HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2020 0902 CCSA REG ITEM 09ACITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA
City Council Meeting
of September 2, 2020
ACTION Approved Staff Recommendation,
As Amended.
BY B.Garza.
A. Receive a Presentation Regarding the Kickoff of the 2050 General Plan and
Consider Establishing a General Plan Advisory Committee with the Membership
Appointments Selected by the City Manager. Staff Recommendation: Receive a
presentation regarding the kickoff of the 2050 General Plan and General Plan
Advisory Committee, and that the Mayor establish a General Plan Advisory
Committee with the membership appointments selected by the City Manager.
(Staff: Karen Vaughn)
Item: 9.A.
MOORPARK CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Karen Vaughn, Community Development Director
BY: Douglas Spondello, Planning Manager
DATE: 09/02/2020 Regular Meeting
SUBJECT: Receive a Presentation Regarding the Kickoff of the 2050 General
Plan and Consider Establishing a General Plan Advisory Committee
with the Membership Appointments Selected by the City Manager
BACKGROUND
On January 15, 2020 the City Council approved an agreement with PlaceWorks, Inc. to
prepare a comprehensive update to the City’s General Plan and an associated Program
Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The General Plan establishes a community vision
of the City through the year 2050 and identifies the specific goals and policies that are
necessary to achieve the vision. This visioning process and policymaking is a
community-led effort, supported by city staff and the consultant team. Given the
significance of the General Plan and implications for future quality of life within the City,
there is an ethical obligation to involve the public in the planning process and ensure
public participation throughout the process. Public outreach related to the General Plan
update will utilize a variety of methods to ensure robust participation and input. These
include public workshops, community visioning sessions, surveys, and the proposed
General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC).
Initial work on the existing conditions portion of the General Plan has been underway
since January but staff has had to revise the public outreach plan and schedule to adapt
to limitations presented by COVID-19. The initial planning and project schedule has
now been refined to facilitate strong engagement and community participation, despite
the pandemic. The appointment of the GPAC represents the “kickoff” of the public
facing tasks related to the General Plan update.
ANALYSIS
The GPAC is a core element of the General Plan public outreach strategy. The GPAC
is one of the primary channels for community participation in the General Plan update,
providing a forum for public input and direction regarding the General Plan. The GPAC
Item: 9.A.
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unites a variety of interests and affiliations that collectively represent the City of
Moorpark. Individual members represent a broad range of ages, neighborhoods,
cultures, occupations, social clubs, advocacy groups, etc.
The GPAC is an ad hoc committee (as opposed to a permanent standing committee)
and exists to steer the development of the General Plan while the update is underway.
Policy 1.2 of City Council Policy Resolution No. 2019-3851 allows for the formation of
City ad hoc committees at the Mayor’s discretion.
GPAC Duties and Relationship to the Planning Commission and City Council
The General Plan Advisory Committee is proposed as an ad-hoc committee responsible
for providing input, feedback, and recommendations to city staff, the consultant team,
the Planning Commission, and ultimately the City Council on key components of the
General Plan. These key areas include the community vision, opportunity areas, the
land use plan, and other elements. Another core function of the GPAC is to develop the
draft goals and policies to implement the vision, for consideration by the Planning
Commission and City Council. The long-term goals and policies associated with each
element of the General Plan will guide the City’s decision-making process over the next
30 years. These goals and policies provide an important link between the City today
and our community vision of Moorpark in 2050, identifying the specific actions
necessary to achieve that vision.
As proposed, the GPAC would be responsible for the following tasks:
• Provide recommendations to decision makers. The GPAC provides advisory
recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council on key General
Plan components, such as the proposed vision and priorities, goals and policies,
areas requiring attention (geographic and policy), and updates to the land use plan.
• Provide a public forum for other members of the public. As an ad hoc
committee, meetings of the GPAC are not subject to the requirements of the Brown
Act. However, meetings will be conducted to a high standard of transparency.
GPAC meetings will be public, noticed, and include a published agenda. The agenda
and meeting materials will be available to the GPAC and public no less than 72 hours
prior to each meeting. Meetings will be recorded, with past meetings available on the
City’s website. A portion of each meeting will be dedicated to receiving public
comment on items on and off the agenda.
