Call to Order, Introductions, and Announcements by Chair.
The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m.by Vice Chair Jak Keyser.  A quorum of nine members was in attendance.  Another member joined the meeting at 7:15 p.m.

Review and approval of the March 24, 2009 meeting minutes.

Alan Feierstein moved, with a second from Justin Johnson, to approve the March 24, 2009 meeting minutes as written.

Update on West Phoenix Revitalization Economic Development Plan.  Presentation by representative of the Neighborhood Services Department.  For information and possible discussion only..

(This item was heard out of order as #4.) Kate Krietor, Deputy Director – Commercial Development, Neighborhood Services Department, provided an update on the status of the West Phoenix Revitalization Economic Development Plan and five-year Economic Development Administration Grant.  She provided background information and explained the development objectives that encourage new jobs, businesses, and investment, support educational resources, and improve the image of the area and its major gateways and corridors.  Ms. Krietor discussed the stakeholder input process and resulting action plan that focuses on three general priorities: community and economic development, education and workforce development, and quality of life enhancement.  She will continue to provide regular updates to the Alhambra and Maryvale Village Planning Committes over the remaining years of the EDA grant.  Information about the grant and action plan will be posted in May on the Neighborhood Services Department website at www.phoenix.gov/NSD/whatsnew.html.
VPC members asked questions about funding linkages, federal stimulus funds, job training, and community outreach.  Ms. Krietor emphasized the importance of providing a framework within which many different programs, agencies, and organizations can establish connections and develop new collaborative resources and opportunities in west Phoenix.
Member of the public Bramley Paulin commented on creating mechanisms to implement the EDA plan and coordinating the focus area efforts with the upcoming General Plan update.

Presentation, discussion and possible recommendation on general plan amendment case GPA-1-08 to amend the Land Use Element to establish definitions for the General Plan Land Use Map categories with corrections to the General Plan Land Use Map legend/key.  Presentation by staff. 

The Planning Commission will consider this request on May 13, 2009.

(This item was heard out of order as #3.) Susan Sargent summarized the request to add definitions and correct language of the land use key on the General Plan Land Use Map and provided copies of the General Plan Land Use Map to members.  VPC members were able to make comparisons between the existing legend and the proposed changes.
VPC members commented that they felt that Transportation and Future Freeway should be considered to be land use categories and asked for clarification of the Conservation Community.  Ben Patton provided information on the past difficulties of using this designation on developments in Laveen.  Hal Becker inquired if Planning GIS staff could provide him with a list of square miles for each General Plan land use designation within the city.  Vice Chair Jak Keyser noted that he would like to see more names and landscape features provided on the updated General Plan Land Use map in order to facilitate locating places on such a large map.
Member of the public Bramley Paulin noted that TOD/Mixed Use designations should be incorporated on the General Plan Land Use map when the General Plan is updated.
Tim Becker moved, with a second from Ben Patton, to recommend approval of the request.  The vote was 9-0 to approve the motion.

Staff update on zoning cases recently reviewed by the Committee.  For information only; not for discussion or public comment.

Staff provided an update on the withdrawal by the Planning Commission of the text amendments reviewed at the March 24, 2009VPC meeting.

Announcements and public comments concerning items not on the agenda.  For information only; not for discussion or action.

Susan Sargent commented that a stimulus funding grant through NSD would be used for a sidewalk project along the I-17 frontage road north of Camelback Road.  She will provide additional information at a future VPC meeting.
Jak Keyser provided an update on the legal proceedings of the Truelich’s (Christies) adult use case.

Future agenda items and committee member requests for information or follow-up items.   Not for discussion or action.

Ardyce Edstrom requested an update by Maryvale Police Precinct Commander Tim Hampton on crime reduction efforts and results in west Phoenix.
Jak Keyser requested that a VPC reminder be sent to members before each monthly VPC meeting.
NEXT MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2009.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.