Minutes - 05/08/2008 Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Approved Minutes
Council Chambers — City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave.
May 8, 2008
I.CALL TO ORDER
Chair called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
II.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioners, staff and audience stood for the pledge of allegiance
III.ROLL CALL
Commissioners Robertson, Beaulac, Carroll, Eggleston, Kogle, Sands, and Sharpe were
present.
Staff attending the meeting: Greg McCormick, Planning Manager; Mike Basinger, Senior
Planner, Micki Harnois, Associate Planner; Karen Kendall, Assistant Planner; Tavis
Schmidt, Assistant Planner; Deanna Griffith; Administrative Assistant.
IV.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Commissioner Beaulac seconded by Commissioner Kogle, and
unanimously agreed to accept the May 8, 2008 agenda as presented.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
There were no minutes to approve.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT
John Hamersky, 623 N Marguerite: Mr. Hamersky stated that he was disturbed by
the graffiti in his neighborhood. He stated that the thought that graffiti was a crime.
Mr. Hamersky stated that people have been writing on the street, slow down for
children. He stated they had paid for the sewer and the repaving of the street, it was
a new street and he wants someone to do something about the graffiti on his street.
VII. COMMISSION REPORTS
No Commission reports
VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
No Administrative Reports
IX.COMMISSION BUSINESS
New Business — Street Vacation STV-01-07 Assistant Planner Karen Kendall made
a presentation to the Commission regarding the vacation of a alleyway between
Sprague Ave and First Ave. The alley way is proposed to be moved south approx. 26
feet and rededication of the portion of the alleyway is approximately 300 feet long.
The current alley is only 15 feet wide, the Spokane County Fire Dept is requiring 20
feet of dedication. Public Works has no objections regarding this proposal, staff has
received no comment regarding the proposal, staff is currently recommending a
conditional approval. Commissioners questions of staff were, Did the other business
or property owners have comments? Ms. Kendall answered that Mr. Thompson of
Dave's Bar and Grill also signed the application and the staff had received no
objections from the surrounding business owners. Commissioner Beaulac stated he
was going to recuse himself from this amendment.
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Don Groman, 12424 E Houk: Mr. Groman stated he wanted to know if the alley
would be a one way or a two way. Ms. Kenda// stated there had been no
recommendation from Pub/ic Works.
Jane Singleton, PO Box 141341: Ms. Singleton stated that she is the curator of the
museum. Ms. Singleton stated that she would prefer that the alley stay a two way and
asked how to approach Public Works about it, but is very concerned about the safety
of the children. She stated that school trips have increased and the traffic seems to go
through the area fairly fast. Mr. McCormick stated that the directiona/ issue is not an
issue for the P/anning Commission.
Chris Herman, 10821 E. 21S Mr. Herman stated he had more questions than
comments, which were about the project that the street vacation is tied to. Mr.
Herman wanted to know what the project was going to look like, if anyone had seen a
visual of it. The Chair reminded Mr. Herman that the P/anning Commission was on/y to
make a decision regarding the street vacation. Mr. Herman continued to ask questions
regarding the deve%pment of the properly. Mr. Herman wanted to know if he wou/d
be ab/e to comment on the deve%pment of the properly. The vacation process does
not a//ow for the pub/ic comment on the deve%pment on the site.
Gary Bernardo, 107 S. Howard: Mr. Bernard stated he is representing the owner,
Mr. Tom Hamilton, regarding the project. Mr. Bernardo stated that the vacation was
an important part of the project but that most of the rest of the issues had not been
defined. Mr. Bernardo said that the owner agrees with all conditions in the staff report
and that he asks that the Planning Commission approve the vacation.
Commissioner Robertson seeing no one else that wished to testify closed the public
hearing at 6:30 p.m. Commissioner Kogle made a motion to recommend approval of
STV-01-07 to the City Council, Commissioner Beaulac seconded the motion.
Commissioners had discussion regarding the older buildings being taken down but
noting that this was not a condition they could take into consideration during their
deliberations. There was discussion of the speeds currently being driven and the
amount of pedestrian traffic moving around the businesses and the museum. Vote on
the street vacation STV-01-07 is five to one in favor. Motion passes.
Public Hearing Comprehensive Plan Amendments:
Senior Planner Mike Basinger explained to the Planning Commission that there would
be eight private Comprehensive Plan Map amendments, however 07-08 and 08-08
would be heard on May 22, due to a noticing error. Mr. Basinger explained to the
Commission how the map and te� amendments would be presented and the materials
that the Commissioners had received previously in preparation.
Associate Planner Micki Harnois presented CPA-01-08, located south of Mission on
Mamer, two parcels, currently are Low Density Residential and are proposed to change
to Medium Density Residential. These parcels are located south of the retirement
complex and owned by Evergreen Fountains Retirement facility.
