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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-18-2008 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING December 18, 2008 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Todd Samuel. POSITION MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT No. 1 Todd Samuel, Chairman No. 2 James Hay No. 3 Andy Anderson No. 4 David Little No. 5 Joe Cruz No. 6 Ray Rose No. 7 Tony Schouviller No. 8 Jana Kempf No. 9 Vacant APPEARANCE OF FAIRNESS: Chairman Samuel read a statement about the appearance of fairness for hearings on land use matters. Chairman Samuel asked if any Commission member had anything to declare. No declarations were made. Chairman Samuel then asked the audience if there were any objections based on a conflict of interest or appearance of fairness questions regarding the items to be discussed this evening. There were no objections. Chairman Samuel asked the audience if there was an objection to any commissioner hearing any matter. There were no objections from the audience. ADMINISTERING THE OATH: Chairman Samuel explained that state law requires testimony in quasi-judicial hearings such as held by the Planning Commission be given under oath or affirmation. Chairman Samuel swore in all those desiring to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Anderson moved, seconded by Commissioner Hay, that the minutes dated November 20, 2008 be approved as mailed. The Motion carried unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: A. Rezone R-S-12 (Suburban Residential) to C-1 (Retail Business) (Ron Oak) (7012 W. Argent Road) (MF# Z 08-005) -1- Chairman Samuel read the Master File number and explained that the proposed rezone was the subject of a public hearing last month. Chairman Samuel asked for discussion and or comments from staff. Staff had no additional comments. Commissioner Little moved, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, that the Planning Commission adopt the Findings of Fact and conclusions as contained in the December 18, 2008 staff report. The motion was unanimously approved. Commissioner Little further moved, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, based on the Findings of Fact as adopted, the Planning Commission recommend the City Council rezone the site from R-S-12 to C-1 with conditions as listed in the December 18, 2008 staff report. The motion was unanimously approved. Staff noted this item would go to the City Council at their first regular meeting in January. Staff briefly explained the appeal process. B. Rezone I-1 (Light Industrial) to R-2 (Medium Density Residential) (City of Pasco) (1000 Block of S. Sth Avenue) (MF# Z-08-0061 Chairman Samuel read the Master File number and explained that the proposed rezone was the subject of a public hearing last month. Chairman Samuel asked for discussion and or comments from staff. Staff explained that during the public hearing it was pointed out that the application was initially made for R-3 zoning but the recommendation was for R-2 to be consistent with other lots in the block. Commissioner Anderson moved, seconded by Commissioner Hay, that the Planning Commission adopt the Findings of Fact and conclusions as contained in the December 18, 2008 staff report. The motion was unanimously approved. Commissioner Anderson further moved, seconded by Commissioner Hay, based on the Findings of Fact as adopted, the Planning Commission recommend the City Council rezone the site from I-1 to R-2. Staff noted this item would go to the City Council at their first regular meeting in January. Staff briefly explained the appeal process. -2- PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Development Agreement Big Pasco Industrial Center (BPIC) (Port of Pasco) (3295 E. Ainsworth Ave.) (MF# SMP 08.001) Chairman Samuel read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Staff explained the hearing was an open record hearing for the purpose of reviewing a development agreement with the Big Pasco Industrial Center (BPIC). Staff discussed the development agreement concept which is a tool authorized by State law to provide certainty in terms of land use and development regulations to facilitate development in conformance with local land use laws and comprehensive plans. In this case, the agreement concerns properties on both sides of Ainsworth Avenue, west of Sacajawea State Park, and east of Maitland Avenue. The agreement covers approximately 500 acres. The full agreement was provided in Exhibit E attached to the written report. It was further explained the Port planning process began in 1999 with the preparation of a detailed master plan concerning land use infrastructure and capital facility elements for property within the BPIC. In 2008, a master plan through the shoreline management process was approved for a conceptual site plan included in the written report as Exhibit C. Staff pointed out that with the adoption of the master plan, approval of the shoreline management permit and expenditures of several million dollars, the Port has positioned the property to be very marketable. The balance of the written report was reviewed for the benefit of the Planning Commission with an explanation that the development agreement was designed to provide certainty for investors who hope to fulfill the industrial component of the comprehensive plan in the port, to provide jobs, and provide for a very important component for public health and safety and public welfare in terms of economic development. Randy Hayden, Director of Planning and Engineering, Port of Pasco was present to speak in favor of the proposed development agreement. Mr. Hayden explained that planning for Big Pasco started in the mid 1990's when the Port Commission realized the property was unique due to the fact the property was along the shoreline and unencumbered by a levy. Through the planning process the Big Pasco site has been divided into three separate planning areas. Mr. Hayden briefly discussed these planning areas and the potential for industrial development in each area. Mr. Hayden explained the Port of Pasco has invested over $26,000,000 since 1998 in infrastructure improvements in the Big Pasco area. John White, JD