Economic Development Advisory Board Minutes
Wednesday, March 14, 2007

DRAFT MEETING MINUTES OF THE
GILBERT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING ON MARCH 14, 2007
PRESENT: Richard Andrews, Ben Cooper, Angela Creedon, Martha Fleming, Maria Hesse, Kathy Langdon, Dr. Albert McHenry, Scott Morrison, Kent Norcross, Steve Paisley, Kris Thompson, Terri Tobey, Brigette Peterson, Donald Clay and Steve Urie

ABSENT: Keith Vaughan, Greg Tilque and Jim Iacobazzi

OTHERS PRESENT: Kelly Patton, Håkon Johanson, Bill Kludas, Don Noble, Bill Dupuy, Star Gregory, and Nancy Lorenzen

CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Cooper called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. and declared a quorum present.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
Chairman Cooper opened the floor to the public for any comments or communications for items not on the agenda.

Mr. Bill Kludas, 4053 E. Meadowview Drive addressed the Board regarding the minor general plan amendment for Seville Tract T. Mr. Kludas indicated the group had some concerns about the process and what was said at the last Commission meeting. In his opinion the ULI report forecasts that the Williams Gateway Airfield will be an international destination and economic boom to the east valley beyond expectation. He is troubled by the process with the Town and how it excluded GEDAB’s expertise. Mr. Kludas mentioned the numerous requests by Shea for a continuance. The reason was to wait for the ULI report to be received and give the Board ample time to review. Mr. Kludas commented on his surprise that this item was placed on the agenda for the March’s Planning Commission meeting and the timing in which he received the full packet. He read a portion of the Planning Department’s final report where he pointed out an inaccurate statement that pertains to the radius of the Williams Gateway Area.

Council Liaison Urie made a point of order that comments made in Communications from Citizens should be limited to 3 minutes as there are others who wish to speak.

Mr. Kludas concluded his remarks with that the Planning Commission has been disrespectful as to the importance of the GEDAB and to the process. He feels there should be some procedure where reports are reviewed for accuracy.

Mr. Don Noble, 4113 E. Meadowview Drive made a brief statement—To my knowledge neither the Town nor the residents of Seville have written information from the experts that residential or commercial component will not work on this 18 acre site. He would like to see the Town and the applicant contact Mr. Neil Ginsberg with CopperWynd Resort to look at the site.

Mr. Noble gave Chairman Cooper a letter from Ms. Irl Noble to be entered into record.

Mr. Bill DuPuy, 4183 E. Meadowview Drive stated he is completely puzzled with the process and does not understand what is going on with certain bodies put in place to help the community planning, the delay in hearings, and why reports are pushed aside. Mr. DuPuy stated he has invested a lot of money in his property and is against downzoning to townhouses. Mr. DuPuy believes that down the road these townhouses would turn into rentals. Townhouses do not belong there.

Ms. Star Gregory, 4249 E. Meadowview Drive who has been a realtor for seven years piggybacked on Bill DuPuy’s comments. She claims that townhouses would lower the value of their residences. She continues to read in the newspapers about more foreclosure and more bankruptcies. This type of forecast may possibly come to Seville based on the many existing duplexes and attached condos along with the many homes currently on the market. This is not good news for Seville.

Ms. Nancy Lorenzen, 4217 E. Meadowview Drive expressed her thoughts that up until the March Planning Commission meeting, the group felt that all the parties involved were getting together to reach the right answer. She said at Wednesday’s meeting, it was the perception of many of the neighbors that the meeting was railroaded into making a decision. Ms. Lorenzo wants all the information considered so the right answer is agreed upon. The group does not understand what changed within 30 days.

Chairman Cooper thanked all the citizens for coming.

3. Minutes-Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 14, 2007
A MOTION was made by Board member Fleming, seconded by Board member Paisley, to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of February 14, 2007 as written. Voice vote carried 12-0.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
4. Preferred Company Environment
PCE Chair Langdon summarized the discussion that took place at the February 24th Council Retreat and what the next steps would be in the process.

