PRESENT:

Daniel Zwiener, Chair Lois Nagy, Vice-Chair Ed Hannon, Commissioner Sam McClung, Commissioner Valerie Pullara, Commissioner Ellen Guyer, Commissioner

ALSO PRESENT:  Ainsley Legner, Parks Recreation Library
                            & Cultural Resources Director
                            Steve Solomon, Town Councilmember
                            Lynanne Dellerman, Recreation Manager 
                            Jose Rodriguez, Engineering Division Manager (left at 5:35 p.m.)

Oro Valley resident and Oro Valley Historical Society representative Jim Skalicky suggested agenda items for the joint meeting to take place on March 7, 2011:
1) Responsibilities between the Historic Preservation Commission and the Oro Valley Historical Society.
2) List of items collected and donated to the Oro Valley Historical Society.
3) Steam Pump Ranch construction information such as the licensing agreement and access requirements.
4) Budget items to submit to the Town for activities or support. No funding has been requested in the past, but it could be needed for some activities.

He asked that the commission share any agenda items they have with the Oro Valley Historical Society.

Item 8 was moved prior to Item 1.

~ Vice Chair Nagy suggested that "document scanning" be on the joint study session agenda. These documents need to be accessible to the Historic Preservation Commission and the Oro Valley Historical Society.
~ Chair Zwiener suggested adding "tours at Steam Pump Ranch" to the joint study session agenda.

Commissioner McClung found an error in Item 2: Flag Pole at Steam Pump Ranch.

Commissioner McClung stated that the motion does not reflect the intent under Item 3: Student Internship.

Ms. Legner stated that staff will listen to the motion again and if it is not clear, it will be brought back to the commission for another motion at the next meeting.

MOTION: A motion was made by Vice-Chair Nagy to accept the minutes as amended with the conversation of this meeting on tape reviewed for exact clarification.

 

Motion failed due to the lack of a second.

Chair Zwiener tabled this item until the next meeting.

A.	PROJECT UPDATE FROM JOSE RODRIGUEZ

Engineering Division Manager Jose Rodriguez reported on the progress of construction at Steam Pump Ranch. He reviewed the following:
~ Before and after pictures of the Pusch House
   - They tried to salvage the porch on the southeast side.
   - The addition was removed.
   - The wall outside has been removed.
~ Before and after photographs were shown of Room 101. 
   - Beams were removed and used at the Lieber house.
   - The glass floor was put over the basement step.
~ Before and after photographs were shown of the Proctor Leiber house   
   - Today roofing material is being installed.
~ The 3-foot wide accessible route will coincide with handicap parking spaces to access the Pusch House.

Mr. Rodriguez stated that they anticipate completing both houses in mid-March. They are currently working on internal light fixtures, carpentry, electrical work, doors and heating/ventilation. They are also installing decomposed granite.

Chair Zwiener asked about the change order status. Mr. Rodriguez reported that we are at less than 6% over the contracted amount. He explained that it is difficult to identify all of the issues with structures this old so if it can be done under 10%, it will be good and under budget.

Vice Chair Nagy clarified that only one step was found in the kitchen and it is now covered with a floor over it. In the living room, the rail has been removed and there is a trap door over it so the general public will not be able to see inside. Mr. Rodriguez added that the area under the trap door will be storage for staff.

Chair Zwiener indicated that he would coordinate with Ms. Legner for a site visit for the commission. 

Chair Zwiener stated that there should be a plan set forth for when the construction is complete.

B.	BUDGET UPDATE

Parks Recreation Library & Cultural Resources Director Ainsley Legner reported that at the last meeting, this commission directed her to discuss the flag pole topic with the Steam Pump Ranch Project Team. The Development Infrastructure Services Director had informed her that the department has many priorities currently in progress and she respectfully requested that we wait on the flag pole project.

Ms. Legner stated that Cultural Resources Intern Monique Shephard has completed her work with the Town. Approximately 85% of the materials are being stored in the Town Clerk's vault. All documents were cleaned, logged and categorized.

Commissioner McClung recommended adding the mid-March completion event to the joint study session agenda with the Oro Valley Historical Society in March. Ms. Legner added that the acknowledgement event regarding Gabe Zimmerman is being discussed. Chair Zwiener requested that this item be added to study session agenda.

C.	GRANT APPLICATION UPDATE

D.	DOCUMENT SCANNING

E.	EVENT PROTOCOL

Ms. Legner stated that this item will be reviewed by the Town Council on February 16, 2011. Chair Zwiener stated that he appreciates the work done by this commission and others involved. This ordinance is a major innovation for the Town.