White & Company, Vancouver Washington, explained he had been involved in the Port master planning process since 1999. The original master plan identified three areas known as the Retention area, Expansion area, and the -3- Riverfront Business Park. Mr. White then proceeded to explain in greater detail the three main planning areas within the Port. Jim Toomey, Executive Director Port of Pasco spoke in favor of the development agreement stating it would give the Port regulatory certainty over the next few years. An initial anchor building is planned in the near future and will likely be built by the Port of Pasco. Commissioner Little asked about ownership of the property and the process for businesses wanting to construct buildings. Mr. Toomey stated the Port of Pasco owns 600 acres of land. Certain portions of the land will be leased only. Commissioner Anderson asked what types of businesses are being marketed for the expansion area. Mr. Toomey stated they have looked at distribution centers, different types of food processing plants and even a windmill plant. Commissioner Schouviller asked how the development of areas for public use would be treated. Mr. Toomey explained the Port was looking for visually appealing public areas. Mr. Hayden added that areas 50 feet from the shoreline would be designated for public access. Commissioner Samuel asked about the timeframes for development of the first building and if funds were available to start building. Mr. Toomey anticipated the building to start in early 2009. Commissioner Samuel asked if there were any other Ports that they could look to for examples of what the Port of Pasco is planning on doing. Mr. Toomey stated the Port of Vancouver was a great example. Liberty ships were built there during World War II. The Port of Vancouver has been redeveloped with trails, waterfront related development and restaurants. Commissioner Samuel asked about the role the City has or can have in the proposed project. Mr. Toomey stated the City has acted as a point of contact. The City has also participated in building the Ainsworth overpass and constructing a sewage lift station. Mr. White stated the City and the Port of Pasco have been developing a memorandum of agreement which would involve the nearby non-Port owned property and City property. -4- Commissioner Anderson asked about future Port plans in the residential areas to the west. Mr. White stated plans would be worked out over the next few years. Chairman Samuel opened the public hearing for public comments. Following three calls for public comment the hearing was closed. Commissioner Rose commended the Port on the proposed project. Commissioner Little moved, seconded by Commissioner Hay, to close the hearing on the proposed development agreement and initiate deliberations and schedule adoption of findings of fact, conclusions and a recommendation to the City Council for the January 15th, 2009 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. B. Special Permit Captain Gray Annex Modifications (Pasco School District No. 1)(1110 N. 10th Ave.) (MF# SP-08- 014) Chairman Samuel read the master file number, opened the hearing and asked for comments from staff. Staff stated that a notice of the hearing was published in the newspaper and mailed to surrounding property owners within 300 feet of the site. Staff explained that with the opening of the new High School the Captain Gary Annex is planned to revert back to use as a grade school. To accommodate the conversion the Captain Gray site will be modified with a new parking lot and bus loading area. The existing portable classrooms will be removed and the site will be fenced. Staff pointed out the Engineering Department has recommended the existing signalized crosswalk be removed (between 10th and 12th) and that the intersection of 10th Ave. and Court Street be fully signalized to accommodate students crossing Court Street. Staff then reviewed the balance of the written report for the benefit of the Planning Commission. Commissioner Rose asked about the height of the fence on the north side of the school. Staff stated it was a 6 foot high fence. The new fence along the west side of the site was necessary to redirect foot traffic from the high school away from the grade school. Commissioner Anderson referenced the memorandum from the Washington Schools Risk Management Pool addressing the issue of the foot route for students. The memorandum stated it was not necessary to move the signal. Commission Anderson stated he felt it was unfounded and is waste of tax payer money to install a new signal at 10th Avenue and Court Street. Kim Marsh, Pasco School District, 1215 W Lewis Street stated the District would be converting Captain Gray back to an elementary school and the goal was to make the -5- area safer by separating bus loading areas from parking areas. Mr. Marsh briefly discussed the proposed site modifications. Commissioner Samuel asked the current fence along Court Street was to be revised. Mr. Marsh stated the fence would remain except for the area where the new bus driveway would be located. Commissioner Samuel asked when the building was last used for the grade school. Mr. Marsh stated 8 years. Commissioner Samuel asked if there were any issues with the businesses across the street. Mr. Marsh stated they have staff that monitors the area and the high school students use the crosswalk at 14thAve or the crosswalk midway between 9th Ave and 12th Ave. Commissioner Anderson explained the existing crosswalk was in use when Captain Gray was previously an elementary school. He asked how students will get to school. Mr. Marsh mentioned the majority of students will be bused or driven by parents. Chairman Samuel opened the public hearing for public comments. Following three calls fro public comment the hearing was closed. Commissioner Anderson requested more information on the traffic signal prior to forming a decision on condition U. Mr. Anderson requested this item be stricken from the recommendation. Staff stated the recommendations need to be supported by findings of fact and the Engineers have provided findings related to the traffic signal which was based on the School Districts survey of the pedestrian