CITY OF MESA

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD

STUDY SESSION

Held in the City of Mesa Council Chamber (Lower Level)

June 16, 2009 at 7:30 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT

Pat Esparza, Chair Chell Roberts (excused)

Frank Mizner, Vice Chair

Randy Carter

Beth Coons

Scott Perkinson

OTHERS PRESENT

John Wesley

Tom Ellsworth

Jeff McVay

Gordon Sheffield

Margaret Robertson

Debbie Archuleta

Others

Chairperson Esparza declared a quorum present and the meeting was called to order at 7:30 a.m.

1. Review items on the agenda for the June 17, 2009 regular Planning & Zoning hearing.

The items on the June 17, 2009, agenda were discussed. No formal action was taken.

2. Election of officers:

Boardmember Carter nominated Vice-Chair Mizner to be the next Chair, the nomination was seconded by Boardmember Perkinson.

Vote: Passed 5 – 0

Vice-Chair Mizner nominated Boardmember Carter to be the next Vice-Chair the nomination was seconded by Boardmember Coons.

Boardmember Carter was concerned that as acting Chair he would not be able to make motions.

Vote: Passed 5 – 0

3. Planning Director’s Updates:

Mr. Wesley explained that the current proposal would be for Planning staff to review projects for compliance with Chapter 14 of the Zoning Code. The Design Review Board would be a 5 member appeals Board. The Board would also review any City projects, and would meet at least quarterly to review what staff has been doing.

Mr. Wesley stated the Downtown Development Committee would be eliminated and zoning cases for the Downtown would come before the Planning and Zoning Board just like the rest of the City.

Boardmember Carter stated he was concerned with staff doing Design Review of projects. He stated Lesley Davis was very qualified and he thought Tom Ellsworth understood aesthetics, but he was concerned with staff doing all reviews. Mr. Wesley stated the City might hire an architect on contract to help with the review of some projects. He stated the Planning and Zoning Board would probably see more information with their review including color elevations. Mr. Carter thought there needed to be public review of overall aesthetics. He was concerned there could be pressure placed on staff to approve projects.

Zoning Administrator, Gordon Sheffield, stated the Planning and Zoning Board gives advice to Council on everything in Title 11, including Chapter 14.

Mr. Wesley introduced Margaret Robertson of the City Attorney’s office to the Board.

4. Minutes – submit any corrections, additions, deletions.

The minutes should reflect that Chell Roberts was excused at the May meetings.

The meeting adjourned at 8:01 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

___________________________________

John Wesley, Secretary

Planning Director

NOTE: Audiotapes of the Planning & Zoning Study Sessions are

available in the Planning Division Office for review.