City Council: Jan Churchill

Dr. Norsworthy called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. Roll call was taken.

Approval of Minutes – A spelling error in last month’s minutes was brought to light. It was moved and seconded that the minutes of the 4/28/08 meeting be approved as corrected. The motion was adopted.

WILMAPCO – Ms. Heather Dunigan, Principal Planner with WILMAPCO, provided an update on the City’s previously prepared Transportation Plan. (Handouts were distributed to Commission members.) A number of major issues were discussed such as Route 9 and traffic and other issues associated with that roadway, greenways and bikeways, improved industrial park access, parking and sidewalks.

Budget Review – Dr. Norsworthy reviewed the newest budget received from Ms. Thomas. Currently we are under the allotted budget for Planning Commission expenses but we are over the $5,000 allotted in general expenses by $1,961. The Comprehensive Plan Update is allotted $30,000, $5,000 for outreach studies and $500 for transcription services, none of which has been tapped. Ms. Thomas provided an explanation for the overage in general expenses and answered questions from Commission members. The overage can be attributed to the process involved with payment of expenses and receipt of revenues. The City is beginning their budget review process and one night will be set aside for commissions and this Commission would be invited. This workshop would take place before your next regular meeting and Ms. Thomas will need some type of budget submittal from the Planning Commission prior to that meeting. (Budget request discussed further under General Discussion.)

Rezoning of Hermitage – This item was tabled due to lack of information.

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

May 19, 2008

Comprehensive Plan Update – Marian Hull distributed the Comprehensive Plan Update (a/o 5/5/08) to Commission members and reviewed same. During the lengthy review process it was determined which priority items to keep or delete from the plan, additions, and actions and goals going forward.

General Discussion

Budget – Current budget allotments were discussed. Mr. Bird suggested allotting funds for development of a capital improvements program. Ms. Hull will contact Dr. Norsworthy with a proposed budget for this item and update of the zoning ordinance. Mayor Klingmeyer suggested funding for publications and training and audio/visual equipment.

After discussion Dr. Norsworthy announced he would submit the following budget requests for the Planning Commission:

Planning Commission Expenses $1,000; General Expenses $10,000; Transcription Services $2,500; Comprehensive Plan Update $30,000; Outreach Study $5,000; Publications $450; Seminars/Training $1,000; Audio/Visual Equipment $2,500; amount to be determined by Ms. Hull for a capital improvements program and updating of zoning ordinance.

Comprehensive Plan – Ms. Hull reported that she will provide monthly updates to City Council and perhaps talk about scheduling a community meeting. Dr. Norsworthy suggested gathering input from various entities regarding the comprehensive plan. This would include, but not limited to, the Mayor, Trustees, Historic Area Commission, Municipal Services, Tree Commission, Board of Health, police and fire and City Council.

Adjournment – It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

Next Meeting -- Our next meeting is scheduled for 6/23/08.

Respectfully submitted,

Debbie Turner
Stenographer