Committee forwards tiny home park ordinance to Planning Board, accepts annual reports; comp plan update noted

At its Jan. 5 meeting the Business and Economic Development Committee voted to forward a proposed ordinance change for a tiny home park to the Planning Board and full Council, accepted three annual reports, and heard an update on Comprehensive Plan implementation.

Planning Officer Anja Collette presented the proposed ordinance change for a tiny home park and described the amendments under consideration. Chair Leonard said he opposed supporting short-term rentals within the City, while Councilor Fish expressed support for the proposed changes. Councilor Faloon said he saw merit in points raised by both sides. After debate, Councilor Fish moved to forward the item to the Planning Board and full Council; Councilor Faloon seconded. A roll-call vote recorded four in favor (Mallar, Carson, Faloon, Fish) and one opposed (Chair Leonard); the motion passed.

Collette also presented annual reports from the Historic Preservation Commission, the Planning Board and the Penjajawoc Marsh/Mall Management Commission. Councilor Carson moved to accept the reports and forward them to the full Council; Councilor Fish seconded and the motion was approved as recorded.

In a separate presentation Collette reviewed the status of implementing the city’s 2022 Comprehensive Plan and answered questions about tracking effectiveness and policy interactions. Development Director Anne Krieg added clarifications and announced the promotion of Jeff LaBree to Code Enforcement Director.

Next steps: the tiny home park ordinance will proceed to the Planning Board and, if recommended, to the full Council; accepted annual reports will be transmitted to the full Council; no final ordinance action occurred at this meeting.