TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 26, 2004, 6:30 PM.

132 W. BRUCE AVENUE
GILBERT, ARIZONA

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

COMMISSION ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT: Economic Development Director Greg Tilque, Town Manager George Pettit, Council Liaison Steve Urie, Community Development Specialist Carl Harris - Morgan, Planner II Jason Sanks, Street Superintendent Mario Flores and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Stupski

OTHERS PRESENT: Mark Holleran (CASS), Jean Duffy (AAFC), Kristen Rodger (AAFC), Robert Kropp (CSA), Pat Gilbert (Mesa CAN), Elizabeth Cress Sweet (Gilbert Arts Advisory Board), Carol Kochlin (CSA), Lowell Crary (CSA), Joann Hauger (CHRA); Jim Flanagan, Jack Zupnick (D.R. Horton), Patrick Sherry (Yesco), Kristen Polin (Community Bridges), Alana McCamman (St. Anne’s Little Flower), Aimee Storm (St. Anne’s Little Flower), Jake Jacob (Hobo Realty), Candy Johnson (PREHAB of AZ), George Kallergis (D.R. Horton), John Lamkin (Save the Family), Helen Hollands (Gilbert Fine Arts Association)

ROLL CALL

Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

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.        Minutes - Approve the Regular meeting of January 15, 2004
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Commissioner King, to approve the minutes of January 15, 2004 as written. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

PUBLIC HEARING
4.        Signage?Boys & Girls Club located at 44 N. Oak Street
Planner II Jason Sanks gave a brief overview of the Boys & Girls Club located at 44 N. Oak Street
Zoning approved in June 2000
Site plan approved by Redevelopment Commission and Design Review Board December 2000
Roof color approved by staff April 2003
Amendments to the landscaping and color specifications approved by Redevelopment Commission July 2003

The applicant is requesting wall signage for the south and east elevations of the structure. Features of the proposed signage:
Two rectangular cabinet signs measuring approximately 30 square feet in size
Illumination to be internal neon
Aluminum base painted “Vinland” red (match the accent on the building)
Boys and Girls Club national registered trademark logo face to match the blue found on the facility’s roof

Planner II Sanks commented that staff finds the signs to be inconspicuous, blend well with the architecture of the building and are sized well under ULDC allowances for sign area. He also added the applicant is not interested in monument signage and has no intention of adding one in the future.

Commissioner Thomson wanted assurances that the applicant is not going to make any changes and to avoid what previously happened with the exterior appearance of the building. Planner II Sanks responded that any changes would come back to the Commission for approval.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to approve the wall signage package for the Boys and Girls Club (DR00 - 138) as presented to the Commission on February 26, 2004 with an additional stipulation that any further sign changes to the site be brought before the Redevelopment Commission. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

FY 2004/05 Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnership Funding Allocations
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan reviewed the process to apply for CDBG and Home Investment Partnership Funding for FY 2004 - 05.

Vice Chairman Fresquez announced that Commissioner Valentine declared a Conflict of Interest for Agenda item #4 and 5 and filed the appropriate form.

Community Development Harris - Morgan indicated copies of the applications were included in the packet as well as a staff recommendation for funding.

Representatives from each organization who applied for funding were in attendance to give a short presentation and to answer any questions

Arizona Action for Foster Children (AAFC)?Jean Duffy?Receives some funding from The Department of Economic Security to actively recruit foster and adoptive parents. AAFC plans to use the CDBG funds for staffing and making monthly visits to foster children to evaluate their progress and address any problems that may occur. Gilbert had 150 children who were wards of DES. There are an average of 220 children per week county wide who need homes.

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS)?Mark Holleran?indicated they are the largest provider and provides shelter 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to homeless individuals. Organization has provided an average of 5000 nights of lodging to Gilbert individuals. Mr. Holleran explained the formula it uses to determine costs. The organization needs support from cities and towns to provide a safe shelter.

