Planning Commission

6/9/2022 - 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: Councilor Bryn Oakleaf, Terry Zigmund, Suzanne Blaine Call to Order by: Mike O’Brien Meeting Start Time: 6:36 PM Minutes Recorded by: Eric Vorwald II. Changes to the Agenda None III. Public Comment Terry provided comments related to the need for impact fees to support transportation projects, and the need for more inspectors to review building conditions. She asked what the City was doing about both of these topics, and indicated that she would also provide comments related to the draft amendments, including the need to have bicycle and pedestrian facilities with Planned Unit Developments. Suzanne indicated that she was interested in seeing more opportunities to include detached cottages without conditional use approval to expand development opportunities in the city. IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: 4 – 0 Motion by: Joe Second: Abby Motion to approve the minutes as presented. All were in favor. V. Review of Draft Amendments to the ULUDR – Incentives for Housing Priorities Eric provided an introduction to the document and highlighted changes that had been made since the last meeting, including changes based on the public hearing that was held on May 26 th . He highlighted several changes including reorganization of the document, added language to provide clarity, and other changes that were discussed at the previous meeting. Following Eric’s overview, Mike provided information on proposed additions and changes that he had discussed with Eric earlier. Specifically, these changes included clarity in the text and consistency between sections. The Planning Commission reviewed and discussed the proposed changes that Mike identified agreeing with several and dissenting with others.  Following Eric’s overview, Mike provided information on proposed additions and changes that he had discussed with Eric earlier. Specifically, these changes included clarity in the text and consistency between sections. The Planning Commission reviewed and discussed the proposed changes that Mike identified agreeing with several and dissenting with others. After these changes were discussed, the Planning Commission turned their attention to the incentives related to Planned Unit Developments (PUDs). The Commissioners discussed the incentives related to multi-unit buildings and to density bonuses. Eric provided the commissioners with information on where PUDs could be proposed within the City. He reviewed a map that showed specific properties that could meet the minimum lot requirements to be eligible for a PUD, and noted that only 5% of the properties in the City would meet the minimum lot size. He also stated that approximately 60% of the eligible properties could only include one additional lot as part of the PUD. After an extensive discussion regarding density bonuses, PUD standards, and other components, the Planning Commission recommended that the section related to the density bonus be removed. The commissioners determined that they were comfortable with the other sections of the proposed draft, but they needed more time to evaluate the density bonus section. Eric agreed to update the draft language to reflect the changes identified by the Planning Commission. VI. General Discussion on Future Planning Commission Activities Due to lack of time, this item was table. VII. City Updates Councilor Oakleaf provided updates regarding the City’s Centennial Celebration, Winooski Wednesdays, and the Juneteenth Celebration. Eric indicated that the City Council reviewed and voted on policies and priorities, and that information would be used to develop the Planning Commission’s FY 2023 work plan. VIII. Other Business Eric indicated that the next meeting would be on June 23 rd and would include a public hearing on the draft amendments. Being Amy’s last meeting, she thanked members of the Planning Commission for all their work and dedication over the years. IX. Adjourn Motion by: Amy Second: Joe Meeting End Time: 8:44 PM