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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01/26/1994 . . . AGENDA CITY OF PORT ANGELES PLANNING COMMISSION 321 East Fifth Street Port Angeles, W A 98362 January 26, 1994 7:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL m. APPROV AL OF MINUTES: Meeting of January 12, 1994 IV. PUBLIC BEARING: 1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - CUP 93(01)02 - UMBRELLA COMMUNITY SERVICES. 531 East Fifth Street: Request to allow a group home in the RS-7, Residential Single- Family District. (Continued from January 12, 1994.) 2. PROPOSED CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT AND PLAN AND OTHER POTENTIAL REVISIONS TO THE DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN'S GOAlS AND POLICIES V. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC VI. STAFF REPORTS VII. REPORTS OF BOARD MEMBERS VIII. ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE: Spokesmen for the proponents and opponents will be given an opportunity to speak to the request. Information submitted should be factual, relevant and not merely duplication of a previous presentation. A reasonable time (10 minutes) shall be allowed the spokesman; others shall be limited to short supporting remarks (5 minutes). Other interested parties will be allowed to comment briefly (5 minutes each) or make inquiries. The Chairman may allow additional public testimony if the issue warrants it. Brief rebuttal (5 minutes) for proponents and opponents will be heard separately and consecutively with presentation limited to their spokesman. Rebuttal shall be limited to factual statements pertaining to previous testimony. Comments should be directed to the Board, not the City Staff representatives present, unless directed to do SO by the Chairman. Members: Bob Wimers, Chair; Cindy Souders, Vice Chair; Bob Philpott; Orville Campbell; Roger Calts; and Carl Alexander. Planning Staff: Brad Collins, Director; Johll Jimerson, Associate Plallner; Sue Roberds, Office Specialist, David Sawyer, Senior Planner. . . . Planning Commission Agenda Page 2 VIT. REPORTS OF THE COMMISSION vm. ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE: Spokesmen for the proponents and opponents will be given an opportunity to speak to the request. Information submitted should be factual, relevant and not merely duplication of a previous presentation. It is helpful if the speaker identifies his/her interest in the issue. A reasonable time (10 minutes) shall be allowed the spokesman; others shall be limited to short supporting remarks (5 minutes). Other interested parties will be allowed to comment briefly (5 minutes each) or make inquiries. The Chairman may allow additional public testimony if the issue warrants it. Brief rebuttal (5 minutes) for proponents and opponents heard separately and consecutively with presentation limited to their spokesman. Rebuttal shall be limited to factual statements pertaining to previous testimony. Comments should be directed to the Planning Commission, not the City Staff representatives present, unless directed to do so by the Chairman. . MINUTES PLANNING COMl\1ISSION Port Angeles, Washington 98362 January 26, 1994 7:00 pm I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Winters called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. n. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Bob Philpott, Bob Winters, Linda Nutter~ Carl Alexander, Cindy Souders, Roger Caus and Orville Campbell. Commissioners Absent: None Brad Collins, David Sawyer, Ken Ridout, Ed Bonollo, and Officer Terry Gallagher. . Public Present Mr. and Mrs. Horrocks, Sandy Oliver, Barbara and Joe Eckert, Susan Feiro~ Jim Hinshaw, Bill Bonk, Jean and Bill Folden, Kathe Smith, Cathy Hassell, Laurey Hansen-Carl, Bill and Cate Rinehart, Win Slota, Dorothy Phillips, Bob Cates, Herb and Anne Boyd, Don McInnes, Tim German, Jim Bunger, Patricia Lorentzen, Sheila Sell, Carl Sell, Dave Milligan, Barb Nason, Charyl Baumann, Anne Murray, Ken Schermer, Mr. and Mrs. Warner Balch, Kurtis Lorentzen, Marvin and Vallerie Jester, Lori Cates, David Waggoner. Staff Present: ill. APPROVALOFMThmT~ The Planning Commission reviewed the January 12, 1994, minutes as presented. Commissioner Philpott pointed out two typos which were corrected. Commissioner Campbell moved to approve the minutes as modified. Commissioner Nutter seconded the motion which carried unanimously. IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS: . CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - CUP 94(01)02 - UMBRELLA COMMUNITY SERVICES. 531 East Fifth Street: Request for a conditional use permit to allow a group home in an RS- 7, Residential Single-Family District. Planning Commission Minutes January 26, 1994 Page 2 of 13 . Mr. Collins noted that this public hearing is continued from January 12, 1994, and that the staff report had been presented at that hearing. He then reviewed the report once again for those present. Staff answered questions regarding residential sprinklers, fencing, and proximity to the Peabody Creek Ravine. Chair Winters then explained the public hearing procedure and opened the public hearing. Laurey Hansen Carl, Program Manager of the State's Home Sexual Assault Program, 217 Towne Road, Sequim, W A, presented a presentation outline to the Commission. She stated that the project is consistent with planning goals of the City, will enhance the neighborhood and will provide a needed service that is currently not available in this community. Fencing and landscaping is planned around the home and . landscaping