June 2023 E-Mail Newsletter

Communications Committee Image

Greetings from the Board – June 2023

Rob Feltes
Commercial Director

Community

Upon purchase, Vistoso Community Association members are provided a Welcome Packet that includes specific rules designed to ensure the continued beauty and desirability of Rancho Vistoso. In last month’s Newsletter, we launched the latest Board approved update to the Architectural and Landscaping Review Guidelines. These updated guidelines are intended to assist Owners by simplifying information on the association’s rules regarding exterior modifications to their property and landscape. The efficacy of these guidelines depends on the community’s cooperation.

Compliance

The Vistoso Community Association (VCA) Board of Directors has appointed community volunteers, your neighbors, to the VCA Compliance Committee. The Compliance Committee’s Charter assists the Board of Directors in regulating and enforcing the Guidelines and the requirements of the Vistoso Community Association Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs).

We all can make mistakes when it comes to following the Guidelines and meeting requirements. That is why most violations will first receive a “Friendly Reminder Notice” as a courtesy reminder to correct the infraction without accruing a fine. Repeat offenses and other violations such as trash containers not being in proper locations, unauthorized garage/yard/estate sales, damage, or alterations to common areas receive a fine without a “Friendly Reminder Notice.”

Non-compliance

The Compliance Committee follows the VCA Fine Policy when managing violations. If you believe you have been wrongly fined you may appeal to the Compliance Committee in writing or in person at their meeting held every second Tuesday of the month at 3:00 pm in the Association Office or remotely by Zoom. Members who believe they have been wrongly fined may also request a hearing with the Board of Directors to appeal the fine.

Common Violations
To help members avoid a “violation,” here is a list of the VCA’s most common infractions:

  1. Parking – Know where and when you can and cannot park your vehicle. To help you avoid a violation and potential fine, here is a summary of the VCA parking regulations. (Please reference page 4 of the Resident Information Packet for parking rules.)
  2. Changes not in accordance with the Architectural & Landscaping Review Committee Guidelines – Before you start any home improvement project, please remember to submit an “Architectural and Landscaping Change Form.”

Assistance

If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact the VCA Office directly at (520) 354-2729 or email [email protected] for assistance.

Please know that the Compliance Committee’s intention is not to make life difficult for our friends and neighbors. We look forward to working together to maintain the value, beauty, and safety of the entire Rancho Vistoso Community.

Did You Know – June 2023

Dan Sturmon
VCA Vice-President

  1. Trash/recycling containers are not to be visible on the street on non-pick-up days. Trash containers should be stored in garages or in backyards to ensure they are not visible from streets, common areas, or neighboring properties.
  2. The VCA Board of Directors must approve all community Estate, Garage, and Yard Sales. The Estate, Garage, and Yard Sales policy can be viewed here.
  3. The 23 Sub Associations within VCA have CCRs, policies, and guidelines that can be as or more restrictive than the VCA.
  4. Any exterior modifications to the residence or landscape require advanced approval from the VCA and your Sub Association (if applicable) before any work commences on the project.

Snapshot – June 2023

Barbara Daoust
General Manager
First Service Residential

In case you missed the May 25, 2023 Board of Directors meeting, below is a “snapshot” of the General Manager’s report to the community.  The entire report begins on page 8 in the May 2023 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – Click Here to download the PDF.

RVB Street Lights

  • The board is in the process of evaluating the twelve new fixtures installed along Rancho Vistoso Boulevard. A separate meeting will be scheduled with Chris Monrad from Monrad Engineering to discuss the pilot project.

Shade Sails

  • The shade sails for Big Wash Park have arrived and is expected to be installed by the end of May.

Hohokam Park

  • The spring rider at Hohokam Park is under repair. Third Degree Recreation has ordered the new spring for the equipment and will install upon delivery.

Wildlife Fencing Project

  • Members of the Parks & Landscape Committee, VCA Staff along with AAA Landscape met with The Town of Oro Valley (TOV) Engineer Cheryl Huelle to confirm the location of the new electrical lines.
  • The TOV has still a few outstanding items left to address.
  • AAA Landscape will be providing a proposal to re-landscape the entryways for both Big Wash Overlook Place and Scenic Overlook Place.

