10-22-03 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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(Committee Ikeport Zoning anb annexation (Committee The October 22, 2003 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ervin Kuspa at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Kelly, White, Pfeifer, Varner, and Kuspa; Building Commissioner Don Fozo, Area Plan Director Robert Sante, Area Plan Assistant Director John Byorni, Eugene Valanzano, Brent Buzdak, Andy Videkovich„ and Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand, Council Attorney. The Committee meeting was called to begin discussions on Bill No. 81-03, the proposed new zoning ordinance as set forth in the meeting notice of October 16,2003 (copy attached). Council President White thanked everyone who had input into the draft ordinance for their time and dedication. She noted that the final version of the bill will help the city move toward being a world class 21st century city. She noted that the proposed ordinance is extensive and that much time will have to be spent on it as a Council. She noted that much good work has gone into the draft. The next step is to begin a series of meetings so that there can be a clear understanding of proposed policy and procedural changes in the proposed zoning ordinance, in appropriate public forums. Mr. Eugene Valanzano of the Indianapolis office of Baker and Daniels then presented six (6) handouts to the Committee (copies attached). He noted that he would begin by focusing on some of the procedural elements of the proposed zoning ordinance. It was noted that a draft of the proposed zoning map was made available yesterday at the Area Plan Commission meeting. The map will be left in the Council's Informal Meeting Room, with the final version of the map not being filed with the Office of the City Clerk until the process is closer to final action on the proposed Bill. Mr. Valanzano then highlighted the handout entitled "Development Review Process" which is the one-page handout which summarizes the state law references for zone map changes and development plan changes(# 1 handout attached). Council President White stressed that it is important to receive feedback on proposed procedural changes and that each of them be identified with examples. In response to a question from Council Member Kelly, Mr. Fozo and Mr. Sante responded that commitments will make the zoning process stronger. In response to a question from Dr. Varner it was acknowledged that problems of enforcement would remain under the current ordinance and the proposed ordinance in the commitment area. Dr. Varner inquired about the legal definition of"as certified". Mr. Sante stated that it verifies the action was taken by the Area Plan Commission. He noted that the transmittal letter which he now sends to the Council with each proposed zoning request following an Area Plan Commission public hearing on a proposed bill acts as the certification currently. Mr. Valanzano noted that the process of adopting or rejecting proposed zone changes is the process used in other communities where they have provided services. The Council Attorney noted that there is a process in place for legal issues to be further discussed, noting that she has been invited to attend video conferences, and anticipates additional conferences