February 2024 Email Newsletter
Table of Contents
Greetings from the Board – March 2024
Matt Wood, VCA President
Center Pointe Neighborhood
March 2024 Message From The Board of Directors – Matt Wood
Annual Membership Meeting
The Annual Membership Meeting of the Vistoso Community Association (VCA) will be held Thursday, March 28th, beginning at 6:00 PM. The Annual Meeting will be a hybrid meeting available via Zoom Meeting platform or by RSVP in advance at the Community Association Office at 1171 E Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Suite 103, Tucson, AZ 85755 (Mountain View Plaza). An RSVP does not guarantee an in-person seat. Due to occupancy restrictions, a limited number of members are permitted.
Your Vote is Important
The Board respectfully asks all members to make their voices heard and vote. Ballots have been both emailed and sent via US Postal Service. Please look for your ballots and return them promptly. According to the VCA Governing Documents, we must meet the membership quorum requirements to hold this election. Failure to meet the quorum required shall result in another meeting, which would accrue additional costs to do so. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the voting process or the Annual VCA Meeting, please contact the Vistoso Community Association at 520-354-2729.
Proposed The Gateway at Vistoso Preserve
The 132-apartment Gateway at Vistoso Preserve complex proposed on the former Vistoso Golf parking area is a hot topic with many of our members. The primary concerns involve the high density (living units per acre) and the impact of the added traffic along Vistoso Highlands Drive. The zoning authority for this project is with the Town of Oro Valley. Members may raise their concerns at the March 20th Town Council Meeting. The Council members are the final arbiters of the proposal.
The VCA Board discussed these issues with our legal counsel to be certain of our obligations, responsibilities, and authority in this matter. We must follow the CC&R’s and the design guidelines. The VCA Architectural and Landscape Review Committee (ALRC) has met with the owner’s design team several times. Significant changes have been made to the elevation and landscaping plans to comply with the VCA guidelines.
The ALRC recommended approval of the revised elevation and landscape plans for the Gateway at Vistoso Preserve with the stipulation that lighting plans, marquee design, covered parking designs and any other design element pending ALRC review shall be submitted before any work commences, and all permits and approvals shall be obtained from the Town of Oro Valley. The Board approved the ALRC design recommendation at the February 29th meeting.
Rancho Vistoso Street Lights
The VCA Board voted to shut off street lights along Rancho Vistoso Blvd (RVB) on, or about, March 18th 2024. This will not affect street lights owned by the Town of Oro Valley at intersections with traffic signals nor the lights in Sun City Oro Valley. The Town of Oro Valley has requested two of our lights adjacent to the Honey Bee Canyon Park trail head remain in operation. Staff has already contracted for this work. Some of the lighting for monuments along RVB are powered from the street light circuits and staff will be contracting for that work as well.
Staff and the Board have been diligent about researching the lighting question for over a year. We have worked with the Town planners and the Oro Valley Police regarding potential safety concerns. We have investigated the potential cost to replace the existing lights and wiring compared to turning off the lights and removing the poles. We have reached out to our Sub Association Presidents for input and received around 120 email responses overwhelmingly in favor of removing the lights (only 2 members have asked us to repair the lights). In addition, removing these street lights will make RVB consistent with other major town boulevards, and with the intent of the dark sky efforts.
There is still time to provide us with your thoughts on the streetlights issue. Please send your feedback to us at [email protected] We value your opinion!
Did You Know – March 2024
Randy Kohout
Secretary – Single Family Director Honey Bee Canyon Estates
VCA Factoids
- Like your household or business, the VCA is experiencing rising costs. For example, our association insurance premium has increased 31% over the past year.
- The annual cost of electricity for the street lights on Rancho Vistoso Blvd is approximately $35,000 per year.
- For the Month of January, 2024, the Architectural and Landscape Review Committee approved 33 submittals and denied only one. One request was withdrawn and four more are pending additional information and review. This is an 83% approval rate and 3% denial rate.
