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Home My WebLink AboutPackets - Council Packets (2038)Stine, Michelle From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, IN[avor and Council Town of Oro Valley Direct Line: 520-229-4714 Sirois, Andrea Thursday, April 16, 2026 11:11 AM Ancona, Jeanna; Standish, Michael; Stine, Michelle FW: Argument FOR the Text Amendment to the Sun City Oro Valley's Lion's Head Fountain LHF letter.pdf; SCOV Fountain Presentation April 2026,pdf Follow up Flagged From: Clare Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2026 10:59 AM To: Ask <ask@orovalleyaz.gov>; Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Re: Argument FOR the Text Amendment to the Sun City Oro Valley's Lion's Head Fountain WARNING: External Sender. Read Carefully. Report phishing. To the Town Council Members of Oro Valley: Our Sun City Oro Valley's Lion's Head Water Fountain needs a Town Council supporting vote in order to reinstate it via a PAD zoning text amendment. Its maintenance was neglected to complete disrepair by our previous General Manager (by no fault of the residents). He shut it down beyond our 6 month's non -operational allowance, upon where we lost our 'nonconforming legal use (grandfathered) status' to have a running fountain. There is a smaller version of its design being proposed for renovation by the Sun City Fountain Task Force, created in order to warrant a positive Council vote due to less water volume at 2.300 gallons (recommended by the Town Staff). The other option is to restore it to its former glory in size and scale at 6,000 gallons, costing us less money allowing us to afford installing a rainwater harvesting system. Both designs save so much on city water use, especially through its proposed rainwater tank. Both designs use far less water per year than an average Oro Valley household (even without the rainwater tank). Some view fountains as visual water -wasters, but the logical criteria in this case ought to be: How much water does it actually consume? Also note that installing the rainwater tank can serve as a visual model of water conservation. To allow us to restore our fountain in each of the two ways, perhaps with the stipulation of erecting the rainwater harvesting system, would be ideal. It was not the resident's doing to ruin one of our main property assets, indirectly affecting our home equity values. but a faulty General Manager. Hence, the dues paying homeowners deserve the right to make the decision on which way to restore their existing asset. As a second generation homeowner of Sun City Oro Valley, I ask you to support the revitalization of our historic fountain. Del Webb's intention in establishing the fountain was to provide a comforting and relaxing reprieve from the desert climate for senior retirees to gather within the community. It was a magnificent and unique element to us as well as to the town of Oro Valley, as residents from other neighborhoods also had come to enjoy it. More information on this project is provided in the attached Task Force's detailed presentation and my letter of argument asking for your support. (Please read it.) Anything you can do to help our cause is much appreciated. Thank you for your service, - Clare clare scarpulla,ADG1800 i areSdesi n.com 323.633.3747 2 To: Oro Valley Town Council Date: April 16, 2026 Re: Sun City Oro Valley's Lion's Head Fountain - PAD Text Amendment - Argument to Restore the Fountain As Built by Del Webb to Include a Rainwater Harvesting System I am a second generation resident of Sun City Oro Valley and can relay some of its history, having been a witness since 1995. Del Webb planned the retirement community around 1982, but it did not become annexed to the town until 1987. It was situated amongst open remote land, adjacent to AZ State Trust Land. At the time my parents moved