Guest View-Mike Zinkin: "Town Water Wasting- The Beat Goes On"

Town of Oro Valley wins 2023 Water Waster Award

This Guest View of Mike Zinkin's is yet another chance to acknowledge the Town of Oro Valley for earning LOVE's 2023 Water Award. This is the third year of this award and, yes, the third time the town has won!

This recognition is attributed to the town's longstanding practice of using potable water for irrigating both a golf course and two town parks, with no apparent intention to adopt alternative measures.

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Zinkin... Potable Water use increasing

We have all received our October 2023 water bills, including the Town of Oro Valley, and the potable water usage remains alarmingly high.

Focusing on the Pusch Ridge golf course, the Town Manager's Report indicates no golf disc rounds played in October, with the course opening for golf only on October 27. Nevertheless, the potable water usage for the month was an excessive 12,390,000 gallons, equating to the needs of 1,770 homes. 

Big bucks spent

The water bill for Pusch Ridge totaled an astonishing $47,962.76. To cover this expense with a golf round cost of $50.00 (for 9 holes), the course would need to host 959 rounds just to break even on the water bill! Notably, the water usage for Pusch Ridge in October 2023 was significantly higher than the same time last year by 6,443,000 gallons, roughly twice 2022 usage. The reason behind this drastic increase in 2023 remains unclear.

Furthermore, the Town's wasteful practices extend to Riverfront Park and Jim Kriegh Park, with a combined usage of 3,236,000 gallons, enough for 462 homes. This represents a 30% increase from the October 2022 figure of 1,936,000 gallons.

Water wasting elsewhere

In addition, the Conquistador water usage in Oct. 2022 was 6,443,000 gallons, while in 2023 the October usage was 14,383,000 gallons. This is a 123% increase. The same trend is true for the Canada course; in October 2022 the usage was 16,318,000 gallons, while in October 2023 the usage was 22,588,000 gallons. This is a 38.5% increase. 

It is concerning to see such a substantial rise in water waste, and it prompts the question:

What changes have occurred on our properties to cause this surge in wastage?

None.

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Note: The town has asserted the following  regarding the increase water use over prior year
 in response to an an inquiry of Mr. Zinkin:

"One of the most significant contributors to water consumption is the temperature and weather and October 2022 was one of our cooler Falls on record,. If you compare last October to this October there were days that had as much as a 16 degree difference.

For example, the Pusch Ridge Course does its overseeding in October and in 2022 there was zero days with 90+ degree heat, compared to this October there were 15 days with 90+ degree heat before the 22nd.

It is important to note that water consumption needs to be looked at holistically over longer time periods to truly understand what the data is telling you. Looking at just one month’s consumption can create a bias that might not be accurate."

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Bits and Pieces

Kneaders says "Thanks for your support"

The parent company and operator of the Kneaders Restaurant located in the El Corredor Center on Oracle Road has permanently closed this location. According to the owner, the store did not meet its operating objective. We will miss it since we conducted the majority of our interviews there.

This, from Kneaders management: "We thank our loyal guests for their continued support and apologize for the inconvenience of our recent store closing in Oro Valley. We are dedicated to success in every market and this particular site did not meet the anticipated expectation in the region. We remain committed to offering the best service possible to our guests. While we know our next closest location is a ways away, we would love to see our faithful guests visit our other Arizona locations when they are in the area." (Source: Kneaders email to LOVE)

Classical Music Sunday at Riverfront Park

"The Town of Oro Valley and the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance have partnered to bring classical music to residents since 1997. The Oro Valley Riverfront Park Classical Concert Series supports some of the finest classically trained musicians with the opportunity to perform monthly in the community’s largest outdoor amphitheater.” The next concert is Sunday from 4-5:30 pm at Riverfront Park. Bring chairs and blankets. There will be a food truck. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Economic Development March Report)

Colorado River reservoirs at 34% capacity

The Arizona Department of Water Resources has posted a dashboard of information regarding Colorado Water. We have added a link in the right panel for it. Another source of future river water status is the amount of snowfall in Grand Lake Colorado. (See our report on this).  Good news: "22/23 snowfall [in Grand Lake] is 11% higher than the historical average this far into the winter." That should improve the rather bleak current situation [panel right].

Oro Valley housing growth continues to slow… should impact construction sales tax revenues

The town issued one permit for a single-family residence (SFR) in February. This continues a the three year downward trend in SFR permits issued that we noted in February. The most recent decrease in SFR permitting activity is not unique to Oro Valley. Oro Valley’s permit issuance results mirror the slowdown in new home growth nationally. Economic “experts” tell us that the slowdown is the result of increased mortgage interest rates. The baseline interest rate is being increased by the Federal Reserve in an attempt to combat rising inflation (caused by increased government spending).  An increase in this base rate increases all interest rates. Experts expect the Federal Reserve to increase the base rate quarterly for at least another year, thus further increasing mortgage lending rates; which, in turn, will depress new home buying. That will result in a decrease in an important piece of Oro Valley’s continuing income, construction sales tax revenues.

