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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.05.15 Planning Commission Meeting MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES ok—m— "-Cit Of City Hall - Council Chambers vs�co 525 North Third Avenue Pasco, Washington THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025 6.30 PM CALL TO ORDER City of Pasco Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m., by Vice Chair Lehrman. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Chair Lehrman led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Pat Jones, Kim Lehrman, Dana Crutchfield, Jay Hendler, and Rachel Teel, a quorum was declared. Commissioners Excused: Jerry Cochran, Rosa Torres Staff Present: C & ED Director Haylie Miller, C & ED Deputy Director Craig Raymond, CDBG Administrator Kristin Webb, Administrative Assistant II Carmen Patrick DECLARATIONS Vice Chair Lehrman 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. Vice Chair Lehrman asked if anyone in the audience objected to any Planning Commission member hearing any of the items on the agenda. ❖ No declarations were heard. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Jones moved to approval of minutes from the March 20, 2025, meeting, seconded by Commissioner Hendler, motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS • Project Updates presented by Craig Raymond ➢ Comp Plan Update, consultant Framework Craig Raymond provided an overview of initial highlights from the ongoing work with Framework. Key issues identified for the upcoming periodic update include water rates, development pressure in the Riverview area, potential map amendments by property owners, and interest in expanding retail options within Pasco to reduce retail leakage to neighboring areas. A preliminary project schedule was presented, noting the kickoff in May 2025 and projected completion by December 2026. The schedule includes planned public outreach and key project milestones, with timelines largely driven by grant requirements. Additionally, the Commissioners were shown an early preview of conceptual imaging currently under development. ➢ Transportation System Master Plan, consultant DKS Associates The Transportation System Master Plan project is in the early stages. The contract was recently finalized, and a kickoff meeting is currently being scheduled. More detailed information will be available as the project progresses. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 4 May 15, 2025 ➢ Regional Climate Planning/GHG Plan The Regional Climate Planning and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Project is an ongoing collaborative effort involving Benton County, Richland, Kennewick, West Richland, and the City of Pasco. While regional in scope, the plan also focuses on Pasco -specific goals and policy development. Initial research has highlighted key emissions sources, including passenger vehicles (17%), industrial natural gas (16%), and freight vehicles (15%). The next steps involve refining this data, forecasting future emissions, and developing policy recommendations. These efforts will also inform the City's comprehensive plan update. The project is also assessing regional climate vulnerabilities, with extreme heat, wildfire, and smoke identified as top concerns. Additional risks include seasonal flooding and drought. A comprehensive policy audit reviewed 13 core and 33 supporting documents, identifying 224 policies: 177 related to climate resilience, 82 to emissions reduction, and 26 to climate equity. Gaps identified include equitable access to green space, climate hazard preparedness for vulnerable populations, and support for high -density, transit -oriented housing. Next steps include finalizing the greenhouse gas analysis and developing draft policy recommendations for participating communities. ➢ Energy Resilience Study, consultant Scott Madden Management Consultants The city selected Scott Madden Management Consultants for a fast-moving project focused on promoting and sustaining regional growth, enhancing resilience and sustainability, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While smaller in scale than the Comprehensive Plan update, the project is advancing rapidly and is expected to conclude next month. Currently in Phase 2 of 3, consultants have completed initial data collection, document reviews, and stakeholder interviews with partners such as the Port of Pasco and Franklin PUD. They are now refining areas of focus and identifying gaps in stakeholder outreach. A preliminary draft report has been submitted and accepted. Upcoming activities include finalizing report graphics, holding additional work sessions and stakeholder check -ins, and completing the final report. The project timeline is driven by grant requirements, necessitating swift progress. Commissioner Comments/Questions: Commissioners Jones commented on the need for public restrooms in downtown Pasco. Vice Chair Lehrman noted the Planning Department's increased workload and asked about additional staffing. She also inquired whether the agricultural community and industry are included in stakeholder engagement for the Regional Climate Planning and Energy Resilience Study. Craig Raymond answered that the consultants are a great help with the work being done and that yes, the agricultural community and industry