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Planning, public-works and development services report staffing, wildfire mitigation, manufactured-housing code updates and summer projects
Summary
Departmental representatives updated the committee on staffing, wildfire-mitigation planning, manufactured housing code updates, and public-works projects scheduled for summer construction including traffic calming, resurfacing and snow-disposal site activation.
Committee members heard brief reports from planning, development services and public-works representatives on March 6 covering staffing, wildfire mitigation planning and multiple public-works projects scheduled for the upcoming construction season.
Planning and development staff said several hiring efforts are underway, including senior planner positions and plan-review staffing, and reported active code-update work: a targeted update to housing sections of the comprehensive plan (a focused, technical update intended for completion by year end) and a code change to allow modular or small movable construction in manufactured-housing communities. Planning staff said they will share guiding documents including the assembly’s housing action plan and the mayor’s “10,000 homes in 10 years” materials with project teams and the public.
Wildfire mitigation: staff acknowledged high wildfire risk this season due to low snowpack and fuels conditions. Committee members discussed preparedness and federal support concerns; staff said they are coordinating with the fire department and legal staff to explore emergency authorities and mitigation steps and will continue outreach to stakeholders.
Public works updates: a public-works representative reported targeted street sweeping beginning in late March (weather permitting), stripe-painting ramping up after a successful paint order, and a dozen projects out for summer bidding. Projects listed included school pedestrian improvements near College Gate Elementary, traffic calming at Forest Park Drive and improvements on Jewel Terrace and Dowling Road resurfacing from Lake Otis to (location not specified). Staff said phase 1 of an Eagle River traffic-mitigation project and activation of the next West Acre snow-disposal site are scheduled for summer construction.
Development-services comment: Daniel King said construction valuation is at about 34% higher compared with the same time last year and that several large projects are expected to move forward as snow clears. He said staff are working on building-code updates and a manufactured-housing-community code to permit modular, movable small construction in those communities.
Ending: Staff offered to supply more detailed project plans and materials to committee members, and members requested follow-up briefings on wildfire mitigation, manufactured-housing code specifics and the implementation timeline for public-works projects.
