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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPackets - Council Packets (1563)o© RUSING LOPEZ Matthew A. Bailey ®©& LIZARDI mbailey@rllaz.com ATTORNEYS AT LAW Via Electronic Mail to April 21, 2021 <mstandish@orovalleyz.gov> Town of Oro Valley Mayor and Town Council 11000 N. La Canada Drive Oro Valley, AZ 85737 Re: Town of Oro Valley Public Hearing, April 21, 2021; Open Space West of Westward Look Drive (the "Open Space Parcel") Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: On behalf of Mrs. Elisabeth Dudley, who lives at 221 East Vista Oeste Drive, I am providing written comments as part of the Public Hearing on April 21, 2021, regarding proposed Ordinance No. (0)21-04 (the "Open Space Ordinance"). The Open Space Ordinance includes the proposal to rezone the Open Space Parcel to Oro Valley Planned Area Development - Parks and Open Space ("POS"). As you are aware, there is a deed restriction from 1972 (the "Settlement Agreement"), whereby Westward Look Resort promised to keep the Open Space Parcel as open space. The Town of Oro Valley has publicly stated that a zoning change to POS zoning, if approved, would match the intent of the Settlement Agreement. The Town of Oro Valley has also publicly stated that a zoning change to POS zoning would add an extra layer of open space protection—in addition to the Settlement Agreement—with the benefit of the Town of Oro Valley's zoning enforcement. The net result of a zoning change to POS zoning is that the Open Space Parcel will be protected by the Town of Oro Valley as open space and usable only for recreational purposes. Assuming the Town of Oro Valley approves the Open Space Ordinance, Mrs. Dudley will be relying on the Town of Oro Valley to uphold its commitment to protect the Open Space Parcel as open space to the fullest extent possible within the Town of Oro Valley's lawful ability. Moreover, any future change to the POS applicable to the Open Space Parcel that erodes open space protection will be considered, at the very least, a breach of faith on the part of the Town of Oro Valley. The Firm has one or more attorneys admitted to practice in Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, and Washington, D,C www.rllaz.com 16427 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 200 Tucson, Arizona 85718 Facsimile (520) 529-4262 Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 Tel: (520) 792-4800 Tel: (480) 663-9800 Town of Oro Valley Town Council April 21, 2021 Page 2 Sincerely, [SIGNED] Matthew A. Bailey • C Z cc. Elisabeth Dudley From: Jan Humble To: Town Council Subject: Fwd: Half Cent Sales Tax Date: Wednesday, April 21, 20213:48:39 PM Dear Mayor Winfield, Vice Mayor Barrett and Councilmembers, I support "broadening the use' of the half cent sales tax to fund additional Recreational facilities instead of limiting it to fund Golf and the Community Center. While the Community Center has essentially operated self -sufficiently since 2015, the golf operations have utilized most of the half cent sales tax revenue — leaving little room for CC improvements. This changed in 2020 when you switched golf course operators, opened the courses to additional public play and Covid pushed people outdoors for recreation. Those efforts coupled with the online sales tax has increased the fund to the point that it can be used for additional recreational purposes within the Town. Thank you for considering this change which will help address some needs identified in the Parks Master Plan. Jan Humble, Oro Valley From: Marione Sovev To: Town Council Subject: Use of the half cent sales tax Date: Wednesday, April 21, 20213:37:00 PM I support broadening the use of the half cent sales tax. I think some of the money could be used for maintained, outdoor spaces for kids of various ages to PLAY & use their imagination & run around & play in grass. The areas wouldn't have to be for organized sports activities. I would like to see more picnic tables in grassy areas & other grassy areas where families could spread a blanket & enjoy a picnic lunch. There could be places where kids could shoot baskets, do skateboarding, play "catch" with a ball & a parent or friend. Other areas could have several pieces of playground equipment. I realize that nothing can replace the hiking trails in Colorado, but, I'd like to see more maintained hiking trails in Oro Valley. Thank you. Marjorie Sovey Resident of the Oro Valley, AZ Reflections Neighborhood From: To: Subject: Date: Shirl LAMONNA Town Council Broadening Half -Cent Sales Tax Use Wednesday, April 21, 2021 12:00:08 PM Dear Mayor Winfield, Vice Mayor Barrett and Councilmembers, Thank you for considering additional uses of the half -cent sales tax tonight. The tax has been a dividing issue in this Town since it was first implemented. It's time to heal the Town by sharing it with facilities that can be used by all 45,000 residents. Last night, the PROS consultant for the Parks Master Plan shared some key points that need to be understood concerning Oro Valley's population. They are instructive for both the Master Plan and the half -cent sales tax use in terms of understanding that we are an aging community. They include: 1. Nearly 50% of residents are over the age of 55. 2. By 2031-2035, the number residents over 55 will grow to 60%. 