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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPackets - Council Packets (1868)Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 12:01 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Importance of Revegetation of Vistoso Preserve IWdl Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Vallev Direct Line: 520-229-4714 From: Jamie Anderson < Sent: Friday, April 12, 2024 12:42 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Importance of Revegetation of Vistoso Preserve Hi, I will keep this email short, but 1 wanted to let you know how important upcoming work is to me and my family, as Oro Valley residents. The effort to revegetate and restore native plants to the Vistoso Preserve, and irradicate invasive species, is very much top of mind for us. We won't make the upcoming town council meeting, but wanted to message the importance of this work to you, to ensure it is a priority for the town council. I know our neighbors collectively feel the same. Thankyou! -Jamie Anderson WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 12:01 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: April 17 Town Council Meeting FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line: 520-229-4714 From: Cariad Susannah Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2024 4:19 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: April 17 Town Council Meeting Dear Councillors, see forwarded mail below ... As a tax paying new resident of OV & Donor to the campaign to secure this property, I am 100% backing the proposals below for Council to move forwards immediately & start spending my/our accumulated funds to halt the dilapidation of the area we fought so hard to preserve, not to watch it fossilizell Cannot attend this meeting in person due to time difference, but I will be very interested in how you voted on the key issues addressed below. Yours respectfully, Dr. Paul Licker & Dr. S.M. Cameron -Crichton ----- Forwarded Message --- From: "Preserve Vistoso" <preservevistoso@a 108166106.mailchimpaapp.com> To: - Cc: Sent: Fri, Apr 12, 2024 at 9:23 PM Subject: Attend the April 17 Town Council Meeting View this email in your browser me Preserve«de- 1StOS0 To forward this email to a friend, click here.' Attend the April 17 Town Council Meeting April 12, 2024—Two years! It's been two years since the deal to acquire the closed Vistoso Golf Club was completed. Two years since the property was officially renamed the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. And while we were all thrilled, it's also been two years of no improvements made to the property. The bathrooms were reopened, and some cart path repairs have been completed, but the land has been neglected. Large portions of the property have become overrun with weeds and invasive plant species, while other areas have degraded to the point that nothing is growing on them at all. On Wednesday, April 17, at 6:00 pm, the Town Council will meet and likely approve the latest version of the Sites SW proposed master plan for the property. After that we expect the council to begin to make plans to spend the $21VI that they previously allocated for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, which begins on July 1. We must make our priorities for the funds known now. Based on several surveys, as well as many discussions with PV members and other members of the community the priorities are clear: . Immediately begin work on the revegetation and restoration of the property. This should include a robust and sustained program to eradicate 7 the numerous invasive species and weeds that are so prevalent in many areas. This will require the town to engage with experts in the field of desert revegetation. In our discussions with several local experts, we've learned that the steps that need to be taken would include a sustained program to identify and eradicate the numerous invasive species and weeds, sampling and remediating the soil as necessary, mapping the drainage features that were installed to suit the needs of the golf course but that won't support native desert plants, and developing a detail planting plan. We've also contacted other communities and organizations that have taken on similar projects to restore abandoned golf courses and they've shared their plans and experiences with us. We expect the town to make use of such resources before starting any work. This can happen quickly and could begin before the end of this fiscal year. Work in tandem with experts to develop two options for the pond area, one that includes a water feature and one without. Mayor Winfield directed Sites SW to provide only one option that will not include any type of water feature but will instead propose the creation of a park -like area. However, we know that a large portion of the community wants a water feature, so before this decision is cast in stone we need to strongly urge the council to take the time to investigate further by bringing in experts who can return two options —one with water, one without, and then debate the pros and cons of each before deciding. The meeting agenda has not been published yet, but we'll issue an update as soon as it becomes available. It will include the instructions for how to get a blue card and submit it at the start of the meeting so that you can be called on to speak. We need a good turnout, with numerous speakers who can reiterate the points above. Because this will be an agenda item we don't expect that Zoom attendees will be allowed to speak, so attendance in person is our best bet to be heard. If you are unable to attend in person please take a few minutes to email the council at council(a)orovalleyaz.gov. Those messages have a tangible impact on the 91 council's decisions! Remember —it's an election year and many of our council members are running for re-election. Our voices carry weight with them so please use yours to help make our priorities heard! We encourage you to use the link at the top of the page to forward this email to friends that may be interested in the mission of Preserve Vistoso. Please