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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-26 PC APPROVED SIGNED MINUTESRegular Meeting Minutes Spokane Valley Planning Commission Spokane Valley City Hall March 26, 2026 I. Chairman Robertson called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in person and via ZOOM meetings. II. The Commissioners and staff stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. III. Administrative Assistant Denise Mclain took attendance, and the following members and staff were present: John Robertson Bob McKinley Thomas Dingus -via Zoom Kristopher Pockell Justin Weathermon Ann Winkler Steve Roberge, Planning Manager Tony Beattie, Senior Deputy Attorney Chad Knodel, IT Manager Denise Mclain, Administrative Assistant IV. AGENDA: Commissioner McKinley moved, and it was seconded, to approve the agenda for March 26, 2026. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was five in favor, zero opposed, and the motion passed. V. MINUTES: Commissioner Pockell moved, and it was seconded, to approve the minutes as presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was five in favor, zero opposed, and the motion passed. VI. COMMISSIONER REPORT: Commissioner Winkler noted that the city approved a parking study as discussed at previous meetings. VII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Planning Manager Steve Roberge reported that City Council reviewed the first set of elements from the Planning Commission. The information was well received and there were not any changes. They did prefer scenario A for the rezone of the city. They did also discuss the parking study that the City Council moved to approve the project. Mr. Roberge also updated the commissioners about the schedule. We will have a special meeting next week and then skip a few meetings before returning for another special meeting later in April. March 26, 2026: Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 3 VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT: )ustyce Brant, Urban Forestry Program Director, sent a comment via email that was distributed to Planning Commission. Victoria Robinson, Spokane Valley Resident, made a comment regarding the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and a desire for social equity applicants that would like to move into Spokane Valley. She asked that they consider allowing more locations in Spokane Valley so that we can have more than the three current locations. IX. COMMISSION BUSINESS: a. Presentation: Comprehensive Plan Draft Element Review. Mr. Roberge introduced Elliot Weis as the CAI representative that will be presenting tonight. He gave an overview of the timeline for the element review. The Housing element was presented to meet population growth, ensure policy meets state mandates, provide for a variety of housing types while maintaining balanced housing inventory and locate multifamily near public transportation. This includes an addition of the Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis which requires the city to support affordable housing considerations to promote affordability and growth. Commissioner Winkler requested more specific information in Policy H-PS to expand the language to be more direct. Commissioner Robertson asked If there was going to be another effort to get more public comment, such as a QR-Code or something similar. He also asked if we would be adding age to the Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis. Mr. Weiss reported that it is not required but it can be added if the Planning Commission would like to. Commissioner Dingus asked if we could improve Policy H-P6 as it seems to conflict with the other policies outlined in the information presented. He also commented that Exhibit 3 compares value from 2015 to 2024, which may be misleading due to inflation during that time. Lastly, he would like to see us make Sprague Avenue west of University Road more walkable if that is an area that will be developed. • Gen Dial, Senior Planner with SCJ Alliance, presented the Utility Element. SCI Alliance reviewed existing data to look for updates or new resources needed. Commissioner Dingus expressed a desire to see these utilities in more mixed -use or commercial areas rather than residential. Commissioner McKinley commented March 26, 2026: Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 3 on the abundance of telecommunications and internet, and if we could remove the capital facilities that are addressed in another element. Commissioner Winkler asked if we could remove the cell tower section as we don't have them. She also discussed the Vera utility section to include an update as Vera will only allow a certain number of participants and they are at capacity. Commissioner Pockell commented on the new/emerging trends, and he was wondering if we should add grid -scale energy storage. Nicole Gutierrez, Cascadia Consulting, introduced the Climate and Resiliency Element. Megan Horst took over the presentation to review climate hazards and the vulnerability assessment. Commissioner Weathermon asked for clarification on the business incentive -based commute reduction program on CE-1327. Commissioner Pockell asked if we could add the climate vulnerability assessment to the website. Commissioner Winkler asked about figure 3, the tree canopy, and said she would like to see an incentive for people to replace trees that are being cut down. Commissioner Robertson asked If the U of W study was just this area or the entire state. He also asked if there was more data from before 2022 regarding the emissions forecast scenario. X. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Commissioner Winkler discussed a study on greenhouse gas emissions and if there was somewhere she could get more Information on the study. Chairman Robertson read the City of Spokane Valley mission statement. He also made a statement about 1776 and the 250th Anniversary of the United States. XI. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Pockell moved, and it was seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 7:49 p.m. The vote on the motion was five in favor, zero opposed, and the motion passed. Jo Robertson, Chairman Date Signed Denise Mclain, Secretary