Community Bridges?Kristen Polin?requesting monetary support for its drug detoxification program. Community Bridges received 60 referrals from the Gilbert Police and Fire Department. Anticipating assisting 88 persons for FY04 -

05. Ms. Polin gave a brief overview of the services given and steps involved to be admitted into the detoxification program.

Community Services of Arizona (CSA)?Gilbert Senior Center Congregate/Home Delivered Meals?Ms. Carol Kochlin?CSA operates the Senior Center and requests $42,100 for meals. Currently providing 230 more meals this year than last. Because of the increase in home deliveries of meals, transportation is becoming a challenge. Based on current projects it is anticipated 23,256 congregate and home delivered meals will be provided.

Community Services of Arizona (CSA)? Gilbert Community Action Program?Ms. Carol Grasso?There has been an increase in the amount of assistance given to an individual. CSA exhausted all county funds including LIHEAP. The number of clients has increased.

Mesa CAN?East Valley Men’s Center?Mr. Pat Gilbert?appreciates Gilbert for its support and understands the challenge of allocating funds. Gilbert’s number has grown substantially with 25 men who self - identified the Town of Gilbert as their last community. Mr. Gilbert stressed the importance to support the organization.

PREHAB?La Mesita - A Family Shelter?Ms. Candy Johnson?Serves families from Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Guadalupe, Queen Creek, Mesa. Families with children can stay up to 4 months. Highlights of service provided:
Case management services
Child Development Shelter (on site)
Youth Development Shelter (6 to 18 years of age) (after school programs allowing parents to work)
On - call with the CAP Offices

Save the Family?Transitional Living Program for Homeless Families with Children?Mr. John Lamkin?provides transitional housing for families with children. It teaches homeless families to become self - sufficient. Save the Family served 4 families from Gilbert. Group is requesting $15,000 in funding which is a small percentage of the actual need.

Vice Chairman Fresquez asked for clarification on the funding levels and if they can exceed the percentage given to each category. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan responded that up to 15 percent is the maximum amount for Public Services. He also indicated that 20 percent is the maximum for administration. The other areas such as housing and public facilities have some flexibility.

Community Services of Arizona (CSA)?Emergency/Minor Repair Program?Robert Kropp?requesting $150,000 in funding which would assist 45 low or moderate income families with emergency/minor repairs that pose a health or safety problem for the resident. Program is advertised in the Guardian and mentioned in the Your Town publication.

Community Housing Resources of Arizona (CHRA)?Downpayment Assistance?Joanne Hauger? Program has been successful to date. The program provides one - on - one counseling for low income households to purchase a home in Gilbert by providing down payment assistance up to $15,000. Ms. Hauger indicated that 8 families achieved homeownership because of this program and would like to continue to provide this opportunity to more families.

Town of Gilbert?New Buyer Counseling?Carl Harris Morgan?Briefly explained that the goal of the program is to provide homebuyer counseling for income eligible Town employees who are prospective first - time homebuyers. The program is a demonstration project and details as to the number of interested parties are not yet known. Assessment to follow after completion. Cost of attending a HUD certified counseling is $300 per person. Participation in the program may be expanded to Gilbert School District employee if demonstration project proves to be successful.

Town of Gilbert?Senior Center Expansion?Carl Harris - Morgan?Senior Center is operating at full capacity and looking to expand the facility to provide meals. Assessment of facility is being done at this time to determine cost. Project might require future funding. Ms. Kochlin of CSA indicated their organization is looking at outside sources to help in securing funding such as grants.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan commented no applications were received for HOME funds as they require a 25 percent match in non - federal funds. Staff to continue to explore options for these funds and request approval to allocate funds for a specific activity at a later date.

Vice Chairman Fresquez inquired whether the Redevelopment Commission would continue to make the recommendation for CDBG and HOME funds. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan does not know at this time and stated that the Commission does have knowledge and an understanding what the funds are for.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan stated there is a laptop computer available if the Commission wants to play with the figures provided by staff. The Commission agreed they were happy with the staff recommendations and did not see anything misaligned.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Commissioner Thomson, to accept and recommend that the Town Council approve the 2004 - 5 Community Development Block Grant allocations as presented by staff. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan thanked all the organizations for their attendance and indicated the recommendation will be presented to Town Council March 16th. They are welcome to attend the meeting.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan announced the Town of Gilbert has been notified that it has been awarded an American Dream Downpayment Initiative program. The final regulations for administering the program have not been received. Funds must be used to provide downpayment assistance to first time homebuyers. As soon as program regulations are received, staff will bring the issue back to the Commission.

