MARRIOTT-SLATERVILLE CITY HISTORY AUGUST 2000 At the inception of the city, the Planning Commission determined that they would annually review the general plan for potential changes. This review was scheduled for August and September. An especially hot August arrived and the general plan was reviewed. Unfortunately, confusion ensued with the timing of this annual process as a major problem. The summer months are the busiest for the city and its staff. Development is at its highest during this time, which demands much attention from city officials while it exhausts staffing resources. Because staff and officials were so busy during this time with many diverse projects, the general plan review this month was, simply stated, chaos. Planning Commissioners complained that they did not have a firm understanding of the review process. Some argued they wanted less density while others were confused as to what was being considered. Staff was unable to adequately address all of the complex issues. As a result, a proposal by Frank Blair for more commercial area along 400 North/1200 West was essentially postponed and hard feelings surfaced. Other issues related to density were tabled until the next general plan review. Not understanding that these issues were merely postponed, a few people erupted with undeserved outbursts at the Mayor and Council President. Determined to mitigate such problems in the future, the municipal code was amended to place the annual general plan review sessions in January when things were no so busy. Also, community awareness and education on the process of general planning should be seriously considered. 131