MINUTES
| HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION WEDNESDAY APRIL 15, 2026 |
COUNCIL CHAMBERS 211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE 4:00 P.M. |
1.
Call to Order
- Chair Westheimer called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
NOTICE OF OPTION TO RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the Heritage Preservation Commission and to the general public that, at this regular meeting, the Heritage Preservation Commission may vote to go into executive session, which will not be open to the public, for legal advice and discussion with the City’s attorneys for legal advice on any item listed on the following agenda, pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(3).
2.
Roll Call
| NOTE: One or more Commission Members may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means. |
| PRESENT: DUFFIE WESTHEIMER, CHAIR ALEC OVERMANN, VICE CHAIR EMILY DALE JESSE DOMINGUEZ |
ALYCIA HAYES JEANNE STEVENS CAITLIN STEWART-Vitural |
3.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Heritage Preservation Commission humbly acknowledges the ancestral homelands of this area’s Indigenous nations and original stewards. These lands, still inhabited by Native descendants, border mountains sacred to Indigenous peoples. We honor them, their legacies, their traditions, and their continued contributions. We celebrate their past, present, and future generations who will forever know this place as home.
The Heritage Preservation Commission humbly acknowledges the ancestral homelands of this area’s Indigenous nations and original stewards. These lands, still inhabited by Native descendants, border mountains sacred to Indigenous peoples. We honor them, their legacies, their traditions, and their continued contributions. We celebrate their past, present, and future generations who will forever know this place as home.
- The Land Acknowledgement was read by Commissioner Dale.
4.
Open Call to the Public
At this time, any member of the public may address the Commission on any subject within their jurisdiction that is not scheduled before the Commission on that day. Due to Open Meeting Laws, the Commission cannot discuss or act on items presented during this portion of the agenda. To address the Commission on an item that is on the agenda, please wait for the Chair to call for Public Comment at the time the item is heard.
At this time, any member of the public may address the Commission on any subject within their jurisdiction that is not scheduled before the Commission on that day. Due to Open Meeting Laws, the Commission cannot discuss or act on items presented during this portion of the agenda. To address the Commission on an item that is on the agenda, please wait for the Chair to call for Public Comment at the time the item is heard.
- Sara Dechter, Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Manager, shared an overview of the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 and the upcoming special election on question 492.
- Arianna Urban, Certified Local Government Coordinator at the State Historic Perservation Office, provided SHPO updates.
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A.
Approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on February 18, 2026. Agenda - View Meetings (All)
Moved by Alec Overmann, seconded by Alycia Hayes to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on February 18, 2026.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
6.
PUBLIC HEARING
A.
Sanctuary Subdivision Phase 1 Cultural Resource Study
PROPERTY INFORMATION:
REQUESTED ACTION:
Approval of a Phase 1 Cultural Resource Study.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the Phase 1 Cultural Resource Study, with the condition that if avoidance of the Sanctuary Four site is not possible by the proposed project, additional mitigation subject to Heritage Preservation Commission approval will be required.
PROPERTY INFORMATION:
Address: East of Woody Mountain Road and South of Kiltie Lane
Assessor's Parcel Number: 112-10-005L, 112-10-005M, and 112-10-005P
Property Owner: Pine Valley Partners, LLC
Applicant: Civil Design & Engineering, Inc.
City Staff: Lauren Clementino, HPO
Assessor's Parcel Number: 112-10-005L, 112-10-005M, and 112-10-005P
Property Owner: Pine Valley Partners, LLC
Applicant: Civil Design & Engineering, Inc.
City Staff: Lauren Clementino, HPO
REQUESTED ACTION:
Approval of a Phase 1 Cultural Resource Study.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the Phase 1 Cultural Resource Study, with the condition that if avoidance of the Sanctuary Four site is not possible by the proposed project, additional mitigation subject to Heritage Preservation Commission approval will be required.
- Adrian Dotson, Business Developer for ETD Incorporated, introduced himself and his team. Presentations were provided by Ryan Mahar, Vice President of Engineering at Mogollon Engineering & Surveying Inc., and by Alec Overmann, Anthropologist and GIS Analyst with ETD.
