MINUTES TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 20, 2003, 6:30 PM.

100 N. OAK STREET
GILBERT, ARIZONA

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, Community Development Assistant Janet Holston, Economic Development Director Greg Tilque, Town Manager George Pettit, Council Liaison Steve Urie, and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Stupski

OTHERS PRESENT: David Bridge (CASS); Pat Gilbert (Mesa CAN/EVMC) and Carol Grasso (CSA)
ROLL CALL

Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

1.        Minutes - Approve the regular meeting minutes of November 21, 2002 and Special Joint Meeting Minutes of December 16, 2002
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 21, 2002 as written. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Valentine to approve the minutes of the special joint meeting of December 16, 2002 as written. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

Chairman Haug joined the meeting after the minutes were approved.

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.        FY 2003/04 Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Funding Priorities
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan gave a brief overview of last year’s funding priorities and the proposed FY2003/04 funding priorities for the CDBG and HOME programs.

He proceeded to review each of the programs separately. For the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, he stated there is no difference in the funding priorities of FY2002/03 and the proposed FY2003/04 except for some details under the housing portion and public facilities. He also stated the public service area has been expanded to include basic food and shelter services.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan explained the Town’s current budget situation and the possibility of Town funds being cut to social service agencies. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan stated he has been in contact with HUD regarding the possibility of being granted an exception to use some CDBG funds for these programs. To date, no official notification has been received but HUD has indicated they would support the Town’s request.

Commissioner Thomson asked a question about the funding for the senior center not listed on the proposed recommendations under public facilities. Community Development Harris - Morgan responded that most of the dollars would go to the Gilbert Septic to Sewer project and is not sure of the number of eligible participants.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan provided a spreadsheet which summarizes the currently funded activities:
- Gilbert Emergency Home Repairs had to slow down on it project activities as the money is being spent faster.
- Down Payment Assistance programs are doing well.
- The Homeless Prevention and Meals programs are spending money quarterly.

Commissioner Valentine inquired why the Commercial Rehab program was not successful. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan responded a different reason could be made by each of the applications received. Commissioner Iacobazzi asked what will happen with the $80,000. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan said the funds would be reallocated to some other activity and would be combined with next year’s allocation. Vice Chairman Fresquez stated that she did not go forward with a grant because her inquiries regarding the improvements on Gilbert Road and the schedule for the improvements were not responded to by officials of the Town of Gilbert.

Commissioner Thomson asked how long the Gilbert Septic to Sewer project would absorb CDBG funding. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan said that it would use funds this year and next.

The Commission discussed the downtown sewer project and the monies that have been spent in that program over the years as well as the Gilbert Septic to Sewer project. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan mentioned it must be careful with the reporting aspect for the septic project since some work will be on private property and some work will be on public right - of - way.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan moved on to the HOME program. He indicated that last year’s funding priority was for first - time homebuyer program. This comprehensive program includes counseling, downpayment assistance and everything needed to prepare a potential future homebuyer.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan spoke with a couple of service providers about the possibility of merging the two programs, first time homebuyer and downpayment assistance rather than having two separate CDBG and HOME programs. He explained the counseling and administrative costs would be covered with CDBG funds and the downpayment funds and closing costs actually coming from HOME funds.

Commissioner Valentine asked about the monitoring letter that staff is awaiting a response from CSA. Community Development Assistant Holston mentioned they periodically review it sub - recipients by looking at their files to see how they are managing the program and servicing their clients. She indicated the most recent visit was to Community Services of Arizona. CSA is doing a good job but the Town had some questions about internal procedural staff things with regards to qualifying people, completing files and making sure that things that were represented verbally were in the file. A letter was sent to Community Services of Arizona in November 2002 addressing the concerns mentioned above. To date, no response has been received. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan mentioned CSA cannot spend its 2002/03 contract until a response is received. The Commission discussed the monitoring letter and what can be done to receive a response.

Chairman Haug asked if anyone from the public would like to speak. Mr. Pat Gilbert of Mesa CAN/EVMC, Mr. Dave Bridges of CASS and Ms. Carol Grasso of Community Services spoke respectfully about their organization and the assistance they offer to the community. They all indicated their organization will be submitting an application.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Vice Chairman Fresquez, to recommend and accept the funding priorities as presented by staff for the CDBG program as follows: up to 60% for Public Facilities, up to 30% for Housing; up to 15% for Public Services and up to 20% for Program Administration. Voice vote carried 5 - 0.

A MOTION was made by Vice Chairman Fresquez, seconded by Commissioner Valentine, to recommend and accept the funding priorities as presented by staff for the HOME program as follows: up to 100% for Downpayment Assistance and up to 6% for Program Administration. Voice vote carried 5 - 0.

3.        Future Agenda Items
Economic Development Director Tilque gave a brief review as to what might be on the agenda for the February 27, 2003 Special Meeting:
- Gonzo’s?Spoke with the designer and architect for the project and they should be ready to submit revised plans Friday, February 21st by noon for the exterior and interior changes to the building. He stated that if their submittal happens Friday as indicated, the Planning Department would take approximately ½ day to review the plans. The goal is to bring the projectto the Commission next week and Commissioners would get a full packet on the project in advance of the meeting or that evening. Economic Development Director Tilque mentioned that the owner’s intent is to be open mid - March early April. He commented on some of the proposed plan is to relocate the patio to the SW side of the building, add bronze sculptures of kids playing baseball, change the color of the awnings and put an awning by the main entry similar to Joe’s BBQ.
- Discussion on the street narrowing/sidewalk widening project. A public meeting was held with approximately 30 attendees about the street narrowing - sidewalk widening project. Feedback from the attendees and more detail to be given next week.
- The Commission to review and discuss the redesigns of the DAT study. The DAT Study had received conceptual approval and Commissioner Valentine has worked on some redesign with more detail. He stated the areas of most concern were the area north of Mahogany Run and Hale Theatre and some issues about parking.

Economic Development Director Tilque mentioned the Commission will be getting an invitation from Deputy Town Manager Ryall to attend a design charette for the Park - N - Ride Lot in the downtown area. The charette is scheduled for Thursday, March 6th, 6:00 p.m. with members of the Redevelopment Commission, Design Review Board and Arts Commission. She would like to appoint a sub - committee consisting of two members from each group.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan indicated that CDBG/HOME applications would be reviewed next month. Applications are available February 21, 2003 and due no later than March 10th at 5 p.m.

COMMUNICATIONS
4.        Report from Chairman on current and future events
No report given by the Chairman.

5.        Report from Community Development Specialist on current and future events
No report given by the Community Development Specialist.

6.        Report from Commissioners on current and future events.
Vice Chairman Fresquez requested a future agenda item is the continuation of discussion on the outdoor furniture palette. She said it was discussed in November 2002 and was to be placed on the January 2003 agenda. Chairman Haug directed staff to place item on March agenda. Commissioner Valentine indicated he has the reference material from the construction industry on products with specifications to define similar. Direction was given to staff to also include this as part of the outdoor furniture palette on the March agenda.

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Vice Chairman Fresquez, seconded by Commissioner Thomson to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

ATTEST:

Thomas Haug, Chairman

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder