The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutPackets - Council Packets (1198)Michael, have not seen where blue cards are documented in the written history of a council topic. I am therefore submitting my blue card content on the golf course topic, for the meetings on 7/24/19 and 7/31/19, to pass on to the council in written form for documentation purposes. As the council is aware, I prepare my blue card statements and read them at the podium from a document. This is a copy of those documents, which to the best of my ability were presented exactly as written, to the council. The 7/31/19 has an update in italics representing new information I collected at the meeting Thank you. Greg Kishi President, Villages of La Canada HOA Contents TOV Council Public Input Session 7/24/19....................................................................................................2 TOV Council Public Input Session 7/31/19 ................................................................ .................................... 3 1 TOV Council Public Input Session 7/24/19 My name is Greg Kish i have been a resident of Oro Valley for 28 years. I am speaking to you today as the president of the Villages of La Canada homeowners association. The Villages of La Canada consists of 580 homes located approximately at the southeast corner of Lambert and La Canada. Holes 10-14 of the Canada course run through the Villages of La Canada. have four topics to cover: FIRST -Per the letter sent today by our counsel, on our behalf, to the Town Attorney, the Villages of La Canada HOA is requesting further constructive dialogue and deliberation prior to any final golf course decision. SECOND - I believe the following: • The unelected Budget and Finance commission is creating a Golf Course spreadsheet • That spreadsheet is apparently going to be used to recommend a course of action to the council • All previous council inputs on the golf course have been open to public input Therefore, I request that you direct the Budget and Finance commission to publish the spreadsheet in the commission packet prior to the meeting and ask them to allow public input on the golf course analysis agenda item at their August 20th meeting. THIRD - I also believe that any option for closing the golf course should include the cost of the "increase in reclaimed rates, or alternatively a subsidy by potable water customers" as mentioned in this presentation. That cost is associated with 2 closing the golf course. Although it is might not be a cost to the Town of Oro Valley, it is a cost that will be passed on to the town's constituents. FINALLY —The council has said that it is concerned with the impact of their decision on home values in the community. Should you choose the lowest net operating cost in the "no golf" analysis as the basis of your decision, you are also choosing the highest impact on home values. TOV Council Public Input Session 7/31/19 My name is Greg Kish i I have been a resident of Oro Valley for 28 years. I am speaking to you today as the president of the Villages of La Canada homeowners association. The Villages of La Canada consists of 580 homes located approximately at the southeast corner of Lambert and La Canada. Holes 10-14 of the Canada course run through the Villages of La Canada. A little over a year ago, during the campaign for town council, I sent a letter on July 3, 2018, as President of the HOA, to all Villages homeowners stating the importance of the golf course to our HOA, because I knew a significant number of mail -in ballots had already been filed. I wanted to say that the challenging candidates wanted to reduce the golf course operations. I was unable to do so because at that point in time, the challengers had been careful not to clearly articulate their position on the golf course. At this point, it would be a false assumption by some members of the council that all the votes cast for the new council are the basis for a mandate on the golf course. As we know, some people voted for change, for a council that would do a better job listening to its constituency. 3 You have given your constituency a chance to address the council. The following numbers are my personal count, but I believe these numbers are accurate enough to make my point. At the Feb 20 public input session the comments were 22:5 in favor of the golf course with 2 unknowns. At the July 24 public input session the comments were 41:7 in favor with 1 unknown. Update: At the July 31 public input session the comments were 32:1 in favor of the golf course I have not seen all the letters you have received, but I understand that they are overwhelmingly in favor of the golf course. Your vote on this issue will demonstrate your willingness to listen. ►I Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2019 11:58 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Letter documenting Blue Cards Attachments: GtkvlchoaBlueCardSummaryLetter0801.pdf Michelle, Please add this letter to the 7/24 archived packet. Thank you. Mike From: Gregory Kishi Sent: Thursday, August 01, 2019 11:16 AM To: Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Letter documenting Blue Cards Greg Kishi President VLC HOA Stine, Michelle From: Bradford Dow Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2019 11:44 AM To: Stine, Michelle Cc: Standish, Michael; Winfield, Joe; rdemore@troon.com Subject: Re: Public Records Request Notification Good morning, Thank you for the information. I will contact Troon for a copy of the marketing plan. Brad On Tue, Aug 6, 2019 at 10:52 Stine, Michelle <mstine @ orovalleyaz. oovv> wrote: Good morning Mr. Dow, The requested Troon marketing plan mentioned in the contract is not available from the Town of Oro Valley. Please contact Troon for information regarding marketing efforts outside of Oro Valley's promotional support provided to you on 8/2. The contact information I have for Troon is Rob DeMore, President of Troon Prive. Below is his email address. Thank you, .BVI iche CCe Stine, -M-A l C, CRA4 Deputy Town Clerk Town of Oro Valley 11000 N. La Canada Dr. Oro Valley, AZ 85737 520-229-4744 mstine@orovaIleyaz.gov From: Bradford Dow [mailto: Sent: Friday, August 2, 2019 4:53 PM To: Stine, Michelle <mstine@orovalleyaz.gov>; Winfield, Joe <jwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Fwd: Public Records Request Notification Good afternoon Michelle, Thank you for the reply and the information noted below. My request (see below) was for a copy of the Troon marketing plan that Troon is to produce on an annual basis as well as copies of all press releases from Troon used to promote the facilities within the contract. This is one of their contract obligations. Who do I contact at Troon to request these documents? Thank you, Brad Ticket 3038 Report Date 7/22/19 4:58 pm Status Closed Close Date 7/29/19 11:59 am Location RIVER'S EDGE Department Parks&Rec Request Type Constituent • El Conquistador (Golf & Tennis) Subject documents Request Detail Good afternoon, The Troon contract with Oro Valley calls for Troon to produce a "Facility Marketiniz Plan " and to coordinate with local news media to include specific press releases. (Section 4.02 of the contract. ) Please provide me with a copy of the current Facility Marketing Plan produced by Troon , and copies of all press releases relating to the Oro Valley facilities managed by Troon for the calendar years 2016, 2017 and 2018 year to date. Thank you for your assistance 0 Brad Dow ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: <donotreply @ orovalleyaz. gov> Date: Fri, Aug 2, 2019 at 4:36 PM Subject: Public Records Request Notification To: < Mr. Dow, Outside of local promotional support via conversations and coordination with Troon, all other marketing efforts are handled by Troon's Centralized Promotion and Publicity Services. Attached are copies of the Town's promotional support, which includes print ads and social media for 2016- 2018. There have not been any applicable press releases by the Town thus far for 2019. Thank you, Michelle Stine, MMC, CPM Deputy Town Clerk Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4744 mstine @ orovalleyaz. gov Property Address: J Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Friday, July 26, 2019 9:09 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Golf Course Decision From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2019 7:30 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Golf Course Decision Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: kshaheen Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 5:13 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Golf Course Decision Dear Mayor and Council members, I am unable to attend tomorrow's meeting regarding the gold courses but please add my vote to the. residents who support closing down all golf operations as soon as practical. The yearly subsidies since the purchase could well have paid for park and rec upgrades and development. Our town should not be in the golf business. We should not be competing with the private courses that are struggling to stay open. Thank you. Kathy Shaheen Rancho Vistoso Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Friday, July 26, 2019 9:09 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: 07/24/2019 Special Session Item #1 -----Original Message ----- From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2019 1:38 PM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: 07/24/2019 Special Session Item #1 Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A. R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. -----Original Message ----- From: Carol Clark [mailto: Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2019 1:30 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: 07/24/2019 Special Session Item #1 I fully support the 36 -Hole Option without reconfiguration, and urge the Mayor and Council and Town leaders to take the opportunity to accept funding from the golfing and HOA groups. I implore you to consider the current grassy slopes and trees as an economic attraction and a visual respite. My family has lived in what are now town boundaries since 1985. While I'm not a golfer yet, Oro Valley must have the golf courses for many reasons, too many to list here. I hope to attend this evening's meeting and comment publicly. Thank you for the opportunity to comment here. Best regards, Carol Clark and Tom Clark Sent from my Whone Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Friday, July 26, 2019 9:08 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Open Meeting 07/24/19 -----Original Message ----- From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Thursday, July 25, 2019 7:45 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Open Meeting 07/24/19 Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. -----Original Message ----- From: TERRY VAN CLEAVE [mailto:. Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2019 8:21 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Open Meeting 07/24/19 To: Mayor and City Council I attended a portion of the open meeting to discuss the golf course issue. I heard a lot about the benefits of living on the golf courses but not many solutions. I agree that it is great to have the great green grass courses in the community, however there is a problem of an approximate 2million dollar loss each year if I understand the issue correctly. I was going to suggest an offer to Grand Canyon University to build a campus which they wanted to do in Tucson but was rejected by that city Council. However, our attorney said that the courses must remain as a golf course or open space. I would suggest that a portion of the course remain and the Grand Canyon University be allowed to build on a portion. If this is not feasible, then I would have houses on the courses be taxed to cover half of the $2 million deficit and the remainder of the city be taxed the other half. The houses on the courses could maintain there value and the benefits of living on the courses and the remainder of the city would not be subsidizing their homes on the courses. Thank you, Terry Van Cleave Resident for 28 years Sent from my iPad Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Friday, July 26, 2019 9:07 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Golf Course Operations From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Thursday, July 25, 2019 9:04 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Golf Course Operations Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Rick Tucker [mailto: Sent: Thursday, July 25, 2019 8:28 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Golf Course Operations Ladies and Gentlemen: We have lived in Oro Valley for 9 years, presently residing at Sun Ridge Estates. Our decision to move here was based in large part on the existence of the (then) EI Conquistador golf courses which we consider to be the "crown jewel" of Oro Valley and set it apart from other towns in the area. Like many others who were thus attracted to Oro Valley, in our 9 years of residency, we have purchased 4 homes, 4 cars, hired many local contractors, played golf at EI Con and other local courses, i.e., The Golf Club at Vistoso, patronized local restaurants and shops and spent substantial sums of money in the local economy. We are adamantly opposed to the closure of the golf courses and believe it is unnecessary. We voted to elect the current administration to curb the onslaught of thoughtless overdevelopment of the community with scores of unattractive "cookie cutter" homes that mar the mountain views, overcrowd the town and spoil the ambiance of the community, NOT to destroy the town by closing the golf courses. Thank you, Richard B. Tucker, Jr. Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Friday, July 26, 2019 9:07 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Town owned golf courses From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Thursday, July 25, 2019 10:12 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Town owned golf courses Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Alex Mazerski [mailto: Sent: Thursday, July 25, 2019 10:00 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Town owned golf courses I attended last night's meeting at the Church Of the Nazarene. It was to decide the future of the town owned golf courses and it was very well attended. Many impassioned speakers on both sides of this issue. I heard one speaker say although she does not use the library or the aquatic center she does not begrudge Oro Valley tax dollars supporting them. I am in agreement here. There will always be golfers living in Oro Valley and they are your constituents. I do not believe the level of play can support 45 holes of golf, owned by the town. I do not support either extreme option here, 36 holes at El Conquistador or blading the grass back to natural desert. I would urge you to compromise, as most successful politician do, and choose the 18 or 27 hole option. In that way, golf remains in Oro Valley but you have reduced irrigated turf and future expenses. I believe this would keep most of your constituents happy. Golfers and non golfers alike. It would also give town members a chance to see what 9 or 18 repurposed golf holes really look like. Thanks for reading, Alex Mazerski Oro Valley, AZ 85737 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Friday, July 26, 2019 9:45 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: EI Conquistador Golf Courses From: Pina, Rhonda Sent: Friday, July 26, 2019 9:37 AM To: Tom Cha rla nd Cc: Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Re: EI Conquistador Golf Courses Dear Tom, Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts. I have copied Mike Standish, Oro Valley Town Clerk so he can include your correspondence to public record on this subject. Respectfully, Rhonda Pina Sent from my iPhone On Jul 261 2019, at 8:39 AM, Tom Charland , wrote: Good morning Rhonda. I am one of many persons who attended the July 24t" special session. I am a 16 -year Oro Valley (OV) resident living on the 14th fairway of the Canada course. Although I submitted a "blue card," I was not selected to speak. I'm guessing that numerous persons presented a card hoping to voice their concerns. I spoke with you about two years ago, expressing my support of the golf courses. I am a retired City of Tucson (COT) internal auditor. One of my many duties was to assist in preparing an annual revenue/expenditure report of the five COT municipal golf courses to the mayor and council. During a brief time my desk was located nearby the office of Stacy Lemos. The town recently had a golf course study completed with three possible suggestions for future course operations. The recommendation of operating 27 holes appears to be based solely on a cost basis. It appears that the study did not consider OV lifestyles or home values. I disagree with the consultant's recommendation. 1 Golf has always been a part of my life. My youngest son completed an internship at EI Conquistador (EC) as a university student. He is a PGA member and head golf professional at Sewailo Golf Course. I have spoken with staff at EC about membership. However, given the future EC operation uncertainty, I play golf elsewhere. Family visitors played and spoke highly of EC this past winter season. I strongly support maintaining the EC 36 holes. Please submit my letter to mayor and council. Thank you. Thomas Charland z Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Friday, July 26, 2019 9:08 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Town of Oro Valley Golf Courses From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Thursday, July 25, 2019 7:44 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Town of Oro Valley Golf Courses Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Susan -Lea Skuhr [mailto: Sent: Thursday, July 25, 2019 7:03 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov>; Winfield, Joe <iwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov>; hones-ivev@orovalley.gov; Pina, Rhonda <rpina@orovalleyaz.gov>; Solomon, Steve <ssolomon@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jacobs, Mary <miacobs@orovalleyaz.gov>; Barrett, Melanie <mbarrett@orovalleyaz.gov>; Nicolson, Josh <inicolson@orovallevaz.gov>; Rodman, Bill <brodman@orovallevaz.gov> Subject: Town of Oro Valley Golf Courses Dear Town of Oro Valley Mayor and Council members, My wife and I have been residents of Oro Valley for 26 years and 23 years, respectively. We, as many other residents as well as visitors, came to Oro Valley because of the beauty of this area and the amenities offered, including the golf courses. We have experienced the growth and changes to this area and still believe it to be one of the most beautiful areas of the Tucson metro. We have watched and supported, whether we use it or not, the additions of community amenities that support our residents' desires for a thriving community. We have ball fields, an aquatic center, archery facilities, our own library, many miles of trails and more. All these amenities have added value to our community as does the existing golf courses. Not all residents use all of the amenities and this is true of any community and its amenities. There have been many publications, some more factually correct than others, on this issue. I am sure that each of you have taken the time to review the true facts so that you can clearly see the full picture of the impact on this community in determining whether to continue the courses as they exist, modify or "repurpose" the land. It is apparent that emotions are weighing heavily on the decision making regarding the golf courses and the community center. We would ask that each Council member put aside their personal feelings of whether they want the courses, or not, and look at this issue for the betterment of our community for ALL residents. Please take into consideration property values, tax income generated, tourism dollars and the impact on this community as a whole should you decide to eliminate the golf courses. Please consider working on a solution to maintain the courses and the community center. Modifications may be needed, but complete elimination does not sound to be in the best interest of this community. Thank you for your considerations, Charles H. Skuhr, Jr. Susan -Lea Skuhr Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael , Sent: Monday, July 22, 2019 9:47 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Potential Closing or Re -Purposing a portion of the Town's Golf Courses From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, July 22, 2019 7:38 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Potential Closing or Re -Purposing a portion of the Town's Golf Courses Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A. R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Mary -Frances [mailto: Sent: Sunday, July 21, 2019 6:55 PM To: Winfield, Joe <jwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jones -Ivey, Joyce <iiones-ivey@orovalleyaz.gov>; Pina, Rhonda <rpina@orovalleyaz.gov>; Solomon, Steve <ssolomon@orovalleyaz.gov>; Barrett, Melanie <mbarrett@orovalleyaz.gov>; Nicolson, Josh <inicolson@orovalleyaz.gov>; Rodman, Bill <brodman@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jacobs, Mary <miacobs@orovalleyaz.gov>; Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov>; Lemos, Stacey <slemos@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: _ ; ROY TAYLOR, >; Art Lee < ,>; Brian Goldstein < Dave Roberts, �> Subject: Potential Closing or Re -Purposing a portion of the Town's Golf Courses The potential closing or re -purposing of the town owned golf courses is of grave concern to many homeowners of Canada Hills Community Association as well as other residents of Oro Valley. It is widely agreed and reported that the closing of golf courses reduce the values of nearby homes significantly with a rippling lesser affect cascading to the outer boundries of the municipality. Per the "Greater Southwest Valuation, Inc. report dated May 2019", homes directly on the golf course could lose 18-30 %, others within the golf course community could lose up to 9.5%. The figures may vary by published reports but there is no denying the destructive nature of a golf course closure to real estate values. Those individuals supporting the closing and/or re -purposing need to provide their evidence and facts to the contrary. All cost impact calculations must include "lost homeowner property values throughout Oro Valley and the reduction in asset value of the Golf Courses and Community Center" as a result of the closure. Research has demonstrated that amenities such as golf courses, parks, bike trails and yes Aquatic Centers create value for the entire community. These amenities are important to home buyers and their families. These are amenities that no "one person" can create but can be created by the community (local government) for the community. Evaluating the golf course closures and/or re -purposing based on the golf courses profitability/ non - profitability is a grave mistake. A review of the details of Oro Valley's proposed fiscal 2019/2020 operating budget of $107.5 million will show that all significant amenities under the Parks and Recreation Department, i.e... golf courses, aquatic center, bicycling paths, and multiple parks, etc.. all operate at an expenditure level well above the revenue generated from the venue. With the above reasoning as your criteria, the entire Parks and Recreation Department should be shutdown and closed. Fortunately for the golf courses, they take in the greatest percentage of revenue to offset a portion of its operating expenses. Oro Valley's activities/amenities provided to the community should not be treated as a business type cost center expected to sustain itself on the revenues it takes in each year. Taxes are levied each year to give citizens these community amenities to be available to the entire community. Oro Valley residents take great pride in their community. It would be good to focus on the damage to the Town's "Brand" that will result from the closure of its golf course. Oro Valley is thought of as Tucson's Scottsdale. It is seen as an upscale community with outstanding master planned communities and public facilities. These public facilities include the two 18 hole golf courses up for closure/re-purposing which are located in the very heart of downtown Oro Valley. They are readily visible from three major roads plus Canada Hills Dr. While desert vistas are wonderful, and we have an abundance of them, the beautiful green fairways have a special visual impact on golfers and non -golfers alike. They reinforce the the town's image as a desirable place to visit, live, and raise your families. A desirable brand/image is hard to establish and easy to destroy. A sad reminder of the negative impact to a golf course community closure is the current situation at the privately owned Club at Vistoso that closed June 2018. The slowly evaporating water hazard on the eighth green, bordered by unkempt dried Bermuda grass fairways that lie dormant on all sides with a putting green more dirt than dried grass. That's what awaits Oro Valley citizens with the golf course closures. The Canada Hills Community Association and its membership are working hard to develop proposals that would save the Towns "45 holes of golf". Many of the proposals would have a direct positive impact on both the financial and non-financial concerns that have materialized over the years since the Golf Courses and Community Center was purchased. A joint task force of Town Council members and staff with key members of the Canada Hills Community Association working together could make this a "winning" proposition for all sides. We need to step back, take a deep breath and work together. Dave & Mary Frances Hriczak At Ground Zero!!!! 2 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Friday, July 26, 2019 10:29 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: EI Conquistador Golf Courses From: Pina, Rhonda Sent: Friday, July 26, 2019 9:37 AM To: Tom Cha rla nd < > Cc: Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Re: EI Conquistador Golf Courses Dear Tom, Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts. I have copied Mike Standish, Oro Valley Town Clerk so he can include your correspondence to public record on this subject. Respectfully, Rhonda Pina Sent from my iPhone On Jul 26, 2019, at 8:39 AM, Tom Charland < wrote: Good morning Rhonda. I am one of many persons who attended the July 24tH special session. I am a 16 -year Oro Valley (OV) resident living on the 14t" fairway of the Canada course. Although I submitted a "blue card," I was not selected to speak. I'm guessing that numerous persons presented a card hoping to voice their concerns. I spoke with you about two years ago, expressing my support of the golf courses. I am a retired City of Tucson (COT) internal auditor. One of my many duties was to assist in preparing an annual revenue/expenditure report of the five COT municipal golf courses to the mayor and council. During a brief time my desk was located nearby the office of Stacy Lemos. The town recently had a golf course study completed with three possible suggestions for future course operations. The recommendation of operating 27 holes appears to be based solely on a cost basis. It appears that the study did not consider OV lifestyles or home values. I disagree with the consultant's recommendation. Golf has always been a part of my life. My youngest son completed an internship at EI Conquistador (EC) as a university student. He is a PGA member and head golf professional at Sewailo Golf Course. I have spoken with staff at EC about membership. However, given the future EC operation uncertainty, I play golf elsewhere. Family visitors played and spoke highly of EC this past winter season. I strongly support maintaining the EC 36 holes. Please submit my letter to mayor and council. Thank you. Thomas Charland z CD C C c c m� o = o OD cry cn r* i .- mn = N Q rD C'D A pN �.., . Ln 10 .. � Q IV o V) ►•-+� 0 T T E p T LnT Ln f-+ r+ O -1 cQ — :3 a) CD . rDCD n' rD CD 6q ON) < a) O rD v N -P Amb �m W- Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, July 29, 2019 12:24 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Wednesday Night Meeting From: Jacobs, Mary Sent: Monday, July 22, 2019 11:56 AM To: Sara Kinder < Subject: RE: Wednesday Night Meeting Ms. Kinder, Thank you for taking the time to share your views regarding the Town's golf courses. I will ensure the Town Council receives your comments as they continue their deliberations. Kind regards, Mary Mary Jacobs, Town Manager Town of Oro Valley 11000 N. La Canada Dr. Oro Valley,. AZ 85737 520-229-4725 www.orovalleyaz.gov All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A. R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Sara Kinder [mailto: Sent: Monday, July 22, 2019 10:18 AM To: Jacobs, Mary <miacobs@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Wednesday Night Meeting Dear Ms. Jacobs, We recently moved to Tucson and were thrilled to purchase a home on a golf course in Canada Hills Estates. Our desire to live near year around green, combined with a love of the game of golf, and a safe community committed to the priorities of its citizens (top fo the pyramid), drew us here! We are disturbed by even the thought of the closing of our golf courses! Putting "natural" landscaping down would cause Oro Valley to lose much of what makes it very special to so many of us. The cost both short and long term (loss of revenue when folks move to Marana instead of Oro Valley) would have significant impact on the future of Oro Valley, affecting home values severely, followed by other impacts that result from declining home values. This decline would come if you close OR alter the golf courses in Oro Valley. My Pima County Valuation for 2020 from the Assessor's office shows my Full Cash Value to be $524,326 According to the appraisal of Oro Valley residences done by Greater Southwest Valuation, Inc. dba Brekan — Nava Group on April 18, 2019 for the Canada Hills Master Association, my property value will drop anywhere from 4% to 18%. For me, this is my projected loss, low end and high end. IMPACT OF YOUR UNANIMOUS VOTE TO CLOSE/ALTER THE GOLF COURSES $524,326 524,326 $524,326 -0.04 % Drop -0.18 ($20.,973.04 Dollar Loss ($ 94378.68) $5031,353 New Property Value $429,947 This is totally unacceptable to me. The report shows that if you decide to close everything, this vote will hurt not only my property value, but everyone's value not only in my community but all of Oro Valley. Homes not even close to golf courses are projected to lose between 1 % and 2%. In our community alone, which has 131 homes, a conservative estimate of the property value loss on the low side will be as much as $2,620,000; unthinkable on the high side at $11,790,000 for one year, 2020. This is not even a trickle of the damage you will do to Oro Valley over the next ten years. Please seriously consider the impact of your vote to close the Center and golf courses. This is no longer a political issue. Your decision affects my life and the other approximately 45,000 residents who live in Oro Valley. It affects your life, too. am optimistic that after looking at these figures, you will realize the importance of making the decision to keep the courses open in their present configuration for Oro Valley's financial and viable future. Thank you in advance for making the right decision. Sincerely, Eric E. Kinder Oro Valley, AZ 8573 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, July 29, 2019 12:24 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Attachments: GtkvlchoaBlueCardSummaryLetter071719.pdf From: Gregory Kishi [mailto: Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2019 7:55 AM To: Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Michael, Please process this as appropriate - this is a transcript of my blue cards up to 7/17/19 on the golf course. I did not know if blue card content becomes part of the written record on the golf course topic. If not, please forward this to the council if necessary so it becomes part of the written record. Thank you Greg Kishi President VLC HOA Michael, I have not seen where blue cards are documented in the written history of a council topic. I am therefore submitting my blue card content on the golf course topic, up to and including the meeting of 7/17/19, to pass on to the council in written form for documentation purposes. As the council is aware, I prepare my blue card statements and read them at the podium from a document. This is a copy of those documents, which to the best of my ability were presented exactly as written, to the council. Thank you. Greg Kishi President, Villages of La Canada HOA Contents TOV Council Meeting 7/17/19......................................................................................................................2 TOVCouncil Meeting 5/8/19........................................................................................................................ 3 TOVCouncil Meeting 2/20/19......................................................................................................................3 1 TOV Council Meeting 7/17/19 My name is Greg Kishi I have been a resident of Oro Valley for 28 years. I am speaking to you today as the president of the Villages of La Canada homeowners association. The Villages of La Canada consists of 580 homes located approximately at the southeast corner of Lambert and La Canada. Holes 10-14 of the Canada course run through the Villages of La Canada. I have two topics to address. First I would like the staff to review the cost of annually maintaining a fire break in any option that includes open space. I would request that the width of the maintained fire break not include the homeowners' back yards. Although this cost may be in the current, projected cost, our HOA has found this cost to be higher than expected. Second, I wish to register my objection to yesterday's Budget and Finance commission meeting. In all my interactions with the town staff I have formed the opinion that they are professional, extremely qualified and very well informed. I particularly object to the manner, last night, in which the commission handled the analysis performed by the staff. Paraphrasing the chair, he did not understand how the staff's report could show a 36 hole golf operation having a lower net cost than an 18 hole operation. Then he proceeded to explain that he worked with another commission member on their own spreadsheet that shows the 18 hole operation having the lowest net cost. This has the appearance of the commission desiring a specific outcome, and when it did not come from the staff, they got the outcome by making their own spreadsheet. I do understand that there is work to do to clear up the discrepancies between the commission's spreadsheet and the staff analysis. If, however, in the end, the spreadsheets do not match, and you, the council, make a decision based on the commission's spreadsheet, then you will appear to have made your decision with an incoming bias. And speaking of bias, I would also like to point out that the commission's spreadsheet assumes that the holes in our neighborhood will be closed in all non -36 hole options without any cost to repurpose. My understanding through this entire process has been that if those holes are closed, that the town will restore them to natural desert. Dropping those holes also implies that 2 if an 18 -hole decision is made, the course choice has already been decided without community input. If neither of those is the case, I ask the council to have the spreadsheet revised. If it is your intent to signal that you are closing those holes, I would like to remind you that we have approached the town about these holes in the past and there are some legal issues surrounding them that will have to be seriously considered before the town takes them out of golf usage. We will be sending a follow-up letter in the near future. Finally, the earliest the spreadsheet and the staff numbers can be reconciled in public is at the August 20th Budget and Finance meeting. I ask that the council not decide on the fate of the golf course until after that meeting. I also request that the council consider changing the July 24 and July 31 sessions to public input sessions only and remove the "possible council action" clause. That would be a good faith gesture that shows that the council is willing to wait until the numbers are in before deciding the fate of the golf course. TOV Council Meeting 5/8/19 My name is Greg Kishi I have been a resident of Oro Valley for 28 years. I am speaking to you today as the president of the Villages of La Canada homeowners association. The Villages of La Canada consists of 580 homes located approximately at the southeast corner of Lambert and La Canada. Holes 10-14 of the Canada course run through the Villages of La Canada. Our HOA and others are willing to work with you in a positive way to make the golf course work. I cannot make any guarantees of what form of participation my HOA can provide at this time. In order to help us work on a plan we need to know two things: 1. What is the council's annual tax participation goal for the golf course operation? 2. If golf course holes are to be repurposed, what is the expected result? We need answers, or at least a working target range for these answers and a common point of view to help us work with our members on a solution. TOV Council Meeting 2/20/19 My name is Greg Kishi 3 I have been a resident of Oro Valley for 28 years. I am speaking to you today as the president of the Villages of La Canada homeowners association. The Villages of La Canada consists of 580 homes located approximately at the southeast corner of Lambert and La Canada. Holes 10-14 of the Canada course run through the Villages of La Canada. I am speaking with the backing of a unanimous vote by the board of directors. Per my letter dated February 14 to the town council and staff, the Villages of La Canada HOA believe that the Town should continue to operate and maintain the golf course and invest requisite funding to ensure that the golf course remains a preeminent amenity in our community. Thank you 4 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, July 29, 2019 12:07 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Golf From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, July 29, 2019 7:25 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Golf Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A. R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: STEVE PORTER [mailto: Sent: Saturday, July 27, 2019 9:33 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Georgene < Subject: Golf Thank you for holding the special meeting on Wednesday, July 24th, to allow for citizen input on the question of what should be done with respect to the town golf courses in Oro Valley. My wife and I both attended. We were not surprised that a majority of those who spoke at the meeting were expressing thoughts which supported their own special interests. Fortunately, there were a few citizens whose comments focused on the greater good and we would urge you to apply that measure when making your decision. Given that the Golf Club at Vistoso has been closed for a year now, you have a unique opportunity to learn more about the potential impact of closing golf course. Did sales and property tax revenues decline significantly as a result of the Golf Club at Vistoso closing? Did home values drop precipitously? Were vacancy rates increasing at a rapid rate? We suspect that there was indeed a negative impact however that impact was not nearly as significant as several of the speakers would like you to believe. We were also surprised to learn there are 16 competing golf courses in a 15 -mile radius of the No. 1 tee at the Golf Club of Vistoso (Tucson.com; Greg Hanson; May 31, 2018). Is it any wonder the Canada and Conquistador courses are currently operating in the red and will continue to do so well into the future? Perhaps the answer to this dilemma would become clear if Oro Valley offered to lease both golf courses for $1 per year with a requirement that the lessee provide a performance bond in the amount of $3-5 million. The true value of the asset will then be evident. In closing, the Oro Valley residents who paid a premium to purchase homes near the golf courses are not entitled to protection against a decline in value, whether they purchased prior to the town taking title or after. If these homeowners believe property values will decline they must commit whatever resources are necessary to prevent such a decline. Homeowners living in close proximity to the two courses must, at a minimum, be willing to make up the difference between the lowest cost alternative and their preferred alternative, every year going forward. Otherwise, all Oro Valley residents will be subsidizing the resort lifestyle of a lucky few. Steve & Georgene Porter Oro Valley, AZ 85755 2 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, July 29, 2019 12:07 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Oro Valley Golf Course From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, July 29, 2019 7:23 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Oro Valley Golf Course Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: GUY YARTER [mailto: Sent: Sunday, July 28, 2019 3:33 PM To: Town Council <council@orovallevaz.gov> Subject: Oro Valley Golf Course Oro Valley Town Council, I have attended a number of the town meetings on the future of the golf course. The main argument against the golf course is that it is being subsidized with tax dollars. The Aquatic Center is running an annual deficit of about $2M dollars. The town is proposing a bond of $30M+ dollars for Naranja Park, what is that going to cost tax payers? Why don't we close those activities, not to say that is what I am proposing. Those activities are good for the community, just like golf. That is why the Town collects taxes, in order to run these activities. Some claim that there are very few golfers in the area. It is not just about the local golfers, but, drawing in tournaments and visitors, I have had family members come and golf here. When visitors come to golf, the stay at hotels, go to restaurants, etc. The golf course helps the entire community, not just golfers and home owners. The golf course also beautifies the community, which maintains all property values. was opposed to the Town buying the golf course, but, now that they own it, they would do a terrible disservice to the community by closing the course. Guy Yarter 40M 4 di I v&Fa - vim od&ck SS V I &ru A L -Y tAj'<-* 57 ON 'Tk/,�;' MAT-fg�A- JD t I'j 7 r-,- 5; 7 -),;i eQ y if V Tf 4 CC) 5 A-2 AAJ To VA AWP A 7", r':- -7 _0 Aj- 1 WH A -r 7-c -L?t--, , 42 (, r,- CC A, 7-ff A T- t !