Greg Arger, 300 N Mullan Rd.: Mr. Arger explained the uses currently on site at
Evergreen Fountains and that the adjoining parcels will be used to add triplex cottage
homes. Mr. Arger stated this will allow people to live independently and still remain
close to the facility if they should need to use the nursing services provided in the
larger complex.
Commissioner Kogle made a motion to recommend approval of CPA-01-08 to the City
Council, second by Commissioner Sands, vote is unanimous.
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Associate Planner Harnois presented CPA-02-08, located one block north of Trent
Ave. and between Dick and Vista Rds. The current designation is Low Density
Residential the applicant would like to change it to Corridor Mixed Use, Ms. Harnois
also pointed out that this parcel is in the Airport Overlay Zone.
Joe Stoy, 2711 E. Sprague Ave.: Mr. Stoy stated he was representing the owner of
the property. The current use in the larger parcel is being used to assemble
commercial paint booths. Mr. Stoy stated that the owner has a difficult time unloading
supplies on the site and needs the e�ra property for landscaping and a buffer.
Commissioners asked Mr. Stoy questions regarding the landscaping, buffer and the
ability to have the transportation trucks maneuver around the property without having
to back out onto Trent Ave. Commissioner Kogle made a motion to recommend
approval of CPA-02-08 to the City Council, second by Commissioner Beaulac, vote is
unanimous in favor.
Associate Planner Harnois presented CPA-03-08 which is located along Marguerite Rd
at Alki Rd. There are 5 parcels involved in this amendment, currently they are
designated Low Density Residential, would like to change it to Office, Garden Office.
Ms. Harnois stated she had received three comment letters, which the Commissioners
had copies of, each addressing traffic concerns.
Joe Stoy, 1104 N Perrine: Mr. Stoy stated that he was representing the owner of
the properties. Mr. Stoy stated that the applicant would like to change the properry
designation so that a retirement facility could be built on the parcels, creating a buffer
between the commercial uses on Argonne and the residents. Traffic from the facility
would be directed onto Alki. Rd.
Commissioner Beaulac asked why the applicant was requesting Garden Office instead
of Multifamily. Mr. Stoy stated that after discussions with staff that they had been
directed to use this zoning. Garden Office is a transition zone and best suited for this
type of facility was reasoning given by Senior Planner Basinger. Commissioner Kogle
asked a question regarding height restrictions in the Garden Office area, which is
limited to 45 feet, answer supplied by staff.
Kathryn Henderson Mann, 505 N. Marguerite: Ms. Mann stated that the West
Valley city school is not a high school but a middle school. Ms. Mann stated that she
had submitted a letter for the record. That the property is currently zoned R-3 and R-
4, single family residential. Ms. Mann stated that the area is a vast neighborhood of
older homes. She also stated that she is concerned that there are already too many
vacant office buildings along Argonne and listed them. Ms. Mann said at the time of
writing her letter she was not aware of the intended use of the property and was
concerned about allowing more office into the neighborhood that is unneeded.
John Hamersky, 623 N Marguerite: Mr. Hamersky stated that the traffic in his
neighborhood keeps increasing and now you want to put a 45 foot building, with more
sirens, more speeders, and more people who don't care. Mr. Hamersky stated it is
people with money who don't care. He also said we don't need the development, with
the schools and the parks and the kids — the kids are on skateboards, the kids are on
bikes — it is wrong.
Kevin Pereira, 8821 E Valleyway: Mr. Pereira stated that there was not any
commercial property along Marguerite from Broadway to Valleyway and he is
concerned that if this is allowed that commercial will continue to encroach into the
neighborhood farther and farther. Mr. Pereira stated that when he moved into the
neighborhood he did not expect to have 120 units of commercial property ne� door
and is opposed to this change.
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Joe Stoy, 1104 N Perrine: Mr. Stoy stated he would like to address some of the
neighbors concerns. He stated he was trying to create a buffer between the
commercial and the residential properties. Mr. Stoy stated that the properry to the
south of his (that belongs to the school) is mostly paved. Mr. Stoy stated that he
would direct traffic toward Argonne but could not force people to go that direction,
however the age of the residents would cut down on the traffic.
Kevin Pereira, 8821 E. Valleyway: Mr. Pereira stated that the school property is
only half paved and the rest was a baseball diamond.
John Hamersky, 623 N Marguerite: Mr. Hamersky stated he was concerned that if
this development is allowed that it will raise or lower my property values.
Commissioner Kogle made a motion to recommend approval to the City Council which
was seconded by Commissioner Beaulac. Commissioners had a discussion covering
issues regarding if the zoning is a correct buffer, uses allowed, fitting the intention of
the Comprehensive Plan, would any portion be open to the public like a mixed use
building, noise concerns. After considerable discussion Commissioner Kogle withdrew
her motion and Commissioner Sharpe made a motion to continue CPA-03-08 to May
22, 2008, second by Commissioner Beaulac. Motion vote unanimous.