- During January the VCA Office had 97 walk-in visits and staff responded to 355 direct telephone calls and 488 calls to our Call Center.
- There were 110 violation citations in January. Sixty percent of these violations involved parking guideline infractions.
Snapshot – March 2024
Barbara Daoust
General Manager
First Service Residential
In case you missed the February 2024 Board of Directors meeting, below is a “snapshot” of the General Manager’s report to the community. The entire report is in the February 2024 Board of Directors Meeting Packet – Click Here to download the PDF.
Rancho Vistoso Blvd. Streetlights
The VCA Board of Directors approved two streetlight fixtures to be replaced and rewired near Honeybee Park. The Town of Oro Valley did an analysis on which VCA lights along Rancho Vistoso Blvd. should remain on if the association was to decide to shut the lights off and identify these two lights for safety reasons. Mountain Power Electrical Contractor will be performing the work and has submitted the permit and the traffic plan to the Town of Oro Valley for approval. A sub-committee of the board will be meeting with the Town of Oro Valley staff to discuss the ownership, and responsibilities of maintaining and repairing the streetlights. This topic is on the February 29th agenda for further board discussion.
Entryway Monuments
Management has met with contractors to finalize the estimates to refurbish the entrance monuments at Rancho Vistoso Blvd. & Tangerine. Once the proposals have been received, they will be presented to the board for consideration.
Capital Projects
Irrigation – This project will address approximately 2,100 linear feet of irrigation line along Innovation Park Dr. between Rancho Vistoso Blvd. & Tangerine Rd. and about 2,300 linear feet on Desert Fairway Dr. between La Canada Dr. and Hidden Springs Dr. The start date for Innovation Park Drive is March 11, 2024, and for Desert Fairway Dr. is March 27, 2024. Both areas will take approximately two weeks, weather permitting. Gravel replenishment for both locations will follow shortly afterwards.
Granite Replenish Project – The VCA board of directors did accept BrightView’s proposal for granite replenishment for the below locations. The board at the February 29th meeting will be considering an additional location at Big Wash Park.
- Common areas bordering Innovation Park Drive between Rancho Vistoso Blvd & Tangerine
- Common areas bordering the perimeters of Bella Vista, St Andrews Ph1 & Ph2
- Eastern corner of Innovation and Rancho Vistoso Blvd
- Common areas tracts at Horizons & Vistoso Heights
- Common area tracts bordering streets (W Moore Rd, Rancho Vistoso Blvd, Arrowsmith, and Woodburne Ave) throughout neighborhood 7
- Wildlife Ridge Park
- Hohokam Park
- Sunset Ridge Park
- Woodshade Trail – Sunset Ridge Park to Rancho Vistoso Blvd
2024 Projects
VCA management has met with AZ Project Solution to review and plan the 2024 projects slated for this year. These include 27 Mile, Bridal Veil, Big View Ct drainage channels, granite replenishment, irrigation repairs, asphalt, concrete repairs, and tennis court repairs.
Erosion Projects
- Big View Ct. Channel – The final sealed designs have been presented to the Town of Oro Valley for review. Once we receive approval, bids will be solicited for this project.
- 27 Mile – We should be receiving the design plans from WLB by the end of February. Once this occurs Total Maintenance Erosion Control will be able to provide an updated proposal to repair the channel.
- Bridal Veil – The survey has been completed and Bogardus Engineering should have a preliminary plan completed by the end of February 2024.
Builder Transitions
- The Town of Oro Valley still holds the Pulte bond for the west side of Moore Loop Road near the Valley Vista neighborhood.
- The association met with Mattamy Homes to clarify the ownership and the process of transfer of Moore Loop Park to the master. We are waiting for the corrected deed from Mattamy Homes to be able to accept the park. The Town of Oro Valley still holds the bond for this project.
Yard Sale Dates
The 2024 yard sale dates are Saturday, April 13, and Saturday, October 19.