are definitely involved. PUBLIC HEARINGS • 2025-2029 Tri-Cities Assessment of Fair Housing presented by Kristin Webb Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 4 May 15, 2025 Kristin Webb presented an overview of the 2025-2029 Tri-Cities Assessment of Fair Housing, a joint effort by the cities of Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland. This federally required five-year plan identifies barriers to equitable housing access and informs broader community development strategies. Key challenges identified include a limited supply of affordable and accessible housing, lack of awareness of fair housing rights, language barriers, and gaps in transportation infrastructure. Proposed actions include expanding affordable and accessible housing, increasing community outreach, enhancing language access, and improving transportation connectivity. Efforts will involve partnerships with local housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, and transit agencies. The presentation concluded with a call for feedback and continued collaboration. Commissioner Comments/Questions: Commissioner Jones commended the collaborative effort among the three cities in developing the Tri-Cities Fair Housing Assessment, noting the difficulty of compiling and aligning data across jurisdictions. They praised the honesty, transparency, and cooperative spirit reflected in the document. The commissioner expressed strong support for the proposed actions and remarked on the potential for significant positive impact if even a portion of the plan is implemented over the next five years. Additional detailed feedback and supportive comments were prepared for discussion and are attached to these minutes. Commissioner Crutchfield emphasized the importance of addressing homelessness and supporting individuals facing hardship. She also referenced a new state law that limits how much landlords can increase rent, noting its potential impact on housing affordability and tenant stability. Vice Chair Lehrman, a Pasco School District teacher, expressed appreciation for the inclusion of languages beyond Spanish —such as Burmese and Ukrainian —in the Fair Housing Plan, recognizing the city's growing linguistic diversity. They supported expanded partnerships with the school district for adult English education and recommended distributing affordable housing materials in schools to reach families and staff more effectively. She also praised Kennewick and Richland for their extensive outreach strategies and educational efforts for both landlords and residents and inquired why Pasco's list appeared shorter by comparison —asking whether it was due to grant limitations or differing historical efforts. Kristin Webb clarified that Pasco has historically led efforts in housing programs, particularly with down payment assistance, while Kennewick and Richland are now working to catch up. Although Pasco has not completed a down payment assistance project since 2022 due to rising housing costs, staff recently supported Kennewick's first use of such funds. Efforts are ongoing to improve outreach and ensure residents are aware of available resources. Vice Chair Lehrman also reminded the public that Pasco was the first of the three cities to adopt an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) code following state legislation, crediting the Planning Department, Commission, and City Council. They inquired about the availability of ADU resources to the public, specifically asking whether standardized blueprints and a streamlined permitting process are accessible to help residents utilize this housing option. Craig Raymond stated being new to Pasco, he is not familiar with that effort but would look into it and report back to the Planning Commission. Vice Chair Lehrman opened the Public Hearing. Hearing no comments, Commissioner Jones moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield, motion pass unanimously. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 4 May 15, 2025 Next Steps: Kristin Webb outlined the next steps for the Fair Housing Plan, which include a presentation to the City Council workshop on May 27th and formal adoption on June 2nd. The plan will then be submitted to HUD along with the Consolidated Plan, now ready following receipt of the FY25 allocation notice. Upon HUD approval, the plan will guide actions for the next five fiscal years. Staff confirmed that all Planning Commission comments will be incorporated into the final plan. WORKSHOP None OTHER BUSINESS Haylie Miller, the new Community and Economic Development Director was introduced to the Commission. Carmen Patrick shared the next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for June 19, 2025, which is on a holiday. The Commission agreed to have the meeting in June the following week, June 26, 2025. ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Lehrman stated with no other business, I recommend a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Jones made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Hendler, motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:26 pm. YouTube link to watch full meeting: httas://youtu.be/3nzd7mGnUoc l�spectfully subrmitpd9 Carmen Patrick, Administrative Assistant II Community & Economic Development Department Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4 May 15, 2025