I.                     CALL TO ORDER: Board Vice-Chair John Burkhardt called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM

II.                   ROLL CALL (X for PRESENT, ABS for ABSENT)

MEMBERS PRESENT:                                                                           ALSO PRESENT:

III.                 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: ☒     

Board Vice-Chair John Burkhardt led participants in the Pledge of Allegiance

IV.                 APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

a.       October 25, 2023 Meeting

V.                   NEW BUSINESS

a.       Updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan – Presentation and Discussion

                                                               i.       Staff presentation to Board -- Background:

·         purpose and importance of the Comprehensive Plan

·         relationship between Comprehensive Plan, Zoning, and Plan Review

·         overview of RI State Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act

·         required content

·         planning resources available from RI Statewide Planning

                                                             ii.      Discussion of process to update the Comprehensive Plan, including role of a consultant, RFP process to select consultant, role of staff, role of the Board, community participation, committees, data gathering, content review, formats, etc.

VI.                 EXHIBITS:       Hard Copy of Presentation (Comprehensive Plan – Purpose & Importance, Required Content, and State Review for Compliance)

Planning Staff Mr. Vandermillen explained that as the City of Central Falls looks to update the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Vandermillen mentioned that the Planning and Zoning Board has faced challenges proceeding using an old document such as the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Vandermillen continues to inform the Board Members that specifically the Land Use Regulations must be maintained in accordance with Rhode Island General Laws, Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance as they all work together to come to a decision. Mr. Vandermillen presented that the RFP to the consultant would be to a consultant that can bring along good examples of a Comprehensive Plan and work in conjunction with the City. Board Member asked questions such as how long the process to do the re-write, Mr. Vandermillen responded by saying it might be a 12-18 month process.

VII.               ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

VIII.              MEETING OF THE PLANNING BOARD OF REVIEW ADJOURNED AT 7:55 PM:

(2023.11.15), Jean Martinez, Principal Planner, Department of Planning and Economic Development