- Commissioners’ questions were addressed by Ryan Mahar, Alec Overmann, and Lauren Clementino, Heritage Preservation Officer.
Moved by Emily Dale, seconded by Jeanne Stevens to approve the Sanctuary Subdivision Phase One Cultural Resource Study, with the condition that if avoidance of the Sanctuary Foresight site is not possible under the proposed project, additional mitigation measures, subject to Heritage Preservation Commission approval, will be required. Commissioner Overmann was recused from this vote, as he was one of the presenters.
Vote: 6 - 0
B.
Hidden Haven Estates Subdivision Phase 1 Cultural Resource Study
PROPERTY INFORMATION:
REQUESTED ACTION:
Approval of a Phase 1 Cultural Resource Study.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the Phase 1 Cultural Resource Study.
PROPERTY INFORMATION:
Address: 4200 S. Lake Mary Road
Assessor's Parcel Number: 105-05-001A, 105-05-002B, 105-05-002C, and 105-05-002D
Property Owner: Bostwick Enterprises
Applicant: Mary & Brian Bostwick
City Staff: Lauren Clementino, HPO
Assessor's Parcel Number: 105-05-001A, 105-05-002B, 105-05-002C, and 105-05-002D
Property Owner: Bostwick Enterprises
Applicant: Mary & Brian Bostwick
City Staff: Lauren Clementino, HPO
REQUESTED ACTION:
Approval of a Phase 1 Cultural Resource Study.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the Phase 1 Cultural Resource Study.
- Presentations were provided by Ryan Mahar and by Alec Overmann. Commissioners’ questions were addressed by Ryan Mahar, Alec Overmann, and Lauren Clementino.
- A public comment was provided by Arianna Urban, suggesting alternative options for preserving the Hidden Haven Estates Subdivision cabins.
Moved by Alycia Hayes, seconded by Emily Dale to approve the Phase One Cultural Resource Study for the Hidden Haven Estate Subdivision, with the condition that all references to the buildings as IO's be globally changed or removed, leaving those designations only in the Built Environment Report in the final submission. The revised report will be submitted to the Heritage Preservation Officer and made a searchable document. Commissioner Overmann was recused from this vote, as he was one of the presenters
Vote: 6 - 0
7.
GENERAL BUSINESS
A.
Deputy City Clerk Georganna Staskey will provide an Open Meeting Law and Boards and Commission training refresher.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Informational only
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Informational only
- Commissioner Overmann returned to his role as a commissioner at 5:33 p.m.
- Georganna Staskey, City Clerk Section Director, delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the Open Meeting Laws and the Commissioner Training Refresher. She also responded to questions from the Commissioners and staff.
B.
Historic Signs and Facades Grant Tracking - April 2026 Update
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Discussion only.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Discussion only.
- Lauren Clemention provided an update.
C.
Updated Heritage Resources: Special Districts and Neighborhoods Map
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Discussion only.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Discussion only.
- Lauren Clementino provided an update. A discussion followed, during which Commissioners’ questions and suggestions were addressed by Lauren Clementino.
D.
Commission Outreach and Education Program Discussion
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Discussion only.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Discussion only.
- A discussion was held regarding various approaches to conducting outreach within the community. Guidance was provided by Lauren Clementino and by Sara Dechter, Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Manager, who also offered context on how the budget functions within Comprehensive Planning. It was determined that this will remain an ongoing discussion and will be revisited to explore potential actionable items, long-term goals, and opportunities that may be achievable within this effort.
- Lauren Clementino announced that she submitted a proclamation for Preservation Month, which is the month of May, for the Mayor to sign and read at a City Council meeting. This item is scheduled for the May 19 City Council agenda, and she encouraged everyone to attend.
- Public comment was provided by Phil Scandura, who spoke to the importance of individual Commissioners educating themselves.
8.
APPROVALS
A.
REPORTS
1.
114 W. Route 66 Certificate of No Effect
PROPERTY INFO:
FINDINGS:
The Certificate of No Effect application was reviewed and approved by the Heritage Preservation Officer.
INFORMATION:
This property is located within the Downtown Historic Overlay Zone and subject to its design guidelines for signs. It is located outside of the Railroad Addition Historic District and was previously recommended eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The proposed sign plans were determined to conform to the design guidelines and meet the criteria for a Certificate of No Effect.
