Mayor Pizzillo called the Work Session to order at 5:00 p.m.

[This item was heard second.]

Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) President and CEO Chris Camacho reviewed the partnership with communities and private investors in Maricopa and Pinal counties to help attract companies to the valley. He reviewed active prospects by industries, provided information on new locates, and gave an economic snapshot of the Phoenix area. Mr. Camacho provided a job forecast and reviewed the regional comparisons of the labor force. Mr. Camacho reviewed the Goodyear Strategic Plan vision and purpose and spoke specifically about the contribution GPEC makes towards the city's economic vitality. He then reviewed the companies that GPEC and the city partnered on to bring to Goodyear.



Council spoke about the Ambassador events and asked how the city could be more competitive. Mr. Camacho suggested to continue investing in the city's infrastructure and planning for the future state of the city.

[This item was heard first.]

Interim Development Services Director Katie Wilkens introduced Christian Williams, Planning Manager, and briefly spoke about process improvement considerations. She stated that this was part one of a two part work session for Council to consider.

Mr. Williams presented information on potential zoning text ordinance amendments related to use permits and special use permits. He discussed current policy and reviewed staff's recommendation for mini-storage and RV storage, gas stations and car wash use permits.

For storage facilities, Mr. Williams stated that staff is proposing to eliminate the special use permit process. He explained that mini-storages would be permitted within C-1 and C-2 on a maximum of 7.5 acres in addition to other standards and stipulations.

Council expressed concerns with a by-right zoning process for storage facilities, eliminating the Council and public input process, and distance between storage units. Council discussed options that would still allow property owners to apply for a special use permit if the scope was beyond the standard for administrative approval. Council also requested information regarding what other benchmark cities are doing and what their standard requirements are including distance restrictions. 

For gas stations, Mr. Williams stated that staff is proposing to eliminate the use permit process. He explained that gas stations would be permitted in C-1 and C-2 and I-1 and I-2 districts with design enhancements and clustering requirements in addition to other standards and stipulations.

Council expressed concerns with by-right zoning for gas stations. Council clarified that language should be incorporated to allow two gas stations on an arterial street on opposite corners. Council discussed requiring a special use permit for any proposal for a full-service truck stop. 

For car washes, Mr. Williams stated that staff is proposing to eliminate the use permit process. He explained that car washes would be permitted in C-2 in addition to other standards and stipulations.

Council expressed consensus to continue with a use permit process for car washes. 

Community Partnerships Program Manager Christina Panaitescu discussed the FY2022-2026 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and the FY2025 Annual Action Plan. Ms. Panaitescu reviewed the constraints and stated that Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) activities must benefit low-to-moderate individual households or neighborhoods. She briefly highlighted previously approved projects utilizing CDBG funds such as renovations towards New Life Center, and park improvements at Palmateer Park. 

Ms. Panaitescu spoke about the process for CDBG funding and the proposed activities for FY2025 which included the design, purchase and installation of up to 17 streetlights along Litchfield Road in front of the Historic Goodyear Neighborhood.  She added that funds from the FY2022 Community Facilities and Infrastructure activity be reprogrammed with the FY2025 allocation increasing the available funds for this project. 

Council expressed support for the project. Ms. Panaitescu reviewed the next steps which inluded a public hearing scheduled for April 29, and final approval for Council consideration on May 6.