Planning staff used the commission's Oct. 13 meeting to summarize recent and upcoming items of work, including a residential text amendment, the municipal transportation planning contract and outside presentations expected before Town Council.

The planning director (staff presenter) said the text amendment package ZTA24001, which implements portions of the comprehensive plan related to residential development, was continued to allow additional time for graphics and council review. The director said the town expects to return the package to the commission in December or possibly January.

Julian Griffey, the new senior planner, presented a recommended contract and scope of work for a town transportation plan; staff told the commission the council's Oct. 21 meeting will include a consent agenda item directing the manager to execute the contract if council does not pull it. The director outlined the intended committee structure for the transportation plan: a policy committee composed of council members (three to four meetings) and a broader advisory committee with representatives from boards and the public (two to three meetings) to provide the consultant with feedback.

The director also told commissioners that Duke Health would present to Town Council on Oct. 21 regarding property at Timber and 50, and that WakeMed plans a Nov. 4 groundbreaking near Timber Drive. Staff noted that many planning staff members would be attending the annual state planning conference and to expect slightly slower response times while half the office was out of the office.

Commissioners expressed interest in participating in the transportation plan committees and asked clarifying questions about timing and committee composition. The planning director asked commissioners to consider potential appointees for the advisory committee and noted the consultant would do initial data work before meetings begin later in the winter.