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WILLITS, CALIFORNIA 95490
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WILLITS CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES - SPECIAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2023
Mayor Kanne called a special meeting of the City Council to order at 6:02 p.m. The meeting was preceded by the pledge to the flag.
Roll Call: Councilmembers Larry Stranske, Madge Strong, Saprina Rodrigues, Vice Mayor Gerardo Gonzalez, and Mayor Greta Kanne were present.
Also present were staff members: Brian Bender City Manager; Cathy Moorhead, Assistant City Manager; Dusty Duley, Community Development Director; Taylor Perry, City Planner; and Delores Pedersen, City Clerk.
Business Item
a. City of Willits General Plan Land Use Element Update Workshop Presenting staff member: Dusty Duley, Community Development Director.
Dusty Duley, Community Development Director presented and explained, with more detail, the Land Use Designation Changes and Sphere of Influence Area Amendments documents. Mr. Duley also answered questions of the City Council and community members.
Community Development Director Duley reported that the City is looking to create two mixed-use zoning districts, one specifically for the downtown area and the other that could be applied throughout the city.
John Miller of Planwest Partners Inc. presented a PowerPoint Presentation on the Land Use Designation Changes and Sphere of Influence Area Amendments. • Mayor Kanne stated that the council recognizes that housing is a huge need in the community and that the city and council are looking for flexible ways to increase housing. • Councilmember Rodriguez is concerned about community members that live on the southern side of Willits. She would hate to see residential grow in that area without a plan of how people can get to the things that they need whether it be additional bus stops for transportation or space where commercial can potentially build up. Where food and doctors' offices would have opportunity for growth in the area. Mayor Kanne suggested some commercial carve outs to allow for the potential for a market or services in the area.
• With the help of John Miller of Planwest Partners it was determined that Senate Bill 9 does apply to Willits. (SB9, Senate Bill 9 is the product of a multi-year effort to develop solutions to address our state's housing crisis. The Senate Housing Package of bills, 'Building Opportunities for All,' establishes opportunities to make real progressive and positive changes in our communities to strengthen the fabric of our neighborhoods with equity, inclusivity, and affordability.)
• The current Domestic Water Supply Permit issued by the State Water Recourses Control Board (SWRCB) allows for less than 400 additional water hookups. City and SWRCB would need to modify the permit to allow for growth.
• Mayor Kanne called for a break at 8:04 pm, Councilmember Strong left the meeting at this time.
• Housing is a limiting factor for growth.
• Mayor Kanne spoke in favor of the One Town One Vision plan from years prior. There are a lot of provisions in the One Town One Vision document reflected in the Land Use Element goals and policies.
Public Comments):
• Community Member Jane McCabe mentioned that residents of the community feel there is a lack of mixed-use acceptance on Main Street, and a lack of housing in Willits. Has concerns over the businesses that have been vacant for some time. • Community Member Matt Goines purchased the property on East Commercial Street that used to have John's Place on it. He is hoping to build an apartment building on the property. He is in support of mixed-use zoning in the area. • Community Member Lila Ryan spoke in favor of residential above commercial zoning.
The empty store fronts are a sad sight. She asked what the height requirement was on Main Street. Community Development Director Duley responded the height requirement on Main Street is 45 feet. This would accommodate two stories with a residential above a commercial.
• Joanne Sacada expressed the need to keep walkable neighborhoods and the need to keep neighborhoods with some commercial aspects.
3. Adjournment
Mayor Kanne declared the meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
Greta Kanne, Mayor
City Council for the City of Wilits
ATTEST:
Delores Pedeser
DELORES PEDERSEN
City Clerk
Willits City Council Special Meeting Minutes of June 21, 2023 Page 2 of 2