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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/17/2015 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes-1- REGULAR MEETING December 17, 2015 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Chairman Cruz. POSITION MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT No. 1 Tanya Bowers No. 2 VACANT No. 3 Paul Mendez No. 4 Alecia Greenaway No. 5 Joe Cruz No. 6 Loren Polk No. 7 Zahra Khan No. 8 VACANT No. 9 Gabriel Portugal 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 Mendez stated that he would need to abstain from MF# PP 2015-003, Preliminary Plat for Ellie Estates. Commissioner Greenaway addressed the Commission that she is neighbors with Mr. Peck, the applicant for MF# SP 2015-015, but the Board felt that she didn’t need to abstain. Chairman Cruz 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 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 Portugal moved, seconded by Commissioner Greenway that the minutes dated November 17, 2015 be approved. The motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: A. Preliminary Plat Preliminary Plat for Ellie Estates (Llya Parkhotyuk) (MF# PP 2015-003) - Continued Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Shane O’Neill, Planner I, discussed the preliminary plat application for Ellie Estates. He -2- discussed changes to the staff report, focusing on the connection of Maple Drive to the proposed cul-de-sac. Currently the proposal includes the dedicate right-of-way that contains an existing shop. There is a condition in the staff report that the approval of the final plat shall contain a statement that a license be granted authorizing the detached accessory building contained in Lot 1 to remain in the current location. At the time the owner wishes to remove the shop, then the right-of-way could be improved and a portion of the cul-de-sac could be vacated. The final plat will contain language to connect the water line in Maple Drive to the water line in the cul-de-sac. Chairman Cruz asked for clarification that Lot one only has access where the shop is currently located. Mr. O’Neill responded that is correct. Chairman Cruz also clarified that the owners of the existing shop is not required to remove the shop until they wish to do so, but if or when it is removed, the road could connect. Mr. O’Neill confirmed that the shop would not have to be removed but if or when it does the Maple Drive could connect. Commissioner Portugal moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to adopt findings of fact and conclusions therefrom as contained in the December 17, 2015 staff report. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Portugal moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, based on the findings of fact and conclusions, as adopted, the Planning Commission recommend the City Council approve the preliminary plat for Ellie Estates with conditions as listed in the December 17, 2015 staff report. The motion passed unanimously. B. Special Permit Special Permit for the modification of parking facilities at Mark Twain Elementary School (Pasco School District) (MF# SP 2015-012) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Dave McDonald, City Planner, discussed the special permit application for the modification of parking facilities at Mark Twain Elementary School. There were no changes to the staff report since the previous meeting. Commissioner Greenaway moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to adopt findings of fact and conclusions therefrom as contained in the December 17, 2015 staff report. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Greenaway moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, based on the findings of fact and conclusions therefrom the Planning Commission recommend the City Council grant a special permit to the Pasco School District for the redevelopment of the parking lot and bus facilities at Mark Twain Elementary School with the conditions as contained in the December 17, 2015 staff report. The motion passed unanimously. -3- C. Special Permit Special Permit to locate wireless cellular facilities at an existing church in an RS-12 (Suburban) Zone (AT&T) (MF# SP 2015-013) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Shane O’Neill, Planner I, discussed the special permit application to locate wireless cellular facilities at an existing church in an RS-12 (Suburban) Zone. During the public hearing last month there was testimony related to the potential health effects o f cellular facilities. There has been language added to the staff report to address those issues. Because AT&T is licensed by the FCC to operate cellular communications on certain radio frequencies determined by the FCC, it will be safe for use within a civilian population so health concerns cannot be the basis of a recommendation for denial. Commissioner Greenaway moved, seconded by Commissioner Mendez, to adopt findings of fact and conclusions therefrom as contained in the December 17, 2015 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 to allow the installation of wireless communication facilities on tax parcel # 118-112-036 addressed 9915 West Argent Road with conditions as contained in the December 17, 2015 staff report. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Cruz reminded the audience in regards to health concerns, that it is an FCC federal statute and the Planning Commission does not have any control to deny an application based on health concerns since it is federally in compliance. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Rezone Rezone from C-1 (Retail Business) to R-1 (Low Density Residential) (Bardown Consulting LLC) (MF# Z 2015-004) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Dave McDonald, City Planner, discussed the rezone application from C-1 (Retail Business) to R-1 (Low Density Residential). This lot is part of the Coles Estates Subdivision that was platted in 1967 but has remained vacant since that time. The applicant w ould like to move forward and develop a small single-family residential development. Last year the Planning Commission entertained a rezone and preliminary plat application directly to the northwest of this site for a 37-38 lot single-family residential development and site to the north was rezoned to R-3 with a concomitant agreement to permit development of single- family homes for a senior housing project. The subdivision to the east is zoned R -1 and is fully developed. This project will also entail a preliminary plat. The proposal is to run a cul-de-sac down the middle of a 4.7 acre parcel and place lots on either side to make 20 lots. With no further questions or comments the public hearing closed. -4- Commissioner Polk stated that normally she doesn’t like rezoning commercial zoning to residential but in this case it adheres to the character of the surrounding zoning. Chairman Cruz agreed that the proposed rezone matches the character of the nearby zoning. Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Portugal, to close the 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 January 21, 2016 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. B. Preliminary Plat Preliminary Plat for Coles Estates, Lot 6 (Bardown Consulting LLC) (MF# PP 2015-005) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Dave McDonald, City Planner, discussed the preliminary plat application for Coles Estates, Lot 6. The applicant is requested the property to be rezoned to R-1 and proposes to run a cul-de-sac down the middle of the lot and build single-family homes. The subdivision is similar to surrounding developments. The lots meet the minimum square footage requirements for R-1 zoning, actually exceeding the average lot size. The staff report addresses the requirements to consider plat layout, utilities, schools, parks, travel ways and sidewalks. There are additional findings of fact in the staff report relating to nuisances and dust control as well as other items from the Pasco Municipal Code. These findings of fact used to be listed under conditions in previous p reliminary plat applications, however, since they are addressed in the municipal code, they can be listed under findings of fact instead of being itemized as conditions. Commissioner Portugal asked for clarification on water rights and irrigation. Mr. McDonald responded that the lots would receive city irrigation. The developer doesn’t currently have water rights so they will pay fees to the city and the city will then purchase additional water rights. Typically if the developer has the water rights they would dedicate them to the city. With no further questions or comments the public hearing closed. Commissioner Greenaway moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to close the hearing on the proposed preliminary plat and initiate deliberations and schedu le adoption of findings of fact, conclusions and a recommendation to the City Council for the January 21, 2016 meeting. The motion passed with 4 votes with Commissioner Mendez recused. C. Rezone Rezone from “O” (Office) to R-3 (Medium Density Residential) (Ruben Escalera) (MF# Z 2015-005) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Shane O’Neill, Planner I, discussed the rezone application from “O” (Office) to R -3 (Medium -5- Density Residential). The parcel currently contains two duplexes although the site is zoned Office and has been zoned Office for the past 16 years. The Comprehensive Plan designates this site as an area of transition between Commercial and Resi dential land use designations. The request is to rezone the duplexes to R -3 (Medium Density Residential) which would bring the structures into full compliance with the zoning code. The duplexes were established onsite roughly 36 years ago, but 20 years later the s ites were zoned Office. Office zones are commonly used to create a buffer between more and less intense land uses, however, a buffer can still be achieved with high density residential. The area would continue to function as a buffer between the traffic on 20th Avenue and the low density residential neighborhood to the west. The applicant is seeking the rezone to eliminate the non-conforming status of his property. Banks often will not lend on non- conforming properties. Staff noted that 20th Avenue is an area of the community that could be considered a gateway and land uses visible from gateway areas have an enhanced effect on the perception of the economic state of the community. It may be in the best interest of the City to avoid any blighted conditions that would be the result of deferred maintenance due to lack of maintenance stemming from the current non- conforming status of the property. Commissioner Polk asked if this building has always functioned as a duplex. Mr. O’Neill responded that they were originally developed as two duplexes, one on each parcel 36 years ago. Commissioner Polk asked why it was rezoned as Office. Dave McDonald, City Planner, responded that back in 1999 when the City updated the Comprehensive Plan as required by the Growth Management Act (GMA), the GMA required consistency between zoning. It was at that time the property was rezoned to Office to