HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-20-2013 Planning Commission Minutes-1-
REGULAR MEETING June 20, 2013
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Chairman Hilliard.
POSITION MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT
No. 1 Tim Hoekstra
No. 2 Tony Bachart
No. 3 Andy Anderson
No. 4 Alecia Greenaway
No. 5 Joe Cruz
No. 6 Loren Polk
No. 7 Zahra Khan
No. 8 Jana Kempf
No. 9 Paul Hilliard
APPEARANCE OF FAIRNESS:
Chairman Hilliard read a statement about the appearance of fairness for hearings on
land use matters. Chairman Hilliard asked if any Commission member had anything
to declare. Commissioner Anderson stated that he would have to recuse himself from
the public hearing on 2014 Community Development Block Grant Funds (MF# BGAP
2013-002) due to a conflict in interest.
Chairman Hilliard then asked the audience if there were any objections based on a
conflict of interest or appearance of fairness question regarding the items to be
discussed this evening. There were no objections.
ADMINISTERING THE OATH:
Chairman Hilliard explained that state law requires testimony in quasi-judicial
hearings such as held by the Planning Commission be given under oath or affirmation.
Chairman Hilliard swore in all those desiring to speak.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Anderson moved, seconded by Commissioner Greenaway, that the
minutes dated May 16, 2013 be approved as mailed. The motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Special Permit Location of a cellular tower (AT&T) (MF # SP
2013-009)
Chairman Hilliard read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Shane O’Neill, Planner I, discussed the special permit application for the location of a
cellular antennae tower. He explained that the only change to the report since the
previous meeting is the addition of a condition stating that the Washington State Flag
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that will be flown on the new pole must fly at a lower height than the existing United
States Flag on the adjacent pole.
Commissioner Anderson moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, to adopt findings of
fact and conclusions therefrom as contained in the June 20, 2013 staff report. The
motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Anderson moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, based on the
findings of fact and conclusions as adopted the Planning Commission recommend the
City Council grant a special permit to AT&T for the location of a cellular tower at 6600
Burden Boulevard with conditions as listed in the June 20, 2013 staff report. The
motion passed unanimously.
B. Special Permit Location of a Water Intake Facility (City of
Pasco) (MF # SP 2013-011)
Chairman Hilliard read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
David McDonald, City Planner, discussed the special permit application for the
location of a water intake facility. Mr. McDonald stated that there were no additional
comments since the previous meeting.
Commissioner Greenaway moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to adopt the
findings of fact and conclusions therefrom as contained in the June 20, 2013 staff
report. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Greenaway moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, based on the
findings of fact and conclusions as adopted the Planning Commission recommend the
City Council grant a special permit for the construction of a municipal water intake
facility on a portion of Lot 11, Harris Subdivision with conditions as listed in the June
20, 2013 staff report. The motion passed unanimously.
C. Zoning Rezone from RT (Residential Transition) to R-1
(Low Density Residential) (Hayden Homes) (MF #
Z 2013-001)
Chairman Hilliard read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
David McDonald, City Planner, discussed the rezone application from RT (Residential
Transition) to R-1 (Low Density Residential). Mr. McDonald stated that there were no
additional comments since the previous meeting.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked if this particular application and report were connected
to the supplemental report or memorandum the Planning Commission received
concerning the sewer.
Mr. McDonald responded that it was not but it will be related to a plat later on but the
rezone is the first step.
Commissioner Khan asked if there has been any discussion on traffic impact if it is
rezoned to R-1.
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Mr. McDonald answered no but the new development will be required to pay the traffic
impact fee and there will also be supplemental funds available.
Commissioner Khan asked how school impact fees apply to this property.
Mr. McDonald answered that school impact fees will apply but that will be something
discussed during the hearing on the plat itself, not the rezone application.
Commissioner Hoekstra moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, to adopt the
findings of fact and conclusions therefrom as contained in the June 20, 2013 staff
report. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Hoekstra moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, based on the
findings of fact and conclusions as adopted the Planning Commission recommend the
City Council approve the rezone from RT (Residential Transition) to R-1 (Low Density
Residential). The motion passed unanimously.
