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Regarding known or suspected archaeological sites on private lands, County Code Section 933.09 explains that the County may require an archaeological survey in conjunction with development in an area known or suspected to contain archaeological resources. In such cases, it is the developer's responsibility to either hire an archaeologist or research existing information to adequately address County and State concerns regarding resource protection. A professional archaeologist retained by the County could be of public benefit by conducting sufficiency reviews of private development archaeological reports. Funding The cost of an archaeological survey varies with the size of the property being evaluated and with the scope of mapping and analysis. Given these factors, the cost for such surveys can range anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. If the County retains an archaeologist to conduct site-specific surveys of middens on lands acquired under the County environmental lands acquisition program, bond monies from that program can be used to pay for the surveys. However, for surveys (or review of surveys) associated with private land development, funding would need to come from another source, such as County Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) funds. Another option is for the County to require the private developer to pay the cost of the survey, with the archaeologist retained by the County available for the work. It is staff's position that the County should issue a Request for Qualifications to select a qualified archaeologist to conduct archaeological surveys on publicly acquired conservation lands, with funding to come from environmental land bond monies. The RFQ should be structured to allow the County to use the selected archaeologist to evaluate resources in conjunction with private development projects, but only on an as -need basis and contingent upon available funding. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners authorize staff to issue a Request for Qualifications for the County to select a qualified archaeologist to survey acquired conservation lands and to provide consulting services relating to private land development on an as -need basis, contingent upon available funding. Commissioner Tippin questioned whether the costs could be paid from bond funds; who would make the decision should the issue involve the County purchasing lands; and whether the issue would be --- brought back before the Board - Community Development Director Bob Keating responded that bond monies could be used where the surveys are being done on lands acquired under the environmental lands acquisition program. For other projects, funding would need to be allocated from other sources, possibly from MSTU funds. Commissioner Adams commented that the issue arose during the Sea Oaks project. She believed a consulting archaeologist will allow the County to pinpoint sites and to determine whether or not they are of significance and require preservation. BON 1-1.0i VlAsE41-11 Vibil APREL 19 1997 29