Assistant Planner Tavis Schmidt presented CPA-04-08 which is 3 parcels located at
120 S. Tschirley. Mr. Schmidt stated that the applicant is requesting a change from
Corridor Mixed Use to Medium Density Residential.
Steven Ford, 320 S. Sullivan: Mr. Ford stated he was speaking on behalf of the
applicants and that they are thinking of adding low income housing to the properties.
Mr. Ford stated he was speaking in favor of the proposal.
Commissioner Sands made a motion to recommend approval to the City Council of
CPA-04-08, second by Commissioner Eggleston, vote is unanimous.
Asst. Planner Schmidt presented CPA-05-08, which is located 11901 E Broadway, the
requested change is from Low Density Residential to Garden Office. Commissioners
Robertson and Sharpe both recused themselves from this amendment.
Cal Walker, 11917 E Broadway: Mr. Walker stated that his intention is to restore
the house that is on the property for an office use and then build an office building
similar to the one that is located on the property to the east of this parcel.
Commissioner Sands had a question regarding access to Cataldo to the north, which
was answered that they would not be using Cataldo for access.
Tom Watson, 120 E. Nora: Mr. Watson stated he represents the next parcel over
and that he thought that there had been concern in the past regarding traffic if there
were going to be to high density uses on the properties. However, Mr. Walker's use
and the use on the parcel he is representing, for Nik Arbariotes, are both low density
and low traffic volumes so it will not be a concern.
Cal Walker, 11917 E Broadway: Mr. Walker stated that his and Mr. Arbariotes
projects are not related.
Commissioner Sands made a motion to recommend approval of CPA-05-08 to the City
Council, second by Commissioner Beaulac. Comment from Commissioner Carroll
expressing concern about encroachment into the residential neighborhood. Vote is
four to one, Commissioner Carroll is the no vote.
Asst. Planner Schmidt presents CPA-06-08, located at 11813 E. Broadway, requesting
a change from Low Density Residential to Office/Garden Office. Commissioner Sharpe
recused himself from this amendment.
05/08/2008 Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 of 6
Tom Watson, 120 E. Nora: Mr. Watson is speaking on behalf of the owner of the
property. Mr. Watson stated that Garden Office will allow the 66 bed Alzheimer's
facility they would like to build on the site. The owner is considering restoring the
home on the site for ancillary medical office uses. Mr. Watson stated he believes the
traffic impact will be low, centered around the staff and visitors.
There was discussion from the Commissioners regarding the zoning that could also
allow this facility on the property and the traffic impacts. Commissioner Sands made a
motion to recommend approval to the City Council of CPA-06-08, second by
Commissioner Carroll. Commissioners expressed concern that multifamily might be a
better zone, is Garden Office a good transition zone, less traffic than multifamily,
difference between this and the amendment that was continued — this one is on an
arterial yd. Vote on the motion is unanimous, six to zero.
Planning Manager, Greg McCormick, presented the te� amendments to the
Comprehensive Plan to the Planning Commission. Mr. McCormick explained that most
of the changes were updating table information and formatting changes.
CPA-09-08, Chapter 1, minor changes to some population figures on page 6.
CPA-10-08, Chapter 2, updates to the Countywide Planning Policies, population
numbers, a new section of goals and policies regarding potential annexation areas,
adopting current UGAs, Table 2.1 has been updated with land capacity analysis.
CPA-11-08, Chapter 3, updates to non-motorized transportation terms for consistency
with SRTC, the width of a shared use path, the bike and pedestrian map has been
updated.
CPA-12-08, Chapter 5, updating the data on housing prices, table 5.3 update
information.
CPA-13-08, Chapter 7, updates to the statistical data and tables.
CPA-14-08, Chapter 8, combine policies 14.2 and 14.3 into one policy and minor
changes to the numbering system and some minor changes to the flood plain
information.
CPA-15-08, Chapter 9, update to the neighborhood parks and regional parks, update
to match the parks master plan, updated the population estimates and the parks
inventory to add the new Greenacres park.
Commissioner Sands made a motion to recommend approval to the City Council of
CPA-10-08 through CPA-15-08, second by Commissioner Eggleston, vote is unanimous.
X. GOOD OF THE ORDER
Commissioner Kogle stated she had scheduling conflict ne� week and was not sure
she would be able to make the meeting. Commissioner Robertson stated that he
would be out of town for the meetings of the 15 and the 22
XI. AD70URNMENT
The being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
SUBMITTED: APPROVED:
05/08/2008 Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 of 6
Deanna Griffith, Administrative Assistant Ian Robertson, Chairperson
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