TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 17, 2003, 6:30 PM.

132 W. BRUCE AVENUE,
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, Town Manager George Pettit, Planning Manager Linda Edwards, Town Attorney Kelly Schwab, Council Liaison Steve Urie, and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Stupski

OTHERS PRESENT:        Brian Powell (AZ Tribune), Wayne Bryan (Gilbert Independent), Carl Jordan (BPLW Architects), Steve Herrada (Boys & Girls Club), Ramon Ellias (Boys & Girls Club) and Rita Mayer

ROLL CALL

Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

Minutes - Approve the Regular meeting of May 15, 2003 and
June 19, 2003
A MOTION was made by Vice Chairman Fresquez, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to approve the minutes of May 15, 2003 as written. Commissioner Thomson indicated he would abstain from the vote. Commissioner Valentine was not present at the time. Voice vote carried 3 - 0 - 1.

Chairman Haug moved the approval of June 19th to later on the agenda in hopes that Commissioner Valentine would be present.

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 explained to the Commission the materials distributed before them.

2.        Corner of Gilbert & Elliot Roads
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan summarized Town Manager Pettit’s request by highlighting the contents of a written letter to the Commission:
Town received numerous requests for potential uses for the SE Corner of Gilbert & Elliot Roads.
Commission to consider any sort of process it would like to go through or see occur in order to determine what appropriate uses could happen on the site.
Warranty Deed attached to letter for use as background information.

Commission needed a definition of what a Community Benefit is. Town Attorney Schwab could not give a definition of community. It would have to be assessed on an individual basis and would be reviewed if it benefits the community as a whole or benefits a segregated group of people.

(Commissioner Valentine joined the meeting.)

Commissioner Iacobazzi inquired whether the Town could go back to the Cooley’s and see if something could be worked out in terms of a joint venture for profit retail or commercial office type use. Town Manager Pettit responded if the Commission desire to pursue a for profit use, the contract would have to be re - negotiated.

Commissioner Valentine presented a one page summary of a potential use for the parcel that he feels would be most beneficial to the Town. He suggested developing the site with a multipurpose development that conjoins several non - commercial groups with vital interest in the historic district. He described and highlighted the proposed buildings:
Community Conference Center
Auditorium
Community Alliance Center
Staff Development Center - Gilbert Public Schools

Chairman Haug expressed an interest in this type of approach as it is the entrance point into the district. He inquired whether it would be possible for staff to contact the City of Chandler and get the square footage of their facility and the adjacent parking.

Commissioner Iacobazzi mentioned a survey of residents was done several years ago and would like to see the results of the survey if available. He stated a new survey should be conducted due to the fact that the population of Gilbert has increased considerably.

The Commission discussed how to obtain public input: The suggestions given include:
schedule special meetings
prepare a survey for the general population to get a broader view through different medias
website
Your Town publication
Utility bill (Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan would investigate into this possibility)

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan stated the Commission would be responsible for creating the questions for the survey. Questions could be created during a regular meeting of the Commission.

Commission requested staff to mail a copy of the last survey results for their review and put this topic on the next agenda.

Councilmember Urie gave a presentation of a proposed idea of a Heritage Park design. This design was from the design charatte for the SE corner of Gilbert & Elliot done about 5 years. The design includes:
Gardens
Facility for fine arts
Reception facility
Village green area

The Commission briefly discussed the northwest corner of Gilbert & Elliot Roads. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan mentioned there are some legal issues with the contract and should have a report of the condition of the structure located on the site by the August meeting.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan indicated the Town received a pre - application of a single - user retail flooring company for a showroom for the Northeast Corner of Gilbert & Elliot Road. Planning Manager Edwards commented the design would include elements from the Redevelopment Plan.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan recommended the Commission look at each corner separately but keep the other corners in mind when making a decision.

He asked the Commission to let him know if they would like other community members and groups involved such as the Fine Arts Commission and invite them to a meeting.

3.        Town of Gilbert Design Review Process Training Session
Town Attorney, Kelly Schwab gave a power point presentation on the Open Meeting Law, Conflict of Interest and Design Guidelines. She briefly reviewed what constitutes an open meeting and how to determine whether you have a conflict of interest. A copy of the power point presentation is attached.