PROPERTY INFO:
Permit Number(s): PZ-26-00025, CC-26-00069
Address: 114 W. Route 66
Type of Approval: Certificate of No Effect
Approval Date: February 23, 2026
Address: 114 W. Route 66
Type of Approval: Certificate of No Effect
Approval Date: February 23, 2026
FINDINGS:
The Certificate of No Effect application was reviewed and approved by the Heritage Preservation Officer.
INFORMATION:
This property is located within the Downtown Historic Overlay Zone and subject to its design guidelines for signs. It is located outside of the Railroad Addition Historic District and was previously recommended eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The proposed sign plans were determined to conform to the design guidelines and meet the criteria for a Certificate of No Effect.
- Lauren Clementino provided an update.
2.
123 N. San Francisco St. Certificate of No Effect
PROPERTY INFO:
FINDINGS:
The Certificate of No Effect application was reviewed and approved by the Heritage Preservation Officer.
INFORMATION:
This property is located within the Downtown Historic Overlay Zone. It is non-contributing to the Railroad Addition Historic District due to age (it was constructed in 1975, outside the period of significance established for the district). The proposed plans to install rooftop telecommunications equipment and associated screening were determined to meet the criteria for a Certificate of No Effect.
This project is currently being reviewed for a City of Flagstaff building permit and a Certificate of No Effect is required before the permit can be issued. If a federal nexus is established, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may later initiate consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act under this project, which would be reported on a future agenda as a Consultation.
PROPERTY INFO:
Permit Number(s): PZ-23-00047-03
Address: 123 N. San Francisco St.
Type of Approval: Certificate of No Effect
Approval Date: February 23, 2026
Address: 123 N. San Francisco St.
Type of Approval: Certificate of No Effect
Approval Date: February 23, 2026
FINDINGS:
The Certificate of No Effect application was reviewed and approved by the Heritage Preservation Officer.
INFORMATION:
This property is located within the Downtown Historic Overlay Zone. It is non-contributing to the Railroad Addition Historic District due to age (it was constructed in 1975, outside the period of significance established for the district). The proposed plans to install rooftop telecommunications equipment and associated screening were determined to meet the criteria for a Certificate of No Effect.
This project is currently being reviewed for a City of Flagstaff building permit and a Certificate of No Effect is required before the permit can be issued. If a federal nexus is established, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may later initiate consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act under this project, which would be reported on a future agenda as a Consultation.
- Lauren Clementino provided an update.
3.
109 N. Leroux St. Ste. A Certificate of No Effect
PROPERTY INFO:
FINDINGS:
The Certificate of No Effect application was reviewed and approved by the Heritage Preservation Officer.
INFORMATION:
This property is located within the Downtown Historic Overlay Zone and subject to its design guidelines for signs. It is located outside of the Railroad Addition Historic District and has not been evaluated for National or Flagstaff Register of Historic Places eligibility. The proposed sign plans were determined to conform to the design guidelines and meet the criteria for a Certificate of No Effect.
PROPERTY INFO:
Permit Number(s): PZ-26-00037, CC-26-00276
Address: 109 N. Leroux St. Ste. A
Type of Approval: Certificate of No Effect
Approval Date: February 27, 2026
Address: 109 N. Leroux St. Ste. A
Type of Approval: Certificate of No Effect
Approval Date: February 27, 2026
FINDINGS:
The Certificate of No Effect application was reviewed and approved by the Heritage Preservation Officer.
INFORMATION:
This property is located within the Downtown Historic Overlay Zone and subject to its design guidelines for signs. It is located outside of the Railroad Addition Historic District and has not been evaluated for National or Flagstaff Register of Historic Places eligibility. The proposed sign plans were determined to conform to the design guidelines and meet the criteria for a Certificate of No Effect.
- Lauren Clementino provided an update.
4.
814 W. Coconino Ave. Letter Report Cultural Resource Study
PROPERTY INFO:
FINDINGS:
Report reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation Officer. The accessory dwelling unit located at 814 W. Coconino Ave. was determined not to be eligible for listing in the National, State, or Flagstaff Registers of Historic Places due to a lack of significance and integrity.
