WEST RICHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION

November 10, 2005, 7:00 PM

Meeting Minutes

1.  Call to Order – Chairman Scott Seiler call the meeting to order at 7:08

2.  Roll Call

MEMBER / PRESENT / ABSENT / VACANT
SEILER, Scott (Chairman) / X
RAMSDELL, Van (Vice Chairman) / X
VACANT / X
VACANT / X
BOSTRUM, Randy
(Econ. Dev. Board Member) / X
DIEDIKER, Nona / X
MEEHAN, Shea / X

Community Development Director Pete Squires, Senior Planner Mary Jakob and Staff Recorder Penny Mayfield were also present.

3.  Approval of the Agenda – Amend agenda to add item 8B.

4.  Approval of the Minutes – Upon a motion by Commissioner Meehan to approve the minutes from October 13, 2005 amending item 12B, seconded by Commissioner Bostrum, the Commission unanimously approved the Minutes.

5.  Announcements, Reports, and Comments - None

6.  Citizen Public Comments –

Steve Berke, PO Box 1511 Coeur D’ Alene, ID asked to comment during the discussion on the south tower on Flat Top Hill.

A.J. Hill, 4245 Melinda – Mr. Hill commented on the problems with cell phones used by emergency personnel losing signal. Mr. Hill feels a taller cellular tower would help eliminate the loss of a signal for emergency services.

7.  Presentations / Public Hearings / Open Record Hearings - None

8.  New Business

A.  Discussion of communication/cellular tower placement policy number and height for the community. Staff Review by Mary Jakob.

Staff Member Mary Jakob said at this time there is no limitation on the number or height of cellular towers. The City of West Richland Staff is considering asking for bids from the cellular companies for a single 120’ tower on Flat Top that would support multiple carriers to decrease the number of smaller towers that are anticipated to locate in this area.

Steve Berke an independent contractor for Cingular Wireless explained the co-location agreement and how it would work to the Planning Commission and Staff.

The conclusion to the discussion is to accept the Conditional/Special Use Permit Application submitted by Cingular Wireless and go through the plan review process and omit the bid process.

B.  Review of Easement Vacation for Access and Utility Easements for Lots 1-3 short plat 2902 (formerly lot 146 Section 8.) Staff review by Mary Jakob.

Staff Member Mary Jakob reported the applicant requested an easement vacation for only Lot 3. Staff is recommending including Lots 1 and 2 in the easement vacation since they’re all under one ownership.

In conclusion the Planning Commission will recommend to City Council to vacate the access and utility easements for lots 1 through 3 as recommended by Staff.

9.  Unfinished Business – No unfinished business

10. Staff Reports –

Staff Member Pete Squires said Lucinda Luke has expressed an interest in applying for a position on the Planning Commission. Squires said Mayor Peltier is going to recommend to Council that she be appointed to the Commission. Lucinda Luke would resign her current position on the Economic Development Board.

11. Adjournment – Chairman Scott Seiler adjourned the meeting at 8:16.

12. Workshop

A.  17.55 Exterior Lighting Standards

B.  Comprehensive Plan

1.  Capital Facilities Element