TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 20, 2005, 6:30 PM.

HERITAGE ANNEX BUILDING
119 N. GILBERT ROAD
GILBERT, ARIZONA

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

COMMISSION ABSENT: Commissioner Iacobazzi

STAFF PRESENT: Economic Development Director Greg Tilque, Street Superintendent Mario Flores and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Stupski

OTHERS PRESENT: Sherief Ayoub

ROLL CALL
Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

COMMUNICATION FROM CITIZENS
Chairman King 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 September 15, 2005 and
Special meeting of September 19, 2005
Commissioner Fresquez made a correction to the September 15, 2005 minutes on page 6, agenda item 6b, to add the merchants interviewed were three restaurants and four retailers.

A MOTION was made by Vice Chairman Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Fresquez, to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of September 15, 2005 as amended. Voice vote carried 3-0.

Commissioner Valentine joined the meeting.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Fresquez, seconded by Vice Chairman Taylor, to accept the minutes of the special meeting of September 19, 2005 as written. Voice vote carried 4-0.

Chairman King made a modification to the agenda by moving Administrative Item #5–Crosswalk and intersection asphalt stamping project to accommodate the schedule of Street Superintendent Flores.

5. Crosswalk and intersection asphalt stamping project
Economic Development Director Tilque gave an overview of the project:
~ A few months back Street Superintendent presented some options as to the color and patterns of the crosswalks. Commission voted on both items.
~ Another issue has arisen regarding the selection of color for the intersections inside the crosswalks at Gilbert/Page and Gilbert/Elliot.

Street Superintendent Flores distributed a packet of information which included a sample of Asphalt Surfacing Products Standard Colors that the Commission may select from for the intersection areas. Also included inside the packet was a sample pattern diagram of the crosswalk and intersections. Street Superintendent Flores said the following:
~ Standard pattern of the crosswalks–Keystone
~ Color selected for crosswalks-Terra Cotta
~ Borders on crosswalks to be white
~ Would like to stamp a 45° outline of a train in the crosswalk similar to the artwork along the freeway. In the process of having a template designed. If it cannot be done, nothing would be put in.
~ Current color being considered for the intersection section is Hunter Green but can be changed at the recommendation of the Commission. Must choose a darker color due to amount of traffic and tire residue.
~ Traffic signal poles at Juniper, Canal, Page and Elliot will be painted to match the new streetlights that were recently installed.

Comments expressed by the Commission:
~ Pavers tend to vary in color and to paint an entire intersection in Hunter Green would not look natural.
~ Surrounding area at the corner of Page & Gilbert-predominant colors are the brick at Joe’s BBQ and Liberty Market and the black awnings on Rock City Café and Hale Theatre. Gilbert and Elliot corner does not have any predominant color.
~ Would like to have a color in contrast and would appreciate any other color but Hunter Green.

Street Superintendent Flores said that he could probably get the contractor to do several different colors of the darker tones such as what was done at Trend Homes located at Cooper and Elliot. The Commission was in agreement that a variation and use of several colors in the terra cotta family would be more attractive and natural looking. The Commission would prefer to have a train design stamped in it since it is the theme for the park-n-ride lot but would like to have a back-up stamp just in case. A stamp of the year Gilbert was incorporated might be a possibility.

Street Superintendent Flores gave a timeframe for the work to be completed:
~ Bid Opening-Tuesday, October 25th
~ Go to Council-November 8th
~ Issue Notice to Proceed-November 9th or 10th
~ Complete as many crosswalks as possible before Gilbert Days and then take a break for Gilbert Days and Thanksgiving Holiday and resume with completing the project.

Commissioner Fresquez would like to do something different for the Gilbert & Elliot intersection.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Fresquez, seconded by Commissioner Valentine, that the stamped asphalt intersections at Gilbert & Elliott and Gilbert & Page be of two different patterns but within the terra cotta family of colors and the crosswalks incorporate a stamped train design as a first choice but to also have a backup design in case the train design doesn’t work out.

Commissioner Valentine inquired if the intersection at Gilbert & Vaughan could not be done as well. Economic Development Director Tilque responded that the only intersections approved at this time were Gilbert & Elliot and Gilbert & Page but that the Gilbert & Vaughan intersection may be reconsidered in the future.

Vice Chairman Taylor indicated he would abstain from the vote as he has not seen an actual intersection of what it might look like and does not have enough information on the subject to endorse it.

Voice vote carried 3-0-1.

PUBLIC HEARING
4. Conflicts with the LDC and the Redevelopment Plan in regards to residential areas in the Heritage District
Chairman King opened the public hearing on the conflicts between the LDC and the Redevelopment Plan in regards to residential areas in the Heritage District.

Economic Development Director Tilque furnished the following information:
~ Community Development Specialist Harris-Morgan and Community Development Assistant Simmons have been working with Habitat for Humanity pertaining to a vacant residential lot in the Heritage District.
~ While doing research for the project, they discovered that the requirements in the LDC may present some issues as far as compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood and site layout.
~ The conflicts between the LDC and Redevelopment Plan may impact future development in the residential areas

Summary points of some of the conflicts:
~ Setbacks-Heritage District design guidelines indicate residential projects should have the same setbacks as neighboring properties. LDC has minimum set backs that require 10-20 feet on the front and back of the lot and up to 10 feet on the sides.
~ Height-Most homes in the Heritage District are single level. LDC permits two and three story units.
~ Patios-Some homes in the Heritage District have a small front porch or patio. The Heritage District plan suggests front porches. LDC says porches must be at least 6 feet in depth and may project up to 6 feet into the setback area. In no case may the front building setback be less than 10 feet.
~ Fencing-Some homes in the Heritage District are fenced. Most of the homes that are fenced have chain link or wood slat fencing. LDC says a chain link fence material is prohibited for perimeter fencing.
~ Garages-Most Heritage District homes have carports, not garage enclosures. Some new homes in the district have garage dominant designs. The LDC requires 2 enclosed spaces per housing unit and guest parking where there is no on-street parking available for visitors.
~ Building Materials-The Heritage District design guidelines for new residential projects include use of upgraded horizontal wood appearance siding and /or stucco or brick and use of like material compared to the original structure for repair or maintenance of historic or traditional buildings. In the LDC building materials are not stipulated but the Planning Department recommends American Traditional architecture with tile roof.

