PC Meeting Date: July 17, 2025
To: Members of the Planning Commission
From: Mikayla Schmidt, City Planner
Jake Reilly, Community Development Director
Title
Work Session - Team Building and Planning & Zoning Basics.
Body
Action Requested:
Review team-building questions and zoning informational materials and be prepared to discuss ideas, questions, concerns, and comments about the upcoming zoning code redesign.
Summary Report:
Team Building (25 minutes)
The chair and staff will facilitate a conversation between and among planning commissioners and planning staff. The goal of this exercise is to arrive at a shared understanding of the members' interests and experiences to help us best work together in the future. Some questions to consider prior to the meeting include:
* What was your first or most favorite job (paid or unpaid)?
* What got you interested in planning/the planning commission?
* What is your favorite public space in Northfield? What is your favorite public space/place in the world? Why do you consider these places your favorite?
* How do you like to receive information? What types of media or information would be most helpful to you as you consider staff recommendations and zoning/planning applications?
o This conversation starts from the basic understanding that people communicate differently, and that lived experience influences how we communicate together and the different ways we communicate and that there is a role for staff to play in ensuring that information that is shared is shared effectively, particularly for commissioners.
Planning & Zoning Basics (35 minutes)
Prior to the meeting, review the educational materials attached.
Start by watching the MN DNR YouTube video on Planning & Zoning Basics (Attachment 1). The first 25 minutes are related to comprehensive planning. This sets the foundation for the next portion of the video which covers zoning history and zoning/planning basics. Staff recommends people watch the entire video...
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