September 2022 Email Newsletter
Table of Contents
Greetings from the Board – September 2023
Center Pointe Neighborhood
Rancho Vistoso Boulevard Lighting
Background and Current Situation
The existing Rancho Vistoso Boulevard lighting was installed by the original developer as an amenity. The ownership of that lighting amenity then transferred to the Rancho Vistoso Community HOA. The responsibility for the operation and maintenance of all street lighting along Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, except for those owned by the Town of Oro Valley at lighted intersections and within the Sun City Oro Valley community, is within the purview of the Rancho Vistoso Community HOA.
The current 226 induction fluorescent street lights are failing and are obsolete. Replacement parts are no longer available. Also, the underground electric cables and feeder breakers powering these lights are also failing due to age and rodent infestation. Many of the current lights and circuits have failed. Current light shields intended to shield properties adjacent to Rancho Visto Blvd are missing and replacements are not available.
A demonstration project of 12 LED street lights has been installed along Rancho Vistoso Blvd immediately north the Safeway commercial center. Additionally, LED street lights are installed at the traffic signaled intersections of Rancho Vistoso Blvd with E Arrowsmith Drive, W Moore Road, and W Vistoso Highlands Drive.
Going Forward
A decision on how to address the current lighting issue described above will have both financial and potential safety implications. Your Vistoso Community Board of Directors and the Finance Committee will review the cost to implement lighting improvements and the implications to the capital improvement budget and the Reserve Study. Once we have the costs clearly identified, the Board will be soliciting member input before moving forward with any lighting improvements.
Matt Wood, VCA President
Dan Sturmon, VCA Vice President. and ALRC Chair
Did You Know – September 2023
Dan Sturmon
VP – Single Family Director Centerpoint Neighborhood
- The Rancho Vistoso Community Association (VCA) is responsible for operating and maintaining the majority (226) of street lights that line Rancho Vistoso Boulevard. The current street lights are obsolete, failing, and replacement parts are no longer available. New technology is now available to significantly reduce yearly costs by 75% as well as provide a better experience for those traveling the boulevard. Once the replacement costs are clearly identified, the Board will be soliciting member input before moving forward with any lighting improvements.
- Want to win a $100 gift card? For the months of October, November, and December 2023, VCA will be holding a drawing for member participating in the E-Statement program. Click HERE for more information on how to sign up for E-Statements or contact the office either at [email protected] or call 520-354-2729.
- The VCA-wide Fall Yard Sale is scheduled Saturday, October 14 from 7:00 AM until 2:00 PM. If you live in a Sub-Association; please contact your management agent to confirm that the gates in your association will be open for this event. Click HERE for more information.
- Oro Valley’s annual community academy program is scheduled for the month of October. The program is free, and presents an array of subjects for residents to learn more about the town and local government. This year’s program will focus on the upcoming 2026 General Plan efforts and its associated elements (e.g. water, safety, and environment). Click HERE for more information.
Snapshot – September 2023
Barbara Daoust
General Manager
First Service Residential
In case you missed the August 31, 2023 Board of Directors meeting, below is a “snapshot” of the General Manager’s report to the community. The entire report is in the August 2023 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – Click Here to download the PDF.
RVB Street Lights
The association will be meeting with Town of Oro Valley representatives to discuss streetlights along the Rancho Vistoso Blvd. Chris Monrad from Monrad Engineering has provided a written report identifying the conditions of the current lights and providing recommendations and estimates for either replacing or removing the existing fixtures and poles. The board will be having additional meetings on this topic and encourages member input.
Entryway Re-Landscape Proposal
The Landscape and Parks Committee has reviewed and will be recommending to the board for approval at the August 31 meeting the AAA Landscape proposal to re-landscape the entryways for both Big Wash Overlook Place and Scenic Overlook Place.
Siena Roadways
The clean- up efforts to address the recent paint spill on the private roads in the Siena community is expected to be completed by Tuesday, August 22, 2023.
Entryway Monuments
The Landscape & Parks Committee met with three contractors (AAA Landscape, All Terrain Landscape Creations, and BrightView) to discuss their interest in refurnishing the entrance monuments located on RVB & Tangerine Rd and RVB & Oracle Rd. The committee is working on the details of the project and will be providing a recommendation to the board.
