2023-04-13 PC APPROVED SIGNED MINUTESMeeting Minutes
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Room 109 — Centerplace Regional Event Center
April 13, 2023
I. Planning Commission Vice -Chair Walt Haneke called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. The
meeting was held in person and via ZOOM meetings.
II. Administrative Assistant Marianne Lemons took attendance, and the following members and
staff were present:
Susan Delucchi Tony Beattie, City Senior Deputy Attorney
Val Dimitrov, absent Chaz Bates, Planning Manager
Karl Granrath, absent Levi Basinger, Planner
Walt Haneke Chad Knodel, IT Manager
Bob McKinley Marianne Lemons, Administrative Assistant
Nancy Miller, absent
Daniel Wilson
There was consensus from the Planning Commission to excuse Chairman Granath,
Commissioner Miller, & Commissioner Dimitrov.
III. AGENDA: Comn7issioner Delucchi moved to approve the agenda for April 13, 2023 as
presented There was no discussion. The vote on the motion wasfour in favor, zero against
and the motion passed.
IV. MINUTES: Commissioner R'ilson moved to approve the March 9, 2023 minutes as
presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was four in favor, zero against
and the motion passed.
V. COMMISSION REPORTS: Commissioner Wilson reported that he attended the Spokane
Valley 20-year celebration on April 151, 2023. He stated that it was very well done and
organized. Commissioner Wilson also reported that he visited the regional water/wastewater
treatment facility. He gave a report of how the treatment facility works and encouraged the
public to visit the facility.
VI. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: There was no administrative report.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment.
VIII. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
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a. Public Hearing: 2023 Annual Comprehensive Plan Amendments
The public hearing was opened at 6:12 p.m.
Plamier Levi Basinger gave a staff report. He explained that the Growth Management Act
(GMA) allows local jurisdictions to consider amendments to their Comprehensive Plans once
a year. The City received one proposed site -specific map amendment during the application
timeframe.
Mr. Basinger stated that the applicant/owner of the proposed property change is the City of
Spokane Valley. The requested amendment is to change the zoning from Single -Family
Residential (SFR) and Neighborhood Commercial (NC) to Parks, Recreation, & Open Space
(P/OS). The amendment will expand the P/OS zone by 23.9 acres.
Mr. Basinger explained that multiple types of critical areas have been identified on site. The
Critical Areas Map shows an existing stream/drainage channel on the north side of the site
and the location of the floodplain. He explained that much of the site is defined as Flood
Zone AO, which is defined as an area of shallow flooding, usually in the form of sheet flow,
with an average depth ranging from 1 to 3 feet. Given the strict building requirements applied
to structures in the floodplain, open fields allowing for passive or active recreation, with no
or few structures, are ideal for locations such as these. In addition, there are several
easements identified on or adjacent to the subject site.
Mr. Basinger stated that the area is identified in the Parks & Recreation Master Plan. The
change will provide new park space for residents in an area of the City that is lacking in park
space. The proposed use is compatible with surrounding uses. The change will also preserve
open space in the flood plain/critical areas. He stated that the City has determined that the
site is not conducive for building but will serve well as park/open space land.
Mr. Basinger reported that the Planning Department sent the proposed change out for agency,
staff, and public comment (the notice was mailed to property owners within a 400-foot radius
of the property and was posted on site). There were no staff or agency comments received
and the City received three public comments. Two of the public continents were in favor of
the proposal and the third comment requested that single-family development not be allowed
on the property.
Corrunissioner Ilaneke asked if the City has plans for developing the park. Mr. Basinger
answered that the City has identified it as park area in the Master Plan but has not created
definitive plans for development yet.
Commissioner Delucchi asked the process for developing a new park. Mr. Bates answered
that the Parks Department will create a formal master plan for the proposed space which will
be done through a public input process.
Barbara Bartak (Spokane Valley) stated that she lives across the street from the proposed
property. She explained that the property is home to deer, pheasant, turkey & quails, and she
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Page 3 of 5
has concern about what will happen to the wildlife and native plants when the property is
developed into a park. She expressed that she hopes the City will allow the public to provide
input on the development of the park.
Rick Donaldson (Spokane Valley) stated that the property is a habitat area with many
different types of wildlife. He reported that he is a proponent of the proposal but would like
to keep it open space if possible.
Administrative Assistant Marianne Lemons read into the record a public comment received
via email from Susan Brunemeier (Spokane Valley) stating that she is in favor of a natural
park in that area and hopes that some wildlife and birds will make it their habitat.
