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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.07.17 Planning Commission Meeting MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Cztyaf City Hall - Council Chambers vx�co 525 North Third Avenue Pasco, Washington THURSDAY, JUL Y 17, 2025 6.30 PM CALL TO ORDER City of Pasco Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m., by Chair Cochran. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Cochran led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Austin Crawford, Pat Jones, Rob Waites, Dana Crutchfield, Jay Hendler, and Jerry Cochran, a quorum was declared. Commissioners Excused: Rosa Torres, Kim Lehrman, Rachel Teel Staff Present: C&ED Director Haylie Miller, C&ED Deputy Director Craig Raymond, CDBG Administrator Kristin Webb, and Administrative Assistant H Carmen Patrick 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. 4• 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. •: No declarations were heard. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Jones moved to approval of minutes from the May 15, 2025, meeting, seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield, motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS • Comprehensive Plan Kick Off Presentation — Discussion Only presented by Haylie Miller A kickoff meeting was held, during which the idea of a joint meeting between the Planning Commission and City Council was discussed. Feedback was mixed, with limited support for a joint session at this time. It was decided to proceed with regular meetings and revisit the idea if a need arises. Staff will serve as a liaison between the two groups, facilitating communication and check -ins as needed. A joint meeting will be arranged if a majority from both groups later express interest. Commissioner Comments/Questions: Commissioners discussed the mixed feedback regarding a potential joint meeting with Council, noting that even the Mayor was uncertain about the need for formal check -ins. It was agreed that if key issues arise where Council's position is unclear, check -ins may be appropriate and could take various forms, such as a joint workshop, a Council agenda item, or liaison updates. Commissioner Jones proposed forming a small informal committee of Planning Commissioners, Councilmembers, and Director Miller to facilitate early discussion and feedback without requiring a full joint meeting. Staff confirmed this approach would not violate the Open Public Meetings Act, as it would not involve a quorum. Director Miller will explore the idea further with the new City Manager Page 1 of 5 and Mayor and will continue to serve as liaison between both groups, bringing forward any issues that may warrant broader discussion. PUBLIC HEARINGS • 2026 CDBG Program Allocation presented by Kristin Webb Staff presented the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual work plan and funding allocation process. The program follows a HUD -approved five-year Consolidated Plan, with annual action plans and a year-end evaluation report (CAPER). Public participation remains a key requirement throughout the process. The 2025 2029 Consolidated Plan focuses on: • Increasing and preserving affordable housing (e.g., down payment assistance, owner -occupied rehabs) • Supporting neighborhood and economic development (e.g., ADA upgrades, facility improvements) • Providing homeless interventions and public services For the 2026 program year, approximately $300,000 is available after subtracting surplus costs and the city received 14 proposals. At the next meeting, staff will present funding recommendations and request the Planning Commission's input before submitting the plan to Council. Following Council review and action, final allocations will be submitted to HUD. Commissioners were invited to ask questions before the public hearing was opened to hear from applicants. Commissioner Comments/Questions: Commissioners asked regarding applicant guidelines and recommendation process. Staff clarified that while the City generally funds nonprofits, for -profit applicants may still be eligible under the economic development national objective, depending on Council direction. Funding decisions also follow a HUD - mandated scoring system, which will be explained in detail with staff recommendations during the August presentation. Presenters: Upwards Care, Inc. Melanie Faure, Community Impact Manager at Upwards Presented the BOOST program, which supports low- to moderate -income in -home childcare providers in Pasco through coaching and digital tools to help grow their businesses, improve care quality, and expand access. The program is free for providers and families and aims to create jobs and reduce Pasco's childcare gap, which currently affects nearly half of children under age six. BOOST is scalable, sustainable, and has proven success in other Washington cities. Although Upwards is a for -profit social enterprise, it aligns with public service and economic development goals and is seeking B Corp certification. Upwards requested $128,000 in CDBG funds to support 16 providers, create five teaching assistant jobs, and expand care access for over 200 families. YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities, Directors Steve Howland and Rob Willdnson Steve Howland shared the YMCA's longstanding partnership with the City of Pasco, operating after -school and soccer programs at the Martin Luther King Center for over 40 years. After the departure of a previous nonprofit partner, the City began assisting financially to sustain the programs. The after -school program offers a safe environment with recreation