provide consistency with the Plan, without realizing the impact it would have on the duplexes. Commissioner Portugal addressed parking concerns on 20th Avenue and the impact of traffic. Mr. O’Neill responded that currently there are two very wide driveways and the four residential units have existed for the past 36 years and there haven’t been any issues the City is aware of. The proposal won’t exasperate any existing conditions, it will remain as it has existed. Commissioner Polk clarified the existing use as a duplex. Chairman Cruz reminded the Planning Commission that it is all relative and duplexes or small offices won’t generate much of a difference in vehicle trips per day. Ruben Escalera, 3612 W. Agate Street, spoke on behalf of his property. He explained that he needs the rezone in order to refinance or sell this property. This zoning has been a burden on him since they have been taxed more and charged more in utilities for it being zoned Office. Whether the rezone goes through or not, the duplexes will still remain. The rezone will simply help him with the financial burden it has become. -6- With no further questions or comments the public hearing closed. Commissioner Greenway moved, seconded by Commissioner Mendez, to close the 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 January 21, 2016 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. D. Special Permit Modification of a Special Permit issued under adaptive reuse of Historic Places Provisions (Brad & Debra Peck) (MF# SP 2015-015) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Shane O’Neill, Planner I, discussed the special permit application for the modification of a special permit issued under the adaptive reuse of Historic Places Provisions. The request is to add more accessory structures to the Moore Mansion’s site. The Moore Mansion site includes three separate parcels, approximately 6.25 acres in size. It is designated in the Comprehensive Plan for R-1 (Low Density Residential) uses. In 2005, the current owners were issued a special permit related to the use of the property, allowing them to hold events at this facility. Since that time, the special permit has been modified once to allow a large carport 2,400 sq. feet in size. The request involves the addition of four portable storage sheds, each no more than 200 sq. feet. The request also includes the removal of the carriage house structure and relocation to another location on site. Where the carriage house currently exists the applicant would like to build a new cartage house. The design features of the new structure will match the existing mansion in a neoclassical design. Staff prepared a table in the staff report comparing what the R-1 zoning allows and what the applicant is requesting. The application is requesting 7,400 sq feet more accessory structures than the R-1 zone permits, however, the site could be subdivided into a number of 7,200 square foot lots causing lot coverage to be even greater than the proposed application. Mr. O’Neill briefly discussed the conditions contained in the staff report. Commissioner Portugal asked for clarification about access to the property to the west side of the Moore Mansion. Mr. O’Neill responded that access is one of the constraints on the property and one of the reasons the site hasn’t been developed already. Dave McDonald, City Planner, explained that the owners of the property to the west purchased the home directly south of Road 34 with the idea that the house could be removed and Road 34 could be extended south. At one time there was also an easement on two large lots off of Road 36 on Hopkins providing to the property. The property is zoned R-1 and doesn’t have to go through a public hearing to be rezoned since it’s already been rezoned. A public hearing is required to create a plat for the 30 lots. Brad Peck, 200 N. Road 34, spoke on behalf of his application. Chairman Cruz asked Mr. Peck to explain the plans for the property. Mr. Peck said that it is complex. This property has fallen in and out of care. He and his -7- wife purchased the property in 2004 to keep it from being torn down. They needed a way to support the property instead of enriching the owners, which is why they created the event center. Event center funds are used to restore the property, not for income. They are at a point now looking into the future and economically it would make since to subdivide the property into lots and developed it with single-family homes. The alternative is to keep the property as is, protect the history and building, but add 6,000-7,000 sq feet of accessory structures that could support the business and property. He stated that this application is requesting more than might be developed but felt it best to ask for it now rather than coming back again later. The large accessory structure would serve three purposes; 1) ADA compliant restrooms, 2) Small room for changing and 3) Storage. Hosting events for hundreds of people requires several tables, chairs and linens that need to be stored. They’ve been storing those items in a trailer but it has been difficult and time consuming. On the second floor of the structure there would be plans for storage and living quarters to take care of the business. Mr. Peck addressed the comparisons in the staff report for what R-1 allows and what the application is requesting. He felt it was a bit of a misnomer since this could easily be zoned RS-12 or RS-20 that would allow significant garage space and since there are three parcels they could triple what those would allow. He explained the foundation on the carriage house was failing and cannot be saved. The building is currently braced but they want to preserve the history of the upper apartment that was built for navy fighter pilots so the plans are to build a new foundation at a different location on the property and move the old carriage house to preserve the history. He stated that they have run a responsible business over the years with only 2 complaints for noise and in both cases the noise wasn’t actually coming from the Moore Mansion property but from a band playing in Columbia Park. Commissioner Portugal asked if Mr. Peck was a part of any partnerships with any historical preservation groups. Mr. Peck responded that the house is listed on the National Register of Historical Places, which was added in 1979. The directory credits the location as the birthplace of the Washington State apple industry and is also a unique history of neoclassical architecture. It is also recognized by the State of Washington as a historic property. But although it is on the registry, a private owner can still dismantle the property, however, it has been his choice to restore the property. Commissioner Mendez asked why it wouldn’t be better to rezone the property so that the proposed accessory structures don’t exceed what is allowed in the R-1 zoning. Mr. Peck stated that he consulted with the City Manager and Planning Staff and it was decided that it would make more sense to amend the existing special use permit. There is not a zone in the Pasco Municipal Code that fits this property. Regardless of the zoning, they would still have to get a special use permit. It is the only privately owned national registered property in the Tri-Cities. Chairman Cruz added that regardless of the zoning, there will have to be exceptions. The main thing is to maintain the historic nature of the property so it does not create an undue impact to the surrounding properties. Paul Miles, 3320 W. Hopkins Street, spoke on behalf of this application and for his wife and business partner. He stated that he is the neighboring property owner. He applauded Mr. Peck for ensuring the Moore Mansion is preserved and they don’t have an y -8- problems with the use of that property. He did want to state for the record that his parcels are: 119-430-045, 119-430-250, 119-430-214, 119-302-032 and 119-430-269. Their main concern is that just west of Mr. Peck’s property is a co -easement at 119-430- 278. Based on the ambiguity in the special permit, that easement would disappear and they would have a problem with that. They want to make sure the easement is preserved. Also, the existing building that is just west of the Moore Mansion, the carriage house, does not respect the setbacks. It was done prior to Mr. Peck but it is within a few inches of their property so they want to make sure that the setbacks are respected once a building permit is obtained to move that structure. Chairman Cruz asked for clarification on the location of the easement and existing structure inches from the property line. Mr. Miles referenced a map and explained where the property lines exist. Mr. McDonald clarified that the existing building, the carriage house with the garage underneath, will be moved. So when Mr. Peck applies for a building permit to relocate the structure he will be required to meet the minimum setbacks. The current issue will actually be resolved during the permitting process. Chairman Cruz addressed Mr. Miles’ concerns that this is the time for him to speak into the record but all of his concerns will be handled by staff during the permitting process. Mr. Miles responded that as long as the setbacks are preserved and the easements are preserved then he wishes Mr. Peck the best of luck. Mr. McDonald addressed the easement concerns. The special permit application will not affect the underlying easement and the easement will be maintained. Nothing in the special permit process will do away with the easement. Commissioner Greenway asked Mr. Miles to clarify the property lines and who maintains the piece of land the cuts into Mr. Peck’s property. Mr. Miles responded that at one point he fenced it but Mr. Peck asked for the fence to be taken down and he would maintain it and that was fine with both of them. Mr. Peck responded that the little piece of property belongs with their parcels, they fenced it, when the fence came down Mr. Peck has maintained it just as good neighbors. There aren’t any concerns or issues there between them. The carriage house is currently too close to the setback but it is being relocated and when relocated they will have to adhere to the property setbacks. As for the easement, this process does not affect the existing easement. As for the little piece of property that juts into his, it is there because the previous owners were going to work together to develop a preliminary short plat and divide the area into small houses but was never approved or finished. Th at little piece was going to be a connecting driveway but is now left there. With no further questions or comments the public hearing closed. Commissioner Portugal moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to close the public -9- hearing and schedule deliberations, the adoption of findings of fact and development of a recommendation for City Council for the January 21, 2016 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Peck asked a question about the process moving forward and the timeline. Chairman Cruz and Mr. McDonald stated to speak to staff during business hours. E. Special Permit Special Permit for the location of a vineyard frost protection wind machine in an RS-12 (Residential