DISCUSSION ITEM
FROM: City Council Member Brian Spencer
SUBJECT:
title
ARCHAEOLOGICAL REVIEW PROCEDURE AND CONSTRUCTION ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY
end
SUMMARY:
Currently Gulf Power has undertaken an underground utility project in the area of Jefferson Street; but for the diligence of Dr. Judy Bense and Councilman Spencer, valuable archaeological finds may have been destroyed. Found in this area, prior to digging was the following:
Remains of the British Fort of Pensacola 1763-1821
Early Spanish Period Barrel Well Circa 1741
French & Spanish artifacts from earliest Spanish Barrel Well, 1741
Floor supports for the guard house of British Fort 1763-1821
Large pieces of Spanish olive jar fragments and other colonial period artifacts
Dating to 1559, Pensacola is the oldest multi-year European settlement in the United States with demonstrated significant archaeological remains lying under the surface of most of Pensacola. The current boon in growth and development of the City continues to destroy and damage the non-renewable unique archaeological resources in the City.
In order to ensure the protection of our valuable archaeological history, the City must take a proactive approach to this endeavor.
This discussion item seeks to delve into the following topics:
n Review and Amend (as needed) City Council’s Policy - Archaeological Review Procedure (attachment)
n Discuss the budgeting for the position of Historic Preservation Officer (attachment)
n Review current procedures and processes to ensure compliance with current policy
n Discuss needed “stop gap” measures to help reduce future loss to our archaeological history
PRIOR ACTION:
November 14, 1985 - Archeological Review Procedure adopted by Resolution
August 21, 2010 - Archeological Review Procedure amended by Resolution
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Archaeological Review Procedure - City Council Policy
2) Pensacola Historic Preservation Officer
PRESENTATION: No