HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-24-16 YPC MinutesCity of Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) City Hall Council Chambers
Meeting Minutes of May 24, 2016
Call to Order
Chairman Scott Clark called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
Roll Call
YPC Members Present: Chairman Scott Clark, Vice -Chair Patricia Byers, Al Rose,
Bill Cook, Peter Marinace, Gavin Keefe
YPC Members Absent:
Staff Present: Valerie Smith, Senior Planner; Jeff Peters, Supervising
Planner; Lisa Maxey, Department Assistant; Sara Watkins,
Senior Assistant City Attorney, Mark Kunkler, Senior
Assistant City Attorney
Others: Sign -in sheet in file
Staff Announcements
Senior Planner Valerie Smith reminded the Commission of the Comprehensive Plan 2040
Update Public Workshop on May 2501.
Chairman Clark explained the intention of this study session for the Commission and
announced that no public comment will be taken at this meeting.
Introduction of I-502 Marijuana Regglation and Direction from City Council
Supervising Planner Jeff Peters announced that the Planning Division has established a
webpage on the City's website with information and documents pertaining to the I-502
Marijuana Regulation issue.
Sara Watkins, Senior Assistant City Attorney discussed the highlights of her memo which
was provided to the Commission, explaining Council's direction to the Planning
Commission and different methods to consider for regulating the location of marijuana
retailers, processors, and manufacturers.
Mark Kunkler, Senior Assistant City Attorney and currently Acting City Attorney, also
went over his brief that he provided to the Commission, expanding on the history of
Washington State law and the City's past and current regulations of marijuana retailing,
processing, and manufacturing. Kunkler described the difference between the 3 maps
presented to them with the different buffer options. Discussion occurred in regards to the
number of state -issued marijuana retail license holders in Yakima. Planning Manager
Joan Davenport addressed the issue of retailing being a prohibited home occupation,
therefore excluding residential zones from the eligible locations for marijuana retailing.
The Commission and staff also had discussion relating to parcels in which the buffer only
affects a small portion, the difference between retailing, producing, and manufacturing
marijuana and how regulations may vary for each license type; the definition of daycare
facility, obtaining multiple marijuana license types, and proximity rules.
Commissioner Rose explained that he finds the 1,000 foot buffer favorable in an attempt
to err on the side of caution. Commissioner Byers concurred with his statements.
Commissioner Keefe voiced that he's unaware of any cases in which a deficiency in
regulation has caused significant problems. He also drew attention to the opportunity for
additional tax revenue for the City, with an understanding that too many restrictions
would hinder profits for the City and the license holder. Commissioner Marinace asked
staff if there has been an overwhelming response from marijuana retailers, processors, or
manufacturers wanting to conduct business in Yakima. Jeff Peters responded that most
interested parties have been retailers. Commissioner Byers made a statement that this is
an opportune time for community members to express their thoughts and ideas to the
Commission. Commissioner Marinace echoed her comments and noted the
differentiation of ramifications of the placement of marijuana retail stores versus
marijuana processing facilities. He emphasized that property owners along the Nob Hill
Boulevard area on the map which shows many eligible sites for marijuana retail should
be notified to receive their input.
Commissioner Rose shared his concerns about marijuana still being illegal on the federal
level and what effect that could have on Yakima residents under a future administration.
Mark Kunkler went into detail on how potential tax revenue from marijuana retail sales
could be distributed to the City. Cindy Epperson, Finance Director, provided the amount
of retail sales tax revenue collected in other jurisdictions like Union Gap and Spokane.
Commissioner Cook voiced his preference for reviewing appropriate zones for marijuana
related facilities. He suggested that staff prepare a map that shows the zoning districts in
conjunction with the buffer zones. Joan Davenport confirmed that staff could prepare
such a map and suggested that the Commission consider if there are zoning districts in
which they would like to prohibit marijuana related business. Chairman Clark mentioned
that he's favorable to the eligible zones suggested in Mark's memo. Commissioner Rose
asked if language could be crafted that would allow the City to adjust the buffer on a
case-by-case basis. Mark Kunkler confirmed that this could be incorporated.
Commissioner Cook requested that legal staff ask other jurisdictions what problems they
have faced after placing regulation on marijuana related business. Sara Watkins
confirmed that she will gather this information. Chairman Clark requested that staff
provide a map that Commissioner Cook mentioned earlier that shows the zoning districts
as well as the buffer zones. The Commission had consensus to provide staff the direction
to prepare an ordinance that includes a 1,000 foot buffer that potentially limits the zoning
districts to the ones mentioned in Mark Kunkler's memorandum, and includes the ability
for flexibility of the buffers which will be discussed more at a later time. The Commission
also gave direction to staff to schedule the public hearing on June 16th for sometime in the
evening.
Other Business
None noted.
Ad"oun
A motion to adjourn to May 25, 2016 was passed with unanimous vote. This meeting
adjourned at 4:17 p.m.
Chairman Scott Clark
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Date
This meeting was filmed by YPAC. Minutes for this meeting submitted by: Lisa Maxey, Department Assistant II
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