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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-28 PC Agenda Packet AGENDA PLANNING COMMISSION 321 East Fifth Street June 28, 2017 6:00 p.m. I. CALL TO ORDER Pledge of Allegiance led by Chair II. ROLL CALL III. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regular meeting of May 24, 2017 V. ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Façade and Sign Grant Application: No. 17-04 TAFY VI. STAFF UPDATES 1. Sign Code Workshop Overview VII. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS IX. ADJOURNMENT C OMMUNITY & E CONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Port Angeles, Washington 98362 May 24, 2017 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Elwyn Gee, David Amoroso (Vice Chair), Andrew Schwab, Steven Hopkins, Amy Powell Members Absent: Matt Bailey, Duane Morris (Chair) Staff Present: Nathan West, Allyson Brekke, Ben Braudrick, Heidi Greenwood Public Present: John Ralston, Lacy Fors PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Chair Amoroso opened the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Hopkins moved to approve the April 12, 2017 minutes. Commissioner Schwab seconded, all were in favor. PUBLIC HEARINGS/ACTION ITEMS 1. Façade and Sign Grant Application: No. 17-02 Station 51 Taphouse Assistant Planner Ben Braudrick gave a presentation on the façade grant application for Station 51 Taphouse. Commission discussion followed. Lacy Fors, the applicant’s representative was asked to elaborate on portions of the project and the signage. Ms. Fors responded to the inquiry, stating that the new signage would be placed over the older painted Zak’s signage without harming it. The lower portion of the proposed new signage would be removed to conform to size requirements in city code. She asked staff if the extra signage might be placed on the western façade of the building. Planning Manager Brekke responded that the placement of the other signage would need to be addressed in the sign permit process, as it was not a part of the façade grant request. Commissioner Schwab moved to award Façade Grant 17-02 for the full amount of $1,000 towards the installation of a new sign and $4,337.40 for the addition on the back deck. Commissioner Gee seconded, all were in favor. 2. MCA 16-01 Chapter 15.24 – Wetlands Protection Amendment Assistant Planner Braudrick gave a presentation on the Washington State Growth Management Act Periodic Update for critical areas. This update focused on state minimum requirements that growth management cities and counties must adhere to. The City of Port Angeles has met all critical area requirements, with the exception of the wetlands protection ordinance. This update provides revisions requiring wetland specialist to utilities up-to-date Planning Commission Minutes May 24, 2017 Page 2 scientific methods and evaluation manuals adopted by the State, a change in the definition of a wetland, and the use of a wetland rating system. Vice Chair Amoroso opened the public hearing. John Ralston, PO Box 898 Wetland Professionals should be involved to make sure there aren’t any “gotcha” moments in moving forward with new regulation. Vice Chair Amoroso Closed the Public Hearing Vice Chair Amoroso asked what the timeline was for this process. Director Nathan West responded that Staff was seeking approval of the Wetland Ordinance Amendment and the Comprehensive Plan by City Council by the end of June this year. There will be 1st and 2nd readings of ordinance before approval on the 6th and 20th of June. Vice Chair Amoroso asked if the Legal Department had reviewed the ordinance. Director West replied that they have reviewed. Vice Chair Amoroso inquired whether Staff had contacted wetland professional in conjunction with the amendment. Planning Manager Brekke responded that Staff had forwarded the meeting agenda packet to two primary wetland professionals in the local community. Commissioner Schwab asked about the changes on page 19, concerning wetland professionals. He wondered what reasoning there was behind removing specific professional types in the description. Assistant City Attorney Heidi Greenberg responded that the definition of wetland professional included those descriptions. Commissioner Hopkins asked if wetland mitigation should take place using wetlands from other jurisdictions or if it should remain inside the city limits. Director West responded that the focus is to accommodate any wetland in the same drainage basin. He added that, if there was a nexus and rational scientific basis that Staff would be willing to extend wetland improvements outside of the Port Angeles jurisdiction. Commissioner Hopkins asked if the recommendation was to continue the public hearing as written in the Staff report. Director West responded that this was a misrepresentation, and that the subsequent public hearing would be held with City Council, and that Staff was recommending that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the proposed Code amendment to City Council. Commissioner Hopkins moved to recommend approval of the proposed amendments to Chapter 15.24 – Wetland Protection PAMC to City Council. Commissioner Schwab seconded the motion, all were in approval. 