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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPackets - Council Packets (1565)Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2021 12:32 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Half cent sale tax Good afternoon, Please see below for constituent comments. Sincerely, Diana Randall Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council From: Vickie Lehr < > Sent: Thursday, April 29, 202111:55 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Jacobs, Mary <mjacobs@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Half cent sale tax Dear Honorable Mayor Winfield, Town Council Members and Mary Jacobs, I am in favor of retaining the half cent sale tax dedicated to the golf courses and community center, at least until such time as the necessary capital improvements have been completed. It is logical that strictly from a "fairness" standpoint, non - golfers would want to see this money spread to all Park and Rec amenities. But what this segment of the population does not understand, because it has not been properly explained, is that the golf course property is unique. It is unique because it is the only Town amenity that is a revenue generator. Most of my friends are snowbirds who travel from all over the United States to live in Oro Valley for half of the year. These people rent or purchase properties, shop in our retail stores and eat in our restaurants. They have friends and family who come to visit, spend their money and fall in love with our Community, often times relocating here. This revenue is difficult to track; there is no balance sheet pointing to this money. But the Chamber of Commerce understands this concept and has been supportive of retaining and improving the golf properties. I believe that nobody moves to Oro Valley because of Naranja Park, the Aquatic Center, Steam Pump Ranch or any other ball park, as important as they are to our Town's citizens. People do move here because of EI Conquistador and Canada golf courses and community center. All of our Park and Rec properties have value to our citizens, and I support all of them. I just feel strongly that the golf courses offer the open space that citizens desire, provide critical exercise and socialization for all segments of our population and as mentioned earlier, provide an additional vital role as a revenue generator. If the golf courses and community center continue to age and degenerate without the critical capital improvements to keep them competitive, I fear the citizens of Oro Valley will find out too late, just how important this asset is to the entire Town. Again, I urge you to continue supporting the only amenity around which a good portion of the Town was built Thank you for your attention and for allowing me to voice my thoughts Sincerely, Vickie Lehr March 30, 2021 Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council Members and Town Manager: Before deciding to settle on Oro Valley as our winter home, we played golf at numerous golf courses in Florida, California and Arizona We rented a condo at Golf Villas for a month in 2001 and returned the following 3 years. While staying at the Golf Villas, we played golf every day as nonmembers at the El Conquistador courses. We enjoyed the layout of the two courses and the fact that we did not need to be members to be treated just like or better than those who were members. On several occasions we were paired with golfers who were El Con members... these people were most gracious and several times we joined them for drinks at their homes after golf. We decided to buy a home in Oro Valley near the golf courses. We became members at El Con and we've enjoyed living here each winter since 2005. In addition to playing golf, we have also enjoyed the many other amenities supported by the town, including our many multi -use walking paths, the Aquatic Center, the Fitness Center at the OV Community Center, Riverfront Park and Naranja Park. We do most of our shopping in Oro Valley, and we seldom go outside of the town when dining out. While the fairways and greens have not always been in the best shape (and at times were in terrible condition) that has changed. Under Troon/Indigo's management, the Canada and Conquistador courses are in the best shape since we started playing here in 2001. The dramatic improvement is attracting more and more outside play, including major group events. The golf management team has resurrected El Conquistador's courses and changed them into highly valuable recreational assets for Oro Valley. Golf revenues have steadily increased as "the word" has spread about the substantial improvement of the courses. We know there is pressure from various Oro Valley residents to reduce or eliminate town support for golf or to close one or both courses. One of the arguments is the claim that El Con is private and primarily for the members. Nothing could be further from the truth. Unlike private courses, where typically nonmembers may play only if playing with a member, nonmembers have always been welcome to play at El Con. Because El Con has two courses, even when there are member only events on one course the other course is available to nonmembers. Historically, the El Con golf courses have attracted home purchases in Oro Valley. We are a prime example of that. But with the uncertainty about the future of the golf courses, they will become less of an attraction for home shoppers. Moreover, there is no doubt that closure of one or both courses would create a highly adverse effect on existing home values in Oro