Planning Commission

5/13/2021 - 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; Bob Bauer; Huey Rey Fischer Call to Order by: Mike O’Brien Meeting Start Time: 6:32 PM Minutes Recorded by: Eric Vorwald II. Changes to the Agenda None III. Public Comment None IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: 4 – 0 Motion by: Joe Second: Amy Motion to approve the minutes as presented V. Continue Review of Appendix B – Form Based Code Parts 1 - 4 Eric began by providing an overview of the previous meeting’s discussions. He indicated that outreach was done to the Department of Public Works (DPW) regarding the question of curb cut locations and common drives. He noted that DPW had some concerns with the language requiring common drives and easements dedicated to the City for these facilities. Eric continued by providing information related to the previous discussion on curb cuts and how they relate to the common drives and neighborhood manners areas. He specifically noted it appeared the intent was to have the common drives and curb cuts be included in the neighborhood manners areas at the rear of the properties creating a system of rear access roadways that would connect side streets. The Commissioners discussed this and indicated concerns about creating potential cut- throughs that would allow traffic to bypass the primary roadway and push more traffic into the adjacent neighborhoods. After much discussion, Eric indicated he would work with DPW to identify language that would still accommodate the common drives, but include some limitations to help reduce potential adverse impacts on the adjacent neighborhoods. The Planning Commission agreed with this approach. Eric provided information on the rest of the proposed edits for Part 3.  throughs that would allow traffic to bypass the primary roadway and push more traffic into the adjacent neighborhoods. After much discussion, Eric indicated he would work with DPW to identify language that would still accommodate the common drives, but include some limitations to help reduce potential adverse impacts on the adjacent neighborhoods. The Planning Commission agreed with this approach. Eric provided information on the rest of the proposed edits for Part 3. With the discussion on Part 3 concluded, Eric began the discussions on Part 4 and the Planning Commission engaged in discussions regarding the bonus story and incentives for the bonus story. Specifically, it was indicated that the energy standards were generally required for buildings as part of the building code, therefore this wasn’t much of an incentive for construction. Eric also indicated that limited developments have provided affordable housing for the bonus story. It was decided that the City needed to identify priorities that could be exchanged for the bonus story. The Mayor indicated a policy and priority setting discussion would occur at the end of June and may result in more information to incorporate into the incentives discussion for the bonus story. Next, Eric continued on with the discussion of building height and siting by noting that many of the changes had previously been discussed. These changes were developed to accommodate additional setbacks from the Required Building Line in certain situations while incorporating elements that will promote pedestrian activity. Eric referenced a specific comment that Sarah had emailed him about related to ground floor usage for buildings with 60 feet or less of frontage. The Commission had differing opinions related to the language that was included and, given the time, agreed to pick up the discussion at their next meeting. VI. City Updates Eric provided updates on the Parking Inventory, Analysis, and Management Plan; the Historic Resources inventory and recommendations; and the policies and priorities setting. The Mayor provided updates on the hiring process for the City Manager, updates on Council items, and additional information on the policies and priorities setting discussion. VII. Other Business Eric indicated the next meeting would be on May 27th. He also referenced a discussion with Terry prior to the start of the meeting related to reappointments. Terry indicated she was interested in continuing, but wasn’t sure she had the time to commit to doing meetings twice a month. She did indicate interest in remaining on the Advisory Committee for the parking study. The Commission discussed options for adjusting the meeting schedule and agreed to revisit this beginning in July. VIII. Adjourn Motion by: Terry Second: Amy Meeting End Time: 8:17 PM