07/27/2009 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• • SPECIAL WORK SESSION June 3, 2009 DRAFT 90 vision that was brought forward but will allow more flexibility as the things evolve. He 91 believes this is a more realistic view. 92 93 Laura Carlson, participant in the visioning process and member of the Comprehensive 94 Plan Update Advisory Panel (the Panel) explained that she believes the direction of the 95 group was based on the analysis (numbers) information provided with consideration of 96 not being arbitrary. It is important to realize that growth isn't just about people who own 97 lots but also people who own land. The advisory group felt it was important to follow 98 market forecasts but if those numbers are truly changing, she doesn't feel the group 99 would have a strong problem with an adjustment. 100 101 Barbara Bor, Environmental Board and Panel member, stated that she sees that residents 102 in established neighborhoods are concerned about changes that could occur to their area 103 as a result of growth; they recognize that growth is inevitable and tax base is good but she 104 thinks those people want to see that the council is doing what is possible to keep things 105 positive and minimize the negative aspects of the growth. She believes it was a good 106 process that brings the Plan forward although it was not helpful that some of those who 107 volunteered to participate in the citizen process did not show up to meetings but yet did 108 not resign their positions so that another volunteer could step up. 109 110 Michael Hyden, Planning and Zoning Board and Panel member, added that he supports 111 Mr. Tralle's comments in that public input was highly welcomed during the Plan 112 development. He feels the market will be foremost and the Plan proposed is good 113 because it prepares the city for the growth that will come. It is not wrong to go slow but 114 you may miss out on good opportunities. He supports the Plan as it was presented. 115 There is control in the Plan through the use of phasing that gives the city the flexibility to 116 move. 117 118 A council member suggested that pace isn't the only consideration but the restrictions that 119 have been in place from the last update have served well to allow the city to move 120 forward carefully. Good opportunities can be moved on as thoughtful decisions but you 121 also have the ability to turn down development you don't want. 122 123 Terry O'Connell, owner of a property on Main Street, first remarked that there were more 124 than four residents at the last council meeting. She's heard from a few neighbors that the 125 process hasn't been geared toward open discussion as much as promoting agreement with 126 what is proposed. 127 128 Council Members weighed in as follows on the Plan as proposed by the Panel and the 129 alternative that modifies the Plan forecast 130 131 - The Plan brought forward by the advisory panel is very good and has been 132 identified as one of the most thorough and well researched plans of any city 133 involved in this process. A change in the forecast maybe an appropriate