Bits and Pieces

Town partially funds purchase of police facility through release of some general fund reserves

Wednesday, The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved the release of some of Oro Valley's General Fund Reserves to pay for the purchase of the new Oracle Road police facility.  The resolution returns brings the reserve from 30% to 25%. Both of these levels are above the historical 20% reserve level under prior administrations. This release amounts to about $2.4 million this year. That amount, by resolution, will be applied to the $3.8 million cost of the building being purchases.

Grants fuel town projects

Grants continue to play a major role in funding projects across Oro Valley. According to the September Town Manager’s report, the Town has recently secured or is awaiting decisions on more than two dozen grants. Awards include $144,500 from Arizona State Parks for accessibility improvements at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, $25,988 from Arizona Game and Fish for the Naranja Park Archery Range, and over $3 million for the Northwest Recharge, Recovery and Delivery System. Other applications are pending, such as $86,490 from the U.S. Department of Justice for police programs and $80,300 from the Tohono O’odham Nation for interpretive signage at Vistoso. In total, more than $4 million in requests remain under review, highlighting the importance of pending grants in supporting future projects. (Source Town Manager Executive Report To Council, September 2025)

Group formed to advocate for Oro Valley Performing Arts Center

At Wednesday night’s council meeting, Oro Valley resident Tony D’Angelo updated the council on efforts to bring a performing arts center to Oro Valley. He noted that community surveys for the OVPathForward general plan show strong interest, and a recent tourism stakeholder session ranked a performing arts center as its top “big idea.” D’Angelo announced the formation of the Oro Valley Performing Arts Center (OVPAC) exploratory board, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit with nine local leaders. One board member has already funded a full market and feasibility study by a nationally recognized consultant, which will take 14 weeks to complete. The study will examine financial viability, economic impact, and community benefits, with findings to be shared publicly as the effort advances. (Source: The Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, Call To Audience, September 17, 2025)

Pusch Ridge Tennis event space opens

The Town of Oro Valley celebrated the completion of a new event space at the Pusch Ridge Tennis Facility with a ribbon-cutting this month. The project, finished in just three months, added two large shade structures, concrete pads, bleachers, picnic benches, and artificial turf. Councilmember Elizabeth Robb called the improvements “an investment in Oro Valley’s strong tennis culture,” while Tennis Director Jennifer Fuchs noted the facility has long been central to community life. The space will serve both players and spectators and provide a venue for tournaments, gatherings, and special events (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Council will study new fees and taxes at October 1 study session... State of Town Addess on October 30

At Wednesday's council meeting, Town Manager Jeff Wilkins highlighted several upcoming activities and initiatives. The Community Academy begins October 2 with a nine-class series offering residents a look inside town operations. Council will review proposed new fees and taxes at an October 1 study session, followed by a public forum on October 15.  Wilkins also noted the State of the Town address on October 30, with a free business expo hosted by the Chamber of Commerce from 9–11 a.m. and a ticketed luncheon to follow. (Source Town Manager Report To Council, September 17, 2025)

Bits and Pieces

Unusual fiscal year-end council meeting called to address funding gap for Naranja Drive path project 

The Oro Valley Town Council will hold a special Zoom meeting Monday—the very last day of the fiscal year—to consider an urgent funding amendment for the Naranja Drive Multi-Use Path project. The meeting addresses a $341,000 estimated project shortfall after construction bids came in higher than expected for the project. Council will decide whether to use leftover funds from other 2025 street projects to keep the Naranja path on track for a summer start and early 2026 completion. In order for these monies to be available for use in the next fiscal year, the leftover funds must be designated for multi-use path construction before the end of this fiscal year. Our guess is that the urgent meeting is needed so the funds can be designated for this use before the fiscal year closes.

Fourth of July festivities and new shade at the tennis courts

Oro Valley’s annual Fourth of July Celebration returns to James D. Kriegh Park on July 4, featuring live music, food trucks, a beer garden, family games, and fireworks, plus the town’s first-ever hot dog eating contest at 7:30 p.m. In addition, construction is underway on new shaded viewing and seating areas at the Pusch Ridge Tennis Facility, with completion expected in July—giving tennis players and spectators a cooler, more comfortable space for summer matches and community events.  Read even more about what is going on this this weeks's Town of Oro Valley "This Week In Parks and Rec”  bulletin. 