INFORMATION:
LA Neal Consulting, LLC conducted a Letter Report Cultural Resource Study of the accessory dwelling unit located at 814 W. Coconino Ave. ahead of the proposed demolition of the building. The main residence and accessory dwelling unit at 814 W. Coconino Ave. have not been previously studied and are not located within a historic district or historic overlay zone. The main residence was not evaluated as a part of this study and is outside the scope of the proposed project.
PROPERTY INFO:
Permit Number(s): 100-31-013
Address: 814 W. Coconino Ave.
Type of Approval: Letter Report Cultural Resource Study
Approval Date: March 17, 2026
Address: 814 W. Coconino Ave.
Type of Approval: Letter Report Cultural Resource Study
Approval Date: March 17, 2026
FINDINGS:
Report reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation Officer. The accessory dwelling unit located at 814 W. Coconino Ave. was determined not to be eligible for listing in the National, State, or Flagstaff Registers of Historic Places due to a lack of significance and integrity.
INFORMATION:
LA Neal Consulting, LLC conducted a Letter Report Cultural Resource Study of the accessory dwelling unit located at 814 W. Coconino Ave. ahead of the proposed demolition of the building. The main residence and accessory dwelling unit at 814 W. Coconino Ave. have not been previously studied and are not located within a historic district or historic overlay zone. The main residence was not evaluated as a part of this study and is outside the scope of the proposed project.
- Lauren Clementino provided an update and responded to the Commissioner's questions.
5.
9 N. Leroux St. Certificate of No Effect
PROPERTY INFO:
FINDINGS:
The Certificate of No Effect application was reviewed and approved by the Heritage Preservation Officer.
INFORMATION:
This project proposes to replace damaged glass panes and repair the bottom of deteriorated wooden frames in the two existing storefront windows. Work will be completed in-kind with no change in design. This is considered a minor alteration that has a limited impact in relation to the total cultural resource and was determined to meet the criteria for a Certificate of No Effect. This building is a contributor to the Railroad Addition Historic District and is located within the Downtown Historic Overlay Zone.
PROPERTY INFO:
Permit Number(s): PZ-26-00051
Address: 9 N. Leroux St.
Type of Approval: Certificate of No Effect
Approval Date: March 23, 2026
Address: 9 N. Leroux St.
Type of Approval: Certificate of No Effect
Approval Date: March 23, 2026
FINDINGS:
The Certificate of No Effect application was reviewed and approved by the Heritage Preservation Officer.
INFORMATION:
This project proposes to replace damaged glass panes and repair the bottom of deteriorated wooden frames in the two existing storefront windows. Work will be completed in-kind with no change in design. This is considered a minor alteration that has a limited impact in relation to the total cultural resource and was determined to meet the criteria for a Certificate of No Effect. This building is a contributor to the Railroad Addition Historic District and is located within the Downtown Historic Overlay Zone.
- Lauren Clementino provided an update.
B.
CONSULTATIONS
1.
Bulter Complete Streets Section 106 Consultation
PROPERTY INFO:
N/A
FINDINGS:
The Federal Highway Administration initiated consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act with consulting parties on February 4, 2026. The State Historic Preservation Office has concurred on the finding of No Adverse Effect.
INFORMATION:
The City of Flagstaff has proposed improvements along Butler Avenue between South Milton Road and South River Run Road that ensure safety and mobility of pedestrians and bicyclists in accordance with the City’s 2022 Active Transportation Master Plan and the 2020 Southside Community Plan. The project scope of work will include developing separate, raised bike lanes; enhancing pedestrian crossings; minimizing ROW impacts; addressing impacts to drainage and utilities; and improving existing roadside features including curb ramps and gutters, transit stops, landscaping, low retaining walls, catch basins, and driveways. These improvements will help anchor the City’s expanding active transportation infrastructure and encourage bicycling and walking for a broader segment of the City’s population. This project represents a crucial step towards creating safer, more efficient mobility options for everyone. The City of Flagstaff is using funding from a Safe Streets for All Grant being administered by the Federal Highway Administration, thus making the project a federal undertaking subject to the policies and procedures implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
A cultural resources survey report entitled Class III Cultural Survey for the Butler Avenue Complete Streets Conversion Project in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona (WSP Technical Report 2025-017) was completed for the project. Multiple historic buildings and the Flagstaff Southside Historic District are located along Butler Avenue. Undertaking improvements will be confined to the existing transportation corridor and are not anticipated to result in direct physical alteration to any buildings. Given the already highly developed transportation setting and the incremental nature of the proposed improvements, the undertaking is not expected to diminish the District’s integrity of setting, feeling, or association beyond existing conditions. The recommended treatment is avoidance of physical alteration, use of context-sensitive design to minimize visual and traffic- related intrusions on the historic setting, and continued coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office during final design. Based on the findings from the Class III survey, the City and FHWA recommended that the undertaking result in a finding of No Adverse Effect.
