TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 16, 2004, 6:30 PM.

132 W. BRUCE AVENUE
GILBERT, ARIZONA

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

COMMISSION ABSENT: Chairman King

STAFF PRESENT: Economic Development Director Greg Tilque, Town Manager George Pettit, Council Liaison Steve Urie, Community Development Specialist Carl Harris - Morgan, Community Development Assistant Sandra Simmons and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Stupski

OTHERS PRESENT: Cary Aspinuall (Arizona Republic), Kelly Mixer (Gilbert Independent), Mark Holleran (CASS) and Nancy Genys (Talent Team)

ROLL CALL
Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

COMMUNICATION FROM CITIZENS

Vice - Chairman Taylor opened the floor to the public for any comments or communications on items not on the agenda. There were no communications from citizens.

3.        Minutes - Approve the Regular meeting minutes of November 18, 2004
Commissioner Iacobazzi made a correction on page 6, agenda item #7, second to last bullet point last sentence discuss to to discuss this.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Vice Chairman Taylor, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 18, 2004 with the noted correction. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

PUBLIC HEARING

4.        FY 2005/06 Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Funding Priorities

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan introduced the new Community Development Assistant, Sandra Simmons.

The funding priorities are part of the process used by staff and Commission to evaluate applications and make funding recommendation to Town Council for FY 2005/06.

The 2005/06 Block Grant funding is estimated to be $660,000 plus $220,000 in reallocated funds from completed or cancelled projects that had remaining funds. Staff recommends the entire reallocated funds be used on Public Facilities. Staff did not recommend any priorities for the HOME Investment Partnership program. For FY 2004/05 no applications were received requesting HOME funds. The FY 2005/06 HOME funding is estimated to be $200,000 and $202,476 in reallocated funds. The reallocated funds could be awarded to a project as early as April 2005.

Staff FY 2005/06 Priorities recommendation:

Up to 40% for Public Facilities (Senior Center Expansion/Phoenix homeless campus)

Up to 40% for Housing (Emergency and Minor Repair/Down Payment Assistance Counseling)

Up to 15% for Public Services (Basic Food and Shelter Services)

Up to 20% for Program Administration

100% of reallocated funds for Public Facilities

No priorities recommend for HOME program

A current summary of projects and year funded as well as a brief status report was included in the packet.

Questions or comments made by the Commission

Is there a chance of losing funds carried forward or not used?

Response: CDBG spending requirement is that the Town cannot have more than the 1.5 times of its current allocation. However, HOME program has a requirement that the funds have to be allocated to a specific activity or organization for an activity within 18 months of the end of year. Need to get something going with the FY 04/05 HOME funds.
Can applications received outside the priorities be considered for funding? Response: The priorities are just guidelines but not limited to, there is some flexibility.

Why have some projects not spent any funds to date?

Response: Staff did not want to overburden organizations with extra paperwork and left it up to organization to bill when appropriate (quarterly). Staff has visited most of these organizations and does not have a concern. The public services funds need to be expended by June 30, 2005.

Mr. Mark Holleran, Managing Director of the Human Services Campus LLC, gave an update on the Human Service campus and the type services it will provide to the homeless and destitute individuals. Approximately 3 to 3 1/2 percent of homeless individuals indicated they came from Gilbert and received service from the CASS Shelter. Phase 1 currently under way and would be looking at the Town of Gilbert by requesting $100,000 to $150,000 in CDBG funding for its 2nd phase.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Fresquez, seconded by Commissioner Valentine, to recommend for Town Council approval of the 2005/06 Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership funding priorities presented by staff as follows: up to 40% for Public Facilities, up to 40% for Housing; up to 15% for Public Services and up to 20% for Program Administration, 100% of reallocated Block grant funds for Public Facilities and no priorities specified for the HOME program. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

5.        Block Grant/HOME Funds 5 - Year Consolidated Plan 2005/06 - 2009/10 Gaps and Needs Table Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan gave a brief explanation as to the contents of the 5 Year Consolidated Plan. He indicated that it is a federally required planning document used to guide Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership, and other federal funds for housing, redevelopment and related activities. The plan includes several tables which determine how Block Grant and HOME funds are spent by Gilbert.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan commented that the tables are from the 2000 - 2005 Consolidated Plan. Revisions were made to Table 2B Community Development Needs in 2001 with the largest dollar item being the sewer improvements. He clarified and explained what the table was communicating. Commissioner Iacobazzi suggested that footnotes be added to help understand when looking at the table.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan said that in order to update the information in Gap Analysis section, service providers need to give information on the community to him.

