Council Regular/Special Meeting

MINUTES OF THE GILBERT TOWN COUNCIL IN SPECIAL JOINT MEETING WITH THE SOUTHEAST VALLEY REGIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (SEVRAR) OF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 AT 8:00 AM, MUNICIPAL CENTER I, ROOM 300, 50 E CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, GILBERT, ARIZONA COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Jenn Daniels, Councilmembers Scott Anderson, Brigette Peterson, Jordan Ray, and Jared Taylor COUNCIL ABSENT: Vice Mayor Eddie Cook and Councilmember Aimee Yentes STAFF PRESENT: Town Manager Patrick Banger, Deputy Town Clerk Chaveli Herrera, Town Attorney Christopher Payne, Office of Management and Budget Director Kelly Pfost, and Development Services Director Kyle Mieras AGENDA ITEM NEWORKING OPPORTUNITES CALL TO ORDER Mayor Daniels called the meeting to order at 8:11 a.m. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Mayor Daniels welcomed everyone and asked the attendees to introduce themselves. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS 1. Presentation by member of the Gilbert Team on the Open Data Portal, the City of the Future, financial overview, General Plan updates, and related. Town Manager Patrick Banger presented information on Gilbert’s “City of the Future” initiative, highlighting Gilbert’s recent rankings and goals for the next 100 years. He spoke of Gilbert’s history, the upcoming Centennial in 2020, and the importance of long- term sustainability for Gilbert’s future. He summarized Gilbert’s new mission statement, core values, and initiatives. Manager Banger discussed the Open Data Portal called “Alex”. He stated data engagement should have a proactive approach to connect with residents and maintain their trust. He said open data should connect citizens to local government, noting both raw and contextual data should be available to meet the needs of the residents. Office of Management and Budget Director Kelly Pfost provided a financial overview. She summarized saving efforts, reviewed some of Gilbert’s rankings, and compared sales and property tax to other cities. She announced that Gilbert earned the 1 Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Award for the 20th consecutive year and the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for Fiscal year Beginning July 1, 2018. Lastly, she announced that Gilbert earned a AAA Credit Rating from Standard and Poor’s Financial Services, LLC, noting Gilbert was one of less than 50 municipalities to hold AAA General Obligation (GO) Ratings from all three major rating agencies. Development Services Director Kyle Mieras provided a General Plan (GP) Update, stating the GP was a long-range policy document that should be updated every ten years. He reviewed the GP update process, timeline, and goals. He discussed updates to the Building and Fire Codes and highlighted the new “What’s Developing Nearby” Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping index on the Town’s website. 2. Presentation by member of the Southeast Valley Regional Association of Realtors (SEVRAR) Team on housing, Federal issues, and related. SEVRAR Board Member Craig Peck discussed home financing and Government- Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) reform. He stated the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) vision was a housing finance reform plan, with GSE’s continuing to purchase and guarantee mortgage loans with well-monitored participation by private investors. SEVRAR Board Member Susan Hernandez discussed the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), stating people in Arizona did not realize that flooding can be an issue. She discussed the forthcoming expiration and possible extension of the NFIP, summarizing NAR’s supportive efforts and possible outcomes if there were a lapse. SEVRAR Vice President Duane Washkowiak discussed the importance of infrastructure in maintaining property values, safety, and convenience for communities. He stated NAR supported the efforts to urge the United States Congress to ensure sufficient revenue, increase appropriations, and streamline permitting to increase efficiency and decrease costs. 3. Review and discussion on possible partnerships and collaboration opportunities. SEVRAR Vice President Duane Washkowiak discussed statistical data including sold listings, current listings, supply versus demand by price range, and rental market figures. There was discussion regarding housing products and needs for Gilbert, noting that single-level, single-family homes were in demand. There was discussion regarding the potential for more townhomes and retirement homes. There was discussion regarding traffic conditions in Gilbert, particularly on the south end of Val Vista Road. Mayor Daniels stated the Val Vista Road construction project would begin in January 2020. 4. Recognition of Gilbert Ambassador. Mayor Daniels recognized SEVRAR President Derek Anglin as a Gilbert Ambassador for his impact on the community. Mr. Anglin stated he was thankful for the opportunity to have open lines of communication with the industry, Town of Gilbert, NAR, and SEVRAR. 2 ADJOURN SPECIAL MEETING Mayor Daniels adjourned the meeting at 9:47 a.m. ATTEST: ___________________________ ___________________________________ Jenn Daniels, Mayor Chaveli Herrera, CMC, Deputy 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 19th day of September, 2019. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this ____ day of ____________________. ___________________________________ Chaveli Herrera. CMC, Deputy Town Clerk 3