use that link, not the forward button in your browser or email client. Support Preserve Vistoso A Sonoran Desert Preserve Where Nature and People Thrive Email us at: infoCaDoreservevistoso.org Visit us at: PreserveVistoso.org Copyright © 2024 Preserve Vistoso, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up for the Preserve Vistoso contact list. 4 Our mailing address is: Preserve Vistoso 12112 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd, #150-325 Oro Valley, AZ 85755 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 12:01 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Preserve Vistoso Trail Meeting April 17 FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line: 520-229-4714 From: irene swain Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2024 8:24 AM To: Town Council <council@orovaIleyaz.gov> Subject: Preserve Vistoso Trail Meeting April 17 Dear Council, I have been a resident of Vistoso and have been walking the Nature Trails Golf Course before it became a city park. I still walk it. I would love to see the pond be a pond; a water feature. However, if this is in the plans, I feel it is very important to design the pond and maintain it so that it will not be a breeding ground for mosquitos. When moving into Oro Valley I was completely surprised how there is no concern about the increasing mosquito problem. It shocked me that no one seems to care. Fountains are left to fester in the summer when filled with rain water and no residents here to maintain. Same with pots etc. It is becoming a real problem. So, yes I would love and hope to see a pond or some water feature at the park, however please have a correct system in place in order for the water feature to not be a mosquito breeding ground. Thank you! Irene Swain WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 12:01 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Rancho Vistoso Nature Preserve Restoration FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line: 520-229-4714 From: Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2024 11:20 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Rancho Vistoso Nature Preserve Restoration Dear Oro Valley Council, I am writing you to ask your support to continue the restoration project at the Rancho Vistoso Nature Preserve. During the Preserve Vistoso campaign, I donated a substantial amount of money to keep the former golf course a nature preserve... Thank you for your vote to spend 2M dollars on continued improvements. I walk the nature preserve almost every day and I have observed more and more people using the paths for walking, jogging and biking... Please work to eradicate the invasive species and weeds. I ask you to develop plans to save the pond with or without a water feature. It continues to be an eyesore to all those whc pass by. I would think conservation groups would be willing to fund some of projects and the costs to get the pond filled. It sure would be nice to see numerous benches surrounding the pond (that residents could buy) to keep it a focal point of our community. What about the Forestry Service using the pond to put out fires and paying some of the costs? Maybe someone would like their name on the Pond and would pay a substantial amount to do that! I am unable to attend the upcoming meeting, buy wanted to share my thoughts. Respectfully, Walter.) 01cnn WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 12:01 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve plan FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line: 520-229-4714 From: Pamela Jacobs: Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2024 12:08 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve plan Dear Mayor and Council Members, As a resident of Oro Valley who lives near the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve and walks it frequently, I Listened with interest to the video recording of the special work session you conducted.in March concerning the priorities for the Preserve. I was surprised and saddened to hear the Mayor summarily dismiss the proposed water feature option to replace the old pond area. My husband and I each completed the survey regarding the priorities for the Preserve. We each ranked the reclamation of the old pond as our top priority with the understanding that Sites SW had proposed an option of water retention areas for wildlife, an option we greatly favor. Based upon the various survey results, it appears other community members share our commitment to a complete and thorough discussion about the option of a water feature versus a park -like area with no water. I strongly urge you to instruct Sites SW to further develop plans for the water feature so that the merits of water/no-water can be further discussed. We found the Sites SW initial plans fora water feature in this area to be exciting and unique, something that will enhance the area for all OV citizens. Sincerely, Pamela and Doug Jacobs WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 12:00 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Master Plan - Reject Plan(s) without Pond Importance: High FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line: 520-229-4714 From: Michelson, Brad Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2024 3:56 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Master Plan - Reject Plan(s) without Pond Importance: High Dear Town Council Members —We request this proposed Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Master Plan be REJECTED and be revised to include recent survey feedback and the community's top priorities, which include a large pond. Upon review of the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Master Plan and as a resident of Oro Valley, we are deeply concerned that the plan includes a complete removal of the water feature and pond. • Earlier plans and each community survey have concluded that the pond was a top priority in the nature preserve space, with the water feature also at the top of the list. • Unless there is a significant financial cost of utilizing the existing water fountain and pond, it is