Planning Commission

5/12/2022 - 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; Katherine “Deac” Decarreau Call to Order by: Mike O’Brien Meeting Start Time: 6:34 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: Amy Second: Sarah Motion to approve the minutes as presented. All were in favor. V. Continued Discussion on Draft Amendments to the ULUDR – Incentives for Housing Priorities Eric started the discussion by providing a recap of the previous meeting. He indicated that several changes were made based on the previous discussion, but also stated that there was information that the Commission had yet to review in any detail. The Commission decided to begin with the new information before reviewing the changes that were made based on the previous conversations. Eric started with a review of a Section 5.14 F related to the incentives. He indicated that some of this was discussed at past meetings so no new information was included. Several questions were asked for clarification, which were addressed. Following this discussion, Eric introduced the new section in the draft related to density. He described the conditions for which a density bonus would be permitted, and reviewed the three categories of density. Following Eric’s overview, the Commission discussed this proposal at length. The Commissioners had many questions regarding the implementation of the density bonus including how it would impact open space, how it would impact the existing residential areas, and similar questions. These discussions led to other input related to processes and reviews  bonus would be permitted, and reviewed the three categories of density. Following Eric’s overview, the Commission discussed this proposal at length. The Commissioners had many questions regarding the implementation of the density bonus including how it would impact open space, how it would impact the existing residential areas, and similar questions. These discussions led to other input related to processes and reviews for Planned Unit Developments (PUD), including how past PUDs had been treated and reviewed. Following a lengthy discussion of the density bonus incentive and how the PUD process works, Eric stated that he would provide the existing language regarding how PUDs are reviewed, including the subdivision standards since PUDs are classified as major subdivisions. After the discussion on the density incentive, Eric provided an overview of other changes that were included in the draft text based on the previous discussion. Specifically, he highlighted that there may need to be a change in the percentage of income that is included in the definition for affordable housing to ensure we are not running afoul of state or federal standards that may impact the ability for affordable units to be constructed. He also indicated that he had conversations with the Winooski Housing Authority and Champlain Housing Trust on the issue of income qualification. Deac indicated that she may need to review the standards to ensure they could provide this service if they were not involved in the renting or management of the units. After reviewing the updated changes, the Planning Commission generally agreed with the new language and indicated that it addressed their previous concerns. Following the robust discussion, Eric noted he would provide additional information and updates to the Planning Commission for their next meeting. VI. General Discussion on Future Planning Commission Activities Due to lack of time, this item was tabled. VII. City Updates Mayor Lott provided an update on the May 21 st Policy and Priority Strategy Meeting, the start of the new City Manager, Elaine Wang, on May 16 th , and indicated that the Parking Study and Equity Study were both completed. She indicated that she would connect with Mike and Eric regarding how and when to bring those documents to the Planning Commission. Eric informed the Planning Commission that this coming weekend was the Waking Windows Music Festival. VIII. Other Business Eric indicated that the next meeting was scheduled for May 26 th , and has been advertised for a public hearing to take public comment on the draft language for priority housing incentives. Eric also noted that two commissioners, Abby and Sarah had terms expiring in June and he would reach out regarding interest for reappointment by Council. IX. Adjourn Motion by: Joe Second: Abby Meeting End Time: 8:20 PM