Planning Commission

1/14/2021 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mike O’Brien, Chair; Amy Houghton, Vice-Chair; Terry Zigmund, Secretary; Abby Bleything; Joe Perron; Sarah van Ryckevorsel; Tommie Murray City Staff Present: Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Kristine Lott, Mayor; Jim Duncan; Vincent Mazzucca Call to Order by: Mike O’Brien Meeting Start Time: 6:33 PM Minutes Recorded by: Eric Vorwald II. Changes to the Agenda None III. Public Comment None IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: 4 – 0 – 1 Motion by: Terry Second: Amy Approved as presented. Joe abstained. V. Continue Discussion on Section 5.1 and Article II, and Article IX Mike began the discussion by providing an overview of where the Planning Commission left off with the previous meeting. Eric provided an overview of the various documents that were included in the agenda. He noted the summary information included with the memo, the multiple versions of draft language related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and the flow charts for the permitting process related to ADUs. The Planning Commission began the discussion with a continuation of the requirement for owner occupancy with ADUs. The Planning Commission reviewed the draft language that included requirements for owner occupancy. The Planning Commission also discussed revisions that would incorporate detached cottages into Section 5.1 and reclassify them as ADUs. After much discussion, the Commissioners agreed that the only changes they wanted to include at this time related to the regulation of ADUs were those consistent with the statutory changes that were incorporated into Act 179 from the 2020 Legislative Session. No changes related to detached cottages or identification of requirements to determine ownership were recommended. Eric agreed to revise Section 5.1 and bring back a draft that only included changes related to Act 179. Following the discussion on ADUs, the Planning Commission continued their discussion of Article II and began with a review of the use table in Section 2.4. Eric noted that many of the proposed changes were no longer relevant based on the discussion related to ADUs and  to determine ownership were recommended. Eric agreed to revise Section 5.1 and bring back a draft that only included changes related to Act 179. Following the discussion on ADUs, the Planning Commission continued their discussion of Article II and began with a review of the use table in Section 2.4. Eric noted that many of the proposed changes were no longer relevant based on the discussion related to ADUs and detached cottages. Eric reviewed previous changes that were discussed and recommended related to the uses listed. He concluded the discussion with a review of the uses listed as “other” and provided background information regarding the inclusion of these use. He indicated several recommended changes, which the Planning Commission agreed with. With the review of Section 2.4 concluded, Eric stated that he would bring an updated draft back to the next meeting for consideration by the Planning Commission. VI. Department and City Updates Eric provided an update on the budget process and several on-going projects including the Parking Inventory, Analysis, and Management Plan, updates on the notice of violation at 133 Elm Street, status of the proposed hotel on East Allen Street, and other items. There was also discussion related to the opening of Four Quarters Brewery. The Mayor provided updates related to code enforcement; Housing Commission activities related to affordability and home ownership; commercial cannabis discussions with City Council; and an update on the impact fee discussions. Abby provided the Planning Commission with information on the Colchester Avenue study and stated she would share a link to the project details. VII. Other Business Eric noted the next meeting would be on January 28th and agenda materials would be sent out next week. VIII. Adjourn Motion by: Joe Second: Abby Meeting End Time: 8:19 PM