TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 15, 2003, 6:30 PM.

10 S. GILBERT ROAD
GILBERT, ARIZONA

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

COMMISSION ABSENT: Commissioner Thomson and Commissioner Valentine

STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Specialist Carl
Harris - Morgan, Economic Development Director Greg Tilque and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Stupski

OTHERS PRESENT: Neil Sutton (Vaughn Manor Dev), Ryan Sutton (Vaughn Manor Dev), John Immel (Vaughn Manor Dev), Hal Delano, Sam Bromert (Liberty Market), Jake Verrue and Kelly Mixer (Gilbert Independent)
ROLL CALL

Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

1.        Minutes - Approve the Regular meeting of April 17, 2003
Minutes - Approve the Special meeting of April 21, 2003
A MOTION was made by Vice Chairman Fresquez, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to approve the minutes of the April 17, 2003 regular meeting as written. Voice vote carried 2 - 0 - 1 (Abstention by Chairman Haug).

A MOTION was made by Vice Chairman Fresquez, seconded by Commission Iacobazzi, to approve the minutes of the April 21, 2003 special meeting as written. Voice vote carried 3 - 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.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan requested the Vaughn Avenue Apartment item be move to later on the agenda as Planner Matt Everling was in attendance at the Design Review Board meeting and would arrive late. Chairman Haug granted the modification to the agenda and moved on to the next agenda item.

2.        Future Use of Current Boys and Girls Club Site
Economic Development Director Tilque indicated the Town would officially take ownership of the current Boys and Girls Club located at the corner of Gilbert and Elliot by the end of July 2003. Staff is looking for direction as to how to proceed, to demolish or preserve the structure.

Economic Development Director Tilque stated if the direction is to preserve, a study or assessment would have to be done before moving forward.

Questions asked by Commission:
What is the square footage of the site?
Response: 1.2 acre site
Can it become a 2 - story structure?
Response: not sure
Was the purchase of property done based on an appraisal or evaluation?
Response: An appraisal was done. We will check with Town Manager Pettit on details.
What is the age of the structure?
Response: Structure was built in the 1940’s
What kind of interest is there for the site?
Response: Gilbert School District for additional office space or parking, catering facility, teen club, private parties.

The Commission was in agreement that an assessment or study of the current structure was needed to determine the cost involved in bringing it to a usable condition and whether it would be more feasible and economical to demolish the structure. Upon the completion of such an assessment or study, the Commission would be able to make a fair evaluation and logical decision as to the direction the Town should proceed.

The Commission directed staff to obtain such an assessment or study and bring it back to the Commission with results.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan indicated the Town has been receiving requests from the businesses north of site for assistance with parking and might want to consider this issue when deciding on a use.

3.        Downtown Gilbert Road and Sidewalk Improvements
Economic Development Director Tilque gave a follow - up report as to the status of the Downtown Gilbert Road and Sidewalk Improvements project. He indicated over the past few months, staff has been working with the downtown merchants and residents to find a balance between pedestrian friendly and safety.

He mentioned a brainstorming session was held on April 21st to gather ideas. Ideas were put into major categories and prioritized based on the number of votes received.

Ranking of the categories of importance:
Gilbert Road Medians (11)
Sidewalk Improvements (8)
Sidewalk Canopies (8)
Truck Traffic (8)
Additional Traffic Signals (6)
Speed Limit (6)
Safety (3)
Landscaping (2)
Crosswalks (2)
Wider Sidewalks (1)
Other

The memo also has comments made by individuals from the Planning Department, Police Department and Traffic Engineering to the suggestions.
He selected a couple categories to review the comments received by Town staff. Commission Iacobazzi asked for clarification as to what happened with the funds previously allocated for the removal of the awnings.   Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan responded that in 2001 a CDBG program was made available to downtown merchants to fix the outside of the buildings along Gilbert Road and because of lack of applicants, the program was discontinued and monies were reallocated.

Vice Chairman Fresquez questioned whether any of the comments may be appealed. Economic Development Director Tilque responded there are always exceptions made but it must be careful about the legal aspect. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan stated the Commission could pursue something contrary to guidelines or requirements if they feel it is really important.

The Commission felt some of the comments were very negative and given the unique circumstances of the downtown area some special consideration should be given.

Besides keeping the width of Gilbert Road, the Commission agreed the following categories should be pursued:
Replace the sidewalks and adjust the grade
Eliminate 18 wheeler traffic
Enforce the speed limit
Use bollards for safety purposes
Use some different texture and paving at intersection to reduce speed
Install directional kiosks in the downtown area

The Commission engaged in a lengthy discussion with regards to the use of speed tables, pavers, reduction of truck traffic and noise. Also discussed was the available funding and what it could be used for. Economic Development Director Tilque asked if kiosks should be on the list. Vice Chairman Fresquez responded yes and wondered whether existing funding could be used. Another concern brought up by a Commissioner pertained to the awnings and what would motivate the business owners to remove them. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan inquired whether the business owners would be willing to replace the old canopy with new if the Town took the shingle canopies down. Vice Chairman Fresquez responded some would take advantage of the offer.

