HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-20-2019 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - ApprovedClryof MINUTES
PascoPLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
J City Hall — 525 North Third Avenue —Council Chambers
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2019
7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chairperson Myhrum.
ATTENDANCE:
Commissioners Present: Tanya Bowers, Paul Mendez, Isaac Myhrum, Anne Jordan, Pamela Bykonen, Jerry
Cochran
Staff Present: Rick White (Community & Economic Development Director), Michael Morales, (Community &
Economic Development Deputy Director), Jacob B. Gonzalez (Senior Planner), Darcy Bourcier (Planner 1)
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:
Chairperson Myhrum read a statement about the appearance of fairness for hearings on land use matters.
There were no declarations.
Chairperson Myhrum 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:
Chairperson Myhrum explained that state law requires testimony in quasi-judicial hearings such as held by
the Planning Commission be given under oath or affirmation. Chairperson Myhrum swore in all those desiring
to speak.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Bykonen moved, seconded by Commissioner Bowers that the minutes dated May 16, 2019.
The motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Code Amendment Code Amendment for Minimum Lot Sizes (MF# CA 2017-009)
Chairperson Myhrum read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Darcy Bourcier, Planner I, discussed the code amendment for minimum lot sizes. Staff did not have further
discussion to add since previous meetings.
Planning Commission Meeting Page 1 June 20, 2019
Commissioner Bowers moved, seconded by Commissioner Mendez, the Planning Commission recommend
to City Council the adoption of the proposed amendment relating to minimum lot sizes as contained in the
June 20, 219 Planning Commission Memo. The motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Special Permit Location of Franklin County Museum Annex Building (Franklin
County Historical Society) (MF# SP 2019-002)—Continued from a
previous meetin4
Chairperson Myhrum read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Jacob B. Gonzalez, Senior Planner, discussed the special permit application for the location of the Franklin
County Museum Annex Building. Staff recommended continuing the public hearing once more to the July
Planning Commission Meeting to allow the applicant to submit another revised site plan.
The public hearing was opened by no public testimony was received.
Commissioner Bykonen moved, seconded by Commissioner Cochran, to continue the public hearing for the
special permit on the proposed location of an annex building for the Franklin County Museum in the R-3
(Medium Density Residential) zoning districts to the July 18, 2019 Planning Commission Meeting. The motion
passed unanimously.
B. Block Grant 2020 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocations
(MF# BGAP 2019-003)
Chairperson Myhrum read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed the 2020 Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Allocations. The purpose of CDBG is to preserve and develop viable urban communities;
expand economic opportunities, provide decent affordable housing and create/sustain a suitable living
environment. The program requirements are: HUD approved 5 -year Consolidated Plan (goals and strategies
for spending), Annual Action Plan Supplement (carries out annual goals and objectives each program year),
Consolidated Annual Plan Evaluation Report (evaluates the Annual Action Plan performance) and Citizen
Participation. The criteria for selecting programs for funding include: Meets a national objective to benefit
low -moderate income persons in Pasco, Meets eligibility criteria defined in 24CFR570, Meets Consolidated
Plan goals and objectives, Meets local priority needs (Resolution 1969), Qualified applicant demonstrates
capacity and Project scope and budge exhibits feasibility.
Resolution 1969, designates the Planning Commission as advisory board. It considers projects that address:
housing, parks, community sponsored recreation, infrastructure, community facilities, economic
development, removing substandard/hazardous conditions, planning and other physical improvements as
priority. It allows capital improvement of facilities that house social agencies. It states that social services
such as health, education and welfare are not allowable.
The City of Pasco anticipates an entitlement of $700,000 for the program year of 2020, program income (from
NSP Program Conversion) of $80,468 and prior year reallocations of $260,084 for the total of $1,040,552
Planning Commission Meeting Page 2 June 20, 2019
available funds for use in 2020. Staff has received 14 proposals that total $1,864,075, meaning there is a
deficit for funds requested and what will be available of $823,523. The Planning Commission will need to
recommend to City Council which projects to fund.
Mr. White briefly addressed the program proposals that were included in the staff report to the Planning
Commission. The proposals were for: City Program Administration, three City employment opportunities for
youth and senior center recreation, YMCA Operations at the MLK Community Center, Parks & Recreation
Scholarship Fund, Technical and Arc Therapeutic Recreation Scholarship Fund, Downtown Specialty Kitchen
Incubator Kitchen, CHIP — Housing Rehabilitation Program, The Heritage Demonstration Garden and Parking
(Franklin County Historical Museum), Pasco Specialty Kitchen Facility Rehabilitation, Code Enforcement
Officer, Business District Improvements and the Section 108 Repayment (Revitalize Peanuts Park and street
improvements).
There were questions and discussion between Commissioners and Staff regarding the content in the staff
report, the proposals and requested allocations.
The public hearing was opened for public testimony.
Steve Howland, Richland, spoke in support of his application for the MLK Community Center Recreation
Programs in Pasco.
Julie Funfar, Pasco, spoke in support of her application for the Franklin County Historical Museum Heritage
Demonstration Garden and Parking.
Donna Tracy, Richland, spoke in support of her application for the Arc of Tri -Cities Therapeutic Recreation
Program Scholarship.
There was no further discussion and the public hearing was left open for the next Planning Commission
meeting in July.
C. Block Grant 2020 HOME Fund Allocations (MF# BGAP 2019-004)
Chairperson Myhrum read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed the 2020 HOME Fund Allocations. The
cities of Pasco, Kennewick and Richland entered into a HOME Consortium Agreement in 1996 making the
City eligible for Federal HOME funds. The agreement was renewed through 2023 for the purpose of housing
improvement. Pasco's share of the entitlement is estimated to be $107,000. In addition to the entitlement,
HOME program income (money from repayment of previous loans) is estimated to be $100,000 for 2020 and
may be used for Down Payment Assistance or an eligible Community Housing Development Organization
(CHDO) project depending on need.
Staff recommends allocating 2020 HOME entitlement funds to the First Time Homebuyer Down Payment
Assistance Program, a contingent project for new construction infill or tenant based rental assistance should
also be added if needed to meet timeliness.
Planning Commission Meeting Page 3 lune 20, 2019
There were questions and discussion between Commissioners and Staff regarding the content in the staff
report and requested allocations.
The public hearing was opened for public testimony.
There was no public testimony but the hearing was left open for the next Planning Commission meeting in
July.
D. Block Grant 2020 Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) Fund
Allocations (MF# BGAP 2019-005)
Chairperson Myhrum read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, discussed the 2020 Neighborhood Stabilization
Program (NSP) Fund Allocations. The City received $426,343 in CDBG funding for the program in 2010. The
City has recovered 16 foreclosed properties to date, more than double the estimated amount. Down
payment assistance has been provided to 12 homebuyers and the City has purchased and rehabilitated 4
homes which have been sold to income eligible households. As of December 2018, the City of Pasco shows
program income on hand in the amount of $80,468. Staff is requesting to transfer $80,468 of the program
income from the Disaster Recovery Grant Reporting System (DRGR) to the Integrated Disbursement
Information System (IDIS) for receipt to the CDBG program as program income.
Staff proposed the funds to be used to provide owner occupied rehabilitation for up to 3 households located
in target areas in the low -moderate census tracts (201, 202, 203 and 204).
There were questions and discussion between Commissioners and Staff regarding the content in the staff
report and requested allocations.
The public hearing was opened for public testimony.
There was no public testimony but the hearing was left open for the next Planning Commission meeting in
July.
E. Code Amendment Code Amendment Regarding Maximum Dwelling Height in R-3
and R-4 Zoning Districts (MF# CA 2019-009)
Chairperson Myhrum read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Darcy Bourcier, Planner I, discussed the code amendment regarding maximum dwelling height in R-3 and R-
4 zoning districts. Staff has adjusted the proposed heights since the Planning Commission previously viewed
this item. The current standard for maximum dwelling height in R-3 and R-4 is 35 feet. With the Urban
Growth Area (UGA) under scrutiny for a proposed expansion, the potential for low-density residential sprawl
is problematic. To help mitigate this potential and provide more opportunity for housing units, the following
revisions have been proposed; R-3 Zone: Increase maximum dwelling height to 40 feet measured to the
midpoint of the gable and allow for a greater dwelling height via special permit; R-4 Zone: Increase maximum
dwelling height to 45 feet measured to the midpoint of the gable and allow for a greater dwelling height via
Planning Commission Meeting Page 4 June 20, 2019
special permit.
There were questions and discussion between Commissioners and Staff regarding the content in the staff
report.
The public hearing was opened for public testimony but no public testimony was given.
Commissioner Bykonen moved, seconded by Commissioner Bowers, to close the hearing on the proposed
code amendment and set July 18, 2019 as the date for deliberations and the development of a
recommendation for the City Council. The motion passed unanimously.
