Vice Chair Cox called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

PRESENT:

Vice Chair Don Cox Commissioner Alan Caine Commissioner Thomas Drzazgowski Commissioner Bill Leedy Commissioner William Rodman Commissioner John Buette

EXCUSED:

Chair Robert Swope

 

Vice Chair Cox led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Comments were received by two individuals:

Gabe Wigtil, non resident, announced the Wild Connections community wildlife event at Catalina State Park on November 10-11, 2012.

Don Bristow, resident, commented that, in regard to the previous meeting concerning the Fry’s Planned Area Amendment for signs.  Mr. Bristow stated that the Commission should make recommendations based on Town Codes and the merits of the application.

Council Member Joe Hornat was present and had no comments.

Staff Report

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Attachment 9

Chad Daines, Town Planner, presented:

Applicant’s request
Location and Context Map
Background
Site Conditions
Major Washes
Planned Wildlife Overpass/Underpass
Hillside Areas
Existing Pima County Zoning
Current General Plan
Proposed General Plan Amendment
How the Town evaluates the request
Existing and Proposed Lane Use Comparison
Significant Resource Areas (SRA) Modification
Special Area Policies
Urban Services Boundary
General Plan Amendment Evaluation Criteria
Neighborhood Meetings/Public Input
Neighborhood Meeting Issues
Public Input Opportunities in Review Process
Summary

Applicant Keri Silvyn of Lazarus, Silvyn and Bangs, PC spoke on Desert Springs.  Also present were Eric Bose and Brad Jarvies of Sun Chase Holdings/Desert Springs owners, and Rob Longaker of WLB Group. 

Ms. Silvyn said Sun Chase has owned the property for 24 years and has been working with Town staff, adjoining neighbors and other constituents for months balancing the issues for the site.  They propose developing with retail, residential, office, passive recreation and housing that complements development that's occurred in the area over the last 15 years.  Following the amendment will be potential annexation and zoning.  After meeting with Town staff and adjacent neighbors from Talante Estates, they revised the plan to be 67 acres of Medium Density Residential, 18 acres of Low Density Residential, and 24 acres of Neighborhood Commercial/ Office.  They made changes to Special Area Policies regarding buffer yards, height limitations, prohibiting high density residences and apartments, and establishing a maximum of 250 residential units of low and medium density for the project.  They eliminated access to the Catalina State Park which was shown on the original plan.  They talked with the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection (CSDP) group and were planning to meet with the Director of Catalina State Park.   

The buffer areas are proposed for the north and east sides of Talante Estates, and mitigation measures have been included establishing height restrictions, dedicated open space and types of vegetation in the buffer areas.

The commercial and office space is proposed adjacent to Oracle Road.

The property is presently planned for a major golf course and resort with convention facilities, 108 low density homes, and retail commercial space.  Their proposal would be a less intense use of the land than what it is currently planned for.


Vice Chair Cox opened the discussion to public speakers. 

Michael Racy, non resident, was representing the Home Owners Association of Talante Estates.  He doesn’t favor the densities proposed next to the Catalina State Park but has worked with the developer on issues related to Special Area Policies.

Edie Behr, non resident, asked what the benefit would be for the Town of Oro Valley for this development.  She also asked about the timing of this proposal since Town Council has approved the Pima County Sonoran Conservation Plan to take effect in January, 2013.  Vice Chair Cox indicated by law, amendments must be considered by the Commission and Town Council in the year they are filed.  Planning Manager David Williams further reiterated the basis for the timing of Public Hearings in State law.

Bill Adler, resident, is against the proposal and commented that the Significant Resource Areas (SRA) portion doesn’t prevent ridgelines from being developed, and those areas should be protected for neighbors and wildlife.

Carolyn Campbell, non resident and representative of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection (CSDP) opposes the plan.  Their goal is to protect and restore the wildlife connectivity in the area.  The parcel’s been designated as a Significant Resource Area by the Town.  The site has been designated a high biological core and a critical landscape linkage by teams of biologists.  She provided eleven (11) photographs of the wildlife in the area.  They believe the buffer near the park is inadequate for wildlife, and they have a different proposal. CSDP stated they provided written information to the Commissioners prior to this meeting.

Carl Boswell, resident, opposes the plan and said he believes the plan only benefits Sun Chase Holdings who is looking for profit, and the property could be sold to another speculator.

Jan Johnson, non resident, opposes the plan due to the density of 250 homes proposed and is concerned about wildlife being able to travel in the area.

Kathie Schroeder, non resident, is opposed to the plan and believes there are other places to develop since the other development across the street has empty stores.

Bryan Martyn, non resident and Executive Director of Arizona State Parks.  He said the Catalina State Park has existed for over 30 years.  The park has not taken a position either for/against the plan, and they have voiced their concerns.  They respect the rights of property owners/neighbors and want to work with the community.  Their job is to protect the resources they are responsible for and provide access to those resources.

Vice Chair Cox closed the discussion for the public.

Staff Report

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Attachment 7

Matt Michels, Town Planner, presented:

Applicants Request
Neighborhood Commercial Office (NCO) General Plan Land Use Designation
Location and Context
General Plan Future Land Use
Tangerine Road Corridor Overlay District (TRCOD) requirements
Environmentally Sensitive Lands
Site view looking north from Tortolita Mountains
How does the town evaluate
General Plan Evaluation Criteria
General Plan Vision, Goals and Policies
Public Input
Growth Area
Land Use Intensity
Neighborhood Meetings/Public Input
Neighborhood Issues
Public Input Opportunities in Review Process
Summary

Applicant Paul Oland of WLB Group elaborated on the site plan and justifications for the amendment request. 

Vice Chair Cox opened the public hearing.

Carolyn Campbell, non resident and representative of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection (CSDP) was concerned that the property owner wouldn’t have to comply with the Environmental Sensitive Land Ordinance (ESLO).

Bill Adler, resident, had comments about the planned senior care use and 5 acres of land not being sufficient to facilitate it.

Amber Smith, non resident, doesn't object to the parcel but isn't supportive of the northern parcel adjacent to Limewood.

Jon Roof, non resident, supports the plan.

Vice Chair Cox closed the public discussion.

Staff Report

Attachment 1

Attachment 2

Attachment 3

Bayer Vella, Conservation and Sustainability Manager, presented the following:

General Plan - Energy Element

Key Ingredients
Opportunities
Energy Efficiency
Regulations & Voluntary Programs
Transportation Systems
Barriers to Energy Efficiency
Renewable Energy
Benefits to Southern Arizona Economy for Promoting Solar
Barriers in Town Codes
Additions to Town Code
Community Leadership by Example
Environmental Leadership by Example
Cost-Saving Opportunities
Education Outreach
Energy Infrastructure Planning
Infrastructure Planning - the Grid
Forecast Substation Load
Community Resiliency
Emergency Preparation
By the end of the century - temperatures rising by 10 degrees
Process
The Town’s Vision

Vice Chair Cox opened the public hearing.

Bill Adler, resident, indicated that the Town Council wanted this new Element added to the General Plan and it provides direction but the Commissioners need to decide if this is the right direction.

Donald Bristow, resident, was not present to speak when his name was called by Vice Chair Cox.

Vice Chair Cox closed the public hearing.

This was not discussed at the meeting.

MOTION: A motion was made by Vice Chair Don Cox Cox and seconded by Commissioner William Rodman Rodman adjourn the meeting.

MOTION carried, 5-0.