• Seek community benefit and convey the community’s perspective. The GPAC
is a group of individuals who are able to convey community concerns, opinions,
attitudes, values, interests, and expectations. Irrespective of their individual
viewpoints or preferences, GPAC members seek the benefit of the entire community
in their recommendations and work to build consensus between divergent
viewpoints for the betterment of Moorpark.
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• Convey the community’s perspective. The GPAC represents a broad cross-
section of our community and is able to convey community concerns, opinions,
attitudes, values, interests, and expectations.
• Identify critical issues and relevant information. The GPAC assists the City
Council, Planning Commission, city staff and the consultant team in identifying
critical issues that must be addressed in the planning process. The GPAC also
provides information that is valuable to the process or issues and opinions that
should be taken into consideration.
• Identify and suggest resolutions to potential conflicts. The GPAC identifies
areas of existing or potential conflicts and finds ways to build consensus and
constructively resolve these issues.
• Expand public awareness and participation. GPAC members serve as
ambassadors for the General Plan project and expand public awareness and
knowledge about the General Plan and related material. GPAC members also
leverage their relationships to keep community organizations and interested citizens
informed about the status of the planning process and encourage additional public
participation.
• Consider ideas and review material. The GPAC serves as a sounding board for
ideas, items, and draft products presented by city staff and its consultants.
• Refine policy consistent with the Vision. The GPAC reviews and refines policies
consistent with the City’s vision during General Plan policy deliberations to support
the Planning Commission and City Council.
GPAC Application Process and City Manager’s Recommendations
On June 16, 2020, the City’s Public information Officer circulated a press release
promoting the kickoff of the General Plan project and GPAC application window
between June 17 and July 31, 2020. The GPAC application was hosted on the City’s
website, the General Plan project website (www.moorparkgeneralplan.com), promoted
on social media and in the Moorpark Acorn. In an effort to reach out to communities
that are traditionally hard to count, staff also mailed a bilingual (English and Spanish)
postcard to over 970 residents and businesses. This mailing focused on the greater
downtown area, west of Moorpark Avenue, as well as Villa Campesina and Avenida
Colonia. Staff received 42 applications during the application period.
The GPAC is proposed to include 15 regular members (including one chairperson) and
three at-large members to serve as alternates should a vacancy of the regular
membership occur. The City Manager selected the regular and at-large members. The
City Manager has selected Dr. Mark Di Cecco as the chairperson to preside over the
GPAC meetings. Dr. Di Cecco was selected based on his knowledge of the City’s
planning history, experience as an architect with knowledge of advanced planning,
experience facilitating public engagement, building consensus, and experience as a
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former chair and 22-year member of the Moorpark Planning Commission. If appointed,
Dr. Di Cecco has indicated that he will resign his seat on the Planning Commission prior
to the first GPAC meeting.
The City Manager selected the remaining 14 regular members from the GPAC
applications based on their experience and representation of diverse community
interests. Using the same criteria, the City Manager has also selected three at-large
members from the GPAC applications who would be appointed to fill any vacancies of
regular members that may arise during the General Plan update. At-large members will
participate in the GPAC meetings and discussions but would not vote unless appointed
to fill the vacancy of a regular member.
The responsibilities of the GPAC will terminate with City Council adoption of the General
Plan, estimated to occur in 2022. The following list outlines the City Manager’s
membership selections for the GPAC, proposed for confirmation by the City Council:
Chair and Regular Members
1. Mark Di Cecco (Chair)
2. Sharon Noel
3. Ashley Humes
4. Theresa Hagman-Lawson
5. Anthony O’Hagan
6. Robert Jacobs
7. John Novi
8. Moorpark College - Julius Sokenu (primary) and John Loprieno (alternate)
9. R Reddy Pakala
10. Mike Winters
11. Terri Hilliard-Olson
12. Alondra Serna
13. Alejandro Castro
14. John Billin
15. Isabelle Becker
At-Large Members
1. Chris Barrett
2. Matthew Eason
3. Catherine Kniazewycz
GPAC Handbook, Meeting Topics, and Preliminary Schedule
The GPAC is planned to hold 14 meetings during the General Plan update process,
through the end of 2021. Meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. and are expected to last
approximately one to three hours. Depending on the conditions meetings would take
place either remotely via video conference or at City Hall. GPAC meetings would be
broadcast live online and on Moorpark TV. Recordings of each meeting will be
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available online. Staff prepared a General Plan Advisory Committee Handbook
(Attachment 1) as an orientation to the Committee. The Handbook establishes the
purpose of the Committee, rules for conduct during meetings, a schedule of the
meetings and topics, communication guidelines between the group and with Staff, and
other general information.