F. Code Amendment Code Amendment Regarding Revisions to Planned Unit
Developments (MF# CA 2019-010)
Chairperson Myhrum read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Jacob B. Gonzalez, Senior Planner, discussed the code amendment regarding revisions to Planned Unit
Developments.
A Planned Unit Development (PUD) is a type of development and regulatory process. They are identified in
the Pasco Municipal Code (PMC) with the purpose of providing opportunities for flexibility for land
development within the City. PUD's can include a variety of housing types and are often maintained by a
homeowner's association and may offer amenities such as open space, parks and gathering spaces for the
homeowners within the development. As identified in the PMC, PUD's are exempt from certain design
standards and requirements including: minimum lot size and setbacks.
The PMC currently requires that PUD's shall provide not less than 35% of the gross land for common open
space. Staff believes the open space requirement of 35% is overly burdensome and detracts for the PMC
ordinance mission to provide flexible and creative approach to development opportunities.
Staff suggests to clearly define open space and reduce the requirement from 35% to 15% but staff
recommends continuing the hearing since there has been great change to the proposed code amendment.
There were questions and discussion between Commissioners and Staff regarding the content in the staff
report.
The public hearing was opened for public testimony but no public testimony was given.
Commissioner Cochran moved, seconded by Commissioner Mendez, to continue the public hearing on the
revisions to the Planned Unit Development ordinance to the July 18, 2019 Planning Commission Meeting.
The motion passed unanimously.
G. Code Amendment Code Amendment Regarding Street Improvements/Sidewalks
(MF# CA 2019-011)
Chairperson Myhrum read the master file number and asked for comments from staff.
Planning Commission Meeting Page 5 June 20, 2019
Jacob B. Gonzalez, Senior Planner, discussed the code amendment regarding street improvements in the RS -
12 and RS -20 zones. City Staff and Council have placed an increased emphasis on providing a more connected
transportation network. Recent changes to the Pasco Municipal Code (PMC) to promote infill development
for housing has also increased the need for transportation infrastructure to meet improved standards.
In 2018, Pasco City Council adopted the Complete Streets Policy (PMC 12.15). The purpose of the policy is to
consider all users of the right-of-way in the planning, design, construction and operation in City
transportation projects. Currently the RS -12 and RS -20 zoning districts do not require street improvements
to be made as lots are developed. While these two zones are the lowest residential density zoning districts,
they represent 15% of the City and 35% of residentially zoned land. The lack of requirement has decreased
the connectivity and efficiency of the transportation network and increased the need to address inadequate
standards of the adjacent infrastructure.
Mr. Gonzalez briefly discussed the proposed amendments to the PMC for consideration.
A Planned Unit Development (PUD) is a type of development and regulatory process. They are identified in
the Pasco Municipal Code (PMC) with the purpose of providing opportunities for flexibility for land
development within the City. PUD's can include a variety of housing types and are often maintained by a
homeowner's association and may offer amenities such as open space, parks and gathering spaces for the
homeowners within the development. As identified in the PMC, PUD's are exempt from certain design
standards and requirements including: minimum lot size and setbacks.
The PMC currently requires that PUD's shall provide not less than 35% of the gross land for common open
space. Staff believes the open space requirement of 35% is overly burdensome and detracts for the PMC
ordinance mission to provide flexible and creative approach to development opportunities.
Staff suggests to clearly define open space and reduce the requirement from 35% to 15% but staff
recommends continuing the hearing since there has been great change to the proposed code amendment.
There were questions and discussion between Commissioners and Staff regarding the content in the staff
report.
The public hearing was opened for public testimony.
Bill Barllow, Benton Franklin Transit, spoke on in support of the proposed code amendment.
There was no further public testimony.
Commissioner Mendez moved, seconded by Commissioner Bykonen, to close the public hearing on the
proposed code amendment regarding street improvements in RS -12 and RS -20 zoning districts and set July
18, 2018 as the date for deliberations and the recommendation for City Council. The motion passed
unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Chairperson Myhrum welcomed new Commissioners Anne Jordan and Jerry Cochran.
Planning Commission Meeting Page 6 June 20, 2019
Rick White, Community & Economic Development Director, briefed the Planning Commissioner's on the first
Hearing Examiner Meeting from June 12, 2019.
Mr. White asked if the Planning Commission would like to review the Planning Commission Bylaws and
possibly revise the meeting starting time to 6:00 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
With no further discussion or business, the Planning Commission was adjourned at 8:44 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Krystle Shanks, Administrative Assistant II
Community & Economic Development Department
Planning Commission Meeting Page 7 June 20, 2019