Hillier City Council requests regional approval for City Plan 2025 draft

The Montpelier City Council convened on April 23, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a significant focus on the draft City Plan 2025 and its regional approval process. The meeting began with a detailed explanation from staff regarding the necessity of obtaining regional approval before the plan's adoption. This approach aims to address potential technical requirements that could hinder the approval process, allowing for amendments to be made concurrently.

Council members engaged in a thorough discussion about the implications of submitting the draft plan to the Regional Planning Commission. Staff emphasized that while the council could continue to amend the plan, it was crucial to ensure that any changes would not disrupt the approval process. The goal is to achieve a conditional approval from the commission, which would allow the council to proceed with confidence that the plan meets legal standards.

During the deliberations, concerns were raised about the authenticity of public input and the potential for substantive changes to the plan. One council member highlighted the importance of taking community feedback seriously, suggesting that the council should remain open to making adjustments based on public input, even after submitting the plan for regional approval.

A notable point of contention arose when a member of the public criticized the web-based format of the plan, arguing that it disenfranchised those without internet access. This individual called for a return to a more accessible paper format to ensure broader public participation. The council addressed these concerns, with staff clarifying that an archive version of the plan would be available in paper format for those who requested it.

As the discussion progressed, the council faced allegations regarding the integrity of the planning process and the legal compliance of the draft plan. Staff reassured council members that the plan had been reviewed by legal counsel, who found no significant issues. However, the public speaker urged the council to conduct further due diligence to ensure transparency and adherence to statutory requirements.

After extensive discussion, the council moved to vote on the motion to submit the draft City Plan 2025 to the Regional Planning Commission for approval. The motion passed with a majority in favor, allowing the planning process to advance while maintaining the opportunity for public input and potential amendments.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to a transparent planning process while navigating the complexities of regional approval. The next steps will involve awaiting feedback from the Regional Planning Commission, with the council poised to address any necessary changes based on that input.