� U , 15 -P i = w 6'L, Aj j-1- VA i fy Av L-5 '-,--C-' AP-TA57- -FC -r-4F- 7 � ("rH Viet t !�i t.:5 A�� Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, July 29, 2019 3:13 PM To: Stine, Michelle Cc: Hynd, Jessica Subject: FW: Changes to Our Community From: Jacobs, Mary Sent: Monday, July 29, 2019 1:17 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Changes to Our Community Mayor and Council, Ms. Madlin-Milner requested I forward her email below to the entire Council. Mary Mary Jacobs, Town Manager Town of Oro Valley 11000 N. La Canada Dr. Oro Valley,, AZ 85737 520-229-4725 www.orovallevaz.gov All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A. R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Jessica Madlin-Milner [mailto- Sent: Sunday, July 28, 2019 8:53 AM To: Jacobs, Mary <miacobs@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jessica Madlin-Milner < Subject: Fw: Changes to Our Community Y From: Jessica Madlin-Milner Sent: Sunday, July 28, 2019 8:50 AM To: maryiacobs@orovalleyaz.gov <maryiacobs@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jessica Madlin-Milner < Subject: Changes to Our Community Dear Mary, I hope you can share this email with the Mayor and Town Council. 1 I shall be brief. I have lived in my home on Broadstone Drive for almost 30 years. Before the Golf Course was built. I want to support the council finding a way to keep the course functioning as the soundest long term economical decision that can be made. I realize that this team won election based on their concerns about the course and the facilities associated. I also realize that several members of the Town Council live in the Vistoso area and have their own "golf courses" and see no need to maintain the one behind the Community Center. While I understand their point of view, this course has become central to our environment and our community and our homes and none of us support it's destruction. Hoping this might impact the current conversation. It has to do with the future of Oro Valley and the economics of many of my neighbors. Respectfully, Jessica and Roger Milner 2 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, July 29, 2019 3:49 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: EI Conquistador Golf and Tennis Complex - Comments Re. Upcoming Meeting From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, July 29, 2019 3:42 PM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: EI Conquistador Golf and Tennis Complex - Comments Re. Upcoming Meeting Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: jeannee yermakoff [mailto: Sent: Monday, July 29, 2019 2:51 PM To: Winfield, Joe <jwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov>; Barrett, Melanie <mbarrett@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jones -Ivey, Joyce < ivey@orovalleyaz.gov>; jnicoloson@orovalley.gov; Pina, Rhonda <rpina@orovalleyaz.gov>; Rodman, Bill <brodman@orovalleyaz.gov>; Solomon, Steve <ssolomon@orovalleyaz.gov>; Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jacobs, Mary <miacobs@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Yermakoff Jeannee < Subject: EI Conquistador Golf and Tennis Complex - Comments Re. Upcoming Meeting Dear Mayor and Town Council Members, This winter, during a short vacation stay in Oro Valley, we decided to purchase a home in the Tucson area. We had a long list of criteria: mountain views, golf, swimming, a fitness center, social activities and access to shopping/restaurants. This initially narrowed our list to the Catalina Foothills, Saddlebrook and Oro Valley, but it didn't take long before we eliminated all but Oro Valley. What knocked out the Oro Valley competition?? The El Conquistador Golf and Tennis complex. While we have held golf memberships in other locations, we have never found a golf facility that included three exceptional golf courses, a fitness center, tennis, pickleball, swimming, dining and social activities all in one complex. In our stay in Oro Valley, we utilized all of the El Conquistador offerings except tennis. It didn't take long before we decided it exceeded all our criteria. So, we set out to purchase a home on our near one of the three El Con courses. After we made an offer on a home adjacent to the Pusch Ridge Course, we learned that there was some uncertainty about the continued Oro Valley management of the El Conquistador golf courses. While there was no turning back at that point, we were astounded that the town of Oro Valley would consider dismantling what we viewed as the biggest draw to Oro Valley. We love our new home, but would likely have settled outside of Oro Valley had we known the El Con complex might not be available. El Con Golf and Tennis was what made Oro Valley stand out compared to other nearby communities. As you weigh the fate of the beautiful El Conquistador izolf courses, we sincerely hope that you consider that these courses bring benefits, not just to El Con members, but to the entire Oro Valley communityby attracting new residents and brin ing increased tax revenues and community spending. Jeannee Yermakoff and Daniel Talsma Oro Valley, AZ 85704 Mobile Phone - Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 8:31 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Golf Course From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, July 29, 2019 4:40 PM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Golf Course Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Sent: Monday, July 29, 2019 4:00 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Golf Course Dear Council , We own three houses on the golf course. We purchased them because they were on the golf course. We totally object to changing the neighborhood to a regular development. If this meeting was not during our vacation time we would be at this meeting. We vote NO WAY ......to the destruction ! ! ! Respectfully Gerhart and Patricia Ponto Sunt 1rom AOL Mobile Mail Get the neu AOL apll mail.mobile.aol.com Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 8:27 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: INPUT to the Question of Town's Golf Courses From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 7:31 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: INPUT to the Question of Town's Golf Courses Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: John Spitler [mailto: _ _, Sent: Monday, July 29, 2019 6:21 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: INPUT to the Question of Town's Golf Courses Dear Oro Valley Mayor and Council MembersN I am John Spitler, resident of Oro Valley just off Tangerine). I also have a rental EI Conquistador Patio Home on the Pusch Ridge course, which when we decide to downsize, we will move into that home. I am currently a playing member at OVCC. I attended the session on golf on the 24th and am motivated to comment as follows: did not speak during the 24th, though I did speak against the original purchase during the Dec. meeting in '14. 1 was opposed to the purchase even though at that time I was a member at EI Con Men's club and also on the Men's board for 3 years prior to my leaving EI Con. My input at that time was mainly that even with all the outside play, the membership, the food, weddings, etc. at no time did the golf club ever make it on their own. The golf was always subsidized by the Hotel. I also mentioned that EI Con paid the town $1 million per year for water - Funny how that worked out! The then majority council was not interested in my comments or facts. Note - As to why I did not speak on the 24th, I have made too many friends on both side of the issue and did not want to spoil those relationships. One question that the town needs to answer looking forward..... Are we a retirement community, and expect to stay that way, or are we looking to bring new and younger generation families into our town If the latter, then golf is not the biggest attraction to young families. We have to have a broader scale of activities. And, to me, the losses at golf will inhibit that expansion to other activities. If we had the best of all worlds, and could find a way to support 18 holes of golf at a reasonable expense, that might be the best way to assuage all walks. Our town is expanding and golf is not going to be the magnet that draws families here. Keep in mind that EI Con was 18 holes at one time and each nine ended back to the clubhouse.... making for a more flexible golf experience. Lastly, a word about Pusch Ridge. I am hopeful that HSL will try to run the 9 holes as an experiment fora couple years. I am also certain that HSL will market Pusch much better than we would expect the town to do. Thank You for the July 24th session. I have passed along to many of my buds the link to the video of that assembly. I know you have the best interests of all of Oro Valley in mind while wrestling with the decision most vital to the Town's health. Sincerely, john spitler Pj Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 8:27 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Support of Golf Operations From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 7:29 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Support of Golf Operations Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A. R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Anthony DAngelo [mailto- Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 5:34 AM To: Town Council <council@orovallevaz.gov>; Winfield, Joe <jwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jones -Ivey, Joyce < ivey@orovalleyaz.gov>; Pina, Rhonda <rpina@orovalleyaz.gov>; Solomon, Steve <ssolomon@orovallevaz.gov>; Barrett, Melanie <mbarrett@orovalleyaz.gov>; *nicolson@orovalleyazz.gov; Rodman, Bill <brodman@orovallevaz.gov> Cc: Carolyn We i n ig < Subject: Support of Golf Operations Thank you for considering all positions and resident interests as you decide the future of public golf in Oro Valley. I would like to share my perspective as a homeowner within the El Conquistador Resort Patio Homes Association and as a 40 -year hospitality industry professional. As a town council it important to make decisions that serve the larger community and at the same time balance revenues and costs. I have observed the ownership and operation of the El Conquistador Resort. I know how important this resort is as an economic engine for Oro Valley. Not only as an employer and tax generator but as a vehicle to expose new business and residents to Oro Valley. During the Great Recession this resort suffered and lost its competitiveness as a world class resort. During the years following the financial crash and preceding the purchase by HSL I am sure the town saw its occupancy and sales taxes generated at the resort decline. As you know, occupancy tax is based upon the number of rooms sold and the rate charged. With a poorly maintained asset, both occupancy and rate decline. With the town purchasing the golf and tennis assets and operations, HSL was able to acquire the hotel and invest the capital necessary to return it to a first-class resort. By my estimates I believe the town and state have benefited from significant increases in both sales tax and occupancy tax since the purchase and renovations. As a council you must take these incremental revenues into consideration when you look at the total cost of golf operations. I also, by the way, find it interesting that your Town Manager no longer reports occupancy tax separate from sales tax. Going forward this resort must continue to offer golf to generate optimum rate and occupancy. If the town wishes to not operate the Pusch Ridge course, I encourage it to work with HSL in ways to make it economically feasible for HSL to assume management of the course. With regard to the El Conquistador and La Canada courses, they too contribute to sales tax and occupancy tax revenues to the town. Therefore, I encourage you to also consider the impact of these revenues with viewing the cost of golf operations. Again, I appreciate the difficult decisions you face. Thank you for your service to our community. Regards, Anthony J. D'Angelo z Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 11:00 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Golf courses From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 10:59 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Golf courses Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Angi Griffin [mailto, Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 10:55 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Golf courses Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I am writing to express my concern regarding the issue of closing the golf courses. I recently bought a house in Canada Hills and I am absolutely sick about the imminent drop in home values should the golf courses be closed or repurposed. Closing the golf courses would change the entire look, feel, and brand of Oro Valley. Oro Valley is special and different from the rest of the area, which is why we bought our home here. I scoured Zillow for about two years watching homes come and go onto and off the market. We originally were looking for acreage and no HOA, however, when we saw the home we now live in, we knew it was the one. The house itself is very nice and it's on a great lot (not a golf course lot), but what really sold me was the area and neighborhood. It is clean and safe, and I don't have to worry about coming home after dark when my husband is out of town. I think it's incredibly unfair to those of us who have worked our entire lives to buy a nice home in a nice area to have the city we live in make a conscious decision that will reduce our property values and quality of life. That doesn't even address the long period of time that it would take to actually repurpose the courses — churning the land will be unsightly and unhealthy for residents. Regardless of how you repurposed them, it would not be an overnight process. The entire appearance of Oro Valley would be diminished, which would diminish interest in buying homes or visiting the area. All of this would serve to reduce home values, and those of us who have worked hard our entire lives to buy our forever homes will be the ones to pay the ultimate price. Golf, in and of itself, is a sport that people of all ages can enjoy. My granddaughter, who is 8 now, has had her own clubs since she was three. My kids visit often, and golf is a great family outing. My in-laws in Idaho and Colorado look forward to visiting so they can golf in the winter months. It is a sport, but also an activity, that my husband and I can enjoy together. When we golf, we see kids as well as seniors getting outside, getting exercise, and enjoying the amazing Arizona weather. I also see people walking and riding bikes during non -golf hours, so the courses are being utilized for more than just golf. My family would have no use for a park but we do value golf as an exercise and social activity. In addition, at least with golf, there is the possibility of generating revenue. A park has limited ways to generate any revenue and natural desert has no possibility of generating revenue at all — they only incur expense to maintain at any acceptable level. Please consider keeping the 36 holes of golf and looking for better ways to make them profitable. Perhaps more marketing, perhaps running specials to generate awareness, perhaps instead of raising prices you could consider reducing them to get MORE or NEW golfers out, perhaps a less expensive management company, etc. I do not believe you were voted into office "to get rid of the golf courses". I believe you won because you ran on a platform of listening to constituents. Please keep our golf courses open. Thank you, Angi Griffin Oro Valley Resident ✓LZ I 4?a/ Charlie D. Hurt Oro galley; AZ 85731 July 19, 2019 Mayor and Members of Council Town of oro Valley Town Council 11000 North La Canada Drive Oro Valley, AZ 85737 Dear Mr. Mayor and Members of Council, I regret being unable to attend the special meeting of Council on July 24; therefore, I am taking the opportunity to write the Council in lieu of re- sponding to a call to the audience. The Mayor`s vision, as articulated to the Canada Hills HOA, is certainly one of many competing visions for the -courses. That this vision came from the Office of the Mayor gives his vision significantly more weight than others might have and also means it attracts greater scrutiny. This is not a critique of the Mayor or of individual Council members. This letter is a critique of some ideas /vision statements which have been put for- ward and is a full -throttled defense of amenities inchiding tete golf courses. Let me point out to the Mayor and Council that Oro Valley, Tucson, and Pima County already have a well-developed and robust set of intercon- nected trails throughout the area. The value-added argument for addi- tional trails given the replete system already in place is weak at best. There is no evidence that additional trails are high on the list of specific amenities in Oro Valley. The argument that turning the present golf courses into natural areas with trails will allow, in some way, an increase in availability of these ar- eas to the general public is specious. Anyone who wishes to pay green fees can use the present golf courses. This is precisely the mechanism used at the Aquatic Center and some other areas under Parks and Recre- ation. Town residents may not use the Aquatic Center or the Community Center without first paying a fee. It is certainly true that Town residents may not simply walk onto the courses sit down and have a picnic lunch. It is equally true that Town residents may not simply walk onto the ball 2 field in Riverfront Park during a game and have a picnic lunch at second base. There is the matter of cost. While there will be some savings realized by letting the golf course "go wild," there is a cost to building trails. More importantly, at least to me, is that there is an ongoing cost to maintain trails. There is no revenue offset for these costs. To be sure that what is being discussed as a vision for the golf courses is clear, what is proposed is to take a revenue generating (or at least a cost mitigating) amenity and replacing it with a cost generating amenity. As noted above, Parks and Recreation has a well-established and well un- derstood cost mitigation structure in place. Repurposing the golf courses removes any semblance of cost mitigation and makes the now open areas a true and full cost center with absolutely no revenue offset. Having green space in the desert may be anomalous to some. Why is it then that having soccer fields and ball diamonds is less problematic for the Mayor and some members of Council than golf courses? Addition- ally, the oro Valley Water Utility supplies reclaimed water to the two El Conquistador courses. Removing that sale will have a financial impact on the Water Utility and could easily result in greater costs to the residents of oro Valley. This is yet another potential cost associated with repurpos- ing the golf courses. Municipalities of all description should be focused on three major activ- ities: safety, amenities, and good governance or stewardship. The first two cost money and the third costs time and effort. What we are talking about here are amenities. Rarely are amenities revenue centers; they are predominantly cost centers. Good roads cost. Parks cost. Why is It any wonder that golf courses cost? Mayor and Council, what I have found in over 30 years in academic lead- ership as a dean in two universities and a provost in a third is that the skill sets we all bring to the table are only sometimes the skill sets we need in new settings. It is commendable that the Mayor has experience building trails. I do not know; however, if that is the skill set needed here. I can tell you from experience that bringing a set of skills that worked in one venue and expecting those skills to work as well or better in a new or different venue is a dangerous supposition. I As an amenity, the golf courses are of value to the Town. They are of value to residents who border the courses as well as those who can sim- ply enjoy the sight of greenery in the desert. we can see the value of parks without using them. we can see the value in amenities knowing that not all amenities are the same, will look the same, or be appreciated in the same way as other types of amenities. I ask you to seriously consider continuing the operation of 36 holes of the golf courses, recognizing them for what they are: a valued amenity in a wonderful Town. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Copies to: Mary Jacobs Greg Kishi via email Krish, Diaz-Trah m via email Peter A. Abraham via email Logan Burtch-Buusvia email �% Jessie EL CONQUISTADOR*,,? 64/tpRESORT PATIO HOMES ASSOCIATION President, Guy R. Cook July 23, 2019 Dear Oro Valley Town Council Members, Please know the EI Conquistador HOA (the 192 homes comprising more than 50 million dollars in real estate assets that surround the Pusch Ridge golf course) stands ready to work with the town to keep the Pusch Ridge golf course a going concern, an asset for the town of Oro Valley, as it has been for more than thirty-five years. The Pusch Ridge golf course property is a jewel for the town of oro Valley. There is nothing else like it in oro Valley. It is an asset many towns would be proud to have. The 30 acres are a remarkable piece of ground that wraps around the foothills of Pusch Ridge with 175 feet of vertical elevation changes. Golf Now, the popular and respected on line booking site, describes the Pusch Ridge golf course as having "beautiful vistas" and "changes in elevation" and "is considered by some to be the best -kept secret in Arizona golf." That says a lot, considering all the golf courses in Arizona. Under Troon's management and maintenance the last three plus years, the course conditions have improved significantly. when open, the course conditions have been excellent. Troon should be commended. They have done great work with a skeleton crew. Regrettably, the improved conditions have not been publicized adequately, nor has the course been appropriately "branded," as a place for a quick round, or a course for new golfers, youths, seniors, or couples. July 23, 2019 Page 2 Below are just a couple of examples of postings on Golf Now by recent users: "This 9 hole course is a hidden secret. As far as I can see it is every bit as difficult as you wish a course to be. Not many people playing it, I guess because it is not marketed or advertised ... I understand the city of Oro Valley owns the course, they should market this course better if they want more play and profitability. This was great for a quick game while staying at the hotel!" "[The] course was in excellent condition. Need more carts and promotions. Need to have golf shop restored and open course earlier AM and remain open through mid afternoon. " Please know a number of the homeowners in the El Conquistador HOA also believe the asset is not being fully utilized, possibly due to lack of operational focus, marketing, and a functioning pro shop or dedicated staff. We appreciate the challenges the town has to operate all 45 holes with limited resources and focus the town and Troon have applied to the operation of the other two 18 -hole courses. Nevertheless, we submit there remains an opportunity for greater success at Pusch Ridge by the town. Perhaps, HSL, a private entity with an ownership interest in the adjacent resort, can apply the resources and business perspective to maximize the asset. Below are a few suggestions for improvement for operation of the Pusch Ridge course that have been provided to me (and presented at a previous council study session by a board member) that the town or HSL could employ. It is not intended to be exhaustive. As you work to address the future of the town golf courses we ask you give every opportunity for the Pusch Ridge to succeed and remain in operation. we also respectfully ask you please appreciate: 1. The genuine value of the oath from the medical world, "first do no harm." July 23, 2019 Page 3 2. The voters in the last election who voted for change in the town leadership did not do so because they wanted linear parks or more trails. 3. In any event, given the election, town leaders have a special duty to move appropriately and cautiously when making changes to a town asset. 4. Some argue, wholesale disruption of the status quo of an asset that has existed for more than a quarter of a century, that the town inherited, is morally wrong. 5. The law of "unintended consequences" cannot be overstated. In other words, "good intentions" could cause more problems for Oro Valley. 6. A proposal that reduces the town "subsidy" for golf course operations and maintains the essential status quo is a success for the town leaders, honors the wishes of voters, and respects the property owners who are adjacent to the golf courses. Thank you. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. Best regards, 4 GU yvq. o o k President EI Conquistador Resort HOA cc: E[ Conquistador HOA Board July 23, 2019 Page 4 SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF PUSCH RIDGE GOLF COURSE 1. Open the Course on Mondays. 2. Increase the hours of play to accommodate early morning and late afternoon rounds (same as the other two 18's). 3. Promote 9 hole Men's and Women's Community Golf Leagues (a ladies 9 hole group of about 50 members, the "Quails," presently play on Tuesdays; regrettably the course only has 20 carts available). 4. Encourage regular couples outings Friday or Saturday pm or what country clubs sometimes refer to as "twilight golf." 5. Promote a "Wine and 9 Night" or similar social outing coordinated with Resort. 6. Offer Family Sunday Afternoon discounts play 2 for 1 discounts. 7. Focus on junior, senior, and family Golf. 8. Offer course for High School Golf Competitions, Practice, Camps, Mini Clinics. 9. Promote competition between HOA's in Oro Valley "HOA Days." 10. Hold out the course as a fundraiser -friendly facility for non-profit golf outings. 11. Child -Parent Specials. 12. Free or discounted monthly lessons for beginners or for short game. 13. Be known or "branded" as "family friendly." 14. Open the shuttered pro shop and offer beverage service. 15. Consider a "friends of the golf course" program that some municipalities employ for parks and roadways. JUL 2� 2019 �P Stephan Donovan Oro Valley, AZ 85737 xie, 1'1�5 /4� V7 4av' all s '46 !JUL 2 9 2019 July 25,2019 Having attended the meeting at Church of the Nazarene last night from start to finish, I would like to add one more question: "What about the wildlife?" (I'm surprised this never came up) Golf courses are to our Sonoran Desert what rivers, lakes and streams are to the woods. Golf courses are where wildlife, from miles around, way beyond the limits of the course itself, gather for refreshment at times when we don't notice. It is often said, "why use all that water just to make grass green?" A valid question. Its answer is, "because that water also helps support an immense diversity of wildlife: insects, reptiles, small mammals, birds, predators." I don't think I've ever been on a golf course in Arizona without seeing much more wildlife than in the surrounding area, and that is just what I can see when I'm out there! Desert golf courses are very busy places for wildlife when the people and dogs aren't around. our two courses, spread out over four square miles, are a huge part of why our desert town feels so alive with wildlife, which all of us enjoy. Much was said last night about the many benefits of our two golf courses to our community. I just wanted to make sure that someone spoke for those with no voice, but who also make our community just as desirable to live in. Ridding that much of our town of that much verdure would also rid our town of that much wildlife, again, way beyond the mere limits of the courses themselves. Thank you for all you do for our town. 0 Richard E. Johnson Oro Valley AZ 85737 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 11:00 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Golf courses From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 10:59 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Golf courses Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Angi Griffin [mailto.-j Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 10:55 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Golf courses Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I am writing to express my concern regarding the issue of closing the golf courses. I recently bought a house in Canada Hills and I am absolutely sick about the imminent drop in home values should the golf courses be closed or repurposed. Closing the golf courses would change the entire look, feel, and brand of Oro Valley. Oro Valley is special and different from the rest of the area, which is why we bought our home here. I scoured Zillow for about two years watching homes come and go onto and off the market. We originally were looking for acreage and no HOA, however, when we saw the home we now live in, we knew it was the one. The house itself is very nice and it's on a great lot (not a golf course lot), but what really sold me was the area and neighborhood. It is clean and safe, and I don't have to worry about coming home after dark when my husband is out of town. I think it's incredibly unfair to those of us who have worked our entire lives to buy a nice home in a nice area to have the city we live in make a conscious decision that will reduce our property values and quality of life. That doesn't even address the long period of time that it would take to actually repurpose the courses — churning the land will be unsightly and unhealthy for residents. Regardless of how you repurposed them, it would not be an overnight process. The entire appearance of Oro Valley would be diminished, which would diminish interest in buying homes or visiting the area. All of this would serve to reduce home values, and those of us who have worked hard our entire lives to buy our forever homes will be the ones to pay the ultimate price. Golf, in and of itself, is a sport that people of all ages can enjoy. My granddaughter, who is 8 now, has had her own clubs since she was three. My kids visit often, and golf is a great family outing. My in-laws in Idaho and Colorado look forward to visiting so they can golf in the winter months. It is a sport, but also an activity, that my husband and I can enjoy together. When we golf, we see kids as well as seniors getting outside, getting exercise, and enjoying the amazing Arizona weather. I also see people walking and riding bikes during non -golf hours, so the courses are being utilized for more than just golf. My family would have no use for a park but we do value golf as an exercise and social activity. In addition, at least with golf, there is the possibility of generating revenue. A park has limited ways to generate any revenue and natural desert has no possibility of generating revenue at all — they only incur expense to maintain at any acceptable level. Please consider keeping the 36 holes of golf and looking for better ways to make them profitable. Perhaps more marketing, perhaps running specials to generate awareness, perhaps instead of raising prices you could consider reducing them to get MORE or NEW golfers out, perhaps a less expensive management company, etc. I do not believe you were voted into office "to get rid of the golf courses". I believe you won because you ran on a platform of listening to constituents. Please keep our golf courses open. Thank you, Angi Griffin Oro Valley Resident JUS vaelPossible basis for El Conquistador golf revenue trouble 9 In January of this year, I was asked by a board member of the Southern Arizona Men's Golf Club (some 160 members) to seek to negotiate a price for two dates with the El Conquistador club (one in April and one in October). I asked for the club pro (Eric W-omack) but was wised that he wasn't hi that day, tinwcvrr, that individual stated that he was his assistant and could assist me. I then asked what the greens fee would be if we would bring 36-40 players. He advised that he was authorized to quote a price and quoted me a price of $49 a player for dates- jirTthe tw-a-nr�t�s- requested. I told him that I waen't authorized to finalize a contract, but I'd have the events chairman of the club call either Eric or him (forgot name since I gave his card to our board member). Our events person (Mr. Clayton) called and left a message, and after a weel{'swait fog a --return ems, Erie Womack said that he couldn't honor the $49 quote. He countered with a $59'Kice and Mr. Clayton immediately refused since the $49 quote was on the card. Being disgusted with this, I went back and met with Eric Womack who still wouldn't honor the quote given to r� while his. a cct who was present couldn't face me and walked away. I told Eric that the course mast be doing quite well if he could turn down at least $2,000 for each date (not,evenprime time) not to mention food and beverages which would be consumed. I further stated that the 40 figure would probably be low since we had 54 players signed up to play Dove Mountain at $55 the following Saturday (early April). He advised that he'd call Mr. Clayton again, but -the price would still be $59. I said "Don't bother" because our club won't come callin again with someone who reneges on a verbal contract. g Respectfully submitted, Chuck Cabrera ( 14 k 24 year resident of Oro Valley Oro Valley, AZ 85755-8767 July 32, 2019 Honorable Joe Winfield Mayor of Oro Valley 11000 N. LaCanada Drive Oro Valley, AZ 85737 Dear Mayor Winfield: I want to address golf courses in oro Valley with you as a new resident. I have read extensively on the subject, in part, due to the multiple letters from our HOA which frankly seem to be one-sided. I also want to let you know why my wife and I moved to oro Valley last August. Our Views Relating to Golf Courses in Oro Valley Neither my wife nor I golf and neither of us wanted to have the added expense of paying for one associated with our community. A golf course was never on our list of considerations. Do we have any interest in "helping" those who want to pay for a golf course next to their home? Absolutely not. In our view, if those people wanted it so bad (for perceived property values or other personal reasons), I say let them PAY or the golf courses! My wife and I want NOTHING to do with it. I frankly don't care what those selfish golf course proponents think of our views! We believe oro Valley has many positive attributes without running a golf course debate ad nauseam for year after year after year! A decision would be nice. It won't satisfy everybody you have to know that. But you are the mayor and surely you and the town council have the power to make a FINAL DECISION. Why Did My Wife and I Move To oro Valley Last August? Teresa and I vacationed June 29 to July 3 at the El Conquistador Resort on the occasion of our 29th wedding anniversary. After our return to Gilbert, we Honorable Joe Winfield July 31, 2019 Page 2 started looking for properties in the area as we liked what we saw in our drives around oro valley: new businesses, restaurants, newer homes, and medical facilities, less traffic, less congestion, cooler temperatures, and mountain views. We used the Internet and found at least six homes for sale meeting our criteria, including a larger master bedroom suite, and a gas range in a larger kitchen. While we had a pool in Gilbert, it was not on our list here. Additionally, we had a fireplace in Gilbert which, in over four years, was never used. We found an outstanding real estate agent and toured the properties on our list on July 13. That afternoon, we wrote a contract on the above property located on the northwest corner of Moore and LaCanada in a community known as Torreno. We quickly sold our Gilbert house and the rest is history. All good wishes to you Sincerely yours, Mark Allen Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 4:12 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Town operations and golf courses From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 4:08 PM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Town operations and golf courses Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A. R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Denise Whatley [mailto: Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 3:47 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz. oovv>; Jacobs, Mary <mjacobs@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Dalice Whatley < >; Guy Cook < Subject: Town operations and golf courses Dear Mayor Winfield and all Council members, You state you welcome community input in making your decisions, so why are you not listening to what we are saying? At the several meetings I have attended, the obvious lack of interest, and the unprofessional demeanor by attending Town officials was quite disturbing and disappointing. You were elected by the residents of Oro Valley to administer honestly and wisely FOR ALL the residents, and for the betterment and enrichment of the Town, not for the opportunity to ensure your own personal interests or prejudices would be fulfilled by destroying what others have built, enhanced and maintained for over 30 years. Mayor Winfield you told us you were an Eagle Scout with all the values that organization instilled in you. So far in your administration we have not seen those values exercised. But, if you still have those values lying dormant waiting to be reinstated, now is a good time to exercise them with good honest leadership. Demonstrate good leadership with a positive plan for continued quality development, and along with all Council members set aside your personal interests and prejudices. Employ honesty and sincerity using common sense in administering for the benefit of both the Town and the residents of Oro Valley. Our golf courses are among the most prominent, lucrative attractions for locating here. If the golf courses are no longer considered an asset as income producing properties it is only because the Town has not properly maintained or marketed them. It is totally irresponsible and unrealistic to destroy them for more open space which we already have in abundance. We have numerous community parks, miles of walking trails, hiking trails, along with pristine beautiful desert and mountains to walk or hike. We need first class income producing properties to encourage healthy, enriching and planned growth which the golf courses are when properly managed and marketed. Why do you believe you have the right to destroy Town owned assets that were created and paid for by tax paying residents? What source of income will you have to reimburse property owners for the loss of property value, not only for those on golf course properties, but for every home in Oro Valley? What source of income do you have to replace the tremendous loss of income from tourists who come to Oro Valley to play golf, but who will be going to Marana, Tubac, Tucson or Scottsdale? Every existing hotel, restaurant, every business and personal service in the Town will suffer loss of income due to your destructive and irresponsible proposal of closing the golf courses and neglecting the tennis facilities. Future tax paying business entities and residents considering moving to Oro Valley will look at better options where well maintained golf courses are located and supported. Please take a step back. Look with fresh eyes at all the benefits, the productivity, the beauty of what has been accomplished in Oro Valley over the years by tax paying citizens who dedicated their efforts to ensure the Town of Oro Valley would continue on a positive path for generations to come. Your current negative plan of destruction of what has been achieved by visionary leaders, dedicated residents and educated Council members suggests your apparent inability to govern with a positive, forward looking approach. I strongly encourage you to demonstrate honest, positive leadership for the benefit of all Oro Valley residents. Do the right thing for the Town. Think positive creativity, not blind shortsighted destruction. Abandon the proposal to close or destroy our golf courses leaving adiacent facilities to deteriorate. Create a realistic, sustainable plan for attracting quality, productive growth which will include beautiful, well maintained golf courses, tax paying business entities and quality productive