Commissioner Valentine joined the meeting.

6.        Proposed Request for Proposal for the NW Corner of Gilbert and Elliot Roads
Economic Development Director Tilque originally thought the Request for Proposal draft for the NW Corner of Gilbert and Elliot would be done but a few issues must be addressed before an RFP can be sent out. He is requesting feedback and direction from the Commission as well as to listen to any interested groups who would like use of the site.

Economic Development Director Tilque indicated that the Town’s legal counsel is of the opinion that the Redevelopment Plan needs to be amended before issuing an RFP for the site since the site is designated as commercial in the plan and all the suggested uses for this site are non - commercial. . Staff also suggested that the zoning may need to be changed depending on the use selected. The site is currently zoned R - 03 and C - 2.

Issue to be addressed:
Lease vs. sell?Town has some financial constraints and does not have the funds available to bring the building up to code based on the findings in the study performed last year. Staff believes the best solution is to lease the building for up to five years and require the organization that submits an acceptable proposal be responsible for the tenant improvements, maintenance and utilities.

Commissioner Iacobazzi had a question about leasing and the liability of the Town and whether it would be wiser to sell the facility. Economic Development Director Tilque responded that Town does not want to sell building at this time due to uncertainties with development of the SE Corner and possible parking issues/concerns.

Economic Development Director Tilque reviewed some things that should be included in the RFP:
Town is accepting proposals for the redevelopment/reuse of the existing building and site located at 25 W. Washington Avenue, at the northwest corner of Gilbert and Elliot Roads. Proposals should be to use the facility for visual arts, performing arts, youth “Hall of Fame”, museum, school - type uses and other related non - commercial. The ideal proposal will:
Describe the uses for the entire site between Gilbert Road and Ash Street, Elliot Road and Washington Avenue including:
Indoor uses
Outdoor uses
Possible days and hours of operation
Estimated average and peak number of persons that will be on site, days of the week and time of day these peaks will occur and how often.
Advance the goals of the Heritage District Redevelopment Plan
Be compatible with the adjacent residential and public (museum and school) uses.
Describe when and how the applicant will lease the building
Provide a 3 year business plan along with a financial and program summary of the sponsoring organization showing capacity to implement the proposal and assume full responsibility for the building including tenant improvements, utilities and maintenance.

Commissioner Thomson suggested potential sharing of facility should be encouraged and had a concern about maintenance repairs and utilities. Economic Development Director Tilque indicated that since the public meeting in October 2003, new groups have surfaced who have expressed an interest in the facility. A letter was presented to the Commission from the Town of Gilbert Human Relations Commission since the presenter was ill and not able to attend the meeting. Ms. Elizabeth Cress Sweet, Chair of the Arts Advisory Board said she can visualize the facility as a multi - use Cultural Center. She presented some ideas of uses such as
Theater
Traveling Exhibits
Gift Shops
Rehearsal space
Gallery
Enough space for speakers and meeting

Ms. Alana McCamman and Amy Storm of St. Anne’s Little Flower Montessori, shared there vision of how they would use the facility. They would either relocate the entire school to the site or house 7th & 8th graders only. Commissioner Valentine asked about the intersection of Gilbert & Elliot. Ms. McCamman responded that safety is a big issue and would need to be addressed just like the current location of the school and traffic.

Ms. Helen Hollands of the Gilbert Fine Arts Association indicated that the building would be a great asset for their organization and they would be willing to share with other organizations. It is the first time the group had to contract outside of Gilbert to do a theater performance.

Some of the concerns are:
What kind of insurance would the Town have to carry?
Would the Public Facility designation fit the site?
Can more than one group get together and collaborate on a proposal?