into their unobstructed mountain view house in 1996, Sun City was the only newly built neighborhood in the entire area. They were pioneers living in "the boonies", as we used to describe them. Del Webb styled the complex with Santa Barbara architectural features to provide character and uniqueness to Oro Valley. The most dramatic element Del Webb designed for the community, besides the 30 foot high Santa Barbara Clock Tower, was the Lion's Head Fountain, constructed in 1991. He wanted to bring the rarity of refreshing flowing water to our dry, land locked desert region for its relaxing and comforting benefits to seniors. The fountain was a magnificent home selling feature as well, but later became an iconic trademark for Sun City Oro Valley. It was enjoyed for decades by residents and their families especially at sunset. It grew to be a tradition to gather around it with portable lawn chairs, to listen to the moving, spurting water, while the sun went down. The fountain had always proudly been maintained pristinely by our Operations Department. Unfortunately, later we acquired a new General Manager who during the pandemic years felt the fountain didn't need to be maintained or utilized. It had been closed for a short duration during a renovation project to a nearby building, but he saw no reason to resurrect it. He let it go to a disgusting point of rot and disrepair, thus destroying and devaluing one of the community's main property assets (thus indirectly devaluing our house equity values as well). It sat unused for several years. Unbeknownst to residents, the fountain went beyond the 2011 Oro Valley 6 month non -operational limit, causing its 'nonconforming legal use status' and its grandfathered position to become invalidated. It now needs a PAD zoning text amendment approval by the Town Council in order to get it running once again for the community. After much feedback and protest from residents, a'Lion's Head Fountain Task Force' was thankfully formed to undertake the long and arduous task to restore and refurbish the fountain. They took into consideration its water usage, and brought into its design modern day rainwater harvesting components to save on city water use. They were recommended to reduce the scale of the fountain, in hopes the Town Council would approve its revival by lessening the water volume within its overall footprint. This redesign has reduced the amount of water it holds to only 2,343 gallons from 6,872. With its rainwater tank it would use 97% LESS water than an average Oro Valley household uses in a year! The newly devised rainwater harvesting system built in conjunction with the fountain, can function as a forward thinking model. It would foster a valid conservation technique to inspire alternative solutions for water use. To assure the tank is filled, note that our region still receives the same amount of rainfall as previous years, but now more so in varying times throughout the year. "Arizona has experienced significant fluctuations in annual rainfall, with some years recording extremely low precipitation, such as the driest year since 1895 in 2023. However, recent seasons, like the fall of 2025, have seen record -breaking rainfall, indicating variability in weather patterns"— Univ. ofAZ As a retired environmental designer, I do not believe the fountain needs to be reduced in size SO drastically. I, as others, would really prefer to see it restored to its FULL former historic glory, in order to serve our retired senior residents just as it had been intended by Del Webb. Retaining its original layout will cost less to refurbish on a construction basis, allowing us the funds to install the approximate $20K rainwater system. With the new water harvesting plan, the original fountain design would use 30% LESS water than a typical Oro Valley home uses in a year. This