August 9, 2021 Work Session Minutes
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Meeting Minutes
City Council Work Session
August 9, 2021 | 4:00 p.m.
Council Chambers Conference Room
88 E. Chicago St., Chandler, AZ
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kevin Hartke at 4:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Council Attendance
Appointee Attendance
Mayor Kevin Hartke
Josh Wright, Acting City Manager
Vice Mayor Mark Stewart
Debra Stapleton, Assistant City Manager
Councilmember OD Harris
Kelly Schwab, City Attorney
Councilmember Terry Roe
Dana DeLong, City Clerk
Councilmember René Lopez
Councilmember Christine Ellis
Councilmember Orlando
Staff in Attendance
Matt Burdick, Communications and Public Affairs Director
Derek Horn, Development Services Director
Kevin Mayo, Planning Administrator
David De La Torre, Planning Manager
Micah Miranda, Economic Development Director
Steven Turner, Acting Airport Manager
Thomas Allen, Assistant City Attorney
Lauren Schumann, Senior City Planner
Leslie Dornfeld, Plan*et Communities
Danny Court, Elliot D. Pollack and Company
Discussion
1.
Presentation and discussion regarding the Chandler Airpark Area Plan Update.
MAYOR HARTKE introduced the item and called for a staff presentation.
Page 2 of 14
JOSHUA WRIGHT, Acting City Manager, said the last time this was discussed was March 2020 and the
last update to the Airpark Area Plan was 1998.
DEREK HORN, Development Services Director, presented the following presentation.
• Chandler Airpark Area Plan Update
LAUREN SCHUMANN, Senior City Planner, continued the presentation.
• Work To Date
o City Council Input
▪ August 15, 2019, City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission Joint Meeting
▪ 2019 Budget Package
▪ March 23, 2020, Agreement with PLAN*et Communities
▪ March 26, 2020, City Council Work Session
• Summary of the Update
• Evaluated Available Land
• Refined Proposed Land Uses
• Provided Design Standards to Ensure Quality Architecture
• Reduced the Boundaries
• Updated the Airport Conflicts Evaluation
• Chandler Airpark Area: Draft Land Use Map
LESLIE DORNFELD, PLAN*ET COMMUNITIES, continued the presentation.
• Presentation Outline
o Work To Date
o What We Know About the Airpark Area Market
▪ Growth and Targeted Industries
▪ Lining Growth to Design
o What We learned from Citizen Engagement
▪ Focus Group
▪ October 2020 Community Survey
o Bringing It All Together: Draft Airpark Area Plan Concept
o Design: Building Typologies
o Next Steps
• Existing Plans
• 1984 Chandler Airpark Area Master Plan
• 1998 Chandler Airpark Area Plan
• 2016 Chandler General Plan
• Chandler Municipal Airport Master Plan
• 2020 Chandler Airpark Area Plan
• 2021 Chandler Transportation Plan
• Chandler Water, Wastewater, Reclaimed Water Master Plan Update
• 2021-2023 Chandler Strategic Framework
Page 3 of 14
• Chandler Economic Development Strategic Plan
• Work To Date
o Ongoing Public Engagement
▪ Project Kick-Off
▪ Focus Group
• Listen
o Community Survey
o Discussion Groups
▪ Develop Scenarios
▪ Draft Scenario
▪ Draft Final Scenario
▪ City Council Adoption
DANNY COURT, Elliot D. Pollack and Company, continued the presentation.
• Market
o Current employment
o Future growth opportunities
o Targeted sectors
o Available sites
• Commercial Inventory
• Chandler Airpark Employment By Industry
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked if this is what they currently have.
MR. COURT said yes.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked what was identified as education at the airpark.
MR. COURT said that could be in there and he could get more detailed information. These clusters are
defined by Maricopa Association of Governments. This could be the Chandler Unified School District
Bus Barn or flight schools.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked about fuel service.
MR. COURT said that was likely part of a larger category.
MR. COURT continued the presentation.
• Commercial Demand Forecast
o Population & Job Growth 2018-2055
▪ City of Chandler
▪ Source: MAG 2019
o Chandler – 63,800 new jobs by 2055
o Population & Job Growth 2018-2055
Page 4 of 14
▪ Chandler Airpark Area
▪ Source: MAG 2019
o Chandler Airpark – 12,600 new jobs by 2055 (20% capture rate)
• Commercial Projects: 2.5+mm SF Proposed
• Target Industries
o Strategy focused on businesses in target industries/technologies.
o Look for fit with local industry clusters, growth potential, high wage jobs.
o Automotive Technology
o Aviation & Aerospace
o Advanced Business Svcs.
o Healthcare
o High-Tech Manufacturing
o IT and Software
• Commercial Demand Forecast
o Forecasted Employment Land Demand 2020-2055 Chandler Airpark
COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ asked about retail and hospitality and if that included a hotel.
