TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 16, 2002, 6:30 PM.

10 S. GILBERT ROAD
GILBERT, ARIZONA 85233

COMMISSION PRESENT: Chairman Haug, Vice Chairman Fresquez, Commissioner Thomson, Commissioner Valentine and Commissioner Iacobazzi

COMMISSION ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Specialist Carl
Harris - Morgan, Economic Development Director Greg Tilque, Town Manager George Pettit, Planning and Zoning Liaison Michael Monroe and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Stupski

OTHERS PRESENT:        Wayne Bryan (Gilbert Independent)

ROLL CALL

Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

1.        Minutes - Approve the regular meeting minutes of March 21, 2002
A MOTION was made by Vice Chairman Fresquez, seconded by Commissioner Thomson to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 21, 2002 as written. Voice vote carried 5 - 0.

COMMUNICATION FROM CITIZENS
Chairman Haug opened the floor to the public for any comments or communications on items not on the agenda. No communications from citizens.

2.        Heritage District Design Assistance Team Proposal
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan stated the Town had requested and received a proposal submitted by the Rio Salado Chapter of the AIA to conduct an Urban Design Assistance Team (DAT) event for the Heritage District in the Town of Gilbert. A letter was sent to Town Manager Pettit outlining the scope of work, team composition, Town participation, proposed fee and schedule for a Design Assistance Team event. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan indicated that the DAT should begin by the end of summer and the goal is to provide additional detail beyond what is in the Redevelopment Plan. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan had included in the packet memo some of the issues staff would like to see addressed by the Design Assistance Team. He asked the Commission if they had any issues that should be addressed.

Vice Chairman Fresquez stated that one of the goals in the Redevelopment Plan is that the downtown area be pedestrian friendly. She commented it might be in the attached document but could not readily see it and wanted to make sure this is addressed. She had questions as to how this event is publicized for public participation, the length of time for the DAT event and how much weight is given to the experts and community - at - large. Commissioner Valentine explained that the experts only provide suggestions. He indicated the more public participates in giving ideas and thoughts the more productive the exercises become. Commissioner Valentine indicated a lot of preparation work has to be done and made a suggestion to have some aerial photography done to give a visual of the scope of the Heritage District and its surrounding area.

Commissioner Valentine reviewed the process involved for a UDAT and stated the process has been shorten from a typical UDAT for the Town of Gilbert. He stated there would be one or two meetings to gather information and get topics as to what the issues are. After this has taken place the actual charrette would be conducted. The length of time for this is usually 3 or 4 days. Commissioner Valentine had indicated students from the School of Architecture at Arizona State University are very eager and excited to participate in the UDAT. He stated that at the conclusion of the charrette, a formal presentation would be made to the Town Council and the public of the workshop results and recommendations. The Chapter would publish a book that is similar to the 1985 UDAT with a report of high quality that can be used as a vision.

Vice Chairman Fresquez inquired how the public would be made informed of the DAT event. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan said that it could be accomplished by a direct mailing as long as the addresses are accurate. He stated the mailing list could be compiled during the summer. Other media sources that could be utilized to invite the public to participate could be the cable channel, newspaper and word of mouth. Commissioner Valentine indicated the more people you can get involved, the more ideas you get.

Commissioner Iacobazzi asked about the make up and number of members involved in a typical module steering committee. Commissioner Valentine responded the number could vary. Economic Development Director Tilque stated a list has been started to find the right mix for the different committees.

Chairman Haug stated he would like to have the Commission involved but would like some consideration be given to their thoughts and opinions since the Commission has devoted a great deal of time to some of the issues. Commissioner Thomson said he does not want to lose focus as to what has already been done.

Commission Thomson would like to see traffic circulation as there have been many studies done. Commissioner Iacobazzi would like to see the open space discussed as he feels it is a critical part to create something unique and different to make people want to come to the downtown area. Vice Chairman Fresquez would like to see a discussion as to how the downtown area wants to be identified and how they want to see themselves. Chairman Haug suggested that the Merchant Association should become involved in the event.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan asked if there was anything on the list that is not important for the team to address. Vice Chairman Fresquez felt all the bullets points were important as well as the ones mentioned by the Commission.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan recapped the issues brought forward by the Commission as Pedestrian Orientation, Traffic Circulation; Open Spaces and places to congregate, and identity for the downtown area. Commissioner Valentine commented the professional side of the table would bring their own issues to generate discussion, which could bring about other issues not listed.

Commissioner Iacobazzi inquired if developers have contacted the Town with things they want to do and ideas that they have for some of the vacant properties in the downtown area. Community Development Specialist responded that the town has been getting more interest in the downtown area. He continued to say the Town is putting things on hold until the Design Assistance Team event is completed.

