20/20 Cold Spring Vision Team

Minutes of the Meeting
Design Standards Committee
December 20, 2004

Minutes of the Meeting
Design Standards Committee
December 20, 2004

Members Present: John Frischmann, Ann Harren, Brigetta Klemek, Heidi Howard, Steve Penick, Larry Lahr

Guests: Ashlee McClaird, Dave Nyberg, Joann Faust

1. Members discussed several options in how to proceed with the rezoning process. Joann Faust, the consultant hired by the city, preferred to review each zone’s draft, offer any changes or possible additions, and then return them to the committee for review. Joann will use these initial drafts to begin formulating a document ready for the planning commission. Two basic steps are needed for this timeline. Committee members hope to complete their drafts for each zone by the end of January. In the second step, the committee would incorporate Joann’s suggestions and return the copies for her preliminary approval by the end of February.
2. Seeking business/community support: The committee spent some time discussing this critical aspect of the plan. Conversation focused on the best method in providing information to business leaders while at the same time gaining their broad base support. Some business owners have already been contacted or been present at the design standards meetings. Others have heard about the plan through various networks about the rezoning/design standard proposal. In an effort to bring everyone together, committee members decided a completed package would provide the best discussion and lead to a more agreeable plan for everyone.
3. The committee determined a mid March target date to meet with members of the City Council and Planning Commission. This joint meeting would provide an opportunity for these officials to ask questions and suggest any possible changes. For committee members, it’s a forum to gather further input regarding the proposal and to identify common ground amongst the officials and the design standards.
4. The Chamber Luncheon has been postponed until April. Originally set for January, John, Brigetta, and Larry discussed this issue and determined a later date would better serve the community, business leaders, and public officials. In addition, a later date allows for more public input to the process. To briefly restate, committee members would present a powerpoint presentation to business leaders and answer any questions they may have regarding the plan.
5. The committee’s goal is to present a proposal to the Planning Commission by the end of April. If approved by the Planning Commission, the City Council would review the proposed rezoning/design standards sometime in May.
6. The committee also discussed the river front zone and its proposed criteria.
7. Next meeting: Thursday Jan. 6, 2005, 6:30 PM at city hall.