residents. Employ immaculate maintenance and attention to all properties. Accept your responsibility and opportunity to ensure Oro Valley will continue to be the welcoming show place it was created to be, separate and apart from Tucson. If you are unable or unwilling to meet the campaign promises you made, and the responsibilities of your elected office, perhaps you should submit your resignation. Oro Valley wants and needs a leader who has Oro Valley's best interest in mind, and will continue the good work on which Oro Valley was founded. Thank you for your time. Denise Whatley Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 5:30 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Oro Valley Golf Course From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 5:00 PM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Oro Valley Golf Course Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A. R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Jane Toriello [mailto:ianetoriello@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 4:50 PM To: Winfield, Joe <iwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jones -Ivey, Joyce <iiones-ivey@orovalleyaz.gov>; Pina, Rhonda <rpina@orovalleyaz.gov>; Solomon, Steve <ssolomon@orovallevaz.gov>; Jacobs, Mary <miacobs@orovalleyaz.gov>; Barrett, Melanie <mbarrett@orovalleyaz.gov>; inicolson@orovalleyaz.gov; Rodman, Bill <brodman@orovalleyaz.gov>; Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Oro Valley Golf Course TO: Mayor Joe Winfield & Town Council Members July 25, 2019 11000N La Canada Drive Oro Valley, AZ 85737 FROM: Michael & Jane Toriello Oro Valley, AZ 85737 Dear Mayor Winfield & Town Council Members My wife Jane and I attend the Town Council meeting on July 24, 2019 at the Church of the Nazarene concerning the options to keep the Town golf course. We are the original owners of our house behind the Community Center and the 18 green. We have lived in our house in Oro Valley for 31 years and seen the Community grow into one of the best Cities in Arizona. We raised our three sons in this house have enjoyed the availability of the Community Center, tennis courts and golf courses. I am the Deputy Civil Engineer and Director of Community Partnership at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base since 1988. Living in Oro Valley requires me to drive over 50 miles per day. The drive is worth it because of the beautiful Oro Valley setting with great golf courses, neighborhoods and the Catalina Mountains. The golf courses are an integral part of the Town of Oro Valley and closing any part of them will have a negative impact on the entire Community. I have been President and on the board for many years and it is important to listen and try to consider all aspects of any decision. Everyone should be a winner and by making small changes that can be accomplished by reducing the Golf Course from 36 to 27 holes. With everyone's busy schedule making a 9 -hole course would increase golfers. We recently considered moving to another Community but decided to upgrade our home and stay in beautiful Oro Valley. We invested over $100,000. in our house remodel last year and are concerned that closure of the golf course will devalue our home by 25% or more. Local Reality Firms indicate that houses on the golf course with upgrades we invested in could lose between $65,000. to $100,000. Listed below are reasons to consider before making any changes: • Golf course is used by all residents including dog walkers and playing sports Revenue to Oro Valley Restaurants, Hotels, Stores Golf Event for High School Event that saves lives Reducing from 36 to 27 holes for less impact on housing value and the market We urge you and the Town Council to keep the golf courses open to allow the Town of Oro Valley to continue to attract growth and tourism. Sincerely, Michael & Jane Toriello Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 4:12 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Town operations and golf courses From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 4:08 PM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Town operations and golf courses Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Denise Whatley [mailto: Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 3:47 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jacobs, Mary <miacobs@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Dalice Whatley < I Guy Cook < Subject: Town operations and golf courses Dear Mayor Winfield and all Council members, You state you welcome community input in making your decisions, so why are you not listening to what we are saying? At the several meetings I have attended, the obvious lack of interest, and the unprofessional demeanor by attending Town officials was quite disturbing and disappointing. You were elected by the residents of Oro Valley to administer honestly and wisely FOR ALL the residents, and for the betterment and enrichment of the Town, not for the opportunity to ensure your own personal interests or prejudices would be fulfilled by destroying what others have built, enhanced and maintained for over 30 years. Mayor Winfield you told us you were an Eagle Scout with all the values that organization instilled in you. So far in your administration we have not seen those values exercised. But, if you still have those values lying dormant waiting to be reinstated, now is a good time to exercise them with good honest leadership. Demonstrate good leadership with a positive plan for continued quality development, and along with all Council members set aside your personal interests and prejudices. Employ honesty and sincerity using common sense in administering for the benefit of both the Town and the residents of Oro Valley. Our golf courses are among the most prominent, lucrative attractions for locating here. If the golf courses are no longer considered an asset as income producing properties it is only because the Town has not properly maintained or marketed them. It is totally irresponsible and unrealistic to destroy them for more open space which we already have in abundance. We have numerous community parks, miles of walking trails, hiking trails, along with pristine beautiful desert and mountains to walk or hike. We need first class income producing properties to encourage healthy, enriching and planned growth which the golf courses are when properly managed and marketed. Why do you believe you have the right to destroy Town owned assets that were created and paid for by tax paying residents? What source of income will you have to reimburse property owners for the loss of property value, not only for those on golf course properties, but for every home in Oro Valley? What source of income do you have to replace the tremendous loss of income from tourists who come to Oro Valley to play golf, but who will be going to Marana, Tubac, Tucson or Scottsdale? Every existing hotel, restaurant, every business and personal service in the Town will suffer loss of income due to your destructive and irresponsible proposal of closing the golf courses and neglecting the tennis facilities. Future tax paying business entities and residents considering moving to Oro Valley will look at better options where well maintained golf courses are located and supported. Please take a step back. Look with fresh eyes at all the benefits, the productivity, the beauty of what has been accomplished in Oro Valley over the years by tax paying citizens who dedicated their efforts to ensure the Town of Oro Valley would continue on a positive path for generations to come. Your current negative plan of destruction of what has been achieved by visionary leaders, dedicated residents and educated Council members suggests your apparent inability to govern with a positive, forward looking approach. I strongly encourage you to demonstrate honest, positive leadership for the benefit of all Oro Valley residents. Do the right thing for the Town. Think positive creativity, not blind shortsighted destruction. Abandon the proposal to close or destroy our golf courses leaving adjacent facilities to deteriorate. Create a realistic, sustainable plan for attracting quality, productive growth which will include beautiful, well maintained golf courses, tax paying business entities and quality productive residents. Employ immaculate maintenance and attention to all properties. Accept your responsibility and opportunity to ensure Oro Valley will continue to be the welcoming show place it was created to be, separate and apart from Tucson. If you are unable or unwilling to meet the campaign promises you made, and the responsibilities of your elected office, perhaps you should submit your resignation. Oro Valley wants and needs a leader who has Oro Valley's best interest in mind, and will continue the good work on which Oro Valley was founded. Thank you for your time. Denise Whatley Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 4:03 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Closing EI Conquistador golf courses -----Original Message ----- From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 3:17 PM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Closing EI Conquistador golf courses Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. -----Original Message ----- From: Lynn Ryerson [mailto:i Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 3:12 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Closing EI Conquistador golf courses My wife and I are residents of Oro Valley and are aware of the city council's intention to close the city owned Conquistador courses. It seems this decision has been made with very little concern for the impact the closures will have on the resident's of Oro Valley particularly those with homes surrounding the golf courses. While our home is not in this area it seems like a very short sighted and harsh action to take without first exploring all possible avenues to keep these facilities in operation. The golf courses and community center are a huge plus for the entire community. Please consider all options before taking such drastic and in our opinion short sighted actions that will make Oro Valley a less desirable place to live. Sincerely Lynn and Doug Ryerson Oro Valley, Az 8573 Sent from my iPad Therefore, I state the following Whereas: There are already over 50 miles of linear parks know as public trails in our community and there has been no community desire to replace our golf courses with another linear park Whereas: A large part of Oro Valley was around the 36 holes EI Conquistador and La Canada golf courses and they are both a historic; and aesthetic component of our community Whereas: The 36 holes of golf is a major visitor attraction with 1000's of visitors using the courses each year generating sales taxes and economic benefits for the entire town Whereas: Continuing to operate the 36 holes of golf is the lowest cost option of those being considered Whereas: Retaining the 36 holes golf course is favored by residents by a margin of over 50:1 Whereas: Closure or repurposing of the . ---*,6 holes golf course will result in decreased property values and higher taxes and fees for ALL residents Now therefore; to minimize costs, maintain property values, prevent increase taxes and fees for ALL of our residents and to continue Oro Valley as a community of excellence I Move that: The Town continues to operate the 36 hales of golf of both the EI Conquistador and La Canada courses along with the Community Center and re-initiate discussions between the Town��e , i iorowners a1 d HSL for an acceptable Solution for the Pusch Ridge course. Call for Comments — 7/31/2019 Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I'm Dr. Tom Comi and have lived in Oro Valley for 18 years and, full disclosure, have been a member at EI Conquistador Golf and Tennis for nearly as long. I also serve on the Board of the Men's Golf Association as Handicap Chairman. I have seen the vast improvement in golf course conditions since the Town acquired the Community Center and have witnessed a resurgence in membership and outside play. I have made many new friends. Despite this, the loss of membership during the "dark years" prior to the Town enlisting Troon Management, has not fully rebounded, due in part to the continued uncertainty as to the future of the golf courses. On Monday, as a local volunteer for the First Tee Organization, I witnessed nearly 50 youngsters brave the late -afternoon 100 -degree temperatures to learn about the core human values the organization espouses and to play golf. I would not like to tell them that golf is dead! It is a game of a lifetime that even nonagenarians can enjoy while the light exercise helps to maintain their vitality. do not need to revisit the certain loss in property values which would follow any course closure as that has been demonstrated many times, once even here in Oro Valley. All I would ask is that the current uptrend in financial performance be allowed to continue, with needed upgrades and less antagonistic rhetoric from the Council. I implore the Council not to make an irrevocable decision without fully exploring the potential for this asset to require less or no tax support, perhaps even becoming a profit center. Thank you for your attention. And thank you for your service to maintain and enhance the brand and quality of life in Oro Valley where we have all chosen to live. Please, just do your job. &rWL I" N:V Thomas J Comi, PhD Oro Valley, 85737 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2019 9:28 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: **Synopsis of OV Town Hall** From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 12:01 PM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish c, orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: **Synopsis of OV Town Hall** Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A. R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Vikas Saksena [mailto: Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 11:54 AM To: Winfield, Joe <iwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov>; Barrett, Melanie <mbarrett@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jones -Ivey, Joyce < ivey@orovalleyaz.gov>; Nicolson, Josh <inicolson@orovalleyaz.gov>; Pina, Rhonda <rpina@orovalleyaz.gov>; Rodman, Bill <brodman@orovalleyaz.gov>; Solomon, Steve <ssolomon@orovalleyaz.gov>; Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov>; Lemos, Stacey <slemos@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: _ . ED Slentz < >; Stephen J Jones E Subject: **Synopsis of OV Town Hall** Here's follow on from July 31 st town hall .... What a different swing, between 7/24 to 7/31 town hall, there were -800 people on 7/24 vs. less than -100 on 7/31 with limited capacity. On 7/24 at larger town hall held at NCOV with 800 people, the 'majority' of council seemed like inclined on words in support of 36 -hole golf course. (Especially with little pacifying words from council member Nicholson and Ms. Jones - Ivey) Whereas, the 7/31 meeting with little over 100 crowd, the council abruptly split over the review of further study and re-evaluate dollar figures and acreage involved! (?) Now question remains, if the opposing 4 -council member want to re-evaluate and further review the dollars and figures at this juncture, then, what were they debating on for last 9 month? Why didn't they bring this up in front of large group of 800 on 7/24 town hall? Hadn't we already had numbers earlier? If the numbers/figures were inaccurate then what were we doing for last 9+ months? Why do we want to waste more resources/revenue to re -invent the figures and numbers? What's the plan by doing this? Throw delay tactics to buy more time and waste tax revenues on unnecessary studies/reviews? Alongside, by doing this we may lose market value of the existing real estate, loose potential buyers, loose sales, cost base and on longer run loose golf member ships subscriptions due in Sept. (causes more indirect damage to golf course operations/sales and obstruct decision making) MOREOVER, the biggest challenge in front of all us is, in between so much uncertainty, when we already know Troon's contract await renewal in Q4. Now should TROON decide to walk away or choose NOT to renew contract, then what are the options to keep golf course open/operational into 2020? With all above, I like to add more insight, with possibility of win-win positive outcome, that we all can consider and take advantage of, on political/social and individual grounds.... >Listening to all good inputs in last 9+ months and prior to new council and their campaign manifesto. We all understand, where this is coming from — some political pressure, combined with challenge by area golf/gym/restaurant operations. The existing for-profit organizations in town don't want to compete with town/municipal owned business operation of golf. Valid point. So question remains, how do we find win-win situation for the 4 business operations owned by town — GYM/RESTAURANT and 36 -hole GOLF course? The answer with solution is hidden within, should we explore ask ourselves, why NOT let 3rd party private contractor/s run the GYM/GOLF/RESTAURANT for profit? Isolate/insulate the town owned business properties and let them operate/manage by 3rd parties. 1) Golf course is already managed/operated by TROON, already covered except revisit the contract 2) Invite bids for overlook Restaurant (great site for name brand restaurant) 3) Invite bids for GYM with Tennis and Pool (there are 2 pools one at Calle Concordia and one at Rec center) As a result, following are the advantages for letting "36 -hole course/Cafe/Gym" manage and operate by 3rd party name brand private entities. 1) View's golf course should NOT have any problem - of town owned Golf competing directly with them 2) Fitness places like LA fitness will not have any issues, of town owned GYM competing directly with them 3) Area Restaurants would not have any issues, of town owned restaurant compete with them 4) Town can continue earn taxes and rents on properties 5) Town can continue earn revenue by selling reclaimed water to golf courses 6) Residents continue to have choice/options of various golf/gym and restaurants 7) Mayor Winfield/Vice Mayor Barrett/Council Member Nicholson and Ms. Jones - Ivey can win again on same grounds along with council members Pina/Solomon and Rodman. 