3. Oro Valley is exceptionally different and unique compared the rest of the Country with this senior demographic. (only 30% compared to our 50%) 4. Recreational preferences are dictated by age and life mode. The consultant further stated that Oro Valley MUST invest in its existing parks system over the next 10 years; that it's better to have exceptional, high quality parks than to expand them and reduce the quality of them. Since the Community Center Fund has increased beyond its original projections/needs to support golf — thanks to online tax revenue — it's time to invest in other community facilities such as Naranja Park (for our youth) and Steam Pump Ranch. Thank you. Shirl Lamonna Oro Valley, AZ From: Stephanie Guerin To: Solomon, Steve; Town Council; Nicolson, Josh; Jones -Ivey. Joyce; Greene, Harry; BDhen, Timothy; Barr Melanie; Winfield, Joe Subject: Re -allocation of Golf Course 1/2 Cent Sales Tax .... Vote NO! Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 11:33:03 AM Dear Members, We have received news that we find disturbing about the future of our Oro Valley Golf Courses. The topic is the re -allocation of the Golf Course % cent Sales Tax to be used for the Parks and Recreation Budget at the discretion of the Town Council. This re allocation appears to be nothing more than a veiled attempt to again put the Golf Courses at risk and ultimately close them. The people of Oro Valley made clear last year that we want to keep the Golf Courses and we want Our tax dollars to work for this purpose. The Courses bring in revenue from inside Oro Valley and the surrounding towns and more importantly, they keep our Oro Valley property values up. I cannot understand why the Town Council wants to mess with success. The Golf Courses are actually making money and the % cent Sales Tax was supposed to be used to maintain the Courses. It was our understanding last year that the Golf Courses needed new irrigation, yet, we have seen no installation of irrigation. Instead, what we do see, is the Golf Course shrinking in size every year and attempts made to close them. Now, the Town Council proposes to further jeopardize the future of the Oro Valley Golf Courses by taking away the People's money used to maintain the Golf Courses. We ask that you vote NO to the re -allocation of the % cent Sales Tax to Parks and Recreation. Thank you for your time. Jon Sexton Stephanie G Sexton Sent from Mail for Windows 10 From: _ To: Town Council Subject: 1/2 cent sales tax for golf course Date: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 12:47:30 PM Please DO NOT approve using the 1/2 cent sales tax that is earmarked for the golf course for any other purpose. Golf is an important part of our community and is a vital factor in maintaining our property values. The sales tax was originally approved for good reasons and none of those reasons have changed. Thank you. Respecfully, John and Joan Parsons Oro Valley, AZ 85737 Sent from Outlook Mobile From: Tara Paulsen To: Town Council Subject: Ov meeting 4/21 topic of interest Date: Tuesday, April 20, 20219:12:36 AM To whom it may concern, I understand on 4/21 at the OV meeting the following topic the OV council will discuss repurposing a significant amount of the 1/2% sales tax [ currently running $2.5M/yr ] from golf to bond and pay for the top priority amenities in the parks study. As a member of the community with two kids that use the fields and soccer amenities at Naranja & Riverfront regularly I would strongly support doing what OV can to mature the Naranja master plan as fast as possible. It is a great park but always extremely busy and further development of the park and its facilities would be great. The other thing that would I believe be a good use of that funding is fixing up and making James Craig Park facilities and fields. I feel liek this park has a lot more potential that doesn't get used a lot because it isn't on par with the quality of Riverfront & Oro Valley. Tara (Parent of kids who love using the OV parks & rec facilities) From: Daniyar Murataliev To: Town Council Subject: 0.5% sales tax plan Date: Tuesday, April 20, 20218:08:08 AM To whom it may concern, I wanted to express my support for repurposing the 0.5% sales tax to fund the Naranja Park expansion and Community Center repairs. These are necessary improvements that benefit the community directly, especially our future generation by giving them more space and time to exercise and stay healthy. Thank you Daniyar Murataliev From: Paul Byrne To: Town Council Cc: Niranian Vescio: Patio, Tony D'Anaelo Subject: Reallocation of Tax Income Date: Monday, April 19, 20215:00:03 PM Mr Mayor and members of Council. The discussion regarding the 1/2 percent sales tax is disturbing to members of Friends of Pusch Ridge. We have been upfront in all recent discussions with council and this potential reallocation of funds initiated by council in 2014 for clubhouse and golf course amenities is a blow to our community. We had trusted council was proceeding with plans for reopening Pusch Ridge and are concerned that other priorities appear to be evolving. Hiding these fund's within a parks budget is sweeping visible funds under the table both now and in future admins budgets. The community deserves forthright info and trust you will provide that. Thank you Paul Byrne A resident of Oro Valley Sent from my iPhone Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 2:25 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: el con golf From: Derald Owens Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 20212:07 PM To: Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: el con golf it is my understanding we can give you our input on the funding for the el con golf course we would like the course be kept as is and not lose any funding thank you parr and derald owens 1 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 2:26 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Constituent Comments regarding tonight's council meeting 4.21 From: Hynd, Jessica <jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov> Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 20212:07 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Jacobs, Mary <mjacobs@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Constituent Comments regarding tonight's council meeting 4.21 Hi Mayor and Councilmembers, I spoke with a constituent that is unable to attend this evening's meeting and would like to provide comment regarding Regular Agenda #4 and #5. She requested that I email you her comments prior to tonight's meeting. Pam Owens "I am a Town resident and would like the Town Council to keep funding for the EI conquistador Golf Course. Please do not take away any current funding." Thank you, Jessica Jessica Hynd Constituent Services Coordinator/ Management Assistant Town of Oro Valley 11000 N. La Canada Drive Oro Valley, Arizona 85737 Office: 520.229.4711 Jhvnd@orovalleyaz.gov ORO VALLEY CONNECTIONS he ,: CHAMBER- COMMUNITY ORO VALLEY, AZ 85704 COLLABORATION Chair April 21, 2021 Nancy Boyle Splendido at Rancho Mayor Joe Winfield, members of council, staff Vistoso Treasurer Eric Renaud Ladies and gentlemen, Pima Federal Credit The Greater Oro Valley Chamber is in support of ordinances Union and resolutions related to the proposed annexation and future Secretary / Clerk Dinny Cosyns development of the Westward Look Resort property, items 2 NorthStar Strategies and 3 with specific sub -items on your April 21 agenda. Directors The financial and community benefits of this annexation to the Town of Oro Valle areapparent and well -stated. The Y Northwest Northwest Healthcare / Oro Valley Hospital Wyndham Westward Look Grand Resort & Spa and these Ron Arenas related properties would be an outstanding addition to the Picture Rocks Cooling, Heating and Plumbing community's portfolio of offerings. Jeff Artzi Likewise, it's good to see our town's commitment on the OOROO Auto other side of the financial equation. By agreeing to accept Lisa Bayless responsibility for part of the Ina Road right-of-way, and the first Long Realty 1,500 feet of Westward Look Drive, and by committing to Lila Chapman Sierra Tucson resurfacing of and enhanced landscaping along Westward Look Mark Davis Drive within 1 year, Oro Valley is demonstrating this is a Canyon Community long-term, 2 -way partnership. Bank Cindy Webb Hanson We've watched this process for months now. We understand OneAZ Credit Union and respect the neighbors' concerns about protection of open Robert Ramirez space, wildlife corridors and viewsheds. We understand their Robert V. Ramirez CPA worries over traffic, building heights and newly introduced uses. CPA With their participation, they have made a difference in what Otton Suarez El Conquistador Tucson, will ultimately happen within this parcel, and they shall continue A Hilton Resort to influence its future development. That's how Oro Valley Jack Talmage operates. When development is proposed, nobody gets Oro Valley Country Club everything they want, but everyone gets something, and that is Jeremy Thompson Cox the case with this annexation. Respectfully, we encourage your favorable support this evening. Dave Perry President / CEO Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 11:15 AM To: Standish, Michael; Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Unacceptable Council Actions Good morning, Please see below for constituent comments. Sincerely, Diana Randall Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council From: Michael Collins Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 20216:11 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Unacceptable Council Actions To the Town Council It would appear that there are a few members of the Council who are "Slow Learners." Why are we revisiting the''/: cent sales tax dedicated to the Community Center and Golf Course? Have you few forgotten recent history, where town residents filled the Church of the Nazarene to voice their displeasure with the attempt to shut down the Golf Course & Community Center? This issue and the issues surrounding it have been thoroughly debated, and an agreement was reached by all parties to keep them operational and to continue with improvements to the Courses and Community Center. The Council voted on this agreement, and approved it. You "Slow Learners," for reasons unknown to this writer, seem intent on causing chaos, discontent and economic damage in Oro Valley. To call you "Slow Learners" is gracious, because to say otherwise would be to call into question your character and motives. I have not forgotten Mayor Winfield's statement that "We are all Brothers and Sisters" at the beginning of the meeting at the Church of the Nazarene. How do these current nefarious actions square with his professed religious beliefs? I strenuously object to the reprehensible and under -handed actions by you few rogue members of our current Council. Hopefully, you few will soon have a "Road to Damascus moment," and start to do what is right for Oro Valley. Michael Collins, Oro Valley Resident Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 10:33 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: April 21 2021 council meeting agenda item responses. From: Jeffrey Weir Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 202110:13 AM To: Greene, Harry <hgreene@orovalleyaz.gov>; Winfield, Joe <jwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov>; Barrett, Melanie <mbarrett@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jones -Ivey, Joyce <jjones-ivey@orovalleyaz.gov>; Nicolson, Josh <jnicolson@orovalleyaz.gov>; Bohen, Timothy <tbohen@orovalleyaz.gov>; Steve Soloman <ssoloman@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: