08-02-11 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing and Workshop of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes of August 2, 2011 Members Present: Doretta Finch, Richard Warren, Helen LaCour, Phillip Hoot, Hal Lawler, Lou Ann Martin, Mark Follis, and Danny Earp. Members Absent: Les Bird City Staff Present: Assistant City Manager, Traci Leach; City Planner, Masood Malik; Planning Assistant, Shannon Green and Assistant City Attorney, Clark Askins. 1. CaII to order Meeting called to order by Chairman Hal Lawler at 6:09p.m. 2. Administer Oath of Office to newly appointed members: Mark Follis (District 4), Helen LaCour (District 3), Phillip Hoot (At -Large B) Clark Askins, City Attorney administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed Commission Members Mark Follis (District 4), Helen LaCour (District 3), Phillip Hoot (At -Large B). 3. Consider approval of June 21, 2011, meeting minutes. Motion by Lou Ann Martin to approve the regular meeting minutes of June 21, 2011. Second by Helen LaCour. Motion carried. Ayes: Doretta Finch, Richard Warren, Helen LaCour, Phillip Hoot, Hal Lawler, Lou Ann Martin, and Danny Earp. Nays: None Abstain: Mark Follis 4. La Porte Comprehensive Plan Update Chairman Hal Lawler opened the discussion at 6:20pm. Masood Malik, City Planner provided a brief progress report of the Comprehensive Plan update. The kick -off meeting was on June 21, 2011. Several group discussions and stakeholders' interviews were held at City Hall followed by, the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting in the evening. The input received through discussion and data gathered in the process is a basis for of the Chapter 1 Plan context. Staff received Chapter 1 followed by three exhibits; area map, demographics and economic snapshots showing comparison with other surrounding cities. For further details, it was turned over to the consultants (Bret Keast and Matt Bucchin). Mr. Keast explained the delivery of Chapter 1 and other exhibits, review by staff and few changes to the draft Chapter 1. The Commission asked the consultant to adhere to the project timeline and ensure deliverables are sent to them in a timely manner with staffs strike outs and other notable changes to the draft. The Commission focused on the importance of more public input and involvement, i.e. to publicize on the City's website, create a link to the Comprehensive Plan Update, Channel 16, Chamber of Commerce, Bayshore Observer, etc. A. Overview of Chapter 1, Plan Context Mr. Bucchin presented a power point presentation on Chapter 1 and provided an overview of the visioning process to assess where the community is today and has been in the past and the projected road map for the future. B. Land Use Planning Exercise The Commission held a round table discussion on the Land Use Planning exercise, indicated remaining development areas, infill areas, and identified redevelopment areas for discussion purposes.