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
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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
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