HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-30-2008 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2008
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Acting Chairman Joe Cruz.
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, Acting Chairman
No. 6 Ray Rose
No. 7 Tony Schouviller
No. 8 Jana Kempf
No. 9 Vacant
APPEARANCE OF FAIRNESS:
Acting Chairman Cruz read a statement about the appearance of fairness for
hearings on land use matters. Acting Chairman Cruz asked if any Commission
member had anything to declare. Commissioner Little stated he would recluse
himself from the Charter College item because his son may be the architect on
the project.
Acting Chairman Cruz 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.
Acting Chairman Cruz asked the audience if there was an objection to either
commissioner hearing the matter. There were no objections from the audience.
ADMINISTERING THE OATH:
Acting Chairman Cruz explained that state law requires testimony in
quasi-judicial hearings such as held by the Planning Commission be given
under oath or affirmation. Acting Chairman Cruz swore in all those desiring to
speak.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
NONE.
OLD BUSINESS:
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NONE.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Corridors Plan Corridors and Gateways Plan (City of Pasco)
(MF# INFO 08-070)
Acting Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments
from staff.
Staff stated that a notice of the hearing was published in the newspaper. The
Corridors and Gateways Plan was also presented to the Planning Commission at
the October 16, 2008 regular meeting.
Acting Chairman Cruz asked whether or not businesses could sponsor entry
corridors with signage and landscaping as he has seen in other cities.
Staff stated such sponsorship would be in conflict with the City's off-premise
sign regulations.
Commissioner Rose asked why West Sylvester Street was not included in the
plan.
Staff stated the Sylvester Street was not included due to the lack of right of way,
and the lack of connectivity to highways and shopping areas.
Acting Chairman Cruz called for public comment. After three calls for comments
the hearing was closed.
Commissioner Hay moved, seconded by Commissioner Kempf, the Planning
Commission recommends the City Council adopt the Corridors and Gateways
Plan 2008.
B. Special Permit Location of a College/Technical School in a
C-1 District (Charter College) (5278 Outlet Dr.)
(MF# SP 08-010)
Acting Chairman Cruz 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 ft of the site.
Staff explained Charter College has several facilities located throughout the
western United States and Alaska and is seeking to located a facility in the
outlet mall. Charter College has signed a lease for 10,768 square feet of floor
area in northern Outlet Mall building. This space will be divided into 7 offices,
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10 classrooms, a resource center and a student lounge. Staff reviewed the
written staff report for the benefit of the Planning Commission.
Steve Ferguson, Charter College, Prospect Education 16750 Melrose Ave, Reno,
NV, explained that the school has been in business since 1985. In the state of
Alaska they are the largest for-profit school. They will start with 4 certificate
programs in the areas of Medical Insurance Coding 8v Billing, Computerized
Bookkeeping, Medical Assistant, and Network Security. Course will be expanded
as the college grows.
Commissioner Schouviller asked how long the lease was for.
Mr. Ferguson stated they have signed a 5-year lease.
Acting Chairman Cruz asked if the college had room to expand in the future.
Mr. Ferguson stated they have first right of refusal on any adjoining suites in the
Outlet Mall to allow for expansion.
Commissioner Rose asked about the schools accreditation.
Mr. Ferguson stated they were accredited by the ACISSCT, a national
accreditation.
Acting Chairman Cruz expressed concern about the length of time the proposed
college planned to occupy space at the mall.
Staff explained that only 37,000 square feet of the Broadmoor Outlet Mall was
occupied. The facility has 103,000 square feet. The outlet mall business model
has been struggling nationwide. It was pointed out that private for profit colleges
often locate in strip malls and commercial centers.
Commissioner Hay moved, seconded by Commissioner Schouviller, to close the
hearing on the special permit for the location of a College/Technical School in a
C-1 district and initiate deliberations and schedule adoption of Findings of Fact,
Conclusions and a Recommendation to the City Council for the November 20,
2008 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
WORKSHOP:
NONE.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Staff provided the Planning commission with an overview of upcoming projects.
These include; the Waagener Army Reserve Center realignment and closure
project, the critical areas ordinance which has been reviewed by the State (some
refinements are needed) and the Central Pre-Mix application to be presented
again in early 2009 as a result of the court decision.
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Staff also indicated the 2009 budget will be reviewed by the City Council on
November 10th. The draft budget estimates 400 single-family homes will be built
in 2009.
With no further business, the Planning Commission was adjourned at 7:31 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
David McDonald, Secretary
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