Mr. Mark Holleran explained how updated information on the number of homeless persons is obtained through a census (street count) either in January or February. He also disagreed with the estimated number of homeless families (0). Mr. Holleran estimated a 5% increase in homeless women, from 20% to 25% of their total people served. He also said there has been a sizable increase in the number of homeless men from 2000 to 2004.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan concluded by indicating a draft of the new plan would be completed and available to the public by April 2005 with the final plan submitted to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development by May 2005.

6.        Capital Improvements Program and Five Year Plan Annual Update
Town Manager Pettit reviewed the Capital Improvements Program and Five Year Annual Plan Update for the Heritage District. He mentioned a study session was held with Town Council December 7th with another scheduled for January 6th. Town Manager Pettit explained it’s a single document but serves a dual purpose as a planning and funding source.

Some of the concerns, questions the Commission dealt with:
Big swing in streets on the comparison page. Question as to why. Response was due to the voter approval of Proposition 400. Gilbert to receive some proposition dollars.
Explanation of each column for the Water Tower preservation. Reflects the changes in funding sources.

Elm Street parking lot does not have enough maintenance. Town Manager Pettit explained the plan includes only capital construction and the maintenance side will need to be addressed in the budget process.

Background on the Heritage Parkway and why it was no longer needed. The response was it was no longer recommended due to the approval and construction of Arbor Walk residential development. It could still be built with private dollars.

Not sure if the $100,000 would be sufficient for the Heritage District Pedestrian Improvement and can additional funds be requested later. Town Manager Pettit clarified the $100,000 reflects only a study to determine additional costs.

Nothing included regarding the open space/park area. A plan must be submitted before it can be added to CIP.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Fresquez, seconded by Commissioner Valentine, to recommend an open space/park within the master planned area in the Heritage District be identified in the Capital Improvements Program beyond 2010. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

7.        NW Corner of Gilbert & Elliot Roads

Economic Development Director Tilque indicated that on November 16th the Commission recommended to Town Council to reject all three proposals which they did on December 14th. He confirmed the intent of the Commission and Council when the RFP was issued:

A short - term use of the facility (5 - 7 years) in order to see how the area around the Gilbert/Elliot intersection develops
No cash outlay by the Town for improvements, maintenance, utilities or operations

A use that would fit within one of the categories outline in the RFP (arts, youth, performing arts, museum, school - type usage and Hall of Fame)

He mentioned two Commission members were absent from last month’s meeting and it was decided to bring the issue back for their input and further discussion on the building’s future use and make a recommendation to Town Council on January 4, 2005.

Key points to consider are:

Short - term versus long - term (time being the key element)
Length of agreement

Preferred long - term use (5 years out and beyond) versus preferred short - term use (type of use being the key element)

Sell or lease the building

Amount of Town “investment” into property (on - going maintenance costs, repair costs to attract potential tenants, utility payments, etc.)

The Commission must determine how long to tie - up the facility and what type of use would be the best fit.

Each Commissioner was given an opportunity to express their preference:

Commissioner Fresquez?extend the term of the lease 7 - 10 years; an organization will not want to invest unless they eventually will own the property and make a transfer of ownership contingent upon milestones being met in prior years (year 5?make sure these improvements have been made, year 6 these improvements, etc.) at which time a transfer of property could occur. She does not foresee any change in the uses intended by the Commission.

Commissioner Valentine?does not have problem with the uses being long - term as they are compatible with land use across the street.

Commissioner Iacobazzi?agrees with what has been said and perhaps by extending the term it might generate a bigger response to the RFP. He liked the use and presentation by Talent Team. Possibility of including a kick - out provision after x amount of years for the town to reimburse for some of the improvements.

Vice Chairman Taylor?0 - 0 point of Gilbert and current ability to generate foot traffic or economic traffic is limited because of the restrictions to the SE corner of Gilbert & Elliot and to release the capability to bring traffic in at the 0 - 0 point concerns him with the long - term viability of the downtown area as it is a prime corner. He liked the previous proposal as it was strictly a time - gap for the Town to get perspective. Has a concern with relinquishing ownership.

Vice Chairman Taylor inquired whether CDBG funds could be used to improve the property and make it more attractive. Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan responded there may be a way but would like to do some research.

Commissioner Valentine asked whether Talent Team would respond to another RFP if the lease was 10 years. Ms. Nancy Genys of Talent Team responded yes, they would resubmit.

