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

The third Oro Valley Cash Mob is scheduled for this week, as residents are encouraged to join the town in shopping at a destination that will not be disclosed until noon on Thursday.

This FREE, family-friendly event at the historic Steam Pump Ranch will provide hours of fun and entertainment, featuring:

Oro Valley Pediatrics is expanding its practice by accepting new patients beginning in April.

In response to E. Echkhoff “problems with hospital billing”. We have been victimized by the same hospital, and it has been a sore spot with me ever since! In March of 2010, my son was scheduled for a sleep study at the building next to the OV Hospital. There is no way to get into that particular building after hours. We were told to go to the OV Hospital ER and someone there would contact the staff in the other building and someone would come over to the ER and get my son. No wristband, no insurance card given to OV Hospital ER, no nothing done at the hospital. The lady at the ER simply made a call. Someone came from the other building and got my son for the sleep study test!! A while later, we received a bill from OV Hospital for $500. I did what you did Mr. Echkhoff - I talked to the billing office, to a manager or supervisor, etc. They had no reason to collect $500 They did not care and threatened us with a collection agency!! Bottom line; my son had to pay them the $500. Through payments because he could not afford to pay the entire amount! Just recently I had to go to ER for a medical condition. Even though I had to get there quickly. I refused, and was driven to NW Hospital. I want nothing to do with the unreasonable people at OV Hospital. In fact, I still want the $500 refunded to my son. No one deserves to be treated like we have been, Mr. Echkhoff. I seriously think an investigation should be conducted.

Cash mobs are about to hit Oro Valley and (hopefully) change the way people view local businesses. That's the aim of this new phenomenon, which is spreading across the country.Similar to flash mobs, cash mobs organize customers to spend money at businesses to support their community.

Bloomberg Businessweek has named Oro Valley the best place to raise kids in Arizona, based on a study entitled, "America's Best Places to Raise Kids 2013."

Politicians work for us

The Town of Oro Valley is accepting applications from local citizens who are interested in serving on the Historic Preservation Commission. To serve on a board or commission, members must be residents of the Town, be available to attend the designated meetings and be committed to the completion of the Town's Community Academy within their term.

In its season opener, the Oro Valley Lacrosse team will square off against cross-town rival Catalina Foothills on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 4:30 p.m.

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.

On Nov. 15, the Oro Valley Police Department responded to the 12000 block of N. Yellow Bird Road. 

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.

The Town of Oro Valley will begin the budget process for 2013-14 by hosting a public forum on January 17 at 6 p.m. The purpose of the forum is to provide information on the Town's 2013-14 budget, educate residents on the budget process and solicit input.

With weather forecasts in the mid-20's over the next several days, it is time to protect those pipes. The Oro Valley Water Utility would like to remind residents of some simple steps they can take to reduce damage caused by freezing.

On Jan. 6, at about 12:30 p.m., the Oro Valley Police Department responded to the Target store located in the 10000 block of North Oracle Road in reference to a female patron who observed a cellular phone camera under her changing room door.

During its Shop Oro Valley Holiday Campaign, which ran Nov. 1 to Jan. 2, Oro Valley residents and visitors who spent $25 or more at an Oro Valley business were eligible to participate in a weekly gift card drawing, sponsored by more than 25 Oro Valley businesses. Due to the generosity of our participating businesses, the town was able to award 40 prizes, such as gift cards and free services.

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.

The Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce announced today they will continue to give customers $10 for every $100 they spend in OV Dollars until January 31, 2013. The Chamber has been offering this incentive since the town of Oro Valley launched its Shop Oro Valley Holiday Campaign on November 1, 2012. During that time, the Chamber has sold 51 cards, totaling $3,655.

From a field of close to 300 volunteers who donate about 35,000 hours of volunteer time annually, the Town of Oro Valley this recognized 13 nominees as finalists for Volunteer of the Year.