HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 5/17/2011 *PLEASE NOTE: Since the Glendale City Council does not take formal action at the
Workshops,Workshop minutes are not approved by the City Council.
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MINUTES OF THE
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP SESSION
Council Chambers—Workshop Room
5850 West Glendale Avenue
May 17, 2011
1:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Elaine M. Scruggs and Councilmembers Norma S. Alvarez, Joyce
V. Clark, Yvonne J. Knaack, H. Phillip Lieberman, and Manuel D.
Martinez,
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Steven E. Frate
ALSO PRESENT: Ed Beasley, City Manager; Horatio Skeete, Assistant City Manager; Craig
Tindall, City Attorney; and Pamela Hanna, City Clerk
1. GLENDALE CENTERLINE UPDATE
CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Dick Bowers, President, R.A. Bowers and
Associates; Jim Colson, Deputy City Manager; Erik Strunk, Interim Executive Director, Parks,
Recreation and Library; Brian Friedman, Director, Economic Development; Julie Watters,
Acting Deputy Communications Director, Marketing
This is an opportunity for staff to provide City Council with an update on Centerline activities
and recent successes.
The Centerline initiative is consistent with Council's goal of one community with a vibrant city
center and one community with high-quality economic development. This program focuses on
facilitating private business investment, job creation, and the development of shopping and
entertainment opportunities in downtown Glendale.
Glendale Centerline is a geographic area bounded by 43rd Avenue to 67th Avenue, Myrtle
Avenue to Ocotillo Road.
Recent growth in Centerline includes the addition of several new business partners, the
development of diverse housing for residents, the establishment of an arts initiative, and the
various outreach efforts to draw visitors to Centerline:
• Southwest Ambulance recently made two significant investments in Centerline. The
company established their West Valley Operations Center at 5222 West Glendale Avenue
and is locating their Dispatch Operations to the Promenade at Palmaire at 5835 West
Palmaire Avenue.
• Gorman & Company recently completed Glendale Lofts. This is an in-fill development
consisting of 28 dwelling units. A 100% occupancy rate has already been realized at the
complex located at 6835 North 63rd Avenue.
• Multi-Enterprise, Inc. purchased a 43,000 square foot building at Myrtle and 67th
Avenues that will initially staff 20 employees with plans to hire more in the coming
years.
• The city has also created an arts initiative within Centerline comprised of "First
Saturdays" which provides an opportunity for local artists to showcase their talents and
attracts hundreds of visitors to Centerline on the first Saturday of each month. Another
aspect of the arts initiative includes artists painting downtown fire hydrants with unique
design themes which were solicited from more than 800 Glendale students.
• The city's Marketing Department and Convention and Visitors Bureau have both made
significant gains in drawing people to Centerline through creative cross promotional
opportunities, press coverage, and relationship building within the Centerline business
community.
On October 19, 2010, Council discussed Centerline and the Overlay District at the City Council
Workshop.
On December 1, 2009, Council reviewed and discussed Centerline and the Overlay District at the
City Council Workshop.
On May 28, 2009, Council attended a special workshop at Arizona State University (ASU)
Decision Theatre where the Spring Design Studio presented its report and vision for the Glendale
Centerline Proj ect.
In January 2009, Council entered into an intergovernmental agreement with ASU to begin work
to provide urban design solutions related to the Glendale Centerline Project.
In May 2008, discovery trips were completed by the Mayor, Council, and staff to cities in
Southern California, the greater Denver area and the greater Portland area. These visits assisted
in the development of a set of core principles, policy options and images that will help define the
downtown vision and create a frame of reference for continued dialogue.
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At the March 18, 2008, August 12, 2008, and December 16, 2008 City Council Workshops,
Council engaged in dialogue facilitated by Richard Bowers regarding Council's efforts to
enhance the vitality of the Glendale Avenue Corridor and create a vibrant city center.
At the Glendale City Council Goal Review and Strategic Planning Retreat held on November 26,
2007, Council discussed key objectives and goals for FY 2008-2009. The primary objective
identified by Council was a desire to create a clear vision for redevelopment and revitalization
within the city
Centerline will reinforce the spirit of community, promote Glendale's image and attractiveness
throughout the region and nation, and continue to ensure the city's economic foundation.
