MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FOR APRIL 5, 1999

PRESENT: Commissioners Andrew Lacey, Jerry Gentry, Suzanne Jepsen, Deborah Kendrick, Howard Gilliam, Tom Sly, Cyde Estes; City Manager Gerald Breazeale; City Attorney Bill Kuhn; Mayor Bob Jepsen, Transportation Technical Advisory Committee Members John Edmundson, Ron Anthony.

ABSENT: None

(Unless otherwise noted, "MOTION CARRIED" indicates all in favor.)

1. General Business
   1. Call to order Chairman Jepsen called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM
   2. Introductions - Chairman Jepsen asked for introductions of those present.
   3. Announcements - City Manager Breazeale reported that the first draft of the Willow Creek Diversification Study had been distributed. He reported that the consulting firm of Elesco, LTD. had prepared the draft Community Analysis and was now soliciting comments.

      Breazeale also announced that copies of the meeting summaries for the Strategic Planning sessions was available for each Commission member.

   4. Approval of the Minutes of the March 1, 1999 Planning Commission Meeting. Motion by Howard Gilliam, seconded by Deborah Kendrick to approve the minutes. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Public Hearings - None
3. New Business
   1. Urban Growth Area Joint Management Agreement - Revision.

   City Manager Breazeale explained that the current agreement with Morrow County for management of the Urban Growth Area provided for management of the area by the County. Since the area is planned for the eventual expansion of the City it may be advantageous for the City to manage the land usage within the UGB. County Planner Tamra Mabott has indicated that she would be willing to surrender management of the Urban Growth Area to the City of Heppner. Breazeale asked the Commissioners if they would desire that the agreement be revised to provide for management of the Urban Growth Area by the City. Jerry Gentry expressed the opinion that it would be to the City’s advantage to manage the area. City Attorney Bill Kuhn explained that if the City were to manage the area, City standards and zoning would apply. Currently there is no direct application of the City standards. While City zoning is supposed to apply within the Urban Growth Area, it is not always clear how those regulations would be applied. Also, the County Planning Commission is not familiar with the application of City ordinance. CONSENSUS was to pursue revision of the Urban Growth Management Agreement to provide for City management.

4. Old Business - TAC Meeting for the Transportation System Plan
   1. Land Use/Transportation Opportunities, Constraints and Alternatives

   (Ron Anthony entered the meeting at this time) Mr. Anthony, Principal of Heppner Sr. High, presented a proposal to change the traffic flow around the high school. He was proposing that the one way road that now runs in front of the school be made a two way street and the road behind the school be closed to through traffic. The buses would be moved to the rear of the school for loading and unloading. A gate would be opened for the busses and closed at other hours. During games, the gate would be left open. Mr. Anthony explained that both roads were maintained by the School District. Responding to questioning, he explained further that the roads are owned by the District. Mr. Anthony asked for support from the City in maintaining the road in front of the school since it would be used by the public. Commissioner Gilliam commented that Mr. Anthony’s proposal was in line with what the TAC had hoped for. Commissioner Estes stated that the road is a major access for emergency services and that she hoped that between the school, county and city problems with maintaining the road could be addressed. Commissioner Gentry asked whether the road would need to be brought to City standards before the City could maintain the street. Breazeale explained that if the proposal were identified in the Transportation System Plan, future funding could be directed toward improvements of the street. CONSENSUS was to refer the proposal to the consultants for inclusion in the Transportation System Plan.

