TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2004, 6:30 PM.

132 W. BRUCE AVENUE
GILBERT, ARIZONA

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

COMMISSION ABSENT: Commissioner Iacobazzi

STAFF PRESENT: Economic Development Director Greg Tilque, Town Manager George Pettit, Planning Manager Linda Edwards, and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Stupski

OTHERS PRESENT: Chad Lares, John Reynolds, Andrew Kramer and Charles Simmons, Ted Taylor

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. There was communications from citizens

3.        Minutes - Approve the Regular meetings of June 17, 2004 and August 19, 2004

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Vice Chairman King, to approve the minutes of June 17, 2004 as written. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Valentine, to approve the minutes of August 19, 2004 as written. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

PUBLIC HEARING
Museum of Military History
Mr. Chad Lares, President of the Museum of Military History introduced his Board members?John Reynolds, Andrew Kramer and Charles Simmons. He expressed an interest about a lease option for the 8 - acre parcel located at the SE Corner of Gilbert and Elliot Roads. He began his presentation by giving a brief background of how he became interested in collecting military items. He wanted to put his dream into motion, formed a corporation and applied for a tax exempt status 501(3)(c). Three e - mails were sent to Chandler, Mesa and Gilbert. Mayor Berman responded with an interest and suggested this corner.

Highlights of his presentation:

- Proposes to have an estimated 80,000 square foot facility which would include a large exhibit area, conference room, office space and caterer’s room.
- Has acquired $10 million worth of military artifacts such as WWII vehicles (tanks, armored cars, jeeps, trucks, etc.) and other rare military artifacts. Came across a private collector of Civil War artifacts.
- Museum to fund itself primarily through the admission returns along with proceeds from the rental of the conference room and private donations.
- Museum currently engaged in procuring funding through a variety of sources such as grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and other entities for start up expenses.
- Approximately 80,000 patrons per year would visit museum.
- Educational component will be stressed by museum. Structured field trips will be offered to schools, colleges and universities that will highlight the aspect of the life of the solider.
- Participate in parades such as Gilbert Days.
- Established a substantial volunteer base from the combined surrounding areas including Gilbert.
- Has recruited talented people such as someone to do grant writing, build a website, etc.
- Area businesses would experience benefits from the increased patronage to the downtown area.
- Museum plans to sponsors events such as the Military Vehicle Collectors Club
- National Convention which can draw more then 50,000 people daily.

Mr. Lares entertained questions from the Commission.

What other museums like this exist regionally, in the southwest, or across the country?
Response: Mostly the east coast?Smithsonian Institute and the Tank Museum. No museum in the west has this level of collection.

Have you considered any other location in Gilbert? Response: Would like to keep his options open but the SE Corner of Gilbert & Elliot is first choice.

Have you done any architectural drawings to determine whether 80,000 square feet would meet your needs? Response: Using the maximum square footage provided by Councilman Urie.

A question was directed to Economic Development Director Tilque as to whether this type of usage was compatible with the deed restrictions. Response: Will need to check with someone who is familiar with the deed.

Is there a business plan prepared? Mr. Lares to send electronically to Economic Development Director Tilque who will then forward it on to the Commissioners.
How much activity do you foresee with the restoration aspect? Response: Sandblasting to be done at another site. Only loud noise might be the taking of tanks off the site. Museum wants to be courteous to the surrounding neighborhoods.
How often do you envision taking your mobile facilities out? Response: Would be doing it as much as possible. Will be participating in the Gilbert Days Parade as well as in Chandler, Veteran’s Day parade in Phoenix.

Commissioner Valentine commented he has been very vocal as favoring the site as a multi - use education center/community facility but he is intrigued with the museum concept. He can envision this usage being a dynamic addition to the Heritage District.

Chairman Fresquez informed Mr. Lares that the next step would be the issuance of an RFP that spells out what the Commission wants to see and then made available to the public.

Chairman Fresquez opened the meeting to the public. Mr. Charles Simmons of 223 Mulberry Drive in Phoenix and member of the Museum Board spoke on behalf of Mr. Chad Lares. He stated the Lares’ are renowned and well - respected in the western part of the United States and possess a great deal of knowledge of the era.

The Commission discussed whether the RFP should be written for a specific use or open - ended. The general consensus of the Commission is that it be open ended enough to allow either museum or educational use.