Property Taxes: Pima County Sends out "Notice of Value" with massive FCV increased.. but property tax base up much less

If you a home in Oro Valley, you should have received a "Notice of Value" from Pima County. The notice gives you the county's determination of your property value for 2024. The full cash home value (FCV) for one neighborhood increased 27%. It increased 20% last year. We suspect that it's the same throughout the county. For many years prior to that, the FCV had increased from 2 to 3%.  The good news is that property taxes are based on the limited cash value (LCV) which is also shown on the notice. By law, the LCV can not increase by more than 5% per year.  Want to see the FCV and LCV for others in your neighborhood? Visit this link.

 

La Cañada Drive asphalt replacement project begins March 13, drivers should expect delays 

"Construction on La Cañada Drive between Tangerine and Moore Roads will begin March 13, with contractor Sunland Asphalt removing and replacing the existing top two inches of asphalt. Road restrictions will be in place on La Cañada Drive with speed reduced to 25 mph. Drivers should expect delays. Please see details below. The majority of the work and delays will be through March 17 to align with Leman Academy’s spring break, so as to lessen construction impact on motorists. After March 17, ancillary work will continue until April 17 with minimal disruption to traffic." (Source: Oro Valley Media Release)

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Bits and Pieces

OVHS local  historian event on February 19

Meet Wynne Brown, local author and historian on February 19 at 3pm.  Wynn will present her book: “The Forgotten Botanist – Sara Plummer Lemmon’s Life of Science and Art." at the Oro Valley Country Club. Visit the Oro Valley Historical Society website to purchase tickets for the presentation and dinner. Proceeds for the event will allow the Oro Valley Historical Society (a non-profit 501c3) to continue its mission to promote research, education, preservation and dissemination of history of the Greater Oro Valley area.

Riverfront Park play area refurbishment progress on time while Aquatic Center reopening delayed

Town Staff continues to make progress on replacing the surface of the Riverfront Park play area.  The area is scheduled to be reopened after February 3.  Things are not progressing as well with the maintenance and repair activities at the Aquatic Center. "The facility's improvement project has experienced delays

Click to enlarge

related to the arrival of equipment necessary to the completion of the project. Due to these delays the project timeline has been extended and a new reopening date of Monday, February 13th is what we will be targeting."(Source: Parks and Recreation Bulletin)

New Car Wash for Village Center considered next week

Next Wednesday, The Oro Valley Town Council will consider an application for use of an area adjacent to ""In N’ Out Burger". The area is in the Oro Valley Village Center (aka Oro Valley Marketplace). The request was unanimously approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. As there is an existing queuing problem at "In N’ Out",  town staff added a provision for approval requiring the reconfiguration of the existing "In N’ Out" drive  prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the car wash. 

The meeting next Wednesday is a public hearing in town council chambers. No one from the public spoke at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. (Read more about the Planning and Zoning Commission decision here. Learn more about what is being proposed here.)

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Bits and Pieces

Want to keep you kids safe from social media? Here's you chance.

There is a free social media awareness event on January 14 at 10am.. It is a screening of "Childhood 2.0 Documentary". It is being hosted by the Tucson Police Department and is recommended by the Oro Valley Police Department (Source: 12-29-22 Tweet).  "Life has changed thanks to technology and social media. ...learn about what youth face in today's world and how to keep them safe."

"This event is directed toward parents and their youth who have access to the internet and social media based activities. It is meant to provide parents with awareness information for engaging with their youth about the dangers of the online world. This film includes mature subject matter and may not be suitable for younger children who do not have access to the internet."

Yes. Life has certainly change and social media is a danger to kids.. Its the home of bullying... abuse... harassment.  The screening is free. It is at the TPD Miracle Mile stations. Learn more and reserve a spot here.

Town Council assigns commission and board liaisons for 2023

The Town of Oro Valley has six commissions and boards. In addition, it has seven outside agencies in which it is involved. Each calendar year, the council assigns a council member as a liaison to each. Their job is to attend meetings and report back to the full Council. This year's assignments are in the panel at right. They were approved at the December 7 town council meeting.

Hearing on coffee drive thru next Tuesday

The Planning and Zoning Commission will be holding a hearing regarding allowing a drive through coffee shop across from Bruegger's Bagels at Naranja and La Canada. This is from one or our readers: "I ... want to voice my concerns about the medical plaza going in on Naranja and La Canada. I'm all for it except the proposed coffee shop on the very corner. It will cause havoc with traffic! Traffic is bad enough with all the current building in Oro Valley along with Ironwood HS. If Naranja was widened like La Canada and La Cholla I wouldn't see a problem. Also, we have Bruegger's Bagels adjacent to the plaza where most folks hangout now. I just don't think it's a good idea." Learn more about the project here.

Also next Tuesday, hearing on car wash in the Oro Valley Marketplace

Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to enable development of a"Surf-Thru Car Wash" on ~1.61 acres located at the southwest corner of Oracle Road and Water Harvest Way, within the existing Oro Valley Marketplace.  It will be located near "In-Out Burger".  Once the building is done... well.. it will look like a car wash.  Learn more about that project here.