D. Zoning Rezone from R-3 (Medium Density Residential)
with density limit of 30-units to R-3 (Medium
Density Residential) without density limit
(Ronald Grate) (MF # Z 2013-002)
Chairman Hilliard read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed the rezone
application removing a 30-unit density limit requirement from a concomitant
agreement in an R-3 zone. Mr. White mentioned that one condition had slightly
changed, giving the applicant greater flexibility in building design and still meets the
intent of what was discussed at the previous meeting. The height was also clarified to
require single-story construction rather than an 18’ height, again to give the applicant
more flexibility in the case of different pitch or heights of the roof on the same
structure.
Commissioner Polk asked about adding an age restriction to the deed or concomitant
agreement and wanted to know if there had been any discussion on that since the
previous meeting.
Mr. White responded that if the applicant wishes to do that he is welcome to but it is
not something the Planning Commission should require.
Commissioner Khan asked a question to clarify some of the handouts that were given
to them prior to the meeting on this item.
David McDonald, City Planner, responded to her question.
Commissioner Hoekstra moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, to adopt the
findings of fact and conclusions therefrom as contained in the June 20, 2013 staff
report. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Hoekstra moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, based on the
findings of fact and conclusions as adopted the Planning Commission recommend the
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City Council approve the applicants request to rezone Cole’s Estates, Lot 5, to R-3
(Medium Density Residential) Zone, with a concomitant agreement containing the
conditions listed in the June 20, 2013 staff report. The motion passed five to one with
Commissioner Polk dissenting.
E. Plan Automobile Repair in Commercial Zones (MF #
PLAN 2012-006)
Chairman Hilliard read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed automobile
repair operations in Commercial Zones. Mr. White explained the proposed ordinance
amending the Zoning Code to contain specific language to implement the Action Plan
and the process of the code amendment.
Commissioner Khan asked a question to clarify the start time of business proposed at
a previous Planning Commission meeting.
Mr. White answered that prior discussion concerned adjusting the business day to
match the hours specified in the noise ordinance and that was taken into
consideration.
Commissioner Anderson moved, seconded by Commissioner Greenaway, to adopt the
findings of fact as contained in the June 20, 2013 staff memo on automobile repair
operations. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Anderson moved, seconded by Commissioner Greenaway, the Planning
Commission recommend the City Council adopt the proposed ordinance amending
Title 25 of the PMC as contained in the June 20, 2013 staff memo. The motion passed
unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Special Permit Location of an automotive body shop in a C-3
(General Business Zone) (Russell Dean) (MF # SP
2013-012)
Chairman Hilliard read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Shane O’Neill, Planner I, discussed the location of an automotive body shop in a C-3
(General Business) Zone. The application is running concurrently with a short plat
application to sub-divide the parcel. Auto body shops are required to obtain a special
permit application in C-3 Zones.
Mr. O’Neill briefly discussed some of the conditions typically applied to special permit
applications for automotive body shops.
Commissioner Polk stated that the report mentions the Department of Ecology
overseeing the air quality. She asked if they have standards for different zones and
population or if it’s a blanket standard.
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Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, responded that the
Department of Ecology’s air criteria is specific to the use not to the population.
Aaron Haggerty, 3200 W. Octave, the General Manager of Russ Dean’s Family RV
Center, spoke on behalf of the application.
Chairman Hilliard asked if the applicant had any questions for the Planning
Commission.
Mr. Haggerty responded no.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked the applicant how much volume or business they
expect to generate.
Jason Schmidt, 3200 W. Octave, the Operations Director of Russ Dean’s Family RV
Center, stated that they currently take roughly 15-20 jobs per month off-site. They
are trying to consolidate operations to keep vehicles off the roads.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked if vehicles would be stored on the property.
Mr. Schmidt answered they would have a building buffer to store vehicles.
With no further comments the public hearing closed.
Commissioner Anderson moved, seconded by Commissioner Greenaway, to close the
public hearing and schedule deliberations, the adoption of findings of fact and
development of a recommendation for City Council for the July 18, 2013 Planning
Commission Meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
B. Rezone Rezone from R-2 (Medium Density Residential)
to C-1 (Retail Business) (Jeff McClure) (MF # Z
2013-003)
Chairman Hilliard read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Shane O’Neill, Planner I, discussed the rezone application from R-2 (Medium Density
Residential) to C-1 (Retail Business). The site is developed with a metal structure and
much of the frontage is unimproved. The Comprehensive Plan designates the site for
Commercial Use.
Mr. O’Neill provided additional background related to Code Enforcement on the
property and the adjacent Bonnie Brae Mobile Home Park.
