Melanie Bringer

Key discussions involved reviewing and taking action on proposed removals of several 'No Parking' ordinance restrictions pertaining to former school zones on St Catherine Street and Jana Drive, as well as a former school zone where parking was restricted except for residents during specific hours. The commission voted unanimously to remove these signs, noting that this action would increase parking availability for residents. Old business concerning the 'no left turn' ordinance for Jenkee, Shirley, Miller, and Moellering streets was tabled after data indicated an average speed of 22 mph with no reported complaints or issues in the monitored area. A commission member was tasked with contacting local residents for further input on the 'no left turn' ordinance.

The key discussions during the meeting included plans to launch an official EQC Facebook page, detailing content such as recycling guidelines and native plant recommendations. The Commission considered joining environmental organizations like Grow Native or Wild Ones to access resources and promote sustainability. They also revisited the Cool Cities Program, focusing on updating the business sustainability questionnaire and establishing new scoring categories and incentives. Updates were provided regarding Coldwater Creek contamination, including upcoming community engagement meetings. The Commission reviewed upcoming events, such as Earth Day activities (electronic recycling and paper destruction), and discussed creating recycling stickers and a guide to local birds for social media engagement.

The meeting included the approval of the previous minutes from February 2, 2026. Key announcements included notice of an upcoming public input meeting regarding construction on New Halls Ferry and Lindbergh. A request to amend the city's Masonry Code (PZ-07152024-06) was postponed to the next meeting. New business involved the approval of a request (PZ-02172026-01) to amend a Special Use Permit to allow Avis Budget Group to add rental truck parking at 730 N Hwy 67, subject to several conditions regarding truck quantity and parking location. Additionally, a Special Use request (PZ-02172026-02) to operate a banquet center at 1833 Dunn Rd was recommended for approval with conditions, including setting a midnight closing time. Finally, the commission recommended approval for an amendment (PZ-02172026-03) to permit a Holistic Clinic, including therapy, training, and a podcast/recording studio, at 660 Charbonier, subject to conditions on occupant load and operations. The meeting adjourned with the next regular session scheduled for March 2, 2026.

The meeting included discussions and approvals for several Certificates of Appropriateness (COA). For a property on St Louis, approval was granted for a 4' by 6' monument sign made of dark gray aluminum on a stone pedestal, which may be illuminated later. For the Old St Ferdinand Shrine, approval was granted to replace the roof with a durable hard plastic material resembling a cedar shake due to storm damage. Additionally, approval was granted for the roof replacement at 449 rue St Ferdinand using architectural design asphalt shingles in Driftwood color. In Old Business, the Commission decided to hold a future meeting on February 23, 2026, to review and potentially update the approved list of uses for the Old Town District.

The primary discussion focused on Item 1 concerning 2 Lantern Lane, specifically reviewing the plan reviewer's decision to deny a building permit for a screened-in patio due to a violation of the 25-foot rear yard setback ordinance. The petitioner requested a variance to construct a larger garage (22x22 feet) than previously discussed (20x20 feet) to properly accommodate necessary footings, as the existing concrete slab lacked the required 30-inch footings. The Board determined that since the existing slab was being modified by drilling and tying in new footings, and the size change would not create an additional rear setback violation beyond the requested variance, a unanimous vote was required due to the four members present. The Board ultimately voted unanimously to grant a 12.5-foot variance for the construction of the garage and all associated concrete at the specified address.