City Council Study Session Summary 2005 03 08

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City Council Study Session Summary March 8, 2005 Page 2 of 4 proposal to hire a lobbyist to assist both entities to obtain funding for transit options. Councilmember Don Brown stated his reluctance to partner with Boulder County when there is a Commissioner actively lobbying against the City of Louisville's Comprehensive Plan update, which includes transit-oriented development. He cautioned Council against pursuing funds for transit-oriented development without the support of the residents. He suggested contacting a developer to provide the City with ideas on what developers are looking for before investing in a community. He explained that until the City understands how to attract developers to Louisville, he was uncertain that the updated Comprehensive Plan will succeed. Council agreed that the City is losing sales tax dollars to surrounding communities. There was discussion on how to inform the residents that slow growth is necessary to maintain a viable community. Councilmember Sheri Marsella stated that at the recent Affordable Housing Summit, she was shocked to learn that surrounding communities experienced growth rates of at least six percent over the past five years; however, the City of Louisville's growth rate for the same period was .04%! Mayor Sisk reported that the City has been participating in a draft Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for transportation improvements along US 36. The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane is a critical component of the project. There is concern that if there is a toll component to the BRT transportation project, it will not be eligible for federal funding. Heather Balser explained that there is the misunderstanding that voter approval of FasTracks guaranteed the BRT and rail component. However, BRT and rail are only guaranteed by a recommendation through the EIS process. Mayor Sisk and Heather Balser agreed that the next six months will be critical for this project. Update - DRCOG Issues - Councilmember Don Brown Mayor Sisk commended Council member Brown for his participation with DRCOG and the benefits the City has received from his involvement. Councilmember Brown explained that DRCOG representatives spend a significant amount of time evaluating proposed legislation issues and determining whether or not to support each issue. He provided a brief overview of some issues currently under discussion, specifically the Urban Growth Boundaries. He reported that DRCOG is currently discussing whether to establish criteria for submitting a request to DRCOG to amend the Urban Growth Boundaries within communities.