03-29-1999 PC MIN - SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes March 29, 1999 Page 4 . 5.2. 5.3. Role of the PlanninG Commission and Commission's Relationship with Council Additional Joint Meetings Chair Cote explained that this item was placed on the joint meeting agenda as a result of discussions at the Planning Commission's annual meeting. Commissioner Kuester questioned the Councilmembers whether they felt the role of the Planning Commission was more responsive or proactive in nature. Mayor Klinzing indicated that the Council relies on the Planning Commission's review of issues as requests are made, but that if the Commission wished to take on a particular issue, they should bring it to the Council for review. Chair Cote explained that the Commission has discussed meeting quarterly with the Council, and suggested meeting from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on a regular Monday Council meeting night. The Council expressed support for the quarterly joint meetings. Councilmember Dietz encouraged the Planning Commissioners in attendance at the Council meetings to become for active in the discussion of planning issues. The Councilmembers expressed their thanks to the Planning Commission for their thorough review and attention to detail, stating that their work saves the Council many hours of time. 3. Other Business . Commissioner Mesich expressed concern that the City has not moved forward to pursue a location for a commuter railroad station. He indicated that the school district's consideration of site on the east side of Highway 169 for a new school is another indication that the city is losing its options for sites. Commissioner Mesich also stated that he feels it is time to begin updating the City's comprehensive plan. Pdt Klaers, City Administrator, indicated that updating the comprehensive plan once a planning director has been hired and he/she is given a chance to become acclimated to the city is possible, but the plan is less than 5 years old and is just beginning to be implemented (Le., East Elk River). . Council member Motin stated he is concerned that there are a number of groups that are working independently on a growth plan for the city and felt these groups should be working together within the city government structure. He mentioned groups such as the 2001 Committee, the city's Economic Development Authority and their work on a strategic plan, and the Central Business District visioning group. Mayor Klinzing stated she shared Council member Motin's concerns and felt there should be consistency in developing an overall "vision" for the city. Pat Klaers indicated that Economic Development Authority works under the City's jurisdiction and that the CBD group was formed under the city's HRA. Commissioner Dietz indicated that he had a difficult time understanding what is meant by developing a "vision" for Elk River. He stated that he felt every citizen of Elk River could possibly have a different perspective for what they envisioned Elk River to be. He indicated he did not understand how any particular group could come up with an overall vision. It was noted that a joint EDA/HRA/Council meeting on the CBD planning project is scheduled on April 12,1999.