TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2003, 6:30 PM.

132 W. BRUCE AVENUE,
GILBERT, ARIZONA

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

COMMISSION ABSENT: Chairman Haug and Commissioner Thomson

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

OTHERS PRESENT: Scott McCamman (St. Anne Little Flower)

ROLL CALL

Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

Minutes - Approve the Regular meeting of August 21, 2003
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to approve the minutes of August 21, 2003 as written. Voice vote carried 3 - 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.        Recommendations regarding traffic issues within the Heritage District
Economic Development Director Tilque requested item be put on the October agenda as Traffic Engineer Bruce Ward had an illness in the family and not able to attend meeting.

3.        NW Corner of Gilbert & Elliot Road
Economic Development Director Tilque mentioned Planning Manager Linda Edwards had been out of the office due to a family emergency and unable to attend meeting. Economic Development Director Tilque did report the following:
Planning Manager Edward is working on setting up the public meeting for mid - October instead of end of September
Advertisement in paper to ensure information is out that there will be a series of public meetings
Trying to get the new Boys & Girls Club site as meeting location

He continued by stating more details are being worked on for the old Boys & Girls Club site. Economic Development Director Tilque did indicate the building is roughly 39,500 square feet. A brief discussion was held on the parking requirements for different options and scenarios.

Parking is based on current requirements:
Site falls short with its current use as it would have to accommodate approximately 197 parking spaces.
A 39,500 square foot restaurant would require 493 parking spaces (approximately 1 space per 80 square feet)
A retail or office use is 1 space per 300 square feet.

Commissioner Iacobazzi mentioned the summaries provided in the packet for the site are very vague and wants to make sure the Town protects themselves in the event the property is sold, leased or whatever. The Commission requested a complete copy of both reports. Economic Development Director Tilque will check with PSI to see if reports are available electronically. If not, copies will be made and mailed to Commissioners.

Commissioner Valentine asked about the parking code updates and when they should be done. Town Manager Pettit responded that it is going through the public process and the entire ULDC update should be complete by December. Commissioner Valentine commented that it is not fair to allocate parking spaces based on per square footage for a restaurant. It would be more appropriate to base it on the number of tables and seating capacity. He will submit comment to the appropriate department.

Mr. Scott McCamman, 2528 E. Page Court in Gilbert, spoke on behalf of the St. Anne Little Flower Montessori. He is currently on the school board for St. Anne’s Montessori and expressed an interest in the property. He would like to find out more about the property. Mr. McCamman gave a brief overview on the history of the school and their needs for the future. Vice Chairman Fresquez invited the organization to attend the series of public meetings beginning in October.

4.        Draft Annual Report to HUD on Gilbert’s Housing and Community Development Activities for FY 2002 - 03
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan summarized the contents of the 2002 - 2003 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) which is required to be filed with HUD by September 30, 2003. The document includes all the CDBG and HOME activities as well as other activities regarding affordable housing from July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan asked for any comments, feedback or criticisms. He apologized for not getting the document to the Commission earlier.

The Commission requested more time be given to fully read the report and make any comments. Vice Chairman Fresquez asked for this to be put on next month’s agenda. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan indicated he needs to submit the report to HUD by September 30th. The Commission will individually give comments to the Community Development Specialist if need be.

5.        Gilbert Homes Septic to Sewer Project
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan gave an update on the status of the Gilbert Homes Septic to Sewer Project. He highlighted the following:
Project going to Town Council on September 30th
78 property owners have completed the applications for either CDBG or Town financing
48 qualify for CDBG funds
3 property owners have small issues that need to be resolved
1 owner doing own financing
Cost is different depending on where the connection needs to be made (alley or no alley).
Alley behind (back)                $13,363
No alley (front)                $14,013
Neighborhood meeting scheduled for after October 1st with the contractor.
Construction to start mid - October
Completion date around Christmas
System Development Fees not included in CDBG eligible costs. Property owner must pay those costs even if getting CDBG assistance
Approximately 19 - 20 properties have chosen not to participate

COMMUNICATIONS
6.        Report from Chairman on current and future events
Vice Chairman Fresquez mentioned the Commission will await notification of the public meetings. She announced Ink It! is celebrating its fourth anniversary.

7.        Report from Community Development Specialist on current and future events
In the process of coming up with a schedule for the public meetings for the SE & NW corners of Gilbert and Elliot Roads. Looking at the possibility of having the meetings at the new Boys and Girls Club facility.
A tentative joint meeting has been scheduled with the Town Council for January 13, 2004. Please mark your calendars.
Town in the process of transitioning out the responsibility and involvement of the Community Development Specialist with the Redevelopment Commission. Workload slowly being shifted to Economic Development Director.

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

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.

ATTEST:

Mary Ellen Fresquez, Vice Chairman

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder

Digg this