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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-05 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Tuesday, September 5, 2023 @ 5:15 PM City Council Chambers MEETING MINUTES City Councilors Present: Davitt, Fournier, Schaefer, Sprague, Tremble, Yacoubagha. City Staff Present: Collette, Krieg, Laurie. Chair Sprague called the meeting to order at 6:15 P.M. Development Director Anne Krieg asked to discuss the Committee's previous direction on the inclusion of a cap in the proposed ordinance regarding short-term rentals (STRs). Councilor Tremble suggested a city-wide cap of 250 on non-hosted properties. Councilor Schaefer asked to clarify whether a license would be issued to a property or to an individual/entity. Expressed that there should be life-safety inspection standards. Expressed that she is in support of a cap, but is unsure of the number. Councilor Davitt expressed support for a city-wide cap on non-hosted properties. Councilor Fournier expressed support for there being no cap on hosted properties, but that he is on the fence in regards to non-hosted properties and would like more information. Krieg asked to clarify whether the additional information required is in regards to the day-to-management of the ordinance. Councilor Schaefer responded that it would be helpful to look at examples of what has been enacted in other municipalities. Wants to make sure that neighborhoods are preserved. Councilor Yacoubagha expressed support of a cap on non-hosted properties due to concerns of possible neighborhood erosion, and support of there being no cap on hosted properties. Chair Sprague expressed a need to understand the basis of the projected numbers, and suggested asking how many STRs are needed in the City. Krieg responded that it may also be helpful to ask what percentage of housing the City is willing to use for STRs. Sprague added that he would need to better understand the staff's reasoning for any proposed numbers. Krieg clarified that licenses would be issued to both the property and its owner on a first-come, first- serve basis. 1. EMERGENCY SHELTERS, Action requested to provide staff direction Development Director Krieg presented to the Committee. Stated that previously expressed concerns had been primarily focused on the areas included in the proposed allowance, so staff has re-addressed this and written a new proposal. Planning Analyst Anja Collette presented to the Committee. Stated that new proposal is based on follow-up with existing shelters, public feedback, and research about the regulations in other municipalities. Staff looked at siting and whether more details would be needed in the definition of emergency shelters. Councilor Yacoubagha expressed approval of Portland's approach in requiring on-site services. Feels that this might mitigate concerns regarding security. Councilor Schaefer expressed agreement. Appreciates that Hope House would become conforming under this new proposal. Councilor Tremble asked for clarification on the definition of a shelter vs. an emergency shelter. Krieg responded that the primary difference is that an emergency shelter is not intended to be considered a residence by those using it. Noted that the definition of permanent supportive housing is meant to include residential-style, longer-term housing and services. Tremble asked if there is any limit on the length of an individual's stay at an emergency shelter. City Manager Debbie Laurie confirmed that there is not, but that there is also no lease that would define a stay as longer-term. Chair Sprague asked to clarify the definition of"emergency" in this use, as longer stays would not seem to be urgent. Laurie and Krieg responded that the text of the proposal can be amended to make this clearer. Collette asked to clarify that the Committee does not wish to see any minimum or maximum lengths of stay defined in the proposal. Sprague responded that he feels there needs to be clarification on what is actually needed in the City. Krieg noted that the current proposed ordinance is only intended to addressed zoning and not to analyze needs. Sprague expressed understanding but noted that there has been a significant amount of discussion around growth of this use and public feedback reflecting opposition to an increase in available shelter beds. Does not feel that this can be disregarded in considering this proposal. Councilor Davitt stated approval of not capping the number of individuals allowed in an emergency shelter, and approval of the proposed locations for allowance. Councilor Tremble asked to clarify the Planning Board's role in this decision. Krieg responded that the Board cannot make amendments to the proposal but they can provide comments, perspective, and recommendations. Committee members agreed to move the proposal forward to the Planning Board for review. 2. PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING, Action requested to provide staff direction Planning Analyst Collette presented to the Committee. Stated that this is a similar use to emergency shelters, but would be defined as longer-term stays. Noted that there has been an interest expressed in adding this use to traditionally residential zones. Noted that the proposal includes it only as a conditional use, similar to transitional housing and boardinghouses. Councilor Schaefer asked to clarify the definition and whether this use is already occurring in the City under another definition. Development Director Krieg and City Manager Laurie confirmed that Penquis is developing their Pine Street housing to align with this use, and that it is already an allowed use in some areas. Krieg clarified the difference between this permanent supportive housing and group homes — in permanent supportive housing, individuals would live independently, typically in an efficiency apartment, but with on-site services, whereas a group home is not independent living. Councilors Schaefer and Davitt expressed support of the proposed ordinance. Committee members agreed to move the proposal forward to the Planning Board for review. 3. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF DEDICATING 2 PARKING SPOTS FOR COMMERCIAL USE AT 2 HAMMOND STREET, Action requested to forward to Parking Committee for review and possible recommendation Development Director Krieg presented to the Committee. Stated that a speakeasy-style bar is being developed at the rear of this building, and the business owner would like to use parking spaces for outdoor seating. Clarified that the Committee can decide to take no action or to send the proposal to the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee for review/recommendation. Councilor Davitt stated approval of moving the proposal forward to the Parking Committee. Councilor Schaefer expressed agreement and a desire to be mindful of the location's close proximity to the Charlie Howard Memorial. Chair Sprague asked to clarify if the outdoor seating is a newly proposed use for this business. Krieg confirmed that it is, and that they will still have the indoor portion of their business. Councilor Schaefer noted that this use would also remove a handicap-accessible parking space and may be somewhat dangerous due to its location. Councilor Fournier stated approval to still move the proposal forward to the Parking Committee. Chair Sprague noted that it would be helpful to have a visual site plan. 4. UPDATES A. COMMERCIAL KITCHEN Development Director Krieg reported that staff has recommended the contract be awarded to Paul D Designs, and this recommendation will be presented to the Finance Committee tomorrow. The consultant's report will be presented to this Committee at an October meeting. Chair Sprague expressed concern that the architectural plan is going forward before the consultant's report is finalized. Krieg clarified that the timeline is still staggered as originally planned, and that the architect will not move forward with any work until the plan is finalized with both the consultant and this Committee. B. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Development Director Krieg reported that the draft of the addendum regarding healthcare still needs to be reviewed, but will go onto a future Committee agenda. Chair Sprague asked to clarify whether the addendum regarding technology/science is still pending — Krieg responded that it is. Sprague also asked to clarify that staff is still following up with academic institutions — Krieg responded that they are. C. ARCHITECTURAL PLANS REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS Development Director Krieg reported that the proposed plans are almost ready to release, and that they are intended to be pre-approved plans for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and multi-unit dwellings. This will help expedite the issuance of building permits for these types of projects. Councilor Fournier asked if there would also be plans for single-family homes. Krieg responded that this can be discussed, but that previous direction had been only for ADUs and multi-unit dwellings, as a way to encourage these uses. D. HOUSING PRODUCTION STUDY— REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Development Director Krieg reported that staff is currently working on this project. Meeting adjourned at 6:52 P.M. Meeting minutes respectfully submitted, Sarah Maquillan Admin. Asst. C&ED