MINUTES
ORO VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL
Study Session
February 13, 2008
ORO VALLEY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
11000 N. LA CANADA DRIVE
 
CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

PRESENT:
Paul Loomis, Mayor
Al Kunisch, Vice Mayor
Paula Abbott, Council Member
K.C. Carter, Council Member
Helen Dankwerth, Council Member
Barry Gillaspie, Council Member

EXCUSED: Terry Parish, Council Member

1.

UPDATE ON THE STEAM PUMP RANCH MASTER PLANNING PROCESS BY THE MASTER PLAN TEAM: POSTER FROST ASSOCIATES


Corky Poster and Andrew Gorski, with Poster Frost Associates presented an update on the four alternative Steam Pump Ranch reuse models for the Town Council to consider as it plans for the redevelopment of the site.

A powerpoint presentation was shown showing  the Preferred Design Alternative showing a two periods concept:  Pusch-Era and the Procter-Era. 

Phase 1 of the proposed concept was reviewed showing parking and circulation, landscape architecture, proposed building use, restoration/reconstruction of the Pump House, and proposed Building Use Treatment for ’Restoration/Reconstruction to late 19th century. 

Mr. Poster reviewed a Preferred Plan - Future Optional Phases stating that decisions would be made later as to the appropriateness of these future uses, which might include a Multi-purpose Event Center, Chickens and livestock, Caretaker’s Cottage, New Equestrian Facilities.

Preliminary Capital Costs were reviewed:

Phase 1 Restoration of Historic Core
- Landscape Elements  $1.98 Million
- Buildings and Structures  $2.28 Million
- Site Infrastructure Allowance  $1Million

Additional Costs at Build-out were reviewed:
Optional Addition  $3.05 Millionl

Total Capital - $4+Million

Proposed Operating Approach:
Four Alternative Re-Use Models were reviewed and discussed:
1)  Preservation Model - public park with restored historic buildings; minimal interior programming.
2)  Public Heritage Model - site run by Town of Oro Valley Parks & Recreation staff.
3)  Non-Profit Heritage Model - facility run largely by non-profit, such as Oro Valley Historical Society.
4)  Heritage with Supportive Commercial Uses - private vendors to operate event center, equestrian center, restaurant and perhaps heritage museum, gift shop, cafe.

Discussion followed concerning costs if built in phases:
1.  2008, expend existing 2004 Bond Funds ($300,000).
2.  2009, passage of 2009 Pima County Bonds ($5M).
3.  2010, construction plans for Phase 1 Master Plan.
4.  2011, construct Phase 1 Master Plan ($5M).
5.  2011, open with limited programs as Preservation Model.
6.  2012, fit-out exhibits, add programs ($0.5M), Public Model.
7.  2013, transfer responsibility to OVHS, Non-Profit Model.
8.  2014, add private partners, "build-out," Commercial Model.


Mr. Poster stated that this Master Plan should be looked at as a living breathing Master Plan and could carry us through a variety of models. The Site can evolve over time.

Outstanding issues:
Expenditures of first $300,000
Partners: GOVAC, CC, OVHS, Shelton, etc.
Revenue activities
Steam Pump Village potential building pad
Town well
Encroachment on north side (CDO Bank)
Capital source of build-out
Other issues by Mayor and Town Council


Questions from Council included reviewing definitions such as preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction.

Some members of the Steam Pump Task Force say we should not open the Ranch to the public until we have something the town can be proud of.


Mayor Loomis opened the floor for public comment.

Roxy Johnson, spoke as a Board Member for the Oro Valley Historical Society.  She read the Society’s mission statement and expressed concern with the presentation expecting the Historical Society to take over the management since the Society is totally volunteer, has a small membership and no one has training to be docents.  She stressed that the Society is not in a position to think about taking this over.

Next update to Council will occur in April 2008.



2.

DISCUSSION REGARDING DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS REVISIONS


Sarah More reviewed the complete Development Review Process now in place and stated that as part of Development Review Division Manager Paul Keesler’s review of the process, there are currently 149 steps in the process.  A power point presentation was shown outlining the original Development Plan process and the Proposed Development Plan Process.

Ms. More stated that this process includes a partnership, team activity of citizens, developers, and Boards and Commissions to make sure everything is correct in the process.

Ms. More reviewed the proposed changes to the process that will address:

Citizens - Two Neighborhood meetings prior to application being filed will be held.
Applicant - Tentative Development Plan & Review Process Changes.
Staff - Standardized submittal requirements and checklists.


Ms. More reviewed the proposed development plan process that could eliminate 26 weeks in the process.  She stated that the next steps will be reviewing this proposal with Town Homeowner’s Associations, the Development Community, Development Review Board and external Reviewing Agencies.  The Zoning Code will be amended as needed and the changes to the process will be published and distributed.


Discussion followed regarding the proposed changes to the Development Plan Process.  Planning and Zoning staff will report back to the Council as time goes on.

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Carter and seconded by Vice Mayor Kunisch to Adjourn 6 - 0.