HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-20-16 YPC MinutesCity of Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) City Hall Council Chambers
Meeting Minutes of June 20, 2016
Call to Order
Chairman Scott Clark called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
Roll Call
YPC Members Present: Chairman Scott Clark, Vice -Chair Patricia Byers, Al Rose,
Bill Cook
YPC Members Absent: Gavin Keefe (excused), Peter Marinace (excused)
Staff Present: Jeff Peters, Supervising Planner; Sara Watkins, Senior
Assistant City Attorney; Lisa Maxey, Department Assistant
Others: Sign -in sheet in file
Staff Announcements
Supervising Planner Jeff Peters informed the Commission of the items provided in their
packet for the continued public hearing.
Continued Public Hearin - I-502 Marijuana Regulation YPC Deliberation
Chairman Clark announced that he missed the public hearing on June 16th but has stayed
informed on the matter and watched portions of the recording of the public hearing.
Commissioner Byers thanked the public and the Commission members for their
participation.
Sara Watkins, Senior Assistant City Attorney, pointed out the changes that she made to
the ordinance per the direction of the Commission at the hearing. Commissioner Cook
requested for the definition of church that is included in the state license notification
section to be added to the definitions section. Commissioner Byers and Commissioner
Rose concurred with Commissioner Cook's request and Watkins confirmed that she will
make the revision.
Chairman Clark explained the email that was received from Commissioner Keefe in
regards to his idea for the buffer to be gradually reduced over time if no infractions occur.
Chairman Clark voiced that it could be difficult to include his proposed schedule in the
ordinance. Peters stated that it would be appropriate to consider changing the buffer
upon petition to the City. Watkins reminded the Commission that since there's only 5
marijuana retail licenses allowed, those will likely all be filled within the first year and
fall in accordance with the 1,000 foot buffer. Commissioner Rose articulated that he
would like the buffer to remain at 1,000 feet in the ordinance but is open to revisions in
the future if necessary. Commissioner Byers explained that mandating when the changes
in the buffer will occur is contradictory to the cautious approach that has been taken thus
far. Commissioner Cook added that the concept of the buffer reduction being contingent
on no infractions occurring could be complicated when it comes to technicalities.
Chairman Clark asked what conclusion the Commission came to as far as buffering from
residential uses that are in commercial or industrial zones. Commissioner Cook recalled
that Planning Manager Joan Davenport explained at the public hearing that it would be
difficult to keep track of residential uses in those zones, so the Commission decided not
to include it in the ordinance.
Commissioner Byers pointed out a few typographical errors.
The Commission had consensus to duplicate the definition of church so that it lies within
definitions section as well as the section regarding state license notification.
Commissioner Rose made a motion for the Yakima Planning Commission to accept the
findings of fact and recommendation for zoning text amendments to the City of Yakima
Urban Area Zoning Ordinance regarding I-502 recreational marijuana regulations and
accompanying ordinance dated June 16, 2016 as its own or as otherwise amended during
this hearing, and forward on a recommendation of approval to the City Council.
Furthermore, the Commission authorizes the Chairman to approve any necessary edits
and or changes to the Planning Commissions findings and ordinance prior to its
recommendation being forwarded on to the City Council. The motion was seconded and
carried unanimously.
Other Business
Peters informed the Commission that regulations for odor control and security
requirements were included in the marijuana ordinance. Watkins expanded on the
requirements that were added.
The Commission had consensus to cancel the next regularly scheduled meeting of June
22, 2016.
Commissioner Rose shared with the Commission an encounter he had with a member of
the public whose relative is establishing a site for marijuana production in Moses Lake.
Adjourn
A motion to adjourn to July 13, 2016 was passed with unanimous vote. This meeting
adjourned at 3:54 p.m.
Chairman Scott Clark Date
This meeting was filmed by YPAC. Minutes for this meeting submitted by: Lisa Maxey, Department Assistant II
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