Video: McGreevy Addresses Scott County Board Feb 1, 2011

At the Tuesday, February 1, 2011 Scott County Board of Supervisors Committee of the Whole (COW), Bettendorf resident Todd McGreevy addresses the board and shares with them a proposed resolution to update the county's website policy to make documents generated and posted by staff searchable and more transparent.

In addition, the concerns of ceding authority to a Council of Governments via the Smart Planning Principles outlined in the state code 18B Land Use language, that is being proposed to be adopted this Thursday by the County into its Comprehensive Plan, is presented.
In the video, McGreevy cites an example that Supervisor Minard mentioned before the meeting, of good regional collaboration, that McGreevy agrees with, but also points out that this body did not need to create a new multi-jurisdictional taxing authority to pursue such regional collaborations and that by adopting these Smart Planning Principles, the board is "opening a door to project creep" that will eventually cede authority to a regional council of governments that will levy additional taxes in order to fund itself. (See earlier posting for more details: http://scottcountyifa.blogspot.com/2011/01/regional-governance-more-taxes-being.html)

McGreevy proposes to the board to add a section to the Resolution to be voted on this Thursday that precludes this body from ceding any authority to a multi-jurisdictional council of governments and that precludes any new taxes to be levied to pay for such a council of governments.

The board did not reply. The final public hearing for the Smart Planning Principles adoption is Thursday Feb 3, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. at the County Building in downtown Davenport, Iowa.

(Note: It was incorrectly reported here above that there would be a second public hearing for this matter. Resolutions require only a single reading or public hearing, and are NOT cited as “one of one readings” when posted. Ordinances require two to three readings/public hearings prior to a vote by the Board and are cited “one of two” or “one of three readings” in the Agendas and Minutes.)

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Iowa Code 18B.1 pasted in below for easy access:

18B.1 Iowa smart planning principles.
State agencies, local governments, and other public entities shall consider and may apply the following principles during deliberation of all appropriate planning, zoning, development, and resource management decisions, except that nothing in this section shall be construed to expand the eminent domain authority of a state agency, local government, or other public entity beyond that which is authorized under chapter 6A or 6B:
1. Collaboration. Governmental, community, and individual stakeholders, including those outside the jurisdiction of the entity, are encouraged to be involved and provide comment during deliberation of planning, zoning, development, and resource management decisions and during implementation of such decisions. The state agency, local government, or other public entity is encouraged to develop and implement a strategy to facilitate such participation.
2. Efficiency, transparency, and consistency. Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should be undertaken to provide efficient, transparent, and consistent outcomes. Individuals, communities, regions, and governmental entities should share in the responsibility to promote the equitable distribution of development benefits and costs.
3. Clean, renewable, and efficient energy. Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should be undertaken to promote clean and renewable energy use and increased energy efficiency.
4. Occupational diversity. Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should promote increased diversity of employment and business opportunities, promote access to education and training, expand entrepreneurial opportunities, and promote the establishment of businesses in locations near existing housing, infrastructure, and transportation.
5. Revitalization. Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should facilitate the revitalization of established town centers and neighborhoods by promoting development that conserves land, protects historic resources, promotes pedestrian accessibility, and integrates different uses of property. Remediation and reuse of existing sites, structures, and infrastructure is preferred over new construction in undeveloped areas.
6. Housing diversity. Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should encourage diversity in the types of available housing, support the rehabilitation of existing housing, and promote the location of housing near public transportation and employment centers.
7. Community character. Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should promote activities and development that are consistent with the character and architectural style of the community and should respond to local values regarding the physical character of the community.
8. Natural resources and agricultural protection. Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should emphasize protection, preservation, and restoration of natural resources, agricultural land, and cultural and historic landscapes, and should increase the availability of open spaces and recreational facilities.
9. Sustainable design. Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should promote developments, buildings, and infrastructure that utilize sustainable design and construction standards and conserve natural resources by reducing waste and pollution through efficient use of land, energy, water, air, and materials.
10. Transportation diversity. Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should promote expanded transportation options for residents of the community. Consideration should be given to transportation options that maximize mobility, reduce congestion, conserve fuel, and improve air quality.
2010 Acts, ch 1184, §17
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