Bits and Pieces

Town overstates the case when it comes to Golf and the Community Center

The Town of Oro Valley recently issued a press release celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its acquisition of the El Conquistador Country Club—now the Community and Recreation Center. While the release praises growth in memberships, expanded amenities, and the development of golf and recreation programming, not all residents share in the enthusiasm. From the start, the purchase sparked division. Critics questioned the cost, especially the use of a half-percent sales tax to support what some view as a facility serving a limited segment of residents.

Over the past decade, the Center has required millions in improvements—from parking expansions to bridge replacements, irrigation system upgrades, and the recent installation of an elevator. And while golf rounds are reportedly up, and operations have reached a break-even point, capital expenses still rely on public subsidy. The facility disproportionately benefits residents living nearby and active users of golf, tennis, and fitness programming, leaving others to wonder if the investment truly reflects town-wide priorities. Celebrating 10 years is fair. But calling it one of the “Town’s most beloved amenities” may be overstating the case—especially for those who continue to question its cost, limited accessibility, and opportunity cost.

Animal control agreement with Pima County extended another year

Last night, the Oro Valley Town Council approved a one-year extension of its intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Pima County for animal control services. The current agreement expires June 30, 2025, and the extension would carry it through June 30, 2026. Under the IGA, Pima County enforces Oro Valley’s Animal Control Code, covering issues such as rabies control, licensing, leash laws, and sheltering of stray animals. Since FY 2022, the agreement has been funded primarily through licensing fees collected in Oro Valley, with Pima County covering the balance through its general fund. Staff estimate the arrangement saves the Town about $50,000 annually compared to providing the service independently.

Wilkins says budget holds the line while addressing key priorities

Town Manager Jeff Wilkins told the Mayor and Council at Wednesday night's council meeting that town revenues are flattening while costs continue to rise, requiring “a lot of strategic choices” over the next two years. He emphasized that his team worked line by line with departments to keep the 2026 Town Manager’s Recommended Budget flat, while preserving essential services, supporting public safety, and making targeted investments in the workforce and community priorities. Wilkins acknowledged the difficulty of these decisions and noted the inclusion of a new police officer position, a modest reduction in staffing elsewhere, and a continued focus on critical infrastructure. He reminded the public that the budget process remains open, with three more meetings—including two public hearings—still ahead.

Lawsuit over Rancho Valley Vista sewer damage continues... questions linger

The legal case (C20242358) between Pima County and Pulte Homes over sewer damage near the Rancho Valley Vista lift station is still ongoing. The dispute focuses on whether the damage was caused by poor soil preparation during construction or by an alleged 84,000-gallon water discharge in December 2021. Pulte has countered the County’s claims and is seeking reimbursement for repair work it says became necessary as a result of the leak. 

While the Town of Oro Valley is not a party to the lawsuit, the town is the water provider.  Town Water Director Abraham presented findings at a February 2024 Council meeting suggesting that an 84,000-gallon water discharge in December 2021 may have caused sewer damage near the lift station at Rancho Valley Vista. However, questions have since been raised about the accuracy and completeness of that presentation. Specifically, the water bill shown to Council at that time was from September 2022—not December 2021—and showed minimal usage. Some observers are now questioning whether the key water bill from the time of the alleged leak even exists or was ever issued, raising doubts about the basis for the discharge claim.

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Bits and Pieces

Celebrate the season opener at Pusch Ridge Golf

Come one come all for a day of fun and camaraderie at the Pusch Ridge Golf Tournament on October 24, honoring beloved groundskeeper Rick Messina. Whether you’re ready to golf in the morning or afternoon shotgun tournaments, or simply want to enjoy a Boston-inspired lunch with friends, this event has something for everyone. Sign up now to be part of this community gathering, enjoy exclusive Pro Shop discounts, and connect with fellow golf enthusiasts. Don’t miss out—register today! 

The Loop trail reopens early following levee improvements

The Loop trail along the Cañada del Oro Wash has reopened ahead of schedule after completion of the Pima County Regional Flood Control District’s levee augmentation project. This project, initiated after the 2020 Bighorn Fire, involved building new flood walls and removing sediment in key areas to improve flood protection and enhance safety. The improvements ensure compliance with FEMA regulations and provide a smoother path for trail users to enjoy. (Source: Oro Valley Media Release)

Get ahead of scams, teen driver safety, and community programs with OVPD​

The October Oro Valley Police Department 2024 CrimeFighter Newsletter dives into a new, unsettling email scam, offers crucial tips for National Teen Driver Safety Week, and explains how the Neighborhood Watch program strengthens community safety. The newsletter also presents the "OV Safe Return Program" for vulnerable individuals and provides answers to common legal questions about political signs and safe driving. If you're interested in staying informed about these topics and more, check out the full newsletter for practical advice and important updates from the Oro Valley Police Department!

