Here’s What Happened While We Were Away…

Town Finance Director: Oro Valley successfully negotiated the financial challenge of Covid-19

…this according to town finance manager, Wendy Gomez speaking at the May 19 town council meeting was referring to the projections for the year based on actual results through March. Gomez attributed this to holding the line on spending; and that revenues “…have significantly out performed expectations.” 

Speaking of the general fund, Gomez noted said the fund revenues are estimated to be 20% over budget for the year, at $52,2 million. The primary sources of this are federal government “rescue” money; higher than expected local sales tax revenues (12% over budget); and increased commercial and residential construction activity that is driving license and permit revenue. Spending is estimated to be 2.7% under budget.

Council to consider completed Parks and Recreation Master Plan as a “reference” for future spending decisions

The Oro Valley Town Council discussed the parks and recreation master plan at it’s May 19 meeting. According to the town’s master plan project consultant, the master plan “…provides information over which to make decisions” on parks and recreation spending now and in the future. The council made it clear in the resolution it passed (Panel at right) that this plan is not going to be implemented as is and that the community will continue to provide input

“This work is an invaluable tool for us but we are not committing to any particular spending,” noted Council Member Bohan. “It’s a plan. It’s not something we are going to be locked into,” according the Council Member Joyce-Ivey.

Mayor Winfield and Vice Mayor Barrett have proposed what they would like to see happen with Parks and Recreations spending next year.

La Posada Senior Living Facility Development Progressing

In March, LOVE reported that the Nakoma Sky senior living project was back in operation. Owners of the La Posada Senior Living Facility (formerly titled “Nakoma Sky”) develop ment have submitted a new conceptual architecture plan for the main part (Area C on map at left) of their development. This is the five-story apartment portion. This retirement community is located north of Home Depot and on the northern side of the CDO wash. The Hiremath council approved the entire project in 2016. “The maximum height (75', 5 stories)was previously approved as part of the PAD zoning in 2014 and is not under consideration. However, the revised design reduces the building mass by decreasing the height of the residential buildings from east to west.” The Planning and Zoning Commission will hear this item in tonight’s meeting.

GRDF says: “No Burning”

The Golder Ranch Fire District announced this past Thursday that it will not issue any burning permits. Also, any permits issued during the past 180 days are revoked.  “The conditions in our region are very dry and we are going to do everything we can to keep our community safe,” says Chief Randy Karrer. (Source: GRFD Press Release). Remember last summer. One dry lightening strike and the Catalina’s burned for two months.

Fireworks Test June 3

The town is conducting a fireworks test of nine shots this Thursday at 8:30pm.  It is a test of the July 4th fireworks show from Naranja  Park.  The test is a chance for residents to see if they can see the fireworks from their house as there will be no in person visits to the park allowed on July 4.

uPetsia makes pet breath smell better for longer.

No. this is not an advertisement. Its about our Oro Valley based startup.

 

The company, uPetsia, resides in the Center for Innovation in Oro Valley. It is the winner of an event sponsored by the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. “uPetsia (rhymes with "“You betcha") is a startup focused on making dog breath smell better for longer by engineering bacteria for dog and cat microbiota. uPetsia's product is incorporated into pet treats and chews and provides hours of minty-fresh breath. The The winner for the UACI Sponsored Launch Fueled by Greater Oro Valley Chamber of underlying technology was developed at the University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and BIO5 Institute by founders Eric Lyons, David Baltrus and Scott Zentack. Tech Launch Arizona (TLA), the technology commercialization arm of the UArizona refined and protected the invention and also helped them identify their best market.” (Source: May 2021 Center for Innovation Newsletter)