Development Infrastructure Services Director Suzanne Smith explained that opening a house to the public usually would be an assembly A type use which would require fire sprinklers. To minimize funding necessary, it was put under a B permit which allows us to occupy it as a business as long as there are 49 or fewer visitors at once.
Three (3) ADA parking spaces were included with a walkway to the Pusch ranch house in preparation for the future opening. No plumbing is included in the residence.
The following are the original requirements in order to open to the public:
1) A fire hydrant within 500 feet of the building and we do not have that.
2) Permanent ADA compliant restroom (planned to be in the bunk houses).
3) Drinking fountain.
4) Parking for guests need to be included. If there are up to 49 guests, we would need 22 more spaces. The pathway from the parking lot area would need to be ADA compliant.
Ms. Smith stated that since it is the desire to have the Pusch ranch house open as soon as possible, she created the list of items below:
1) Golder Ranch Fire district agreed to tether the system instead of having a hydrant.
2) ADA restrooms are required but it would be acceptable to utilize temporary restrooms as long as they are ADA compliant.
3) Parking for guests with an ADA compliant pathway to the Pusch ranch house. She recommended putting the parking lot in the same location as the parking currently being looked at in the master plan.
4) Hours of operation without lights would be limited to 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. or sunset for safety.
5) Storage of materials in the office are acceptable as long as the materials are in fireproof cabinets. Permanent office space may not be utilized until restroom facilities are available.
6) Prior to moving forward, the Town Attorney’s office, Risk Management and the Police Department should be consulted and the PRL&CR Department needs to address management, staffing and/or maintenance for this development.
Vice Chair Nagy asked if a tour of more than 49 people could be split into two trips. Ms. Smith stated that it would be okay but there would need to be a calculation for restrooms for the number of people gathered on site.
Commissioner Guyer asked about furniture in the house. Ms. Smith replied that only documentation in fire safe cabinets would be permitted.
Ms. Smith stated that she had a rough order of magnitude done by the contractor to turn the two bunk houses into restrooms and that amount was $60,000.
Chair Zwiener asked if we are still on a monitoring contract for the site with Desert Archeology. Engineering Division Manager Jose Rodriguez responded that Desert Archeology is contracted through Poster Frost and we have a contract with them. Chair Zwiener stated that if there are estimates done that include ground disturbing activities, there has to be an archeological monitoring plan and this should be considered for future projects.
Commissioner McClung asked if we could proceed with Alternative Item 6 because that item could drive other choices. Ms. Legner stated that she can collect cursory information. Ms. Smith added that insurance may be an issue.
Commissioner McClung asked if this is stopping the conference tour process. Chair Zwiener clarified that this information does not address tours.
Honey Bee Village Site Steward John Scheuring presented the following information:
~ The program is run by the State Historic Preservation Office.
~ Volunteers are trained and given monitor permits for public lands.
~ Volunteers monitor sites on public lands for vandalism and reptile poaching.
~ Volunteers escalate vandalism reports to appropriate authorities.
~ There are 18 regions.
~ 165 volunteers, 110 are active. There is a core group of 30 during the summer.
~ They monitor 85 archaeological and historic sites.
~ Volunteers report about 12 minor and 2 major vandalism per year.
The Honey Bee Village Site is bound on the north by Moore Road, and the rest is private property. The stewards are concerned about awareness by Desert Archeology and there were tours of the site. The privately owned area is not developed. The volunteers park in the developed area and access the site from Moore Road east of Rancho Vistoso. They walk up the public access and when they get to the site, they walk around the outside of the preserve. The site is rich in surface artifacts but there has not been much activity out there. Unfortunately, there are two places on the site where boxed mesquites were left in holes. On the other side of the wall, there is a weed problem which which may come in to the site. Trash had been dumped on the preserve but that access has closed and the dumping have stopped and stewards put that trash back over the wall.
Mr. Scheuring discussed the following about Honey Bee Village monitoring:
~ 8 stewards were oriented to the site in February, 2011.
~ Volunteers are anticipated to visit twice per month.
~ Since the initial orientation, the site has had six visits by eight stewards.
~ The site is in good condition with no sign of new pothole digging or garbage dumping but there are two mesquites in holes and weed pressure from the disturbed area to the west.
The site stewards are concerned about information on the Town’s website. Under the summary, it discusses public access and there is a link to a schematic plan (map). The site stewards feel that this is too much information for the public.
Site Steward Coordinator Robin Rutherford asked about the status of public access to the site. Council Member Solomon responded that part of the platting involved dedicating the Moore Road right of way which is fenced off and surrounded by private property. Other than walking along that Moore Road access, anyone who accessed it would be trespassing. People sometimes wrongly use it as a secondary dog park. Ms. Rutherford agreed and added that there are people going into preserve site with dogs. Council Member Solomon suggested signage on the wall.
