STAFF REPORT

Planning & Zoning Board, May 17, 2010

P&Z Newcomer Subcommittee Report and Recommendation (PL10-021)

Consideration and approval of the findings and recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Board (P&Z) Newcomer Subcommittee

Speaker: Mr. Dan Matthys

From: Jeffery G. Ulma, Planning Director
Prepared by: Dan Matthys, Communication and Information Planner

Executive Summary: The Planning & Zoning Board created a subcommittee to educate citizens on what to expect when applying for and getting appointed to the P&Z Board. The subcommittee convened on two separate dates resulting in a recommendation to the full P&Z Board to approve a Web page resource designed by the subcommittee.

Background: At its January 2010 regular meeting, the Planning and Zoning Board created a Newcomer Subcommittee to educate and familiarize potential applicants and, subsequently, newly appointed members on the expectations of serving as a Planning & Zoning Board member. The subcommittee consisted of Brent Miller, Chairman, and Members Michelle Muir and John Shaw. The staff liaison for the subcommittee was Dan Matthys.

The subcommittee met on March 26 and April 16, 2010 and looked at a variety of existing resources and training materials provided by the Town and external resources accessible via the Internet. Throughout the discussion of the two meetings, it was determined by the subcommittee that the best course of action would be to create a Web page linked to the Planning & Zoning Board Web page depicting information such as Frequently Asked Questions, useful links, video samples of a P&Z meeting and other materials identified to be missing in training sessions.

A draft “Guide for P&Z Candidates and New Appointees”  Web page was developed by the subcommittee. It was also determined that since it was a Web page, that it could be maintained and amended as needed.

The subcommittee unanimously recommended approval to the full P&Z Board of the creation of the “Guide for P&Z Candidates and New Appointees” Web page.

Fiscal Impact: None; this information can be developed and managed by existing staff and resources as part of ongoing activities.

Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends the P&Z Board follow the recommendation of the P&Z Newcomer Subcommittee and move forward with the “Guide for P&Z Candidates and New Appointees” Web page.