05-17-1999 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR APRIL 19,1999(Comprehensive Plan, continued)degree correction to what currently exists and not to do a major revision of the comprehensive plan.Schroeder stated that this would be a great oppotunity for the members of the Planning Commission to become familiar with the comprehensive plan. Gaffron stated that the City Council would like to have the Planning Commission involved Iri th'^ process and would like the Planning Commission to follow the recommendations contained in the comprehensive plan as much as possible. Richard Flint, City Council Representative, stated that it is the desire of the City Council to have the Planning Commission participate in the revision and invited the Planning Commission members to attend their Thursday morning workshop meetings to discuss this issue. Hawn expressed some frustration over the fact that the Planning Commission has been consulted in the past on previous zoning code revisions and no final vote has ever been taken by the City Council on the finished product and they have not been given any insight on whether their Input has been useful or not. Flint stated that the City Council has heard similar concerns by the Park Commission that their input is not really heard. Hawn commented that the home occupation ordinance is one example where the Plannii^ Commission reviewed the information and gave their input but nothing definite was ever done regarding the ordinance. Berg commented that she would like to see resolution of some of these issues and will continue to review any upcoming issues in the interests of the community. Schroeder stated that he understands that the Planning Commission acts as a recommending b^y to the City Council, but that the members of the Planning Commission really need to be Informed as to what is contained in the comprehensive plan so they are able to act with authority on the applications. Lindquist commented he would like some feedback on the input by the Planning Commission as well. Stoddard stated that in his view the Planning Commission should be involved in this process and commented he was In agreement with a subcommittee being formed to review this issue. Hawn remarked that it Is the goal of the Planning Commission to be as effective and useful as possible to the City. Flint Indicated that the City Council does not rule with a single voice and that the members of the City Council do look at whether these applications have been passed by a unanimous vote or not and the various concerns raised by the Planning Commission when a vote is taken on them. Lindquist stated that he would be willing to attend the Thursday morning workshops If this item is scheduled to be discussed. Schroeder stated he would like the City Council to consider a subcommittee for this item. Page 21