still is minute in comparison to other typical water uses and features among the township. Even though fountains are psychologically viewed to some as visual water -wasters, the criteria in our case ought to logically consider how much water the fountain actually consumes. That ought to be the determining factor in approving its restoration, not the unintended loss of its grandfathered position per the 2011 amendment to the town's water code. As stated, its above ground rainwater tank would function as a water saving solution as well as a visual marker and symbol of water conservation. Del Webb's intention in establishing the fountain was to provide a soothing reprieve from the desert climate for seniors and families to gather within the community. It was an impressive, unique and valuable feature to us as well as to the town of Oro Valley itself, as residents from other neighborhoods also often came to experience and enjoy it. I hope the Town Council understands the importance and property asset value of the Lion's Head Fountain to the community's retirees, and votes to have it reestablished as proposed. BUT, I also hope the Town Council agrees to the option to restore it to its original lavout, as well (perhaps with the stipulation that the rainwater harvesting system is installed. This will permit the restoration design plan to be at the discretion of the dues paying homeowners and its budget parameters. The amount of support the community has already shown (for resurrecting the fountain as it was originally designed) has met with a typical Sun City Oro Valley voting quorum amount. The homeowners ought to be permitted the choice between the two options, as the grandfathered fountain was destroyed by no fault of their own. I plead for your support for the reinstatement of our fountain. I personally hope you understand it deserves to be restored to Del Webb's original, historic design and ask that you allow the rebuilding of both design options presented by our Task Force. Thank you. Signed, Clare Scarpulla, Sun City Oro Valley Resident, Retired EnvironmentallArchitectural/Interior Designer ��i�i AllE`/ J 12026 Sun City Oro Valley (SCOV) Plaza Lion Head Fountain Phofa cnurrrsy of CDeWiA; Sun City Oro Valley Plaza: 1495 E Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Parcel #22301002G Lion Head Fountain Location or i<ancno vistoso tjiva. Lion Head Fountain Setting ✓ Protected on three sides by structures and landscaping ✓ Six Mature shade trees in a line to the southwest of the fountain ✓ Four palm trees and one deciduous tree within 6-10' of the fountain roots causing structural damage History of the Lion Head Fountain For over three decades, the Lion Head Fountain served as a meaningful and cherished feature of the SCOV community. Its presence contributed to the character of the space and provided a place for residents to gather and connect. Unfortunately, due to construction on an adjacent building, the fountain remained shut down for a period exceeding six months, resulting in the unintended loss of its "legal non -conforming" status. A task force was created to gather input from SCOV residents, research, redesign the fountain with a focus on water conservation, and obtain approval from the Town of Oro Valley for a text amendment. Here's what we found... Homeowner Community Outreach • Community outreach notices emails, magazine, social media, website, info tables • Held over 20 open resident meetings to collect input information and discussion • Signatures and opinions also collected via email, paper forms, JotForm platform Overwhelming Positive Results: (as of January 1, 2026) Residents Households Total Responses 988 680 Support Signatures 917 (93%) 616 (91%) Opposition Signatures/Email 71 (7%) 64 (9%) Alf forms have been cross-checked and duplicates removed. Final results are available in