Senior Planner Michael Spaeth explained the original plan relating to the Vistoso Town Center, adjacent to Honey Bee Preserve. The Town received a proposal to reduce the commercial space from 9.5 to 2 acres, with remaining land as residential and an archaeological display area. Town staff worked with the applicant, developer and Pima County and developed key concepts. He reviewed the concepts.
WLB Group Senior Project Manager and LEED AP Paul Oland explained he is the applicant and discussed the interest in residential development with a commercial (office/retail) element and archaeological display area.
Justin Smith with Mattamy Homes discussed parcels purchased and designations.
The Commission expressed concern about the CC&R language pertaining to stewardship on the preserve, as residents can not make changes within the preserve.
The Commission discussed the following:
- Residential (single family) would be preferred to commercial
- Ample parking is important for those visiting the preserve
- Commercial area placement is important
- A separate entry into to the preserve is good
- An external community wall buffer of 10-20 feet would be sufficient
Recreation Manager Lynanne Dellerman reviewed the City of Mesa web page in comparison to the Town of Oro Valley web page.
The Commission will review the web page further on their own and discuss it in April.
Chair Guyer moved Item 6 prior to Item 5.
Ms. Dellerman discussed the purpose of the garden and reviewed information regarding the Hands-On program by Archaeology Southwest.
Discussion followed regarding:
- Activities at the ranch should be of the accurate period and should be relevant
- Addressing the whole site
- Certain activities distract from the ranch
Chair Guyer said the Steam Pump Ranch Master Plan Update is in process and that document needs to be considered prior to a decision on the additional pit houses.
The Commissioners volunteered to review sections of the code and provide feedback to the rest of the Commission. The sections were divided as follows:
- 6-10-1: Purpose, Mission and Objectives (excludes definitions) - Commissioner Trail
- 6-10-5: Historic Preservation Commission, Powers and Duties forward - Chair Guyer
- 6-10-6 and 6-10-7: Incentives and Historic Landmark Designation Process - Commissioner Sunshine
- 6-10-8: Historic District Designation - Commissioner Thomae
- 6-10-09: Certificate of Appropriateness - Vice Chair Lane
- General document review - Commissioner Strandskov
Vice Chair Lane said no applications have been received. The submission deadline was March 13, 2015. The Commission agreed to change the deadline to March 27, 2015.
Commissioner Trail and Multimodal Coordinator Nancy Ellis estimate the cost for this project at $5,000. Many grant programs are 1:1 matches, so she recommended asking for $2,500 with the Town covering the remainder. Ms. Diaz-Trahan pointed out that funding can be identified as in-kind and include staff time, consultation, etc. She suggested seeking a funding partner.
No discussion.
Vice Chair Lane reported on several action ideas from the last meeting and discussed these items with the Commission.
No future assignments at this time.
Staff and the Commission reported on the following:
- Arizona Archaeology Awareness Month
- Archaeology Expo in Yuma
- Southwest Indian Art Fair on March 21-22, 2015
Ms. Diaz-Trahan reported on the following items:
- Pima County Bond project
- Oro Valley Meet Yourself event on March 21-22, 2015.
- Virtual driving tour presentation by Commissioner Thomae (April)
- Ordinance review (May)
- Children's Historic Preservation Fair in February 2016 partnership (May)
- Year end wrap-up and agenda setting for the next year. (June)
No discussion.
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Thomae and seconded by Commissioner Trail adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m.
MOTION carried, 6-0
Prepared by:
Danielle Tanner
Senior Office Specialist
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the regular session of the Historic Preservation Commission of Oro Valley, Arizona held on the 2nd day of March, 2015. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.