TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 18, 2004, 6:30 PM.

132 W. BRUCE AVENUE
GILBERT, ARIZONA

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

COMMISSION ABSENT: Commissioner Thomson, and Commissioner King

STAFF PRESENT: Economic Development Director Greg Tilque, Town Manager George Pettit, Planning Manager Maria Cadavid, Council Liaison Steve Urie and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Stupski

OTHERS PRESENT: Jerry Greer, Patricia Reynoso, Karen Munoz, Lorie Bartlett, Sam Bromert and Jeff Swan (Swan Architects)

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 February 26, 2004
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to approve the minutes of February 26, 2004 with the page 3 addendum. Voice vote carried 3 - 0.

PUBLIC HEARING
4.        Arizona Hardwood Floors
Planning Manager Cadavid highlighted features of the project proposed for the northeast corner of Gilbert and Elliot Roads:
Site zoned Neighborhood Convenience Commercial (NCC)
Applicant granted a deviation from the arterial intersection setback of 250′ x 50′, proposing 15′ along Gilbert Road and 22′ 4″ along Elliot Road.
ULDC requires a minimum of 10% landscape coverage, applicant exceeds the landscaping requirements
East elevation revised to include the same window treatment as on the west and south elevations
Electrical service panel relocated to the north elevation and screened as illustrated on the revised site plan
North elevation revised to include two recessed windows that have the same treatment as the west and south elevations as permitted by the interior space distribution

A sample color/material palette was shown to the Commission as well as the site and landscaping plan exhibits, and the different elevations.

Planning Manager Cadavid indicated staff recommends approval of the site plan, grading and drainage, landscaping, elevations and lighting for Arizona Hardwood Floors with conditions.

The Commission was given an opportunity to make comments, state concerns or ask questions about the project.
Can a customer make a left out of parking lot onto Elliot Road given the proximity to the intersection? Response: Exit designed to permit right turns only.
According to site plan, street number is located at the corner furthest away from intersection. Is this the permanent placement for street number? Response: Placement of the street number will be determined by the Fire Department and will need to meet their requirement.
Would prefer the patina finish depicted on the color/material board instead of dark bronze for the wall light fixtures.
Are the windows on the north elevation true windows? Response: Yes
Likes the project and the quality of development. The building will add to the corner at the 00 address.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Commissioner Valentine, to approve the site plan, grading and drainage, landscaping, elevations, and lights for Arizona Hardwood Floors project proposed for the northeast corner of Elliot and Gilbert Roads in the downtown Heritage District (DR03 - 121) subject to the following conditions:
1. Construction of the project shall conform to the exhibits approved by the Redevelopment Commission on March 18, 2004 as modified below:
2. Prior to the issuance of any permits the applicant shall submit for Planning Department approval:
A revised site plan that illustrates pedestrian access to the southern door on the east elevation
3. At the time of construction document submittal, the site plan shall include Town of Gilbert standard commercial and industrial site plan notes.

The Commission was informed that if they would like to see the light fixtures changed, it must be included in the motion.

An Amended MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Commissioner Valentine, to include as a condition:
4. The wall light fixture shall be changed from dark bronze to the patina finish depicted on the color/material board.

Voice vote carried 3 - 0.

Pedestrian Barriers
Economic Development Director Tilque mentioned he and Town Manager Pettit briefly talked about pedestrian barriers for the 200 - 300 block of North Gilbert Road and felt it would be a good opportunity for the Commission to discuss.

Town Manager Pettit shared accident statistics he obtained from the Police Department. He indicated that other than the most recent incident of February 7, 2004, there were only two other incidents, both occurring in 1999, at the Page and Gilbert intersection. He recently visited with restaurants operating in the area of Page and Gilbert and there were some concerns their customers expressed in terms of not creating an attractive nuisance by putting in a physical barrier. If a barrier is put in, it should be compatible with the theme in the downtown. The restaurants expressed an interest looking into some sort of physical barrier if so desired by the Commission. The issue is not being pressed at this time but Town Manager Pettit thought the Commission would like to give the issue early consideration.

Concerns or comments expressed by the Commission during discussion:
Each restaurant has a different situation encountered by its customers and the way they wait by the restaurant.
Install barriers for the entire 200 - 300 block or just by restaurants? One possibility would be 100 ft from intersection
Barrier should be something a customer cannot sit on or lean on
Challenge to come up with the right solution
No alternative may be the best solution. Barriers would have to be placed right at the curb
Hard to come up with an attractive barrier

The public was given an opportunity to speak:
Mr. Sam Bromert, Liberty Market, suggested barriers of some sort be placed just at the four corners. Use a bollard and chain. It would have to be at an appropriate height?to low, pedestrian could trip; to high a toddler could go under.
Mr. Jerry Greer, 843 S. Longmore, stated that if barriers are placed at the corners, it would give enough time to slow a child down and the parent to regain control.
Ms. Patricia Reynoso, 321 N. Oak Street, said Gilbert Road is dangerous as vehicles do not do the speed limit. This was an accident waiting to happen and something needs to be done.

Vice Chairman Fresquez mentioned she would be interested in hearing suggestions from the restaurant owners and would entertain future meetings on this issue.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
6.        Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair
Agenda item continued.

Economic Development Director Tilque requested the Decorative Printed Asphalt item be moved to later on the agenda as Street Superintendent Mario Flores was not present at the moment. Vice Chairman Fresquez granted the modification to the agenda and moved on to the next agenda item.