Suburban) Zone (Jerry Czebotar) (MF# SP 2015-016) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed the special permit application for the location of a vineyard frost protection wind machine in an RS -12 zone. The site is 25.5 acres located just north of Wernett between Road 36 and Road 40. The use is an existing vineyard that grows concord grapes. The property is owned by the Port of Pasco and is part of their airport reserve to be uses that will not conform on conflict with the airport regulations for landings and takeoffs. The applicant wishes to increase the non-conforming use by adding a wind machine for a cold pocket. It seems like a minor expansion of the farm use, however, the only real issue with the machine is the noise. There are some mitigating factors for this particular application, one being the presence of the freeway which depending on the time of day can project anywhere from 80-90 decibels of background noise. Passed out to the Commissioners were tentative approval conditions should the Commission recommend approval to City Council. Those conditions point to a trial period, although the wind machine itself is expected to be less loud than the freeway noise it is a different type of noise a nd within a two-year period which the tentative approval condition suggests, staff should be able to get some idea of the noise it makes and the reaction from the neighborhood. In September of 2017 the Commission would then get to decide to extend, terminate or again condition the special permit. Commissioner Portugal asked where on the property the wind machine would be located. Mr. White responded by pointed to a map on the projector where there is a cold pocket. Commissioner Portugal asked how far the machine would be to the nearest home. Mr. White answered a little less than 400 feet. Commissioner Polk asked what the peak time would be for the wind machine and a decibel reading. Mr. White responded that the wind machine would normally run early in the morning when the temperature hovers at the point where it would damage the fruit, earlier than the traffic. The decibel level would be roughly in the low 70’s measured 300’ from the machine itself. -10- Jerry Czebotar, 2421 Road 44, spoke on behalf of his application. He stated that he and his wife are the owners of the vineyard and he is a 3rd generation grower. Due to an early bud break this past year, they had one frosty morning that cost $25,000 worth of grapes just in that cold spot. Years ago he applied to put in a wind machine back when it was in the County but due to cost he didn’t move forward. This machine would solve the problem and keep the crop consistent from year to year. The use of this machine would only be a few hours every year, typically around April and there are some years where the machine wouldn’t need to run at all. It all depends on the Spring. He would be purchasing a machine that has the newest engine available that has a complete muffler system on it, special for areas such as his site to keep the noise at a minimum. However, that blade can sound like a helicopter and rotates on a 3 ½ minute basis to push the air and mix it to bring the warm air back down to the ground level. The people living near this site will likely hear this machine but they also hear work on his property during harvesting, fertilizing so they are familiar with his operation. He knows that the people living around the area like his vineyard, many like to walk around the vineyard. This would be a way to protect his crop. Commissioner Portugal asked if Mr. Czebotar has a plan if complaints are received by neighbors. Mr. Czebotar responded that he doesn’t know what he could do from a legal standpoint but he should have the freedom to farm as he’s been there for 25 years. He makes noise already with other pieces of machinery, in fact more noise over longer periods of time with those. The wind machine would only be for 2 hours some mornings a few days a year. But it only takes 10-20 minutes of 28 degrees to devastate the crop. Commissioner Portugal responded that with the machine operating so early in the morning that might be when the neighbors are unhappy and are woken up due to the noise. Mr. Czebotar added that in talking to Orchard-Rite they have wind machines in other cities within city limits and it has never been an issue. He will be the first person that Orchard-Rite has sold to that needs a special use permit for one of their machines. Brad Peck, 200 N. Road 34, spoke in support of the wind machine. Franklin County is an agricultural and right to farm community and that Mr. Czebotar is a responsible farmer. With no further questions or comments the public hearing closed. Commissioner Mendez asked about the vacant land to the west of t he proposed wind machine and if there is any future use for that land. Chairman Cruz reopened the public hearing for Mr. Czebotar to respond. Mr. Czabotar answered that the land is owned by the Lane Family Trust, whom he is good friends with. If there were an issue with them they would be at the meeting. They have been neighbors for 25 years. The public hearing was closed again. -11- Commissioner Greenaway asked about the airport reserve and the height of the machine. Mr. White clarified the height of the wind machine is below airport reserve. Commissioner Portugal asked if they could get more information on the noise of the machine and peak times. Mr. White asked if the Commissioners wanted to continue the hearing. Chairman Cruz answered that he didn’t support continuing the hearing. The machine will make noise but Mr. Czebotar is purchasing the quietest machine he can and with the highway there is an ample buffer. There aren’t a lot of residents nearby, mostly agriculture and there is a need to respect the Port of Pasco’s desire to maintain the airport exclusion zone so if he can’t farm it that becomes a problem. Commissioner Polk stated that with it being close to the highway the neighbors already have to deal with some noise but with the tentative approval conditions and a two -year trial period means that neighbors will have an opportunity to voice their concerns should any arise. Chairman Cruz added that with it being by the highway and there is noise, it would not change the character of the neighborhood. Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Greenway, to close the public hearing and schedule deliberations, the adoption of findings of fact and development of a recommendation for City Council for the January 21, 2016 meeting. The motion passed 4 to 1 with Commissioner Portugal dissenting. F. Special Permit Special Permit for the location of sports field lighting in an R-1 (Low Density Residential) Zone (City of Pasco) (MF# SP 2015-017) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed the special permit for the location of sports field lighting in an R -1 zone. The location is at Highland Park just to the east of Wehe Street and north of Adelia Street. The park already exists and the Grid Kids Football program has been using the field for many years. They have obtained a grant to have some lighting installed around the field. The staff report contains a lot of information that normally isn’t included in a special permit request, such as, sketches for foot candle measurements onto a land use map. Mr. White put the map on the overhead for the Commissioners. Directly to the south is the plat that Habitat for Humanity is currently working on, Whitehouse Addition. In the packet for this item the light spillage chart that is superposed onto the vicinity map shows foot candle measurements of approximately 2 right at the boundary of the field and the Habitat for Humanity plat. In the staff report there is also a description to what a foot candle is. It won’t be a whole lot of light and will generally be during the Fall and Spring. The City of Pasco’s Park & -12- Recreation Specialist is present to answer any questions the Commission may have on this proposal. Chairman Cruz reminded the Commission that one thing to look for is excess light spillage and gave examples of previous applications the Commission has reviewed. Brent Kubalek, 5902 Tyre Drive, spoke on behalf of the Parks & Recreation Department. He stated that the City of Pasco was able to apply for this youth athletic facilities grant. The project is a $267,000 project and they grant is providing half of that cost. Chairman Cruz asked if there was a significant demand for the lighting. Mr. Kubalek responded that the program has been so successful that they have to play later into the evenings and later into the Fall when it gets dark earlier due to how many players have started signing up. Commissioner Portugal asked about the traffic the program generates as it started as 200 students and is now up to 1,000. Mr. Kubalek stated that it hasn’t really created more traffic since there are still around the same number of people at one time just longer times. With no further questions or comments the public hearing closed. Commissioner Mendez moved, seconded by Commissioner Portugal, to close the public hearing and schedule deliberations, the adoption of findings of fact and development of a recommendation for City Council for the January 21, 2016 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. G. Special Permit Special Permit to locate a farm and related buildings (WSU Extension Office) (MF# SP 2015-018) Chairman Cruz read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Dave McDonald, City Planner, discussed the special permit application to locate a farm and related buildings on Road 111. The City of Pasco purchased this site years ago and on the bottom portion of the lot the built a water treatment plant. The site has been a farming location since WWII and has been used for various crop. The City recently leased this site to the Washington State University – Extension Service to start an experimental farm. They had a location on Road 80 and Wernett Road however that property was recently purchased so they needed to relocate. The main issue, and the reason staff required a special use permit is because WSU wishes to add some structures to the site on the north side of the plant to house their equipment. They want to locate a storage shed for tools and equipment storage. Commissioner Portugal asked a Mr. McDonald to clarify on the mention of a windmill. Mr. McDonald responded that he meant to say wind machine, in reference to a previous special permit application that the Commission heard that evening. This applicant will -13- use small equipment and tractors for a row crop operation. Brad Peck, 200 Road 34, spoke in support of this application. With no further questions or comments the public hearing closed. Commissioner Portugal 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 January 21, 2016 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. COMMENTS: Rick White, Community & Economic Director, thanked Shane O’Neill, Planner I, for his service with the City of Pasco as he has accepted a position for the City of Richland. With no further discussion or business, the Planning Commission was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. Respectfully submitted, David McDonald, City Planner