Sam Bromert, owner of Liberty Market, made comments about the sidewalks, the speed limit and the difficulty he is currently having about getting his deliveries because of the increase in traffic volume upon the opening of Gonzo’s. Chairman Haug responded to Mr. Bromert situation at this time and mentioned it should be resolved when the Hale Theatre opens and the alley goes through.

Chairman Haug directed staff to move forward with the noted recommendations.

4.        Vaughn Avenue Apartments ? Preliminary Design Review
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan presented the Preliminary Design of the Vaughn Avenue Apartments. He indicated staff is seeking input from the Redevelopment Commission and whether the general concept of multi - family residential for the site makes sense.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan mentioned the staff review of the site plan revealed several issues. An issue he highlighted was that the entire residential area including the site is zoned R - 3 which requires two story multi - family buildings have a setback of 75 feet from a single family residential area, 50 feet for 1 story multi - family. He indicated staff was willing to work on this issue with the applicant.

Highlights of and staff concerns with the proposal include:
All two - story buildings
Entrance off of Vaughn Avenue
Parking is one space over the parking requirement. The Vaughn Ave. presence for this project is a driveway and parking lot.
Open space is up towards the NW portion of site and the Western Canal. Many of the units don’t have a view of the open space.
Utility easement along the west side of property has significant landscaping where there is sewer and electrical service.

Commissioners were given an opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns. A concern mentioned dealt with the front street parking lot and people being reluctant to park there. A possible suggestion was to flip Building 1A and the parking area. Another question asked dealt with the project being fenced. Applicant responded it would be fenced on three sides and proposing to use a wrought iron type fencing with locked pedestrian gates along the Western Canal for access by the residents. The focal point of the project was the Western Canal thereby putting the parking to the south where existing residential homes are.

The Commission inquired whether the applicant has done similar projects of this nature in any other community. The applicant responded yes, Gold Canyon and Mesa. The Commission requested addresses so they could visit them.

The Commission agreed they like the project and that it would bring people to the downtown area. The Commission directed staff to continue working with the applicant on the concerns that have been mentioned and bring it back to the Commission at the appropriate time.

5.        Streetlight Replacement Project ? Request to Proceed
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan indicated the Town is in a situation where bonds funds need to be spent by a certain time. The Town would like to proceed with this project.

Vice Chairman Fresquez asked how the lighting project interfaces with the sidewalk improvement project. She suggested if the sidewalks need to be done that maybe it would be best to do the two projects simultaneously.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Vice Chairman Fresquez, to direct staff to proceed with the Street Lighting Replacement and Trail Crossing projects in the Gilbert Heritage District and to make an effort to tie in with the Sidewalk Improvement project. Voice vote carried 3 - 0.

Revised Design Assistance Team Land Use Map ? Request for General Approval of Concept A for area east of Ash Street
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan indicated staff is looking for some direction with the area to the east of Ash. He mentioned the Water Tower Coalition is continuing their fundraising efforts for the Water Tower project but finding it difficult to do without a specific site plan to show to potential donors. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan mentioned that staff is looking for approval of the general idea of open space specifically including the Water Tower site. The other issues with regards to parking, possible circulation adjustment, etc. could be worked out later.

Economic Development Director Tilque mentioned the DAT Land Use Map was discussed at great length last month with no formal action taken. He thought the Commission had a preference for Concept A. The Town would like approval of Concept A.

The Commission was given an opportunity to ask questions and express concerns. Some comments made by the Commission:
Having enough room to do Concept A
Not to limit the use to two story buildings
Parking must be addressed
Keep concept of extending Cullumber

Economic Development Director Tilque mentioned an issue that may come up at the completion of the Park - N - Ride Lot and Page Avenue. He indicated traffic would have to use Page Avenue and that could possibly eliminate angle parking on Page west of Gilbert Road.

A MOTION was made by Vice Chairman Fresquez, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to approve the following for the area east of Ash Street in Concept A map dated April 10, 2003: general land uses shown in Concept A, open space in Concept A and limit new development on Gilbert Road to multi - story, multi - use commercial buildings with retail uses facing Gilbert Road on the ground floor. Voice vote carried 3 - 0.

Liaison for the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board
Chairman Haug complimented Vice Chairman Fresquez on the superb job she is doing in representing the Redevelopment Commission as liaison on the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board. Vice Chairman Fresquez indicated she was willing to continue in the liaison role but would step down if another Commissioner would like to be the liaison.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Chairman Haug, to keep Vice Chairman Fresquez as the Redevelopment Commission Liaison to the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board. Voice vote carried 3 - 0.

COMMUNICATIONS
8.        Report from Chairman on current and future events
Chairman Haug announced the grand opening of Gonzo’s was very successful.

9.        Report from Community Development Specialist on current and future events
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan stated the following:
Downtown Sewer Replacement has gone out to bid with a deadline of May 21st. Project to start construction around Hale Theatre and continue behind businesses along Gilbert Road, and then complete the remaining areas.
Gilbert Homes Septic to Sewer project plans to go out to bid in the beginning of June. Construction not to start until July or August.
Town received an application for a multi - family complex behind the closed Texaco Gas Station. Would need to apply for variance. Possibly on next month’s agenda.

10.        Report from Commissioners on current and future events.
No report.

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Vice Chairman Fresquez, seconded by Chairman Haug, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.

ATTEST:

Thomas Haug, Chairman

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder