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How Do You Feel About Vail Incorporation?
What is Your Neighborhood Like?
We want to know what people think about living in Vail ~ Rincon Valley and about concerns you may have. ?Please take a few minutes and reply to these polls. We'll share results periodically. You can only answer once but you can go back and change your reply as long as the poll is open.?
Thank you for helping keep Vail a great place to live, learn, work and play!
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Updated Incorporation Map and Timeline
? Excerpts from March 24, 2023 Memorandum from Jan Lesher, Pima County Administrator to the Pima County Board of Supervisors. For the complete memo and updated map see: /g/Vail-RinconValley/files/Incorporation/2023-march-24-update-on-vail-and-tanque-verde-town-incorporation-efforts.pdf ?
? This is a very tight timeline for those pursuing incorporation, as well as for the Recorder, Elections Department and Clerk of the Board. A request has been made to both groups to work with my office to ensure we have agreement on a detailed schedule, who is responsible for each action, and continued timely communications. ? --Vail~Rincon Valley Coalition Embracing all the varied lifestyles enjoyed?in Vail ~ Rincon Valley. |
File /Incorporation/2023-march-24-update-on-vail-and-tanque-verde-town-incorporation-efforts.pdf uploaded
#file-notice
Group Notification
The following files and folders have been uploaded to the Files area of the [email protected] group. By: Vail-RV Coalition <deserthorses@...> Description: |
Who Benefits From Incorporation?
#Community
#Incorporation
Incorporate Vail AZ? (IVA?) has used emotional appeals in their efforts for incorporation while using the argument ¡°some people just won¡¯t listen¡± for those who question them.? Is it possible they haven¡¯t clearly communicated their message, nor acknowledged that ¡°listening¡± is a two sided aspect of communication? By dumping everyone who doesn¡¯t support their vision of incorporating Vail into a pool of people they feel are don¡¯t comprehending their viewpoint, they eliminate they need to listen and understand why some people are not in support.? It is insulting to these people to imply they can not understand the complexities and nuances the ¡°experts¡± have presented.
? Some specific points I¡¯ve heard and read from Incorporate Vail AZ?: ?read more... Vail~Rincon Valley Coalition Embracing all the varied lifestyles enjoyed?in Vail ~ Rincon Valley. |
SERC: the Best Kept Secret in Vail
#Community
#Elected_Officials
?Back in 2017 District 4 Supervisor Steve Christy started our very own SERC - Southwest Regional Council - in Pima County?to promote the interests of Vail and Corona residents.? However, unless you follow social media and read the Vail Voice in depth you would never know it exists. The SERC Youtube channel has not been updated since 2019.
? Their Facebook page hasn¡¯t been updated since July 5, 2021.? ? ? Their website domain <seregionalcouncil.org> has simply disappeared (it¡¯s being held by a domain broker). ? But Wait!! ? If you wend your way to to the Vail Voice FB page and look under videos, you will find a ¡°SERC meeting¡± which was set up as an apology to the community for jumping the gun and publishing the results of the Incorporate Vail? committee meeting which hadn¡¯t occurred yet. ? Searching the Vail Voice FB page for SERC I see there was a meeting back in January.? Really?? Can¡¯t our Supervisor post the dates on his Pima County site and provide a link? (The last SERC update there is from Thursday, September 24, 2020.) ? Maybe some meeting minutes?? Or is the District 4 SERC only for insiders? ? --Vail~Rincon Valley Coalition Embracing all the varied lifestyles enjoyed?in Vail ~ Rincon Valley. |
Is Incorporation Really a Good Idea?
#Incorporation
Q:? Is incorporating Vail really a good idea? ? A: Some general reasons why incorporating Vail may not be a good idea.
Of course, there may be specific reasons why incorporating Vail AZ as a new municipality would be beneficial or necessary. It's important to carefully consider the costs and benefits before making a decision. ? Q:? Is it conflict of interest if those proposing incorporation also work for the county which includes the new city?
If the employees proposing incorporation stand to benefit financially or politically from the new municipality, then there may be a conflict of interest. They may be prioritizing their own interests over the interests of the county and its residents. However, if the employees proposing incorporation are acting in good faith and are transparent about their motives, it may not necessarily be a conflict of interest. It's important to evaluate the situation on a case-by-case basis and ensure that there is no impropriety or bias involved in the proposal for incorporation. If there is any doubt, it may be wise to involve independent third-party experts or officials to review the proposal and make a recommendation. ? ? Q:? Is it fair for those in denser and gated neighborhoods to impose their will on those who moved here to escape urbanization and to enjoy the open space and slower pace of life? ? A:? No, it is not fair. Everyone has the right to live where they choose and to enjoy the lifestyle that suits them. It is important for all residents, whether in dense or rural areas, to respect each other's rights and preferences. If there are conflicts or differences in opinion about how to develop or manage an area, it is important to have an open and inclusive dialogue where all perspectives are heard and considered. It may also be helpful to involve local government or community organizations to facilitate discussions and help find common ground. Ultimately, it is important for residents of all areas, whether dense or rural, to work together to create a healthy and sustainable community that respects everyone's rights and preferences. ? Q:? Is "rural" a lifestyle or must it be a legal designation to be valid? ? A:? "Rural" can be both a lifestyle and a legal designation, and the definition of "rural" can vary depending on the context and purpose. In general, "rural" is often associated with a way of life that is characterized by living in the countryside, away from urban areas, and involves agriculture, outdoor activities, and a slower pace of life. However, this is more of a subjective view of what "rural" means. In terms of legal designation, "rural" can refer to areas outside of urban centers that are often governed by different regulations and zoning laws. In some cases, there may be specific criteria used to define "rural," such as population density, land use patterns, and distance from urban centers. So, whether "rural" is a lifestyle or a legal designation depends on the context and purpose. In some cases, it may be both. ? Q:? Are the promoters of incorporation using emotional one-sided arguments or inflated budged estimates? ? A:? When evaluating any kind of messaging, it is important to consider the evidence and facts presented, as well as the tone and style of communication. If emotional arguments are being used, it is important to critically assess the underlying motives and whether the messaging is in the best interests of all stakeholders involved. |
Monitoring Development in Arizona
#Growth-Development
#Incorporation
As people continue to flock to Arizona, residential growth is inevitable along with related commercial retail growth and more stress on our local infrastructure. This is going to occur whether or not Vail is incorporated. ?We don't need another layer of government to have a voice in Pima County ¨C we need people who wish to preserve what makes Vail a great place to live and raise families working together to ensure that growth is done in a way that respects everyone, not just those in small closed neighborhoods. ?We need to retain access to all of Pima County's resources and learn how to have them working for us - with incorporation we would use any clout that a strong Pima County has - Vail would be a small fish in a big pond. Development, policy voices unite to address housing supply.?A ¡®YIMBY¡¯ conference:?The recent ¡°¡®Yes In My Backyard: Ensuring Housing Supply for Arizona¡¯s Future¡¯ Symposium¡± zeroed in on "three core issues of concern to the construction and development community.¡±Affordability:??Economist Elliott D. Pollack ¡°offered 10 ways affordability issues might be resolved.¡± Among them: ? ¡°Increase supply across all types ? Develop units in greater density ? Improve municipal efficiency and organization when it comes to entitlements ? Improve cities¡¯ process speeds and lower their costs.¡±??Entitlements & permitting:?Speaking to the ¡°slow pace of entitlements¡± and ¡°permitting,¡± Horizon Strategies CEO Jenn Daniels and ASU Professor Sean Bowie ¡°emphasized a need for policy reform¡ Among their primary points: ? Expediting the zoning and entitlement processes ? Streamlining design review ? Setting reasonable schedules for application reviews and penalties for failure to perform ? Establishing universal zoning definitions at the state level ? Requiring a set 30-day public comment period.¡±?NIMBYism:??Wood Partners Managing Partner Clay Richardson ¡°stressed that a great number of good projects are not viable in the current environment because of opposition and the protracted entitlement process. He speculated that fear keeps many potential projects from advancing in the first place. He added, however, that a change is starting to happen.¡± Read the full recap of the event in?AZBEX.? |
Are We Ready for the Next Incident?
#Public_Safety
Rincon Valley and Corona de Tucson Fire Departments have a long history of working together to promote the safety of area residents. In early days when both departments were mainly "rural volunteer" a prime focus was protection for Acacia Elementary school next to the railroad tracks in case of a derailment or possible hazmat incident. The Ohio derailment and the most recent incident on I-10 near Rita Road with the resulting evacuation and widening safety perimeters highlights the importance of being prepared.?? I wonder how many of the folks in that safety radius were ready to evacuate or to shut down their heat with our cold night.
Pima County periodically conducts large training exercises which include multiple agencies to ensure coordination of communications and responses. ?All of the agencies use the universal Incident Command System which allows first responders to coordinate the various agencies involved and transfer command and tasks to the most experienced and appropriate individuals and agencies. ? The people in these agencies, from fire fighters to highway patrol to hospital triage spend many hours training ?to protect us - often in addition to their everyday duties. ?So it's in our best interest to know what we need to do so we are part of the solution, not part of the problem when an incident occurs.? Being Prepared:
Pima County has extensive preparedness information well worth taking a few minutes to read and use what applies to your family. Sign up for emergency alerts: ? Understanding the Ready, Set, Go program can help you save the things which matter the most to you.. "Fire season" in our area is now year round - seasonal rains encourage more fuel growth.? Vail and Rincon Valley caught a break on this recent incident but we might not be so fortunate the next time.? Be safe. |
Inform Vail AZ Site!
#Incorporation
is your source for information, understanding the ins and outs of incorporation and how to get involved.
Inform Vail AZ is?group of concerned residents from within the Vail-Rincon Valley searching for the facts relating to incorporation and the possible implications for our community. ?Go to? to find out how to get involved and subscribe to stay informed of news and events! |
Added Folder /Incorporation/Form Letters
#file-notice
#Incorporation
Group Notification
Vail-RV Coalition <deserthorses@...> added folder /Incorporation/Form Letters |
Re: Why This Group?