MR. COURT said that is what they are saying. There is a little bit of retail land on the corners, but this
is mostly for hospitality.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if there are additional clusters that are looked at.
MR. COURT said there is enough generality here that it will work. It is broad enough and their job was
to determine if there was enough land for that type of user.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if these were broad enough to encompass any new companies or
emerging technologies.
MR. COURT said it is broad enough and the area plan is flexible to accommodate any emerging
industry and long as it is conducive to be a neighbor to the Airport.
MS. DORNFELD said when they met with the Airport Commission, they discussed the future focused
aerospace industries such as drones and deliveries and mechanized uses. Ms. Dornfeld said there is a
lot of industry out there especially with the military and make way for new gen businesses.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said this was segmentized and asked if it was flexible enough if there
was a large use to come in.
MS. DORNFELD said if there was a huge distribution use, the design guidelines might conflict with
that.
MR. COURT said it would be site specific if there is enough land.
Page 5 of 14
COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ said this looks similar to what they have at Price Road and asked if they are
trying to drive a difference between this and Price Road or if they are trying to make it the same.
MS. DORNFELD said this is a different character area and once they discuss the land use descriptions,
they will see that. Ms. Dornfeld said they recognize the importance of this for Chandler and Price
Road is also very important but there needs to be a difference between them. This is less oriented
towards the higher end tech than Price Road.
MR. COURT said Price Road is geared towards corporate campuses which could be accommodated in
the Airpark Area, but it is not the entire character of the area. Mr. Court said west of the airport is
more manufacturing and flex industrial.
MAYOR HARTKE said he has discussed this with the Economic Development Director to see if biotech
is viable or the possibility to have a medical area in west Chandler. Mayor Hartke said they had some
shots of doing those things that further defined the area but that did not work out. Mayor Hartke said
now the focus is on their tried and true where they have the best shot of attracting similar things.
MR. COURT said that was a good statement and there is demand and a lot of people looking at the
area and provide a higher value use such as manufacturing or high-tech industries.
VICE MAYOR STEWART asked if they worked with the City’s economic development staff when
putting this plan together.
MR. COURT said yes.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS said it would be great to see better restaurants in Chandler.
Councilmember Harris said in that area they can build out and put good restaurants. They do not
have enough high value target restaurants and it would be great to have some five-star restaurants.
MR. COURT said this is not a build out figure, they are using a public forecast and Council can plan
past this horizon and continue to develop.
MS. DORNFELD continued the presentation.
• Development Typologies For Plan and Market Trends
o Linking Growth to Design
▪ Single-Tenant Flex
• Automotive Technology
• Aviation and Aerospace
• High-Tech Manufacturing
▪ Business Park
• Advanced Business Services
• Healthcare
Page 6 of 14
• IT and Software
▪ Tech/Back office complex
• Advanced Business Services
• Healthcare
• IT and Software
▪ Multi-Tenant Flex
• Aviation and Aerospace
• Advanced Business Services
• High-Tech Manufacturing
▪ Amenitized Creative Campus
• Advanced Business Services
• Healthcare
• IT and Software
• Chandler Airpark Area Plan
o Community Engagement
▪ The Airpark Area and greater Chandler community was engaged through on-line
activities and meetings including:
• Focus Groups and one-one one meetings with area stakeholders
• An online community survey
• A project website
• A community meeting
• Presentations to the City of Chandler Planning and Zoning Commission
• Presentations to the City of Chandler City Council
o Planning Process
▪ Fall/Winter 2020
• Learn
o Review
▪ 1998 Airpark Area Plan
▪ General Plan
▪ Strategic Plan
o Listen
▪ Focus Groups Community
▪ Survey
▪ Website
▪ Winter/Spring 2021
• Analyze and Understand
o Economics Transportation
o Land Use
o Building Types Design Precedents
• Review and Comment
o City of Chandler Departments
o Airpark Area Community
o Airport Commission
Page 7 of 14
o Planning and Zoning Commission
o City Council
▪ Spring/Summer 2021
• Plan
o Draft Plan
o Catalytic Site Identification
o Draft, Design Prototypes
o Draft Design Guidelines
▪ Summer/Fall 2021
• Refine
o Revised Plan
o Final Design Prototypes
o Revised Design Guidelines
• Action
o Planning and Zoning Commission
o City Council
• Focused Discussion Groups
o Held on 9/22/2020 Airport Commission on separate date
o 13 participates and Airport Commission
o Focused Discussion Stakeholders
▪ Small Businesses
▪ Larger Businesses
▪ Transportation Users
▪ Special Interest Groups
▪ Airport Commission
• Focused Discussion Groups Summary
o Landowners
▪ Allow more flexibility in site design guidelines. Height clearance for larger builds
above the 45’ height requirements. Allowing 36’ screening from line-of-sight at the
street view rather than parapet to parapet to meet tenant’s growing demand needs.
