Planning commission sets special meeting for citizens to propose changes to code

Town planning commissioners are getting plenty of chances to hone their listening skills.

They have scheduled a Nov. 1 special session ahead of its regular monthly third week meeting to hear priorities from residents for potential changes to the La Conner Municipal Code.

This will be the commission’s second special meeting in as many months.

Longtime La Conner resident Linda Talman prevailed upon her former colleagues to meet, Commissioner John Leaver confirmed to the Weekly News on Friday.

The commission used to meet twice monthly, Talman noted. Resident Jim Matthews supported the call for a for a return to that format at least through January.

A second meeting attended by Town Planner Michael Davolio costs $125 more based on the planner’s own figures, Matthews calculated, saying it is money well spent.

Talman and Gary Nelson – a local builder who likewise is a former planning commission member – are part of a residents’ group that has been studying the uniform development codes of other municipalities, said local artist Maggie Wilder.

“They have some good ideas to present to the group,” Wilder said.

In addition to setting the special meeting date, commissioners last week also heard from Davolio regarding his proposed impact fee draft ordinance. He said his most recent research indicated that the Town could impose 100 per cent of regular development fees on developers of affordable housing.

Wilder said that was a non-starter.

She contended that La Conner instead has an opportunity to assess modified impact fees that would meet the spirit of the Town Comprehensive Plan and encourage affordable housing development.

Following discussion at its October meeting, and with some gentle prodding from La Conner property owner Georgia Johnson, Wilder said the commission – chaired by Carol Hedlin in the absence of Chair Marna Hanneman – opted to recommend setting affordable housing impact fees at 50 per cent the regular amount.

The Nov. 1 hybrid special meeting is set for 6 p.m. in Lower Maple Center.

The Oct. 18 meeting was in-person only. Staff were unable to access the room where electronics are stored so there was no internet component.