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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-19-2008 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING June 19, 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. Chairman Anderson declared he is a Board member of the Boys and Girls Club which is an applicant of the Block Grant and has no personal gain in decision making on the item. Commissioner Schouviller declares he lives in the vicinity of an applicant for a special permit and has no personal gain in decision making on the item. Commissioner Little declares he also lives in the vicinity of an applicant for a special permit and has no personal gain in decision making on the item. 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 either commissioner hearing the matter. There were no objections from the audience. ADMINISTERING THE OATH: -1- 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 Hays, that the minutes dated May 15, 2008 be approved as mailed. The Motion carried unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: A. SPECIAL PERMIT Kids `R' Kids Daycare (Maria Aguilar) (1901 N 20th Ave) (MF# SP08-002) Chairman Samuel introduced the item and explained that it had been presented at the previous meeting and public comment had been received at that time. No further public comments will be taken during the deliberations. Chairman Samuel asked if there were any comments from staff. Staff briefly reviewed the proposed approval conditions and highlighted condition # 7 dealing with signage restricting the 20th Avenue parking lot for employee use only. Chairman Samuel stated staff captured the concerns of the Planning Commission with the proposed conditions. Commissioner Hay moved seconded by Commissioner Anderson that the Planning Commission adopt the findings of fact and conclusions as contained in the June 19, 2008 staff report. The motion was unanimously approved. Commissioner Hay moved based on the findings of fact as adopted seconded by Commissioner Anderson that the Planning Commission recommend the City Council grant a special permit to Kids R Kids for the expansion of a daycare at 1901 N 20th Avenue with conditions as contained in the June 19, 2008 staff report. The motion was approved unanimously. Staff noted that the recommendation would go to the City Council for action at the first regular meeting in July, 2008. An appeal of the recommendation would cause a closed-record hearing to be held before the City Council. -2- B. Special Permit FARMING IN A R-S-1 ZONE (DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES) (7500 BLOCK OF ARGENT) (MF# SP08-001) Chairman Samuel read the master file number and explained that the Planning Commission had previously dealt with this issue and asked staff for comments. Staff explained the Planning Commission's recommendation on the DNR farm proposed for the 7500 block of Argent had been reviewed by the City Attorney prior to Council action. As a result of that review some concern was raised about the lack of specific standards on when a special permit review would be needed following the initial five year period. The City Council remanded the matter back to the Planning Commission for clarification of condition #9. Staff explained they had reviewed condition #9 with the City Attorney and have modified the condition so there can be no question about when a special permit review is needed after the initial approval period. The condition now requires a new application after five years. In addition to considering the review criteria of PMC 25.86.060 the new application will need to be considered in light of surrounding changes in surrounding development, the pace of development, improvements to utility services, the operations of Chiawana High School and the report of any nuisance complaints about the farming operation. Commissioner Little moved seconded by Commissioner Anderson that condition #9 under special permit MF# SP08-001 be revised as discussed. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. CDBG Program 2009 Community Development Block Grant Program Development (CDBG#08-002) Chairman Samuel made some introductory comments and asked staff for a report. Angie Pitman, Community Development Block Grant Administrator provided a brief overview of the CDBG program and explained the city would be receiving about $600,000 in CDBG funds for 2009. In addition there would be approximately $228,000 in Program Income available for reallocation from prior year activities. For 2009 the City will have a total $827,000 for project activities. Angie Pitman explained 13 project proposals had been received requesting a total of$921,000. -3- Chairman Samuel opened the hearing and explained that each applicant would be permitted to make a brief presentation to explain their proposed project. City of Pasco - Community & Economic Development (Program Administration) Dave McDonald, City Planner - ($110,000.00 requested) stated the application was for Program Administration to offset costs of administration of 2009 CDBG Program. The funds were necessary to cover program costs incurred by the city including program oversight, salaries and benefits of the Block Grant Administrator and Secretary II position as well as other related costs. City of Pasco - Administrative & Community Services (Civic Center - Youth Recreation Specialist) Paul Whitemarsh, Recreation Services Manager - ($37,500.00 requested) stated the application was for the continuation of recreation programs provided at the Civic Center in City Hall. The program focuses on low-moderate income at-risk youth and offers an after-school program which