#General
Ik've been watching today's Pima County BOS meeting. ?A commenter asked how they might better understand how all of it works because they find the "agenda" confusing. I have to agree - the meeting agendas can be confusing ¨C because County governance is complex. ?It takes time to delve into the agendas, addendums and summaries which are posted the day before the BOS meetings. ?
A group such as this can help bring items important to our community to our attention and help explain what goes on "behind the scenes" before something makes it to the BOS for approval or rejection.? The item might be as easy to understand as a permit for a church festival, a proclamation for a special day or as consequential as a rezoning or establishing a new tax. ?If you know of an upcoming issue, post about it here then share the information on your social media accounts so that area residents can be informed.? |
Event: Pima County BOS Meeting
#cal-invite
Group Notification
Pima County BOS Meeting When: Where: Description: |
Poll: Are you FOR or AGAIST Vail-RV Incorporation?
#poll-notice
#Incorporation
The ongoing controversy about incorporation has raised many questions in the community.?
As these polls don't allow for "open ended" response, you can add your comments by replying to this post. (If you comments are lengthy, consider starting a new topic or replying to an ongoing discussion.?
Thank you for voting.
Results |
Re: Poll: Where Do You Live?
#poll-notice
#Community
Group Moderator
Don't worry if it seems difficult to define your area - this question is more how you feel about where you live.?
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Re: Incorporation of Vail Az Objections
#Incorporation
#Elected_Officials
Thanks Becky ~? ? There¡¯s lots going on and information that Supervisor Christie could probably assist with.? It¡¯s unclear if a formal written notice to Pima County BOS regarding the IVA committee¡¯s intent to move forward with incorporation has been done.? Apparently that is the date that starts a six month clock for requesting the boundaries be changed. Mr. Christie should be able to answer if this has taken place yet (and the date, if it has). ?And we need the proper information on how an individual or group would accomplish that. ? There really haven¡¯t been any clear benefits advanced so far. ¡°Self determination¡±, fear of annexation or fear of unbridled growth are not ¡°benefits¡±. Money transfer from one pot to another is not a ¡°benefit¡±.? Issues have not been clearly defined.? Several people have put forth alternative ways of addressing the issues facing Vail without incorporating.? First and foremost actual issues need to be defined - whether the absence of parks and recreation facilities, road safety not being addressed adequately, etc.? Whether they¡¯re defined and people try for resolution through an ad hoc group such as this forum or if it develops into a form of ¡°council¡±, such as Green Valley¡¯s, it will require more community engagement? - and by a broader group of residents. ? The one thing, IMO, that the group supporting incorporation has right is that we can¡¯t do nothing and expect to maintain the status quo.? If people want parks, better roads, more PCSO coverage, more restriction on high density building, people need to work together to be heard by Pima County.? People will need to go to meetings, read the agendas and memos, have speakers lined up and become squeaky wheels.? |
Re: Incorporation of Vail Az Objections
#Incorporation
#Elected_Officials
According to the County Administrators office, we are more than welcome to contact the District 4 Supervisor if we disagree with the unilateral boundaries being drawn up by IV? committee. After all, why waste money on an election regarding this if we don't have to. The Clerk of the Board of Supervisors will allow the public to voice their concerns at meetings. This is optional. Other option is call, email, or write... but be sure to include your address. The contact person for our district, District 4 is Lucretia Free.? The District Supervisor is Steve Christie.? The phone number is 520-724-8094.? The main email is district4@....? Lucretia's email is Lucretia.Free@....? The mailing address for first class and certified mail is :? Supervisor Steve Christie 33 North Stone Avenue 11th Floor Tucson, AZ 85701 This is not opting out. This is simply making the District Supervisor aware of any objections or issues that any of us may have with this project. |
Poll: What Concerns You Most
#poll-notice
#Defining_Issues
What are your primary concerns or issues about living in Vail ~ Rincon Valley?
The only sure thing in life is change ¨C some changes are welcome, others may cause concern.? The suggestions here are only general - what is it about them you'd want to discuss with others?
Thank you for voting.
Results |
Poll: Where Do You Live?
#poll-notice
#Community
How do you think of your immediate neighborhood? ?
Thank you for voting.
Results |
Poll: How Long Have You Lived Here?
#poll-notice
#Community
How long have you lived in Vail ~ Rincon Valley?
Thank you for voting.
Results |
Why This Group?
#General
Recent community discussions on "social media" have proved difficult to follow and organize issues, facts and other information and the community voice is often buried in comments and posts from days or even months ago. ?Issues aren't well defined resulting in commenters simply throwing darts at each other instead of coming up with solutions.
Vail-Rincon Valley Coalition on groups_io provides a platform where topics can be sorted out and followed. Important information and links will be available in easy to access files and archives from earlier discussions are searchable. Participating can be done via email or by reading and replying to topics online (which lets you read and follow the entire thread in one place). ? While Nextdoor and Facebook can be terrific for finding lost dogs or selling stuff, they're not always the best place to follow serious discussion. You won't be subjected to ads here and will be able to follow the topics. If you have suggestions, please let us know ¡ª starting a new discussion group is always a challenge but we hope this will be a place where everyone feel free to engage. |