and academic support, while the competitive soccer program runs 44 weeks per year and has contributed to youth pursuing higher education. Page 2 of 5 Rob Wilkinson provided an update on the YMCA's soccer program. While summer attendance has dipped to 20-25 youth per day (from 40-50 during the school year), this decline is typical for the season. The program remains low-cost and offers financial assistance, ensuring accessibility without compromising competitiveness. Participation has grown significantly, from 1,500 youth in 2023 to a projected 2,500 in 2025, aided by access to the new A Street Soccer Complex. Rob thanked the City for its support, which helps keep the program affordable for families. The Arc of Tri-Cities, Sue Pederson Sue Pederson, with over 20 years at the Arc of Tri-Cities, shared the personal impact of the organization's programs on her son and highlighted the services supported by City funding. The Therapeutic Recreation programs include the nine -week Partners & Pals summer camp (serving over 300 youth, with Pasco being the largest site), the Voyager program for young adults with intellectual disabilities and autism, and Adult Recreation offering year-round social events for approximately 1,000 individuals. Events include monthly dances (e.g., Halloween Dance and Fall Ball at CBC), trips, and social activities that provide safe, inclusive environments for participants, most of whom are low-income. The Arc relies on over 300 volunteers and expressed deep appreciation for the City's ongoing support. Boys & Girls Club of Benton & Franklin Counties, Elizabeth McLaughlin, Chief Development Officer Elizabeth McLaughlin presented a $30,000 funding request to enhance teen programming at the Pasco Clubhouse located at 801 N. 18th Avenue. The funds would support workforce readiness, academic enrichment, and leadership development for low-income teens. Programs aim to address challenges such as poverty, academic struggles, and exposure to crime by providing a safe, structured, and supportive environment. The Pasco Clubhouse serves hundreds of teens annually, offering services like tutoring, college and career prep, life skills training, and intramural sports. The program aligns with HUD and Pasco's priorities for youth in underserved areas. McLaughlin emphasized the Club's long-standing presence, growing participation, and capacity to manage grant compliance. Columbia Industries DBA Columbia Ability Alliance, Kim Peirret, Chief Operating Officer Kim Peirret presented a request for CDBG funding to support their Community Center, which serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities-25% of whom are Pasco residents. The Center provides life skills training, social engagement, educational outings, creative arts, and structured daily routines to promote independence and community inclusion. CAA also emphasizes the importance of respite care for caregivers, helping prevent burnout and supporting long-term in -home care. Funding would be used to provide scholarships for clients who are private pay and need assistance to access services. As community demand increases, scholarships help ensure continued access and promote an inclusive environment. CAA expressed appreciation for the City's consideration. Tri-County Partners Habitat for Humanity, Jeff Richardson Executive Director and Noah Dixon Grant Coordinator A representative presented a proposal to reinstate a home repair program focused on safety, accessibility, weatherization, and energy efficiency for low- to moderate -income homeowners in Pasco. Repairs would include ramps, stairs, walkways, siding, roof and window repairs, and bathroom modifications to support aging in place and family needs. The program would serve owner -occupied, modest homes within Pasco, targeting households earning below 80% of the area median income (AMI). Assistance would be offered through 0% interest loans tailored to each homeowner's financial situation, creating a revolving loan fund for future repairs. The program aims to Page 3 of 5 preserve existing affordable housing stock and reduce housing cost burdens. Examples of past successful repairs were provided via handouts. Other Applicants: City of Pasco -Parks & Recreation Department 1. PKS Equipment, requesting funds to replace aging kitchen equipment. 2. Peanuts Park North, requesting funds to enhance the north side of the park across from PSK, including upgrade to lighting, paving, additional trees and benches. 3. ADA Improvements -Playground Equipment, to better serve individuals with disabilities. City of Pasco -Community & Economic Development 1. Code Enforcement Officer, funding. 2. Fagade Improvement Program supports exterior upgrades for local businesses. 3. Chip Minor Rehab Program, assist with owner -occupied home repairs. 4. Section 108-Debt Payment, mandatory repayment from CDBG funds. 