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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Planning and Economic Development Committee - 12/12/1994KENT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES December 12, 1994 The meeting of the Kent Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Kent Morrill at 7:00 p.m. on December 12, 1994 in Kent City Hall, Chambers West. PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Kent Morrill, Chair Janette Nuss, Vice Chair Gwen Dahle Kenneth Dozier Connie Epperly Edward Heineman, Jr. Robert MacIsaac Russ Stringham Raymond Ward PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: None PLANNING STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: James Harris, Planning Director Fred Satterstrom, Planning Manager Kevin O'Neill, Senior Planner Linda Phillips, Planner Matthews Jackson, Planner Betsy Czark, Planner Christine Holden, Recording Secretary OTHER CITY STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Roger Lubovich, City Attorney Tom Brubaker, Assistant City Attorney Gary Gill, City Engineer Ed White, Transportation Engineer APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 28. 1994 MINUTES Commissioner Nuss stated on page six under John Kastein's comments regarding Chestnut Ridge, the minutes should read: Commissioner Nuss pointed out there was no comment, rebuttal, or even one word made in support of SF -3 by the commissioners. The only comments made were in support of SF -1 zoning with an immediate vote for SF -3 and no discussion. She offered proof of this from the tape recording of the meeting. Draft Kern Comprehensive Plan #CPA -94-1 1 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 1994 Commissioner Heineman said on page nine, the minutes should indicate a unanimous vote to elect Commissioner Morrill as Chair of the Planning Commission for a second term. Discussions followed concerning the amount of detail that should be recorded in the Planning Commission minutes, taking particular precaution to include both sides of the issues. Director Harris said due to the quantity of material discussed at the Planning Commission meetings, verbatim minutes would be impossible, and asked that the commissioners assist by adding inadvertently overlooked important comments. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept the minutes of the November 28, 1994 Planning Commission meeting as corrected. The motion CARRIED. ADDED AGENDA ITEMS None COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Nuss distributed a copy of a speech given by Tonya Gilden at a Regional Housing Justice Campaign, regarding a housing situation she once faced. Commissioner Nuss said it was another opinion other than by staff and personal input. NOTICE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS Director Harris announced the City Council will meet tomorrow evening, December 13, 1994 at 7:00 p.m. in Chambers West. This will be the last meeting of the City Council for 1994. The first meeting of the new year will be on January 3, 1995. CONTINUED DELIBERATIONS ##CPA -94-1 - Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan Chair Morrill opened continued deliberations of the Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan. He said responses to the issues presented at the November 28, 1994 public hearing will be heard, and the commissioners may ask questions and deliberate each issue. Upon conclusion of the issues, he said the entire plan will be open for review. PRESENTATION BY STAFF Chair Morrill introduced Fred Satterstrom, Planning Manager. Mr. Satterstrom gave a brief overview of the process involved in reviewing the remaining issues, and proposed the Planning Commission review each issue one by one. He explained the process of developing the Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan has taken one full year, and public hearings and deliberations have been conducted from July, 1994. Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan 2 #CPA -94-I Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 1994 Issue # 1 - Association of Realtors Kevin O'Neill, Senior Planner spoke concerning issues raised by the Seattle -King County Association of Realtors regarding Kent's development capacity. Mr. O'Neill described the challenges in meeting Kent's housing target without upzoning single family lands to multifamily. He said the Board of Realtors used Kent's existing zoning capacity, rather than considering Mixed Use areas, accessory units, smaller lot sizes, and flexible development standards for their determinations. He said the draft plan has already been reviewed by the Washington State Department of Community Trade and Economic Development, as well as other State agencies, who did not express any concerns about the adequacy of the land use plan. Mr. O'Neill responded to questions from the commissioners. Commissioner Stringham asked what the impact to the housing target would be if no one wanted to build mixed use developments. He said the public indicated mixed use was acceptable for the downtown area, but not on East or West Hill. Mr. O'Neill said it would be difficult to meet the targeted housing capacity without mixed use, but said mixed use would be different on the hills than from the mixed use requirements for the