City Council Study Session Summary 2006 12 12

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City Council Regular Meeting Summary December 12, 2006 Page 2 of 3 3. Staff Introduction - City Council's Review of Preliminary Development Documents Mayor Sisk explained that this was recently discussed at the Business Retention & Development (BRaD) Committee meeting. In the past, City Council reviewed preliminary development documents prior the documents being presented before Planning Commission. That practice was changed as it was felt that it constituted an unnecessary influence over the role of the Planning Commission. Paul Wood explained that the Louisville Municipal Code was amended in 1993 to allow an applicant to submit a preliminary plan to City Council for informal review, and those discussions would be non-binding upon the City Council. There is the risk that a developer may assert reliance on some aspect of the discussion which could potentially be reversed at the Planning Commission review. Mayor Pro Tem Brown explained that this item was brought up at a BRaD meeting during a discussion that the perception is developers find it difficult to build in Louisville. It was suggested that City Council be afforded the ability to provide general, non-binding comments on development proposals. Mayor Sisk suggested limiting this process to projects in downtown Louisville. He expressed hesitation at discussing all proposals coming forward in Louisville. Mayor Pro Tem Don Brown suggested allowing the applicant the option to present their proposal to City Council for general comments. Councilmember Muckle suggested that City Council and the Planning Commission review the initial proposal together, before it moves on to the Planning Commission. Mayor Pro Tem Brown explained that most municipalities allow City Council to review development proposals prior to presentation before the Planning Commission. This allows the applicant to get an idea whether or not they would like to move forward after hearing City Council comments. Council expressed interest in learning how other communities handle preliminary review of development proposals. Mayor Sisk suggested that staff inform City Council about proposals that they may wish to call up for preliminary review. Council expressed interest in discussing this with Planning Commission members to obtain their thoughts on the process and requested placing this on the January 9, 2007 City Council Study Session. 4. Other Items Mayor Sisk thanked Julie Boyd for all her good work for the City and wished her well in her future endeavors.