Buffalo Wyoming Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 8/27/2008
Oct 8, 2008
Recorder: AB

RECORD OF THE MINUTES OF CITY OF BUFFALO, WYOMING
PLANNING COMMISSION

August 27th, 2008

Present from the Planning Commission (PC) were Steve Reimann, Craig Cope, Bill Cooley, Jim Martin, and Kate Harness.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of the Agenda for 8-27-08
3. Approval of Minutes from 7-30-08
4. Buffalo’s 2008 Master Trails Plan-Presentation for a recommendation to City Council for certification and adoption
7. September Meeting Date
7. Adjourn



Chairman Reimann called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M.

Mr. Cooley made a motion to approve the Agenda.
Mr. Cope seconded the motion.
Chairman Reimann called for further discussion.
There was none.
The motion carried, with all present voting aye.

Mr. Cooley made a motion to approve the Minutes from 7-30-08 with corrections.
Mr. Martin seconded the motion.
Chairman Reimann called for further discussion.
There was none.
The motion carried, with all present voting aye.

The fourth item on the agenda was: Buffalo’s 2008 Master Trails Plan-Presentation and Public Hearing for certification and adoption.

2008 Buffalo Master Trails Plan Steering Committee members and Buffalo Trails Board members Bill Mentock and Jerry Gladson presented the 2008 Buffalo Master Trails Plan and asked that the Planning Commission certify and adopt to the Plan.

Mr. Mentock stated that the Plan was a working document and would benefit the City and the Buffalo Trails Board for continued care and future expansion of the Clear Creek Trail System.

Mr. Mentock explained the role of the Buffalo Trails Board and offered a history of the Clear Creek Development Commission. One of the major roles of the Buffalo Trails Board is maintenance of the Clear Creek Trail System. Twenty (20) community members have been involved in trail-related City boards since the inception of the City’s first trail.

Mr. Mentock explained the goals that had been outlined in the 2008 Buffalo Master Trails Plan and explained the benefits of a City trail system. Mr. Mentock offered several narratives on community members and visitors to the area physically benefiting and enjoying the trail system over the years.

Mr. Mentock explained the process that was taken to create the 2008 Buffalo Master Trails Plan. The process involved the community throughout the creation of the document in a series of workshops and Open Houses. The Buffalo Trails Board and at-large community agencies served as the Steering Committee and met regularly.

Mr. Mentock emphasized what an asset the Clear Creek Trail System is for the community and the strong City support that the trail system received in the early stages of development.

Mr. Gladson extended his gratitude to the Steering Committee and community members who became involved in the 2008 Buffalo Master Trails Plan. Mr. Gladson assured the Planning Commission that many meetings and many hours had been spent examining community input and finding solutions to concerns and discussing suggestions.

Mr. Gladson emphasized the attention the Steering Committee paid to the Plan’s mission statement and also the strength and comprehensiveness of the final mission statement.

Mr. Gladson highlighted the goals of the Plan to present the transportation, recreation, and health advantages of a City trail system.

Mr. Gladson explained the permissible and non-permissible uses allowed on the trail system and the cause for having various uses.

Mr. Gladson explained the trail inventory in Chapter 5 and the great advantage this inventory will be to the City and the Board.

Mr. Gladson explained the trail improvements and potential trail extensions in Chapter 8 and also the proposed policy for the City to require for all new trails entering the Clear Creek Trail System.

Mr. Mentock concluded the presentation with several pieces of Clear Creek Trail System and trail development history that are included in the Plan.

The City Planner added that the Comprehensive Plan highlighted the need for a Master Trails Plan and the Planning Department works from this document.

Chairman Reimann asked who is involved when a new trail is planned for construction.

The City Planner noted the proposed City trail approval application; this application involves the Buffalo Trails Board, the Planning Commission and the City Council. New trials will not be taken lightly and trail connections to the Clear Creek Trail System will be encouraged.

Mr. Martin asked if new trails are required to be in a City easement.

The City Planner replied that was one of the intents of the Master Trails Plan was to advocate that trails are examined during Open Space considerations during annexation and subdivision processes. The City Planner added that all trails in the Clear Creek Trail System are required to be on City property or City easement.

Chairman Reimann asked where the recommendations in Chapter 6 were gathered.

The City Planner replied that recommendations came from the Steering Committee and at-large board members. The majority of recommendations came from Buffalo Trails Board members who have worked on the trail system for 15-20 years. Recommended improvements were examined for probability prior to being included in the Plan.

Mr. Cooley asked the City Planner to explain how bike lanes were addressed in the Master Trails Plan.

The City Planner relied that in regards to bike lanes and sidewalks recommended future policy considerations are included in Chapter 11. In essence, the City is in need of a comprehensive transportation plan and the Master Trails Plan makes the recommendation that non-motorized transportation is included in any transportation plan the City pursues.

Chairman Reimann asked if having a Master Trails Plan creates new opportunities for the City to pursue funding sources as highlighted in Chapter 11.

The City Planner replied that it may not create new opportunities but it does place the City in a much better position to apply for grant money that is available. Buffalo is in a very unique and distinct position in the state and is one of few other communities to have such an extensive trail system and also a Trails Plan. This will work to Buffalo’s advantage in applying for state and federal funds.

The City Planner noted that the Master Trails Plan was written by the Buffalo Planning Department.

Chairman Reimann opened the floor to public comment.
Lois Petersen offered her support of the 2008 Buffalo Master Trails Plan and is pleased to see the City consider adopting policy that requires developers to require their developments to tie into the community.

Chairman Reimann called for additional public comment. There was none.

Chairman Reimann called for questions or comments from the Commission. There were none.

Mr. Cooley made a motion that the Planning Commission adopt, certify and recommend the 2008 Buffalo Master Trails Plan to the City Council.
Ms. Harness seconded the motion.
Chairman Reimann called for further discussion.
There was none.
The motion carried, with all present voting aye.

September 24th is the next Planning Commission meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 6:16 pm