A tentative schedule for each GPAC meeting along with preliminary topics to be
considered is provided in the table below. The dates and meeting topics are subject to
change based on adjustments made by the City to the project scope, schedule, or other
circumstances beyond the City’s control.
GPAC Tentative Schedule and Proposed Topics
GPAC Meeting
Date/Location
Meeting Topics
Meeting 1
October 1, 2020
Community Center, Apricot
Room and Remotely via
Zoom
Kickoff and Orientation
Meeting 2 October 2020
Community Center, Apricot
Room and Remotely via
Zoom
Input for Vision Statement
Meeting 3 November 2020
Community Center, Apricot
Room and Remotely via
Zoom
Review Existing Conditions
Report and Findings
Meeting 4 November/December
2020
TBD
Confirm Vision and Guiding
Principles
Meeting 5 January 2021
TBD
Opportunity Areas/Input for Land
Use Concept
Meeting 6 February 2021
TBD
Review/Refine Land Use Concept
Meeting 7 March 2021
TBD
Input for Element Goals &
Policies: Housing
Meeting 8 May 2021
TBD
Finalize Review of Land Use
Alternatives/Input for Final Plan
Meeting 9
June 2021
TBD
Input for Element Goals &
Policies: Conservation,
Recreation, Open Space, Safety
Meeting 10 August 2021
TBD
Input for Element Goals &
Policies: Land Use and
Economic Development
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GPAC Meeting
Date/Location
Meeting Topics
Meeting 11 September 2021
TBD
Input for Element Goals &
Policies: Circulation and
Infrastructure
Meeting 12 October 2021
TBD
Input for Element Goals &
Policies: Noise and
Environmental Justice
Meeting 13 October 2021 TBD Implementation
Meeting 14 November 2021
TBD
Review Draft General Plan and
Provide Final Recommendations
Note: The specific meeting topics and order are subject to change
COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE
This action directly supports City Council Strategy 1, Goal 3, Objective 2 (1.3.2):
Prepare a comprehensive update of Land Use, OSCAR, and Circulation
Elements including environmental documentation, and ensure internal
consistency among all General Plan Elements. Consider creation of a
Natural Open Space land use designation and the City’s vision for land
within the City’s Area of Interest as part of the Land Use Element. Present
Land Use Element to the City Council by January 31, 2022, and present
the Circulation Element including possible designation of Moorpark
Avenue (SR 23) between Casey Road and Los Angeles Avenue (SR 118)
as an arterial street to the City Council by October 31, 2022. Present
OSCAR Element including a Trails Master Plan to City Council by June
30, 2022. Upon adoption of any General Plan Amendments, prepare
necessary changes to the Zoning Ordinance to ensure conformity and
consistency with the General Plan.
On September 4, 2019, the City Council voted unanimously to undertake a
comprehensive update of the City’s General Plan rather than each individual
Element.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City has contracted with PlaceWorks to facilitate the 14 planned GPAC meetings
for a total of $91,670. This amount was included in the scope of work for the General
Plan update project and is fully funded. Ancillary costs, such as staff time for agenda
preparation, distribution of these agendas, postage, production, staff time, etc. will be
funded by the Community Development Department budget. The City has secured
several grants that will reimburse expenses related to the GPAC meetings, staff time,
and public outreach.
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council receive a presentation regarding the kickoff of
the 2050 General Plan and General Plan Advisory Committee, and that the Mayor
establish a General Plan Advisory Committee with the membership appointments
selected by the City Manager.
