Plan commission outlines community-input sequence for comprehensive-plan update; will review survey next month

The Plan Commission discussed the village comprehensive-plan community-input approach on March 3 and agreed to review the existing community survey at the next meeting, define a timeline and set the consultant scope of work for outreach.

Commissioners reviewed five outreach methods used previously — plan commission meetings, a community opinion survey, a public workshop, focus groups and targeted interviews. Several commissioners favored conducting the community opinion survey first to help shape focus-group conversations and the public workshop. Planning staff described options for combining in-person focus groups and an evening public workshop on a single consultant visit, and noted an online interactive map and follow-up options for residents who cannot attend live events.

Commissioners discussed sequencing and timing. One commissioner said updated existing-condition data would be useful to present to participants; another noted that a consultant engaged to manage outreach typically compiles data and materials early in the contract so the public events can be informed by current figures. Several commissioners suggested doing focus groups and a workshop in the late summer/early fall and aiming for a public hearing and adoption timeline that could extend into the following winter, depending on budget and consultant availability.

The commission agreed that staff will circulate the 2018 community survey to commissioners the next day, and that the next meeting will include a review of the survey plus a discussion of timeline and consultant scope. Several commissioners asked staff to prepare a draft scope/timeline for review; staff confirmed they would forward the survey and follow up on scope options.