Staff recommended the site be rezoned C-1 consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioner Greenaway stated that in 1970 the property had a gas station and
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wondered how the property ever became zoned Residential.
Mr. O’Neill answered the gas station was built when the property was in the County
and he was unsure of the zoning at the time.
Commissioner Greenaway asked what year the City took possession of the property.
Mr. O’Neill stated it was annexed in 1994.
Jeff McClure, 2303 E. Lewis Street, spoke on behalf of his application.
Chairman Hilliard asked the applicant if he had any questions for the Planning
Commission.
Mr. McClure responded he did not.
Commissioner Anderson asked the applicant what he intended to use this property for
if it is rezoned Commercial.
Mr. McClure answered that he does not do any business at this site. He would like to
use this location to store his beekeeping supplies. He does not have any bees at this
location.
With no further comments the public hearing closed.
Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Greenaway, to close the public
hearing on the proposed rezone and initiate deliberations and schedule adoption of
findings of fact, conclusions and a recommendation to the City Council for the July
18, 2013 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
C. Preliminary Plat Aintree Pre-Plat (Nathan Machiela of Hayden
Homes) (MF # PP 2013-001)
Chairman Hilliard read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
David McDonald, City Planner, discussed the preliminary plat application. The
applicant is proposing to take the 5 acre parcel which was is in the process of being
rezoned to R-1 (Low Density Residential) and develop it into 15 single-family lots. Mr.
McDonald reviewed the findings in the written report and briefly discussed the
proposed conditions. This property is a difficult site to sewer and due and the City
Engineers are recommending the sewer line be connected to Pimlico Drive to the east.
This would require an easement between two lots and some fill may be needed.
Chairman Hilliard asked if the intent was to gravity the sewer through an easement
and if Hayden owned the area where the easement was needed?
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Mr. McDonald answered yes to both questions.
Jason Maddox, 6115 Burden Boulevard, with HDJ Design Group, spoke on behalf of
the applicant, Hayden Homes. The applicant at this time is proposing 14 new single-
family residential lots and there is one existing residence on the property as well as a
barn. The barn will be taken down if this development occurs. The roadway will be
developed to City standards with sidewalks and on-street parking ending in a cul-de-
sac. Water would come from Aintree Drive. Since the property is in the FCID and
uphill from the canal a pump station to be installed somewhere in the development for
irrigation water. He asked for the application to not be conditioned at this time with a
specific option for sewer. They wanted time to explore options various options.
Tracy Libbert, 695 Lake Road, Burbank, WA, spoke in support of this preliminary plat
application and agreed with Mr. Maddox on leaving the options open to explore the
best options for sewer.
With no further comments the public hearing closed.
Mr. McDonald noted that the staff report did not include a condition for placement of
the sewer. During the next month the project engineer and the engineering staff can
work together to work out details on the sewer line.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked for clarification on when the conditions and findings of
fact would be coming back to the Planning Commission.
Mr. McDonald answered they would come back at the next Planning Commission
meeting.
Commissioner Hoekstra moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, to close the hearing
on the proposed subdivision and initiate deliberations and schedule adoption of
findings of fact, conclusions and a recommendation to the City Council for the July
18, 2013 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
D. Block Grant 2014 Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Fund Allocations (MF # BGAP 2013-002)
Chairman Hilliard read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director explained Pasco was an
entitlement city and receives Block Grant funds each year from the Federal
Government. He explained that no decision was expected presently; rather
information is expected to be shared in the form of a public hearing.
Angela Pitman, Block Grant Administrator, gave a brief presentation on the 2014
CDBG process funding levels and the purposes of the CDBG program.
Ms. Pitman explained the request for funds are typical larger than the amount the City
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is awarded. The estimated amount of funds available for 2014 is $656,756. The City
received proposals for $1,470,344.89, a deficit of $814,589.
Ms. Pitman stated the City reviews all applications for eligibility, to make sure they
meet national objectives, they meet goals and objectives of the consolidated plan and
also Resolution 1969 that established the Planning Commission as the Advisory
Board. The City checks subrecipients to determine if they have the capacity to carry
out their project and if they’re project is feasible. Ms. Pitman explained which
activities were allowed and how much funds were available for the various types of
projects.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked for clarification between grant funds requested and
how much the City has available.
Ms. Pitman explained there was a $814,589 deficit between this year’s allocation from
HUD and funds being requested from agencies.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked if the proposals have been reviewed against Resolution
1969 to see if there were any projects that would be excluded.
