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", PLANNING & DESIGN COMMISSION CITY OF NORTH OLMSTED MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 22, 2025 ROLL CALL Mr. David called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Present: Tom David, Humberto Olivos, Cary Peeples, Brenton Mineo, Jose Leon Staff: Director Max Upton, City Engineer Jeff Filarski, Director of Law Bryan O'Malley Administrative Assistant Lyn Wilson OLD BUSINESS 2025 Draft Comprehensive Plan Presentation by Kleinfelder and City Architecture of the draft 2025 Comprehensive Plan The consultant team from Kleinfelder and City Architecture was present to answer questions about the comprehensive plan, including its design, prioritization, and the input gathered. The plan, developed over a year of outreach and extensive public input, was intended as a guiding vision, not a legally binding document. The consultants did not prepare a presentation but were available for clarifications. The Planning and Design Commission's role was to make a recommendation to City Council about adopting the plan. The Department of Engineering had no additional comments but was available for questions. The Department of Law highlighted the importance of the comprehensive plan as -a guide for the city's development and land use. It was noted that the plan, similar to a master plan, will inform future city actions and zoning codes, and the department recommended the commission proceed with.a motion to recommend adoption of the plan. The commissioners began discussing the comprehensive plan, with one commissioner reflecting on the city's current limitations, particularly in zoning, which they felt was holding back North Olmstead's potential for growth. The commissioner expressed a desire to transform the city into something more vibrant and modern over the next several decades. One key concern raised during the meetings was the city's restrictive zoning laws, particularly those preventing mixed- use development, such as building housing above businesses. The commissioner asked for guidance on how to begin changing these zoning regulations to allow for more flexible development. They also suggested prioritizing specific zoning changes when making a recommendation to City Council. The question was directed to Director McNally, inquiring about the logical next steps to address zoning restrictions and who would be responsible for implementing such changes—whether it would be staff, the consultants, or another entity. The discussion centered on the need for a zoning audit and potential updates to the city's zoning code. It was noted that after completing a comprehensive plan, a zoning audit typically follows 1