3. HTE 17-10 2017 Comprehensive Plan Update Planning Commission Minutes May 24, 2017 Page 3 Planning Manager Brekke gave a Staff presentation of the 2017 Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan integrating changes recommended by the Washington Department of Transportation and Department of Commerce, as well as a rearrangement of the document to become more attractive and easy to use. Director West presented the changes that were made in the document as they related to the strategic plan developed by City Council with the assistance of Staff. Vice Chair Amoroso opened the public hearing. John Ralston, PO Box 898 Mr. Ralston agreed that the document should be approved. He felt that there should be clarification of what the City determines to be affordable housing, such as mentioning a dollar amount of a household income that is considered valid for affordable housing qualifications. Vice Chair Amoroso Closed public hearing Commissioner Hopkins commended Staff on the legibility of the amended plan. Vice Chair Amoroso asked about the monetary value of affordable housing. Director West answered that Staff has looked into the value, but he agreed with Mr. Ralston that there was more that could be done. There has long been an accepted definition for affordable housing dictate by federal housing entities at the federal level. Director West explained that what is important for Port Angeles is looking to go beyond those standards and provide not only affordable, but also attainable housing that can be achieved by all members of the community. He felt those changes would be proposed in a future year. Commissioner Hopkins asked about the transportation element as it related to WSDOT and their responsibilities within the jurisdiction. Director West responded that WSDOT typical will defer to City Staff when making decisions about highways within the City. Commissioner Hopkins asked about working with other agencies to provide information to keep the Comprehensive Plan up-to-date. Director West stated that those updates would likely keep the analysis for the periodic seven year update. Data in the amendment that the Commission is reviewing today is from the 2016 analysis. Commissioner Gee asked about the terms should and shall. Director West responded that the term shall is reserved for those policies that the City is prepared to move forward with, whereas should is reserved for policies that are as of yet more aspirational. Commissioner Hopkins recommended approval of the HTE 17-10 2017 Annual Comprehensive Plan Amendment with 6 findings and 10 conclusions included in support of the action. Commissioner Schwab seconded, all were in approval. Planning Commission Minutes May 24, 2017 Page 4 STAFF UPDATES Assistant Planner Braudrick updated the Commission on a neighborhood meeting for residents along the proposed ODT extension from Crown Park to Milwaukee and 10th. He added that there would be a community wide meeting in July to address the 30% design of the project Director West updated the Commission on the selection process, which included Commissioner Hopkins and Assistant Planner Braudrick. A consultant design team and final selection, and contract negotiation, and Council approval of had moved forward for Alta Planning + Design to assist in the project to redesign Race Street as a multimodal street and entry portal for Olympic National Park. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS None. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC John Ralston, PO Box 898 Commended public comment for the Crown Neighborhood Portion of the TR0114. Inquired about changes to Facade Grant 16-11 and if those changes were allowed, as well as the process for façade grant reimbursement. Lastly, he asked about the definition of wetland specialist in the recommended code changes to 15.24 Wetland Protection. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS Commissioner Schwab stated that he would be out of town for the June 14th meeting. Commissioner Hopkins disclosed that he was acting on behalf of his employer for the Race Street process. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Gee moved to adjourn. Commissioner Hopkins seconded. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Ben Braudrick, Secretary David Amoroso, Vice Chair PREPARED BY: Ben Braudrick TO: Planning Commission FROM: Ben Braudrick, Assistant Planner MEETING DATE: June 28, 2017 RE: Façade and Signage Grant Application for The Answer For Youth (TAFY) (No. 17-04) APPLICANT/ REPRESENTATIVE: Susan Hillgren, PO Box 633, Port Angeles, WA, 98362 OWNER: Same LOCATION: 826 East 1st Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362 RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the grant award amount of $9,499.36 toward the installation of new windows and awnings, and repainting of the building exterior valued at $18,998.72. PROJECT SUMMARY The Answer For Youth (TAFY) is requesting façade improvement grant funding toward the installation of new windows and awnings, and repainting of the building exterior. TAFY proposed façade improvements coincide with a building remodel and conversion of the structure from a