TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 20, 2003, 6:30 PM.

100 N. OAK STREET,
GILBERT, ARIZONA

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

COMMISSION ABSENT: None

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, Community Development Assistant Janet Holston and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Stupski

OTHERS PRESENT: Pat Gilbert (Mesa CAN), Carol Grasso (CSA), David Bridge (CASS), Kris Wilde, Marilyn Clark (GFAA), Nancy Marion (House of Refuge East), Paul Heartquist (Gilbert Cares), Dee Tamminen (St. Anne Little Flower), Jim Flanagan, Jake Verrue, Shirley Cheney, Rosa Herrera, Alana McCamman (St. Anne Montessori), Sim Traw, Neil Sutton and Jim Sund

ROLL CALL

Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

1.        Appointment of Chairman and Vice Chairman
Vice Chairman Fresquez indicated item to be continued at the request of the mayor.

2.        Minutes - Approve the Regular meeting of October 16, 2003
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to approve the minutes of October 16, 2003 as written. Vice Chairman Fresquez indicated she would abstain from the vote and Commissioner Valentine was absent for the vote. Voice vote carried 2 - 0 - 1.

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.

3.        Vaughan Avenue Apartments
Planning Manager Edwards indicated the project was continued last month for landscape clarification and for additional items the Commission requested the applicant to address.

(Commissioner Valentine joined the meeting)

Items addressed by the applicant:
Quantity of trash receptacles verified by Public Works to be sufficient.
Building Units E and J staggered to the center of the project allowing the applicant to place parking spaces by those buildings.
Roof treatment changed from Spanish S - Tile to flat concrete tile.
Change to the landscape plan and selected vegetation. Staff has made several recommendations. Examples given:
Remove existing mature trees that are crowding the SRP power lines on the north side of property.
Remove the Oleander from the plant list and replace with Arizona Rosewood.
A variance was approved on October 30, 2003 to allow a minimum setback of 38 feet to the existing residential district.
Light fixtures will fit with the Redevelopment Plan

Vice Chairman Fresquez indicated she read the October 16th minutes and inquired about the speed control devices and the HOA. Planning Manager Edwards responded to each item.
Speed Controls?received a detailed report from traffic engineer and speed bumps were not recommended.
HOA?was required at zoning.

Planning Manager Edwards mentioned staff received correspondence and phone calls from the abutting homeowners with concerns about proposed height of the wall and request it be increased to 8 ft. for security reasons.

The Commission as a whole was pleased with the changes addressed by the applicant but still had some concerns about trash receptacle placement and speed control.

Vice Chairman Fresquez opened the discussion to the public. A gentleman spoke for Rosa Herrara who resides in the house next to Building A and requested an increase in the height of the wall. The applicant responded there is a proposed 4′ planter behind the wall and with the appropriate plant it would provide adequate screening and privacy.

Planning Manager Edwards mentioned staff would be willing to work with the neighbors and applicant to come up with a viable solution and make sure an appropriate plant is selected. Another suggestion was made to put footers in to accommodate an 8 ft wall in the future.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Commission Thomson, to approve the site plan, grading and drainage, architecture, landscaping, elevations, and lighting for a multifamily apartment project proposed in the downtown heritage district (DR03 - 20) subject to the following conditions:
1.        Construction of the project shall conform to the exhibits approved by the Redevelopment Commission at the November 20, 2003 public hearing as modified below.
2.        Prior to the issuance of any permits the applicant shall submit for Planning Department approval:
a)        A revised landscape plan showing
i)        Remove the existing mature trees that are crowding the SRP power lines along the north property line.
ii)        Change the 24 inch box Palo Brea trees along the north property line with 24 - inch box Texas Ebony.
Remove the Crape Myrtle trees from the plan list and replace with 15 gallon Arizona Rosewood.
Remove the Oleander trees from the plan list and replace with 15 gallon Arizona Rosewood
Change the 5 gallon Desert Honeysuckle and replace with 5 gallon Bougainvillea “Torch Glow”.
Change the 1 gallon Desert Marigold and replace with 1 gallon Yellow Dot.
Change the hydro - seed Bermuda grass and replace with Midiron Sod.
A photometric survey
At the time of construction document submittal, the site plan shall include Town of Gilbert standard commercial and industrial site plan note.

and added:
Install proper footers so that a possible future extension of wall could be built and be reviewed in two years to see how things have developed with the vegetation along the wall and to revisit with the neighbors and owners.

