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Commissioner Yuhasz said Craig Benedict mentioned about streamlining two years ago and <br /> this needs to be a priority as they look at the UDO to streamline the process by which projects <br /> are considered and approved. He said to streamline the process by which both the Planning <br /> Board and the Board of County Commissioners' review projects and suggested changes. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said having a simple and transparent process is vital and that some <br /> residents need something outside of the "planese" verbiage and more in laymen's terms. <br /> Commissioner Gordon arrived at 5:58PM. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that whatever the Commissioners do they need to be transparent <br /> with the public. They need to have public hearings on items at a different meeting from the <br /> meeting at which they vote. She said that fast does not necessarily mean good. She said that <br /> they need to go at the right speed and get meaningful public participation and that outreach <br /> meetings are very helpful. She said they are a county that wants their citizens involved and that <br /> means they have to make it understandable and easy for the citizens to participate. <br /> b. Joint Advisory Board meeting to choreograph mutual interest projects? <br /> Craig Benedict said Orange County is proceeding toward a central permitting process and <br /> initiative. He said they have just hired a new staff person from the private sector to address this <br /> process. He said they are going to be sending out a letter to the joint advisory boards with <br /> mutual joint interests so that these boards can let the Planning Board/staff know what is <br /> percolating in the other advisory boards and where they all can collaborate. <br /> Pete Hallenbeck said they are hearing from the Board of Commissioners: to speed up the <br /> processes, transparency, clarification, take into account the end user and use the staff to <br /> shepherd the planning process. <br /> Chair Pelissier said there are two types of processes —one that does not involve the Board of <br /> County Commissioners or the Planning Board and that process needs to be quick; the other <br /> part are those items that come to them as the Board of County Commissioners and Planning <br /> Board and they need to use a transparent process and involve the citizens as much as possible. <br /> c. Staff Capacity <br /> Craig Benedict introduced the planning staff: <br /> Michael Harvey has been doing a lot of UDO text amendments. <br /> Perdita Holtz has recently been choreographing the Quarterly Public Hearings (QPH), working <br /> closely with the Planning Board and has also been updating UDO text amendments. One of her <br /> positions was lost this summer and that person worked on the UDO. <br /> Tom Altieri now oversees some intergovernmental projects and transportation planning. <br /> Craig Benedict said they have lost some talented transportation planners recently to other <br /> governmental entities after brief stints with the county and they are looking to stabilize this area <br /> in their department. <br /> Larry Wright said this planning board has been doing a greater job than it has ever done before <br /> and he contributed that to Frank Clifton, the County Manager. He said Mr. Clifton has permitted <br /> his staff to do the work they are supposed to do. <br />