Interested in helping Oro Valley build its tourism base? Apply now for one of five seats on the new Tourism Advisory Commission

Oro Valley is launching a brand new Tourism Advisory Commission and is now accepting applications from residents who want to help shape the town’s future as a top destination for visitors. The five-member commission will advise the Town Council on everything from strategic marketing to special events, resort partnerships, and tourism budget priorities. If you have experience or a strong interest in hospitality, travel, marketing, or events—or just want to make a difference in how the town promotes itself—this is a great way to get involved. Members will serve three-year terms and the group will meet monthly for the first year, then quarterly after that. Applications are open now. Apply here or call by the Town Clerk’s Office at (520) 229-4700 for more information.  Read how all this came about in LOVE. 

 

Park painting project underway in Rancho Vistoso

Rancho Vistoso has started a summer-long painting project at Hohokam and Wildlife Ridge Parks, with crews repainting perimeter walls, restrooms, and ramadas to freshen up these popular community spaces. The work began June 9 and will continue through the season. Residents are encouraged to watch for “Wet Paint” signs and to avoid the areas being painted until the project is complete, helping ensure a safe and smooth update for everyone who uses the parks. (Source) 

Oro Valley Water: Smart water tips and a new bill payment portal now live

The latest Oro Valley Water Utility newsletter is packed with helpful updates for residents this summer. Most notably, the Town has rolled out a new online bill payment portal, making it easier than ever to manage your water account and pay bills securely from home. The newsletter also offers timely water-saving tips to help you conserve during the hottest months, including suggestions for efficient irrigation and reminders about monsoon season preparation. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out the Water Utility website for more details and to explore the new portal—small changes can make a big difference for your bill and the community. (Source:  Town of Oro Valley "Behind The Meter) .

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Guest View-Tony D'Angelo: What's Next For Community Center Operations

What’s Next for Community Center Operations?
There are two very different aspects of Parks and Recreation in Oro Valley. There are the traditional amenities—playgrounds, ball fields, trails, multi-use paths, and cultural venues like Steam Pump Ranch. Most of these assets are paid for by tax proceeds and grants. Only about 10% of operating costs and capital investments come from user fees.

Fee-Based Recreational Facilities
The other part of Parks and Recreation includes amenities for which users pay fees. These include the Community Center health club, the Overlook Restaurant, El Conquistador Golf, El Conquistador Tennis, pickleball courts, and the Aquatic Center. Because these facilities are owned and operated by the town, they are not considered “for profit” but are managed with the goal of offsetting most expenses through user fees. Currently, user fees cover approximately 60% of the costs associated with these assets. Not only do these assets meet the needs of Oro Valley residents, but they also attract and serve visitors. Should both aspects of Parks and Recreation be managed together and in the same way?

A Shift in Oro Valley's Growth
We are at a point in the evolution of Oro Valley where growth through land development is reaching its limit. To meet the future needs of our community, Economic Development is exploring alternative ways to generate revenue. Our fee-based community recreational assets already contribute to a tourism strategy.

Investing in Fee-Based Assets
Leveraging fee-based assets requires investments to maintain the quality needed to attract the desired audience. These facilities must be well-maintained, aggressively marketed, and managed in ways that balance their use to serve both residents and visitors. To achieve this, we should consider creating an enterprise entity for fee-based recreational assets to ensure they are mostly self-funded. This could involve establishing a separate taxing authority. Fees need to remain affordable for residents while being sufficient to cover operating costs and future capital needs to maintain the quality expected to attract and serve visitors and businesses in Oro Valley.

Current Management vs. Revenue Potential
Currently, revenue-generating assets are managed in the same way as non-revenue-generating facilities that are freely accessible to the community. The distinction between these types of assets is clear. For example, Kriegh Park is a general-use facility for baseball and softball, with a playground and walking path—all mostly free. In contrast, the adjacent Aquatic Center is a revenue-generating facility that hosts swim meets and supports the town’s sports tourism strategy.

Enhancing Economic Development
Revenue-generating facilities should be strategically used to support the town’s economic development, specifically through sports and recreational tourism. These facilities need focused attention to ensure they achieve the goal of bringing visitors and their spending to the community.

Proposal: A Commission That Reports to the Council
Assigning an accountable commission that reports to the council to oversee fee-based facilities from a business perspective is more appropriate than using valuable Town Council resources to discuss operational details, such as dust abatement on the El Conquistador Course. Many communities have established enterprise funds or similar oversight organizations to manage user-fee-based recreational operations. This model could be applied in Oro Valley.

The Challenge Ahead
Our Parks and Recreation staff does an excellent job managing a diverse range of assets. The challenge going forward is determining whether it is realistic for them to manage everything in a way that best serves both residents and the town’s economic future.

I believe exploring this alternative is worth debating.

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Tony D'Angelo is a long-time Oro Valley resident and President of the Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf. 

Bits and Pieces

OVCN rezoning meeting, Monday, October 24

You will most certainly want to attend or as a minimum listen to this meeting. As LOVE has covered extensively, it is a request of the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene ("OVCN") to build a mega sports complex in Oro Valley's oldest, and most natural neighborhood.

"You are invited to attend and participate in a Focus Area neighborhood meeting, either in-person or online, regarding the property owner’s proposed rezoning to Planned Area Development to build new athletic facilities at the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene located on the northeast corner of the Calle Concordia and Calle Buena Vista intersection (project number: 2002978). 

This meeting is open to the general public and anyone may attend, but the purpose is to provide an opportunity for a focused issue discussion between the immediate neighbors and the applicant. Immediate neighbors may ask questions directly to the applicant and Town staff, share concerns in greater detail and explore potential resolution of issues."

“Rockin’4Heroes”, Sunday,  2PM, at Kreigh Park

Don't forget the "Rockin' for Heroes Event" this Sunday at Kreigh Park. “Rocking 4 Heroes is a community musical event that pays tribute to those who serve our communities and country. It's FREE, but leave the coolers at home and bring some spending money for the fabulous food trucks and beer/wine tent. This event is rain or shine and is sure to be a blast...especially if you like the band, Chicago! Make sure to bring a chair or picnic blanket. 

Gate opens at 1pm with the opening ceremony beginning at 2pm sharp. Overflow parking at CDO (there will be a golf cart to help transport those with mobility issues from the lot to the park). All net proceeds from this event will go toward building the Arizona Heroes Memorial at Naranja Park." (Source: rockin4heroes.org, resident email, Press Release)

Town of Oro Valley named “Triple Crown” winner for financial reporting

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Oct. 11, 2022) – The Town of Oro Valley has been named a Triple Crown Winner for fiscal year 2020 by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The Triple Crown designation recognizes governments that have received GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award and the Distinguished Budget Presentation in a single fiscal year. The Town of Oro Valley is one of just 317 governments that received the Triple Crown for fiscal year 2020. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Town of Oro Valley to celebrate completing golf irrigation replacement project, and tennis and pickleball court reconstruction

"YOU ARE INVITED! RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY ON OCTOBER 26 The Town of Oro Valley invites the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Conquistador Golf Irrigation Project and Tennis and Pickleball Court Reconstruction and Expansion Project on Wednesday, October 26, at 10 a.m. at the Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center (10555 N. La Cañada Drive). The projects are part of the Town’s Park Improvement Bond." (Source)

Eleven Reasons For The Parks and Recreation Bond Project Spending Disaster

A disaster of their own making

We have identified eleven reasons why the spending for the park bond amenities got so far "out of wack" from reality. Most certainly, planning to spend $53 million when there is only $33 million available to spend is a disaster.

1.  Naranja Park costs a lot more to build than "guestimated"

As we detailed in our article Monday, the key spending problem is the anticipated cost of Naranja Park. That cost has doubled from what was "guestimated" in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. It was that number, $17million, that the Council relied upon when the bonds were issued a year ago.

2.  No Naranja Park design in place to start

The Oro Valley Town Council agreed to move forward with the Naranja Park extension at a time when  there was no agreed upon design of what it was going to be. As a result, Council had no engineered cost estimate of what it would cost to build "it'. 

3.  Council ignored experienced advice

The Council ignored the advice of the only person on Council who has ever built anything of any significant magnitude. Council Member Solomon told them that they were going about this the wrong way. First, you design. Then you raise the funds. The Council voted to do the process backwards.

4. Cheap borrowing cost came at a price... Pressure to spend and build now!... "Haste Makes Waste"

Council Member Nicolson championed the concept that the town must borrow now because interest rates were cheap. He was right. Rates are higher today than they were in May, 2021. 

The price of borrowing was a commitment that 85% of the funds had to be spent within three years of the bond issuance. That is $21.25 million. That requirement put a "gun to the Council" to spend the money quickly.  It also meant that the town had to adopt a "construction manager is a risk" approach. This is a more costly process than the traditional building process. 

5. Inflation...shortages.. contingencies... design

According to Paul Keesler, Town of Oro Valley Director of Public Works, three items have worked together to increase cost 65%. [See panel right] The biggest culprit is an inflationary 30-40% increase in construction material cost. Timing has also hampered getting materials.

6. Naranja Park amenity scope creep

The scope of what is planned to be built has changed. The pump track is now an "all wheel space". The splash-pad is larger in size and includes shade sails, a ramada, and a bathroom. The cost of grading the land to which the dog park is being relocated is more than $1million.

7. Huge Naranja Park infrastructure cost of $11million

It is going to cost almost $11million to level the land and put in the utilities for the park. Certainly, someone should have known this when the original $17million total cost of the park was included as part of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Simply put: The cost of getting the land ready for the amenities was vastly more than guessed by the study's consultant.

8. Council never adopted the Parks and Recreation Master Plan

The Council decided not to approve the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This is a 10 year plan. The plan was developed by a consulting firm. There was ample resident input. This plan included a statistically valid set of resident wants. Instead of approving the plan, the Council voted unanimously (Solomon absent) to instruct town staff to use it as a guide for future planning.  Thus, there was no plan in place and Council was free to do as it wished. Which it did!

9.  Pet Projects

It is not possible to piece together a coherent, financially sound plan based on the wants of Council members, each of whom have their own pet projects. The splash pad, golf course irrigation replacement, and the "pump track" are examples of special projects that one Council member wanted that really were not the priorities of the community. Trails, on the other hand, are a major stated desire of the residents as shown in the Master Plan Survey. Trail development, however, has taken a "back seat" to all these other projects.

10.  No early warning of outrageous cost

Keesler asserted at the Council meeting that the first time he had a glimpse of what it would cost to "do" Naranja Park was on September 23. That's when all the designs were (sort of) "complete." But, the cost of doing the grading was known some time earlier because it was an ongoing activity for many months and contracts have been in place.  Former Town Manager Jacobs should have reported to Council that site preparation was going to be far more than the consultant "guestimated". 

11.  Locking in the use of the half of the half-percent sales tax for non golf purposes

The Council voted to apply one half of the half-percent community center/golf sales tax to non golf purposes. The noble goal was to let the 99% of the community who never use those facilities get some benefit from the tax. The town pledged this tax to pay back the Park Bonds. That's a 20 year commitment that can not be changed. 

So...what can be done

It is now up to the Council do something.  They only need to build what they are legally required to do in the bond indenture: Spend 85% of the funds in the manner as noted in the bond indenture and continue to pledge the quarter percent sales tax to repay the bonds. Otherwise, they can do as they wish regarding what to build and when to build it.

Some of the amenity building on Naranja Park can be deferred to future years' spending.  As a minimum, the current plan for relocating the dog park... building pristine roads... adding all four new fields can wait.  The Council can defer building the trails but that would  punish residents who actually want to walk or bike to our parks without getting hit by a car on Oracle Road.

Tough Council decisions, decisions of their own making.

They need to fix the problem.

Whatever they decide, the vote needs to be unanimous. No more blaming each other. Partisanship has to go.

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The Naranja Park Spending Disaster

Town of Oro Valley Faces Huge Funding Shortfall On Parks Bond Projects

Parks Bond estimated spending far exceeds funding

Last week, for the first time almost a year, the Oro Valley Town Council got a glimpse of what it is really going to cost to build the projects funded by the $25 million parks bond. It was a real eye opener for them.

The news is so bad that it is hard to know where to start. Here's what the Council learned.

There's an $18.2 million shortfall [see panel]. 

Spending is estimated at more than $51.4 million to fund the five Park Bond areas. Funding sources, which include the Park Bond money, are $33.1 million. The shortfall is $18.2 million.

Spending on golf course irrigation replacement and tennis course replacement assured

Spending on golf course irrigation and tennis court replacement at the Community Center is well underway. These projects will be completed in November and December, respectively. Their total cost is $12 million. All but $900,000 has been contracted. These projects are going to be built.

Naranja Park spending far more than "guestimated" by Parks and Recreation Study Consultant

The park that Council imagined when Council approved the bond is in jeopardy. The cost of that park has grown from a guestimated total spending of $17 million to an engineered estimated $33.7million.

Why the difference? According to Town Public Works Director Paul Keesler "The creation of the $17M estimate within the [Parks and Recreation Master Plan] study was completely generated by the consultant in 2018, using their historical data and their design assumptions. But at the end of the day, it’s only a study and actual engineering was not designed at that point."

Community Center Parking and Multi-Use Paths in jeopardy of not happening

The Parks Bond also included spending on the Community Center parking and some key additions to the town's multi-use system. Nothing has been done on these. Detailed construction design is not completed. It's anyone's guess as to what these will cost.

Town Staff recommends stripping back Naranja and cutting Multi-Use Path projects. Then, funding remaining shortfall through town's capital improvement funds

Staff recommended stripping back funding of $8.2 million from the Naranja Park Project and from the multi-use path projects. Then, they recommend using the $9.4 million from various town funds to cover the difference. The total of the two measures still results in a $2million shortfall [panel left]

Town Council requests revisit with staff

After a lengthy discussion, the Council asked staff to come back with more recommendations on what to do. 

This rather simple request came after various Council members blamed various other council members, town staff, the economy and anything else they could think to blame for this problem. Frankly, there is plenty of blame to share. 

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Tomorrow: The Naranja Park Spending Disaster

Wednesday: Eleven Reasons For The Parks and Recreation Bond Project Spending Disaster 

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Some links that might be of interest

5/10/21 Parks Bond Resolution (Panel)

7/21/21 Park Bond Amenities (Panel)

11/15/ 21 LOVE article: Town of Oro Valley Embarks on Ambitious Parks Projects

11/17/21 LOVE article Naranja Park Buildout Presents Huge Challenge

Municipal Golf Operations Exceeding Financial Targets But Challenges Remain

Results for July and August better than budget
Oro Valley Municipal Golf exceeded budget targets in the first two months of fiscal year 2022. Golf operations lost $156K less than budget. Total losses were $166K. Key revenue drives, total rounds played, greens fees and monthly dues were comparable to budget; while food and beverage revenue far exceeded budget. Spending was under budget primarily due to lower utilities maintenance cost. According to Wendy Gomez of the town’s finance department, it is too soon in the fiscal year to project any change from annual budgeted financial result.

Challenge ahead regarding high cost of irrigation replacement

The town has committed to replacing the irrigation on its two 18-hole courses. The initial town estimate of this cost was $4 million. The latest bid for this is now almost $7.8 million. This doubling of cost is indicative of a national economy of shortages and rampant inflation.

The funding for the irrigation improvement is designated to come from the $25 million bond the council approved last month. Half of that bond money is committed to completing Naranja Park. This leaves $12.5 million for other projects identified for bond funds use by council in July. The golf course irrigation replacement is one of these.

If indeed, the council commits $7.8 million of bond funds for golf course irrigation, only about $4.2 million remain for two council designated bond fund projects:  A community center parking lot improvement and a replacement of tennis and pickleball courts. These are costly projects, perhaps in excess of the $ 4 million that would be available.

Is there a "One Course" irrigation replacement option?

It may well be that the “wisest course” is to complete the irrigation on 18 holes of golf using bond funds, freeing $4 million for these other planned uses. Then, complete the irrigation on the other 18 holes using pay-as-you-go. One of our readers pointed this out to Mayor Winfield in an email: “The Town does not own the property south of Lambert (5 holes) yet the Town is watering and maintaining the property.” This is part of the Canada course. Why invest in changing the irrigation of these these holes?

Is there a "wait till inflation abates" option?

There is an option of waiting to do any of these improvements until prices "come down".  At some point the world will get back to normal. There will be surpluses rather than shortages. Businesses will once again become competitive. Prices will come down in businesses such as those that install irrigation because competition will increase. The problem is that this may be 3-5 years from now, beyond the spending horizon of the bond funds. The town is required to spend the bond funds within three years of the issuance of the bond, per the bond indenture.

Challenge regarding the financial impact of the Pusch Course opening and its use of drinking water for irrigation

The 9-hole Pusch Ridge Course is opening on November 1. This course has always presented an economic challenge to the town. How it will fare and its impact on golf economics is yet to be seen. Fortunately, that course has a resident group, "Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf", who are committed to its financial success; and who understand that use of drinking water for irrigating the course must be alleviated in the near term and eliminated in the long term.

Nothing is simple when it comes to Oro Valley municipal golf financing and operations. In terms of challenges, it is “The gift that keeps giving.”

Bits and Pieces

Council considers censure

Next Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council will discuss censuring Council Member Tim Bohen for a rather innocuous remark. The remark can be heard at the beginning this three minute council discussion from the March 3 town council meeting. Bohen was questioning why town staff can produce a work product in two weeks that they said at a previous meeting could not be produced for a month; while, at the same time, saying that they could not quickly produce a request for proposal because they were too busy. The discussion centers's around the opening of the Pusch Ridge Course. The matter, we believe, is entirely politically motivated. 

Maybe Bohen is on to something...read or next "bits".

Oro Valley Tennis Out For Bids

Speaking of requests for proposal, the town is not too busy to produce a request for proposal for Tennis operations.  El Conquistador Tennis has been ably run by Jennifer Fuchs through her company, El Conquistador LLC, since 2018. That's when she leased the facilities from the town.  The lease includes operating the courts at Pusch Ridge and the ones at the Community Center.  You can read about that auspicious start here.  

The lease expires October 1. Per requirements, the town is going to initiate a request for proposal from interested bidders on March 15.  Fuchs wrote to her members: "we are prepared to submit our proposal. Wish us luck!"

Seems to us that that lease is a model for what should happen with the Pusch Ridge Golf course.

For the record

We're posting The Conservation Fund's statement regarding their not participating in the town's purchase of the former Vistoso Golf course property.  As reported this past Monday, those who have worked tirelessly for the past three years to get this land designated as town owned and run conservation land are "up in arms". 

They identified and worked for a solution that would cost the town nothing more than the annual maintenance of a walking preserve. This is unlike those who live around the the town owned golf courses. Instead, they came to the town, hat in hand, begging for the town to keep their golf courses open.  They won.

HIVE in effect

The town has recently increased its Oracle Road traffic surveillance. The target is between Ina and Magee. The town announces their high intensity vehicle enforcement ("HIVE") activities on their Twitter and Facebook pages. The most recent was from 3pm to 6pm yesterday. The focus was on the Oracle-Magee intersection. This is the town's highest traffic accident area.

Bits and Pieces

Check out the "Jim Horne" Oro Valley Podcast
Oro Valley resident Jim Horne as produced three podcasts to date. The first is about water. The second two are about Oro Valley history. Each podcast is an interview with a subject matter expert. The podcasts are informative, educational, and fun. You can listed to them on the Apple podcast or Spotify apps. Well worth your time.

El Conquistador Tennis had a great year
Jennifer Fuchs, owner-operator of El Conquistador Tennis, told us that things are going well. She leases the tennis facilities from the town. In a December message to members she wrote: "We thank you for another great year! Without all of your support, in so many areas, we would not be able to work with the greatest Tennis membership, residents and guests in such a beautiful environment." We wish her continued success in 2020.

Plan Your Parks Today
The Town Of Oro Valley is building a master plan for parks and recreation facilities. This as directed by town council.  "The purpose of the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment and Master Plan is to offer strategies and operational policies that provide guidance in order to meet the needs of current and future Oro Valley residents."

Visit PlanYouParksOV today to learn more about this and to participate.

It's your town.

Get in the game! (get the pun?)

Two Oracle Place (Formerly Platinum Fitness) to get a new look
The building that formerly housed Platinum Fitness is going to get an upgraded, more upscale look. According to the town: "The applicant has purchased the property and intends to redevelop the site as a mix of office, retail and restaurant space" (source). The pictures of the new facility show an astounding change. Here's one "before and after" rendering:

Bits and Pieces

Hiremath rambles about the town manager recommended budget
Former Oro Valley Mayor Satish Hiremath wrote an incoherent opinion published in The Northwest Explorer this week. He accused Mayor Winfield and Council Member's Ivey, Nicolson and Barrett of lying about Oro Valley's 8 years of ever increased spending during his tenure as mayor. That spending has been documented by LOVE.

Hiremath surmises that the current Town Manager Recommended Budget ("TMRB") is not really the town manager's budget but the budget of the four. And he jumps on her case, accusing her of playing politics to keep her job:

"The budget Town Manager Mary Jacobs has presented is an attempt to keep her job. She wants to avoid retaliation from the newly elected council majority. Her political ploy comes at the expense of all residents, and the morale of town employees. " 

Hiremath's contention is outrageous. Look at the budget. It's full of confusion and obfuscation, as we have already written; and it includes funding for everything Hiremath created, including full funding for 45-holes of golf, bonding for improvements of such and funding for the money losing Overlook Restaurant. The town manager's budget even masks the budget losses from all of this by eliminating the community center fund!

Our guess is that Hiremath has never read the budget.

Still, Hiremath raises the issue of public safety in his opinion piece, as if the manager's budget impinges on public safety. It does not. Our streets will be patrolled. Safety will continue in our community.

Maybe Hiremath has too much time on his hands.  Someone needs to change the password on his computer to prevent him from embarrassing himself.

Community Center tennis courts resurfacing
The tennis courts at the community center will be resurfaced by the town staring the week of May 13th. According to Tennis Director Jennifer Fuchs, "We will start with 3 courts at a time and hope to have the project completed by June 8th."

An Oro Valley beauty
Who would have thought that the flower of the Prickly Pear Cactus would be so beautiful.

But, here it is. It is something to behold.

Click on the picture. When it pops out, expand it to full view on your screen. Look at the detail and the structure of the stamen.  And you can see the pollen too!

Bits and Pieces

Council appoints 5 member Finance Commission. 
Last week the town Council appointed a five-member budget committee. The members are:

Cathy Solverson for a term expiring December 31, 2020
John Latchford for a term expiring December 31, 2020
James Beasley for a term expiring December 31, 2020
David Newell for a term expiring December 31, 2021
Susan Rosenberg for a term expiring December 31, 2021

All have at least some background in accounting or finance. Four have lived in Oro Valley for five years or less. One has been a resident of the town for 20 years. None have attended the town's Citizens Academy. Their job will be to take a look at the 2019-20 budget that Town Manager Jacobs will submit later this spring. They will provide their input directly to council.

