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Community
Development
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Staff: Community
Development Director John Charley
(520) 432-6269 Administrative Assistant Lisa Marra (520) 432-6016 Queen Mine Tour Manager Douglas Graeme (520) 432-2071 Building Inspector Bob Mesquit (520) 432-6015 Visitor's
Center Supervisor Ilona Smerekanich
Bisbee - 866-224-7233
Queen Mine Tour Bisbee - 866-432-7071 queenminetour@cityofbisbee.com (520) 432-2071 Community Development Department
The Community Development Department (CDD) works to provide the community with services that enhance the quality of life and improve economic opportunities. The department is responsible for:
In addition, the department provides staff liaisons to the following Boards or Commissions:
• Planning and Zoning Commission * (John Charley and Bob Mesquit) • Board of Adjustment * (John Charley) • Design Review Board * (Bob Mesquit) • Bisbee Arts Commission (John Charley and Lisa Marra) • Commission on Disability Issues (Lisa Marra) • Transportation Advisory Council – Bisbee Bus (Lisa Marra) * denotes a standing Committee by City Charter
Each year the Community Development Department challenges itself to improve services, expand opportunities and respond to the changing needs of the Bisbee community. The CDD not only meets these goals, but welcomes the unforeseen issues that require flexibility, creativity and dedication to address and solve. Worth noting are the number of ways that this department has partnered with other City departments on a variety of projects. Improving services
The completion of ACE Hardware - From beginning to end the CDD has played a significant role in this development. Most recently there has been intensive oversight by the Building Inspector to bring this business online in a timely fashion to open November, 2010. Building permits valued at $1,901,849.00.
CCAH Expansion - Completed the site plan review for the expansion of the Cochise County Association for the Handicapped facility. Work progressing with completion of the project in 2011. Building permits valued at $1,425,000.00.
QMT Landscaping Plans - As a nearly million dollar a year business, it is imperative that provisions are made for a high quality, safe experience to visitors of the Queen Mine Tour and at the same time remain competitive in the tourism business. New plans call for increasing accessibility to the tour, updated restrooms and a small café. City Hall Window and Door Replacement - Coordinated all efforts associated with this Department of Commerce energy grant including the submitting the grant, RFPs, pre bid meetings and construction contract. Social Media - Each division of the CDD takes advantage of one of the most powerful forms of communication - social media. This serves as an additional way to inform the public on a variety of issues and encourage their participation in local government.
Old Bisbee Walking Map - This updated map, near completion, will be an added boost to businesses and visitors as they explore the Historic District.
Old Bisbee Design Guidelines - By updating the guidelines and increasing their availability online to ensure that the quality management of the historic district is assured for many years to come. Channel 5 - Assisted City Clerks office to maintain and trouble shoot the Government Station, in addition to working with outside entities to expand use and community access. Meeting the Changing needs of the Bisbee community
Historic District Parking Ordinance - Preparing new parking codes for the historic district that will encourage infill by businesses and residential builders.
Subway Street improvements - As part of the City's commitment to merchants on Subway Street for improvements the CDD worked with Public Works to design and install a new pole and banner system to help identify and mark the street.
Medical Marijuana - Preparing recommendation to the City Council regarding zoning issues for medical Marijuana dispensaries within Bisbee.
Plastic Bag Ban - Working with retail outlets and citizens in an effort to reduce or eliminate single use bags as a negative impact on the environment.
Dog Park - Working with local group to identify locations and create standards for a privately managed dog park.
Expanding opportunities
PARA Grant - Partnered with Public Works to submit a successful grant application ($200,000) to study the transportation needs of the City. Participated in stakeholders interviews.
ADOT Enhancement Grant - Partnered with Public Works to submit a successful grant application for the enhancement of the intersection of Hwy. 92 and Naco Hwy. This is a projected 1 million dollar grant and has been rated the number one project by the State of Arizona for this stream of funding. Bisbee Residential Historic District - This area was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This was made possible by a grant from SHPO in 2009. Over 900 building are included with over 60% contributing to the district. This can reduce property taxes of qualifying properties by nearly 50%.
Warren Charrette - Based on the successful models of the Old Bisbee and San Jose Charrette the Warren Charrette will provide the residents of Warren the opportunity to create a quality land planning document.
Warren Survey - This survey will culminate in the submission of Warren to become part of the NationalRegister of Historic Places.
