TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 15, 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, Council Liaison Steve Urie, Senior Planner James Cronk, Planner ll Jill Johanneck and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Stupski

OTHERS PRESENT:        Sam Bromert (Liberty Market) and Kelly Mixer (Gilbert Independent)

ROLL CALL

Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

1.        Minutes - Approve the regular meeting minutes of May 16, 2002
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Commissioner Thomson to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 16, 2002 as written. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

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

2.        Discussion of Draft Commercial Design Standards
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan introduced Senior Planner James Cronk who recently took over the responsibility of completing the draft Commercial Design Standards project. Senior Planner Cronk indicated that the current schedule for the Commercial Design Standards is to take the completed draft to Council in late November/early December for final adoption. He explained part of the process is to get comments from different groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board, sub - committee working on the ULDC, Design Review Board, etc.

Senior Planner Cronk indicated that the Commercial Design Standards goes beyond the ULDC and gives more of a quality look or aesthetics between building and site and neighboring properties. Senior Planner Cronk pointed out that the standards acknowledges character areas such as the Heritage District and encourages consistency with those area’s goals.

Senior Planner Cronk stated the document is broken into two sections: Site Planning and Aesthetic Character. Senior Planner Cronk said that the Commercial Design Standards does not replace the Redevelopment Plan. Senior Planner Cronk asked for any comments.

Commissioner Valentine asked what the Town’s legal definition is of guidelines and standards. Senior Planner Cronk responded that standards are things you must do and guidelines are recommendations but not required. Senior Planner Cronk pointed out that the document is a standard but within the text is guidelines. Commissioner Iacobazzi wanted to know how this would impact existing structures as far as grandfathering in. Senior Planner Cronk said the Commercial Design Standards looks at new build. Any expansions planned on the exterior of a building would need to follow the Commercial Design Standard. Senior Planner Cronk stated he would make sure everyone understands what is grandfathered in and what is not.

(Chairman Haug joined the meeting.) Vice Chairman Fresquez inquired whether the Commercial Design Standard was an independent document from the ULDC. Senior Planner Cronk responded yes. He said he spoke with Doreen and will be meeting with the GEDAB sub - committee in two weeks.

Commissioner Thomson had some comments on page 14, item (h) and he is not sure if it is encouraging landmarks as opposed to signs. Commissioner Thomson made a suggestion for (k) to consider the use of xeriscape or low - water maintenance plants instead of turf. Commissioner Thomson also made a comment about page 13 (l) as he felt it is a subjective restriction or guideline and suggested it might be reworded. Commissioner Thomson said it was a good start but the document does need some fine - tuning and wants to make sure there is some connectivity between commercial and residential. Commissioner Iacobazzi had a question about page 13 (7) (c) as to whether they have been defined. Senior Planner Cronk responded it would be any major arterial into the town. Commissioner Valentine said there is a Welcome to Gilbert at Val Vista and Baseline.

Vice Chairman Fresquez inquired whether there would be enough time to integrate anything from the Design Assistance Team. Senior Planner Cronk reviewed the time schedule for the Commercial Design Standards. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan pointed out that another document available to address these issues in the district is the Heritage District Overlay Zoning Ordinance.

Senior Planner Cronk would like to move (j) on page 5 to the beginning of the document. Commissioner Thomson suggested it be in both places. Senior Planner Cronk distributed his business card to the Commissioners and directed them to feel free to contact him with other comments or questions.

Chairman Haug opens the discussion to the public. Hearing none he brought it back to the Commission.

3.        Discussion of DAT Event
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan mentioned that a memo and schedule for the Design Assistance Team Event was provided in the packet. He made the following date changes to the schedule:
- Change Thursday, September 12th to Monday, September 16th
- Change Thursday, September 26th to Monday, September 30th

He stated that the October dates would remain unchanged and December dates are tentative and could change depending based on the recommendations or decisions with the outcome of the event.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan thanked and recognized Commissioner Valentine, who also is the President of the Rio Salado Chapter of the AIA, for organizing and coordinating the DAT. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan asked if Commissioner Valentine had anything to add.

Commissioner Valentine summarized the outlined program and the way it is set up. The program has two focus sessions that will try to explore all the issues pertaining to the subject area in identifying constraints, goals and objectives. Participation in the sessions will be the Steering Committee, local DAT Team members, visiting DAT team members as well as the public. At the completion of the second focus session a written draft summary listing the goals, constraints and ideas would be provided to the Steering Committee and the visiting team members who did not participate in the two sessions. This information is given to the visiting team leaders, which should bring them up to speed. It is hoped to get at least three or four specialists from out - of - town. On Friday, October 25th a touring session of the Heritage District either by bus or by walking will take place in the morning and look at everything first hand. The afternoon session would begin establishing concepts, visions and define broad problems. The following day is a continuation of refining and developing the concepts and visions until a vision is pretty clearly defined. Commissioner Valentine said that this was abroad generalization as to how the process would work.

