Planning staff to call special meeting to finalize SALDO amendments

Planning Department staff told the Erie Planning Commission that a near-final draft of proposed amendments to the city's subdivision and land development ordinance (SALDO) is nearly complete and recommended the commission hold a special meeting to walk through recent edits.

The draft was developed with retained consultants Michael Baker and Troy Truax and with input from the city solicitor, public works, and zoning staff, a Planning Department staff member said. "We have almost completed a final draft," the staff member said, and added that another draft with changes made as of the previous day would be circulated to commissioners.

The staff member recommended the commission call a special meeting so council liaisons and commissioners could review the edits together. Commissioners approved a motion to hold a special meeting after the July 4 holiday so staff who are on vacation can participate, the staff member said. The motion passed by voice vote; no roll-call tally was provided.

Staff outlined the next steps: following the special meeting and Planning Commission review the amendments would be posted for public comment, subjected to a public hearing, and then submitted to city council for two readings before potential adoption. "We're looking at several weeks out before we would adopt the amendments," the staff member said.

Commissioner Verzerny had previously indicated he had questions about the draft; the staff member said those questions could be addressed at the special meeting. Consultants Michael Baker and Troy Truax were listed as participants in the review process.

The special meeting was scheduled with the intention that the Planning Commission could consider approving the SALDO amendments in July, subject to subsequent public hearing requirements and council procedures.