Attachment 1: General Plan Advisory Committee Handbook
8
CITY OF MOORPARK GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
GENERAL PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE HANDBOOK
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SEPTEMBER, 2020
9
City of Moorpark: General Plan Advisory Committee H db k
City of Moorpark: General Plan Advisory Committee Handbook
Table of Contents
1. Purpose of this Document ....................................................................................................................................................... 2
2. What is the General Plan Advisory Committee? ...................................................................................................................... 2
3. General Plan Advisory Committee Membership ..................................................................................................................... 3
4. Meeting Topics and Dates........................................................................................................................................................ 4
5. Participation in the General Plan Advisory Committee ........................................................................................................... 5
6. Rules and Procedures .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
7. Roles and Responsibilities of Other Entities ............................................................................................................................ 8
Tables Page
Table 1. List of General Plan Advisory Committee Members ...................................................................................................... 3
Table 2. General Plan Advisory Committee Schedule and Topics ................................................................................................ 4
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City of Moorpark: General Plan Advisory Committee Handbook
1. Purpose of this Document
The comprehensive General Plan update is a major community‐wide effort that involves and affects everyone. The
purpose of this document is to summarize the roles and responsibilities of the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC)
to community members, so their involvement in the General Plan update is clearly defined and understood. In addition,
the paper provides a set of rules and procedures for the GPAC, which will act as the committee’s by‐laws. For more
information, please visit http://moorparkgeneralplan.com/or contact the Community Development Department at (805)
517‐6200.
2. What is the General Plan Advisory Committee?
The General Plan Advisory Committee is an ad‐hoc committee responsible for providing input, feedback, and
recommendations to city staff, the consultant team, the Planning Commission, and ultimately the City Council on key
components of the General Plan. These key areas include the community vision, opportunity areas, the land use plan,
and other elements. Another core function of the GPAC is to develop the draft goals and policies to implement the
vision, for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council. The long‐term goals and policies associated
with each element of the General Plan will guide the City’s decision‐making process over the next 30 years. These
goals and policies provide an important link between the City today and our community vision of Moorpark in 2050,
identifying the specific actions necessary to achieve that vision.
Below is some additional direction on what the Moorpark GPAC is responsible for, as well as a description of what the
GPAC is not responsible for.
The GPAC is responsible for the following duties:
• Provide recommendations to decision makers. The GPAC provides advisory recommendations to the Planning
Commission and City Council on key General Plan components, such as the proposed vision and priorities, goals
and policies, areas requiring attention (geographic and policy), and updates to the land use plan.
• Provide a public forum for other members of the public. As an ad hoc committee, meetings of the GPAC are
not subject to the requirements of the Brown Act. However, meetings will be conducted to a high standard of
transparency. GPAC meetings will be public, noticed, and include a published agenda. The agenda and meeting
materials will be available to the GPAC and public no less than 72 hours prior to each meeting. Meetings will be
recorded, with past meetings available on the City’s website. A portion of each meeting will be dedicated to receiving
public comment on items on and off the agenda.
• Seek community benefit and convey the community’s perspective. The GPAC is a group of individuals who
are able to convey community concerns, opinions, attitudes, values, interests, and expectations. Irrespective of
their individual viewpoints or preferences, GPAC members seek the benefit of the entire community in their
recommendations and work to build consensus between divergent viewpoints for the betterment of Moorpark.
• Identify critical issues and relevant information. The GPAC assists the City Council, Planning Commission, city
staff and the consultant team in identifying critical issues that must be addressed in the planning process. The
GPAC also provides information that is valuable to the process or issues and opinions that should be taken into
consideration.
• Identify and suggest resolutions to potential conflicts. The GPAC identifies areas of existing or potential
conflicts and finds ways to build consensus and constructively resolve these issues.
• Expand public awareness and participation. GPAC members serve as ambassadors for the General Plan project
and expand public awareness and knowledge about the General Plan and related material. GPAC members also
leverage their relationships to keep community organizations and interested citizens informed about the status of
the planning process and encourage additional public participation.
• Consider ideas and review material. The GPAC serves as a sounding board for ideas, items, and draft products
presented by city staff and its consultants.
• Refine policy consistent with the Vision. The GPAC reviews and refines policies consistent with the City’s vision
during General Plan policy deliberations to support the Planning Commission and City Council.
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City of Moorpark: General Plan Advisory Committee Handbook
What the GPAC is NOT:
The GPAC is a supplement, not a replacement, for the Planning Commission and the City Council.
A decision‐making body, except as it may offer “steering” advice and recommendations to city staff and
the consultant team regarding the General Plan, as well as recommendations to the Planning
Commission and City Council.
A place to discuss projects currently under consideration, except as they may relate in broad strokes to
future General Plan land use direction and policy.
A forum for political position taking.
A substitute for the public hearing process required by law.
3. General Plan Advisory Committee Membership
The GPAC consists of 15 regular members, including the Chair. Three at‐large members also participate in the
meetings but are non‐voting members unless appointed by the City Manager to fill the vacancy of a regular
member. The following table provides a list of GPAC members as recommended by the City Manager and
appointed by the City Council. The responsibilities of the GPAC will terminate with City Council adoption of the
General Plan, estimated to occur in 2022.
