Parks commission refines NRPP recommendation form, clarifies role on natural‑resource exceptions
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Summary
Franklin City staff and commissioners reviewed a revised Natural Resource Special Exception recommendation form, agreeing to emphasize applicant responses, staff findings, and commission findings while clarifying that local approval cannot supersede state or federal permits.
Franklin City parks planners presented an updated recommendation and application form for Natural Resource Special Exceptions on Jan. 12, asking the Parks Commission to focus its review on proposed impacts and compensation while relying on the Natural Resource Protection Plan (NRPP) for technical data.
The planner said the NRPP "is effectively a report and also a drawing" that should supply existing‑condition tables and maps, and recommended the form include developer contact information and consultant credentials such as wetland delineators and arborists. Staff advised applicants to begin required DNR or Army Corps permitting early because local approval cannot override those external permits.
Commissioners debated what belongs on the commission’s recommendation packet. Several members urged removing a staff "recommendation" label in favor of neutral "staff findings" so the commission's own assessment would not be biased by staff phrasing. The commission generally supported a three‑part presentation: the applicant response, staff analysis/findings, and the commission's recommendation.
The planner also noted the city could condition approvals on receipt of required external permits and that unusual mitigation needs (for example, wetland banking) may require additional review. Staff will incorporate commissioners' edits into the form and return it for final review at a future meeting.
The commission tabled related presentation slides (unfinished business item C) to the next meeting so members could review the revised materials in advance.