On June 24, 2010, staff presented the Overlay District to the Board of the Glendale Chamber of
Commerce.
On January 20, 2010, staff met with representatives from the Glendale Centerline Business
Alliance to seek their input with the Overlay District.
On December 10, 2009, a Centerline Open House was held at the Glendale Civic Center for the
public.
On February 26, 2009, a Centerline Property Owner Breakfast was held, and on March 11, 2009,
a Centerline Business Owner Breakfast was held. Both events took place at the Glendale Civic
Center.
Through the months of November and December 2008, the Roving Centerline Booth project was
conducted as a way to inform residents about the project and gather citizen feedback and input.
Staff took the booth to residents throughout the following areas: Arrowhead Towne Center, the
Main Library, the Community Center, Foothills Aquatic and Recreation Center, the Adult
Center, various city parks, and during Glendale Glitters.
On October 22, 2008, a Small Group Workshop, conducted by ASU, was held at the Glendale
Adult Center. This workshop included a variety of citizen participants, community leaders, and
businesses where feedback and questions were addressed.
On October 18, 2008, a Visioning Fair was held at Murphy Park to engage the public in creating
a vision for the Glendale Avenue Corridor.
On September 20, 2008, a Congress of Neighborhoods was held at the Glendale Civic Center to
inform and gather input from a select group of community members.
On September 16, 2008, a Business Breakfast was held at the Glendale Civic Center to engage
the local business community in the Glendale Avenue Corridor initiative
This is for Council information only. Staff is available to answer any questions regarding the
information provided.
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Dick Bowers, President, R.A. Bowers, provided a brief history on the Centerline project. He
highlighted the Council's and staff's discovery trip principals in May of 2008. He noted some of
the Council's observations on those trips.
• Have little open public spaces
• Be insistent on historic preservation
• Public art
• Mixed use
• Preserve local flavor
• Be creative... set policy to support
• Streetscapes define spaces
• Many activities & events to create vibrancy
• Active street level business without dead space
• Creative use of financial tools
• Create connections
Mr. Bowers discussed the difficulty of the economy and its effects on projects. He explained
that even then, the Council knew the importance of being prepared as well as preparing for when
the economy strengthened itself to move forward on the vision of Centerline. He commended
staff for doing a great deal on this project and noted the many successes along the way. He
personally believes this was an incredible opportunity, as this economy is starting to reopen. He
stated it was a privilege to be speaking today and be a part of this project.
Jim Colson, Deputy City Manager, stated today they had a Multi-Disciplinary Team present to
provide a comprehensive update on activities on Centerline. The presentation today will include
a review of Council's vision and direction as well as specific activities and successes that have
occurred within the Centerline. Additionally, staff will introduce what they hope is the first of
many policy initiatives that will be brought forward to facilitate growth within Centerline.
Brian Friedman, Director, Economic Development, stated the city continues to focus on
attracting retail, industrial, office and residential investments to Centerline. Centerline office
and industrial occupancy rates are above valley-wide averages. They will continue to focus on
redevelopment efforts to best position themselves to capitalize on new opportunities for both
privately owned sites as well as city owned properties. He was pleased to announce the city was
working with the owner of the Sugar Beet Factory and will shortly submit renovation plans for
this historic Glendale landmark. He explained that to further the vision, staff will work closely
with property owners, the business community, brokers, developers and investors to promote
Centerline. He stated that as new companies choose Glendale, they are provided opportunities to
foster long-term relationships for the company and city benefit, allowing for multiple successes.
He indicated just this week; Multi-Enterprises Inc. purchased a 43,000 square foot building at
the corner of Myrtle and 67th Avenue that will staff 20 employees with plans to hire more in
coming years. Some successes in the Centerline area are: Glendale Lofts, Southwest
Ambulance Operations Center, Southwest Ambulance Dispatch Center and Multi-Enterprise Inc.
He noted both Southwest Ambulance locations have brought 150 jobs into the area.