Mr. White responded that between the public hearing and the next meeting staff will
review will review the applications for eligibility and will have a recommendation for
the Planning Commission at that time.
Chairman Hilliard reiterated that the public hearing was simply to gather information.
Victoria Silvernail, 110 S. 4th Avenue, spoke on behalf of the Pasco Specialty Kitchen.
Ms. Silvernail explained the Specialty Kitchen was requesting $60,000. They offer
potential new business clients an affordable, certified commercial incubator kitchen
for small food-based businesses to make and package their products. The grant
would make it possible to keep their costs affordable. Six clients were added in 2012
and they are still with the Specialty Kitchen. In the first two quarters for 2013, the
Specialty Kitchen has already added 8 clients, 3 of which are manufacturing products
and 4 in different levels of planning. Ms. Silvernail discussed other programs the
kitchen provides and success of her clients, including 11 clients who now have
storefronts and creating new jobs.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked the applicant where the $60,000 is used.
Ms. Silvernail stated it takes roughly $100,000 to run the kitchen. The money she
collects from the clients pays for the repair of equipment and purchasing of equipment
in the facility and the utilities. The $60,000 takes care of the salaries and other
expenses. The Specialty Kitchen is a project of the DPDA.
Amy Kuchler, PO Box 688, spoke on behalf of the Downtown Pasco Development
Authority Façade Improvement Program. Downtown Pasco’s retail buildings need
physical improvements to increase retail traffic, to create jobs, to eliminate blight and
to aid in the continued economic revitalization of Downtown Pasco. The funds are
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used as matching funds to help the store owners up to 75% of their project costs but
up to $25,000 maximum. The number of facades the $60,000 can assist depends on
the scope of the projects. Recently Vierra’s Bakery completed their façade using
CDBG funds and it has become a main focal point of the downtown.
Chairman Hilliard asked the applicant if there were any businesses Downtown on a
waiting list for façade improvements.
Ms Kuchler responded there are businesses currently on a waiting list but many have
expressed interest. It is difficult to get people on a waiting list without knowing how
much funds would be available.
Chairman Hilliard announced the next applicant from Friendly Temple Ministries but
there were no members from the organization present.
Daryl Francis, 720 W. Court Street, spoke on behalf of the Benton Franklin
Community Action Committee (CAC)application. He explained that the funds would
be used for housing rehab to provide low or zero percent interest loans to home
owners for energy efficiency, repairs, lead hazard reductions, connection to city water
and minor rehab to improve the home. They currently have five applications on file.
Chairman Hilliard asked how people find out about the rehab program.
Mr. Francis answered through the City.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked the applicant how his agency will determine which
projects to fund.
Mr. Francis stated they have not received funds so they haven’t decided. There will
most likely be an evaluation of affordability with health and safety as top priorities.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked if there were a number of houses or units they were
targeting to assist.
Mr. Francis answered they would most likely make $10,000 the maximum per unit
cost so 5 units could be completed.
Commissioner Khan asked if the 5 units would be owned or rented.
Mr. Francis answered that they would be homeowners.
Chairman Hilliard asked if they would only be servicing census tracts 201, 202, 203
and 204 or if it would be for the entire city.
Mr. Francis stated it would only be for the low-moderate income census tracts.
Commissioner Khan asked what type of clients would be using the homes; homeless
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transitional housing, elderly or disabled.
Mr. Francis replied the funds are being requested to help low-moderate income
homeowners with repairs to their homes.
Anne Meyer, 2110 West Henry, spoke on behalf of the application for Catholic Family
& Child Services. She stated that the goal of Volunteer Chore Services is to keep
people safe, independent and in their own home as long as possible. There are
currently many requests to install wheelchair ramps and handrails for the elderly and
disabled population. All of the work is completed by trained volunteers.
Chairman Hilliard asked what the grant money would be used for.
Ms. Meyer stated for material costs only, labor is provided by volunteers.
Paul Bremberger, 1600 N. 20th Avenue, Suite A, spoke on behalf of CBVC, Inc. He
stated that since the early 2000’s there have been nearly 1.5 million veterans
separating from active duty and their transition back into civilian life is difficult in
some cases and is a nationwide problem. They’re program was established to help
transition veterans back into the community. The grant money would be used to
purchase and rehab a residential property for transitional housing. Currently there is
a transitional home in Kennewick and a home about to open in Richland.
