TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 17, 2002, 6:30 PM.

10 S. GILBERT ROAD
GILBERT, ARIZONA 85233

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

COMMISSION ABSENT: Chairman Haug

STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Specialist Carl
Harris - Morgan, Planner ll Jill Johanneck, Capital Improvements Project Coordinator Reg Boucher, Planning & Zoning Liaison Michael Monroe and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Stupski

OTHERS PRESENT:        Paul Porell (Entranco)

ROLL CALL

Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

1.        Minutes - Approve the regular meeting minutes of August 15, 2002
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Valentine to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 15, 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.        Heritage District Street Light Project
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan introduced Mr. Reg Boucher, Capital Improvements Project Coordinator and Mr. Paul Porell, Senior Project Manager with Entranco who the Town has contracted with to complete the design work for the street light replacement project. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan stated there is a possibility of using a similar style of light fixture than what is called for in the furniture palette for the commercial and residential area of the Heritage District and request direction or input from the Commission.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan distributed a handout of black and white photographs showing the current street light fixtures used within the Residential and Commercial areas of the Heritage District. Updated drawings on the Spring City Pole and Sternberg fixtures were also handed out.

CIP Coordinator Boucher asked if the Commission had a problem with increasing the height of light fixture especially for the commercial area. He indicated the palette currently has a height recommendation of 20 feet. He mentioned a 24 - foot fixture would give better spacing and reflect over more of an area. Cost comparison figures have not been calculated. CIP Coordinator Boucher said they are considering using cast aluminum poles instead of cast iron. One advantage of cast aluminum poles is it requires less maintenance. Commissioner Iacobazzi had a concern using cast aluminum and durability during high winds. Mr. Porell responded that cast aluminum is a heavy gage material and could withstand the elements.

Mr. Porell pointed out the Spring City 20 ft pole has a 25″ base and the Sternberg 20 ft pole has a 15″ split base. He said the street light fixtures by Heritage Court have a 25″ base. Mr. Porell commented that in some of the residential area there is limited space to install the fixture. He indicated a 15″ base would work best for residential. He stated the 24 - foot Sternberg pole was very similar to the Spring City, has a 20″ circular base and he would recommend this height for along Gilbert Road.

The Commission asked questions pertaining to the wiring, current spacing of poles, type of pole used by Mahogany Run, what would Hale Centre Theatre use, and type of finish. One very important question raised was the availability of the poles. Mr. Porell mentioned decorative poles are a non - stock item. Mr. Porell said plans and specifications would be created, sent out for public bid and a general contractor would be selected. The selected contractor would be responsible for placing the pole order. CIP Coordinator Boucher said with allowing an alternate to what was specified would create competition.

Commission Thomson asked if a different design pole manufacturer is selected what would happen with the light fixtures by Heritage Court. Mr. Porell responded the three light fixtures on Gilbert Road would be removed and either placed in storage or placed along Cullumber. Commission Thomson wanted to make sure that there is uniformity along Gilbert Road. Commissioner Valentine inquired about the durability of finish on cast iron versus cast aluminum. Mr. Porell explained that both use a paint process and is durable with the only difference being maintenance.

A question was raised about what would be done with the old light fixtures once they are removed. Some of the Commissioners remember a past meeting where this issue was discussed and directed staff to research past minutes as to what was said.

Commissioner Thomson commented that it makes sense to use the shorter pole in the residential area. Community Development Harris - Morgan mentioned there are no plans currently in replacing some non - arterial residential utility poles due to the existing above ground utility wires and budgetary constraints. CIP Coordinator Boucher explained how the Capital Improvements Project Plan operates. He also mentioned on Elliot Road between Gilbert and Oak the utilities lines are still above ground, which poses a problem. The plan is to replace the light fixtures on the north side of Elliott and do the south side when the utility wires are placed underground.

Commissioner Valentine had no problem with the specifications of the Sternberg Pole. He made a recommendation that a 20 foot pole be used for the residential area and the 24 foot pole be used on major arterial/commercial roadways especially Gilbert Road in the Heritage District. He also did not have a problem with using a cast aluminum pole, as it would be more economical. Commission Iacobazzi concurred with Commission Valentine recommendation.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan asked for any comments on the furniture palette and the word similar whether it should remain or be removed. Vice Chairman Fresquez always had a problem with the word “similar” as it is a matter of an individual’s interpretation. The Commission briefly discussed the palette. Vice Chairman Fresquez directed staff to place the furniture palette on a future agenda to discuss the word “similar”.

3.        Discussion of DAT Event
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan indicated there is nothing specific but asked if Commissioners had any questions, comments or items they would like to discuss.

Commissioner Thomson felt the Design Assistance Team event was going very well and indicated the team is getting very distinct direction.

Commissioner Valentine mentioned the Summary Program was distributed on Tuesday and members should be receiving their copy shortly. He made some general comments received from the design team as being encouraging and optimistic. He mentioned the attendance has been excellent. Commissioner Valentine said students in the ASU School of Architect and the AIA Student Chapter plan to attend the October sessions. Overall the event has been positive.

Vice Chairman Fresquez was pleased with turnout and support from the community. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan complimented Vice Chairman Fresquez on the presentation she gave at the September 30th Focus Session and appreciative of her ideas and comments.

Commissioner Valentine stated that usually communities tend to focus on tourism but Gilbert is focusing on being family - oriented. He said it presents a unique and interesting challenge to the team.

COMMUNICATIONS
4.        Report from Chairman on current and future events
None.

5.        Report from Community Development Specialist on current and future events
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan reported on the following:
- A neighborhood meeting was held on October 16, 2002 to answer any questions or concerns about the Downtown Sewer Project. Approximately 15 people were in attendance many who reside on Sahuaro and Catalina, 1 block west of the Historical Museum. A pre - construction meeting is being planned where the contractor would be attendance to answer any concerns from the residents.
- Hale Centre Theatre has a website. Construction should start in November.
- The temporary sign on Mahogany Run has been removed. It will not open in the fall due to some difficulties with a partner and the new use. They are trying to coordinate opening simultaneously with the North Phoenix location.
- Steel Dreamz will take ownership of their property at the end of the month. The owners would like to meet with Town Staff to discuss their application process. A formal presentation to the Redevelopment Commission may be possible by the end of the year with their plans.

6.        Report from Commissioners on current and future events.
None.

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Valentine to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

ATTEST:

Mary Ellen Fresquez, Vice Chairman

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder