HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-18-2010 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING November 18, 2010
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Cruz.
POSITION MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT
No. 1 Vacant
No. 2 James Hay
No. 3 Andy Anderson
No. 4 Alecia Greenaway
No. 5 Joe Cruz
No. 6 Kurt Lukins
No. 7 Vacant
No. 8 Jana Kempf
No. 9 Lisa Gemig
Rick White, Community and Economic Development Director explained that the
Planning Commission did not have a quorum. The members present (acting as a sub-
committee of the Planning Commission) could hear the items on the agenda and
develop a record, but no action could take place. The members absent would have an
opportunity to listen to the recorded record before the next Planning Commission
meeting. Having confirmed they listened to the proceedings, action could be taken at
the next meeting.
APPEARANCE OF FAIRNESS:
Chairman Cruz read a statement about the appearance of fairness for hearings on
land use matters. Chairman Cruz asked if any Commission member had anything to
declare. No other declarations were made.
Chairman Cruz then asked the audience if there were any objections based on conflict
of interest or appearance of fairness questions regarding any of the items to be
discussed this evening. There were no objections.
ADMINISTERING THE OATH:
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.
Chairman Cruz swore in all those desiring to speak.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Without a quorum approval of the October 21 st minutes was postponed until
December 16th.
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OLD BUSINESS:
NONE
NEW BUSINESS:
A. SPECIAL PERMIT Location of a new Middle School in an R-S-1
District. (Rd. 52 & Power Line Rd.) (Renewal of a
previously approved Special Permit) (Pasco
School District) (MF# SP10-0241
Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Dave McDonald, City Planner, explained that the application involved a request by the
Pasco School District for a renewal of a Special Permit for Middle School # 4. The
Special Permit granted for the school in 2008 expired on October 31, 2010. Since the
original approval, the District constructed Road 52 and stubbed water and sewer
service to the site. The proposal was essentially the same as that which was approved
in 2008 with the exception of some changes in the site layout. The football field and
event parking lot were shifted to the north. The written report, including references to
the recommenced conditions, was reviewed for the benefit of the Planning Commission
John Morgan, 1215 W. Lewis Street, Executive Director of Facilities for the Pasco
School District was present to speak in favor of the Special Permit. Mr. Morgan stated
the District was still in the planning stages for the school and wanted to keep the
Special Permit current so they would be ready to go when a bond was passed.
Chairman Cruz asked if the proposed extension was long enough.
Mr. Morgan stated he felt it was.
Chairman Cruz asked Mr. McDonald if the special permit could be extend beyond
2014.
Mr. McDonald explained the recommendation for the 2014 date was longer than
typical. One of the reasons for a definitive date on Special Permits was because
conditions, codes and other things within the community change over time.
Establishing a date allows the City to apply new codes to a project if the project is not
started within the Special Permit approval timeframe.
Commissioner Hay moved, seconded by Commissioner Kempf, to continue the hearing
until the December 18, 2010 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
B. SPECIAL PERMIT Location of a Church with daycare services in a
C-1 Zone (3806 W. Court St.) (House of
Restoration)JMF# SP10-025)
Chairwoman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
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Shane O'Neill, Planner I, explained the applicant was seeking a Special Permit for a
church and daycare to be located in the old Phil's Sporting Goods Store at 3806 W.
Court Street. Surrounding land uses and zoning were highlighted along with some of
the staff recommended conditions of approval including: the need for parking lot and
landscaping improvements, the addition of ADA compliant restroom facilities and the
installation of curb and gutter and the exclusion of a daycare.
Chairman Cruz asked if condition # 18 meant all improvements or just the parking lot.
Mr. O'Neill stated the condition should also include all improvements in the building.
Following additional discussion on parking Chairman Cruz asked if any one was
present to speak on the matter.
Oscar Perez, 1621 West 27th Ave. Kennewick, was present to represent the church.
Mr. Perez submitted a letter asking that recommended condition # 15 dealing with no
access to Brown Street be eliminated. The letter also requested parking lot
improvements be tied to future church expansion and that street improvements not be
required on Brown Street.
Mr. McDonald explained that the access issue on the property was settled in 1986
when the property was platted. At that time access was approved off Court Street and
Road 38. Access from Brown Street was prohibited. Mr. McDonald explained the
property was not denied access because of the common access on Road 38 and Court
Street.
Chairman Cruz suggested the applicant be given a year to complete the parking lot
improvements similar to the church at 14th Ave. and Sylvester Street.
Commissioner Hay moved, seconded by Commissioner Kempf, to continue the hearing
until the December 18, 2010 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
WORKSHOP:
OTHER BUSINESS:
Mr. White, Community and Economic Development Director briefly discussed the
memo provided to the Commission on the County Sign Code amendment. State
consistency requirements between City and County development regulations was
explained along with staff's concern over the proposed County sign code amendments
lack of consistency with City code. The County Commissioner adopted the new sign
code with instruction for County staff to work with the City to correct the
inconsistencies.
With no further business, the Planning Commission was adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
David McDonald, Secretary
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