Bits and Pieces

Will Troon Golf Bail?
Is it possible that Oro Valley's minimal 2016 spending on the improvements to the golf courses will cause Troon Golf to bail on the town? We ask because the golf courses are in sad shape, well below any standard that Troon Golf may have for their courses. Certainly, they don't want to soil their reputation. Also, they have an incentive clause in their contract that activates only when golf fees are significant. It is unlikely that 2016 will be a "significant" year.

Don't Forget: Comment on the draft of the general plan 
This is a "gentle" reminder to please invest a bit of your time in reading the 60% complete draft of the 2015 general plan. You can access it here. And, when you are done, be sure to submit comments on it.

Zinkin continues active involvement in League of Cities and Towns
Council Member Mike Zinkin is Oro Valley's representative to the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. He is the town's representative on the Budget, Finance and Economic Development (BFED) Policy Committee. In addition, he or Oro Valley's representative on the Steering Committee of the National League of Cities and Towns Community and Economic Development Committee

Cheap golf round rates at Golf Club at Vistoso
The Golf Club at Vistoso is offering summer rates:

• Mornings: $32
• Twilight: $23
• Sundown: $18

Oro Valley housing market shows continued improvement in May
According to Long Realty: "In the Oro Valley area, May 2015 active inventory was 313, a 9% decrease from May 2014. There were 73 closings in May 2015, a 3% increase from May 2014. Year-to-date 2015 there were 318 closings, a 4% increase from year-to-date 2014. Months of Inventory was 4.3, down from 4.9 in May 2014. Median price of sold homes was $283,000 for the month of May 2015, up 14% from May 2014. The Oro Valley area had 66 new properties under contract in May 2015, up 3% from May 2014." (Source: Long Realty Monthly Report)

November recall election to cost $25,000-$30,000
The town estimates that the November recall election of Council Members Hornat, Snider and Waters will cost up to $30,000. This is far less than the $75,000 estimate that those who opposed the election were estimating. This is because this election will be on the same ballot as the Pima County Bond Election. The town will take the funds from the contingency reserves since the election was not planned in the budget.

November Recall election particulars
If you plan to vote in the recall election, and we hope that you do, you must register to vote by October 5. Those wishing to run for these positions have from August 5 to September 5 to file nomination papers. The minimum number of signatures for eligibility is 526 registered Oro Valley voters.

Meet the Community Center Architect Open House
"The Town of Oro Valley invites you to an open house for a "Meet the Architect" event on Monday, June 29, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Sunset Room at the new Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Drive. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the architect chosen to assist the Town with remodeling this facility (Breckenridge Group) as well as view the three main focus areas of the initial renovation: ADA access and compliance, remodeling the fitness lobby and remodeling the restaurant dining area." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

Questions: Who is Breckenridge Group? They have no web site. They are not approved by the Better Business Bureau. How did the town go about selecting them to do this job?

"Despicable Me 2" at OV's FREE Drive-In Movie at the Driving Range this Saturday Oro Valley,
"Join your friends and neighbors for a FREE Drive-in Movie on the Driving Range this Saturday, June 20 at sunset (approximately 7:30 p.m.). The Town of Oro Valley will show the PG-rated movie "Despicable Me 2" on a giant, inflatable screen right on the driving range at the Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center, 11555 N. La Cañada Drive. You are welcome to drive in your golf cart or bring blankets and chairs to sit on the lawn. Food and beverages will be available for purchase." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

Oro Valley earns fourth "Playful City USA" designation
"The Town of Oro Valley has earned the "Playful City USA" designation from national non-profit KaBOOM! Presented by The Humana Foundation, Playful City USA is a national program advocating for local policies that increase play opportunities for children and is a key platform in combating the play deficit. This is Oro Valley's fourth year receiving this designation (2011, 2012, 2013)."(Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)