nursery to a social services center for the communities at-risk youth population. The structure itself dates back to the 1950’s, and became occupied by a florist and nursery in 1979. Several small improvements were made to the structure itself, including the installation of a balcony and stairwell on the second story, as well as the installation of a 2500 square foot glass nursery. The exterior structure itself has seen a great deal of wear without repair over the years, including rot and windows that haven’t been replaced since the building’s initial construction. TAFY bought the business at 826 East 1st Street with the intent of utilizing the nursery area as a mechanism to assist at-risk youth in learn a skills, basic botany, and job training. They plan on expanding the current nursery though the construction of a second nursery structure. The overall plan for the site includes ten phases, 7-9 of which adhere to this façade grant request: Phase 1: Demolition of old greenhouse TAFY No. 17-04 June 28, 2017 Page 2 Phase 2: Addition of new greenhouse Phase 3: Addition of two new ADA bathrooms Phase 4: Completion of insulation and installation of washer and dryer and south storage room Phase 5: Demolition of canned street sign reading Gross’s Nursery. The sign had been attached to a freestanding wall installed in the 1960’s Phase 6: Demolition and removal of second story balcony facing 1st Street Phase 7: Installation of 21 new windows Phase 8: Exterior preparation includes pressure wash, scraping, sanding, and replacing Boards Phase 9: Prime and paint all exterior walls except for original brick on front of building. Phase 10: Construction of second greenhouse STAFF ANALYSIS Staff reviewed the grant criteria for the Community Facade and Sign Improvement Program as included in the grant application materials and summarized in this analysis The Program will provide a grant for funding of façade improvements that will enhance the physical appearance, accessibility, and overall value of individual buildings as well as surrounding areas. In evaluating proposals for funding under the Program, the following factors shall be considered: 1. Present condition of existing façade: The Gross’s Nursery & Florist building has been vacant for over a year and in disrepair for some time. The proposed improvements do not include the additional proposed major demolition to the front façade that removed many additions to the structure. 2. The buildings overall public visibility: Although the profile of the front façade of the building is only 25 feet in width, the east and west façades of the building are adjacent large empty property frontages. To the east is an auto sales lot and the west is associated with the nursery. 3. Expected increase in assessed value of improvement: The overall project associated with the occupancy and use of the property by TAFY, including the renovations and improvements is expected to increase the assessed value of the property. 4. Ability to proceed with project: The applicant has notified staff that the project will have the ability to proceed as soon as approved. FINDINGS, CONDITIONS & CONCLUSIONS Findings 1. A Façade and Signage Grant application was submitted by The Answer For Youth to the Department of Community and Economic Development on May 24, 2017. 2. The location of the proposal is 826 East 1st Street. TAFY No. 17-04 June 28, 2017 Page 3 3. The project site is located within the Commercial Arterial (CA) zone. 4. The grant request includes replacement of 21 windows, the addition of awnings, and the repainting of the building exterior. 5. The project is part of a continued effort to revitalize this property by the business owners. 6. The application was reviewed by Planning Division Staff and found to meet the application criteria. 7. The applicant is requesting $9,499.36 toward the installation of new windows and awnings, and repainting of the total façade valued at $18,998.72. 8. The request will be heard by the Planning Commission at the regularly scheduled meeting on June 28, 2017. Conditions 1. Upon the date of approval, the applicant may proceed with the expenditures detailed in the application and approved by the Planning Commission. 2. The applicant shall sign a grant contract with the City of Port Angeles for the reimbursement of 50 percent of project expenditures up to $9,499.36. The applicant will be given 180 days to submit reimbursement of expenditures associated with the approved grant proposal as of June 28, 2017. If progress on the project can be demonstrated, the applicant may request one 180 day extension of the contract. 3. The applicant shall submit invoices for reimbursement with a coversheet detailing each invoice number, amount, and type of payment. Reimbursement by the City equaling 50 percent of submitted invoice totals will occur within 30 days of submission. 4. Any labor performed in association with the grant proposal over $2000.00 must meet federal prevailing wage standards. Conclusions 1. The application submitted by TAFY for a Façade Improvement Grant meets the grant’s criteria. 2. As conditioned, Staff is in full support of approval of the grant proposal. ATTACHMENTS A. Application materials