Excel format, with digital and paper backup. Summary of Supporting Opinions: • Good focal point for outdoor use • Enjoyment of water and birds • Missing the sight and sound of fountain • SCOV historical landmark • Keep original size Summary of Opposing Opinions: 4N* • Waste of water • Plant a garden • Money should be used for something else Lion Head Fountain Redesign & Improvements u u _ Design Structure: n ✓ r---------- i—� 60%reduction in surface 735 u it ,i r=====_==zA 11 vs. 290sf. 33.2" II ✓ 66% reduction in water volume I II @'roOvr DMunlonolol�ooeloonpWwMY � �� J Z343 vs. 6,872 gal. capacity II �1.3 21a•✓Rounded corners less 170 r° I L — _ = J maintenance L ✓ Fully resurfaced no leaks Raised Basin FloorwilhS'thick walls ✓ ADACOm compliant Bash Area • 290 sf p (60% smaller than the original basin) I AY g water depth = 13' 21'63/4, Water [onwmrthanori gallons Equipment & Function: (86% less water thanaginalbasn) � 5'•012". ■ • 4•-n to r ✓ Smart control re-. rmmmable 12'•5" n F 33.2• g 3'-10 TMoawod astanos to taco ofwaYYWt m to ,T Existing Basin Floorwdh5'thick walls BasinArea= 735sl Avg water depth = 15" Water volume = 6.012 oallons p g pump, w/variable speed only 1 pump needed C'+ 4 ✓ Skimmer ✓ Filter ✓ Closed -loop system recycles water ✓ Manual fill no overfill 0 Lion Head Fountain Water Volume Comparison Original Fountain vs. Redesigned Fountain (gallons) h .. 72 66% reduction in �I water volume Original Fountain Redesigned Fountain 41 Rainwater Harvesting rainwater Supplement Option storage tank p+m Roof win wx.r e. •,otx.a w.m .om.la Aii, 1$qR cCMER 9upWltrrental &atap. tanM R Vi.nU r, fat.t .tvtll0 r+ nW+l.i ol. (I na.q.tl7 n.p.tl M....l I"p..+l"tl ' f lion li••0 FaopUln `� W.rl. Impact: No Own Reu,aobte• • Saves approx. 13,484 gallons per year of water • Saves approx. $121 per year on water cost • Installation cost ranges from $11,700 to $2S,700 tank original spigot/hose spigot/ho. rain gutter collection system 1 Features: • Sealed tank system • Top up fountain water from tank manually • 1" of rain = approx. 1,271 gallons of water per Z040 sq ft roof area See "Reference Data: OV Household Water Usage" and "Reference Data: Fountain Water Usage and Evaporation" Water Usage Comparison includes fountain water evaporation Average Monthly Oro Valley Single Household Use vs. Fountain Use (gallons) v OV Household (monthly) o Original Fountain ■ Redesigned Fountain Redesigned w/Rainwater Tank See "Reference Data: OV Household Water Usage" and "Reference Data: Fountain Water Usage and Evaporation" D Additional Water Savings flans ✓ Reduce irrigation water use by removing four non -compliant palms and one deciduous tree, nearest to fountain ✓ Reduce irrigation water use by removing other non -compliant plants and replacing them with plants from the TOV recommended plant list 'fir �►' � �7_T� In Summary The Lion Head Fountain is not simply an ornamental feature —it is a meaningful part of SCOV's identity and history, one that residents deeply value and wish to preserve. Its presence has long contributed to a sense of place, community pride, and shared enjoyment. We recognize the importance of responsible water use. In response, as good stewards, we have developed a thoughtfully redesigned plan that will dramatically reduce water consumption while maintaining the fountain's visual and communal benefits. This proposal reflects a balanced approach —honoring our past while embracing sustainable practices for the future. With these very significant water saving improvements in mind, we respectfully request your positive recommendation to approve our proposed site -specific text amendment. Approval of our proposed text amendment will allow the Lion Head Fountain to continue its historic role of serving our SCOV community as a welcoming focal point for the adjacent outdoor gathering space, enhancing