HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.01.16 Planning Commission Meeting MinutesIasco
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
.City Hall - Council Chambers
525 North Third Avenue
Pasco, Washington
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025
6:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
City of Pasco Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m., by Chair Jerry Cochran.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Cochran led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Rosa Torres, Kim Lehrman, Dana Crutchfield, and Jerry Cochran, a quorum was
not declared.
Commissioners Excused: Pat Jones, Able Campos, Jay Hendler and Rachel Teel
Staff Present: Community & Economic Development Deputy Director Craig Raymond, Land Use &
Planning Advisor Jacob Gonzalez, and Community Development Block Grant Administrator Kristin Webb
DECLARATIONS
Chair Cochran asked if there were any Planning Commission members who have a declaration at this time
regarding any of the items on the agenda.
❖ No declarations were heard.
Chair Cochran asked if anyone in the audience objected to any Planning Commission member hearing any
of the items on the agenda.
v* No declarations were heard.
Chair Cochran stated the Planning Commission needed and valued public input explaining it helped the
Commission understand the issues more clearly and allowed for better recommendations to City Council.
Furthermore, in many cases, this could be the only forum for the public to get facts and opinions placed into
the official record and City Council will use to make the Commission's decision. He encouraged those
present to take full advantage of this opportunity.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
There was no quorum, approval of minutes will be continued to the February 20, 2025, meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
• 2025-2029 Tri-Cities Consolidated Plan and 2025 Action Plan
Kristen Webb communicated the background and the consolidated process to the Commission. Goals
and estimated funds available for use 2025-2029:
CDBG Entitlement $3,300,000
HOME Entitlement $$707.000
Total for Pasco being $4,007,000.00, with the primary goals being affordable housing, community and
economic development, and public service.
Commissioner Comments/Questions:
Commissioner Cochran noted that the applicants at times do not fully understand the definition of
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3 January 16, 2025
priorities. Suggested a better way of helping the applicant understand the priorities and scoring. Kristin
Webb stated she could put an example on the application to help.
Commissioner Lehrman inquired about the percentage of applicants seeking assistance with the
application process and suggested hosting an in -person meeting to provide better guidance. Kristin
Webb informed the Commission that the application itself will be revised and stated that the updated
version could include a note inviting first-time federal funding applicants to schedule a sit-down
meeting for additional support.
Next Step:
Kristin Webb will present again next month for the Commissions approval to send to City Council.
WORSHOP
• Major Plans Updated for 2025-2026 Presented by Jacob Gonzalez, City of Pasco
Jacob Gonzalez addressed Commission and gave the following updates regarding the grants and
consultant submittals. Key objectives being align with state mandates, Growth Management Act.
Address community priorities and goals. Prepare for projected population and employment growth.
Enhance quality of life. Specific goals and objectives to be developed for each in coordination with the
public and stakeholders.
➢ 2045 Comprehensive Plan -Periodic Update:
This addresses housing, transportation, land use, parks and recreation, economic development and
climate resilience. Received consultant submittals from Framework Consulting (Seattle, WA) and
LDC, INC. (Woodinville, WA)
➢ Transportation Systems Master Plan Update:
Focus on enhancing transportation system for all users. Address safety, access, and future needs.
Received consultant submittals from Fehr & Peers (Seattle, WA), Ardurra (Spokane, WA) and
DKS Associates (Portland, OR)
➢ Energy Resilience Study:
Strengthen energy infrastructure and resilience, future needs. Collaboration with Franklin PUD,
Big Bend Eclectic Cooperative, and Port of Pasco. Received consultant submittals from Scott
Madden (Atlanta, GA), Siemens PTI (Schenectady, NY), Digital Energy Solutions (Fairfield, CA),
ECONorthwest (Portland, OR) and MuGRID Analytics LLC. (Littleton, CO)
Funding for these is through the Periodic Update Grants and Climate Planning Grants.
Commissioner Comments%Questions:
Commissioner Lehrman stressed the importance of user-friendly engagement elements on their websites for
community members to use and suggested that this be considered before a consultant is decided.
Commissioner Crutchfield commented on the consultants not being from Pasco, and that whoever is chosen
that they understand the uniqueness of the city.
Commissioner Cochran inquired regarding the shoreline, the dike, and Army Corps, what is next in terms of
what we want to get done. Jacob Gonzalez answered the Shoreline Master Program and the recently adopted
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan, which incorporated community input on shoreline interests.
The Comprehensive Plan will serve as both a regulatory document and a guiding vision, with consultants
utilizing existing studies and public input to refine priorities. Expanding river access and recreational
opportunities should be emphasized.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 January 16, 2025
The key challenge is implementation —aligning the Comprehensive Plan with existing strategies and
securing funding mechanisms will be essential to achieving the city's long-term goals.
Commissioner Crutchfield emphasized the importance of preserving the shoreline's unique characteristics
and natural state while ensuring public access remains a priority.
Commissioner Lehrman highlighted the value of community engagement, stating that workshops featuring
visual displays and opportunities for public input are essential. They expressed hope that this approach
would be strongly emphasized to the consultant.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Cochran stated with no other business, I recommend a motion to adjourn.
No motion was made to adjourn due to the Commission not having a quorum.
Meeting adjourned at 7:10 pm.
YouTube link to watch full meeting: Planning Commission January 16th 2025 - YouTube
1 liectfully subm' e� ,
Can*enPatrick, Administrative Assistant II
Community & Economic Development Department
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 January 16, 2025