Planning commission directs staff to prepare RFP for comprehensive plan update

Brainerd City’s Planning Commission voted to direct staff to prepare a request for proposals to update the city’s comprehensive plan, aiming to align the plan with recent zoning changes and to raise the threshold at which a mandatory Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) is required.

Staff said the City Council approved $28,000 for a comprehensive‑plan update in 2025 and proposed a high‑level review that would include the land‑use and transportation plans, a sewage‑collection policy, a capital‑improvements plan and an implementation plan tied to official controls. "The primary objective of the comprehensive plan update should be to increase the threshold at which a mandatory EAW is required," staff said.

Commissioners asked whether the $28,000 allocation could be carried into 2026; staff confirmed the funds can be rolled forward. Commissioners also discussed the scope of the commission’s role, with staff noting that consultants would coordinate with the city engineer, public works and utilities and that chapter 8 (the implementation schedule) should be reviewed to document completed items and remaining tasks.

A motion to direct staff to proceed as presented — including preparing the RFP and scope of work for planning commission review — was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff said the RFP and final schedule could appear at a future meeting depending on agenda length and that discussions with the EQB chair will be required to certify elements for the metropolitan area.

Next steps: staff will draft an RFP for the comprehensive plan update, circulate it to the commission for review, and return with a final package (including any recommended changes to chapter 8) and a proposed schedule; the item may move into the new year depending on DNR/EQB interactions and workload.