Valley, especially those near the El Con golf courses. Even for non -golfers, the courses add to the attractiveness and feel of the town. Imagine driving down La Canada looking over the pond on hole #16 of the Canada course if the green eastward expanse has turned into dirt and the pond becomes a cesspool of brown sludge like the water on the Vistoso course. Proper maintenance of the green space will continue to be costly even without golf play. We know there are financial issues to consider, but we believe that just as the town supports the Aquatic Center and Riverfront & Naranja Parks it can and should be willing to provide reasonable financial support to its El Con municipal golf asset. As golf operations continue to improve, the need for that support should lessen in the future. In addition, costs resulting from golf course closures need to be considered: lost tax revenue from decreased property values, costs of maintaining the vacant land, loss of water revenue from irrigation, loss of revenue from both local and out of town golfing guests and tournament players who spend money in the town. Sincerely, 7p Donald L. and Bunny Johnson Oro Valley, AZ 85737 Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2021 2:54 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: It's time for the town of Oro Valley to OPEN BACK TO NORMAL! (; �<0 a(tcrn, "m. Please see below for constituent comments. Sin ccrcl c, Diana Randall Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council From: Elaine Scop Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 20212:03 PM To: Winfield, Joe <jwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov>; Town Council <council@arovalleyaz.gov>; Jacobs, Mary <mjacobs@orovalleyaz.gov>; Cornelison, Chris <ccornelison@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: It's time for the town of Oro Valley to OPEN BACK TO NORMAL! Thankfully we live in the greatest town ever, but enough is enough. We have followed the rules. The reported pandemic is over. Let's open up our town to shopping and dining and enjoying all the amenities Oro Valley has to offer. Especially in Sun City Oro Valley, where a minimum of 85% have been vaccinated. The children must go back to school full time in person. Since March of last year our children are suffering with mental problems, not to mention falling way back in their education. Our elderly have suffered from fear and from not being able to take care of their health and exercise as they did before these antiquated rules were put in place. We have had it with the unproven masks and social distancing rules. It has been extremely stressful and financially devastating. We do not believe the CDC anymore now than we did when this started. Please stand out as the town who didn't take the word of those politicians that want our whole country shut down. Please follow Florida and you will see our businesses boom, our home sales boom even more and happy Oro Valley faces with smiles instead of masks. If there is one town that would have the guts to do this, it should be Oro Valley, where beauty and freedom are our best assets. That is why we voted for this town council. Let's see if you will open up or follow the Pima County and Tucson losers who are happy the way it is. 1 Thank you, Elaine Scop Please remove my email address before forwarding.Thank you. Elaine Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Monday, May 10, 2021 8:24 AM To: Standish, Michael; Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Remarks from 5/5/2021 Council Meeting Good morning, Please see below for constituent comments. Sincerely, Diana Randall Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council From: Shirl LAMONNA < > Sent: Saturday, May 8, 202110:54 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Remarks from 5/5/2021 Council Meeting Dear Mayor Winfield and Council, I apologize for the poor sound quality of my remarks at the May 5th Council meeting. I am submitting my comments below, as requested by Mayor Winfield. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Shirl Lamonna I've lived here for the past 15 years & followed the tax issue since it began in 2014. Thank you for the excellent presentation tonight. I think it answered a lot of questions that people had. Unfortunately, I couldn't attend the last meeting but watched the video. I saw the concerns that people had with the item appearing on the Agenda without backup attachments. So I really appreciated when Mr. Rothschild explained why providing the backup would have been in violation of open meeting law. And that's exactly what happened in 2014 when we learned about the golf purchase for the 1st time — the agenda item had no attachments also. All that aside, the half -cent sales tax has generated $14M and it's all gone toward subsidizing the capital needs of golf and the Community Center. So I'm pleased that you've voted to broaden the use of the sales tax for additional uses, even though I don't use ANY of the Town's recreational facilities — except an occasional visit to the Farmers Market. The bottom line is: Since the Community Center Fund has increased beyond the original expectations required to subsidize golf and the Community Center, I think your timing is excellent to invest in some of the other high priority needs that were identified in the Parks survey. Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Friday, May 7, 2021 2:22 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: What are you doing and why? Good afternoon, Please see below for constituent comments. �inccrcic., Diana Randall I?Accutiac _assistant lo\N n Alenager, Mayor and Council From: B Heron < > Sent: Thursday, May 6, 20217:08 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: What are you doing and why? Toward the end of his State of the Union speech, President Obama quoted Abraham Lincoln: "government should do for people only what they cannot do better by themselves, and no more." Why does the city subsidize and compete directly with Oro Valley restaurants and area golf courses? None of which in my opinion are things that Oro Valley folks can't do for ourselves? 1 Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Thursday, May 6, 20214:30 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: PUSCH RIDGE GOLF COURSE Importance: High Good afternoon, Please see below for constituent comments. Sincerely, Diana Randall Executive assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council From: Sandy Carter e Sent: Thursday, May 6, 20214:17 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: PUSCH RIDGE GOLF COURSE Importance: High I understand you will be having a budget session tonight. I would like to offer my and many others' concerns: Ever since the City took control of the golf course very little, to nothing, has been done to "maintain" the course as the City was obligated to in the contract. In private practice had this happened, the company responsible for "maintaining" the course would have been fired. You have looked at the course a few months ago, and again today— not much better. Now you say there will be no pro shop. What type of an image do you intend to portray to the public? There is no reason that the current (former) shop could not be fixed up and re -opened. It will not take $1 million. Besides many of the "Friends of Pusch Ridge" have already volunteered their labor to bring it back to life. The original .5% sales tax was meant to take care of Pusch Ridge and the other two 18 hole golf courses. What has happened to that money? Obviously it was not used to "maintain" the course(s). Now you are looking to "spread" the use of the .5% tax money beyond what it was originally allocated for in perpetuity. Go ahead and get your bond for other City improvements as projected, but DON'T co -mingle those funds with the .5% tax money ear -marked for the golf courses and community center. At a previous City County meeting it was stated that there were plenty of funds — why not put them to work now? You mentioned that the course will be closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years — ridiculous!!! That is a true money -making time of year. When family members from out of state come to Arizona to warm up and be with relatives and friends, they want to go out and play golf! And, there was previous talk about increasing the number of carts. What happened to that? If you have more carts, you can put more players out on the course. Also, in the Spring and Fall, with longer daylight hours, extend the playing time from 7:30 a.m. to last cart out at 5:00 p.m. And lastly, why not play all summer with the extended hours like Pusch Ridge did several years ago. I remember watching golfers go by while eating dinner. You open the course, and they will come. We feel that has been a true bait and switch situation. You sold us a "bill of goods." The City should be held responsible for the full restoration of Pusch Ridge since they turned their back on us and left it to deteriorate. The funds that the HOA'S are offering up to assist should not be used for the restoration — only for maintenance in the future. However, again why are the HOA's offering up additional funds IF there are "sufficient funds" in the budget? Sandy Carter Oro Valley Homeowner Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Thursday, May 6, 2021 8:08 AM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Proposed Ordinance (0)21-05 Good morning, Please see below for constituent comments. Sincerely, Diana Randall Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council From: Niranjan Vescio < Sent: Wednesday, May 5, 20218:46 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: RE: Proposed Ordinance (0)21-05 Dear Mayor and Council, My previous email was sent before I even knew what would be said or presented tonight. This email is coming at you after the general session has concluded... and after eating some dinner. Thank you very much for the refreshing approach taken tonight in dealing with this rather contentious issue of the 0.5% sales tax. What you did tonight was provide some detail (a plan), albeit preliminary, which immediately erased some of the anxiety over how money would be used and where some people's priorities would be left. I did not see everything I hoped to see on the slides, but that's immaterial to my message tonight. As the Vice Mayor said, the ultimate allocation of the funds may not meet everyone's need, will not silence every voice, but as a voice for Pusch Ridge as I have been for a few months, not because I am avid golfer, but because I speak for those who are and for those who live adjacent to the Pusch Ridge, you offered people some hope by simply listing general line items that people could identify with. Just by doing that you made people feel included, rather than excluded. What I am is an avid youth soccer coach, and have been for 7 years as the Vice Mayor knows, and I am delighted we will have more fields and more space for practices and games. Naranja is a beautiful park. Some kids even think it might be mine. I started there with a U6 soccer team, and will return there with a U14 soccer team in the Fall. I could not be happier that we