Bits and Pieces

This weekend celebrate the season at the Oro Valley Festival
The Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration, hosted by SAACA, takes place this weekend at the Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Rd. Enjoy festive performances, a visit from Santa, and a vibrant arts showcase, with the tree lighting set for Saturday at 6 p.m. This free event is a beloved holiday tradition. (Source: Town of Oro Valley “Vista” newsletter, November-December 2024)

Barrett unanimously re-appointed vice mayor 

At Wednesday's council meeting, council member Melanie Barrett was reappointed as vice mayor of the Town. Barrett has been vice mayor for the past five years.

Council unanimously approves three ordinances: Streamline litter enforcement, set zoning request time limits, and implement state-mandated accessory dwelling unit rules
Also Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved three ordinances during Wednesday night’s meeting. The first, Ordinance 024-10, updates the town code on garbage and litter to streamline enforcement of property maintenance violations. The ordinance allows alternative noticing methods, such as posting notices on properties or filing with the county recorder, making it easier for the town to address abandoned or neglected properties.

Ordinance 024-11 amends the zoning code to comply with state law on residential rezoning applications, legal protest areas, and development review expirations. It establishes a 180-day processing deadline for rezoning applications, clarifies the exclusion of government-owned properties from legal protest areas, and sets a 12-month inactivity cap for development applications before they expire.

The third measure, Ordinances 024-12 and 024-13, aligns the town’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations with state law, including height, location, and rental provisions. These changes aim to balance compliance with state mandates while addressing potential community concerns, such as neighborhood density and short-term rentals. There was minimal council discussion, as most items followed state law requirements.

The Cottage at Immaculate Heart: Check us out for the holidays!

"The Cottage is a vintage thrift store located at scenic 420 E Magee Rd, Oro Valley.  All items are previously loved, with all proceeds supporting the Sisters of Immaculate Heart.  Since our last ‘Bits ‘n Pieces’ in 2023, we’ve grown! Due to the generosity of others, we were able to enhance the landscape to allow increased parking and acquire several storage units, allowing space for increased inventory. 

We want to remind you that we’re here to offer a unique shopping experience and are a viable place at which you can donate.  Please visit our website for info regarding days/hours; donating; and, some photos of inventory (www.thecottageov.com).  Current hours are Weds thru Fri, 9am -1pm (website will always be most accurate source of info for hours and Saturday sale dates).  Call 520-405-4613 with information about pick up of items, donating on-site or any other questions.  Hope to see you soon!" (Source: The Cottage reader email)

SnOV on December 21
"Join us for the SnOV event on Thursday, December 21, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center! Enjoy games, crafts, food and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), holiday characters, real snow, and a special visit from Santa. Due to limited parking, visitors are encouraged to park at the Oro Valley Town Hall parking lot (11000 North La Cañada Drive) and walk to the event, with Parks and Recreation staff and the Oro Valley Police Department ensuring a safe path. ADA parking will be available at the Community & Recreation Center." (Source)

Bits and Pieces

Council approves reconsideration of Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve plans
Wednesday night, the Oro Valley Town Council approved, by a 5-1 majority, a motion to reconsider previous plans for improvements to the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. Mayor Winfield voted against the reconsideration, and Councilmember Joyce Jones-Ivey abstained. This decision reopens discussions on potential features, including the addition of a water feature, which had been excluded from earlier proposals. The motion allows the council to once again determine the direction of the project. This reconsideration aims to address community feedback on the desire for a water feature and explore enhancements that could benefit the preserve’s overall appeal and functionality.  The actual discussion will take place at an upcoming council meeting. OK, we will keep you posted.

Council approves change for permitting commercial vehicle storage
Also on Wednesday night, Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. (O)24-09 on November 20, 2024, amending the zoning code to require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for stand-alone vehicle storage facilities and clarifying related development standards. The amended regulations changed the designation from permitted to conditional use in certain districts. According to town staff, the decision follows extensive study sessions, public feedback, and recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

OVCN attendees use Robb’s driveway for parking
The “good neighbor” OVCN has such large crowds at their services that attendees park illegally. Every car you see parked here is in a no-parking zone. One car with a trailer was even parked on Council Member Robb’s driveway. Meanwhile, the saga of OVCN’s variance request continues on December 12. The town will host the “second” neighborhood meeting on their request. We put quotes around the word “second” because the first neighborhood meeting, held about a month ago, provided absolutely no information to residents. It was a sham.

