The Planning Commission held the last in a series of workshops to prepare the draft of a sidewalk ordinance. The regular Aug. 11 meeting followed, and commissioners voted to submit the draft to city council for consideration.
The ordinance will set standards for new sidewalks, which will be required for all new construction or subdivisions. A property owner would not be allowed to remove a sidewalk to avoid maintenance. If someone fails to repair or replace a sidewalk, the city can intervene to install a sidewalk, and the cost would be assessed against the property owner.
A half-hour workshop on revisions to the city’s vision plan also preceded the regular meeting. Chair Fergie Stewart said a presentation by Sandy Martin had led to “a wonderful discussion.” The two workshops which preceded the regular meeting are both posted on the city’s YouTube channel.
In other business:
- The agenda for the Sept. 8 commission meeting will include further discussion of nuisance properties. Commissioner Ann Tandy-Sallee said she is awaiting legal advice.
- Cassie Dishman, director of Planning and Community Development, said Mayor Butch Berry had asked that the commission discuss an ordinance to regulate outdoor sales. The ordinance would explicitly allow outdoor sales, provided that all merchandise should be brought inside at the close of business. That item will be discussed further at the next meeting.
- At the July 14 commission meeting, Dishman read a letter objecting to a proposed treatment facility. At the meeting last week, Dishman shared a letter from legal counsel Heather Owens. The letter cautioned against regulating based on “the identity or perceived characteristics” of the people receiving treatment. The commission should only regulate based on “legitimate land-use concerns.” As Dishman explained, the commission can control factors such as occupancy, density, parking, fire safety, or infrastructure.
Stewart said he has heard valid concerns about the center, but wants to “make sure not to act illegally.” The item will remain on the agenda for further discussion.