TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 15, 2004, 6:30 PM.

132 W. BRUCE AVENUE
GILBERT, ARIZONA

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

COMMISSION ABSENT: Commissioner Valentine

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

OTHERS PRESENT:        Sam Bromert (Liberty Market), Mark Hamilton (Gilbert Public Schools), Keith Vaughan (Gilbert Public Schools), Maria Hesse (Chandler - Gilbert Community College), Monica Pastor (Univ. of AZ Cooperative Extension)

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. Mr. Sam Bromert of Liberty Market mentioned that a new speed traffic control device has been installed on Gilbert Road in the Heritage District and indicated it is having a profound affect on decreasing the speed of traffic heading south on Gilbert Road.

Vice Chairman Fresquez made a modification to the agenda by moving Administrative Item 7 before approval of minutes.

7.        Appointment of Chairman and Vice Chairman
Town Manager Pettit delivered letters from Mayor Berman appointing the new Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Redevelopment Commission. Congratulations to Chairman Mary Ellen Fresquez and Vice Chairman Jason King.

3.        Minutes - Approve the Regular meeting of March 18, 2004
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Iacobazzi, seconded by Commissioner King, to approve the minutes of March 18, 2004 as written. Voice vote carried 3 - 0.

4.        Minutes - Approve the Special meeting of March 29, 2004
Chairman Fresquez continued the approval of the March 29th minutes to later on the agenda in hopes that Commissioner Thomson would be present and if not, item to be continued to next month.

PUBLIC HEARING
5.        SE Corner of Gilbert and Elliot Road
Economic Development Director Tilque recapped what has transpired with the parcel located on the SE Corner of Gilbert and Elliot Roads:
Commission and staff met a few months ago to explore potential uses for the corner.
Commission was intrigued with the idea of promoting the higher education aspect with a Conference Center/Learning Center use
Eliminated such uses as a Water Park, Culinary School, developing a park of trees, gardens, fountains, park benches and walkways.
Staff met with Mr. Keith Vaughan (Gilbert Public Schools) and Ms. Maria Hesse (Chandler - Gilbert Community College) to gather their potential needs.
Economic Development Director Tilque indicated that representatives from the schools as well as the 4H and FFA are in attendance to speak and articulate their needs.

(Commissioner Thomson joined the meeting.)

The Commission listened to presentations by President Maria Hesse, Chandler - Gilbert Community College; Mr. Keith Vaughan, Gilbert Public School District; Ms. Monica Pastor, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension & 4 - H Club; Mr. Mark Hamilton, Gilbert Public School District & Future Farmers of America with what they foresee as possible uses for the Conference/Learning Center.

Highlighted ideas:
Target audience of under - aged and home - schooled students as well as adults for credit and non - credit college courses
Administrative/Office space, parking, meeting rooms and evening activities
Educational classes such as the Master Garden Program to the Gilbert citizens (4 - H)
Training/Conference/Meeting space by FFA

Advice shared with the Commission to be aware of:
Be attuned to safety and security issue. Not a good idea to mix audiences.
Have multiple partners who bring resources to the table and make it work. CGCC does not have the resources as a singular higher education institution to build a facility but can contribute with operational costs, utility expenses and staffing.
Provide amenities such as food and refreshments, study area, easy access and parking
Be sensitive to the needs of the partners that might want to go into the venture together. Don’t compete with activities offered by school or Parks and Rec.

Council Liaison Urie stated that the Community Gardens would blend nicely with FFA and 4H by providing a leisure classroom style - educational component. Economic Development Director Tilque suggested that an area be devoted with a garden celebrating Gilbert’s Sister Cities that includes plants grown in the respective countries.

The Commission inquired how much space each would need to accomplish their goals. Chairman Fresquez mentioned that Commissioner Valentine provided a memo to the Commission with general facility dimensions a few months ago. This idea of a Conference/Learning Center will be brought to the joint meeting with Town Council for further direction.

The Commission felt the ideas presented are exactly what they would like to see happen on the SE Corner of Gilbert and Elliot Roads. An issue to be addressed if this idea moves forward is the funding.

6.        Language of “similar” and “equal to” for Outdoor Furniture Palette
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan commented that Resolution 2004 - 1 has been drafted to clarify the applicability of the Outdoor Furniture Palette in public rights - of - way and private property within the Heritage District. The resolution included language specified by the Redevelopment Commission defining “similar” or “equal to” discussed at an earlier meeting.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan reviewed the contents of Exhibit A. Some issues or statements that surfaced during the discussion were:
Would anyone be grandfathered in? Response: Yes, but mostly it is for new projects coming through Design Review Board.
Businesses and private property owner would have to be educated through mailing.

Not sure about the scale dimensions being within 25 percent of the items in the Palette. Commission would like the opinion of Commissioner Valentine since he is an architect.
Planning Department would approve furniture submittal requests. During discussion Council Liaison Urie asked the Commission to reconsider and review all submittals. It could be done with a consent calendar. The Commission changed it stance and would like all submittals to go through the Redevelopment Commission for approval or denial.
Commission requested the exhibit distinguish between residential and commercial properties. Exempted projects would be single - family detached but would like to suggest they try to follow outdoor furniture palette.

Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan will work on the changes to the exhibit and bring back to next month’s meeting.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
8.        Recommendation of Redevelopment Commission Liaison for the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board
Economic Development Director Tilque mentioned it is time to reappoint a Commissioner to serve as liaison for the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board. The appointment is for a one - year term and Town Council would need to approve the appointment. He would like to go to Town Council with a recommendation in May. Chairman Fresquez commented she has served as liaison for two years and it has been a wonderful experience. She said the board meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:30 a.m.

Chairman Fresquez asked for a volunteer. Since there was no volunteer, she continued the agenda item to next month to see if Commissioner Valentine might be interested in serving.

9.        Update on Projects in the Heritage District
Economic Development Director Tilque highlighted some of the current projects in the Heritage District:
Moving forward with Oregano’s proposal and trying to schedule a meeting with applicant and work on a Development Agreement.
Design work for the Street Light and Furnishing project should be at100% by April 23rd. Project pushed back a little bit to put outlets and/or brackets on the poles.
Stamped Asphalt?project to be staged differently as previously discussed due to the trenching required for the street light project. Removal of current pavers planned for June and would be replaced with temporary asphalt. Upon completion of the street light project, the stamped asphalt would be done. Commissioner Thomson asked if the cost to do entire area in the Page/Gilbert intersection was available. Economic Development Director Tilque indicated he did not have that figure. He apologized and made a note to check with Street Superintendent Mario Flores.
Traffic - As mentioned earlier, the speed traffic control device has been installed but on a temporary three week test period. If results are favorable, staff would try to do something permanently but depends on the budget.

Community Development Harris - Morgan added that Page Commons is going through final building review and should break ground in about six weeks.

Chairman Fresquez gave an update with the Water Tower Project:
Chairman Fresquez and Commissioner Iacobazzi attended meeting held April 15, 2004. Well attended.
Group shown two concepts. One had an interactive water feature and amphitheater which would allow for sponsorships with benches, water features and pavers.
Found a matching grant and application requesting funds to be submitted at the appropriate time.

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

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

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

4.        Minutes - Approve the Special meeting of March 29, 2004
Chairman Fresquez returned to agenda item #4 for approval of the March 29, 2004 special meeting minutes. Commissioner Iacobazzi indicated he would abstain from the vote.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Vice Chairman King, to approve the minutes of March 29, 2004 as written. Voice vote carried 3 - 0 - 1.

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Iacobazzi, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 p.m.

ATTEST:

Mary Ellen Fresquez, Chairman

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder