Council directs adding developer representation to North Star project committee

Councilors directed staff on March 18 to add a representative of the development community to the North Star project’s community-engagement committee and to return the full membership list for formal approval.

Councilor Rob reported that the group assembled by staff included community members, a city council liaison, the chamber, tourism and planning representatives, and business owners but no one from the private development community. He said having a practitioner participate would provide real-time technical feedback and help "ground truth" the consultant's recommendations. Rob said he had spoken with industry professional Justin Gerlitz, who indicated he might be willing to volunteer time to serve, though staff said any candidate would be brought back to council for formal appointment.

Staff explained that the consultant's scope prioritized public engagement and that the panel was not intended to be an advisory committee with decision-making authority; nevertheless, council agreed the addition of a development-sector representative would be beneficial. Mayor and staff confirmed the full membership list will be returned to council for approval.