PROPERTY INFO:
N/A
FINDINGS:
The Federal Highway Administration initiated consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act with consulting parties on February 4, 2026. The State Historic Preservation Office has concurred on the finding of No Adverse Effect.
INFORMATION:
The City of Flagstaff has proposed improvements along Butler Avenue between South Milton Road and South River Run Road that ensure safety and mobility of pedestrians and bicyclists in accordance with the City’s 2022 Active Transportation Master Plan and the 2020 Southside Community Plan. The project scope of work will include developing separate, raised bike lanes; enhancing pedestrian crossings; minimizing ROW impacts; addressing impacts to drainage and utilities; and improving existing roadside features including curb ramps and gutters, transit stops, landscaping, low retaining walls, catch basins, and driveways. These improvements will help anchor the City’s expanding active transportation infrastructure and encourage bicycling and walking for a broader segment of the City’s population. This project represents a crucial step towards creating safer, more efficient mobility options for everyone. The City of Flagstaff is using funding from a Safe Streets for All Grant being administered by the Federal Highway Administration, thus making the project a federal undertaking subject to the policies and procedures implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
A cultural resources survey report entitled Class III Cultural Survey for the Butler Avenue Complete Streets Conversion Project in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona (WSP Technical Report 2025-017) was completed for the project. Multiple historic buildings and the Flagstaff Southside Historic District are located along Butler Avenue. Undertaking improvements will be confined to the existing transportation corridor and are not anticipated to result in direct physical alteration to any buildings. Given the already highly developed transportation setting and the incremental nature of the proposed improvements, the undertaking is not expected to diminish the District’s integrity of setting, feeling, or association beyond existing conditions. The recommended treatment is avoidance of physical alteration, use of context-sensitive design to minimize visual and traffic- related intrusions on the historic setting, and continued coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office during final design. Based on the findings from the Class III survey, the City and FHWA recommended that the undertaking result in a finding of No Adverse Effect.
- Lauren Clementino provided an update.
9.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS TO/FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS AND STAFF
- Lauren Clementino formally introduced the new commissioner, Caitlin Stewart, and welcomed her.
- Lauren Clementino announced that this would be Nancy Corbin-Fuller's last meeting and thanked her for her service.
- Lauren Clementino announced that the City of Flagstaff had been informed of an ADOT grant program on short notice. The program can fund a range of activities, including historic preservation studies and related work. It is designed to support projects located on or associated with highways and other transportation-related facilities. The grant was applied for a condition assessment and feasibility study for the El Pueblo Motel.
- Commissioner Dominguez explained that the La Plaza Vieja Neighborhood Association is working to inventory historical buildings in the area. He asked whether anyone knows of a photograph of the Little Brown Jug liquor store, which was located just south of Papa John’s on Route 66. The building has since burned down; it was originally constructed from army ammunition boxes. He requested that if anyone has, or can locate, a photo of the Little Brown Jug, they share it with the association.
- Sara Dechter provided an update on the upcoming Arizona State Planning Conference, which will be held in Flagstaff. She noted that the conference theme is “Historic Routes, Timeless Skies,” emphasizing Route 66, Flagstaff’s dark skies efforts, and other local features. She encouraged commissioners to submit ideas for session proposals or mobile workshops and to share suggestions on what experiences would be valuable for visiting planners. It was also noted that the statewide conference is held in Flagstaff only about once every ten years.
10.
ADJOURNMENT
- The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 p.m.