April 212021 council meeting agenda item responses. To Oro Valley Town Council Members, As an introduction of myself my name is Jeffrey Weir and I and my wife Shirley have lived in Oro Valley for eleven years. I am writing to you to express my views on the possible actions to broaden the use of the revenues generated by the 0.5% TPT established by Ordinance (0) 14-17, agenda items 4 and 5. Additionally, I am concerned that the council will at this date consider providing funding through bond financing of various parks and recreation, golf, and community center capital projects when the last time the council had a lengthy discussion with community members, they decided that issuance of bonds to address the capital needs for the community center and golf courses was not desirous. As I believe most financial experts will point out to all of you it will cost more to finance bond purchases at this time than it did 12-18 months ago. Following are my remarks for the two agenda items. Agenda items 4 & 5: I am against any "broadening" of the use of the 0.5% TPT until such time that the needed and identified capital projects for the community center, golf courses and associated facilities are completed. If, as was recommended by many community members in attendance during the councils previous meeting discussions concerning the future of the golf courses, issuance of bonds to finance completion of the capital projects for the community center and golf courses was adopted the work most likely would have been, if not completely, then substantially completed. If you desire to increase CIP efforts for additional parks and recreation projects, then add another TPT increase to provide a funding source through an opening meeting and discussion with the community as was done by the council in 2014. Once the desired/identified projects are completed then you, the Council, can rescind the 0.5% TPT. As stated by the mayor keeping Oro Valley beautiful is a point of pride for all residents (or should be). Also, it appears that the parks and recreation actively promote visiting Oro Valley and experiencing the wonderful opportunity to play golf. Maintaining the viability of the golf courses as one of the top revenue producers is and always has been key to establishing and maintaining Oro valley as a special place to visit. Every economic study shows the importance of attracting visitors, particularly for our existing small businesses. Do not detract from the primary concerns voiced by so many community residents on the potential negative impacts of reduced property values and other harmful impacts by not honoring, at least it is my interpretation, of the promise the Council made to use the current 0.5% TPT to make the necessary CIP improvement to the community center and golf courses as soon as practicable. In fact, the nearby residents of the golf courses committed more than $100,000 to financially support making the needed CIP improvements. Lastly, do not raise the specter that this Council, at least most of the current members, is willing to ignore the promises you made. We all want our community to become the most desirable place to not only live in but to access recreational facilities and activities. Have an open dialog with the people you are elected to represent before you take actions that may lead to continued derision. If the Rancho Vistoso residents want you to purchase the idled golf course, then they will support providing a funding mechanism to not only purchase the land but to also provide ongoing funding for upkeep and maintenance. Respectfully, Jeffrey H. Weir Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 11:15 AM To: Standish, Michael; Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Unacceptable Council Actions Good morning, Please see below for constituent comments. Sincerely, Diana Randall Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council From: Michael Collins Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 20216:11 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Unacceptable Council Actions To the Town Council It would appear that there are a few members of the Council who are "Slow Learners." Why are we revisiting the''/: cent sales tax dedicated to the Community Center and Golf Course? Have you few forgotten recent history, where town residents filled the Church of the Nazarene to voice their displeasure with the attempt to shut down the Golf Course & Community Center? This issue and the issues surrounding it have been thoroughly debated, and an agreement was reached by all parties to keep them operational and to continue with improvements to the Courses and Community Center. The Council voted on this agreement, and approved it. You "Slow Learners," for reasons unknown to this writer, seem intent on causing chaos, discontent and economic damage in Oro Valley. To call you "Slow Learners" is gracious, because to say otherwise would be to call into question your character and motives. I have not forgotten Mayor Winfield's statement that "We are all Brothers and Sisters" at the beginning of the meeting at the Church of the Nazarene. How do these current nefarious actions square with his professed religious beliefs? I strenuously object to the reprehensible and under -handed actions by you few rogue members of our current Council. Hopefully, you few will soon have a "Road to Damascus moment," and start to do what is right for Oro Valley. Michael Collins, Oro Valley Resident Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 8:47 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: WLR Annexation, rezoning,PADs April 21st,2021 From: Nadine