Copper Miner Statue 75 Anniversary - 2010 marks the 75 th anniversary of Bisbee's most significant public monument. Collaborated with the Bisbee Arts Commission and local artists to develop a logo and photo of the Monument. The CDD will coordinate celebrations and restoration efforts over the next year. Fiber Optic Grant - Partnered with the Copper Queen Library to write a proposal for Bisbee to be used as a test site for high speed fiber installation by the internet giant GOOGLE. Unfortunately Bisbee was not chosen. Arizona Association for Economic Development - Recently joined in an effort to become more familiar with economic development opportunities and to give Bisbee more of a state wide presence. Arizona Planners State Conference - Guest speaker presenting the San Jose Charrette.
Grant Writing Workshop - The CDD sponsored representatives from the Copper Queen Library, Public Works and the Community Development Department to attend an all day grants writing class. Bisbee Economic Form - Developed and coordinated the concept and execution for the cover of the Bisbee Outlook Publication (Bisbee Entrepreneurs) .
City Hall Sign - Developed and managed the installation of the new sign for the front of City Hall.
Cochise College in Bisbee - Held a series of meetings with representatives of the college including the president in an effort to facilitate a greater Cochise College presence in Bisbee. This includes site visits and review of programming opportunities.
Coordinate the sale and transfer of City Property - Over $800,000 in sales over a four year period.
TOTAL ANNUAL BUDGET: $ 211,625.00 __________________________________________ Robert (Bob) Mesquit Building Inspector
The Building Inspection and Code Enforcement Officer issues building permits, reviews plans, conducts inspections, and responds to concerns regarding Building, Zoning and City Code violations. The Building Inspection and Code Enforcement Officer endeavors to assure compliance with the City's various codes and thereby improve or protect the health and safety of Bisbee residents.
In addition, he is the staff liaison to the Design Review Board and acts as support staff to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustment.
The number of permits issued has dropped slightly over the last year. In addition, the value of those permits and fees has dropped by 2%. With each permit comes at least one inspection, and very often two or more are required. Funds generated by permit fees are put into the General Fund and support not only the Building Inspection and Code Enforcement programs, but other City programs as well. The Building Inspector is also a member of the site planning committee which reviews site plans for certain developments in the city, performs inspections for business licenses, and assist with the development of the GIS system, Zoning Maps, and Zoning Code Changes.
Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Budget Highlights
Valued, $1,901,849.00
Valued, $1,425,000.00
Commercial = $2,317,334.00 60 permits issued Residential = $1,558,554.00 186 permits issued
? Permit fees collected through November, 2010 - $54,094.00
TOTAL ANNUAL BUDGET: $ 71,752.00
Ilona Smerekanich Visitors Center Supervisor
The Bisbee Visitor Center, located in the Convention Center in downtown Bisbee, is the community hub for tourists, visitors, business travelers and residents, and is volunteer driven. With over 60,000 people coming through the doors each year, volunteers are busy seven days a week acting as ambassadors, concierges, marketers, travel planners, resource providers, and hosts. The Visitor Center is open all holidays, with exception to Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year holidays.
The manager is responsible for the overall operation of the Center, marketing, advertising and film. Part-time staff is responsible for maintaining the www.discoverbisbee.com website (edits/updates), social media accounts, brochure policy, brochure inventory, as well as scheduling, mailings and overseeing the smooth operation of the center .
Funded primarily through the Transient Room Tax (BEDTAX), the Visitor Center budget is supplemented with funds from the Queen Mine Tour. The Center's marketing budget was formerly supplemented with funds from the Arizona Office of Tourism. Those funds have been suspended.
Recent Accomplishments at the Visitor Center include:
Cosmetic re-do of the Visitor Center included new walls, paint, carpeting, lighting, signage, office furniture, computers and storage. The Arizona Office of Tourism, (Local Visitor Information Centers Division) named Bisbee as the Model Center for the State of Arizona . Funds derived from the Rural Tourism Grant and Capital Improvement Funds.
As a result of a cooperative effort through the Cochise County Tourism Council, a Cochise Origins video was produced. Each origin as well as each Visitor Center received a flat-screened television and a DVD player. The strategic plan is to continue to add new origins to be played simultaneously throughout the County. As a result of this project, the CCTC won the Governor's Tourism Award in Best Cooperative Marketing in 2009.
Year to date 2010, the Center has seen 58,099 visitors and had 7,956,407 website hits.
Increase print ad placement in major travel magazines. Ads increased in size to include a minimum ½ page, preferably a full page. Increased cooperative marketing. Expanded print placement including The History Magazine; negotiated a 20% discounted rate. Continued shared billboard on Highway 80; negotiated a 20% discounted rate the second year.
