Erie Planning Commission Meeting - September 2, 2020
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Erie Planning Commission Meeting - September 2, 2020
The Erie Planning Commission met on the evening of September 2, 2020. The meeting included approval of minutes, a discussion on oil and gas UDC amendments, a public hearing and vote on the Bridgewater PUD overlay map number five (Colliers Hill), staff reports, and commissioner reports.
Consent Calendar
- The agenda and minutes from July 15 and August 19, 2020, were approved unanimously by roll call vote.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments were offered during the public comment period. Three attendees (Eva Mather, Josh Rue, Ryan Seastram) indicated they were present only to listen, not to testify.
Discussion Items
- Oil and Gas UDC Amendment (Chapter 12): Farrell Buller, Deputy Town Administrator, presented an overview of the ongoing 18-month update process for the oil and gas regulations. The timeline includes a study session on September 16 (with special counsel Barb Green), a formal public comment period through September, an updated draft presentation on October 7, and a public hearing and vote on October 21. Commissioners asked about alignment with state SB 181 rules; staff confirmed Erie is not waiting for state rulemaking but will adopt its own regulations. Commissioner Witt requested clarification that the September 16 session would allow commissioner input, not just information.
- Bridgewater PUD Overlay Map Number Five (Colliers Hill): This item was opened for public hearing. Staff presented details of the proposed 144-unit apartment building with amenities (pool, gazebo, playground) on a 3.38-acre site. The applicant emphasized high-quality design, compliance with the existing PUD, and affordable housing contributions (10 units at 60% AMI, 10 at 80% AMI). Public comments: Andrew raised concerns about precedent setting, density, and preserving open space; Eva Mather responded in support, noting the development meets a critical need for affordable housing and sets a high bar for design. Commissioner discussion centered on precedent vs. site-specific PUD and compliance with the current comprehensive plan and UDC. The commission voted 6-1 to approve the resolution (P20-16), with Commissioner Sawish dissenting.
Key Outcomes
- Bridgewater PUD Overlay Map Number Five: Approved with conditions via Resolution P20-16 (6-1). The project will proceed as part of the Colliers Hill development.
- Oil and Gas UDC Update: The schedule was confirmed: September 16 study session (joint with Board of Trustees), public comment period open through September, October 7 updated draft, October 21 public hearing and vote. Commissioners will have opportunity to provide input at the September 16 session.
- Comprehensive Plan Study Session: Commissioners were confirmed as attendees and participants at the Board of Trustees study session on the comprehensive plan scheduled for September 29, 2020.
- Staff Reports: Additional UDC amendments (overall code) will be presented at a study session on October 16, with a public hearing on October 21.
Meeting Transcript
Here, Commissioner Hoback. Commissioner Hoback is not on. Here. Oh, there he is. It's like I know I saw him. Okay. Commissioner Luthy. Here. Vice Chair Fraser. Here. Chair Zooniga. Here. We have a quorum. Thank you. We have an agenda before us this evening. Uh, does staff have any changes to the agenda? No changes this evening. All right. Do we have a motion to approve tonight's agenda? Commissioner Hoback move to approve. Commissioner. Second. We have a motion and a second. Will the secretary please conduct a roll call vote? I'm sorry. Commissioner Witt. Yes. Thank you. Commissioner Sowish. Yes. Commissioner Ames. Yes. Commissioner Hoback. Yes. Commissioner Luthy. Yes. Vice Chair Fraser. Yes. Chair Zoonica. Yes. That is unanimous. So this brings us to the approval of minutes. And now we have two on the agenda this time. There's one from July 15th. Did we not approve that at our last meeting on August 19th? We did not. Then let's do that now. Do we have a motion? Are there any changes to those minutes from the July 15th meeting? So if there's no changes, does anyone have a motion?
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