Table 1. List of GPAC Members
Chair and Regular Members
1. Mark Di Cecco (Chair)
2. Sharon Noel
3. Ashley Humes
4. Theresa Hagman‐Lawson
5. Anthony O’Hagan
6. Robert Jacobs
7. John Novi
8. Moorpark College ‐ Julius Sokenu (primary) and John Loprieno (alternate)
9. R Reddy Pakala
10. Mike Winters
11. Terri Hilliard‐Olson
12. Alondra Serna
13. Alejandro Castro
14. John Billin
15. Isabelle Becker
At-Large Members
1. Chris Barrett
2. Matthew Eason
3. Catherine Kniazewycz
4. Meeting Topics and Dates
The GPAC is expected to meet 14 times during the General Plan update process, with meetings held periodically
through Winter, 2021. Meetings will begin at 6:30 PM and are expected to last approximately 1‐3 hours each.
GPAC Members will also need to devote time to review agenda reports and draft documents in advance of
scheduled meeting. Meetings will take place either remotely via video conference or at City Hall. The specific
meeting location will be provided in advance and published in the agendas at least 72 hours before each
meeting. GPAC meetings will be broadcast live online and on Moorpark TV. A recording of each meeting will be
available online.
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City of Moorpark: General Plan Advisory Committee Handbook
The following table provides a tentative schedule for each meeting along with preliminary topics to be considered
by the GPAC. While the date of the first GPAC meeting is confirmed, the remaining meeting dates are shown only
with an estimated target month in order to provide for flexibility as the General Plan is prepared. The dates and
meeting topics are subject to change based on adjustments made by the City to the project scope, schedule, or
other circumstances beyond the City’s control. The final project schedule is currently being developed. As a
result, the GPAC meeting schedule will be updated. Please identify any scheduling conflicts as soon as possible,
ideally with substantial lead time (e.g., a planned 2‐week trip or busy period at your place of business).
Table 2. GPAC Tentative Schedule and Proposed Topics
Meeting Date / Location Meeting Topics
GPAC Meeting 1
October 1, 2020
Community Center, Apricot Room
and Remotely via Zoom
Kickoff and Orientation
GPAC Meeting 2
October 2020
Community Center, Apricot Room
and Remotely via Zoom
Input for Vision Statement
GPAC Meeting 3
November 2020
Community Center, Apricot Room
and Remotely via Zoom
Review Existing Conditions Report and
Findings
GPAC Meeting 4
November/December 2020 - TBD Confirm Vision and Guiding Principles
GPAC Meeting 5
January 2021 - TBD Opportunity Areas/Input for Land Use
Concept
GPAC Meeting 6
February 2021 - TBD Review/Refine Land Use Concept
GPAC Meeting 7
March 2021 - TBD Input for Element Goals & Policies:
Housing
GPAC Meeting 8
May 2021 - TBD Finalize Review of Land Use
Alternatives/Input for Final Plan
GPAC Meeting 9
June 2021 - TBD Input for Element Goals & Policies:
Conservation, Recreation, Open Space, Safety
GPAC Meeting 10
August 2021 - TBD Input for Element Goals & Policies: Land Use
and Economic Development
GPAC Meeting 11
September 2021 - TBD Input for Element Goals & Policies:
Circulation and Infrastructure
GPAC Meeting 12
October 2021 - TBD Input for Element Goals & Policies:
Noise and Environmental Justice
GPAC Meeting 13 October 2021 - TBD Implementation
GPAC Meeting 14
November 2021 - TBD Review Draft General Plan and Provide
Final Recommendations
Note: The specific meeting topics and order are subject to change
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City of Moorpark: General Plan Advisory Committee Handbook
5. Participation in the General Plan Advisory Committee
The following is a summary of important considerations to keep in mind as you undertake your commitment to
the City of Moorpark and its General Plan update.
Representing the GPAC
Individual GPAC members must be careful not to represent their own views or recommendations as those of the
entire GPAC body unless the majority has officially voted on the issue. Public statements should contain no
promises binding the GPAC, Planning Commission, nor the City Council.
