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AGENDA
ORO VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR SESSION
JUNE 3, 2020
ONLINE ZOOM MEETING
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://orovalley.zoom.us/j/94950116545
To attend via phone only, dial 1-669-900-6833
Executive Sessions – Upon a vote of the majority of the Town Council, the Council may enter into Executive Sessions pursuant to Arizona Revised
Statutes §38-431.03 (A)(3) to obtain legal advice on matters listed on the Agenda.
REGULAR SESSION AT OR AFTER 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
UPCOMING MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS
COUNCIL REPORTS
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
The Mayor and Council may consider and/or take action on the items listed below:
ORDER OF BUSINESS: MAYOR WILL REVIEW THE ORDER OF THE MEETING
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
CALL TO AUDIENCE – At this time, any member of the public is allowed to address the Mayor and Town Council on any issue not listed on
today’s agenda. Pursuant to the Arizona Open Meeting Law, individual Council Members may ask Town Staff to review the matter, ask that the
matter be placed on a future agenda, or respond to criticism made by speakers. However, the Mayor and Council may not discuss or take legal
action on matters raised during “Call to Audience.” In order to speak during “Call to Audience” please specify what you wish to discuss when
completing the blue speaker card.
PRESENTATIONS
1.Proclamation - United States Army's 245th Birthday
CONSENT AGENDA
(Consideration and/or possible action)
A.Minutes - May 20, 2020
REGULAR AGENDA
1.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A MASTER SIGN PROGRAM FOR THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS TWO
ORACLE PLACE, LOCATED AT 7315 N. ORACLE ROAD
2.PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION NO. (R)20-26, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A DECREASE TO THE RECLAIMED WATER
COMMODITY RATE AND A DECREASE TO THE RECLAIMED WATER GROUNDWATER PRESERVATION FEE FOR THE TOWN
OF ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY
3.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PROPOSED GRAZING IN A PORTION OF STONE CANYON
3.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PROPOSED GRAZING IN A PORTION OF STONE CANYON
NEIGHBORHOOD 7, LOCATED NORTH OF TORTOLITA MOUNTAIN CIRCLE ABUTTING THE TOWN'S BOUNDARIES
A. PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE NO. (O)20-03, A TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE RANCHO VISTOSO PLANNED AREA
DEVELOPMENT TO ALLOW REQUESTS FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS FOR FARMS AND RANCHES IN THE
LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT
B. PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION NO. (R)20-27, A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ALLOWING GRAZING IN A PORTION OF
STONE CANYON NEIGHBORHOOD 7, LOCATED NORTH OF TORTOLITA MOUNTAIN CIRCLE ABUTTING THE TOWN'S
BOUNDARIES
4.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING RESOLUTION NO. (R)20-25, SUPPORTING THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF
CITIES (NLC) CITIES ARE ESSENTIAL TO AMERICA'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY CAMPAIGN
5.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO THE TOWN MANAGER TO FACILITATE, WITH ROMPSEN'S KNOWLEDGE AND
CONSENT, COMMUNICATIONS WITH THIRD PARTIES ABOUT POSSIBLE OPTIONS FOR ITS ORO VALLEY PROPERTY
COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE FORMER VISTOSO GOLF COURSE
6.UPDATE AND INFORMATIONAL DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CLOSED VISTOSO GOLF COURSE
7.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ABOUT THE TOWN OF ORO VALLEY'S CURRENT EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION
AND/OR AMENDMENTS THERETO CONSIDERING GOVERNOR DUCEY'S 5/12/20 EXECUTIVE ORDER 2020-36 (AKA "STAY
HEALTHY, RETURN SMARTER, RETURN STRONGER") AND/OR PIMA COUNTY'S 5/21/20 EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION
8.DISCUSSION ABOUT TOWN COUNCIL INPUT ON FUTURE AMENDMENTS, IF ANY, TO THE TOWN OF ORO VALLEY'S
CURRENT EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS (The Council may bring forth general topics for future meeting agendas. Council may not discuss, deliberate or take
any action on the topics presented pursuant to ARS 38-431.02H)
ADJOURNMENT
The Mayor and Council may, at the discretion of the meeting chairperson, discuss any Agenda item.
POSTED: 5/29/20 at 5:00 p.m. by pp
When possible, a packet of agenda materials as listed above is available for public inspection at least 24 hours prior to the Council meeting in the
office of the Town Clerk between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Town of Oro Valley complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If any person with a disability needs any type of accommodation,
please notify the Town Clerk’s Office at least five days prior to the Council meeting at 229-4700.
INSTRUCTIONS TO SPEAKERS
Members of the public have the right to speak during any posted Public Hearing. However,
those items not listed as a Public Hearing are for consideration and action by the Town
Council during the course of their business meeting. Members of the public may be allowed
to speak on these topics at the discretion of the Chair.
In accordance with Amendment #2 of the Mayoral Proclamation of Emergency issued on March 27,
2020, the following restrictions have been placed on all public meetings until further notice:
1. In-person attendance by members of the public is prohibited.
2. Members of the public can either watch the public meeting
online https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/town/departments/town-clerk/meetings-and-agendas or, if they
would like to participate in the meeting (e.g. speak at Call to Audience or speak on a Regular Agenda
item), they can attend the meeting and participate via the on-line meeting application,
Zoom, https://orovalley.zoom.us/j/94950116545 , or may participate telephonically only by dialing
1-929-205-6099 prior to or during the posted meeting.
3. If a member of the public would like to speak at either Call to Audience or on a Regular Agenda
item, it is highly encouraged to email your request to speak to Bluecard@orovalleyaz.gov and include
your name and town/city of residence in order to provide the Mayor/Chair with advance notice so you
can be called upon more efficiently during the Zoom meeting.
4. All members of the public who participate in the Zoom meeting either with video or telephonically
will enter the meeting with microphones muted. For those participating via computer/tablet/phone
device, you may choose whether to turn your video on or not. If you have not provided your name to
speak prior to the meeting as specified in #3 above, you will have the opportunity to be recognized
when you “raise your hand.” Those participating via computer/tablet/phone device can click the “raise
your hand” button during the Call to the Public or Regular Agenda item, and the Chair will call on you
in order, following those who submit their names in advance. For those participating by phone, you
can press *9, which will show the Chair that your hand is raised. When you are recognized at the
meeting by the Chair, your microphone will be unmuted by a member of staff and you will have three
minutes to speak before your microphone is again muted.
5. If a member of the public would like to submit written comments to the Town Council for their
consideration prior to the meeting, please email those comments to mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov no
later than sixty minutes before the public meeting. Those comments will then be electronically
distributed to the public body prior to the meeting.
If you have questions, please contact Town Clerk, Mike Standish, at 520-229-4700 or email
at mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov
Thank you for your cooperation.
Town Council Regular Session 1.
Meeting Date:06/03/2020
Proclamation - U.S. Army's 245th Birthday
Subject
Proclamation - United States Army's 245th Birthday
Summary
Attachments
Proclamation
Town Council Regular Session A.
Meeting Date:06/03/2020
Requested by: Mike Standish Submitted By:Michelle Stine, Town Clerk's Office
Department:Town Clerk's Office
SUBJECT:
Minutes - May 20, 2020
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
N/A
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
I MOVE to approve (approve with the following changes) the May 20, 2020 Town Council mintues.
Attachments
5-20-20 Draft Minutes
D R A F T
MINUTES
ORO VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR AND STUDY SESSION
MAY 20, 2020
ONLINE ZOOM MEETING
REGULAR SESSION AT OR AFTER 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Winfield called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Joseph C. Winfield, Mayor
Melanie Barrett, Vice-Mayor
Joyce Jones-Ivey, Councilmember
Josh Nicolson, Councilmember
Rhonda Piña, Councilmember
Bill Rodman, Councilmember
Steve Solomon, Councilmember
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Barrett recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Winfield provided the guidelines for participation in the Town Council's Regular and Study
Session Zoom meeting.
UPCOMING MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS
Town Clerk Mike Standish announced the upcoming Town meetings.
COUNCIL REPORTS
No Council reports were received.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
Update on Town Operations
COVID-19 Town Update and Possible Discussion Thereon
Town Manager Mary Jacobs recognized Oro Valley graduates and congratulated them on their
5/20/20 Minutes, Town Council Regular and Study Session 1
Town Manager Mary Jacobs recognized Oro Valley graduates and congratulated them on their
accomplishments. Ms. Jacobs also provided the following information during the Town Manager's
Report:
Pavement preservation update and appreciation
Landscape set back due to COVID 19
Welcome and thanks to Oro Valley's adopt-a-road families
Town facilities opening guidelines and timelines due to COVID 19
Concerns from FAST Swim team regarding the Aquatic Center's lane fees
ORDER OF BUSINESS
Mayor winfield reviewed the order of business and stated that the order would stand as posted.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
There were no Informational Items.
CALL TO AUDIENCE
Oro Valley resident Natile Stamer voiced her concerns regarding the lane fee rates for the FAST youth
swim teams at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center
Oro Valley resident Kurt Weibel voiced his concerns regarding the lane fee rates for the Oro Valley
Pirates and the FAST youth swim teams at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center
Oro Valley resident Tom Shehan voiced his concerns regarding the lane fee rates for the FAST youth
swim teams at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center.
Oro Valley resident John Jones spoke about the benefits regarding the use of the Aquatic Center.
Jeremy Mansell voiced his concerns regarding the current lane fee rates for the FAST youth swim teams
at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center.
Oro Valley resident Eric Thomae spoke in support of moving the Oro Valley Cultural Division into the
garage of Steam Pump Ranch.
Oro Valley resident Cynthia Ricker spoke regarding the Vistoso Golf Course.
Oro Valley resident Richard Molinar spoke regarding the Parks and Recreation budget and the Vistoso
Golf Course.
PRESENTATIONS
1.Presentation and possible discussion regarding the Parks & Recreation needs assessment report
This item was moved to the Study Session on May 19, 2020.
2.Presentation and possible discussion of the Town Manager's Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year
2020/21 (TM Recommended Budget added 5/19/20 at 4:45 p.m.)
Town Manager Mary Jacobs and Chief Financial Officer David Gephart presented the Town Manager's
5/20/20 Minutes, Town Council Regular and Study Session 2
Town Manager Mary Jacobs and Chief Financial Officer David Gephart presented the Town Manager's
Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 20/21 and included the following:
Overview
FY 2020/21 Budget Timeline
FY 2020/21 Town Manager's recommended Budget
Financial Overview (Continued)
Financial Overview
Financial Overview (Continued)
Key Budget Factors - General Fund
Town Operations
Strategic Focus Area Investment Highlights
Capital Funding
Major Capital Investments - Highlights
Financial Overview (Continued)
Awards and Accolades
Discussion ensued amongst Council and staff regarding the Town Manager's Recommended Budget for
Fiscal Year 2020/21.
Future Budget Study Sessions would be scheduled by Ms. Jacobs as determined by Council's
recommendations.
CONSENT AGENDA
A.Minutes - May 6, 2020
B.Resolution No. (R)20-17, authorizing and approving a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) grant
agreement with the City of Tucson, allowing for one officer to be assigned to the Pima County HIDTA
Investigative Task Force (PCHITF)
C.Resolution No. (R)20-18, authorizing and approving a subgrantee agreement between the Town of Oro
Valley and the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to fund overtime and mileage under the
Operation Stonegarden program
D.Resolution No. (R)20-19, approving the Agenda Committee assignment for the period of June 1, 2020, to
August 31, 2020
E.Resolution No. (R)20-20, granting authority to the Water Utility Director for securing easements,
right-of-entry and temporary easements for the purposes of designing and constructing a new
transmission main and appurtenances from Twin Peaks Road and Lambert Lane alignment to Tangerine
Road and Shannon Road
F.Request for approval to allow a monument sign in the Tangerine Road right-of-way for St. Mark Church,
located at 2727 W. Tangerine Road
G.Resolution No. (R)20-21, a right-of-way license agreement between the Town of Oro Valley and the St.
Mark Roman Catholic Church to allow a monument sign in the Town's right-of-way as shown in
Attachment 1, Exhibit A
H.Resolution No. (R)20-22, transfer into the Town of Oro Valley's jurisdictional boundaries, the Calle
Concordia Right-of-Way, from Calle Loma Linda to La Canada Drive
I.Resolution No. (R)20-23, authorizing and approving a model uniform video services agreement between
the Town of Oro Valley and Comcast of Arizona, Inc.
J.Resolution No. (R)20-24, approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for fiscal year 2020/21
5/20/20 Minutes, Town Council Regular and Study Session 3
J.Resolution No. (R)20-24, approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for fiscal year 2020/21
between the Town of Oro Valley and the Public Safety Employee Group
Motion by Mayor Joseph C. Winfield, seconded by Councilmember Bill Rodman to approve Consent
agenda items (A) - (J).
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
REGULAR AGENDA
There were no Regular Agenda items.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Solomon requested discussion and possible action of any public and private financial
possibilities regarding the Vistoso Golf Course be explored at the June 3rd, 2020 Town Council meeting.
Seconded by Councilmember Piña
Councilmember Rodman requested discussion and possible action regarding the National League of
Cities advocacy campaign to direct aid to communities and businesses as a result of COVID-19,
seconded by Vice Mayor Barrett
ADJOURNMENT OF THE REGULAR SESSION
Motion by Mayor Joseph C. Winfield, seconded by Councilmember Josh Nicolson to adjourn the regular
session at 8:04 p.m.
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
Mayor Winfield recessed the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Mayor Winfield reconvened the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
STUDY SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Winfield called the Study Session to order at 8:16 p.m.
STUDY SESSION AGENDA
1.Presentation and possible discussion regarding the Parks & Recreation needs assessment report
Parks and Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan introduced Mike Svetz of PROS Consulting. Mr. Svetz
presented the Parks & Recreation needs assessment and included the following:
Agenda
Influencing Factors
Population
Age Segmentation
Ethnicity
Income
Holistic and Continuous Public Input
Collaborative Planning
Focus Group/Town Hall Meeting - Key Themes
5/20/20 Minutes, Town Council Regular and Study Session 4
Focus Group/Town Hall Meeting - Key Themes
Project Website
Website Participation and Key Themes
Intercept Surveys
Intercept Survey Feedback
Online Survey
On-Line Survey Priorities
Statistically Valid Survey
Survey Response Location Map
Advocacy
Park and Facility Visitation and Conditions
Recreation Program and Activity Needs
Park, Facility and Amenity Needs
Public Support
Community Needs
Needs Analysis Methodology
Recreation Programs and Services Prioritized Needs
Park, Facility, and Amenity Prioritized Needs
Next Steps
Next Steps June – October/November
Discussion ensued amongst Council, staff and Mr. Svetz regarding the Parks & Recreation needs
assessment report.
ADJOURNMENT OF THE STUDY SESSION
Mayor Winfield adjourned the study session at 9:28 p.m.
________________________________
Michelle Stine, MMC
Deputy Town Clerk
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the regular and study session
of the Town of Oro Valley Council of Oro Valley, Arizona held on the 20th day of May 2020. I further certify that
the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this _____ day of ____________________, 2020.
___________________________
Michael Standish, CMC
Town Clerk
5/20/20 Minutes, Town Council Regular and Study Session 5
Town Council Regular Session 1.
Meeting Date:06/03/2020
Requested by: Bayer Vella, Community and Economic Development
Submitted By:Patty Hayes, Community and Economic Development
Case Number: 2000922
SUBJECT:
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A MASTER SIGN PROGRAM FOR THE PROPERTY
KNOWN AS TWO ORACLE PLACE, LOCATED AT 7315 N. ORACLE ROAD
RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The applicant proposes a master sign program for Two Oracle Place, a commercial development, establishing
customized standards for permanent signs (Attachment 1). Two Oracle Place is a commercial development built in
the 1980's located on the west side of Oracle Road and north of Ina Road. The property is undergoing a
revitalization which includes updated architecture and sign designs, all of which are intended to enhance the
character and viability of the commercial center.
The proposed master sign program includes:
New monument and entryway sign designs
Re-design of an existing legal non-conforming monument sign
Pima County wall sign size standards
Pedestrian signage
A master sign program is a set of customized sign standards enabling alternatives to the zoning code and is
intended to allow latitude in order to achieve variety and good design. A master sign program (MSP) is often utilized
to address unique circumstances and sign designs.
The latitude requested in the Two Oracle Place MSP includes:
Continued use of larger wall signs (1.5 square feet of sign space per 1' linear foot of frontage instead of 1
square feet) in compliance with Pima County standards
Larger entryway signs (10' tall with 50 square foot of sign area instead of 6' tall and 32 square feet)
Keep the existing legal non-conforming and tall monument sign (originally built to Pima County standards)
and allow a remodel
Add an additional new monument sign
The unique circumstance of Two Oracle Place is the layout of the existing development which places several
tenant spaces behind the bulk of the two-story building which hampers tenant visibility. Also, the property is located
across the street from commercial developments that are currently located within Pima County's jurisdiction.
Pima County allows many of the same sign size standards that the applicant proposes in this MSP. Allowing
the sign sizes proposed in the MSP would recognize many of the property owner's current legal non-conforming
rights (existing signs prior to OV annexation) - and provide balanced and consistent sign standards amongst the
nearby commercial developments.
The proposed sign standards will incorporate design elements, such as colors and material, that will provide unity
between the proposed monument signs and the buildings on site.
The master sign program was recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission as shown in the
draft meeting minutes (Attachment 2).
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
Two Oracle Place was built in the early 1980's and accommodates business offices, food establishments along
with personal services such as a salon, fitness studio and hearing aid company. This property was originally
planned and developed while in Pima County's jurisdiction.
The proposed master sign program includes the following new and custom sign designs and standards:
New monument and entryway sign designs
Re-design of existing legal non-conforming monument sign
Allow Pima County wall sign size standards
Pedestrian signage
The new monument and entryway sign designs, in conjunction with the larger wall signs, will mitigate visibility
challenges of the tenants due to the unique layout of the buildings and provide parity with nearby commercial
development located and regulated by Pima County.
Existing Site Conditions
3.5 acre site situated between:
The 2 acre site of One Oracle Place home to Bank of the West
Three Oracle Place a.k.a. Family Life Radio with 1.5 acres
Zoned C2
1 building
Master Sign Program Details
Monument signs
Monument signs are permanent structures placed near the entryways of a property that identify the commercial
development and also the tenants in the buildings. The proposed sign program proposes to allow the
following signs for the overall site:
Existing monument signs to remain in place
One Oracle Place (home to Bank of the West)
Two Oracle Place (proposed for redesign)
Two Oracle Place (proposed for redesign)
Radio station
New additional signs
Multi-tenant monument sign for Two Oracle Place near Bank of the West sign (size and height meet
overall code allowances)
Entryway signs near the radio station sign with taller height and square footage
A primary focus of the proposed sign program is to allow a new monument sign along the Oracle Road frontage.
This sign would be permitted by code if the development included the properties to the north and south - as it once
did when originally built as a singe commercial center.
The Two Oracle Road site is situated between two other developments, One Oracle Place located to the south and
the radio station property located to the north. Although the properties are currently separately owned, they were
originally part of one overall development. This is why they share entrances and parking. At this time, only one main
entrance off of Oracle Road belongs to Two Oracle Place. However, that one entrance plus the second entrance,
which is owned by the radio station, is shared by all three developments along with parking and pedestrian access.
This presents a challenge for Two Oracle Place as they wish to install signs at the entrances to the development.
The zoning code allows multiple signs if the property has more than 800 feet of street frontage. The overall
development including One Oracle,Two Oracle and the radio station, contain nearly 1,200 feet of frontage and two
entrances. If one large development, as it used to be, the zoning code would enable multiple monument signs due
to the 1,200 linear feet of frontage. However, the property has been split into separate commercial sites and
owners. Because of the property split, Two Oracle Place is only 600 feet long and contains only one of those
entrances.
This MSP allows one more monument sign than normally permitted on a 600 foot stretch of frontage. It is important
to note that it would be permitted if it were still considered one overall development with 1,200 feet of frontage.
Proposed new monument sign:
Another key component of the MSP is a request to update and continue use of the existing legal non-conforming
monument sign. This sign, erected prior to annexation, is taller and contains more square footage than permitted in
Oro Valley. The applicant wishes to update the design to match the overall new aesthetic of the site. The property
owner can choose to leave the old design in order to maintain its legal non-conforming size and height status;
however, it would be an eyesore. The proposal updates the design and maintains the existing dimensions and
height. Furthermore, the lighting of the new sign will comply with the Town's zoning code standards. The complete
proposal is provided in Attachment 1.
Proposed re-design of existing sign Existing sign design
In summary, the quantity of signs and ability to remodel the existing legal non-conforming sign is the recommended
latitude requested for monuments.
Entryway signs
Entryway signs are permanent structures placed at the driveway into a property. The signs are meant to only
identify the name of the development and enhance the visibility into the development.
The proposed MSP would allow two entryway signs, one on each side of the northern driveway, at a larger size.
The code generally allows the signs to be 6' tall with 32 square feet of text. The proposed signs are 10' tall with up
to 50 square feet of text. This northern entry into the development is located at a lower elevation than the adjacent
Oracle Road and currently is not identified as an entrance that serves all three buildings in the development. The
proposed increase in size is due to the visibility challenges when approaching the site and identifying the northern
entry way which leads to all three properties.
Wall signs
Wall signs are individual letters and/or logos attached to the exterior wall of the tenant space that provide
identification for the business. Use of Pima County size standards for wall signs is another primary request in
this MSP.