PCE Chair Langdon refreshed the Board’s memory as to what a Preferred Company Environment was and that the Board previously determined healthcare (holistic and women’s health specifically) would be a good industry to focus on.

Summary Highlights:
• Presented power point to Council Retreat on February 24th to request money for a study.
• Study to be done in three phases. Approval was given to proceed with Phase I that focuses on what is out there and how does it impact Gilbert. Question was asked whether Council approved all phases. Response: Phase 1 given approval and if things look favorable then the study would move to Phase 2.
• Working with Morrison Institute for Phase 1. Cost: $35,000.
• Estimated time for each phase: Phase 1—2 months; Phase 2—2-4 months and Phase 3—2 months. Phase 1 possibly would not begin until June due to the backlog of Morrison Institute. Question asked whether Morrison Institute would sub-contract the work or will it be done internally. Board member Andrews has no problem supporting the area of interest but pointed out that on page 3 of the power point presentation it states we have the opportunity to be “Great” within the Aerospace Industry Cluster if we continue to collaborate with the Williams Gateway Airport regional efforts. He would like to know if this would be addressed as well. Response: The sub-committee felt that aerospace is a collaboration already going on with Williams Gateway Airport and will continue those efforts but focusing on healthcare especially Holistic and Women’s Health industry would make Gilbert unique.

PCE Chair Langdon mentioned one of the other recommendations that received approval was to have GEDAB explore avenues and resources needed to enhance Gilbert’s reputation as a “great” place to do business. Council asked that an update to be presented on the topics in 90 days.

Outline of areas:
• Predictable fees for development
• Faster entitlement process
• Permitting review times
• Developed business parks
• Special incentives for priority clusters

Vice Chairman Thompson excused himself from the meeting.

PCE Chair Langdon indicated that a task force would be created to work on each area. She will be looking for volunteers to sit on a task force very shortly. Town staff will be providing background information needed for each area.

Chairman Cooper suggested prioritizing the items and which one should be looked at first by a task force.

Board member Paisley inquired if any other communities are doing a PCE and if there might be a model out there that Gilbert could use. Chairman Cooper said under the PCE umbrella Chandler would be the closest thing as it is looking at biotech incubator.

5. Update on Projects in Gilbert
Business Development Specialist Patton highlighted some of the current economic development projects:
• Several GPEC Project Requests were received
• Seville Tract T General Plan Amendment—Heard by Planning Commission March 7th. Commission decided by 5-2 vote to approve the recommendation of Planning staff. Will now move to Council for their consideration. Board member Norcross was in attendance to present Board’s position.
• Harkins Theaters at SanTan Village Shopping Center—Scheduled to open March 30, 2007 and Regional Mall on schedule to open in October 2007.
• Reserve at SanTan—Construction is underway on two 52,275 square foot office buildings along with a 50,336 square foot one story flex building. Site located on the SEC of the Gilbert and 202 Freeway.
• Gilbert 202 Commerce Center—Across from the Reserve at SanTan. Construction is underway on two 60,225 square foot one story flex office buildings as well as a 39,658 square foot one story flex building.

Council Liaison Urie mentioned a hard hat tour of Harkins Theatre is scheduled for Council on March 27th. He asked staff to inquire whether the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board members could be included.

Council Liaison Urie announced tickets were available for the upcoming March 29th Public Safety Memorial Fund Raiser at Harkins Theatre. All proceeds to benefit the memorial.

Business Development Specialist Patton mentioned the Cancer Treatment Center selected the City of Phoenix.

COMMUNICATIONS
6. Redevelopment Commission Report
Council Liaison Urie reported the painting of the water tower is now finished and the water tower park project is moving forward.

