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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.09.18 Planning Commission Meeting MinutesPS�4co PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES City Hall - Council Chambers 525 North Third Avenue Pasco, Washington THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 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, Rob Waites, Rosa Torres, and Jay Hendler, a quorum was declared. Commissioners Excused: Austin Crawford, Dana Crutchfield, Rachel Teel, Jerry Cochran Staff Present: 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 July 17, 2025, meeting, seconded by Commissioner Waites, motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS • 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Allocation and Annual Work Plan- MF#BGAP2025-003 Staff presented the background and intent of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which provides annual grants to support housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities for low- to moderate -income residents. Applications were reviewed against Council goals (quality of life, financial sustainability, transportation, safety, economic vitality, city identity), the 2025-2029 Tri-Cities Consortium Consolidated Plan, and HUD regulations. Consolidated Plan goals include: Affordable Housing: down payment assistance, owner -occupied rehab Community & Economic Development: facade improvements, public works, ADA park upgrades, incubator kitchen equipment Homeless Interventions/Public Services: YMCA and Arca Tri-Cities Staff emphasized that all funded activities must meet a CDBG national objective to remain compliant. Three funding options were presented: 1. Mix of housing, economic development, and public services 2. Housing and economic development only 3. Mix of all three (housing, economic development, public services) The Commission was reminded they may amend or propose alternatives beyond the three options presented. Commissioner Jones motioned to remove option 2 from the discussion and continue with options 1 and 3. Seconded by Commissioner Torres, passed unanimously. Commissioners requested clarification on specific applicants and additional explanation of program purposes. They emphasized the importance of the City funding essential staff positions directly, rather than relying on CDBG grant funds. Commissioner Jones moved to approve Option 1 for recommendation to City Council. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hendler. The motion passed 3-2, with Commissioners Jones, Hendler, and Lehrman voting Aye and Commissioners Waites and Torres voting Nay. • 2026 HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program Allocation and Annual Work Plan- MF#BGAP2025-004 Staff presented the 2026 HOME Program Work Plan and Allocation. Pasco participates in a HOME Consortium with Kennewick and Richland (established 1996), which makes the cities eligible for federal HOME funds. Each city receives an equal share after a 10% set -aside for program administration (lead agency) and a 15% set -aside for the Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO — currently Habitat for Humanity). Funding Overview • Pasco's estimated entitlement: $163,000 Estimated program income: $100,000 (from repaid down payment assistance) Budget includes: o $10,000 for Pasco program administration o $10,000 for one down payment assistance loan (HUD purchase limit currently $368,000, pending update) o $121,500 Tenant -Based Rental Assistance (administered through CAC for all three cities) o $121,500 for rehabilitation projects (requiring homes to be brought to current code standards) Staff noted that HOME funds do not require a public hearing. Commissioners discussed the rules and regulations affiliated with this program. Kristin Webb stated under the City's Citizen Participation Plan, both the HOME Program and CDBG require public hearings to ensure transparency and keep the public informed. The Planning Commission reviews and recommends actions to City Council, providing additional opportunity for public input. As with the Consolidated Plan, the City engages multiple agencies and stakeholders, and all processes follow HUD regulations. Page 2 of 3 Commissioner Jones made a motion to approve and forward as proposed from the Planning Commission to the city council. Seconded by Commissioner Hendler, motion passed unanimously. • Project Updates presented by Craig Raymond ➢ Transportation System Master Plan, consultant DKS Associates The plan is underway, with the consultant focused on data collection and analysis of existing conditions. Due to significant recent development in Pasco, updates are needed since the last study. Public engagement opportunities will be introduced as the project progresses. ➢ Regional Climate Planning/GHG Plan Pasco, along with neighboring jurisdictions, is participating in a state -mandated regional effort to integrate climate planning and resiliency into comprehensive plan updates. A consultant has been assisting with greenhouse gas analysis, vulnerability assessments, and draft policies. Upcoming presentations include a Planning Commission briefing on February 18 and a community open house on February 23 (6-8 PM at City Hall). Community input has been gathered throughout the process via meetings, surveys, and open houses. ➢ Energy Resilience Study, consultant Scott Madden Management Consultants The study is complete, and the final report has been received. Elements of the study will be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan update where appropriate. The full report is available upon request. PUBLIC HEARINGS None WORKSHOP None OTHER BUSINESS None 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 Waite, motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:06 pm. YouTube link to watch full meeting: Pasco Planning Commis�mw,,i, August 21, 2025 R spectfully subs 'tted, Carmen Patrick, Administrative Assistant II Community & Economic Development Department PaoP I of I