The proposed sign program allow the illumination, quantity and types of wall signs that meet the Oro Valley zoning
code standards. The applicant, however, requests that wall signs be allowed the Pima County code compliant size
of 1.5 square feet of sign per 1 linear foot of frontage versus the Oro Valley standard of 1 square feet of sign per 1
linear feet of frontage. This would mean that if a business has 30 feet of store frontage in their tenant space, instead
of allowing 30 square feet of sign, the business would be allowed 45 square foot of sign. This amount of sign size is
allowed in the zoning code but usually for business that are located 300' or more from the road. The store fronts at
Two Oracle Place are located 100 to 150 feet from Oracle Road.
The increase in sign size would allow tenants located in the shadow of the two-story building to be more noticed
while keeping the formally allowed sign sizes permitted by the County. The wall sign sizes will also provide
consistency with commercial properties across the street who at some point may be considered for annexation by
the Town.
Pedestrian signage
The proposed MSP also contains signs that are oriented toward pedestrian traffic such as under-canopy signs,
menu boards and directional signs.
The property is a two-story multi-tenant site that has several tenant spaces located in areas that are not easily
visible without the proper signage. Including pedestrian level signage will aid in providing visibility to businesses
and their products and services offered.
Discussion/Analysis:
Design Standards and Design Principals are below in italics followed by staff commentary:
Sign colors, design and placement shall be complementary and integral to the projects architectural and site design
themes.
The proposed monument and entryway signs will be placed in locations that provide the best visibility for the
development due to the unique driveway challenges. When the new monument and entry signs are installed on the
site, in conjunction with the existing signs, the allowed quantity of signs will not be exceeded when considering the
overall development. The proposed monument sign design utilizes colors found in the new design of the
development (Attachment 1).
Project identification and sign elements shall incorporate architectural treatment and project unifying elements which
are integrated with the overall design of the project in terms of style, materials, color and theme .
The proposed signs introduce a new design for the development while using colors and materials found in the new
architectural design of the development. The new sign design will blend with the updated architecture of the
development while providing effective identification for the tenants.
As feasible, sign colors shall utilize the project color palette approved as part of the Conceptual Design for the
project.
The colors found within the development will be used in the design of the new monument signs while allowing
individual businesses to use colors from the proposed color palette or their registered logos.
General Plan
The proposed sign criteria was reviewed for conformance with the General Plan’s Goals and Policies. Listed below
are relevant policies within the General Plan relating to signage:
Goal Q: A built environment that creatively integrates landscape, architecture, open space and conservation
elements to increase the sense of place, community interaction and quality of life.
Policy Land Use 6: Maintain the small town, neighborly character and improve the design and safety of the built
environment.
Action item #125: Maintain the unique character of Oro Valley by studying and updating: Signage regulations to
emphasize identification and direction over advertising goods or services to maintain compatibility and minimal
intrusiveness.
The proposed master sign program will provide more monument signs with updated designs along with larger wall
signs which will allow businesses to be better identified to the public, regardless of their unique
locations, while maintaining cohesive non-intrusive signage.
Summary
The master sign program enables the following latitude:
Larger wall signs (1.5 square feet of sign space per 1' linear foot of frontage instead of 1 square feet)
Larger entryway signs (10' tall with 50 square foot of sign area instead of 6' tall and 32 square feet)
Keep the existing legal non-conforming monument sign and allow a remodel to blend with the new
architecture
Add an additional monument sign
The proposed sign standards are warranted due to the unique history and surroundings of the Two Oracle Place
development.
Recommendation
The unique layout of the existing buildings, shared access entries of all the Oracle Place properties, previous use of
Pima County sign standards onsite, and proximity to other commercial developments with more lenient Pima
County sign standards warrants use of a customized MSP.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the proposed master sign program.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
I MOVE to (APPROVE / DENY) the master sign program, in Attachment 1, for Two Oracle Place based on the
finding that the proposed sign program is consistent with the Design Principles.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Master Sign Program for Two Oracle Place
Attachment 2 Draft Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes
D R A F T
MINUTES
ORO VALLEY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
May 5, 2020
VIA ZOOM MEETING
REGULAR SESSION AT OR AFTER 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Gambill called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Celeste Gambill, Chair
Jacob Herrington, Vice Chair
Hal Bergsma, Commissioner
Neal Herst, Commissioner
Ellen Hong, Commissioner
Skeet Posey, Commissioner
Daniel Sturmon, Commissioner
Staff Present:Michael Spaeth, Principal Planner
Joe Andrews, Chief Civil Deputy Attorney
Attendees: Melanie Barrett, Town Council Liaison
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Gambill recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Commission and audience.
Chair Gambill also provided instructions regarding conduct and participation in the meeting. There were no speaker
requests for the Call to Audience.
COUNCIL LIAISON COMMENTS
Council Liaison Melanie Barrett provided an update on past and upcoming Town Council meetings as related to
Planning items. She also thanked all Town staff for their hard work during this pandemic, and stated the Town
Council has the community at the forefront of their thoughts during this situation.
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
1.REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 3, 2020 REGULAR SESSION MEETING MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Hal Bergsma, seconded by Vice Chair Jacob Herrington to approve the March
3, 2020 meeting minutes.
A roll call vote was taken:
May 5, 2020 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes 1
A roll call vote was taken:
Chair Gambill - Aye
Vie Chair Herrington - Aye
Commissioner Bergsma - Aye
Commissioner Herst - Aye
Commissioner Hong - Aye
Commissoner Posey - Aye
Commissioner Sturmon - Aye
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
2.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO PERMIT A MONUMENT SIGN IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF
TANGERINE ROAD FOR THE ST. MARK CHURCH LOCATED AT 2727 W. TANGERINE ROAD
Senior Planning Technician Patty Hayes provided a presentation that included the following:
- Purpose
- Subject property
- Sign location
- Location sign standards
- General Plan
- Summary
Applicant Mitch Lorenz, representing St. Mark Church, provided a presentation that included the following:
- Summary of key points
- View of St. Mark church, emphasizing the long setback
- View simulations showing proposed sign location
- Overall sign design as related to height and width
- Enlarged median plan view
- The sign is needed for safe wayfinding
Discussion ensued between the Commission, applicant and staff.
Chair Gambill opened the public hearing.
There were no speaker requests.
Chair Gambill closed the public hearing.
Motion by Commissioner Skeet Posey, seconded by Commissioner Daniel Sturmon to recommend
approval of the proposed right-of way sign location for St. Mark Church based on the finding that it meets
the standards of the Zoning Code.
A roll call vote was taken:
Chair Gambill - Aye
Vie Chair Herrington - Aye
Commissioner Bergsma - Aye
Commissioner Herst - Aye
Commissioner Hong - Aye
Commissoner Posey - Aye
Commissioner Sturmon - Aye
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
May 5, 2020 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes 2
3.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A MASTER SIGN PROGRAM FOR THE
PROPERTY KNOWN AS TWO ORACLE PLACE, LOCATED AT 7315 N. ORACLE ROAD
Senior Planning Technician Patty Hayes provided a presentation that included the following:
- Purpose
- Subject property
- Master sign program
- Monument and entryway signs
- Existing monument sign
- New monument sign
- Wall signs
- Summary
Applicant Melissa Lal, representing Larsen Baker, provided a presentation that included the following:
- Center will have a contemporary look, which this master sign program will complement
- Outlined the challenges and competition with the property
- Construction scheduled to start this week; with the current challenges, signage is critically important for
this property to be successful
Keri Silvyn, representing Lazarus & Silvyn Law Offices, also provided a presentation that included the
following:
- Reviewed aerial view and provided details on property, noting the 1200 feet of frontage property
- The property was always meant to function as a cohesive center
- The uniqueness of the building and the goals of the sign program
- Reviewed the existing and proposed monument sign at south entrance
- Reviewed entryway signage, wall signs and under canopy signs
- Summary of modifications the applicant is requesting
Discussion ensued among the Commission, applicant and staff.
Chair Gambill opened the public hearing.
There were no speaker requests.
Chair Gambill closed the public hearing.
Further discussion continued among the Commission and applicant.
Motion by Commissioner Hal Bergsma, seconded by Commissioner Daniel Sturmon to recommend
approval of the master sign program in Attachment 1, for Two Oracle Place based on the finding that the
proposed sign program is consistent with the Design Principles.
A roll call vote was taken:
Chair Gambill - Aye
Vie Chair Herrington - Aye
Commissioner Bergsma - Aye
Commissioner Herst - Nay
Commissioner Hong - Aye
Commissoner Posey - Aye
Commissioner Sturmon - Aye
Vote: 6 - 1 Carried
May 5, 2020 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes 3
OPPOSED: Commissioner Neal Herst
4.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PROPOSED GRAZING IN A PORTION OF
STONE CANYON NEIGHBORHOOD 7, LOCATED NORTH OF TORTOLITA MOUNTAIN CIRCLE
ABUTTING THE TOWN'S BOUNDARIES
A. PUBLIC HEARING: A TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE RANCHO VISTOSO PLANNED AREA
DEVELOPMENT TO ADD GRAZING AS A CONDITIONAL USE TO THE LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
ZONING DISTRICT
B. PUBLIC HEARING: A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ALLOWING GRAZING IN A PORTION OF
STONE CANYON NEIGHBORHOOD 7, LOCATED NORTH OF TORTOLITA MOUNTAIN CIRCLE
ABUTTING THE TOWN'S BOUNDARIES
Principal Planner Milini Simms provided a presentation that included the following:
- Purpose
- Subject area
- Existing Zoning Standards
- Item A: Text amendment to RV PAD
- Item B: CUP for grazing in part of Stone Canyon and mitigation measures
- General Plan Conformance
- Summary and Recommendation
Paul Oland with Paradigm Land Design, representing the applicant, provided a presentation that included
the following:
- Land has a history of grazing dating back decades; this property is part of a large grazing area that
extends into Pima and Pinal counties
- The subject property is approximately 209 acres; most residents are not even aware of current grazing,
which is pulled back as development occurs
- Application is seeking to continue the historic grazing
- The Stone Canyon CC&Rs do approve of the grazing
Discussion ensued among the Commission, applicant and staff.
Chair Gambill opened the public hearing.
The following individuals spoke on Agenda Item #4:
- Michael Staab, Oro Valley resident
- Tim Bohen, Oro Valley resident
- Mark Henning, Oro Valley resident
Chair Gambill closed the public hearing.
Further discussion ensued among the Commission, applicant and staff.
Motion by Commissioner Hal Bergsma, seconded by Vice Chair Jacob Herrington to recommend
approval of the text amendment (Item A) to the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area Development to add farming
and ranching activities, including grazing, as a conditional use to the Low Density Residential zoning district
based on the finding it is in conformance with the General Plan.
A roll call vote was taken:
May 5, 2020 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes 4
A roll call vote was taken:
Chair Gambill - Aye
Vie Chair Herrington - Aye
Commissioner Bergsma - Aye
Commissioner Herst - Aye
Commissioner Hong - Aye
Commissoner Posey - Aye
Commissioner Sturmon - Aye
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
Motion by Commissioner Hal Bergsma, seconded by Vice Chair Jacob Herrington to recommend
approval (Item B) of a conditional use permit allowing grazing in a portion of Stone Canyon Neighborhood
7, as depicted in Attachment 1 and subject to the conditions in Attachment 5, based on the finding it is in
conformance with the Zoning Code, except that the recommended condition of approval #4 shall be
amended to state an average of three (3) head of cattle shall graze the subject property, and no more than
ten (10) head of cattle shall graze the subject property at any given time.
A roll call vote was taken:
Chair Gambill - Aye
Vie Chair Herrington - Aye
Commissioner Bergsma - Aye
Commissioner Herst - Aye
Commissioner Hong - Aye
Commissoner Posey - Aye
Commissioner Sturmon - Aye
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
PLANNING UPDATE (INFORMATIONAL ONLY)
Principal Planner Michael Spaeth provided the Planning Update: two upcoming Zoom neighborhood meetings and
tentative agenda items scheduled for the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on June 2, 2020.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Hal Bergsma, seconded by Commissioner Daniel Sturmon to adjourn the
meeting.
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
Chair Gambill adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m.
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the regular session of the
Town of Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission of Oro Valley, Arizona held on the ____ day of
____________________, 2020. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was
present.
Dated this _____ day of ____________________, 2020.
_________________________________
Jeanna Ancona, Senior Office Specialist
May 5, 2020 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes 5
Town Council Regular Session 2.
Meeting Date:06/03/2020
Requested by: Mary Rallis Submitted By:Mary Rallis, Water
Department:Water
SUBJECT:
PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION NO. (R)20-26, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A DECREASE TO THE
RECLAIMED WATER COMMODITY RATE AND A DECREASE TO THE RECLAIMED WATER GROUNDWATER
PRESERVATION FEE FOR THE TOWN OF ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY
RECOMMENDATION:
On February 3, 2020, the Water Utility Commission voted to recommend Council approve the proposed water rate
changes included in the Preferred Financial Scenario. Staff recommendation is to decrease the reclaimed
commodity rate and decrease the reclaimed Groundwater Preservation Fee. Staff recommends that the potable
base rate not be increased due to the hardships realized by the community due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 9-511.01 the Council adopted a Notice of Intent to change water rates on March 4, 2020. The
Notice of Intent established a public hearing date for June 3, 2020. The Water Rates Analysis Report was made
available for public review and it was posted on the Town’s website on March 5, 2020. The Notice of Intent was
published in the Daily Territorial on April 24, 2020 thereby completing the statutory requirements.
The Preferred Financial Scenario in the 2020 Water Rates Analysis Report proposes an increase to the potable
base rate, a decrease to the reclaimed commodity rate and a decrease to the reclaimed Groundwater Preservation
Fee.
Staff recommends that the potable base rate not be increased due to the hardships realized by the community due
to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff recommends the decrease to the reclaimed commodity rate and decrease to the
reclaimed Groundwater Preservation Fee.
The financial impact of the proposed decrease to the reclaimed commodity rate and reclaimed groundwater
preservation fee for the average turf customer with a 6-inch meter using 10,000,000 gallons per month would be a
$2,200 decrease per month. The average turf customer would recognize a decrease of 7.8% in their monthly water
bill.
If the proposed reclaimed rate and fee are approved, they would become effective on August 1, 2020.
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
Town Code Section 15-2-6 states the Oro Valley Water Utility shall be a self-supporting utility funded solely from
revenue generated from utility operations. Revenues include water sales, service fees and interest income. The
Utility does not receive any funds from the Town’s General Fund.
In accordance with the Mayor and Town Council Water Policies, Water Utility staff review water rates and charges
on an annual basis. The Oro Valley Water Utility Commission evaluates staff recommendations based on the water
rate analysis to ensure the recommendations meet Town policies and bond covenants. The Commission voted to
recommend the Preferred Financial Scenario in the Water Rates Analysis Report on February 3, 2020. The
Preferred Financial Scenario includes financial projections for a five-year period; however, the water rates are only
approved for the first year of this five-year projection period.
The Preferred Financial Scenario evaluates the impact of future costs and the revenue sources that will be required
to meet those costs. The proposed water rates in the Preferred Financial Scenario will increase the Utility’s fixed
cost recovery and revenue stability. The recommended water rate changes for FY 2020-21 are as follows:
Increase the potable water monthly base rates
Decrease in the reclaimed commodity rate
Decrease in the reclaimed groundwater preservation fee
A new reclaimed cost allocation model was used this year to identify costs associated with the reclaimed water
system. The model identifies all costs associated with the reclaimed water system and assigns a percentage based
on a variety of methodologies. The proposed decrease to the reclaimed commodity rate and reclaimed groundwater
preservation fee was the result of the implementation of the new reclaimed cost allocation model.
The financial impact of the proposed decrease to the reclaimed commodity rate and reclaimed groundwater
preservation fee for a turf customer with a 6-inch meter using 10,000,000 gallons of water per month would be a
$2,200 (7.8%) per month decrease to their monthly water bill.
Staff recommends that the potable base rate not be increased due to the hardships realized by the community due
to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff recommends the decrease to the reclaimed commodity rate and decrease to the
reclaimed Groundwater Preservation Fee.
If the proposed reclaimed rate and fee are approved, they would become effective on August 1, 2020.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The financial impact of the proposed decrease to the reclaimed water commodity rate and reclaimed water
groundwater preservation fee for a turf customer with a 6-inch meter using 10,000,000 gallons of water per month
would be a $2,200 (7.8%) per month decrease to their monthly water bill.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
I MOVE to approve Resolution No. (R)20-26, authorizing and approving a decrease to the reclaimed commodity
rate and a decrease to the reclaimed Groundwater Preservation Fee for the Town of Oro Valley Water Utility.
Attachments
(R)20-26 Resolution for Public Hearing
2020 Water Rate Report
RESOLUTION NO. (R)20-26
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
ORO VALLEY, ARIZONA, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A
DECREASE TO THE RECLAIMED WATER COMMODITY RATE AND
DECREASE TO THE RECLAIMED WATER GROUDWATER
PRESERVATION FEE FOR THE TOWN OF ORO VALLEY WATER
UTILITY; AND DIRECTING THE TOWN MANAGER, TOWN CLERK,
TOWN LEGAL SERVICES DIRECTOR, OR THEIR DULY
AUTHORIZED OFFICERS AND AGENTS TO TAKE ALL STEPS
NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOSES AND INTENT OF THIS
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, pursuant to ARS § 9-511, et seq., the Town has the requisite statutory authority to
acquire, own and maintain a water utility for the benefit of the residents within and without the
Town’s corporate boundaries; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to ARS § 9-511, et seq., the Town finds it necessary to decrease the
reclaimed water commodity rate and decrease the reclaimed water groundwater preservation fee
for the Oro Valley Water Utility, which is described in Exhibit “A” attached hereto; and
WHEREAS, on March 4, 2020, Mayor and Council approved Resolution 20-11, providing
Notice of Intent to change water rates; and
WHEREAS, on June 3, 2020, Mayor and Council held a Public Hearing to deliberate and vote
on the proposed changes in water rates.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Oro
Valley, Arizona, that:
SECTION 1. The Oro Valley Water Utility changes in water rates, as described in Exhibit
“A” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, are hereby
authorized and approved.
SECTION 2. The Mayor and other administrative officials of the Town of Oro Valley are
hereby authorized to take such steps as are necessary to implement the changes
in water rates
.
SECTION 3. The Town Manager, Town Clerk, Town Legal Services Director, or their duly
authorized officers and agents are hereby authorized and directed to take all
steps necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of this resolution.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Oro Valley, Arizona this
3rd day of June, 2020.
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
Joseph C. Winfield, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Michael Standish, Town Clerk Tobin Sidles, Legal Services Director
Date: Date:
EXHIBIT “A”
Reclaimed Commodity Rate $2.15 per 1000 gallons
Reclaimed Groundwater Preservation Fee $0.37 per 1000 gallons
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
WATER UTILITY
WATER RATES ANALYSIS REPORT
MARCH 2020
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
WATER UTILITY
WATER RATES ANALYSIS REPORT
MARCH 2020
ORO VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL
Joseph Winfield, Mayor
Melanie Barrett, Vice Mayor
Joyce Jones-Ivey, Council Member
Josh Nicolson, Council Member
Rhonda Piña, Council Member
Bill Rodman, Council Member
Steve Solomon, Council Member
ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY COMMISSION
Byron McMillian, Chair
Richard Reynolds, Vice Chair
Chuck Hollingsworth, Commission Member
Charlie Hurt, Commission Member
Tom Merek, Commission Member
Robert Milkey, Commission Member
Winston Tustison, Commission Member
TOWN STAFF
Mary Jacobs, Town Manager
Kevin Artz, Interim Chief Financial Officer
Peter A. Abraham, P.E., Water Utility Director
Shirley Kiel, Water Utility Administrator
Mary Rallis, CPA, Water Utility Administrator
Danielle Tanner, Senior Office Specialist
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION TITLE PAGE
Index of Appendices
Executive Summary 1
Introduction 3
Growth Rates 3
Water Use Trends 4
Debt Service 5
Debt Service Coverage Requirements 6
Cash Reserve Policy for Operating Fund 7
Operating Fund
Revenue Forecast 8
Revenue Requirements 10
Reclaimed Cost Allocation 11
Water Resource and System Development Impact Fee Fund 12
Preferred Financial Scenario 14
Recommendation on Water Rates, Fees & Charges 16
Conclusion 18
Appendices
INDEX OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX
A. Preferred Financial Scenario Pro Forma
A-1 Operating Fund
A-2 Groundwater Preservation Fee
A-3 Water Resource and System Development Impact Fee Fund
A-4 Summary of all Funds
B. Rate Schedules & Tables for Bill Comparisons
B-1 Proposed Water Rate Schedule
B-2 Tables for Bill Comparisons by Meter Size - Potable
B-8 Tables for Bill Comparisons by Meter Size - Reclaimed
C. 5-Year Capital Improvement Schedules
C-1 Operating Fund
C-2 Groundwater Preservation Fee
C-3 Water Resource and System Development Impact Fee Fund
D. Assumptions for Preferred Financial Scenario
D-1 Operating Fund
D-6 Water Resource and System Development Impact Fee Fund
E. Proposed Development Impact Fee Schedule
E-1 Water Resource and System Development Impact Fee Schedule
- 1 -
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
WATER UTILITY
WATER RATES ANALYSIS REPORT
MARCH 2020
Executive Summary
An annual review of the revenue requirements and water rates is a critical component in ensuring the
long-term financial health of the Water Utility. Functions of the Oro Valley Water Utility Commission
include reviewing and developing recommendations for water revenue requirements, water rates and fee
structures. The Commission evaluates staff recommendations based on a rates analysis to ensure the
recommendations meet Town policies and bond covenants. Water rates and charges are reviewed
annually in accordance with Mayor and Town Council Water Policies – II.A.2.b(4).
