Planning Commission

7/14/2022 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mike O’Brien, Chair; Abby Bleything, Vice-Chair; Joe Perron; Sarah van Ryckevorsel; Brendan Sage City Staff Present: Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Kristine Lott, Mayor; Nate Dagesse; Leslie Fry Call to Order by: Mike O’Brien Meeting Start Time: 6:31 PM Minutes Recorded by: Eric Vorwald II. Changes to the Agenda None III. Public Comment Nate requested that he be permitted to provide general comments on Section 4.4 as he was unable to stay for the remainder of the meeting. Mike permitted the request. Nate provided general comments on the proposed language in Section 4.4 and indicated that the Planning Commission could use him as a resource for future discussions. Nate stated that he has extensive experience with development and can provide insight on what the proposed amendments may do to construction costs or timing of projects. He didn’t have any specific comments as the Planning Commission had yet to review the draft, but offered to be a resource in the future. No other public comments were offered. IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: 4 – 0 Motion by: Brendan Second: Joe Minutes/Notes: Motion to approve the minutes as presented. All were in favor. V. Introduction and Discussion of Amendments to Article IV – General Use Regulations Eric provided a brief background on the history of the Planning Commission’s review of Article IV and stated that this was introduced late last year, but efforts shifted on the Planning Commission to address priority housing. Eric also noted that Article IV includes language related to historic preservation, parking, and signage, which have all been included on the Planning Commission’s work plan for the past several years. Eric also stated that he had met in advance with Joe and Sarah to review the information in Section 4.4 and to talk through some of the aspects of that section and that edits were made based on their input. Following this introduction, Eric began reviewing the text in Article IV. The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed changes and provided feedback. Specific focus for this review was on  Planning Commission’s work plan for the past several years. Eric also stated that he had met in advance with Joe and Sarah to review the information in Section 4.4 and to talk through some of the aspects of that section and that edits were made based on their input. Following this introduction, Eric began reviewing the text in Article IV. The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed changes and provided feedback. Specific focus for this review was on Section 4.4, which was updated to include additional requirements for properties, structure, or buildings that have historic, architectural, cultural, or archeological significance. Eric explained that these amendments would not necessarily prevent historically significant buildings from being altered or demolished, but would provide additional public review and input, which is currently lacking. Eric also indicated that in the context of the zoning regulations, there were limited levers that could be utilized and that additional commissions, regulations, or other inventories would need to be completed to provide more significant protections at a local level. With this context in mind, the Commission reviewed the draft language and provided comments for consideration including options to strengthen the language. One item that Eric requested input from the Planning Commission was related to potential incentives. The Planning Commission agreed that including incentives would be beneficial to maintain some context of the historic character of the community when applicable. Eric agreed to make changes and amendments based on the discussion. Following this review, Mike invited public comments. Leslie Fry provided input in relation to St. Stephen’s Church and general concerns regarding the historic structures in the community. She spoke about the need to ensure the City’s character and history is maintained. With that, Eric indicated that the Commission was at a good place to stop the discussion and move to the next agenda item. He indicated that he would bring changes back at the next meeting for consideration, along with the remaining sections that were included for discussion at this time. VI. Discussion of Draft FY 2023 Work Plan Eric provided an overview of the draft work plan that was included with the agenda, including the policy priorities and strategies that were ranked by City Council. Eric indicated that a joint meeting between the Commission Chairs and liaisons was scheduled for August 15 th . This meeting was being conducted as a way to better coordinate the efforts of the various City Commissions to advance the policy priorities and strategies. Eric concluded that the discussion from the meeting on the 15 th would help refine the work plan and the Planning Commission would have a future discussion on this topic. VII. General Discussion on Future Planning Commission Activities Mike opened this discussion by indicating that since we are in a new fiscal year, the Planning Commission should elect officers. It was decided that since this was not on the agenda, the officers would be elected at the next meeting. The Commission also discussed only having one meeting in July and August. All were in agreement. The Commission also discussed the start time for meetings and if returning to in-person meetings was appropriate. VIII. City Updates No specific updates were offered. Mayor Lott indicated that the City Council had not yet met in July and would be meeting on July 18 th . She also reminded the Commission that a primary election was upcoming. Eric had no specific updates to offer. IX. Other Business Eric indicated that the next meeting would be on August 11 th . Mike provided an update on the status of the sale for the St. Stephen’s property. X. Adjourn  Eric indicated that the next meeting would be on August 11 th . Mike provided an update on the status of the sale for the St. Stephen’s property. X. Adjourn Motion by: Abby Second: Sarah Meeting End Time: 8:00 PM