Commissioner Melissa Greene presided over her first meeting as chair of the Planning Commission on Nov. 8, and led commissioners through the process of choosing goals for 2017.
Commissioner Susan Harman mentioned the need to identify streets in town that would present problems of access for emergency vehicles. The issue arose earlier in the year regarding whether fire trucks could turn from Washington onto Point St. if parking spots along Washington were occupied. Commissioner James Morris stated Planning had in the past done a study of streets in town that might be helpful.
Commissioner Ann Sallee commented the Vision Plan needs to be revisited. Also she wanted the commission to look at penalties associated with Code violations and continue to encourage city council to urge consistent enforcement of City Code. She added they need to review their binders to make sure they all have complete and up-to-date copies of City Code.
Greene said she wanted the commission to see what it could do about the declining population in town, and Morris wanted to look again at the possibility of designating a light industrial zone.
Definitions
Commissioners also agreed they have completed work on reviewing and revising definitions in City Code for the following terms: tour homes, RV park, weekly rental/tourist lodging, hostel, boarding house and dwelling unit. Their recommendations will be presented to council for consideration after the minutes of this meeting are approved at the December 13 meeting.
There will be no meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 22, so the next meeting will be Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m.