Planning Commission

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON Thursday 7:00 PM August 9, 2018 City Council Chambers Video Recorded www.cob.org Call to Order / Roll Call Present: Ali Taysi (Chair), Mike Estes (Vice Chair), Lisa Anderson (Commissioner), Phyllis McKee (Commissioner), Garrett O'Brien (Commissioner) Absent: Steve Crooks (Commissioner), Iris Maute-Gibson (Commissioner) Approval of Minutes The minutes from June 7 and June 21, 2018 were approved by general consensus. Public Comment Period Opportunity for citizens to speak informally to the Planning Commissioners on any subject not listed on the agenda. Speakers are allowed a MAXIMUM of three (3) minutes to address the Commission. Speakers will not be required to disclose their address. No public comment was given. PUBLIC HEARING Consideration will be given to a draft ordinance that includes amendments to several sections of the Bellingham Municipal Code to establish regulations for temporary homeless shelters. STAFF PRESENTATION Staff provided a brief overview of the process to date. The amendments to the ordinance, based on Planning Commissioner questions / comments, were reviewed; as well as the additional staff- recommended changes. PUBLIC COMMENT Bridget Reeves expressed her support for the ordinance and the benefits it can bring to the community. She shared some of the success stories from her work with the Lighthouse Mission and the Drop-In Center. Russ S. pointed out that although the Lighthouse Mission does great work, some homeless citizens may not feel comfortable going to a faith-based facility. He expressed his support for the additional options that this ordinance provides. He stated that, in his opinion, access to services and education of the public are the first steps in addressing the homeless crisis. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS / QUESTIONS There was a discussion regarding safe parking areas and which motor vehicles would actually be allowed. There was general consensus that staff should include additional clarifying language to both the definition and standards sections. A brief conversation was had on any additional comments an agency must adhere to if the site was on city property or obtained city funds. Staff clarified that the initial decision to operate a temporary shelter site would fall under the Type II process, and any applicable extensions of that same site would follow the Type I process. MOTION: Garrett O'Brien / Phyllis McKee moved to adopt the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations contained in the August 9, 2018 staff report as proposed by staff and modified through discussion; and forward a recommendation of approval to City Council. Garrett O'Brien stated the ordinance provides a regulatory structure that is balanced and fair. He also noted that it also provides certainty for the users with strong accountability measures written in. Lisa Anderson complimented staff on the ordinance and stated that it will benefit the community greatly. Mike Estes stated that although there will be impacts to neighbors and businesses, this ordinance allows places to be developed that can help to point our homeless citizens to the services they need. Ali Taysi pointed out that this ordinance allows for a variety of options since, one size does not fit all. He noted that although shelter is a great first step, it is imperative that access to services are also addressed. VOTE: CARRIED 5-0. Old/New Business Rick mentioned the agenda items that will start to come before the Commission in the fall. Adjournment Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by Planning Commission members and various Planning Staff.