Planning Commission

10/7/2021 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mike O’Brien, Chair; Abby Bleything, Vice-Chair; Amy Houghton; Joe Perron; Sarah van Ryckevorsel; Tommie Murray; Brendan Sage City Staff Present: Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Kristine Lott, Mayor 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. Approve Authorization for Chair to Sign Resolutions for Grant Funding Decision: 4 – 0 Motion by: Sarah Second: Amy Eric provided an overview of the two grant opportunities that were being pursued by the City and indicated that these were annual grants offered by the state. He further reminded the Planning Commission that the authorization for the Chair to sign the resolutions for submission was similar to the actions the Planning Commission has taken in years past. Eric provided an overview of what the funding would be used for if awarded. The Planning Commission discussed the two grants and asked about funding for other initiatives such as funding for historic preservation efforts. Eric indicated that there may be other funds available for that, but historic preservation was not specifically called out in these applications. A motion was made to authorize the Chair of the Planning Commission to sign a resolution to submit an application for funding through the Municipal Planning Grant Program and an application for funding through the Bylaw Modernization Grant Program.  similar to the actions the Planning Commission has taken in years past. Eric provided an overview of what the funding would be used for if awarded. The Planning Commission discussed the two grants and asked about funding for other initiatives such as funding for historic preservation efforts. Eric indicated that there may be other funds available for that, but historic preservation was not specifically called out in these applications. A motion was made to authorize the Chair of the Planning Commission to sign a resolution to submit an application for funding through the Municipal Planning Grant Program and an application for funding through the Bylaw Modernization Grant Program. VI. Review and Approve Draft FY 2022 Work Plan Eric provided an overview of the work plan and indicated this was an annual plan to guide the Commission’s work over the next fiscal year. He noted that this was an updated draft from the last version that included comments offered by the Planning Commission. He also provided an overview of the activities included in the work plan. After a brief discussion, the Planning Commission agreed that the work plan looked good and agreed that the updated draft should serve as the FY 2022 Work Plan for the Commission. VII. Review Statutory Report and Amendments to the Form Based Code: Part 1 - 4 and Part 9 and Consider Setting Public Hearing Decision: 4 – 0 Motion by: Amy Second: Sarah Eric provided an overview of the document that was included with the agenda and stated that it included the statutory report that is required for amendments to bylaws. He also noted that the document included a section on definitions that was not previously reviewed by the Planning Commission. Finally, Eric indicated that, following the discussion, the Planning Commission could consider setting a public hearing to take comments on the draft amendments. With that, Eric began the discussion with a review of the definitions. He indicated that several definitions were added due to changes in other sections of the regulations where definitions were recommended, or where definitions were missing. He also identified several other changes that were being proposed to existing definitions. The Planning Commission reviewed the definitions and provided feedback and suggestions for changes to be considered. Following the discussion of the definitions, Eric highlighted several changes that were incorporated based on changes from the previous meetings discussion. These specifically related to common drives and neighborhood manners. The Planning Commission supported the proposed changes that were highlighted. Following this discussion, Eric asked if the members were comfortable setting a public hearing to take public comments on the proposed amendments with the changes discussed at the meeting incorporated. The Planning Commission was in favor of holding a public hearing with the understanding that additional amendments could be made or hearings could be conducted. With that, a motion was made to schedule a public hearing on proposed amendments to Parts 1 through 4 and Part 9 of the Form-Based Code regulations included in Appendix B of the Unified Land Use and Development Regulations for 6:30 PM on November 11, 2021. VIII. City Updates Mayor Lott provided updates on the City Manager hiring process, public engagement framework to discuss usage of ARPA funds, and the Winooski Halloween event. Eric indicated that the City was being sued regarding the all resident voting charter change. IX. Other Business th  Mayor Lott provided updates on the City Manager hiring process, public engagement framework to discuss usage of ARPA funds, and the Winooski Halloween event. Eric indicated that the City was being sued regarding the all resident voting charter change. IX. Other Business Eric noted that the next meeting would be on October 28 th , which was three weeks from this meeting. Joe inquired about the status of the project at the intersection of Main and Mansion Streets. Abby asked about TA Grants, the use of the commercial space at the new project at 10 Manseau Street, the ownership structure of the development at 64 LaFountain Street, and future meeting schedules. X. Adjourn Motion by: Joe Second: Abby Meeting End Time: 8:06 PM