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Erik Strunk, Interim Executive Director, Parks, Recreation and Library, explained that a sense of
connection, a sense of being vital, revitalized, and a dynamic environment, was key to
redevelopment in an area that would feed off itself. He stated Centerline continues to emerge as
a destination for merchants, residents, and visitors and has joined creative forces with the arts
world. Over the past ten months, the city began a partnership with the Fusion Foundation, local
downtown merchants and residents in the Centerline area. Last October, they also started an
event called First Saturdays. The event was established in a renovated alleyway just behind 58th
Avenue, and to date, the city has had eight Saturday events. He remarked it was important to
note on the first Saturday 15 vendors participated. However, the most recent event showcased
more than 70 participants, which indicates the popularity and participation of the community.
This has increased foot traffic in the area and has become the place to go on Saturdays. The
second event the city, merchants and residents have been working on was an arts mosaic project.
He stated one will be installed on a portion of the Bitz-ee Mama's Restaurant wall facing the
public alleyway. Merchants and community members have been working with Las Artes de
Maricopa since January to design a mural which was significant to Glendale and the community.
He commented about the Elementary School project to paint the fire hydrants downtown, which
had over 800 participants. This project was done in conjunction with the Glendale Fire
Department, Fusion Foundation and local schools. He indicated 59 entries were selected and are
being professionally painted by artists throughout the downtown Centerline area. He added the
response from the merchants, residents and artists has been extremely positive. He explained
that moving forward, they want to keep this momentum and create more art initiatives for
Centerline in downtown Glendale. They believe this will add to the ambiance, add a sense of
connection and a sense of place. He discussed the importance of the alleyway area
enhancements and the projects moving forward.
Julie Watters, Acting Deputy Communications Director, Marketing, stated this portion of the
presentation focuses on the work that has been done to tell the story and opportunity of
Centerline. In the beginning stages, their outreach included publicizing the community forum
resulting in attendance of over 850 residents and businesses. Since then, their overall media has
included television and newspaper. She noted merchants have noticed and business has
increased because of promotional efforts. She remarked Bitz-ee Mama's has seen a 20%
increase in business during First Saturday's Centerline artwork events. The Glendale Shoe
company also reported 80 new customers. Additionally, many artists who are involved with
First Saturdays now want to use available downtown Centerline space for Pop-up Art Galleries.
She explained Pop-up Art Galleries were small galleries in empty space where artists can display
their work. The city is also communicating electronically with more than 27,000 visitors to their
website. She noted the downtown festivals and events have also contributed greatly with almost
400,000 people annually, as well as the Convention and Visitors Bureau. She discussed the
national exposure for the businesses in Centerline from the marketing efforts in Sunset and
Southwest Airline's Spirit Magazines with an advertising value of $228,000. She noted there
had been an immediate increase in inquiries about the city after these articles were published.
Mr. Colson stated staff will continue to bring life to the Centerline vision. Although they are
able to point to some successes, they understand they need to maintain focus and continue to
work to bring more practical results. He explained they were aggressively reaching out to the
business community to ensure they are engaged in the process and understand and share the
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vision going forward. He discussed the series of meetings and seminars with property and
business owners to attract new customers and increase profitability. He noted their goal was to
remain engaged with the business and property owners to identify opportunities and issues very
early on to create partnerships based on effective communication and performance that is
measurable. He added a key objective is to encourage more active private sector leadership to
drive these initiatives and focus on specific performance.
Mr. Colson asked to touch on two very important topics before introducing Mr. Jon Froke to
briefly summarize the Centerline Overlay District. He explained the first topic was the
importance of honoring history in Centerline. He stated it was imperative the future be built on
the rich heritage of the past. The Centerline will be successful because they will be able to
celebrate and maintain the ambiance and character while enhancing their economic vitality. The
second topic is to recognize the very important role of policy initiatives as tools that are vital to
facilitating redevelopment.
Mayor Scruggs asked the Councilmembers to take time to comment and celebrate the success of
the Centerline District before leading into the next item, the public policy program overlay
district.
Councilmember Clark stated Centerline remains an exciting prospect and project for the future.
