Advanced Plans Committee

Advance Plans Committee Summary of Meeting Thursday, December 5, 2019 MAPD Conference Room Attendance AP Committee Members: Mike Greene, (Chair) Chuck Warren, John McKay, Joe Johnson, Bob Dool (arrived at 10:37 am), Rob Hartman, and Schane Gross; Members Absent: None MAPD staff: Scott Knebel, Mary M. Hunt, Dave Yearout, Jim Schiffelbein, and Stephen Banks, Jennifer Magana, Jeff VanZandt, Matt Williams; Other: Council Member Brandon Johnson, Planning Commissioner Terrill Florence, and Kurt Yowell; Discussion Summary 1. Advance Plans Committee Chair, Mike Greene called the meeting to order at 10:30 am; 2. The Advance Plans Committee approved (4 to 0 with 3 abstaining) meeting summary of November 7, 2019. 3. City Council member Brandon Johnson requested the Planning Commission consider adopting a resolution regarding policies regarding the location of utility poles within the City. An issue of concern is the upgrading of utility poles/lines does not currently go through the rigorous siting process as is required for new poles. House Bill 2317, sponsored by State Representative Gail Finney, was referred to the Energy, Utility and Telecommunications Committee for consideration. The City’s lobbyist is watching this bill about changing the siting process requirements including having third party oversight component. Council member Johnson said this issue will be added to the City’s legislative agenda. Evergy representatives met with residents of the 1st District again and did a better job of communicating with residents about the process when change occurs. Discussion from the Committee indicated support for asking the Planning Commission to prepare a Resolution supporting the efforts to assist neighborhoods regarding this matter. The Planning Commission can make a recommendation in the form of a letter to the City Council or the form of a Resolution. Committee members expressed concern about making sure the Resolution be consistent with any earlier policies of the City Council. A draft letter was prepared earlier that could be used a model for a Resolution by the Planning Commission. Commissioner Johnson shared that similar utility poles exist in the City, however they are not located in dense residential neighborhoods as found in District 1. 4. Stephen Bank, Senior Planner shared a map with the Committee depicting the existing Urban Growth areas that coincide with the Urban Areas of Influence. The Board of County Commissioners asked MAPD to review this issue with all 19 County communities. Nine of the communities indicated they wanted to review the boundaries, while three are uncertain at this time. Stephen said he has met with five communities thus far and expects to meet with Advanced Plans Committee Meeting Summary – December 5, 2019 1  the remaining communities by late December. Once all communities interested in this topic have provided their input, we will bring information back for feedback from the Advanced Plans Committee and possibly the County Commissioners. 5. Scott Knebel, Planning Manager provided an update on the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan. Scott shared a history of the Planning Process and said the Plan is midway in the Public Engagement process. The consultant group shared five scenarios at the November 14, 2019 public meeting and will prepare a final recommendation on January 14, 2020. Options include a focus on greenspace in different forms. The convention center and Hyatt hotel will be expanded to support a larger convention center. The Plan is based on establishing a new Performing Arts Center that will be built in such a way that activity at Century II is uninterrupted. The site is designed to support mixed-use and complete street designs that go beyond the convention and performing arts activity. Further refinement is forthcoming. Ideas include an iconic bridge over the river as well as a signature design for the performing arts center. Scott reviewed the five scenarios in a PowerPoint presentation. Cost estimates were provided for each scenario and feedback from the Committee is encouraged. The Planning Commission may be asked to set a public hearing in January 2020 at the earliest. Questions and comments from the Committee included that they note the costs are over a period of several years and that it include a phasing plan. Scott indicated that a robust economic analysis including maintenance, operations, programming and the funding necessary would be available at the January presentation. The purpose of the grid system was explained as it provides street frontages for the businesses in the area. Committee members also suggested an agreement regarding Waterwalk should be in place prior to any further planning taking place. 6. Mary Hunt, Principal Planner updated the Committee about the Food System Master Plan. Council member Tuttle and Assistant City Manager Martin have met with the City Manager and he is supportive of their efforts. The County Manager will be contacted to gauge interest in participation. Currently the group is focused on the public engagement portion of the Plan. 7. Mary Hunt, Principal Planner provided an update to the Committee on the Wichita: Places for People implementation. Tear sheets are being developed for each node identified in the Places for People Plan. The purpose is to assist in selecting two nodes as possible pilot projects areas. The Advisory Team, appointed by the City Manager has two sub-groups; one is devoted to zoning changes; the other is devoted to the Land Bank. 8. The next regular meeting of the Advance Plans Committee is Thursday, January 9, 2020 beginning at 10:30 am in the Director’s conference room of MAPD. 9. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:46 am. Advanced Plans Committee Meeting Summary – December 5, 2019 2