TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 18, 2004, 6:00 PM.

90 E. CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, CONFERENCE ROOM 100
GILBERT, ARIZONA

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

COMMISSION ABSENT: None

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

OTHERS PRESENT: Nancy Genys (Talent Team Inc.), Brian Powell (AZ Tribune), Mark Russell (Oregano’s Pizza Bistro)

ROLL CALL
Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

COMMUNICATION FROM CITIZENS
Chairman Fresquez opened the floor to the public for any comments or communications on items not on the agenda. Ms. Nancy Genys, of Greenfield and Baseline, would like to be notified about future Redevelopment Commission agenda items pertaining to the Old Boys and Girls Club site as well as the Southeast corner of Gilbert and Elliot Roads as she mentioned the interest of a non - profit organization who is proposing a performing arts school and center. Economic Development Director Tilque invited Ms. Genys to attend the Joint Town Council Meeting scheduled for May 18th at 7:00 p.m. where the two corners are on the agenda for discussion.

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

PUBLIC HEARING
Development Agreement with Oregano’s Pizza Bistro
Chairman Fresquez gave a brief overview regarding Oregano’s Pizza Bistro. Owner Mark Russell met on May 7th with Economic Development Director Tilque and Chairman Fresquez. Mr. Russell is considering modifying the site plan to downsize to 3,500 square feet instead of the 4,500 square feet as originally proposed.

Mr. Mark Russell explained the reason behind the decision to build on a smaller scale with the ability to add - on in the future. One reason was budget and that his company would be financing the entire project. Mr. Russell mentioned the size of the other locations throughout the valley and said Gilbert’s site would be the largest.

Questions or comments made by the Commission:
What are the operating hours of the restaurant? Mr. Russell responded 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Weekdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Weekends.
Would the site be built to allow add - on? Response: Yes, looking at whether it would be economical to build the structure for the coffee shop/ice cream parlor right now.
Compliment given with regards to a pleasant dining experience encountered by a Commissioner at an Oregano’s restaurant.

Economic Development Director Tilque indicated Oregano’s is a people generator and a business worth having in the Heritage District who will attract other uses to his site as well as sites nearby. Economic Development Director Tilque wants to ensure its success and staff is very supportive of the project.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Commissioner Thomson, to direct staff to continue to negotiate the development agreement with Oregano’s Pizza Bistro for the purchase/development of the southwest corner of Gilbert Road and Vaughn Avenue. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

Commissioner Valentine joined the meeting.

5.        Language of “similar” and “equal to” for Outdoor Furniture Palette
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan presented the changes made to the resolution as requested by the Commission April 15, 2004:
Any outdoor furnishings not identical to the palette need to apply to the Town and those applications to be brought to the Redevelopment Commission for approval as a consent agenda item.
More details were completed in Exhibit A of Resolution 2004 - 1 such as colors available for items.
Slight change to the wording of private property, staff added items on private property but accessible or visible to the public. He mentioned that single family residential property owners and residents are exempt but would encourage the use of items similar to the palette.

Chairman Fresquez asked Commissioner Valentine for his opinion on the scale dimension and whether 25 percent was realistic number. Commissioner Valentine felt it was a generous figure and said more importantly than size and scale would be the overall thematic scheme.

Discussion of the Commission included issues such as:
Implementing the outdoor furniture palette and who it is aimed toward - - commercial and multi - family residential projects.
When an applicant comes before the Commission to present their case if item is not identical to what is on the furniture palette, the Commission needs to make sure the approvals are consistent and not setting a precedent.
All new construction, additions to building, changing the footprint to the exterior and major renovation work in the Heritage District are brought before the Redevelopment Commission for approval after Design Review Board session. Exception being new single family residential.
Jerry Swanson, Mario Mangiamele along with Carl Harris - Morgan authored the draft Resolution 2004 - 1 which was reviewed by the Town Attorney.
The proposed motion includes direction to staff to require anyone who wants to install items that are not identical to the palette to apply to the Town. All applications for outdoor furniture that is not identical will be presented to the Redevelopment Commission as a consent agenda item. Members stated that they want to review all proposed similar items.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Thomson, to approve Resolution 2004 - 1 as presented with a correction of changing acting chairman to chairman and directing staff to require anyone who proposes or places outdoor furnishings not identical to the Palette to apply to the Town for approval of such items, and that staff bring all such applications to the Commission for approval as a consent agenda item. Voice vote carried 5 - 0.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
6.        Recommendation of Redevelopment Commission Liaison for the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board
Chairman Fresquez mentioned the Commission needs to appoint a liaison for the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board. She wanted to give Commissioner Valentine an opportunity to volunteer since no other Commissioner volunteered last month. Commissioner Valentine inquired when the Board meets. He declined the offer. Chairman Fresquez said that she would continue as the Redevelopment Commission Liaison representative for another year.

COMMUNICATIONS
7.        Report from Chairman on current and future events
Chairman Fresquez distributed a letter from Dr. Paul Heartquist of Gilbert Cares proposing a joint venture to restore the old Boys and Girls Club which would then be used by the consortium of cultural/educational community services organizations.

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

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

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Commissioner Thomson, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:03 p.m.

ATTEST:

Mary Ellen Fresquez, Chairman

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder