Planning Commission Regular Meeting Meeting

Detailed briefing

Planning Commission Regular Meeting — March 16, 2023 ATTENDEES: Roll call recorded Rick Tarchinski, Bob Thoma, Vanessa Warren, Emily Dubé, Mark Boudet, Barry Luscardi, and Nancy Rondel. George Peet and Bill Mulder were absent. • The Commission approved the February 16 meeting minutes. It also approved the March 2 minutes after correcting the heading, which had incorrectly listed February 2. • On MDOT’s inquiry about rerouting M-119 from Main Street to Lake Street, commissioners and public commenters discussed planning impacts rather than making a final routing decision. Concerns included school and pedestrian safety on Lake Street, possible speed-limit changes, traffic congestion near schools, future land-use effects, downtown business visibility, and the City potentially assuming responsibility for bluff-related risks and older Main Street infrastructure. • The Commission agreed that more information is needed before a decision. Its adopted recommendation to City Council was that MDOT should conduct a study of the overall transportation network and preferred routing options, with City input on the scope of work. Discussion indicated the study should consider more than traffic movement, including economic, neighborhood, safety, and cultural effects. No nays were recorded on the motion. • A public hearing was opened for a special land use request for detached guest quarters at 588 East Main Street. The request had previously received a ZBA variance for the accessory building’s size. The Commission tabled the request to the next meeting because only five members were eligible to vote after recusals and prior participation issues, while the transcript states that six yes votes were required for special land use approval. The public hearing was closed after tabling. • The Commission reviewed proposed short-term-rental ordinance and rules revisions. Discussion covered the current 61-license limit for single-family districts, a waiting list, renewal notices, ownership and transfer limits, inheritance and divorce scenarios, and enforceability. Members discussed putting the numerical limit in the rules rather than the ordinance, allowing Council to adjust the number more easily. Minor drafting errors were identified for correction. • The Commission voted to schedule an April public hearing on the short-term-rental proposal after staff/counsel updates. One member stated an abstention from voting because of ownership of a short-term rental, while remaining participants supported scheduling the hearing. Worth watching: • Whether MDOT agrees to fund and perform a broad route study, and how the City defines the study’s scope. • Whether the guest-quarters request can return with enough eligible Planning Commission members present for the required vote. • Whether the short-term-rental cap and waiting-list rules are revised after public comment. Upcoming: An April Planning Commission public hearing is planned on the proposed short-term-rental ordinance and rules. Why it matters: The Commission’s actions could shape highway routing, neighborhood safety and infrastructure responsibility, housing use, and the City’s regulatory tools.

Agenda items

• 5A · Discussion - Possible Reroute of M-119 to Lake Roaddiscussed
• 5B · Public Hearing - Special Land Use, Guest Quarters - 588 E Main St.discussed
• 5C · Discussion - Special Land Use, Guest Quarters - 588 E Main St.discussed
• 5D · Discussion - Short Term Rentalsdiscussed

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.

Related issues

• Short-Term Rentalsdiscussed