Commissioner Khan asked how many beds they had between Kennewick and
Richland.
Mr. Bremberger responded the Kennewick home has 5 beds and the Richland home
will have 6.
Chairman Hilliard asked if the organization owns these homes.
Mr. Bremberger answered that CBVC, Inc owns the homes.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked if the home in Pasco is already owned or if their
intentions were to purchase the home with the funds.
Mr. Bremberger replied their intention was to purchase the home with the funds.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked staff how the ownership of the home would work if they
were using grant funds to purchase the home and how it would work.
Ms. Pitman stated that HUD has rules that apply when property is purchased by a
non-profit. They would have to meet the national objectives.
Cori Jones, 124 N. 5th Avenue, spoke on behalf of the South Eastern Washington
Service Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SEWSCDHH). She stated their
organization assists the deaf and the hard or hearing and their family members.
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Funds would be used for: electrical upgrades, drywall, roof, ADA Accessibility, fire
doors and extinguishers, and HVAC units.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked staff if given the amount of work that needs to be done
will the building be required to meet new code standards.
Mr. White responded that it probably would.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked if the proposed $255,844.89 in funds includes the
additional work necessary to bring the building up to code.
Ms. Jones responded that she believes it does but she could double-check.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked if there were any concerns that costs might be driven
higher once walls are opened up.
Chairman Hilliard pointed out that they put a contingency in their application for
such case.
Ms. Jones replied with other grants they hope to have enough funds.
Kathy Jones, 2505 W. Lewis Street, spoke on behalf of the Housing Authority. She
stated they were asking for $250,000 to support the revitalization a low-income
neighborhood. They would use the funds to improve the public infrastructure on 4th
Avenue and Pearl Street.The Housing Authority is developing a 38-unit low-income
apartment project with 37 units set aside for farmworkers and their families with 1
unit available for a property manager. Based on the number of families on the waiting
list this project is needed.
Mr. White asked the applicant if the State portion of the funding was contingent on
farmworker housing or the percentages of average median income.
Ms. Jones stated both.
Chairman Hilliard asked if funding was also contingent on funding from the City.
Ms. Jones stated they must provide a match privately or by obtaining grants.
Commissioner Khan asked if they don’t receive the full $250,000 how would they fund
the project.
Ms. Jones responded they would go back to the engineers to see if it would work.
Commissioner Khan asked if $550,000 was their cap for the project.
Ms. Jones answered yes.
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Commissioner Hoekstra asked where the $7.8 million non-CDBG match comes from.
Ms. Jones answered that the $7.8 million includes funds from the Washington
Department of Commerce that was awarded to them.
Ahmad Qayoumi, 525 N. Third Avenue, spoke on behalf of the Works Department
regarding for ADA Improvements. Mr. Qayoumi briefly explained the program.
Commissioner Greenaway asked how many projects these funds would complete.
Mr. Qayoumi answered that each ramp costs $5,000 so the hopes are to complete 20.
Mr. White spoke on behalf of several City applications. Beginning with Program
Administration, he stated it was an annual request and it was for salaries and
delivering services to the program.
The applications for Senior Center Recreation Specialist, Martin Luther King
Community Center Recreation Specialist and Civic Center Youth Recreation Specialist
are to pay partial salaries to provide services to at-risk youth in census tracts 201-204
census tracts. The Senior Center provides services city-wide to elderly.
The Code Enforcement Officer application would pay for the Code Enforcement Officer
who services only census tracts 201-204.
The Memorial Park Shelter Remodel & ADA Path application would be to construct an
ADA path around the entire park which is part of the American Disability Act. The
funds would also be used to remodel the pavilion.
Commissioner Khan asked if the Code Enforcement Officer funds would go directly to
one officer in particular to pay their salary.
Mr. White answered yes, it is for a specific officer in a specific area.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked about the success over the period of time since the
Code Enforcement Officer has been operating in that area and the impact it has had.
Mr. White replied that it is difficult to quantify. Nearly half of the code enforcement
cases come from east of Highway 395.
Chairman Hilliard asked if roughly $269,000 of the requested funds was for staff
support to keep the program running.
Mr. White responded that only $120,000 would be for Program Administration, there
were 3 recreation positions to total roughly $70,000 and a Code Enforcement Officer
for $48,000.