Pima County Cultural Resources & Historic Preservation Director Linda Mayro commented that they expect to do cleanups and rather than restrict people, they would like to advise them to respect the site and allow people to walk through in a respectful way. She suggested regarding the website, to modify the statement regarding public access and add language that this Honey Bee Preserve is protected by state statue and there is no collection of plants, artifacts, rocks or any items, otherwise they may be prosecuted. She would also add that site stewards monitor this site on a regular basis. She offered to look into additional signage for restrictions. She suggested removing the map because it indicates that it is already developed. Instead, we could say that there is a concept plan in place for future development as a heritage education park. The state has an agreement pertaining to law enforcement since it is within Town limits. She suggested that the protections language also be included on the website.
Chair Zwiener asked how to restrict people to the pathway. Ms. Mayro stated that people tend to stay on their area because they are generally there to walk in a natural environment.
Chair Zwiener asked what the plan is in terms of signage and access to the site. Ms. Mayro explained that we currently allow access to the site and Pima County bonds are passed to preserve this site and provide a public benefit. The public benefit is heritage education. The bonds are not there to develop the site and as bond funds become available, we have earmarked funds for the future but at this point we do not have an interest in restricting people entirely from this site.
Ms. Mayro stated that the site has not been posted as a no trespassing area and we do not want to report people unless we see wrong doing. Council Member Solomon stated that there is no vehicle access but it would be good to have a sign to let people know that this area is protected and monitored and that they should not disturb or pick up any items.
Ms. Rutherford stated that another site that they monitor, Cortaro Farms archeological conservancy, has an off-leash dog issue.
Ms. Mayro stated that they also manage the Los Morteros conservation area and they have recently had their Parks Department put up signs and an interpretive panel that talks about the value of the site. The sign lists the restrictions and how it is protected. She offered to bring pictures of these signs for the commission to review.
Mr. Scheuring stated that dogs do considerable damage and the signs should mention dogs. Ms. Mayro offered to look into the ability to restrict dogs.
Discussion followed regarding:
~ Ms. Rutherford stated that the site stewards are flexible and monitor as requested.
~ Chair Zwiener suggested approaching the nearby homeowners association and asking them to put an article in their newsletter about the site.
~ Commissioner McClung suggested that the site stewards or the Town partner with neighboring homeowners associations to increase the protection of the site.
~ Ms. Rutherford commented that the site steward program likes to bring in homeowners surrounding sites to become stewards and they provide training for neighborhoods.
Ms. Mayro stated that in the future county bond election, we have included money for the future design and creation of an interpretive park. A example in Oro Valley is Romero Ruin which allows the public to go along pathways and see the site in a respectful way.
Chair Zwiener asked if the Police Department is aware of their part on the site. Council Member Solomon stated that he has spoken with Chief Sharp about it and he can speak with him again. Chair Zwiener requested that Ms. Legner follow up on that to make sure that the officers know what they can do on the site. Council Member Solomon recommended inviting a representative from the Police department to attend the next meeting.
Chair Zwiener mentioned the encroaching vegetation from the undeveloped area to the west. Council Member Solomon explained that the area was part of the archeological excavation and the property was disturbed by the archeologist. Ms. Rutherford stated that there are pit houses which were never covered up and that could be a public safety issue.
Pima County Cultural Resources & Historic Preservation Program Coordinator Courtney Rose was introduced. She is handling the site stewards program. Loy Neff is the project manager who would be moving forward on any future area education development.
Chair Zwiener sited the areas of the ESL and stated that his interpretation of the ESL is that the Historic Preservation Commission, through the Town has to come up with a prequalified list of consultants and list their appropriate specializations, if that is advisable. This is to be used when this ordinance is put into effect.
Chair Zwiener asked Ms. Mayro about the county’s prequalified list. Ms. Mayro stated that they do not have an Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance but they do have qualified constant lists for different kinds of specialists. They use these lists for county sponsored projects. She explained that they put out a request for statement of qualification and when those come back, a panel reviews them. They do not dictate to the private sector developers whom they have to use but they can offer their list. They can not restrict the private developers to the consultants on the list but they do refer them and require that they go to a consultant that has an Arizona Antiquities Act permit because county lands are considered state lands. Chair Zwiener asked if the county can limit proposals. Ms. Mayro stated that they review them, score them and submit the scores to the Procurement Department and they rank them and send out the notifications. It is not based on cost, it is based strictly on qualifications. The state permit drives their recommendations.
Chair Zwiener asked Ms. Mayro if she recommends a limit on the qualifications or specializations. She stated that they request full service. She recommended starting with a list of Arizona Antiquities Act permitees which the Arizona State Museum could provide and limit it to local firms, if desired.