Chairman Fresquez inquired whether a public meeting would be possible prior to the issuance of an RFP for input on possible uses. Commissioner Valentine stated there have been several meetings on uses for this property and the only issue remaining is if this use is acceptable. It was agreed to have a public meeting for input to the context of museum.

Economic Development Director Tilque explained the process for an RFP:
- Redevelopment Commission makes a formal recommendation to Town Council with a use.
- Town Council would then consider and agree to move forward.
- Come back to Redevelopment Commission with draft RFP.
- Put RFP out to the Public for response with a deadline for submittal.
- Review of submittals by a committee comprised of one or two Redevelopment
- Commissioners, Council Liaison Urie, staff member from Planning and Economic
- Development Department, and Economic Development Director Tilque.
- Recommendation by the Committee would be made to the Redevelopment Commission.

Chairman Fresquez directed staff to arrange something for next month’s meeting and advertise to the public to hear more about the concept.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
5.        Update on Projects in the Heritage District
Economic Development Director Tilque highlighted some of the current projects in the Heritage District:

Development Agreement for Oregano’s Pizza Bistro is scheduled to go to Town Council October 5th.

The stamped asphalt project began September 20th with the removal of existing pavers.

Project completion date is November 12. Traffic control plans for the closure of one side of the road at a time thereby creating a situation where traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction. Last to be done is the removal of the median pavers.

Stamping of the asphalt will not be done until the street lights are in place. Chairman Fresquez indicated as a business owner in the Heritage District she never realized the impact on the merchants as she had her worst day of business. She said the Town needs to be open to the comments from merchants. Traffic Engineering Department has delayed erecting a larger speed traffic control device until the current construction project is complete.

Lease agreement for the Heritage Annex Building between the Chamber of Commerce and the Town is scheduled to go to Town Council October 5th. Chamber has submitted their tenant improvement plans to the Building Department. Chairman Fresquez commented the original plan was to have the proposed improvements on the agenda but she was contacted by Town Planner Sanks who indicated the only additions to the exterior were an arbor shade structure and a handicap rail. He felt the changes were very minor. The color of rail is being shown as white. She told him that she would like to have it integrated so the color matches the existing structure since this is a sensitive issue for the Commission. Commissioner Valentine responded that he believes the rail would be a dark green to match the color of the paint trim and rafters. She was also told that the Commission did not need to review it because it did not face Gilbert Road. She wanted to reflect in the minutes clarification that anything being changed or modified within the Heritage District boundaries can be reviewed by the Redevelopment Commission.

Water Tower Coalition scheduled to come to the Redevelopment Commission October 21st to give an update on the project. They will present a preliminary plan and draft budget. A similar presentation will be made to Park and Rec Advisory Board on October 7th. Following the two meetings, the Coalition will move forward and present to Town Council. Commissioner Valentine made a request that staff provide excerpts of minutes where the Commission had an in - depth discussion with comments made. He would like the Commission to be provided with them before the October meeting. Chairman Fresquez asked about the status of the painting of the water tower. Economic Development Director Tilque responded he did not know but it is on the Town Manager’s desk.
Park - N - Ride Lot is under construction and should be completed in January 2005.

6.        Recognition of Duncan Thomson
Recognition was given to Commissioner Duncan Thomson, who served on the Redevelopment Commission for ten years. Chairman Fresquez, on behalf of the Commissioners, applauded and thanked Commissioner Thomson for his many dedicated years of service, commitment and leadership to the Commission as well as to the Gilbert community and its citizens. She presented a gift of appreciation. Commissioner Thomson said there have been interesting moments of intense collaboration and quite a few strides have been made to revitalize the downtown Heritage District, which was neglected over the years.

COMMUNICATIONS
7.        Report from Chairman on current and future events
Chairman Fresquez introduced the new Redevelopment Commissioner, Ted Taylor, who will replace Commissioner Thomson and officially begin his term at the October meeting.

8.        Report from Economic Development Director on current and future events
Economic Development Director Tilque indicated that the RFP for the Old Boys & Girls Club site deadline is tomorrow (September 24th). He will review the responses, call a Committee together and bring it back to the Commission at a future date.

9.        Report from Commissioners on current and future events.
None.

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Valentine, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

ATTEST:
Mary Ellen Fresquez, Chairman

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