Chairman Haug opened the floor for any public comments. Hearing none, Chairman Haug brought it back to the Commission.

Commissioner Valentine asked if he has a conflict of interest issue on this matter. He indicated that he receives no monetary stipend and has no fiduciary gain from this but is currently serving as an officer with the AIA. Economic Development Director Tilque thinks Commissioner Valentine is okay but would double check with the town attorney.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commission Iacobazzi to recommend that Town Council allocate $37,000 for the 2002 Heritage District Design Assistance Team event to include addressing the issues of pedestrian orientation, traffic circulation, open space and identity for the downtown area. Voice vote carried 5 - 0.

Chairman Haug directed staff to place on June’s agenda the appointment of a Commission member to serve on the DAT Steering Committee.

3.        Water Tower Coalition Liaison(s)
Community Development Harris - Morgan reported the Water Tower Coalition has entered a different phase where the focus has shifted primarily to fund - raising. He mentioned that one of the Commission liaisons to the Water Tower Coalition would be unable to continue their commitment and felt it would be appropriate with the change in the Coalition’s focus for the Commission to discuss how they see the relationship continuing and whether the Commission should appoint one or more Commissioners to the Water Tower Coalition.

Commissioner Thomson inquired whether this phase required the presence of a liaison to the coalition. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan stated there would not be a significant loss since he would still attend the meetings and can give a report to the Commission. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan gave a reminder that the final site plan would come before the Redevelopment Commission.

Commissioner Valentine expressed he is still interested in assisting the coalition but only if the coalition thinks he can be beneficial in the fund - raising aspect. Chairman Haug indicated an interest in getting involved in the fundraising activities and encouraged other Commissioners to do the same. Commissioner Valentine stated he would step aside if some other Commissioner would like to be liaison. Vice Chairman Fresquez indicated she is stepping down as liaison because of her involvement with the Downtown Merchants Association.

Chairman Haug recapped the overall discussion. He acknowledged that Vice Chairman Fresquez would step down as liaison and Commissioner Valentine would maintain his position and represent the Commission. Chairman Haug indicated again he would help with fund raising efforts.

4.        Renovation of Mahogany Run Restaurant
Economic Development Director Tilque gave a brief summary of what is being planned for Mahogany Run Restaurant. Mr. Joel Higginbotham, owner of Mahogany Run, recently met with Economic Development Director Tilque and Town Planner Edwards and presented preliminary ideas to renovate Mahogany Run into a sports restaurant. The restaurant would be of a baseball theme. Mr. Higginbotham hired the firm of BPLW Architects. Economic Development Director Tilque indicated that Commissioner Valentine is employed by BPLW Architects and would not participate in any discussion regarding Mahogany Run due to his conflict of interest.

Economic Development Director Tilque showed a sketch of ideas and explained some of the renovations planned for the exterior of the building that include the redesign of the front entryway to include a waiting area and the outside patio area. He also had mock up sketches of the proposed interior showing murals by the windows to give the illusion of being in a baseball stadium and bar seats in the shape of a baseball glove.

Economic Development Director Tilque mentioned the project needs to go through Design Review Board and indicated staff is trying to make sure the process is as short as possible since Mr. Higginbotham would like to open in the Fall.

The Commissioners were given an opportunity to ask questions and to make any comments. Commissioner Iacobazzi inquired what type of menu would be offered and if it is your typical sports bar food. Economic Development Director Tilque responded the menu would be along the lines of Houston’s Restaurant in Scottsdale with similar menu items of ribs, steaks, chicken, etc.

Commissioner Thomson had an audible concern with the installation of TV monitors outdoors. Economic Development Director Tilque stated the noise decibel would be taken into account.    Commissioner Iacobazzi inquired if there would be a name change. Economic Development Director Tilque responded yes, the name will be a local sports celebrity. Mr. Higginbotham plans to attend a future Redevelopment Commission meeting when things are more concrete.

The Commissioners were pleased with the concept and idea of a sports restaurant. Commissioner Thomson said he looks forward to seeing a more formal design presentation.

COMMUNICATIONS
5.        Report from Chairman on current and future events
Chairman Haug mentioned that Town Council approved the zoning for the Hale Centre Theatre on April 30th.

6.        Report from Community Development Specialist on current and future events
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan announced in compliance with a statue requirement that a Redevelopment Commissioner must give full disclosure when a Commissioner owns property in the Heritage District. He stated that Vice Chairman Fresquez has given formal notice that she owns property in the Heritage District.

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Vice Chairman Fresquez to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

ATTEST:

Thomas Haug, Chairman

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder

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