It was suggested to include the cost needed to renovate facility in the RFP. Economic Development Director Tilque indicated he received enough feedback to continue with the Request for Proposal.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
Presentation of Via Sorento Multi - Family Residential Development?West of the NWC of Juniper Avenue and Gilbert Road (adjacent to Heritage Character Area)
Planner II Sanks gave a presentation of the Via Sorento Residential Development located west of the NWC of Juniper Avenue and Gilbert Road. He indicated the project is just outside the boundaries of the Heritage District and Town Council requested it be presented to the Redevelopment Commission as a courtesy.

Highlights of the project:
Gated community consisting of 2 and 3 story townhomes
Primary entrance access on Juniper which aligns with Arbor Walk
Exit only gates and emergency accesses are provided on Evergreen Street and Olive Avenue
Pedestrian connection to the retail development (Albertson’s) on north is proposed
Amenities included are pool with ramada, sports courts and two large tot lot areas

Planner II Sanks indicated that staff feels it will support the design guidelines of the Heritage District. Applicant and architect in attendance to listen and answer any questions of the Commission.

Commissioners’ comments:
Redevelopment Plan does not allow gated communities as they are trying to encourage a pedestrian - oriented atmosphere. Discourages the use of project being gated
Be sensitive to the pedestrian walkways to allow residents to head south into the district for dining, Hale Theatre, etc. not just north to the Albertson’s plaza.
Use of a flat tile instead of S - tile. Flat tile to achieve what the Commission is trying to do within the Heritage District.

The applicant indicated the price range of the town homes are $100,000 to $115,000.

Council Liaison Urie thanked staff and the applicant for taking the time to attend the meeting. The Commission also appreciated it.

8.        Decorative Printed Asphalt
Street Superintendent Mario Flores indicated the Street Department would like to upgrade a current section of roadway from the Western Canal to Elliot on Gilbert Road by removing the concrete/brick paver crosswalks and replacing them with decorative printed asphalt. An example was given as to where you may find this type of decorative printed asphalt?Town Municipal Center.

Benefits and advantages of decorative printed asphalt are:
Repairable and maintainable.
Cost effective to install
Less rumble noise
Asphalt coating is UV resistant and very durable
Aesthetically pleasing

The estimated cost to install a decorative printed asphalt crosswalk is $3.50 per square foot versus the conventional brick pavers of $15.00 per square foot. The estimated contract price for the printing and coating of asphalt is $44,100.00 with an estimated contract price to remove existing concrete base and pavers is $234,828.50.

Questions:
Does it preclude installing any other traffic devices such as raised table at intersection? Response: No, one step closer to being able to do raised tables.
Would you consider using rubberized asphalt? Response: Yes as this type of asphalt has a longer life but is very costly and the noise reduction that people expect isn’t as noticeable when the surface is already asphalt. The big change is when you go from a concrete surface to asphalt, rubberized or not.

Street Superintendent Flores mentioned that the decorative printed asphalt can be done in different colors and patterns. He distributed a packet of information on decorative print asphalt. Street Superintendent Flores indicated the Town has used the Keystone Brick pattern and the tortoise shell with a terra cotta color with a white border. The Town plans to purchase a few templates so they can do their own repairs.

The Commission would like an opportunity to select a color and pattern that would fit the theme of the Heritage District. Street Superintendent Flores will provide Commission with information needed to make such a decision. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan mentioned there is a website they can look at: www.streetprint.com or www.creativepavingsolution.com.

Decorative printed asphalt to be on next agenda so a decision can be made for pattern and color.

9.        Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair
Agenda item continued.

10.        Redevelopment Commission By - Laws
Economic Development Director Tilque presented the changes to the by - laws to clear up the issue of absences. The Town attorney reviewed the by - laws and proposes that Section 1 (A) (1) (e) be changed to conform with A.R.S. §36 - 1476 of State Statutes and the other minor change is to the meeting place of the Redevelopment Commission.