Oro Valley destination marketing just getting started

It’s been three months since Oro Valley took over its destination marketing from Visit Tucson. The town appears the Town is just beginning to establish foundational steps. The town has joined Destinations International to enhance its destination marketing efforts and access key industry resources. The Town is planning in-person public art tours and has an upcoming meeting with a tour bus operator for logistics. It hosted two Leisure Travel Stakeholder Meetings to finalize a vision statement and ensure alignment on a new request for proposal (RFP). Additionally, the Town has responded to RFPs for various sports events, including the Tucson Bicycle Classic and OV Tri, scheduled from February to April 2025. (Source: Town Manager Wilkins October Report To Council)

Progress Report on Valley Vista subsidence issues 

"There are two sections of street being repaired. The first section, repairing some surface defects on Lauterbrunnen Lane is complete. Although this was repairing surface defects only, Pulte made the decision to conduct the robust repair being utilized at the subsidence zone. The more critical of the repairs, within the subsidence region of the intersection of Kalalau Drive and Romsdalen Road are currently underway and expected to be complete by mid-October." (Source: Town Manager Wilkins October Report To Council)

Tomorrow is "Second Saturday" 

Tomorrow, head to Steam Pump Ranch from  9am to 1pm for “Second Saturday,” featuring historical tours, live music, and the Oro Valley Farmers Market. 

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Valley Vista Residents Deserve Answers

Residents express frustration over street conditions
Residents of the Valley Vista subdivision in Oro Valley are increasingly frustrated by the deteriorating condition of their streets. Visible settlement, sinkholes, and shifting pavers have become common sights, raising serious concerns about the safety and durability of the infrastructure. This after being "inconvenienced" by the repair of sinking sewer pipes and water damage at the sewerage lift station.

These issues have left many questioning whether anyone is taking their concerns seriously.

The genesis of the problem lies in floodplain construction
The roots of Valley Vista’s problems can be traced back to its construction within the Big Wash floodplain, a decision highlighted in a February 2024 LOVE article titled “Homes Built in Big Wash Floodplain”. The subdivision was built on backfilled soils prone to subsidence, especially when exposed to water infiltration. These geological challenges were not adequately addressed during construction, leading to the infrastructure failures now plaguing the community.

Worried residents hope to get answers this week

Discrepancies in town communication fuel resident distrust
Confusion and suspicion among residents have been exacerbated by conflicting information from town officials. A significant point of contention is the depth of street excavation required to properly address the street issues. While a geotechnical report from Ninyo & Moore recommended 48 inches of excavation, Town Engineer Paul Keesler communicated a much shallower 17-inch depth to residents. This discrepancy has led to growing distrust, with residents questioning the accuracy and transparency of the information provided by the town.

Lack of updates from town officials creates communication gaps
Adding to the frustration is the lack of consistent communication from town officials. According to an email chain dated September 2, 2024, the Town Council has not been updated on the situation at Valley Vista since February, leaving residents in the dark about the ongoing efforts to address the problems. Key stakeholders, such as the geotechnical engineers from Ninyo & Moore, have also been excluded from recent communications, further fueling concerns about whether the full scope of the issues is being transparently addressed.

What happens here matters to the town (and to you)

What happens with these streets is crucial. Once the town formally accepts them, they become town property, making the town responsible for their maintenance. It's imperative that all faults and issues with all the streets in Valley Vista be thoroughly identified and resolved before any handover occurs. Right now, it’s Pulte Homes' responsibility to address and fix these problems. If left unidentified or unresolved, these issues will be the town's burden, and by extension, your burden a a taxpayer. The town must ensure these all of these streets are in top condition before assuming responsibility.

An "open house" scheduled for September 12th aims to address concerns
In response to mounting concerns, the Town of Oro Valley has scheduled an open house this Thursday from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Oro Valley Council Chambers. This meeting will be an opportunity for residents to learn more about the upcoming street replacement project and to voice their concerns directly to town officials and representatives from Pulte Group. The open house will feature several stations covering topics such as the breadth of the work, the cross-section of the streets being repaired, the project schedule, and the involvement of Pima County Wastewater.

But one council member doesn't think the "open house" goes far enough

One council member, Tim Bohen, opposes the open house format chosen for the September 12 meeting. Bohen has been following Valley Vista situation closely. In fact, he is the only Council Member doing so. He tells us that the standard practice in Oro Valley has been to hold recorded, sit-down meetings where all attendees can ask questions, receive answers, and make public comments in a transparent manner. This traditional format allows for a clear record and ensures that everyone hears the same information. In contrast, the come-and-go Open House format cannot be effectively recorded, making it difficult to hold officials accountable. 

