Council Study Session

MINUTES OF THE GILBERT TOWN COUNCIL IN SPECIAL MEETING FOR A STUDY SESSION, APRIL 6, 2021, AT 5:15 P.M., 50 EAST CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, GILBERT, ARIZONA COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Brigette Peterson, Vice Mayor Yung Koprowski, Councilmembers Scott Anderson, Laurin Hendrix, Scott September, Kathy Tilque, and Aimee Yentes COUNCIL ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Town Manager Patrick Banger, Town Clerk Chaveli Herrera, Town Attorney Chris Payne, Management and Budget Director Kelly Pfost, Total Rewards Analyst II Ashley Saltzman, Parks and Recreation Director Robert Carmona, and Parks and Recreation Management Analyst Jennika Horta CALL TO ORDER OF SPECIAL MEETING Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 5:20 p.m. 1. Discussion on Compensation Philosophy Director Pfost introduced Total Rewards Analyst Ashley Saltzman and provided background information on the request from Council to hear about the compensation philosophy for the Town. Analyst Saltzman provided information on what the compensation philosophy involved, stating the areas of focus were being data driven, open, fair and equitable. She discussed the two main goals of Gilbert’s Compensation Philosophy, one being the job analysis and the second being the focus on fair and equitable compensation. She outlined the format used for job descriptions and talked about the utilization of market updates and benchmarking. She stated that the Town of Gilbert aimed to have midpoints match the average of the market. She provided two examples utilizing both non-sworn and sworn positions. Lastly, she outlined the annual review process for both non-sworn and sworn positions. Councilmember Anderson asked about the at-will position request. Town Manager Banger explained the one-time pay increase for employees to transition to at-will employees but stated that going forward everyone hired since then has been hired at-will. Vice Mayor Koprowski stated that she had asked that this item be brought to Council because she wanted to see how the Town compared to the market. There was no further discussion on the item. 2. Discussion on Gilbert Regional Park Master Plan Director Carmona provided information on the Gilbert Regional Park Master Plan. He talked about the project team, the process, virtual community outreach, data, and needs. He provided information of the backstory and why they took a look at the Master Plan concept again. He provided a map of the park and current layout. He talked about the additional acreage and the change of the dynamic of the land. He talked about the various parcels with the current layout and the private-public partnerships. He discussed the different phases starting with Phase 1 and briefly talked about The Mountain, The Falls, and The Creek play areas. He summarized Phase 1A and discussed amenities including tennis, pickleball, sand volleyball and basketball. Lastly, he discussed Phase 1B to include the amphitheater, great lawn, and lake. Chad Atterbury with Dig Studio discussed the Master Planning process. He talked about why the Town was reevaluating the Master plan. He talked about the process, community outreach, the Parks and Recreation Board, and Town staff regarding engagement. He discussed the 2016 Master Plan amenities and the diversity of the park with various phases. He detailed the major amenities and multi purposes. He talked about the draft concepts, the framework, and investment of the Town. He went over some of the frameworks and detailed the parkway. He talked about the limited locations and went over Option 2 with tectonic and the major themes that drove the different layouts and focuses. Mr. Atterbury discussed the community outreach summary and the participants involved. He talked about the preferred Master Plan concept framework and provided photos of the preferred Master Plan layout. He went over the different areas and provided a video of the park shown in 3D format. Mr. Atterbury discussed the other areas zone by zone. He discussed the ballpark complex and the multi-functionality of the area all year long. He discussed the concessions and restrooms and the aesthetics used. He summarized the climbing center, trailhead rendering, community space, and the dog park. He talked about the nature area, trail connections, and regional trails connecting to the park. He showed some of the internal trails as well and the loops and highlighted the fitness amenities. He talked about creating views but also maintaining some of the existing views within the park. He showed a rendering of the park at night and discussed the basin for receiving rainwater and flood control but also the reclaimed water aspect. He provided information on surplus data, the field assessment report, and the full build-out impact. Councilmember Anderson discussed reclaimed water and the large, natural riparian area across from the park that he said could be a very important future riparian area. He said he always advocated for connecting the park site with the location across the street and allowing the public to enjoy the amenity. He talked about the natural areas and said there may be an opportunity to look at people within the wildlife field like Wild at Heart or a rehab facility for wildlife which would be a good opportunity for the public with the natural area and the rehab of wildlife. He said he would continue advocating for planning for the riparian area of 120 acres across the street. Mr. Atterbury said Councilmember Anderson made great points and discussed opportunities in open green areas with fewer lights and slightly different character. Vice Mayor Koprowski stated she was surprised that there was not more or duplicate of what was currently at the Regional Park since some of the existing amenities were so popular, like the playground areas. She discussed combining certain elements and the varying age of children and families with different needs. She discussed maximizing amenities and noted there was no water area in the dog park. Mayor Peterson talked about the controversy in a water feature at dog parks. Town Manager Banger talked about the issue with the flood basin and challenges in sitting water. Director Carmona discussed pocket play amenities and spoke in agreement that all age groups are accounted for in the various areas. He discussed a splash pad for dogs. Vice Mayor Koprowski asked if fields could be used for parking for major community events. Mr. Atterbury stated there was one specifically for flexible space and talked about needs in expanding parking. Vice Mayor Koprowski talked about concerns in the skate park and asked if the resident who spoke about it recently was engaged or could be engaged in the project. Director Carmona talked about the interest from residents, adding there had been a lot of input and feedback based on the size and scope. Councilmember Tilque thanked the team for taking a step back and evaluating the project. She discussed the need for more play areas and the need for shade. She also thanked Director Carmona and his team for the Sister Cities relationships being tied into the park to celebrate the Sister Cities and an area to take photos. She also discussed the importance of connectivity with paths and being able to see the distances of the paths and for them to be connected. Mayor Peterson asked Director Carmona about the distances and connectivity of the trails. Director Carmona stated staff would make that a priority. Mr. Atterbury talked about the many miles and specific fitness loops within the Master Plan and discussed it as a scale on the map. He talked about the intent to have it well-designed for event. Director Carmona said they will discuss the Desert Sky Park updated Master Plans a future meeting and talked about the parks and trails and endless opportunities and creating access points with these ideas in mind. Mayor Peterson discussed the negative feedback when having races and marathons on streets. Councilmember Anderson talked about overnight camping. Director Carmona said everything was on the table and talked about the parks being destinations. Town Manager Banger noted Councilmember Tilque’s comments about shading. Director Carmona stated staff could collect information and show shade through 3D images to create “cool zones” and shading opportunities. Councilmember Yentes asked how many bathrooms were planned. Mr. Atterbury stated there were a total of five new facilities shown but noted it was an ongoing coordination with flood control. There was discussion on the locations and one near the Ocotillo alignment. Councilmember September asked about drinkable water fountains. Mr. Atterbury stated yes, it was key to bring to those locations. Councilmember Yentes asked if the trails were equine friendly. Director Carmona stated yes, they were multi-surface trails. There was discussion about cultural and historical aspects and created spaces that tell a story. Councilmember Yentes talked about forward uses and ways to generate revenue for the maintenance and cost. She discussed accessibility and engagement in special needs communities and talked about more functions in the park, noting the need for anything added to layer some of those needs. Director Carmona spoke in support of that and the accessibility for all. Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 6:33 p.m. ATTEST: ___________________________ ___________________________________ Brigette Peterson, Mayor Chaveli Herrera, CMC, Town Clerk CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the study session of the Town Council of the Town of Gilbert held on the 6TH day of April 2021. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this __________ day of __________, 2021. ___________________________________ Chaveli Herrera, MMC, Town Clerk