A question was raised as to how to proceed when there is an unresolved issue at the hearing. Planning Manager Edwards responded that usually it is recommended that applicant and neighbors work with staff so the project can be approved with the condition that the issue be worked out with staff. If it cannot be resolved, it would come back to the Commission.

Following the discussion, Commissioner Iacobazzi Amended the MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Thomson to replace item #4 above with the following:
4.        Staff to work with applicant and homeowner to resolve the issue and come to an agreement on the wall and vegetation along the wall.

Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

4.        FY 004/05 Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Funding Priorities
Community Development Assistant Holston addressed the Commission and informed them that it is time again to set the priorities for CDBG and HOME funds. This is the first step in the application process and would be used to evaluate the applications. Notices were sent to interested organizations who might be applying for funding.

Contents of the memo includes:
Staff recommended priorities for CDBG and HOME funds for FY 2004/05
Current FY 2003/04 priorities for CDBG and Homes funds
Summary of both CDBG and HOME programs to date, allocation, balance and status of the projects
Amount of funding expected for FY 2004/05 is $624,000 in CDBG and $188,000 in HOME funds. It was mentioned that the Public Service has a cap of 15 percent.

Ms. Jeanne Duffy of Arizona Action for Foster Children was unable to attend the meeting but Community Development Assistant Holston communicated Ms. Duffy’s comments to the Commission. Ms. Duffy would like to find funding to recruit, train and equip foster parents to meet the growing need for homes for foster children. Commissioner Valentine inquired as to how many Gilbert children are in foster care. Community Development Assistant Holston said she would check into it.

The following representatives spoke on behalf of their organizations:
Mr. Paul Heartquist, Director of Gilbert Cares?requested that home refurbishment and repairs be included in the HOME program priorities this year. The organization is responsible for the rehab of homes within the Town of Gilbert. Gilbert Cares has completed its 70th home and have not been considered for funding the last few years due to a lack of administrative capacity. Mr. Heartquist stated that he feels they have worked out the administrative aspect of federal grant recordkeeping. He would like the funds for high - cost items such as air conditioners.
Mr. Pat Gilbert, Executive Director of East Valley Men’s Shelter and reiterated to the Commission the need for additional social service funding beyond the 15 percent CDBG cap and asked them to encourage the Town Council to look at social service funding issues.
Mr. David Bridge, Central Arizona Shelter Services was in agreement with Mr. Gilbert’s statement. He explained the Human Services Campus concept and what it will entail in response to a question asked by Ms. Grasso.
Ms. Carol Grasso, Social Services Director for Community Services of Arizona was pleased to see the Senior Center on the priority list.

Vice Chairman Fresquez mentioned that the downtown sewer and Gilbert Homes Septic to Sewer projects should be done and will not require any 2004 - 05 CDBG monies which will free up a significant amount of money for other projects.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Valentine, to recommend Town Council approval of the following fiscal year 2004 - 05 Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership funding priorities as presented by staff for the CDBG program as follows: up to 50% for Public Facilities, up to 30% for Housing; up to 15% for Public Services and up to 20% for Program Administration and for the HOME program as follows: up to 100% for Downpayment Assistance and Counseling.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan pointed out that rehabilitation of homes could be included in the motion based on the presentation given by Mr. Paul Heartquist of Gilbert Cares.

An AMENDED MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Valentine, to include for the HOME program up to 50% for rehabilitation of homes. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

5.        Land Uses for the SE and NW Corner of Gilbert and Elliot Roads
Planning Manager Edwards summarized the results of the October 29th Public Meeting on the SE and NW Corner of Gilbert and Elliot Roads.
33 people in attendance to discuss future uses of both corners
Old Boys and Girls Club (NW corner) site has a land use classification of Village Center in the General Plan and the Redevelopment Plan has a commercial land use designation and might need to be amended depending on proposed development.
8 - acre vacant site (SE Corner) has a 35 year deed restriction for public and quasi - public land uses.

Ideas were collected for both corners and the suggested ideas were placed into three categories for each parcel:
Commercial Land Uses
Public/Quasi - Public Land Uses
Ideas that apply to all uses

Vice Chairman Fresquez made a suggestion to eliminate some of the proposed uses and prioritize the remaining if time permits and give the list back to staff. She would like to see a second public meeting before it goes to Town Council. Vice Chairman Fresquez inquired whether there is a time constraint to get to Town Council with the recommendations. Economic Development Director Tilque responded no but mentioned that Town Council would like to move or act as soon as possible. Vice Chairman Fresquez opened the discussion to the public

Ms. Marilyn Clark, 268 S. Sandstone, spoke on behalf of the Gilbert Fine Arts Association and how the group would benefit from occupying the building. She mentioned the building would be used for theatrical productions, recital hall, youth arts workshops, rehearsal space and Gilbert Youth Theater. She also mentioned that it would be a good opportunity for the Hale Theatre by giving them some great actors. Ms. Clark gave a quick financial background of the organization with costs involved for producing, directing, sets, and facility rental. The organization relies strictly on donations and could not afford to purchase the building at this time but possibly down the road. Details would have to be worked out.