The Utility has based this financial analysis on the American Water Works Associations (AWWA) Cash
Needs Approach. The AWWA is the largest national organization that develops water and wastewater
policies, specifications and rate setting guidelines accepted by both government-owned and private water
and wastewater utilities worldwide.
This Water Rates Analysis Report contains detailed information on the Operating Fund and the Water
Resources and System Development Impact Fee Fund. Each fund is individually analyzed with regard to
revenue and revenue requirements. As an enterprise of the Town, the Utility generates revenue from
rates, fees and charges and does not receive revenue from taxes or other monies from the General Fund.
Additionally, revenue generated by the Utility does not fund operating costs of any other Town
department.
In accordance with policy, the water rates analysis is prepared annually based on the most up-to-date
information available for a five year period. Although the analysis is for five years, any rate increase
considered would be approved only for the first year in the five year projection period.
In the past, emphasis was placed on developing commodity rates that would promote water
conservation. The current tiered rate structure for the commodity rates encourages water conservation as
intended. Because of the decline in water consumption, the emphasis of the rate design has transitioned
to increase the Utility’s fixed cost recovery for revenue stability. This is accomplished over time with
increases to the monthly base rate.
The Water Utility Commission has made a recommendation for a Preferred Financial Scenario. Under the
Preferred Financial Scenario, the Operating Fund is projected to have a cash balance of $4,508,508 at the
end of the five year projection period. This meets the cash reserve requirement. In addition, the debt
service coverage ratio of 1.3 is met or exceeded each year. Operational needs and capital improvements
are included in the analysis. The Preferred Financial Scenario demonstrates a strategic balance between
incurring new debt and a planned use of cash reserves to finance capital projects.
The Preferred Financial Scenario evaluates the impact of future costs and the revenue sources that will be
required to meet those costs. The proposed water rates in the Preferred Financial Scenario will increase
the Utility’s fixed cost recovery.
- 2 -
The Water Utility Commission and Water Utility staff have made the following recommendations on
water rates in the Preferred Financial Scenario for FY 2020-21:
Increase the potable water base rates
Decrease the reclaimed commodity rate
Decrease the reclaimed groundwater preservation fee
Current and proposed monthly base rates for potable water use are provided in Table 1 below:
Table 1
Meter Size Current Proposed Monthly
(in inches) Base Rate Base Rate Increase
5/8 $ 18.26 $ 19.26 $ 1.00
3/4 $ 27.38 $ 28.89 $ 1.51
1 $ 45.63 $ 48.14 $ 2.51
1.5 $ 91.26 $ 96.28 $ 5.02
2 $ 146.03 $ 154.06 $ 8.03
3 $ 292.03 $ 308.09 $ 16.06
4 $ 456.31 $ 481.41 $ 25.10
6 $ 912.62 $ 962.81 $ 50.19
8 $1,460.19 $1,540.50 $ 80.31
Cost per month.
The financial impact of the proposed rates for a customer with a 5/8-inch meter is an increase of $1.00
per month. Since this is a base rate increase only, the increase will be the same for all customers with this
meter size regardless of the volume of water used. Customers with a 5/8-inch meter represent 88 percent
of the total customer base and include residential, commercial and irrigation classifications with the vast
majority of those being residential.
The potable groundwater preservation fee will remain unchanged while the reclaimed groundwater
preservation fee is proposed to decrease by $0.10 in FY 2020-21 with smaller decreases in later years.
The reclaimed base rate remains unchanged while the commodity rate is proposed to decrease by $0.12
per 1,000 gallons beginning in FY 2020-21. The proposed decrease in the reclaimed groundwater
preservation fee coupled with the decrease in the reclaimed commodity rate result in a reduction of
approximately $2,200 per month for an average turf customer.
As part of the 2019 Development Impact Fee Analysis, the two existing impact fee funds were combined
into one fund known as the Water Resource and System Development Impact Fee Fund. The Preferred
Financial Scenario illustrates a financially sound cash balance in the Water Resource and System
Development Impact Fee fund. In compliance with state statutes, the cash balance will be used to finance
capital projects to meet the demands of new growth.
The Water Utility presents this Water Rates Analysis in support of the proposed rates contained in the
Preferred Financial Scenario. The Oro Valley Water Utility Commission and Water Utility staff respectfully
recommend the proposed increase to the potable base rate, decrease to the reclaimed commodity rates
and decrease to the reclaimed groundwater preservation fee as detailed in the Preferred Financial
Scenario.
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TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
WATER UTILITY
WATER RATES ANALYSIS REPORT
MARCH 2020
Introduction
The Oro Valley Water Utility was established in 1996 as a self-supporting enterprise of the Town. The
Utility is comprised of two separate funds that have been established for specific purposes. The Funds are
as follows:
Operating Fund
Water Resource and Development Impact Fee Fund
The Operating Fund is the primary fund for the Utility. Revenue for this fund includes water sales, service
fees, miscellaneous charges and interest income. The expenses managed from this fund include
personnel, operations and maintenance for both potable and reclaimed water systems, capital costs for
existing potable water system improvements and related debt service. The Utility pays the General Fund
for services received including finance, human resources, fleet services, information technology, legal,
insurance and rental of office space; however, it does not receive revenue from taxes or other payments
from the General Fund. Groundwater Preservation Fee (GPF) revenue and expenses are accounted for
within the Operating Fund but are segregated because GPF revenue is restricted for specific uses. This is
illustrated in Appendix A, Page A-2.
TischlerBise, Inc. was hired in October 2019 by the Town to update land use assumptions, prepare an
infrastructure improvements plan and development impact fees pursuant to Arizona Revised Statues
(ARS) 9-436.05. The proposed development impact fees will be referred to as the Water Resources and
System Development Impact Fees (WRSDIF) and will replace the Alternative Water Resource
Development Impact Fee and the Potable Water System Development Impact Fee. The WRSDIF may be
used to fund all types of water resources, the infrastructure to deliver those resources and any related
debt including CAP capital infrastructure repayment costs. More information on the WRSDIF may be
found on page 12.
The revenue and expenses of the Operating Fund and the WRSDIF Fund are combined to determine if the
Utility meets the debt service coverage requirement established in the Mayor and Town Council Water
Policies and current bond covenants. Otherwise, each fund is independent with regard to revenue and
expenses. Pursuant to ARS 9-463.05 Section B.9., impact fees must be placed in a separate fund and
accounted for separately. ARS 9-463.05 Section B.5. states that the impact fees may not be used for
operations and maintenance of existing facilities.
Growth Rates
The Utility’s growth rates have fluctuated during the past several years. Figure 1 illustrates the Utility’s
growth of 1,956 new metered connections over the last 10 years. At the end of FY 2018-19 the customer
base totaled 20,217 metered connections.
- 4 -
Figure 1
Throughout the rates analysis process, Utility staff collaborated with other Town staff. In developing the
growth projections, assistance was received from the Community and Economic Development staff who
reviewed the current housing inventory, along with plans that have been submitted for review, to
conservatively estimate future growth. The growth projections used for this report are consistent with the
Town’s financial forecasting and are shown in the following table.
Table 2
New Metered Connections 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
Single Family Residential 325 350 330 240 225
Commercial, Multi-Family, Irrigation 8 4 4 4 4
Water Use Trends
The Utility has experienced a reduction in water use, both potable and reclaimed, over the last 10 years.
Figure 2 illustrates this reduction in total water use from FY 2009-10 through FY 2018-19. The graph
depicts an overall decline in water use even though the Utility experienced growth of 1,956 metered
connections in that same time frame. Water use decreased in FY 2018-19 by approximately 581,000
gallons. Of that amount 230,000 gallons was a decline in reclaimed water use. During FY 2017-18, a single
family residential customer with a 5/8-inch water meter used an average of 7,900 gallons of water per
month. The weather conditions in the current fiscal year are significantly different than last fiscal year.
Because of the increased rain and cooler temperatures, residential water use is trending closer to 7,000
gallons per month in FY 2018-19. For a conservative approach, the revenue projections in this analysis
used water patterns similar to those in FY 2016-17 when the average water use was 7,300 gallons per
month which is consistent with prior years.
- 5 -
Figure 2
The historical decline in water use has been experienced not only on a local level, but also on regional and
national levels. This can be largely attributed to water conservation – both intentional and unintentional.
Intentional water conservation is the conscious effort to reduce water use by commonly known measures
including changing landscape to drought tolerant plants and the removal of lawns. Unintentional water
conservation is a result of plumbing code changes and other regulatory changes regarding water
efficiency. For example, all new water using appliances and fixtures are required to be low flow. The
consumer’s intention may not have been to conserve water when they chose to replace an aging or
broken dishwasher, clothes washer or bathroom faucet.
Debt Service
The current annual debt service obligations are met with revenue generated from water rates, the GPF
and impact fees. A summary of the existing debt and the outstanding balances at the December 31, 2019
are provided in Table 3.
Table 3
Repayment Year Description of Debt Purpose Balance
Water Rates 2009 WIFA Loan Existing Potable System $ 1,274,073
Water Rates 2012 Sr. Lien Bonds – Refinance 2003 Existing Potable System $ 2,202,306
Water Rates
Water Rates
2014
2015
WIFA Loan
Excise Tax Bonds – Refinance 2005
AMI Meter Replacement
Land for MOC
$ 3,014,023
$ 852,060
Water Rates 2017 Excise Tax Bonds – Refinance 2007 Existing Potable System $ 10,555,978
Water Rates 2018 Excise Tax Bonds Existing Potable System $ 5,873,250
GPF 2008 WIFA Loan Reclaimed Water System $ 2,160,662
GPF 2012 Sr. Lien Bonds – Refinance 2003 Reclaimed Water System $ 4,014,308
WRSDIF 2012 Sr. Lien Bonds – Refinance 2003 Potable System Expansion $ 1,238,386
Total Debt $ 31,185,046
- 6 -
The Town entered into an IGA with Metropolitan Domestic Water Improvement District and the Town of
Marana to construct a recharge, recovery and delivery system known as the NWRRDS project to bring
additional CAP water into the Town. This rates analysis includes an assumption for new debt in the
amount of $10,000,000 in FY 2021-22 to finance portions of the NWRRDS project. The timing of this debt
is dependent on the progress of the project. If the project is delayed, the debt will also be delayed. It is
assumed that the Utility will issue traditional bonds with a 20-year term at a five percent interest rate.
The debt will be repaid with revenue derived from the GPF as this portion of the project benefits the
existing customers. There is no proposed debt associated with the growth-related portion of the NWRRDS
project. The growth-related portion of the project will be paid for with cash from development impact
fees. Project costs identified for the NWRRDS project may be found in the five year capital plan shown in
Appendix C.
Additionally, the rates analysis incudes an assumption for new debt in FY 2022-23 in the amount of
$3,700,000 to finance existing system improvements. It is assumed the Utility will issue a private
placement bond issue with a 10-year term at a five percent interest rate. This debt will be repaid with
revenue from potable and reclaimed water sales.
Debt Service Coverage Requirements
The method for calculating the debt service coverage ratio is pursuant to the Town Financial and
Budgetary Policies adopted by the Town Council in 2008. Section C.1 – Debt Capacity, Issuance &
Management states the following with respect to debt service coverage ratios:
“When utility revenues are pledged as debt service payments, the Town will strive to maintain a 1.3 debt
service coverage ratio or the required ratio in the bond indenture (whichever is greater) to ensure debt
coverage in times of revenue fluctuation.”
The Water Utility currently pays debt service on a number of outstanding debt issuances and loans. For
the Series 2012 Senior Lien Water Revenue Bonds, the 2008, 2009 and 2014 Water Infrastructure Finance
Authority (WIFA) Loans, Water Utility revenues are specifically pledged as the repayment source for these
obligations at 1.3 times coverage per the Town’s adopted financial policy.
The remaining outstanding debt obligations of the Water Utility are excise tax pledged obligations
meaning that the Town’s unrestricted sources of sales taxes, fines, permit fees and state shared revenues
are pledged as the repayment sources for these bonds in the bond indentures. Even though the bond
indentures pledge these excise taxes as the repayment source, the Water Utility is responsible to pay for
these debt service payments from water sales revenues. However, since excise taxes are pledged as
coverage, a calculated debt service coverage ratio of 1.0 is applied to avoid double coverage when
calculating the debt service coverage ratio for these excise tax-backed bonds in the water rates analysis.
It is important to note that the bond indentures for the excise tax-backed bonds require that the Town’s
excise tax collections each fiscal year total at least 2.5 times the annual debt service requirements in order
to avoid having to fund a debt service reserve fund. These conditions have been met annually in the past
and are expected to continue in the future. For FY 2018-19 the debt service coverage ratio was 12.27 for
the General Fund which exceeds the 2.5 requirement.
- 7 -
This methodology of segregating the water utility revenue-pledged debt from the excise tax-pledged debt
in the rates analysis process is an accepted practice in the industry and has been reviewed by the Town’s
Chief Financial Officer and the Town’s financial advisors with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.
The debt service coverage ratio is determined by dividing the annual net operating revenue by the annual
debt service payments. The methodology described above is in accordance with the 2008 policy and
reduces the amount of the required debt service coverage. Applying this methodology has been key in
minimizing water rate increases.
Debt service coverage for the Water Utility’s outstanding senior lien debt issuances and loans in the
Preferred Financial Scenario is shown in Table 4. This includes current and proposed new debt.
Table 4
2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
Debt Service Coverage 2.83 2.41 2.02 2.80 2.90
Cash Reserve Policy
The cash reserve policy may be found in the Town of Oro Valley Mayor and Council Water Policies Section
II.A.1.d. The policy states “The Utility shall maintain a cash reserve in the Operating Fund of not less than
20% of the combined total of the annual budgeted amounts for personnel, operations and maintenance,
and debt service. This cash reserve amount specifically excludes budgeted amounts for capital projects,
depreciation, amortization and contingency. No cash reserve is required for the water utility impact fee
funds.” In the Preferred Financial Scenario, the projected cash reserve balance for the Operating Fund for
each year in the analysis is listed in Table 5 showing compliance in all years. The projected cash reserve
balances include annual increases in the monthly base rates.
Table 5
Operating Fund 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
Cash Reserve Requirement $ 2,833,292 $ 2,956,487 $ 3,055,984 $ 3,073,629 $ 3,154,900
Cash Reserve Balance $ 7,635,153 $ 6,275,621 $ 5,538,993 $ 5,049,093 $ 4,508,508
Cash reserve balances in the Operating Fund are projected to be stable throughout the analysis. This is a
result of strategically balancing the required financing of capital projects with the planned used of cash
reserves. The Utility works diligently to balance the use of cash reserves with the issuance of new debt to
minimize rate increases.
There is no cash reserve requirement for revenue from the GPF because these funds are restricted to pay
for renewable water resources, infrastructure and associated debt. Although accounted for in the
Operating Fund, the GPF cash is segregated from the Operating Fund cash. It is not fiscally prudent to
combine cash that has a restricted use with cash that has unrestricted use when determining compliance
with a cash reserve policy. Similarly, the expenses paid by GPF revenue are segregated from the general
operating expenses for purposes of calculating the cash reserve requirement. In the Preferred Financial
Scenario, the projected cash reserve balance for the GPF in each year of the analysis is listed in Table 6.
- 8 -
Table 6
Groundwater Preservation Fees 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
Cash Reserve Balance $ 1,777,659 $ 1,748,760 $ 1,357,398 $ 1,491,800 $ 1,929,192
GPF cash reserve balances are projected to remain stable over the five year projection period. This is a
direct result of balancing the use of cash and issuance of new debt to pay for capital projects associated
with the delivery of additional CAP water through the NWRRDS project. The on-going revenue from the
GPF will be used to pay future annual debt service on the portion of capital costs that will be financed.
Operating Fund
Revenue Forecast
The Operating Fund is projected to have a cash balance of $8,197,303 at the beginning of FY 2019-20 and
is projected to have a balance of $4,508,508 at the end of FY 2024-25. These funds may be used for
operating costs including personnel, operations and maintenance, capital improvements for the existing
potable water system and debt service. Groundwater Preservation Fees are included in the Operating
Fund; however, the revenues, expenses and cash balances for the GPF are accounted for separately
within the Operating Fund. As discussed above, use of GPF funds is restricted to renewable water
resources, infrastructure and associated debt.
The following revenue forecast was based on analysis of the Utility’s historic water use trends for and
projected growth in the number of new connections detailed in Table 2 on page 4. The revenue forecast
includes proposed increases in the potable water base rates shown below in Table 7.
Table 7
Base Rates
Potable Water
Current
Rates
Proposed
Rates
Proposed
Rates
Proposed
Rates
Proposed
Rates
Proposed
Rates
Meter Sizes (inches) 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
5/8 $ 18.26 $ 19.26 $ 20.32 $ 21.39 $ 22.46 $ 23.53
3/4 $ 27.38 $ 28.89 $ 30.47 $ 32.07 $ 33.68 $ 35.28
1 $ 45.63 $ 48.14 $ 50.79 $ 53.45 $ 56.13 $ 58.79
1.5 $ 91.26 $ 96.28 $ 101.57 $ 106.91 $ 112.25 $ 117.58
2 $ 146.03 $ 154.06 $ 162.54 $ 171.07 $ 179.62 $ 188.15
3 $ 292.03 $ 308.09 $ 325.04 $ 342.10 $ 359.21 $ 376.27
4 $ 456.31 $ 481.41 $ 507.88 $ 534.55 $ 561.28 $ 587.94
6 $ 912.62 $ 962.81 $1,015.77 $1,069.10 $1,122.55 $1,175.87
8 $1,460.19 $1,540.50 $1,625.23 $1,710.55 $1,796.08 $1,881.39
The potable water base rates are projected to increase annually beginning in FY 2020-21. There are no
recommended increases in potable water commodity rates while the Utility continues to focus the rate
design on increase fixed cost recovery. Fixed costs are costs the Utility incurs that do not fluctuate based
on the volume of water sold. Examples of fixed costs include, but are not limited to, debt service,
personnel, billing costs, fleet maintenance and regulatory costs. The current base rates generate a 53
percent fixed cost recovery. The remaining 47 percent of the fixed costs are recovered with revenue
generated from the volume of water sold. Increasing the Utility’s ability to recover fixed costs with fixed
- 9 -
rate revenue or base rates will ensure revenue stability. Water rates dependent on the volume of water
sales to pay for fixed costs can result in revenue volatility.
The reclaimed base rates are proposed to remain unchanged throughout the projection period; however,
the reclaimed commodity rate is proposed to decrease in years one and two as shown in Table 8. The
proposed decrease will generate the revenue needed to operate the reclaimed system and will continue
to provide an incentive to use reclaimed water.
Table 8
Base Rates
Reclaimed Water
Current
Rates
Proposed
Rates
Proposed
Rates
Proposed
Rates
Proposed
Rates
Proposed
Rates
Meter Sizes (inches) 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
5/8 $ 14.62 $ 14.62 $ 14.62 $ 14.62 $ 14.62 $ 14.62
3/4 $ 21.93 $ 21.93 $ 21.93 $ 21.93 $ 21.93 $ 21.93
1 $ 36.54 $ 36.54 $ 36.54 $ 36.54 $ 36.54 $ 36.54
1.5 $ 73.08 $ 73.08 $ 73.08 $ 73.08 $ 73.08 $ 73.08
2 $ 116.94 $ 116.94 $ 116.94 $ 116.94 $ 116.94 $ 116.94
3 $ 233.86 $ 233.86 $ 233.86 $ 233.86 $ 233.86 $ 233.86
4 $ 365.41 $ 365.41 $ 365.41 $ 365.41 $ 365.41 $ 365.41
6 $ 730.83 $ 730.83 $ 730.83 $ 730.83 $ 730.83 $ 730.83
8 $1,169.32 $1,169.32 $1,169.32 $1,169.32 $1,169.32 $1,169.32
Commodity Rates
Reclaimed Water
All Usage
Reclaimed GPF
$ 2.27
$ .47
$ 2.15
$ .37
$ 2.10
$ .35
$ 2.10
$ .35
$ 2.10
$ .30
$ 2.10
$ .30
The potable reclaimed GPF rates will remain unchanged while the reclaimed GPF rates will decrease over
the projection period as depicted above in Table 8. The financial analysis illustrates that expenses to be
funded with GPF revenue are being met annually.
Table 9 provides the water sales and GPF revenue forecast for the five year projection period using the
proposed base rates in Tables 7 and 8. The Utility will be utilizing $754,995 in funds conditionally allocated
to the Town by the Central Arizona Project. The funds are restricted and may only be used for
infrastructure that provides the Town with water resource reliability. The funds will be used to pay for
NWRRDS project costs.
