Planning Commission

2/10/2022 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mike O’Brien, Chair; Abby Bleything, Vice-Chair; Amy Houghton; Joe Perron; Sarah van Ryckevorsel; Brendan Sage City Staff Present: Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Kristine Lott, Mayor; Jim Duncan, Councilor; Katherine “Deac” Decarreau Langley Smurthwaite 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: 3 - 0 - 1 Motion by: Brendan Second: Sarah Motion to approve the minutes as presented. Amy abstained. V. Discussion on Draft Incentives for Housing Priorities Mike began the conversation by providing an overview of the Planning Commission’s role with regard to drafting policy language for consideration by City Council. The Planning Commission discussed how the other commissions (such as the Housing Commission) interact with the Planning Commission in regards to making recommendations on potential draft language for land use changes. Eric also provided input on the Planning Commission’s role with recommending policy changes to the City Council. Following the overview, Eric provided an introduction to the draft language that was included with the agenda. He indicated that this was proposed as a new section for priority housing. He further discussed that the draft language was specifically related to dwelling units with multiple bedrooms and units that were identified as being affordable. Mike asked for clarification on what priority housing meant and if there should be a definition. Eric agreed that this could be taken in various contexts and agreed that a definition would be appropriate. The Planning Commission began review of the information and provided feedback on the draft language. The Planning Commission discussed the draft qualifications for the units in question and  further discussed that the draft language was specifically related to dwelling units with multiple bedrooms and units that were identified as being affordable. Mike asked for clarification on what priority housing meant and if there should be a definition. Eric agreed that this could be taken in various contexts and agreed that a definition would be appropriate. The Planning Commission began review of the information and provided feedback on the draft language. The Planning Commission discussed the draft qualifications for the units in question and solicited feedback from the public including Councilor Duncan and Deac related to affordability thresholds, bedroom size, and other specific information related to perpetual affordability. The Planning Commission made recommendations for additional language and changes to this text. Next, the Planning Commission engaged in discussions related to Planned Unit Developments and potential incentives to encourage dwellings with multiple bedrooms. Commissioners discussed the difference between two- and three-bedroom units and if there should be thresholds for how many units in the project needed to meet these qualifications to consider taking advantage of the incentives. Eric agreed to include additional language to clarify this and to update the number of units that could be grouped for the residential zoning districts. Recognizing the time, Mike recommended pausing the discussion until the next meeting. Eric indicated it was a good place to break. All agreed. VI. Discussion on American Rescue Plan Spending Priorities Eric introduced the topic and provided background on the City’s interest in soliciting community feedback on how or where to provide funding through the grant that the City will receive from the American Rescue Plan. Eric discussed a memo that was in the agenda that included several questions to begin the discussion. Mayor Lott also provided information on the process and timing for allocating funding priorities. The Planning Commission discussed the questions and identified several topics for consideration. These primarily focused on outdoor space, gathering locations, and similar projects that could provide opportunities to expand the community’s options for reconnecting socially. VII. City Updates Mayor Lott provided updates on local business grants with ARPA funds, ARPA listening sessions, and staff shortages that are impacting services. Eric provided updates on the form- based code amendments before Council and provided information on the settlement with VT CBD Labs, LLC. Amy asked about the property at 37 Mayo Street. Eric provided an update. Joe asked about the project at 62 Weaver Street. Eric provided an update on that project as well. Joe also asked about the Winooski Senior Center and what will happen if the St. Stephen’s property is sold. Mike and Eric provided information on the existing lease and the expiration and how the existing property and buildings could be used. Sarah asked about the status of our discussions on the standards for subdivisions and where our discussions stand on that question. VIII. Other Business Eric indicated that the next meeting would be on February 24 th . IX. Adjourn Motion by: Abby Second: Amy Meeting End Time: 8:36 PM Meeting End Time: 8:36 PM