2005/04/20 Council Agenda Packet

Planning Commission Meeting March 8, 2005 Page 10 Commissioner Trautman stated that she did not meet with anyone prior to the meeting because I felt that the purpose of a public hearing is to discuss the issues and get the relevant questions answered in this venue and that was her choice. She felt that the Skotdal projects that have been constructed in Everett were some of the best. Her comments and concerns did not in anyway reflect a project that the Skotdals would construct. She felt that it was Planning Commissions responsibility to give thoughtful consideration of all the property owners issues on both sides of street, the surrounding neighborhoods, and the element of a view to the future. She was concerned that if Planning Commission approved the nonproject rezone, it may not match what we're advised to do when we put the energy and money into developing the downtown plan. She felt that the timing of the proposal was premature. She would vote to delay the recommendation until after the downtown plan is complete. Commissioner Simpson encouraged growth and wondered why the City had not considered the other side of the street. He felt that it was not logical to have one side included in the rezone request. He wondered if the City could include property owners on the west side before a recommendation is made to City council. Mr. Giffen responded that the Planning Commission action would represent a recommendation to City Council on the rezone that has been initiated by the Mayor. He added that irregardless of what Planning Commission's recommendation is, it will go on to City Council and the City Council can agree or disagree with Commission's recommendation. Commissioner Ebert stated that the downtown had been looked at for years and he felt that the reason that zoning line was at the alley was because the uses that were along Rucker in 1954 were predominately automotive. He felt that the request was a minor adjustment. He agreed that the City needs to develop stronger design guidelines and felt that the door has been opened to look at the west side of Rucker. He stated that Planning Commission has been asked by the Mayor and he felt that he could approve the rezone request. Commissioner Newland stated that he was more concerned about how the downtown is developed and felt that now was the time to do it right. In response to a question from the Commission, Mr. Giffen stated that staff had met with the City Council Budget Committee to obtain a budget for the downtown planning effort. The committee asked staff to provide an estimate and staff provided an estimate of $100,000. When the City and consultant have developed a scope, staff will return to the Committee with a better estimate of what the budget would be. Motion: Commissioner Ebert motioned to approve the rezone request. Commissioner Olivers seconded the motion. Vote: Commissioner Olivers, yes; Commissioner Lorioux Loup, yes; Commissioner Ebert, yes; Commissioner Trautman, no; Commissioner Newland, no; Commissioner Simpson, yes; and Commissioner Dutton, yes. Motion Carried. 5 Minute Recess