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JONESBORO COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
CPAC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Thursday, January 28, 2010
3:00 P.M.
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Attendance: Darrel Dover, Gayle Vickers, Otis Spriggs, Mark Young, Erick Woodruff, Terry Simmons, Tony Thomas, Alan McVey, Jason Wilkie, Pam Alexander, Donna Jackson, Gary Harpole, Harold Perrin.
A. Introductory PowerPoint
Operations Director and Co-Chair of the CPAC Executive Committee, Gary Harpole provided a power point presentation which covered the basics of a comprehensive (Master) plan. It was explained that it took the planning process a step further by integrating the Master Land Use Plan, and Master Street Plan, along with expansion of utilities, public service infrastructure and historic preservation to provide a holistic approach to future development. Mr. Harpole explained the Comprehensive (Master) Plan is not a blue print but rather a flexible plan that allows for evaluation and feedback periods to accommodate change.
B. Process
1. Develop “How”
It was explained that the CPAC Executive Committee will serve as the management team of the full commission and provide parameters and scope of work for the CPAC. Co-Chair Darrel Dover stated the challenge of the CPAC Executive Committee will be to develop a vision statement and provide parameters for standing committees in order to stay focused on that vision. Jason Wilkie, Parks Director questioned if there was a completion date. It was explained that would be a parameter set by the Executive Committee.
2. Standing Committees
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INFRASTRUCTURE |
QUALITY OF LIFE |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
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OTIS SPRIGGS CHAIR |
DARREL DOVER CHAIR |
GARY HARPOLE CHAIR |
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Jerry Halsey, Jr. |
Jason Wilkie |
Mark Young |
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Mike Cameron |
Steve Ewart |
Tony Thomas |
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Mike Yates |
Dr. Ruth Hawkins |
ASU Rep |
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Leonard Jadrich |
Sherri Beatty |
Alan McVey |
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Beverly Parker |
Dr. Susan Hanrahan |
Emma Agnew |
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Pam Alexander |
Beverly McCollum |
Henry Torres |
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Craig Light |
ADA rep |
Greg Haag |
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Gene Vance |
Ed Martin |
Jason Willett |
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Stephen Goad |
Valley View Junior |
Davy Crockett |
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Muhammad Ulkarim |
Jonesboro Junior |
James Dunivan |
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Kevin Inboden |
Nettleton Junior |
Terry Simmons |
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Ed Way |
Westside Junior |
Paul Waits |
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Erick Woodruff |
Phillip Steed |
Doug Imrie |
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Gayle Vickers |
Dr. Glen Jones |
County Rep |
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NJI Rep |
Bay Rep |
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Clay Young |
Brookland Rep |
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Bono Rep |
Mr. Harpole explained there were three standing committees and the CPAC Executive Committee should determine specific statements for each standing committee in order to prevent overlapping. He stated each committee should have its own charge, but be allowed to participate in the other committees, with no one being excluded. Mr. Dover provided the Quality of Life committee as an example stating the following areas would fall under this standing committee: Recreation, Education, Medical, Social Services, Historic Preservation, Churches and faith based organizations, Arts, and Charitable organizations. One example of over lapping was housing which could fall under all three categories. Ms. Pam Alexander suggested student representatives might benefit from exposure to the other committees as well, depending on their interests.
3. Self Organization
It was explained once the parameters and responsibilities had been determined by the CPAC Executive Committee; the standing committees would be responsible for self organizing their proceedings.
4. Data Collection
Co-Chair Gary Harpole explained the importance of each standing committee keeping accurate minutes, and maintaining their working documents for future reference.
C. Key Terminology
1. Livability
Individuals were asked to give their definition of “Livability”. The following ideas were provided:
To be able to live, eat, sleep, play, and shop
Self sustained
To be able to live, eat, sleep, play, and shop with ease - Convenient.
Quality of Life
Comfort
Safety with regards to traffic as well as pedestrian safety
Protection of public peace, health and safety
To be able to live, work; raise a family in a safe and secure environment
Adequate educational and medical facilities
Economic Opportunities
Access by a multitude of means
Sense of community
Sense of mutual respect & opportunity
A large city that feels like a small town
2. Sustainability
Individuals were asked to give input on the term: “Sustainability”.
To maintain livability as previously described
Being able to maintain the reasons you want to grow in the first place
Growth is challenging - we do not want to destroy the reasons people want to come to Jonesboro
Planning - being careful not to sacrifice the old parts of Jonesboro in favor of the new parts of Jonesboro
Accommodating to strangers - Example: Hytrol, Tom Loberg
Consideration of a convention center
Consideration of neighboring cities, such as Pargould
Maintain and become a positive for the community
Environmental impact of growth
Sustainability of the work force for industry through education
Direct collaboration between land use, infrastructure and the school districts
Communities within a community, each sustaining itself, but part of a whole
D. Development of a Vision Statement
It was explained that a vision statement captures what CPAC wants to accomplish with the Master Plan. Suggestions for researching vision statements on the web were Comprehensive City Plan, and the American Planning Association. Participants were asked to research other vision statements and provide phrases, words, or other suggestions to Co-Chair Gary Harpole.
E. Public Involvement
Discussion was held regarding the best way to involve the public in the planning process. It was recommended utilizing the press, radio, and public access to generate public interest, and then offer technology such as face-book or other online means allowing the public a voice. It was recommended the public be asked to be fans rather than friends, allowing them the opportunity to comment. It was recommended public meetings be held in different locations of the city--go to them rather than expecting the public to come to city hall. Co-Chair Darrel Dover cautioned creating expectations without consideration of the cost. It was recommended time-lines and bench-marks be established by the CPAC Executive Committee. He explained the importance of including financial consideration with each recommended project. Alan McVey stated with public forums there is a tendency to view it as an opportunity to address a problem. He recommended having someone available to address such concerns so not to disrupt the planning process. It was suggested that prior to media coverage, internet access be established.
F. Professional Services
Discussion was held regarding the hiring of professional consultants (Transportation, Economic Development, and Community Growth) who would help challenge the thought process, but also create a comprehensive, cohesive plan of the ideas presented. It was explained grants were being sought to offset the fiscal cost, with all expenditures being approved by the City Council. It was determined that we want to encourage creativity and reach beyond normal expectations, while prioritizing projects based on financial considerations.
G. Future Meeting Date
The next meeting of the CPAC Executive Committee was set for February 11, 2010 in the Mayor’s Conference Room at 3:00 p.m.