are investing in that park. My message for you tonight is a simple one I articulated in in a previous general session. A lack of transparency results in distrust and deep sense of insecurity. By giving people a look into your future, by sharing a vision most could identify with and by being transparent, you united constituents rather than divide them. Do more of this going forward and earlier on in the process. Congratulations on passing the Ordinance. Niranjan From: Niranjan Vescio Sent: Wednesday, May 5, 20213:32 PM To: council Porovalleyaz.gov Subject: Proposed Ordinance(0)21-05 Dear Mayor and Council, The council is on the verge of voting to broaden use of the 0.5% sales tax, i.e., the Community Center Fund. While I am not at all opposed to using the CC funds to serve the recreation interests of all residents (including Naranja Park where I have coached youth soccer for seven years), I am truly disappointed by the manner in which the proposed ordinance was introduced and presented for vote. By anyone's judgement, the CC Fund matter has been a controversial one, and we have only just concluded the debate over golf with the Mayor acknowledging that a sizeable fraction of OV residents want golf (golf placed 4th on the Q7 list of 30+ options in the survey). Wouldn't that survey response signal to the Council that high quality operation and maintenance of our golf assets are of paramount importance? Yet, there has been no clear historical accounting or forward-looking projections of how the CC funds were used and will be used, respectively. If $2.51M was collected each year for the past 4 years, how were those $10M used and were the original obligations met? We are now hearing that there may be excess funds. Excess beyond what anticipated base expenditure? And does that baseline expenditure cover operation of those assets at a level of quality that will support the increased resident use and the tourism our own Parks and Recreation director and bureaus continue to promote? A though fiscal analysis of CC fund seems like a prudent and responsible pre -requisite to a Council vote. And if that has been done, why not let the community know how those funds were spent and where they may go in the near future. After your vote to operate Pusch Ridge for three years, neighbors quickly organized a civic organization that has raised over $31K and is ready to help. But it's demoralizing to be reminded that Plan A will only include $85K of capital improvements this year and there is really no assurance now of any more significant capital investments going forward. It's truly hard to motivate HOA members to contribute cash, separately raise more funds through the "Friends" group and then roll up their sleeves and volunteer when there is so little certainty of significant investments towards restoration and improvement of the Pusch Ridge course. Please share with us your detailed plan for the CC funds going forward, and present it at a local hearing. We are not expecting to get everything we want, neither should anyone else. This is about due process, exhibiting transparency, demonstrating fiscal responsibility, making compromises, and doing right by all Oro Valley residents. Thank you. Sincerely, Niranjan Vescio OV Resident for 21 years Shadows of the Ridge HOA, Treasurer Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf, Chairman OV Youth Sport Coach Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Wednesday, May 5, 2021 3:59 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Proposed Ordinance (0)21-05 Good afternoon, Please see below for constituent comments. Sincerely, Diana Randall Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council From: Nirani.an Vescio Sent: Wednesday, May 5, 20213:32 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Proposed Ordinance (0)21-05 Dear Mayor and Council, The council is on the verge of voting to broaden use of the 0.5% sales tax, i.e., the Community Center Fund. While I am not at all opposed to using the CC funds to serve the recreation interests of all residents (including Naranja Park where I have coached youth soccer for seven years), I am truly disappointed by the manner in which the proposed ordinance was introduced and presented for vote. By anyone's judgement, the CC Fund matter has been a controversial one, and we have only just concluded the debate over golf with the Mayor acknowledging that a sizeable fraction of OV residents want golf (golf placed 4tn on the Q7 list of 30+ options in the survey). Wouldn't that survey response signal to the Council that high quality operation and maintenance of our golf assets are of paramount importance? Yet, there has been no clear historical accounting or forward-looking projections of how the CC funds were used and will be used, respectively. If $2.5M was collected each year for the past 4 years, how were those $10M used and were the original obligations met? We are now hearing that there may be excess funds. Excess beyond what anticipated base expenditure? And does that baseline expenditure cover operation of those assets at a level of quality that will support the increased resident use and the tourism our own Parks and Recreation director and bureaus continue to promote? A though fiscal analysis of CC fund seems like a prudent and responsible pre -requisite to a Council vote. And if that has been done, why not let the community know how those funds were spent and where they may go in the near future. After your vote to operate Pusch Ridge for three years, neighbors quickly organized a civic organization that has raised over $3K and is ready