Agencies affirm commitment to SPRNCA with MOU

Moving Forward

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Gila District, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Huachuca, Cochise County, and City of Sierra Vista affirmed their commitment to water and ecological conservation of the San Pedro River and Sierra Vista subwatershed area by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperative monitoring and management of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA) and surrounding areas within Cochise County.

The MOU signed on Tuesday provides a proposed path to ensure the achievement of mutually shared goals of an ecologically viable SPRNCA and regional water security, including:

A healthy San Pedro River and ecologically viable SPRNCA.
Adequate long-term water supplies to maintain the needs of the area’s residents and property owners, as well as the SPRNCA.
More opportunities for continued economic growth and development within Cochise County.
An operationally secure Fort Huachuca that can accomplish its national defense missions, have a safe and adequate water supply, and comply with all obligations under the Endangered Species Act.

The MOU reaffirms the alliance and commitment between the four partners on how to best collaborate to ensure a healthy, ecologically viable SPRNCA, San Pedro River and regional aquifer. The terms of the MOU detail the partners’ collaborative approach to evaluating and implementing terms of an adaptive management plan (“Plan”) aimed to conserve the desert riparian ecosystem of the SPRNCA while aiding the continued economic growth and development of Cochise County. The Plan will implement monitoring and management actions necessary from all partners involved to ensure the conservation and economic prosperity of the area.

City Council News

Council approves development code amendments

At its regular meeting on Thursday, the Sierra Vista City Council approved amendments to the City’s development code that provide additional flexibility and clarity.

The proposed text amendments were unanimously recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission and received no comments during a 30-day public comment period. The amendments revise the definitions of “finished grade” and “building height” to be less restrictive than the previous standard and provide more flexibility. This is consistent with City Council Strategic Plan objectives, which have sought to reduce unnecessary code provisions and make the City more collaborative and efficient.

The amendments also exempt essential communication facilities for emergency, police, and medical service dispatch located on public property from the requirements of the Communication Facilities Section of the development code. This will expedite the review and construction of emergency communication facilities.

In other business, the City Council approved the City’s Program Year 2020 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER), which outlines activities performed using the City’s allocation of Community Development Grand Dollars from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Details on the council meeting items are available in the supporting documents for the Thursday, Sept. 23, City Council meeting. They can be accessed via the “City Council” folder on the City’s document server at docserve.sierravistaaz.gov/.

City Council meetings can be streamed live and past meetings can be viewed on YouTube. The meetings are also aired on Cox Channel 12. Learn more at www.sierravistaaz.gov/your-government/mayor-council/council-meetings/ or in the “Council HQ” page at engage.sierravistaaz.gov.

Extraordinary Activities

Get ready to sample some of Arizona's best vintages all while enjoying Art in the Park!

For the first time, the City is partnering with the Huachuca Art Association to host Vineyards in the Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2, during the first day of Art in the Park. The art show runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in Veterans Memorial Park.

Uncommon Recreation

Get ready for a fun season and register for the 2022 Youth Basketball League. Practices begin in early January and the season runs through mid-March. Register by Nov. 20 to avoid a late fee. Learn more.

Social Snapshot

We saw a tremendous turnout for the return of Sierra Vista’s favorite fall festival over the weekend! In its 25th year, the City’s annual Oktoberfest in Veterans Memorial Park featured live music, brats, beer, arts/crafts, and plenty of family fun at the carnival. Thanks to everyone who came out to welcome fall in style. Prost!

City Announcements

Are you interested in volunteering to serve your community and engage with your local government? There are vacancies on several City citizen commissions focused on various areas of interest. They include the Arts & Humanities Commission, Airport Commission, Library Advisory Commission, Tourism Commission and Youth Commission. Learn more.

Did you know that the City offers toilet rebates when you install an EPA WaterSense-approved toilet as part of its ongoing water conservation efforts? By replacing your existing toilets with a model that uses 1.28 gallons or less per flush, you can receive a rebate of $50-$100. Learn more.

The Sky Island Pickleball Club will host the 2021 High Desert Classic next week. Check out the tournament schedule to come cheer on the competitors. Learn more about the club and how to start playing pickleball yourself.

Upcoming Meetings

There are no City Council meetings scheduled for this week.

Watch Council Meetings

Head to our YouTube Channel to stream City Council meetings live or watch previous meetings.

Accommodations

For any special needs or accommodations, please notify Jill Adams 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Reach Ms. Adams at (520) 458-3315 or through the Arizona Relay Service at 7-1-1.

City of Sierra Vista

(520) 458-3315

1011 N. Coronado Drive

Sierra Vista, AZ 85635