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Commissioner Khan asked how many people administer the CDBG Program.
Mr. White responded that Ms. Pitman administers the program, time is also charged to
the program by him, Ms. Shanks, the Code Enforcement Officer who dedicates their
time to CDBG projects, planners, inspectors and even engineers.
Commissioner Khan moved, seconded by Commissioner Greenaway, to continue the
public hearing and schedule deliberations and development of a recommendation for
City Council for the July 18, 2013 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
E. Block Grant 2014 HOME Fund Allocations (MF # BGAP 2013-
003)
Chairman Hilliard read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed the 2014
HOME Fund Allocations. He explained that the HOME Program is actually another
block grant devoted exclusively to low-moderate income families for affordable
housing. Pasco formed a consortium with Kennewick and Richland to receive the
HOME funds with Richland operating as the lead agency. Individually the three cities
would not be able to receive the money due to population size. Staff would
recommend the money be used for first-time homebuyer down payment assistance,
paying up to $9,000 in down payment assistance and paying for title reports and
credit reports.
Chairman Hilliard asked how people would find out about the program.
Mr. White stated that Ms. Pitman has set up a program with realtors, lenders and
closing agents who are well aware of the program to refer their customers.
Angela Pitman, Block Grant Administrator, stated the information is also on the
website.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked if there was anything in place to keep people from
“double-dipping” into assistance or funds.
Mr. White said yes.
Commissioner Hoekstra moved, seconded by Commissioner Khan, to continue the
public hearing and schedule deliberations and development of a recommendation for
City Council for the July 18, 2013 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
F. Block Grant 2014 NSP Fund Allocations (MF # BGAP 2013-
004)
Chairman Hilliard read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
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Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed the 2014 NSP
Fund Allocations. He explained that it is another home focused block grant program.
In 2010 as a part of the Federal Stimulus Package, the City received about $426,000
to be used to prevent adverse effects on neighborhoods from vacant and foreclosed
properties. The City has rehabilitated to date 11 foreclosed properties and provided
down payment assistance for homebuyers to purchase foreclosed properties. There is
still funding available and there are still 2 more homes likely to be sold. Staff
recommended continuing the purchase and acquisition program in combination with
the rehabilitation program to purchase foreclosed homes, rehabilitate and then sell to
an eligible buyer.
Commissioner Hilliard asked if the program has been successful.
Mr. White replied that it’s been successful but some of the foreclosed properties are in
rough shape and it takes a lot to get them fixed.
Commissioner Khan asked if the banks work with the City to negotiate price on the
homes.
Mr. White stated that more often than not the homes are owned by a federal agency.
When the program first started they were easier to work with than they are now. They
are now much more likely to try to sell the homes at a higher price.
Commissioner Khan asked if there has been any turnover in terms of foreclosure with
the homes purchased and occupied with NSP funds.
Angela Pitman, Block Grant Administrator, stated no and explained some of the safe
guards in place to prevent foreclosures.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked if the City did any criminal background checks and if
the City would be liable.
Ms. Pitman stated that the City does not do criminal background checks because it is
not required by HUD.
Commissioner Hoekstra moved, seconded by Commissioner Greenaway, to continue
the public hearing and schedule deliberations and development of a recommendation
for City Council for the July 18, 2013 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
G. Code Amendment Building Heights for Detached Garages (MF# CA
2013-003)
Chairman Hilliard read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
David McDonald, City Planner, discussed the proposed code amendment for building
heights for detached garages. Last month a public hearing was held to discuss this
matter. The Commissioners discussed a number of ideas and what staff heard was
that the City regulations should be in line with what the County does relating to
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height requirements for accessory structures. The County allows for increased
building heights through the special permit process only. Staff has included
language in the proposed ordinance identical to the County setting a height limit at 18
feet but a greater height may be approved by special permit both in the RS-20 and RS-
12 Zones. Staff also included additional review criteria as requested by the
Commission.
With no further comments the public hearing closed.
Commissioner Hoekstra moved, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to recommend
the City Council adopt the proposed Code Amendments modifying PMC Chapters
25.22, PMC 25.24 and PMC 25.86 as attached to the June 20, 2013 staff memo. The
motion passed unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Mr. White thanked the Planning Commissioners for their patience for the long meeting
and listening to all of the applicants.
COMMENTS:
With no further discussion or business, the Planning Commission was adjourned at
9:36 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dave McDonald, City Planner