is proposed along the ravine to enhance the ravine. Ms. Carl read a letter from Mr. Borden Farnell, a City resident who had lived next door to a transition house which was in Port Angeles from 1987 to 1989. The letter stated that the tenants of the transition house were nearly invisible, the children no different than other children in the neighborhood, and there were no abusive males around. Her experience was very favorable as a neighbor. . The women and children who would be the tenants of the house will be screened. Those who have a potential to have an abuser seek them out are placed in another community. There have not been, to her knowledge, any abusers who bother neighbors in the situations that now exist. On-site services provide the women and children with information about how to change their lives. The type of people that will be found in this home are already our neighbors; there is domestic violence in every neighborhood that goes unchecked in many cases. These people have come forward and are asking for assistance for a change in their lives. Ms. Carl stated that they are very willing to have a neighborhood program to address any concerns that might arise if desired. The tenants will be good neighbors who are looking for a better life for their children and themselves. Officer Terry Gallagher, Patrol Sargeant, City of Port Angeles, stated that he is representing the Police Department to answer questions the Commission and citizenry may have. The Police Department does not have a JXlsition on safehomes; however, it is the opinion of the Police Department that safehomes do not constitute a crime hazard. Warner Balch, 533 East Fifth Street, asked Officer Gallagher if safehomes are discreet or unknown by the public. . Officer Gallagher answered that safehomes are very discreet. No criminal activity has been directly tracked to a safehome. In the past nine plus years of his employment with the City's Police Department, no calls from a safehome have been recorded. From the Police Department's point of view, a safehoffie greatly reduces domestic related service calls because the family is split up and therefore the violence is reduced. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 26, 1994 PAGE 3 OF 13 . Maurice Jester, 517 East Sixth Street, had no problem with a safehome. He is concerned about screening of the site and that there will be no staff or supervisors on-site. The safehome is adjacent to a ravine and is darkly lit. Being a past abuser, he said abusers look for their families. He asked how the neighbors will be protected. Win Slota, 516 East Sixth Street, stated her concern because the ravine is adjacent to the site and is a good hiding place for prowlers. Why can't the City leave the house where it is now, adjacent to City Hall. What other locations are being considered? . Sandy Oliver, Serenity House Executive Director, 1022 S. "e" Street, has worked with Umbrella Community Services in the past as shelter providers. During 1987-1989 when Umbrella maintained its transition house, the environment of the home and neighborhood was very much in keeping with a community neighborhood environment that you would find in any neighborhood. Emergency shelter is not the answer for a continuum of care in this community. It is only a bandaide. Transitional housing is a key to the City's ability to allow people to come out of emergency situations and fmd long term stability. Transitional housing for victims of domestic abuse is much needed in this community. She stressed that in transitional housing situations, even more so than in emergency situations, clients have an obligation to take responsibility and accountability to make some changes. Social service agencies work together to offer classes and living skill changes to allow clients to work become self sufficient. She strongly urged that the community and the Planning Commission support this use so that we can all continue learning to be good neighbors and providing for those in need. Barbara Nason, 94 Bumpy Road, is a board member of the North Olympic Combined Services which are two boards that have merged and control Umbrella Community Services and North Olympic Drug and Alcohol Center. These agencies have always tried to answer neighborhood questions and be responsible in their actions. The women and children will need a lot of support to gather the courage and strength to remove themselves and their children from violent situations. She testified from personal experience that these safehomes are desperately needed and without them many more women and families will end up as news headlines. She asked for the community's support in this effort. Kathy Smith, 607 East Fourth Street, stated that concerns over lighting are valid, and there's a chance the City will help in lighting the area because especially with the ravine, it is very dark in the area. She would like to see the neighborhood and community support this use as it will make a statement that Port Angeles cares about its citizens. We need a place for women and children to go. This is a chance for the neighborhood to say yes to something that is right. . Bill Rinehart, 536 East Fourth Street, is in the construction management field. Parking on the rear one-half of the lot will not be possible due to the required setback from the ravine. There has not been a site plan designed to allow a good view of the project site. What funding dollars have been committed toward the project? It would be unfortunate if funding is not available to complete the project and upkeep is not sufficient. Upgrade PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 26, 1994 PAGE 4 OF 13 . to a house this size will be very expensive. The traffic will be coming from the alley at this site and an additional twelve persons at this site is more of a commercial use than a residential use. He felt the use should be looked at the same as if a commercial use were to be located here. Someone needs to be in charge. There needs to be supervision. He felt that possibly enough planning has not been put to this proposal. Warner Balch, 533 East Fifth Street, adjoins this property. At a neighborhood meeting~ Umbrella Community Services had not been able to satisfactorily respond to questions from the neighborhood, such as the length of time the clients would be in the home, where the occupants would come from, local or from out of town. He does not support the use at this location. He is hesitant that this use would not fit into the neighborhood. Will property values be affected? Fifteen realtors and appraisers have told him that such a use next door will most likely affect a sale. Fencing is an issue with Mr. Balch. He would prefer a short stay rather than a long stay if he had a choice, but he is against the use. Mr. Balch answered Commissioner Alexander that a neighborhood watch committee would very likely be formed for this use if approved. . Maurice Jester, 517 East Sixth Street, having been in this type of system, can say there is a need for safehomes. This area is a fill. He asked how a residence could be placed on this fill. The property belongs to the City. He does not want to be forced to sell his property because of a disruptive use next door. Who is paying for this use? He likes the fact that his children can play in the ravine. This is just not the appropriate location. In response to a question from Commissioner Winters, Mr. Jester answered that a good location would be one that is more easily accessed by police and fire. The location is one that has constant prowling situations already. The site should be more adequately lit. He would not object to such a use next door to him if the site was more appropriate. Dorothy Phillips, 610 East Fourth Street, said that she was an abused person and she appreciates the fear of violence~ but she does not want it in her neighborhood. There are a lot of children and older people in the neighborhood and Fifth Street, and the potential of violence concerns her. In response to Commissioner Winters, she said that she was concerned over the potential for violence with this safehome in the area. Fifth Street is a busy area already. She shares the concerns of her neighbors. She does not want it in her neighborhood. She had friends to stay with when she needed a haven. . VaUerie Jester, 517 East Sixth Street, said that she was moved each day when she was in need of a safehome situation. The ravine location is very unsecure. The ravine provides a hiding place for prowlers. Foster home situations are more secure. She is nervous that her children play in the ravine, and to add a potential for fathers and husbands prowling around looking for their families is not something she wants in her neighborhood. Such a use should be in a well lit, well contained location. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 26. 1994 PAGE 5 OF 13 . David W aggoDer, 525 East Sixth Street, said that he has experienced a good deal of vandalism and prowling near his residence from the ravine. He felt that if neighbors could have more of a say in the planning for the site and if safety issues are addressed, the project would be more acceptable to the neighborhood. A neighborhood review was requested. Mr. Waggoner answered questions from Commissioners Campbell and Winters regarding where prowling is a problem and the need for a neighborhood review of the site use. Warner Balch, 533 East Fifth Street, asked that the meeting be continued until some of the concerns by the neighbors could be addressed and to enable the proponent to have a chance to work with the neighbors to address the concerns. . Laurey Hansen Carl, 2755 Towne Rd., Sequim, responded to comments that issues relevant to the remodeUmove of the residential structure have been and are being addressed with the City's Building Department. Funding is in place with grants, from service agencies and from First Federal Savings and Loan. Some of the development issues, such as soils analysis have not been done due to the unknown status of the conditional use permit. There will be accountability for residents' actions. The project has been in the works for a long period of time. Costs for relocation will amount to approximately $ 1 00, ()(X) , including a lighting and fencing system. A neighborhood meeting was held, which she attended to answer questions. An offer was made at that meeting to fence the ravine and provide lighting. It would seem, given the testimony, that there is a good deal of prowling in the ravine. It is possible that a use at that site would eliminate a lot of that prowling. The women and children who will be served by this home are already in our neighborhoods, this is not a new use being introduced into Port Angeles neighborhoods. A study done in Seattle indicated that safehomes are actually safer in neighborhoods where the residents of the neighborhood are aware of the use, so everyone is aware if something unusual is going on. In all of Umbrella's history, since 1979, an abuser has never shown up at a safehome location. Domestic violence thrives in isolation. Umbrella Services is willing to have a neighborhood advisory