PC APPROVED Minutes 05-28-15 APPROVED Minutes
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Council Chambers—City Hall,
May 28,2015
Chairman Stoy called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners, staff and audience stood for the
pledge of allegiance. Ms. Horton took roll and the following members and staff were present:
Kevin Anderson Lori Barlow, Senior Planner
Heather Graham Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Tim Kelley
Mike Phillips
Susan Scott
Joe Stoy Greg Bingaman, IT Specialist
Sam Wood Deanna Horton, Secretary of the Commission
Commissioner Anderson moved to approve the May 28, 2015 agenda. The vote on the amended agenda
was seven in favor, zero against, the motion passes.
Commissioner Anderson moved to accept the May 14, 2015 minutes as presented. Commissioner Scott
noted she and Commissioner Phillips attended the State of the City Address at the Spokane Valley Mall
and the presentation regarding the City Hall at CenterPlace. The Commission approved the amended
minutes with a vote of seven in favor, zero against, and the motion passed.
Commissioner Graham moved to accept the May 18, 2015 minutes as presented. The Commission
approved the minutes with a vote of seven in favor, zero against, motion passed.
COMMISSION REPORTS: Commissioner Kelley reported he attended the Trader's Club, which is a
commercial real estate agent group.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT:
Senior Planner Lori Barlow reported the next meeting would be June 8, 2015, which would be a public
hearing for the text amendments and over lay requests. Ms. Barlow stated staff is hoping the
Commissioners will be able to conduct the public hearing, deliberate and make a recommendation at the
June 8 meeting. The City Council will be having an administrative report on the site-specific requests on
June 2, but will not be taking any action or public comment at that meeting. The City Council will be
taking comment and taking action on the site-specific requests at their June 9, 2015 meeting. At the same
meeting, the City Council will receive an administrative report on the text and overlay requests. They
will be taking action on the overlay and text amendments at their June 23rd meeting.
Ms. Barlow stated the regular meeting scheduled for June 11th will be cancelled. The upcoming items
include the public hearing for CTA-2015-0004 for the Administrative Exceptions,which was canceled the
night of May 14, because of the overwhelming volume of people who showed up to testify for the site-
specific Citizen-initiated Amendment Requests(CAR),and other items on the advanced agenda.
Ms. Barlow also reported the City's Shoreline Master Program, which had been sent to the Department of
Ecology for final approval, had reached the end of its official comment period and had received no
comments. There had been two comments submitted, but after the deadline. The Department of Ecology
will now begin its formal adoption process, then the plan will be returned to the City with comments for
correction or for the City to adopt it by ordinance.
Ms. Barlow stated Spokane Regional Transportation Council is in the process of updating their
certification process. They are looking for input and would appreciate input if anyone has comments.
05-28-15 Planning Commission Minutes Page 1 of 2
PUBLIC COMMENT: James Johnson, 13224 E. 4th Avenue: Mr. Johnson stated he believes he is a
part of the fabric of the valley. He attended McDonald Elementary, and can recount many of the
significant events which he feels shaped this valley. He feels the proposal which is being suggested near
him, will allow 50-foot apartments to look into his back yard instead of 50-foot trees. He said he spoke to
Sally Jackson one time about disincorporation and she said business would take precedence over
residence. He liked the City's vision statement. He commented the City has a planning department with
a young planning staff, which are there to advise the Planning Commissioners. He appreciated the
Commissioners are volunteers. He hoped the Commissioners understood what the Valley means, what
living in it means, and that there was a lot of community space outside of the City. He said the City isn't
a bubble and he hoped the Commissioners didn't look at the City as if there were a set of guidelines, a set
map, or set percentages and there is no such thing as an allocation of people who will move here. He said
there are studies done and expectations made but the Commissioners are the ones who will decide what
the City will look like in 20 years. He thought families should come before business.
COMMISSION BUSINESS:
There was no Commission business.
GOOD OF THE ORDER: Commissioner Anderson requested some information ahead of the June 8,
2015 meeting. He would like to know what an overlay is, specifically as it relates to the proposed mining
overlay, what are the legal implications of such an overlay and can property owners 'opt out' of an
overlay. He also asked for information regarding mineral rights or surface rights.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business meeting was adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
Joe Stoy, Chairperson Date signed
Deanna Horton, Secretary
05-28-15 Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 2