2024 Elections
As a result of the recent resignation of Sonia Suri from the board there are now four single -family seats (two 2-year terms until 2026 and two 1-year terms until 2025) and one commercial seat (2-year term until 2026) available.
Candidate profiles can be view on the association’s website at https://ranchovistosohoa.com/.
Members will be asked to vote on the 2023 Annual Meeting Minutes and IRS Ruling 70-604. The IRS ruling requires approval by the membership so that the association may be allowed to carry over any surplus income from one tax year to the next to offset deficits in the following year, and to avoid additional taxes to the association. Electronic voting will open on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, and close at 5:00 PM on Friday, March 22, 2024. For members that have email addresses on file with the association, you may receive an email from [email protected] with a link and special registration number to cast your vote online. Paper ballots will be mailed out the same day.
If you happen to miss these deadlines, the last opportunity to vote will be in person at the annual meeting by going to the site office, 1171 E Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Suite 103, Oro Valley, AZ 85755 at 6:00 PM on March 28, 2024, to cast your ballot. To hold this election and seat the 2024 board the association must meet quorum. Failure to meet the quorum will be costly to the association to hold another meeting. Please return your ballots early. If you should have any questions about the annual meeting and election, please contact the VCA Office at [email protected] or 520-354-2729.
2024 Board of Director Candidates
Have your voice heard!
The candidates running for Vistoso Community Association (VCA) 2024 Board of Directors are listed below.
Click on the candidate’s name to view their application and biography.
There are four (4) Single-Family Director positions available with four (4) candidates running for election. Three of the positions are for a 2 year term and one position is a 1 year term.
There is one (1) Commercial Director position available with one (1) candidate running for election. This position is for a 2 year term.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE
- February 28th – 9AM – Voting Opens
- March 22 – 5PM – Online voting closes and paper ballots must be received
- March 28 – 5PM – In person voting closes
- March 28 – Annual Meeting
Critter of the Month for March 2024
Our Critter of the Month is a Hummingbird!
Spring is coming and so is the world’s smallest migrating bird!
They weigh less than a nickel and have no sense of smell. Hummingbirds may fly close to your face to investigate changes to their environment. Hummingbirds are not dangerous at all to humans. If you are greeted by a suspicious hummingbird behaving oddly. Please know you have wandered into their territory. Don’t worry for they are on a mission to identify unwanted threats or to welcome you in anticipation of refilling their feeding stations.
~ Photo Courtesy of Jake Smith of the Monticello 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 removed. Also, do not feed or supply water to wild animals since they may become more brazen.
Oro Valley celebrates 50 years of history, growth and community
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Jan. 12, 2024) — The Town of Oro Valley proudly announces its upcoming 50th Anniversary on April 15, 2024. The Town invites residents to join in a year-long celebration filled with exciting events and collaborations with local businesses as we reflect on half a century of history, growth and community.
From community events to historical and arts exhibits, a diverse range of activities has been planned, including a 50th Anniversary Parade on April 6 and a special community celebration on April 13. For more details and updates from the Town, please visit the OV 50th webpage.
50th Anniversary Parade April 6, 2024
Join us for a dazzling parade, Saturday, April 6, starting at 9 a.m. on Naranja Drive. The parade will head east from Ironwood Ridge High School, ending in the Oro Valley Public Library parking lot. Attendees will enjoy vibrant floats, local performers and community groups as we come together to celebrate Oro Valley’s journey over the past five decades. Interested in participating? Fill out the parade entry form or email [email protected] for more information.
50th Anniversary Community Celebration April 13, 2024
We’re also gearing up for an unforgettable community celebration, Saturday, April 13, at James D. Kriegh Park. The all-day event will begin at Noon, with a fireworks finale starting at 9:30 p.m. This free, family-friendly experience will also feature live entertainment, kids’ crafts and games, a variety of food trucks, and a delightful selection of food and drink (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) available for purchase — it’s sure to be a party you won’t want to miss!
