TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

SPECIAL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 27, 2003, 6:30 PM.

100 N. OAK STREET
GILBERT, ARIZONA

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

COMMISSION ABSENT: Commissioner Valentine.

STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Specialist Carl Harris - Morgan, Economic Development Director Greg Tilque, Town Manager George Pettit, Capital Improvement Projects Coordinator Reginald Boucher, Planner II Jill Johanneck, Senior Planner Linda Edwards and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Stupski

OTHERS PRESENT: Brian Powell (Tribune), Todd Brundrett (Norwood Furniture), Tom Brundrett (Norwood Furniture), Chris Nelson, Leslie Locker, Harold Delano, Cathy Newby (APS), Bruce Woodmansee (Gilbert True Value), Sam Bromert (Liberty Market), Michael Hanna (Gilbert Convenient Mart), Mark Hanna, Paul Porell (Entranco), Kurt Montei (J2), Jeff Velasquez (J2), Joel Higgenbotham (Gonzo’s), Tom Higgenbotham (Gonzo’s), Philip A. Gollon (Architect) and Dennis Falls (Drafter)

ROLL CALL

Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

1.        Minutes - Approve the regular meeting minutes of February 20, 2003
Vice Chairman Fresquez made a correction to the minutes on page 3, first paragraph to add that 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.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Commissioner Thomson, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 20, 2003 as amended. Voice vote carried 4 - 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.        Gilbert Road/Sidewalk Improvement Project
Capital Improvement Projects Coordinator (CIP) Reginald Boucher began by stating the Town of Gilbert contracted with Entranco to develop design concepts to accomplish the goal of improving the pedestrian environment and slow down the traffic on Gilbert Road. Four sidewalk and street improvement concepts were developed and presented to the public on February 12, 2003. CIP Coordinator Boucher mentioned the general consensus of the thirteen attendees who completed the survey was that the project was a worthwhile effort and concept #2 was favored. CIP Coordinator Boucher introduced Mr. Paul Porell of Entranco. Mr. Porell stated Entranco began the design work for the installation of the lighting in the Heritage District. The Design Assistance Team presented some recommendations concerning the modifications of Gilbert Road and improvement to the sidewalk to the Commission. Mr. Porell indicated if those modifications were implemented, it would have a significant impact on the street lighting project.

Mr. Kirk Montei of J2 presented the four different concepts:
Concept #1: Two lanes in each direction, no center turn lane, no bike
Lane, 6′ added to the sidewalk
Concept #2: One lane in each direction, center turn lane (no median),
6′ bike lane, widen existing sidewalk area
Concept #3: One lane in each direction, no center turn lane (no
median), 6′ bike lane, widen existing sidewalk and add
planting area
Concept #4: One lane in each direction, center turn lane with median,
6′ bike lane, widen existing sidewalk area.

Questions were asked during the presentation of each concept such as how extensive the work would be for each concept and a construction timeline for completion.

Chairman Haug asked for public comments.

Mr. Leslie Locker, 122 W. Park Avenue had a concern about pedestrians crossing Gilbert Road safely.

Mr. Joel Higgenbotham stated that Gilbert Road is a major arterial roadway and accommodates high volume of traffic. He wonders how traffic would be moved through Gilbert if congestion and back up occurs. He responded people would try to avoid driving Gilbert Road and possibly impact the businesses in the Heritage District. As an example, he mentioned the redevelopment district of Santa Cruz.

Mr. Todd Brundrett of Norwood Furniture distributed a letter from Norwood Furniture and Joe’s Real BBQ that outlines various improvements that would better serve the area. He highlighted some of the suggestions:
- Keep Gilbert Road the way it is. Two lanes in each direction, maintaining the median and left turn lanes.
- Sidewalk length of 11′ on the west side, 11ÆŠ” on the east side and 12Æ‹” in front of Joe’s Real BBQ is adequate to create a pedestrian atmosphere. A suggestion is made to remove the western - style awning and the poles that hold them up.
- Remove planters in front of Heritage Court
- Remove existing sidewalk and replace with brick pavers with an even slope.
- No trees in front of a business as it might block the view of a business storefront or their signage.
- No bike path
- Reduce the cycle time of light at Page and make the light stay red longer. This would slow the traffic down.
- Use of “Feedback speed limit signs” north of the canal and south of the railroad tracks
- Assertive enforcement of the speed limit
- Use of perpendicular signage should be more accepted and encouraged for the Heritage District

Mr. Sam Bromert of Liberty Market does not want the left turn lane eliminated as it would cause a traffic backup and agreed with the suggestions made by Norwood Furniture.

Mr. Tom Brundrett of Norwood Furniture said that if you kill a major arterial roadway and kill traffic, you kill a good downtown. He continued by saying the Town of Gilbert is heavily invested and probably would like the incoming projects be successful.

