Title
Agenda Item:
Status Report on Planning Commission's Recommendation on Comprehensive Plan and Next Steps
Title
Issue:
Immediate next steps in the Comprehensive Plan process.
Commission Recommendations:
The Commission completed its final recommendation on the Comprehensive Plan Update on March 18, 2013. Presenters will outline the steps to occur over the next two months to prepare the 'Recommendation transmittal package' for Council and public review. Chair Parker will also give a general overview of the major topics that were addressed by the Commission, as well as some related future recommended work items.
In addition, although the Commission has completed their recommendation, staff and the Commission request that Council approve a related work plan item for April to ensure the plan maps are consistent with new goals and policies being proposed. The intent is to provide clarity for stakeholders as the City moves forward with the Update process. No substantive changes will be made to the overall Commission recommendation and it will not impact the timeline. {Note the Planning Commission's annual work plan is on hold until the Commission forwards its recommendations to the Council.}
City Manager's Recommendation:
Hear the briefing and provide any guidance regarding the proposed transmittal date and deliverables. Approve a work plan item for April so that the Commission and staff can collaborate to ensure plan maps are consistent with new goals and policies being proposed.
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Associate Planner, 360.570.5847
Presenter(s):
Jerome Parker, Chair
Amy Buckler
Background and Analysis:
The City has been in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan since 2009, including an extensive public involvement program called Imagine Olympia. Over 1,500 citizens have been involved online and through neighborhood cafes, telephone surveys, on-the-street and targeted interviews, focus meetings and other special events. In July 2012, staff released the "July Draft," with recommended updates based on the Council approved Scope of the Update and public comment.
The Planning Commission held public hearings on the July Draft on July 23 and 25, 2012; and public hearings with initial deliberation on September 17; October 1, 8, 15 and 29, 2012. The Commission then held final deliberations between December, 2012 and March 18, 2013, when they completed their recommendation.
The elements of the Commission's recommendation are consistent with the priorities outlined in the Council approved Charter for the Comprehensive Plan Update. The Commission completed recommendations on the Value and Vision statements, goal and policy updates proposed in the July Draft, and other issues that arose during their public hearings. They also identified a short list of potential related future work items, including topics such future land use, natural disaster preparedness and bicycle lane safety. A complete list of potential work items will be included with the Commission's transmittal package, proposed for release on May 20, 2013.
On March 28, 2013, the Land Use & Environment Committee will discuss with staff Council's review and public process for the Comprehensive Plan Update, including a potential workshop with the Planning Commission, briefings and public outreach.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
See the Imagine Olympia webs page, for links to public comments received between 2009-current (Attachment #2).
Options:
Hear the briefing and provide any guidance regarding the proposed transmittal date and deliverables. Consider approval of a work plan item for April so that the Commission and staff can collaborate to ensure plan maps are consistent with new goals and policies being proposed.
Financial Impact:
Included in base budget