Pultman Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 202112:10 AM To: Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Fwd: WLR Annexation, rezoning,PADs April 21st,2021 Mr.Standish, Will you please forward this email to members of OVTC before meeting on Wednesday? Thank you. To the Mayor and members of OVTC, This being our last chance perhaps to give input on WLR annexation, etc., we would finally like to ask why does this project need to be done AT ALL? Why can't only the annexation be addressed this Wednesday, and then in several months the rezoning, and then in a few years ONE PAD, not this very bizarre, highly unusual, bad buffet of choices for the owner and OV? It is highly unfair that the pandemic precluded in person attendance, but perhaps that was the reason. This process needs to be slowed down. That it has been suddenly rushed through when Mr. Patel has owned this property for several years is ill-timed to say the least, and neighbors have never been given an explanation for that. The concerns the OV neighbors have about the Rancho Vistoso golf course are nearly identical to our WLR concerns. They have had three years to form a group, raise money, etc. The WLR neighbors need more time to discuss and research this. For example, ADOT, which we have found to be often arrogant and and incorrect in their decisions, is wrong about the traffic flow. It is almost impossible to get onto Ina Rd to the Safeway, especially since WLR allowed the left turn signal removed. WLR needs to have the left turn signal restored. Also where are the plans to extend Westward Look Dr to Magee? It is feasible. Streets to the west, most likely Village Avenue, a quiet residential street, will be used to cut through to Magee and points north to avoid the debacle at Oracle and Ina. WLR neighbors have been too polite, in our opinion. OVTC and the resort owner have no reason to build a noisy, anti - environmental project in the heart of a quiet suburb except for PROFIT. Westward Look does not need an event center, Westward Look IS the event center, always has been. And very polite about it. OV wants to have historic status given to houses in the area? So one of the most historic buildings, Westward Look, is going to be ruined by a useless strip mall development, destroy the peace of mind of the surrounding neighbors, kill wildlife, and on and on? Not to mention ruin much of the rural charm of the resort itself.. The hypocrisy is breathtaking. From the beginning, the response mantra should have been JUST SAY NO. How can you possibly justify ruining the property values, peace of mind, and way of life of innocent homeowners with this ugly and cheap looking project? Are the Rancho Vistoso owners going to end up with an enormous assisted living complex behind them because you "can't arrange" a meeting with the owner? You should be ashamed of yourselves for treating homeowners and the environment so badly. OV has hada dubious reputation since it was first formed because of avarice and obfuscation, and other unnamed reasons which any long- time Tucson residents have long known. Happy Earth Day! Nadine and Rocco Paone Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 8:20 AM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Soccer fields Good morning, Please see below for constituent comments. Sincerely, Diana Randall Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council -----Original Message ----- From: Martin Philpot Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 20218:03 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Soccer fields Council members, During this time of isolation and restrictions, one of the most enjoyable activities for many families has been the ability to get out to the park, and play a sport. With this surge he come a massive demand on the field spaces, if you have been out on a Tuesday evening, there is limited space. Kids are enjoying the fresh air, and getting exercise. We need more fields to handle the demand, and additionally the extra housing will add to that demand. It's time to look forward to providing services that will attract young families, that attract higher earning families, that attract taxable dollars. Time to be proactive rather than reactive. Thank you, Martin, coach of a U6 and U10 AYSO teams Sent from my iPhone From: Linda H lanes To: Town Council Subject: 1/2cent Date: Monday, April 19, 20214:06:05 PM Please do not stop the money set for the Community Center Golf courses. We have all worked hard to keep this facility open for the courses!! Many people use the center for all sorts of recreation after coming for the golfl This is penny wise & pound foolish to change. Sincerely, Linda & John Jones Oro Valley Sent from my iPhone From: Pam To: Town Council Subject: Sales tax Date: Monday, April 19, 20213:08:40 PM Dear Mayor Winfield, Vice Mayor Barrett and Councilmembers Jones -Ivey, Bohen, Nicolson, Solomon and Greene, When the Town purchased the Community Center, Tennis and Golf courses from HSL, the additional half -cent sales tax was supposed to pay for the purchase, maintenance and improvements. It was supposed to be profitable in 5 years. Instead, the Town spent all the additional sales tax revenue — nearly $14M - plus invested other capital improvement funds for facilities that weren't a priority in the 2014 Parks survey. This was all done for about 300 golf members and another 350 people with family memberships to the Community Center. Since you opened golf to outside play, the number of rounds increased and there is no longer any need for the CCF to be limited to funding these facilities. I fully support "broadening the use" of the sales tax to fund Recreational facilities