▪ Demand for multi-tenant industrial is growing. If Chandler does not allow flexibility
to streamline the process or adds costly guidelines, they may price themselves out of
the employers they want.
▪ Chandler has good access and quality amenities with top-notch housing &
workforce. The City has done a good job in foresight of transportation planning &
workforce housing.
o Interest and Advocacy
▪ The current development review process is difficult and costly. Design expectations
should be formalized and less arbitrary.
▪ Some design requirements do not work for the types of employers that are seeking
to locate in this area. Height limits in particular & some requests for unique facades.
o Brokers
Page 8 of 14
▪ Market demand for manufacturing and R&D in addition to size available is attractive
and should be supported in the area. Sites that allow this in other jurisdictions are
facing little vacancy and immediate leasing.
▪ Plan should allow for flexibility to adapt to market demands and allow council
standing to accommodate development stakeholders and not just residential uses
and mom-and-pop type employment.
▪ Building design guidelines must be balanced as they can limit types of users in the
area, add costs, or help address resident concerns through screening fencing and
landscaping.
▪ Chandler is competing with cities like Mesa for available industrial space & needs to
set expectations and integrate flexibility to allow job creation with the limited area.
Traffic will occur unless development is halted and employment generators will be
lost. Few appropriately sized sites remain that accommodate those uses.
o Transportation
▪ Pedestrian Improvements could benefit the Airpark Area. Improvements making it
easier for employees and residents to access bus service could benefit the area. Also
linking to the Paseo path is important.
▪ Enhanced business access to Loop 202 could be considered. There is potential to
consider enhancing access to the Loop 202 via a slip ramp.
▪ Traffic will increase & roadways will not be widened. Consider encouraging
development to include features that encourage a variety of transit modes
o Small and Med. Employers
▪ Avoid high-rises that would contribute to office congestion, and limit to 2- story
office class-A type buildings-- a reason for moving to Chandler was to avoid traffic
and keep classy quality.
▪ Invested for the long-run, want to maintain family friendly feel of Gilbert and
Chandler clientele and community. Feels safe and working environment is close to
work and home.
o Airport Commission
▪ The Airpark Area should be home to aviation related businesses In particular aviation
technology and aviation related technology that brings high wage jobs with high
value multipliers.
▪ The Airpark itself needs a marking plan (separate from this plan).
▪ New development and design needs to be “pilot” and safety centered. Care should
be taken to insure new development does not hinder the attractiveness or safety of
airport operations.
• Community Survey (138 responses)
o Airpark Area Attributes;
▪ Great Freeway access
▪ Shopping
▪ Parks
▪ Great place to live and work because of access, neighborhoods, growth, and parks
and trails.
Page 9 of 14
o Airpark Area Planning Considerations
▪ Addressing noise & traffic as new development occurs is a priority
▪ Safety & adding employment and shopping and dining is also important to residents
• Community Meeting
o 4-29-2021
o Online
o No concerns raised
o General agreement
o Recognition of traffic issues
• Project Website
o Chandler Airpark Area Plan Update
• Areas of Opportunity Total Vacant Land
o Total Vacant Land
o Undeveloped Land (991 Acres)
o CAAP Total Land (3,051 Acres)
o 32% Undeveloped
• Areas of Opportunity Remaining Uncommitted
o Uncommitted Vacant Land
o Available Land (470 Acres)
o Unavailable Land (521 Acres)
o CAAP Total Land (3,051 Acres)
o 15% Influence Parcels
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked if the non-land use considering if there is a better terminal built.
MAYOR HARTKE said that is inside the fence and this is for outside the fence.
MS. DORNFELD said during the development of this plan the Airport Plan was completed.
MS. DORNFELD continued the presentation.
