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PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION ON THE GENERAL PLAN POLICY DOCUMENT
Topic: Planning Commission to review and discuss the Community Character Element and Economic Development Element of the General Plan Policy Document. Date: August 23, 2007 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: City Council Chambers, 380 Civic Drive
On August 23, 2007 at 7:00 pm., the Galt Planning Commission held the first in a series of public workshop to consider the “Workshop Draft” policy elements of the Proposed Galt General Plan 2030. The consultant team of Mintier and Associates used a power point presentation to review the history of the General Plan 2030 process, the format of the proposed General Plan, and to review each of the proposed goals, policies, and implementation programs of the Workshop Draft Community Character Element and Workshop Draft Economic Development Element. In future workshops, the Planning Commission will review the remaining policy elements generally in accordance with the schedule shown above. The following is a summary of the discussion at the workshop for which there was a majority opinion to address. Readers should refer to the respective Elements for policy language. These elements are available for download and review on the General Plan 2030 website.
Community Character Element
Policy CC-1.2: Commission expressed concern that the policy did not go far enough and asked for an additional policy and implementation program to address the City’s commitment to conduct needed public improvements and maintenance activities in existing older neighborhoods to protect against deterioration and blight. A corresponding implementation program would be needed to look for creative funding opportunities for such improvements in existing neighborhoods.
Policy CC-1.4: Commission wanted to explore stronger wording to address improvements in the railroad corridor along with a corresponding implementation program. Staff and the consultant team directed to research how other cities have addressed the issue of improving the railroad corridor and report back.
Policy CC1.8: Commission requested that an additional policy and/or implementation program be added to promote the renovation or removal of existing dilapidated signs in the community.
Policy CC-2.6: Staff noted that this policy is somewhat duplicative of Policy CC-2.1 and needs to be combined into the latter policy.
Miscellaneous: Commission asked that staff and the consultant team come back with recommended language to address an art in public places program. It was suggested that a goal and/or policy would be added along with an implementation program stating that the City will explore adoption of an ordinance/program to require art in public places.
Implementation Program CC-B: Staff noted that the Public Works Director should replace Community Development Director as the responsible party for implementation.
Economic Development Element
Goal ED-3: Commission asked staff and consultants to come back with proposed language that would add a goal related to the “quality” of jobs that the City should try to attract. Some qualitative features that were suggested to be used to evaluate job “quality” were fair wages, reasonable employee benefits, work environment and amenities.
Policy ED-3.4: Commission suggested adding “Recreation and Fitness” to the list of economic sectors.
Next Planning Commission Public Workshop
The next Planning Commission Public Workshop will be held on August 30, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Galt City Council Chambers at City Hall (380 Civic Drive). The topics of discussion will be: 1. Staff/Consultants report back on recommended changes to the Community Character and Economic Development Elements 2. Review the Public Facilities and Services Element 3. Review the Safety and Seismic Element 4. Review the Noise Element (if time permits) 5. Review the Conservation and Open Space Element (if time permits) All of these “Workshop Draft” elements are available for download or review on the main page of the Galt General Plan Update Website. Printed copies are also available for review at the Galt Library (1000 Caroline Ave.), City Clerk’s office (380 Civic Drive), and Galt Planning Department (495 Industrial Drive) during regular business hours. Copies can be purchased at the City Clerk’s office.
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