Table 9
Revenue Source 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
Potable Water $11,985,463 $12,459,653 $12,950,102 $13,424,305 $13,882,420
Reclaimed Water $ 1,367,466 $ 1,340,751 $ 1,340,751 $ 1,340,751 $ 1,340,751
Total Water Sales
GPF Revenue
NW Reliability Funds
$13,352,929
$ 2,216,499
$ 354,995
$13,800,404
$ 2,219,882
$14,290,853
$ 2,234,665
$14,765,056
$ 2,214,872
$ 400,000
$15,223,171
$ 2,225,638
Other revenue generated by the Utility consists of charges for services. Charges for services include funds
received as a result of an IGA with the Pima County Wastewater Reclamation Department to provide
- 10 -
monthly billing services on their behalf. The IGA was renewed in June 2019 and included an increase in
the amount to be paid to the Water Utility. The IGA is reviewed annually to ensure cost recovery. Charges
for services also include, but are not limited to, new service establishment fees, late fees, reconnection
fees, inspection fees and plan review fees. The total of all charges for services are projected to generate
annual revenue ranging from $866,100 to $888,219.
Projections for interest income for the Operating Fund are a cumulative total of $461,907 over the five
year period. Projected interest income for the GPF monies are a cumulative total of $130,668 over the
five year period. The interest rate assumed for the projection period is 1.5 percent annually.
Revenue Requirements
Table 10 is a summary of revenue requirements for the Operating Fund that were used in the financial
analysis. These revenue requirements exclude expenses to be paid with GPF revenue.
Table 10
Operating Fund 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
Expenses
Personnel $ 3,102,282 $ 3,161,551 $ 3,222,036 $ 3,283,761 $ 3,346,752
Operations/Maintenance 2,148,590 2,191,562 2,235,393 2,280,101 2,325,702
Power for Pumping
NWRRDS Operating Costs
831,904 846,549 862,765 881,675 894,301
$1,566,000
CAP Wheeling Costs 1,828,632 1,898,273 1,954,506 2,041,009 817,857
CAP Recharge Costs 1,684,535 2,096,735 2,158,565 2,158,565 2,156,875
Reclaimed Personnel 341,254 347,774 354,427 361,217 368,146
Reclaimed Operations/Maint. 773,544 789,014 804,795 820,891 837,309
Reclaimed Power for Pumping 45,241 45,241 45,241 49,766 49,766
Subtotal Expenses $ 10,755,982 $ 11,376,699 $ 11,637,718 $ 11,876,985 $ 12,362,708
Debt Service 3,410,479 3,405,738 3,642,203 3,491,162 3,411,795
Capital Outlay 733,000 1,352,000 710,000 844,000 949,000
Total Expenses $ 14,899,461 $ 16,134,437 $ 15,989,921 $ 16,212,147 $ 16,723,503
Projected personnel costs include two percent annual merit increases, two percent annual increases in
retirement contributions and half a percent annual increases in health care costs. Health care costs are
reduced primarily because employees are paying a higher portion of the premiums. There are no new
employees being added within the five year projection period. These projected increases are consistent
with the General Fund’s financial planning. A portion of the personnel costs are allocated to the reclaimed
water system based on a weighted average of 9.91 percent annually.
The projected operations and maintenance (O&M) costs for both the potable and reclaimed water
systems are based on the FY 2019-20 budget and include inflationary increases of two percent annually.
The inflation factors are consistent with the General Fund’s financial planning. Beginning in FY 2020-21, a
new cost allocation model was utilized to allocate various administrative and operational costs to the
reclaimed water system.
- 11 -
In September 2019, a reclaimed cost allocation analysis was prepared by WestLand Resources, Inc. to aid
in identifying costs associated with the reclaimed water system. The intent was to develop an intuitive
methodology for allocating costs between the potable and reclaimed water systems that could be used in
a cost allocation model.
The model is used to allocate costs based on a variety of methodologies. These methodologies are based
on a percentage of staffing costs; the volume of water delivered; miles of pipeline; the number of meters;
number of facilities; and the value of facility assets net of depreciation.
Budgeted O&M expenditures for FY 2019-20 were used to allocate reclaimed costs based on various
methodologies used in the model. These allocations were then increased by a two percent inflation factor
for each year in the pro forma.
Power costs for the potable and reclaimed water systems were segregated from the traditional O&M
costs because they are not subject to annual inflationary increases. Tucson Electric Power has historically
increased its pumping rates every four years. In 2017, the power rate increased by 10 percent. Another 10
percent rate increase has been projected in FY 2020-21.
CAP wheeling costs are fees charged by Tucson Water to wheel Oro Valley’s CAP water through their
recharge and recovery system. The IGA with Tucson Water was renegotiated in FY 2016-17. Based on the
new IGA, costs are assumed to increase annually by four percent. The total annual delivery of 2,510 acre
feet is projected in FY 2020-21 through FY 2023-24. The operating costs for the delivery of CAP water
through the NWRRDS project are estimated at $1,566,000 beginning in FY 2024-25. These costs are offset
by a reduction in CAP wheeling charges from Tucson Water which are projected to decrease by
approximately $1.2 million in FY 2024-25 when the NWRRDS becomes operational.
CAP water recharge costs represent costs to take annual delivery of the Utility’s entire CAP water
allotment of 10,305 acre feet. This water will be recharged and stored in various recharge facilities
including the Tucson Water facilities. Costs to take delivery of and store the CAP water are based on the
rate schedule adopted by the Central Arizona Project.
Projected capital outlay for existing system improvements in this analysis includes drilling and equipping
one replacement well, re-lining of reservoirs, booster station modifications, water main replacements,
vehicles and water meters. The schedule for five year capital improvements may be found in Appendix C.
Debt service costs are relatively flat over the projection period. The existing debt service is declining as
older debt is paid off while the proposed new debt increases the annual costs netting a flat annual cost.
Table 11 is a summary of revenue requirements paid with GPF revenue that were used in this financial
analysis.
Table 11
Groundwater Preservation Fees 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
Expenses
Capital Cost of $7,305 AF of CAP $ 482,130 $ 518,655 $ 496,740 $ 511,350 $ 511,350
Capital Cost for NWRRDS project 1,772,000 ---- ---- 544,000 ----
Debt Service 1,364,417 1,756,411 2,152,667 1,446,260 1,302,108
Total GPF Expenses $ 3,618,547 $ 2,275,066 $ 2,649,407 $ 2,501,610 $ 1,813,458
- 12 -
Expenses paid with GPF funds include the existing customers’ portion of the CAP water capital costs
associated with ownership of the CAP water allotment. These costs increase annually based on projected
rates developed by the Central Arizona Project. During the projection period, the Utility will use
approximately $755,000 of the Northwest Reliability Funds allocated to the utility by the Central Arizona
Project. The Central Arizona Project conditionally allocated a total of $924,000 to the Utility with the
requirement that the funds be used solely for a project that would result in water reliability. The NWRRDS
project meets the intent of the Central Arizona Project requirements.
Debt service for the reclaimed water system is paid with GPF funds. Outstanding debt on the reclaimed
water system will be paid in full by July 2029. This analysis includes an assumption that the Utility will
borrow an additional $10 million in FY 2021-22.
Water Resource System Development Impact Fee Fund
The relationship between infrastructure historically funded with Potable Water System Development
Impact Fees (PWSDIF) and infrastructure funded with Alternative Water Resources Development Impact
Fees (AWRDIF) are very similar. Both are potable water resource driven and both are required to meet the
demands of growth. As such, the infrastructure needs are being combined into one capital plan resulting
in the creation of one new development impact fee to replace the two existing impact fees. Effective July
1, 2020, the AWRDIF and the PWSDIF will be combined into one fee known as the Water Resource and
System Development Impact Fee (WRSDIF). Revenues for the WRSDIF Fund will be from impact fees
collected at the time water meters are purchased and from interest income. Expenses include capital
repayment obligation charges for the Town’s CAP allotment, CAP infrastructure and associated debt
incurred to deliver CAP water to the Town to meet the demands of future growth. In addition, wells,
pump stations, reservoirs and mains for the potable water system required to meet the demands of
future growth will also be financed with these impact fees.
The WRSDIF Fund is projected to have a cash balance of $13,046,938 at the beginning of FY 2020-21 and
is projected to have $1,527,507 at the end of FY 2024-25. The revenue sources for the WRSDIF Fund are
from impact fees collected when a water meter is purchased and from interest earned on cash balances.
Interest income is projected to be a total of $463,811 for this analysis. The interest rate assumed for the
projection period is 1.5%.
The revenue forecast was based on new service units related to the number of new connections. A service
unit is the equivalent of one single family residential (SFR) 5/8-inch water meter. The SFR service units are
equal to the number of new connections. Other service units are forecast based on pending development
projects within the Town. Other service units include commercial, multi-family and irrigation uses with the
number of service units depending on the estimated meter sizes for each project. In addition, the service
units are forecasted based on historic trends and pending development projects within the Town.
The impact fee for a SFR 5/8-inch water meter or one service unit is projected to be $6,387. It is assumed
that the Development Impact Fees will remain constant throughout the five year projection period. Table
12 provides the projected growth in service units and the revenue associated with that growth. These
growth projections are consistent with the Town’s financial planning.
- 13 -
Table 12
Growth / Revenue 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
SFR Service Units 325 350 330 240 225
Other Service Units 61 10 10 10 10
Projected Revenue $2,504,337 $2,378,746 $2,251,006 $1,676,176 $1,580,371
WRSDIF funds may be used for capital expenses related to CAP water. Capital expenses during this
projection period total $20,759,000 and include the capital costs assessed by the Central Arizona Project
for 3,000 acre feet of our CAP water allotment and design and construction of the NWRRDS project that
will deliver additional CAP water to the Town. These projects are identified in the five year capital
improvement project schedule shown in Appendix C. All projects will be cash funded.
The WRSDIF fund may also be used for capital expenses related to potable water system improvements
including wells, booster stations, reservoirs and water mains required to meet the demands of new
growth. Capital projects are identified in the five year capital improvement plan shown in Appendix C.
Debt service for previously constructed growth-related facilities is also paid from impact fee revenue. The
annual capital expenses and debt service for the WRSDIF Fund are listed in Table 13 below. No new debt
is proposed during this projection period.
All expenses will be paid for with impact fees collected. Projects will be constructed commensurate with
the timing of new development demands.
Table 13
Expenses 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
CAP Capital Charges $ 198,000 $ 213,000 $ 204,000 $ 210,000 $ 210,000
Capital Costs NWRRDS $ 2,658,000 $ 5,004,000 $ 7,092,000 $ 3,720,000
Capital Costs Potable $ 750,000 $ 500,000
Debt Service $ 325,099 $ 323,180 $ 322,578 $ 104,707 $ 60,288
Total Expenses $ 3,931,099 $ 5,540,180 $ 7,618,578 $ 4,034,707 $ 770,288
- 14 -
Preferred Financial Scenario
Prior to developing forecasts, financial considerations were evaluated relating to projected operating
costs, capital expenses, the Utility’s existing cash reserves, existing outstanding debt and debt service
payments. When developing a Preferred Financial Scenario, the goals of the Utility are to ensure that all
existing rate setting policies are met, cash reserves are utilized to minimize future debt and proposed rate
increases do not result in rate shock. One of the rate setting policies included in the Mayor and Council
Water Policies is for rate structures to be designed to encourage water conservation.
The development of water conservation pricing, also known as a tiered commodity rate, began in 1999
when a second tier was added to the uniform or flat commodity rate. That structure evolved into four
tiers by 2007. Over the last 12 years, the Utility has increased the tiered commodity rates to a level that
encourages water conservation. Having achieved rates that encourage water conservation, the Utility is
continuing to place emphasis on the rate design that will increase fixed cost recovery to ensure revenue
stability.
Figure 3 illustrates an overall decline in potable water deliveries even though the Utility experienced
growth in the customer base. There was a 14 percent decrease in potable water deliveries in FY 2018-19
compared to FY 2017-18 resulting from consumer conservation and improved rainfall compared to
previous years.
Figure 3
To stabilize revenue when water deliveries decline or fluctuate, it is necessary to increase fixed charge
revenue which is revenue received from base rates. Fixed costs are costs incurred by the Utility that do
not fluctuate based on the volume of water delivered. These costs include, but are not limited to, billing
related costs, regulatory expenses, personnel, debt service, insurance, fleet maintenance and
administrative services paid to the Town’s General Fund. These costs are all incurred every year
regardless of the volume of water delivered. The Utility’s fixed costs projected for FY 2020-21 total $10.6
million. Ideally, these costs would be paid by revenues received from the base rate revenue. Base rates
charged to customers are the same every month regardless of the volume of water delivered. The existing
base rates generate just under $5.6 million or 53 percent of the fixed costs. As a result, the Utility is
- 15 -
dependent on water sales to generate the revenue needed to recover the remaining fixed costs as well as
the variable costs.
Variable costs are those costs incurred by the Utility that fluctuate based on the volume of water
delivered. If the deliveries decrease, the costs decrease and likewise, if deliveries increase, the costs
increase. Variable costs include, but are not limited to, power for pumping, chemicals for disinfection,
delivery of reclaimed water, CAP water wheeling costs and maintenance on plant facilities. The Utility’s
variable costs projected for FY 2020-21 total $3.6 million. These costs are paid by revenues received from
the variable charge revenue also known as commodity rate revenue. Commodity rates are charged on the
volume of water delivered which varies from customer to customer and from month to month. The
existing commodity rates generate $7.5 million. Funds in excess of the variable costs are used to help pay
for fixed costs.
The Utility’s customer base is not diverse enough to rely so heavily on revenue from commodity rates. To
increase revenue stability, the Utility will need to reduce its dependence on water sales for fixed cost
recovery. This can be accomplished by increasing the monthly base rates. Declining water consumption
has impacted water providers on a regional level. Table 16 illustrates how regional water providers,
except Marana, have increased their base rates to compensate for the declines in water consumption as
compared to the historical and the 2020 proposed rates for Oro Valley.
Table 16
Year Oro Valley Metro Marana Tucson
2020 19.26 30.45 15.96 16.33
2019 18.26 29.50 19.09 16.33
2018 16.45 29.50 19.09 15.00
2017 14.62 29.50 19.09 14.39
2016 14.19 29.50 18.18 12.67
2015 14.19 27.00 17.31 11.90
2014 14.19 22.00 16.18 11.00
2013 14.19 20.00 15.12 9.68
2012 14.19 17.50 15.12 8.27
2011 14.19 17.50 15.12 7.53
2010 14.19 15.03 15.12 5.87
The Water Utility developed a Preferred Financial Scenario that supports key financial and policy goals.
The scenario generates the revenue needed to maintain an adequate cash balance in all funds over the
projected five year period thus meeting the cash reserve requirements in each year. Additionally, the
scenario balances the use of both available cash and proposed new debt to finance capital projects. Under
this scenario, the fixed cost recovery is projected to increase from 53 percent to 56 percent by the end of
FY 2020-21. If all proposed rate increases are implemented as shown in the Preferred Financial Scenario,
fixed cost recovery will be approximately 63 percent by the end of FY 2024-25.
The financial projections for the Operating Fund and WRSDIF Fund were combined to evaluate the overall
debt service coverage at the end of each fiscal year. Analysis indicates that, under the Preferred Financial
Scenario, the Utility will meet the debt service coverage requirement established by the Mayor and
Council Water Polices and bond covenants for all five years.
The pro forma for the Preferred Financial Scenario may be found in Appendix A. The assumptions used to
develop the financial projections in the Preferred Financial Scenario may be found in Appendix D.
- 16 -
Recommendation on Rates, Fees & Charges
After reviewing the analysis of the two funds and their respective revenue requirements contained in the
Preferred Financial Scenario, the Water Utility Commission and Utility staff recommend the following for
FY 2020-21:
Increase the potable water monthly base rates
Decrease the reclaimed commodity rate
Decrease the reclaimed groundwater preservation fee
With regard to the recommendation to increase the water rates, table 17 shows the proposed potable
water base rates for each meter size. Approximately 88 percent of the Utility’s customers use a 5/8-inch
water meter and will see an increase of $1.00 per month regardless of the volume of water they use.
Table 17
Meter Size Current Proposed Monthly
(in inches) Base Rate Base Rate Increase
5/8 $ 18.26 $ 19.26 $ 1.00
3/4 $ 27.38 $ 28.89 $ 1.51
1 $ 45.63 $ 48.14 $ 2.51
1.5 $ 91.26 $ 96.28 $ 5.02
2 $ 146.03 $ 154.06 $ 8.03
3 $ 292.03 $ 308.09 $ 16.06
4 $ 456.31 $ 481.41 $ 25.10
6 $ 912.62 $ 962.81 $ 50.19
8 $1,460.19 $1,540.50 $ 80.31
Monthly charge.
There is no recommended increase in the potable water commodity rates. In the past, emphasis was
placed on developing commodity rates that would promote water conservation. The current tiered rate
structure for the commodity rates encourages water conservation as intended. Because of the decline in
water consumption, the continued emphasis of the rate design will be to increase the Utility’s fixed cost
recovery to ensure revenue stability. This will be accomplished with increases to the monthly base rates.
The reclaimed base rates will remain unchanged while the commodity rate is proposed to decrease twice
over the projection period. It is proposed to decrease by $0.12 in FY 2020-21 with another decrease of
$0.05 in FY 2021-22 as shown below in Table 18.
The potable GPF rate will remain unchanged while the reclaimed GPF rate is proposed to decrease three
times over the five year projection period as shown in Table 18. The financial analysis illustrates that the
expenses to be funded with GPF revenue will continue to be met with the proposed GPF rates.
Table 18
Reclaimed Water Rates
Cost per 1,000 Gallons
Current Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed
2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
Commodity
GPF
$ 2.27
$ .47
$ 2.15
$ .37
$ 2.10
$ .35
$ 2.10
$ .35
$ 2.10
$ .30
$ 2.10
$ .30
- 17 -
Table 19 illustrates Oro Valley’s current and proposed potable water rates for a customer with a 5/8-inch
water meter. Water rates of other water providers in the region are included for comparison of the base
rates and the cost per 1,000 gallons.
Table 19
Water Provider
Monthly
Base Rate
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
Tier 4
Tier 5
GPF or Water
Resource Fee
Oro Valley Current $18.26 $2.34 $3.25 $4.53 $6.29 --- $0.90
Oro Valley Proposed $19.26 $2.34 $3.25 $4.53 $6.29 --- $0.90
Metro Water $30.45 $2.75 $4.65 $6.20 $7.25 --- $1.55
Marana Water $15.96 $3.15 $4.41 $5.67 $7.09 $10.23 $1.13
Tucson Water $16.33 $2.77 $5.12 $11.24 $17.33 --- $1.07
Tier rates and GPF are the cost per 1,000 gallons.
Direct comparison of specific base rates and commodity rates is not ideal for cost comparisons because of
the varying rate structures of each utility. A more effective comparison is to calculate the cost for specific
consumption levels for one month. Table 20 provides a calculation of a monthly bill amount for a single
family residential customer with a 5/8-inch meter for the water utilities surrounding the Oro Valley Water
Utility service area. The following bill comparisons include water rates and water resource fees similar to
the Utility’s GPF.
Table 20
Water Provider
Cost for
7,000 Gallons
Cost for
15,000 Gallons
Cost for
25,000 Gallons
Cost for
40,000 Gallons
Oro Valley Current $40.94 $ 74.14 $127.16 $222.69
Oro Valley Proposed $41.94 $ 75.14 $128.16 $223.69
Metro Water $45.65 $ 85.75 $153.25 $271.00
Marana Water $45.92 $ 86.46 $148.16 $264.36
Tucson Water $47.32 $119.80 $258.19 $533.61
Table 21 illustrates the financial impact to customers with varying meter sizes based on monthly water
use for specific customer classifications. These charges are for Oro Valley Water Utility customers and
include the base rates, commodity rates and groundwater preservation fees.
Table 21
Classification Meter Size
(inches)
Water Use
(gallons) Current Bill Proposed Bill Increase
SF Residential 5/8 7,000 $ 40.94 $ 41.94 $ 1.00
SF Residential 5/8 15,000 $ 74.14 $ 75.14 $ 1.00
Irrigation 5/8 25,000 $127.16 $128.16 $ 1.00
Commercial 5/8 40,000 $147.86 $148.86 $ 1.00
Irrigation 1 27,000 $142.21 $144.72 $ 2.51
Commercial 2 57,000 $330.71 $338.74 $ 8.03
MF Residential 4 700,000 $ 2,724.31 $ 2,749.41 $ 25.10
Turf – Potable 4 4,000,000 $13,416.31 $13,441.41 $ 25.10
Commercial 6 6,000,000 $20,352.62 $20,402.81 $ 50.19
- 18 -
Proposed rates for all Oro Valley Water Utility meter sizes may be found in Appendix B. Tables that
calculate monthly bills under the proposed rates may also be found in Appendix B. Monthly bill amounts
are calculated in 1,000 gallon increments for the 5/8-inch meters and a variety of increments for larger
meter sizes.
Conclusion
Each year the water rates analysis is prepared based on the most up-to-date information available.
Operational needs and capital improvement requirements change annually and are carefully evaluated
when they are included in the analysis. It is important that the Utility perform a water rates analysis every
year to plan for changes in debt service, operating or capital costs.
This Water Rates Analysis Report is presented in support of the proposed water rates contained in the
Preferred Financial Scenario. The Oro Valley Water Utility Commission and the Water Utility staff
respectfully recommend approval of the water rates detailed in the Preferred Financial Scenario.
The Oro Valley Water Utility staff and Commission are dedicated to serving the Town of Oro Valley and
the customers of its water utility and extend their appreciation to the Mayor and Council for
consideration of the proposed water rates.
