Guest View: Mike Zinkin – Town Council Needs To Know "Fully Loaded Costs" Before Approving Capital Projects

Tomorrow is a word that appears to be missing from our town council’s vocabulary. The Council makes capital investment decisions without knowing the long term costs of these decisions. Our Town Council needs to know the future ramifications of their decisions.

The cost of building a project does not include the cost of maintaining it.
The current re-elected Council majority will tell you that they vastly improved Naranja Park, they provided more ballfields, trails, a splash pad, and a pump track. However, we have no idea what it is going to cost to maintain these amenities, and perhaps they don’t care because that will be the task of a future Council.

For example, this Council has already indebted the Town, and future Councils to pay back the $25 million bond for Naranja Park amenities (some of which were not desired by the majority of the citizens). They have increased the Town’s liability with a dangerous pump track only last week did they even discuss potential town liability.

“Fully Loaded Costs” = Total Cost... the cost of building, the cost of maintaining and the cost of improving over time.
When I was on Council, I established a network of officials from other communities to help me in finding out different ways to tackle a project. I recently had a discussion with one of these individuals and was introduced to another new term: “Fully Loaded Costs.” In other words, the long-range costs of maintaining an amenity.

This is what is missing in Oro Valley at the moment.

When staff presents the costs of a project to the Council, it should not only advise as to what the cost to establish the project is, but the cost of maintaining the project. This puts “tomorrow” into the decision. The Council knows how much the splash pad and pump track are going to cost to build, but do they know what it going to cost to maintain these amenities?  After all, the maintenance is a problem that a future Council is going to have to deal with. Because of this lack of foresight, somewhere down the road, a future Council may have to cut something else in the budget in order to keep these amenities open…or close the amenity altogether.

A prior Council requested to see "Fully Loaded Costs" prior to purchasing the Golf/Community Center.
Staff included the tables in the insert at right, estimating the 10-year forecast for the golf improvements. In this example, you can see that staff predicted that everything (except for ADA requirements) would be accomplished by the end of FY 2019/20 (June 1, 2019).

This is a prime example showing that even when staff is requested to give Fully Loaded Costs, they cater to the Council and do not give accurate estimates.
For example, staff noted that the Conquistador irrigation replacement would cost $1.5 million, when in reality it cost $7 million. Including inflation, I still doubt that today’s cost is 5 times the cost predicted in 2015-2017. 

The Council needs to add "tomorrow" to their vocabulary.
They should know the Fully Loaded Costs (the long-range costs of maintaining an amenity) of any project they approve.  But one wonders, since the staff manipulated the costs in the past to appease former Mayor Hiremath, can we also expect them to manipulate the costs to appease Mayor Winfield in order to advance his pet projects?  Remember, the same staff that presented the faulty 10-year forecast for the golf courses is the same staff now in place. 

Will we ever truly know the Fully Loaded Costs upfront?  Will "tomorrow" ever be a part of the equation?  Or will we never learn the true costs until 7-10 years later when the actual costs are finally revealed?


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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.

The Watchdog Report: Do You Really Believe that Town Golf is doing OK?

Let’s start with the number of non-member rounds played in May
This is the first time we can compare apples to apples as there were only 18 holes open. (The Conquistador Course is closed for a $7 million irrigation project and the Pusch Ridge Course is closed for the season).

The Oro Valley owned La Canada course had 2,627 rounds. For comparison, a public course within 5 miles of us had 3700 rounds, and a semi-private course within 5 miles had 3,802 rounds. Oro Valley’s wonderful investment didn’t fare as well. In addition, the number of golf members was reduced to 326 in May, a reduction of 19 members from the previous month.

Now let’s look at the financials presented on the Council agenda for June 15, 2022
The Community Center Fund (“CCF”) [panel: document on left] shows a positive balance of $3,446,645, but it also shows that there is $1,868,519 in upcoming transfers and $132,500 still to be paid in capital.

Click To Enlarge

There still is no transfer scheduled to pay back the General Fund for the initial “kick start” for the CCF. This General Fund payback was put on the June 15 agenda for “Discussion and Possible Action.” On a 6-1 vote (with Councilmember Bohen dissenting) the Winfield council rescinded the 2015 decision of the Hiremath Council to pay back to the General Fund the money that they transferred out of it to start the Community Center Fund. This is precedent setting. 

In essence, the current Council has reneged on a commitment set by a prior Council. Of the $1.2 million dollars that was supposed to have been paid back to the General Fund, only $480,000 was paid back. The remaining $720,000 is not and will not be paid back as was promised in 2015.

The five-year forecast [panel: document on upper right] shows that Town Manager Mary Jacobs forecasts that the CCF will end FY 2021/22 with a positive balance of $2,983,676.  This is impressive considering that the CCF has never ended the fiscal year with a positive balance.  However, Jacobs goes on to forecast that the CCF will end FY 2022/23 with a $4,660,469 deficit. Yet, we are told by the Mayor that “golf losses have been substantially reduced.”  In fact, Jacobs doesn't forecast the CCF to end a fiscal year with a positive balance until FY 2024/25 and then it is only by $9,304.

The year end projection of the fund’s balance assumes [panel: document on bottom right] that the HOA’s will continue to contribute to the CCF. Why would they want to continue to do this? There is absolutely no guarantee that their contribution will be spent for golf, since the CCF has now been expanded to include Parks and Recreation needs and a $300,000+ expenditure to maintain the Vistoso Nature Preserve. 

Another assumption is that there will be modest economic growth and no economic downturns, which is contrary to every economic report out today.

Still circling the drain
Bottom Line: Golf and the Community Center continues to drain Oro Valley of its much needed revenues. Remember, in the 500+ page purchase agreement, there is never any mention of a community center…it is always referred to as a COUNTRY CLUB.  

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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.

The Watchdog Report: Methods for financing the Community Center keep changing

 

A recent political ad
In a political ad in a recent publication, Mayor Winfield states: “The Town’s two golf courses are now projected to require no Town tax subsidy for operations in 2021/2022 fiscal year.”

However, the most recent financial report covers the current fiscal year through February, which is 66% of the way through the year. The statement shows that the contracted expenses overshadowed the revenues by $1,079,143. Mr. Mayor this is a loss. The fiscal year ends on June 30, 2022. The Town closed the Pusch Ridge and Conquistador courses in May so that should limit the losses, BUT the golf courses will still see a loss and will require the tax subsidy.