By way of illustration, a Power Point presentation of pictures of existing older homes and newer homes in the Heritage District was shown. Economic Development Director Tilque asked the Commission for some guidance and direction on how staff should proceed.

Commissioner Valentine gave his opinion on each of the conflict areas:
~ Did not have a problem with the setback comparisons. It is okay to have less front yard. New development to have a more urban feel.
~ Does not have a problem with the height but possibly with the three-story unit. Beauty of the Heritage District is the variation of the development over time.
~ No problem with patios.
~ Thought the LDC requirement for porches was fine but would get rid of the front building setback of 10 feet.
~ Does not have a problem with chain link fencing as it is a character of the district. Maybe add new development cannot use chain link fence materials.
~ Does not agree with the LDC pertaining to garages as it is not an applicable requirement for the Heritage District. Need to get rid of the discrepancy.
~ No problem with driveways.
~ Does not think American Traditional architecture is appropriate for the Heritage District.

The general feel of the Commission would be to keep the Heritage District close to its current look and feel. The Commission discussed tile roofs, two stall garages and some flexibility in setbacks. It was pointed out that bungalow houses do not allow a garage in front. A comment was made that the Commission should strengthen the guidelines in the Redevelopment Plan for residential uses. The Commission feels this is a unique area of Gilbert and to do whatever is necessary to preserve it. A suggestion was made to have the Commission review all architectural work whether residential or commercial in the future. This could be achieved through a consent calendar item on the agenda.

Economic Development Director Tilque continued with the next issue of zoning conflicts with some properties located on the eastern edge of the district. The issue here is that that the General Plan shows Single Family Residential, 5-8 dwelling units per acre but the zoning map shows multi-family. Economic Development Director Tilque indicated that currently there is a mix of single family, multi-family and a small trailer park on the east side of Palm. He asked for some direction and input from the Commission as to the future desired state of this area in the district.

Economic Development Director Tilque mentioned that maybe a special district designation needs to be created similar to the HVC designation. After some discussion of single family versus multi-family zoning, the Commission would like Economic Development Director Tilque to check with Planning for all of the options.

Chairman King opened the floor to the public for any comments. None received.

Chairman King closed the public hearing portion of the agenda.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
6. October 27 Special Commission Meeting
Economic Development Director Tilque gave an overview of potential agenda items for the October 27, 2005 Special Meeting. Suggested agenda items are:
~ Draft Strategic Plan
~ Plant List Guide for the District

He asked the Commission if they had a preference as to the start time for the meeting-6:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Commissioner Valentine indicated he will be unable to attend the meeting as he will be out-of-town. The other Commissioners unanimously agreed upon 6:30 p.m. and the agenda was okay as proposed.
7. Update on Projects in the Heritage District
Economic Development Director Tilque highlighted the following:
~ Old Boys & Girls Club RFP-Received six proposals. Committee is being assembled to review each proposal. Committee comprised of Council Liaison Don Skousen, Jason King, Kent Norcross, someone from planning and Greg Tilque. Looking at scheduling the Review Committee the first week of November. Will get scoring matrix out to committee as well as the proposals.
~ Vaughan Avenue Apartments-Apartments under construction. Will check into completion date.
~ Western Power line Trail-Deputy Town Manager Ryall held kick-off meeting last week with the team responsible for design. Total project stretches from Cooper to Lindsay Roads. The goal of the team is to complete design in time to obligate next year’s close-out funds. She plans on hosting a design charette sometime in November. The Commission will be invited to participate.
~ Juniper/Gilbert Road Site-Staff has met with representatives of a partnership that is interested in purchasing the land bound by Gilbert Road, Juniper, Arbor Walk and the Western Canal. They will bring conceptual designs on what they have planned for the site to the November or December Commission Meeting.
~ Property Acquisition-Council approval given for the acquisition, replacement housing differential, relocation, demolition and site clearance for the property located at 21 East Hearne Way.
~ Oregano’s Pizza Bistro-Permits have been issued and construction scheduled to being by the end of the month.
~ Speed Traffic Devices-Two speed signs have been ordered and should be installed around October 26th.
~ Senior Community Center-Approval given by Council to proceed with new center. Should take about 10-11 months to go through design. Commission will not see a design for sometime. Community Development Specialist Harris-Morgan involved with project since CDBG Funds have been allocated.

Commissioner Fresquez inquired about the status of the Water Tower refurbishing. Economic Development Director Tilque will check with Town Manager Pettit.

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

9. Report from Economic Development Director on current and future events
Economic Development Director inquired as to whether the Commission would like to have a second meeting in November. He commented it may be difficult to schedule with the Thanksgiving Holiday but would make every attempt to schedule something if the Commission so desires. The Commission did not make a decision on the item.

10. Report from Commissioners on current and future events.
Commissioner Valentine mentioned he will be unable to attend the November 17th regular meeting but could connect via phone if possible.

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Fresquez, seconded by Commissioner Valentine, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

ATTEST:

Jason King, -Chairman

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder