[council] PDP timelines

[Bruce Tonkin]

Hello Marilyn,


> 
> As to whether a drop dead date is the right answer, one has 
> to be very mature in consideration of policy development. 
> Sometimes, the right answer is 'not now, but perhaps in the 
> future", and schedule a "next assessment".
> 
> Perhaps that is what you are recommending -- I wasn't sure.
> 

A PDP ties up significant staff and community resources.  I am proposing
that a particular PDP conclude after a certain drop dead date if
agreement can't be reached.  To start again would require the full
process for initiating a PDP - formal vote and prioritisation.

It would certainly be appropriate to consider putting a matter on hold,
and reviewing it again at some future date (perhaps after public
policy/laws become clearer on a matter for example, or when further
technical developments arise).

It is a similar process for companies doing development or R&D.  They
allocate resources for a particular project for a particular period (and
cost).

Regards,
Bruce Tonkin