8.        North Elm Parking Lot Completion
Town Manager Pettit mentioned a project included in the 2004 - 2009 Capital Improvements Program is the completion of the North Elm Street Parking lot. The project describes completion of the Elm Street Parking lot and includes the acquisition of three lots and construction of the remainder of the parking lot. Staff was recently contacted by the owner wishing to voluntarily sell the three residential lots and it has been placed on the Town Council agenda for approval March 30th. He is seeking the Redevelopment Commission’s approval for continuation and completion of the parking lot.

Town Manager Pettit gave cost figures for the acquisition as well as relocation and demolition of structures:
$336,000 for the acquisition and relocation
$25,000 allowed for relocation benefits
$10,000 per structure for demolition

Commissioner Valentine applauded the Town’s effort in moving forward with this and that this is a good example that redevelopment can work without a heavy hand by government.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, recommending the Town proceed with the acquisition and clearance of the property for the potential future development of those parcels. Voice vote carried 3 - 0.

9.        Update on Projects in the Heritage District
Economic Development Director Tilque highlighted some of the current projects in the Heritage District:
Received one response to the RFP for the SW Corner of Vaughn and Gilbert Road. Proposal received for a mixed use anchored by a 4,000 square foot Oregano’s restaurant. A follow - up meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 19th to review the site plan and building design.
Design work for the Street Light and Furnishing project should be at100% by April 9th. A public meeting is scheduled for March 29th at 6:30 p.m. at Page Park Center. Postcards to be mailed through Neighborhood Services to surrounding neighbors.
Staff to bring proposed wording on similar and equal for the Outdoor Furniture Palette to the April Commission meeting.
Nothing new regarding the Water Tower Project
Correction to the Traffic section. It should be Special Enforcement Team (SET) not Speed Enforcement Team.

Council Liaison Urie asked about the lights selected by Arizona Hardwood Floors and had a concern about them and what can be done to give them a completed finish. Economic Development Director Tilque indicated he will check with Planning Manager Cadavid.

The Commission had some comments, concerns and questions regarding the section on traffic:
Based upon the figures given, a calculation shows that 4 cars every minute are exceeding 35 mph. Is this acceptable for Gilbert? Economic Development Director Tilque indicated that would be best answered by traffic engineering.
Statement made that there is a speed problem on Gilbert Road
Meeting with someone next week to discuss putting up signs that might show Speed Limit/Your Speed especially at the north end of the district for traffic heading south. There is a company in Apache Junction who will give a demonstration
Thought the traffic trailer was a good idea and watched the break lights of vehicles on Gilbert Road
Pleased with the Police Department taking issue seriously and is encouraged by it. Would like an opportunity to do the ride along. Senses the Police are also frustrated with speed of traffic.

Economic Development Director Tilque highlighted the following regarding traffic signals:
Traffic Engineer Bruce Ward made minor adjustments to the light at Page and Gilbert Road. Working with Hale Centre Theatre to change the cycle lengths on Page Avenue.
Town Council recently approved lagging lefts in Gilbert. Study to take place from April - June that will look at the feasibility of putting in left turn arrows at Gilbert and Page.
When street light projects begins construction in the summer, he may leave the signal at Page Avenue “run free” which means that it will run a cycle whether or not there is traffic on Page. The impact of this may anger some drivers who will have to stop on Gilbert Road.

Other highlights include:
Waiting for ADOT to approve the design/bid package for the Park - N - Ride Lot.
Met with representatives of the Gilbert School District and Chandler - Gilbert Community College to gain preliminary information on their respective needs and whether they are still interested in the SEC of Gilbert and Elliot Road. The plan is to hold a public hearing in regards to the corner at the April 15th Redevelopment Commission meeting. Other interested parties will be invited including the FFA and 4 - H

7.        Decorative Printed Asphalt
Economic Development Director Tilque gave the presentation on Decorative Printed Asphalt in the absence of Street Superintendent Flores. Economic Development Director Tilque reviewed the information contained in the communication to the Commission.
Custom Color option no longer an option as it more expensive and not within the budget for the project. Staff recommends terracotta color with a white border.
Brochure distributed last month includes standard patterns. In addition to the standard patterns are two custom patterns Town is currently using. Staff recommends the Keystone pattern.

Vice Chairman Fresquez mentioned that at last month’s meeting Commissioner Thomson had a question about cost to do entire area in the Page/Gilbert intersection. Economic Development Director Tilque he did not have that information available.

General comments and questions made by Commission:
Inquiry about possibility of adding to the center of an intersection after the crosswalks are done in the future
Actual pavers versus decorative asphalt pavers and the traffic calming benefits real pavers have due to the noise
Maintainability - stamped asphalt cheaper and easier to maintain

Commissioner Valentine indicated he would like a different pattern than the recommended Keystone pattern for the Heritage District as it should reflect the area. He suggested the Ashlar Slate pattern.

Mr. Sam Bromert, owner of Liberty Market, had a concern about the wear and tear of decorative asphalt since it is going in high traffic areas. Economic Development Director Tilque responded this technique is being used in other cities and repairs are less costly over the long - run.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to approve the use of printed decorative asphalt instead of brick pavers in the crosswalks from the Western Canal to Elliot Road using the terracotta color bordered by white striping with the Ashlar Slate pattern. Voice vote carried 3 - 0.

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 indicated the appointment of a liaison to the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board will be on next month agenda and asked the Commissioners to give it some thought.

12.Report from Commissioners on current and future events.
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 Valentine, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

ATTEST:

Mary Ellen Fresquez, Vice Chairman

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder