05/14/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

an example. Kerr explained that he was more comfortable with rules if they were predictable. He did not want to see Guidelines re-introduced that could be misused by • neighbors to oppose projects. OPENED PUBLIC COMMENT Planning Commissioner Eric Clow explained that he liked the diagrams and illustrations in the Guidelines and suggestedthey could be very beneficial. He concurred with the Mayor's suggestion to rename the document and the possible introduction of a rating or point system. Clow offered that the document should be "a common sense guide for neighbors" and reflect the "spirit" of the Town. However, as a Commissioner, when reviewing a project they were bound by one set of requirements and that was the Town's Municipal Code. Clow did not want to see competing information that could be confusing to the applicant. Planning Commissioner John Harpootlian congratulated the Mayor on opening up the subject for discussion but he did not favor returning to the days when an applicant was provided information that did not have the force of an ordinance or was a true guideline. He suggested that this was not fair to the applicant. Harpootlian concurred with Clow that the document could be used as a teaching tool. Abigail Ahrens, introduced herself to Council. She was a former resident and professionally: a home designer, developer, and real estate broker. Ahrens offered that � P the Town had an incredible staff and that the changes that have been incorporated into the • Town's Codes were great. She suggested that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Ahrens recommended that for the few issues that the Town had on development, the Guidelines would not be beneficial and worked better in subdivisions but not in an environment with unique building sites. CLOSED PUBLIC COMMENT Council considered the review process for the Guidelines. There was a consensus that an Ad Hoc Sub Committee would be a good vehicle. Councilmember Larsen reiterated his support for the Guidelines being developed as an educational tool only. Mayor Mordo offered that"Development Standards"might be a better name for the Guidelines. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Summit, seconded by Kerr and passed unanimously to establish an Ad Hoc Subcommittee of two Councilmembers, two Planning Commissioners, two architects and Planning staff to review and modify the existing Design Guidelines as an educational document for Town and new residents. Councilmember Summit, Planning Commissioner Clow and Abigail Ahrens volunteered to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee. The meetings will be open to the public. • 7 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 14,2009