Development Code

[David Arterburn]

Steve;

The Planning Commission has had very little involvement other than peripheral updates about the Development Code updates.  The Town Board is getting updates tonight that the Planning Commission did not receive.  I can only attend for a short period tonight, but not sure other planning commissioners were aware of these study sessions.  I would like to see us get more involved about planned actions for addressing community comments as well as more detail on the ket areas being developed by the drafters.  By holding Planning Commission study sessions on the development code updates, we can kill two birds with one stone.  This makes the public more aware of how community concerns regarding the development code updates are being addressed, while also keeping the Planning Commission aware of these critical updates as we move forward.  I left last week's Planning Commission meeting with the feeling that the first time we will know about any undestanding pdates to the development code will be when the public gets the first draft.  Is this the intent?

Please clarify my misunderstandings and how we can get more engaged in the process.

I would also like to know why we are not using the 2008 Wildlife Study in our assessments of various plans brought before the commission and what is happening regarding getting CPW to conduct a new study.  I learned that the Watershed Coalition is planning to fund a Wildlife Migration Study this year, and I am wondering whether the Town will adopt this new study as the basis for future plan approvals.

Thanks

Dave

[Steve Careccia]

Chair Arterburn,

We are planning study sessions with the Commission on July 21 and Town Board on July 28 to go over aspects of the 50% draft of the Development Code. This will coincide with a public open house tentatively scheduled the week of July 13, for public review of the 50% draft. So, yes, the official rollout of the 50% draft comes in July for the public, Commission, and Town Board.

The study sessions held yesterday involved a request by the Board (neighborhood meetings) and a follow-up on rezoning criteria. Both are independent efforts outside the Development Code update. We can bring the rezoning criteria to a Commission study session this summer, depending on Commission availability, as it would be beneficial to have all Commissioners present.

My understanding is that the 2008 wildlife study was not formally adopted by the Town, so it is not used in our project evaluations. But, we have still used it in the past as a reference document. Regarding the Watershed Coalition, I last heard they were still raising funds to conduct a new study. Given the timing, I am doubtful any study or information produced could make it into the updated Development Code. But, it is always something that could be evaluated at a later date. Regarding CPW, I am not aware of any work they are doing in this area and we are not working with them in any capacity.

Steve Careccia, AICP

Community Development Director

Community Development Department

Town of Estes Park

970-577-3720

[David Arterburn]

Steve:

Thanks for the clarifications and updates.  It may also be beneficial for the commissioners to hear the feedback you received from the Town Board on community meetings approach.  I found Tuesday's discussion very interesting.  I wanted to stay for the rezoning criteria discussion but had another obligation since the community meeting discussiuon ran long.

Your feedback is very much appreciated.

Dave

[Richard Mulhern]

I second that motion...

Dick

[Steve Careccia]

Chair Arterburn & Commissioners,

Would an update on the neighborhood meeting and rezoning criteria topics be prefered at the June 16 or July 21 meeting? July could be busy, as that is the planned study session with the consultant. But, it could also be beneficial to hear these various code related topics at the same meeting.

August 18 is also a possibility, if members are planning to be absent in June or July.

Please let me know your preference.

Steve Careccia, AICP

Community Development Director

Community Development Department

Town of Estes Park

970-577-3720

[Richard Mulhern]

I won't be at the June meeting so I would prefer the July or August meeting. 

Dick Mulhern

[David Arterburn]

Steve:

Thanks.  Can we plan for August for this as I may not be in attendance on 16 June.

Dave