She has no doubts that over time, it will become exactly what they envision. She explained a
very important aspect to the success of this project was flexibility. She noted it often takes a
long time to go from point A to point B, therefore, the more flexibility they can build into any of
the policy discussions will be better served by having that option. She agrees with preserving
the historic aspects and building upon it was critical. However, a greater aspect to this project
was the introduction of art. She stated art brought a lot of bang for the buck as discussed with
First Saturdays, which have raised revenues by 20%. She noted there was no greater testament
to the power of bringing art to a public venue and what it could do for a community
economically. She commended Ms. Justine Cornelius, Senior Management Assistant, who
jumped in and embraced art and the whole concept. She also thanked her for her efforts in
working with the Fusion Foundation Group. She remarked on the sidewalk street art and how
this brought a lot of people and interest to the area. She commented on the Pop-up Galleries and
its setbacks. She suggested staff invite professional artists to the First Saturday's events such as
potters, woodworkers and weavers, which can be readily found. She also suggested the city find
some cheap space to rent to sublease to professional craftspeople or artists where they can
practice and sell their craft in the same spot. She thanked staff for their wonderful presentation.
She stated it was very exciting to hear about the potential of Centerline. She realizes everyone
hopes this economy would turn around quickly so they could implement some of the great ideas
incorporated in Centerline. She asked everyone to keep the faith and Centerline will happen and
be reborn.
Councilmember Alvarez agreed this was a wonderful presentation. However, she would like to
see more partnerships with schools to where they could come to the amphitheater during the
school year and give some kind of performances. She added parents love to see their children
perform and this will help bring families out to the Centerline area.
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Councilmember Knaack stated Centerline is alive and well and wants people to realize that since
she was asked daily what was happening with the Centerline project, she believes they still need
to communicate that this project has not died. She stated as a downtown business and property
owner, she supports everything presented today. She noted there are many other downtown
business and property owners who also have a great investment in downtown Glendale. She
noted many will be happy to hear everything that has and is taking place in Centerline. She
added window art was an option; however, artists will not provide their art for free and
businesses were already struggling with the bad economy. She explained there was a difference
with a business owner verses a property owner. She believes the city needs to focus on the
property owner since they are the ones that will make the upgrades and changes to their
businesses. She discussed the legislature's passage of the sign-walker law and how she believes
it to be a detriment to the community. She explained sign-walkers had been advertising in front
of her insurance business with a huge cigarette sign. She knows these are legal; however,
believes the city needs to work with them and the area businesses they affect. She was also
concerned with the tattoo shops and now the smoke shops in the area.
Councilmember Martinez stated this had been a great presentation and was glad to hear from
staff on this item. He hopes a lot of people tune in today because these were excellent
presentations that provide a good picture of how well the project was progressing and the results
that have occurred. He added it was great to have the perspective of a downtown business owner
who also sits on the Council. He noted it was also good to hear from a business owner he spoke
with who was still very selective to whom he rents to on the Centerline, which was refreshing to
know in this economy. He thanked staff for all their hard work and a great presentation.
Councilmember Lieberman thanked staff for all their hard work and all they have done.
However, none of it applies to the mile of his district that was in Centerline. He commented
about the many businesses in that mile that have been stalled because of the economy. He
explained this was unfortunate since this was the entrance to Glendale. He listed several
businesses which he previously owned and all the businesses that were open years ago on that
mile, which in those days were very valuable. He discussed Council's discovery trips and all the
wonderful ideas they came back with. He believes the city needs to put massive amounts of
money in that mile to bring businesses into the area. He noted that businesses relocating into the
area now were not businesses that typically draw everyday neighborhood businesses into an area.
He reiterated he would like to see the city invest money in a project that will draw other projects
into the gateway to the City of Glendale.
Mayor Scruggs stated three years ago this month, the Council was on their visits to other cities in
other states. She explained that viewing the Glendale alleyway enhancement slides today could
have been something seen on her tour trip three years ago. Accordingly, she sees a tremendous
amount of progress being made since their trips, in a very short amount of time. Because of this,
she wanted to take this opportunity for the Council to celebrate the many successes that have
happened in an extraordinarily difficult economic time. She commended staff on the tremendous
work that has happened even with the horrendous slide in the economy. She also commended
Ms. Watters on her great marketing effort on getting this news out when they have had to
compete with the media's obsessive attention to other projects that begin with a "C". She noted
the media did not write about other happenings in the city other than those two "C" projects.
