Attachment A
GPUSC Chair Gardner’s Memo to the City Council
At the January meeting, GPAC approved a final draft of the General Plan. This will now go back to the relevant city commissions and committees for a final review before presentation to Council. Any comments from these groups will be provided in an addendum. While the committee did not review a full implementation plan it did approve the Crosswalk implementation format, noting that it is a more complete methodology than with the current General Plan, citing the specific department (s) responsible for implementation and a time line.
GPAC is suggesting a new committee. In reviewing the current General Plan it was found that there were a number of policies that had never been addressed. The proposal is for a small committee that would meet once a year and review one or two elements (not the Housing Element which staff reviews annually) and present a report to Council on any policies, the implementation of which were lacking. That way every element would be reviewed at least once every five years so there wouldn’t be lapses such as the Bicycle Safety Master Plan that wasn’t reviewed in the manner called for.
A point that has come up regularly is the suggestion that references to the housing allocation for Banning Ranch be removed since the new owners have stated in writing that there will be no housing on the property.
As GPAC is a Council-appointed group, it is up to Council to decide its future, but it was the general feeling of GPAC members (with an exception which I will discuss) that with the draft being approved their work was completed and the committee could be closed.
Since GPAC members serve one-year terms, given the timing, this would eliminate the need to appoint or reappoint members. The one exception felt that there should be continuing oversight by GPAC. It is my opinion that staff can handle the next steps adequately. If Council feels there is a benefit from additional oversight I would suggest the Steering Committee can take that role.
I want to commend the GPAC members. Between GPAC and subcommittee meetings, town halls and open houses they have put in a lot of hours. There have been many lively discussions with a wide variety of perspectives, reflecting the diverse make up of GPAC which in turn reflects the diversity of the city. When the draft comes to you you will appreciate the work that has gone into it.
I also want to commend staff with special thanks to Ben Zdeba who has shepherded the process, scheduling and attending meetings, coordinating with consultants, and always making himself available to GPAC members and the general public, all of this under the strong guidance of Jaime Murillo.