that the majority of OV's 45,000 residents can use. Thank you, Pam Wilson Oro Valley resident Sent from my iPhone From: Robert Kroll To: Town Council Subject: Decision on sales tax Date: Monday, April 19, 20212:29:08 PM All: My wife and I moved here from California for 2 reasons: the beautiful weather and surroundings, and the many things to do in retirement. Golf is one of those things. We understand that there is a 1/2 cent sales tax currently earmarked for the Community Center golf courses to assist in their maintenance. We also understand, from our HOA, that the Community Center golf courses have met their goal of membership and rounds of golf played and will surpass that goal by 20,000 rounds by the end of June. Why would you renege on that decision and therefore contribute to the closing of the golf courses? This would have serious implications for those in the town of Oro Valley (and outside of Oro Valley) who play golf as well as serious implications on property values within all of Oro Valley. We will be watching the Town Council meeting on Wednesday to see if the Council will honor it's commitment to Community Center golf. Thank you Barbara and Robert Kroll Canada Hills HOA members From: Maureen Enoer To: Town Council Subject: .5% sales tax/ upcoming council meeting Date: Monday, April 19, 2021 12:51:06 PM Dear Mayor and Town Council, I greatly disapprove of your proposal to use the 0.5% sales tax for anything other than what it was put in place for: The golf courses and the Community Center. This tax does not affect many of the purchases made by Oro Valley (OV) residents, but rather primarily collects from those who stay in (OV) hotels and eat in OV restaurants. It does not affect our grocery or medication bills. This sales tax helped purchase a Community Center and Aquatic Center for the residents of Oro Valley, both of which are used by many OV residents. It also helped pay for the golf courses which services families of OV and helps draw non-residents to OV to spend their money here to golf. This sales tax needs to stay with the Community Center and the golf courses to pay for the necessary maintenance and upgrades that any facility requires. A lot of effort has gone into plans to revise and update the Community Center and bring it up to code. A lot of effort has gone into plans to redo the outdated irrigation of the courses. Those plans are useless unless they can be implemented. While most recently you had to suspend the irrigation upgrade due to high costs? I don't use all of the amenities Oro Valley pays for, but one of the reasons we moved here was BECAUSE of the amenities OV supports. Archery, swimming, walking paths, bike lanes, community parks, softball and soccer fields, etc. They are all important things to support for our residents. But please don't single out golf because you don't like golf. The courses have had over 60,000 rounds of golf played in the first 3 months of 2021— over half of those by non -golf club members. And the golf courses have a great junior golf program for OV teenagers and children. Don't believe the misleading rhetoric that the courses only support 300 OV residents. Please STOP trying to get rid of golf in OV. This has been reviewed and analyzed and has been determined to be a viable amenity. Support golf. Support the Community Center and foster these amenities to help them grow. Thank you, Maureen Enger From: Kristin To: Town Council Subject: Issue on Sales Tax for April Town Council Meeting Date: Monday, April 19, 2021 11:53:33 AM Dear Mayor and Town Council, I greatly disapprove of your proposal to use the 0.5% sales tax for anything other than what it was put in place for: The golf courses and the Community Center. This tax does not affect many of the purchases made by Oro Valley (OV) residents, but rather primarily collects from those who stay in (OV) hotels and eat in OV restaurants. It does not affect our grocery or medication bills. This sales tax helped purchase a Community Center and Aquatic Center for the residents of Oro Valley, both of which are used by many OV residents. It also helped pay for the golf courses which services families of OV and helps draw non-residents to OV to spend their money here to golf. This sales tax needs to stay with the Community Center and the golf courses to pay for the necessary maintenance and upgrades that any facility requires. A lot of effort has gone into plans to revise and update the Community Center and bring it up to code. A lot of effort has gone into plans to redo the outdated irrigation of the courses. Those plans are useless unless they can be implemented. And you plan to take the money away??? While most recently you had to suspend the irrigation upgrade due to high costs? How does taking money away from this make any sense? I don't use many of the amenities Oro Valley pays for but approve of the amenities OV supports. Archery, swimming, walking paths, bike lanes, community parks, softball and soccer fields, etc. They are all important things to support for our residents. But please don't single out golf because you don't like golf. The courses have had over 60,000 rounds of golf played in the first 3 months of 2021 — over half of those by non -golf club members. And the golf courses have a great junior golf program for OV teenagers and children. Don't believe the misleading rhetoric that the courses only support 300 OV residents. Please STOP trying to get rid of golf in OV. This has been reviewed and analyzed and has been determined to be a viable amenity. Support golf. Support the Community Center and foster these amenities to help them grow. Thank you, Kristine Case Decker From: Donald Johnson To: Town Council Subject: Keep 1/2% sales tax with golf & community center Date: Monday, April 19, 2021 11:53:02 AM Attachments: OV tax letter.docx Mayor and council members, Our opposition to the proposed change in use of the 1/2% sales tax proceeds is detailed in the attached letter. Please vote no. Donald and Bunny Johnson From: M KLAREN To: Town Council Subject: EI Conquistador Golf Date: Monday, April 19, 2021 11:13:14 AM Mayor and Councilmembers, please leave our golf course alone. We are doing just fine. Again because of its success you want to take funds for other issues. Did you notice how many rounds of golf were played recently? That should tell you something about the success. This is getting old, we have to worry that your going to close one if not both courses. We like many of our friends moved here to play golf at EI Con. Such lovely courses and friendships have been made. Red and Marilyn Klaren From: Diane Musick To: Town Council Subject: .5% Tax Date: Monday, April 19, 20216:35:27 AM Dear Mayor and Town Council, I greatly disapprove of your proposal to use the 0.5% sales tax for anything other than what it was put in place for: The golf courses and the Community Center. This tax does not affect many of the purchases made by Oro Valley (OV) residents, but rather primarily collects from those who stay in (OV) hotels and eat in OV restaurants. It does not affect our grocery or medication bills. This sales tax helped purchase a Community Center and Aquatic Center for the residents of Oro Valley, both of which are used by many OV residents. It also helped pay for the golf courses which services families of OV and helps draw non-residents to OV to spend their money here to golf. This sales tax needs to stay with the Community Center and the golf courses to pay for the necessary maintenance and upgrades that any facility requires. A lot of effort has gone into plans to revise and update the Community Center and bring it up to code. A lot of effort has gone into plans to redo the outdated irrigation of the courses. Those plans are useless unless they can be implemented. And you plan to take the money away??? While most recently you had to suspend the irrigation upgrade due to high costs? How does taking money away from this make any sense? I don't use many of the amenities Oro Valley pays for, but one of the reasons we moved here was BECAUSE of the amenities OV supports. Archery, swimming, walking paths, bike lanes, community parks, softball and soccer fields, etc. They are all important things to support for our residents. But please don't single out golf because you don't like golf. The courses have had over 60,000 rounds of golf played in the first 3 months of 2021— over half of those by non -golf club members. And the golf courses have a great junior golf program for OV teenagers and children. Don't believe the misleading rhetoric that the courses only support 300 OV residents. Please STOP trying to get rid of golf in OV. This has been reviewed and analyzed and has been determined to be a viable amenity. Support golf. Support the Community Center and foster these amenities to help them grow. Thank you, Charles & Diane Musick From: Karen Stinal To: Town Council Subject: Division of Half Cent Sales Tax Date: Sunday, April 18, 20215:20:43 PM Dear Mr. Mayor and Council, I have been a resident of Oro Valley since 2012 and a member of El Conquistador since 2013 Why are you trying to destroy the one amenity of Oro Valley which is MAKING money for the Town? The number of rounds of golf played have grown exponentially because of Covid 19 and introduced many new people to what an enjoyable sport golf is. Because they have been exposed to golf, they will continue to come back to play more rounds. Naranja Park, Steam Pump Ranch, the multiple trails and the Aquatic Center are also wonderful amenities of our town --but they cost money to maintain with little or no return on that investment. The previous town council that purchased the Community Center and golf courses understood that updates and improvements would need to be made --that is why they designated the half cent sales tax. It takes money to make money. Your siphoning off half of that money is an obvious ploy to try to make the golf courses fail. I also question your sincerity in getting the irrigation updated on the Conquistador course this summer. Expecting contractors to submit bids and start the work in less than three months' time is not realistic in today's world. No wonder the one company who did make an offer would do it at such a high price. When you're the only act in town, you can command your fee. This process should have been started six months ago! I am asking you to please support the Community Center and golf courses by continuing to designate the entire half cent sales tax to improvements of the facility. Thank you Karen Stingl From: Mina A Sadv To: Town Council Subject: 0.5% sales tax proposal Date: Sunday, April 18, 20217:08:13 AM Dear Mayor and Town Council, We greatly disapprove of your proposal to use the 0.5% sales tax for anything other than what it was put in place for: The golf courses and the Community Center. This tax does not affect many of the purchases made by Oro Valley (OV) residents, but rather primarily collects from those who stay in (OV) hotels and eat in OV restaurants. It does not affect our grocery or medication bills. This sales tax helped purchase a Community Center and Aquatic Center for the residents of Oro Valley, both of which are used by many OV residents. It also helped pay for the golf courses which services families of OV and helps draw non-residents to OV to spend their money here to golf. This sales tax