Loading...
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 10/-I Date This meeting was filmed by YPAC. Minutes for this meeting submitted by: Lisa Maxey, Department Assistant II -2-