Housing Commission

2/27/2023 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Robert Millar, Jessica Bridge, Leslie Black-Plumeau, Jack Commo City Councilors Present: Jim Duncan City Staff Present: Elaine Wong, John Audy, Margaret Bass II. Agenda Review The commission adjusted the meeting agenda and Chief Audy presented the changes to the Public Building Registry. Discussion of the municipal building registry was paused so the commission could hear from Representative Taylor Small. After completing her presentation, Chief Audy continued with the discussion of the Municipal building code (see item IX). III. Public Comment None IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes The commission got a motion to approve the January meeting minutes from Jessica, seconded by Jack. The motion passed unanimously V. City Council Liaison Updates City Council Liaison Jim Duncan gave his update. VI. City Staff Liaison Updates There will be an interview for the housing position on Friday. There is another public hearing on the school and city budget planned. The City Manager and Mayor are working to be more active in encouraging people to run for city council as there has been a lack of participation in the past. VII. Housing Trust Fund Model Discussion with Prabin Pokhrel, Mortgage Originator at Opportunities Credit Union VIII. Visit from Representative Taylor Small The senate is pushing forward with an omnibus housing bill that incorporates funding and changes to zoning. The omnibus bill includes changes to Act 250 and creates new statewide zoning standards that would impact Winooski. Commission members and staff asked questions about specific programs. IX. Review Proposed Changes to Municipal Code Chapter 17 - Housing  The omnibus bill includes changes to Act 250 and creates new statewide zoning standards that would impact Winooski. Commission members and staff asked questions about specific programs. IX. Review Proposed Changes to Municipal Code Chapter 17 - Housing All changes were made at the recommendation of city staff and housing commission member. Chief Audy answered questions from Commissioners and staff related to the chapter. Chief Audy highlighted section 17.05 which had previously exempted some housing from city inspection. This change would require these properties to be inspected under the city's inspection rules. As a result of this change, property owners would be required to pay for these inspections. X. Unpacking the Equity Challenges of Housing Code Enforcement (Webinar via ChangeLab Solutions) The Commission watched a section of the webinar Unpacking the Equity Challenges of Housing Code Enforcement from ChangeLabs. The webinar spoke to many of the issues that the commission is currently working on. Commissioners are encouraged to view the rest of the webinar. XI. Adjourn Motion to adjourn made by Jessica, seconded by Jack. Motion passed unanimously.