service. . Ms. Carl responded to Commissioners questions that when a crises call is received, the potential danger is evaluated, if the clients are in danger in this community, the clients will be placed in another community. Motels and private homes are also used. Clients in this safehome must be willing to do their own part in being safe and making changes in their lives. They will be responsible for contracts wherein they agree to actively seek other housing and work on financial dependence. A security system will be installed and a play area for the children will be provided and fenced with access only from the house. The typical age of the children is under six years old. The maximum number of occupants will be twelve people. Occupants in these safehome situations are typically quiet and reclusive. Coming from abusive situations they do not wish to stand out. She stated that in general neighborhoods, neighbors cannot place restrictions on their neighbors, but in this situation, the use will be very restricted and will meet the neighborhood concerns. A lighting system on the house will assure that the house and PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 26, 1994 PAGE 6 OF 13 . the grounds will be well lit at night. The occupants safety is the ultimate concern. Due to time constraints built into grant requirements, it is imperative that this permit process not be held up. Seventy percent of the neighbors she and her staff spoke to in the immediate neighborhood stated approval for the use, but for reasons of their own, those people didn't attend the public hearing. Bill Rinehart, 536 East Fourth Street, restated his concerns that the site development details did not seem to be worked out completely at this point, and until that time, final approval should not be given. He requested that the item be tabled until all the issues could be addressed. Brad Collins noted that the fencing that is proposed is for the safety of the children, keeping them from wandering into the ravine, not to keep people out. The fencing would probably be chainlink. There will be engineering issues that must be addressed prior to construction. No specific site plan will be required because the use is considered residential and is in a residential zoning district. There being no further public testimony, Chair Winters closed the public hearing. . Brad Collins stated that the City has looked at a number of different sites for this house. No other scenario has succeeded. One of the requirements for the donation of the house is that is will be accomplished within a year. Leaving the house on its present site is not an option. The house is so large that it is nearly impossible to move very far from its present site. A ten minute recess was called for. The Commission reconvened following the recess. Discussion as to the required and the available parking took place. Mr. Collins answered that three spaces would be required for the residential use with one additional space for a staff person, therefore, four spaces would be required; however, the Commission can require additional parking if it is determined the required parking is inadequate. Fencing was discussed and it was determined that the maximum fence height of six feet would be observed. Commissioner Alexander moved to approve the requested conditional use permit with the following conditions, and citing the following fmdings and conclusions: Conditions: 1. The Fire Department shall inspect the building to ensure it complies with state and local nre codes. If more than ten persons reside at the facility, then a residential sprinkler system and fire alarm are required to be installed. . 2. Prior to moving the house to the site, the applicant shall comply with the requirements of the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Protection Ordinance (Chapter 15.20 PAMC). . . . PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 26, 1994 PAGE 7 OF 13 3. A minimum of four parking spaces shall be provided on site. The parking requirement shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission after one year of operation of the facility to address any problems or concerns which may arise. 4. There shaU be buffering and fencing on the top of the bank to protect the children living in the complex. 5. The conditions of this permit shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission after two years of operation of the facility to address any problems or concerns which may arise. ' 6. On-site security lighting will be provided which is directed away from adjacent residents. Findines: 1. The request is to allow a group home to provide temporary shelter for up to twelve women and children that are victims of domestic violence. At the present time tbere is no facility of this type witbin the community. 2. The property is zoned Single Family Residential (RS-7). The Comprehensive Plan identifies the site as urban residential. 3. The site consists of two townsite lots for a total area of 14,000. 4. The Rose Crumb house will be relocated from Fifth and Peabody Streets to the site. 5. There is no sidewalk, curb and gutter along the site. The applicant has agreed to enter into an L.I.D. non-protest agreement for improvement to Fifth Street. 6. Peabody Creek ravine west of the site is an environmentally sensitive area. 7. Staff supervision at the site will be limited to daily visits and for occasional workshops. 8. Several Comprehensive Plan Policies have been identified as being most relevant to the proposal including Goals Nos. 3-5; Residential Policy No.5; Social Policy No.4; Open Space Policies Nos. 2-4; Social Objectives Nos. 2 & 3; and Land Use Objectives Nos. 1, 2, 4 & 5. 