APPENDIX A
Preferred Financial Scenario Pro Forma
A-1 Operating Fund
A-2 Groundwater Preservation Fee
A-3 Water Resources and System Development Impact Fee Fund
A-4 Summary of All Funds
APPENDIX B
Rate Schedules & Tables for Bill Comparisons
B-1 Proposed Water Rate Schedule
B-2 Tables for Bill Comparisons by Meter Size - Potable
B-8 Tables for Bill Comparisons by Meter Size – Reclaimed
METER SIZE
(in inches)
5/8 $19.26 $14.62
3/4 $28.89 $21.93
1 $48.14 $36.54
1.5 $96.28 $73.08
2 $154.06 $116.94
3 $308.09 $233.86
4 $481.41 $365.41
6 $962.81 $730.83
8 $1,540.50 $1,169.32
METER COMMODITY COMMODITY COMMODITY COMMODITY
SIZE TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 TIER 4
$2.34 $3.25 $4.53 $6.29
COST PER 1000 GALS.COST PER 1000 GALS.COST PER 1000 GALS.COST PER 1000 GALS.
5/8 0 - 7,000 7,001 - 16,000 16,001 - 32,000 OVER 32,000
3/4 0 - 10,000 10,001 - 24,000 24,001 - 48,000 OVER 48,000
1 0 - 17,000 17,001 - 40,000 40,001 - 80,000 OVER 80,000
1.5 0 - 35,000 35,001 - 80,000 80,001 - 160,000 OVER 160,000
2 0 - 56,000 56,001 - 128,000 128,001 - 256,000 OVER 256,000
3 0 - 112,000 112,001 - 256,000 256,001 - 512,000 OVER 512,000
4 0 - 175,000 175,001 - 400,000 400,001 - 800,000 OVER 800,000
6 0 - 860,000 860,001 - 2,000,000 2,000,001 - 3,500,000 OVER 3,500,000
8 0 - 860,000 860,001 - 2,000,000 2,000,001 - 3,500,000 OVER 3,500,000
COMMODITY RATES - POTABLE WATER
RESIDENTIAL & IRRIGATION CLASSIFICATIONS
COMMERCIAL CLASSIFICATION
ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY
PROPOSED WATER RATES
POTABLE BASE RATE RECLAIMED BASE RATE
B-1
GROUNDWATER PRESERVATION FEES
COMMODITY RATES - RECLAIMED WATER
ALL RECLAIMED WATER USES & CLASSIFICATIONS
$2.34 per 1000 gallons for all water use
$ 2.15 per 1000 gallons for all water use
POTABLE WATER $ 0.90 per 1000 gallons for all water use
RECLAIMED WATER $ 0.37 per 1000 gallons for all water use
MASTER-METERED MULTIFAMILY CLASSIFICATION $2.34 per 1000 gallons for all water use
CONSTRUCTION WATER $7.29 per 1000 gallons for all water use
TABLE FOR MONTHLY CHARGES & PERCENT INCREASE COMPARISON
RESIDENTIAL & IRRIGATION CUSTOMERS WITH A 5/8-INCH METER Tier Levels
GALLONS CURRENT CURRENT CURRENT PROPOSED PROPOSED PROPOSED TOTAL PERCENT
USED WATER GPF MONTHLY WATER GPF MONTHLY MONTHLY INCREASED
BILL BILL INCREASE
0 18.26 - 18.26 19.26 - 19.26 1.00 5.5%
1,000 20.60 0.90 21.50 21.60 0.90 22.50 1.00 4.7%
2,000 22.94 1.80 24.74 23.94 1.80 25.74 1.00 4.0%
3,000 25.28 2.70 27.98 26.28 2.70 28.98 1.00 3.6%
4,000 27.62 3.60 31.22 28.62 3.60 32.22 1.00 3.2%
5,000 29.96 4.50 34.46 30.96 4.50 35.46 1.00 2.9%
6,000 32.30 5.40 37.70 33.30 5.40 38.70 1.00 2.7%
7,000 34.64 6.30 40.94 35.64 6.30 41.94 1.00 2.4%
8,000 37.89 7.20 45.09 38.89 7.20 46.09 1.00 2.2%
9,000 41.14 8.10 49.24 42.14 8.10 50.24 1.00 2.0%
10,000 44.39 9.00 53.39 45.39 9.00 54.39 1.00 1.9%
11,000 47.64 9.90 57.54 48.64 9.90 58.54 1.00 1.7%
12,000 50.89 10.80 61.69 51.89 10.80 62.69 1.00 1.6%
13,000 54.14 11.70 65.84 55.14 11.70 66.84 1.00 1.5%
14,000 57.39 12.60 69.99 58.39 12.60 70.99 1.00 1.4%
15,000 60.64 13.50 74.14 61.64 13.50 75.14 1.00 1.3%
16,000 63.89 14.40 78.29 64.89 14.40 79.29 1.00 1.3%
17,000 68.42 15.30 83.72 69.42 15.30 84.72 1.00 1.2%
18,000 72.95 16.20 89.15 73.95 16.20 90.15 1.00 1.1%
19,000 77.48 17.10 94.58 78.48 17.10 95.58 1.00 1.1%
20,000 82.01 18.00 100.01 83.01 18.00 101.01 1.00 1.0%
21,000 86.54 18.90 105.44 87.54 18.90 106.44 1.00 0.9%
22,000 91.07 19.80 110.87 92.07 19.80 111.87 1.00 0.9%
23,000 95.60 20.70 116.30 96.60 20.70 117.30 1.00 0.9%
24,000 100.13 21.60 121.73 101.13 21.60 122.73 1.00 0.8%
25,000 104.66 22.50 127.16 105.66 22.50 128.16 1.00 0.8%
26,000 109.19 23.40 132.59 110.19 23.40 133.59 1.00 0.8%
27,000 113.72 24.30 138.02 114.72 24.30 139.02 1.00 0.7%
28,000 118.25 25.20 143.45 119.25 25.20 144.45 1.00 0.7%
29,000 122.78 26.10 148.88 123.78 26.10 149.88 1.00 0.7%
30,000 127.31 27.00 154.31 128.31 27.00 155.31 1.00 0.6%
31,000 131.84 27.90 159.74 132.84 27.90 160.74 1.00 0.6%
32,000 136.37 28.80 165.17 137.37 28.80 166.17 1.00 0.6%
33,000 142.66 29.70 172.36 143.66 29.70 173.36 1.00 0.6%
34,000 148.95 30.60 179.55 149.95 30.60 180.55 1.00 0.6%
35,000 155.24 31.50 186.74 156.24 31.50 187.74 1.00 0.5%
36,000 161.53 32.40 193.93 162.53 32.40 194.93 1.00 0.5%
37,000 167.82 33.30 201.12 168.82 33.30 202.12 1.00 0.5%
38,000 174.11 34.20 208.31 175.11 34.20 209.31 1.00 0.5%
39,000 180.40 35.10 215.50 181.40 35.10 216.50 1.00 0.5%
40,000 186.69 36.00 222.69 187.69 36.00 223.69 1.00 0.4%
B-2
APPENDIX C
5-Year Capital Improvement Schedules
C-1 Operating Fund
C-2 Groundwater Preservation Fee
C-3 Water Resource and System Development Impact Fee Fund
APPENDIX D
Assumptions for Preferred Financial Scenario
D-1 Operating Fund
D-6 Water Resource and System Development Impact Fee Fund
PREFERRED FINANCIAL SCENARIO
ASSUMPTIONS FOR OPERATING FUND
Growth
SFR growth rates for FY 2020-21 through FY 2024-25 were based on worksheets provided by D. Laws on
2/12/19 and were updated with information from the Finance Department to be consistent with the Town
financial forecasting. Other growth rates include commercial, irrigation and multi-family connections that were
projected by Water Utility Staff.
Connections FY 20-21 FY 21-22 FY 22-23 FY 23-24 FY 24-25
SFR 325 350 330 240 225
Other 8 4 4 4 4
Current Water Rate Structure
The following base rates are for both the potable and reclaimed water meters:
Meter Sizes (in inches) Potable Reclaimed
5/8 x ¾ $ 18.26 $ 14.62
3/4 x ¾ $ 27.38 $ 21.93
1 $ 45.63 $ 36.54
1.5 $ 91.26 $ 73.08
2 $ 146.03 $ 116.94
3 $ 292.03 $ 233.86
4 $ 456.31 $ 365.41
6 $ 912.62 $ 730.83
8 $ 1,460.19 $ 1,169.32
The following commodity rates are the cost per 1,000 gallons for potable and reclaimed water use:
Classifications Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4
Single Family Residential $ 2.34 $ 3.25 $ 4.53 $ 6.29
Irrigation $ 2.34 $ 3.25 $ 4.53 $ 6.29
Multi-family Residential $ 2.34 --- --- ---
Commercial $ 2.34 --- --- ---
Construction Water $ 7.29 --- --- ---
Reclaimed Water $ 2.27 --- --- ---
GPF – Potable $ 0.90 --- --- ---
GPF – Reclaimed $ 0.47 --- --- ---
Proposed Base Rates for FY 2020-21
The following are the proposed base rates for the potable and reclaimed water meters:
Meter Sizes (in inches) Potable Reclaimed
5/8 x 3/4 $ 19.26 $ 14.62
3/4 x 3/4 $ 28.89 $ 21.93
1 $ 48.14 $ 36.54
1.5 $ 96.28 $ 73.08
2 $ 154.06 $ 116.94
3 $ 308.09 $ 233.86
4 $ 481.41 $ 365.41
6 $ 962.81 $ 730.83
8 $ 1,540.50 $ 1,169.32
D-1
PREFERRED FINANCIAL SCENARIO
ASSUMPTIONS FOR OPERATING FUND (continued)
Proposed Commodity Rates for FY 2020-21
The following proposed commodity rates are the cost per 1,000 gallons for potable and reclaimed water use:
Classifications Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4
Single Family Residential $ 2.34 $ 3.25 $ 4.53 $ 6.29
Irrigation $ 2.34 $ 3.25 $ 4.53 $ 6.29
Multi-family Residential $ 2.34 --- --- ---
Commercial $ 2.34 --- --- ---
Construction Water $ 7.29 --- --- ---
Reclaimed Water $ 2.15 --- --- ---
GPF – Potable $ 0.90 --- --- ---
GPF – Reclaimed $ 0.37 --- --- ---
There are no proposed changes to the usage allowed in each tier of the SF Residential and Irrigation
classifications.
Proposed Potable Water Rate Increases
The “overall impact” and “monthly increase” are representative of a customer with a 5/8-inch water
meter using 7,000 gallons of water per month.
Base Overall Monthly
Rate Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 GPF Impact Increase
FY 20-21 5.50% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.4% $ 1.00
FY 21-22 5.50% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.5% $ 1.06
FY 22-23 5.25% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.5% $ 1.07
FY 23-24 5.00% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.4 % $ 1.07
FY 24-25 4.75% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.4% $ 1.07
Proposed Reclaimed Water Rate Impact
The reclaimed base rate remains the same for the five year period however, the reclaimed commodity rate will
be reduced FY 20-21. The “overall impact” and “monthly increase” are representative of a turf customer with a
6-inch meter using 10,000,000 gallons of water per month.
Base Commodity Overall Monthly
Rate Rate GPF Impact Decrease
FY 20-21 0.0% -5.5% $ 0.37 - 7.8% -$ 2,200.00
FY 21-22 0.0% -2.0% $ 0.35 -2.7% -$ 700.00
FY 22-23 0.0% 0.0% $ 0.35 0.0% $ 0.00
FY 23-24 0.0% 0.0% $ 0.30 -2.0% -$ 500.00
FY 24-25 0.0% 0.0% $.0.30 0.0% $ 0.00
Groundwater Preservation Fee Rates (cost per 1,000 gallons)
The tables above indicates the proposed decrease in the reclaimed GPF throughout the five-year projection
period. There are no proposed changes to the potable water GPF throughout the projection period.
Water Use Trends
The average monthly water use for a residential customer with a 5/8-inch water meter in 2018-19 was 6,900
gallons per month due to extreme wet weather conditions. However, this analysis assumes 7,000 gallons per
month. Projected reclaimed deliveries were reduced annually due to the closure of the Vistoso Golf Course.
D-2
PREFERRED FINANCIAL SCENARIO
ASSUMPTIONS FOR OPERATING FUND (continued)
Other Revenue
Other revenue is based on FY 2019-20 proposed budget. Revenue from billing sewer fees for Pima County will
increase annually as a result of growth and minor rate increases. The remaining other revenue is not projected
to increase although misc. charges fluctuate annually and includes late fees, reconnect fees, new service
establishment fees, storm water billing and meter income.
Beginning Cash Balance
Cash balance is estimated based on budgeted revenue, expenditures and known cost over runs for FY 2019-20.
Began with actual cash balance at 6/30/19 as shown on the Balance Sheet report dated 10-17-19 added
budgeted revenues, subtracted budgeted and known unbudgeted expenditures.
Interest Income
The interest rates vary for the five years in the analysis period. Interest rates are projected in at 1.5% across the
board. These projections were estimated by Water Utility staff.
Personnel Costs
No new employees were added during the projection period. The following increases were provided by the
Finance Department on 8/08/19 and are consistent with Town financial forecasting: the annual merit increase
is projected to be 2% annually and health care costs are projected to increase by 0.5% annually. It is projected
that the state pension is projected to increase 2% annually over the five-year projection period.
O&M Costs - Potable
Based on the Utility’s proposed budget for FY 2019-20 plus 2% inflation. Costs increase annually by 2%
inflation except power costs. Projected 10% increase in power costs for a potential Tucson Electric rate
increase in FY 2020-21 and again in FY 2023-24.
O&M Costs – NWRRDS
It is assumed that the NWRRDS project will begin operations in FY 2024-25 with estimated operating costs of
$1,566,000.
Groundwater Extinguishment Credits
The Utility does not project Groundwater Extinguishment credits to be purchased during this projection period.
O&M Costs - Reclaimed
The overall reduction in water use created an effluent shortage. As such, costs to purchase additional
reclaimed water from Tucson Water has been included annually. Remaining O&M costs are based on the
Utility’s proposed budget for FY 2019-20 plus 2% inflation. Costs increase annually by 2% inflation except
power costs. Projected 10% increase in power costs for a potential Tucson Electric rate increase in FY 2020-21
and again in FY 2023-24. The O&M costs include allocations for personnel, administrative costs, fleet service
costs and trustee services. Cost allocations were made using a variety of methodologies supporting the
calculations. Personnel costs were allocated using a weighted average of 9.91%. Refer to the reclaimed cost
allocation worksheet.
Inflation Rates
The Town’s Finance Department provided rate of 2% annually for inflation rates on 8/08/19. For purposes of
this report, the inflation rate will be 2% annually for the 5-year period.
Reclaimed Water Wheeling Costs
Pursuant to the existing IGA, the reclaimed water is delivered on a non-interruptible basis at an interruptible
rate. Inflationary increases of 2% are included annually.
D-3
PREFERRED FINANCIAL SCENARIO
ASSUMPTIONS FOR OPERATING FUND (continued)
CAP Wheeling Costs
Costs include the fees charged by Tucson Water to wheel the CAP water through their recharge and recovery
system. Tucson Water fees are in accordance with an IGA. The increases will be 4% each year. It is also
assumed that the Utility will wheel 2,510 AF annually for the first 4 years. In FY 2024-25 the NWRRDS system
will be in operation; therefore, the amount of CAP wheeling will be reduced to 960 acre feet.
CAP Recharge Costs
Costs are based on the rate schedule adopted by CAP 6/06/19. The figures represent the annual cost to deliver
the Utility’s entire allotment of CAP water (10,305 AF) for recharge.
Capital Improvements – Operating Fund
The following table identifies the amount of the capital projects for the existing potable water system for
each fiscal year and the projected financing as identified in the revised five-year CIP dated 10/30/19.
Fiscal Total Project Financing
Year Capital Costs Cash Reserves Existing Debt New Debt
2020-21 $ 2,003,000 $ 733,000 $ 1,270,000 -------
2021-22 $ 1,922,000 $ 1,352,000 $ 570,000 -------
2022-23 $ 1,980,000 $ 710,000 $ 1.270,000
2023-24 $ 2,364,000 $ 844,000 $ 1,520,000
2024-25 $ 1,769,000 $ 949,000 $ 820,000__
$10,038,000 $ 4,588,000 $ 1,840,000 $ 3,610,000
Capital Improvements – Groundwater Preservation Fee
The following table identifies the capital projects for the existing customers’ portion of the NWRRDS
CAP water delivery system and the projected financing as identified in the revised CIP dated 10/30/19.
The projects will be both cash funded with revenue from groundwater preservation fees.
Fiscal Total Project Financing
Year Capital Costs Cash Reserves New Debt
2020-21 $ 1,772,000 $ 1,772,000 ------
2021-22 $ 3,336,000 ------ $ 3,336,000
2022-23 $ 4,728,000 ------ $ 4,728,000
2023-24 $ 2,480,000 $ 544,000 $ 1,936,000
2024-25 ------ ------ -----
$ 12,316,000 $ 2,316,000 $10,000,000
Debt Service
The following table identifies the existing and proposed debt service included in this pro forma:
Bonds Type Description Amortization Schedule By
2008 Sr. Lien Reclaimed Ph. 2 WIFA
2009 Sr. Lien Existing System CIP WIFA
2012 Sr. Lien Refunding (Reclaim Ph. 1) Stone & Youngberg
2014 Sr. Lien AMI Project WIFA
2015 Excise Tax Refunding (2005) Stifel & Nicolaus & Co.
2017 Excise Tax Refunding (2007) Stifel & Nicolaus & Co.
2018 Excise Tax Existing System CIP Stifel & Nicolaus & Co.
2021 Sr. Lien NWRRDS Utility Staff
2022 Sr. Lien Existing System CIP Utility Staff
D-4
PREFERRED FINANCIAL SCENARIO
ASSUMPTIONS FOR OPERATING FUND (continued)
Minimum Debt Service Coverage Requirement
1.30 debt service coverage ratio for 2012 Sr. Lien Bonds & all WIFA Loans
1.00 debt service coverage ratio for all Excise Tax Pledged Bonds
Cash Reserve Requirement
Mayor and Town Council Water Policies require the Utility to maintain cash reserves in the Operating Fund of
not less than 20% of the combined total of the annual budgeted amounts for personnel, O&M and debt service.
This specifically excludes costs for capital projects, depreciation, amortization and contingency.
D-5
PREFERRED FINANCIAL SCENARIO
ASSUMPTIONS FOR WATER RESOURCE AND SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE FUND
Growth
SFR growth rates for FY 2020-21 through FY 2024-25 were based on worksheets provided by D. Laws on
2/12/19 and were updated with information from the Finance Department to be consistent with the Town
financial forecasting. Other growth rates include commercial, irrigation and multi-family connections that were
projected by Water Utility
FY 20-21 FY 21-22 FY 22-23 FY 23-24 FY 24-25
SFR SU’s 325 350 330 240 225
Other SU’s 61 10 10 10 10
Impact Fees
The mandatory 5-year Impact Fee Analysis was in process during this rates analysis period. The new impact
fees are projected to be $6,387 per service unit. These projected fees are included in this rates analysis
beginning in FY 2020-21 and are used throughout the analysis. It is assumed that the new fees will become
effective July 1, 2020.
Beginning Cash Balance
Cash balance is estimated based on budgeted revenue and expenditures for FY 2019 -20. Began with
actual cash balance on 6/30/19 as shown on the Balance Sheet report dated 9-22-19, added budgeted
revenue and subtracted budgeted expenditures.
Interest Income
The interest rates vary for the five years in the analysis period. Interest rates are projected in at 1.5% across the
board. These projections were estimated by Water Utility staff.
Debt Service
There is no new debt in this fund during the projection period. The following table identifies the existing debt
service included in this pro forma:
Bonds Type Description Amortization Schedule By
2012 Sr. Lien Refunding (2003) Stone & Youngberg
Debt Service Coverage
1.30 debt service coverage ratio for 2012 Sr. Lien Bonds
CAP Capital Costs
Based on 3,000 AF using the rate schedule adopted by CAP 6/06/19.
Capital Improvements
The following table identifies the amount of the NWRRDS CAP water capital projects for each fiscal year
and the related financing as identified in the revised five year CIP dated 10/30/19:
Fiscal Total Project Financing
Year Capital Costs Cash Reserves New Debt
2020-21 $ 2,658,000 $ 2,658,000 ------
2021-22 $ 5,004,000 $ 5,004,000 ------
2022-23 $ 7,092,000 $ 7,092,000 ------
2023-24 $ 3,720,000 $ 3,720,000 ------
2024-25 ------ ------ ------
$18,474,000 $18,474,000 ------
D-6
PREFERRED FINANCIAL SCENARIO
ASSUMPTIONS FOR WATER RESOURCE AND SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE FUND (continued)
The following table identifies the amount of the miscellaneous growth related capital projects for each fiscal
year and the related financing as identified in the revised five year CIP dated 10/30/19:
Fiscal Total Project Financing
Year Capital Costs Cash Reserves New Debt
2020-21 $ 750,000 $ 750,000 ------
2021-22 ------ ------ ------
2022-23 ------ ------ ------
2023-24 ------ ------ ------
2024-25 $ 500,000 $ 500,000 ------
$ 1,250,000 $ 1,250,000 ------
D-7
APPENDIX E
Proposed Development Impact Fee Schedule
E-1 Water Resource and System Development Impact Fees
Residential Meter Size Capacity
Ratio
Demand
Adjustment
Factor
Proposed
Fee
5/8 "1.00 1.00 6,387$
3/4"1.50 1.00 9,569$
1 "2.50 1.00 15,934$
1.5" standard 5.00 1.00 31,846$
2" compound 8.00 1.00 50,941$
Multi-Family (per unit)N/A 0.32 2,044$
Nonresidential Meter Size Capacity
Ratio
Demand
Adjustment
Factor
Proposed
Fee
5/8 "1.00 1.11 7,087$
3/4"1.50 1.11 10,619$
1 "2.50 1.11 17,684$
1.5" standard 5.00 1.11 35,347$
2" compound 8.00 1.11 56,542$
3" compound 16.00 1.11 113,062$
4" compound 25.00 1.11 176,647$
6" compound 50.00 1.11 353,273$
8" compound 80.00 1.11 565,224$
Irrigation Meter Size Capacity
Ratio
Demand
Adjustment
Factor
Proposed
Fee
5/8 "1.00 2.25 14,343$
3/4"1.50 2.25 21,503$
1 "2.50 2.25 35,824$
1.5" standard 5.00 2.25 71,627$
2" compound 8.00 2.25 114,590$
3" compound 16.00 2.25 229,158$
4" compound 25.00 2.25 358,047$
6" compound 50.00 2.25 716,072$
8" compound 80.00 2.25 1,145,702$
Oro Valley Water Utility
Proposed Development Impact Fees
E-1
Town Council Regular Session 3.
