Title
Agenda Item:
Approval of Planning Commission 2013 Work Plan
Body
Issue:
Whether Planning Commission Work Plan should be approved as presented.
Committee Recommendation:
General Government Committee reviewed the proposed work plan on June 25, 2013, and recommended approval with referral to the Land Use Committee for review. On July 25, 2013, the Land Use and Environment Committee discussed the aspects of the proposal related to the scope of work and timeline for items related to the Comprehensive Plan and the Downtown Master Plan update in particular.
City Manager's Recommendation:
Move to approve attached Planning Commission Work Plan as recommended by General Government Committee and reviewed by the Land Use and Environment Committee.
Staff Contact:
Cathie Butler, Communications Manager, 360.753.8361
Amy Buckler, Associate Planner, 360.570.5847
Presenter(s):
None. Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Council-appointed advisory committees and commissions annually submit a proposed work plan for approval for an April to April period. Most were approved in March of this year, however due to a large turnover in membership and the Commission's early-year focus on the Comprehensive Plan update, action on the Planning Commission's work plan was deferred. As a result, the General Government Committee reviewed the Commission's proposal in June. The Committee referred Comprehensive Plan implementation aspects of the work program to the Land Use and Environment Committee.
The proposed work program includes, Make a recommendation regarding OPC's role, the public process and/or the scope of the Downtown Master Planning effort. (Olympia's Downtown Master Plan has not been updated for many years, thus Commission members propose that an update begin on the heels of adoption of the Comprehensive Plan update in 2014.) On June 25, 2013, the Council suggested the Commission present a draft charter for Council review regarding this topic. Consistent with the referral and this suggestion, on
July 25, 2013, the Land Use and Environment Committee discussed these matters with staff and Planning Commission representatives. On August 5, 2013, the Commission began review of a charter proposed by staff. The Commission is scheduled to continue discussing that topic on August 19.
The proposed work plan is 'balanced,' that is, staff estimates it can be accomplished within the standard City budget and standard meeting time of the Commission. It includes a number of 'briefing' items. These are proposed to provide Commission members, and particularly the six new members, an opportunity to become better informed about city planning topics. However, it leaves little or no time for later 'adds' in response to breaking issues. And, of particular workload concern to the Commission is scheduling for the probable extensive public interest in item 1.3 Regulating Marijuana Sales.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
None.
Options:
Approve or change the Planning Commission's Work Plan.
Financial Impact:
None unless noted for specific items.