9. Several lots to the west and south are not developed because of the presence of the Peabody Creek ravine. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 26, 1994 PAGE 8 OF 13 . 10. The applicant has indicated a wiUingness to involve residents of the neighborhood in operation of the facility through formation of a Neighborhood Advisory Committee. Conclusions: A. As conditioned, the proposed use is compatible with the surrounding residential uses and with the intent of the RS-7 zone. B. As conditioned, the Conditional Use Permit is in the public use and interest and is not detrimental with the public welfare. c. As conditioned, the proposal is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan policies listed in Finding No.8 above. . Commissioner Souders seconded the motion, and added a friendly amendment (Condition No. 6) dealing with lighting. Commissioner Alexander accepted the friendly amendment to his motion. Commissioner Nutter suggested a friendly amendment, which Chair Winters expanded upon, that a security system be installed if available with direct connection to the City Police Department. Commissioner Alexander stated that because the City's 911 emergency response works so well, and given the proximity to City Hall, this would possibly be an unnecessary, added expense. Commissioners Nutter and Winters withdrew the amendment. Commissioner Nutter expressed doubt that four parking spaces would be sufficient for the number of residents at the home. She suggested that an amendment to five parking spaces be made. Commissioner Philpott offered wording to require five spaces. Commissioner Alexander did not accept this friendly amendment. In speaking to his motion, Commissioner Alexander stated that the concerns raised by the neighbors are not specific to this single location/neighborhood. Most of the time concerns voiced prove to be unfounded although they are sincere. The applicant, neighborhood, and City administrators can assure that the use does not impose a negative situation that cannot be mitigated. The facility is badly needed in this community. He spoke from personal experience that people in these situations will not make moves to better their lives because they have no place to turn. Chair Winters added that it is human to fear the unknown. During his tenure on the Commission, he has realized that at times it is the entire City of Port Angeles that should be considered as one neighborhood. The overall public benefit is paramount. Commissioner Souders added that she experienced a group home in her neighborhood. At first, the neighborhood was very wary but as time wore on, the fear subsided to the point where some of those who opposed the home ended up supporting it. Citizens and neighbors are the support system and therefore part of the success of the group home. . The question was called for, and the amended motion passed unanimously. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 26, 1994 PAGE 9 OF 13 . PROPOSED CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT AND ornER POTENTIAL REVISIONS TO mE DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES: . David Sawyer provided a brief staff report stating that because there is anothef public hearing scheduled for February 2, 1994, staff will present a more complete report at that time. He added that in the spring of 1993, the City Council and Planning Commission conducted a series of public hearings on the (original) Draft Goals and Policies for the Comprehensive Plan. Planning had begun nearly two years previous to that time. The City's Growth Management Advisory Committee (GMAC) had prepared a recommendation for Council's and the Commission's consideration minus the capital facilities element, which is a requirement of the Growth Management Act. The Council appointed a Capital Facilities Committee to prepare a Capital Facilities Plan and directed the GMAC to prepare the Element. For the past several months those two committees have been working on those items. Once those items were completed, the GMAC then turned back to the original goals and policies to determine if any revisions to the land use map, the policies, or the various different elements that would be needed in light of the Capital Facilities Element goals and policies and the Capital Facilities Plan and its financing plan. The goals and policies have been revised and along with the Capital Facilities Plan and the Capital Facilities Element are under discussion at this time. The complete version of the Comprehensive Plan, including the text, tables, maps, objectives, and other materials will be brought together with these goals and policies and presented for the February 2, 1994, public hearing. Margaret Crawford, 2619 South Racet representing the City's Growth Management Advisory Committee (GMAC), gave a brief presentation. The major concepts she stressed fOf review are how the GMAC dealt with concurrency and levels of service. The goal is to maintain the current levels of service. Another change that can be noted in the Capital Facilities Element is a clear direction to the various departments in charge of providing the various services and facilities that come under the Element and for which there is some concurrency requirement that they develop their own comprehensive service and facilities plans. There is a policy that defines what needs to be in those plans. She felt that the plan is weak in the area of inventorying current facilities and services