2024-09-03 P & Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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The goals and policies above are not a complete list of those from the Comprehensive Plan but are examples of those which may need to be examined prior to reimagining a downtown plan. More concisely, the Council will need to decide whether or not the process should be focused on reimagining the City’s downtown, or whether it should revisit the idea that the City should have a downtown or Central Business District at all. Process Whether the City Council decides on a narrow or wide focus, the next step will be to decide on a public engagement process. An examination of this scope is best accomplished with more input from the public than would typically be afforded through the legally required public hearings. That input could be garnered through additional public meetings and open houses, and/or through the creation of a task force, made up of elected officials, appointed officials, downtown business and land owners, and representatives from the public at large. Alternatively, the process of revisiting the downtown plan could reside within the authority of the Planning and Zoning Commission, since the committee is made up of 7 residents from our community. If a task force model is used, it should be given clear direction from the City Council as to its scope, schedule, budget and process. The City Council should be solely responsible for making appointments to this ad hoc committee. Staff suggests using a task force of no more than 12 people made up of: 2 City Council Members 2 Planning and Zoning Commission Members 2 Business or Land Owners in the Downtown 1 Parks and Rec Committee Member 1 Economic Development Authority Member (non-Council) 4 Community-at-Large Members The Council’s resolution commits to a professionally guided process. While staff humbly asserts that we have the necessary expertise to facilitate the process, it may be beneficial to have an outside consultant lead the group. The cost of a consultant will largely depend on the number of meetings for both a task force and other public engagement events as well as the scope of the study. Staff anticipates costs may range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more. Staff recommends soliciting proposals from qualified firms to lead a task force or the Planning Commission through a reexamination of various planning goals and policies and subsequently, the downtown master plan with an initial budget of $50,000. Staff will initiate a discussion during the work session to seek guidance on the various recommendations in bold, above.