Planning Commission

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON Thursday 7:00 PM December 5, 2019 City Council Chambers Video Recorded www.cob.org Call to Order / Roll Call Present: Mike Estes (Vice-Chair); Lisa Anderson; Steve Crooks and Phyllis McKee Absent: Ali Taysi and Garrett O’Brien; Approval of Minutes Minutes from November 7th 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. PUBLIC HEARING Consideration of the draft 2020 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, Chapter 7 of the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan. Staff presented an overview of the proposed Parks Recreation and Open Space Plan (PRO Plan) including:  Community Outreach / Involvement  Revisions to the Goals / Policies Section  GIS updates  Modifications to Levels of Service Measurements  How to determine when Park Enhancements are necessary  Evaluation of the goals for Trails, Open Spaces and Special Use Sites PUBLIC COMMENT Randy spoke to the development project he is doing near Van Wyck Park and briefly spoke to the questions he had related to trails and open space. He commented that, in his opinion, anyone who owns property within 500’ of a proposed community park project should be invited to the early meetings. He referenced a few sections of the plan and requested staff to include a specific project. He submitted a written comment for staff review. John Blethen expressed concern that the City is losing a sense of nature and the plan does not adequately identify climate change in the goal / objectives. He suggested that this issue be addressed in the plan and provided reference to carbon-neutral cities. He stated that open space and the effect on the environment should be discussed more. Staff responded to the public comments that called out specific sections of the plan and clarified some of the City process related to those items. There was a commitment made to incorporate statements related to Climate Change and the VanWyck Community Park. Commission Discussion / Questions There was a discussion on the future recommended park facilities and trail development and what could be expected over the next 20 years in the northern part of Bellingham. There was a brief conversation related to Phase II of Cordata Park. Staff explained some of the things being considered during this phase. There was support expressed for the amended PRO Plan. MOTION: Steve Crooks / Phyllis McKee moved to accept the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations as written in the December 5, 2019 staff report and forward a recommendation of approval to City Council. A brief discussion was held regarding how the impact fees are set and how those funds can be used. A conversation was held on e-bikes and how the city will be responding to some of the new State laws. VOTE: CARRIED 4-0 Old/New Business Adjournment Minutes prepared by: Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by Planning Commission members and various Planning Staff.