to help. But it's demoralizing to be reminded that Plan A will only include $85K of capital improvements this year and there is really no assurance now of any more significant capital investments going forward. It's truly hard to motivate HOA members to contribute cash, separately raise more funds through the "Friends" group and then roll up their sleeves and volunteer when there is so little certainty of significant investments towards restoration and improvement of the Pusch Ridge course. Please share with us your detailed plan for the CC funds going forward, and present it at a local hearing. We are not expecting to get everything we want, neither should anyone else. This is about due process, exhibiting transparency, demonstrating fiscal responsibility, making compromises, and doing right by all Oro Valley residents. Thank you. Sincerely, Niranjan Vescio OV Resident for 21 years Shadows of the Ridge HOA, Treasurer Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf, Chairman OV Youth Sport Coach Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Wednesday, May 5, 2021 4:07 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Pusch Ridge Golf Course Good afternoon, Please see below for constituent comments. Sincerely, Diana Randall Executive assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council From: JAN STAPLEMAN Sent: Wednesday, May 5, 20214:00 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Pusch Ridge Golf Course Dear Mayor and Council, I and my fellow members of the Pusch Ridge community need clarification about your intentions We were relieved and hopeful after you decided a couple of months ago to "restore" the Pusch Ridge Golf Course. But your sudden introduction of Ordinance (0)21-05 threatens to dilute funding for Oro Valley golf courses and leaves us wondering if you really plan to fund the much-needed improvements of the Pusch Ridge course, as you agreed to do. According to the town's 2020 survey, thirty percent of Oro Valley residents want golf courses, and Oro Valley respondents ranked golf courses fourth among facilities most important to them. Is the council planning to support the expressed needs and priorities of Oro Valley residents? It's time for the council to clarify to residents how it plans to apply the 0.5% TPT tax funds to fully support golf. We have heard that the mayor intends to cover operating expenses for the community center, tennis, and golf facilities, but what about the much-needed capital improvements that have been deferred far too long? We've also heard "pay as you go" is no longer necessary, so does that mean the council will bond to ensure the improvements are completed in a timely manner? If there are really excess 0.5% TPT tax funds, as the mayor has suggested, after the town has met existing commitments to preserve and improve the Pusch Ridge Golf Course, we support using excess funds for other projects residents want and need. We need clarity here, not obfuscation. You can settle a lot of concern and confusion with assurance that the council intends to meet existing needs before usurping funds for others. Sincerely, Jan Stapleman member of the Shadows of the Ridge HOA Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Tuesday, May 4, 20214:50 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: May 5, 2021 Agenda Items 4 and 5 re 1/2 cent sales tax Good afternoon, Please see below for comments. Sincerely, Diana Randall Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council From: Bill Rodman Sent: Tuesday, May 4, 20214:03 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: May 5, 2021 Agenda Items 4 and 5 re 1/2 cent sales tax Mayor and Council — Assuming you first be sure that the capital commitments to the Golf Courses and Community Center are completed, 1 suggest the following. If you vote to broaden the use of the .5% sales tax to any Parks and Recreation Program or Facility, I ask that you consider removing the restriction on the Golf Courses and Community Center that does not allow use of any funds other than Community Center Fund for their operation, facilities and capital improvements. With this artificial restriction, you would continue limiting funding for the Golf, Tennis and Community Center but expand the possible revenue for the rest of the Parks and Rec programs and facilities by taking dollars from the Community Center Fund. I suggest that your motion should merge the Community Center Fund into the General Fund and all Parks and Rec programs and facilities, including golf, tennis and Community Center be included with the rest of the Parks and Rec program and facilities. I think the reasons for the limitation have are no longer valid. If you do as I suggest, all Parks and Rec will be funded thru the General Fund budget process each year as is normally the case in other municipalities. It will, also, send the signal that the battle over golf is truly over, it will not pitch residents against each other, and they will all be considered based on their needs and priority in each annual budget. Of course the Golf Courses and Community Center would still be tracked in the financial repots just like other Parks and Rec like the Aquatic Center and others. Thank you for your consideration. Bill Rodman Bill Rodman Oro Valley, AZ 85755-9180 Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Tuesday, May 4, 2021 10:31 AM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: Letter Regarding Half -Cent Sales Tax Ordinance Attachments: Letter to the Mayor and Council 5.4.19.docx From: Michael Schoeppach Sent: Tuesday, May 4, 202110:23 AM To: Winfield, Joe <jwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov>; Barrett, Melanie <mbarrett@orovalleyaz.gov>; Solomon, Steve <ssolomon@orovalleyaz.gov>; Nicolson, Josh <jnicolson@orovalleyaz.gov>; Jones -Ivey, Joyce <jjones- ivey@orovalleyaz.gov>; hgreen@orovalleyaz.gov; Bohen, Timothy <tbohen@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Jacobs, Mary <mjacobs@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Letter Regarding Half -Cent Sales Tax Ordinance Mayor Winfield and Members of the Council, Please find attached a letter from me regarding tomorrow's Council meeting and the issue identified above. I would appreciate your attention to this letter prior to taking action on this issue. Thank you for taking the time to read my comments, and please feel free to contact me should you have any questions regarding this matter. Respectfully, Mike Schoeppach, President EI Conquistador Men's Golf Association Mayor Winfield and Members of the Council: As most of you know, I was personally involved during 2019 to insure the Town retained 36 holes of golf at the Community Center. That was finally accomplished in 2019 at Council Meetings in October, culminating at the meeting on November 20, 2019, when the Council directed 36 holes of golf would be maintained, and that all golf and Community Center capital improvements had to be accomplished on a "pay-as-you-go" basis. In my opinion, your actions putting forward changing the half -cent sales tax and its future use has served to divide the community, yet again. Citizens don't understand what your intentions in that regard really are. A process for review is being used that limits discussion through the use of the Zoom platform, whereby citizens can't appear in person and respond directly to you and their fellow citizens in a meaningful manner. For example, I was on Zoom observing the Council Meeting process on Wednesday, April 21, and was prepared to speak to the issue. Unfortunately, at about 10:00 pm, the battery in the tablet I use for Zoom meetings died after four hours, and I was never called to address the Council. Further, no staff reports associated with these agenda items have been presented, which simply further clouds your intentions regarding these two agenda items. As a result, we were expected to respond to these items through the public hearing process before knowing your intentions. Frankly, you received citizen testimony in what amounts to a vacuum. This has led to a situation where people are assuming the choice before them is to support golf and the Community Center; or children, parks, playfields and Steam Pump Ranch. That is doing the entire community a disservice. I happen to believe most of us think it's very possible and necessary to support all of those things. You know exactly how to structure an authentic public process. Most recently you did it with respect the Westward Look Annexation issue. You've done it in the past regarding a variety of issues. Here's how it looks. Options are developed and openly reviewed by staff and stakeholders, together with their consequences and impacts. A discussion of the various options are conducted by the Council at a public study session. Then, a Public Hearing, or series of them, are conducted in a context where citizens understand what the intentions regarding the issues are. As a result of such a process, decisions are made by the Council that have taken into consideration expert advice, authentic input for stakeholders and citizens, and discussion among all Members of the Council. That's a fair process. It's what you should be doing now, before making these decisions. Obviously, however, that's not the process we're currently engaged in, and that's creating unnecessary conflict in our Community. I believe you can and must do better than that. However, it has become clear that you are not going to engage in an authentic public process. Instead, I am convinced you will act to modify the existing Ordinance governing the half -cent sales tax revenue. If I am correct and that is your intention, then as part of that process I believe you have an obligation to implement the following as part of your actions: • Sales Tax revenue can be dedicated to all recreational needs, to include golf and the Community Center; • Operational expenses for all golf, tennis, and community center needs must be covered, first, with the half -cent sales tax revenues; • Funds in excess of the above may be allocated to Naranja park/Community Center/golf/tennis/Steam Pump Ranch/Amphi Schools partnerships/other multiuse needs; • The HOA Agreements (implementation of the irrigation replacement on the Conquistador and Canada Courses) must be fulfilled; • Excess funds will be made available for bonding capital improvement projects; • "Pay as you go" will no longer be required for the golf courses and Community Center; • It must be recognized that 20% of the community in the Parks & Rec survey favored golf, and all metrics placed on golf in 2019 have been met; and, • The proposed budget for next year must include the irrigation projects for both courses and funding for all operational costs for all golf, Community Center and tennis facilities. If you do not agree that the above parameters must be included as part of your actions, then the only conclusion one could draw is that your real intentions are to undermine the current and future success of the golf operation and the Community Center. That would be a violation of the commitments the majority of you made in 2019, violate the provisions of the Agreement the Town has with the HOA's, and make a