Section 1 (A) (1) (e) to read:
If any member is absent for three (3) consecutive meetings or for inefficiency, neglect of duty or misconduct in office, said member may be removed by the Mayor, but only after a hearing and after the Commissioner has been given a copy of the charges at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing and had an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel. A new member shall be appointed by the Council to fill the remainder of the commissioner’s term.

Economic Development Director Tilque indicated Town Code needs to be brought up to compliance with State Statutes and the proposed changes will be brought to Town Council for final approval.

Commissioner Valentine asked what the definition of inefficiency is. Town Manager Pettit responded that it is a term often used in state law. Economic Development Director Tilque stated that missing three consecutive meetings would be deemed inefficiency. Council Liaison Urie asked why it is that the Mayor and Council appoint a member but the Mayor is the only person to remove a Commissioner. Town Manager Pettit indicated that State Statutes selected the Mayor as the person to remove and that needs to be continued through the by - laws.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Valentine, to approve the changes to the Redevelopment Commission By - Laws. Voice vote carried 5 - 0.

11.        Update on Projects in the Heritage District
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan indicated a memo was included in the packet giving updates on the projects in the Heritage District and asked if anyone had any comments or questions. Economic Development Director Tilque added AZ Hardwood Floors went back to Design Review Board with some revisions to the exterior of the building but that they have been allowed to submit constructional drawings for review. It is planned that AZ Hardwood Floors will be on the March Redevelopment Commission agenda.

Vice Chairman Fresquez had a question about the Street Light/Sidewalk Project and wanted an explanation and clarification about the sentence This project will not include removing the wood shingled sidewalk covers. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan explained that the project started off replacing the street lights and got expanded to widening Gilbert Road as well as other things associated with it. At the January open house meeting, comments were received not to remove the pavers on the sidewalk so staff felt that it did not make financial sense to tear up the sidewalks, change the slope slightly and put the pavers right back in.    Economic Development Director Tilque apologized for the miscommunication and that the sidewalk cover was included but should not have been. Direction was given by the Town Manager’s office to remove it.

Vice Chairman Fresquez stated she was a little confused because of the constant change in direction so she put together a chronological timeline that began with the July 10, 2001 Redevelopment Plan forward. She distributed a copy to the other Commissioners and to staff. Vice Chairman Fresquez voiced her frustration at what the Commission can and cannot do and is disturbed by the way things are presented to the Commission, not reflecting what the Commission wants such as the wording of the recent RFP and the final design of the Boys and Girls Club. A lengthy discussion by the Commission entailed the following statements and comments:
Merchants do not expect a wider sidewalk but a more level one with a gentle slope
Town liability if somebody is injured especially since it is documented the sidewalk has a slope and drop off at the pavers
Ownership of the shingle sidewalk covers and responsibility for repairs. The Town originally built the structure but they are owned by each store owner and they are responsible for repairs to the structure.
In the recent past there was the perception that the Town of Gilbert would remove the shingle sidewalk covers for merchants requesting the removal and the leveling of sidewalks during the streetlight improvement project. Vice Chairman Fresquez’s memo detailed communications during the last year regarding these topics.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan stated that the bottom line is that funds just are not available to do all of the improvements requested and the bonds should only be used for street light replacement and street furniture.

Vice Chairman Fresquez would like a copy of the report from Mr. Paul Mood as well as an update as to the timing of the downtown traffic signals along Gilbert Road.

Staff will try to be clearer in communicating things to the Commission.

COMMUNICATIONS
12.        Report from Chairman on current and future events
No Report.

13.        Report from Economic Development Director on current and future events
No Report.

14.        Report from Commissioners on current and future events.
Commissioner Thomson mentioned his intention is not to seek reappointment when his term expires in October 2004. His decision is not firm and could change as the date gets closer but wanted to give ample notification.

Commissioner Iacobazzi said the following:
Expressed an interest in continuing to schedule the joint meeting with Town Council
Have a future agenda item with an update on the status of the Chamber of Commerce

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:51 p.m.

ATTEST:

Mary Ellen Fresquez, Vice Chairman

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder

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