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She suggests staff find a way to highlight the fire hydrant project and celebrate the student's art
that was selected, perhaps on Glendale's website. She also commended Mr. Friedman on the
many emails coming from him recognizing new economic development business successes. She
explained the emails were getting very frequent and rapid and hopes it keeps up. She once again
thanked staff for their presentation on the city's great progress on this issue and believes the only
thing lacking was that nobody likes to pay attention to success.
Councilmember Clark remarked on the Bead Museum and how it was now vacant. She
suggested they use that space for the Pop-up Art Galleries in conjunction with First Saturday and
Alleyway Art. She explained in her opinion, the only disappointing factor with the Centerline
project was that it continues to be a city initiative and would like to see more business support.
She noted in Council's discovery trips, other cities had thriving business associations that
collected dues and contributed to their marketing of downtown. She noted that was still an issue
that needs to be addressed. She believes this issue cannot come from the city, but rather the
business community that have to decide to partner with the city and invest in Centerline. As to
Councilmember Lieberman's comments regarding city investments, they are now in very
different economic times and doubts they will see "boom" for a long time. Therefore, every city
dollar was precious, so when they invest, they need to invest with identifiable and achievable
goals.
Councilmember Alvarez explained that in fairness to the downtown businesses, she believes they
are ready to work together and move forward to better their businesses and communities. She
noted some were discussing possibly forming an association to develop downtown. She stated
the Mexican Fiestas could be something the city can bring back since it was a great success in
the past. She added Glendale was the first city in Arizona to have a Mexican Fiesta in 1933 and
believes it will bring a lot of people to Glendale. She noted they had enough volunteers for this
project with only little guidance from the city.
Mayor Scruggs commented on the sign-walker issue and asked staff to include another discipline
in their Multi-Disciplinary Task Force for the Intergovernmental Program Department. She
remarked the sign—walker business was out of control. She believes the reasons for allowing this
initiative was not good public policy. This policy actually detracts from other businesses since it
was granting rights to one business and ignoring another. She understands sidewalks are private,
however, when it starts hurting businesses it seems like this turned into a right that was being
abused. On another matter, as a publicity item for the community, she wanted to make staff
aware Glendale High School's Centennial was this year.
Councilmember Lieberman commented on a meeting they had at Glendale High School, as their
first attempt to do exactly what they were attempting today. He stated that Councilmember
Alvarez was an interpreter then and had attended that meeting. He explained that back then, the
project was called Magnetic Mile. He noted this was the third start of this project that he knows
of in the past 30 years and hopefully it's the best and last.
Councilmember Martinez inquired as to the plan the city had for Thunderbird Lounge and the
cleaners. He thought they were going to be demolished. Mr. Ed Beasley, City Manager, stated
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there are no plans to demolish them at this point. They are still trying to see if they were able to
market them along with the other properties.
Councilmember Martinez stated he supports Councilmember Alvarez's suggestion regarding the
Mexican Fiesta and remembers bringing it back several years ago. The Fiesta was successful for
a few years; however, because of possible competition from other cities, the attendance
decreased. He asked staff if it was known why attendance dropped off. Councilmember Alvarez
stated she believes it was the way the event was marketed. She explained they need someone in
marketing that knows the community, culture and history. She added there were many Hispanic
leaders in the community that would do the project for free and make it work.
Mayor Scruggs noted it was a credit to the city and everyone who has served the city in a
volunteer, elected or staff capacity that the attention on revitalization the downtown area has
continued over the past 30 years. She remarked this was not the same project that was developed
in the past by any means since Glendale was not the same as it was in the 1980's or in the 1990's
when they had the Magnetic Mile. She stated this was not unfinished business and truly believes
this was new business and a credit to everyone involved.
2. GLENDALE CENTERLINE OVERLAY DISTRICT
CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Dick Bowers, President, R.A. Bowers and
Associates; Jim Colson, Deputy City Manager; Jon M. Froke, AICP, Planning Director
This is a request to provide an update to the City Council on the proposed Glendale Centerline
Overlay District(Overlay District).
This is also a request for Council to provide guidance on the proposed Overlay District.
