City Council Meeting Date: January 9, 2018
To: Mayor and City Council
From: City Administrator, Ben Martig
Chris Heineman, Community Development Director
Subject:
TITLE
Discuss Establishment of a Northwest Area Land Use Consultant and Process Advisory Committee.
BODY
Action Requested:
Discussion only.
Summary Report:
In 2017, the City Council initiated a comprehensive Strategic Planning process resulting in six strategic priorities for 2018-2020. One of these strategic priorities was economic development which included a desired outcome of expanded commercial and industrial tax base. One of the strategic initiatives under this desired outcome is developing a new growth plan and increasing the availability of commercial and industrial land for existing business expansion and new business attraction.
In a spirit of collaboration, an initial step being recommended by staff and Mayor Pownell is to have a small group of representatives from the Council, applicable advisory boards, and some targeted key stakeholders to meet with staff to explore options for consulting services and processes to facilitate working toward a shared vision. This advisory group would not have any expected responsibilities beyond exploring the process, who may be appropriate to assist in that process review, and making that recommendation to the City Council.
The membership contemplated would include representatives from the Economic Development Authority, Planning Commission, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Hospital Board and City Council. Additionally, a representative from St. Olaf is suggested to be an appropriate key stakeholder as a significant property owner of contiguous agricultural areas within the City limits that are identified in their adopted Framework Plan as potential future non-college development areas. Ultimately, a smaller group of maybe 5-7 total representatives is suggested to keep the membership at a reasonable level. Staff would suggest following a similar past process that would have the Mayor appoint and Council confirm the membership.
Staff is not expecting the future work to include substantial new comprehensive studies but rather being more narrowly focused and building off what has been completed. Staff will be seeking any clarifications and feedback from the Council on this proposed process.
Alternative Options:
Staff is open to alternative variations that encourage a dialogue of team approach to this first initial step in the Council's strategic economic development initiative.
Financial Impacts:
There is no costs associated with this process review. Any recommendation coming forward from the Advisory Committee would include costs estimates and proposed source funding.
Tentative Timelines:
January 16 - Regular Council meeting motion to consider committee and appointees (proposed consent agenda item)