Commissioner McClung asked how this commission should participate in that meeting. Councilmember Solomon indicated that there is no concern regarding the Historic Preservation portion of it. We have refined the procedure and the requirements are the same so the Council seems comfortable and supportive of that section. There are also safeguards for the development community. The commission members are welcome to attend. Chair Zwiener stated that the only reservations may be the 2-1 ratio and the local standards. Councilmember Solomon explained that the revised version will have a 3-1 ratio and the local standards are an important criteria and not an issue. Chair Zwiener feels that it is a fair and balanced ordinance and it will be to the advantage of the developers and the Town. 

Councilmember Solomon stated that there was some push back on the 3-1 ratio because some may say that open space is more valuable than a cultural resource and the counter is that there is open space everywhere and the cultural resource is one small location needed but once it is gone, it is gone. He suggested that in case this perspective is voiced, it would be good if someone from this commission could be present to explain why the 3-1 is justified. Chair Zwiener plans to put in a speaker card.

Ms. Legner explained that the commission was provided with a memorandum and an attachment from Dr. Ravesloot which gives an overview of the process for the preservation plan being developed. The last page is an outline of what will be included. Dr. Ravesloot will expand this outline. She requested that the commission provide her with feedback in the next 7-10 days. The updated draft will be provided to the commission prior to their meeting with Dr. Ravesloot. 

Ms. Legner stated that staff has provided Dr. Ravesloot several Town documents in order to allow him to prepare for this plan. He has also met with planning staff to discuss the available, buildable land in Oro Valley and about archeological studies on that land. He will also receive GIS data.

Vice Chair Nagy asked about a procedure to educate private land owners on the value of archeological features on their land. Ms. Legner stated that in terms of undeveloped land, there is a process. In terms of transferring title with developed land, she does not know of any process or obligation on the Town’s part.

Vice Chair Nagy suggested implementing an education process that the Historic Preservation Commission may undertake in the future. It would include information for the public that could be given to an owner for the land purchasers. Chair Zwiener suggested that this option be discussed in regard to the overall preservation plan.

Chair Zwiener discussed item number two on the preservation draft outline. He asked if there is any anticipated discussion regarding local register nominations, not only the national register nominations. He stated that it is a duty for the commission to look into this item.

Ms. Legner explained that the commission will provide comments on this document and it will be updated accordingly, the new draft will go to the commission again for a second round of comments, then Dr. Ravesloot will meet with the group with the newest draft. Dr. Ravesloot will then meet with the commission a second time for review and recommendations. 

Commissioner Hannon asked if Dr. Ravesloot was provided the original ordinance with the establishment of the Historic Preservation Commission portion to include the items that the commission is to produce. Ms. Legner confirmed that he did receive that information and she expects that it will be part of the plan but she will mention it to him to make sure.

Chair Zwiener stated this issue is a general requirement but the process is not detailed. He stated that there needs to be discussion of amending or adding to the Historic Preservation Code in order to have a section on designation and removal of sites from register. Commissioner Hannon stated that the main functions of this commission includes the creation of the cultural resources inventory and the Historic Preservation Plan could include that.

Commissioner McClung wanted to make sure that there is an inclusion in the process for public comment. Ms. Legner explained that there is no public process other than this commission and the public is welcome to speak at the public meetings. Based on the budget for this project, we do not have any large scale public comment events planned. Commissioner McClung suggested at appropriate times, notifying the media with an executive summary of the document. Ms. Legner clarified that the preservation plan will have to go to Town Council.

Ms. Legner explained that comments on the draft outline are due in writing by February 20, 2011. Those comments will go to Dr. Ravesloot along with the comments she received this evening. A schedule will be sent out to the commission via email.

Chair Zweiner stated that there will be a study session directly prior to regular session next month.

Ms. Legner stated that she has been in communication with Pima County regarding the site steward program and the site stewards for Honeybee Archeological Site have been identified and the site packages are prepared. The County is in the process of sending letters to the land owners around that site so that they are aware. The site monitoring will be done twice a month during this season and once a month during the summer. The site stewards will visit with this commission in a couple of months to provide an update. They will be accessing from town easement. 

Chair Zwiener asked if a "no trespassing" sign is posted at the site. Commissioner Hannon commented that Councilmember Solomon had mentioned the need for addition of signage. Ms. Legner stated that the Town owns the wall so signs can be placed on the wall but if someone trespasses, the County or their designee would have to police it. They could be sited by Oro Valley Police as long as it is in concurrence with Pima County. Ms. Legner will speak to Linda Mayro about that issue.

Vice Chair Nagy expressed concern that when Desert Archeology finishes their final report on Honeybee that it will go to SHPO and the Historic Preservation Commission may not learn of the report being finalized. She requested that Ms. Legner ask Ms. Mayro for the status of final report.

Ms. Legner took a poll of members interested in attending the conference and all of the commission members expressed interest in attending the full conference. She requested assistance from the commission in coordinating a tour for the conference. Chair Zwiener stated that Honeybee Village may be tricky because there are no designated paths that are archeologically safe. He suggested that the site stewards may be interested in being involved. He is concerned about how much access is allowed at the site for the tour. A lot of artifacts are visible.

