Title
Progress Report on Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report (B)
Explanation
Planning staff has held a series of workshops with the City Plan Board regarding the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) of the Comprehensive Plan. On May 12, 2010 the Plan Board reviewed the Stormwater Management Element and the Conservation, Open Space & Groundwater Recharge Element. On May 27, 2010, the Plan Board reviewed the Capital Improvements Element and financial feasibility requirements.
The purpose of this item is to provide the City Commission and the public with a brief update on the progress of the EAR in regard to these comprehensive plan elements, as well as the EAR requirement (per Florida Statute 163.3191) pertaining to the financial feasibility of implementing the comprehensive plan.
The goals, objectives and policies of the above mentioned elements have substantially been met. Review of the Stormwater Management Element for the Evaluation and Appraisal Report indicates that a policy to address Low Impact Development should be added to address Major Issue 8 (Strengthen Natural Resource Protection). EAR review of the Conservation, Open Space & Groundwater Recharge Element shows that: policies need to be revised and added re: energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction; a policy is needed to address the relationship between tree canopy and solar electrical energy generation; various policies will need to be updated to reflect stronger natural resource protections expected with the 2010 environmental update; and that policies to address potential changes to water supply planning will be determined in late 2010. Objective 2.1 (requires wetland acreage and function to be maintained in the listed basins) should be either revised so that the acreage requirement can be met, or revised by deleting the wetland acreage requirement. The City Plan Board at its May 12, 2010 EAR workshop expressed concern over wetland losses and recommended that this objective be revised so that the wetland acreage requirement can be met.
A review of the Capital Improvements Element (CIE) for the Evaluation and Appraisal Report indicates that there are two recommended changes related to major issues: 1) updating of the 5-Year Schedule of Capital Improvements annually to show new funding sources for Transportation Choice as they are identified, and 2) addition of a new policy addressing water supply concurrency requirements. Other minor updates are required to meet State law. A review of the City's Comprehensive Plan based on capital improvements listed in the 5-Year Schedule of Capital Improvements shows that the City has a financially feasible plan.
Fiscal note
None.
Recommendation
Staff to City Commission - the Commission hear a presentation by Planning staff on: 1. the draft EAR Report chapters on the following Elements: Stormwater Management; Conservation, Open Space & Groundwater Recharge; and Capital Improvements; and 2. financial feasibility of implementing the comprehensive plan.