valley and downtown. Commissioner Nuss proposed a land use alternative which would blend Mixed Use and Urban development. She recommended allowance of higher story buildings in the downtown area, and limited mixed use on the hills. Mr. O'Neill confirmed Commissioner Stringham's statement that the DCE area of downtown has already eliminated the building height restriction. Commissioner Stringham asked Mr. O'Neill what impact on the housing capacity a zoning designation of commercial rather than mixed use would have on Pacific Highway on the West Hill. Mr. O'Neill responded the Commercial designation would have very little impact on Kent's ability to accommodate housing capacity. Commissioner MacIsaac asked whether the public strongly supported mixed use prior to the comp plan hearings. Mr. O'Neill said the idea of mixed use was universally supported throughout the variety of community involvements which included forums, the visual preference survey, and environmental impact studies. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept the staff report regarding Issue #1. Vote: Yea - Commissioners Dahle, Ward, Heineman, MacIsaac, Chair Morrill - Nay: Commissioner Stringham, Epperly, Dozier. Abstained: Commissioner Nuss. The motion CARRIED. Mr. Satterstrom informed the Commission Issue #1 did not contain a staff recommendation as it was only an outline of the methodology used to create the housing capacities for the report. Commissioner Stringham was assured that land use changes could be made at a later time, should the commission accept the staff report. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept the staff's report concerning Issue #1. The motion CARRIED unanimously. Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan #CPA -94-1 3 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 1994 Mr. Harris clarified the procedure regarding introducing new issues, saying they should be entered into the record after complete review of the staff report. Issue # 2 - Association of Realtors Betsy Czark, Planner, explained the plan does not encourage inclusionary zoning, but does encourage voluntary incentives to build affordable housing. Commissioner Stringham said Policy H-6.1 could be interpreted to deny a developer density bonuses. His concern is that if a developer did not provide affordable housing, all density bonuses would be denied. Mr. Harris said the Planning Department would interpret and implement this policy, and this would not occur. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept staff's response to Issue #2. The motion CARRIED. Vote: Yea - Commissioners Dozier, Dahle, Epperly, Nuss, Ward, Heineman, MacIsaac, Chair Morrill. Nay - Commissioner Stringham Issue #3 - Kent Chamber of Commerce, Association of Realtors Mr. Satterstrom said this issue pertained to concerns raised in LU -16.2 regarding the type of permitted uses in the industrial zones. He said it was not the intent of staff to allow competing types of uses in industrial zones. Mr. Satterstrom said after a discussion with Chamber representative, they were satisfied that the plan did not reflect allowance of retail operations to locate in areas zoned as M1, M2 and M3. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept staff's response to Issue #3. The motion CARRIED unanimously. Issue #4 - Kent Chamber of Commerce Mr. Satterstrom stated the Chamber felt LU -22.3 could lead to unreasonably burdensome and costly requests for environmental information. To further clarify the intent of the policy, Mr. Satterstrom said the words "to the extent possible or feasible" could be added to the policy statement. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept staff's recommendation to include "to the extent possible or feasible" to policy #LU -22.3. The motion CARRIED unanimously. Issue #5 - Kent Chamber of Commerce, Association of Realtors Mr. Satterstrom stated the Chamber's concern regarding policy LU -22.5, saying development could be inhibited should building permits be required in conjunction with grade and fill permits. He suggested a modification be drafted so as to protect the fill and grading of wetlands and sensitive areas. It was MOVED and SECONDED to allow grade and fill permits without issuance of a building permit, unless wetlands and sensitive areas are involved. Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan #CPA -94-I 4 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 1994 After discussions concerning voting on incomplete items, the commission tabled the motion on item #5. Item #6 - Commissioner Stringham Mr. O'Neill commented on Commissioner Stringham's exhibit which recommends additions to the Land Use element regarding property rights. He stated three of the goals were already included in Chapter Three of the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. O'Neill introduced Mr. Tom Brubaker, Assistant City Attorney, to further respond to Commissioner Stringham's proposal. Mr. Brubaker said, after discussions with Mr. Lubovich, Kent's City Attorney, the basic zoning issue is the problem of balancing public welfare against private needs. He said the amendments are an attempt to favor the private interest in rezoning and annexation matters. He said to favor the private interest over the desires of the