NOTE: LOVE reached out to Mayor Winfield who informed us that the Town updated the golf subsidy projection after he submitted his political ad, and that, “The most recent golf subsidy projection for this fiscal year is now $78,000.”

The Golf Courses: How does FY 2022/23 look?
Page 7 of the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget shows that the 2023 Community Center Fund (CCF) budget is forecasted to lose over $2.1 million. The Council borrowed/bonded for $25 million, half of which is to go to the Community Center. This bond has indebted the Town for 20 years for over $2 million/year.

The Town’s two golf courses are going to cost us over $8 million for irrigation improvements, $276,000 for cart path improvements, $105,000 for bunker and turf reduction, and $159,000 for golf maintenance equipment replacement all in FY 2022/23.

If the tax subsidy is no longer required, just where is all this money going to come from?

Answer: The Capital Fund is picking up the slack
The mayor tells us that the money is coming from the Capital Fund. However, the CCF was set up to support all the needs of the community center (golf/tennis/fitness/Overlook restaurant, recreation). Because there is not enough money in the CCF to support these needs, the money is now coming from a different fund.

NOTE: The mayor provided the following information to LOVE regarding the $8 million in golf irrigation improvements that will be taken from the Capital Fund rather than the Community Center Fund:

FY 2022/23
Golf Course Irrigation (Conquistador Course) - $4,630,000
Golf Course Irrigation (La Canada Course) - $2,350,000

FY 2023/24
Golf Course Irrigation (La Canada Course) - $2,000,000

The Bottom Line
The half-cent sales tax subsidy ($2 million annually), the HOA subsidies ($125,000 annually), and the $25 million bond are not enough, so additional money is needed which is now coming out of the Capital Fund.

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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 – Hypocrisy: It’s in Our Nature

Town Council amends the Water Conservation Code
Last month, the Council amended the Town’s Water Conservation Code. (You can read the Code HERE).

The reason for the amendment was that the Town is responding to the drought conditions facing the State of Arizona. The amendment states:

“It is hereby declared that, because of the water shortage conditions experienced in the Town of Oro Valley, the general welfare requires that all the water resources available to the Town be put to the maximum beneficial use to the extent to which they are capable, and that waste, excessive use, or unreasonable method of use of water be prevented, and that conservation of water be exercised in the interests of the Town of Oro Valley and for the public welfare.”

The amended code goes on to state that the Town encourages its water users to conserve water voluntarily, and to “minimize water usage and to utilize water more efficiently.“

They want you to minimize your water usage yet they refuse to reduce golf
This is the same Council majority that ran on a platform of reducing golf, yet, in a town of 45,000 residents, they folded under the duress of just 400 pro-golf citizens to allow the continuation of 36 holes of golf and are also allowing the continuation of potable water usage at the Pusch Ridge course. (Remember also that 8,000+ residents elected them with the understanding that they would close at least one of the three town-owned golf courses).

Let’s look at the hypocrisy
Below is the water usage for the calendar year through October 2021:

Pusch Ridge – 23,616,000 gallons (potable water)
Canada Course – 92,727,000 gallons
Conquistador course – 96,967,000 gallons

In addition, it also takes more water to over-seed a course. This is why they should over-seed the greens and tee boxes only and leave the Bermuda grass dormant on the fairways. Overseeding the fairways may make the courses look prettier, but it does nothing to improve the quality of the lie of the golf ball. Hitting a ball off dormant Bermuda grass is just as good as hitting off winter rye. The Views Golf Course in Sun City is not over-seeding.

This entire waste of water illustrates the hypocrisy of our local government. The model of winter golf in Arizona must change due to our water problems.

Leading by example
Oro Valley has many neighborhood parks that over-seed. Before the Water Utility tells the neighborhoods how to use water more efficiently, perhaps they should look inward at the example the Town is setting.

It appears that the Oro Valley Government wants you to, “Do as we say, not as we do.” Is the Town leading by example? Are they using water more efficiently or are they wasting water?

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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-Diane Peters: "Golf Tourist" Revenue was Based on Speculation with No Supporting Data

Back in 2019, in order to not appear self-serving in their efforts to keep the town-owned golf courses open, residents living along the golf courses figured out that they needed to come up with an argument for why the golf courses were good for the entire town and not just good for their views and their property values.

The bed tax and sales tax argument
They argued that the golf courses benefited the entire town by attracting tourists who came here to play golf and that these “golf tourists” were contributing to the bed tax and sales tax. However, no one ever supplied any statistics on how much revenue these supposed golf tourists are bringing in or any proof that they bring in more in revenue than what it's costing us taxpayers to maintain these courses. As such, I asked the town manager if the town had any statistics to prove those claims. And it turns out, they did not.

My email to the Town Manager

“The argument of the golf crowd is that the golf courses bring in revenue in the form of bed tax from the hotels and sales taxes in our shops and restaurants. But where is the proof of how many people who stay at our hotels are playing golf on the El Con golf courses? Can the town show exactly how much bed tax and sales tax revenue we are receiving from people staying in our hotels who are here for the purpose of playing golf on the town-owned golf courses?”

The Town’s Response

“The Town cannot show exactly how much bed tax and sales tax revenue it is receiving from people staying in hotels within Town boundaries for the purpose of playing golf on Town-owned golf courses.”

As I suspected, the “tourist revenue” argument was purely conjecture and has no merit at all.

Opinions without factual evidence
One person who lives along the golf courses commented on social media that the golf courses were a “net add” to the town. But when I asked him to provide the “actual monetary statistics,” he could not. He responded only that: “They bring people [tourists] in. They are beautiful. The golf courses keep property values up.”

Well, one could argue that the desert landscape brings people [tourists] in, it’s beautiful, and it keeps property values up. But we’ve all seen how Oro Valley allows mass grading of the desert with no concern at all for its beauty or how it affects our property values.

Three reasons why I never believed the “golf tourist revenue” argument

1. When any of our friends or family have visited us in the past 18 years, not one of them inquired about golf courses in the area. They wanted to experience the desert and desert wildlife, red rock country, Wild West history, and Native American history. As such, they took day trips to Saguaro National Park, Tombstone, the White Stallion Ranch, San Xavier Mission, Tubac, and Nogales, Mexico. Others headed up to Sedona for a few days after leaving Oro Valley. Again, not one of them had any interest in playing golf.
2. When my husband and I moved here in 2003, we came for the desert and mountain views and the dry climate. Golf courses were not on our radar.
3. When planning a vacation that includes golf, why choose Oro Valley over Scottsdale when Scottsdale has a far greater selection of adjacent quality dining, boutique shopping, museums, and art galleries?

