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)
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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