• Chandler Airpark Area: Draft Land Use Map
• Chandler Airpark Area Plan
o On-line
o Interactive
o Easily Updated
• Chandler Airpark Area Plan Land Use Policies
o Airpark Area Land Use Element
▪ The Airpark Area Land Use Plan map identifies six types of land use districts
appropriate to the Airpark Area:
• Residential District
• Innovation District
• Commercial-Office District
• Industrial District
Page 10 of 14
• Civic District
• Park District
• Chandler Airpark Area Plan Land Use Policies
o Innovation District Policies
▪ Innovation District land uses may not be amended to any other land use except as
noted below:
• Innovation District land uses may be amended to permit Commercial-Office
development along S. Gilbert Road and Arizona Avenue and E. Germann Road
west of S. McQueen Road.
• Innovation District and land uses may be amended to industrial District south
of E. Germann Road west of S. McQueen Road.
• Prohibit the development of any residential uses (including live-work) within
the Innovation District.
• Chandler Airpark Area Plan Land Use Policies
o Innovation District Goals and Strategies
o Goal 2: Encourage high quality development attractive to innovation economic sectors such
as high-technology, aviation high-technology, research and development, and health care.
o Strategy 2a: Support City activities to promote Airpark Area Innovation-designated land as
Chandler’s prime location for aviation-related technology, research and development, and
mixed use.
• Chandler Airpark Area Plan Transportation Policies
o Transportation Element
▪ Commerce Routes
o Goal 10: Provide safe and efficient roadway facilities for the movement of freight to
promote commerce in the Airpark Area.
o Strategy 10a: encourage freight vehicles to utilize the designated commerce routes (see the
Commerce Routes map) through roadway design elements, signage, and outreach to the
business community.
o Strategy 10b: If freight vehicles frequently use routes other than designated commerce
routes, develop a City ordinance requiring freight vehicles to use the designated commerce
routes where feasible.
• Chandler Airpark Area Plan Transportation Policies
o Transportation Element
▪ Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities
o Goal 12: Provide safe and efficient bicycle and pedestrian facilities to promote non-
vehicular travel.
o Strategy 12a: Install and maintain landscaping along designated landscape corridors and
trails to provide shade and an improved aesthetic experience.
o Strategy 12b: Provide enhanced bicycle & pedestrian crossings & amenities at designated
gateways (see the Landscape Corridors & Gateways Map).
o Strategy 12c: Develop a shared-use path/trail
• Chandler Airpark Area Plan Design Guidelines Example Sites
o Example Site Plan
Page 11 of 14
▪ Buildings organized around outdoor communal spaces
▪ Loading areas placed behind the building
▪ On-site renewable energy generation contributes to sustainable building practices
▪ Landscape buffer reduces visual impact of parking field
▪ Clear and efficient site access and circulation
▪ Buildings relate to each other in campus-like setting
o Large Multi-Tenant Flex
o Business Park
o Creative Office
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if those buildings could be taller in height.
KEVIN MAYO, Planning Administrator, said the further away from the runway the taller it could go,
and it would go through a process governed by the FAA.
MS. DORNFELD continued the presentation.
• Chandler Airpark Area Plan Design Guidelines Example Sites
o Design Example Site 1: Innovation district
▪ View 1
o Building corners and primary entrances are accentuated through distinctive or strong
massing
o Landscaping at entries
o Rich, coordinated pallete of planting materials
o Building’s frame outdoor spaces for employees
o Light colored materials reduce heat absorption
• Chandler Airpark Area Plan Design Guidelines Example Sites
o View 3
o Solar panels shade parking lots
o Canopies at Key building corners provide architectural interest and shade
o Changes in wall planes and material create shadow and articulation
o Readily identifiable building entrances
o Pedestrian connection between sidewalks and outdoor space
• Chandler Airpark Area Plan Design Guidelines Example Sites
o View 4
o Building façade broken down by smaller components and relief elements
o Colors can be used as an accent within the overall building color scheme
o Rooflines are varied by incorporating pitched elements
o Solar array on rooftop contribute to sustainable building practices
o Architecturally integrated careening of service areas
COUNCILMEMBER ROE said he saw a good plan and asked how if this is integrated into the
advantage of having an airport.
Page 12 of 14
MS. DORNFELD said the innovation zone is really a creative space and the tech companies could go
and come up with the next invention. This is designed to cater to the Airport. Ms. Dornfeld said
Hamilton is more of traditional types of commercial purposes and the retail reflects what is going to
be retail shopping space. The economic department would work to find companies and find spaces
the innovation industry wants to be in.
MR. WRIGHT said Council just completed an Airport Master Plan a few months ago and these are
complimentary land uses. This provides a variety of land uses and creates a comprehensive area that
works with the airport.
MR. MAYO continued the presentation.
