Tom Edwards

The council meeting addressed several operational and community items, including the approval of consent agenda items, such as accounts payable and payroll, and the cancellation of a study session. The council authorized the advertisement for professional services for the Head of the Bay Well Site Improvement Project. Discussions included youth participation in local government, the selection of artwork for the City Hall Engineering Conference Room, and the scope of work for the Winslow Subarea Plan and Comprehensive Plan update. Additionally, the council approved the formation of a joint subcommittee with the Ethics Board to review the ethics program, discussed appointments to the Environmental Technical Advisory Committee, appointed an Interim City Manager, and reviewed plans for future ward meetings.

The meeting focused on the Comprehensive Plan Update, involving extensive discussion and revisions to the Transportation and Housing Elements. Key actions included recommending updates to the Transportation Element to align with changing conditions, replacing the Island-Wide Transportation Plan with the Island-Wide Mobility Plan, and adopting numerous modifications to various Housing Element policies regarding affordable housing monitoring, administrative permitting, and the exploration of form-based codes. Additionally, the commission reorganized the housing implementation plan into a structured matrix format.

The Planning Commission conducted a meeting focusing on the Planning Director's Report regarding FAR, Park Zone, and Growth Center Designation updates. The commission discussed and voted on various options for City Council consideration concerning FAR adjustments and affordable housing incentives. Additionally, the commission voted to direct staff to obtain feedback from the Department of Commerce on funding programs and the impact of proposed development regulations, approved the designation of a candidate countywide growth center as part of the Comprehensive Plan, and authorized the proposal of a goal for a Park Overlay District.

The council presented several proclamations recognizing Memorial Day, Police Week, Public Works Week, and Building Safety Month. Consent agenda items included the approval of accounts payable, a capital improvement vehicle purchase, the 2023 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report, and an interlocal agreement renewal. Regular business involved discussions on a Verizon franchise agreement, the Groundwater Management Plan, and various elements of the Comprehensive Plan, including Cultural and Human Services elements. Additionally, the council addressed the Island-Wide Mobility Plan, affirmed support for summer downtown initiatives, established a subcommittee for a highway roundabout project, and authorized a letter of support for the North Kitsap District Court.

The Planning Commission discussed the Comprehensive Plan Update, focusing on revisions to Environmental and Housing elements. Environmental discussions included policies on zero-emission vehicles, dark skies initiatives, and invasive species outreach. Housing element topics covered workforce housing density, land conservation co-location, affordable housing targets, short-term rental regulations, mid-sized housing unit programs, tiny home permits, accessible housing development, the potential creation of a Housing Authority, and real estate excise tax references. The meeting concluded with a request to present the Transportation Element at the next meeting.