Planning Manager Edwards presented the other part of the training which dealt with how a proposed development is evaluated and processed internally. She provided a packet of information which includes the most current Commercial Design Guidelines, pages taken from the Redevelopment Plan, and a summary sheet listing the available tools to evaluate a projectand the Town’s process.

She mentioned the following tools are used when evaluating a proposed development:
ULDC (Unified Land Development Code)
Commercial Design Guidelines
Residential Design Guidelines
General Plan, 2/06/03
Heritage District Character Area Chapter of General Plan, 2/06/03
Heritage District Redevelopment Plan
Urban Design Assistance Team study (UDAT), 12/16/02
Heritage District Overlay Zoning District, 10/17/00

Planning Manager Edwards reviewed the process for applications and briefly described what each entails. Process for applications:
Annexation
Rezoning
Variance
Site Plan or Preliminary Plat Review
Amendments
Construction Drawings/Improvement Plans/Final Plat
Field Inspection/Certificate of Occupancy
Tenant Improvements

The Commission was given an opportunity to ask questions. Some questions asked were:
Would like a definition of minor change and major change
Who are the players or parties involved in the administrative review?

A copy is attached that summarizes the tools and process.

4.        Boys and Girls Club - Review Changes to Design Review Approval
Commissioner Valentine excused himself due to a conflict of interest, did not participate in discussion, and left the meeting room.

Planning Manager Edwards gave a brief overview with the Boys & Girls Club.
Redevelopment Commission approved original site plans on December 14, 2000
Planning Department approved an administrative review to modify roof color from Tapestry Red to Siam Blue
During the construction, doors, trellis and fascia were painted a bright blue color referred to as Boys & Girls Color Blue. The contractor was instructed to repaint trellis the approved color, Vinland and await further instructions on the doors until an approved set of construction drawing were reviewed. Drawing notes a soft green color for the doors.

The applicant has submitted a change in color for the doors and window trim in addition a change in one landscaping plant and granite ground cover.

Planning Manager Edwards summarized the proposed color changes and what staff is recommending.
Exterior doors: Owner would prefer to leave the doors the national color for the Boys & Girls Club, Electron Blue. Staff recommends the doors be painted one of the approved colors, Alencon Lace or Vinland.
Window Trim: Tapestry Red was the approved color but dropped when the Siam Blue roof was approved. Staff recommends no additional window trim color.
Color Exhibit: The color exhibits represents the fascia as the Vinland color. Staff recommends the roof color, Siam Blue be used.
Landscaping: Honey Mesquite tree changed to Chilean Mesquite. Staff supports the change
Decomposed Granite: Approved 3/4″ minus Madison Gold changed to 1/2″ screen San Tan to avoid the larger rocks used as missiles or objects to throw. Staff supports the change.
Playground Sidewalk: Sidewalk location modified to accommodate a future play yard. Staff supports change.

The Commission was disappointed in the process and breakdown in communications. Questions asked by the Commission:
Is the color palette close to the approved palette of December 2000? Response: Planning Manager Edwards responded yes except the roof.
Why was the change in roof color not presented to Commission for approval? Response: Staff was not clear as the entire file is missing.
Who would be responsible (cost) if a recommendation is made to change roof color back to its original approved color? Response: Town Attorney Schwab responded the Town would probably have to bear the cost as the applicant did follow the Town’s process in requesting a change.
How was the roof color change handled? Response: Carl Jordan of BPLW Architects responded that he prepared the drawings & submitted them to the Planning Department. He thought it went through all the proper channels.

Representatives of the Boys & Girls Club were present and requested the national Boys & Girls Club color be allowed for the doors.

The Redevelopment Commission voiced their disappointment in the significant change in colors on the building compared to the approved plans. The colors approved for use on the building were much more compatible with the neighborhood than the color palette being presented this evening.