Bohen is also concerned about Town Engineer Paul Keesler's previous statements, which he believes have been proven untrue and were part of an effort to create separate narratives for the Council and the residents. He views the Open House as another tactic to avoid full transparency and accountability, further complicating the already tense situation at Valley Vista.

LOVE's Opinion: Valley Vista residents need to organize into a cohesive group and act in a united manner to address this and possible future issues

Valley Vista residents have yet to organize as a cohesive group, instead waiting individually for updates from Town staff. Perhaps they believe that the Town is acting in their best interest, but history shows otherwise. Town staff played a role in encouraging the Council to approve the general plan amendment and zoning change in 2017 and subsequently approved the necessary permits throughout the development process. This indicates a level of complicity. At some point, a significant mistake was made—perhaps the Town did not thoroughly investigate the quality of the soil being brought into the area. In addition, a review of the project's history reveals that soild concerns were never discussed before the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Council in 2017. 

There is plenty of blame to go around!

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Bits and Pieces

“Lift Plant” Sewer Line replacement in Valley Vista as County sues developer...residents forced to use porta potties and wash stations!

In February, we wrote about subsidence affecting two homes and the sewage lift station in Valley Vista. This development is built on the edge of Big Wash. Two significant events have occurred since then. First, in April, Pima County sued Pulte Homes and all parties involved in building the property in a “placeholder lawsuit.” The suit reminds Pulte that Pulte is responsible for remedying any defects found in the lift station. Second, a few weeks ago, one of Pulte’s subcontractors, Hunter Construction, began replacing the sagging sewer lines in that section of Valley Vista. On Tuesday, residents in the area of the lift station found porta potties and wash stations in the street. There’s one set of these for every two homes. Residents have been informally told they will have to use these facilities until the project is complete. There is no announced timetable for the project’s completion.

FOPRG to focus on water conservation
Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf (FOPRG) are dedicated to enhancing the Pusch Ridge Golf Course while addressing water usage concerns. Over the past few years, the course has grown in popularity, with rounds played increasing significantly from 3,875 in 2019-2020 to an anticipated 19,000 in 2023-2024. Despite this success, the use of potable water remains a challenge.

To tackle this, FOPRG has introduced a new mission focusing on water advocacy. They aim to educate the community on water-saving techniques through newsletters featuring tips, strategies, and events. Additionally, they plan to collaborate with the Town and Indigo to implement water conservation measures, such as reducing turf, using drought-resistant grass, and improving water usage audits. This dual approach seeks to balance the recreational benefits of the golf course with sustainable water management practices. (Source: FOPRG Newsletter)

Red Lobster is no more

Red Lobster closed its Oro Valley location earlier this month. The chain has been facing significant financial challenges nationally, including high lease and labor costs, and substantial losses from promotions such as the expanded all-you-can-eat shrimp deal. Earlier this month they filed for bankruptcy. The company plans to use the bankruptcy proceedings to restructure its finances, optimize its real estate footprint, and pursue a sale of its assets. Despite these challenges, Red Lobster intends to keep some of its locations open and operational during the restructuring process.

Oro Valley Receives Federal Grant for Stormwater Improvements
The Town of Oro Valley's Stormwater Utility has secured $210,990.75 in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 through the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (AZDEMA) and FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. This grant will enable essential upgrades to the box culvert outlet structure on Sierra Wash at Via Mandarina, addressing localized erosion concerns and enhancing community safety and infrastructure resilience.

Town Manager Jeff Wilkins emphasized that the funding will maximize the utility of Stormwater Utility Fee dollars, aiding the finalization of the fiscal year budget. The project, set for completion within FY 2024/2025, will proceed following Town Council endorsement. The federal grant, complemented by a $70,330.25 local match from the Stormwater Utility Fee, highlights Oro Valley's commitment to infrastructure maintenance and proactive risk mitigation. This grant marks the second DEMA allocation for Sierra Wash improvements, following previous funding in 2019. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Courts Remodeling Project on Time… and potentially under budget
Judge Hazel, the presiding magistrate of the Oro Valley Court system, provided an update on the remodeling of the Town court at the TMRB study session last month. Last year, LOVE reported on the need for this remodeling. Nothing has changed regarding that need since then. "We are now entering the construction phase. Phase one includes the attorney meeting room and the jury assembly room. Everything is going as planned, and a year from now, everything will be completed," Judge Hazel stated during a recent Courts Study Session.

Hazel emphasized being a steward of the town’s investment. Total bids for the project came in a million dollars less than planned. "That doesn’t mean it’s going to come in that way. That’s why we have to be vigilant throughout the whole process," she cautioned during the Courts Study Session. (TMRB Council Study Session, May 9, 2024)

Timetable for the Oro Valley Marketplace revisioning “Revealed’
Town staff projects that the hotel to be built at Oro Valley Marketplace will go online in February 2026. They anticipate that the Tangerine Road apartments will be available for occupancy in May 2027, and the Oracle Road apartments will be available for occupancy in May 2029. (TMRB Study Session May , 2024)

Enjoy Disc Golf at Pusch Ridge Course
The town is offering disc golf at the Pusch Ridge Golf Course from 7am to 7pm until September 22.

Homes Built In Big Wash Floodplain Facing Huge Challenge

Maybe building homes in a flood plain is not a good idea after all
A few years ago, the Hirmath led council, which included current Council Member Steve Solomon, approved a land swap that resulted in homes being build in the Big Wash Flood Plain. Today a development, Valley Vista, faces significant challenges because it was built on loose flood plain soil, soil that is subject to collapsing when water gets to it. 

It has taken two years and the effort of the current council to unveil the problem...
...a problem that came to everyone's attention when two properties in the development began subsiding. The council directed staff to "get answers" as to why this happened.  Staff reported their findings at last week's meeting.  It was only after questioning by Council Member Tim Bohen that the significant long term problems in the area came to light.

Staff Report: Two properties sank because of a drinking water line leaking into soil that is subject to collapse when it gets wet
The subsidence of two homes, each on the side of Pima County’s “lift station,” in the Valley Vista Subdivision was caused when the soil beneath the homes compacted because of an 80,000 gallon drinking water leak that occurred in late December of 2021. The leak was a water intake pipe joint at the station. Pima County never reported the leak to the town. Indeed, it took Oro Valley town staff months, working with an outside consultant, Ninyo & Moore, to determine the that leak had occurred. The town believes that the joint was leaking for two years prior to the major break in 2021.

The amount of the leak was far greater than the station’s normal water use. The lift station has the town’s water smart system installed but never set “alerts” so they they would know that an unusual amount of water was being used.

Pulte Homes, the subdivision developer, remediated the sinking of the two homes by installing ram jack piers along he perimeter of the houses. The piles extend to around 70 feel deep to bedrock.

Town Staff did not discuss many other issues raised by the Ninyo & Moore report. It was only after questioning by Council Member Tim Bohen and some residents of the development that other "sinking" issues, more long term and more concerning emerged.

The homes in Valley Vista sit on "alluvial" soil... the development sits in the Big Wash floodplain 

Why 70 feet to bedrock? Because the soil between the top soil and the bedrock are “alluvial sediments”. These are materials such as clay, silt, sand, gravel, and organic matter that have been deposited by running water in various environments like stream beds, floodplains,…or beaches.  A 2018 geological report, one submitted to the town as part of the development process, notes that these soil condition exist throughout the development. (Source: Consultant report page 4)

Alluvial soil collapses when wet 

That same report states that the “… subsurface soils were loose to medium dense and susceptible to hydro-collapse.” (Source: Consultant report page 4). In other words, these soils are prone to suddenly settling or compacting when they become wet. The report continues: “The results of the consolidation tests indicate moderate to very severe collapse potential upon saturation…that these settlement prone soils extend to substantial depths.” (Source: Consultant report page 11). In fact, the 2018 study concluded that “…that the subsurface soils were loose to medium dense and susceptible to hydro -collapse.” (Source: Consultant report page 4)

Streets also subject to future subsidence 

The report notes that future subsidence of the roadways should be expected. Fortunately, the town has not accepted the streets yet. These are still Pulte Homes responsibility. The report recommends that an extensive rebuild be done ((Source: Consultant report page 12).  Pulte recently recently sealed some of the streets in the development. Our guess: Sealing cracks. Resealing will not solve the problem of future subsidence

Never again?
The reason they are homes built in the wash is because former Mayor Hiremath and his council, including current council member Steve Solomon, approved a land swap that enabled that development. Hopefully, there will be no more building in Big Wash approved by this or any future council.

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Note to homewowners in the Valley Vista Subdivision 

All homeowners in the area need to be vigilant to make sure they have water smart installed; that unlike Pima County they set excessive water use alerts; and that they investigate immediately if there is an alert. Any leak from the street line to their homes is their problem. It’s not the town’s. Our experience is that the Town will offer you no help when you have a leak.

The type of leak from the street to a home is that development will prove be difficult to identify visually. This is because, the water from the leak goes straight down and does not rise to the surface until the ground is saturated. Fortunately, residents should be able to identify a leak before it does too much damage because the line to the residential home is 5/8 inch diameter. The line to the lift station is 2 inch diameter.

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