Mr. Jake Verrue, 944 E. Mohave Lane, would like to be the occupant of the Old Boys and Girls Club for a Gilbert Hall of Fame with museum to honor and respect the many athletes from the area, to have a centralized location for all trophies, including the Special Olympic Kids as well as bands of the high schools. He indicated he had spoken to many individuals who would be willing to donate and is in the process of putting together fund raising ideas. Mr. Verrue mentioned the Hall of Fame would be self - sufficient and would be looking to purchase the building possibly in the future. He said this sort of use would compliment the Historical Museum.

Ms. Dee Tamminen, School Administrator for St. Anne Little Flower, expressed an interest in the facility for a Montessori School. She indicated the current school is running out of space. Ms. Tamminen mentioned the group would be willing to share the facility?school during the day and open it up in the evening for community use.

Mr. Jim Flanagan commented he would like to see all four corners stay architectural consistent with the museum building as it is the gateway to the Heritage District.

The Commission discussed Parcel 1 (NWC) and felt the ideas that were presented during the Commission meeting were all good uses. It has not been decided whether the building would be rented or sold but would depend on the type of use selected. The Commission would not be opposed to staff drafting an RFP for these types of uses which would include an overall financial picture of the organization. Commissioner Valentine commented that any of the uses are sympathetic and would not have a severe impact on the neighborhood, but this is a critical corner for the district.

The Commission also discussed the many suggestions and ideas for the 8 acre parcel (SEC) Parcel 2 and eliminated the following ideas:
Water Park
Businesses in front with public use behind
Businesses (limited by site plan and architecture)
Culinary School
Develop as a park of trees, gardens, fountains, park benches and walkways

Commissioner Valentine indicated he was intrigued by the idea to promote the higher education aspect and would like to have this idea explored more. The Commission agreed that a Conference Center/Learning Center could be used for numerous occasions such as meeting dignitaries, training, meetings, etc. It was suggested to have a joint meeting with CGCC and GPS to see how they feel and to determine the level of interest in a shared facility. Other groups to be approached would be agricultural (FFA or 4 - H).

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Commissioner Thomson, to recommend to the Town Council that staff proceed with developing an RFP for the NW Corner of Gilbert and Elliot Road and as part of the RFP the applicant must include a 3 - year business plan with financial information on how they can support the venture and maintain the facility and the draft RFP to come back to the Redevelopment Commission for review and consideration.

Commissioner Valentine suggested the motion should consider the use of the facility to the arts, youth, performing arts, museum, school - type usage and Hall of Fame.

An AMENDED MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Commissioner Thomson, to recommend to the Town Council that staff proceed with developing an RFP for the NW Corner of Gilbert and Elliot Road limiting the use of the facility to the arts, youth, performing arts, museum, school - type usage and Hall of Fame and as part of the RFP the applicant must include a 3 - year business plan with financial information on how they can support the venture and maintain the facility and the draft RFP to come back to the Redevelopment Commission for review and consideration. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to direct staff to pursue another public meeting and to invite representatives from Gilbert Public Schools and Chandler - Gilbert Community College to attend as well as other members of the public including those organizations that are involved in agricultural usage in education such as the FAA and 4 - H for the purpose of discussing a joint shared - use facility for the vacant 8 acre parcel site located at the SE corner of Gilbert and Elliot Roads.

The Commission had a discussion on the motion and whether it opens the field to other interested educational institutions. Vice Chairman Fresquez mentioned that the University of Phoenix is a for - profit organization.

