Referrals Committee sends lakefront protection ordinance to Planning and Development with BCC input requested

The Referrals Committee on Sept. 8 voted to refer a proposed lakefront protection ordinance to the city’s Planning and Development Committee with a recommendation that it be heard by the end of the year and that chairs of relevant boards, committees and commissions be notified to provide input before that hearing.

Allison, a city staff member, told the committee, "Staff's recommendation was that this be referred to planning and development with input from all relevant boards, committees, and commissions, whoever you feel that may be." The committee discussion identified several advisory bodies to consult; speakers suggested the Preservation Commission, Environment Board, Parks and Recreation Board, Utilities Commission and Equity and Empowerment.

The referral matter was moved by Council Member Sufferdon and seconded by Council Member Nussbaum. The motion recommended that Planning and Development hear the ordinance before the end of the year and that staff alert other BCC chairs so they have an opportunity to discuss and submit input prior to that meeting. The chair called the ayes and the motion passed.

Committee members discussed scheduling. Allison said committees typically operate on a roughly two- to three-month cycle, and the committee specifically discussed placing the item on the Planning and Development agenda in December to meet the year-end timing. No formal amendments or alternate actions were made during the meeting.

Next steps: the ordinance will be scheduled by the Planning and Development Committee for consideration; the referrals committee recommended notifying other advisory bodies to gather their input before that hearing.