Meeting Date:06/03/2020
Requested by: Bayer Vella, Community and Economic Development
Submitted By:Milini Simms, Community and Economic Development
Case Number: 2000325 and 2000326
SUBJECT:
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PROPOSED GRAZING IN A PORTION OF STONE
CANYON NEIGHBORHOOD 7, LOCATED NORTH OF TORTOLITA MOUNTAIN CIRCLE ABUTTING THE
TOWN'S BOUNDARIES
A. PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE NO. (O)20-03, A TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE RANCHO VISTOSO
PLANNED AREA DEVELOPMENT TO ALLOW REQUESTS FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS FOR FARMS
AND RANCHES IN THE LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT
B. PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION NO. (R)20-27, A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ALLOWING GRAZING IN A
PORTION OF STONE CANYON NEIGHBORHOOD 7, LOCATED NORTH OF TORTOLITA MOUNTAIN CIRCLE
ABUTTING THE TOWN'S BOUNDARIES
RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of Item A and conditional approval of Item B, subject
to Attachment 2.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this item is to consider two separate, yet related requests to allow grazing in a portion of Stone
Canyon Neighborhood 7, which is located north of
Tortolita Mountain Circle abutting the Town's
boundaries. The area is outlined in yellow on the
map to the right and included in Attachment 2. The
subject area is zoned Low-Density Residential and is
regulated by the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area
Development (PAD). The Rancho Vistoso PAD
provides the zoning standards (e.g. allowed uses,
setbacks, height etc.) for the subject property. As
such, the applicant's request requires consideration
of the following:
Item A (Attachment 1): Request for a Text
Amendment to the Rancho Vistoso PAD to allow
requests for Conditional Use Permits for farms and
ranches in the Low-Density Residential zoning
district.
The existing Rancho Vistoso PAD does not
allow grazing in any zoning district, including
Low-Density Residential. As such, farms and ranches, which includes grazing activities must first be added
as conditional uses to the Low-Density Residential zoning district before it can be allowed in Stone Canyon
Neighborhood 7.
Currently, all residential areas regulated by the Oro Valley Zoning Code may request a conditional use permit
for grazing activities (allowed as a farm or ranch use). By adding farms and ranches as conditional uses to
the Low-Density Residential zoning district in Rancho Vistoso, the text amendment is consistent with the Oro
Valley Zoning Code and subjects all requests for grazing to the conditional use permit criteria and public
review process.
The Low-Density Resident zoning district (for map, see Attachment 3) consists of 3 other subdivisions and a
school. However, Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7 is the only large-lot (209 acres) undeveloped area.
Approval of this request means any property owners of land zoned Low-Density Residential within the
Rancho Vistoso PAD may apply for a Conditional Use Permit for farm and ranching activities, such as
grazing. However, all requests must also have a minimum of 3.3 acres of contiguous land and no more than 1
head of livestock per 30,000 sf of lot area (per code).
Item B (Attachment 4): Request for a Conditional Use Permit allowing grazing in a portion of Stone Canyon
Neighborhood 7
The applicant's second request is contingent on Item A being approved. This request is evaluated to the
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) criteria (Section 22.5 of the Zoning Code) which provides more focus on
compatibility to the surrounding area.
The proposed request meets the CUP criteria for compatibility and includes several conditions to protect
existing and future residences. These include:
The area is fenced and includes natural barriers to keep cattle away from existing homes (see
Attachment 5) and roads. Conditions of approval are included in Attachment 2 for the CUP to be
reconsidered should complaints about cattle leaving the area or traffic safety issues arise due to
ineffective fencing and substantive and timely remedies are not provided by the property owner.
Restrictions on the amount of cattle allowed in the subject area
The conditional use permit will expire once a building permit is issued for any of the undeveloped lots
in the subject area.
Per the applicant, the subject area has been actively grazed since 1987 yet was platted for development in 2005.
Although it remains vacant, the plat extinguished the legal non-conforming grazing rights which eventually changed
the tax status of the property. As such, the applicant is seeking approval of these requests to qualify for a tax
exempt status and continue to graze the land. A neighborhood meeting was held for both requests and as stated by
the applicant, historically, there are not any known issues impacting surrounding properties. Conditions of approval
are included in Attachment 2 intended to address neighbor concerns.
On May 5, 2020 the Planning and Zoning Commission considered both requests (for staff report, see Attachment
6 and for draft minutes, see Attachment 7). The main topics discussed were the parameters of the text
amendment allows and the amount of cattle permitted in the subject area. The Commission revised a condition of
approval restricting the amount of cattle from 50 to “an average of 3 head of cattle shall graze the subject property
with no more than 10 heads of cattle roaming the property at any given time.” This revision is shown in Attachment
2, Exhibit B.
Both requests were also reviewed for conformance with the Your Voice, Our Future General Plan. Although it is not
currently a permitted or conditional use in the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area Development, livestock grazing fits
within the non-PAD Oro Valley zoning code parameters for low-density residential. Furthermore, the use appears to
have minimal impact on the nearby larger-lot custom homes. In summary, the Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended approval of Item A and conditional approval of Item B, subject to Attachment 2.
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
Land Use Context:
The existing General Plan land use designation and zoning for Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7 and surrounding
areas is provided in Attachment 8.
Site conditions:
Approximately 209 acres
Property is currently vacant
Rock outcrops and steep slopes throughout the site
Approvals to date
1987- Annexed into Oro Valley as part of the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area Development
2002- Amendment to the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area Development approved to allow some development
2005- Final Plat approved for Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7
The applicant's request is to allow grazing on a portion of the Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7 (for map, see
Attachment 2). Per the applicant, the subject area has been actively grazed since 1987 yet was platted for
development in 2005. The plat eliminated the right to graze on the land, which eventually changed the tax status of
the property. As such, the applicant is seeking approval of the requests to qualify for a tax exempt status and to
continue grazing the land. The proposal includes two separate, yet related, requests. More information about each
request is provided below.
A. REQUEST FOR A TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE RANCHO VISTOSO PLANNED AREA DEVELOPMENT
(PAD) TO ALLOW REQUESTS FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS FOR FARMS AND RANCHES IN THE
LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT
The applicant's first request (Attachment 1) is to allow requests for Conditional Use Permits for farm and ranching,
which includes grazing activities, in the Rancho Vistoso PAD's Low-Density Residential zoning district. Stone
Canyon Neighborhood 7 is zoned Low-Density Residential and regulated by the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area
Development (PAD). This means the zoning standards, such as allowed uses, are provided in the Rancho Vistoso
PAD rather than the Oro Valley Zoning Code. The existing Rancho Vistoso PAD does not include farm and ranch
activities as an allowed use in any zoning district, including the Low-Density Residential zoning district.
To uniformly apply the code (as required by State law) for farms and ranches/grazing activities, the use must first be
added as a conditional use to the Low-Density Residential zoning district before an associated and subsequent
conditional use permit can be requested for Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7. In addition to Stone Canyon
Neighborhood 7, there are three other subdivisions and a school site in Rancho Vistoso zoned Low-Density
Residential. These include, Stone Canyon Neighborhood 1 and Neighborhood 6, the Estates at High Mesa and
Painted Sky Elementary (for map, see Attachment 3). However, the other subdivisions are developed and the
request is not applicable to the school site (it is exempt from the provisions of the zoning code). The subject area is
the only large-lot and undeveloped area (209 acres) remaining in the Rancho Vistoso Low-Density Residential
district.
Adding farms and ranches, which includes grazing activities as conditional uses rather than permitted uses is
consistent with the Oro Valley Zoning Code. Farms and ranches are allowed in all residential districts (requires a
minimum of 3.3 acres) with approval of a Conditional Use Permit. As a conditional use, all requests for farms or
ranches, which includes grazing activities are subject to the conditional use permit criteria (for more information,
see Section B of this report) and public review process. Therefore, approval of this request means any property
owner with land zoned Low-Density Residential within the Rancho Vistoso PAD may apply for a Conditional Use
Permit allowing grazing. Additionally, the property must meet the following provisions established in the Zoning
Code:
A minimum of 3.3 acres of contiguous land must be available
No more than 1 head of livestock, at least 6 months or older, per every 30,000 square feet of lot area
B: REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ALLOWING GRAZING IN A PORTION OF THE STONE
CANYON 7 NEIGHBORHOOD
The applicant's second request (Attachment 4) is contingent on Item A being approved. This request is for the
subsequent Conditional Use Permit allowing grazing in a portion of Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7. Conditional
Use Permits (CUP) provide additional focus on compatibility and the focus of review is for conformance with the
criteria in Section 22.5 of the Zoning Code. The criteria are shown below in italics, followed by the applicant's
responses and staff commentary.
Damage or nuisance arising from noise, smoke, odor, dust, vibration or illumination
The nuisances associated with the proposed use are noise and odor. Per the applicant, the area has
been actively grazed since 1987 and historically, there have not been any known impacts to
surrounding homes.
A fence and natural barriers, such as steep slopes and rock outcrops, provide deterrents between the
grazing activities and nearby homes (see Attachment 5). A condition is included for the CUP to be
reconsidered if effective and timely remedies are not provided by the property owner should complaints
arise about cattle leaving the subject area.
A condition is also included to limit the amount of cattle on the subject property to an average of 3 head
of cattle and no more than 10 cows may roam the property at any given time. For the full list of
conditions, see Attachment 2, Exhibit B.
Hazard to persons and property from possible explosion, contamination, fire or flood
This criteria is not applicable as the proposed use does not pose any threat of explosion,
contamination, fire or flood to surrounding properties.
Unusual volume or character traffic
The proposed use will not change the current traffic volume or character. However, a condition of
approval is included for the CUP to be reconsidered should cattle leave the subject area and cause
traffic safety issues without the property owner providing substantive and timely remedies as
determined by the Town Engineer.
Hours of operation will not adversely impact neighborhood properties
This criteria is not applicable to the proposed use.
Consistency with the General Plan- Please see Section C. of this report below for analysis.
C. GENERAL PLAN CONFORMANCE
Both requests were reviewed for conformance to the Your Voice, Our Future General Plan. Although many of the
goals and policies in the General Plan are not applicable to the proposed use, the use fits within the Low-Density
Resident land use definition as being "rural in character". Additionally, the proposed use provides an acceptable
transition between the surrounding large-lot custom homes and the subject area (Goal X).
D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
One neighborhood meeting was held for the applicant's request on January 9, 2020. A summary of the discussion
and correspondence received from nearby neighbors is included in Attachment 9. Notable elements are listed
below:
Amount of cattle allowed and proposed to be on the property
Proximity and potential nuisances to existing and future homes
Maintenance and type of fencing around the subject area
The following conditions of approval (see Attachment 2) are included to address resident concerns:
Limiting the amount of cattle that may graze the subject area
Expiration of the conditional use permit once a building permit is issued for any of the undeveloped lots within
the subject area
Reconsideration of the conditional use permit should the property owner not provide substantive and timely
remedies should complaints or traffic safety issues arise due to the cattle leaving the subject area
During the meeting, it was determined further neighborhood meetings were not warranted as all questions and
concerns had been addressed.
The following public notice has been provided:
Notification to all property owners of Low-Density Residential zoned land and within 600 feet of Stone Canyon
Neighborhood 7
Notification to all additional interested parties who signed in at the neighborhood meeting
Notification to all Homeowner's Association
Advertisement in The Daily Territorial
Signs posted along Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7
Posts at Town Hall and on the Town website
E. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
On May 5, 2020, the Planning and Zoning Commission considered both requests (for staff report, see Attachment
6 and for draft meeting minutes, see Attachment 7). Several questions were raised mainly regarding the
parameters of the text amendment, current and requested property rights for the subject area and the amount of
cattle permitted on the property. Key points of the discussion include the following:
Parameters of the text amendment- the proposed text amendment allows any property owner of Low-Density
Residential zoned land in Rancho Vistoso the ability to request a conditional use permit for farm and ranching
activities. This includes cattle grazing but also includes keeping small animals (such as rabbits) and horses.
However, all requests are subject to the conditional use permit criteria, public review process and must have
at least 3.3 contiguous acres of land and no more than 1 head of livestock per 30,000 sf of lot area. The
subject area is the only large-lot (209 acres) undeveloped site remaining the Rancho Vistoso Low-Density
Residential district.
Property rights of the subject area- currently the subject area is permitted for single-family homes, golf and
recreation activities and other uses related to neighborhoods (i.e. playgrounds). If approved, the Conditional
Use Permit will add grazing to those uses and will remain an allowed use through transfer of ownership and
until a building permit is acquired for any of the undeveloped lots (per the condition of approval) or if a
violation occurs revoking the conditional use permit.
Amount of cattle permitted in the subject area- Per code, the subject area could have approximately 303
heads of cattle. The applicant proposed 50 heads of cattle as a reasonable amount, since the subject
property is part of a larger ranch. During the Commission meeting, this number was reduced to an average of
3 heads of cattle grazing the property and no more than 10 heads of cattle roaming the property at any given
time. The recommended amounts satisfy the applicant's tax needs (3 cows) yet provides a buffer should
more cows from the larger ranch roam the property.
A condition of approval (Attachment 2, Exhibit B) has been added since the Planning and Zoning Commission
requiring the property owner to provide substantive and timely remedies (as determined by the Town Engineer)
should the cows leave the subject area and cause any traffic safety issues. The CUP will be reconsidered should
this condition not be met.
F. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION
In summary, the applicant's request is to allow grazing in a portion of Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7. Stone
Canyon Neighborhood 7 is zoned Low-Density Residential in the Rancho Vistoso PAD, which currently does not
allow grazing as a use. The applicant's request includes the following items:
A. Request for a Text Amendment to the Rancho Vistoso PAD to allow requests for a Conditional Use Permit for
farms and ranches to the Low-Density Residential zoning district (Attachment 1)
In order to allow grazing in Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7, farms and ranches must first be added as
conditional uses for all properties (for map, see Attachment 3) zoned Low-Density Residential within
Rancho Vistoso. By adding this as a conditional use, all requests must meet the conditional use permit
criteria and are subject to the public review process. Additionally, all properties must have a minimum of 3.3
acres of contiguous land and no more than 1 head of livestock per 30,000 square feet.
B. Request for a Conditional Use Permit allowing grazing in a portion of Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7 (for map,
see Attachment 2)
The applicant's second request (Attachment 4) is contingent upon the first request. The proposed request
meets the CUP criteria for compatibility and includes several conditions of approval to protect existing and
future residences. These include limiting the amount of cattle, requiring effective and efficient measures to
remedy complaints of cattle leaving the property or traffic safety issues and expiration of the CUP should
homes be built on any of the undeveloped lots in the subject area.
The Planning and Zoning Commission found both requests are in conformance with the General Plan and
recommended approval of Item A and conditional approval of Item B, subject to Attachment 2.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Vice Mayor Barrett requested comment from Pima County regarding the applicant's pursuit of tax exempt status
related to cattle grazing, if permitted. A letter from Pima County is included in Attachment 10.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
The Town Council may consider the following motions. Please note, Item B is contingent upon the motion for Item
A. As such, Item B cannot be approved unless Item A is also.
ITEM A:
I MOVE to APPROVE Ordinance No. (O)20-03, a text amendment to the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area
Development to add farms and ranches as conditional uses to the Low Density Residential zoning district based on
the finding it is in conformance with the General Plan.
OR
I MOVE to DENY Ordinance No. (O)20-03, a text amendment to the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area Development to
add grazing as a conditional use to the Low-Density Residential zoning district based on the following
___________________.
ITEM B:
I MOVE to APPROVE Resolution No. (R)20-27 for a conditional use permit allowing grazing in a portion of Stone
Canyon Neighborhood 7, as depicted and subject to the conditions in Attachment 1, based on the finding it is in
conformance with the Conditional Use Permit criteria in the Zoning Code.
OR
I MOVE to DENY Resolution No. (R)20-27 for a conditional use permit allowing grazing in a portion of Stone
Canyon Neighborhood 7, as depicted in Attachment 1, based on the following ______________.
Attachments
ATTACHMENT 1 - ORDINANCE (O)20-03
ATTACHMENT 2 - RESOLUTION (R)20-27
ATTACHMENT 3- LDR ZONED PROPERTIES
ATTACHMENT 4- APPLICANT'S REQUEST
ATTACHMENT 5- EXISTING FENCELINE AND TOPOGRAPHY
ATTACHMENT 6- PZC STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENT 7- PZC DRAFT MEETING MINUTES 5.5.2020
ATTACHMENT 8- LAND USE AND ZONING TABLE
ATTACHMENT 9- NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING SUMMARY AND LETTERS
ATTACHMENT 10- LETTER FROM PIMA COUNTY
ORDINANCE NO. (O)20-03
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF ORO VALLEY, ARIZONA,
AMENDING THE RANCHO VISTOSO PLANNED AREA
DEVELOPMENT TO ADD FARMS AND RANCHES AS A
CONDITIONAL USE TO THE LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONING
DISTRICT; REPEALING ALL RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES AND
RULES OF THE TOWN OF ORO VALLEY IN CONFLICT
THEREWITH; PRESERVIN G THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES THAT HAVE
ALREADY MATURED AND PROCEEDINGS THAT HAVE ALREADY
BEGUN THEREUNDER
WHEREAS, the Applicant has requested a text amendment to add farms and ranches as a
conditional use to the Rancho Vistoso PAD’s Low Density Residential zoning district , attached
hereto as Exhibit “A”; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant’s request is to allow grazing in a portion of Stone Canyon
Neighborhood 7; and
WHEREAS, the existing Rancho Vistoso PAD does not allow grazing activites in any zoning
district, including Low-Density Residential and grazing must first be added as a conditional use
to a Low-Density Residential zoning district before it can be allowed in Stone Canyon
Neighborhood 7; and
WHEREAS, by adding farms and ranches as a conditional use, which is consistent with the Oro
Valley Zoning Code, all requests for grazing activities are subject to the conditional use permit
criteria and the public review process; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on May 5,
2020, and voted to recommend approval to the Town Council; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council has duly considered the Applicant’s proposal for the text
amendment to the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area Development (PAD) to add farms and ranches
as a conditional use to the Low-Density Residential Zoning District.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Oro
Valley, Arizona that:
Section 1. The text amendment to that certain document entitled the “Rancho
Vistoso Planned Area Development” (PAD) to add farms and ranches as a
conditional use to the Low-Density Residential Zoning District, attached
hereto as Exhibit “A” is hereby approved and declared a public record on
June 3, 2020.
Section 2. All Oro Valley ordinances, resolutions or motions and parts of ordinances,
resolutions or motions of the Council in conflict with the provision of this
Ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section 3. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Ordinance is
for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court
of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions thereof.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Oro Valley, Arizona on
this 3rd day of June, 2020.
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
Joseph C. Winfield, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM :
Michael Standish, Town Clerk Tobin Sidles, Legal Services Director
Date: Date:
EXHIBIT “A”
Amend the following section in the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area Development.
Additions shown in ALL CAPS, Deletions shown in strikethrough.
2. Low Density (1-3 RA C) Res idential
a. Purpose: Similar to very low dens it y residential this designation has been loc ated in areas
which have sens it ive or rugged terrain and where protec t ion of the natural features is a mos t
important criteria. Low density from one (1) to three (3) units per acre shall als o ut iliz e the
building envelope c oncept. The lots are large enough to allow the des ignat ion of permanent open
s pac e to be rec orded on eac h lot for the area out s ide of the building envelope.
b. Permitted Us es :
1) Uses listed under Very Low Density (0-1 RAC) shall apply
2) FARMS AND RANCHES SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE
O.V.Z.C.R AND TOWN COUNCIL APPROVAL
c. Property Development Standards
1) Minimum Lot Area: Fourteen thousand five hundred twenty square (14,520) feet.
