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Icityo[1 1 � BR1( HIM the cif that wnrkR for you Memo Date: January 12, 2009 To: Planning Commission From: Janice Gundlach, City Planner)E1 Subject: Updates Chair Baker and City staff completed a memo that was distributed and discussed before the City Council on Jan. 13th related to 2008 Planning Commission business. A copy of that memo is attached for reference. The memo outlines the many projects that were discussed in 2008 as well as some items that could be considered for discussion in 2009. City staff wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Commissioners for their volunteer efforts in 2008! Secondly, attached to this memo is draft language for a code amendment that will be considered at the February 17th Planning Commission meeting. This code amendment should not have any impact on how land use projects are reviewed at the Commission level; however it does impact the method under which those applications are accepted and processed. Currently, the City collects a base fee per land use application. Under the revised language, the City would collect a base amount; say $500 - $1,000 that would be deposited in an account managed by the City's Finance Department. Over the course of review, staff time would be deducted from that account, as well as consultant expenses if incurred. If at the end of land use review money remains it would be returned. However, if the escrow is spent the applicant would receive a bill for additional staff time. This amendment is a City Council directive aimed to cover any and all costs incurred with a land use application. Also, minor applications impacting residential property would not be included in this change. Again, this should not impact how land use applications are considered at the Commission level; nonetheless staff wanted all Commissioners to understand the reasoning behind the amendment prior to its consideration in February. Thirdly, the 2009 Home & Garden Show is scheduled for Saturday, February 28th This event is held at the Schwan Center in the City of Blaine. The show is free and runs from 9 AM to 2 PM. New Brighton participation has been very limited over the past three years. If participation remains very low this year, the City will more than likely withdraw their involvement in the fair and seek other methods of getting this type of information to our residents. The City of New Brighton will staff an informational booth at the show, so stop in and check out our booth and the show! City staff is working on scheduling a joint work session with the Council and all Commissions to discuss the new NWQ Market Study just completed by Colliers. A date of Monday, February VI has been tentatively scheduled. More information will follow.