Agenda - Planning Commission - 04/09/2015

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Mayor Strommen agreed the Elementary School is an incredible resource and the Council will need to address how to assure safe crossing of Highway 5 to access that play equipment. She stated if that is supported, she would want the City to address that concern with the County. Councilmember Johns pointed out that Solstice Park is not that far away and does not involve the need to cross Highway 5. She suggested using resources to create safe access to Solistice Park, creating connection for a park experience for younger children. Community Development Director Gladhill noted the location of a City -owned outlot that could be used to increase pedestrian connectivity to Solstice Park. Councilmember Williams stated she respects the thoughtful recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission, noting the City' s larger parks provide a recreational experience for its residents. Councilmember Kuzma stated because his children are older, he had not thought about the issue of park experience for younger children and he also respects the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Acting Mayor LeTourneau noted that requiring park land may also impact the financial feasibility for the developer to move forward with this development. Councilmember Williams asked about staff' s comment on an encroachment use of private property. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that was a discussion topic raised at the meeting, that the City maintains the stormwater pond at the old Municipal Center. He stated the idea was more than maintaining the stormwater pond but whether additional density transitioning could be created. Councilmember Riley stated with density transitioning, it most often involves going from large lots to small lots but in this case it is the opposite. He noted the abutting lots would be larger so he thinks it odd that this is even being discussed. Councilmember Riley stated those property owners could have that discussion with the developer. Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated the consensus of the Council is that the City not change the development boundary as presented by N.I.K. Management. He asked the Council to next discuss access to Nowthen Boulevard. Councilmember Williams supported closing the access completely as having fewer driveways would be better. In addition, if the traffic goes to 157th for access, there will be school crossing guards in that location. If left open, she supported aligning it with the existing roadway. Acting Mayor LeTourneau asked about the benefits of keeping the access open versus closing it.