Title
Discussion of Joint Planning (B)
Explanation
On July 24, 2000, the City Commission heard a presentation from Community Development Staff on two basic alternatives for implementing joint planning. One was for a Joint Planning Committee that would review and develop strategies to address the various studies and findings of the staff task force on joint planning. The other alternative is faster track implementation that would forego creation of the Joint Planning Committee in favor of simply selecting and implementing a joint planning framework.
Joint Planning Committee. The Joint Planning Committee would review findings of the staff task force on joint planning, and recommend to both Commissions how to proceed with implementing joint planning between the City of Gainesville and Alachua County. Composition of the Joint Planning Committee would depend on whether the commissions wish to focus on City of Gainesville-unincorporated Alachua County issues, or on countywide issues including other municipalities. The following implementation strategies could be considered: development of joint planning agreements; establishment of a joint planning commission(s) for review of certain types of development requests in designated areas; development of certain joint comprehensive plan provisions or joint land development regulations; or establishment of a joint local governing body entitled Joint or Metropolitan Planning Organization. The purpose of the Joint or Metropolitan Planning Organization would be adoption and amendment of comprehensive plans.
Fast-track implementation. The following frameworks could be considered: joint City-County development of certain sector plans or other special area studies; joint local planning agency (LPA) for plan amendments and rezonings in specified areas; replace current LPAs with joint LPA that would make recommendations to each local government; replace current LPAs with joint LPA that would make recommendations to a Joint or Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Staff indicated that the following issues must be considered in contemplating joint planning alternatives: consultant assistance needed for any expedited special area plans or sector plans at this time due to current work on comprehensive plan updates; other staffing issues associated with any changes to the LPA structure; legal review needed for any possible charter changes; participation of other cities; and the logistics of additional LPAs.
After the July 24, 2000 meeting, the next step was the scheduling of a joint meeting with the Alachua County Board of Commissioners to discuss moving forward. At the County's next discussion they indicated interest in learning the outcome of the charter amendment on joint planning prior to further discussion. A joint meeting is now set for January 26, 2001.
Fiscal Note
The fiscal impact will depend upon the specific implementation strategy selected.
Recommendation
The City Commission hear a brief presentation from staff and provide direction.