The proposed Overlay District is consistent with Council's goal of one community with a vibrant
city center. The proposed changes could facilitate private business investment, job creation,
employment, and the development of shopping and recreation opportunities in the Centerline.
The proposed Overlay District is also consistent with the Council goal of one community with
quality economic development, as it will provide flexible development options for businesses
wanting to locate in the Centerline.
The Overlay District is voluntary, and will provide an alternative set of development standards to
encourage development, redevelopment, and implementation of the Glendale Centerline
initiative.
Glendale Centerline is a geographic area bounded by 43rd Avenue to the east, 67th Avenue to
the west, Myrtle Avenue to the north, and Ocotillo Road to the South.
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This is a redevelopment tool that provides new and existing businesses greater opportunities
while balancing the need to preserve existing single-family neighborhoods, which are not
included in the Overlay District.
Flexible land uses, greater building heights, more floor area, and mixed-use development are
allowed if the property owner chooses to use the Overlay District.
This item was discussed at the October 19, 2010, City Council Workshop, and based on Council
comments, staff was directed to return with a modified version of the Overlay District.
On August 5, 2010, the Overlay District was initiated at the Planning Commission Workshop
and was recommended for approval at the Planning Commission Public Hearing.
Council discussed the Overlay District at the City Council Workshop on December 1, 2009.
The Overlay District was developed by staff, with input from representatives of the following
departments: Building Safety, City Attorney, City Manager, Code Compliance, Community
Partnerships, Economic Development, Marketing & Communications, and Planning in April of
2009.
The Overlay District is optional and is based on expediency, flexibility, and reduced costs to
property owners and provides opportunities to revitalize and redevelop the city's main corridor
and namesake street, Glendale Avenue.
Flexible development standards will support development or redevelopment of large parcels as
well as small and irregular parcels of land. The Overlay District is a tool that will help
implement projects in Centerline.
The existing zoning within the Overlay District will remain in effect, and development can take
place utilizing either the standards of the Overlay District, or the standards of the existing zoning
district. Existing neighborhoods are protected.
Property owners can decide if they wish to use the Overlay District or their existing zoning.
Staff has made several presentations to introduce the Overlay District to the community. It has
been extensively discussed at a variety of Centerline public meetings.
• On July 16, 2010, notification postcards of the public hearing were mailed to 59 property
owners on the Interested Parties List in the Cactus and Ocotillo Districts as well as the
Interested Parties on the City-Wide Additional Notification List. Additionally, on July
15, 2010, a Notice of Public Hearing was published in The Glendale Star for the August
5, 2010, Planning Commission Public Hearing.
• On July 1, 2010, staff, as the applicant, mailed 59 notification letters to property owners
listed as Interested Parties in the Cactus and Ocotillo Districts and all other individuals
on the City-Wide Additional Notification List.
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• On June 24, 2010, staff presented the Overlay District to the Board of the Glendale
Chamber of Commerce.
• On March 17, 2010, staff presented the Overlay District to the Glendale Centerline
Business Alliance Board. The Alliance Board requested that the integrity of the existing
Catlin Court Planned Area Development (PAD) be preserved. As a result of this
meeting, the Catlin Court and adjacent PADs were removed from the proposed Overlay
District.
• On January 20, 2010, staff met with representatives from the Glendale Centerline
Business Alliance to seek their input with the Overlay District.
• On January 14, 2010, and January 28, 2010, staff met with Irwin Pasternak Associates
and Butler Design Group Architects who have recently developed and/or designed
buildings in Glendale. Both design firms support the Overlay District.
Upon final review and direction from City Council, the Overlay District will be brought forward
for a final public hearing and adoption as an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance.
Staff is seeking guidance from Council on the proposed Glendale Centerline Overlay District.
Mr. Jon M. Froke, AICP, Planning Director, provided a brief summary on the Centerline Overly
District. He explained that honoring their history and building their future was a strong
foundation and the essence of the Centerline planning efforts. The Centerline promotes
innovative urban design that recognizes the city's distinct history. He noted Glendale has a rich
history based on decades of developments. The downtown area was developed in the late 1800's
and many buildings still exist from that time frame. The historic preservation efforts are strong
in Glendale and have been a goal and commitment of the Historic Preservation Commission
created by Council in 1991. The Centerline redevelopment efforts are focused on recognizing
their heritage and enhancing it. He listed the many accomplishments from a historic
preservation standpoint such as proclaiming May as National Historic Preservation Month and
the 16th Annual Ruth Byrne's Historic Preservation award, Thunderbird Tower Renovation as
well others.