The “net add” just doesn’t add up. Their whole argument was based on hyperbole. Six years into this boondoggle, I still fail to see what’s in it for the rest of us.
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Diane Peters has lived in Oro Valley since 2003, moving here to escape the humidity of the East Coast. She’s been involved in OV politics and development issues since 2006, including organizing a citizens group in 2014 that spent 9 months negotiating a controversial 200-acre development project. In her past life, she worked in medical research at various University Hospitals in New England. Her interests include reading, writing, nature photography, travel, art galleries, museums, and politics.

Council "Kicks The Can"

The Town of Oro Valley: Municipal Golf's "Eternal Flame"

Over The Barrel

 

The Solomon Chronicles. Part 4. Conflict of Interest

Want to see Steve Solomon in action? Visit: realstevesolomon.com
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With the Town Council election on the horizon, LOVE will be presenting a series of articles entitled, “The Solomon Chronicles,” highlighting the abysmal record of Councilmember Steve Solomon who is running for re-election. This weekly series will highlight his 4-year record of incivility and his interdependent relationship with local developers. This series was written by a LOVE contributor and contains a synopsis of previous LOVE articles plus new information.
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Solomon had a dog in the golf course fight
As previously reported on LOVE, Councilmember Steve Solomon (via his development company, Canada Vistas, LLC) had property in escrow along the 17th and 18th holes of the Town-owned Canada golf course since at least December of 2017. His plan was to build golf-course-view condos and/or townhomes on that property. He therefore had a financial interest in what happened to those golf courses since he can’t build golf-course-view condos on property that no longer contains golf course views.

He remained in escrow on that property for all of 2018 and until at least April 2019 (the last date in which LOVE has documents stating that he was still in escrow). Why is this important? Because during all of 2018 and 2019 he consistently advocated from the dais to keep all 36 holes of golf open.

Solomon’s unethical behavior
At the June 6, 2018 council meeting, during the FY 2018/19 budget discussions, Solomon spoke on the benefits of (and voted in favor of) a $6 million bond that designated $3.8 million dollars for improvements on the golf courses…golf courses that were adjacent to his planned residential development.

Solomon voted to use public monies to improve land on which he had a financial interest
This was a clear conflict of interest. If Solomon had been honest and ethical, he would have recused himself from any votes having to do with the town-owned golf courses. Instead he voted to spend public money for his own potential gain.

A lie by omission is still a lie
At the July 18, 2018 council meeting, a resident revealed during the Call to Audience that Councilmember Solomon had a financial interest in what happened to the golf courses. Solomon responded:

“I just want to assure everyone that there was absolutely nothing that occurred that was unethical. I do not own property on the golf course.”

Solomon was lying by omission and he knew it. While he didn’t technically own any property on the golf course, he was in escrow to purchase property on the golf course. He conveniently left that part out.

The bottom line is that Solomon had a financial interest in maintaining the town-owned golf courses and he never revealed this information to the public. It was a resident who made the information public.

Desert land in foreground is the "escrow" parcel

The parcel surrounded by the 17th and 18th holes of the Canada Course

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The Solomon Chronicles: Part 5. “A Pattern of Incivility and Disrespect” will be published next Wednesday.

Bits and Pieces

Oro Valley Seeks Proposals For Golf Course Operator
The Town Of Oro Valley issued a request for proposal ("RFP")  for qualified and experienced firms or individuals to provide its Golf Management Services,

"The successful contractor will provide comprehensive services to improve the operation, maintenance and financial performance of the Town’s two 18-hole golf courses, including food and beverage operations (The Town will not subsidize food and beverage operations), with a potential option of managing the Town’s 9-hole Pusch Course." (Source: Town Of Oro Valley RFP 20202).

Proposals must be submitted by Mar 5, 2020 2:00:00 PM MST.

The financial projections included in the RFP include a "management fee" of $100,000 for years through 2024, increasing 2% each year thereafter.''

The bidders conference is Monday, January 10 at 9am in town council chambers.

Trail death continues unsolved
On December 31, the remains of Bartlesville Oklahoma resident Steven Mark Brashear, 66, were found on the Pima Canyon Trail. The man had bee missing from his home since early December. An individual has be arrested in a related matter. The death is being investigated by the Pima County Sheriff.

Oro Valley Police Department assisted in the matter.  "On Dec. 27, the Oro Valley Police Department asked the public for help in locating Brashear, who allegedly left Bartlesville, heading to Arizona with another male. The two were allegedly traveling in a gray Audi Q5 SUV with temporary Oklahoma plates." (source)

Naranja Park playground preliminary work starts January 27
"Residents and park users at Naranja Park will start to see Town of Oro Valley personnel and heavy equipment at the park beginning Monday, January 27. This work will include the preliminary site and infrastructure work to install the new Naranja Park playground. Access to existing fields and facilities will be maintained during this work. Town staff is excited about this epic new park that will include everything for kids ages 1 to 101, such as play areas, shade structures/ramadas, a large music structure and an adventure tower (if you have the courage!) Oh yeah, and swings too!" (source: Town of Oro Valley Facebook posting)

Help design the Naranja Park playground
"In regards to the park’s design, Norris Design, the Town’s consultant, is putting together two designs for public comment. The designs will be posted on the Parks and Recreation website in a few weeks. Following the public comment period, the Town and consultant will develop the final design and order the playground equipment."  (source: Town of Oro Valley Facebook posting)

February Oro Valley "Vista"
The February edition of the The Town of Oro Valley publication " Oro Valley Vista" is available Online.

The Watchdog Report: Golf Revenue is Decreasing

First quarter golf revenues are down
The September 2019 financials have been posted. Despite the accolades from the Town Manager and the minority-3 council members, golf is still losing money and is now generating less revenue compared with the same time period in 2017 and 2018. First quarter revenues (July 1 through September 30) have shown:

• Through September 2017, golf revenues were $174,990
• Through September 2018, golf revenues were $219,812.
• Through September 2019, golf revenues are $168,451.

The factual numbers show that the golf revenues were $51,361 less than the prior year and $6,539 less than two years ago. If golf is doing so well, how can this happen?

In September 2019, there were 1,487 non-member rounds of golf. This compares with 1,529 rounds played at a public course within 5 miles of the El Con. Through September 30th, there were 239 various golf memberships. Troon’s goal for memberships was 319 but has been reduced to 275. If golf is doing so well, why have the membership expectations been lowered?