Celebrate the season at the Oro Valley Festival on December 7 and 8 
The Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration, presented by SAACA, is set for Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the tree lighting at 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Rd. This free event is an Oro Valley holiday tradition, featuring Christmas-themed performances, a special visit from Santa, and a vibrant celebration of the arts, bringing joy and community spirit to all attendees. (Source: Town of Oro Valley “Vista” newsletter, November-December 2024)

Key highlights from the November 2024 Town Manager’s Report
The Town of Oro Valley made notable advancements across various community projects. Road improvements on La Cañada Drive commenced on November 4 and concluded by November 15, while the Community & Recreation Center is undergoing accessibility upgrades, including a new elevator and entryway modifications, projected to finish in early 2025. The Town Court Expansion’s first phase has been completed, adding crucial facilities, with phase two underway and full completion anticipated by late spring 2025. The Cañada del Oro Wash levee project was finished ahead of schedule, enhancing flood protection and repaving trail sections. (Source: November 2024 Town Manager Report to Council)

Oro Valley launches tourism app
Oro Valley has introduced the Explore OV app to enhance the visitor experience by simplifying the exploration of local attractions, events, and businesses. The app is part of the town’s tourism strategy and the town’s designation as a Destination Marketing Organization. The app offers features such as personalized itineraries, themed public art tours, and real-time navigation. Users can create tailored plans, access offline maps, and share their experiences with friends and family. This initiative, according to Paul Melcher, Town of Oro Valley Community and Economic Development Director, is an effort to promote Oro Valley’s unique offerings and foster economic support through tourism. You can download the app at the Apple or Google app stores. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)
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Bits and Pieces (Pre Thanksgiving Edition)

Tree Lighting date set
The holiday tree will be located once again at the Oro Valley marketplace. The lighting ceremony is December 2 at 6 PM. There is also an all day holiday festival taking place that day.

Community Center Milestones 

In October, the Community and Recreation Center (CRC) achieved a record-breaking membership with over 3,200 currently registered members. This is a 51% increase from the prior year, adding 1,077 members. Situated at the heart of our town, the CRC stands as a cornerstone of our community, and this substantial growth underscores the growing enthusiasm of the town’s community's amenity and recreation programs. (Town Manager November Report To Council)

Town upgrades 911 system … adds automatic call back feature

In October, the town upgraded its 911 system. The upgrade introduces a major new feature: Automatic Abandoned Callback (AAC). AAC is designed to call back abandoned 911 calls, providing response prompts. Yes. The majority of abandoned 911 calls are accidental. Still, there is a portion of these calls that originate from individuals in urgent need of emergency assistance. (Town Manager November Report To Council)

Treat the “Yellow Signs” kindly
Property owners, applicants, and/or developers are required to submit applications to the Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Staff for proposed land development (e.g., General Plan Amendment, Rezoning, Conditional Use Permit, Grading exception) changes The Town is then required to publicly announce all hearings related to the proposed development. Prominent yellow signs are installed on the property to inform residents about upcoming public meetings. 

These signs contain details about the proposed changes, meeting date/location, and the website/contact information for residents seeking additional details. They serve as a visual prompt for residents to engage and gather information about the proposed developments in their community. Unfortunately, some yellow signs have been defaced, knocked down, or blown over by the wind. To report damaged or fallen signs, please call 520-229-4800.

Town focuses on identifying short term rental registrations... issues violation notices

The following are short-term rental (STR) statistics through October:

• There are 341 STR rental unit listings as of 10/30/23, down from 348 listings the prior month.
• September: 67.5% of STRs are single family units, 31.3% are multifamily units, and 1.2% are unknown type. 
• October: 68.8% of STRs are single family units, 29.9% are multifamily units, and 1.3% are unknown type. 
• 2-3 bedroom rentals constitute 41% and 35.1% of all rental listings, respectively. 
• Of the single family units, approximately 96.% include the entire home as the rental unit.

Town staff assesses STR registrations monthly, initiating a review process at the start of each month to detect any registrations that remain outstanding. Staff issues a violation notice once it has identified a non-registered STR. (Town Manager November Report To Council) 

Bits and Pieces

Monday...Neighborhood meeting of Drive-Thru at LaCanada and Oracle

After years of vacancy, the bladed lot on the northwest corner of LaCanada and W Naranja Drive is proposed for two medical buildings and a drive-thru restaurant. The last neighborhood meeting on this was two and half years ago. Read more about the project here.

