04-28-1993 Council Workshop Agenda

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Mr. Joel Hanson 8 February 1993 Page Three Comprehensive Plan costs generally range from $15,000 to $20,000 under this program. The estimate outlined above would cost out at $17,500. The program estimate is designed to include any necessary meetings, expenses, and report or Plan production associated with the project, including preparing and processing the plan approvals through the Metropolitan Council as required. As the City proceeds toward a turner decision, we can refine the estimate as needed, and discuss ways in which the project can meet the City's development needs and available project budget. With regard to timing, a typical Comprehensive Plan project can be expected to take at least twelvemonths. This is the result of the requirements of adequate review time for Planning Commission and City Council personnel, as well as the necessity to coordinate meeting schedules and public input. It is not uncommon for the project to span two years of a City's budget cycle for billing purposes. We would encourage the City to undertake this project. We believe that an updated Comprehensive Plan helps the community actually reduce its development and redevelopment related costs in the long run by streamlining the development process for issues which under the existing planning documents may not fit. As noted above, most of the recent and near future development projects are likely to fall into this category. An updated Plan avoids speculation by Staff as to the acceptability of a proposed project, and turns a more "development friendly" face to new projects by simplifying the process. We will be available at the Planning Commission's upcoming meeting to answer questions about the project, along with those from the City Council later this month. Please feel free to contact us at any time in the interim. Cordially, NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. Stephen W. Grittman Vice President pc: Kathy Glanzer