• Airport Conflicts Evaluation
o Airport Commission reviews proposed land changes for conflicts with the current and future
operations of the airport
o If a conflict exists, a statement indicating the issue and recommended corrective action on
how to mitigate such conflict
• Airport Conflicts Evaluation
o Current Evaluation
▪ CAAP Area Plan Amendments
▪ Rezoning
o Proposed Evaluation
▪ CAAP Area Plan Amendments
▪ Rezoning
▪ Preliminary Development Plan
• Airport Conflicts Evaluation Proposed
o Area Plan Amendments & Rezoning’s Degree of Severity (1to3)
▪ 1- No conflict
▪ 2- Potential Conflict
▪ 3- High degree of incompatible land use
o Preliminary Development Plan
▪ Building Height/Proximity
▪ Material Used
▪ Any other features affecting airport operations
• Next Steps
o August 9th City Council Work Session Gather Input
o Finalize Design Guidelines
o September 8, 2021, Airport Commission
o September 15, 2021, Planning and Zoning Commission
o October 14, 2021, City Council
COUNCILMEMBER ROE asked about the property north of Queen Creek and asked if there was a plan
to try and develop that area.
Page 13 of 14
MR. MAYO said the land is almost entirely owned by one person. The Transportation Master Plan
starts to define what the boundary is and there are three front doors to the property. The design
guidelines will help drive what does not happen on there. The innovation district would start to define
the area as well. Mr. Mayo said they use policy goals, verbal descriptions, and graphic imagery to see
what it would look like. Mr. Mayo said he was excited to see what would happen on the site.
COUNCILMEMBER ROE asked if the owner was engaged to see what they are planning on doing.
MR. MAYO said staff has reached out and the property owners want to hear from the City what they
can do with the land for them to market it. This plan provides the clarity to the community.
COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ thanked staff for their work and liked using innovative technology and
providing a plan to the public that can be used. Councilmember Lopez said he liked the innovation
zoning and trying to get those businesses into the airpark.
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS appreciated staff bringing this plan and said this was a great moment for
Chandler to define how they would move forward. Councilmember Ellis thanked the residents for their
input and the consultants time working on this plan. Councilmember Ellis said now there would be no
more guessing and would truly be used for the betterment of those living in the area.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked about the transportation elements and if that is being worked on
now.
MR. WRIGHT said the map tells that story and it is important the heavy use areas of transportation.
Mr. Wright said the Cooper Road connector project to Gilbert Road is a major project that would go
in November to the voters for bond funding. Mr. Wright said Hamilton is under construction now as
an outlet for bus traffic.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked would the potential infrastructure bill, that may be passed, if
there were elements that could be used for these projects.
MR. WRIGHT said yes, staff would review already planned projects and look for ways to improve
connections to the north. Mr. Wright said there are economic benefits of having better connections
and there may be uses in regards to Prop 400.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked about the Cooper project.
MR. WRIGHT said that is something they could look for federal grants available.
MAYOR HARTKE said they are looking at the extension of Prop 400 being a 25-year endeavor. Mayor
Hartke said the cities have fought for flexibility because they do not know what the needs are going
to be a few years from now. If this becomes a priority, there is available to flex the dollars coming
from Prop 400. Mayor Hartke said there is still uncertainty from federal funds.
Page 14 of 14
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS said he has learned a lot being part of the Airport Commission.
Councilmember Harris said Council sat down and talked about the airport becoming the economic
hub it could be. This shows commitment to the area as people believe it can be more than it currently
is. This is something the City can be proud of as they continue to build on. The Airport Commission is
very proud of this plan, and this would send life and excitement to the area. Chandler could look
forward to being in a stronger position.
VICE MAYOR STEWART said this is a very clear plan for Council and staff to be able to talk to
developers about what is wanted. Vice Mayor Stewart said he is excited to see the vision and what
would happen in the future.
MAYOR HARTKE said he was happy to see the fire wall against the residential area. Mayor Hartke said
he liked the flexibility that would accommodate different industries and holds the Council’s wishes to
go after employment and this is one of their last employment areas to be developed. Mayor Hartke
said this could take the airport to more than just a hobbyist airport and this would help with that plan.
Mayor Hartke thanked staff for their work.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 5:14 p.m.
ATTEST: _______________________
______________________________
City Clerk Mayor
Approval Date of Minutes: August 26, 2021
Certification
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Work
Session of the City Council of Chandler, Arizona, held on the 9th day of August 2021. I further certify
that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
DATED this _______ day of August, 2021.
__________________________
City Clerk