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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-21-2018 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Amended & Approved-1- REGULAR MEETING June 21, 2018 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Chairwoman Roach. POSITION MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT No. 1 Tanya Bowers No. 2 Joseph Campos No. 3 Paul Mendez No. 4 Alecia Greenaway No. 5 VACANT No. 6 Isaac Myhrum No. 7 Zahra Roach No. 8 Pam Bykonen No. 9 Gabriel Portugal STAFF PRESENT: Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director Darcy Bourcier, Planner I Krystle Shanks, Administrative Assistant II MEETING VIDEO ON DEMAND: This meeting in its entirety has been posted and can be viewed on the City’s webpage at https://psctv.viebit.com. APPEARANCE OF FAIRNESS: Chairwoman Roach read a statement about the appearance of fairness for hearings on land use matters. There were three declarations:  Chairwoman Roach for agenda item VI(B) – Rezone from C-1 to CR (Russ Dean RV, Inc.) (MF# Z 2018-003)  Commissioner Campos for agenda item VI(C) – Location of a Church in a C-1 District (Tiempos de Poder) (MF# SP 2018-006)  Commissioner Myhrum for agenda item V(A) – Preliminary Plat for The Parks at Riverbend, 322 lots (Pahlisch Homes) (MF# PP 2018-004) Chairwoman Roach then asked the audience and the Planning Commission if there were any objections based on a conflict of interest or appearance of fairness question regarding the items to be discussed. There were no objections. ADMINISTERING THE OATH: Chairwoman Roach explained that state law requires testimony in quasi-judicial hearings -2- such as held by the Planning Commission be given under oath or affirmation. Chairwoman Roach swore in all those desiring to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Greenaway moved, seconded by Commissioner Myhrym that the minutes dated May 17, 2018 be approved. The motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: A. Preliminary Plat The Parks at Riverbend, 322 lots (Pahlisch Homes) (MF# PP 2018-004) Chairwoman Roach read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Darcy Bourcier, Planner I, discussed the preliminary plat for The Parks at Riverbend. The plat had changed since the Planning Commission last saw it. Staff was working with the developer to get the details sorted out but there are still items left to be determined; such as right-of-way, estate fencing and traffic mitigations. The Engineering Department is also working on a timeline for the lift station to supply sewer to the area. Staff recommended continuing this item to the next meeting. Commissioner Bowers asked for clarification on a vacant piece of property on the plat. Ms. Bourcier responded that the grade of the “open space” was likely too steep to develop. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, added that the portion of land left to be undeveloped was mined and has significant slope issues. However, once the pumping from the mining stops, the land will fill with water and be an amenity to the community. Commissioner Bowers moved, seconded by Commissioner Greenaway, to continue the preliminary plat for The Parks at Riverbend, to the July 19, 2018 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. B. Preliminary Plat Duluth Estates, 21 lots (Knutzen Engineering) (MF# PP 2018-005) Chairwoman Roach read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed the preliminary plat for Duluth Estates, 21 lots. There was nothing to add to this item from the previous meeting. Commissioner Campos moved, seconded by Commissioner Mendez, to adopt the findings of fact and conclusions, therefrom, as contained in the June 21, 2018 staff report. The motion passed unanimously. -3- Commissioner Campos moved, seconded by Commissioner Mendez, based on the findings of fact and conclusions, as adopted, the Planning Commission recommend that City Council approve the preliminary plat for Duluth Estates, with conditions as listed in the June 21, 2018 staff report. The motion passed unanimously. C. Special Permit Mor-Stor Mini Storage Expansion (Melina Puckett, Successor Trustee) (MF# SP 2018-005) Chairwoman Roach read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Darcy Bourcier, Planner I, discussed the special permit to expand Mor-Stor Mini Storage. There had been some changes to the staff report since the previous meeting. She addressed future traffic mitigations, right-of-way dedication for a potential roundabout and conditions for fire hydrants as related to this special permit. Commissioner Greenaway asked if the applicant was aware and in ag reement with the updated conditions. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, responded to Commissioner Greenaway and stated that there will be items that will come back for the applicant to review. Commissioner Campos moved, seconded by Commissioner Greenaway, to adopt the findings of fact and conclusions, therefrom, as contained in the June 21, 2018 staff report. The motion passed with Commissioner Bowers dissenting. Commissioner Campos moved, seconded by Commissioner Greenaway, based on the findings of fact and conclusions, therefrom, the Planning Commission recommend the City council grant a special permit to Melina Puckett (Successor Trustee) for the expansion of the Mor-Stor mini storage facility in a C-1 zoning district at 1420 Road 68 with conditions as contained in the June 21, 2018 staff report. The motion passed with Commissioner Bowers dissenting. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Preliminary Plat Riverhawk Pointe II, 176 lots (Hayden Homes LLC) (MF# PP 2018-001) - Continued Chairwoman Roach read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed the preliminary plat for Riverhawk Pointe II, 176 lots. The applicant and staff have been working through potential issues on this site, such as a utility easement, canal crossing, traffic study and a non-protest agreement to the formation of an LID for the construction of Chapel hill Boulevard and/or Road 76 – all of which were conditions in the staff report. Commissioner Mendez asked if the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would participate in the LID (Local Improvement District). -4- Mr. White stated that was unknown but discussed the process. With no further questions or comments the public hearing closed. Commissioner Greenaway moved, seconded by Commissioner Bowers, to adopt the findings of fact and conclusions, therefrom, as contained in the June 21, 2018 staff report. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Greenaway moved, seconded by Commissioner Bowers, based on the findings of fact and conclusions, as adopted, the Planning Commission recommend the City Council approve the preliminary plat for Riverhawk Pointe II, with conditions as listed in the June 21,2018 staff report. The motion passed unanimously. B. Rezone Rezone from C-1 to CR (Russ Dean RV, Inc.) (MF# Z 2018-003) Chairwoman Roach read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Darcy Bourcier, Planner I, discussed the rezone application from C-1 (Retail Business) to CR (Regional Commercial). Russ Dean RV has requested to change the zoning of 8.5 acres between Outlet Drive and Midland Lane on the south side of Sandifur Parkway. They want to use the property for additional RV sales, RV and rental storage and a prep center which is only permitted in the CR district. Regional Commercial zoning is intended to be used to provide commercial services for people living in a greater region. The proposed site consists of three parcels and is considered prime commercial property and is highly visible from the highway and Sandifur Parkway. Russ Dean RV currently operates on the parcel to the west of the proposed site. The rezone for tha t site was done in 2014 from C-1 to CR. With the current rezone, the City will have the owner enter into a concomitant agreement to ensure the existing structures on the neighboring parcel adhere to the I-182 Corridor Overlay Standards because it currently doesn’t. The buildings in the surrounding area have the aesthetics the City is looking for in this area. The current Russ Dean RV building and the chain-link fence around it does not conform to the standards. Staff also believes that more varied businesses should be introduced in this area rather than one large singular use and that the property and public may be better served with a business not yet seen in Pasco. Chairwoman Roach asked how the chain-link fence with the barbed wire surrounding the existing site was allowed. Ms. Bourcier responded that chain-link with barbed wire was not a standard in the I-182 Overlay Zone. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, added that in CR zoning districts, chain-link fencing is allowed and it was overlooked during the rezone process in 2014. Across the freeway is another RV dealer in the CR zone with chain -link fencing in a similar manner. -5- Chairwoman Roach asked if there was anything that could be done to circumvent that now retroactively. Mr. White said staff has considered making the rezone conditional with either a concomitant agreement or developer agreement. Chairwoman Roach said that this site is something others have approached her about being an eyesore for Sandifur Parkway. Jason Schmidt, 9420 Sandifur Parkway, spoke on behalf of Russ Dean RV. He stated that they are trying to continue their display area. With Sandifur Parkway being highly travelled it is a great way for them to get their products out for people to see. They purchased the property with the intent to expand. Chairwoman Roach asked if their current lot is filled to capacity. Mr. Schmidt relied that it is well beyond capacity. He explained some of the issues that have run up against with space and zoning. Commissioner Mendez asked for clarification on the location of their current site. Mr. Schmidt responded and pointed out land that Russ Dean already owns and land they hope to purchase if the rezone is approved. Mr. White added that the CR zone was established several years ago and discussed what was done at that time. Commissioner Greenaway asked the applicant if he had an issue with constructing a different type of fencing that would be more attractive. Mr. Schmidt said they had considered other fencing but they have had issues and he explained why they have the fencing they have. On the new piece of property he said they would do whatever the City requires. They need secure fencing to protect their products. Chairwoman Roach asked if the proposed site is owned by Russ Dean RV. Mr. Schmidt replied yes. Chairwoman Roach asked if he had looked at the property adjacent to their current site already zoned CR. Mr. Schmidt said they did but the price on the property was an issue. Thomas Roach, 9221 Sandifur Parkway, spoke in opposition to the rezone application. He stated that he owns an office across the street from Russ Dean RV. He read a letter into -6- the record and provided the letter along with a letters from other business owners in the surrounding area. Jeff Beard, 227 Cottonwood Drive, Richland, WA spoke in support of Russ Dean