Delightful rain last weekend

Last weekend, more than 23,000 acre feet of water fell over Oro Valley. It was mostly a gentle rain. It was the kind that benefits the town's groundwater supplies. More days like that are good!

An awesome holiday display light show

The awesome holiday light show is back. It located at a home at the intersection of W Golf View Drive and W Landoran.  Show starts around 6pm. Well worth seeing.

Next OVCN sports facility hearing in February

The next public hearing on the request by the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) for a major sports facility is in February. It will be held by the Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission. At that time, the Commission will vote on whether it approves or does not approve the application. Or, they could approve it with conditions.  After that, the The Oro Valley Town Council will  hear the application. Approval will require a supermajority (three quarters approval) of the council.  

At Wednesday's hearing, town staff planner Hannah Oden stated that the facility will impact views, increase traffic, and increase noise in the area. The only mitigating measure to some of that to is require that the Church not hold more than one event a time. Residents speaking at Tuesday's hearing are staunchly opposed to the project because of its negative impact on their community.

Oro Valley to cut the ribbon on Steam Pump Ranch Garage restoration

"ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Dec. 7, 2022) – The Town of Oro Valley invites the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the restoration of the Garage building at historic Steam Pump Ranch (10901 N. Oracle Road) on Saturday, December 10 at 10 a.m. Guest speakers include Mayor Joe Winfield and Parks and Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Bits and Pieces

Council approves video recording of board and commission meetings

This past Wednesday, The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved a motion by Council Member Bohen to video record all board and commission meetings. Currently, these meetings are audio recorded. They are difficult to follow when there are presentations being made. Thus, the need for video.  The motions increases governance transparency. It wa unanimously approved by all Council Members.

Town Manager Jacobs: Town's staff wellness program is robust"

"We have a extremely robust wellness program here and the Town of Oro Valley for employees and because we are self insured that’s particularly important so that we keep our employees out of the doctor keep them healthy and that ultimately saves taxpayer dollars so it all works out really well with regularly been recognized for outstanding wellness programs and we were notified that we received the official gold seal of good health keeping renewal awards so again we get it again and the employer resiliency recognition from the wellness council of Arizona and so will be receiving that award." (Source: Town Manager Mary Jacobs report to council at meeting of November 17, 2021)

Great holiday lights display for you to watch...

This year, as in past years, the home at the intersection of Landoran and Golf View Drive in Oro Valley has a simply lovely, fun display. It's hard to describe so we've included a video for you to enjoy. It's really something.

OV SafeSteps program wins PRSA IMPACT Award of Excellence

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Nov. 15, 2021) –– The Town of Oro Valley’s OV SafeSteps program has been recognized for exemplary professional skill, creativity and resourcefulness in public relations and communications by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for Southern Arizona.

 
On November 2, the program was awarded a PRSA IMPACT Award recognizing the highest standards in programs that successfully incorporate the four key elements of: research, planning, implementation, and evaluation and demonstrating the value these practices bring to communities. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

Proposed Senior Care Facility at Stone Canyon is no more

"The Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement with Spectra Properties for the 51-acre Stone Canyon parcel has been terminated," according to the Stone Canyon Community Association letter of November 24. The project was for a "skilled care facility" and not a resort. In September, the Town's Board of Adjustment unanimously rejected an appeal of a zoning interpretation by Town Engineer Bayer Vella regarding building height. At that meeting, residents were complementary of Vella's detailed study of the matter as well as former Mayor Loomis' comments at the meeting. 

Oro Valley Municipal Golf: How does it compare?

One of ways to understand how well Oro Valley's 36-holes of municipal golf is doing is to compare its "rounds" results to another, reasonably close municipal course.  One of the challenges in doing this is that Oro Valley operates 36 holes of golf while a comparable course operates only 18. Another challenge is that the Oro Valley courses are not strictly comparable because Oro Valley's course has memberships. Member rounds account to 40% of total round played.  Other municipal courses have no memberships.

Considering these differences, we compared Oro Valley Municipal Golf results to that other course, focusing on total non member "played" rounds. For the four months ended October, the other course had 479 non member paid rounds per hole. The Oro Valley course had 323. So, in that regard, the Oro Valley courses are underperforming. 

On the other hand, Oro Valley is outperforming this other municipal course (561 to 479) if total rounds are considered.

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