An AMENDED MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commission Iacobazzi, to direct staff to pursue another public meeting and to invite representatives from Gilbert Public Schools and Chandler - Gilbert Community College to attend as well as other members of the public including those organizations that are involved in agricultural usage in education such as the FAA and 4 - H for the purpose of discussing a joint shared - use facility for the vacant 8 acre parcel site located at the SE corner of Gilbert and Elliot Roads and for the usage to comply with the deed restrictions of the parcel.   Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

6.        Proposed Request for Proposal for the SWC of Gilbert and Vaughn
Economic Development Director Tilque commented that staff would like to prepare an RFP for the parcel located at the SW corner of Gilbert Road and Vaughn Avenue and would like to get direction from the Commission as to how to proceed. He continued to say with the recent opening of the Hale Centre Theatre and Gonzo’s All - American Grill, the timing is right and the area would be a prime location for a restaurant - type use. Economic Development Director Tilque briefly spoke on the parking issue and the potential parking problem in the near future.
The Commission discussed its many options and agreed that the height of the building should be limited to two - story and would like to consider residential for the second level or office space. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan read a paragraph from the Redevelopment Plan indicating that residential would be in conflict and the Redevelopment Plan would need to be amended. The Commission requested staff to move forward and look into the legal issue.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Valentine, to recommend to the Gilbert Town Council that staff proceed with developing a Request for Proposal for a mixed use building at the Southwest corner of Gilbert Road and Vaughn Avenue as follows:
Minimum size of approximately 17,000 square feet
Limit the height to a two - story building
Suggest and investigate underground parking
Architectural characteristics would need to comply with the Redevelopment Plan guidelines
Suggested uses would be retail/restaurant 1st floor?office and/or residential 2nd floor if Town’s legal staff determines that residential is an appropriate use according to the Redevelopment Plan.

Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

7.        Heritage District Street Lighting Project Update
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan gave an update on the Street Lighting project for the Heritage District. He reviewed the revised design and construction schedule that was provided to him by Mr. Paul Mood, Capital Projects Coordinator.
A presentation is planned for the January 15, 2004 Redevelopment Commission meeting. Public notice to be sent to all businesses and residences in the Heritage District notifying them of the presentation.
Two more neighborhood meetings being planned to get input, answer questions or concerns. Dates not determined.
Have not identified where street lights are going to be replaced but dealing with issues of right - of - way.

The Commission inquired as to the total cost of the project. Town Manager George Pettit responded around $3 million.

Vice Chairman Fresquez stated she had asked for an update 2 months ago on the status of the project and wondered why it could not be provided. Community Development Harris - Morgan explained what had happened during that time period and indicated the project could now move forward with the hiring of the new Capital Projects Coordinator to oversee the project.

8.        Update on Projects in the Heritage District
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan gave the following update report on projects in the Heritage District:
Water Tower Coalition - - Working on site plan issues and have come up with a list of items in Phase I and Phase II. Looking for a company to do the elevations. The group plans to do a presentation to the Redevelopment Commission and staff will present to Town Council the recommendations of the Redevelopment Commission. No schedule available.
Downtown Sewer?80 percent complete and should be on Elliot Road after Thanksgiving. Completion of project scheduled for end of January
Septic to Sewer?Ran into significant problems with utilities. Have completed one section and have connected 8 homes to the sewer
Senior Housing?Neighborhood meeting is November 20th. Doing a pad amendment to zoning for a reduction in parking and increase in density. A workstudy presentation planned to the Redevelopment Commission for December with final approval requested in January.

Planning Manager Edwards gave an update on Arizona Hardwood Floor?going for rezoning in December and to Design Review Board and Redevelopment Commission in January.

Economic Development Director Tilque gave an update on the status of the Park - N - Ride Lot. He indicated it is moving forward. All Star Electric to be out of building December 15th and the structure will be scheduled for demolition shortly afterwards.

COMMUNICATIONS
9.        Report from Chairman on current and future events
Vice Chairman Fresquez announced Gilbert Days is this weekend and extended an invitation to everyone to attend the festivities.

10.        Report from Community Development Specialist on current and future events
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan mentioned agenda items for next month are the Senior Housing project and Arizona Hardwood Floor. The next regularly scheduled meeting date is December 18th and asked the Commissioners to let staff know if the date might be a problem and need to be rescheduled.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan indicated the Town Clerk’s office is advertising for the vacant Commissioner position. Deadline for applications is November 28th.

11.        Report from Commissioners on current and future events.
Commissioner Iacobazzi mentioned he was surprised to hear about Commissioner Haug’s removal from the Commission and felt the lines of communications need to improve with the Commissioners.

Commissioner Valentine made a reminder he has the information on “similar or equal to” regarding the Outdoor Furniture Palette that was discussed a while back and would like to have it on next month’s agenda.

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

ATTEST:

Mary Ellen Fresquez, Vice Chairman

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder

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