Capital Projects
Irrigation – The board will be reviewing proposals from three contractors (AAA Landscape, BrightView and Wilder Landscape Architects) to provide a landscaping/irrigation plan for the common areas along Innovation Drive between Rancho Vistoso Blvd. & Tangerine Rd. and Desert Fairway Dr. between La Canada Dr. and Hidden Springs Dr. The plan is required by the Town of Oro Valley on this project. Management has met with AAA Landscape to get a better assessment of how much irrigation is needed in these areas.
Erosion Projects
- Big View Ct. Channel – WLB has provided the preliminary designs for this project. A meeting is being scheduled with the Town Engineer to discuss the plans. Once approval is received from the Town of Oro Valley bids will be solicited.
27 Mile – Management and WLB will be meeting with Total Maintenance Erosion Control to
discuss the project the week of August 21. Details of the meeting will be shared at the August 31st meeting. - Bridal Veil – The completion of the Bridal Veil plans is expected the week of October 23, 2023, from Bogardus Engineering.
Reserve Study
Association Reserves has submitted a draft copy of the reserve study for 2024. The report will be reviewed by the board and finance committee. Once the final copy is issued members will have access to a copy on the association’s website.
2024 Budget
VCA staff has been working on the 2024 budget. The draft budget for Siena has been submitted to the Finance Committee for review. Additional meetings will be held with the Finance Committee and the Board through the months of September and October to finalize the 2024 VCA budget for adoption at the General Session scheduled for October 26, 2023.
E-Statement Promotion
For the months of October, November and December 2023 VCA will be holding a drawing for members that are participating in the E-Statement program. Three lucky winners will receive a $100 gift card. For more information on how to sign up for E-Statements please go to the association’s website https://ranchovistosohoa.com or contact the office either at [email protected] or call 520-354-2729.
Community Events
- The Fall Yard Sale is scheduled on Saturday, October 14 from 7:00 AM until 2:00 PM. If you reside in a Sub-Association, please contact your management agent to confirm that the gates for your community will be open for this event.
- The VCA board will be considering holding a Fall Event. Details will be shared at the August 31 meeting.
Members Corner – September 2023
Members Corner is a new article allowing members to voice their concerns in an informative setting.
This month’s article highlights hazardous waste disposal. Suggested by an Anonymous Member in Siena
Hazardous Waste and Where to Dispose of it?
Bring your hazardous chemicals and household products, such as batteries and paint to 5300 E. Los Reales Rd. or attend one of the monthly drop-off events held on the second Saturday of each month.
2023 Community Collection Events
| September 9 | Hi Corbett Field | 700 S. Randolph Way |
| October 14 | Eastside City Hall | 7820 E. Broadway Blvd. |
| November 11 | Pima College East | 8181 E. Irvington Rd. |
| December 9 | Jacobs Park | 3300 N. Fairview Ave. |
All events are scheduled for 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. Bring your Household Hazardous Waste, electronic waste, and documents for shredding.
Los Reales Sustainability Campus HHW Drop-Off
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed on the 2nd Saturday of every month.
The program is free to residents of the City of Tucson. Residents from Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, and unincorporated Pima County will be charged a $10 fee. To prove residency, you must show a driver’s license or current utility bill.
Why?
Typical household and automotive products harm the environment when disposed of improperly. Unused household hazardous waste should never be poured down the drain, put into the trash, or stored for excessive periods of time.
Critter of the Month for September 2023
Vistoso’s Critter of the Month
Our Critter of the Month is Gracie Mae, the Goldendoodle!
Gracie Mae lives in Vistoso Village. Gracie Mae loves it when her neighbors say hello and hang out with her two best friends, who are both cats. She is very friendly and enjoys the warm Arizona weather. ~ Photo Courtesy of Laura Bachman
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.
Town of Oro Valley Community Academy
Join us this fall for the 26th annual Oro Valley Community Academy session!
This year’s classes will focus on upcoming efforts to plan for Oro Valley’s future. Don’t miss this opportunity to join staff and your neighbors as we learn more about Oro Valley and help shape the community’s vision for the next 10-years!
Classes are free and will be held twice a week from October 10th to 30th from 6-8 PM. Visit www.orovalleyaz.gov for class schedule and to register before October 1st.
Questions? Contact Jeanna Ancona at [email protected] or (520)229-5062.
