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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-21-2012 Planning Commission Minutes REGULAR MEETING June 21, 2012 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:OOpm by Chairman Cruz. POSITION MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT No. 1 Michael Levin No. 2 Vacant No. 3 Andy Anderson No. 4 Alecia Greenaway No. 5 Joe Cruz No. 6 Vacant No. 7 Zahra Khan No. 8 Jana Kempf No. 9 Paul Hilliard 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. Commissioner Anderson declared that he needed to excuse himself from agenda item VI.A, 2013 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fund Allocations (MF# BGAP2012-003) because he had been working with one of the applicants. 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. 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: Commissioner Greenaway moved, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, that the minutes dated May 17, 2012 be approved as mailed. The motion passed unanimously. -1- OLD BUSINESS: A. Special Permit Expansion of a jail (Franklin County Jail) (MF# SP2012-0111 Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. David McDonald, City Planner, discussed changes in the staff report. Some of the conditions were modified after the previous meeting to reflect testimony that was provided in the hearing relating to light spillage on the west side of the proposed expansion. The report also added language on ornamental fencing on the east side of the building as well as clarification of the landscaping strip along 5th Avenue and Marie Street. Chairman Cruz asked a question in regards to one of the conditions relating to exterior finishing materials matching that of the existing structures. Commissioner Khan moved, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to adopt findings of fact and conclusions as contained in the June 21, 2012 staff report. The motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Khan moved, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, based on the findings of fact and conclusions that the Planning Commission recommend the City Council grant a Special Permit to Franklin County to expand the County courthouse and correctional facility with conditions as contained in the June 21, 2012 staff report. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. McDonald explained that this item will go to City Council at the next regular meeting unless an appeal is filed. B. Zoning Rezone from R-1 (Low Density Residential) and C-1 (Retail Business) to R-3 (Medium Density Residential) (Pasco Family Housing) (MF# Z2012-001) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. David McDonald, City Planner, explained that in March the Planning Commission reviewed this item and forwarded a recommendation to the City Council that the property in question be rezoned from R-1 and C-1 to R-3 with a condition limiting access. The Council reviewed the recommendation on May 7, 2012 and May 21, 2012. The matter was remanded to the Planning Commission to address specific items relating to potential impacts of multi-story buildings across from single-family homes on Charles Avenue, as well as potential impacts on the Pasco School District. Mr. McDonald further explained the property was currently zoned R-1 and C-1. The R-1 District permits houses to be constructed up to 25 feet in height while the C-1 District permits building heights of 35 feet. If the property was zoned R-3 building heights would be permitted up to 35 feet. There was a concern by some that if the -2- developer built 35 foot tall apartments, it may cause an impact on the low-rise single- family homes on the east side of Charles Avenue. Mr. McDonald suggested possible remedies included limiting the height of buildings and increasing the setbacks so that the taller height wouldn't impact the surrounding properties as much. It was recommended the Planning Commission limit building heights to 25 feet and include a larger setback for property located north of George Street. In regards to the school impact question Mr. McDonald explained that earlier in the year the City Council passed an ordinance requiring school impact fees of all new residential developments. Information was provided in the staff report reflecting what the School District anticipates for impacts resulting from housing development. The proposed rezone would allow the property to develop with 51 units, which could bring 30 additional students, where if it developed with single-family the School District could see an additional 16 students. The School District has indicated through correspondence to the city and through their Capital Facilities Plan that school impact fees will address most of the concerns related to the impacts of new residential development. There was no recommendation or modification from the prior report related to the School District. Commissioner Greenaway stated that there should be a 25 foot building height maximum on all sides of the property. Commissioner's Anderson, Khan, Cruz and Kempf agreed with the 25 foot building height maximum. Commissioner Greenaway moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, to adopt the additional findings of fact and modified conclusions therefrom as contained in the staff memo of June 21, 2012. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Greenaway moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, based on the findings of fact and conclusions therefrom, the Planning Commission recommend the City Council approve the amended rezone from C-1 (Retail Business) and R-1 (Low Density Residential) to R-3 (Medium Density Residential) with a concomitant agreement prohibiting access to the property from Charles Avenue and limiting building heights to 25 feet. The motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Block Grant Administration 2013 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fund Allocations (MF# BGAP2O12-003) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Angie Pitman, Block Grant Administrator, gave a brief summary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the 2013 proposals. Notice of the hearing was posted in the Tri-City Herald and the applicants were to present their proposed projects. -3- In 2009, HUD approved the Tri-Cities Consolidated Plan which spelled out goals and strategies for use of all block grant funds in the Tri-Cities for the next five years. An Annual Work Plan forms the basis for carrying out the goals of the Consolidated Plan and determines which activities CDBG funds will be used for in that period. Pasco's entitlement from HUD for 2013 is estimated to be $580,000 based on the prior year's entitlement. There is $121,000 available for reallocation from prior programs making the total available roughly $702,000 for use in 2013. Seventeen proposals were received totaling approximately $2.8 million. A selection criterion has been outlined to help with deciding which activities need to be funded. Each proposal is reviewed for eligibility, national objectives, Consolidated Plan goals and local allocation plans to focus on needs that Pasco City Council has identified. All activities must clearly demonstrate that they meet the national objective, primarily benefiting low-moderate income persons, aid in prevention and elimination of blight or meet an urgent need. Deb Brumley, 940 Florence St, Prosser, WA, spoke on behalf of Catholic Family Services-Volunteer Chore Services. Ms. Brumley stated that Volunteer Chore Service has a long established relationship with the City of Pasco. The proposed project will serve senior citizens, with the median age of 72, and a median income of $800 per month. The grant money would be coupled with volunteer hours to produce vital services for seniors, such as putting in hand rails and handicap ramps. In the past year five seniors in the City of Pasco were served; one ramp completed and four underway. The request for 2013 is for $4,000 to help build seven additional ramps. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, spoke on behalf of the City of Pasco's proposals: CDBG Program Administration, Civic Center Youth Recreation Specialist, Martin Luther King Community Center Recreation Specialist, Senior Citizen's Center Recreation Specialist, Code Enforcement Officer, LID #149 Special Assessment, Replacement of the Kurtzman Pool with Spray Park and ADA Improvements. Most of these activities are the same from prior years with the exception of the Replacement of the Kurtzman Pool with Spray Park and ADA Improvements. The ADA Improvements are a continuation of an effort that the Planning Commission recommended for approval last year. It is to install ADA ramps or replace substandard ADA ramps. Those activities must be located in low-moderate income census tracts for an area-wide benefit. The Kurtzman Park Pool Replacement is for further improvements for the Kurtzman Park neighborhood. It would replace the existing aging pool which has been a maintenance challenge with a spray park causing maintenance costs to decrease and would still be a significant recreational asset in the park. The LID #149 Special Assessment is a project that has been to Planning Commission for the past three years. The CDBG funds would pay for low income family's LID assessment. It has been a selling point for the improvements. Chairman Cruz asked if the Kurtzman Spray Park was consistent with the long term proposal for the pools previously discussed. -4- Mr. White answered yes and that in the future more City pools might be on the list. Louisa Alaniz, 3 Zinnia Court, spoke on behalf of Charity Training Center. Their organization has applied the past several years. Ms. Alaniz stated that she developed the Anti-Gang Prevention/Intervention Program and Youth Organic Farmers/Produce Co-Op through her experience as a farm worker. It would help high risk families, anti- gang members or gang members as they cannot be employed with their long history of criminal record. If employment cannot be provided for those people in the public then she feels someone needs to employ them. Ms. Alaniz feels that these programs are needed in Pasco to assist law enforcement. Commissioner Levin asked where the proposed projects would be located. Ms. Alaniz answered that the land would be donated by the families themselves, such as their backyards. She also said that she is working with someone who is purchasing land for the purpose of these projects. Commissioner Khan stated that the proposed projects are worthy causes, however, the proposals lacked the details that the Planning Commission needs to support the organization financially. Ms. Alaniz asked what her proposal lacked. Chairman Cruz responded that there aren't any other sources of revenue on either proposal. Most organizations are requesting CDBG funds to be matched with other sources or money. The