5. Program Administration, standard costs associated with managing CDBG programs. Next Steps: • August 21- Planning Commission Action • TBD- City Council Workshop • TBD- City Council Action • Update Allocation for final submission for HUD WORSHOP • Comprehensive Plan Public Engagement and Outreach Plan presented by Haylie Miller Haylie Miller presented an overview of the Comprehensive Plan engagement strategy, which aims to guide inclusive community participation through plan adoption in Fall 2026. The plan emphasizes equity, with a focus on reaching both English and Spanish-speaking residents —targeting 50% Spanish participation —and engaging a broad range of stakeholders and non -city agencies. It also seeks to build public understanding of the Comprehensive Plan and the City's responsibilities under the Growth Management Act. The engagement strategy is grounded in language equity, inclusive outreach, community education, and phased implementation. The four engagement phases span from May 2025 to November 2026, beginning with education and awareness and progressing through survey efforts, public feedback, and final plan adoption. Key tactics include connecting with the public at existing events, offering online and hybrid engagement formats, ensuring multilingual access, and using creative outreach tools such as flyers, signage, social media, and a centralized landing page. Outreach will focus on a diverse audience, including residents, youth, seniors, Spanish speakers, housing providers, developers, non -city agencies, and advocacy groups. Metrics for success include 25% engagement in Spanish, broad stakeholder representation, and digital participation reaching at least 10% of the population. Staff will continue to provide updates as the process advances. • Countywide Planning Policies (CWPPs) presented by Haylie Miller Haylie Miller briefed the Planning Commission on proposed updates to the Countywide Planning Policies (C)APPs), outlining major changes and requesting feedback. No formal action was required. Originally adopted in 1993 and last updated in 2019, the CWPPs are mandated by the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A) to guide coordination between Franklin County and the cities of Pasco, Connell, Mesa, and Kahlotus, ensuring consistency in Comprehensive Plans. Page 4 of 5 The update supports the 2025 GMA periodic review and incorporates 2020 Census data, recent state legislation related to housing and climate, and revised Urban Growth Area criteria. Draft policy themes focus on coordinated growth management, housing affordability, transportation planning, climate resilience, infrastructure and fiscal impacts, interlocal cooperation, and public and tribal engagement. Planning Commission feedback will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration during a public hearing and resolution process. The adopted CWPPs will inform the 2025 Comprehensive Plan updates for jurisdictions countywide. OTHER BUSINESS iPads Staff presented the option for Planning Commissioners to transition from printed meeting packets to iPads, following the model used by other City boards. While the shift to a paperless system is a long-term goal aimed at improving departmental efficiency, staff recognized that some members may prefer to continue using paper. Commissioners interested in participating in a trial run with iPads were invited to express their interest, with the intent to begin with a small group before expanding the program. The topic will be revisited at a future meeting for further discussion and feedback. ADJOURNMENT Chair Cochran stated with no other business, I recommend a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Jones made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Crutchfield, motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm. YouTube link to watch full meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9Kd33hriX4 Respectfully subm' ed, Carmen Patrick, Administrative Assistant 11 Community & Economic Development Department Page 5 of 5 To the ARC of Tri-Cities and the amazing individual donors who made this all possible, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for everything the ARC and to the individuals that help paid so that Elijah could go to camp, not just the two weeks that the school district paid for, but for the remaining 7 weeks! This was an absolute miracle that me and my family desperately needed. I cannot thank those people enough. Also, to Jake Boneck who goes above and beyond the call of duty. When Elijah could not transition onto the van, and when I could not take him to camp because I was physically unable, Jake came across town to offer a familiar face to Elijah to help him transition from home to Partners and Pals. Also, to all the incredible staff and volunteers of the Partners and Pals Summer Camp Program and everything they have done this summer, not just for my son Elijah, but for our entire family. The Partners and Pals program has been nothing short of a life -changing miracle for us, and here's why... My Son Elijah is a very bright and beautiful child who lives with Autism, ADHD, Mixed Receptive -Expressive Language Disorder, and ARFID among other things, all of which have made navigating daily life pretty overwhelming for him most days. Elijah is an eloper and always has been; ever since he could walk he's been on the move! But his eloping, coupled with a lack of ability to detect danger and his fearless attitude, have made it unfathomably difficult to find places within our community where he can safely play and just be himself; places where he is not only welcome, but accepted, and celebrated! This summer, because of your program, Elijah got to experience and participate in things that most children might take for granted: such as swimming at a public pool, going to the movie theater, learning to pick out & pay for his own snacks from the concessions counter, eating lunch while playing at the park, spending leisure time with his peers and newfound counselor friends and so much more! For Elijah, these have been magical moments... precious moments, filled with wonder and excitement. Each and every outing for him is full of new sounds, sights, textures, and social challenges that Elijah is not only beginning to comprehend, but also learning to overcome! As a widow, and a disabled individual whose health has been declining, I have found that it's become increasingly difficult for me to keep up with Elijah the way that I would like to; because as he gets faster, I seem to get slower. Despite this challenge, I refuse to give up; I have fought so very hard the last 3 years to better my health and to be able to finally walk again without my walker or cane most days, but even still, Elijah would not have been able to experience or enjoy, many of the wonderful things he's already gotten to do this summer, had it not been for the ARC's Partners and Pals program. What has truly made this program so impactful, is how you've managed to create this space where Elijah can experience the world at his own pace, with the full support and understanding that he needs to succeed, grow and thrive. The structure you have provided Elijah with while out in our community, combined with the hard work your patient, dedicated and friendly volunteers continually put in, has already begun to show in our own community excursions, which are miraculously becoming more manageable! With all my heart, Amber Benson Elijah's Mom Habitat envisions a world where all residents of Benton, Franklinjt�he and Walla Walla counties have opportunity for a decent, affordable place to live. Since 1 we have built j3 attainable homes for 290 ari, dts and 500+ children, generating :35 million in wealtl . As part of this mission, Habitat utilizes home repair to assist current low and moderate income homeowners and to upkeep the quality of affordable housing stock. ZERO PERCENT INTEREST HOME REPAIR LOANS We are currently seeking to reinstate our home repair program, utilizing a revolving loan fund to offer 0% interest home repair loans. Since 2015, our home repair program has been on pause to prioritize new construction. Now, as local residents continue to request this service, we are rebuilding the program with increased thoughtfulness around sustainability and manageability. Confounded by rising housing and living costs. relatively stagnant wages, and an aging housing supply many Pasco residents need home repair assistance. 44% of Pasco low and moderate income homeowners pay more than 30% of their income on housing. Many pay more than 50%. These homeowners are unlikely to be able to afford all necessary home repairs. Habitat receives weekly urgent requests from local community members in need of housing repair assistance. They often reach out as a last resort. Eligibility requirements: • Below 80% AMI • Own the home as a primary residence • Home is considered modest • Repair is necessary to maintain safety & basic functionality Additional Priorities: • Aging in place • Accessibility Weatherization & energy efficiency Families with young children 1�9 0�4;0; r Potential Projects: Ramps, stairs, driveways, walkways, windows, doors, siding, exterior paint, exterior trim, gutters, roofing, decks, flooring, bathrooms, kitchens, grab bars, plumbing, and electrical. f ,* Boost by Upwards Pasco Boost Program: The Boost Program is designed to address the critical shortage of high -quality, affordable childcare in Pasco by supporting low- to moderate -income (LMI) childcare providers. This initiative aims to stabilize and grow these vital microenterprises, increasing childcare access for families and enabling greater workforce participation for parents. The Need: Pasco faces a significant childcare capacity gap, with only 3,552 licensed slots for 6,613 children under six. Lack of childcare access limits parents' ability to work, strains families financially, hinders children's development, and weakens community economic growth —making it a workforce and economic issue that affects the local economy. Furthermore, childcare workers in Pasco earn an average of $19.23/hour, considerably less than elementary educators, leading to high poverty rates among early educators and stressing the childcare system. Many providers struggle with financial instability, food insecurity, and housing concerns. The Solution: The Boost program offers a comprehensive approach to empower LMI home -based child care providers to stabilize and grow their businesses through: • Personalized Coaching: Experienced Care Specialists offer one-on-one guidance to childcare business owners, covering revenue growth, licensing, hiring, budgeting, and financial planning. • Childcare Management System (CMS): Upwards' CMS streamlines operations by automating billing, attendance, and enrollment. It also simplifies curriculum planning and offers marketing/communication tools. Boost graduates receive free CMS access. • Boost Curriculum: A structured curriculum teaches essential business skills: pricing, finance, subsidies, marketing, and staff management. It also covers parent communication and engagement. This practical training is for immediate application. Program Outcomes: 100% of providers will receive an action plan & custom marketing materials. • 30% of providers will achieve a 20%+ revenue increase. • 30% will create new teaching assistant positions. • 30% will expand childcare slots, increasing community access. • 75% of families will report satisfaction with the care received. Budget & Scalability: The Boost Program requests $128,000 in CDBG funds to support 16 LMI Family Child Care Providers, create 5 new LMI jobs, and provide improved childcare services to nearly 200 LMI families in Pasco. The Boost Program is flexible and can be scaled up or down based on gvailable f nding. If full funding is not awarded, Boost can adjust the number of providers served while maintaining program quality. The Boost program is free to all participating providers and the families they serve, and they will retain free access to Upwards' Child Care Management System.