mockery of the dedicated work many people have accomplished to make the golf courses and Community Center a success. Respectfully, Michael Schoeppach, President El Conquistador Men's Golf Association Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, May 3, 2021 3:35 PM To: Stine, Michelle Subject: FW: CSDP Letter re Mayor and Council May 4 Item: Resolution No. (R)21-17 Attachments: 2021 05 CSDP Letter to OV Town Council_ in support of funding final fencing.pdf From: Carolyn Campbell <, Sent: Monday, May 3, 20213:20 PM To: Standish, Michael <mstandish@orovalley.net> Cc: Keesler, Paul <PKeesler@orovalley.net>; Jim Degrood - ,. Subject: CSDP Letter re Mayor and Council May 4 Item: Resolution No. (R)21-17 Mr. Clerk, Please see attached for distribution to the Mayor and Council. Thank you. Carolyn Campbell Carolyn Campbell Executive Director Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection *please note new Suite number* Tucson, AZ 85705 (office); (cell) `**CURRENTLY WORKING REMOTELY' www.sonoran desert.ore Pronouns: She/her/hers Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection Tucson, Arizona 85705 I Arizona Center for L %s May 3, 2021 in the Public Interest Dear Mayor Winfield and Councilmembers, Arizona Native Plant Mayor Joe Winfield and Councilmembers Society Town Council of Oro Valley Bat Conservation 11000 N. La Canada Dr. InternationalOro Valley, AZ 85737 (auabel Conservation the Regional Transportation Authority of Pima County and the Town of Oro Valley for Association Center for Biological RE: Resolution No. (R)21-17, authorizing and approving an Intergovernmental Diversity Agreement (IGA) between the Regional Transportation Authority of Pima County (enter or Environmental and the Town of Oro Valley for funding of construction of improvements to Oracle Ethics Ethics Defenders of Wildlife Road wildlife fencing Desert Watch Environmental Law Dear Mayor Winfield and Councilmembers, Society Friends of(abeza Prieta This is a letter of a support for Resolution No. (R) 21-17 on your May 5, 2021 agenda. Friends of Ironwood Forest This resolution will authorize and approve an Intergovernmental Agreement between Friends of Madera Canyon the Regional Transportation Authority of Pima County and the Town of Oro Valley for Friends of Saguaro National Park funding of construction of improvements to the Oracle Road wildlife fencing. Friends of Tortolita Gates Pass Area The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection is a longtime partner in this project. We Neighborhood Association are very pleased that the Town and RTA came together to implement this solution to Genius Lai Foundation wildlife fencing gaps that is acceptable to the residents and homeowner's association Native Seeds/SEARCH in the adjacent neighborhood. This solution will resolve the problem of gaps in the Protect Land and wildlife fence near the wildlife underpass and thus make Oracle Road even safer for Neighborhoods both people and wildlife. Safford Peak Watershed Education Team Save the Scenic Santa Rilas We look forward to continued partnership with the Town of Oro Valley in the future. Sierra Club - Grand Canyon Chapter Thank you again. Sierra Club - Rincon Group Sky Island Alliance Society for Ecological Sincerely, Restoration //////,��y.� Southwestern Biological t.(fq Institute CarolyrYCampb II Tortolita Homeowners Association Executive Director Tucson Audubon Society Tucson Herpetological Cc: Paul Keesler, Town of Oro Valley Society Jim DeGrood, Regional Transportation Authority Tucson Mountains Association Wildlands Network Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Monday, May 3, 2021 10:16 AM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Half cent sale tax Good morning, Please see below for constituent comments. Sincerely, Diana Randall Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council From: Vickie Lehr <t Sent: Sunday, May 2, 20212:57 PM To: Greene, Harry <hgreene@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Jacobs, Mary <mjacobs@orovalleyaz.gov>; Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: RE: Half cent sale tax Dear Council Member Greene (Mo), Thank you for your response to my letter addressed to the entire Council. Although you were the only Council member who responded, it is my great hope that my words were read and heard by all. My husband and I have lived on the Conquistador golf course for five years, and quite frankly my husband and I grow weary of the continual misinformation being spread about the golf course properties. The last vote the Council took to retain all 36 holes of golf and to renovate the Community Center, gave all of us some measure of confidence that the question of the value of the courses to the Town had been settled. But, bringing up the half cent sale tax just adds more oxygen to the fire, just when it was starting to die down. The courses are not in good shape; it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain tee times; the golf rounds are slow due to the sheer number of people on the course; adding punch card access to the driving range has limited the opportunity to practice and overusing results in no grass on the range; access to parking is almost impossible during the greater share of the day; the restaurant is woefully under -staffed ensuing in slow service to the point people are reluctant to place orders; due to Covid, we haven't been able to use the pool or work-out area for a year (understandable but frustrating). All of the fore- mentioned conditions exist in the same climate which sees our membership dues continue to climb and our HOA