HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-27-14 YPC MinutesCity of Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) City Hall Council Chambers
Meeting Minutes of August 27, 2014
Call to Order
Chairman Dave Fonfara called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
Roll Call
YPC Members Present: Chairman Dave Fonfara, Al Rose, Bill Cook, Patricia Byers,
Vice -Chair Scott Clark, Paul Stelzer
YPC Members Absent: Ron Anderson
Staff Present: Valerie Smith, Senior Planner; Joan Davenport, Community
Development Director; Jeff Peters, Supervising Planner;
Robbie Aaron, Assistant Planner; Mike McDaniel, Assistant
Planner
Others:
Staff Announcements
Jeff Peters announced that Ron Anderson is returning to the Planning Commission after
the Council reappointed him.
Peters also announced the arrival of two new assistant planners, Robbie Aaron and
Mike McDaniel. Robbie and Mike introduced themselves and talked about their
professional experience and education and shared some background information.
Valerie Smith announced Joan Davenport's appointment by the City Manger to
Community Development Director. Her position will be effective September 1, 2014.
Audience Participation
No audience participation noted.
Follow-up to the Upcoming oint YPC Ci Council Study Session on Updates to the
Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025
Joan told the Planning Commission to be thinking about items to put on the agenda for
the upcoming joint study session.
Chairman Dave Fonfara talked about remembering the importance of receiving citizen
input for the Planning Commission and for City Council.
Joan talked about a citizen -based organization called Yakima Bikes and Walks. One of
the ideas that came out of the most recent Yakima Bikes and Walks meeting was to
bring in a Futurist to talk. A Futurist may be of assistance when making the new
Comprehensive Plan since transportation will change a lot in the next twenty years, as
Joan pointed out. Joan suggested coming up with more ways to inspire people in the
community as they turn their focus to creating the new Comprehensive Plan.
Valerie Smith presented a PowerPoint she prepared to help the Commission in
preparation for the upcoming joint study session with City Council.
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Bill Cook suggested having slide 4 come before slide 3. He also made a
recommendation to emphasize "independent" sounding board. In addition,
Commissioner Cook suggested using the word "advises" rather than "sets" when
talking about the Planning Commissions involvement in long-term direction or vision
of the community's future.
Joan informed the commission and staff of the origins of the City Planning Commission.
Many of the commissioners expressed that it would be helpful for commission liaisons
to attend their commissions meetings. Jeff pointed out that there's a significant
difference in interaction between liaisons and their commission depending on which
commission you are considering. He also mentioned asking Council what their
expectations are for that position.
Joan discussed the uniqueness of the city -only comprehensive plan and mentioned that
the Planning division will be hiring a professional Planning Consultant next year.
Joan said she would prepare an outline for the joint study session and then send it to
the City Manager, Planning Commission, and staff.
The integrated GMA SEPA process will be another point of discussion in the upcoming
joint study session, according to Joan.
Chairman Dave Fonfara made a comment that the recent ruling by the Court on voting
relating to council districts may have some effect on how different parts of Yakima are
developed, ultimately affecting the comprehensive plan. Davenport responded by
mentioning that Council has an executive session on the 28f and will discuss the
summary judgment. She also pointed out that the judge will issue additional rulings.
Joan informed the commission that other departments will be invited to the joint study
session.
Joan brought up two more conversation topics including the zoning ordinance and
future land uses.
Commissioner Byers mentioned that it's good to have the topics on the agenda brought
up even if they dont get discussed at length. Joan added that the agenda could be
labeled as the Work Plan for the Planning Commission for the next couple of years.
Final Review of the Shoreline Master Pro am SMP Update from Department of
Eco10
Jeff went over the Department of Ecology letter and recommendations. He mentioned
that the Planning staff met with their attorney and the Department of Ecology to discuss
the recommendations. He added that most of the recommendations are very minor.
He shared that he sent a letter back accepting the recommendations to move forward
with adopting the final ordinance.
Other Business
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Jeff told the commission that they can review the minutes from 2013 at their leisure and
then at the next meeting they can deal with any changes and adopt them. Peters also
reported that he will send the 2014 minutes to the commission next week.
Valerie informed the commission and staff about a short course on planning in Zillah
on October 8th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. put on by the State Department of Commerce.
A motion to adjourn to September 9, 2014 was passed with unanimous vote. This
meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
Chairman Dave Fonfara Date
This meeting was filmed by YPAC. Minutes for this meeting submitted by: Lisa Maxey, Temporary D.A. II.
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