Redevelopment Commission

TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 19, 2023, 6:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS 50 EAST CIVIC CENTER DRIVE GILBERT, ARIZONA 85296 COMMISSION PRESENT STAFF PRESENT TJ Claassen, Chair John Baird, Deputy Town Attorney Casey Kendel, Vice-Chair Amanda Elliott, Redevelopment Program Manager, Cassandra Updike Office of Economic Development Boe Bigelow (via Teams) Sydney Bethel Price, Redevelopment Project Manager, Office of Economic Development COMMISSION ABSENT Jim Torgeson, Councilmember Adam Baugh CALL TO ORDER OF THE REGULAR MEETING Chair Claassen called the regular meeting of the Redevelopment Commission to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Amanda Elliott, Redevelopment Program Manager, called the roll and determined that a quorum was present. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS At this time, members of the public may comment on matters not on the agenda. Accordingly, the Commission’s response is limited to responding to criticism, asking staff to review a matter commented upon, or putting a matter on a future agenda. There were no citizens in attendance wishing to speak. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS 1. Meeting Minutes – Consider approval of minutes from the regular meeting held on January 18, 2023 MOTION: Vice-Chair Kendel moved to approve the minutes of January 18, 2023, seconded by Commissioner Updike. Motion passed 4-0 via roll call. Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting April 19, 2023 1  2. Heritage District Update (discussion only; no action taken) Sydney Bethel Price, Redevelopment Project Manager, provided an overview of how the General Plan, Redevelopment Plan, and implementation standards relate to the Heritage District. There are nine projects slated for fiscal year 2023 in the District, three of which have commenced: Water Tower Plaza, ADA Sidewalk Repairs, and Vaughn Ventilator and Vaughn Basin Relocation. There are three studies ongoing: Parking Master Plan, Circulation Plan, and Utility Infrastructure Study. Big Chicken and State Forty-Eight Apparel recently opened in the District. Prep & Pastry and Mug N Shot are coming soon. Sydney Bethel Price provided an overview of placemaking projects and media & awards. There is an online portal for community engagement on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan at Gilbertaz.gov/PRMasterPlan. The Town is halfway through the 10-year redevelopment plan. Sydney Bethel Price provided an overview of key projects and goals from the plan that have been completed, are in progress, or are slated to occur in the future. She provided financial information, such as full cash value per acre and sales tax figures. Commissioner Updike asked if the Utility Infrastructure Study will compare and track existing infrastructure with the future development plan. Sydney Bethel Price responded affirmatively. Commissioner Updike asked if the information from this study will be put into 3D programs to make it easier to track issues such as leaks. Sydney Bethel Price responded that the GIS department is looking at 3D modeling. Chair Claassen requested confirmation that the 10-year Redevelopment Plan will be released in August, 2023. Sydney Bethel Price responded that the plan will reach its five- year mark in August, 2023. A new plan will not be released until 2028 unless directed by Town Council. Vice-Chair Kendel stated that there are many statistics on downtown and the generation of tax revenue. He asked if there are benchmarks to other districts or niche areas such as Mesa or the Chandler Area. Sydney Bethel Price responded that this could be investigated. Vice- Chair Kendel asked if the posters will be made available to the public. Sydney Bethel Price responded that there are no plans to sell it, but the Town has the rights to the art and it could be distributed. COMMUNICATIONS Executive Session – The Public Body may convene into an executive session at one or more times during the meeting as needed to confer with the Town Attorney for legal advice regarding any of the items listed on the agenda as authorized by A.R.S. §38-43.03.A.3. Council Liaison Jim Torgeson shared the following: Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting April 19, 2023 2   On April 18, 2023, Council approved the amended plan that services the intergovernmental agreement with the transportation authority to complete a Park & Ride study to consider potential alternate locations. This is necessary, as the Ash Street realignment will commence in 2024 and impact the Park & Ride.  In February, 2023, a resolution was adopted authorizing the Town to apply for a RAISE grant for the Water Tower Way bridge, which is a grade-separated bicycle and pedestrian crossing. On April 18, 2023, Council authorized the Town to apply for an AZ Smart Fund to potentially pay the Town’s portion of the local match, which is 20% of the RAISE grant.  Gilbert is seeking volunteers to serve on the Veteran’s Advisory Board. Applications are due April 30, 2023.  On April 26, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at the Southeast Regional Library, the Gilbert Leadership Class is holding an event on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.  On April 28, 2023, Top Gun: Maverick will be shown in The Regional Park.  On May 5, 2023, families are invited to The Regional Park at 7:00 p.m. for a band performance by Tatiana Crespo. Redevelopment Program Manager Amanda Elliott shared the following:  The Office of Economic Development has worked to realign the position of Sydney Bethel Price from Redevelopment Specialist to Redevelopment Project Manager. ADJOURN REGULAR SESSION Chair Claassen adjourned the regular meeting at 6:41 p.m. __________________________________ TJ Claassen, Chairman Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting April 19, 2023 3