Maintaining Community Perspective
Although GPAC members have been purposely selected, in part, because they represent clearly defined groups,
professions, geographic areas, and other interests to assure that all interests are voiced and considered, each
member should represent the overall public interest and not that of an exclusive group or subset. Ultimately,
GPAC members are representatives of the community and their feedback should represent the sentiments of
the larger population, not solely their own as individuals. To properly represent the community, members must
be accessible to the public to receive input on the sentiment/opinions of fellow Moorparkians.
Promoting Public Participation
GPAC members will be asked to promote community attendance at workshops and meetings to provide input
at various milestones in the General Plan update process. GPAC members are encouraged to attend the
community workshops as well, as their presence and leadership will encourage the stakeholder groups that
they are most closely tied to participate in the process. GPAC members will be asked to help promote events
through their social media outlets and personal connections to the community at‐large. City Staff will provide
GPAC members with materials, talking points, and draft language that they can use to help market the events
and programs (including materials provided on the City’s General Plan website).
Establishing a Good Relationship with Other Members
On many occasions, the success of the GPAC will depend upon the degree of cooperation among the
individual members. In order to build a consensus around common goals and objectives, individual members
will often first have to reconcile contradictory viewpoints and show a willingness to objectively consider the
issues. Members are encouraged to work towards compromise and consensus with the overall Committee and
respectfully discuss consensus and differences of opinion.
Another way of developing this cooperation is for each member to do their part to ensure that meetings
proceed in an orderly manner. The Chairperson is primarily responsible for seeing that meetings are conducted
in an expeditious and thorough fashion. However, each member can help by becoming familiar with the basic
rules of parliamentary procedure (such as Roberts Rules of Order) and by adequately preparing for meetings.
Be Conscious of your Relationship to Elected and Appointed Officials and City Staff
Good relations with elected and appointed officials and city staff are necessary for the successful operation of
any Committee. It is important that each member respect the authority of those who, in the end, will be charged
with the final responsibility for action taken by the City.
To avoid placing the city staff in a compromising position and to facilitate effective communication, your actions
as a member should be done with the approval of the body. Any communication intended for city or consultant
staff on business matters should be sent only through the City’s Community Development Director or designee,
who is the staff liaison appointed to this advisory group.
Other Important Points to Consider
GPAC participants shall always show respect for other individuals’ viewpoints and shall allow other members
adequate time to present their views before making comments. It is essential to be open and honest at all times,
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City of Moorpark: General Plan Advisory Committee Handbook
welcome new members and see that they become acquainted with their duties, and strive to minimize political
action among members.
Be aware that, in the public’s eye, GPAC members represent the City. Comments and actions of the GPAC,
therefore, should express sensitivity to the diverse viewpoints held within the City. Membership on the GPAC does
not entitle participants to exercise undue influence upon individuals in the community.
6. Rules and Procedures
1. Transparency and Access to the Public. All meetings of the General Plan Advisory Committee will be
open to the public. The GPAC is an ad hoc committee and not subject to the requirements of the Brown
Act, however the meetings will be held in accordance with the Brown Act requirements for transparency
and to facilitate public engagement.
2. Chair. The City Manager shall recommend and the City Council shall confirm a Chairperson to serve as the
representative for the GPAC. The Chairperson is responsible for managing the meeting, facilitating
discussion, and gaining consensus from the GPAC on various components of the General Plan. Should the
Chairperson leave his or her position on the GPAC for any reason, a new Chair would be selected by the City
Manager from the GPAC members. The GPAC Chair would also serve as the official representatives of the
GPAC and shall attend meetings with other committees, the Planning Commission or City Council, if
requested. However, all GPAC members will act as “ambassadors” of the General Plan to the community and
are encouraged to share their knowledge about the process to ensure the community’s exposure and ability
to participate in the planning process is as far‐reaching as possible.
3. Roberts Rules of Order. In the absence of a rule herein to govern a point or procedure, Robert’s Rules of
Order, Newly Revised, shall be used as a guide.
4. Roll Call/Quorum. Before proceeding with the business of the GPAC, the Secretary shall call the roll of the
committee and the names of those present shall be entered in the minutes. The order of roll call shall be
alphabetical with the Chair called last. Unless otherwise provided for by law, a majority of the GPAC shall
constitute a quorum sufficient to do business.
