After attending the Oro Valley town council meeting on May 1, I began to realize an underlying theme to the way that this council operates. Town employees are not a valued asset. 

AGENDA

Politicians work for us

For several years, as our nation struggled through a downturned economy, the Town of Oro Valley also experienced a sharp decrease in development activity. Although we are still on the mend, a quick look back to fiscal year 2011-12 shows that development is on the rise, and there are some very exciting projects in the pipeline.

At its January 16 meeting, the Oro Valley Town Council approved the 2013 Strategic Plan, which is now available online. Visit orovalleyaz.gov and select the "What's New" tab.

Last night, the Oro Valley council voted 6-1 to spend $2.1 million, using contingency reserve funds, to underground utility lines along Oracle and Tangerine roads in a three-project proposal brought forth by Tucson Electric Power several months ago.

On January 16, 2013, Oro Valley Town Council will decide whether they want to spend $2.1 million to “underground” utility lines for three projects being proposed by Tucson Electric Power.

After nearly five hours of discussion relating to a zoning amendment of the 110-acre Desert Springs parcel, council had limited time and public input at the Dec. 5 meeting to consider another important issue: the potential authorization of $2.1 million in contingency reserves to fund the underground installation of Tucson Electric Power utility lines.

A capacity crowd filled Oro Valley Town Hall last night to voice concerns over the fate of the Desert Springs property east of Oracle and Tangerine Road, adjacent to Catalina State Park.

Carrabba’s holiday drive

Though in the very early stages of discussion, the Town of Oro Valley could potentially welcome a key business to Innovation Park.

If the Dec. 5 Oro Valley council session is anything like the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting last month, Town Council will have a lot of feedback to consider regarding the fate of Desert Springs.

Recently a friend and I were chatting and comparing our Pima County property tax bills.

Town of Oro Valley is accepting applications from residents who are interested in serving on a Board or Commission. Appointments start on January 1, 2013. To serve on a board or commission, members must be residents of Oro Valley, be available to attend the designated meetings and be committed to the completion of the Town’s Community Academy within their term. Residents who are interested in applying for any of the following positions may contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 229-4700 or download the Volunteer Application on the Boards and Commissions Opportunities webpage. Completed applications should be submitted to the Town Clerk’s Office by November 5, 2012.

“Becky’s New Car” being shown

A surprise announcement was made today at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center’s Phase I Milestone Celebration on Oct. 5.

A lengthy discussion over the implementation of an economic expansion zone (EEZ) in Innovation Park took place in the Oro Valley council chambers on Oct. 3.

An Oro Valley councilman predicts that a management study of the town’s police department is not a dead issue and might resurface in some form in the next 60 to 90 days.

In the lingering aftershock of the nation’s 2008 recession, the Town of Oro Valley continues to make bold and aggressive strides toward supporting a prosperous economic future for its current and future residents and businesses.

The Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce held its annual Meetings and Awards Breakfast at the Hilton El Conquistador Resort on Aug. 23.

The Town of Oro Valley is considering an overlay district for parts of Innovation Park, on the northwest corner of Oracle and Tangerine roads, in the heart of our bioscience corridor.

Volunteers needed to help scientists study storms

Following a unanimous vote by the Oro Valley Town Council on June 20 to approve an additional $1.55 million for expansion of the Town’s Aquatic Center, construction is on schedule.

Sun City blood drive coming