation condition as well as meet current code and health standards.
• Arizona Restaurant Supply (ARS) analyzed the kitchen components and provided an estimate to bring the kitchen facilities up to current code and health standards.
• Compusult Construction Cost Consulting gathered all the information and provided a detailed cost breakdown of all the elements discovered by Town Staff, Swaim, Aqua Design and ARS.
• Environmental Strategies Inc. analyzed and tested the facility for asbestos-laden materials, particularly in the fire retardant areas as well as insulation. We are still waiting for final testing results, but so far, information received has been clear.
• Inspections/analysis of the golf courses were completed by Troon representatives, with some participation from Town staff on certain elements of the analysis." (Source:  Misti Nowak, Oro Valley Communications Administration Director)

In addition, according to Nowak, the town estimates that a new facility built from the ground up would cost approximately $20 million:

• As a point of reference, the cost of the Northwest YMCA was $222 per square foot in 2002 for construction costs, which included the pool. (The NWYMCA is approx. 32,000 square feet.)
• If we assume a 2% escalation of construction costs over 5 years (discounting the 7 years of the recession), the present day cost would be $240 per square foot.
• This cost did not include the land acquisition and sports fields costs associated with the project. The NWYMCA land was donated by the Nanini family, and Pima County picked up the costs for the sports fields.
• Based on the NWYMCA construction costs, if the Town were to build something comparable to the Hilton Country Club, the breakdown of costs would be as follows:

Building, Shell, Pools:	40,000sf x $240/sf                                                 = $9,600,000
16 asphalt tennis courts:	$20,000/court x 16 courts                                         = $320,000
15 concrete tennis courts	$1,300,000 (surface) + $10,000/court x 15 courts = $1,450,000
Grounds and parking	30 Acres    (low estimate)                                          $5,000,000
Total	$16,370,000

• This total does not include any field development, so we would need to factor in approximately $800,000 per field, based on current Naranja Park costs.
• In addition, with the addition of the golf courses, the Town would be picking up the remainder of the land for about $12,500 per acre (based on $4,000,000 for 320 acres), to balance the total project cost at $20,000,000."

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We posted Mayor Hiremath's view last week.  The Mayor believes that this transaction satisfies a stated community need and that it makes good business sense.

Council Member Joe Hornat seems to share that view.  Joe, as you know, has a way of simplifying the complex:

"This is an opportunity to get a Community Center...that is the primary goal. The amenities like the pool, tennis courts, property etc make this even more attractive and fill some gaps in our Parks program.

Yes the golf course is a risk, but a manageable risk with the right management company such as Troon, and some investment to bring this course (and the building) up to standards we would all expect. Marketing will be done by Troon and Visit Tucson and that will be a great boost. The potential for offering a "Troon" card to members allowing them to play other Troon courses at a discount should be a great draw also. 

Will it make money day one? No...no business will. It is an investment in the future of Oro Valley. I don't like taxes any more than any rational person, but there has to be a way to support this investment until it turns itself around and it will do that."

Hornat also observed that "...for profit companies are buying golf courses, Mickelson at Stone Canyon (they are building a new country club building besides)...the folks who bought OV Country Club and none of them did it to lose money."
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Wednesday, we will present a list of concerns shared to us by our readers.
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Editorial: You Don’t Say!

During the April 19th Town Council Meeting, residents were allowed to address the council regarding the proposed $17 million dollar Naranja Park Bond.

One resident stated that if they hadn’t made the poor decision to purchase the El Con Golf Courses and Community Center, we would have the money to fund the Naranja Park ball fields without the necessity of a $17 million bond and secondary property tax.

Another resident made three points in his speech. (1) the town needs to straighten out the financial problems with the golf courses first before looking for any more money from the citizens to fund ball fields, (2) the council shouldn’t allow one financial mistake to add to another, and (3) we the taxpayers shouldn’t have to bear the burden for a limited number of users.

Councilmember Solomon Presents “Alternate Facts”
Clearly upset that some residents had the insight to connect the financial problems of the Community Center and Golf Courses to the current need for a secondary property tax to fund ball fields, Councilmember Steve Solomon launched into a 4-minute lecture attempting to discredit the naysayers and convince the audience that the Community Center is thriving. Below is a sample of his comments that evening.

Solomon said: “The community center is thriving. It is not failing.”

What he didn’t say: The Community and Recreation Center Fund (CRC Fund) is currently $477,986 in the RED. In addition, as of June 30, 2017, the Town will owe $240,000 from the CRC Fund back to the General Fund to begin repayment of the $1.2 million that the council borrowed from the General Fund in March 2015 to jumpstart the CRC Fund.

The council voted to delay the first payment in Fiscal Year 15/16 until FY 16/17 which is why they now owe two payments of $120,000 ($240,000) back to the General Fund. Add this $240,000 to the $477,986 deficit, and the CRC Fund is now $717,986 in the RED. Solomon also didn’t tell you that golf memberships are still nowhere near Troon’s desired 318 members.

Solomon said: “The expenditures for the community center, particularly this year, are down and our revenues are up. Now that’s the kind of trend that you want and it’s been trending that way for awhile now.”

What he didn’t say: Not only is the Community Center Fund $477,986 in the red, but this figure takes into consideration that there was $1.4 million in sales tax revenues dedicated to the CRC Fund in this fiscal year.

Solomon said: “As mentioned, the golf and community center revenues and the dedicated half cent sales tax for this year will cover all of it’s costs. It’s not using any other town funds. It’s not taking money from any other town project or town source.”

What he didn’t say: As reported on LOVE on April 10th in the article “Smoke, Mirrors, and Lower Math,” during the April 5th Town Council meeting, the mayor asked the finance director how much money the Community Center was taking from the General Fund. The answer was that the Community Center was consuming 6% of the adopted budget of $117,368,903. However, with the dedicated sales tax revenue source, the actual effect was 1.6%.

Translated into dollar figures, 1.6% of $117 million is $1.8 million. This is the first time that the mayor and finance director admitted that the half-cent sales tax increase is not covering Community Center expenses. To compensate for this shortfall, they have siphoned almost an additional $2 million out of the General Fund. Therefore, Solomon’s assertion that the Community Center is “not using any other town funds” is demonstrably false.

Remember that NO MONIES other than the .5% sales tax revenues were to be utilized for the Community Center. They now admit that they have spent $1.8 million above and beyond the sales tax revenues.

Solomon said: “The facts clearly show that the claims of the failing golf course and that we can’t afford new playing fields are completely false. The true financial numbers are on our website.“

What he didn’t say: He didn’t tell you what the “true financial numbers” were.

Drum Roll Please -- The True Financial Numbers

• In February 2016, Troon (golf, food, beverage, tennis) lost $61,294.
• In February 2017, Troon lost $110,264.
• Troon’s losses were $48,970 HIGHER in February 2017 than in February 2016.

• Food and beverage was forecasted to make $12,354 in February 2017 but made only $5,553.
• The restaurant has lost $90,501 so far this fiscal year.
• The forecast was to lose only $11,842.

• Troon’s initial forecast for losses in FY 16/17 was $1,534,505.
• They recently had to up that forecast to $2,038,334.
• There has not been one month this fiscal year where their losses have been under $100,000.
• If this trend continues, the $2,038,334 figure will have to be revised again.

Bohen Questions Accounting Of The Community Center Fund

Generally has a steady balance

For years, the Community Center Fund has languished because of losses incurred in golf. The golf course financial results had performed so badly over the years that it’s earnings plus its sales tax subsidy could not support needed irrigation improvements; improvements in mobility accessibility; an upgrade to the tennis courts; and an upgrade, perhaps revitalization, of the building itself. Indeed, it took the issuance of a bond last fall to make a dent in getting some of these improvements done.

Balance has grown rapidly this year
The fund balance grew from $2.3 million at the end of last August to $4 million, at the end of September. The latest report which is as of February has the balance at $5.4 million. “But how is this even possible?’ asks councilmember Tim Bohen in an email to LOVE, “The Community Center and golf course would need to be quite profitable as a standalone business with no sales tax subsidy to produce this result.”

According to Bohen, once the $25million in parks and recreation bonds were issued, the Community Center Fund began to grow. Councilmember Tim Bowen has been following this. It seems to be an anomaly. 

Staff "stonewalls" Council

Bohen has tried to get an explanation from town staff on why this is the case. Indeed, as you will read in Mike Zinkin’s “Watchdog Report” tomorrow, golf rounds have increased but not among nonmembers. Non member rounds have decreased. It is the nonmember rounds that actually generate additional revenue.

So where is all this good fortune coming from? 