5. Public Comments. Any member of the public may address the GPAC on any item within the subject matter
jurisdiction of the GPAC which is not listed on the Agenda. Speakers will be heard in the order that the
speaker cards were received by the Secretary. All speaker cards for Public Comments must be received prior
to the Chair's call for speaker cards for the Public Comments agenda item. A limitation of 3 minutes may be
imposed upon each speaker. This limitation will be extended to six (6) minutes for a speaker who utilizes a
translator to ensure that non‐English speakers receive the same opportunity to directly address the GPAC.
Speaker cards must be presented in person by the person wishing to speak. The passing of time from one
speaker to another or speaking in place of another speaker is not allowed. No speaker will be allowed to
speak after all speaker cards are called. By majority vote of the GPAC present and voting, the number of
speakers and time permitted for comments may be modified at any single meeting.
6. Conduct of Committee
6.1. Decorum and Order:
(A) Any Committee member desiring to speak shall address the Chair and, upon recognition by the Chair, shall
confine himself/herself to the item under debate.
(B) A Committee member desiring to question the staff shall address his/her question to the Community
Development Director, as appropriate, who shall be entitled either to answer the inquiry or to designate some
member of his/her staff for that purpose.
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(C) A Committee member, once recognized, shall not be interrupted while speaking unless called to order by
the Chair, a point of order is raised by another Committee member or the speaker chooses to yield to
questions from another Committee member.
(D) Any Committee member called to order while he/she is speaking shall cease speaking immediately until
the question of order is determined. If ruled to be in order he/she shall be permitted to proceed. If ruled out
of order he/she shall remain silent or shall alter his/her remarks so as to comply with the rules.
(E) Committee members shall accord the utmost courtesy to each other, to City employees, and to the public
appearing before the GPAC. They shall refrain at all times from rude and derogatory remarks, abusive
comments and statements as to integrity, motives or personalities.
(F) The right of a Committee member to address the Committee on a question of personal privilege shall be
limited to cases in which his/her integrity, character, or motives are assailed, questioned or impugned.
(G) Any Committee member may move to require the Chair to enforce the rules. The affirmative vote of a
majority of the Committee present and voting shall require him/her to so act.
7. Provision and Review of Materials. Meeting materials will be distributed to GPAC members
approximately three days prior to scheduled meetings. Prior to each meeting, members are expected to
review the provided materials and be ready to discuss key issues and opportunities with the group. Some
meetings may require more or less preparation. Materials will be provided electronically for all GPAC
meetings.
8. Timeliness. The General Plan preparation is subject to a constrained time schedule. GPAC members need
to have read provided materials in advance of each meeting and be prepared to discuss and make
recommendations and decisions in a timely manner, allowing the process to move forward according to the
adopted schedule. Committee meetings should be conducted formally with care to avoid long
conversations on non‐critical tangents, resulting in delayed action.
9. Limitations on Directing the City. GPAC members are encouraged to review and comment on relevant
department programs as they pertain to the implementation of the General Plan. However, while operating
in the capacity of the GPAC, members must not become involved in the administration or operation of City
departments, and should not direct the administrative staff or its consultants to initiate programs, conduct
studies, or establish official policy without approval of the City Council and/or the City Manager.
10. Community Input and Requests. Community input is a very important component of the General Plan
process. GPAC members will need to carefully consider input from a wide range of stakeholders. GPAC
members should bring other stakeholder comments to the table, as appropriate. GPAC members that
receive requests from the community for information or presentations about the General Plan should advise
the Community Development Director prior to any commitment to providing information or presentations.
11. Simple Majority Voting. Where consensus cannot be reached on major decisions by the full committee, the
GPAC shall form its recommendations based on the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the GPAC
membership in attendance, provided there is a quorum. On decisions regarding recommendations to city
staff, dissenting members may submit a separate report to ensure both sides are represented for City Council
consideration. It is important to reiterate that the GPAC will not be a policy‐setting body. Rather, the GPAC is
an advisory committee, providing recommendations to city staff for their consideration on specific work
productions and subject areas.
12. Implied agreement. It is hoped that agreement can be reached by the full GPAC for as many issues as
possible. Where a committee member does not agree with the direction being taken by the committee, they
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are expected to offer a constructive alternative approach(es). Concerns and issues should be brought up early
in the process so that they can be addressed to the extent possible. Lack of comment will be considered
agreement with the majority opinion.
