07-18-07 EDC Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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EDC Minutes July IS, 2007 Page 4 of 5 City and property owner talk about proposed development at that site. The Mayor said philosophically the City should have a long-term bigger vision for development in general; but when a developer approaches us with development plans, that we cannot go over the top of them with the eity's ideas of development for the site. It would change the negotiating for the City. Nancy suggested just encouraging the properties on both sides of County Road E to get together to talk about proposed development plans. The Mayor said a way encourage development consistency is to have design standards. The Mayor suggested that we let both parties and the Planning Commission know that the City is going to try to create uniformity with the two proposed development properties and it would be wise for them to sit down and talk with each other. Rob asked if the City had a vision for this corner. The group was in agreement that they did not know of any such vision. Ray noted that he thought the EDC committee should get a copy of anything submitted for proposed development. The Mayor asked Karen to develop a way for the EDC to be involved with these proposed developments. Ed Von Holtum thought in absence of a vision, the City is going to continue operating in a reactionary mode. Chair Kunkel said this brings us back to how do we develop a vision. The Mayor said an EDC fund allocation should be developed so the group could have capacity to hire an architect to draw the vision. Community Development Director Barton said it is a good time to incorporate visioning for the City as we go through the comprehensive plan update process. Ray asked for directive from the Council on what they want the EDC to do. The Mayor said the Council will effect change when they hear it coming from the community. He said if every member of every commission talked to 6 people within the community, momentum could be gained on a city vision. Chair Kunkel thought the group needs to continue to work on a short term and long term vision and educating the community is important. Nancy asked if a developer pulled a permit and it fit the zoning, would the City have any say on the development. Community Development Director Barton said each area is zoned for a particular use or uses and we are limited to working within the criteria set for each zone. Ed Werner asked how we can control development if we don't own the land. The Mayor reminded the group we can implement design standards across the City. Nancy asked if design standards can be incorporated in comprehensive plans. Community Development Director Barton said typically comprehensive plans do not get that specific, but it could recommend formulation of design standards. VI. OTHER BUSINESS Strategic Plan Budget Request: Community Development Director Barton distributed a budget for the group to review and asked how the preliminary budget request looks to the group. She noted the Council is intending to try to work $52,000 into the budget. The Mayor said City Hall staffing is a topic that will put competitive pressure on this EDC budget. The group agreed to submit the preliminary EDC budget.