Chairman Haug asked if DAT does everything as far as recording data, putting things to together like presentations, etc. and that they are just looking for ideas from anyone who wishes to be involved. Commissioner Valentine said to bring your opinions. Chairman Haug said that he values Commissioner Valentine’s opinion greatly and is glad he does not have a conflict of interest.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan mentioned the current make up of the Steering Committee is:
- Downtown business representative
- School district representative
- Town Manager
- Economic Development Director
- Planning Director
- Planning and Zoning Commission Chair
- Member of Design Review Board
- Chamber of Commerce
- One Redevelopment Commissioner

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan commented the people on the Steering Committee would be participating both Monday evenings, Thursday evening, and most of the day on Friday and Saturday. Chairman Haug had a problem with having only one representative from the Redevelopment Commission. Vice Chairman Fresquez commented she learned the make up of the Steering Committee in the afternoon and thought about who would be the most logical person to represent the Redevelopment Commission. She indicated Commissioner Valentine, Chairman Haug as well as herself. Commissioner Valentine felt he should not be the representative for the Redevelopment Commission on the Steering Committee because with involvement with the AIA he would still be participating with the Redevelopment District’s interest at heart.

The Commission discussed at great length the advantages of having more than one Commissioner on the Steering Committee. Commissioner Iacobazzi expressed an interest to participate in the program and would try to attend as many meetings as possible.

Chairman Haug opens the discussion to the public. Council Liaison Urie stated as a fellow alumnus of the Redevelopment Commission and the passion he has for the downtown district, he does not have a problem if all the Commissioners want to serve on the Steering Committee.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan thought that the outside and local experts would be making the recommendations with the Steering Committee giving it input. Commissioner Valentine explained if the experts do their job they would incorporate many of the ideas from the committee and the public. The experts would definitely give their opinion.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan recommended that the presentation of the report be given at the Redevelopment Commission meeting in December. He requested that the Redevelopment Commission be flexible with its December meeting date to take action on the report before it goes to Council.

A MOTION was made by Chairman Haug, seconded by Commissioner Valentine that the entire Redevelopment Commission be a representative on the Steering Committee.

Chairman Haug asked for discussion on the motion. It was suggested to change the number to four since Commissioner Valentine is already participating in the DAT. Mr. Sam Bromert of Liberty Market asked if an application needed to be completed for the Steering Committee since he is a downtown merchant. Chairman Haug responded and indicated a representative from the Merchants Association would be asked to serve on the Steering Committee.

Chairman Haug called for a vote on the MOTION. Voice vote carried 5 - 0.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan indicated that the Town had received some requests for development projects in the Heritage District and asked the Commissioners if the Town should hold off until the conclusion of the Design Assistance Team Event. Commissioner Thomson felt that if a developer has a concept or idea that they should be able to come forward as it might possibly be something the Commission did not think of and should be explored. Economic Development Director Tilque mentioned that he does not want to see a large chunk of land be cut up and find out it is a conflict based on the outcome of the DAT. He said that a couple of months would not matter. Chairman Haug does not want to delay anything coming forward and to evaluate projects item - by - item or piece - by - piece. Chairman Haug said if a developer wants to do something specific like purchase an existing building and renovate the storefront, he did not see a problem as long as it falls within the guidelines. Commissioner Thomson commented that the Town should make developers or potential buyers aware that certain areas are under review. Commissioner Iacobazzi would like to portray the message of being a pro - business community. He agreed with Commissioner Thomson and Chairman Haug to entertain the possibility of seeing potential projects that developers want to do with an understanding that certain areas are under review.

Economic Development Director Tilque said he spoke to several developers and invited them to participate in the DAT process. Commissioner Valentine stated he does not want the Town to be anti - development but encourage potential developers to participate in the DAT focus sessions and bring along their ideas.

4.        Liaison for the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan indicated that it is time to appoint or reappointment the liaison position to the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board. The current Liaison is Vice Chairman Fresquez and her Liaison term expired June 2002. Vice Chairman Fresquez stated she enjoys being the Redevelopment Commission Liaison to the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board. She expressed a desire to continue as Liaison for another year but would give another Commissioner the opportunity to be liaison. Commissioner Iacobazzi stated he would be interested in the Liaison position but did not want to deny Vice Chairman Fresquez the honor of serving as the Redevelopment Commission Liaison. Economic Development Director Tilque mentioned the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board is a public meeting.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Thomson, to reappoint Vice Chairman Fresquez as the Redevelopment Commission Liaison of the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board for another term. Voice vote carried 5 - 0.

COMMUNICATIONS
5.        Report from Chairman on current and future events
Chairman Haug reported he was unable to attend the August 14th Water Tower Coalition meeting. A request was made by the Chairman to have an update on the status of Mahogany Run and Steel Dreamz next month.

6.        Report from Community Development Specialist on current and future events
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan reported the following:
- Introduced the new Planner ll, Ms. Jill Johanneck, who will be the planner reviewing projects for the Heritage District.
- Hale Centre Theatre is scheduled to go back to Town Council on September 3rd to amend the Development Agreement to change the start date of the project.
- A half - time person, Ms. Janet Holston, has been hired to help administer the CDBG program. She will start on Monday, August 19, 2002.
- The second round of CDBG allocations may be scheduled for the September meeting. Commissioners will receive the applications from the first round that were not funded
- The agenda format will change beginning September to allow any Commissioners to give a report on current and future events compared to the current restriction of a report from only the Chairman. Town Council approved the change July 9th. No discussion is allowed on these items.
- The Water Tower Coalition had a special volunteer meeting on August 14th. 10 - 12 people other than coalition members attended the meeting. Next regular meeting is scheduled for September 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan is the secretary of the Coalition and would forward an update report to the Commissioners upon request.

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by CommissionerThomson, seconded by Vice Chairman Fresquez to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

ATTEST:

Thomas Haug, Chairman

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder