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PLANNING & DESIGloT COMMISSION <br />CITY OF NORTH OLMSTEI) <br />MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 11, 2015 <br />The special meeting came to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. <br />Present: Greg Malone, Julie Nader, Paul Schumann, Thomas Patton, Don Rerko <br />Absent: David Anderson, Ralph Bohlmann <br />Also Present: Councilman Lou Brossard, Councilman Paul Barker, Councilwoman Mary Ellen <br />Hemann, Councilman Kevin Kearney, Councilwoman Angela Williamson, <br />Councilman Duane Limpert, Planning & Development Director Kimberly <br />Wenger, Assistant Law Director Bryan O'Malley <br />NEW BUSINESS <br />Zoning Undate Proiect <br />Ms. Wenger introduced planning consultant Paul LeBlanc of LSL Planning, whose firm was <br />selected to assist with the Zoning Code Update project. Ms. Wenger reviewed that updating zoning <br />regulations was a priority action of the 2015 Master Plan update and would be a key step in <br />realizing the town center concept supported by the community. Mr. LeBlanc provided background <br />to the process and described steps already taken to evaluate the current code, meet with key <br />stakeholders and conduct site visits for direct observation of development patterns along the <br />commercial corridor. He provided a Blueprint document (attached) that slunmarized his team's <br />evaluation of the code and their findings and recommendations. Key recommendations in the <br />Blueprint include revising existing business districts and creating new commercial districts <br />recognizing differences in character along the Lorain Road corridor. Also, Mr. LeBlanc <br />recommended creating improved review standards in the code for clarity and predictability. He <br />suggested greater delegation to the Plaimuig and Design Commission and staff by Council could <br />streamline the review process. He also discussed the need to address access management standards, <br />landscape standards, and design guidelines in the code. Signage should also be updated. Improved <br />standards will also reduce variance requests before the BZBA. Council and Commission members <br />discussed the recommendations, asked questions and shared observations. Overall, the group felt the <br />Blueprint's recommendations were valid and indicated that the consultant should proceed with a <br />proposal to prepare zoning amendments in accordance with the Blueprint. An advisory committee <br />will work with the consultant through the technical writing process. <br />ADJOURNMENT <br />further business, the meeting concluded at 7:40PM. <br />Greg 1VlaloVe; Chair <br />n.?--- <br />Ki berly Wenge, Directo f Planning <br />. <br />a/? <br />Approved