Ms. Cathy Newby of APS asked about making the designated crosswalk areas more visible to vehicles. Suggestions were made to highlight the area by painting them or put in a crosswalk signal light.

Mr. Tom Brundrett asked if the Redevelopment Commission is prepared to make a recommendation to Town Council and whether they have enough details.

Chairman Haug closed the public hearing portion and returned to the Commission. Chairman Haug thanked everyone for their honesty and the suggestions made. Vice Chairman Fresquez stated she was not happy with the process that came up with the 4 concepts. She suggested to start from scratch and take the ideas given during the meeting and work from that. She indicated she is not ready to make a determination or recommendation. Commissioner Iacobazzi does not want to hurt the businesses and is in favor of further review and study of the issues involved. Chairman Haug said he is always concerned at what is done downtown and how it affects a business.    Chairman Haug gave his opinion that he likes the way things are now. He appreciates the fact so many people showed up and expressed their concerns that they do not think it is a good idea. He indicated during the discussion he heard several good suggestions about what should be done.

He mentioned some of the conflicts:
- Some want traffic to race through town to get more cars by the business and others want it to slow down so they can see the business
- Some want to put up signs so they see the businesses and others do not like the kind of signage that the Town has

Chairman Haug said it is difficult to accommodate everyone and what makes good sense.   He commented that he didn’t feel the ideal situation was to jump into something when the Commission has not had more time to evaluate.

A MOTION was made by Commission Thomson, seconded by Vice Chairman Fresquez, not to make any recommendations at this time for improvements to Gilbert Road in the Heritage District and suggest staff find a way to create a forum with the downtown merchants, staff, traffic engineering and residents to come up with a unanimous method to control traffic to everyone’s liking. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

Staff requested clarification if it is the intention of the Commission that nothing be done with Gilbert Road and for the Town not to move forward with the street lights. The Commission requested a hold for thirty days on both projects so a further study can be done with downtown merchants, traffic engineering and residents.

3.        DR97 - 3 - Amendment to Mahogany Run/Gonzo’s Restaurant located at the NWC of Page and Gilbert Road
Planner Johanneck reviewed the proposed changes to the exterior of the old Mahogany Run building located at the NWC of Page and Gilbert Road. She mentioned the site was rezoned in March 1997 allowing it to be developed as a restaurant. The applicant has requested to reopen Mahogany Run as Gonzo’s Restaurant, a sports restaurant.

Planner Johanneck mentioned the external changes being proposed are the addition of two standing - seam metal awnings over the main entrance and service entrance on the south side of the building, replace existing green awnings with black awnings over exterior windows, addition of pavers leading to the front door, install new steel handrails and fence, move the outside dining area to the southwest corner of the building, addition of a baseball - theme artwork (statues), new landscaping, new exterior light fixtures to enhance the site and gas torches on stone pedestal around the building at the entrances. She also indicated a fireplace was added to the outside dining area.

Planner Johanneck indicated there are still issues with the landscaping and the selection of plants. She said that the applicant would be required to resubmit a landscaping plan. Following discussion on this issue, the Redevelopment Commission agreed to allow staff to approve the landscape plan subject to the Redevelopment Plan requirements.

The Commissioners discussed several issues of the project including:
- furniture palette
- railings
- cables and supports for awnings, awning colors
- statues
- light fixtures
- exterior walls and accent torches
- color of sign for restaurant

Several suggestions were made regarding the project.
- An emblem of a baseball diamond with a G could be included in the rod iron screen wall instead of the steel mesh.
- Replace steel cable supports with iron rod or similar material with a less industrial feel
- Place statues on a pedestal or base shaped like home plate
- Remove references to Sports Bar and Grill from plans and advertising
- Consider using more of the colors from the outdoor furniture palette.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Vice Chairman Fresquez to approve DR97 - 3, amendment to the Mahogany Run/Gonzo’s Restaurant for the site plan, building elevations, lighting plan, and signage located at 302 N. Gilbert Road with a stipulation that consideration be given to replace the steel cable with a rod iron structure and request the applicant do the best they can to stay in line with the downtown palette. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

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

5.        Report from Community Development Specialist on current and future events
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan mentioned the following:
- Two meetings have been scheduled for Thursday, March 6th regarding the design of the park - n - ride lot. There is a morning session and evening session. The Commission will receive more details and information about the public hearing.
- Applications for CDBG and HOME funding will be on the March agenda as well as the Gilbert Road issue.

6.        Report from Commissioners on current and future events.
No report given.

ADJOURNMENT

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Vice Chairman Fresquez to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m.

ATTEST:

Thomas Haug, Chairman

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder

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