RV. He explained the steps they had to take in developing their current business of operation and the changes they had to make to conform to city standards and he explained the reason for the chain-link fencing. Jason Schmidt, 6420 Sandifur Parkway, replied to comments made by opposition and said that they want to fit into the community. He stated he was unaware of the dislike of the fencing. They would be willing to work on the fencing within reason to please the community if the rezone is approved. Thomas Roach, 9221 Sandifur Parkway, addressed more concerns about the current Russ Dean RV property and stated that the fencing is not the only problem with their property. He had issues with the building itself that was constructed on the site and said the fencing would not fix the building. He was worried that rezoning another piece of property to expand their business would only increase the eye sore to the community and surrounding businesses. Dave Kroll, 186 Bitterroot Drive, Richland, WA spoke in support of Russ Dean RV and their building that was constructed on Sandifur Parkway. He said there is already a car dealership in the vicinity and rezoning this piece of property will not change the way the area looks. With no further questions or comments the public hearing was closed. Ms. Bourcier proposed the Planning Commission continue the hearing until the next meeting to allow staff to develop revised conditions for the aesthetics and work with the owner. The Commissioners were all open to continuing the hearing to see what staff and the developer could work out. Commissioner Campos moved, seconded by Commissioner Greenaway to continue the public hearing on the proposed rezone from C-1 to CR to the July 19, 2018 Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. C. Special Permit Location of a Church in a C-1 District (Tiempos de Poder) (MF# SP 2018-006) Chairwoman Roach 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 a church in a C-1 district. The proposed site is in an existing multi- tenant commercial building in a strip mall. They are proposing to use roughly 11,000 square feet of the building for the church. The only complication for this application is the amount of parking that will be required. The applicant indicated there may be as many as 400 congregants and this site would not allow for the number of parking stalls required -7- for a congregation of that size. Other parking arrangements may need to be made or conditions may need to be placed to limit the size of the congregation. Commissioner Myhrum asked if there were any fire code compliance issues with this structure. Mr. White responded none that staff is aware of at this time. If they were to proceed and develop, exiting and bathroom considerations will need to be developed based on their occupancy type. Francier Obando, 10305 Chapel Hill Boulevard, spoke on behalf of his application. Adriana Gonzalez, 3617 Lantana Drive, translated for Mr. Obando. She stated the 400 congregants was their goal but at this time they don’t have that large of a congregation. Commissioner Bowers moved, seconded by Commissioner Campos, to close the public hearing on the proposed special permit and set July 19, 2018 as the date for deliberations and the development of a recommendation for the City Council. The motion passed unanimously. D. Block Grant 2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Allocation and Annual Work Plan (MF# BGAP 2018-003) Chairwoman Roach read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed the 2019 Community Development Block Grant Program Allocation and Annual Work Plan. Pasco is an entitlement city, meaning the city doesn’t have to apply for funds, they are given. Pasco is expected to receive $700,000 in 2019. The Planning Commission is the City Council’s advisory committee per HUD regulations. Mr. White gave the history of the Block Grant Program and how allocations are made in regards to the goals adopted by City Council. Mr. White briefly went over the applications for funding that were received by the Community & Economic Development Department, for both City departments requested funds and requests made by outside agencies. Commissioner Campos asked if there was any funding requested for the 4th Street Corridor Project. Mr. White said not for block grant funding at this time but it might be requested in future years. Commissioner Campos asked if there was an ETA for that project. Mr. White replied not at this time and it may be difficult for block grant funding. Chairwoman Roach asked if the amount requested for a Code Enforcement Officer was for -8- just one officer’s salary. Mr. White replied yes, salary and benefits. Chairwoman Roach asked if the city had more than one Code Officer. Mr. White said that the city has five. Chairwoman Roach asked about the 20% cap on funding for Program Administration and the $112,000 cap. Mr. White responded that the $112,000 cap is for non-brick and mortar projects and was separate from the Program Administration cap. The non-brick and mortar projects are capped at 15%. Commissioner Myhrum asked for clarification on personnel expenditures and if that was for new personnel. Mr. White answered that it was not for new personnel but is an annual request for current personnel. Commissioner Myhrum asked what would happen if the funding was scaled back from personnel. Mr. White said it would become a budgeting issue and the funds would have to come from elsewhere or the positions eliminated. Steve Howland, 1234 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA spoke on behalf of his application for the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities with their project at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. The largest program they run is soccer and he explained the program and how the block grant funds are used. Chairwoman Roach thanked Mr. Howland for his presentation and for what their program does for the community. Donna Tracey, 9904 Winthrop Drive, spoke on behalf of her application for the Arc of Tri- Cities with their project to fund scholarships for children in Pasco and about the services they provide for the community. Tiffany Tracey, 9904 Winthrop Drive, spoke in support of the application for the Arc of Tri - Cities. Chairwoman Roach asked what services the Arc provides for adults with special needs. Ms. Tracey explained the difficulties adults with disabilities have and what their center does for them. -9- There were no further questions or comments. E. Block Grant 2019 HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program Allocation and Annual Work Plan (MF# BGAP 2018-004) Chairwoman Roach read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed the 2019 HOME Investment Partnerships Program Allocations and Annual Work Plan. He explained the consortium that was formed between Pasco, Richland and Kennewick to receive these funds devoted specifically to housing. The City of Richland is the administrative lead of the program. It is estimated that the consortium will receive approximately $430,000 and about 10% of that will go to Richland for administration costs. Pasco will receive approximately $107,000 for down payment assistance along with program income received from homes that are paid off and funds repaid. Commissioner Bowers asked if not enough individuals qualify for down payment assistance funds, would individuals above the income limit receive funds. Mr. White answered no, only low-moderate income individuals could qualify to receive funds. Commissioner Myhrum asked how the home buyers were vetted and selected. Mr. White replied that there isn’t a shortage of need. People are approved by a lending institution and based on first come first serve the allocations are distributed. Commissioner Myhrum asked if that was a function the City provided. Mr. White said yes. Commissioner Campos added his personal experience with the down payment assistance process. There were no further questions or comments. F. Block Grant 2019 Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) Allocation and Annual Work Plan (MF# BGAP 2018- 005) Chairwoman Roach read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed the 2019 Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) Allocation and Annual Work Plan. The City received federal stimulus money several years ago to prevent foreclosures to become -10- neighborhood blight. The City used these funds to rehab homes and provide down payment assistance. With program income returning to the City, the City still has funds to spend. The recommendation is to continue to turn it over for down payment assistance and home owner rehabilitations. For 2019 there is roughly $56,000 that must be used on foreclosures. Commissioner Campos asked if the funds could be used to purchase a foreclosure that needs repairs and the funds go towards those repairs. Mr. White replied yes, as long as the home is in foreclosure. Commissioner Bowers asked if it is the homeowner who can use the funds. Mr. White said the pre-qualified potential buyer. Chairwoman Roach asked if there is additional criteria for potential homebuyers. Mr. White said the banks take care of pre-qualifications to make sure the buyer is solid. Commissioner Campos added his own personal experience with the lending institutions and that they are good gatekeepers. Chairwoman Roach said she was wondering if an individual or family would be better candidates. Mr. White said that is based on a scale for how many members are in the home as far as income. There were no further questions or comments. WORKSHOP: A. Code Amendment Single Room Occupancy in Residential and Commercial Zoning Districts (MF# CA 2018-004) Chairwoman Roach read the master file number and asked for comments from staff. Darcy Bourcier, Planner I, discussed the possible code amendment for single room occupancy in residential and commercial zoning districts. This item was brought about from interest expressed in the community. This would pertain to multiple single room dwelling units directed at low income, students or seasonal workers. Bathrooms or kitchens may or may not be included in each individual unit – they could be centrally located for multiple units to use or in each unit themselves. They are typically found in larger cities and were converted from hotels or motels. There is usually an onsite manager or office. These are usually denser than the zoning typically allows. There was discussion from the Commissioners and they determined that they would like -11- to see this code amendment come back to the Planning Commission as a public hearing item. OTHER BUSINESS: Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed the resignation of Chairman Joe Cruz and recognized him for his years for service on the Planning Commissioner. He stated that at the next meeting the Commissioner’s would need to nominate and elect a new Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson. With no further discussion or business, the Planning Commission was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Krystle Shanks, Administrative Assistant II Community & Economic Development Dept.