A MOTION was made by Vice Chairman Fresquez, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to approve the amendments to the landscaping, and color specifications for the elevations of the Boys & Girls Club Facility currently in construction at Page Park located at the northwest corner of Elliot Road and Oak Street and to accept staff recommendations of:
1.        Construction of the project shall conform to the exhibits presented and conditions stipulated by the Redevelopment Commission on July 17, 2003. These exhibits note the following approved changes: Tree originally approved as Honey Mesquite shall be Chilean Mesquite, Decomposed granite shall be ½” screened San Tan; the playground sidewalk is modified to accommodate a future play yard.
2.        The fascia as shown on the color exhibits shall be changed to the same color as the roof, Siam Blue.
3.        The trellis as shown on the color exhibit shall be ICI 127 Vinland.
4.        The exterior doors be painted ICI #550 Alencon Lace.
5.        The window trim color be the same as the windowpane color, ICI #550 Alencon Lace.

Voice vote carried 3 - 1 - 1 with Commissioner Thomson casting the dissenting vote and Commissioner Valentine abstaining.

1.        Minutes - Approve the Regular meeting of June 19, 2003
Chairman Haug returned to agenda item 1 for approval of the June 19, 2003 regular meeting minutes. Chairman Haug and Commissioner Iacobazzi indicated they would abstain from the vote.

A MOTION was made by Commission Thomson, seconded by Vice Chairman Fresquez, to approve the minutes of June 19, 2003 as written. Voice vote carried 3 - 0 - 2.

5.        Overnight Parking on Publicly Owned Parking Lots
Community Development Harris - Morgan stated the Town has received complaints of a business located in the downtown Heritage District parking vehicles in the public parking lot behind Heritage Court overnight or for long - term. He stated upon further research there are no regulations that would prohibit or limit overnight parking or extended parking on publicly owned lots.

He asked if the Commission should consider some possibilities regarding those types of regulations and whether it should be pursued. He did instruct the Commission that if an ordinance is prepared, the ordinance would be applied throughout the Town.

Town Attorney Schwab indicated she checked with surrounding communities about regulated parking.
Tempe:        On Street?limited to 120 hours
Other areas: Limited but posted. Violation is a traffic offense.
Chandler:        None
Phoenix:        Limited but posted. Up to the discretion of the
Traffic Engineer.

The Commission discussed various options but did not come to any conclusion as to what the best approach would be.

A MOTION was made by Chairman Haug, seconded by Commissioner Thomson, to have staff investigate and make recommendations as to what would be the best way to address the problem and bring the recommendations back to the Commission.

6.        Report on Redevelopment Commission Priority Projects
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan gave a summary of his meeting with Traffic Engineer Bruce Ward regarding speed tables. Traffic Engineer Ward’s opinion was it was not worth the cost and impact as far as construction is concerned to install speed tables if part of the goal is to make Gilbert Road quieter. He indicated Traffic Engineer Ward is willing to meet with the Commission to come up with some suggestions and prioritize a list of traffic - calming or related issue the town could implement to help promote the redevelopment goals of the Heritage District.

Commissioner Valentine stated he did not want more meetings or brainstorming session but have an expert in the field make recommendations of viable solutions or alternatives and not expect the Commission to come up with ideas. The entire Commission was in agreement. Vice Chairman Fresquez made a comment on the prioritized list done a short while ago and how it has now become even shorter. Community Development Specialist did indicate that the sidewalk project and bollards are being done.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan noted one of Traffic Engineer Ward recommendation he made was the installation of in - ground crosswalk lights (LED). Commissioner Valentine said this is exactly the type of a positive recommendation the Commission would listen to.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Chairman Haug, to direct staff to have a professional expert give recommendations and suggestions as to what can be done to accomplish the goals on the prioritized list to reduce traffic speed along Gilbert Road in the Heritage District. Voice vote carried 5 - 0.

COMMUNICATIONS
7.        Report from Chairman on current and future events
No report.
8.        Report from Community Development Specialist on current and future events
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan mentioned the following:
Planning Manager Edwards was appointed as the planner assigned to the Heritage District.
Tentative date for grand opening of Boys & Girls Club is August 20, 2003.

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

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:58 p.m.

ATTEST:

Thomas Haug, Chairman

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder

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