available in the City. A major addition to the plan is the open space section of the land use element. A Committee issue was if there is a difference and whether there needs to be a difference in regulations regarding open space versus recreational space: is recreational space a subcategory of open space or its own category. She noted that several members of the Committee were in attendance for comments or questions. . Mr. Sawyer indicated the existing Land Use Map and the Critical Areas Map which were available as exhibits on the wall. The Land Use Map is a bubble concept. That providesMthe ability for flexibility in boundary designations. The Urban Growth Area (UGA) has not been identified in the Comprehensive Plan. That is a process that is still ongoing. The City is currently participating with the County in the development of the Port Angeles Regional Comprehensive Plan which addresses land use issues. The PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 26, 1994 PAGE 10 OF 13 . Comprehensive Plan which is presented for review deals only with the existing City limits. Commissioner Alexander pointed out that annexation policies are not covered in the revised plan. They were covered in the original Comprehensive Plan. He suggested that the Planning Commission should deal with that omission. Chair Winters opened the public hearing. . AUan Horrocks, 2410 South Lincoln Street, commented on the Commercial Goals and Policies, specifically Goal D. He requested a point of clarification in that most areas shown on the proposed land use map are clearly defined by either natural boundaries or man made boundaries, Le., streets or alleys. One area that is not bounded in either of those two methods is the area located between Chase and Laurel Streets, on Oreas. In this area, a diagonal line crosses an area differently than in any other area of the City, with no apparent reason. . Mr. Sawyer explained that Lauridsen Boulevard does not run true east/west, like most of the other streets in the City. The grid pattern is not as uniform at this location. The GMAC tried to address where existing commercial zoning is located in that area but not encourage new commercial zoning along what was to be identified as an alternate crosstown route. Considering the scale of the map being dealt with and the bubble concept of nondistinct lines, the line drawn is to be parallel with Lauridsen Boulevard but not matching up with distinct diagonals. The land use designation could follow street rights-of-way in the area between Chase and Laurel south of Lauridsen Boulevard. Mrs. Crawford responded that lines will be somewhat indefinite. The intent of the GMAC was to maintain the existing commercial zone but not to enlarge it. Commissioner Alexander, a member of the GMAC, concurred with the discussion. Mr. Horrocks asked that the map be revised to clarify existing commercial zoning designations in the area and to not indicate by the bubble concept any extension of that area. Larry Leonard, 1030 Olympus, expressed concern with school concurrency. He explained that as a member of the real estate community, the Association of Realtors is not against schools, and is in fact in favor of the bond and levy issue. The concern is that concurrency appears to be a method to finance schools. If a bond issue is not passed, development will be stopped. Private landowners will be punished and restricted then from the use of their properties. Mr. Leonard discussed the standards noted for school concurrency. . Mr. Sawyer pointed out that Policy No. II, which deals with school concurrency, allows that "The concurrency requirement for school facilities shall not go into effect until the City and the Port Angeles School District enter into a concurrency agreement, and a similar school concurrency requirement has been adopted by the County and is in effect. II He further explained that there are tier steps that have to be complied with prior to any PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 26, 1994 PAGE 11 OF 13 . of those agreements can be made, and checks and balances along the way prior to concurrency happening. Mr. Collins further explained the steps which have to be complied with prior to concurrency with schools. Mr. Leonard read from a document entitled "Summary 1993, Draft School Concurrency Policy", which is going to the City Council to be added to the joint County-Wide Planning Policy. Mr. Sawyer explained that the document was sponsored by County staff. The material was presented to the Growth Management Steering Committee (GMSC) which was the body that originated the County-Wide Planning Policy. The City Council has received the information and has set a public hearing for February 15, 1994, to consider the amendment. Mr. Leonard added that the Growth Management Act does not require school concurrency. . Jim Bunger, 620 South Liberty Street, as a member of the Peninsula Regional State Transportation Policy Board, and a member of the trucking community, wished to give a presentation with reference to east/west truck traffic movement across the City. Page 19, Policy Nos. 2 and 3, refer to an east/west route. The goal is to increase regional mobility of goods, services, passengers and increase the regional attraction while at the same time enhancing the commercial corridor. The present urban corridor is overused in peak seasons. There is no emergency alternative route. There is a need to determine the amount of traffic that could be diverted from the Downtown. He made reference to a Heart of the Hills Parkway which would be constructed south