HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-24-2021 YPC MinutesCity of Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) Meeting Minutes
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
February 24, 2021
Call to Order
Chair Jacob Liddicoat called the meeting to order at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Roll Call
YPC Members Present: Chair Jacob Liddicoat, Vice -chair Lisa Wallace, N Rose, Leanne
Hughes -Mickel, Phil Ostreim (joined after the meeting had already
begun)
YPC Members Absent: Mary Place (excused), Robert. McCormick (unexcused)
Staff Present: Joseph Calhoun, Planning Manager; Senior Assistant City
Attorney; Analilia Wez, Planning Technician
Council Liaison: Kay Funk, District 4
Others: Sign -in sheet in file
Staff Announcements — Planning Manager Joseph Calhoun announced the following:
• Calhoun announced that the attendance by the Central Washington Homebuilder's
Association will be present at the upcoming March 10 meeting.
• The notice will go out in the next week for the March 241" YPC public hearing regarding the
Class 2 and 3 moratoriums in the R-3 zoning district.
Approval of Meeting Minutes — It was motioned by Commissioner Rose to approve the meeting
minutes of January 27, 2021. The motion carried unanimously.
2021 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Ol?ening — Calhoun announcedthat on January 1 91h
2021, City Council adopted a resolution to open up the 2021 Comp Plan amendment process. A
legal ad was displayed in the paper on February 41h, 2021 along with a press release and YPAC
announcement were published on February 8t", 2021. YPC's actions today will formally open the
process and allow applicants to submit applications. The last day to submit applications will be
April 30th , 2021. Any applications will be docketed at the next meeting after the deadline.
Commissioner Rose motioned to formally open the Comp Plan Amendment Process,
Commissioner Hughes -Mickel seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously,
Public Hearing — SOZO Sports of Central WA — Chair Liddicoat recused himself from voting in
this hearing as he shares a last name with the applicant's representative. Associate Planner,
Trevor Martin provided the board with his staff report and a recommendation for approval
regarding a proposal to rezone five parcels totaling approximately 60 acres from Suburban
Residential (SR) to General Commercial (GC) for the future expansion of the Soo Sports
Complex. Leanne Liddicoat, the applicant's representative provided a summary of the proposal
for the rezone. Troy Havens, Water Resources Manager for Yakima County spoke on behalf of
the Yakima County Flood Control Zone District and provided comment regarding wetlands
concerns. Local resident, James Rhodes expressed concerns regarding the possibility of the
rezone to General Commercial (GC) and the close proximity to the residential area. He suggested
rezoning the area of the parcel closest to Light Manufacturing (M-1) zoning district. Local resident,
Diana Rhodes expressed concerns with the bright lights, noise and the rezone of the entire parcel
instead of just a smaller section where commercial use is intended. Commissioner Rose asked
Ms. Rhodes some follow-up questions about the proximity of her property to the project area.
They engaged in a short discussion. Ms. Liddicoat responded to the concerns presented by the
attendees and provided with the intended mitigation measures the property owner plans to take
to avoid overwhelming the neighborhood. Commissioner Rose asked Ms. Liddicoat some follow-
up questions on the future commercial development for Sozo, Ms, Rhodes asked Ms. Liddicoat
questions about the expansion of Sorenson Rd. and future development of recreational activities,
Ms. Liddicoat answered her questions and they engaged in a short discussion. Commissioner
Rose asked Ms. Liddicoat about an existing agreement between the City and Sozo. Mr. Rhodes
asked about future limitations for development that may be incompatible for an area abutting
residential properties. Mr. Calhoun responded to Mr. Rhodes and provided information regarding
the rezone and development within the flood plains. Local resident, Casey Poor stated his
concerns regarding about the hour of operations for the potential future businesses and the
expansion of Sorenson Rd, to 52nd Ave. Mr. Calhoun answered questions about business hours
of operations. Ms. Rhodes inquired about the previous intent to establish a city park within the
Sozo Complex, Ms. Liddicoat explained that the property intended for a potential city park is not
included in the proposed site location. Commissioner Rose stated his objection to non -project
rezones but said it was not a major concern for this proposal. He expressed' the potential of this
project expansion in revenue and recreational activities. Commissioner Hughes -Mickel asked a
follow-up questions on the future land use map which Mr. Calhoun answered, Commissioner
Rose motioned for the proposal be approved, Commissioner Wallace seconded the motion. Chair
Liddicoat abstained from the vote, the motion passed unanimously with the other four present
commissioners voting in favor of the motion.
Other Business — No Other Business to discuss.
Adjourn —A motion to adjourn to March 10, 2021 was passed with unanimous vote. This meeti
adjourned at approximately 4:20 p.m. I
Chair Liddicoat Date
This meeting was filmed by YPAC. Minutes for this meeting Submitted by: Analilia Wfiez, Planning Technician.