Expanded social media efforts that include: Twitter: www.twitter.com/BisbeeVisitorCenter Face Book: www.facebook.com/Discover Bisbee, Arizona Yelp: www.yelp.com , Trip Advisor: www.tripadvisor.com , Flickr photos: www.flickr.com
Expanded marketing efforts that included two live radio travel interviews at no cost and increased number of partnerships with other tourism organizations.
Hosted an Arizona Office of Tourism International Media familiarization tour as well as an Arizona Office of Tourism AAA familiarization tour. Hosted 10 travel writer's from across the continents year to date.
Year to date record 62 press releases that have contributed to over than $ 691,612 in advertising equivalent worth for Bisbee. This represents only instate publications. This is a result of press releases and independent editorials, many written by travel writers that Bisbee has hosted.
Tourism related committees in which this office is a member:
_____________________________________ Lisa Marra Administrative Assistant
Bisbee Bus Fund
The Bisbee Bus operations are primarily through the Arizona Department of Transportation's 5311 program. Additional funds to support the Bisbee Bus are provided from a 5317 ADOT Program, AAA, and SEAGO. General funds are also utilized for matching funds. Bisbee currently owns 3 busses.
The day to day operations of the Bisbee Bus are contracted through Catholic Community Services which provide drivers, safety training and oversight of operations, ridership, marketing and administration. This department oversees the Transit Advisory Council.
The Bisbee Bus runs are Monday thru Friday 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This service is provided year round with the exception of holidays. The route includes Old Bisbee, Warren , San Jose , and Naco. Cost to ride the bus is $1.00 for adults, .50 for seniors, and .25 for students.
Current projects include a ridership satisfaction and expansion survey and a website dedicated to the local transit system. Total Budget $ 197,889.00
Special Projects
In 2010, the Bisbee Copper Miner Monument celebrated a 75 th Anniversary. Media campaign established in conjunction with the Library to host WPA educational outreach programs. Restoration process pending updated conservators report and proposals. Actively seeking grant and private funding for restoration.
Established a social media campaign to engage the community in Facebook and Twitter to keep them informed and involved in issues directly relating to the Department.
Bisbee Arts Commission (BAC), Commission on Disability Issues (CODI), and Transit Advisory Committee (TAC) Staff Liaison
For information on Parks and Recreation click here For information on Planning and Zoning click here For information on the Bisbee Arts Commission click here For information on the Committee on Disability Issues click here
Documents and forms: Amendment to the Zoning Code Application and Instructions 2009 Board of Adjustment Application 2009 Design Review Board Application 2009 Design
Review Board Guidelines Transfer or Sale of City Real Property Application 2009 Site
Plan Review Application 2009 Special
Use Permit Application 2009 Zoning Code
Building Inspector Frequently Asked Questions What codes has the City adopted? The City of Bisbee has adopted the following codes: 2002 National Electric Code 1997 Uniform Building Code 1997 Uniform Fire Code 1997 Uniform Plumbing Code 1997 Mechanical Code Copies of these codes are available at the Library .
How do I apply for a Building Permit? For small jobs such as utility changeovers, plumbing and re-roofing, a building permit can be issued immediately. For larger jobs that involve structural changes or new construction, there is a minimum 24 hour review period. You may submit your plans and the Building Department will review your design. You will then be notified of any design changes needed or if your plans are approved and ready to be finalized.
What determines the cost of a Building Permit? Building permit fees are taken directly from the Building Code. Building permits fees are based on the valuation of the job, this includes materials and labor. There is no minimum valuation which will exempt you from needing a permit. If you are using a contractor, a bid proposal should be included with your building permit application. If you are doing the work yourself, you should bring a list of materials and a cost breakdown.
What is an exempt property owner? An exempt property owner means that you may work on your own residential property without hiring a licensed contractor. You may not pay anyone to work for you. In other words, this means a worker cannot receive any type of compensation. You may not claim exempt property owner for commercial property, a licensed commercial contractor must be used. The City of Bisbee works closely with the Registrar of Contractors to ensure that state laws regarding licensed contractors are upheld. You can contact the ROC at 459-5119 regarding licensing information. Or visit them online at http://www.azroc.gov
What is the Design Review Board? If you are considering any exterior construction in the Bisbee Historic District (Old Bisbee) you must first present an application to the Design Review Board for approval. This includes work on houses, garages or other structures. The DRB strives to preserve the architectural style that exists in Old Bisbee. The DRB is comprised of seven members of the community and meets the first Wednesday of every month. Applications are due 10 working days before the meeting by noon. CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF DRB MEETING DATES. You must be present at the meeting or send a representative. Once you have received DRB approval, you may apply for a building permit the following day if you wish. Design Review Board Applications and Guidelines are available above, in the Document Center or at City Hall.
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
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