And, yet again, also next Tuesday...  hearing on storage and office facility where the giant saguaro use to live

Planning and Zoning Commission will also hold a hearing on allowing a 112,000 square foot mixed use self-storage facility with 4,000 square feet of retail, located near the northwest corner of Tangerine Rd and La Cañada Dr. Once there was a giant saguaro there. It stood majestically directly where the road extension is now. The town moved it to extend La Canada north of Tangerine. They paid an outside company $25,000 to do the job. Three months later, the saguaro was struck by lightening. And died.  Read more about yet another storage facility request here.

Riverfront Park Playground closing for month

"The Riverfront Park playground will be closed from Monday, January 9 to Friday, February 3 for improvements. The Town will be replacing steps and decks on the play structure and removing the recycled rubber fall surface and replacing it with wood fiber. We appreciate your patience during this improvement and we invite you to use the playgrounds at Naranja Park and James D. Kriegh Park." (Source: “This Week In Parks and Recreation” 1-5-23)

Participate in survey on best ways to engage residents in developing the next General Plan
"The Town of Oro Valley invites residents of all ages to participate in a brief survey to identify the best ways to engage the community as the Town prepares for the next General Plan, which will be on the ballot in 2026. The survey, which is open now through January 26, can be taken by multiple members of the household." Access the survey here.  Learn more about the General Plan here.  (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release, 1-5-23) 

Mike Zinkin: "Budget For Our Future.. Bring Reclaimed Water To All Town Parks and Courses"

Below is the speech that Mike Zinkin addressed to the Town Council during the April 6th Call to the Audience.
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Each of you had an agenda when you ran for office. The common theme was, “I want to help my community grow and prosper.” Some of you favor golf, some of you favor tennis or splash pads or hiking trails and biking trails. Some of you want to assist the children, some want to assist the seniors. Some of you favor development, etc.

Now is the budget season and, as a prior member of the Council, I know that staff is asking you about your spending priorities. Let me request that all of you do something, not only for the entire town, regardless of age, but for the future residents. Do something for your grandchildren and do something for those who are yet to be born.

Budget funds to pipe reclaimed water to Riverfront and Jim Kriegh Parks and the Pusch Ridge golf course.

I have researched this issue and have the numbers given to me by your staff. Pusch Ridge Golf course uses 30% more potable water than Riverfront and Jim Kriegh Parks combined. This is drinking water, not CAP water, not reclaimed water, but well water, drinking water.

According to a recent communication that I received from the Town, it will cost $8 million to pipe reclaimed water to all three of those entities. Once Jim Kriegh is on reclaimed water, it would not cost much to have the Amphi School District take CDO High School off of potable/drinking water as well.

This expenditure can be your legacy. This is something not only for now, but for the future. Put “tomorrow” in your budget. Put “we” in your budget.

Fund for the future. Fund to stop using potable/drinking water on Town-owned properties.

Guest View: Mike Zinkin – The Hypocrisy of our Town Leaders regarding Water Conservation

 

The Town of Oro Valley town codes require smart water use

Let’s look at the Town of Oro Valley’s Water Code. It is Chapter 15 of the Town Code which can be found on the Town’s website.

• Chapter 15-18-1 states: “The intent of this article is to conserve and protect the Town’s high quality, safe and reliable water supply for the current and future needs of the community.”

• Chapter 15-18-2 (which was amended in Oct. 2021) states: “…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.”

• Chapter 15-18-3 states: “It shall be unlawful at any time for any customer of the Town of Oro Valley Water Utility to knowingly make, cause, use or permit the use of water provided by the Town for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, irrigation or any other purpose in a manner contrary to any provisions of this code.”

• Chapter 15-18-4 discusses potable water and the ramifications of a potential declared shortage. Paragraph E states: “Priority for potable water demand shall be designated as follows:

Highest Priority -- Residential indoor domestic use and fire protection.

Second Highest Priority -- Commercial/institutional/industrial uses.

Third Highest Priority -- Public and private landscape irrigation sites, including golf courses, athletic fields and parks.

Remember, we are talking about potable water, not reclaimed water. Potable water is drinking water.

Hypocrisy: Town wastes 55 million gallons of potable water on two parks and a golf course
The Town Code discusses water conservation and the importance of potable water use. However, our town continues to waste potable water on Riverfront Park, Jim Kriegh Park, and the Pusch Ridge Golf course.

In a 12-month period, the Town used for irrigation purposes 10,586,000 gallons at Riverfront Park and 9,973,000 gallons at Jim Kriegh Park, while at Pusch Ridge it used 34,608,000 gallons. Pusch Ridge utilized over 30% more water than both parks combined.

Questionable use of bond money
So what is our Town Council doing? They are spending bond money to replace -- as a past Council majority would say, “our beautiful tennis courts,” -- with post tension courts, install another splash pad at Naranja Park, and reconstruct and expand the Community Center parking lot.

How about spending bond money for the future of the entire community? And how about we stop over seeding the parks, close the Pusch Ridge course, and supply Jim Kriegh and Riverfront parks with reclaimed water?

Do something for the future of the entire town.
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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.