Bohen doesn’t know and, according to him, town staff has not been forthcoming with the answer. What he’s does know is that the town has failed to transfer to the General Fund $120,000 that is due each year to repay (without interest) the initial funding of the Community Center Fund. He also knows that payments for some of the debt service [and eventual repayment] of the parks and recreation bond will be due from the Community Center Fund at a future date.

We are not sure... but we think its all in the "accounting" for transfers out of the fund

We have had not verified what we been provided by councilmember Bohen. What we do know is that, as of February this year, the Community Center Fund was budgeted to have a deficit of $391,000 for the entire year. As of February, it has as a surplus of $2.2 million. That is a swing of $1.8 million. Most of this are funds that were planned to have been transferred out of the Community Center Fund which have not yet been transferred.  So, maybe its all just accounting.

It is no wonder that councilmember Bohen ask questions about this, though. The accounting for this fund is indeed confusing.

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The Community Center Fund is...

The Community Center Fund is one of the accounting buckets the town maintains. Previously, we’ve written about the General Fund, That’s the fund that is use to run the town. That fund includes funding for all Parks and Recreation programs and facilities except the Community Center. The Community Center is financed using its own fund. That is funded by a half percent sales tax. The fund and the sales tax were established when the town bought the golf courses in the clubhouse, which is now called the “Community Center” from HSL properties in 2015.

The Watchdog Report: Golf and Community Center Financials from July through November reveal continuing losses

The November financials were on the Consent Agenda during the January 17, 2018 Town Council meeting, and as always, they were not removed for discussion. Why remove them when the story remains the same? This investment is a loser!

Community Center Fund remains in the hole
The Community Center Fund (CCF) was $364,689 IN THE HOLE, as of November 30th. Keep in mind that in 2017, the Council (with advice from the Financial Director) withdrew an additional $350,000 from the General Fund Contingency to supplement the CCF. Without this additional supplement, the CCF would be over $600,000 in the hole.

The Town is planning to transfer $165,956 out of the CCF by the end of the fiscal year. It’s not clear where they’re planning to transfer it (perhaps $120,000 back to the General Fund and $45,000 for capital improvements?) but to-date they have not transferred out one penny.

The Town Council borrowed $1.2 million from the General Fund Contingency in March 2015 to start the Community Center Fund with a promise to pay back $120,000 per year for 10 years. They reneged altogether on the initial payment in 2016. The 2017 “payment” was a shell game since they had taken out another $350,000 from the General Fund (as discussed above) and then used that money to make the $120,000 payment back into the General Fund. Does anyone want to wager if the Town Council is going to be able to make this year’s $120,000 annual payment?

Town Losses (Recreation Center): July 1st through November 30th
The Town, which is responsible for the recreation center and swim team/swim lessons, lost $48,009 in the first five months of the fiscal year. (The Town lost $86,876 during the same time frame in 2016 so this is an improvement).

However, this improvement is marred by Troon’s increased losses shown below.

Troon Losses (Golf, Food and Beverage): July 1st through November 30th
Troon lost $1,142,288 in the first five months of the fiscal year. That’s over $228,000 a month!

The food and beverage losses for November, primarily the Overlook Restaurant, were $10,481. Food and beverage is forecasted to lose $68,245 in FY 2017/18, but has already lost $58,182 just five months into the fiscal year. Oh well, just another incorrect forecast.

In November 2017 alone, Troon lost $117,028, while in November 2016 the loss was a mere $62,485.  That's $54,543 MORE in losses than in the same month last year.

Incorrect Forecasting Continues
Do you like the way golf is trending? This is the prime time of the year. Troon made a forecast to lose $1,822,941 during the entire fiscal year 2017/18, but has already lost $1,147,288 in just the first five months.

When will the Town Council get tired of all this and make a responsible decision? These continued losses are despite the $855,071 that they collected in sales tax revenue from July 1st through November 30th.

I am as tired of reporting these continuing losses as you are of reading about them. We need a Town Council who will act rather than just sitting back and allowing these repetitive losses to continue.

. . . . . . . . . .

Mike Zinkin 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. He was a commissioned ensign in the United States Navy Reserve in 1969. He worked as an Air Traffic Controller for 30 years. He and his wife moved to Oro Valley after retiring in 1998. Mike 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. During his time on council, he was named as one of 23 Leadership Fellows for the National League of Cities University, he was a member of the National League of Cities Steering Committee for Community and Economic Development, and a member of the Arizona League of Cities Budget and Economic Development Committee.