needs to stay with the Community Center and the golf courses to pay for the necessary maintenance and upgrades that any facility requires. A lot of effort has gone into plans to revise and update the Community Center and bring it up to code. A lot of effort has gone into plans to redo the outdated irrigation of the courses. Those plans are useless unless they can be implemented. And you plan to take the money away??? While most recently you had to suspend the irrigation upgrade due to high costs? How does taking money away from this make any sense? We don't use many of the amenities Oro Valley pays for, but one of the reasons we moved here was BECAUSE of the amenities OV supports. Archery, swimming, walking paths, bike lanes, community parks, softball and soccer fields, etc. They are all important things to support for our residents. But please don't single out golf because you don't like golf. The courses have had over 60,000 rounds of golf played in the first 3 months of 2021— over half of those by non -golf club members. And the golf courses have a great junior golf program for OV teenagers and children. Don't believe the misleading rhetoric that the courses only support 300 OV residents. Please STOP trying to get rid of golf in OV. This has been reviewed and analyzed and has been determined to be a viable amenity. Support golf. Support the Community Center and foster these amenities to help them grow. Thank you, Mina and Stan Sady From: Dottie Watson To: Town Council Subject: Keep the golf course and re -do irrigation Date: Saturday, April 17, 20219:00:01 AM Hello, I have been snowbirding from Seattle area to Oro Valley the past couple years, staying here just shy of six months each time. I am a full-time member of EI Conquistador Golf. I plan to MOVE HERE PERMANENTLY this fall. Despite Covid- 19, the membership at EI Con continues to grow. It is a wonderful facility, the courses are in good shape and the revenue this year is far more than predicted —from both membership AND outside play. The citizens of OV voted for the % percent sales tax to fund the irrigation and other improvements that will bring even more members AND outside play. Please follow through with the citizens' directive. To move those funds elsewhere would be eggregious and in bad faith. Sincerely Dottie Watson Soon to be Oro Valley resident Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 1:26 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Golf course From: winterck Sent: Monday, April 19, 202111:40 AM To: Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Golf course DO NOT take money from golf course to give to parks department. We voted for the parks department a few years ago, they lost. This is just another way to go around the voters to get what the council wants. This is NOT what we the public want. This will be remembered come election time. I live along the sixth fairway. The course has been buiser then ever. Braden Monson Tax payer. Sent from my Galaxy Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 4:52 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Allocating sales tax funds to other recreation Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Good afternoon, Please see below for constituent comments. Sincerely, Diana Randall Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council From. Sent: Friday, April 16, 20218:43 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Allocating sales tax funds to other recreation Dear Councilmembers, I have been a resident of Oro Valley for more than 30 years. I raised a family here and hope to continue to live here into my retirement years. We have used all sorts of recreation facilities in the community; however, not once have we played a round of golf. We saw how few fields are available for practices, rundown facilities, lack of bathrooms and the list goes on. Why are the funds going for just a handful of people in the community? As a 30 -year taxpayer, I expect more from my town. Please consider spreading the tax revenue among all of us. Thank you for your time. Gail Roper Oro Valley resident Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 4:52 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Golf Course & Tax Good afternoon, Please see below for constituent comments. Sincerely, Diana Randall Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council -----Original Message ----- From: MARK WILSON Sent: Friday, April 16, 20216:55 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Golf Course & Tax I have worked in the golf industry for 40 years including involvement with the PGA's play golf initiatives (Get Golf Ready & Play Golf America), occupied senior management positions at a variety of golf club companies and traveled the world presenting technical seminars to golf organizations. Since the 2008 recession, golf was in a downward spiral for participation that was interrupted by the virus. Golf was one of the beneficiaries and has regained about 500,000 participants in the US. No one in the industry believes this will continue. We all understand golf will lose and not be able to replace some of the new golfers. Golf is after all, a very difficult and frustrating game to learn. The point of my email is if the town owned golf courses are not now making money (absent the ridiculous tax support) they NEVER will. I urge you to channel some of the excess tax revenue away from the community center and into programs that support a much broader segment of your residents. It would be tragic at some point in the future to look back and know every dollar collected from the tax increase had been poured into the same, deep hole. Mark Wilson, Resident of OV