As an aside, the Overlook Restaurant lost $5,225, bringing the total losses through September to $35,706.

The Community Center is doing very well
As of September 30, 2019, the Town has made $8,926. Through September 2019, our sales tax subsidy is $556,520. Fiscal year 2018/19 that ended on June 30th, showed that the Town’s portion of this investment was a positive $57,747. Add to that the sales tax subsidy of $2,463,034 and you have over $2.5 million ($2,520,781).

Imagine there’s no golf
Imagine if all we had to worry about was the Community Center and not golf. With the Town support, coupled with the sales tax subsidy, we could make all the needed capital improvements to the Community Center including making it ADA compliant.

It is the golf portion of the investment that is the troll and it is this part of the investment that is dividing the Town.

In summary, golf revenues for the first quarter of this fiscal year are less than they were in 2018 and 2017. This should not surprise anybody. We have a 5-year history of this in Oro Valley.

According to the Town Manager we need to withdraw another $1.9 million from the General Fund and bond for an additional $3.2 million to provide for the needs of golf and the community center building. We cannot fund with “pay as you go” as long as we continue to maintain 36 holes of golf. This has been empirically evident by the history of the last five years.

The development scare tactic
The fear of development occurring if we don’t continue with 36 holes is a scare tactic. The HSL/Oro Valley purchase agreement states on page 5 that, “the Resort Course (Pusch Ridge) and the La Canada Course shall be deed restricted so that such courses are only used as golf courses, open space, or recreational amenities…” The Town cannot sell the property because State law mandates that any Town asset over $500,000 cannot be sold without a vote of the citizens.

18 holes won’t require additional funding
It’s true that if we decide to go with an 18-hole option (utilizing the Conquistador Course) we will lose about $900,000 in member dues and $100,000 in HOA contributions. However, this loss in revenue will be offset by the lower water needs, not to mention a reduced need for personnel, cart leases, and equipment. The water savings alone is over $400,000 and the Town currently budgets over $5 million for personnel, operations and maintenance, and equipment leases.

The Town has already withdrawn over $1.5 million from the General Fund and has bonded for energy efficiencies (a new irrigation pump on Conquistador and a new HVAC system at the Community Center). We do not need to borrow more money or withdraw more money when 18 holes can do a better job of sustaining without additional funding. If we are going to bond or borrow money from the General Fund, we should do it to pay our Public Service Retirement debt (ASPRS), or improve Steam Pump Ranch, or improve our parks, our Little League fields and our soccer fields. Let’s fulfill the needs of all our Citizens. It is not equitable to place so much focus on one particular group of citizens.
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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. He was an Air Traffic Controller for 30 years. He and his wife moved to Oro Valley in 1998. Mike served on the Oro Valley Development Review Board from 2005-2009 and the Board of Adjustment from 2011-2012. He served on the Town Council from 2012-2016 during which time he was named a Fellow 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.

Guest View: LOVE Contributor ~ The Monty Python Doctrine, Oro Valley Edition

LOVE often hears from former Oro Valley residents who, despite leaving Oro Valley, continue to follow Oro Valley news via the LOVE blog. One former Oro Valley resident sent us the following parody on the golf course saga. And we know that all satire contains a little bit of truth.
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Remember the comedy routines of Monty Python some years back? They pointed out that it was common logic for the government to “steal from the rich and give to the poor” but they proposed that it is equally logical to “steal from the poor and give to the rich.” It must follow that the “Greenies” are devoted to the Python Doctrine since they demanded and expected that the entire town should get robbed so they can enjoy the luxuries of Country Club living.

But perhaps there is a way to easily satisfy everyone…

Thinking ahead, what about all the poor unwashed “non-member” golfers. They deserve a break as well. So just raise the dedicated sales tax from a half-cent to a full one cent. Now they are also in the Rich Class and happy!

On further thought, what about all the poor souls in the fitness classes, or those who play tennis or pickleball, or those who enjoy archery or swimming. They deserve a break as well. So simply raise the dedicated tax to 5 cents. Problem solved. Now all the physical recreation in Oro Valley would be completely free for everyone to enjoy.

Now we have a town of perfect harmony and no neighborhood fights. Mission accomplished.

Oh wait. I almost forgot this one. What about the hundreds of soccer moms, baseball moms, and football families? Or families with children in other youth programs. Surely, they can’t be left out of this package. So, raise the dedicated sales tax to 8 cents so every recreational need is met in this wonderful and caring place called Oro Valley.

And who can forget the “Once Was” crowd -- every Oro Valley resident whose home once was surrounded by beautiful desert views and all the wildlife that lived there, but who have now lost their tranquility and property values to wealthy land speculators and developers. We can’t leave these poor souls out of the equation. So let’s raise the dedicated sales tax to 10 cents and use this revenue to subsidize their property taxes. It’s the least we can do.

Now we are all in the Rich Class. Everybody wins!

Council Member Solomon: A Financial Conflict Of Interest (Part 2)

Yesterday we presented evidence that Council Member Solomon may well have a financial interest in a property known as Parcel 9B. This parcel lies between the 17th and 18th holes of the Canada golf course. Today we posit: Shouldn't he recuse himself for all voting matters regarding the town owned golf courses?
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Solomon’s unethical behavior
We have already seen how Council Member Solomon will vote concerning Oro Valley's town owned golf courses.   Solomon voted to use public funds to improve lands on which he has a financial interest at the June 6, 2018 council meeting, This occurred during the FY 2018/19 budget discussions.

At that time, Steve Solomon spoke on the benefits of a bond that designated $3.8 million dollars to go towards improvements on the golf properties. He not only spoke in favor of the bond, he also voted in favor of the budget that included the bond.

A lie by omission is still a lie
At the July 18, 2018 council meeting, after it was revealed during the Call to Audience that Council Member Solomon had a financial interest in what happens to the golf courses, Solomon responded:

“I just want to assure everyone that there was absolutely nothing that occurred that was unethical. I do not own property on the golf course…”

Solomon lied by omission. While he didn’t technically own any property on the golf course, he was in escrow to purchase property on the golf course. He conveniently left that part out.

It's a question of ethics, morals, and the public trust
Council Member Solomon has a clear conflict of interest when it comes to what happens regarding the town owned golf courses. Solomon should recuse himself from any votes having to do with these facilities.

However, we doubt this will happen.

