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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission - Meeting Date: 9/25/2014THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014 4:00 P.M. — CONFERENCE ROOM 2A GLENDALE CITY HALL 5850 WEST GLENDALE AVENUE I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at approximately 4:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Commissioners Berryhill, Coury, Versluis, Hackenberg, and Chairperson Myers were present. Commissioners Absent: Commissioners Lund and Wixon were absent. City Staff Present: Jon Froke, AICP, Planning Director and Historic Preservation Officer, Thomas Ritz, AICP, Senior Planner; Tom Dixon, Senior Planner, Andrew Kezele, Planning Intern, Matt Dudley, Transit Manager, and Diana Figueroa, Recording Secretary Guests Present: Woman's Club Members III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Myers called for a Motion for the Approval of the December 12, 2013 meeting minutes. Commissioner Berryhill Made a Motion to Approve the minutes as written. Chairperson Myers Seconded the Motion, which passed unanimously. IV. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR Chairperson Myers called for Business From The Floor. There was none. V. WITHDRAWALS AND CONTINUANCES Chairperson Myers called for Withdrawals and Continuances. There were none. VI. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS Letter from the Government Services Committee Jon Froke, Planning Director and Historic Preservation Officer, stated that the Government Services Committee asked that every Commissioner and Board Member received a copy of this letter. He indicated that no action is needed from the Commission on this agenda item. September 25, 2014 Minutes Historic Preservation Commission Page 2 2. Valley Metro Rail Presentation. The Commission heard a presentation from Valley Metro Rail regarding future plans for high capacity transit and the potential for extending the light rail system from Phoenix to Glendale. Mr. Froke stated Valley Metro has presented this information to many Boards and Commissions in Glendale for informational purposes as well as for feedback from the different Commissions and Boards. Mr. Matthew Dudley, Transportation Division, provided a brief summary on Valley Metro while waiting for the presenter. Ms. Jennifer Pyne, Valley Metro, stated that last year they started a planning study to look at transit options for investment and more transit services in the valley. The light rail study is about two years in length and they are about halfway through. She noted that ridership continues to increase in the valley and across the United States. She explained that Maricopa County voters approved Proposition 400 in 2004 extending the 1983 county -wide transportation tax. The half -cent on every dollar of goods purchased funds for the Regional Transportation Plan, which includes basic transit services. Since 2004, transit receives one-third of the half -cent tax, which is used for regional bus services and high-capacity transit services such as light rail, bus rapid transit and streetcar. The half -cent sales tax, along with federal matching funds and other funding sources, is projected to provide $6.9 billion in public transportation improvements through 2026. She stated that Valley Metro is the regional public transportation agency providing coordinated, multi -modal transit options to residents of greater Phoenix. Valley Metro plans, develops and operates the regional bus and light rail systems and alternative transportation programs for commuters, seniors and people with disabilities. She noted that in 1993, the name Valley Metro was adopted as the identity for the regional transit system in the metropolitan Phoenix region. In 2008, the first 20 miles of light rail began service. Currently, seven light rail extensions are planned or are under construction that will create a 60 -mile system by 2034. She added that fixed -route bus, light rail transit and alternative transportation programs also receive funding from the Federal Transit Administration, Arizona Department of Transportation, Maricopa Association of Governments and member agencies. Commissioner Berryhill asked if it were to come to Glendale Avenue, would there only be rail and no vehicles. Ms. Pyne responded there would be both light rail and vehicles down Glendale Avenue. She also explained the issues in taking light rail further down Glendale Avenue. However, they are still looking at all options. Commissioner Hackenberg remarked that Northern Avenue and Camelback Road have been taken out of consideration. Ms. Pyne noted that only Northern was no longer an option but Camelback Road is still being considered. Commissioner Hackenberg asked if they had considered the light rail connecting to the Gus Bus. Ms. Pyne said yes. 2 September 25, 2014 Minutes Historic Preservation Commission Page 3 Chairperson Myers inquired as to what was wrong with the current bus system that warrants this transportation system be put in place. Ms. Pyne stated the bus system was currently very busy and this would improve service for the public. It would also be faster and provide more capacity. She added it was a great economic factor for the city. Commissioner Versluis stated that many people do not want to travel to Camelback Road and believe it was a bad area. She noted that they had to be very careful where they put the rail. Mr. Dixon commented on how this would impact property values and development and how they were looking into it. Commissioner Berryhill asked what the Street Car speed was. Ms. Pyne noted they were not looking at that option but the car moves about the speed of a bus. Commissioner Berryhill discussed the advantages of using Street Cars. Chairperson Myers inquired if there will be any issues with vibration to buildings with the light rail. Ms. Pyne stated that studies are being conducted in regards to that issue. Commissioner Versluis noted they have to make sure they do not damage historical buildings. Everyone agreed. Ms. Pyne stated they were moving towards having a recommendation for a preferred route early next year. They will continue to work to assess the best opportunities and options for Glendale. Commissioner Coury commented that Valley Metro has been doing a great and thorough job with their studies and surveys. 3. Discussion on FY14-15 Work Plan. Jon Froke, Planning Director, distributed the Work Plan and asked the Commission to look through it and provide comments or questions. The Commission discussed neighborhoods in their districts and how they fit into the work plan. Mr. Froke talked about parts of the plan that included outreach programs, awareness projects and awards. Commissioner Coury made a Motion to Accept the FY14-15 Work Plan. Commissioner Hackenberg seconded the Motion, which was approved unanimously. VII. OTHER BUSINESS Chairperson Myers called for Other Business. There was none. VIII. STAFF REPORT Chairperson Myers called for the Staff's Report. Mr. Froke provided an update to the Commission on the vacant site on 58th Avenue and Palmaire Avenue. He stated the 3 September 25, 2014 Minutes Historic Preservation Commission Page 4 building was removed from the site last winter and that the property is slated to be redeveloped in the future. IX. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Chairperson Myers called for Commission Comments and Suggestions. Commissioner Berryhill asked to research the historic value of flood irrigation and what this brought to the City of Glendale. Mr. Froke stated he would look into it. Chairperson Myers stated she would like to suggest for them to start collecting stories or memories about Glendale and its establishments. She believes this would bring real value to be able to collect them and put in their library. She hopes to make it a part of their heritage. Commissioner Berryhill inquired if the Commission interfaced with the Historical Glendale Society. Mr. Froke responded yes and explained the Commission's role as well as Mr. Ron Short's position as President of the Glendale Historical Society. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:08 p.m. NEXT MEETING The next regularly scheduled meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2015. 4