City Council Study Session Summary 2011 10 25

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City Council Study Session Summary October 25, 2011 Page 3 of 4 There was discussion on the International Green Construction Code (IGCC). Steve Brauneis informed Council the final version of this Code is scheduled to be released in March of 2012. Director Russ hopes to have the Building Code Board of Appeals weigh-in on the Code. Some stated the City could possibly adopt portions of the IGCC. Councilor Dalton stated the purpose of Code is safety and to protect the public, and he is not in favor of government mandating a green building code which could add to the cost of construction. Mayor Sisk stated his support for green building. Update/Discussion – Comprehensive Plan 2012 Review Planning and Building Safety Director Russ gave a presentation initiating a conversation about the update of the Comprehensive Plan for 2012. The Louisville Municipal Code requires updates every 4 years with the next update due by December 31, 2012. Director Russ said the update is needed because places evolve, there is a need for alignment of policies (to include the addition of medical marijuana and the administrative SRU process), and changes should reflect current values. The update allows the City to strengthen the vision because areas change. Director Russ wants to ensure all the policies and regulations are in alignment. Mayor Sisk commented on a job “well done,” but he believes paying $150,000 is alarming or even $75,000 or $100,000 to complete the update. Since the update is a major undertaking, Planning Commission Member Jeff Lipton asked Council to provide in the future appropriate direction early on and make it a collaborative process to get the right results. Mayor Pro Tem Marsella believes the underlying document is still good, but the reality is the Comp Plan needs to be updated and supports the update every 4 years. Councilor Yarnell stated she doesn’t believe this update is as controversial like the previous update 4 years ago that dealt with land use, but she believes there are updates needed, and now is the time to make this into a solid, meaningful document. Some Council members felt staff could handle the update rather than paying for an expensive consultant, however, Councilor Muckle thought for the technical updates a consultant could be hired. Deputy City Manager Balser talked about the process of updating the Comp Plan and supported staff hiring a consultant as there aren’t enough City staff resources to support all the work involved. Councilor Dalton supported doing the update with City resources. Jeff Lipton stated he believes we build on what we have, and the future will be focused on redevelopment. Councilor Sackett supports the update, but doesn’t believe City staff has the time or resources necessary to handle the update solely on their own and still be able to continue to