TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 16, 2003, 6:30 PM.

132 W. BRUCE AVENUE,
GILBERT, ARIZONA

COMMISSION PRESENT: Commissioner Thomson, Commissioner Valentine and Commissioner Iacobazzi

COMMISSION ABSENT: Chairman Haug and Vice Chairman Fresquez

STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Specialist Carl
Harris - Morgan, Economic Development Director Greg Tilque, Town Manager George Pettit, Council Liaison Steve Urie, Planning Manager Linda Edwards, Traffic Engineer Bruce Ward and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Stupski

OTHERS PRESENT: Pastor Delmer Geesey (Life Community Church), Sam Bromert (Liberty Market), Rob Osgood (Steel Dreamz), Neil Sutton and Jim Sund

ROLL CALL

In the absence of the Chairman and Vice Chairman, Commissioner Thomson, senior member of the Commission, presided over the meeting.

Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

Minutes - Approve the Regular meeting of September 18, 2003
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to approve the minutes of September 18, 2003 as written. Commissioner Thomson indicated he would abstain from the vote. Voice vote carried 2 - 0 - 1.

COMMUNICATION FROM CITIZENS
Commissioner Thomson opened the floor to the public for any comments or communications on items not on the agenda. No communications from citizens.

2.        415 N. Gilbert Road?Life Community Church
Planning Manager Edwards presented the proposed landscape plans for Life Community Church parking lot located at 415 N. Gilbert Road. Due to the increase in their congregation, the church would like to provide additional parking and an outdoor amenity area to the south of the building. Highlights include:
Unique entrance to the church (from the south side)
Additional 37 parking spaces available
Design meets the flow of emergency vehicles
Trash container to be relocated and screened
Landscape Plan has been evaluated by Landscape Tech and has provided some ideas for substituting some of the landscape material. Pastor Geesey will continue to work with the landscape technician to come to a final conclusion of the best landscape material and meet the Redevelopment Plan requirements
No benches planned at this time

Questions were asked by the Commission with regards to the trash receptacles conforming to code and not blocking the entrance, making sure the restaurant did not have problem with the proposed parking plans and in keeping the concept of consistency with the existing light poles within this development. Pastor Geesey stated the restaurant would be permitted to use the church parking area during the week for their patrons. The Commission like the overall design and felt it would be a drastic improvement to the undeveloped area.

Commissioner Thomson opened the discussion to the public.

Planning Manager Edwards mentioned the stipulations need to be modified to include a number 4 which would allow the landscape plan to be reviewed and approved by Planning Staff before the submittal of construction documents. She also stated that condition #3 should exclude lighting fixtures from the furniture palette.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to approve site plan for DR03 - 76, subject to the conditions as listed:
Construction of the project shall conform with exhibits approved by the Redevelopment Commission at the October 16, 2003 public hearing
At the time of construction document submittal, the site plan shall include Town of Gilbert standard commercial and industrial site plan notes
The applicant shall conform with the approved outdoor furniture palette as described in the Heritage District Redevelopment Plan excluding the lighting fixtures.
Landscape plan and select plant substitutions shall be reviewed and approved by Planning Staff before the submittal of Construction Documents.

Voice vote carried 3 - 0.

3.        335 N. Gilbert Road?Steel Dreamz
Planning Manager Edwards indicated Steel Dreamz has requested an extension for a use permit exactly as it was approved two years ago. Steel Dreamz is located at Gilbert Road and Vaughan Avenue. The applicant is proposing to maintain a classic/collector automobile sales business.

One concern noted by staff is the decomposed granite has been put in place but one of the conditions of the use permit was the completion of the landscape plan?three trees, curbing and two park benches and flood light in accordance with the Redevelopment Plan. Applicant is agreeable to the completion of the landscaping prior to the approval by Planning & Zoning Commission on January 7, 2004. A canopy was also included as part of the plan but the applicant has requested they not be required at this time to install it until repairs to the building structure are complete.

The biggest issue discussed by the Commission was whether a stated timeframe was necessary for the applicant to have the canopy in place. The Commission wanted to make sure they do not lose track of it. Commissioner Valentine commented the canopy was not essential to the project and the Commission would have an opportunity two years from now to address it.

The Commission inquired about what the effective date for the permit would be, October or January. Planning Manager Edwards not positive but would have to check staff and legal counsel.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to recommend continuance of this issue to the Planning & Zoning Commission on a hearing date no later than January 7, 2004 to allow the applicant an opportunity to bring the site into conformance with the approved site plan and to move forward with approval by the Redevelopment Commission of UP03 - 15 subject to following conditions:
Limit display and sales to classic, collector, or historical vehicles able to meet the Historical Automobile classification established by ADOT. A classic automobile is defined as “a fine or unusual motor car which is built between and including the years 1925 to 1948. ADOT defines historical automobiles as being 25 years or older.
Prohibit access from Gilbert Road to front lot display pad
Driveways and parking areas shall be dustproofed
Utilize the Heritage District Redevelopment Plan Outdoor Furniture Palette and Plant List Guide. Canopies, lighting, and signage should be consistent with the architecture in the area and reflect the goals of the Heritage District
Rooftop mechanical equipment shall be fully screened.
The Location of trash receptacles shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Department.
The Use Permit shall be limited to two years to expire 24 months after approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
The canopy design shall be reviewed and approved by the Redevelopment Commission
Vehicles on display in the front yard setback to be maintained in good repair.