2) Minimum lot width: Sixty (60) feet
3) Density : There s hall be a minimum of 14,520 s quare feet of lot area for each s ingle
family dwelling
4) Maximum Building Height: Thirty (30) feet, two s tories
5) Yard S etbac k s:
a. Front: Twenty -five feet average; 20 feet minimum
b. Side: Eight (8) feet
c. Rear: Twenty -five (25) feet
RESOLUTION NO. (R)20-27
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
ORO VALLEY, ARIZONA, GRANTING APPROVAL OF A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) TO ALLOW GRAZING ON A
PORTION OF THE STONE CANYON 7 NEIGHBORHOOD ; AND
DIRECTING THE TOWN MANAGER, TOWN CLERK, TOWN LEGAL
SERVICES DIRECTOR, OR THEIR DULY AUTHORIZED OFFICERS
AND AGENTS TO TAKE ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT
THE PURPOSES AND INTENT OF THIS RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Applicant has requested approval of a Conditional Use Permit (“CUP”),
attached hereto as depicted in Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by reference, to allow grazing
on a portion of the Stone Canyon 7 neighborhood ; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant’s CUP request is contingent on the approval of Ordinance (O)20-03,
a text amendment to the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area Development to allow farms and ranches
in a Low-Density Residential Zoning District, which was approved on June 3 rd, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the CUP at a duly noticed Public
Hearing on May 5, 2020, in accordance with State statutes and the Planning and Zoning
Commission recommended approval with conditions detailed in Exhibit “B” and Exhibit “C”,
attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference; and
WHEREAS, the Oro Valley Town C ouncil has duly considered the proposed CUP request and
the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendations at a Public Hearing and find that
granting the requested CUP to be consistent with the Town’s General Plan and applicable Town
Codes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Oro
Valley, Arizona, that:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 22.5 of the Oro Valley Zoning Code (OVZC ), a
Conditional Use Permit, to allow grazing on a portion of the Stone Canyon 7 Neighborhood is
hereby granted and that all applicable standards of the OVZC shall apply to the property.
SECTION 2. This Resolution and the various part thereof are herby declared to be revocable. If
any section, sub-section, sentence, clause, word or phrase of this Resolution is, for any reason,
held to be unconstitutional, such holdings shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions
of this Resolution.
SECTION 3. The Town Manager, Town Clerk, Town Legal Services Director, or their duly
authorized officers and agents are hereby authorized and directed to take all steps necessary to
carry out the purposes and intent of this resolution.
2
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of O ro Valley, Arizona, this
3rd day of June, 2020.
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY, ARIZONA
____________________________________
Joseph C. Winfield, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________ ____________________________________
Michael Standish, Town Clerk Tobin Sidles, Legal Services Director
_____________________________ ____________________________________
Date Date
3
EXHIBIT “A”
Tortolita Mountain
Circle
Town
boundary
Town boundary
Subject area – portion of Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7
4
EXHIBIT “B”
Conditions of Approval (2000326)
1. The Conditional Use Permit shall expire upon the issuance of a build ing permit for any lot in the
subject area of the Stone Canyon VII neighborhood as depicted in Exhibit A.
2. The existing fencing, as depicted in Exhibit C shall remain intact and maintained for as long as
the Conditional Use Permit remains in effect.
3. If complaints are received regarding cows leaving the subject area due to ineffective fencing and
substantive and timely remedies are not provided as determined by the Planning and Zoning
Administrator, the Conditional Use Permit shall be reconsidered.
4. If traffic safety issues arise from cows leaving the subject area due to ineffective fencing and
substantive and timely remedies are not provided as determined by the Town Engineer, the
Conditional Use Permit shall be reconsidered.
5. An average of three (3) head of cattle shall graze the subject property, and no more than ten
(10) head of cattle shall graze the subject property at any given time.
5
EXHIBIT “C”
Stone Canyon I
Stone Canyon 6
Painted Sky Elementary
Moore Road
Town limits
Estates at
High Mesa
Stone Canyon 7
Proposed requests to allow grazing in Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7
Location Map
2000325 and 200326
Attachment 3
Subject area within Stone Canyon neighborhood 7
Properties zoned Low-Density Residential
Tangerine Road
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G:\Projects\19aq Stone Canyon\a01 PAD Amend & CUP for Grazing\0240\2nd Submittal\2 - Cover Ltr.docx
TO: The Town of Oro Valley DATE: 2/7/2020 11000 North La Canada Drive
Oro Valley, AZ 85737
PROJECT: Stone Canyon Ph. VII PROJECT #: 19aqa01
SUBJECT: Proposed PAD Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Applications to Permit Continuation of Historic Grazing Activities
History The Martin Ranch Company’s grazing operation extends over approximately 25,000 acres of land in Rancho Vistoso, northern Pima County, and southern Pinal County. Martin Ranch has been actively grazing in this part of southern Arizona since 1985, although of course cattle grazing is an historic activity in the area dating back well over a century. The Martin grazing area is within a collection of leased properties, mostly on State Trust land, but also on some privately held acreage. One of the privately held properties that Martin Ranch leases is the subject property comprising the northern 209± acres of Stone Canyon Phase VII. The subject property has been actively grazed since 1987, is fenced, and supports up to three head of cattle according to AZ Dept. of Agriculture regulations. Although grazing areas can and do exist adjacent to higher density residential developments such as Sun City Vistoso, the existing residential development near and adjacent to this grazing area is very low density residential (less than one home per acre), which is very compatible with the grazing land use. Over the years there have been almost no reports of loose cattle in Stone Canyon, and no actual complaints because the ranchers are quick to respond to any concerns or inquiries. In fact, the majority of residents are likely unaware that most undeveloped lands within Stone Canyon have been grazed since before Stone Canyon was started. Incidentally, the 200 acres of open space directly east of the subject property was also grazed for many years prior to its dedication to the Town of Oro Valley.
Proposal The subject property was platted in 2006 but has not yet been built or offered for sale to individual homeowners.
The current owners are not land developers and have no intention of developing the land. They received the
property in lieu of debt payment from the previous owner. Unfortunately, the property tax valuation on the
subject property recently increased due to a determination by the County Assessor that grazing is not a permitted
use on the property despite the fact that the property has been grazed continuously for decades. This PAD
amendment request seeks to rectify that issue by adding the established, historic “grazing” activity as a
conditionally permitted land use in the Rancho Vistoso PAD’s Low Density Residential (LDR) land use designation.
Our concurrent Conditional Use Permit application is dependent on the approval of the PAD amendment and
will formalize the existing grazing land use as permitted in order to regain the corresponding tax status on the property until this phase of Stone Canyon is ready for development.
Project #: 19aqa01 Date: 2/7/2020
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State Law requires municipal zoning regulations to be uniform throughout each zone, with the ability to establish conditionally allowed uses to be considered on a case-by-case basis when special circumstances exist. Accordingly, we propose the following text to be added to The Rancho Vistoso PAD, Section 1.3.B.2.b.: Conditionally Permitted Uses: Farms and Ranches, subject to the following: (a) Farm uses shall require a minimum of 144,000 contiguous square feet of lot area, (b) Grazing and raising of horses and livestock other than swine with no more than one head of livestock more than six months of age per thirty thousand square feet of lot area, (c) Ranch uses shall require a minimum of ten contiguous acres of lot area, and (d) the Conditional Use Permit criteria in OVZCR Section 22.5. Public Outreach We held a neighborhood meeting on January 9, 2020. Approximately 15 people attended, including several residents and Planning & Zoning Commission members. No significant concerns were raised, and Town staff concluded that a second meeting was not needed. Please refer to the Public Outreach Report for more details.
Conditional Use Permit Criteria Analysis Section 22.5.A of the Oro Valley Zoning Code lists the criteria below that must be met for a Conditional Use
Permit to be granted. Following each criterion is a statement explaining how this proposal meets the
requirement.
1. That the granting of such conditional use permit will not be materially detrimental to the public health,
safety, or welfare. In arriving at this determination, the factors which shall be considered shall include the
following:
a. Damage or nuisance arising from noise, smoke, odor, dust, vibration or illumination;
At the neighborhood meeting one attendee asked about the grazing area’s proximity to existing homes, and whether there would be any issues with odor. A project neighbor commented that he has lived next to this grazing area for years and has never had odor or any other complaints. Similarly, the meager grazing activity onsite does not produce any noise, smoke, dust, vibration, or illumination. b. Hazard to persons and property from possible explosion, contamination, fire or flood;
Grazing does not lead to any of these issues. c. Unusual volume or character of traffic.
Grazing does not increase vehicular traffic in the area. Quadrupedestrian traffic volume data is not available, but this request will not result in an increase to the existing volume.
Project #: 19aqa01 Date: 2/7/2020
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2. That the characteristics of the proposed use are reasonably compatible with the types of use permitted in the surrounding area and sufficient mitigation measures are employed to minimize impact on adjoining properties. a. That the proposed use is consistent with the goals and policies of the general plan.
Most General Plan goals and policies are not applicable to this request. None are in conflict. The request specifically meets the following goal:
• Goal 5.4.X. “Strive for effective transitions between differing land uses and intensities in the community”. The grazing area is fenced to contain the few head of cattle that wander into the area from time to time. The grazing use has no negative impact on surrounding properties, and fencing the area further reduces the possibility of negative impacts.
b. That the hours of operation of the proposed use will not adversely impact neighboring properties.
Grazing is a 24-hour per day activity, but after-hours impacts historically have been limited
to lone cows occasionally lowing softly in the moonlight.
Summary There are several strong arguments supporting this proposal:
• The property has been actively grazed for many years without problems. Light grazing such as that which
occurs on the property does not create a land use compatibility issue.
• The active Martin Ranch grazing lease extends all the way east to Oracle Road, adjacent to the northern edge of the Estates at Honeybee Ridge and Sun City. Town staff confirmed that there is no evidence or history of land use compatibility issues.
• Granting of this CUP request will not be materially detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare. The characteristics of the use proposed are very compatible with the types of uses permitted in the surrounding area, as evidenced by decades of grazing without land use compatibility complaints.
• Grazing is allowed in Stone Canyon CC&Rs.
• Grazing is approved by the Stone Canyon HOA. Thank you for your consideration of these requests. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments. Sincerely,
Paul Oland
CUP for Grazing in Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7
Fence and Topography
2000326
Attachment 5
Above: Subject area outlined in black with fence or natural barriers outlined in yellow.
Right: Two different types of existing fencing used with terrain
Planning & Zoning Commission AGENDA ITEM: 4.
Meeting Date:05/05/2020
Requested by: Bayer Vella, Community and Economic Development
Case Number: 2000325 and 2000326
SUBJECT:
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PROPOSED GRAZING IN A PORTION OF STONE
CANYON NEIGHBORHOOD 7, LOCATED NORTH OF TORTOLITA MOUNTAIN CIRCLE ABUTTING THE
TOWN'S BOUNDARIES
A. PUBLIC HEARING: A TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE RANCHO VISTOSO PLANNED AREA DEVELOPMENT TO
ADD GRAZING AS A CONDITIONAL USE TO THE LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT
B. PUBLIC HEARING: A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ALLOWING GRAZING IN A PORTION OF STONE
CANYON NEIGHBORHOOD 7, LOCATED NORTH OF TORTOLITA MOUNTAIN CIRCLE ABUTTING THE
TOWN'S BOUNDARIES
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of Item A and conditional approval of Item B, subject to Attachment 5.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this item is to consider two separate, yet related requests to allow grazing in a portion of Stone
Canyon Neighborhood 7, which is located north of Tortolita Mountain Circle abutting the Town's boundaries (for
map, see Attachment 1). The subject area is zoned Low-Density Residential and is regulated by the Rancho
Vistoso Planned Area Development (PAD). The Rancho Vistoso PAD provides the zoning standards (e.g. allowed
uses, setbacks, height etc.) for the subject property. As such, the applicant's request requires consideration of the
following:
Item A (Attachment 2): Request for a Text Amendment to the Rancho Vistoso PAD to add grazing as a conditional
use to the Low-Density Residential zoning district.
The existing Rancho Vistoso PAD does not allow grazing in any zoning district, including
Low-Density Residential. As such, grazing must first be added as a conditional use to the
Low-Density Residential zoning district before it can be allowed in Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7.
The Low-Density Resident zoning district (for map, see Attachment 3) consists of 4 other
subdivisions and a school. However, Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7 is the only large-lot (209
acres) undeveloped area.
By adding grazing as a conditional use, which is consistent with residential areas regulated by the
Oro Valley Zoning Code, all requests for grazing are subject to the conditional use permit criteria
and the public review process.
This request is discretionary, which means the applicant is asking for new property rights and the
Planning and Zoning Commission is tasked with making a recommendation to the Town Council.
Approval of this request means any property owner of land zoned Low-Density Residential within
the Rancho Vistoso PAD may apply for a Conditional Use Permit allowing grazing. However, all
requests for grazing must also have a minimum of 3.3 acres of contiguous land and no more than 1
head of livestock per 30,000 sf of lot area (per code).
Item B (Attachment 4 and Attachment 5): Request for a Conditional Use Permit allowing grazing in a portion of
Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7
The applicant's second request is contingent on Item A being approved. This proposal is also
discretionary (request for new property rights) for the Planning and Zoning Commission to make a
recommendation to Town Council. With regard to compatibility to the surrounding area, the
following are notable elements.
Per the applicant, the subject area has been actively grazed since 1987 and historically, there have
not been any known impacts to surrounding properties.
The area is fenced and includes natural barriers to keep cattle away from existing homes (see
Attachment 6). A condition of approval is included in Attachment 5 for the CUP to be reconsidered
should complaints about cattle leaving the area arise without the property owner providing effective
and timely remedies.
A condition is included to limit the amount of cattle to 50 heads to mitigate any potential issues.
The conditional use permit will expire once a building permit is issued for any of the undeveloped
lots in the subject area.
A neighborhood meeting was held for both requests with many of the concerns being addressed through the
conditions of approval (Attachment 5). Both requests were also reviewed for conformance with the Your Voice,
Our Future General Plan. The proposed use provides an effective transition between the larger-lot custom homes
and the subject area (Goal X). As such, staff recommends approval of Item A and conditional approval of Item B,
subject to Attachment 5.
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
Land Use Context:
The existing General Plan land use designation and zoning for Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7 and surrounding
areas is provided in Attachment 7.
Site conditions:
Approximately 209 acres
Property is currently vacant
Rock outcrops and steep slopes around the site
Approvals to date
1987- Annexed into Oro Valley as part of the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area Development
2002- Amendment to the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area Development approved to allow some
development
2005- Final Plat approved for Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7
The applicant's request is to allow grazing on a portion of the Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7 (for map, see
Attachment 1). The proposal includes two separate, yet related, requests. Both requests are discretionary, which
means the applicant is asking for new property rights. The Planning and Zoning Commission is tasked with making
a recommendation about both requests to Town Council. More information about each request is provided below.
A. REQUEST FOR A TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE RANCHO VISTOSO PLANNED AREA
DEVELOPMENT (PAD)
The applicant's first request (Attachment 2) is to add grazing as a conditional use to the Rancho Vistoso PAD's
Low-Density Residential zoning district. Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7 is zoned Low-Density Residential and
regulated by the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area Development (PAD). This means the zoning standards, such as
allowed uses, are provided in the Rancho Vistoso PAD rather than the Oro Valley Zoning Code. The existing
Rancho Vistoso PAD does not include grazing as an allowed use in any zoning district, including the Low-Density
Residential zoning district.
To uniformly apply the code (as required by State law) grazing must first be added as a conditional use to the
Low-Density Residential zoning district before it can be allowed in Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7. In addition to
Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7, four other subdivisions and a school site in Rancho Vistoso are zoned Low-Density
Residential. These include, Stone Canyon neighborhood 1 and neighborhood 6, Estates at High Mesa, a portion of
Residential. These include, Stone Canyon neighborhood 1 and neighborhood 6, Estates at High Mesa, a portion of
Coyote Ridge and Painted Sky Elementary (for map, see Attachment 3). However, Stone Canyon Neighborhood
7 is the only large-lot (209 acres) undeveloped area.
Adding grazing as a conditional use rather than a permitted use is consistent with the Oro Valley Zoning Code,
which conditionally allows grazing in all residential districts (permitted only on 3.3 acre lots). As a conditional use,
all requests for grazing are subject to the conditional use permit criteria (for more information, see Section B of this
report) and public review process. Therefore, approval of this request means any property owner with land zoned
Low-Density Residential within the Rancho Vistoso PAD may apply for a Conditional Use Permit allowing grazing.
Additionally, the property must meet the following provisions established in the Zoning Code:
A minimum of 3.3 acres of contiguous land must be available
No more than 1 head of livestock, at least 6 months or older, per every 30,000 square feet of lot
area
B: REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ALLOWING GRAZING IN A PORTION OF THE
STONE CANYON 7 NEIGHBORHOOD
The applicant's second request (Attachment 4) is contingent on Item A being approved. This request is for the
subsequent Conditional Use Permit allowing grazing in a portion of Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7. Conditional
Use Permits (CUP) provide additional focus on compatibility and are reviewed for conformance with the criteria in
Section 22.5 of the Zoning Code. The criteria are shown below in italics, followed by the applicant's responses and
staff commentary.
Damage or nuisance arising from noise, smoke, odor, dust, vibration or illumination
The nuisances associated with the proposed use are noise and odor. Per the applicant, the
area has been actively grazed since 1987 and historically, there have not been any known
impacts to surrounding homes.
A fence and natural barriers, such as steep slopes and rock outcrops, provide deterrents
between the grazing activities and nearby homes (see Attachment 6). A condition is included
in Attachment 5, for the CUP to be reconsidered if effective and timely remedies are not
provided by the property owner should complaints arise about cattle leaving the subject area.
A condition is also included to limit the amount of cattle to 50 heads (.2 cow per acre) to
mitigate potential noise and odor issues
Hazard to persons and property from possible explosion, contamination, fire or flood
The proposed use do not pose any threat of explosion, contamination, fire or flood to
surrounding properties.
Unusual volume or character traffic-
The proposed use will not change the current traffic volume or character.
Hours of operation will not adversely impact neighborhood properties-
Although cattle will roam the property at all hours of the day/night, the previously mentioned
barriers (fence and topography) help keep the cattle away from existing homes. Additionally,
the conditional use permit will expire once a home is built on any of the undeveloped lots in
the subject area (see Attachment 5).
Consistency with the General Plan- Please see Section C. of this report below for analysis.
C. GENERAL PLAN CONFORMANCE
Both requests were reviewed for conformance to the Your Voice, Our Future General Plan. Although many of the
goals and policies in the General Plan are not applicable to the proposed use, the use fits within the Low-Density
Resident land use definition as being "rural in character". Additionally, the proposed use provides an effective
transition between the surrounding large-lot custom homes and the subject area (Goal X).
D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
One neighborhood meeting was held for the applicant's request on January 9, 2020. A summary of the discussion
and correspondence received from nearby neighbors is included in Attachment 8. Notable elements are listed
below:
Amount of cattle allowed and proposed to be on the property
Proximity and potential nuisances to existing and future homes
Maintenance and type of fencing around the subject area
The following conditions of approval (see Attachment 5) are included to address resident concerns:
Limiting the amount of cattle to 50
Expiration of the conditional use permit once a building permit is issued for any of the undeveloped
lots within the subject area
Reconsideration of the conditional use permit should complaints arise about cattle leaving the
subject area and effective remedies not being provided by the property owner in a timely manner
During the meeting, it was determined further neighborhood meetings were not warranted as all questions and
concerns had been addressed.
The following public notice has been provided:
Notification to all property owners of Low-Density Residential zoned land and within 600 feet of
Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7
Notification to all additional interested parties who signed in at the neighborhood meeting
Notification to all Homeowner's Association
Advertisement in The Daily Territorial
Signs posted along Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7
Posts at Town Hall and on the Town website
E. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION
In summary, the applicant's request is to allow grazing in a portion of Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7. Stone
Canyon Neighborhood 7 is zoned Low-Density Residential in the Rancho Vistoso PAD, which currently does not
allow grazing as a use. The applicant's request includes the following items:
A. Request for a Text Amendment to the Rancho Vistoso PAD to add grazing as a conditional use to the
Low-Density Residential zoning district (Attachment 2)
In order to allow grazing in Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7, grazing must first be allowed uniformly
to all properties (for map, see Attachment 3) zoned Low-Density Residential within Rancho
Vistoso. By adding it as a conditional use, all requests must meet the conditional use permit criteria
and are subject to the public review process. Additionally, all properties must have a minimum of
3.3 acres of contiguous land and no more than 1 head of livestock per 30,000 square feet.
B. Request for a Conditional Use Permit allowing grazing in a portion of Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7 (for map,
see Attachment 1)
The applicant's second request (Attachment 4) is contingent upon the first request. With regard to
compatibility to the surrounding area, several conditions of approval are included to protect existing
and future residences. These include limiting the amount of cattle to 50 heads, requiring effective
and efficient measures to remedy complaints of cattle leaving the property and expiration of the
CUP should homes be built on any of the undeveloped lots in the subject area (see Attachment 5).
Staff finds both requests are in conformance with the General Plan and recommends approval of Item A and
conditional approval of Item B, subject to Attachment 5.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
The Planning and Zoning Commission may consider the following motions. Please note, Item B is contingent upon
The Planning and Zoning Commission may consider the following motions. Please note, Item B is contingent upon
the motion for Item A. As such, Item B cannot be recommended for approval unless Item A is also.
ITEM A:
I MOVE to recommend approval of the text amendment to the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area Development to add
grazing as a conditional use to the Low Density Residential zoning district based on the finding it is in conformance
with the General Plan.
OR
I MOVE to recommend denial of the text amendment to the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area Development to add
grazing as a conditional use to the Low-Density Residential zoning district based on the following
___________________.
ITEM B:
I MOVE to recommend approval of a conditional use permit allowing grazing in a portion of Stone Canyon
Neighborhood 7, as depicted in Attachment 1 and subject to the conditions in Attachment 5, based on the finding
it is in conformance with the Zoning Code.
