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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. IN THE Basement Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Work Session: Comprehensive Plan (with Planning Commission) BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY Jeanne Cox BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM - May 12, 2005 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Dr. Brown, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Schilling. Absent: Mr. Caravati and Mr. Lynch. Mr. Jim Tolbert, Director of Neighborhood Development Services reviewed the 2001 Comprehensive Plan process, contents and accomplishments. Mr. Tolbert reviewed the proposed elements of the 2006 Comprehensive Plan and timeline. Mr. Tolbert asked that Council validate the guiding principles, Council vision, and development, with the Planning Commission, of top priorities and an initial goal statement. Mr. Tolbert said that if Council agrees with the idea of appointing a Task Force that the Task Force be given information from tonight and ask to focus on the areas identified. He said that the proposal is for the Task Force to talk with focus groups, conduct a survey and develop strategies. Mr. Craig Barton, Planning Commission member, said he is not convinced a Task Force can reach the community. He said the process should be made visible. Ms. Karen Firehock, Planning Commission member, suggested that neighborhood meetings be held over the summer in order to have a richer dialogue. Mr. Jon Fink, Planning Commission member, suggested the idea of holding town hall type meetings. Ms. Hamilton suggested that land use, urban land use, transportation, etc. be broken down more and that language be used that people will better understand. Dr. Brown suggested that attention be given to when and where meetings are held as this dictates who comes. He said the Task Force could help create the focus issues for meetings. Responding to a question from Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Tolbert said there is an education section, but it is more focused on what is currently happening. He said there has not been a plan for education. Ms. Hamilton said there is no section on natural resources or a water supply plan. Mr. O'Connell said that the last plan dealt with individual drainage problems, but there was no overall drainage policy for the City included. Dr. Brown said there appears to be agreement on trying to find bigger pictures themes, and said we need to find how to garner community input on those themes. The following list of themes for future focused conversations was developed: land use, urban design, transportation and transit; education and economy; natural resources (including water, greenspace, etc.); housing (affordable, diverse, public); and safety. Mr. O'Connell said that connections need to be made with other strategic plans already approved or being developed such as housing and parks.