Mr. Froke explained the Overlay District is voluntary, and will provide an alternative set of
development standards to encourage development, redevelopment, and implementation of the
Glendale Centerline initiative. He stated Glendale has successfully used overlay districts
throughout the city for the past quarter century. He noted the property owner decides whether to
utilize their existing zoning or to explore the overlay district options with the city's project team.
The four Character Areas proposed to define geographic areas are, Midtown, Beet Sugar,
Historic Downtown and Market.
Mr. Froke explained Council last reviewed the Overlay District at a Workshop on October 19,
2010. He stated since that meeting, a lot of changes have been made addressing some of the
issues at the workshop. He noted that some issues addressed were the administrative relief
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eliminated from the Overlay, Conditional Use Permit required for live music if located within
500 feet of residentially zoned properties, neighborhood protection provided through the citizen
participation process and mitigation efforts and schools were eliminated from the Overlay. He
noted this was an innovative tool that adds a lot to their ability to work with property owners,
investors and businesses downtown.
Mr. Colson stressed the total commitment of staff to continue to push forward with the
Centerline in order to make their vision a reality. They will also continue to remain engaged
with the businesses community to encourage both the implementation of initiatives and also
private sector leadership. They look forward to doing this again in the fall as they continue to
make progress. Additionally, they will come back in June with the Overlay District to Council
for adoption as the first of many policy initiatives staff will bring forward to support this
accomplishment that was in line with their vision.
Councilmember Martinez asked a question regarding a railroad property issue. Mr. Froke stated
the properties he believes would be great for infill would be the triangle from Myrtle to Grand
Avenue and this was not railroad owned. Another location would be the triangle adjacent to
Grand Avenue, north of Glendale, south of Myrtle and east of 62nd Avenue. He noted some of
those were owned by the railroad. Councilmember Martinez asked if the southeast corner was
owned by the railroad. Mr. Froke replied yes. Councilmember Martinez wished something
could be done to acquire that area; however, knows there were issues preventing it. Mr. Colson
explained they have had several discussions with railroad personnel; however, have not reached
a compromise. Councilmember Martinez suggested they possibly get permission to do some
small scale landscaping in the area to make it look a little nicer. He asked staff to look into it.
He also commented on abandoned homes in the heart of Glendale and would like to see if
something could be done. He realizes a lot of these properties were owned by out-of-state
owners; however, would really like to address this problem.
Mayor Scruggs stated banks used to have specific funds addressing these issues and wondered if
they still existed. She believed they were called Community Investment Funds. Mr. Colson
stated he was not sure if they still existed. Staff will research this item. Councilmember Clark
believes they were still in existence; however, the appropriation funds have dried up to basically
nothing.
Councilmember Lieberman commented the railroad did not use to own all that property. Mr.
Froke stated he will check on the ownership and follow-up with Council.
Councilmember Knaack remarked she was curious to find out how many rental properties
compared to owner occupied around the Centerline area. She believes out-of-town investors
were buying them cheap and not repairing them.
Councilmember Clark stated the 18 page proposal for the Centerline Project was pure gold. She
explained it provides the type of flexibility they were looking for as well as provides property
owners an opportunity to stay with their zoning or have the opportunity for the overlay. She
stated this does what they want it to do for the Centerline area. She was also glad there were
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four distinct areas since one shoe does not fit all in this case. She once again thanked staff for all
their hard work on this issue and was extremely pleased with the product presented.
Mayor Scruggs agreed this was a great product with a lot of time and effort put into it. She
noted this will come back to Council at a later time for a vote. She thanked Mr. Bowers for all
his help in facilitating the meetings and encouraging them along the way.
Mr. Bowers stated this was a sound policy that will encourage the business community to come
and work together. He told a story about some friends who came out to Glendale Centerline for
something new to do and had a wonderful evening and enjoyed just walking around. He noted
their last comment was "wouldn't it be wonderful if other cities in the area followed their lead?"