Ms. Nancy Genys of Talent Team spoke on the reputation of the organization and what it would bring to the Town of Gilbert. She also expressed its continued interest to occupy the old Boys & Girls Club.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, that the Town reconsider the former RFP requirements to provide for the possibility of a longer lease term with stipulations for lease - hold requirements and improvements and the possibility of a lease - to - own provision. Voice vote carried 3 - 1. Vice Chairman Taylor cast the dissenting vote.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS

8.        Land Development Code

Economic Development Director Tilque reported that most of the concerns the Commission had with the draft Land Development Code were made except for two items:

Table 2.403 Site Development Regulations, D1, Storefronts and Access?states that a minimum of 75 percent of ground floor building length or width along the front of a building shall consist of windows, window displays, doors, or a combination thereof.

Table 2.405 Additional Use Regulation, A, Ground Floor Occupancy?states that No single tenant may occupy more than 120 linear feet of ground floor frontage along Gilbert Road.

Economic Development Director Tilque distributed a revised Table 2.402 Land Use Regulations. Planning Department reviewed the eight limitations and discovered some were repetitive and reduced the number of limitations to five. By doing this, the table needed to be revised and the Commission reviewed what changed.

Economic Development Director Tilque talked with some members involved in Tempe downtown revitalization about the two outstanding issues and they responded it was not a bad thing but it should not be a policy but a guideline. Commissioner Fresquez and Valentine both concurred that they should be guidelines and be included in the Redevelopment Plan. Economic Development Director Tilque outlined on a map what properties comprised the Heritage Village Center. He also reiterated that the Land Development Code would apply only to that area.

A study session with Town Council will be held Tuesday, December 21st and a public hearing in January with plans for adoption by Town Council February 1st.

Commissioner Fresquez had a minor concern regarding Table 2.405 C 1?Outdoor Retail Sales and Merchandise Display?would like clarification as to what is meant by landscaped areas. Economic Development Director Tilque will ask Planning Department for clarification and intent.

Commissioner Iacobazzi wanted to verify that everyone is grandfathered in but that the land development code would apply when improvements are made. An example given was if the houses south of the railroad tracks do improvements they would need to comply with the new standards.

No comments from the public.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Fresquez, to recommend the requirements in Table 2.403 Site Development Regulations (D1) requiring ? percent of the ground floor building length or width along the front of the building shall consist of windows, window displays, doors, or a combination thereof” and Table 2.405 Additional Use Regulations (A) “requiring no single tenant may occupy more than 120 linear feet of ground floor frontage along Gilbert Road” be removed from the Land Development Code in favor of being included as design guidelines in the Heritage District Redevelopment Plan and that clarification be given to section 2.405 paragraph C1 with regards to the use of outdoor retail sales and merchandise displays in landscaped areas. Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

9.        Update on Projects in the Heritage District

Economic Development Director Tilque reviewed the communications included in the packet as follows:

Gilbert Apartments Acquisition and Clearance Project - - Removal of the Asbestos containing materials will be completed by December 19th with demolition completed the week of December 27th. Police and Fire will be using the site for training purposes the week of December 20th.

Traffic?Problem finding a vendor with the right type of sign (size).

Testing a new 3M product which would cost a bit more and should be erected the week of December 14th. Test period is a month and a half before construction begins on the street light replacement project. Will report back results.

Street Light and Furnishing Project?Notice of Bids was advertised November 29th through December 2nd with a bid opening scheduled for December 20th. A neighborhood mailing will be made December 28th followed by a contract to Council January 4th. Preconstruction meeting with the contractor will be January 13th. A neighborhood meeting is scheduled for January 20th with work to begin January 27th.

Park - N - Ride Lot?Project is now under construction but has been delayed by one month due to a water line had to be moved in Vaughn Avenue. New completion date is February 2005.

Chamber of Commerce should move into their new facility after January 1, 2005.

Oregano’s Pizza Bistro?Plans were submitted December 16th.

Heartthrob Café?Grass landscaping is back. Scheduled to open December 26th.

Commissioner Iacobazzi would like to move forward on the option of having the intersection of Gilbert and Page done with the stamped asphalt.

Economic Development Director Tilque mentioned the cost is not budgeted at this time but will be considered.

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

11.        Report from Economic Development Director on current and future events
Economic Development Director Tilque wished everyone a Happy Holiday.

12.        Report from Commissioners on current and future events.
Commissioner Fresquez commented the Commission should stay involved with the Pedestrian Walkways Improvements and attend those meetings when scheduled.

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

ATTEST:

Ted Taylor, Vice Chairman

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder

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