Is Amphi clamping down on outside facility use?
One of our readers wrote about two schools not allowing use of the outdoor track facilities. "CDO is no longer allowing people who aren't attending school there to use the running track. Cross Middle School is also limiting non students from using their running track."  We wonder if it is the same a Ironwood Ridge?  The town does not have a running track and we have seen none in any of the future plans we have reviewed.

Tennis events on the horizon
The town's El Conquistador Tennis Club, run by longtime tennis pro, Jennifer Fuchs, is hosting two USTA events this month. One is the "USTA Spring Team Championships L 1 BG12". The other is the USTA Level 3 "Go for the Gold."  These events will bring tourism to our community.

Fuchs' company, El Conquistador Tennis LLC, leases the tennis courts from the town. The town maintains the facilities and receives funds from tennis memberships.  You can read more about that arrangement here.

In her recent email to tennis members, Fuchs noted that "The Town of Oro Valley did approve our request and patched the courts this month. They have also budgeted funds to do a complete resurface this spring or early summer. The concept of rebuilding a few courts at a time is always being considered." (Source: Fuchs email of 2-22-19)

Beware: Crime is all around us
The recent suspicious death of a Laurie Draegth on Brearly Drive, the attempted armed robbery by a purse snatcher at Fry's on Oracle and and a recent theft of a credit card from an apartment in Oro Valley, tells us that we need to be very careful both in our homes and when we are "out and about." It is indeed a dangerous world, even in peaceful Oro Valley. One suggestion: Leave the purse and wallet at home. Bring only what you need for the trip you are making. Write us with other ideas.

Free concert tonight at Steam Pump Ranch
Come join SAACA and the Town for the FREE Steam Pump Ranch Concert Series! A concerts will take place tonite. There is an "Family event with fun music Blue Grass music beginning at 5 p.m. and lots of family fun activities for little ones and adults alike. Then from 6:30 – 9 p.m., a second band featuring fun 50s – 90s music for all ages will take the stage. The full event will also include food trucks and Sonoita Vineyards winery. Come for dinner and stay all night!" (Source: Town of Oro Valley)

Guest View: Mike Zinkin ~ Did our Town Manager exceed her authority in extending the Troon contract?

There have been some recent changes to the Town’s contract with Troon.

The good news
Recently, Town Manager, Mary Jacobs, removed Troon’s responsibility to oversee tennis. This reduced Troon’s management fee from $144,000 to $120,000 annually. As a result, Troon’s monthly stipend was reduced from $12,000/month to $10,000/month. These changes became effective on October 2, 2018.

I think we can all agree that this was a move that the Citizens of Oro Valley can applaud. Tennis has now become the responsibility of Jennifer Fuchs who, in the past, was the Director of Tennis for the El Conquistador Resort. Removing this responsibility from Troon was a great move because although Troon is known as the “Rolex of Golf,” they appeared to be the “Timex of Tennis.”

All the above changes are within Ms. Jacob’s area of responsibility.

The potential problem
At the same time these changes were made, she also extended the Troon contract for 6 months. Herein lies the problem.

During numerous communications with the Town, they have failed to show where Ms. Jacobs has the authority to extend Troon’s contract without Council approval. She has some authority to work within a $20,000 limit. However, the contract, which is now $10,000/month was extended 6 months. This means that she exceeded her $20,000 limit as the contract extension amounts to a $60,000 expenditure.

Town Policy #6, Unbudgeted Expenditures
This policy was adopted in March 1997 and reaffirmed in April 2005. It states that ALL expenditures not previously budgeted shall be approved by Council prior to issuance of payment. It goes on to state that it is the responsibility of the Town Manager to implement this policy.

Why does this matter?
The fiscal year ends on June 30, 2019. Ms. Jacobs extended the contract from June 30, 2019 to December 31, 2019. Therefore, the entire extension reaches into the next fiscal year, FY 2019/20. Until the Council passes the FY 2019/20 budget, there are NO expenditures authorized past June 30, 2019.  So although the Town Manager may have the authority to extend the contract, there is no authorization to expend the funding without council approval.  I wonder if Troon realizes that this 6-month extension is currently without funding.

Continuing with this kind of mentality, the Town Manager could promise employee raises of 5% next year or promise to give the Chamber of Commerce $75,000 next year...but unless and until the Town Council approves the spending, these are empty promises.

Where are the checks and balances? The Town’s Legal Director works for the Town Manager, therefore, his loyalties are with the Town Manager, NOT the Council.

The bottom line is that the Town Manager extended the Troon contract without Town Council authorization to fund it.  Whether or not this current contract extension should be funded is now up to the current council when they deliberate on the 2019-20 budget.  In the meantime, Troon has a contract without legally approved funding.  This is not a good situation for them and it is not good for the Town.
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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.

Oro Valley Tennis Gets New Lease On Life

Tennis courts are a "jewel"
In 2015, we asked the question: "Could Tennis Be A Hidden Gem In The El Conquistador Country Club Purchase?"

Our contention then was that the the purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club gave the town the opportunity to become a major player in the Southern Arizona tennis world. The town acquired 31 pristine tennis courts. 15 of these are located  at the Pusch Ridge facility (near the El Conquistador Hotel). The others abut the Oro Valley Community Center.

Three years later: The pieces are in place for Oro Valley tennis to shine.

A bigger jewel is Oro Valley's top-notch tennis professionals
Tennis Center Director Jennifer Fuchs has been leading Oro Valley tennis for 20 years. First, she was the Director of Tennis for the El Conquistador Resort for 16 plus years. Subsequently, she served as the Director of Oro Valley Tennis.  Jennifer is a tennis professional. "As a junior, she became the number one ranked player in the nation." She has with her a team of three other professionals.

A new lease on life
Since the town's purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club, Tennis was being managed by Troon, the company that manages the town's golf facilities. Frankly, we think it was relegated to the background. That will be no more. Tennis is now "front and center" in Oro Valley and that is a good thing.

Here's why.

Jennifer Fuchs has taken a bold step.

In August, Fuchs created a company, El Conquistador Tennis, LLC. Her company signed a lease with the Town Of Oro Valley. The lease gives El Conquistador Tennis a 3-year window to provide tennis related services such as: Tennis lessons, clinics, youth programs, tennis leagues, and racquet services. They also sell tennis related items like some apparel, shoes, grips, bags, dampeners, towels, balls, and  they take special orders.

El Conquistador Tennis will host events and tournaments. Fuchs and her team host about one event per month. These events bring dollars to Oro Valley. According to Fuchs, one recent event had a positive $300,000 economic impact on our town.

We should expect to see more events. Jennifer is considering adding an event to attract a younger crowd. "We will also be adding Junior league play and member events."

Want to learn more? 
You can get involved in Oro Valley tennis in several ways. You can choose among two membership levels to the Oro Valley Community Center tennis program. Memberships enable you to use the courts and some related facilities. You can also use the facilities on a daily fee basis. Membership and daily use fees go directly to the town.

You can avail your family of tennis instructional programs. These are provided by Jennifer and her team. These include adult tennis clinics, leagues, semi-private and private instruction. Visit this link to learn more. You can also follow El Conquistador Tennis on facebook. Or, you can get involved by simply calling them at 520-544-1780. They can answer your questions and get you started!

Let's go, Oro Valley. Get in the game! Its time to make this jewel shine.
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Note: The town continues to be responsible for pickleball and golf.

Could Tennis Be A Hidden Gem In The El Conquistador Country Club Purchase

Oro Valley's purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club gives the town an opportunity to make Oro Valley a tennis destination in Southern Arizona.

Unlike the sport of golf, the sport of tennis offers a quick way to get intensive exercise. Is is played by all ages. It doesn't cost much. And it can be fun for the whole family.  It is a sport that is more 4 times more popular than golf. The US is ranked 8th among nations in terms of tennis popularity.

Could tennis be the hidden gem in the El Conquistador Country Club purchase?

Is there an opportunity for Oro Valley to build on a sport where where there has been no previous  resident interest. If so, then...

How will Oro Valley build this opportunity?

According to Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan:

How many courts did Oro Valley acquire?
31 lighted courts (15 at La Cañada and 16 at Oracle)

Our understanding is that these courts for recently refurbished. Are we correct?
The 16 courts at the Oracle location were refurbished with post-tension slab concrete and voted best courts in 2012 by USTA.

Does the town plan to use these courts as a vehicle for bringing tourism town? If so, how?
Yes—through tournament play, USTA promotions, and working closely with Visit Tucson. 

Does the town plan to run tennis clinics?
Tennis clinics, classes, coaching, club team plan, tournaments will be managed by the Troon staff (who are the current tennis instructors). 

Does the town plan to run tennis tournaments?
There will be tennis tournaments; however, those events will be managed by either a tournament director (USTA for example), or by Troon tennis staff.

Is a town plan to work with outside agencies such as the Tucson Racquet Club or the University of Arizona to promote tennis?
Yes, we will work with regional partners (as well as USTA) to develop more tennis players and to encourage those who already play to play more often. 

Does the town have plans to work with local or national tennis associations to bring national tournaments here?
Yes, we plan to build on the success of the current tennis programming by working closely with Visit Tucson to secure economically-beneficial tournaments to Oro Valley.