City Council — 2021-08-24

Meeting Summary

Present: Stix, Weirick, Francina

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Staff reported the visioning phase was completed and adopted by the City Council in August.
The next phase involving land use and transportation alternatives begins in September.
A public workshop for the General Plan is scheduled for late September or early October.

The Commission requested City Council guidance to determine priorities for items like Title 10 and Affordable Housing.
Council recommended the General Plan update become the number one priority for the Commission.
Suggestions were made to increase public participation, including holding workshops at Libby Bowl.
Staff will develop a work plan outlining recommended items for Council approval.

The Planning Commission noted a high volume of tree removals as a primary concern.
Staff confirmed the review of the Community Forest Management Plan is currently behind schedule.

Council requested a report on barriers to graywater implementation.
Staff noted current guidelines restrict artificial plant material for permitted commercial projects only.

Discussion distinguished between meeting state housing numbers versus actual construction of affordable units.
Staff indicated there is a list of approximately four to five vacant buildings suitable for conversion.

Members agreed climate change and sustainable ecology should be woven into all General Plan aspects.
The group determined these issues should not be treated as a separate plan element.

The meeting began with a roll call of the City Council and Planning Commission members. Two members of the public provided comments. Meg Goodwin requested that a block of Montgomery Street be rezoned from commercial to village mixed-use and suggested a route for a separated two-way bike path near the Vons area. Bill Miley commented on drought conditions and water recycling, specifically regarding graywater, and suggested including entertainment to increase public meeting attendance.

James Fagey, City Staff, provided an update on the General Plan. The "listening and learning" phase, including a visioning and guiding principles document, was completed and adopted by the City Council in August. The timeline has been revised due to the pandemic; the next phase, involving plan alternatives for land use and transportation, is scheduled to begin in September. Specific areas of focus include the Montgomery Street area and the Bryant Street/Circle industrial area.
The Housing Element is scheduled for presentation to the City Council on September 14. Staff indicated that a public workshop for the General Plan is being scheduled for late September or early October.

The Planning Commission presented a list of topics requiring City Council guidance to determine commission priorities:
Tree Ordinance
Title 10 Update
Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines
Affordable Housing
Vice Chair Nolan of the Planning Commission stated the Commission requires direction from the City Council regarding the overall vision for these topics. Council Member Blatz recommended that the General Plan update be the number one priority for the Planning Commission, including regular agenda discussion and increased public engagement. Council Member Weirich suggested holding future workshops at Libby Bowl to increase participation.
It was agreed that staff would develop a work plan outlining recommended items for the Planning Commission to address. This work plan will be presented to the City Council for approval before being included in Planning Commission packets.

Tree Ordinance: The Planning Commission noted a high volume of tree removals as a concern. Staff confirmed that a review of the Community Forest Management Plan and Tree Ordinance is currently in progress but noted that the review is behind schedule.
Water and Landscaping: Discussion occurred regarding graywater laws and implementation. Council Member Francina requested a report on what prevents the implementation of graywater and an inventory of empty buildings suitable for housing conversion. Council Member Francina also suggested educational components regarding the environmental impact of artificial lawns. Staff noted that current landscape guidelines restrict artificial plant material for permitted commercial projects but not for typical single-family residential projects.
Affordable Housing: The group discussed the definition of affordable housing and the difference between meeting state housing numbers versus actual construction. Council Member Blatz expressed concerns regarding the impact of population downturn on schools and the cost of living, noting a need for more decisive policy changes. Staff indicated there is a list of approximately four to five vacant buildings within city limits that may be suitable for conversion, subject to zoning changes.
Climate Change: Council and Planning Commission members agreed that climate change and sustainable ecology should be woven into every aspect of the General Plan rather than treated as a separate element.

No formal motions were moved or seconded during this session. No votes were taken.