unclear why the city would spend so much money ($500K- $1 M) to simply fill the pond and remove the waterfall features. • Maintaining ramadas immediately at the parking area will be a waste of money and doesn't represent the neighbor's interest and the community's use of this nature preserve. Please address the costs of simplyfillingthe existing pond space in the upcoming agenda discussions. In addition, we are also concerned with the amount of parking spaces at the old golf course lost with the apartment buildings and the improvements to the nature preserve, that a single parking area of only 13 spaces will be insufficient for the community and may cause parking along adjacent streets. Bradand!RAn 911icherson The information contained in this e-mail and any attachments from Infinity Systems Engineering LLC may contain confidential and/or proprietary Information, and is intended only for the named recipient to whom it was originally addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, distribution, or copying of this e-mail or its attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail and permanently delete the e- mail and any attachments. WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 12:00 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Pond FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line: 520-229-4714 From: Amy D'Ambrosio Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 7:39 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Pond Please reconsider plans for a pond on the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. It adds much beauty and was a wonderful place for families, prom goers and others to take pictures. The pond greatly adds to the aesthetic beauty of our area. Perhaps consider filling in half the pond so the usage of water needed is halved? It seems it would only enhance the beauty and increase the number of people who would want to enjoy the area. Thank you for your consideration Amy and Anthony D'Ambrosio WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 12:00 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Preserve Vistoso FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line: 520-229-47t4 From: Cindy Barge Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 11:58 AM To: info@preservevistoso.org; Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Preserve Vistoso Mike and I live in a home on Regulation Dr which backs up to the Preserve. We are retired and very much enjoy watching for wildlife, especially birds in the desert behind us. Walking the "cart paths" is another reason we love living here. Our concerns/suggestions are based on this first-hand experience. We totally support the immediate revegetation/restoration of the property and are pleased that the need to obtain expert advice is recognized and in progress. However, we see some obstacles in this effort: Walking, biking off path is becoming more common. There need to be restrictions if establishment of a Sonoran desert ecosystem is to be successful. New plantings and natural propagation of desired species will not tolerate being stepped on very many times. 2. Dogs running off leash is another concern. Although poop bags are readily available now (great addition), their use seems to be sporadic and apparently deemed unnecessary if off path. No, this is not true if plants are to have the best chance of survival: Taking your dog for a walk in a nature reserve could harm biodiversity because its faeces and urine bring in excess nitrogen and phosphorus to the ecosystem. While the effects of dogs on wildlife, through disease transmission and disturbance, have been well -studied, little is known about the impact of their waste. The ensuing study estimates that dogs bring 5 kilograms of phosphorus per hectare per year and 11 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare per year into suburban nature reserves. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2307320— dog -waste -may -harm -nature -reserve -biodiversity -by - fertilising -the - soil/ Dogs need a high -protein diet, and the process of breaking down all that protein creates nitrogen as a byproduct. The dog then passes that nitrogen in its urine and feces. Because it contains a lot of nitrogen, dog feces kill grass. When dog poo sits out long enough to break down into the soil, it releases a lot of nitrogen. That's why the grass around it dies and turns brown. https://lawnLove.com/bLo /is -dog - poop- bad -for-grass/ 3. It hasn't been mentioned in the Preserve priority list but good signage needs be installed ASAP. Those who walk off path and the irresponsible dog owners need to know what a Conservancy is and what the VPreserve hopes to be. Mike and I have tried to educate people when possible but without backup we are not going to make much of an impact. 4. Of great concern to us and many is how will the invasive weeds be eliminated. At the March 6 council meeting it was brought to our attention that Roundup had already been used in the Preserve. There many studies and consequently varying opinions on the toxicity/carcinogenicity of glycoside (Roundup) due to different methods and data sets. Much of the controversy is due to differences in exposure data. In 2022 the NIH Center for Biotechnology published a study that concluded: The information summarized in the present review indicates that exposure to glyphosate, AMPA, or GBH could induce several toxic effects on the nervous system of all species studied. Exposure to glyphosate during the early stages of life can severely affect normal cell development by deregulating some of the signaling pathways involved in this process, leading to alterations in differentiation, neuronal growth, migration, and myelination. Glyphosate also seems to exert a significant toxic effect on neurotransmission, with the glutamatergic system being one of the most affected systems ....... Although there are important discrepancies between the findings analyzed in this review, it is unequivocal that exposure to glyphosate, alone or in commercial formulations, can produce important alterations in the structure