Erie Planning Commission Meeting - February 1, 2023

The Erie Planning Commission met on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 6:34 PM in Council Chambers. Chair Zuniga presided. Commissioner Swikoski was absent and excused. A quorum was present. The meeting included discussions on the Elevate Erie Comprehensive Plan update, a review of the Planning Commission's bi-annual report to the Board of Trustees, staff reports, and legal guidance on continued hearings.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: The agenda was amended to move Item 23-083 (Update on Elevate Erie Comprehensive Plan) to the first item under General Business. Motion passed unanimously (6-0).
• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from December 7, 2022 and December 21, 2022 were approved unanimously (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Update on Elevate Erie Comprehensive Plan & Transportation Mobility Plan (Item 23-083): Erin Fosdick, Principal Long Range Planner, presented. The community survey closed on February 1 with about 700 responses. High-level results showed top concerns: overall population growth, school capacity, access to open space, and ease of getting around. Several commissioners expressed concerns about survey validity, noting that respondents could answer multiple times without registration. Chair Zuniga requested that future surveys be reviewed by the Planning Commission before release. Vice Chair Luthi noted that the survey could be vulnerable to special interest hijacking. The planning commission requested the full raw survey data and emphasized cautious presentation of results. The next steps include convening the Plan Advisory Committee (PAC) in February, focus groups, and a data review in 4–6 weeks.
• Planning Commission Bi-Annual Report to Board of Trustees (Item 23-082): Chair Zuniga presented the draft report summarizing applications, outcomes, and map of affected properties. Commissioner Burns noted a missing project (Colliers Hill Preliminary Plat 6). Goals for 2023 were reviewed: (1) Facilitate Comprehensive Plan update, (2) Review roles & responsibilities of Planning Commission (relevant as Home Rule Commission drafts a charter), (3) Improve commissioner skill development (APA training, ethics, IT security), and (4) Increase community engagement. Vice Chair Luthi suggested adding engagement with the Board of Trustees to Goal 4. The report is due to the Town Clerk by February 14 and will be presented to the Board of Trustees on February 28.

Key Outcomes

• Survey and Comprehensive Plan: The Planning Commission will receive the full survey data for review. Staff committed to bringing future surveys to the Commission for approval before public release.
• Bi-Annual Report: Edits will be incorporated (including the missing Collier Hills filing), and the final report will be reviewed at the February 15 meeting before submission.
• Legal Guidance: Attorney Austin P. Flanagan clarified that commissioners who missed a continued hearing (e.g., Erie Air Park PD) must fully review the record, including watching the video, before voting. Commissioners may not abstain unless they have a conflict of interest; an abstention without cause is counted as an affirmative vote.
• Personnel Updates: Harry Brennan hired as Senior Planner (started December); Trevor Duchi hired as Administrative Specialist (started January 17); Ariel Tolefree, Affordable Housing Manager, left the town on January 17. The town is hiring a Planning Technician to serve as secretary to the Commission.
• Upcoming Meetings: February 15 will include a UDC Amendment on Oil & Gas and the continued Erie Air Park PD public hearing. March 1 will include a public hearing for Westerly Rezoning/PUD.