The public hearing was closed at 6:33 p.m.
Connnissioner Deluccbi moved to recommend approval of CPA-2023-0001 to the City
Council as presented.
Commissioner Delucchi stated that she would like to see the area preserved as a natural
wildlife park that could provide an opportunity for children to learn about the wildlife in the
community. She said that she doesn't think it should be developed into a formal park area
and would be better left in its natural state.
Commissioner Wilson commented that wildlife has occupied the proposed area for a long
time, and he would also like to see the area left as it is currently. He doesn't think it makes
sense to develop it in other ways.
Conunissioner McKinley said that he is in favor of the change and would also like to see it
preserved in a natural state because the City needs areas for wildlife habitat.
Commissioner Haneke stated that he would like to see it zoned just open space instead of
parks/open space because he would strongly like to see the property remain natural open
space. He also mentioned that dumping has occurred on the property, and he hopes that the
City will get that cleaned up and put something in place that would prevent that from
happening again in the future.
The vote on the notion rnas four in favor, zero against and the motion passed.
Mr. Basinger commented that the Findings Of Fact on this matter will be presented to the
Conunission at the April 27, 2023 meeting.
b. Study Session: STV-2023-0001: Street Vacation - 22" d and Glenview Circle
Planner Levi Basinger gave a staff report. He stated that the street vacation is privately
initiated request from The Oaks Education Association to vacate 6,970 square feet
(0.16 acres) of public right-of-way (ROW) in the aligmnent for Glenview Circle,
located south of and adjacent to 22nd Avenue.
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Mr. Basinger explained that the ROW proposed to be vacated comprises the fourth leg
of the intersection between 22ad Avenue and Glenview Circle. The ROW was originally
dedicated as part of the plat for Glenview Acres 3rd Addition in 1968. This leg of
Glenview remains unimproved and does not extend further south.
Mr. Basinger stated that the ROW is adjacent to two properties, parcels 45281.2104
and 45281.2802. Both parcels are owned by Oaks Education Association. The property
owner has requested the 6,970 square feet of right-of-way be vacated because they
believe it is no longer required for public access and the Oaks Academy expansion,
located immediately to the south, prevents a possible extension of Glenview Road
further to the south. The applicant plans to build a private school on the parcel to the
south. The school will be within the alignment for a possible right-of-way extension
south. Access from 22ad is proposed via a private driveway but is currently located
outside of the ROW. Building permits have been issued for the school's construction
and site grading activities. The applicants will be using the ROW as a temporary
construction entrance, but no permanent improvements have been approved within the
existing ROW currently.
Mr. Basinger said that staff and the utility providers have reviewed the proposal and
have not expressed opposition to vacating the ROW but have requested the following
conditions:
1. A new curb installed across the ROW to be vacated along the south side of 22" d
Avenue.
2. The existing driveway approach for 11706 E 22ad Avenue must be modified to
match installed curbing.
3. Construction within the public ROW must be permitted and subject to
inspection by the City.
4. Easements to allow for maintenance of existing utilities will need to be
dedicated by the City prior to vacation.
Commissioner McKinley stated that he is not opposed to vacating the area since it has
remained unimproved since the 1960's and the area doesn't serve a real purpose for the City.
Mr. Basinger mentioned that the applicant, Oaks Education could move their driveway to the
vacated area, but they would have to provide an updated plan for review.
Commissioner Wilson asked if the utility companies will still have access to their lines. Mr.
Basinger answered that the City will make sure that the proper easements are dedicated so
that the utility companies have access.
Commissioner Haneke expressed concern about the vacated area being used as a driveway.
He stated that if it's going to be used as a driveway, the City should retain control of it so that
the driveway is built to the City's street standards. Mr. Bates responded that the City's traffic
engineer has reviewed the proposal and did not provide any comments. He will reach out to
the engineers again and get additional information from them for the next meeting.
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Commissioner Delucchi asked if the City gets paid when a street vacation occurs. Mr.
Basinger answered that a compensation Resolution was passed that states the applicant must
pay 50% of the assessed value of the vacated property. The property has been accessed at
approximately $15,000.00.
The public hearing for this item will be held on April 27, 2023.
IX. GOOD OF THE ORDER: There was nothing offered for the Good Of The Order.
X. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner McKinley moved to adjourn the meeting at 7: 05 p. m.
The vote on the motion was four in favor, zero against, and the motion passed.
Karl Granrath, Chairman
Marianne Lemons, Secretary
YIZ,/23
Date Signed