13. Conflict of Interest. The Political Reform Act is intended to prevent conflict of interest by requiring
designated public officials to disclose financial interests which could potentially cause conflicts. You may be
required to disqualify yourself from making, participating in, or attempting to influence any governmental
decision which will affect your financial interests, including those required to be reported on a statement of
economic interest where appropriate. The Fair Political Practices Commission explains what a conflict is and
when disqualification is required by law. If in doubt, the city staff liaison will assist in acquiring legal
clarification.
14. Attendance and Absence. In accepting appointment to the GPAC, each member accepts responsibility for
devoting sufficient time to the project to effectively represent the views of the community. Attendance is
required at every GPAC meeting. Approximately 14 meetings are scheduled over the duration of the General
Plan update. Members shall notify city staff prior to a scheduled meeting if they are unable to attend and
request an excused absence. Two unexcused absences may constitute grounds for dismissal from the GPAC,
subject to approval by the City Manager.
15. Research. Any research requested by an individual Committee member that results in a written response
from staff will be copied to all GPAC members.
16. Questions or Concerns. If members have questions or are concerned with particular issues, the Planning
Manager, Community Development Director, and/or City Manager should be contacted to review the
matter.
7. Roles and Responsibilities of Other Entities
While the GPAC is one of the primary channels for the community to participate in the General Plan update, five
other entities also play a role in the preparation and adoption of the General Plan: City Council, Planning
Commission, city staff, consultants, and other members of the general public. Below is a list of roles and
responsibilities for each entity or group.
CITY COUNCIL - Legislative body directing the affairs of the City
Authorized the preparation of the General Plan update and approved the budget.
Provides overall policy direction for the General Plan.
Resolves policy issues and major budget/scope adjustments as necessary throughout the project.
Adopts the updated General Plan as recommended by the Planning Commission or as modified by the City Council.
Certifies the Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that accompanies the General Plan.
Conducts public study sessions and/or hearings on the General Plan and EIR.
PLANNING COMMISSION - Chief advisory body on community planning and development matters
Advises the City Council on recommendations for approval, modification, or deletion of goals,
policies or implementation proposed through the General Plan update.
Conducts public study sessions and public hearings on the General Plan and EIR.
Receives a monthly report from staff regarding the activities the GPAC and provides direction to staff.
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CITY STAFF - Key city resources facilitating the preparation of the General Plan and providing technical and
logistical support
Provides input regarding professional, technical, administrative, and policy insights and implications on topics
discussed.
Manages consultant team’s work program and products.
Oversees the project scope, schedule, and budget, including modifications and compliance.
Reviews and modifies consultant products as necessary to ensure consistency with city policy and practice.
Arranges for logistics and support of each GPAC meeting.
Distributes materials for the GPAC prior to scheduled meetings.
Prepares and presents staff reports as appropriate.
Helps coordinate and lead public outreach efforts as well as communication and coordination with other
stakeholders, organizations, and agencies.
Keeps consultant team informed of current City activities and issues that relate to the General Plan.
CONSULTANT TEAM - Advisors hired by the City to provide technical support and serve as an extension of city
staff during the duration of the General Plan update process
Complies with the adopted scope of work.
Submits draft documents identified in the scope of work to city staff for review, revision, and distribution as
required.
Prepares technical reports as specified in the scope of work.
Provides input regarding professional, technical, and policy insights.
Assists in clarifying issues, providing options, and evaluating the implications of topics being discussed.
Recommends methods to resolve policy issues when conflict arises.
Advises on schedule or procedural matters.
Presents consultant‐prepared work products to decision‐makers, city staff, and the public.
Documents meeting deliberations in the form of summary notes on key outcomes and decisions (note that
neither city staff nor the consultant will provide detailed minutes, recordings, or transcripts).
Helps coordinate, lead, and summarize results from public outreach efforts.
Coordinates with agencies and other organizations outside of City Hall in the preparation of work products.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC - Those members of the public that are not already represented on the
GPAC, including local residents, property owners, business owners, employees of Moorpark businesses,
service providers, governmental agencies, and nongovernmental organizations
Provide input—through public outreach events, venues, tools hosted or distributed by the city—on how they
want the City of Moorpark to be maintained and improved over the next 30 years.
Provide feedback on draft products distributed for public review; e.g., the Vision, Land Use Plan, General Plan, and
EIR.
Encourage participation from and attendance by others in the General Plan update process.
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www.MoorparkGeneralPlan.com
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