surrounding neighbors would cost the City as a tax burden. Mr. Brubaker stated that an example of extreme cost to the City would be compensation for owners of down -zoned property. Mr. Brubaker responded to questions and comments on the constitutional rights of individual property owners relative to the welfare of the surrounding neighborhood. He said according to Kent's existing the zoning code, the needs of the area would prevail over the needs of the property owner. He said the Planning Commission would need to change the zoning code, should they elect to adopt the proposed amendments. Commissioner Stringham responded to Mr. Brubaker's comments. He said costs to the City would only be incurred when the property owner is denied use of their property as they wish; to favor protection of the general welfare over the rights of the individual is against the State and United States constitutions; ambiguity is imminent until the comprehensive plan and revision of the zoning code is completed and implemented; a "win-win" situation is ideal, but sometimes it is not possible; and that the term "rezone" is incorrect, as these people have owned their property for an extended period of time, and have used it as they wished and have expectations to continue use of the property. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adopt the language as originally presented by Commissioner Stringham. The motion was tabled so further considerations could be made. Commissioner Stringham MOVED to continue the issue until later this evening. Commissioner Dozier SECONDED the motion. The motion CARRIED unanimously. Transportation Issues Mr. Ed White, Transportation Engineer, responded to concerns raised by Mr. Jay Bakst at the November 28, 1994 Planning Commission meeting, as outlined in Public Works memo dated December 6, 1994. The specific issues were: 1) The policy language to support more stringent Commute Trip Reduction measures than the State requires. 2) Developing a design criteria for bicycle and other nonmotorized vehicle parking requirements, including recommending one bicycle/nonmotorized vehicle space be created for every ten vehicle spaces. 3) Encouraging incorporation of bicycle facilities in new commercial and residential development. 4) Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan #CPA -94-1 5 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 1994 Reenforcement of the City's construction standards for nonmotorized transportation on public streets. 5) Support of projects which promote HOV facilities. 6) Clarification of previously discussed and unresolved issues. Mr. White said changes to the land use map would affect the modeling analysis previous prepared for the comprehensive plan. Specifically, an example would be from designating the Jankelson/Soushek property along the South 277th Street Corridor from residential to accommodate a neighborhood convenience store. He said this would create an increase in peak hour trips from five to one hundred twenty. Gary Gill, City Engineer, said the issues concerning the corridor project were originally heard during the public hearing process. He said the area affected by the corridor is inside the City limits due to the recent Ramstead annexation. He stated the intent of the corridor was to be a City bypass. Mr. Gill stated the residents did not want to see the City of Kent make wholesale land use changes along the corridor which would promote strip commercial or other major land use changes which would jeopardize their neighborhoods. He also discussed the conversion table which indicates the various zoning designations and the number of anticipated trips per acre. The commissioners asked Mr. White questions on the transportation element. Commissioner Nuss asked if the Bicycle Advisory Board had been made aware of the Chamber's comments and Mr. White said the board was aware the Chamber's comments, but due to time constraints, they had not been involved in the response. Commissioner Nuss said she felt due to fairness and respect to the Bicycle and Transit Advisory Boards, both boards should be consulted before accepting the transportation element. Discussions continued regarding the redundancy and quantity of policies contained in the nonmotorized area of the transportation element. It was MOVED and SECONDED to defer acceptance of transportation's response to the recommendations presented by the Chamber of Commerce until evaluated by the Transit Advisory Board, Bicycle Advisory Board. The motion CARRIED unanimously. Mr. Harris stated finalization of the Transportation element could take a year to complete. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept staff's report in total. Commissioner Stringham asked when the concerns of the Transportation element would be addressed. The motion was DEFEATED. Vote: Yea - Chair Morrill, Commissioners Ward, Heineman. Nay - Commissioners Dozier, Epperly, Dahle, Nuss, Stringham, MacIsaac. Mapping Issues Linda Phillips, Planner discussed staffs recommendations for the mapping issues raised at the November 28, 1994 public hearing. Area 1 - Property on 248th adjacent to Morrill property. (Romolete, Wurster, Acheson, McLerran, Van Eynde) Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan 6 #CPA -94-J Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 1994 Ms. Phillips said staff's recommendation remains the same as previously recommended in the staff memo dated September 6, 1994. She said, however, staff has proposed a higher density designation of SF -8 to allow increased development opportunities. Ms. Phillips said this designation would be compatible with the adjacent multifamily complexes. Commissioner MacIsaac said he felt this area should be recommended for multifamily development, and said it would also be a buffer to the parks, churches and other amenities in the area. Commissioner Stringham asked what the maximum allowed density for the comp plan designation LDMF (Low Density Multifamily). Ms. Phillips said it was 16 units per acre, which equates to Garden Density in the zoning code. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adopt Low Density Multi Family as requested by the owners of the property located at 248th, adjacent to the Morrill property. The motion CARRIED unanimously. Area 2 - Plan Map Adjustment for Terrace Olympus Apartments (Zube) Matthews Jackson, Planner, reviewed the current split zoning of the apartment complex and said staff's recommendation is to designate the entire property MDMF, Medium Density Multifamily Residential. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept staff's recommendation to change the plan map designation of the Zube property to MDMF. The motion CARRIED unanimously. Area 3 - Request for Medium Density Multifamily for two parcels located south of 259th Street and North of Central Avenue. (Ahmad) Ms. Phillips said staff's recommendation for comprehensive plan designation for this property is to retain MDMF (Medium Density Multifamily). It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept staff's recommendation. The motion CARRIED unanimously. Area 4 - Request to redesignate property located between Frager Road and Kent Des Moines Highway from Agricultural to Industrial. (Matelich) Mr. Jackson reviewed the request from Mr. Matelich which asked to allow a designation that would allow construction of an outside storage facility. Mr. Jackson said due to a variety of environmental constraints and potential increased traffic, staff's recommendation is to retain the Agricultural designation. When asked if Mr. Matelich could pursue his request as a non- conforming use, Mr. Jackson said it would not be approved as the intended use is unrelated to agricultural use. Discussions followed concerning zoning that would allow the requested commercial operation. Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan #CPA -94-1 7 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 1994 Mr. Harris said the City should not change the plan for just one parcel of property and that the entire Agricultural area on the west side of the Green River surrounding Mr. Matelich's property should be considered. Discussions continued regarding surrounding property owners and the existing uses of the land. Regarding soil quality, Mr. Harris said Agricultural land has a variety of uses other than for planting corn. Commissioner Stringham asked Mr. Brubaker for a clarification regarding the legal concerns of minimum lot size spot zoning as it relates to comprehensive plan designations. Mr. Brubaker said he was not aware that a law exists that states spot zoning was illegal during the comp plan process. The commissioners discussed the increasing loss of agricultural lands, and the economics of using the land for agricultural purposes. Mr. Satterstrom added that although this property was in the area classified by King County as a designated agricultural district, with a program for King County to purchase development rights, the Matelich's did not apply to sell the development rights. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept staff's recommendation to retain the AG designation for the Matelich property. The motion FAILED. Vote: Yea - Chair Morrill, Commissioners Dahle, Nuss, Heineman. Nay - Commissioners Dozier, Epperly, Ward, Stringham, MacIsaac. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept a Commercial comprehensive plan designation as requested by Mr. Matelich. The motion CARRIED. Vote: Yea - Commissioners Dozier, Epperly, Ward, Stringham, MacIsaac. Nay - Commissioners Heineman, Dahle, Nuss, Chair -- Morrill. Area 5 - Request to designate a 25 acre parcel from Agricultural to Industrial, adjacent to South 277th Street. (Nelson) Mr. Satterstrom indicated the area on the map and said King County's designation is also as Agricultural. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept the Industrial designation as requested by Mr. Nelson. The motion CARRIED. Vote: Yea - Chair Morrill, Commissioners Dozier, Epperly, Ward, Stringham, Maclsaac. Nay - Commissioners Heineman, Dahle, Nuss. Commissioner Nuss asked Commissioner Stringham if he had considered Mr. Tidball's letter urging this area remain as agricultural farmland. Commissioner Stringham said he wished to go on record as being sympathetic to Mr. Tidball's needs, but supported Mr. Nelson request because the property had been in the Nelson family for over one hundred years, while Mr. Tidball purchased his property in 1976. Commissioner Stringham said there were ways to mitigate the impact on Mr. Tidball's property if and when industrial development occurs. Area 6 - Request for comprehensive plan designation appropriate for vehicle -oriented convenience store at 116th Avenue and Kent Kangley Road. (Jankelson, Soushek) Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan #CPA -94-1 8 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 1994 Ms. Phillips said staff's recommendation remains single family for this parcel. Comments from commissioners followed concerning whether future transportation improvements would allow for the requested development, and the existing traffic congestion in this area. Mr. White said not only should the through traffic be a factor in the traffic congestion and safety, but also the impact turn lanes and the traffic signal would create. He said he thought completion of this project would occur within two years. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept staff's recommendation of single family. The motion CARRIED. Vote: Yea - Commissioners Epperly, Dahle, Heineman, Ward, Stringham, MacIsaac and Chair Morrill. Nay - Commissioners Nuss, Dozier. Mr. Satterstrom asked the commission to bring forward any unresolved issues for discussion and resolution. Tabled Issue #5 - In regards to LU -22.5 which links grade and fill permits to building permits, Mr. Satterstrom suggested the second sentence of the policy say, "Grade and fill permits which do not include site development plans may be issued by the City where such activities do not disturb sensitive areas such as wetlands. " Commissioner Nuss asked if it was possible for individuals to fill agricultural lands in an attempt to use the land for commercial purposes. Mr. Satterstrom said a zoning requirement presently exists for agriculturally -zoned parcels that prevents landfilling except for farming activities or structures. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept Mr. Satterstrom's change of wording for LU 22.5. The motion CARRIED unanimously. Tabled Issue #6 - Regarding proposed LU -28.1, Commissioner Stringham stated a recommended change from the City Attorney which changes the wording, "all annexation zoning discussions" to "consider all area -wide rezoning decisions." It was MOVED and SECONDED to adopt Commissioner Stringham's policy proposals as originally written, except for the amendment to LU -28.1 made by the City Attorney which states, "All area -wide rezoning decisions should consider continuation of existing uses and developments. " Commissioner Stringham answered questions from the commissioners. He said his proposal meant a property could not be down -zoned unless the owner was properly compensated. The issues was raised about how this change would affect the existing form of city government as it relates to protecting the public welfare over the wishes of the individual property owner. Discussions followed regarding the intent of the law, the constitutional rights of property owners and that previously, compensation had been neglected for owners during the wetlands issue. Mr. Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan 9 #CPA -94-1 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 1994 Brubaker said the City could possibly go bankrupt should it be responsible to pay each time property is rezoned for the benefit of health, safety, and welfare. The motion CARRIED. Vote: Yea - Commissioners Dozier, Epperly, Ward, Stringham, MacIsaac, Chair Morrill. Nay - Commissioners Dahle, Heineman. Abstained - Commissioner Nuss. Tabled Transportation Issue - Mr. Satterstrom informed the commission the Transportation Element was accepted on November 21, 1994, as well as other issues including revenues, housing targets and bike paths. Discussion followed pertaining to the prior vote to accept the transportation element, and the time -frame needed for staff to complete the areas to be revisited by the Bicycle and Transportation Advisory Boards. Mr. White said the BAB and the KTAB should have a response to the Chambers comments by February, when the City Council reviews the plan. Commissioner MacIsaac raised several safety concerns and the City's possible liability in case of injury accidents, should bicycle paths be approved. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept the Transportation element as it was previously accepted on November 21, 1994, with the recommendation made by Mr. Satterstrom for the coordination of the Kent Transit Advisory Board, Bicycle Advisory Board and the Chamber of Commerce. The motion CARRIED. Vote: Yea - Chair Morrill, Commissioners Nuss, Dahle, Epperly, Ward. Nay - Commissioners Stringham, Dozier, MacIsaac. Chair Morrill asked the commission to identify any other items they felt needed to be discussed Commissioner Heineman asked to revisit items which appeared in previous minutes which were not unanimously accepted, by vote or by non-attendance of a commissioner. Commissioner Nuss requested a commercial designation for an area on West Hill located across the street from Fred Meyer on Highway 99 which has been designated mixed use. She shared a personal violent experience, as well as murders and shootings to emphasize increased crime in this area. She said the decisions of the Planning Commission affect people's lives. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept a commercial zoning designation, as it appears on the existing plan for the area on Highway 99, across the street from the Fred Meyer Shopping Center. The motion CARRIED unanimously. As a point of clarification, Commissioner Nuss stated the property is on the west side of Highway 99. Commissioner Dozier requested further consideration of the property located at 116th and Kent Kangley Road, (Short Stop Grocery, previously the Totem Pole) currently designated as single family. He said the owner of the property, Karen Rehkop had requested a change to a commercial designation. It was MOVED and SECONDED to change the comprehensive plan designation from residential to commercial for the Reykop property located at 116th and Kent Kangley Road. The motion CARRIED unanimously. Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan #CPA -94-1 10 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 1994 Commissioner Heineman asked to revisit several areas of the comprehensive plan. These areas included Horseshoe Acres, property located at 248th adjacent to the Morrill property, proposed commercial designation for area on West Hill, Dr. Ranniger's property and Michael Skehan's level of service recommendations. He also wished to revisit the Chestnut Ridge recommendation of SF -3. Commissioner Dahle said the Planning Commission recommended an SF -1 designation for the Chestnut Ridge (Ross site) area to the City Council just one year ago, when this area annexed into the City. She said she did not think the Council would accept the recommendation to change the designation to SF -3. It was MOVED and SECONDED to accept the original ordinance the City Council passed which designates this area as SF -1. Discussions followed regarding the need for high density housing, including the use of Planned Unit Developments and Cluster housing in single family areas to meet the requirements of the Growth Management Act. It was stated that with an SF -3 designation, this area could possibly add 84 houses, creating major negative impacts to the entire area. Also discussed were the steps necessary to implement the Planning Commission and City Council decisions. Commissioner Epperly said she had visited Dover Court, Kent's only PUD, and asked the residents of Dover Court and surrounding neighborhood what, if any, negative impacts this type of housing development has created. Commissioner Epperly said their comments were positive. The motion was restated. The motion FAILED. Vote: Yea - Commissioners Dahle, Nuss, Ward, Heineman. Nay - Chair Morrill, Commissioners Dozier, Epperly, Stringham, MacIsaac. Commissioner Dozier requested a confirmation that the comprehensive plan designation for the Ranniger property was changed to commercial. Mr. Satterstrom said the recommended plan designation was changed to Neighborhood Services. Commissioner Dahle asked when specific zoning for each of the properties represented by the letters would be addressed. She was told all of the submitted exhibits had been deliberated by the commission. Commissioner Nuss presented "Alternative 4" to the commission. She read: "After several months of research, testimonies, and deliberations, it is with great pleasure that I present Alternative 4, the Mixed/Urban density for your approval. This alternative is a blending of both alternatives depicted in the land use videos presented last spring. Instead of 4-6 story buildings from the mixed use alternative or 8-10 story buildings found in the urban use alternative, alternative 4 creates buildings in the downtown core resulting in 6-8 story buildings. This mixed/urban alternative makes downtown the central focal point for businesses, commuter rail, and a general hub for activity. Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan #CPA -94-1 11 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 1994 It recognizes our agricultural farmland as significant and maintains the idea that although the mixed use concept is desired out on the east and west hills, it does so in a limited fashion. Although many citizens chose mixed use as the preferred alternative in the land use survey, it became blatantly apparent during the hearings that when they were faced with the reality of a mixed use concept, support was lost. By limiting the amount of mixed use on the east and west hills, needed services will still be available but not at the risk of distracting the overall character of the areas. Alternative 4 maintains a variety of affordable housing, creates vitality in the downtown core, while at the same time balances the interests of the residents out on the two hills. Because it is not as severe as the urban density concept, it satisfies the concerns raised by the planning department over whether or not the valley floor could withstand the urban density. Most importantly, alternative 4 allows for more flexibility respecting not only the citizens desires, but the networking between city departments and supports organizations such as the Kent Downtown Partnership." Commissioner Nuss MOVED to accept Alternative 4, and Commissioner Epperly SECONDED the motion for discussion purposes. Commissioner Stringham asked if Alternative 4 would affect the other elements. Mr. O'Neill answered it would, as the comprehensive plan is a package with the other elements and the land use plan map. The motion FAILED. Vote: Yea - Commissioner Nuss. Nay - Chair Morrill, Commissioners Dozier, Dahle, Epperly, Ward, Heineman, Stringham, MacIsaac. Commissioner Ward MOVED to recommend adoption of the Executive Proposed Comprehensive Plan dated July 18, 1994 with the following changes: 1) Incorporation of addendums A, B, C & D as described in staff's memorandum to the Planning Commission dated November 21, 1994. 