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Based on discussion at the June Council meeting, Staff is proposing the use of a study group to re-engage <br />surrounding property owners. It is proposed a Study group would consist of ten (10) total participants: one (1) <br />Councilmember, one (1) EDA member, one (1) Planning Commission member, five (5) adjacent property owners <br />and two (2) at large property owners. It is estimated, a study group will need to meet 4-6 times. This process can be <br />conducted with existing Staff, consultant services, or a combination of both. <br />Study Group Goal: The purpose of the Study Group is to better understand under what circumstances would a data <br />center development be an acceptable use for the Subject Property. The key outcome of this process is a proposal <br />for Council consideration; which will include (1) further documentation/information addressing specific concerns <br />(2) mitigation proposals addressing specific concerns (3) updated site concept maps. <br />NOTE: The purpose of a study group is IDENTIFY and CONSIDER compromises/ solutions; it is possible the <br />focus group may conclude certain concerns cannot be mitigated. <br />Staff would recommend a hybrid format for the facilitation of the process. Staff would host an initial scoping <br />meeting to review current assumptions and purpose of the study group. Participants would then be responsible for <br />formulating the schedule and content of the remainder of the sessions and be active in coordinating the individual <br />sessions. <br />Due to current Staff workload and service level demands, Staff would recommend that the City Council utilize the <br />assistance of existing professional services/contracted employees to assist with the technical aspects of the process. <br />Staff would recommend that Staff could facilitate the process itself by moderating the sessions. As this parcel is <br />owned by the City, the City Council may want to consider the utilization of an outside, third -party entity/individual <br />for purposes of transparencies and perceptions of conflicts (being both Owner and regulatory authority). This may <br />not be necessary at this stage, but will become more important to consider if an official amendment is to be <br />considered. <br />Listed below are three general alternatives that have been explored to re-engage surrounding property owners. The <br />options range from a traditional approach in which the City lays out the framework and content for each <br />meeting/session to an approach in which the City simply lays out the policy question at hand and allows the <br />participants to set the agenda and facilitate individual sessions. The alternatives to follow are in no particular order <br />in terms of recommended approach. The alternatives are all similar, the main difference being the manner in which <br />the agenda is prepared and how individual sessions are convened. <br />Alternative 1: Structured Process <br />A structured process calls for a specific agenda at each study group meeting. Staff will provide the study <br />group information/ documentation regarding each discussion point before each meeting. Additionally, Staff <br />will allow study group members to submit information they have collected before meetings. At meetings, <br />Staff will provide a brief presentation on specific talking points; then, the study group will discuss and <br />develop comments and mitigation strategies. <br />Every major concern raised by the public to -date will be documented and addressed. The first meeting will <br />outline a list of concerns that will be addressed by the study group; at which time, study group members may <br />make amendments/additions. If certain discussion topics need more or less time than allocated by Staff; <br />adjustments may be made during a meeting. This alternative would entail that the agenda for the process <br />would be set ahead of time by the City and individual sessions coordinated by Staff. <br />See attached outline for detail. <br />Benefits: This process is clear and consistent; and easy to understand and follow. This will provide the City <br />Council with specific/detailed feedback regarding each concern. This will provide efficiencies from an <br />execution/preparation perspective (i.e. the City Council will know the exact content matter that will be <br />discussed at each meeting prior to commencing the process). This will increase the opportunity that the study <br />group will remain on track with the policy question to answer, thereby reducing the possibility of the need for <br />