Minutes - 07/08/2004~Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Minutes
Council Chambers- City Hall 11707 E. Sprague Ave.
July 8, 2004
1. CALL TO ORDER
Planning Commission Chair Gothinann called the meeting to order at
6:30 p.m. The Commissioners welcomed Debi Alley back from extended leave.
IT. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Commission, audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
Fred Beaulac - Present Bill Gothma m - Present
Bob Blum - Present Ian Robertson - Present
David Crosby - Present John G. Carroll - Present
Gail Kogle - Excused Absence
IV. APPROVAL. OF AGENDA
Commissioner Robertson moved that the July 8, 2004 agenda be approved as
presented. Commissioner Gothnnann seconded the motion. Motion passed
unanimously.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Commissioner Gothman n and seconded by Commissioner
Beaulac that the minutes of the June 10 and June 24, 2004 Planning,
Commission meetings be approved as presented. j$fotion passed utnanitnously.
DTI. PUBLIC C01WINi>EaNT
There was no public comment.
VII. COMMISSION REPORTS
As Chair of the Ad Hoc Sign Committee, Conuuissioner Crosby reported on
yesterday's meeting activities. The Committee continues to work on the
Definilions section of the Code, and will continue to do so at their next meeting
on July 22"d. Comntissioner Crosby will provide the Planning Commission with
copies of Committee meeting minutes at the next meeting.
VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Ms. Sukup explained to the Commissioners that three out of four items brought
forward for discussion at the last meeting will go to public hearing on July 22"d.
The Clearview Triangle has been dropped from the hearing roster at this time.
IX. COITAIISSION BUSINESS
A. NEW BUSLNESS:
Briefing: Light Rail Project, K.C. Travers.
Mr. K.C. Travers, Light Rail Project Manager, was introduced to the
Planning Commission. He provided the Commission with an update on
the regional Light Rail planning effort, focusing specifically on plans for
the Spokane Valley. Valley citizens' preferences for development of a
Light Rail system were to increase economic development/employment
and to enhance transportation/growth management. Commissioners asked
Mr. Travers questions regarding the proposed Light Rail system's service
radius, and its economic impact on the City and its citizens.
Briefing: Spokane Transit Authority, Gordon Howell.
Mr. Gordon Howell, Planning and Grants Manager at Spokane Transit
Authority, was introduced to the Planning Commission. Molly Myers and
Ryan Stewart from Spokane Transit Authority were also introduced. Mr.
Howell presented a plan for improved public transportation in the Valley.
The proposed service plan includes enhanced routes that would provide
great connectivity between Valley locations, increase of route frequencies
to 30 minutes, use of smaller vehicles on feeder routes, addition of mid-
day trips to express routes serving primary Valley locations, and extension
of service hours to 9:20 p.m. Commissioners asked questions about
available funding and the new Park & Ride stations proposed to be located
in two southern Valley locations.
The Planning Commission thanked Spokane Transit Authority for their
presentations, and praised them for holding public meetings to assist in the
planning process.
Comprehensive Plan: Parks & Recreation Chapter Draft
Mr. Scott Kuhta presented a draft of the City of Spokane Valley's
Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 - Parks & Recreation. This chapter is
similar to the Capital Facilities chapter in that there is building and
development involved. When the Ten-Year Parks Master Plan is
completed and approved, it will direct Chapter 9 of the Comprehensive
Plan. Commissioner Gothmann encouraged the City to take advantage of
the opportunity to integrate existing natural areas and historical sites (e.g.
Dishman Hills, Centennial Trail) to new Parks & Recreation areas.
The Commission held a break from 7:50 to 8:00 p.m. Pie was served in honor of
Ms. Alley's return.
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r B. OLD BUShNESS:
Continuation of Discussion: Administrative VarianceJAdministrative
Exception.
Ms. Sukup explained that a public hearing before the Planning
Commission on this subject is scheduled for the July 22"d meeting. Staff
is proposing amendments to the existing Ordinance #03-53, and Ms.
Sukup gave the Commission a brief overview of what is being proposed.
She and Mr. Kuhta clarified several definitions in the proposed ordinance
and Zoning Code. There were no further comments or questions.
Continuation of Discussion: Dimensional Standards.
Ms. Sukup briefed the Planning Commission on proposed amendments to
the Interim Development Regulations related to dimensional standards. A
public hearing before the Planning Commission is scheduled on this topic
at the July 22"d meeting. There were no continents or questions regarding
these proposed amendments.
Continuation of Discussion: Interim Zoning (UR-1).
Ms. Sukup explained that staff is recommending a proposal to amend
Ordinance #03-53 to establish Chapter 14.615 Urban Residential Estate
(UR-1) Zone and applicable interim development regulations for the City.
The interim zoning status may last for up to twelve months, and could give
- the City a reprieve until better design standards can be developed.
Commissioner Crosby and Ms. Sukup discussed some of the inherent
problems with this type of zone and its effect on neighbors. There were
no further comments or questions.
X. FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Commissioner Carroll mentioned that three Commissioners have property
located in the Rotchford Acres and Ponderosa neighborhoods. He asked
Ms. Sukup how this would affect their participation in the public hearing
to be held on July 22d, and their ability to vote on the proposal. Mr.
Kuhta read #15: Conflict of Interest from the Planning Coimnission's
Rules of Procedure: "Any Commission member having a direct or
indirect interest in, or would benefit from any matter, shall disclose this
interest and shall, if deemed appropriate by that commissioner or
required by law, refrain from participating or voting on the matter."
Chairman Gothmann handed out copies of the citizen comments which
were attached to the Clearwater Research, Inc.'s Community Survey
posted on the City's website.
Ms. Sukup thanked the Commissioners who attended the Comp Plan
Community meetings and participated as group facilitators. She
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encouraged them to rest up this summer, because the meetings will begin
% again in September.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
APPR.O D:
illiam H. Gothmann, Chairman
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