The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutMinutes - Tourism Advisory Commission - 3/16/2026MINUTES ORO VALLEY TOURISM ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION March 16, 2026 ORO VALLEY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 11000 N. LA CAÑADA DRIVE REGULAR SESSION AT OR AFTER 4:00 PM CALL TO ORDER Chair D'Angelo called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Christopher DeSimone, Commissioner Malarie Puggioni, Commissioner Mark Van Buren, Vice Chair Tony D'Angelo, Chair Absent: Sasha Case, Commissioner Staff Present: Crystal Franke, Tourism Marketing Manager Paul Melcher, Community and Economic Development Director PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair D'Angelo led the commission and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. COUNCIL LIAISON COMMENTS Council Liaison Mary Murphy provided updates on business outreach efforts, the Transportation Art by Youth (TABY) public art along La Cholla, the Naranja multi-use path and the Northwest Recharge Recovery and Delivery System (NWRRDS) project. REPORTS ON CURRENT TOURISM EVENTS Commissioner DeSimone reported on a recently attended event, and Chair D'Angelo spoke regarding the status of the Performing Arts feasibility study. CALL TO AUDIENCE There were no speaker requests. REGULAR SESSION AGENDA 1.REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 23, 2026 SPECIAL SESSION MEETING MINUTES Motion by Vice Chair Mark Van Buren, seconded by Commissioner Christopher DeSimone to approve the March 16, 2026 Minutes, Tourism Advisory Commission 1 Motion by Vice Chair Mark Van Buren, seconded by Commissioner Christopher DeSimone to approve the meeting minutes as presented. Vote: 4 - 0 Carried 2.DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ORO VALLEY LODGING BED AND SALES TAX REVENUE UPDATE Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher provided a presentation that included tax collection through January 2026 (two months in arrears of collection/reporting), which indicates a 20% decrease year-to-date over the previous year. Discussion ensued among the commission and staff. 3.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE REVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF THE TOURISM ADVISORY COMMISSION Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher clarified this agenda item regarding open meeting law, and to memorialize the action taken at the February meeting. Mr. Melcher stated he is developing a report for both the Tourism Advisory Commission and Town Council that summarizes the actions/steps taken since separating from Visit Tucson. Discussion ensued among the commission and staff. Chair D'Angelo accepted a bluecard for public comment on this agenda item. Oro Valley resident Bill Rodman suggested the commission hold a study session to discuss their concerns. Further discussion continued among the commission and staff. Motion by Chair Tony D'Angelo, seconded by Commissioner Christopher DeSimone to have staff recommend to the Town Council that we have a future agenda item about the status of the relationship between the Town of Oro Valley and the El Conquistador and the Westward Look resort. Vote: 4 - 0 Carried 4.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE RANKINGS OF THE 20 LEISURE TRAVEL PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS Motion by Chair Tony D'Angelo, seconded by Commissioner Malarie Puggioni to recommend to the Town Council the amended rankings as provided during the Tourism Advisory Commission meeting and to have the total operating costs included in future reports of each recommendation. Vote: 4 - 0 Carried 5.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING TOURISM ADVISORY COMMISSION REVIEW OF THE DRAFT ORO VALLEY LEISURE TRAVEL PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher provided an update on the Draft Oro Valley Leisure Travel Plan recommendations, which now include the capital and operating expenses as requested at the February Tourism and Advisory Commission meeting. Mr. Melcher stated the commission could make any changes to their previous rankings now that the additional information is included. Discussion ensued among the commission and staff. March 16, 2026 Minutes, Tourism Advisory Commission 2 Motion by Commissioner Christopher DeSimone, seconded by Vice Chair Mark Van Buren to approve the rankings with the amended language to Ranking #1 to include sports tourism. Vote: 4 - 0 Carried Chair D'Angelo accepted a bluecard for public comment on this agenda item. Oro Valley resident Devon Sloan asked the commission to remember the historical nature of Steam Pump Ranch and perhaps include the historical society. Further discussion continued among the commission. 6.*DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE FY26-27 EXPLORE ORO VALLEY ANNUAL BUDGET Chair D'Angelo accepted a bluecard for public comment on this agenda item. Oro Valley resident Cynthia Lafferty spoke regarding ideas for better attendance at Town events. Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher provided a presentation that included the following: - General budget priorities - Year 1 general work plan Mr. Melcher explained the budget review process before presentation to Town Council for review and adoption. Discussion ensued among the commission and staff. Motion by Chair Tony D'Angelo, seconded by Commissioner Christopher DeSimone that the Tourism Advisory Commission approve the draft Explore OV draft budget as presented. Vote: 3 - 0 Carried Other:Chair Tony D'Angelo (ABSTAINING) ADJOURNMENT Motion by Vice Chair Mark Van Buren, seconded by Commissioner Malarie Puggioni to adjourn the meeting. Chair D'Angelo adjourned the meeting at 5:44 p.m. I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the regular session of the March 16, 2026 Minutes, Tourism Advisory Commission 3 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 Tourism Advisory Commission of Oro Valley, Arizona held on the 16th day of March 2026. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. ______________________________________ Jeanna Ancona Senior Office Specialist March 16, 2026 Minutes, Tourism Advisory Commission 4