3. REDISTRICTING CRITERIA
CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Pamela Hanna, City Clerk; Dr. Alan Heslop,
Consultant, National Demographics Corporation
This is a request for City Council to provide guidance concerning the criteria to be used for
redistricting. The consultant will use the criteria to develop draft district map plans.
This request addresses Council's goal of one community with high-quality services for citizens
by creating a redistricting process that ensures the public's voting rights will be protected and
that a diverse and engaged citizenry will have a voice in helping to develop the new Council
district boundaries.
On March 10, 2011, the United States Census Bureau released current census figures.
Glendale's population grew to 226,721. Based on this figure, each of the city's districts should
contain 37,787 persons (total population divided by six Council districts).
On April 26, 2011, Council awarded the proposal to National Demographics Corporation.
On April 5, 2011, Council discussed redistricting at the workshop.
Redistricting protects voter's rights by ensuring population equality in Council districts.
Staff is seeking guidance on the criteria to be used in the redistricting process.
Pamela Hanna, City Clerk, explained the city was required to redistrict its boundaries at least
every ten years. The last redistricting effort followed the 2000 Census. In order for the city to
continue to use the Maricopa County election system for their elections, the county has informed
the city they must submit the final Council adopted redistricting plan by October 2011. This
plan is also required by the Justice Department. The new voting district boundaries will first be
used for the August 28, 2012 primary elections. She introduced Dr. Alan Heslop with the
National Demographic Corporation, whose company will be assisting the city with its
redistricting process.
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Dr. Heslop stated it was great to be back in Glendale for its redistricting. He explained that
redistricting was often a dirty word because it was a process that was sometimes abused. He
noted the term was gerrymandering and was against the public's interest. He discussed the many
different forms of abusive redistricting or gerrymandering. He explained a couple of decades
ago, Glendale decided it wanted no part of this sort of abusive redistricting and committed itself
to an open public process where citizens would have full input and participation.
Dr. Heslop stated the 2010 Census total population was 226,721. The ideal population per
district was 37,787. He noted that making districts equal in population was simple; however,
attention must be given to minority communities, as well as input from communities, if not, they
are engaging in gerrymandering. He explained the truth was that the court opened the door to
gerrymandering when it insisted on population equality. However, over time, population
equality has tightened. He noted if they depart from exact equality, they have to explain why.
He indicated that was why they suggest the Council formally adopt criteria and rules as to how
they will equalize the population and meet the requirement of the Department of Justice System
and of the Federal Voting Rights Act.
Dr. Heslop discussed the AZ Statute 9-473.B which states "each district shall contain a nearly
equal number of inhabitants at the time of the redistricting and shall consist of contiguous
territory in as compact form as possible." He also discussed the reasons identified and approved
by the US Supreme Court as justifiable reasons for small population deviations. Some include
community interest, visible boundaries, population growth, compactness and contiguity, and
preserving the core of existing districts. He reiterated his hope that Council adopts criteria for
this item. He stated the proposed schedule for this item is as follows: May 17, 2011- Council
Workshop, May 24, 2011- Council consideration of criteria, June/July/Aug — Public hearings
one in each district, August 16, 2011 — Council Workshop, September 13, 2011 — Council
Meeting and by October 1, 2011- Submittal to County Elections and Department of Justice.
Councilmember Martinez asked a question regarding Section 5- avoid retrogression. Dr. Heslop
stated their attorney should cover this item in detail. However, the main point is that one cannot
go backwards. If minority representation has been achieved, they cannot pare it back. He
believes that in Glendale, this will not be a significant issue.
Councilmember Clark commented that a representative from National Demographic Corporation
has met with all the Councilmembers to discuss the suggested redistricting criteria. She believes
the NDC was spot-on with their recommendations and has no problem with any of the criteria
and will be glad to support it.
Mayor Scruggs suggested they change the color of the map percentages since they look very
much alike. She stated Council was comfortable with the criteria presented, therefore, provided
direction to move forward.
As no further business was discussed, Mayor Scruggs adjourned the meeting.
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ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
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