and function of the nervous system of humans, rodents, fish, and invertebrate animals. https://www.ncbi.nlm.ningov/12mc/articles/PMC9101768/ Thank you to all who are working on this complicated project. We are willing to help in anyway we can. 2 Mike and Cindy Barge WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 2:13 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Vistoso Trails Master Plan FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line: 520-229-4714 From: Gerald Bren Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 202410:48 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Vistoso Trails Master Plan To the Mayor and Council Members, My name is Gerald Bren, My wife and I have been residents of Oro Valley for over ten years. So, the council is finally taking up the ever -changing Sites SW Master Plan. Their Master Plan has changed drastically over time, given the forces pushing on them and maybe because of the impractical nature of the original master plan as presented. Why don't we make it simple and adopt three major goals which essentially were recommended in all of the surveys done. My suggestion is that the council think of Vistoso Trails as having three major objectives, given common sense thinking. A. All versions of the public opinion surveys indicate that people want regular maintenance and improvements of the following: 1. Cart Path 2. Bathrooms 3. Parking 4. Signage and safety improvements The cart path and related facilities are heavily used now, both by residents and occasional visitors. The Nature Preserve is a reason to come and stay in Oro Valley and should be maintained to enhance that usage. None of the other nearby parks have trails for hiking and biking that are paved like the trail system of Vistoso Trails. Many have very difficult paths. B. Help Vistoso Trails get back to a natural state- both vegetation and wildlife. Whether it's called reseeding or revegetation, the nature preserve needs help to get back to natural conditions. This is first and foremost a nature preserve and some carefully planned spending upfront will help the property recover. Without that help, the property will look like an abandoned golf course for the rest of our Lives. Other golf course conversion projects have found significant sources of grants and other funding. Oro Valley should look for those sources. Nonetheless, let's help the nature preserve become natural again. C. Do something to improve the neglected pond area. It was a visual highpoint of Oro Valley when it was a pond. Now it's an eyesore. Whether a feature with enhanced plantings, or a desert water hole with some habitat for wildlife, something can be done. Again, this could be a project that would qualify for grants and other funding. While it won't be cheap, a plan could be adopted and funded when money is available. Let's make this a premier visual attraction again for Oro Valley. Everything else in the Sites SW master plan can be retained as a wish list, to be addressed when money is available. It's nice to have a list, but what took them so long to get there? We would like to thank the council for the help that it has given and really appreciate the attention being paid to Vistoso Trails. The $2 million in funding already indicated will help get the enhancement process started, so let's use it for maximum effect. The nature preserve is going to be the signature accomplishment of this council and everyone on it is to be congratulated for helping make it happen. Gerald and Karen Bren WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Atert Button. Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 2:31 PM To: Standish, Michael; Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Town Council Meeting Fay Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line: 520-229-4714 From: Dianne Slotten - Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 2:27 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Town Council Meeting Hello, I won't be able to attend this meeting in person, but I would like my voice to be heard. I hike Vistoso Preserve almost every day. I love hiking the cart path and seeing the wildlife and the natural beauty of the desert without worrying about stepping on a snake lurking in tall grasses! My priorities: • revegetation • invasive species removal • bringing water back to the pond area • BOTH restrooms should function in each of the restroom buildings • re -pave the parking lot • NO HOUSING OF ANY SORT • Keep Vistoso wild. It doesn't need any other improvements. The beauty of it is that it isn't over -improved. It's like a safe walk through the desert ... not just another park. Thank you for listening, Dianne Slotten I WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 3:58 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Comments - Updated Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve (VTNP) Master Plan FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line: 520-229-4714 -----Original Message----- - _—----------- ----- --- From: Kenneth Hustad Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 3:53 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Preserve Vistoso <preservevistoso@gmail.com>; Carol Hustad _ Subject: Comments - Updated Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve (VTNP) Master Plan Dear Mayor Winfield, Vice Mayor Barrett and Council Members: Thank you so much for your continuing commitment to restore our beautiful desert at the former Vistoso Golf Club. Your efforts to complete the VTNP Master Plan and to find $2 million in this next Town budget for a quick start is commendable and we do appreciate that. We have read the revised Master Plan included with the April 17 Town Council meeting agenda and we offer the following comments: 1. Cart path widening - The consultant's recommendation (page 34 of 94) to, over time, add two 4 foot gravel shoulders to the 6 miles of cart path (now trails) seems excessive for bike and pedestrian safety and ADA compliance as well, based on recent interpretations. This path widening recommendation also runs counter to our community's fundamental objective to preserve and restore the desert. Much of the existing cart path passes through areas of virtually undisturbed natural vegetation on one or both sides. If my math is correct, two new 4' swaths of gravel over 6 miles would require the disturbance of 253,440 sq. ft. (5.8+ acres) of the desert. As both frequent walkers and infrequent bike riders on the cart path, we have had very few conflicts other than an occasional inconsiderate speeding cyclist in the late afternoon. If the shoulders of the existing path could be improved by eliminating the 4 - 6" pavement edge drop offs here and there and re -grading within a foot or so, that would be sufficient. 2. Pond Area (page 28) - The elimination of the option to include an open water pond or other water feature at the end of the March 20 Town Council study session was disturbing to us. While we understand that a new pond built solely for aesthetic and wildlife habitat purposes can be more challenging than a pond with high water volume throughput built for golf course water storage and irrigation, your sudden decision is perplexing ..... especially after the Town's resident surveys ranked a pond replacement near the top of expectations. We would appreciate a more detailed reason for your "no pond" direction given to the consultant including any cost or maintenance analysis and environmental pros and cons. A second concern about the "The Former Pond" area design is that the handicapped -accessible parking area seems to have grown significantly, from 2 to 4 handicapped -accessible spaces along a widened W. Vistoso Highlands Drive to now 13 off - street spaces. It appears that most of these new spaces are not needed for ADA parking so most of the parking will be open to thegeneral public. While we fully support necessary ADA parking, we think that the proposed larger parking lot will have much more impact on the neighbors and this change in the VTNP deserves some public discussion and possible reconsideration. We look forward to attending your April 17 Town Council meeting and hope that our concerns will be addressed. Respectfully, Ken and-Caro-1- Hustad WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. 2 Stine, Michelle From: Sent: To: Subject: FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line:520-229-4714 Sirois, Andrea Tuesday, April 16, 2024 8:36 PM Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael FW: Vistoso Trails Natire Preserve Water Feature Question Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 5:31 PM To: Town Council Subject: Vistoso Trails Natire Preserve Water Feature Question We apologize for not keeping up with what has happened with the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve planning over the last year. We have made a quick review of the Preserve Master Plan that will be addressed at the Town Council Meeting tomorrow April 17th. We noticed that there will be no desert wetland area in the golf course pond location. During the first planning review at Steam Pump Ranch last year there were several wetland options described for the pond area. What was the rationale for changing the plan for that area to a Desert Garden? Was it that there was not sufficient water supply or infrastructure for a wetland area? Or did the public reviews and feedback during the Master Plan review period indicate no interest in a wetland feature? We were looking forward to having a wetland feature in the Preserve that would have attracted local and migrating wetland birds in the Preserve, something unique that we believe does not currently exist in the Oro Valley and Tucson area. Thank you very much and we look forward to the presentation and discussion at tomorrow's Town Council Meeting. Gordon & Anita Parkhill Sent from AOL on Android WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 4:07 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Tuesday Council meeting re: Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line: 520-229-4714 From: Stan Riggenbach Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 4:00 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Tuesday Council meeting re: Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Hello, We are OV residents who live adjacent to the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve and are members of Preserve Vistoso. First of all, thanks for all your efforts to make this nature preserve possible. We greatly appreciate the Council's dedication and hard work to get this done. We are writing in regards to proposed master plan for the property. We ask that the Town immediately begin work on the revegetation and restoration of the property. It's been two years since the property was acquired and invasive weeds are rampant, aided by the abundant and unexpected rain this year. There should be a robust and sustained program to eradicate the numerous invasive species and weeds that are so prevalent in many areas. Preserve Vistoso has contacted other communities and organizations that have taken on similar projects to restore abandoned golf courses and they've shared their plans and experiences with us. We expect the town to make use of such resources before starting any work. This can happen quickly and could begin before the end of this fiscal year. We also ask that Town work in tandem with experts to develop two options for the pond area, one that includes a water feature and one without, and then debate the pros and cons of each before deciding. Thanks for your consideration and continuing support. Stan & Emilia Riggenbach WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 3:13 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Vistoso Nature Trail Preserve FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Une: 520-229-4714 From: John McAlister Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 12:10 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Vistoso Nature Trail Preserve I would like to see the town do the following: Immediately begin work on the revegetation and restoration of the property. This should include a robust and sustained program to eradicate the numerous invasive species and weeds that are so prevalent in many areas. This will require the town to engage with experts in the field of desert revegetation. A nature preserve full of weeds and invasive species is not a nature preserve. The place should be kept wild and a true representation of the Sonoran Desert. Sincerely, John McAlister WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 8:45 AM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line:` 520-229-4714 From: W J Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 8:08 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Dear Mr. Mayor and City Council members: Thank you for this opportunity to be heard: I am a resident of Oro Valley - specifically Fairfield Vistoso. There are several community concerns regarding the lack of implementation of any immediate plan to address several issues. 1. FIRE HAZARD A. Invasive species, weeds, dead material, overgrown bushes and lack of a consistent plan to remove and control them. This constitutes an immediate fire hazard. B. No Defensible Zone surrounding structures should there be a lightning struck resulting in a fire. This debris would burn quickly especially in high winds that are often experienced here. And the city is on notice of this safety issue which makes the city potentially liable. 2. SAFETY and SECURITY CONCERNS Now that the City Council has voted to give Ross Rulney 8plus acres for his 132 ill conceived and inappropriate for the neighborhood apartments along with 234 parking spaces - and to rub salt in the wounds, place another parking lot for 21 vehicles within 100 yards east of Fairfield Vistoso, the safety and over crowding of this once pristine area has not been addressed. 3. REMEDIAL ACTION TO RESTORE THE AREATO ITS NATURAL DESERT STATE. This should be undertaken with expert knowledge and advice to restore this lovely area to its natural desert state. There was a very expensive study done over two years ago. Alas, More emphasis seemed to be placed on "swings and slides" than on the restoration of the area to a natural desert state. There is no need for additional structures on this property. Where is The Conservation Fund? 4. Ross Rulney bought .68 acres for approximately $38,000 immediately adjacent to the property so that he can further expand. This is a natural migration area and a natural drainage area. It will further degrade the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. Thankyou. W.1. Abbott WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 8:54 AM To: Standish, Michael; Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Master Plan Preserve Vistoso FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line: 520-229-4714 From: Annette Cody _ Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 7:01 AM To: Town Council <Council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Master Plan Preserve Vistoso Please vote for the Master Plan for Preserve Vistoso. It is important to start with the revegetation of the fairways and greens. The Master Plan is far from perfect, but it is a start in the direction of getting the area back to a Sonoran Desert. The town of Oro Valley can make these 202 acres a model of Sonoran desert regeneration for many generations to come. This is the time to get started on making that happen. Thank you for your support. As someone who walks the path multiple times a week, too much time has gone by with nothing happening to revegetate the area. Annette Cody Resident of Rancho Vistoso Oro Valley WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 1:13 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: OV town mtg - Preserve FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line: 520-229-4714 -----Original Messag_e-_-_-_-- - - - - - - ---- --- -- - From: Janice Friel Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 202411:37 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: OV town mtg - Preserve Sorry I can't attend tonight's mtg. Just wanted to say I support several ways of spending the $2 million dollars for the Preserve. 1. Most important is to start the revegetation 2. Restore the pond area, using the no water option ( picnic area, etc.) 3. Wildflower seeding Thank you, Janice Friel Sent from my iPhone WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button. 1 Stine, Michelle From: Sent: To: Subject: FYI Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line: 520-229-4714 Sirois, Andrea Tuesday, April 16, 2024 8:36 PM Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael FW: Vistoso Trails Natire Preserve Water Feature Question From: GORDON PARKHILL Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 5:31 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Vistoso Trails Natire Preserve Water Feature Question We apologize for not keeping up with what has happened with the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve planning over the last year. We have made a quick review of the Preserve Master Plan that will be addressed at the Town Council Meeting tomorrow April 17th. We noticed that there will be no desert wetland area in the golf course pond location. During the first planning review at Steam Pump Ranch last year there were several wetland options described for the pond area. What was the rationale for changing the plan for that area to a Desert Garden? Was it that there was not sufficient water supply or infrastructure for a wetland area? Or did the public reviews and feedback during the Master Plan review period indicate no interest in a wetland feature? We were looking forward to having a wetland feature in the Preserve that would have attracted local and migrating wetland birds in the Preserve, something unique that we believe does not currently exist in the Oro Valley and Tucson area. Thank you very much and we look forward to the presentation and discussion at tomorrow's Town Council Meeting. Gordon & Anita Parkhill Sent from AOL on Android WARNING: This email came from outside the Town of Oro Valley. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If this looks suspicious, report it using the Phish Alert Button.