2020-09-24 PC APPROVED SIGNED MinutesRegular Meeting Minutes
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Council Chambers — City Hall
September 24, 2020
I. Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held remotely via
ZOOM meeting.
II. Commissioners, staff and audience stood for the pledge of allegiance.
III. Administrative Assistant Deanna Horton took roll and the following members and staff were
present:
Fred Beaulac Erik Lamb, Deputy City Attorney
Walt Haneke Jenny Nickerson, Building Official
James Johnson Connor Lange, Planner
Danielle Kaschmitter Chad Riggs, Senior Engineer
Bob McKinley Deanna Horton, Administrative Assistant
Sherri Robinson Taylor Dillard, Administrative Assistant
IV. AGENDA: Commissioner Kaschmitter moved to approve the September 24, 2020 agenda as
presented with exception of removing the Administrative Report: Current Transportation
Planning for the South Barker Corridor and Related Street Standards. There was no
discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero against and the motion passed.
V. MINUTES: Commissioner Kaschmitter moved to approve the September 10, 2020 minutes
as presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero against
and the motion passed.
VI. COMMISSION REPORTS: Chair Johnson reported that he continues to attend the Human
Rights Task Force meetings.
VII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Building Official Jenny Nickerson reported
Commissioner Kelley's resignation and thanked the Commissioner for his years of service on
the Planning Commission. She confirmed that Mayor Wick is working to fill the position.
Jenny Nickerson proposed holding a meeting on Thursday, November 5 to discuss Traffic
Impact Fees. Jenny Nickerson informed the Planning Commission, Deanna Horton,
Administrative Assistant, would read two written comments regarding the item removed
from the agenda prior to the amendment.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT: Commission Secretary Horton read two written comments regarding
the South Barker Corridor, item that was on the agenda prior to amending, into the record.
The first comment letter was from Kathryn Cote of Spokane Valley. Ms. Cote stated she is
opposed to the roundabout at Sprague and Barker, feeling it would make it difficult to access
her property, take too much of her property and a three -lane road would be too impactful to
the neighborhood. Second comment letter submitted was from Doug Nelson, Spokane
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Valley. Mr. Nelson's email stated he is opposed to three roundabouts along the South Barker
corridor. Mr. Nelson feels that four-way stops would serve better. He raised concerns about
the speed of traffic and safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists. He promoted the idea of
purchasing land for a park instead of road improvements along the corridor. There was a
short discussion regarding notification to those who submitted comments of the public
hearing date. This would give the submitters the ability to submit any comments they may
have at the public hearing or to participate live if they wish.
IX. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
a. Public Hearing: CTA-2019-0005, A proposed amendment to Spokane Valley
Municipal Code (SVMC) Title 20, Subdivisions
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:16.
Planner Connor Lange began by stating the goal with the proposed changes is to align the
municipal code with state law and to make the process easier. Mr. Lange summarized the
proposed changes into three categories, which were to align process with state law, to
improve procedural and submittal requirements, and to update the grammatical and
organizational structure.
Mr. Lange outlined the proposed changes to the municipal code:
• Chapter 20.30 Preliminary Short Subdivision, Subdivisions, and Binding Site Plans:
Proposed changes include reducing the number of required copies, removing other
unnecessary requirements and align the municipal code with state law and other areas of
the SVMC.
• Chapter 20.40 Final Short Subdivision, Subdivision and Binding Site Plans: Proposed
changes include reducing the number of required copies, aligning submittals with current
processes, and updating language in section 20.40.020 regarding City Manager final plat
authorization and reviewing requirements, and adding clarifying language in section
20.40.050 regarding subdivision phasing.
• Chapter 20.50 Preliminary Plat, Short Plat, and Binding Site Plan Alterations: Proposed
changes include renaming the chapter "Subdivision Alterations," adding language to
section 20.50.010 regarding application submittal requirements, adding updates to section
20.50.020 outlining procedures for preliminary plat alterations, and adding updates to
section 20.50.030 outlining procedures for final plat alterations.
• Chapter 20.60 Final Plat, Short Plat, and Binding Site Plan Alterations: Proposed
changes include renaming the chapter "Short Subdivision and Binding Site Plan
Alterations," adding language to section 20.50.005 regarding purpose, adding language to
section 20.60.010 regarding application requirements, and adding updates to section
20.60.020 regarding procedures for short plat and binding site plan alterations.
• Chapter 20.70 Subdivision, Short Subdivision, and Binding Site Plan Vacation: Proposed
changes include language updates to section 20.70.020 regarding the subdivision vacation
process and language updates to section 20.70.030 regarding the short subdivision and
binding site plan vacation process.
• Chapter 17.80 Permit Processing Procedures: Permit Type and Land Use Application
table updated to reflect new definitions in Chapter 20 regarding Type II and Type III land
uses and updates to cross references.
Commissioner Haneke asked who has the authority to determine if a submittal is Type II
versus Type III. Mr. Lange explained that staff would review the submittal to determine if
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the changes are consistent with the conditions. If the changes are inconsistent with the
conditions or alter the conditions, the submittal would then be sent to the Hearing Examiner
for approval.
Commissioner Haneke asked a clarifying question about approval of subdivision phasing.
Mr. Lange confirmed that if the applicant showed phasing within their submittal, the
mitigation would be discussed at that time, whether it could be phased or not.
Mr. Lange then invited Senior Engineer Chad Riggs, to present on the City's use of
performance sureties. Mr. Riggs stated that the City does accept performance sureties when a
project cannot be completed due to bad weather, the contractor cannot obtain construction
materials, or any other unforeseen complications. The conditions are that the project must be
substantially completed, ensuring that sewer, water, curb and gutter, stormwater, and crushed
gravel are put in place due to safety reasons.
Commissioner Haneke asked about using a performance surety for paving of a project. Mr.
Riggs explained that the primary goal is to get the developer to pave before the plants close
but if it is due to bad weather, the City does try to work with the developers.
Chairman Johnson closed the Public Hearing at 6:35 p.m.
Commissioner Kaschmitter moved to recommend approval of CTA-2019-0005 to City
Council. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero against and
the motion passed.
X. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Commissioner McKinley voiced his concern with the
roundabouts on Barker Road. Jenny Nickerson expressed that staff's goal when discussing
topics such as roundabouts and the South Barker Corridor study, is to build in time in the
upcoming meeting to talk about the current regulations and to answer those preliminary
questions.
Commissioner Haneke expressed his desire to inform the people that submitted public
comments regarding the agenda item that had been removed. Ms. Nickerson confirmed she
would inform those individuals of the removal of the item and ensure they are aware of the
progression of this topic.
Chairman Johnson expressed he is aware that he is not perfect and that everyone is not
always going to agree, which he believes is what makes the Planning Commission team
stronger. He requested that if anyone has anything to point out to him to reach out. Chairman
Johnson expressed his regret that the Planning Commission lost a member with a unique
perspective and passion.
XI. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Beaulac moved to adjourn the meeting at 6: 42 p.m.
There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero against, and the
motion passed.
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Date signed
Deanna Horton, Secretary