HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/09/1987 Council Minutes1
107
SPECIAL COUNCIL /PLANNING
& ZONING MEETING
February 9, 1987
A meeting of the City Council and Planning and Zoning Board was
called to order by Mr. Schumacher at 5:48 P.M., Monday, February
9, 1987.
Attendees: Councilmembers: Benson, Bisel, Reinert, Marier, Bohjanen
P & Z Boardmembers: Averbeck, Nelson, McLean, Cody
The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the working relationship
of the two boards, how communications can be improved, what problems
the P & Z Board is facing, etc.
The following issues were discussed:
- Council assured P & Z members that their efforts are appreciated,
regardless of whether the Council occasionally goes against the
P & Z recommendations. Perhaps better communication as to the
wishes of each Board would create an overall better working
relationship. Many felt that directions coming from Council
were not always explained. Suggestions were made to assure
that the Council liaison reflect the wishes of the Council, and
also that communications could be improved through staff person-
nel.
- There was concern by P & Z members that the City Planner is on
such a tight budget and P & Z feels uncomfortable directing
service from the Planner. The consensus of the Council was
that the P g Z should keep in mind that planning services are
often charged back to applicants, however the budget does allow
for planning services to benefit the entire city, such as
ordinance updates. Should the P g Z feel ordinance updates,
etc. are necessary, the Council should be notified, and within
reason there should be no problem with authorizing such planning
services.
- There was a concern shown that communications between the two
Boards could be improved through staff. The fact that the
Building Official is the only staff person working between
the two groups and he has limited time to spend on P & Z issues
was recognized. Many felt that strong staff involvement would
solve many problems.
P & Z members felt that quite often the "last minute" reviews
by the planner or engineer made their task more difficult. Quite
often applications are neither complete, nor comprehensive.
Although a schedule has been established for P & Z issues, it
was felt that the schedule is not adhered to; again staff or
the planner could improve on this.
- P & Z members felt that the time has come to have an ordinance
or at least a policy with regard to landscaping requirements.
- P F Z members were in favor of a 7- member Board.
Meeting adjourned at 7:00 P.M.