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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-13-13 YPC MinutesFOR THE RDIXIRD,�' FILE City of Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) City Hall Council Chambers Meeting Minutes of February 13, 2013 Call to Order Interim Chairman Shoval called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm. Roll Call YPC Members Present: Interim Chairman Ben Shoval, Co -Chair Bill Cook, Scott Clark, Al Rose, Ron Anderson, Dave Fonfara YPC Members Absent: Paul Stelzer (excused) Staff Present: Jeff Peters, Associate Planner; Rick Ensey, Councilmember, Mark Kunkler, Senior Assistant City Attorney Others: Mike Morton, Christine Parsons, John L. Marvin Adoption of Minutes for October 1.0 2012 A motion was made by Al Rose, and seconded by Ron Anderson, to approve the meeting minutes of October 10, 2012. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Audience Participation No audience participation noted. Update on Amending Planning Commission Bylaws Mark Kunkler spoke on the matter of term limitations for the position of chairman. The adopted bylaws state that the chairman will serve no more than two consecutive years. He informed them that they have the authority to amend their bylaws to define the terms of office for their elected chair and vice -chair positions. Some options noted were to adopt: the city council model elected biannually to a two-year term with no term limits; or one-year term and no term limits; or keep the term limits but lengthen each term. After some discussion, Scott Clark motioned, seconded by Dave Fonfara, to amend the bylaws to one-year term with no term limits for the election of chair and vice -chair. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Staff will proceed with a resolution to City Council to adopt the amended bylaws as recommended by the Commission. In the interim, the current officers can serve until their successors are elected and approved. Shoreline Master Plan Update Jeff Peters introduced Lisa Grueter with Berk and Amy Summe with The Watershed Company. He then presented an 11 -minute video describing the existing shoreline areas. Following the video presentation, Amy provided a detailed explanation for the following proposed environment shoreline designations: High Intensity, Shoreline Residential, Urban Conservancy, Floodway/Channel Migration Zone (CMZ), and Aquatic - Lakes. She pointed out their locations on an aerial map and mentioned that they are trying to achieve a Shoreline Master Program that is more applicable to the City's planning needs. Concerns noted on behalf of Lisa and Amy were whether the Commission felt that the Urban Conservancy designation appropriately addressed residential development; if the proposed High Intensity designation on Cowiche Creek near Powerhouse Rd & Hwy 12 was suitable for that area; also the Aquatic designation along Buchanan Lake & I-82; and if the appropriate designations are being adequately -1- incorporated. After reviewing the characteristics of the area near Cowiche Creek near Powerhouse Road, the Commission suggested designating it as Shoreline Residential versus High Intensity. Meetings with various agencies and affected property owners were held to discuss measures that address water quality and other concerns. The groups included the Greenway Association, Lake Aspen Association, Willow Lake Association, State Parks, Yakama Nation, Flood Control District, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and WSDOT. The majority of the properties along the existing shorelines are owned by local, state, and federal agencies. Extensive discussion continued on the creation of the delineation of the channel migration zone and shoreline designations. Jeff explained that scientific studies and analysis were performed by Yakima County which were adopted by the City and incorporated into the City's update to its Shoreline Master Program. Moving forward, input from the Planning Commission and affected property owners will affect how the uses are determined for each shoreline designation. The city is limited in how much of the jurisdictions and boundaries they are able change since most of the requirements come directly from the State WAC's and RCW's. Mr. Clark requested a list of all the affected property owners that were notified of the stakeholder's meeting. Chairman Shoval inquired about having additional meetings to include the commercial, agricultural and industrial users. Jeff further explained the public notice requirements and dissemination procedures. Christine Parsons, Washington State Parks, thanked the City for the opportunity to participate in the SMP update process. Her agency's involvement as a land owner focuses on water dependent uses, public accessibility to the water, and ecological functions of the river. She offered a short educational course on what the Shoreline Management Act represents. Additional discussion ensued regarding FEMA floodway designation and Channel Migration Zone, how they were established and what the process is to change them, if the need arises. Amy encouraged the Commission to review the proposed shoreline designations and assess if they are appropriately established or not. In response to Bill Cook's question regarding the property located in Terrace Heights, Lisa noted that pre- designation property east of the river is recommended so that if and when annexation occurs that property would be subject to the city's shoreline regulations. The Commission agreed with pre -designating the property along the eastside of the river. Other Business None noted. A motion to adjourn to February 27, 2013 was passed with unanimous vote. This meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. kLNP I b444,, 107 - Interim Chairman Ben Shoval Date This meeting was filmed by YPAC. Minutes for this meeting submitted by: Rosalinda Ibarra, Planning Technician -2-