2015.02.03 WS Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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IWAxl� city of I)NEW MGHTON the city that works for you DATE: January 30, 2015 Department of Community Assets & Development MEMORANDUM TO: Manager Lotter Mayor Members of the Council FROM: Janice Gundlach, Asst. Director of Community Assets & Development/Planning Director SUBJECT: Urban Farming Task Force (UFTF) Follow -Up As per the Council's request at the Team Building Retreat, staff has prepared additional follow-up materials regarding the UFTF's recommendation. A lengthy packet of materials was distributed to the Council for the October 14, 2014 work session, which provided all the background information related to the UFTF's work. That information has been included again should the Council need to refer back to it. One additional piece of information is attached, which is aimed at helping the Council move forward on individual pieces of the UFTF's recommendation, rather than simply accepting everything. Attached is a matrix that outlines the following: • Lists the specific policy areas examined, • Notes what areas call for additional regulation or whether the status quo is acceptable. Two areas are listed as "best practices" and focus primarily on education and outreach efforts, • Areas where additional regulation is recommended, and • Areas where existing ordinances are effective. The far right column of the matrix calls for a Council vote on each individual policy area. Staff recognizes this is a topic where not all five Council members align, which is why it has been so difficult to make a decision and move forward. In an effort to find resolution, staff suggests the Council votes on the UFTF's recommendation in each of the policy areas identified in the far left column of the matrix (which is an exercise the UFTF underwent too). The areas of majority rule will give staff direction on where to expend additional efforts, such as drafting additional regulation for further discussion. Again, staff acknowledges this isn't the typical way Council approaches work session topics, yet the item of urban farming is approaching two years and staff senses a strong desire to find a resolution. Staff will be available to address any questions and to discuss next steps.