2014-06-30 Development & Transportation

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5. GENERAL PLAN SCHEDULE UPDATE Ms. Haluza discussed the Strategic Plan process that identified the need to have a Community Engagement Plan and Vision Plan and how those processes can form the basis of the General Plan Update. She noted the Community Engagement Plan is a good place to start the framework on how to engage the public on issues including the General Plan and then the Vision Plan, noted concern on competing projects and outreach efforts which may confuse the public and result in outreach fatigue, noted can show how all these elements work together and make part of one process and leverage those components to then assist in doing the General Plan and discussed the next steps with the authorization of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for consultant services. Committee member Benavides requested that the different plans be defined for clarification and also requested a timeline. Vice Chair Martinez requested Ms. Haluza get a copy of various examples and plans used as guiding principles for the Community Engagement Plan she provided to the City Manager's Office and include in the RFP. Steve McGuigan requested attention be made on how the General Plan outreach is choreographed to minimize public impact on meetings that can be consolidated so people can comment at one time since it will eventually be part of one document. Vice Chair Martinez requested staff provide the current General Plan with the elements and recommendation of what should be included and what not to include to have a starting point, noted the Economic Development Element will be updated, noted with the Facilities and Capital Element the need to have a five -year plan to manage the city's assets, adding an advisory committee of public members will be appointed. 6. DISCUSSION OF THE ELKS PROPERTY AND SANTA ANA ZOO Ms. Haluza noted the Santa Ana Elks are looking at the reuse and redevelopment of their property at First Street and Elk Lane adding their lodge is underutilized and do not need a large facility, noted staff met with Elks representatives and floated the idea of a partnership with the city for the joint use of their property and the Santa Ana Zoo property. Ms. Haluza noted one goal is to move the entry of the Zoo to First Street, parking lot would be moved with additional spaces, dirt lot for overflow parking may be used for additional exhibits, and Elk Lane would be abandoned. The Elks representatives noted they would like to explore further, and are in the process of developing a Memorandum of Understanding that will come to the Council to explore ideas. Ms. Haluza then provided a drawing by President of the Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ) and architect, David Exline, which explored the idea of a new and joint use multi -use facility with a commercial development at the front half of the site and parking structure and potential for some residential development at the back of the Development & Transp. Council Committee Minutes 4 June 30, 2014