Our sources inform us that Solomon may have received legal advice on this issue advising him to withdraw from escrow prior to the vote, then vote to continue all 36 holes of golf, then reopen escrow. If he chooses this route, the fact would still remain that he voted in his own best interest. This may not be illegal, but it is gaming the system for his own benefit. It's unethical and a violation of the public trust.

If Solomon does not recuse himself immediately, then Mayor Winfield should ask the town attorney to provide legal counsel on whether Solomon's pending ownership of property 9B presents a conflict of interest to Solomon in regards to being able to assess golf course options; and to advise the Mayor on actions the town should take if such is the case.

Does Council Member Solomon Have a Conflict of Interest? (Part 1)

Does Council Member Solomon have a conflict of interest in the Golf Decision?
In July 2018, LOVE reported that since at least December of 2017, Council Member Steve Solomon, via his development company, Canada Vistas, LLC, was in escrow to purchase property along the 17th and 18th holes of the Town-owned Canada golf course.

This property is known as Parcel 9B.  Zoning could allow condos or townhomes on this property.

Council Member Solomon has a financial interest in what happens to the Town-owned golf courses
Council Member Solomon can’t offer golf-course-view condos on property that no longer contains golf course views.

We ask: Could this be why Council Member Solomon has remained in escrow on this property since late 2017?  Has he been waiting for a town council decision on the golf courses?

The Canada Course will either remain a golf course or become a linear park. As a Council Member, Solomon will vote on this, isn't he therefore conflicted? Because of necessity, he will be considering the financial impact of any option on his potential purchase and development of 9B.

Council Member Solomon in July of 2017: Must maintain "open natural desert" 
At the July 12, 2017 Golf Courses Study Session when the town council was discussing the possibility of closing one or all of the golf courses, Council Member Solomon said:

“We have to be very sensitive to what happens to the areas that we no longer use as golf courses, because you’ve got homes backing up to these areas…We have an obligation to maintain, at minimum, an open natural desert setting for those homes.”

However, since being in escrow to purchase land along the golf course, Solomon has been advocating solely for retaining all 36 holes of golf. There is no more talk from Solomon of returning it to a natural desert environment.

Timeline and Paper Trail
LOVE has obtained email exchanges that took place in December 2017 between employees of Northwest Management Company. This was the management company for the Canada Hills Villages HOA at that time. These emails contain the following information:

• Dec. 18, 2017: “The board has asked me to find out who is purchasing the 9B piece of land owned by HSL. I know A.F. Sterling backed out but there is talk now that it is being purchased again. Can you tell me who the purchaser is?”
• Dec. 22, 2017: “We did receive the demand for the 9B parcel of land. I did speak to the title company and they did give me the contact information for the buyer. He is a licensed realtor. His name is Steve Solomon from Canada Vista Homes, LLC.”

LOVE has also obtained emails from 2018 regarding this property.

• January 4, 2018: Solomon communicated with the controlling HOA of Canada Hills informing them of his purchase of property on the Canada Course and his desire to meet with both the Master HOA and the sub-HOA’s to discuss design and approval requirements
• January 26, 2018: “I just wanted to touch base and follow up with you regarding Canada Vistas and Village 9B. It was interesting to learn from Steve that they have the property in escrow.” This email also discusses development possibilities including 40 condo units in ten 3-story buildings that would sell in the $300,000 range and 26 two-story townhomes that would sell in the $400-500,000 range.
• June 29, 2018: Solomon replied to a question that he indeed still owned the property and that it was in the early stages of development.
• LOVE is also aware of a Canada Hills HOA meeting in April 2019 where the management company specifically mentioned that “Steve’s property” is still in escrow.

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Tomorrow in Part 2: Council Member Solomon claims that there is no conflict

Publisher View: The Golf Solution

Oro Valley municipal golf has been an issue for a very long time
LOVE has followed Oro Valley happenings since 2005. Our objective was to give voice to the people who don’t attend public hearings and council meetings.

We don't think that the people have been heard when it comes to the question of what to do about 36 holes of town run golf....

Unless, of course, one considers that the voters tossed those responsible for the purchase out of office in last year's election. What to do with these courses was a major election issue.

Some good. Some bad.
The $1 million purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club gave the town the rights to own and use pristine land in the heart of the town. The costs of this have been great. Financial losses on golf far exceeded both the original and subsequent town provided forecasts. The town raised the sales tax to pay for the operations, a tax that today puts Oro Valley retailers at a competitive disadvantage. There has also been a high human cost: A failed attempt to get the purchase on the ballot for all to vote upon; and a recall election of the prior council.

That leaves us where we are today: A town divided, with heavy spending and investment on a town amenity that is used by less than 2% of the town’s residents.

There is a winning hand if council so chooses

• First, close or lease the Overlook. The town should not be in the restaurant business. The town should not compete with private enterprise;
• Second, set an annual spending limit on the amount of subsidy that the town should spend on golf; 
• Third, run one outstanding 18-hole golf course and not two mediocre courses that are underfunded; 
• Fourth, make a majority 43,000 residents of Oro Valley happy by converting the other course to a linear park that everyone can use; and
• Fifth, if we can ever get to the point where golf pays for itself, rescind the sales tax increase.

The result: Something for all
Under our plan, the original intent of maintaining this pristine area remains; everyone gets something, and the town has a sensible plan. Sounds like a win!

As they deliberate, it is important that the council consider and represent the interests of all 43,000 residents of Oro Valley, not just the interests of the golf members and abutting landowners who have packed council chambers and dominated the proceedings with their one sided, "Me! Me! Me!" dialogue.

The rest of us, the ones who never come to these hearings, are a silent majority who would prefer the town move in a new, creative direction.

Our message to council: "Carpe Diem"
It's time for council to make a decision: Make the petulant children who threaten lawsuits and boo and hiss at any dissenting opinion happy; or make the 43,000 residents of Oro Valley happy.  The choice is obvious.

Guest View: Diane Peters ~ The Royalty vs. the Peasants. Part 2.

Part 1 was published yesterday. If you missed it, please scroll down beneath this article to read it.
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Below is the speech that I’ve been attempting to give since July 24th at a Town Council Public Hearing or during the Call to Audience.

Mr. Mayor and Council,

Although my husband and I don’t live near the golf courses, we understand the concerns of the people who do. They purchased their homes expecting that they would always have a golf course view. They are now understandably concerned about what will become of their views and property values if the courses are closed. But those residents aren’t the only ones affected by a change in their views.