crossing. Commissioner Anderson stated the findings of fact are not supported by the information in the Risk Management memo. Mr. White agreed with Commissioner Anderson and recommended that justification be provided with information from the Engineering Department. Commissioner Rose moved, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to close the hearing on the proposed Captain Gray modifications and initiate deliberations and schedule adoption of findings of fact, conclusions and a recommendation to the City Council for the January 15th, 2009 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. C. Special Permit Location of a Children's Learning Center in an R- 1 District (Dolores Escalera) (1 730 W. Park St.) (MF# Z-08-0111 -6- Chairman Samuel read the master file number opened the hearing and asked for comments from staff. Staff stated that a notice of the hearing was published in the newspaper and mailed to surrounding property owners within 300 feet of the site. Staff explained the applicant was proposing to locate a daycare to the existing church. The current zoning and land uses were discussed and the written report was reviewed for the benefit of the Planning Commission. Staff then reviewed the recommended conditions which included the requirement for dedication of additional right-of-way at street corners to accommodate larger handicap ramps that meet current standards. Commissioner Hay asked if the handicapped ramps were being provided by the City's Block Grant Program. Staff stated the City had completed the installation of handicapped ramps thought the community last year. The ramp improvements were funded through the Block Grant Program. Commissioner Hay asked why the handicap ramps are being requested to be redone. Staff explained the handicap ramps have smaller radiuses at the intersections and the standard for ramps had changed. The Engineering Department recommended the additional right-of-way be provided and new handicap ramps be installed. Commissioner Samuel asked what it costs to install handicap ramps. Staff stated it could cost roughly $1,500 per ramp. Commissioner Anderson stated on the east side of the property a dirt parking lot exists and asked if there were plans to pave the lot. Staff stated it was not a recommended requirement at this time. Commissioner Anderson asked why there was a requirement for a sidewalk along 18th Ave. Staff explained there was no sidewalk along 18th Ave. Denise Escalera, P.O Box 3004, Pasco explained they currently have a home daycare and they have a waiting list for parents seeking daycare. They would like to open a daycare in the church at 1730 West Park. Their clientele are mostly low income families or families with special needs. Commissioner Samuel asked how many children they currently serve. Ms. Escalera stated they currently have 12 children and would like to add 20 children totaling 32 children. Current hours of operation are from 5 am to 7 pm and would change from 5 am to 6 pm. -7- Commissioner Schouviller asked Ms. Escalera if she had any issues with outdoor play areas. Ms. Escalera stated there was a section of the property that was used as a playground. The area is fenced with a brick wall. The wall can be modified depending on the requirements of the State Licensing Department. Commissioner Anderson asked who would be responsible for installing the sidewalk and handicapped ramps. Ms. Escalera stated the dollar amount was more than they anticipated for this project. Commissioner Hay asked if the church was financially capable of covering the improvement costs. Ms. Escalera stated the church was not wealthy and they reach out to the community for resources. Commissioner Little stated the City had already paid for the handicap ramps and it would be costly to revise the ramps. Commissioner Samuel asked if the location being next to the Pasco Stadium would be an issue. Ms. Escalera stated the Stadium was next to the Boys and Girls Club which has a daycare and there are no issues with the Stadium. Commissioner Samuel stated there is a great need for daycare. Chairman Samuel opened the public hearing for public comments. Following three calls for public comment the hearing was closed. Commissioner Samuel stated the Planning Commission would need additional information on the sidewalk and handicapped issue for the next meeting. Commissioner Schouviller moved, seconded by Commissioner Little, to close the hearing on the proposed Learning Center Daycare modifications and initiate deliberations and schedule adoption of findings of fact, conclusions and a recommendation to the City Council for the January 15th, 2009 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. D. Code Amendment Sign Code Amendment (Community Event Regional Signs) (City of Pasco) (MF# CA 08-0051 Chairman Samuel read the master file number, opened the hearing and asked for comments from staff. Staff explained this item had been discussed at the last regular meeting during a workshop. The proposal was to amend the existing sign code dealing with off- premise signs. The proposal would permit community regional event signs for large -8- facilities which would house entertainment, recreation, and community wide events on sites of 60 acres or more provided the site was adjacent to highways of statewide significance. Additionally the site would need to be near a major interchange. Additional discussion centered on the design standards for regional event signs. Commissioner Samuel asked what organizations would be eligible for use of the proposed sign code. Staff stated currently there was only one in Pasco and that was the Trade and Recreation Center. The TRAC site was large enough to meet the parameters listed in the proposed code. Chairman Samuel opened the public hearing for public comments. Following three calls for public comment the hearing was closed. Commissioner Anderson moved, seconded by Commissioner Hay, the Planning Commission recommends the City amend Title 17 to include provisions for regional event signs as indicated in the proposed ordinance. The motion passed unanimously. WORKSHOP: OTHER BUSINESS: With no further business, the Planning Commission was adjourned at 8.45 pm. David McDonald, Secretary -9-