Report Prepared by: Kim Espinosa, Planning Manager, Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Update on North Merced Annexation Feasibility Study and Provide Direction Regarding Various Policy Decisions Including, but not Limited to, Water Use, Phasing of Development, Sewer Allocation, Annexation Applications, Out Boundary Service Requests, Community Engagement
REPORT IN BRIEF
Update the City Council on the work completed on the North Merced Annexation Feasibility Study since the joint Planning Commission/City Council study session in January 2020 and get policy direction on certain items to complete the study.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to the consultants and staff on various topics to guide the completion of the North Merced Annexation Feasibility Study.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
Continue to a future City Council meeting.
AUTHORITY
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Reorganization Act of 2000 establishes procedures for city annexations and other local government changes of organization.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
FY 20-21 Council Goals and Priorities list "Future Annexations/Growth of City/Sewer Master Plan" under "Future Planning."
DISCUSSION
Background
In March 2019, the City hired EMC Planning Group to prepare the North Merced Annexation Feasibility Study. The Study's purpose is to provide recommendations to the City for when and how it considers future annexations over time for an approximate 7,600-acre study area in North Merced (Attachment 1).
As part of the public outreach for the project, the consultants conducted interviews with large property owners and developers along with elected officials, and held two public workshops on May 19, 2019, and August 7, 2019. The public workshops were well attended by property owners and residents within the Study Area and generated a significant amount of community input.
Joint Planning Commission/City Council Study Session (January 27, 2020)
On January 27, 2020, a joint study session was held with...
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