7. Planning Commission Report
Planning Commission Liaison Peterson mentioned the following:
• A few items on consent—one was to rezone from Maricopa County to single-family residential in Gilbert.
• Approved the updates to the Heritage Village Center sign code.
• Rezone on county land to light industrial at Germann and Lindsay Road.
• Seville Tract T—It was passed 5-2 with an amendment that it could only be two story in height. In order to make sure the Board understands the process she stated a minor general plan amendment (under 40 acres) would not normally come before the Board but the Commission had requested a recommendation from the Board.
• Steel Dreamz Use Permit—Operates on a use permit with a time limit in the Heritage District. Commission approved a Use-Permit with no time limitation.

Board member Fleming asked if the Board still had an opportunity to give advice on the minor general plan amendment. Planning Commission Liaison Peterson responded the Board could still make an opinion to Town Council. Timing of the meeting may be a factor and the only thing the Board can do at this time is request it be put on next month’s GEDAB agenda. The Board directed staff to place this item on the next agenda if it has not already gone to Council.

Council Liaison Urie suggested Board members e-mail Mayor and Council that the Gilbert Economic Development Advisory Board has not had a chance to review the ULI report and to kindly hold off putting it on a future Council agenda until the Board can provide input.

8. Design Review Board Report
Design Review Board Liaison Clay reported 5 agenda items were reviewed by the Design Review Board at a March 1st Special Meeting:
• Four consent agenda items—All were approved.
o Shoppes at Val Vista Phase 3 Pads A & C—Reviewed site plan, building elevations, landscape and lighting
o Stratland Shadows-Cachet Homes—Reviewed six standards home plans and building elevations
o Randell Martin Homes—Reviewed five standards home plans and building elevations
o SanTan Ford Dealership—Reviewed comprehensive sign program
• One public hearing agenda item—Circle K at Power Ranch. Reviewed site/grading plan, building elevation, landscaping and lighting. Made some adjustments to the landscape.

9. Report from Chair on current and future events
No report.

10. Report from Business Development Manager on current and future events
No report.

11. Report from Board members on current and future events
Board member Andrews requested a copy of the ULI Report. It was noted that a copy of the report could be accessed on-line. It was mentioned there are limited number of copies available and that Gilbert should have received a supply. The Board was okay with receiving the report on-line but Board member Andrews would prefer to have a hard copy of report. Chairman Cooper directed staff to provide website link to all Board members and provide a hard copy to Board member Andrews.

Board member Andrews felt agenda item #5 moved too quickly and did not allow him an opportunity to ask a question pertaining to the 315,000 square feet of proposed flex space. He inquired whether staff might know of any users for the space at the Reserve at SanTan and Gilbert 202 Commerce. Business Development Specialist Patton said she is not aware of users at this time.

Board member Andrews inquired whether GPEC sends project requests to Williams Gateway Authority. Business Development Specialist Patton indicated the request would be sent to the City of Mesa but will check with GPEC.

Council Liaison Urie gave the following report:
• During the Council Retreat of February 24th the topic of raising building height restrictions was discussed as well as potential areas. He strongly suggested the Board be involved in the discussions. Board member Langdon indicated that Business Development Manager Tilque planned on putting this topic on next month’s GEDAB agenda.
• Gilbert received Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Equestrian Special Events Venue Feasibility Study which contains valuable information. A hard copy of the study can be provided to the Board.

Board member Hesse reported the following for Chandler-Gilbert Community College:
• Announced Mr. Terry Goddard, Attorney General, will be a guest speaker on March 27th to speak on the topics of how propositions are implemented into law and auto dealerships. An invitation was extended to Board to attend.
• Last week the college held its annual Aviation Symposium. More than 1000 participants. Board member Andrews inquired whether Gilbert had a booth at the Symposium.
• Banner has another cohort of nursing students in the program.

Board member McHenry indicated a huge effort is going on in terms of airport marketing to market the entire region through airport related activities. It was said that Gilbert is heavily involved. It was suggested to have someone come in and speak at a future meeting.

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Board member Morrison, seconded by Board member Tobey, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 a.m.

Ben Cooper, Chairman
ATTEST:

Elizabeth A. Stupski, Recorder