8) Keeping 36 -hole course open, makes win-win for 4+3 council and community at large! To supplement revenue stream, TOWN can offset the golf course related expense on HOA's. Town can negotiate with HOA's and residents with properties on the course, to pay extra per month on HOA dues. Hence, HOA can contribute in golf operations `extra costs' incurred by town — (like Views' Golf Course in Rancho Vistoso). With above stated suggestion, everyone can win, above the NEW council of 4+3 can re-elect on same grounds for keeping the 36 -hole course, where the 4 opposed it at 1 st place! WIN-WIN for all, GYM/GOLF/CAFE/HOA/TOWN/BUSINESSES/RESIDENTS and COUNCIL at large! I hope Mayor Winfield and his majority team of council opts for 'Win -Win' outcome, leaving the 36 -hole golf greens as is, for all! My 2 cents Vik Vik Saksena Oro Valley AZ 85737 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2019 9:42 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Comments about Golf course and Chief Sharp replacement decisions From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 7:31 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Comments about Golf course and Chief Sharp replacement decisions Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Michael Kennedy [mailto:► Sent: Sunday, August 04, 2019 1:15 PM To: Winfield, Joe <iwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jones -Ivey, Joyce <Jones-ivey@orovalle az.gov>; Pina, Rhonda <rpina@orovalleyaz.gov>; Solomon, Steve <ssolomon@orovalleyaz.gov>; Barrett, Melanie <mbarrett@orovalleyaz.gov>; Nicolson, Josh <inicolson@orovalleyaz.gov>; Rodman, Bill <brodmanorovalleyaz.gov>; Jacobs, Mary <miacobs@orovalleyaz.gov>; Town Council <council@orovaIleyaz.gov>; Lemos, Stacey <slemos@orovalleyaz.gov>; Sharp, Daniel <dsharp@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Subject: Comments about Golf course and Chief Sharp replacement decisions COMMUNITY CENTER AND GOLF COURSE: I have been an Oro Valley and Canada Hills resident for 7 years. Having grown up in rural areas, I appreciate and am used to more open space, so do live in a home that backs on to the golf course. However, I do not play golf, nor do I play any sports. I don't normally use any of the parks, bike paths, or Aquatic center, and I don't have dogs, so don't use the dog parks. But, I won't begrudge those amenities being in place and available for other residents use. Their presence, availability, and condition are desired and expected in a thriving and attractive community like Oro Valley, which is the kind of community that I wanted to live in with my family. When people live their lives in such a community, needs and desires change over time and use of the amenities by members of a household will change with it, but those amenities being there allow the community members to have great options and create excellent value for all. There are also never any guarantees about open spaces bordering houses and subdivisions, as many who are next to State Trust land are finding out. So, I am not going to repeat comments about personal impact of property values. The only thing to keep in mind from an overall town perspective is there will be a lowering of assessments to some degree at a minimum, and that will affect the tax base and revenues the town relies on. I was not a fan regarding how the purchase of the Community Center was expedited through without the full financial assessments being made and public ability to discuss provided, and I was not happy with some of the decisions made regarding where to put money in the facility without enough public assessment and input, which is why I believe the current mayor and council members ended up being voted in. Mayor Winfield and the new council members stated they wanted to make the basis for decisions more available to the public and to ensure longterm financial decisions make sense for the town, at least that is part of the platform the new members identified when running for office. This community was lacking a community center and everyone seems to have lost track of the fact that a new community center, at the time all this started several years ago, was forecasted to require $20M+, just for the building, parking lot, and minor grounds around it, not to mention the ongoing maintenance and support costs. I'm sure with the increases in building costs and higher inflation, that estimate is much higher now, and certainly did not include a resort class golf course. My expectation for the new Mayor and council members was not to get rid of the community center or existing golf course, but to ensure that good data was developed and smart decisions made about the money being invested in the community center. As I heard in the last council meeting and not debated, was the town staff and council has not spent one minute trying to figure out how to make the community center and existing golf infrastructure more successful, self-sustaining, and useful for the overall community. I do not understand why the options being explored were even identified, as converting any portion of or all of the golf course to natural landscape or additional park space takes significant investment and results in permanent annual maintenance costs, with reduced or no opportunity for revenue generation. If grass is no longer desired in areas of significant community use, then will the grass in the sports fields and other parks Oro Valley has be next up for conversion? Regardless, the town staff has performed financial assessments based on audited data regarding the options to be explored by the Mayor and new council members and the comparison was clear that investing in the existing revenue generating 36 holes golf course is the best use of town funds. All the swirl about the numbers was embarrassing to watch and painful to listen to. While assumptions may not have been clear, they are available and should have been understood by the entire council before showing up for the meetings, as they have been in work all year and the final summary comparison now on the website available for weeks. I think everyone knows the numbers are not going to change much, except for those costs regarding the conversion to natural desert or park space being too low. I was not happy about, and again it was not debated during the council session, the fact the estimates for the natural desert or park space options did not include basic costs for fresh dirt and associated grading, which would obviously be required after removing the grass and significantly increase the initial cost side of conversion, costs which are not included in the current numbers briefed to the public and shown on the website. I am rather upset about the town putting pictures of lush appearing natural desert or park spaces on their website, when the amount in the estimates will not achieve anything like that. As a community, we should not have to question the information being provided. I would like to know who is responsible for those skewed pictures and why the basic additional costs for dirt and grading were not included in the cost summary, as the decision to be made would be even more clear to everyone. The new Mayor and council are also ignoring the basic additional impacts identified by the Fire department regarding fire risk, ability to properly support such risk without additional budget and tax increases as a result of the decreased tax base that will result from reduced home values (also not debated), as well as health concerns raised regarding decades of old chemicals in the grass that need to be removed and the likelihood of increased Desert Fever risk (unexpectedly deadly for some) from all the construction and dust that will be permanent in a natural landscape. These impacts are not included in the current assessment. 2 Both of these areas can affect the whole town, not just the subdivisions the courses are in. The months of impact assessment and estimates by the town should have already revealed these additional issues and impacts and not required waiting for them to be brought up during the public comment session, which again makes me wonder why they weren't, and why the associated estimates were not incorporated, which would only further support keeping the courses as they are. Did the town include costs for keeping the buffel grass and associated fire risk out? Volunteers should not have to perform this inevitable task, as the partisan council majority is taking over responsibility for it. The comparison also failed to account for the offer of the Canada Hills association to provide a subsidy to the town, paid for by increased Homeowners Association fees of the Canada Hills residents. In the end, what I am witnessing is a partisan approach that is laced with personal agendas and ignoring the obvious decision to keep the 36 holes that should be made and move then to focus valuable town resources to work on being more efficient with and using what is an excellent resource well. There is a lot that can be done with the community center and golf course that can benefit the whole community, just like the other sports fields, bike paths, and Aquatic center, whose use and associated costs are not being captured or questioned, and which shouldn't be in a highly desirable community, as it is made more desirable because of these assets. The new Mayor and council have no trouble spending money on additional studies that are not required or preventing town staff from spending their time where I'm sure they prefer to focus, making operations more efficient and effective. Getting rid of a portion of or all of the golf course will only commit the town to long term costs that are not necessary and not subsidized by revenues from the community center and golf course operation. I had hoped the new Mayor and council were going to work with the remaining original council members, who I think have been clearly displaying a willingness to work together, and make rational decisions that are in the best interest of the community as a whole. That willingness has not been displayed by the new members and at the same time the partisan majority council actions to spend town money on additional consultant efforts and delay making a decision is not acceptable. If we are stuck with the delays, any reduction in golf memberships need to be ignored as part of the equation, and instead use the projections based on what the annual increases have been, if not higher ones that can be expected once stability is back. Fine tuning the numbers while delaying the decision will not change what the decision should be, keeping the course as is. Please make the right decision now, which has been clearly identified and overwhelmingly supported by the community. REPLACEMENT FOR CHIEF SHARP: This part of the latest council session was again very painful to watch and disturbing. Any student taking their first basic course in Management can understand that you don't mess with an organization and associated culture that is working well. Oro Valley's Police department is not just working well, they are one of the few stellar examples and bar setters being measured against by communities across the country, and another one of the reasons my wife and I chose to live here. The Chief is highly respected and responsible for the department we have today. He committed to having qualified internal candidates to replace him and confirmed that he believes he now has multiple internal candidates that can do the job well and who will maintain the same culture and successful organization we have come to expect. Bringing in an outside person will only guarantee changes of some kind, as any new outside person put in charge is going to step in and put their personal stamp on the organization, as that is basic human nature. Since we are starting with an organization that sets the high standards, any change will be disruptive and unlikely to add measurable improvement from what we have today, but more likely to have a negative 3 impact. The only time outside candidates should be considered is if issues are being experienced with our police force or the bar that has been set and associated statistics they are responsible for maintaining start slipping, but that is not the situation we are in. The new Mayor and council members messing up such an easy decision, being willing to spend even more town funds on the unnecessary search, with more to be needed to cover relocation and other transition costs, when viable internal candidates exist, and impacting the ability to have a smooth, seamless and timely transition, is unconscionable. Not to mention the fact the town is now letting their dedicated and experienced police force know they have no career path if such excellent performance, results, and training to be a replacement for the Chief are not sufficient to prevent the need to consider outside candidates. Everything I have said about the process for the Chief's replacement was already stated during the council session. The fact the new Mayor and council members could not allow themselves to agree with the legacy council members on such a simple decision, done on a partisan basis, just shows how unsuited they are for the positions they are in. The new partisan team has used up their time and chances, and if they cannot get aligned on what is best for the community as a whole, as clearly supported and shown in recent community participation, then it looks like the community needs to make some changes again, and quickly, so we can all finally move on. Sincerely, Mike Kennedy 4 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2019 9:41 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Golf Courses -----Original Message ----- From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 7:39 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish c, orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Golf Courses Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. -----Original Message ----- From: Rick Cunnington [mailto: Sent: Saturday, August 03, 2019 7:10 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Golf Courses Ladies and Gentlemen: I understand that folks are concerned about diminution of property values if the Town golf courses are sold or reconfigured. A lot of folks living along the Rancho Vistoso former golf course are also concerned about their property values. I am sure you've seen the WSJ article on the subject, which cited 25% loss at a golf course in North Carolina. And I read about Mr Winfield's citing of various out of state studies on property value impact due to golf course closure. With all the hand -wringing, where's the data? Everything seems to be rumor and option based on fear. It is obviously difficult to make objective decisions absent real numbers. Has the Council considered paying for an objective appraisal of the effect of conversion of the Town courses on local property values? Every situation is different. North Carolina is different than Ahwatukee which is different than Rancho Vistoso which is different than the Town courses. Which is why an appraisal should be done on the Town courses and not generalized. You all are in a no-win situation. Nobody is going to be happy with whatever you decide, but numbers should help. Regards Rick Cunnington Oro Valley AZ Sent from my Wad Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 8:09 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Question regarding OV Golf Course Timeline From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 7:37 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Question regarding OV Golf Course Timeline Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Laurel Rokowski [mailto: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 1:49 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Subject: Question regarding OV Golf Course Timeline Dear Council, Thank you for serving our city and the people. I have lived on the golf course in Canada Hills for 25 years and have seen great changes. Currently, I am trying to sell my home and I have two couples that are interested; however, they have a concern on the view that they are going to purchase. Not knowing the timeline for a decision on the golf course or the community center is causing uncertainty for the buyers and sellers. This uncertainty is all over the news and we need to provide updates. From attending the meetings, it seems to me, that more people are interested in keeping both the golf course and the community center and would be willing to pay more taxes and/or provide more money from the HOAs. I believe that we have branded OV for golf and tennis. If we are changing this than what is a better brand? I'm open to something better just not an overgrown fire hazard. I have attended a few of the meetings and will attend on Sept 4; however, I hate to loose my buyers and if at all possible I would like to provide them with a timeline. Aug 13 19, 12:41 p Ruth Scarlett p 1 r.. i Mr. Joe Windfield- 44I 31��9 oppose the idea of closing the Golf Course at Oro Valley. THE REMOVAL OF THE GOLF COURSE WILL AFFECT FOLLOWING: A} THE VALUE OF OUR PROPERTfY B) TOURISM C) LOWER THE STANDARD OF LIVING OF ITS RESIDENTS D) DIMINISH OUR SAVINGS E) LESS RETIREMENT F) THE APPEAL OF THE AREA. Regarding the Canada del Oro Riverfront Park maintenance has declined and is in dreadful condition. The park is unkempt, walking areas usually covered with dirt, tree branches are over grown and hanging, blocking the paths. Plants and grass are lacking of water. Mr. Windfield a decision like removing the golf course will bring negative consequences to Oro Valley and its residents. We voted for you to maintain the attractiveness and beauty of the town and parks. We must keep it this way for the enjoyment and benefit of all. Sincerely, RUTH SCARLETT Resident in Oro Valley Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, August 19, 2019 8:17 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Re OVCC-Golf From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, August 19, 2019 7:27 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Re OVCC-Golf Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Elizabeth Clark �] Sent: Sunday, August 18, 2019 10:02 AM Winfield, Joe <jwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov>; 'm.' <barrett@orovalleyaz.gov>; Barrett, Melanie <mbarrett@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jones -Ivey, Joyce <8iones-ivey@orovalleyaz.gov>; inicolson@orovalley.gov; Pina, Rhonda <rpina@orovalleyaz.gov>; Rodman, Bill <brodman@orovalleyaz.gov>; Solomon, Steve <ssolomon@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: I _ Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Re OVCC-Golf Dear Members Canada Hills Council and Oro Valley Town Council, I hear there is talk of Canada Hills, master association for my community Carmel Pointe, somewhat supplementing or financing the OV community golf courses. I want you to know l strongly oppose any such action. I do not believe an HOA should begin financing a public golf course ... that is a dangerous, slippery slope and no good can come of it. HOA dues I'm sure are to solely benefits homeowners. Contributing to a public golf course goes way beyond sole benefiting homeowners. It benefits all of Oro Valley and public at large. Do not tell me it is to deter property devaluation... HOA dues simply should not be diverted to public entities ... in this case a golf course!►► Elizabeth Clarke Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 8:09 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Question regarding OV Golf Course Timeline From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 7:37 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Question regarding OV Golf Course Timeline Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Laurel Rokowski [mailto: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 1:49 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Subject: Question regarding OV Golf Course Timeline Dear Council, Thank you for serving our city and the people. I have lived on the golf course in Canada Hills for 25 years and have seen great changes. Currently, I am trying to sell my home and I have two couples that are interested; however, they have a concern on the view that they are going to purchase. Not knowing the timeline for a decision on the golf course or the community center is causing uncertainty for the buyers and sellers. This uncertainty is all over the news and we need to provide updates. From attending the meetings, it seems to me, that more people are interested in keeping both the golf course and the community center and would be willing to pay more taxes and/or provide more money from the HOAs. I believe that we have branded OV for golf and tennis. If we are changing this than what is a better brand? I'm open to something better just not an overgrown fire hazard. I have attended a few of the meetings and will attend on Sept 4; however, I hate to loose my buyers and if at all possible I would like to provide them with a timeline. I'm looking forward to hearing from you in the next few days regarding a timeline. Sincerely, Laurel Laurel Rokowski, RN Study Manager II Centrum Medical Communication Research Partner Tucson, AZ T: Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, August 26, 2019 2:38 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Comments regarding last Tuesday's Budget and Finance Commission Meeting From: Michael Schoeppach [mailto:i Sent: Monday, August 26, 2019 12:58 PM To: Jones -Ivey, Joyce <jjones-ivey@orovalleyaz.gov>; Barrett, Melanie <mbarrett@orovalleyaz.gov>; Nicolson, Josh <jnicolson@orovalleyaz.gov>; Rodman, Bill <brodmanll@gmail.com>; Pina, Rhonda <rpina@orovalleyaz.gov>; Solomon, Steve <ssolomon@orovalleyaz.gov>; Winfield, Joe <jwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jacobs, Mary <mjacobs@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Comments regarding last Tuesday's Budget and Finance Commission Meeting Mayor, Council Members, and Members of the Budget and Finance Commission, I came away from observing last Tuesday's Budget and Finance Commission meeting with a number of observations, but I want to note the following three in particular. There is a persisting belief that there is plenty of golf inventory in Oro Valley and if 18 or all 36 holes of golf were eliminated at El Conquistador it would have no negative impact on the Oro Valley economy. That is false! Stone Canyon is completely private. Oro Valley Country Club is completely private. The Views is semi -private and has very little inventory available for daily fee play, particularly during the "high season" from November through April. If the El Conquistador courses are eliminated, literally no daily fee play during peak winter visitor and prime tourism season will be available at any of these venues in Oro Valley. The Gallery which is some distance away, is completely private. The Highlands in the same area is semi -private and has very little inventory available for daily fee play, particularly during the "high season." Omni is some distance away, is a more expensive venue, and people would more likely stay there, which is not part of the Oro Valley economy, if they wished to play golf there. Dove Mountain is some distance away, is a more expensive venue, a very difficult