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Vice Chair Biel turned the meeting over to Mrs. Dellerman-Siverthorn who asked each commissioner to report on their assigned section.
1. Public Participation and Heritage Education - Commissioner Krueger noted the five areas of the section. She indicated the Town is doing a good job under Communication, however, getting to the page on the Town's website is cumbersome. She suggested putting a link under About Oro Valley. Public Outreach emphasizes four areas and are on track. She recommends they continue the collection of oral histories, perhaps involve high school students. She suggested adding the Commission's Historic Preservation Topics for Certified Local Governments presentations to the historical education section of the Town’s website. She liked the annual writing contest for fourth graders and suggested adding some type of art contest. Public Tours are ongoing, the plan also suggested tours at other locations, an item to consider for future discussion. She reported that there is a small special collections display and some books at the public library and the Historical Society holds and displays the collections. She questioned the last section, Relationships, and how the commission could be more involved. Mrs. Dellerman-Silverthorn noted that staff attends the meetings at the Historical Society and future discussion could be beneficial. Commissioner Krueger concluded that perhaps local educators could either help create content, or be part of the lecture series, another topic to be discussed at a future meeting.
2. Historic Steam Pump Ranch Commissioner Biel reviewed the history of Steam Pump Ranch, discussed sources of revenue, went over the goals and improvements, and noted more research and future discussions are needed.
3. Historic Neighborhoods - Commissioner Bozeman was intrigued by historic neighborhoods and noted path trails along the Canada del Oro and the Big Wash, part of the Pima County system, could be used for education regarding historic neighborhoods. She thought a bike trail tour may be a discussion for the future. The Suffolk Hills neighborhood has a great deal of history. Suggested future discussions for tours could include the Immaculate Heart Academy which is the oldest continually running Catholic school in America, St. Augustine Cathedral was once inhabited by natives, Innovation Park area along the path trail, which encompasses health and wellness, beauty of Oro Valley, and history. Future discussions should include local partnerships with schools, etc. Commissioner Wilson is also interested in future discussions.
4. Town History Records and Reports - Commissioner Hannestad brought the group up to date. He noted that preserved Governmental records are comprehensive, the Commission and Town records are available online from the 1980s forward. Records that preceded the Commission regarding Steam Pump Ranch could be of use, Planning and Zoning, Development Review Board and others could be extremely valuable in establishing historic status. Future discussion should include easier access to records and archives.
5. Undeveloped Areas of the Town - Commissioner Golden was absent, this will be moved to the next meeting.
6. Honey Bee Village Archeological Preserve – In the absence of Chair Munden, Mrs. Dellerman-Silverthorn reported that Honey Bee Village is currently under the jurisdiction of Pima County. Staff originally worked with the County to develop the trails as part of the County Master Plan in 2018. At that time Pima County also had informational signage installed. A future discussion was requested, however, since Pima County is the owner of the property, tours may be the only thing possible. |
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Mrs. Dellerman-Silverthorn reiterated that the Town is advertising Steam Pump Ranch tours on Facebook and through E-Blasts. The remodeling processes for the Garage, alarm, and fire suppression systems continue to move forward with actual construction scheduled from April through July. There will be a local registry hearing added to the next agenda, April 5th at 5 p.m. This process for local registry helps the Commission meet National goals. The annual Celebrate Oro Valley will take place virtually the week of April 19, showcasing the five pillars of our history: Arts & Culture, Science & Technology, Sports & Recreation, Landscape & Wildlife, Leadership & Direction. Much is being planned to include some inaugural events that will continue forward. She concluded by saying that many things being planned for Celebrate Oro Valley coincide with the overall Master Plan. |