Voice vote carried 3 - 0.

4.        Vaughan Avenue Apartments
Planning Manager Edwards indicated the project was previously reviewed by the Redevelopment Commission in May and modifications have been made to the design since then.

Highlights of changes are:
A loop road that goes entirely around the project
Covered canopy parking spaces along residential property
4 units per building
Change to the shape windows and gable roof of Building A.
Color palette altered to more of earth tone soft colors

A variance hearing is set for the end this month to discuss the 75 foot setback that cannot be met on the project.

Additional highlights
Alignment of gates to the canal which would be self - closing locking gates
Trash enclosures located in two locations
Exceeds open space and amenities packages
88 parking space are required

The conditions in staff report are not accurate since the project has been modified after the communications. Planning Manager Edwards would like to keep 2 (a) (iii) as a condition so it is modified to code with regards to the patio/balcony.

The Commission was given an opportunity to discuss, ask questions of the applicant and to make any comments about the proposed project.

Concerns:
Disappointed with the design and the use of mission “s” roof tile and lap siding?suggest the use flat roof tile or metal roof which would be more compatible with lap siding
Location of the available parking spaces especially for tenants of Buildings E and J.
Number of trash containers proposed
No speed devices included in the east/west drive lanes
Number of guest parking spaces

Council Liaison Urie made a suggestion that the project be a gated community as it would add additional security. The Commission inquired whether it would be possible to setback buildings E and J by 10 feet and shift some of the parking by these buildings. Applicant indicated it might be a problem as it would be encroaching into the retention area.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine to table this issue and not give approval but request the applicant return before the Commission with a response to some of the comments and concerns mentioned by the Commission and address those issues for further reconsideration.

Planning Manager Edwards questioned the choice of words in the motion and suggested to replace table with continue. She explained the legal meanings of table versus continue. She said with the word continue public notice is being given now and that the meeting would be date certain.

Commission Thomson suggested the issues be put in a comprehensive list for the applicant to review and respond to.

An AMENDED MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to continue this issue and not give approval but request the applicant return before the Commission with a response to some of the comments and concerns listed below by the Commission and address those issues for further reconsideration at the next regularly scheduled Redevelopment Commission meeting November 20th.
Provide the landscape plan
Provide research and data that there is sufficient and adequate number of trash receptacles to handle the load
Provide some sketches with regards to what the parking could be if incorporated more to the center of the site with respects to units E and J
Include and identify speed controls devices in the east/west drive lanes
Document an active Homeowners Association is planned
Reconsider the Mission S Roof Tile to something more compatible in style with the lap siding.
All other issues and conditions as addressed by staff

Voice vote carried 3 - 0.

5.        Recommendations regarding traffic issues within the Heritage District
Traffic Engineer Ward reported what has occurred over the last few months on Gilbert Road in the Heritage District.
Installation of a crosswalk signal on Gilbert Road by the canal
Performed speed volume and vehicle classification count in May. Findings:
22,423 vehicles travel per day along Gilbert Road in Heritage District
8.6% tractor trailer type vehicles
85% travel at 34 mph or less

Other solutions offered:
Change the signal timing at Page and Gilbert Road and monitor how it helps traffic flow.
Removal of the current crosswalk pavers and replace with stamped asphault. No decision has been made at this time. This would eliminate some of the noise on Gilbert Road.
Discourage the use of raised intersection at Page and Gilbert Road. It would create more vehicle noise and affect the road drainage.

Commissioner Thomson inquired if the timing of the signal at Eliot and Gilbert has been considered especially during peak hours. Traffic Engineer Ward responded the Town will look at the timing.

Commissioner Valentine mentioned the pedestrian crossing by Heritage Court is dangerous and what could be done to make it safer. Traffic Engineer Ward stated the Town has been looking at possible solutions:
Install pavement flashers
Upgrade crosswalk (similar to crosswalk on Lindsay)
Install additional signal

Council Liaison Urie mentioned the tractor - trailer traffic volume might be alleviated somewhat on Gilbert Road when the Santan Freeway is complete.

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

7.        Report from Community Development Specialist on current and future events
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan mentioned a date has been set for the first public meeting to discuss the SE and NW Corners of Gilbert and Elliot Roads. Planning Manager Edwards gave more detail about the planned meeting:
Several hundred flyers were mailed to the Boards, Commissions, Downtown merchants, residents within the Heritage District and surrounding neighborhoods.
Public Information Specialist Greg Svelund to help provide notice to the newspapers
Website created for comments, etc.
Meeting date is Wednesday, October 29th, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the new Boys & Girls Club facility.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan reported the following:
November’s agenda to include the FY 2004/05 Community Development Block Grant HOME Investment Partnership Funding Priorities
A tentative joint meeting has been scheduled with the Town Council for January 13, 2004.

8.        Report from Commissioners on current and future events.
Commissioner Valentine stated he took offense to a recent article published in the East Valley Tribune of comments made by the County Assessor Kevin Ross about downtown Gilbert and would like the Commission to respond. Commissioner Valentine indicated this individual has never attended a Redevelopment Commission meeting. He would like to invite the Assessor to the October 29th Open House.

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Commissioner Thomson, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m.

ATTEST:

Duncan Thomson, Senior Commissioner

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder

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