Planning Commission

9/8/2022 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mike O’Brien, Chair; Sarah van Ryckevorsel; Connor Daley 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: 3 – 0 Motion by: Connor Second: Sarah Motion by Conner seconded by Sarah to approve the August 11th minutes as presented. V. Introduction to the Winooski Commission for Inclusion and Belonging Eric provided the members with an overview of the Winooski Commission on Inclusion and Belonging. He indicated that this was a new commission that was stood up by Council and will interface with all the other City’s Commissions. Specifically, one member of the Commission on Inclusion and Belonging would be assigned to be an ambassador to each of the City’s commissions. The ambassador for the Planning Commission will be Bruce Wilson. The ambassador will attend meetings every other month (on odd months) and meet as a commission on even months. Mayor Lott added that the ambassadors will be instrumental in helping each commission evaluate policies or actions through an equity lens. Eric noted that this was a new process it may need to change depending on the specifics as the Planning Commission historically meets twice per month. Eric indicated that more would come on this topic at future meetings. VI. Election of Officers Mike provided an overview indicating that the Chair and Vice-Chair were appointed at the last meeting. The Secretary was still vacant. Since officer positions can only be filled by full members, Sarah was the only person at the meeting that could fill this position. Sarah indicated that she was not interested. Eric stated that he would reach out to Tommie directly  VI. Election of Officers Mike provided an overview indicating that the Chair and Vice-Chair were appointed at the last meeting. The Secretary was still vacant. Since officer positions can only be filled by full members, Sarah was the only person at the meeting that could fill this position. Sarah indicated that she was not interested. Eric stated that he would reach out to Tommie directly about this. If she was not interested then the position would remain vacant. VII. Draft FY 2023 Work Plan Discussion Eric provided an overview of the draft work plan. He reviewed the four items included and noted that they were generally not very specific in nature to allow flexibility as policies and priorities may change. He also referred to a joint meeting with Council liaisons, Commission Chairs, and staff liaisons to discuss joint work plan items. Mayor Lott indicated that several other commissions may engage on work plan items including historic preservation, parking, and housing. Mike asked if there was any specific priority included. Eric indicated there was not, and that the Planning Commission was already working on historic preservation and would start working on parking as part of Article IV. With limited members present, Mike asked that this be brought back at a future meeting to be discussed and approved. VIII. Continued Discussion on Article IV – Sections 4.1 through 4.11 Eric provided an overview of the draft changes and indicated that Section 4.4 was significantly updated. He requested that the Planning Commission revisit this section last to allow time to digest the other edits. The Commissioners agreed and Eric started his overview. He reviewed specific changes that were made since the last draft was reviewed. The Planning Commission identified other items to amend and minor changes to include. With the bulk of the review finished, the Planning Commission returned to Section 4.4. Eric stated that, after much research and discussion with colleagues, he amended the entire section to change from regulations regarding demolition of buildings to incentives for protection of historic resources. He indicated this was done due to statutory requirement surrounding the City’s ability to regulate demolition of buildings without a design review district or similar regulatory framework. Eric reviewed the specific incentives and noted how each may be applied in the City. He also indicated that the numbers included were more guesses than anything scientific and was looking for guidance on how they could be adjusted. He also indicated that he had not reached out to any developers or other entities to solicit feedback, but would if the Planning Commissioners supported the concept. The Commissioners reviewed the incentives that were included in the draft, and generally agreed with the direction that was being proposed. They identified information to add to further strengthen the intent of the regulations and provide a stronger connection to historic resources and preservation. Following this discussion, Eric agreed to update the draft prior to the next meeting and conduct outreach to developers regarding the incentives. IX. City Updates Mayor Lott provided updates on the Housing Initiative Director position, non-profit relief using ARPA funds, the opening ceremony for Butter Nut Grove, and the 90-day review of the City Manager. Questions were asked regarding the sale of the O’Brien Community Center. Mayor Lott indicated that the process is still on-going but no decisions have been made. Eric did not provide any specific updates. X. Other Business Sarah asked several questions about how to name or rename roads, and if there would be a local committee or group that would be formed to discuss the design of the Winooski River Bridge. Eric asked about interest from the Planning Commission to return to meeting twice per X. Other Business Sarah asked several questions about how to name or rename roads, and if there would be a local committee or group that would be formed to discuss the design of the Winooski River Bridge. Eric asked about interest from the Planning Commission to return to meeting twice per month. The members present were generally supportive, but recommended that we do not meet again in September to allow additional time to prepare updates to Sections 4.1-4.11, and have discussions regarding Section 4.12 which includes regulations on parking. With that, the next meeting was set for October 13 th . XI. Adjourn Motion by: Connor Second: Sarah Meeting End Time: 7:54 PM