OCTOBER 20, 2009 MINUTES

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

CITY OF GOOSE CREEK POLICE TRAINING ROOM

A. Attendance:

Committee Members Present: Joel Arenson, Jerry Glass, Nancy Hellstrom, Jeffrey Smith, Jerry Tekac , Tom Volkmar, Allen Wall

Committee Members Absent: Rick Buckner, Paul Connerty, Gayla McSwain, Doug Quinn, Barry Washington

BCD COG Staff Present: Alec Brebner and Jessica Gillis

City Staff Present: Daniel Ben-Yisrael and Sarah Hanson

Mr. Wall called the meeting to order. He noted there had been changes to the agenda to review just three Plan Elements and to accommodate the need to wait until a quorum was present to begin official business.

B. Committee Discussion – Planning Area

The committee continued the discussion about the buffer area preferred for the land use consideration for the Plan. A revised plan was presented illustrating the planning area approved by the City Council Strategic Planning committee, and it was suggested that it be used by the Steering Committee as their final planning area. Mr. Ben-Yisrael stated that in reviewing it he felt it was a good representation for the planning area. There was discussion as to the use and scope of a Planning Area, and it was explained it would be the area the Committee would be studying for future land use planning. There was discussion about the difference between looking at the impact from development in other areas rather than planning the development within an area. The area being planned for is different than the areas being coordinated with. Specifying a planning area provides a focus on areas for which the City of Goose Creek wishes to plan for possible future development and land use.

Motion: Having a quorum present Mr. Volkmar made a motion to accept the presented map as the Planning Area. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.

Discussion: There was none.

Vote: All in favor.

C. Committee Discussion – Review of the Purpose of the Comprehensive Plan

Ms. Gillis discussed the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan. She explained it will provide the vision, structure, and focus for future decisions and planning.

D. Committee Discussion – Review of Population, Housing, and Natural Resources.

Ms. Gillis reviewed partial results from the surveys returned from citizens, and there was discussion concerning the responses and how to incorporate these results into the Plan. There was discussion

concerning how all elements interrelate and how they impact one another. There was discussion about how the attributes of a community determine the type of population within a community. The concept of being able to live and work in the same community was discussed, as well as the development of communities within communities and the economic development requirements of this. The request for a small town feel spawned discussion about what that means and how it can be achieved. There was brief discussion about the challenge of managing growth and still creating a sense of community. The issue of quality growth that creates a sense of place vs. unmanaged housing growth was discussed, particularly in light of the number of subdivisions already planned and/or started. This resulted in a discussion about revised zoning that will support the goals and objectives of the Plan. Planning for future school needs was discussed briefly.

Mr. Ben-Yisrael reminded the Committee that presently they are reviewing the existing conditions and input so to be able to look at the big picture and provide a basis for the vision incorporated into the Plan.

The Committee reviewed the updated housing statistical data, growth trends, and projections for future home construction.

In reviewing the information detailing the Natural Resources present in the Goose Creek area, Ms. Gillis noted that information had been added to the earlier data. She explained that in the land use considerations, the natural amenities and conditions will need to be considered.

E. Approval of Minutes

The Committee reviewed the minutes from the September 15, 2009 meeting.

Motion: Mr. Volkmar made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Ms. Hellstrom seconded.

Discussion: Mr. Wall mentioned there would be a change on page 1 changing "On overlay . . . " to "An overlay . . . ".

Vote: All in favor.

Mr. Wall reminded the Planning Commission members they would be meeting at 6:00 November 3 for their next meeting in the Police Training Room for their three hour mandatory training.

Mr. Ben-Yisrael reminded the Committee that at the next meeting the Committee will be reviewing the Cultural Resources and the Economic Development Elements previously discussed.

F. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at or about 7:10.