Planning Commission looks for organizations that have a strong history and track record, which both proposals lack. He stated that in the future, teaming up with a reputable organization with a history might be helpful, but as the proposals stand at the present time, they are not attractive for block grant funding. If help is needed in forming the proposals or finding other grants, City Staff can direct organizations in the right direction. Ms. Pitman stated that she can point Ms. Alaniz in the direction of finding grants more suited to their organization's needs. Victoria Silvernail, 120 Thayer Drive, Richland, WA spoke on behalf of the Pasco Specialty Kitchen. Her organization is requesting $65,000. They have 45 clients in the kitchen, 12 of which are in their own "store fronts". There are close to 75 jobs that the clients in their own store fronts have created over the years and still building. Getting the support and education has been important for these businesses. Many of the clients have built their business up so much that they have to hire more employees to help them. The Specialty Kitchen also partners with the School District, adding scholarships. Chairman Cruz asked who some of the recent graduates were of the program. Ms. Silvernail answered that Millie Banks with Cupcakes Deli has a store front and two employees. Recently, Agape Events has moved on to do complete events with seven employees. -5- Amy Kuchler, 7720 Three Rivers Drive, spoke on behalf of the Downtown Pasco Development Authority's Fagade Improvement proposal. The Fagade Improvement program is a cornerstone piece in the revitalization in economic development of Downtown Pasco. Improving facades helps achieve a cohesive look, encourage community pride, increases shopping visits to the area as well as the dollar amount spent each trip. Most importantly, fagade improvements create jobs for local residents. This program is coordinated with the City of Pasco as well as Columbia Basin College. If funded for 2013, there would be the ability to complete two-three fagade improvements. If not funded, fagade projects will have to be put on hold for 2013. Chairman Cruz asked how many facades were completed in the past year. Ms. Kuchler answered that one fagade was completed. Viera's Bakery and another property owner who has three facades on 4th Avenue and one fagade on Lewis have been contacted to do fagade improvements. These owners would most likely be able to use 2012 funds as well as 2013 funds. Brian Ace, 1102 N. Irving Place, Kennewick, WA spoke on behalf of the Boys 8s Girls Club of Benton & Franklin Counties. The proposed building is located at 801 N. 18th Avenue. The mission of Boys & Girls Club is "To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens." The proposal is for safety improvements, such as asbestos abatement in the Learning Center and the office, making flooring changes as well as ADA improvements inside and outside the building, including doors, a restroom and a ramp. Judith Gidlcy, 4205 Mcadowview Drive spoke on behalf of the Benton Franklin Community Action Connections. They have two proposals; HOME Base Affordable Housing and Community Housing Improvement Program Minor Rehab/Repairs. Benton Franklin CAC currently provides low income energy assistance to homes. Approximately 2,800 households are helped each year. During the process people are screened for those who have heat or lack of heat in their homes. For the Community Housing Improvement Program, the CDBG funds would allow them to do energy efficient upgrades, hazardous material identification and removal. They are requesting $50,000 and they can match funds for that project. The HOME Base Affordable Housing proposal is a continued effort to provide transitional housing. It was intended to go with match of CHDO funds for very low income residents of Pasco. They are requesting $160,000 and they can match funds for that project. Erik Ramey, 1303 W. 42nd, Kennewick, WA, Amber Strudwick, 5205 W. Livingston, Diane Hart, 4215 W. Klamath, Kennewick, WA and Michael Hanes, 8630 W. Klamath, Kennewick, WA spoke on behalf of Regional Service Corp of AmeriCorp. Mr. Ramey gave a brief overview of the program. They are a national service organization who help communities become safer, smarter and healthier. The proposed project is for a splash pad at Kurtzman Park, building on the wading pool area. Once work is completed the splash pad will be handed over to the community. -6- The goal is to develop a community project in which members of the community volunteer their own time, money and efforts. Ms. Strudwick explained details of the proposed project. She described the assessment and process they used in order to show the viability of a splash pad in the Kurtzman area. The population that would be served is in census track 201, which is 74.8% low-moderate income and 69.1% of these households have individuals under 18 years of age. The budget is primarily composed for the splash pad equipment. The rest is for extra materials. Volunteers are ready to assist and willing to help out with the project. The work would begin in the fall of 2013 with a potential grand opening ceremony in the spring or early summer of 2014. Commissioner Khan spoke that it sounded like a fun project. Commissioner Levin stated that enjoyed their presentation. With no further presentations the hearing ended. B. Block Grant Administration 2013 HOME Fund Allocation (MF# BGAP2012-004) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, explained the 2013 HOME Fund Allocation. Pasco, Kennewick and Richland formed a consortium to receive HOME Investment Partnership monies from the Federal government which each city alone would not be able to receive. The Consortium receives a sum of money divided between the three cities along the same allocation guidelines that block grant funding are divided from. This year's allocation is expected to be $451,060 with Pasco's share around $149,723 and program income totaling $131,000. This year three homes are expected to sell so that program income will come back to be used again. The majority of the money is anticipated to be used for acquisition and rehab or infill projects. This would either purchase vacant or foreclosed homes to rehabilitate them. If the right opportunity arises, vacant property may be purchased for infill housing. There were no questions or comments from the Planning Commission. C. Block Grant Administration 2013 NSP Fund Allocation (MF# BGAP2012-0051 Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, explained the 2013 Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) Allocation and Annual Work Plan. The City received $426,343 several years ago from the American Recovery Reinvestment Act. That money was specifically used to provide $10,000 down payment assistance, -7- forgivable loans for qualifying home buyers and with the remaining funds the City purchased foreclosed homes and rehabilitated them with HOME and NSP monies. It is expected to receive $80,000 in program income once those homes sell. With that money, staff would propose that the City would accomplish seven down payment assistance loans for qualifying families. There were no questions or comments from the Planning Commission. D. Block Grant Administration Significant Amendment to the 4th Avenue Wall (MF# BGAP2012-006) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, explained the significant amendment for program reallocation of Community Development Block Grant funds. The City is asking that roughly $30,000 be taken from ADA Ramp Replacements, which has not yet begun, and instead be allocated to the 4th Avenue Corridor Improvement Project. Work has already started on 4th Avenue and will be made more pedestrian friendly and have a more safe street design. There is a mobile home park on the east side of 4th Avenue. The owners and residents of the park made a suggestion that instead of a block wall where they would feel blocked in, that instead an aesthetically pleasing wrought iron fence be constructed with some landscaping to assist with safety and noise. Chairman Cruz asked if this is to be executed with the same contract that is doing the street improvements and if there are cost savings to do it at the same time as the street. Mr. White answered that no, it is a separate action and will have to go out for bid. Commissioner Anderson asked if the corridor improvement project would be the second phase for the north part of 4th Avenue or if it was all going to be done at the same time. Mr. White answered that there would be another phase after the corridor improvement project. There were no further questions or comments from the Planning Commission. E. Code Amendment Secondhand Stores in C-1 Zones (MF# CA2012-003) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, explained the code amendment for secondhand dealers in C-1 and C-2 zones. This item was introduced at the April meeting and was brought back in May. Staff received direction from the Planning Commission and prepared the proposed ordinance. Mr. White briefly reviewed the proposed ordinance. -8- Chairman Cruz opened the public hearing and asked for comments from the public. Pastor John Paisley, 4805 W. Wernett Road, spoke on behalf of Riverview Baptist Church. His church would like to establish a non-profit world-wide mission store located at 1208 N. 201h Avenue. All of the profits of the store would go to help orphanages and missionaries. They would like they ability to obtain a special use permit that would allow them to operate the mission store. Chairman Cruz asked if the proposed ordinance would be a hindrance to their project. Pastor Paisley answered as long as they would be able to apply for a special use permit then no, it is not a hindrance. Scott Shinsato, 2500 Fichus Drive, West Richland, WA spoke on behalf of Goodwill Industries. He asked for clarification on an item in the proposed ordinance that states, "All business activities of consignment stores located in the C-1 (Retail Business District), C-2 (Central Business District), and C-3 (General Business District) Zones shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed structure." He asked if donations could be collected outside of the store or does it mean that every activity conducted has to be done inside the building because for convenience sake, Goodwill would like to construct a "drive-thru" to accept donations. Mr. White answered that the intent is to prevent the outdoor display of materials and donations from accumulating on the weekends. Todd Lawson, 22 John Street, Seattle, WA wanted clarification in regards to zoning for secondhand stores and if any zones were not going to allow them. In particular, in zones higher than C-1 (Retail Business), such as CR (Regional Commercial), will those zones allow uses that are allowed in less intense zones. Mr. White answered that the zoning model for Pasco