50 Businesses for 50 Years
The Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce presents a special Shop OV campaign, highlighting 50 businesses throughout the year. Support these businesses and enter raffles for exciting prizes, including stays at the El Conquistador Tucson, tickets to Tohono Chul Gardens, and other specialty offerings from our featured local businesses. Follow the Oro Valley Chamber on Facebook and Instagram for updates or visit orovalleychamber.com.
50th Features
Delve into the heartwarming and inspiring tales that have shaped Oro Valley over the past 50 years on our 50th Features webpage. We’ll be adding more content, such as interactive timelines, videos, articles and podcasts about Oro Valley’s rich history in the coming weeks, so be sure to visit often to stay up to date on the latest! In a few short months, visitors will be able to explore several narratives of long-time residents, pioneers and newcomers, offering a glimpse into the wide tapestry of our Town’s journey.
50th Events
Stay updated with our Events Calendar to ensure you never miss a moment of the 50th Anniversary magic. Experience a diverse array of festivities throughout the year, including community events, historical and arts exhibits, and many other family-friendly activities. Join us in creating new memories that will be woven into the fabric of Oro Valley’s community for years to come.
For more information, please visit the OV 50th webpage.
OV Path Forward
The path to Oro Valley’s future starts here!
“Over the past few months, the community has shared their love for Oro Valley’s parks, trails, and other outdoor amenities. How can the Town improve and best maintain this value? What other recreational activities or amenities do you want to see in OV? Residents want a community garden special places to skateboard, rollerblade or BMX and more.
Come see what your neighbors are saying and join the conversation on OVPathForward.com now. Everyone’s voice is needed to create the next 10-year community action plan, known as OV’s Path Forward. Your participation will help shape the vision, values, and goals for Oro Valley’s future. Go to OVPathForward.com to learn more and participate today.” Milini Simms, AICP, Principal Planner, Town of Oro Valley.
Vistoso Community Association Yard Sale
It’s that time again! The Semi-Annual Vistoso Community Association’s Yard Sale!
Saturday April 13th – 7AM to 2PM
This will be an advertised event. For more information call the VCA Office – 520-354-2729
Tucson Folk Festival
Tucson Folk Festival
April 5 – 7
The Tucson Folk Festival is a FREE and accessible festival celebrating Americana and Folk Music traditions and all the wonderful variations, including bluegrass, blues, country, jazz, Celtic, zydeco, and various styles of Latin and Mexican music! This annual family-friendly festival is held in some of the most historic sections of Tucson.
Our 39th Annual festival takes place on April 5 – 7, 2024! Friday features our official festival kick-off concert with the Stefan George Memorial Songwriting Competition and an evening headliner. Saturday and Sunday, the festival features six stages with over 150 live performances including National Headliners, Local and Regional Acts, Songwriting Competition winners, Family Show Entertainment, and Young Artist Showcases! Over 250 volunteers support the success of this free, family-friendly festival.
Click HERE for more information.
Oro Valley Spring Festival for the arts
MARCH 16 & 17
The 13th annual Oro Valley Spring Festival of the Arts welcomes over 125 artists to the Oro Valley Marketplace with works ranging from metal sculpture, jewelry, and photography to handmade beauty products and artisan foods.
In addition to growing to become one of the largest juried arts and crafts marketplaces of the Spring season in Southern Arizona, the event continues to grow in both attendance and cultural offerings.
Hosted on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, the event is a festive celebration of Celtic music and cultural dance performances on the main stage, hosting a kid’s crafting station, inflatable art installations, beer and wine garden, bagpipers, and more.
The juried fine arts and crafts festival is located in the heart of the bustling Oro Valley Marketplace Shopping Center. The Marketplace is an open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located at the corner of Oracle and Tangerine Roads,
| EVENT TIMES Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 10am-4pm | EVENT LOCATION Oro Valley Marketplace 12155 N Oracle Rd Oro Valley, AZ 85737 | ADMISSION Free Admission |
AAA Landscape – Tips and Tricks for March 2024
Click Here to Download the AAA Flyer
03-91208-AAA-Flyer-March