We purchased a home with desert views. All the undeveloped land surrounding our home was zoned for low density rural residential. So, we expected that when that land was eventually developed, that it would be low density, one-story homes on very large lots…and our magnificent desert views, the peace and quiet, and all the wildlife would remain. That’s what we bought.

But over the years, developers got all that unspoiled desert rezoned down to much smaller lot sizes, including tiny mass graded lots with 2-story homes.

If that’s not enough, the road behind our house was a quiet 2-lane road with dirt shoulders. There were no traffic lights, streetlights, or sidewalks. Today, that road is being turned into a 4-6 lane main road with multiple traffic lights, a concrete median, and sidewalks. But wait…there’s more. We’re also getting the addition of twelve, count ‘em twelve streetlights at the intersection near our home.

Residents along the golf courses stated that they purchased their homes along the golf courses for the following reasons:

• the beautiful views
• the tranquility
• the serene neighborhood
• the abundant wildlife

And they’ve made the following arguments for what will happen if the golf courses are closed:

• the ambience they paid for will disappear
• digging up the courses could subject them to Valley Fever
• closing the golf courses would be a pretty dramatic hit both visually and financially
• it will transform an esthetically pleasing landscape into something far less desirable
• it will result in a dramatic reduction in their home values

Now replace the words “golf course views” with “unspoiled desert views” and you will understand our situation.

So, our question is, why should their property values be deemed more important than mine or anyone else’s?

Our neighborhood has changed drastically and yet we’re being asked to subsidize the views for residents living in another neighborhood. Where are the tax subsidies to maintain our views, our peace and tranquility, our property values?

Since 2015, residents who have lost their views and property values due to rezonings and unbridled development have been forced to pay an increased sales tax to maintain the views and property values of other residents, and in doing so, the former mayor and his majority council turned Oro Valley into what I call -- The Royalty vs. the Peasants. The Royalty has been given hours upon hours of time to present their case at numerous town meetings. Tonight, I’m speaking as one of the peasants.

It seems to me that an equitable compromise would be a combination of 18-holes of golf, natural open space, walking trails, and maybe a park. Then everyone gets something for their tax dollars. That’s a lot more palatable than caving in to the Royalty’s demands for special treatment and millions of dollars in public support to protect their lifestyle and their views.
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Diane Peters has lived in Oro Valley since 2003, moving here to escape the humidity of the East Coast. She’s been involved in OV politics and development issues since 2006. In 2014, she organized a citizens group, Citizen Advocates of the Oro Valley General Plan, who over a 9-month period, successfully negotiated a controversial 200-acre development project. In her past life, she worked in medical research at various University Hospitals in New England. Her interests include reading, writing, nature photography, travel, art galleries, museums, and politics.

Guest View: Diane Peters ~ The Royalty vs. the Peasants. Part 1.

I never thought the day would come when I would be speaking about a group of Oro Valley residents the way that I am about to speak about them. But if they are going to engage in behavior that is rude, entitled, disrespectful, and uncivil, they shouldn’t be surprised when they are called out for doing so. I’m talking about the pro-golf crowd.

Multiple town meetings including private meetings and still they demand more
Despite the fact that this crowd (golf members and residents living along the golf courses) have had multiple opportunities to voice their opinions regarding the golf courses, with some of those opportunities being PRIVATE town meetings held just for them, they still feel that they should be given even more time to state their case and repeat the same talking points over and over and over again. In doing so, they are barely allowing anyone else a chance to speak, thereby giving the false impression that the majority of people in town want to keep the golf courses open despite millions of dollars in losses. If this were true, then Hiremath and his majority council would not have been thrown out of office last year.

Matching Outfits, Rude Behavior, and Threats
They are now packing council chambers at every meeting, banding together in their “Green Shirts,” repeatedly being rude to the mayor and certain council members when speaking at the Call to Audience or during the Public Hearings AND being rude and disrespectful to anyone who dares speak at the podium in favor of closing one or all of the golf courses. They have threatened a recall if they don’t get their way. They have threatened a lawsuit against the Town if they don’t get their way. They act like they are the only people in town, or the only ones that matter.

Forked Tongue
It’s very telling that the people who are claiming to be worried about the Town losing revenue if the courses are closed are the same people who are threatening a lawsuit against the Town. Think about that. In essence, this is what they’re saying:

“We’re so worried that the Town will lose millions of dollars in bed tax, sales tax, and property tax revenue if you close the courses that we’re going to sue the Town for millions of dollars if we don’t get our way.”

And that’s how you know that their real issue and their only issue is their views and their property values. Tossing in the “town revenues” argument is just their way of trying to appear unselfish.

No more sympathy
I initially felt for these people because I certainly know what it’s like to have your views and property values lowered due to Town Council decisions that alter the land use adjacent to your property. There are thousands of other Oro Valley residents (myself included) who have lost their once beautiful views, peaceful surroundings, and property values due to the rampant and incompatible rezonings approved during the Hiremath years. Yet, we did not show up in “matching outfits” taking over the council chambers week after week attempting to intimidate anyone who disagreed with us or threatening a recall or a lawsuit if our current views were altered. We did not snicker at or boo speakers who disagreed with us. The “Green Shirts” tactics are ill-mannered and this is why the pro-golf crowd has lost my sympathy.

(I do have sympathy for those who live along the golf courses who have been civil and who are in the unfortunate position of being "represented" by the Green Shirts.)

Below are the three special and private meetings that were held just for golf members and residents living along the golf courses:

May 4, 2017. PRIVATE Q&A Session/Workshop for residents living along the golf courses.
Held at the Gaslight Theatre and facilitated by The National Golf Foundation, Forrest Richardson & Associates (golf course architects), and the WLB Group (local engineering and development firm), all hired by the Town to address the Community Center/Golf Course issues.

December 12, 2017. Another PRIVATE Special meeting for residents living along the golf courses.
Hosted by Town Manager, Mary Jacobs and held in Town Council Chambers. The purpose was to discuss the options presented in the golf consultant’s report and allow golf course area residents to ask questions and share their thoughts on the options.

December 13, 2017. PRIVATE Special meeting for golf members.
Hosted by Town Manager, Mary Jacobs and held in the Sunset Room of the Community Center. The purpose was to discuss the options presented in the golf consultant’s report and allow golf members to ask questions and share their thoughts on the options.

Below are the meetings that Mayor Winfield has held for all residents to speak on the golf issue:

February 20, 2019. Town Council Listening Session (Public Hearing)
This allowed all members of the community to speak about the golf courses. Twenty-nine people spoke.

