WEST RICHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION

JANUARY 13, 2005

Minutes

1.  Call to order. 7:03 pm

2.  Roll Call

MEMBER / PRESENT / ABSENT / VACANT
Chapman, Ed / X
Diedecker, Nona / Awaiting City Council Confirmation
Lavey, George (Chairman) / X
Panisko, Peggy / X
Ramsdell, Van / X
Seiler, Scott / X
Bostrum, Randy (EDB) / X

3.  Approval of the Agenda – Approval of the agenda, deleting Item 7a (Public Hearing) and adding items 8b (Review of Easement Vacation for Vandervert) and 8c (Review of Easement Vacation for Lots 216, 217, 234 and 235).

4.  Approval of the Minutes – Approval of the 12-09-04 minutes. VR EC – U, RB - A

5.  Announcements, Reports and Comments –

A. Introduction of new commission member, Nona Diedecker.

Nona introduced herself and talked about serving the Community and what they liked about West Richland. There was a discussion in regards to how long a citizen had to be residing in the City in regards to be able to appointed to the Commission. There was discussion of what the WRMC says and what is allowed is under the RCW’s.

”Move to recommend that Ms. Diedecker, provided that the City Council makes appropriate changes to the WRMC.”

Motion by Van Ramsdell, Second by Ed Chapman. Unanimous

6.  Citizen Public Comments -

7.  Presentations/Public Hearings/Open Record Hearings - None

Ray Goehring 3810 Kennedy Road

Spoke to the PC about the process that the City went to regarding the West Richland Retail Center. Ray’s mother (Margie Goehring) lives across the street from the project, and reiterated about some of the concerns that they have in the ongoing construction of the project. Some of those concerns are the initial plan, the headlights turning around from the project, landscaping, does not want the project to turn into a Road 68 project. Small Town community and that we don’t need to compete with other Cities. Not getting a sense of security by responding to Staff vs. the Developer. Feels that the project should go to the Planning Commission. Wanted to know what the Planning Commission responsibility was to Citizens in response to development?

George Lavey – explained what the PC’s responsibility was and how it is carried out.

Ray wanted to see the problems alleviated before the project is finalized. Wanted to know why it is so hard to make the project go forward but be sensitive to the neighborhood. Doesn’t understand why the City and Citizens can’t get together and try to work it out.

Margie Goehring, 4210 Kennedy Road

Margie read her letter to the Planning Commission in regards to the letter that was sent from the City canceling the Public Hearing for the Conditional Use Permit for the height variance that was previously required for Phase I. Concerned about her quality of life and other activities of the Retail Center.

Susan Simmons, 4225 Twin Lake Court

Located right behind Mrs. Goehring and is not happy about the commercial area. Traffic, noise and other concerns are going to be a major source of concern. Not happy about the construction on Bombing Range Road and how it affects her house.

Jack Beaver, 4320 Kennedy Road

Wanted to agree with what everyone else had said.

Jim Morgan, 5020 East Killdeer Court

Move out to West Richland from Richland to get away from the big city, biggest concern about the project is the people who live around the area and what effect the commercial buildings will have. The facades that exceed above the 28-30 feet are no longer attractive but an eyesore, and clutters up the landscape. The owners of these buildings do not need to advertise, because people in the area know where it is at.

Jim Bott, 4320 Kennedy Road

Understand growth and progress, not adversarial to the developer and still sensitive to the citizens adjacent. Was not getting consistent information from the City, would hope that Staff in the Citizen’s desire without stepping on the developer. Still questions the need of the height of the towers, does not need the typical buildings, need more subtle and less offensive developments. The Council and Commission will set the path for West Richland and this development will set the stage and still represent the City in a positive manner. Just because something is allowed by Code, does not disallow discussion on it. Mr. Bott’s concerns are that the project went through awfully quick.

A.J. Hill, Fire District #4 Commissioner,

Met with the City several times in regards to projects, Chief Mike Spring is an instructor in City Codes. Big advocate of sprinkled buildings. Has lived in towns where you will see large amounts of growth.

8.  New Business

A.  Review of Irrigation Easement Vacation for Lots 1 and 2, Short Plat #2789 and Lot 2, Short Plat #1682; Motion to approve by Ed Chapman, Second by Van Ramsdell, Unanimous

B.  Review of Access and Utility Easement Vacation for Lots 216, 217, 234 and 235. Matter continued to the February 10, 2005 meeting. Motion by Van Ramsdell, Second by Randy Bostrum, Unanimous.

C.  Public Participation Process for Comprehensive Plan Update;

Pete – very excited about the amount of work that is being accomplished towards the start of the completion of the comprehensive plan.

Mary – introduced her Staff report as it pertains to public participation and how to make the information available to the public.

Randy Bostrum – how many meetings?

Mary – Mayor interested in opening the visioning process to the public. At least one public hearing associated with

Implanting the ordinances and comp. plan. Each time we address different code or ordinance. More than one workshop.

“Move to recommend that City Council pass a resolution adopting the City of West Richland 2005-06 Comprehensive Plan Update Public Participation Program.” Motion by Van Ramsdell, Second by Ed Chapman, Unanimous.

9.  Staff Reports

Pete – received a request by mail from an individual who is interested in utilizing the Monopoli Market for the construction of a Card Room Casino. Pete has prepared a response before he is prepared to respond to the request. These card rooms’ battles get fairly ugly and want the PC to be prepared to decide what they do or do not want to accept. There are conflicts in the WRMC, where it does exist? City has limited authority. You can allow it or you have to prohibit it completely. Pete has dealt with gambling in other communities and knows that it can be a tough process.

Mary – gave an update on codified portions of the Code, Title 16 and 14, deals with implementation. Chapter 17 has been completed, minus the graphics. It is moving forward.

Ian – spoke about Red Mountain Industrial Center, and the WA-CERT grant for the North Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion.

House on 45th and Normal Loop. Side setback looks like it is too close.

10.  Adjournment – 8:34