2) Incorporation of plan text and/or map modifications presented to the planning commission at tonight's meeting. Chair Morrill SECONDED the motion. Discussions followed with Commissioner Dahle expressing her objection to the large amount of money allocated for Parks and Capital Improvement programs. She said she understood each element would be revisited after the straw vote was taken. The motion FAILED. Vote: Yea - Chair Morrill, Commissioner Ward. Nay - Commissioners Dozier, Dahle, Nuss, Stringham, Heineman, MacIsaac. Chair Morrill asked the commissioners to address specific issues so the comp plan recommendation can be completed. Commissioner MacIsaac agreed with Commissioner Dahle's concerns, saying he felt too much money was delegated to Parks while public safety issues are ignored. He also said no funding appeared to be allocated to repair older streets and sidewalks, to meet City standards. Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan #CPA -94-1 12 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 1994 Director Harris read from the November 21, 1994 minutes affirming the commission had voted and approved the Transportation and Capital Facilities elements, per staff's recommendation. He explained the Planning Commissions' role in adopting the comprehensive plan is to set the policies, and the City Council's responsibility is to make decisions on money allocations. He stated the public safety financing in questions was included in the General Fund, as previously explained by May Miller. Commissioner Nuss said after being unable to attend the November 21, 1994 meeting, she met with department heads who answered and explained many of her financial questions. Commissioner MacIsaac stated several areas of the plan he felt needed further deliberation. Commissioner Nuss said it would be very difficult to have all nine commissioners in agreement, and they should be flexible and move forward, and recommend the plan to the City Council. She wished to go on record saying she was comfortable with the plan, including staff's responses. Commissioner Ward said the City Council were the elected officials of the City, and therefore should be responsible for allocating the money. He said the Planning Commission should make a recommendation of a viable plan, for the citizenry and for ourselves. Mr. Satterstrom said Planning's workload is stacking up, and recapped several upcoming projects such as annexation zoning, the adult use business moratorium issue, and writing zoning implementation. He said certain grants would be ineligible until the comprehensive plan is adopted. Commissioner Stringham said he thought the plan could go forward with a "Nay" recommendation. Commissioner Nuss asked Commissioner Ward to repeat his prior motion to adopt the Plan. Commissioner Ward MOVED to recommend adoption of the Executive Proposed Comprehensive Plan dated July 18, 1994 with the following changes: 1) Incorporation of addendums A, B, C & D as described in staff's memorandum to the Planning Commission dated November 21, 1994. 2) Incorporation of plan text and or/map modifications presented to the planning commission at tonight's meeting. Commissioner Nuss SECONDED the motion. Mr. Satterstrom stated for the record, the topics of the aforementioned addendums. They are: A - Comprehensive Plan mapping revisions, B - Policy and Text revisions, C - Revised Capital Facilities Element, D - Transportation Financing and Implementation revisions. The motion CARRIED. Vote: Yea - Chair Morrill, Commissioners Dozier, Nuss, Ward, Heineman. Nay - Commissioners Dahle, Stringham, Epperly, MacIsaac. Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan 13 #CPA -94-1 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 1994 GOOD OF THE ORDER Commissioner Dahle said she hoped the City Council would receive a copy of the minutes of tonight's meeting to see how the members of the Planning Commission feel about the expenditures and the way the City spends money. Chair Morrill thanked the commission and staff for the amount of time spent on the comprehensive plan. He said everyone can attend the City Council meetings to express individual feelings, and that the Council should know that recommendation of the comprehensive plan was by a very close vote. Director Harris congratulated the Planning Commission for their focus, amount of time spent and good work performed on the plan. He said their efforts will be recognized by the public and by the City Council. Commissioner Stringham thanked staff for their extraordinary patience in dealing with the commission. Several Commissioners voiced their gratitude in unison. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn the meeting. The motion CARRIED. The meeting closed at 10:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Joes P. Harris Recording Secretary Draft Kent Comprehensive Plan #CPA -94-1 14