Agenda - Planning Commission - 05/05/2011

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SECTION 6: PROCESS & SERVICES Distribution of Work MFRA's is comfortable doing as -much or as -little of a project depending upon the Citys needs. With some of our clients, MFRA is asked to complete projects from stem to stern; with others, we may only provide graphical assistance. Whatever the task, MFRA will be there to help. Unless we are asked to do work outside of our expertise (and we have received authorization from the City), we will not sub -contract any work requested of us. The above holds true with regards to the specific ordinance updates outlined in the REP. In our experience, a code update process using a steering committee made up of commission members and council members is an excellent way to tackle goals the public has already established in the comprehensive plan. That said, "process" is not a one -size -fits -all endeavour. MFRA will work with local staff to identify not just the prob- lems to be solved, but also the outside challenges that need to be considered. Is there a deadline to complete the update? Is the issue publicly contentious thereby requiring significant public involvement feedback and input? Are there special groups that need to be directly consulted to ensure all voices are heard? Public Participation People are very busy in todays world, so convincing them to participate in a planning process can be difficult MFRA therefore recommends certain principles be followed: • Make it Personal: Tell them how the outcome may affect their lives or properly. • Make it Significant: Tell them how the process may have great impact on their community. • Make it Easy and Fun: Provide various ways to participate. Overcome any literacy barriers. Encourage individual expression without criticism. Make it hands-on. Again, in working with your City staff, we will identify the specific public involvement procedures that will ensure a successful outcome on a project -by -project basis. Options we have found to be successful include: Newsletters: Newsletters could be mailed to every address in the city and include summaries, schedules and contact names. Post Cards: Post cards could be used to announce meetings and lead people to the project Website. 13 MFRA Inc.