contributions increase to help offset golf course costs. Since there are no golfing members on the Town Council, I felt it my civic responsibility to let you know what the members are experiencing. At some point, one has to question the value of services versus cost. If the Town Council believes a fully public course is more sustainable, it should have Ms. Jacobs run projections and then make a decision to go that direction, instead of just implementing poor decisions and practices that will ultimately and passively result in the same outcome. Continuing to undermine the success of the golf course property is causing the Council to lose all credibility in the voting eyes of the golfing membership. Again, thanks for hearing my frustrations and concerns. Best of luck in retaining this valuable gem in the Heart of Oro Valley. Vickie Lehr Stine, Michelle From: Standish, Michael Sent: Monday, April 26, 2021 9:54 AM To: Stine, Michelle; Perez, Patricia Subject: FW: Revised Budget Adoption Schedule Fyi, this is the latest and greatest. We're still waiting on the VM's response though. Thank you. Mike From: Winfield, Joe <jwinfield@orovalleyaz.gov> Sent: Monday, April 26, 20219:49 AM To: Jacobs, Mary <mjacobs@orovalleyaz.gov>; Barrett, Melanie <mbarrett@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Cornelison, Chris <ccornelison@orovalleyaz.gov>; Gephart, David <dgephart@orovalleyaz.gov>; Standish, Michael <mstandish@orova lleyaz.gov> Subject: RE: Revised Budget Adoption Schedule I approve. Joseph C. Winfield, Mayor Town of Oro Valley 11000 N. La Canada Dr. Oro Valley, AZ 85737 520-229-4700 www.orovalleyaz.xov All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. From: Jacobs, Mary <miacobs@orovallevaz.eov> Sent: Friday, April 23, 20213:49 PM To: Barrett, Melanie <mbarrett@orovalleyaz.gov>; Winfield, Joe <iwinfield@orovallevaz.eov> Cc: Cornelison, Chris<ccornelisonCa@orovallevaz.eov>; Gephart, David <deeohart@orovallevaz.aov>; Standish, Michael <msta nd ish @orova I leva z.gov> Subject: Revised Budget Adoption Schedule Mayor and Vice Mayor, With the continuation of several meaty items to the May 5 agenda, it seems posting a budget study session for after that regular session is not feasible. I spoke to you both about potentially adding another meeting that week, but understand that three in a row makes for a demanding week. Josh's schedule is very erratic at the moment, but he works to keep Wednesday evenings available (pending last minute changes like this past week). Based on these issues, we are recommending a change to the budget adoption schedule that will allow for a second study session later in May. I would like your approval so that we can notify Council and department directors early next week and get all schedules firmed up. Thursday, May 6 — Budget Study Session #1 May 19 regular meeting —Shortened Budget Study Session #2 to review CIP projects and possibly one or two other issues (several department heads are out of town the following week) Wednesday, May 26 — Budget Study Session #3 June 2 regular meeting —available for further study session only if needed June 16 regular meeting —Tentative Budget adoption July 7 regular meeting—final budget adoption This revised schedule will also give us a little extra time to wrap up the 5 -year forecast once the Town Council provides direction on the half -cent sales tax matter and to fine tune projections/expenditures for the Westward Look. The forecast will be presented with the Tentative Budget adoption on June 16. With your concurrence as the Agenda Committee, we will finalize the schedule make appropriate notifications/arrangements. Thanks, Mary Mary Jacobs, Town Manager Town of Oro Valley 11000 N. La Ca"nada Dr. Oro Valley, AZ 85737 520-229-4725 www.orovallevaz.gov All messages created in this system should be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (A. R.S. 39-121) with no expectation of privacy related to the use of this technology. Stine, Michelle From: Randall, Diana Sent: Monday, April 26, 2021 8:24 AM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael Subject: FW: Keep the Sales tax for golf and Community Center Rec Good morning, Please see below for constituent comments. Sincerely, Diana Randall Executive Assistant Town Manager, Mayor and Council -----Original Message ----- From: Jane Shurtleff a Sent: Saturday, April 24, 20217:47 AM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Cc: Jane Shurtleff Subject: Keep the Sales tax for golf and Community Center Rec Dear OV Council Members, If you hadn't noticed, for the last year and a half the community golf courses and Community Center courts and pool have been packed. They have been this Town's and its people's saving grace during this horrible pandemic, and that extends to all the other people who have come to to play there throughout the state. At one point, the golf course was running out of golf carts it was so busy. I overheard an out-of-town golfer say, "What type of Town let's that happen?" All I could think to say was "One who doesn't understand what its people really want." He replied, "Then vote them out." But isn't the right answer that you all really listen and learn from the obvious ... your Community wants to continue to fund the golf courses and Community Center for success. Diverting funds to other recreation areas until we have finished the necessary improvements to the courses and Center is not a recipe for success. Please follow through on your promise to restore this most used facility in Town to where it needs to be for today's and future generations. Thank you, Jane Shurtleff