HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06/10/2015 MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
Port Angeles, Washington 98362
June 10, 2015 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Nancy Powers, Duane Morris, David Miller, Brian Hunter,
Members Absent: Scott Headrick, Chad Aubin
Staff Present: Nathan West, Ben Braudrick
Public Present: None
CALL TO ORDER
Note the elected Chair of the board was not present. The Vice Chair was present without
objection from any member Dave Miller presided over the meeting as Chair pro tem
Protem Chair Miller opened the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Miller stated he was not present for the
April 22, 2015 Planning Commission meeting, leaving an
inadequate number of Commissioners for a motion to be
made in the approval of the April 22 meeting minutes.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Review of proposed change to previously approved Fagade Grant 15-03
Assistant Planner Ben Braudrick described the changes to Fagade Grant 15-03, Olympic
Veterinary Clinic, located at 1331 E. Front Street. The mural will be changed to a large
scale reproduction of a water color by Todd Fischer representing the Elwha River Valley.
The mural would be made of a multi-pieced vinyl that can be replaced if vandalized.
Director Nathan West commented that because the image and artist had been changed
that he thought it best to bring the mural portion of the grant back to the Commission to
comment on.
Commissioner Powers commented that the trees located along the eastern side of the
building might need to be removed for the mural to be visible. Assistant Planner
Braudrick answered that Associate Planner Scott Johns had talked to the property owner
and approved of the Clinics choice of replacement trees that would help the mural be
more visible. The trees are in the right of way, and the Clinic has written a letter of intent
detailing their proposed action.
Commissioner Morris asked if the painting had a name. Assistant Planner Braudrick
responded that the name of the painting is Openspace and the artist is Todd Fischer.
Commissioner Morris commented that he did not immediately recognize the subject of
the painting to be the Elwha River. He suggested that a note or description might be made
that details the location and significance of the dam removals.
ELECTIONS
Director West began the election discussion with the statement that the Planning Department had
intended to have elections in March, but with continued absences the elections got pushed back.
Planning Commission Minutes
2015
Page 2
Although there are two commissioners missing, they have submitted their nominations via email.
The Chair should not exceed one year, and that year is overdue.
Commissioner Powers asked if commissioners were allowed to nominate both the Chair and
Vice Chair. Director West responded that, yes, absolutely they have that ability.
Director West read Chair Headrick's nominations first. Chair Headrick nominated Duane as
Chair and Powers as Vice Chair. Commissioner Aubin nominated Commissioner Powers as
Chair and Commissioner Hunter as Vice Chair. Commissioner Powers mentioned that she was
not interested in serving as Chair, but would be interested in a Vice Chair position. Chair Miller
stated that he thought that a new member of the Commission should be nominated as Chair
because it is good experience. Chair Miller moved that they nominate Commissioner Hunter as
Chair and Commissioner Morris as Vice Chair.
Commissioner Morris asked if he was in fact able to act as Vice Chair two years in a row.
Director West commented that he was unsure, but that the bylaws could be checked. After
checking Director West concluded that elected officers will not serve consecutive terms in the
same office.
Chair Miller nominated Commissioner Hunter for Chair and Commissioner Powers for Vice
Chair. Chair Miller called for a vote. All were in favor.
STAFF REPORTS
Update on Hearing Examiner proposal
Director West detailed the purpose and availability of a Hearings Examiner. At this point, before
an RFQ is sent out to appoint a Hearings Examiner, the City Manager has the ability to appoint
both a pro tem and hearings examiner. They will not be a City employee, they would be held on
a contract. The Hearings Examiner would make all quasi-judicial decision making. The Planning
Commission would still hear legislative matters as well as city code, shoreline masterplan, and
comprehensive plan updates. Powers asked who the pro tem might be.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
None
REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
None
ADJOURNMENT
The meetin,g adj oumed at 6:1 p.
en B , Secretary Brian Hunter, Chair
PREPARED BY: Ben Braudrick