Standing Committee Meeting

MEETING OF STANDING COMMITTEES City Hall, 220 Clay Street August 21, 2023 The meeting of Standing Committees met at City Hall at 5:15 p.m. on August 21, 2023, with the following Committee persons in attendance: Councilmembers present: Susan deBuhr, Kelly Dunn, Simon Harding, Daryl Kruse, Gil Schultz, and Dave Sires. Councilmembers absent: Dustin Ganfield. Staff members from all City Departments and members of the community attended in person. Community Development Committee: Chair Harding called the meeting to order and introduced the first item on the Community Development Committee Agenda, Cedar Falls Economic Development Corporation and introduced Cedar Falls Economic Development Corporation Executive Director, Jim Brown. Director Brown introduced President Nook who gave an overview on the importance of the CFEDC program and its member diversity, as well as the development around the new Cedar Falls High School. Director Brown then gave an overview of the CFEDC goals, Board of Directors, developments in the area, and the housing assessment. Community Development Committee: Chair Harding called the meeting to order and introduced the second item on the Community Development Committee Agenda, Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee Transition to a Commission, and introduced Chris Sevy, Planner I. Mr. Sevy gave insight into the proposed bylaws, powers and duties, and Rules of Governance. Mr. Sevy stated that the Bicycles and Pedestrian Committee reviewed and discussed the proposed code language and bylaws at their August 1st meeting and came forth unanimously with the request to approve the ordinance amendment establishing the proposed commission. Councilmembers discussed attendance of members, frequency of meetings, and proposed alternating terms. Chair Harding called for public comment. Andrew Shroll, current committee chair, spoke in support of establishing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission. Jack Yates spoke in favor of the proposed committee and its importance within the community. Community Development Committee: Chair Harding called the meeting to order and introduced the final item on the Community Development Committee Agenda, Comprehensive Plan Review and introduced Stephanie Houk Sheetz, Director of Community Development. Director Houk Sheetz explained the difference between a comprehensive plan and future forward strategic plan and introduced Chris Sevy, Planner I. Mr. Sevy explained elements of the 2012 Comprehensive Plan that included the purpose and definition, considerations in the formulation of a Comprehensive Plan, existing conditions, visioning, and plan implementation. Mr. Sevy explained the city follows Iowa Code Chapter 18B.1 guidelines and gave an overview of locations/elements that have been implemented: University Avenue, Downtown, Arbors and Prairie Winds/West, South Main and Greenhill, Industrial Park, residential growth, Trails and Bike Plan, and College Hill. Mr. Sevy gave an update on the status of 60 actions items:8 completed, 8 no action, and 44 ongoing items. Councilmembers questioned the adoption of the College Hill vision plan (later verified it was adopted May 3, 2021), annexation in the West, reconfiguration to a 90-degree intersection at University and Union, and enhancement of Rainbow Drive. Meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m. Minutes by Shianne Bellinger, Administrative Assistant