course, and people would more likely stay there, which is not part of the Oro Valley economy, if they wished to play golf there. Finally, none of these venues would cater to the types of "outside" Tournaments that El Conquistador has hosted over the last 4 years, many of which contributed directly to the Oro Valley economy. These facts are not understood by most citizens and, apparently, policy -makers! The reason the irrigation systems on the two courses require investment is still not understood, or is purposefully being disregarded. The question is asked, "Why can't we keep kicking this problem down the road, because the cost of the investment won't be recovered in a reasonable timeframe through water and personnel savings?" People believe that nobody would notice any difference if the investments were made, so why make them? The reason for the investment is not to have it create a return on the investment through water and personnel savings. The reason to make the investment is to insure the asset will exist for the next 25 to 30 ears! If that investment is not made, the asset will not exist in 10, let alone 20 years. I suspect the real agenda people making these statements are not disclosing is that, frankly, they don't want the asset to exist at all. If they did, they would acknowledge the need for the investment. The Utility Director made the point that the Oro Valley Utility sells reclaimed water to its customers (including El Conquistador Golf & Tennis) for eleven cents per 1,000 gallons less than does Tucson. What was not disclosed, and is absolutely critical, is that the Tucson golf courses all receive a rebate at the end of each fiscal year of $457,848 that dramatically discounts what they actually pay for the reclaimed water, except for the Silverbell Course, which gets its reclaimed water for free! Consequently, whatever the price Tucson purports to sell the reclaimed water to these golf courses is irrelevant, because at the end of the day, after the rebate they receive, what they actual l pay for that water is significantly less than what El Conquistador pays for the water they purchase from the Oro Valley Utility. This has a direct, positive affect on the bottom line for the Tucson courses each fiscal year. In fact, after the rebate, the 90 holes of golf in Tucson paid $9,992 per hole for their reclaimed water last year, while El Conquistador paid $18,593 per hole for the reclaimed water on its 36 holes. If El Conquistador paid $9,992 per hole for its reclaimed water, the annual savings to the property would be $318,145! Respectfully, Michael Schoeppach, President El Conquistador Men's Golf Association z Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, August 26, 2019 2:38 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Comments regarding last Tuesday's Budget and Finance Commission Meeting From: Michael Schoeppach [mailto: Sent: Monday, August 26, 2019 12:58 PM To: Jones -Ivey, Joyce <jjones-ivey@orovalleyaz.gov>; Barrett, Melanie <mbarrett@orovalleyaz.gov>; Nicolson, Josh <jnicolson@orovalleyaz.gov>; Rodman, Bill <brodmanll@gmail.com>; Pina, Rhonda <rpina@orovalleyaz.gov>; Solomon, Steve <ssolomon@orovalleyaz.gov>; Winfield, Joe <jwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jacobs, Mary <mjacobs@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Comments regarding last Tuesday's Budget and Finance Commission Meeting Mayor, Council Members, and Members of the Budget and Finance Commission, I came away from observing last Tuesday's Budget and Finance Commission meeting with a number of observations, but I want to note the following three in particular. There is a persisting belief that there is plenty of golf inventory in Oro Valley and if 18 or all 36 holes of golf were eliminated at El Conquistador it would have no negative impact on the Oro Valley economy. That is false! Stone Canyon is completely private. Oro Valley Country Club is completely private. The Views is semi -private and has very little inventory available for daily fee play, particularly during the "high season" from November through April. If the El Conquistador courses are eliminated, literally no daily fee play during peak winter visitor and prime tourism season will be available at any of these venues in Oro Valley. The Gallery which is some distance away, is completely private. The Highlands in the same area is semi -private and has very little inventory available for daily fee play, particularly during the "high season." Omni is some distance away, is a more expensive venue, and people would more likely stay there, which is not part of the Oro Valley economy, if they wished to play golf there. Dove Mountain is some distance away, is a more expensive venue, a very difficult course, and people would more likely stay there, which is not part of the Oro Valley economy, if they wished to play golf there. Finally, none of these venues would cater to the types of "outside" Tournaments that El Conquistador has hosted over the last 4 years, many of which contributed directly to the Oro Valley economy. These facts are not understood by most citizens and, apparently, policy -makers! The reason the irrigation systems on the two courses require investment is still not understood, or is purposefully being disregarded. The question is asked, "Why can't we keep kicking this problem down the road, because the cost of the investment won't be recovered in a reasonable timeframe through water and personnel savings?" People believe that nobody would notice any difference if the investments were made, so why make them? The reason for the investment is not to have it create a return on the investment through water and personnel savings. The reason to make the investment is to insure the asset will exist for the next 25 to 30 Bears ! If that investment is not made, the asset will not exist in 10, let alone 20 years. I suspect the real agenda people making these statements are not disclosing is that, frankly, they don't want the asset to exist at all. If they did, they would acknowledge the need for the investment. The Utility Director made the point that the Oro Valley Utility sells reclaimed water to its customers (including El Conquistador Golf & Tennis) for eleven cents per 1,000 gallons less than does Tucson. What was not disclosed, and is absolutely critical, is that the Tucson golf courses all receive a rebate at the end of each fiscal year of $457,848 that dramatically discounts what they actually pay for the reclaimed water, except for the Silverbell Course, which gets its reclaimed water for free! Consequently, whatever the price Tucson purports to sell the reclaimed water to these golf courses is irrelevant, because at the end of the day, after the rebate they receive, what they actual l pay for that water is significantly less than what El Conquistador pays for the water they purchase from the Oro Valley Utility. This has a direct, positive affect on the bottom line for the Tucson courses each fiscal year. In fact, after the rebate, the 90 holes of golf in Tucson paid $9,992 per hole for their reclaimed water last year, while El Conquistador paid $18,593 per hole for the reclaimed water on its 36 holes. If El Conquistador paid $9,992 per hole for its reclaimed water, the annual savings to the property would be $318,145! Respectfully, Michael Schoeppach, President El Conquistador Men's Golf Association Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Wednesday, September 4, 2019 11:22 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Golf -----Original Message ----- From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Wednesday, September 04, 2019 11:02 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Golf Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. -----Original Message ----- From: Kathleen Van Reusen [mailto:\ Sent: Wednesday, September 04, 2019 10:53 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Golf Just stating my opinion on the golf courses. I'm in favor of keeping the golf courses going and upgrading the community center and improving the restaurant. I eat there once a week and use the facility as well. Having the CC, restaurant m and golf make OV an even better place to live and play. Please vote to retain our golf courses. I'm a regular golfer and would rather keep my money in OV than give it to Marana. Kathy Van Reusen Concerned Citizen. Sent from my iPad September 4, 2019 To the Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 11000 N La Canada Dr. Oro Valley, AZ 85737 Dear Mayor and Council: I have followed with interest the controversy surrounding the golf courses and the community center. I find the desire of some of you to abandon the golf courses and gut the community center short-sighted and reprehensible. I attended one of the candidate forums before the election and was surprised to hear Mr. Winfield say that the community did not want the existing community center building, that instead they wanted a shiny new facility. I found that position ridiculous at the time. The purchase price of these facilities was a bargain, and it would have been irresponsible of the town's elected officials not to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire these facilities. As a city planner with 30 years' experience in municipal government, I am certain that these amenities are valuable to the town. A quality community offers a full range of opportunities for its residents, and that includes recreation: golf, tennis, swimming, parks and playgrounds, ball fields and the like. I do not play golf and I do not live on a golf course, but I believe the golf courses are assets that make Oro Valley a desirable place to live. They create beautiful open space, even for nongolfers. The golf program is a tiny portion of the town's budget, so this ongoing battle seems to me to be much ado about nothing. I do play tennis and have played on the courts that now belong to the town for all of my 15 years here. Not any other place I have lived requires residents to pay to play tennis on public courts. I am willing to pay it, because I love the game, but I am painfully aware that other quality communities offer quality tennis facilities at no cost to residents. I have seen in the local newspaper comments from Councilwoman Jones -Ivy expressing her concern that golf and tennis do not pay for themselves. That position is ridiculous. Why should public recreation have to be revenue neutral? Do ballfields and playgrounds pay for themselves? Of course not. The people who bought property on the golf courses did so with the expectation* that the courses would remain. Studies show that the majority of people who purchase golf course properties are not golfers: They purchase because they value the views and the open space. Turning those into a public trail system would break faith with those who paid premium prices for the golf course locations. Please do not make a foolish error that will cost the town its desirability as a location for high-tech businesses by squandering these resources. Sincerely, Teree Bergman, FAICP Oro Valley, AZ 85755 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Wednesday, September 4, 2019 4:44 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Golf Budget From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Wednesday, September 04, 2019 4:34 PM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish c, orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Golf Budget Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Laura Henry [mailto: Sent: Wednesday, September 0412019 4:24 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Golf Budget Dear Honorable Mayor & Council: I know you have a meeting this evening and wanted to add a few comments regarding the golf budget from the BUDGET FY19/20 documents found on line. Under the revenue analysis, I do not see where the .5% sales tax revenue was included. I could only find figures from 2015 which showed $2,384,558 in revenue making the total $5,588,829 instead of the listed $3,204,271. If you add this sales tax in the golf course is not operating in a negative. I also did not see where the council has taken any action to remove the .5% sales tax; hence, it should have been included. If these funds were dedicated to the golf course, I don't believe council can change without an `action' to do so. A golf course is not a profitable operation nor should it be considered a profitable business if it is City owned. It is like the parks, pools, etc that the public enjoys. Some citizens use the parks, others don't. Some citizens use the pools, some don't. This would be the same as the golf courses. The only vested interest I have in bringing this to your attention is that I feel the Town of Oro Valley should be transparent in their public disclosures. After reviewing many documents regarding the golf course, there must be a dozen different figures on the golf course. It leads to a very confusing mess for the public to understand. Thank you for your time and considerations of these facts. Sincerely Laura Henry Resident of Oro Valley o-bssOp2rdi'MgProft {2,444,O63j (2,346,181] (1,811,069) wau� m� I V num xes, "I I- -r 1 , lotal Iher Eqnses llii;794 152,451 151,718 Net Qperating lncame 1214591239) (11968,727) 2016 2011 2018 20: TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL 2611M. 19,67b 17474 4971 23,075 29111 1859 41100 41594__ 52,010 4 51,785 4$061 730(720 961126!P 148 j946 2031407 221434! 2,957 36,555 43,=94 75,895 6j877 7J25, 71693 • 7125 10,7061 1 676,133. 715610 784,070 L 0ia 11275.1,3b1 173100 333,311 362,2b8 6'89 14159 1-2,922 212,592, 197,073 2D.Oj5 4 606,2711 708591 745,766 5 Expense Analysis Total Cost of Sales 567,968 655,043 646,861 am 21345,828 21320,049 21739,995 lw&v &Most# I Total Operating 4enses 3, 1 53,124 2,829,944 2,888,996 *rating Profit(861,896) (509181,7511 (149,C01 Red Operating Expenses 1,636,161 ],836,692 1, 668, 008 Sent from Mail for Windows 10 September 4, 2019 To the Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 11000 N La Canada Dr. Oro Valley, AZ 85737 Dear Mayor and Council: have followed with interest the controversy surrounding the golf courses and the community center. I find the desire of some of you to abandon the golf courses and gut the community center short-sighted and reprehensible. I attended one of the candidate forums before the election and was surprised to hear Mr. Winfield say that the community did not want the existing community center building, that instead they wanted a shiny new facility. I found that position ridiculous at the time. The purchase price of these facilities was a bargain, and it would have been irresponsible of the town's elected officials not to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire these facilities. As a city planner with 30 years' experience in municipal government, I am certain that these amenities are valuable to the town. A quality community offers a full range of opportunities for its residents, and that includes recreation: golf, tennis, swimming, parks and playgrounds, ball fields and the like. I do not play golf and I do not live on a golf course, but I believe the golf courses are assets that make Oro Valley a desirable place to live. They create beautiful open space, even for nongolfers. The golf program is a tiny portion of the town's budget, so this ongoing battle seems to me to be much ado about nothing. I do play tennis and have played on the courts that now belong to the town for all of my 15 years here. Not any other place I have lived requires residents to pay to play tennis on public courts. I am willing to pay it, because I love the game, but I am painfully aware that other quality communities offer quality tennis facilities at no cost to residents. I have seen in the local newspaper comments from Councilwoman Jones -Ivy expressing her concern that golf and tennis do not pay for themselves. That position is ridiculous. Why should public recreation have to be revenue neutral? Do ballfields and playgrounds pay for themselves? Of course not. The people who bought property on the golf courses did so with the expectation that the courses would remain. Studies show that the majority of people who purchase golf course properties are not golfers: They purchase because they value the views and the open space. Turning those into a public trail system would break faith with those who paid premium prices for the golf course locations. Please do not make a foolish error that will cost the town its desirability as a location for high-tech businesses by squandering these resources. Sincerely, Teree Bergman, FAICP - -I Oro Valley., AZ 85755 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, September 9, 2019 9:57 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Golf Subsidies From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, September 09, 2019 9:12 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Golf Subsidies Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: DONALD MANROSS [mailto: Sent: Saturday, September 07, 2019 1:19 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz. oovv> Subject: Golf Subsidies Oro Valley Council, have been a resident of Oro Valley for almost 20 years. I had the opportunity to work in the golf business in this general area for 12 years. I also had the pleasure of serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission for 2 terms. I like Oro Valley. The 36 holes of golf are very challenging. With the average golfer shooting between 90 and 100 strokes, it will be difficult to maintain approximately 50,00 rounds each year per 18 holes. Keeping 36 holes viable with repeat players is almost impossible. Presently I pay a fee to be a member and utilize the recreation facilities. I also pay a city tax to help maintain the golf program. Now, one of my HOA's is telling me I will be contributing money to assist golf in Oro Valley. do not want to play golf on these courses, let alone pay to subsidize golf. One of the HOA's in Rancho Vistoso was asked ti subsidize the Vistoso Golf Course. They wisely refused the offer. That course is now closed, and it was a much better course than either 18 we are paying for. If the golfing members of the club want that private atmosphere, the Oro Valley Country Club is not even 5 miles away. There are several other choices within reasonable distance. The time has come for the Council to make a decision. Say NO to the continuing subsidizing of golf in Oro Valley. Thank you, Don Manross Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2019 8:29 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Golf Course Decisions From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, September 16, 2019 11:19 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Golf Course Decisions Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Cheri Preston [mailto: Sent: Monday, September 16, 2019 11:04 AM To: Town Council <council@orovallevaz.gov> Subject: Golf Course Decisions The letter below was written by one of our neighbors in Oro Valley, who is not a member of the EI Conquistador CC (as we have been for the last 22 years) but is a member of the Canada Hills Association who would also be profoundly affected by any closure of the golf courses! We definitely agree with Tom's views of the serious situation that our City Council has put upon our neighbors and the city of Oro Valley. TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR OF ORO VALLEY: PLEASE CONSIDER ABANDONING YOUR "REPURPOSING" PROJECT OF THE TWO EL CONQUISTADOR GOLF COURSES! OR ANY PROJECT THAT TAKE AWAY THIS BEAUTIFUL PART OF ORO VALLEY! IT MAKES NO SENSE FINANCIALLY OR IN ANY OTHER WAY YOU WANT TO LOOK IT! AND, IT WILL DEFINITELY RUIN THE CITIES RESIDENTIAL HOME VALUES! ALSO, WE HAVE ENOUGH NATURAL "DESERT" LANDSCAPE TO SATISFY ALL OF ORO VALLEY, AND THEN SOME! WE DO NOT NEED ANY MORE! THESE COURSES ALSO SUPPLY A LITTLE MOISTURE TO THE DRY AIR HERE IN THE DESERT! We whole heartily agree with Tom Plantz' plea in the letter below. DON'T RUIN A GOOD THING WHEN YOU HAVE IT! Cliff and Cheri Preston Canada Hills Association Members This will be the short version... "The bottom line is the bottom line" for both the Town and its residents. Golf is a community amenity. The entire community benefits from all amenities and conversely is negatively affected by the loss of an amenity. Studies show that open spaces such as parks, recreational areas and yes, golf courses, have a positive social and economic effect on a community and its property values. Drive by "The Club at Rancho Vistoso" which was shut down last June and ask yourself if you would want our community to end up like that ... it's an environmental blight! We must all remember that If home values fall, so do tax revenues which typically affect schools, roads, and other municipal services and assets. Most of us moved to OV because of these assets. I urge you to read the April 18, 2019 "Independent Appraisal done for CHCA by the the Brekan-Nava Group in Tempe" which you can find on www.canadahillscommunity.com. It is an objective and informative analysis which reminds us of the deleterious and significant economic and social impact that a closure or re -purposing would have on the community and our home values. I'll happily support an increase in my HOA dues knowing that an additional $108 per year from 1400 other homeowners would help protect my property value, my neighbor's property value and, most importantly, keep our community as a source of pride!! OV Staff and Council have a lot of work to do in the area of revenue enhancement and expense reductions before they strike down this valuable community asset. A positive and aggressive marketing plan for the Community Center and the golf courses is overdue in my opinion. Let's make it a win-win!!" Tom Plantz, El Conquistador CC Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, September 23, 2019 9:24 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: City Golf Course From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, September 23, 2019 9:20 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jacobs, Mary <m jacobs@orova I leyaz.gov> Subject: FW: City Golf Course Mayor and Council, I am forwarding this resident's email to you as requested, see below. Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Vincent Curry [mailto:- .] Sent: Monday, September 23, 2019 8:47 AM To: Koepfer, Lynda <lkoepfer@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: City Golf Course Please deliver a copy to Town Council members, City Manager, and include within the public record on the golf course issue. Thank you. Vincent Curry < to jimn, logan, jeff, kathleen, iwindielf, ionesiv-ey, mbarrett, picolson, rpina, brodman, ssoloman, bcc: Linda, t After repeatedly visiting Oro Valley in the 90s, i moved to the town for several reasons. OV appeared to be a growing cohesive community then, offering residents and winter vacationers a stable variety of healthy activity outlets in addition to favorable climate. The town supports an aquatic center, library, archery center, soccer fields, baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts, several parks and more than 54 miles of existing bike and walking trails [orovalleyaz.gov./parks & rec/ hiking-and- orovalley-trails] which connect to 11 regional trails covering 124 miles [trail link.com/city/oro-valley-az- trails]. Note that the city's budget operates parks & rec separately and independently from the golf course budget. None of these community assets produce much revenue and all require taxpayer subsidy to operate at current levels. In total these assets form part of the reason people move to and live in Oro Valley, AZ.. Mostly, I bike -ride on and walk our many trails and parks which in total are more than adequate to support community needs. i am not an avid golfer, but when considering OV as a place to live, noted the green oasis golf course in the center of town. Several friends and relatives consistently play golf for their healthy social exercise. To me, the green fairways are a pleasant contrast to the interminable desert which surrounds our community. Financial studies confirm the golf course generates both green fees and larger tourism dollars supporting local businesses, generating sales tax dollars which supplement the resident tax burden.. In total, the various community recreational assets all require community commitment for financial operating support. They combine to make OV a great place to live. I would never suggest closing the library, aquatic center or soccer fields which I never use, any more than i would seek to close the community golf course which I don't use. Other residents and visitors do use these community assets. In total these recreational assets form the basis of what should be a cohesive community. Yet, the community is tearing itself apart over "who's ox is getting gored". So I went to the OV Council meeting 9/17 and also downloaded the financial analysis concerning golf course alternatives. This week at the Council meeting, an updated financial analysis Q/A session revealed the town is performing well and exceeding revenue goals - INCLUDING THE GOLF COURSE! To the surprise of many, the golf course alternatives analysis make clear that maintaining 36 holes plus returning 9 holes to the hotel makes the most financial sense to taxpayers and golfers alike. Discussion and analysis also makes clear the cost of "re -purposing" the golf course burdens taxpayers with excessive known costs, and additional costs yet to be determined. Perhaps the most disturbing factor in closing the golf course was testimony offered by real estate experts. There will come a predictable devastating drop in home property values - both around the golf course and more generally throughout OV. Expect some interesting legal action against the city from property owners, if the OV Council takes deliberate action to harm those property owners in the face of analysis clearly showing the 36 hole solution is financially superior. Other known indirect costs will involve increased water rates for the entire community, fire hazards, trespass conflicts from those illegally seeking parking and trail access, and public safety concerns arising from trails hidden behind homes in existing neighborhoods., I'd like to see this controversy brought to a quick conclusion. 4 council members seem to be dragging it out. Some residents may have been upset with the city's purchase of the course, and those folks have had their hearings. The golf course alternative use issue has been properly analyzed, rumors of excessive tax burden are unfounded - same for the other non -revenue producing city recreational assets. The facts support a 36 hole course. The golf course acts as a tax revenue and business sales generator benefiting the entire OV community. Course managers must seek to expand public use of this valuable city asset which will increase green fee revenues. As a community, OV needs to save its reputation for harmony, preserve its green city -centerpiece, bury this unnecessarily divisive issue, and move forward to other challenges. If the Council does so, I'll waive at the golfers along La Canada as I ride by on my bike and smile at my fellow OV residents while hiking our existing trail system. Sincerely, Vince Curry 2 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, September 23, 2019 9:24 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: golf course issue From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, September 23, 2019 9:14 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: golf course issue Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A. R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Anne Hennelly [mailto:anne _ Sent: Monday, September 23, 2019 8:46 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: golf course issue Good morning! have been a resident of Oro Valley for ten years. As the mother of two small children, I am unable to attend the multi - hour council meetings. Nonetheless, I would like my voices to be heard. I am OPPOSED to the continued operation of all the golf courses. In my view, the purchase of the golf courses and attendant financial obligations it imposed upon all of the town's residents was an imprudent decision. We must make the best of that situation. In my view, the best option is to close the golf courses and re -purpose the land into green space, parks and walking/biking paths. While I might prefer a "close all" option based on my family's needs, I recognize the community has a variety of needs. Thus, I support keeping 18 holes and closing the rest. Based on the financial impact and the needs of the WHOLE community, keeping 18 holes is the best balance of golf for the minority of residents who benefit from that AND open space/parks that the majority of Oro Valley residents will benefit from. Thank you for listening Anne Zimmerman Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, September 30, 2019 8:47 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Oro Valley Thrives - Save Oro Valley - I implore you to be on the right side of History for our Community From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, September 30, 2019 8:02 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Oro Valley Thrives - Save Oro Valley - I implore you to be on the right side of History for our Community Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Bruce Baca [mailto Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2019 9:25 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov>; Subject: Oro Valley Thrives - Save Oro Valley - I implore you to be on the right side of History for our Community Mr. Mayor and Oro Valley Council Members Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my email to you and for giving my thoughts and recommendations consideration. The decision by this council to initially eliminate golf as we know it in Oro Valley has sparked a grass roots movement unlike any I have seen since I decided to relocate my young family here 20 years ago. The activism and engagement for civic duty, public service and for protecting what we believe is best for our community will no doubt continue for years to come. You have inspired us and for that we thank you. I'll get straight to the point. I'm asking you to leave all 36 holes of golf alone, with NO conditions. The uncertainty about these golf courses and the threat of eliminating the quality of life we have known for 37 years as a community has distracted us from making Oro Valley what it should be as a town. UNITE US AGAIN and take us into the future. If you are on the right side of history, the people will come together and we can make Oro Valley a best Town in the entire country. You have identified the one item of commonality among all the residences and voters in Oro Valley. This is your opportunity to bring this community together with a vote to retain all 36 holes of golf with no conditions and get the support from everyone for years to come. Again, thank you for your dedicated public service and I am hopeful YOU/We can bring this town together by saving all 36 holes of golf for all the right reasons. Bruce Baca Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, September 30, 2019 8:46 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: 36 -Hole Conditions of Operation From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, September 30, 2019 7:30 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: 36 -Hole Conditions of Operation Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Tom Comi [mailto: Sent: Friday, September 27, 2019 6:05 PM To: Town Council <council@orovaIleyaz.gov> Subject: 36 -Hole Conditions of Operation Dear Mayor Winfield and Council Members, I am pleased to voice my full support for the plan to operate the golf courses with a reduced subsidy. I'm certain that the projected targets can be achieved and exceeded. The major improvements under the Town's ownership have already been shown and more is likely after the uncertainty cloud is lifted. I thank you all for listening to the citizens and giving this brand of the Town the chance to succeed and flourish. I look forward to the Council Meeting and a speedy resolution. Thomas J Comi, PhD Oro Valley Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, September 30, 2019 8:46 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: golf course closure issue From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, September 30, 2019 7:30 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: golf course closure issue Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Jane Perry [mailto:, Sent: Saturday, September 28, 2019 11:40 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: golf course closure issue I have lived in oro valley since 2005. I thought the original purchase of the golf courses was handled very badly by the town council. They obviously did not want any input to hinder the purchase. My opinion as a long time resident is that the golf courses should be sold or repu rposed for the greater community good. I know that you have a tough job. Keep on keeping on. Jane Perry if you don 't 7 i ke wha t you see; then change the way you I ook a t i t. Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, September 30, 2019 8:45 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: EI Conquistador Golf -----Original Message ----- From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Monday, September 30, 2019 7:28 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: EI Conquistador Golf Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. -----Original Message ----- From: M KLAREN [mailto: Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2019 8:50 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Re: EI Conquistador Golf Sent from Xfinity Connect Application -----Original Message ----- From: To: council@orovalleyaz.gov Sent: 2019-05-25 10:49:14 AM Subject: EI Conquistador Golf Dear Council Members, my husband and I just moved to Az. in our new home Jan. 17th, 2019. One of the first things we did was our due diligence in finding a golf course in our area that suited our needs. Our visit to the Oro Valley Community Center fulfilled our wildest expectations. We are enjoying our golf three to four times a week. The entire staff is very friendly and helpful. Also during the winter months our family members joined us for golf. Those days there were eleven (11) of us. Please let us continue to enjoy the facilities that are in place now. Sincerely, Red and Marilyn Klaren 1 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Wednesday, October 2, 2019 8:16 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: EI Conquistador -----Original Message ----- From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2019 5:02 PM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: EI Conquistador Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. -----Original Message ----- From: Janis Johnson [mailto._ Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2019 4:46 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: EI Conquistador I write once again to urge you to overcome your predujice regarding retaining the 36 holes of golf at the Oro Valley EI Conquistador Facility. Consider the following: 1. Golf is an integral part of Oro Valley's identity. We should retain and support this option. 2. Without 36 holes it will be difficult or impossible to structure membership and collect the dues that are paid year around whether people are seasonal residents or not. Members understand that a course requires year around maintenance to keep it playable and are willing to support that with their dues. 3. The "subsidy" or contribution by the Canada Hills HOA is not without precedent as the Mayor stated to the Explorer. Skyline Country Club enlisted the support of homeowners who were not members of the club and did not wish to see their property values decline. Step out of your comfort zone and try something innovative, support it and then reevaluate after a couple of years. 4. As a landscape architect you should appreciate the value of a master planned community. Do you really want to abolish one in your town? You have heard the arguments and you've experienced the overwhelming support at your Council meetings. You know the money is there to support 36 holes. I strongly suspect you had no idea of the complexity of this issue and what effect it has had on the community and what effect it will have on the town's economy and property values. I urge you to let go of the grudge against the purchase of the property. It's done and there is opportunity but it will take your support and good management to come to fruition. There are many people and groups willing to help in this effort. let's build something instead of destroying it. Sent from my Wad Date: 9/18/19 To: Oro Valley Mayor and Town Council Members From: Karen Thayer a d Kathlee Dannreuther, residents of the Villages of La Canada Re: Golf Course Issue JUST IMAGINE ... You bought a home in the Villages of La Canada because it was affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods in Oro Valley. An added benefit is the 5 golf holes providing plentiful green space near your home. SUDDENLY ...You: —discover that, due to the Town Council's desire to close golf courses, you may lose 4-18 percent of your home's value. —face the fact that your HOA may become bankrupt if it has to repurpose and maintain 30 acres of golf course land. — realize that the houses in your neighborhood are not selling due to uncertainty regarding the courses and are becoming rentals, resulting in non -maintained yards and general deterioration of homes. —face potential astronomical increases in your HOA fees, which you cannot afford. are concerned that, if not repurposed, your 30 acres will become a fire hazard. are terrified that the only remedy will be to sell your vacant land to developers. SUPPOSE ... You are a resident of oro valley and moved here because of your love of golf, or, if not a golfer, the green spaces the courses provide. You realize that the pretty nature of the community and its resort atmosphere is what drew you here in the first place. —without golf courses and its other recreational opportunities, oro Valley becomes just another bedroom community of Tucson. —golf courses not only provide much desired green spaces, they attract permanent and seasonal residents, in addition to tourists seeking a resort atmosphere. —costs of turning the courses into desert and maintaining the space will not be recouped because revenues will be lost (at least golf fees and subsidies proposed by residents partly offset costs). —savings from repealing the half -cent sales tax are a pittance compared to the high costs of closing the golf courses and the many unintended consequences. --without money for repurposing, etc., land will be open to more development, crowding, traffic, and demand for more services. the town doesn't need more hiking trails, especially those that include houses on either side of the trails. We we would like to brag about a Town Council that brings the community together. We challenge you to find a solution to the golf course issue that works for everyone. Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Tuesday, October 1, 2019 10:55 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Villages of La Canada & Golf Course options From: Koepfer, Lynda Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2019 10:44 AM To: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: FW: Villages of La Canada & Golf Course options Fyi Lynda Koepfer Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council Town of Oro Valley 520-229-4714 All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Eric57 Nelson [mailto: Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2019 10:06 AM To: Town Council < council @orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Villages of La Canada & Golf Course options Greetings, I live at on the 14th fairway of the Canada golf course. I request no treatment in excess that due any tax -paying citizen of Oro Valley. I do expect that decisions made by the Mayor & Council not negatively impact my quality of life or economic standing to any significant degree. I am in agreement with some but certainly not all of our HOA president's positions - he seems to me somewhat alarmist. I believe there are a number of possible solutions (aka -compromises) that would avoid serious impact to the quality of life and economic standing of all Oro Valley residents. I personally like having the golf course as it is - it seems well used and cared for and most of the people who use the course seem to be very nice people. However, if the course was shut down I would not miss having the exterior of my house dinged up by golf balls, or having the irrigation water from the course corrode my metal railings, or miss having windows broken with no one claiming responsibility for the $450 repair, or miss having the irrigation system go off while I am star- gazing and mess up my telescope. I love the natural beauty around the CDO wash. If the course is shut down I think it would be wonderful if it were allowed to return to its natural state with perhaps some simple, sustainable, enhancements made. I find the idea of Councilpersons voting in "Blocks" highly objectionable. I request those of you that participate in this juvenile practice to rethink your alliance - your alliance is to the residents of the Town you serve as an individual. As a semi -retired registered professional civil engineer with decades of project management experience I know reasonable solutions exist. I hope you all are flexible and creative enough to arrive at one of them. Eric S. Nelson