OR
I MOVE to recommend denial of a conditional use permit allowing grazing in a portion of Stone Canyon
Neighborhood 7, as depicted in Attachment 1, based on the following ______________.
Attachments
ATTACHMENT 1- SUBJECT AREA
ATTACHMENT 2- PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT
ATTACHMENT 3- LDR ZONED PROPERTY
ATTACHMENT 4- APPLICANT'S CUP REQUEST
ATTACHMENT 5- ITEM B CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
ATTACHMENT 6- EXISTING FENCE AND TOPOGRAPHY
ATTACHMENT 7- LAND USE AND ZONING TABLE
ATTACHMENT 8- NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING SUMMARY AND LETTERS
D R A F T
MINUTES
ORO VALLEY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
May 5, 2020
VIA ZOOM MEETING
REGULAR SESSION AT OR AFTER 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Gambill called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Celeste Gambill, Chair
Jacob Herrington, Vice Chair
Hal Bergsma, Commissioner
Neal Herst, Commissioner
Ellen Hong, Commissioner
Skeet Posey, Commissioner
Daniel Sturmon, Commissioner
Staff Present:Michael Spaeth, Principal Planner
Joe Andrews, Chief Civil Deputy Attorney
Attendees: Melanie Barrett, Town Council Liaison
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Gambill recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Commission and audience.
Chair Gambill also provided instructions regarding conduct and participation in the meeting. There were no speaker
requests for the Call to Audience.
COUNCIL LIAISON COMMENTS
Council Liaison Melanie Barrett provided an update on past and upcoming Town Council meetings as related to
Planning items. She also thanked all Town staff for their hard work during this pandemic, and stated the Town
Council has the community at the forefront of their thoughts during this situation.
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
1.REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 3, 2020 REGULAR SESSION MEETING MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Hal Bergsma, seconded by Vice Chair Jacob Herrington to approve the March
3, 2020 meeting minutes.
A roll call vote was taken:
May 5, 2020 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes 1
A roll call vote was taken:
Chair Gambill - Aye
Vie Chair Herrington - Aye
Commissioner Bergsma - Aye
Commissioner Herst - Aye
Commissioner Hong - Aye
Commissoner Posey - Aye
Commissioner Sturmon - Aye
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
2.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO PERMIT A MONUMENT SIGN IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF
TANGERINE ROAD FOR THE ST. MARK CHURCH LOCATED AT 2727 W. TANGERINE ROAD
Senior Planning Technician Patty Hayes provided a presentation that included the following:
- Purpose
- Subject property
- Sign location
- Location sign standards
- General Plan
- Summary
Applicant Mitch Lorenz, representing St. Mark Church, provided a presentation that included the following:
- Summary of key points
- View of St. Mark church, emphasizing the long setback
- View simulations showing proposed sign location
- Overall sign design as related to height and width
- Enlarged median plan view
- The sign is needed for safe wayfinding
Discussion ensued between the Commission, applicant and staff.
Chair Gambill opened the public hearing.
There were no speaker requests.
Chair Gambill closed the public hearing.
Motion by Commissioner Skeet Posey, seconded by Commissioner Daniel Sturmon to recommend
approval of the proposed right-of way sign location for St. Mark Church based on the finding that it meets
the standards of the Zoning Code.
A roll call vote was taken:
Chair Gambill - Aye
Vie Chair Herrington - Aye
Commissioner Bergsma - Aye
Commissioner Herst - Aye
Commissioner Hong - Aye
Commissoner Posey - Aye
Commissioner Sturmon - Aye
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
May 5, 2020 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes 2
3.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A MASTER SIGN PROGRAM FOR THE
PROPERTY KNOWN AS TWO ORACLE PLACE, LOCATED AT 7315 N. ORACLE ROAD
Senior Planning Technician Patty Hayes provided a presentation that included the following:
- Purpose
- Subject property
- Master sign program
- Monument and entryway signs
- Existing monument sign
- New monument sign
- Wall signs
- Summary
Applicant Melissa Lal, representing Larsen Baker, provided a presentation that included the following:
- Center will have a contemporary look, which this master sign program will complement
- Outlined the challenges and competition with the property
- Construction scheduled to start this week; with the current challenges, signage is critically important for
this property to be successful
Keri Silvyn, representing Lazarus & Silvyn Law Offices, also provided a presentation that included the
following:
- Reviewed aerial view and provided details on property, noting the 1200 feet of frontage property
- The property was always meant to function as a cohesive center
- The uniqueness of the building and the goals of the sign program
- Reviewed the existing and proposed monument sign at south entrance
- Reviewed entryway signage, wall signs and under canopy signs
- Summary of modifications the applicant is requesting
Discussion ensued among the Commission, applicant and staff.
Chair Gambill opened the public hearing.
There were no speaker requests.
Chair Gambill closed the public hearing.
Further discussion continued among the Commission and applicant.
Motion by Commissioner Hal Bergsma, seconded by Commissioner Daniel Sturmon to recommend
approval of the master sign program in Attachment 1, for Two Oracle Place based on the finding that the
proposed sign program is consistent with the Design Principles.
A roll call vote was taken:
Chair Gambill - Aye
Vie Chair Herrington - Aye
Commissioner Bergsma - Aye
Commissioner Herst - Nay
Commissioner Hong - Aye
Commissoner Posey - Aye
Commissioner Sturmon - Aye
Vote: 6 - 1 Carried
May 5, 2020 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes 3
OPPOSED: Commissioner Neal Herst
4.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PROPOSED GRAZING IN A PORTION OF
STONE CANYON NEIGHBORHOOD 7, LOCATED NORTH OF TORTOLITA MOUNTAIN CIRCLE
ABUTTING THE TOWN'S BOUNDARIES
A. PUBLIC HEARING: A TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE RANCHO VISTOSO PLANNED AREA
DEVELOPMENT TO ADD GRAZING AS A CONDITIONAL USE TO THE LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
ZONING DISTRICT
B. PUBLIC HEARING: A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ALLOWING GRAZING IN A PORTION OF
STONE CANYON NEIGHBORHOOD 7, LOCATED NORTH OF TORTOLITA MOUNTAIN CIRCLE
ABUTTING THE TOWN'S BOUNDARIES
Principal Planner Milini Simms provided a presentation that included the following:
- Purpose
- Subject area
- Existing Zoning Standards
- Item A: Text amendment to RV PAD
- Item B: CUP for grazing in part of Stone Canyon and mitigation measures
- General Plan Conformance
- Summary and Recommendation
Paul Oland with Paradigm Land Design, representing the applicant, provided a presentation that included
the following:
- Land has a history of grazing dating back decades; this property is part of a large grazing area that
extends into Pima and Pinal counties
- The subject property is approximately 209 acres; most residents are not even aware of current grazing,
which is pulled back as development occurs
- Application is seeking to continue the historic grazing
- The Stone Canyon CC&Rs do approve of the grazing
Discussion ensued among the Commission, applicant and staff.
Chair Gambill opened the public hearing.
The following individuals spoke on Agenda Item #4:
- Michael Staab, Oro Valley resident
- Tim Bohen, Oro Valley resident
- Mark Henning, Oro Valley resident
Chair Gambill closed the public hearing.
Further discussion ensued among the Commission, applicant and staff.
Motion by Commissioner Hal Bergsma, seconded by Vice Chair Jacob Herrington to recommend
approval of the text amendment (Item A) to the Rancho Vistoso Planned Area Development to add farming
and ranching activities, including grazing, as a conditional use to the Low Density Residential zoning district
based on the finding it is in conformance with the General Plan.
A roll call vote was taken:
May 5, 2020 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes 4
A roll call vote was taken:
Chair Gambill - Aye
Vie Chair Herrington - Aye
Commissioner Bergsma - Aye
Commissioner Herst - Aye
Commissioner Hong - Aye
Commissoner Posey - Aye
Commissioner Sturmon - Aye
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
Motion by Commissioner Hal Bergsma, seconded by Vice Chair Jacob Herrington to recommend
approval (Item B) of a conditional use permit allowing grazing in a portion of Stone Canyon Neighborhood
7, as depicted in Attachment 1 and subject to the conditions in Attachment 5, based on the finding it is in
conformance with the Zoning Code, except that the recommended condition of approval #4 shall be
amended to state an average of three (3) head of cattle shall graze the subject property, and no more than
ten (10) head of cattle shall graze the subject property at any given time.
A roll call vote was taken:
Chair Gambill - Aye
Vie Chair Herrington - Aye
Commissioner Bergsma - Aye
Commissioner Herst - Aye
Commissioner Hong - Aye
Commissoner Posey - Aye
Commissioner Sturmon - Aye
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
PLANNING UPDATE (INFORMATIONAL ONLY)
Principal Planner Michael Spaeth provided the Planning Update: two upcoming Zoom neighborhood meetings and
tentative agenda items scheduled for the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on June 2, 2020.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Hal Bergsma, seconded by Commissioner Daniel Sturmon to adjourn the
meeting.
Vote: 7 - 0 Carried
Chair Gambill adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m.
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the regular session of the
Town of Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission of Oro Valley, Arizona held on the ____ day of
____________________, 2020. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was
present.
Dated this _____ day of ____________________, 2020.
_________________________________
Jeanna Ancona, Senior Office Specialist
May 5, 2020 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes 5
Proposed Grazing in Stone Canyon Neighborhood 7
Land Use and Zoning Table
(2000325 & 2000326)
Attachment 8
EXISTING LAND USE GENERAL PLAN ZONING
SUBJECT
PROPERTY Vacant Open Space and Low-
Density Residential 1 Low-Density Residential
NORTH Vacant Open Space Open Space
SOUTH Single-family Residential Open Space and Low-
Density Residential 1
Very-Low Density Residential
and Open Space
EAST Open Space Open Space Open Space
WEST Open Space Open Space Open Space
1st Neighborhood Meeting Summary
Proposed Rezoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit
to allow grazing in Stone Canyon VII.
Town Hall, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive
January 9, 2020
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Introductions and Welcome
Meeting facilitator and Town Principal Planner, Milini Simms, introduced the agenda for the
meeting. Approximately 15 residents and interested parties attended the meeting including
Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Gambill and Commission members Bergsma,
Herst, Sturmon, Harrington and Posey.
Town Staff Presentation
Milini Simms, Principal Planner and the Town’s project manager for the applicant’s
proposal, provided a presentation that included:
Subject properties
Existing and allowed zoning standards and uses
Review tools and process for the rezoning text amendment and conditional use
permit
Applicant Presentation
The applicant, Paul Oland, from Paradigm Land Designs and representing the property
owner, provided a presentation that included:
Subject property and history
Proposed request
Public Questions & Comments
Following is a summary of questions and comments:
1. How close is the property to existing homes?
2. Are there issues with the existing cattle, such as odor, affecting the s urrounding
homes?
3. Do all properties are zoned Low Density Residential need to be included?
Conclusion
The applicant and Town staff addressed some of the questions related to the proposal and
the associated impacts. It was determined a second neighborhood meeting was not needed
as all questions were addressed.
Ms. Simms closed the meeting, thanked everyone for their attendance and encouraged
them to contact her with any additional thoughts, comments or concerns.
1
Simms, Milini
From:B K Roberts <bkentroberts@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, January 8, 2020 9:10 AM
To:Simms, Milini
Subject:Low Density rezoning in RV PAD
Milini
I will not be able to make the neighborhood meeting on this subject tomorrow night. But I would like to comment on
what I have been able to read about the rezoning on the OVprojects.com website.
I have no concern about grazing on the existing Stone Canyon VII S/D, since it has existed for many years.
However, the material states “Use permit is not applicable unless the first request (associated rezoning text
amendment) is approved by the Town Council first. My interpretation of that statement is that all areas outlined in
yellow would then be eligible for grazing requests.
I live in Coyote Ridge, lot 29, which directly abuts the area in yellow. This is not a large wash and to think grazing would
be allowed is beyond comprehension. If my interpretation is correct, I’m definitely and strongly against the rezoning
request.
Brian Roberts
502 W Silhouette Ridge Pl
bkentroberts@gmail.com
1
Simms, Milini
From:Linda <lwallacegray@theriver.com>
Sent:Tuesday, December 31, 2019 8:53 AM
To:Simms, Milini
Subject:Case1902612, Parcel: 219-06-254B
Dear Ms. Simms,
This is in response to your posted signs along Tortolita Mountain Circle in Stone Canyon.
I live in Stone Canyon. As I stated in my earlier email I don’t like driving at night and the meeting you have scheduled is
at 7PM. I may still try to come to it but I would appreciate it if you could note my comments below.
**************
The only reason the Hansen Tr. is applying for a grazing lease, again, is the fact that they got caught and do not
want to pay land taxes as the rest of us do. My research shows, that for many years, they had been paying $13.63/year
for 81 lots on parcel 219‐06‐254B, Stone Canyon VII Lots 404 ‐ 485. That’s ridiculous.
Most importantly they have had a grazing lease for years on that parcel but there have rarely been cattle there
in years. When a few wandered in, my long time neighbors told me they got out and went to the golf course for food.
That area is bouldered, mountainous, has has no food for cattle and has mountain lion and bobcat. Both would love to
eat a cow. The area in question is not suitable for cattle, period. There is no food and they would never be able to walk
in that area, never. There are areas north and east, over the mountains that would be, but not this parcel. The Hansen's
only want a tax reduction. That is unfair to everyone in Oro Valley.
Why Oro Valley would be foolish enough to allow them to have a grazing lease and the $13.63 fee again is
beyond me. They, the Hansen Tr., have taken you to cleaners for a very long time at the expense of other Oro Valley
home and land owners who follow the rules.
Hansen Tr has roads already roughly graded on this parcel. Why that is, I don’t know. It is visible from Google
Earth.
I would like to know why Pima County Slope Ordinance didn’t affect this parcel. The upper portion should never
have roads or houses.
Thank you for your time,
Linda Wallace‐Gray
Stone Canyon, Oro Valley
1
Simms, Milini
From:Linda <lwallacegray@theriver.com>
Sent:Friday, May 1, 2020 11:55 AM
To:Simms, Milini
Subject:Response to Planned Area & Conditional Use
Dear Ms. Simms,
I have read the agenda from the link provided. There is nothing there that changes what I said before.
First, it does not matter how long there has been grazing. There should never have been nor be any grazing allowed in
the Tortolita Mountains. And not on this 58 acres. Hansen Tr. has platted lots for that land. This mountain range is not
suitable for cattle as it is bouldered, mountainous and has no food for cattle. It also, as previously stated, has predators,
i.e. cougar, bobcat and others. There are many areas where 1 or 2 cattle/acre could be but this is not that place.
Second, the only reason the Hansen Family Tr wants grazing is for the $13.63 tax for the entire parcel.
Third, item B in your agenda states there will be a limit of 50 cattle. You must be kidding. There are few if any places in
this area that would support 50 cattle on that type of land.
Fourth, it appears, from what I have read that Hansen Tr is “piggy backing” on the rancher that has been grazing in this
area previously. But it doesn’t matter. Cattle cannot walk there nor is there food.
Fifth, Leah Hansen, Hansen Tr, could remove most of the lot lines, pay the taxes that should be paid and donate the
upper portions to a land trust as conservation property. But she’s greedy.
I expect you, Oro Valley, as well as Pima County, to see through this facade. Otherwise you will be taken to cleaners
again as well as the rest of us who do pay our taxes.
Sincerely,
Linda Wallace‐Gray
Stone Canyon
Town Council Regular Session 4.
Meeting Date:06/03/2020
Requested by: Councilmember Rodman & Vice Mayor Barrett
Submitted By:Mike Standish, Town Clerk's Office
Department:Town Clerk's Office
SUBJECT:
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING RESOLUTION NO. (R)20-25, SUPPORTING THE
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES (NLC) CITIES ARE ESSENTIAL TO AMERICA'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY
CAMPAIGN
RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Municipalities will use federal funds to facilitate a reopening of the national economy. Data is crucial to helping tell
the story of how America's cities, towns, and villages have been impacted by COVID-19. The National League of
Cities (NLC) Cities Are Essential campaign is working to build a united national partnership to get Americans back
to a safe, healthy, prosperous life.
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
Councilmember Rodman and Vice Mayor Barrett requested that this item be placed on the June 3 Town Council
agenda.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
I MOVE to (approve or deny) Resolution No. (R)20-25, supporting the National League of Cities (NLC) cities are
essential to America's economic recovery campaign.
Attachments
(R)20-25 Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. (R)20-25
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
ORO VALLEY, ARIZONA: THE TOWN OF ORO VALLEY IS
ESSENTIAL: IN SUPPORT OF FAIR, DIRECT FEDERAL EMERGENCY
SUPPORT TO REOPEN AND REBUILD LOCAL AMERICAN
ECONOMIES AND DIRECTING THE TOWN MANAGER, TOWN
CLERK, TOWN LEGAL SERVICES DIRECTOR, OR THEIR DULY
AUTHORIZED OFFICERS AND AGENTS TO TAKE ALL STEPS
NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOSES AND INTENT OF THIS
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, America’s cities, towns and villages face unprecedented threa ts due to the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic emergency; and
WHEREAS, municipalities are essential to America’s economic recovery and without funding
support for local governments, municipalities may go from being a critical part of the economic
solution, to becoming a major obstacle to long-term stabilization and recovery; and
WHEREAS, America’s cities, towns and villages will experience budgetary shortfalls of up
$134 billion in fiscal year 2020 alone, and the negative effects of the pandemic emergency on
local communities will continue long after this year; and
WHEREAS, three million critical municipal worker jobs are at risk, threatening cuts to basic
community services, including police 9-1-1 response, fire, sanitation, parks and maintenance;
and
WHEREAS, communities have taken extraordinary measures to protect health, safety, and the
continuation of essential services throughout the emergency; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Oro Valley faces future budgetary shortfalls due to the impact of
COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, America’s rural communities and small towns are struggling just as much as big
cities and risk being left behind or wiped out entirely.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by Mayor and Council of the Town of Oro
Valley, that:
SECTION 1. The Town of Oro Valley calls on Congress to allocate fair and direct federal
support to all of America’s communities, regardless of population size; and
SECTION 2. This funding must be flexible and address not only the additional expenses incurred
by communities to respond to the pandemic emergency, but also the dramatic
budgetary shortfalls resulting from pauses in commerce, tourism, other economic
engines; and
2
SECTION 3. Local governments will ensure federal funds are immediately used to rebuild and
reopen the national economy; and
SECTION 4. Funding will keep middle class workers employed and critical services operating;
and
SECTION 5. The Town of Oro Valley has been part of the emergency response and now calls on
Congress to build a united national partnership for a safe, healthy, prosperous life.
SECTION 6. The Town Manager, Town Clerk, Town Legal Services Director, or their duly
authorized officers and agents are hereby authorized and directed to take all steps
necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of this resolution.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Oro Valley, this 3rd day
of June, 2020.
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
_____________________________
Joseph C. Winfield, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM :
______________________________
Michael Standish, Town Clerk Tobin Sidles, Legal Services Director
Date: Date:__________________________
Town Council Regular Session 5.
Meeting Date:06/03/2020
Requested by: Mayor Winfield and Vice Mayor Barrett
Submitted By:Mike Standish, Town Clerk's Office
Department:Town Clerk's Office
SUBJECT:
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO THE TOWN MANAGER TO FACILITATE, WITH ROMPSEN'S
KNOWLEDGE AND CONSENT, COMMUNICATIONS WITH THIRD PARTIES ABOUT POSSIBLE OPTIONS FOR
ITS ORO VALLEY PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE FORMER VISTOSO GOLF COURSE
RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
N/A
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
This item was requested by Mayor Winfield and Vice Mayor Barrett.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
I direct the Town Manager to...
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
Town Council Regular Session 6.
Meeting Date:06/03/2020
Requested by: Councilmember Solomon & Councilmember Pina
Submitted By:Mike Standish, Town Clerk's Office
Department:Town Clerk's Office
SUBJECT:
UPDATE AND INFORMATIONAL DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CLOSED VISTOSO GOLF COURSE
RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
N/A
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
This item was requested by Councilmember Solomon and Councilmember Pina.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
This item is for discussion only.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
Town Council Regular Session 7.
Meeting Date:06/03/2020
Requested by: Councilmember Pina & Councilmember Rodman
Submitted By:Mike Standish, Town Clerk's Office
Department:Town Clerk's Office
SUBJECT:
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ABOUT THE TOWN OF ORO VALLEY'S CURRENT EMERGENCY
PROCLAMATION AND/OR AMENDMENTS THERETO CONSIDERING GOVERNOR DUCEY'S 5/12/20
EXECUTIVE ORDER 2020-36 (AKA "STAY HEALTHY, RETURN SMARTER, RETURN STRONGER") AND/OR
PIMA COUNTY'S 5/21/20 EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION
RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
N/A
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
This item was requested by Councilmember Pina and Councilmember Rodman.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
I MOVE to...
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
Town Council Regular Session 8.
Meeting Date:06/03/2020
Requested by: Councilmember Pina & Councilmember Rodman
Submitted By:Mike Standish, Town Clerk's Office
Department:Town Clerk's Office
SUBJECT:
DISCUSSION ABOUT TOWN COUNCIL INPUT ON FUTURE AMENDMENTS, IF ANY, TO THE TOWN OF ORO
VALLEY'S CURRENT EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION
RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
N/A
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
This item was requested by Councilmember Pina and Councilmember Rodman.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
This item is for discussion only.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.