July 24, 2019. Town Council - Public Hearing
Held at The Church of the Nazarene, this meeting allowed all members of the community to speak about the golf courses. Approximately 700 people showed up. The meeting lasted 4 hours and 50 people spoke.

I submitted a Blue Card to speak but left the meeting after 1.5 hours when my name still had not been called and I was developing back pain from the uncomfortable chairs. No problem, or so I thought, I’ll give my speech during the Call to Audience at the council meeting the following week -- but I was thwarted again. See below.

July 31, 2019. Town Council – Public Hearing
A Public Hearing was added to this meeting to accommodate those who didn’t get to speak at the meeting on July 24th. So once again, the room was packed and 33 people spoke, taking up one hour and 40 minutes of the Public Hearing.

I didn’t have the option of speaking at the Call to Audience because you cannot speak at the CTA about an item that’s listed for a Public Hearing. Me and my aching back were unable to sit there for an hour or more waiting my turn to speak for 3 minutes.

Sept. 4, 2019. Town Council – Another Public Hearing on Golf
With another Public Hearing, I knew that “The Green Shirts” would pack the room again, which they did, so I didn’t bother attending. I watched the video from home, listened to just two of the 11 speakers, both of whom were very rude, at which point I turned off the video.

Sept. 18, 2019. Town Council Meeting
At long last, golf was not on the agenda, meaning that people could speak on golf during the Call to Audience. I arrived at 5:45, planning to speak at the CTA, but walked in again to find a room packed with “The Green Shirts.” It was standing room only.

I asked the Town Clerk how many Blue Cards had been submitted so that I could determine how long it would be before my name was called. The list appeared to have about 20 names on it. Quick math…20 speakers at 3 minutes each means I’ll be waiting an hour for my name to be called. Back pain…uncomfortable chairs…nope…I wasn’t going to put myself through that again. So once again I was thwarted from speaking. I walked out and went home. Another person who had also been waiting weeks for the chance to speak about golf during the CTA also walked out without speaking.

When is it our turn to speak?
This is the THIRD time that I have tried to speak on golf in recent weeks and have been thwarted by “the mob” every single time. They are monopolizing the meetings leading some who are there to speak in favor of closing one or both of the courses to walk out before ever getting their chance to speak.

Totaling up the number of speakers from the above meetings in 2019:

• 29 speakers on February 20th
• 50 speakers on July 24th
• 33 speakers on July 31st
• 11 speakers on September 4th
• 17 speakers on September 18th

That’s a total of 140 speeches, but not 140 residents because many of them spoke multiple times.

We heard you the first time
Now realize that some of those 140 speakers were against continuing golf. And then there were those who spoke multiple times in favor of continuing golf. Those speakers are listed below:

• Jeff Weir spoke six times --  (Feb. 20, July 24, July 31, Sept. 18, and twice on Sept. 4).
• Greg Kishi spoke five times --  (Feb. 20, July 17, July 24, July 31, Sept. 4).
• Fred Swiderski spoke four times -- (Feb. 20, July 24, July 31, Sept. 18).
• Steve Jones spoke four times -- (Feb. 20, June 5, July 24, July 31).
• Rob Wanczyk spoke four times --  (Feb. 20, July 24, July 31, Sept. 4).

There were also 5 residents who spoke three times and 9 residents who spoke twice.

With that many repeat speakers, you can see that the actual number of people who spoke in favor of keeping all 36 holes of golf was actually much less than 140 – out of a population of 43,000. Their numbers are not as strong as they would like us to believe.
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Editor’s Note: The meetings on this subject have been disproportionate in reflecting how the community feels as a whole. The Town Council needs to hear from the other 43,000 people who live in this community! Please email them at council@orovalleyaz.gov. If you prefer to email individual council members, their email addresses are as follows:

jwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov
mbarrett@orovalleyaz.gov
jjones-ivey@orovalleyaz.gov
jnicolson@orovalleyaz.gov
rpina@orovalleyaz.gov
brodman@orovalleyaz.gov
ssolomon@orovalleyaz.gov

Part 2, the speech that Ms. Peters has been attempting to give for weeks will be published tomorrow.

Twenty-Two compelling questions regarding the Town-owned golf courses

The following letter was recently submitted to the mayor, council, and town manager by three Oro Valley residents who believe that these questions should be explored prior to the council making a decision on whether or not to continue operating the golf courses.
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To: Mayor and Council
Copy: Town Manager

The three undersigned individuals are all residents of Oro Valley. We each have an idea on how the golf course dilemma should be resolved. One is an ex-Councilman who voted against the purchase of the property, the other is the current President of the Men’s Golf Association, and the third is an extremely interested and involved officer in a local HOA. We have set aside our biases in order to provide this communication to you.

We understand that you are the decision makers of Oro Valley. We believe that you cannot make a responsible decision until the following questions have been thoroughly investigated and answered without political bias or agenda.

Please consider the following questions:

1. What is the vision for the future of the golf courses?

2. What objective(s) are you attempting to achieve with the subject decision? For example: Minimize the tax subsidy? Protect property values? Maximize public access?

3. What quantitative and qualitative metrics (payroll, utility/water costs, maintenance, green space acreage, space and time allocated for public use, etc.) are going to be evaluated and who are the subject matter experts that will quantify the metrics?

4. Explicitly describe the “community outreach process” you believe necessary to be implemented prior to making a decision regarding the future of the golf courses.

5. What is the amount of acreage that will be repurposed as part of each of the golf configurations described in the Town Manager’s May 24, 2019, Memorandum to the Mayor and Council? (Attached) Please add an additional option that was not mentioned in the attached Memorandum, that being to convert to the original 18-hole configuration.

6. What would be the cost per acre for the repurposing acreage of the golf configurations described in question 5 above, and what authority was used to determine such cost?

7. Would any of the repurposed acreage in each of the above configurations (to include the original 18 configuration) be repurposed to green space and, if so, how much acreage would be involved and at what level as described in page 9 of the attached Memorandum?

8. How long would completion of the repurposing process take for any acreage involved in the above configurations, and how was that timeline determined, and by what authority?

9. What level of tax support would be required for each of the above configurations, including the costs for repurposing acreage, and the five-year costs for maintenance for the repurposed acreage associated with those configurations that include repurposing?