runs Monday-Friday after school into the evening and in the summer hours are all day from Monday- Friday. Chairman Samuel questioned the increase of$4,500.00 in this year's request. Paul Whitemarsh responded the increase was due to inflation, as well as maintaining the current programs available. Commissioner Schouviller questioned the types of programs available. Paul Whitemarsh mentioned the drop-in programs and scheduled activities. After-school programs include rock-climbing, basketball, volleyball, and floor hockey. Table games are also available. Homework is encouraged and assistance is available from the gym supervisor. Scheduled activities include youth and adult basketball camps and clinics, leagues, as well as the ability for team practices to be held in the facility. City of Pasco - Administrative & Community Services (Martin Luther King Community Center - Recreation Specialist) Paul Whitemarsh, Recreation Services Manager - ($37,500.00 requested) explained the funds were requested to operate programs for youth similar to the programs in the civic center. The YMCA has been operating the programs for the city with United Way dollars. The United Way funding has been cut from this program. -4- Chairman Samuel questioned where the non-CDBG funds come from. Mr. Whitemarsh stated the matching funds will be provided by the City, and not United Way. City of Pasco - Administrative & Community Services (Senior Citizen's Center - Staff for Senior Center) Paul Whitemarsh, Recreation Services Manager - ($37,500 requested) stated this program involve a range of activities at the senior center including recreational activities, social services, health screening, a foot care program and an income tax assistance program. The salary of the Recreation Specialist and Secretary is supplemented with this request. They are responsible for coordinating services for this center. Commissioner Rose asked about the use of vans for event transportation. Paul Whitemarsh stated buses are chartered for out-of-town activities. Pasco Downtown Development Association PDDA (Pasco Specialty Kitchen Victoria Silvernail, Manager - ($65,000 requested) explained the kitchen provides services to 31 individuals. Six individuals have been able to move out to their own store fronts. Other partners include the PDDA and the Pasco School District which operates the Commercial Food Academy giving low income students training in food sciences, product creation and marketing etc. Pasco Downtown Development Association (Downtown Fapade Improvement Gloria Garcia, Vice President, PDDA - ($80,000 requested) explained the various programs of the PDDA and stated the fagade program provides funding to businesses to make physical improvements to buildings to improve the look of the downtown area. The program provides 75% up to a maximum of $20,000 and the applicants contribute 25% or the remaining portion of the project costs. Commissioner Little questioned the average cost of a fagade. Gloria Garcia stated $20,000 was the average. Catholic Family & Child Services CFCS (Catholic Family Volunteer Chore Service Shari Hallman, 2110 W. Henry St, Pasco, WA - ($4,000 requested) stated her program has been functioning in the state for 28 years. They provided assistance to low income individuals elderly and others with disabilities by -5- constructing handicap ramps, rails and other minor home repairs. The funding is for materials only. All work is performed by volunteers. Commissioner Schouviller asked if there were any other funding sources. Ms. Hallman stated they received $10,000 from United Way this year, donations from individuals and some funding from the state for ramps and roofing. Benton Franklin Community Action Committee (BFCAC) - Energy Efficient Healthy House Program David Odom, Weatherization Department Director, BFCAC - ($20,000 requested) Stated the CAC provides weatherization services for low-income families as well as work on furnaces, water heaters and other conservation measures. The funding is requested to continue with these activities. Commissioner Rose asked who is eligible for this program. David Odom stated they get referrals from the Energy Assistance Program which is for low income and elderly people. Tri-County Partners Habitat for Humanity (aka) Habitat for Humanity Tri- Cities (Habitat for Humanity's Tierra Vida Project Support) Angie Pitman stated the applicant has withdrawn their application. Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton & Franklin Counties (Program Space Expansion and Safety Enhancement) Ron McHenry, Vice-President of Finance - ($50,000 requested) stated this program was for renovation and safety improvements to the stage area of the Boys and Girls Club. These improvements are needed to continue with services to the low and moderate income kids who use the facility. City of Pasco - Administrative and Community Services/YMCA (Martin Luther King Center Gym Remodel) Paul Whitemarsh, Recreation Services Manager - ($100,000 requested) explained the request was for partial renovation of the gym wing into usable space. The project was continued from last year. The renovation will create a more functional area in which to provide services to the neighborhood. City of Pasco - Community & Economic Development Inspection Services Department (Provide Inspection Services in Low-and Moderate-Income areas of Pasco) -6- Dave McDonald, City Planner - ($48,000 requested) explained the request provides partial funding of a code enforcement officer. This program has been in place for 20 years. The area of focus for this officer is in census tracts 201 through 204 which are identified as low-and moderate-income areas of Pasco. City of Pasco - Public Works (Curb, Gutter, Sidewalk and Roadway Improvements) Dave McDonald, City Planner - ($300,000 requested) stated the project include the construction of curb, gutter, sidewalk and roadway improvements. The area of focus for the improvements is the neighborhood located south of Lewis Street, North of "A" Street between Wehe and Cedar. The Virgie Robinson Elementary School is in this neighborhood and low income students and families would experience safety benefit from the sidewalks and other improvements. B. Preliminary Plat Sun View Estates, 21-Lots (All-Pro Contracting Inc.)(33O0 Block of Wernett Rd)(MF#08-001( Chairman Samuel read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Staff stated public notice was published in the newspaper and mailed to surrounding property owners within 300 ft of the proposed subdivision site. Staff explained the Planning Commission previously reviewed a rezone application for the site and recommended it be rezoned to R-1 with a condition that lots be no smaller than 8,000 sq ft. The applicant prepared a preliminary plat in conformance with the zoning. Staff reviewed the written report for the benefit of the Planning Commission and explained the need for infrastructure improvements corresponding to the R-1 zoning and the need for a sound wall along the freeway. It was pointed out that the Washington State Department of Transportation responded to the SEPA notice by stating it was the developers' responsibility to dampen or deflect any traffic noise that may impact the proposed development. Staff reviewed the proposed approval conditions and discussed the condition dealing with the sound wall. Commissioner Little asked what type of sound wall was considered. Staff recommended an 8 inch block wall similar to the existing wall west of the site on the freeway. Commissioner Little further asked concerning the existence of different types of walls along the I-182 corridor. -7- Staff stated that a consistent pattern is needed and recommended. Commissioner Schouviller asked about sidewalks, curb and gutter currently in the area. Staff explained surrounding properties are zoned R-S-12 and are not required to have sidewalks, curb and gutter. However, property in question is zoned R-1 and is required to have sidewalks, curb and gutter. Commissioner Rose asked if the contractor would have the ability to choose the type of sound wall, and commented he would like to keep the sound walls consistent throughout. Staff commented the sound wall would be a condition of approval recommended by the Planning Commission. Chairman Samuel opened the public hearing for comments from the public. Arnold Haag, All Pro Contracting, 101 Jasper Ct, stated his intentions to develop housing for moderate income homes in West Pasco. Commissioner Little questioned the price range of the proposed homes. Arnold Haag commented the prices would be from $115,000 to $125,000 for 3 bedroom, 2 bath, double garage homes. Commissioner Little asked the impact of the costs for the sound wall. Arnold Haag responeded the price of the wall was not originally included in the plan. Lauren Mitchell, 3605 Agate, stated he was concerned about increased traffic in the neighborhood, and graffiti if a sound wall is installed. Lynn Hall, 2216 N. Road 33, stated he was concerned about the number and sizes of homes proposed being proposed. He was also concerned the project would devalue homes in the neighborhood. Staff explained that with the recent current growth in the community existing homes adjacent new developments have not gone down in value. Staff also explained that by law (GMA) the community was required to accommodate growth within the Urban Growth Boundary. Following three calls for further testimony Chairman Samuel closed the hearing. -8- Commissioner Anderson stated the sound walls needed to have a consistent appearance. Commissioner Schouviller asked about specifying an average price range for the homes. Staff stated the City could not require a minimum value for homes due to a number of court case on the matter. The city can only specify zoning and lot size. Chairman Samuel asked about increasing the minimum lot size for this zone. Staff explained the proposed lots are about 1,000 square feet larger than the minimum required for the zone. Increasing the size of the lots would make it difficult to cover the expenses for the sound wall, curb and gutter, street lights and pavement. Commissioner Rose moved to close the hearing on the proposed preliminary plat and schedule deliberations and adoptions of findings of fact and conclusion and make recommendations to the City Council at the July 17, 2008 meeting. Commissioner Schouviller seconded the motion. Some additional discussion ensued regarding street improvements and the need for a sound wall as a part of the approval conditions. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Samuel stated the Planning Commission would vote on a recommendation for the City council at the next regular meeting. C. Special Permit Iglesia Apostolica De La Fe En Cristo Jesus (Francisco Barrera) (3212 Wernett Rd)(MF#08- 0 Chairman Samuel read the master file number and asked staff for comments. Staff stated public notice was published in the newspaper and mailed to surrounding property owners within 300 ft of the proposed site. Staff explained the application was for a proposed church to be located in a pre-existing home adjacent the proposed Sun View Estates discussed in the last hearing. Staff reviewed the written report for the benefit of the Planning Commission. It was pointed out the house was built many years ago to residential construction standards. Converting the house to a church changes the occupancy classification and the building code requirements for exiting and other safety issues. A change in occupancy will require code upgrades. Staff -9- discussed the issue of the R-1 zoning requiring street improvements, the lack of a hard surfaced parking lot, sound wall concerns that were raised for Sun View Estates, the lack of handicapped accessibility, and general property maintenance. Commissioner Little asked about parking lot lighting and if the restroom facilities would be hooked up to sewer services. Staff stated to accommodate the occupancy level requested the church would be required to convert to sewer services vs. a septic tank. Chairman Samuel opened the public hearing for comments from the public. Obdulia Chavez, translator for the Pastor Francisco Barrera, 2921 W Ella, stated the church wants a place to worship and pray. The church currently has 30 members and they have been in Pasco for 13 years. Their lack of growth may be due to the lack of a place to have a church. They are willing to fulfill the requirements of the City of Pasco. At present, their intentions are to remodel, and in the future, expand the facility. Chairman Samuel questioned if they are willing to accommodate the City's requirements for bathrooms, parking, building code requirements, etc. Obdulia Chavez answered they are prepared to accommodate the requirements. Commissioner Schouviller asked where their current place of worship was located. Obdulia Chavez answered they are renting space from another church at 217 N. Douglas, Pasco, WA. Ray Rojas, Minister/Contractor, 820 Wrigley, has evaluated the property and as a contractor he can convert the house into a church. They have been looking for a place that can accommodate their members. Chairman Samuel questioned after renovations are made, would the outward appearance be changed considering the current condition is not very appealing. Ray Rojas stated they have plans to upgrade the look of the church. Commissioner Little asked if they understood the improvements would need to be completed prior to occupancy. Ray Rojas stated yes, they are fully aware and are anxious to get started. la Lauren Mitchell, 3605 Agate, was concerned with the increased traffic this church would bring. He also stated the street is narrow and there are no sidewalks. Terry Kirkwood, Kennewick, stated Road 32 is the widest street in the area. It is even wider than Road 68; it has a traffic signal at Court Street and he feels there will be no problems with traffic. He also stated his father built the house and it is a solid house. Chairman Samuel closed the public hearing. Commissioner Schouviller moved, seconded by Commissioner Little, to close the hearing on a proposed special permit and schedule deliberations, adoption of findings of fact, conclusions and a recommendation to the City Council for the July 17, 2008 meeting. The motion was unanimously approved. D. Special Permit Iglesia Bautista El Calvario (Joe Franco)(216 N. 11th Ave)(MF#08-004) Chairman Samuel read the master file number and asked staff for comments. Staff stated public notice was published in the newspaper and mailed to surrounding property owners within 300 ft of the proposed site. Staff explained the application was for a proposed church to be located in a pre-existing home in a commercial zoning district on N 11th Ave. Staff reviewed the surrounding land uses and the written report for the benefit of the Planning Commission. Staff explained that as with the previous church application, converting a house to a church changes the occupancy classification and the building code requirements for exiting and other safety issues. The site lacks of a hard surfaced parking and lacks landscaping. Other concern related to the serving of liquor on nearby commercial properties. Chairman Samuel asked about the situation with the current church located in the vicinity. Staff stated the church to the north was required to provide a hard surface parking lot, make structural renovations, provided landscaping to improve the appearance of the lot. Commissioner Little asked about the hours of operation for services. Staff commented churches typically operate on Sundays and hold a weekly night meeting. 1- Chairman Samuel opened the hearing for public comment. Joe Franco, 3909 W. 47th, Kennewick, represents the church and stated they have been renting space from another church. He has prepared a budget and proposal to purchase their own church. They currently have 20 members. The building has new stucco, A/C, and paint. He stated there are two stairwells to the basement. He further noted he is a federal employee and understands rules and regulations and intends to follow all requirements of the City. Services will be held on Sundays and Wednesday evenings. Chairman Samuel questioned the parking situation. Mr. Franco stated there is a slab in the rear of the property that has enough room for 6 cars, as well as in the front of the property with a 1 car garage and a driveway that would allow for 1-2 additional parking spaces. Chairman Samuel asked staff about any similar parking situations. Staff commented there are several other similar parking situations in the City of Pasco which have alley access to parking. Chairman Samuel opened the hearing for public comment. Roy Fiesic, 1812 W. Sylvester, stated he is a member of the neighboring church and welcomes the addition to the neighborhood. Chairman Samuel closed the public hearing. Staff and the Planning Commission discussed the need to improve the exterior landscaping, improve