Planning Commission

Planning Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 7:00 PM August 17, 2023 City Council Chambers Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org Call to Order The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by the Chair at 7:00 PM. Present: Mike Estes, Jed Ballew, Barbara Plaskett, Mike McAuley Absent: Russ Whidbee, Rose Lathrop and Scott Jones Approval of Minutes Minutes for review / approval: July 6 and August 3, 2023. Both sets were approved by general consensus. Public Comment Period During this time, citizens may take up to three (3) minutes to address the members about any topic not on the agenda. Citizens wishing to speak during this time will be recognized by the Chair for comment. No testimony given. Agenda Items Public Hearing 1. Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan p. 2 Laine Potter, Parks Department introduced the Parks, Recreation and Open Space plan and explained how it assists in setting the work plan for the Parks Department. Peter Gill reviewed the proposed amendments which include updates to the Public Facilities Map and the language referencing the Capital Facilities Plan. He explained the rationale for the changes and shared the process followed to date, reviewed some of the changes made to the plan based on community feedback and requested the Commission recommend approval of the proposed amendments and forward to City Council for approval. Public Comment James B. expressed his support for protecting the Samish Crest area. He requested that the city continue to protect nature. Planning Commission Discussion: There was a discussion about the size and scope of some of the proposed trail projects, as well as how the protection of habitat corridors is presented in the plan.  There was also a discussion about how the motorized bikes and scooters will impact the future of shared trails. Staff explained some of the solutions they are considering, including posting speed limit signs on the arterial trails. Staff also pointed out that other communities use separate trails for bicyclists and pedestrians. There was a brief discussion related to the trails on Galbraith Mountain. MOTION: Jed Ballew moved to accept the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations as presented in the August 17, 2023 staff report and forward a recommendation of approval to City Council. VOTE: Motion passes 4-0 Chris Behee shared updates on items previously reviewed by the Commission. Other Business 1. Director's Report No report given. Adjournment Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Planning Commission members.