is a pyramid, meaning a use allowed in one zone will go to the next more intense zone. That is not the case, however, for uses allowed by special permit. This means that C-1 uses, if permitted outright, would be allowed in more intense zones but if a C-1 zone allows a special permit, it is not inferred to be allowed in more intense zones. Mr. Lawson asked if CR would then be allowed to have secondhand stores under the proposed ordinance. Mr. White answered that thrift stores would not be allowed but consignment stores would be allowed in CR Zones under the proposed ordinance. Mr. Lawson asked why CR Zones wouldn't be allowed to have thrift stores in the proposed ordinance since it is a more intense zone. Mr. White answered that the reason it was not allowed is because it was discussed in previous workshops by the Planning Commission to just address C-1, C-2 and C-3 zones in terms of updating the code. -9- Mr. Lawson commented that he would like to address updating the CR zone. Chairman Cruz asked the Planning Commission if they would like to discuss including the CR zone as part of the ordinance. Commissioner Khan asked what the benefit would be by including the CR zone. Chairman Cruz asked what kinds of uses are permitted in CR Zones versus C-1 zones. Mr. White answered that car sales are permitted in CR zones but offhand he could not think of other the uses in the CR zone. If the Planning Commission is interested in going down that path, they would need to look at the purpose and statement for the CR zone compared to the permitted uses. Commissioner Anderson asked how much of the City is zoned CR. Mr. McDonald answered that the Riverview Shopping Plaza and the north side of St. Thomas Drive are the only two places in the community zoned CR. Chairman Cruz stated that since the amount of CR zones in the City are so small that they should not include it in the ordinance. The other Commissioners agreed. Chairman Anderson moved, seconded by Commissioner Levin, the Planning Commission adopt the findings of fact as contained in the June 21, 2012 staff memo on Secondhand Dealers in C-1 and C-2 zones. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Anderson moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, the Planning Commission recommend the City Council adopt the proposed Code Amendment regulating the location and operation of Secondhand Stores within the City. The motion passed unanimously. This item will go to City Council Workshop on July 9, 2012 then to the following Regular Meeting unless there are concerns. F. Plan Rivershore Amenities/Linkages Plan (MF# PLAN2012-003) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community 8s Economic Development Director, reminded the Planning Commission that they have seen this item several times in workshops. Staff has taken Planning Commission input to revise the drafted Rivershore Amenities/Linkages Plan. There were some items in the plans that were either confusing or ambiguous so they were eliminated. One gentleman spoke at the last meeting in regards to the lack of signage along the trail getting off of the Cable Bridge. That was an area that was also a high priority for the regional plan, so it was listed as a general constraint in the City's plan as well. The reference to the Broadmoor Concept Plan was added, the Columbia View Trail System which goes along the predominantly residential section, was re-routed back onto the street system and there were a number of changes added -10- to the Chiawanna Park segment. Beaches were added to the Wade Park segment. A section was added to address an issue with various under-crossings at the various bridges the trail goes through. A non-motorized boating area was considered at the area which currently contains a central pre-mix plant, which could someday be used after it fills up with water, as a non-motorized boating area. Commissioner Khan moved, seconded by Commissioner Greenaway, that the Planning Commission recommend adoption of the 2012 Rivershore Linkages and Amenities Plan. The motion passed unanimously. OTHER BUSINESS: A. Information Interpretation of MF# SP10-021 Conditions (MF# INFO2012-003) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. David McDonald, City Planner, explained to the Planning Commission that staff is looking for guidance on this item. In Fall 2010, a special permit application was reviewed for an auto sales lot on the SE corner of 10th and "A" Street. Typically when special permits are approved for businesses they have a timeframe they must adhere to, usually tied to the building permit. In this case it was tied to the business license. In Spring 2011 the applicant applied for the building permit, received the permit and has been working on the project ever since. The timeframe, however, for the business license expired. Staff would like to know if the Planning Commission feels it is necessary for the applicant to re-apply. Staff does not see the need to go through the process again as long as the Planning Commission interprets the requirement for the business license would be the same as getting a building permit, the City could allow them to complete. Chairman Cruz stated that he did not see the point in making the applicant go through the process again. The other Commissioners unanimously agreed. WORKSHOP: With no further discussion or business, the Planning Commission was adjourned at 8:56 p.m. Respectfully submitted, David McDonald, City Planner -11-