The Planning Commission voted to accept the Perkins progress report, a monthly update on the city’s comprehensive-plan update process.

The report, prepared as part of the comprehensive-plan update, summarized public-workshop input and online-survey results. Staff said the report is primarily data and that Larry, who prepares the update reports, was not present at the meeting. Commissioners accepted the report and recorded an affirmative vote.

Why it matters: The progress report compiles community input that will inform the draft comprehensive plan. Commissioners and staff stressed the importance of reflecting public priorities and maintaining small-town character while planning for thoughtful growth.

The report lists themes gathered at public workshops and online engagement: a strong desire to preserve small-town character while supporting thoughtful growth; expanding housing options for seniors, families and affordable housing; ongoing concerns about road conditions and traffic safety near schools; and interest in parks improvements. A count of “dots” used in one public exercise was listed as 11; staff said roughly six or seven people attended the in-person workshop in addition to staff, and staff described a “fairly robust response” to online surveys.

A commissioner asked about the project timeline; staff estimated a draft would be available around August or September but said the date was not certain and that weather-related schedule slips had occurred. Staff also reported progress on two commercial projects mentioned in the update: Dunkin’ Donuts’ permit was near approval pending resolution of drainage issues to the south and coordination with ODOT on drainage to the north.

The commission moved to accept the Perkins progress report and voted to approve the item.

Ending: Commissioners recorded acceptance of the report and directed staff to continue compiling input toward a draft comprehensive plan for later review.