CC_Minutes_2008_1027 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday, October 27, 2008 Page 12 Discussion ensued regarding the Council's Rules of Procedure; and the process for adding this item to the agenda for possible action which is a majority vote of the Council pursuant to Rule #3. Ihlan moved, Klausing seconded, approval to consider an administrative exten- sion of the Comprehensive Plan deadline at tonight's meeting. Councilmember Ihlan spoke in support of the motion, and reiterated the need to consider this resolution at tonight's meeting, based on the November 1, 2008 Met- ropolitan Council deadline. Roll Call Ayes: Willmus; Roe; Ihlan; Pust; and Klausing. Nays: None. Councilmember Ihlan provided her personal historic perspective on actions to- date related to the Comprehensive Plan update, Steering Committee arguments, and her compelling arguments for delaying final approval of the Comprehensive Plan until after the newly-elected Council was in place after January of 2009. Councilmember Ihlan was adamant that afully-elected City Council, rather than a Council represented by four elected officials and one Council-appointed member were the most appropriate body to decide adoption of a final Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Ihlan further alluded to her interpretation of past actions of the Steering Committee and staff representations; referenced excerpts of meeting minutes (September 11, 2008 Steering Committee meeting and October 1, 2008 Planning Commission meeting); and her conversations with the area representa- tive, Ms. Dupre of the Metropolitan Council. Councilmember Ihlan further inter- preted past comments and remarks of individual Councilmembers; and spoke to the vital importance of the document, and democracy and state law requirements fora 4/5 vote. Councilmember Ihlan opined that this item needed to be voted on entirely by those accountable to the people to ensure that the process was done right. Public Comment Carol Kough, (former Councilmember Kough's widow) Ms. Kough spoke to her attendance at past Steering Committee meetings to en- sure that former Councilmember Kough's wishes were preserved based on his past negative experiences during his public service in the City of Austin and con- cerns fora 4/5 vote, and inclusion of Master Plans in the Comprehensive Plan, in addition to his voiced concerns that the City Council may vote on the Compre- hensive Plan prior to a new and full Council being seated. Ms. Kough asked that the City Council delay action unti12009. Ms. Kough noted that, when appointed, Councilmember Willmus had indicated his willingness to give up his seat before his term ended.