City Planning Commission

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 HELD VIA ZOOM & IN PERSON AT CITY HALL Planning Commission Members Present: Joe Mann, Tom Sahlberg, Charlie Jencks, and Phil Folyer were in person Adjunct Member(s) Present: Gene Heuschel and Troy Mullenix Staff Present: Amy Mullerleile, Lance Mueller, Kathy Cummings, Jasmine Roper and Lori Goodman Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. Commissioner Mann requested everyone stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and give a moment of silence for the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks. Roll Call: A quorum of members was present. Absences: A motion to excuse Commissioners Baumker, Garcia and Robbins, was made by Commissioner Sahlberg and seconded by Commissioner Jencks. The motion carried unanimously. Review of Agenda & Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Jencks motioned to approve the meeting agenda and the approval of the previous month’s meeting minutes, seconded by Commissioner Folyer. The motion carried unanimously. Workshops: Comprehensive Plan Logo: Planner Lance Mueller presented the logo and slogan created for the comprehensive plan update. The branding committee brainstormed the slogan, and with the use of an AI tool, a preliminary logo was generated. The logo was refined by a consultant. Two versions were presented. Commissioner Jencks questioned the necessity and cost of the logo, citing the city’s existing logo. However, it was explained that the new logo is for branding the comprehensive plan specifically to enhance community engagement. A motion was made by Commissioner Heuschel to approve the final version of the logo, seconded by Commissioner Mullenix. The motion passed unopposed. Public Engagement Plan: Planner Lance Mueller presented the updated draft public engagement plan, which outlined changes based on previous feedback. The changes included updates to stakeholders’ involvement and engagement strategies. Additional strategies were introduced such as outreach to veterans’ groups, churches and local businesses. The goal is to enhance community input compared to previous planning efforts and provide transparency throughout the planning process. A community survey is planned to be sent out after the engagement period to gauge success. Questions were asked by the Planning Commission and answered accordingly by staff. A motion was made by Commissioner Sahlberg to accept this draft plan with the suggested changes and forward it to City Council as a living document, seconded by Commissioner Jencks. The motion carried unanimously. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 1|2 September 11, 2024 Climate Public Engagement Plan: Senior Planner, Amy Mullerleile, provided an introductory overview of a separate engagement plan being developed for the newly required climate element, mandated by Washington’s House Bill 1181. This plan will include goals of outreach, strategies and outcomes. The climate element will focus on community input regarding environmental hazards and climate resilience, aiming to create policies that reflect community concerns. The Commission discussed forming a Climate Policy Advisory Team (CPAT) to ensure resident involvement in crafting these policies. A consultant, Parametrix, will present data at the next meeting. The Commission raised concerns about how to effectively define terms like “climate” to help guide discussions with the public. Date for Comprehensive Plan Kick Off Meeting: The commission discussed dates for the kickoff meeting to introduce the comprehensive plan update to the public. The date agreed upon is Monday, October 21, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., at Trailhead. Discussion continued regarding timing of the meeting to accommodate working residents. Citizens Comments: None Secretary’s Report: Senior Planner, Amy Mullerleile, gave an overview of next month’s Planning Commission meeting agenda items. Commissioner Report: Commissioner Sahlberg suggested that the ordinance that establishes the Planning Commission, adopted December 11, 2001, be reviewed and updated to include a mission statement and purpose of the Planning Commission to validate the presence of the Commission during community engagement events. Adjournment: Commissioner Jencks motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Heuschel. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 5:06 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2|2 September 11, 2024