and parallel to Highway 101 as an artery for moving traffic. Such a parkway would divert traffic at Morse Creek south of the City. Mr. Bunger explained the detailsin planning and funding such a route. Ken Schermer, 738 West Sixth Street, indicated that the Growth Management Advisory Committee had been unable to identify an alternate crosstown route. This parkway proposal could replace any previously suggested alternate crosstown route. There has been strong input requesting an alternative route for heavy trucks, and there is an extreme need to have east/west access to the present (Tumwater)Truck Route. . Tim German, 2025 West Twelfth Street, wished to acknowledge the effort that had been put toward development of this draft plan. It is not a requirement to have concurrency with schools. In the worst case scenario, the City could be forced to cease issuing building permits. Control of how the schools are administered is not in the City's hands, but something that is out of the Council's hands could force cessation of development in the City. It's not necessary to have concurrency with schools. If the City Council feels a need to cease building, an ordinance can be adopted to accomplish that moratorium. He questioned how the minimum requirements for students were developed. He felt that the requirements reflected the highest standards available, but that might not truly reflect a standard need. He suggested the level of service for fire response of four minutes may need to be amended to be five minutes, as a large area of west Port Angeles is outside of that response time. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 26, 1994 PAGE 12 OF 13 . AnD Murray, 306 Lopez, wished to address the philosophical issue concerning the designation of areas for commercial purposes with the idea of possibly creating more than one type of commercial area. She is a proponent of mixed use development, the location of small businesses in residential neighborhoods, as long as those small business uses would be those which would be needed on a daily basis by surrounding communities. She did not approve of large businesses with large parking lots and bright lights. She suggested development regulations to encourage these types of uses and limit their size. The west side of Port Angeles is sadly lacking in commercial services. Al Horrocks, 2410 South Lincoln Street, briefly addressed the goals (Page 19) for traffic circulation patterns. The idea of a truck traffic route along Lauridsen Boulevard over White's Creek passed two schools is very poorly thought out. It may be that truck traffic has to femain in the Downtown, given the topography and development patterns of this area. . Mr. Sawyer responded that the response time required by the Fife Department/medical response teams is directly tied into life support requirements. The land use map only shows one commercial type of designation. The purpose of that is to provide flexibility for zoning purposes. One of the requirements in the Capital Facilities Element is for the Comprehensive Facilities and Service Plans. A street plan is being developed, dealing with circulation patterns and improvements, and a transportation comprehensive service and facility plan, which will deal with air, marine and public transit issues. Mr. Collins added that thefe is an excellent discussion of the alternatives for transportation routes across the City in the Environmental Impact Statement which can be checked out from the Library or from the Planning Department. Cindy Souders noted that she is Chairman of the County's Land Use Watershed Committee and would not be able to attend the special February 2, 1994 meeting. Bob Philpott noted he would be out of town for the February 2, meeting as well. Commissioner Campbell added that he is also on the County's Land Use Watershed Committee, so will not be at the February 2, meeting. Commissioner CampbeU moved to continue the public hearing to February 2, 1994, 7 pm, City Council Chambers, and that if a third meeting is needed, one will be scheduled, for February 16, 1994. Commissioner Catts seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. V. COMl\fiJNICATIONS FROM mE PUBLIC None. VI. STAFF REPORTS None. . Vll. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS Commissioner Alexander reported that the County Capital Facilities Committee was . . . PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 26. 1994 PAGE 13 OF 13 proceeding. The County's approach is very open in the discussion. He also asked staff to investigate the procedure for Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority permits with regard to other permits issued by the City prior to the February 9 meeting. Commissioner Philpott asked that the bylaws be revised once again. Mr. Collins suggested that perhaps following election of a new Chair, in the long-range work schedule proposal for 1994, the bylaws could be looked at once again. The proposed amendment should be presented in writing for discussion. Chair Winters requested that the City Attorney be present for the SEPA appeal scheduled for February 9. Mr. Collins stated that he had asked the City Attorney to be present. Vill. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 11 :55 pm. ~~ Brad Collins, Secretary ~\0~ Bob Winters, Chair PREPARED BY: Sue Roberds . PLEASE SIGN IN CITY OF PORT ANGELES Planning Commission Attendance Roster Meeting Date: a. . . . ..-.--., .. "N~~::. PLEASE SIGN IN CITY OF PORT ANGELES Planning Commission Attendance Roster Meeting Date: t. 6 c.;7 (- / I :.' .....::ADDRESS:.. ,(A GJ G Z st-i"