Council Regular/Special Meeting

MINUTES OF THE GILBERT TOWN COUNCIL IN SPECIAL MEETING OF TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2017 AT 11:00 AM, MUNICIPAL CENTER 1, ROOM 300, 50 E CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, GILBERT, ARIZONA COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Jenn Daniels, Vice Mayor Victor Petersen, Councilmembers Scott Anderson, Eddie Cook, Brigette Peterson COUNCIL ABSENT: Councilmembers Jordan Ray and Jared Taylor STAFF PRESENT: Manager Patrick Banger, Clerk Lisa Maxwell, and Assistant Town Attorney Chris Payne VISITING Xiong Wei, Liu Jian, Zhou Huarong, You Yonghong, Ou DIGNATARIES: Wenzhong, and Chen Yingli AGENDA ITEM 1 Introductions. Greg Tilque, Secretary Gilbert Sister Cities, discussed the itinerary of the visiting delegation. The relationship between Gilbert and Leshan started in 2002. Rich Vandermolen, Vice President Gilbert Sister Cities, said two years ago a group from Gilbert went to visit Leshan. There has been an active student exchange program for the past seven or eight years. The delegation would like to have an exchange of economic development ideas. Mayor Jenn Daniels welcomed the Leshan delegation to Gilbert. Mayor Jenn Daniels introduced the Councilmembers and Town staff in attendance. She described how the Town government works and the responsibilities of the Council. 2 Presentation on activities in Leshan growth, development and current events. Liu Jian, Deputy Director of Leshan Municipal Party Committee Organization Department, Director of Leshan Talents, gave a description of the Chinese governmental structure. Deputy Director Liu Jian gave an overview of Leshan. He invited the Mayor and Councilmembers to come visit their village so the exchange of ideas can continue. Pictures and maps showed Leshan’s relationship with China. Industry has grown in the area but there is still a large area where tea is grown in the mountains. 1  3 Presentation on activities in Gilbert growth, development and current events. Town Manager Patrick Banger covered statistics regarding the Town of Gilbert and its residents. He discussed what residents think about the Town based on the recent citizens’ survey. Town Manager Patrick Banger gave an update on projects in the Town including the SPARK App League, commuter light rail, and the Gilbert Regional Park. Other opportunities for development include Rivulon, Epicenter in Agritopia and the Heritage District. There was discussion about planning and standards for design of buildings. The Economic Development Team showcases what Gilbert has to offer to businesses around country. There was a question about agriculture in the Town. There are some areas where crops are grown in the southern portion of Town. There are also properties with horses, cows and some residents have chickens. 4 Discussion about the Sister City park and cultural exchange and relationships between Leshan and Gilbert. Councilmember Eddie Cook mentioned the future Ocotillo Bridge and his idea that possibly the Town could collaborate with Leshan on the design of the bridge. Rich Vandermolen said there are discussions with Town staff about having an area in the Regional Park where the culture of Gilbert’s sister cities can be reflected. 5 Gift exchange. The Town of Gilbert and the delegation from Leshan exchanged gifts. ADJOURN Mayor Jenn Daniels adjourned the meeting at 1:00 p.m. ATTEST: ___________________________ ___________________________________ Jenn Daniels, Mayor Lisa Maxwell, CMC, Town Clerk CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the special meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Gilbert held on the 12th day of September, 2017. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. 2 Dated this ____ day of ____________________. ___________________________________ Lisa Maxwell, CMC, Town Clerk 3