VCA New Office Signage

  • The signage has been installed on the front door and the marquee. Territorial Signs is in the process of fabricating the design for the building.

The Vistoso Highlands Monument Sign

  • The sign located on the corner of RVB and Vistoso Highlands Dr. has been vandalized. Territorial Signs has been asked to fabricate the two letters that are missing from the sign.

Capital Projects

  • Irrigation – Management met with the Town of Oro Valley staff to clarify the scope of the project. The RFP has been developed and bids are currently being solicited.
  • Painting – Facelift Painting has been selected for the painting projects slated for this year which includes the following reserve components: #510- Common area metal fence in Vistoso Heights, #710 retention basin perimeter fence in Overlook, #2014 – Siena entry walls and gates and #1320 – Metal rails along Vistoso Highlands Dr. Painting is scheduled for June.
  • Asphalt Projects– The asphalt projects for Hohokam Park, Big Wash Park, Wildlife Park, Woodshade Trail and Eagle Summit path has been completed.

Erosion Projects

  • Big View Ct. Channel – AAA Landscape has removed the additional vegetation from the drainage channel to allow the engineers to inspect and evaluate the additional erosion west of the original failure that has been identified. WLB has provided a proposal for the redesign plan for Board review.
  • 27 Mile – At the last board meeting a sub-committee was appointed to inspect the trailhead slope with the engineer to address the grade. The met with John Wise from WLB, FirstService Residential Project Administrative Manager Anthony Martin and Barbara Daoust, General Manager. Based on their findings, WLB has been authorized to proceed to redesign the entryway to the trailhead. The association attorney is drawing up the contract for this project with Rockridge Construction.
  • Bridal Veil – VCA Engineer Tracy Bogardus, FirstService representatives, TOV Engineer John Spiker, and the Board met to discuss the best solution to resolve the drainage repair in this location.

VCA Facilities

  • The tennis court locks at Hohokam Park, restroom lock at Wildlife Ridge Park, and the pedestrian gate at Siena have been repaired. The board approved entering into agreement with OVPD to permit police officers to patrol and arrest individuals at our community facilities. The appropriate signage has been ordered.

Fourth of July 2023

July 4th is Just Around the Corner

This July 4th is the 247th anniversary of the signing of The Declaration of Independence and a day worth of celebrating with friends and family. Some VCA residents will want to light up some fireworks to celebrate.

When celebrating, be sure to keep your neighbors in mind. Be respectful by being aware of your noise level and ending your festivities at a reasonable hour. Also, fireworks aren’t fun for many of our furry friends. Keep pets locked up safely inside your home to prevent them from running away or getting lost and injured. Also, if your dog or cat seems particularly sensitive to fireworks, you can consult your vet for tips to help ease their anxiety.

If you would like to reserve a ramada for celebrations at Wildlife Ridge, Hohokam, and Moore Loop Parks, make sure to contact the VCA Office to make a reservation. For any questions, please contact the VCA Office at (520) 354 -2729 or [email protected].

There are some great fireworks displays around our community this year. Hopefully, we can all enjoy them and have a safe and fun holiday celebration.

Critter of the Month for June 2023

Vistoso’s Critter of the Month

Our Critter of the Month is a mother, Bobcat, and her cub. Bobcats can easily scale residential walls and can be frequently found sunbathing or napping in residential yards.  Photo Courtesy of Fred Root of the Sunset Ridge neighborhood.

A Friendly Reminder Regarding Wildlife

We live in the beautiful Sonoran Desert and share our neighborhoods with the wildlife that has been here long before our homes. Coyotes, bobcats, javelinas, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and birds of prey can pose a danger to humans and their pets. We must be aware of our surroundings and avoid confronting these animals. Maintain your distance and do not behave in a threatening manner. 

If you encounter a rattlesnake, please call 911 immediately to have it relocated. Also, do not feed or supply water to wild animals since they may become more brazen.

Do you know an exceptionally cute critter in your community? Share the love and give your furry, feathered, or scaled friend the spotlight they deserve. Submit a photo of a critter whether it’s your personal pet or a wild animal you’ve observed on the trail. Please attach a photo and a brief description of your critter to [email protected] with the title ‘Critter of the Month’ for a chance to be featured in next month’s newsletter.