Commissioner Guyer asked if this would be an optional activity on the conference agenda and if we would transport the participants. Ms. Legner stated that could be a carpool option.

Commissioner Pullara suggested that we limit the number of people to attend. She asked if we can get on the agenda and talk about Steam Pump and the process that the Town went through. Ms. Legner stated that it may be too late.

Chair Zwiener suggested having an exhibit booth to provide our cultural resources inventory or a slide show of Steam Pump Ranch.

Vice Chair Nagy stated that she went to this conference in Phoenix and there was a charge for the field trip and transportation was provided. Registration was done in advance and there was a limit. She stated that if we charged a fee, it could take care of transportation costs. There would need to be a couple of Historic Preservation Commission members present and it should be done in a very controlled environment.

Chair Zwiener asked for suggestions pertaining to the tours. The commission members all volunteered to assist. This will be a future agenda item.

Commissioner McClung commented that one option would be to train the public prior to entering the site because some sites have artifacts exposed.  We need to determine if we want to have tours for both Steam Pump Ranch and Honeybee. Steam Pump Ranch will be ready. Do we want to split forces between two sites?

Discussion ensued regarding:
~ There is potential for a site tour at Steam Pump Ranch but there is a lot of concern with a tour at Honeybee. 
~ There are many sites similar to Honeybee.
~ It may be better to do the tour for citizens of Oro Valley.
~ The purpose of this type of tour is to show other entities the process and Steam Pump Ranch has more of a story and useful knowledge for others.
~ Steam Pump Ranch is a work in progress and many tour stops are completed projects. This work in progress may be more valuable to the attendees.

MOTION: A motion was made by Chair Zwiener and seconded by Commissioner McClung to focus on Steam Pump Ranch for the tour site for the conference.

 

MOTION carried, 6-0

 

The commission discussed the following relating to the tour:
~ Organization of transportation may be needed.
~ Visitor packets should be created.
~ Advertising at the conference should be done.
~ Transportation may not be needed if maps to the site are provided.
~ There is handicap parking access at the site.
~ Cooperation with the shopping center could allow for additional parking and shuttle service.
~ An informational booth could be set up at the shopping center.
~ Maps will need to be created.

This should be on the upcoming meeting agenda.

Ms. Legner stated that the Town Manager’s office requested that this issue be brought up to each board and commission again. Ms. Legner reviewed the policy and explained that food may be provided for Town meetings which are held between the hours of 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Ms. Legner explained that members usually show up early to eat or eat during the meeting.

The members discussed these preferences:
~ Chair Zwiener stated that dinner would be too much but snacks would be fine.
~ Commissioner Pullara stated that snacks such as cheese and crackers, fruit and coffee would be nice.
~ Vice Chair Nagy agreed that snacks and coffee would be good for regular meetings. When visitors are here something more substantial would be good and when a commissioner is leaving a special treat such as a cake would be nice.

MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Hannon and seconded by Vice-Chair Nagy that the Town provide the commission with appropriate snacks and beverages for the meetings.

 

MOTION carried, 5-0 with Sam McClung, Commissioner abstained.

 

Commissioner Hannon stated that he will let Ms. Legner know if the Centennial Committee has any significant items which the commission should address.

Commissioner Guyer confirmed that the Oro Valley Historical Society will join the Historic Preservation Commission for a joint study session on March 7, 2011. Chair Zwiener added that there are two potential study sessions coming up, one regarding the preservation plan and one with the Oro Valley Historical Society. He stated that he prefers to have these meetings directly prior to the regular meetings instead of scheduling them on separate dates.

Ms. Legner stated that she will check the schedule for Dr. Ravesloot. Chair Zwiener suggested that the April meeting would allow for more time for the commission to review the draft document.

Ms. Legner requested that an item be on the next agenda for the commission’s input on the budget. Ms. Legner explained that there is a cultural resources section under the department’s budget and ideas from the commission may be assessed in the budget process.

Chair Zwiener asked if "student internship" needs to be on the future agenda. Ms. Legner responded that it does not after the minutes are clarified. 

~ Ms. Legner stated that she will ask the chair to review the commission member applications and conduct interviews. The recommendation will go to the Town Council in next six weeks.
~ Ms. Legner will speak with the chair about pursuing the idea of having a Historic Preservation Commission booth at the spring festival in March.
~ Vice Chair Nagy announced that she attended an excellent lecture on January 20, 2011 at the Oro Valley Library on Agave: The Story of Hohokam Farmers in Ancient Tucson given by Professor Susan Fish from the Arizona State Museum.

MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Guyer and seconded by Vice-Chair Nagy to adjourn the meeting at 6:51 p.m.

 

Prepared by:


Danielle Tanner
Senior Office Specialist