the parking lot area, address building code issues and add a storm water drainage system near the alley. Commissioner Anderson asked about the occupancy number for this site. Staff stated the code permit one person per 7 square feet. The building in theory could hold 100 people based on square footage. Commissioner Anderson moved, seconded by Commissioner Hay, to close the hearing on a proposed special permit and schedule deliberations, adoptions of findings of fact, conclusions and a recommendation to the City Council for the July 17, 2008 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. E. Special Permit Kingspoint Christian School Master Plan (Georgia Perkins)(33O9 Rd 1OO)(MF#08-005) 42 Chairman Samuel read the master file number and asked staff for comments. Staff stated public notice was published in the newspaper and mailed to surrounding property owners within 300 ft of the proposed site. The application was for a private school. The county previously granted a special permit for a the school on the proposed site but due to the length of time since that approval and given the fact the scope of the project has changed a new special permit is needed. Staff reviewed the written report for the benefit of the Planning Commission and explained the proposed site plan. Chairman Samuel opened the hearing for public comment. Bill McCue, 2211 S. Highlands Blvd, South Richland, stated he was the architect for this project and then proceeded to view the three phase plan containing the parking lot, classroom wings, gymnasium and playfields. Chairman Samuel asked Mr. McCue the number of students intended for Phase 1. Mr. McCue stated for Phase 1 there will be 100 students, with the Master Plan projecting a total of 200 students. Tim Casnick, 10104 Willow Way, stated he has lived in the area for 10 years and is concerned with the increased traffic this school will create. He commented about the current speed limit of 35 mph and was concerned about student safety. He questioned if there would be enough room for a turn lane. Georgia Perkins, Principal for Kingspoint Christian School, 5007 Richardson Road, commented on the driveway and stated they have a contract allowing Mrs. Olson to reside at the residence until her death and at that time the house will be leveled and the land added to the playground. Tim Casnick asked about the lighting situation with the playfields. Chairman Samuel clarified Tim Casnick was not opposed to the school but concerned with the future plans. With no further comments, Chairman Samuel closed the public hearing. Staff stated the special permit granted by the county contained a number of conditions including improvements to Road 100 with curb, gutter and sidewalk additions for safety for the children. A fence with screen was required by the County. Similar conditions would be needed for this application. Chairman Samuel referenced the light study performed at the Tri-City Prep to be guidance for the recommendation for lighting issues. 4a Staff suggested the applicant move the soccer farther to the south to prevent balls from going over the fence. The applicant had no objection. Commissioner Anderson moved, seconded by Commissioner Little, to close the hearing on a proposed special permit and schedule deliberations, adoptions of findings of fact, conclusions and a recommendation to the City Council for the July 17, 2008 meeting. The motion was approved unanimously. F. Special Permit Franklin County Courthouse Parking Lot (Franklin County)(1016 N. 4th Ave)(MF#08-006) Chairman Samuel read the master file number and asked staff for comments. Staff stated public notice was published in the newspaper and mailed to surrounding property owners within 300 ft of the proposed site. This location currently has the old Benton-Franklin County Health Department building on site and it will be demolished to accommodate a parking lot providing 90 additional parking spaces. The Franklin County Courthouse and Jail are in need of additional parking. The surrounding properties are zoned R-1, Commercial, which include Volunteer Park and a mobile home park. Chairman asked if on-street parking would still be permitted. Staff responded it would be permitted. Chris Giles, 514 N. Nevada Street, Kennewick, represented the County and spoke in favor of the special permit. He explained the plan calls for the demolition of the old Health District building, extensive site grading and then construction of the new parking lot. The county plans on completing the parking lot this year. The parking lot is to be lit and will have camera surveillance for the protection of the public. Chairman opened the hearing for public comment. Michelle Kellogg, Employee from Lourdes Medical Facility, 514 N. Nevada Street, Kennewick stated they are very happy to see the proposed parking lot being built. Due to the lack of parking in the area, the hospital parking lot has been crowed and it made has made it difficult for patients to find parking. Chairman Samuel closed the public hearing. 44 Commissioner Rose moved, seconded by Commissioner Schouviller, to close the hearing on a proposed special permit and schedule deliberations, adoptions of findings of fact, conclusions and a recommendation to the City Council for the July 17, 2008 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Welcome to Jana Kempf, the newest Planning Commissioner! Commissioner Rose moved, seconded by Commissioner Schouviller, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion passed unanimously. With no further business, the Planning Commission was adjourned at 10:10 pm. Respectfully submitted, David McDonald, Secretary 1S