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Special Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, August 15, 2007 Page 4 Commissioner Doherty opined that an overriding discussion was the whole concept of residential density; noting that there appeared to be a disconnect, and while no one wanted to talk about it, there were few objections raised unless it was “in my back yard.” Commissioner Doherty strongly encouraged the need for the City Council and Planning Commission to have a serious discussion on an appropriate objective for residential density and what considerations drove that density policy, since it drove many other goals and strategies outlined in the visioning document. b. Identify Priorities General comments of Commissioners were frustrations with the cumbersome numbering system, and many duplications needing identification throughout the document to determine conflicts among various sections, and those that shared commonality. Goal 2upgrading design standards Discussion on as it related to , creating a landscape ordinance and practical tree preservation policy, included: whether citizens, especially those new to the community, were even aware of the design standards (i.e., refuse bin screening requirements; landscaping, water conservation and storm water management); differentiating needs and expectations for commercial and residential standards; caution in imposing residential design standards due to unanticipated consequences and complications; and need for more education and communication efforts with to make the public aware of the standards. The consensus of Commissioners was that the design standards needed to be re- evaluated and communicated more effectively to citizens, using advanced technologies available to provide that communication (i.e., City re-developed website). creating specific area design standards Discussion related to included: potential creation of specific planning corridors based on zoning categories or areas, depending on their location; standards available and advantages and disadvantages in using Planned Unit Developments (PUD’s) and their impacts on zoning codes; and a “thinking big” perspectives for future redevelopment of specific corridors to achieve more consistency in buildings in commercial areas. creating a landscape ordinance and a practical tree Discussion related to preservation policy included: the need to combine environmental goal strategies and goals with land use applications regarding such a policy; and differences in commercial and residential policies and impacts to homeowners of a tree preservation policy for their personal property enjoyment and planned uses. Discussion related to requiring additional boulevard landscaping in single-family areas included: the City serving as an educational resource in alternative vegetation as to what was or was not acceptable (i.e., salt and sand friendly) by developing informational materials for residents; but otherwise this item was not considered a high priority by commissioners. Discussion related to budgeting for meeting environmental and aesthetic goal maintenance was discussed as part of each development agreement when practical; however, additional discussion ensued regarding costs and differing citizen interests in burying utility lines in new development areas or when a pathway was constructed and past experiences of Public Works in attempting such endeavors; and alternative power sources by 2025 and how development and land uses would be impacted (i.e., individual windmills, fuel cells, solar access).