At its Feb. 11 meeting, the Airway Heights Planning Commission continued its discussion of its priorities and goals for 2015-16.
Development Services Director Derrick Braaten presented a draft of the City Council’s goals, which focus on more recreational options for the city, public safety, Highway 2 revitalization, transportation infrastructure, quality of life, financial planning, public outreach and business retention and recruitment. Braaten added that the Planning Commission and Park Board were asked to come up with their own goals.
“All of these are pieces of the pie and we are trying to make council aware that this is what the Planning Commission and Park Board wants,” Braaten said. “We’re trying to maintain some separation between the different groups but at the same time have some collaboration and work together.”
Braaten also reiterated some of staff’s goals, which include updating the comprehensive plan, specifically the chapters relating to land use and zoning and the Capital Improvement Plan.
Highway 2 rehabilitation is another project staff is focusing on this year. Braaten said he and Parks, Recreation Community Director J.C. Kennedy have been reaching out to local businesses and residents for support of the project’s planning process.
“We would like to adopt or prioritize a conceptual plan for the Highway 2 project by June,” Braaten said.
The Planning Commission suggested they divide their own goals into three categories: the city’s needs, their wants and special projects.
Commissioner Matthew Pederson suggested the Planning Commission first focus on the different updates to the CIP and comprehensive plan.
“We need a list of what needs to be updated, when it was last updated and the deadline for the next update,” Pederson said.
Vice Chair Larry Bowman wanted to see feasibility and timelines for some of the city’s upcoming projects. Commissioner Aspen Monteleone proposed the commission focus on improving the quality of life in the city. Pederson said he was a little frustrated that the commission had not taken much action in the last several months. Braaten explained that there has not been any items that required their action or recommendation.
“That will change very soon,” Braaten said. “I want to make sure that everything the Planning Commission sees is a slow pitch and doesn’t blindside them.”
Pederson added that while some of the work does not need to be done until the end of 2016 he won’t object to “completing it early.” He also asked about the city’s six-year transportation plan.
“I know it doesn’t have a lot do to with us, but it’s a cog in the wheel and a part of the planning process,” Pederson said.
One of the special projects the commission suggested is a physical memorial dedicated to residents who have served the community over the years. The commission proposed having a special meeting with the City Council and staff to touch bases.
Braaten said he will bring a resolution with a draft of the commission’s goals to the March 11 meeting.
“We can make some adjustments if we need to,” Braaten said. “From these meetings I’ve seen some good ideas. It makes more work for me but I already knew that would.”
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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