the daily life for our residents, while supporting community interaction and celebration. Approval also preserves a cherished landmark while demonstrating a clear commitment to water conservation, aligning with the values of our residents and the broader goal of responsible resource management. We thank you for this opportunity and your consideration. Reference Data: Fountain Water Cost Analysis FOUNTAIN WATER COST ANALYSIS - WITH A WITHOUT WATER HARVESTING Redesigned fountain w/o water harvesting uses 1.320 gallonr✓mnnlh Redesigned fountain with water harvesthig ages 197 gallonWmonth 0V PotaUg water cost (Source: Oro Valley Water Ulility) monthly base rate 23.31 + tusage charge (2 2 $3.02) 6.04 per 1,000 gallons 0.00604 per gallon + grousmd water fee (2 -3 1.00) 2.00 per 1,000 gallons 0.002 per gallon + AZ utility sales tax 0.04 + salty tax 0.061 + superhnd tax (24.0065) 0.013 + Sewer Fee 1339 + Sewer fee (2 4 $4.997) 9.994 Slormwater fee 4.50 Water Ground Utility Super Storm Base Usage Water Sales Sales fund Sewer Sewer water Monlhly Aienal Hale Cha m E= Ins TM Ins Ego Fu E= QWt Caal RWd 1911ed IOlntain w/o water harvesting 7J.31 7.97 2.64 1.36 OAD 0.30 1339 9.99 4.50 83.95 767.44 Redosignedlountainwithwater harvesling 23.31 1.19 0.39 1.00 0.07 0.02 1339 9.99 4.50 53.06 64634 Cost saving with water harvesting 10.09 121.10 We have quote of $11,706 - $25,921 to install a water harvesting system. Reference Data: Lion Head Fountain Water Usage and Evaporation Oft"441L UON HUD15 POUNTANI - UTR 4 30 EVAPORATION Lbn. Wed 001Y1 b.a 175 1pUbslNl 1 cu n W wear_ 71e 0.1y Temr F.c- 0m Tuwon •AyunW LrmlrMeO PM.nb' AWmJm' Tuc.en TPpen F-M 1Aa.ilwn• r r.My 0l waln » W Cuhk N. 6Ykn. v' of wa;a w01ar OrIUn. N vyew wapya1101 POre'ea waeor.lrn wnponlM a(u:w1L w.POrNO -A �sailtl luexNt fIDmth .Im ].e Sae o:o )In I,ee2 "On Mr � 5 e.2a o 5) S.e) x.95e Aln eJ e.ae OBr e.c] S.eW L1AI 10.9 10 +0 06] 0.72 a,7B+ �y n.a Ina n91 eel e.Du JJ in I I J] a N 100 5 190 Av0 10.5 10 Do I" "I ap 19 Sp BB 9.15 0.70 127 3,e70 On 10 e n 0 5e 1115 3.070 Nw aB Ja, 0.30 2BI "I" D.3.1 2VE U.2,, 1.00 1.20] Tn1N Yee, 91.65 7.30 5J.e3 40.155 M-M, warays.-.,w way 3440 M.Mmy..0 Mmlrny A-" M11r U.. by (7V Mu. hmly Ivyn. - 7,500 Mbrt Mminy µsops Wan UN M apvW temleM U e1t or Avu Weln ' S.- C-JM ,, -Er.Panlwn F- Cl- W.Nn n ArUex,s', U- N Mon. ••M.- Om V.11ry WayUMy+ny,M MIOPOGW LIOW NM VOIMAM• UTUMU AVAPORAT1ON Lbn M.N bIPn.IN 290 .Au.'r rrl AN YMreNN 13 1, /W1 w,nr 2.313 palm. 1 can Nwa4r. 11e Oabro TuNJvI E.n F.ca' O TO ' MNn Aarlw n.n, Yonglra Pnr.a. M..I.v.n Tuom Oa4nN Paune.l� M.nsW» i nw. N wnr nc�» N Cube I..t d war w.lb O< N rt Obrm. N 1PaaN »•momV Abllollw ocnlONn P ID ON2bN.3 ].n Se Saa o29 2.Is ate Pan nS +02 O.Je 2e9 1e1 M.r 05 02+ 052 e0 1.1. Anr ea nm an] e.ro l,1se Z M.y l00 lD-. 001 057 J. tt1 10 }, 09t eel 1.9]e Jul 11.e 1t.lT a.W ;m 2AN Am ID5 loan o11 11e tB22 E.. eB ea5 O1. e2/ I,Ynr Oc: r.0 e.]2 a.x a.19 1,215 Nov .B ae� 0.]0 xe7 m] Dsc L 230 0.22 ,06 5]p rNr Yrr P,] none Iseu n,4,rw �, �rl,ar.a MPnnlr waop.la0 wem ty0 o.Asm NnpWP MpnmlyAwnY YM1'r UU Iry OY nvyvn YnuH,nrw I.fllP lY4+n MonWly A»r.O. W~ Ur by PW-1 f-- 17.6% 0µ0 W.In UN CseW..Mn'EwnnHdn yrurn 0- V:s•ra �n A.,ur�� . Unry ur M]m. '.a.0 Orr vary War lAary worn yl.rb N lry».ra, Nbrrrq M.lny.M OYr11en. Wrr unw Nrno rx..0 I rJr nyJ] (Iw,h nl Nnl-. nn l.hN nl n.l.,w YYMn.fY,a.ww1 N.19 r�.IN Mayr.Y PwYn w, [ .y kWh" 1'IOIIP. bw O.E" OlIM. .n 0 M t,N'W GY � fN� On+ I.4ul )AI M.r 91A, n> uan AFI e>a arc t+te M.V .2. 2u I.W2 Ab an )aa I..]e AA 22, 2.- 3WA A,q 196 2?16 I.M2 D.P 132 IAM 1.,21 6101-1 AYNU(Y IOUN INN WAIIII U 00 O.IU IYJ F•rN+,anl N. O,eO )12 Rt;l H.r•r.Ml Dr eaa 2.720 lau TNa 10.01 I;NI 14Ma ManywVb IOT ONlwrr lw n.nn A - Pr snsNov Hour IrnF nel»-I.2W puvoiW Nr nalM' Arne rrwr W NNumdn wIU w.nr b,rLYnO. T'. N araep.Ov apY L.Ir1y Il.rll. ' pJ4.w nI1lrrwW x.M..,,nnn,.r ,r.. ] nniaM1rin.Mi, renlA! NriI In l.r ^ewes: tam.IOn p'�M W F+r rl r, Reference Data: Oro Valley Household Water Usage RE SIDSNTIAL CONSUMPTION ORO VAEEEV +•,na�v. w.m ww�UA1^mn«.,rnl o,alr•,u HOW DO YOU CREATE A vn Ilr««m•««.•�r.M.,.rWlxw,.. a,.n . _ ,'"�'rrn .rwir,.wus«.a•��unln.rrn lUMCt10 NAl, EFFICIENT, AND LOW -WATER -USE ."„Mnmwgw tnmvn w,.Mp•n f,'�n« LAN DSCAPEi nmyA.«n„r„r«,��u u,.al^in.r !•IInN rMrr •rawly "The average water use for ::- y . a single-family residence in =� x•,. "n Oro Valley is about 7,500 gallons per month." f,mYI�A«. Ftl"rn 1«,em ,N Jr".nv,E,'It � wP+^��IFrup ' -�1 � ,'R^^�+,•~«may � �ti `«•, ^`.•„� • •At MfMl4l tNyAtW •wn wtlM'O yH INn m�r�,u., "r,'""N',x'*w„ "I~rx"'•"r^+.F �. ''NMM1'MW4iArW.WSaM1/prMY xw "`+'^ '�`•i;`r+.r .°W,,,� Rl^rpmn~= ORO VALLEY .E,,,�.ARwro1,l.Aen.N�fIMIH '* E.MiMl All wN.wmvnWluwn jL lml «nn lulm�tlnr WATER UTILITY GUIDE erov.11ry,w.lrr.inRl.cam y capwa..l�w.lrm «"`.a.,,m4 (`alit wF+.mxvlrM. Aann ^^,... w Ind Carla AyAnf««li ilrnl Wl « wa. ,wi llul wuY�EMuuMwM pnm111, WuriuN �.emn y>r� cr.,,.,.., w• 7 xoli•^ tlln •.i„uny OROJL�Y' c�RO VA Preparation of the SCOV Fountain Presentation, April 2026, and associated research were performed by: The SCOV Lion Head Fountain Task Force Trish Jensen Dave Olson Dan Reagin Willard Stluka Earl Vittitoe Don Wheeler Stine, Michelle From: Sent: To: Subject: Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Exccurive Assistant Town Ntanagcr, Ntayor and Council Town of Oro Valley Dircct Line: 520-229-4714 Sirois Andrea Tuesday, April 14, 2026 2:05 PM Ancona, Jeanna; Standish, Michael; Stine, Michelle FW: Sun City Fountain support From: Debora Olson Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 1:57 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: Sun City Fountain support WARNING: External Sender. Read Carefully. Report phishing. This is the first time you received an email from this sender opening attachments or taking further action, before validating its authenticity. Hi, Exercise caution when clicking links, I'm reaching out to let you know of my support for the restoration of the fountain within Sun City. I love the new design as it's sensitive to the needs of the communityyet it is aware of the need to conserve water. It is my hope this will be approved. Thank you for your consideration. Debora Olson Oro Valley Sent from my iPhone 1 Stine, Michelle From: Sirois, Andrea Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 2:12 PM To: Stine, Michelle; Standish, Michael; Ancona, Jeanna Subject: FW: SCOV Fountain Project Support Sincerely, Andrea Sirois Executive Assistant Town Manager, Nlayor and Council Town of Oro Vallev Direct Line: 520-229-4714 From: Cindy Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 2:11 PM To: Town Council <council@orovalleyaz.gov> Subject: SCOV Fountain Project Support WARNING: External Sender. Read Carefully. Report phishing. Caution: The sender name (Cindy) is different from their email address which may indicate an impersonation attempt. Verify the email's authenticity with the sender using your organization's trusted contact list before replying or taking further action. Hello, My husband and I are residents of Sun City Oro Valley and we support the SCOV fountain project. This fountain area sits at the center of our living community and is a vital part of our gathering space. The SCOV fountain task force is a committed group who understand the importance of revitalizing this little treasure with mindful water management, responsible city compliance and sustainable practices going forward. In addition to restoring a beautiful feature at SCOV, this project has the potential to be a good model for other neighborhoods and communities within the city of Oro Valley. Thank you for your support and your consideration, Cindy and Kurt Egertson Oro Valley, AZ 85755