Loy Neff and Ms. Mayro plan to attend the next meeting.
Ms. Legner stated that the contractor’s work is done and the punch list items are complete.
Vice Chair Nagy stated that it is a slow process but it is coming along.
Vice Chair Nagy stated that there is a restriction on food or drinks at the site but she suggests that this rule be modified especially for VIP groups holding tours, receptions and fundraisers. Commissioner Hannon pointed out that these kinds of groups may not be applying through the normal application process so it would not apply for them.
Ms. Legner stated agreed that number 7 does not make sense from a special events standpoint and she will strike that item for events. She stated that the Legal Department will look at the changes as well.
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Hannon and seconded by Vice-Chair Nagy Moved to approve document as amended.
MOTION carried, 5-0
The commission received Homer Thiel’s archeological report and Chair Zwiener stated that it is an excellent report. Much of the beginning portion is similar to the archeological monitoring plan.
Commissioner McClung commented that there was deep historical background and the citations seemed to be original work. He asked if this was common practice because the Town paid for the document. Chair Zwiener indicated that this is common practice and he added that the maps are important.
Recreation Manager Lynanne Dellerman reported that she is in the process of contacting Joyce Rychener to discuss getting volunteers to work on the garden and she expects to speak with her this week. Ms. Dellerman has a list of volunteers to contact.
Ms. Legner explained that the Oro Valley Historical Society has an agreement with the Town which states that they can have a garden at Steam Pump Ranch.
The Chair acknowledged Bill Adler. Mr. Adler added that it is his impression was that the idea originated from the Oro Valley Historical Society and they have taken responsibility for the garden without the ability to do it. It was authorized by the Master Plan. No resources have been allocated to the project including man power or funding. Volunteers need to be incorporated quickly.
Chair Zwiener added that Bill Adler had made a generous financial contribution for the garden. Joyce Rychener needs to know the potential for the garden. Ms. Legner indicated that the Town can not lend labor but we can help get started with the volunteers.
Commissioner McClung expressed that he was disappointed that the plan was not received early enough to allow time to review the materials prior to this meeting.
Chair Zwiener tabled this item until the June meeting to allow time for the commissioners to review the document.
The Town is scheduled for a guided tour of Steam Pump Ranch on Saturday from 9:00 -11:00 a.m. and it was published that there will be a self guided tour of Honey Bee Preserve. Ms. Dellerman stated that the Town did not provide them with the Honey Bee Village portion. Vice Chair Nagy requested that staff check with the person creating the brochure to be sure the listing is accurate.
Ms. Legner stated that since all of the Historic Preservation Commissioners will be attending the conference for three days, staff has determined not to hold additional specialized training this year. In February and March of 2012, there will be training sessions one hour before the regular meetings specific to Historical Preservation in Oro Valley.
Further discussion followed regarding the tour:
~ Vice Chair Nagy asked who is coordinating the conference tour and how many volunteers are needed.
~ There should be a sign for the entrance.
~ Chair Zwiener suggested that the volunteer police officers may assist.
~ Traffic will enter on the north side.
~ The tour will be guided by Chair Zwiener and Pat Spoerl and/or Roxy Johnson.
~ Commissioner McClung indicated that this tour will help to inform us what people are interested in seeing for future use of the site.
~ Chair Zwiener plans to make an outline of the presentation.
~ Ms. Legner asked that all commissioners be present at the tour in their Historic Preservation shirts. Chair Nagy suggested the commission get name badges for occasions when the regular shirt is not appropriate.
Commissioner Hannon announced that there will be a meeting on May 13, 2011. He offered to convey any items from the commission at that meeting. He would like the informational items to be from the last 100 years and no older.
Commissioner Hannon announced that there is a fundraiser for a centennial museum.
The June meeting date has changed to June 13, 2011 at the Chair’s request. Commissioner Guyer will not be able to attend that meeting. This meeting will take place in the Calle Concordia Conference Room.
There will not be a meeting held in July or August.
Commissioner McClung asked if there would be a special session prior to the June meeting. Chair Zwiener responded that the Oro Valley Historical Society is currently reorganizing so the study session will be delayed until September or October.
Ms. Legner shared that the January meeting was rescheduled to January 9, 2012 and it will also be held at Calle Concordia.
Ms. Legner invited the commissioners to attend the Summer Kickoff Event at James D. Kriegh Park on May 21, 2011.
No discussion.
Ms. Dellerman announced that she will be attending the upcoming site steward training.
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Hannon and seconded by Commissioner Guyer to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 p.m.
MOTION carried, 5-0
Prepared by:
Danielle Tanner
Senior Office Specialist