10. What is the revenue reduction to the Water Utility for reclaimed water currently paid by the golf operation that would result from each of the subject reconfigurations? OR – What is the true cost of providing reclaimed water to the golf courses under the current configuration, and how is this cost modified by each of the proposed configurations?

11. How was the estimated revenue reduction in the Water Utility that is described above determined?

12. In what manner would any revenue reduction described above be addressed by the Water Utility if a golf configuration resulting in such a revenue reduction were adapted?

13. If a golf configuration is adopted that requires the repurposing of acreage in a manner that would impact existing, or establish new washes, what would the provisions of the Federal Clean Water Act have on such work, and what steps are in place to address such impacts, if they exist?

14. What discussions have taken place, or are currently taking place, to involve HSL and the Pusch Ridge HOA in the potential of those entities taking on the responsibility of the 9-hole Pusch Ridge course?

15. What, if any, actions have taken place by Town officials to investigate the possibility of leasing the Town owned golf courses?

16. What, if any, consideration have Town officials given to the possibility of entering into a Private/Public partnership regarding the operation of the Town’s golf courses?

17. Has the Town prepared itself for the numerous lawsuits that will likely be filed if property values are adversely affected by any decision made with respect to the golf courses?

18. What specific actions has the Town considered to grow revenue (raise member dues, green fees, HOA assessment) and reduce payroll and irrigation (turf reduction) costs?

19. Will the Community Center Fund, with its sales tax revenues, be able to cover any additional debt service which might be needed?

20. Does the Town of Oro Valley have a fiduciary responsibility to the property owners on or near the golf courses?

21. Does the town know the assessed impact of lost business and tax revenue from visitors if the golf courses were to be shut down or change significantly?

22. Have Town Officials that may have personal interest in the outcome other than official business recused themselves from any deliberations or decisions?

We sincerely hope that you will seriously address each of the issues presented so that the decision that you ultimately make is truly in the best interest of the entire Oro Valley community.

Respectfully,
Rob Wanczyk
Michael Schoeppach
Mike Zinkin

Guest View-George Lindsay: Golf Is A Good Investment for the Town

The following is a letter that Mr. Lindsay sent to the Oro Valley Town Council and town manager in July. He also submitted it to LOVE as a Guest View.  While we do not agree with all of Mr. Lindsay's points, we do agree with some of them, and LOVE welcomes all points of view.
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Mayor and Council:

As more information becomes available, it appears the Mayor and Council should come to the conclusion that the purchase of the Community Center and golf courses were a good investment for the Town. As in the private industry, not all acquisitions are perfect but good management improves the operations and makes the adjustments to respond to the market place.

The Community Center provides a wide array of activities for Oro Valley residents, young and old, that would not be available under the prior ownership; the summer activity programs for the area’s youth, the fitness programs, pool and tennis programs, to name a few.

The golf courses are in the best shape in years as noted by numerous players and residents. Contrary to what we hear, play and revenues are up and the Town has budgeted for operational as well as deferred maintenance expenditures through bonds.

We seem to focus on the costs and overlook the benefits to the Town as a whole. The Community Center Fund is trending positive, as predicted, the Town can market itself as a “golf destination” which brings winter visitors and tax revenues, and our residents have access to a wide array of activities to improve their way of life.

Perhaps the Town should consider continuing their negotiations with the resort and the Pusch Ridge HOA’s for transfer of the 9 hole course for a “win-win” situation for everyone. Although the Town already has an abundance of trails (54.5 miles), allowing trail access to one or both courses during certain hours, as is the case in Sun City, can expand public use of the land, while retaining the property values and benefits of “green scape.” The Town can develop an ordinance to allow for enforcement of the land uses which it needs but currently does not have.

Information provided to the mayor and council cites a reduction in treated waste-water with the reduction in holes could result in the loss of operational revenues for the Water Utility, thereby necessitating rate increases for either treated waste water or potable water to keep reclaimed rate increases reasonable. Increasing everyone’s water rates will not go over well with residents.

Once all the costs as well as environmental and financial impacts are addressed, it appears that the true cost differential from status quo to linear parks will not be significant.

It appears that the Canada Hills Master Association including Carmel Pointe, Canada Hills Village 19 and others, Chamber of Commerce, the Tucson Realtors Association all support the Community Center and 36 holes of golf. Can they all be wrong?

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Ed Note: Mr. Lindsay owns a home overlooking the 18-hole Conquistador course.

Guest View: Mike Zinkin ~ Golder Ranch Fire District Chief uses public safety scare tactics as a reason to keep all 36 holes of golf

At the July 24th Town Council Special meeting regarding Oro Valley Golf Operations, Golder Ranch Fire District Chief, Randy Karrer, addressed the Town Council. He urged the Council to retain all 36 holes of golf to avoid a decrease in property values which he believed would result in funding cuts to the fire department since Golder Ranch F.D. operates solely on property taxes.

Karrer said that closing the golf courses “would have a cumulative and lasting effect that would most certainly injure the fire district in future years.” He speculated the following chain of events:

• Property values would go down

• Property tax assessments would be reduced as a result

• Lowered property tax assessments would result in less property tax revenue

• Less property tax revenue means less money to Golder Ranch which could result in a “significant reduction in public safety service level which would likely mean a reduction in force or layoffs of firefighters and paramedics.”

• The other option would be to significantly increase property taxes in order to offset the loss from the lowered property valuations.

Remember, this supposed reduction in property values is speculation.

Where was Chief Karrer in December 2014?
Not a bad scare tactic, but where was Chief Karrer in December 2014? On December 17, 2014, the Hiremath Council was to vote on the purchase of the HSL properties. According to the Power Point presentation that evening, the properties included, a 31,475 sq. ft. building located on La Canada, a 5,600 sq. ft. building located at the Pusch Ridge course, 324 acres of land assessed at over $30,000,000, plus 31 tennis courts and 2 heated swimming pools.

The Property Tax assessment that the El Conquistador Hotel was paying for all of this was around $40,000/year.

Since municipalities do not pay property taxes, the second the Town closed escrow on the El Con property -- the County, and therefore The Golder Ranch Fire District, lost that $40,000/year in Property Tax revenue. This was not speculation. It was a definite outcome. Why was he silent at that time?

Chief Karrer, where were you in December 2014?
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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. He was an Air Traffic Controller for 30 years. He and his wife moved to Oro Valley in 1998. Mike served on the Oro Valley Development Review Board from 2005-2009 and the Board of Adjustment from 2011-2012. He served on the Town Council from 2012-2016 during which time he was named a Fellow 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.