   1. Commercial Zoning on 207/74 North end of Heppner

      City Manager Breazeale reviewed with the Commissioners the memorandum regarding land use issues associated with the Transportation System Plan. One aspect that was discussed in the memorandum was the possible rezoning of the commercial land NE of Highway 207/74. The current land usage is in residential while the property is zoned commercial. From a traffic standpoint, it may be beneficial to rezone the property to residential. This would reduce the potential conflicts on the highway from vehicles entering and exiting businesses on all the small lots. From the standpoint of the existing residents, if they desired to maintain their dwelling as residential structures they would be much better served by having their land zoned residential. Where the zone matches the use, it is much easier to obtain financing, and avoids problems which could be encountered when trying to improve the property or replace a structure after a fire. As it stands now, each residential structure in the commercial zone is a conditional use. Also, with the existing commercial zoning there is the potential for strip development and perhaps erosion of business from the downtown core. Attorney Bill Kuhn stated that this subject had been raised before several times, and the involved property owners were supportive. There had been no efforts to actually effect the change, however. Breazeale stated that it would involve work on the part of the Planning Commission to make the zone change. Commissioner Estes questioned if there was any thought to replacing the commercial zoning that would be lost. It was stated that the downtown area still had unused commercial property available and several sites were mentioned. Problems with the floodplain and floodway were discussed. Efforts to amend the flood map were discussed. The application has been received and the process has been started for a review. There is no commitment at this time for the map to actually be changed. CONSENSUS was to leave the recommendation to rezone the commercial strip in the plan. The other recommendation in the plan for the same area was to limit and combine accesses should the area develop commercial. CONSENSUS was to leave the access limitations in the plan.

   2. Residential Land

      Breazeale asked if the recommendation of developing a conceptual street plan was supported by the TAC. Discussion ensued as to where this would apply. Breazeale answered that it would be used to guide future residential development and the integration of a connective street system. Attorney Kuhn stated that the issue had been raised before and was endorsed, but was stifled for lack of funds to do the engineering required. Commissioner Sly stated that this would fit in with the theme of being prepared for future needs. Commissioner Estes stated that the cul-de-sac problem needed to be addressed.

   3. Technical Memorandum #4
   4. Proposed Roadway Classification and Standards

      Breazeale reviewed the proposed roadway classifications and standards for the TAC. Cyde Estes pointed out that the proposed standards are essentially the same as the City has currently in the Subdivision Ordinance. The major change from the current ordinance is the widening of the right of way for arterial streets to 100 ft from 80 ft. The proposed standards also state proposed surface width and allow for bike lanes in some classifications. CONSENSUS was to leave the proposed standards as they have been presented.

   2. Pedestrian and Bicycle System Plan - Creek-side Trail

      City Manager Breazeale reviewed with the TAC that there had been discussion about having a creek side path along Willow Creek through town. There were some differences of opinion expressed about the advisability and safety of such a trail. Concern had been expressed about the potential for undesirables to hang out and hide in the shadows along the trail. This was seen as a valid concern along with the problems that may be encountered with the property owners along the creek. The flip side was that a well used lighted trail may actually discourage undesirables from hanging out. Breazeale wanted to know the sentiments of the TAC and if it should be included in the Transportation System Plan. CONSENSUS of the TAC was to leave the proposed creek side trail in the plan.

   3. Other

      Commissioner Estes mentioned that on page 6 of Technical Memorandum #4, there was the statement that cul-de-sacs should be avoided. She expressed the opinion that the Planning Commission should amend the Subdivision Ordinance to limit or preclude the creation of cul-de-sacs. City Manager Breazeale stated that work to amend the ordinance could commence after the adoption of the Transportation System Master Plan.

      Commissioner Estes also asked that the road by the high school be included in the plan.

      The next meeting with the consultants has been scheduled for May 11^th.

       

5. Information Items
6. Correspondence

   A notice from the Morrow County Planning Commission regarding future meetings had been included in the packets. Also included was a letter regarding TGM grants. Chairman Jepsen distributed to the commissioners publications the City has received that may have interest for some commissioners. John Edmundson inquired of City Manager Breazeale as to when the City would know the status of its grant application for the Riverside Project. Breazeale answered that the City has received word that the application was not funded.

2. Communication from the Commissioners
   1. Jerry Gentry, report from the City Council Meeting. Commissioner Gentry reported that much of the City Council time was taken up by a resident from Morgan Street regarding speeding traffic and litter. Commissioner Gentry stated that the Council appeared responsive and gave appropriate consideration to the problem. Ron Anthony reported that Police Chief Doug Rathbun had visited with him and the school agreed to clean up around the school and Morgan Street with students and that Doug had visited with the students regarding the speeding problem. The students suggested that the Police issue tickets to students who are speeding. Mr. Anthony indicated that the school and students would try to do their part in addressing neighborhood concerns.
   2. Commissioner Deborah Kendrick reported on the Basic Training for Planning Commission Members class that she had attended. She indicated that it was a good class and a valuable experience.

ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 PM

City of Heppner home page