Buffalo Wyoming Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 1/27/09
Jun 19, 2009
Recorder: Alicia

RECORD OF THE MINUTES OF CITY OF BUFFALO, WYOMING
PLANNING COMMISSION

January 27, 2009

Present from the Planning Commission (PC) were Chairman Steve Reimann, Craig Cope, Jim Martin, Kate Harness, and Bill Cooley

AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of the Agenda for 1-27-09
3. Approval of the Minutes from 1-07-09
4. Adami Agape Manor Appeal of Parking Regulations
5. Myers’ Minor Subdivision Final Plat
5. Oral/Written Comments
6. February meeting date
7. Adjourn
Subdivision Regulation Workshop Update Conversation


Chairman Reimann called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M.

Mr. Cooley made a motion to approve the Agenda.
Mr. Martin seconded the motion.
Chairman Reimann called for further discussion.
There was none.
The motion carried, with all present voting aye.

Mr. Cope made a motion to approve the Minutes from 1-07-09 with corrections.
Mr. Martin seconded the motion.
Chairman Reimann called for further discussion.
There was none.
The motion carried, with all present voting aye.

The fourth item on the agenda was: Adami Agape Manor Appeal of Parking Regulations

The City Planner provided the introduction. The City Planner noted the Applicant’s letter. The Applicant made contact with the Building Inspector last spring in regard to the parking regulations for a proposed Assisted Living Facility on North Main Street.

The property is zoned B-1. The City’s zoning regulations do not address Assisted Living Facilities. In a B-1 zone the parking regulations for this type of facility, if strictly applied, would require 47 parking spaces. The code requires 1 parking space per 400 square feet; the property measures 18, 468 square feet. During the meeting last spring, it was decided that 14-15 parking spaces would be sufficient.

The City Planner noted that the City’s regulations are not as flexible as other cities. The City Planner noted his research on the regulations of surrounding towns/cities with regard to a similar facility. The proposed Assisted Living Facility is a 24 unit facility, with 5 full-time, onsite employees. The proposed plan has 18 parking spaces. The Fire Department, Police Department and the Building Inspector are also examining the proposal.

The business would be dependent on having an appropriate number of parking spaces to function and expansion is possible. If there is a change of use in the future the owner or applicant would be required to follow the City’s zoning regulations.

Mr. Martin asked how many parking spaces the Bee Hive center and Senior Center have.

The City Planner noted the Beehive center has 3 off street parking spaces which is not sufficient parking space for 12 residents and employees and the Senior Center has 19-20 spaces in multiple locations.

Ms. Harness asked the available square footage of the lot for future expansion possibilities.

The City Planner displayed the plat and plan and identified the Applicant’s property and the available space. The proposed building is 18, 468 square feet.

Chairman Reimann asked the Applicant how he arrived at 18 parking spaces.

The Applicant, Steve Adami, replied the plan was designed for the potential expansion of 6 additional units. The number 18 is extracted from the meeting last spring at which time 14-15 parking spaces was recommended. The parking area is mostly for family and visitors of residents, it is unlikely many of the residents will have vehicles.

Mr. Cope asked the Applicant to review the area available for expansion.

The Applicant identified the available area to the south of the property.

Ms. Harness asked about spill over parking and if on-street parking on Main Street was an option.

The City Planner noted that parking on Main Street was not likely to be encouraged by the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

The Applicant noted the unique nature of the proposed facility and the difficulty of converting the facility to an alternate use should the business venture not succeed.

Chairman Reimann noted that an overly large parking lot creates additional impervious surface area and that may be a consideration if the parking space is not essential.

Mr. Martin asked where the drainage of the parking lot was located.

The City Planner noted the detention pond at the south end of the property.

Chairman Reimann asked if the Planning Commission was acting as the Board of Adjustment.

The City Planner noted the Planning Commission was acting as the Board of Adjustment and the decision would be final.

The City Planner explained the allowed actions of the Board of Adjustment in regard to the appeal.

Mr. Martin asked how the Commission’s decision would be recorded.

The City Planner explained the process currently available to the Planning Department and the potential ability of the City to link City data to a tax id number on the new parcel layer. This system of organization is hopefully a direction the City will take in the near future. The current system is not reliable.

The City Planner asked the Applicant if there are age stipulations in connection with the facility.

The Applicant noted there were no age stipulations and he had not considered the likeness that more active residents would choose the facility for the ease of the facility and therefore add to the number of necessary parking spaces.

Chairman Reimann asked for further comment.

Mr. Cope made a motion to reverse and modify the determination of the Administrative Officer, allowing that the Agape Manor facility be required to document 18 parking spaces with the stipulation that any change in use of the facility from that of an assisted living business will require full adherence to the applicable parking regulations at that time.
Ms. Harness seconded the motion.
Chairman Reimann called for further discussion.
There was none.
The motion carried, with all present voting aye.

The fifth item on the agenda was: Myers’ Minor Subdivision Final Plat

The City Planner offered an introduction. The Final Plat has adequately addressed the conditions mentioned during the Sketch Plat application. The Applicant has some questions concerning the water and sewer agreement.

The property is unique due to the existing water lines and future sewer expansion project in the area. It is likely water and sewer will be available to the Applicant within the next 10-15 years.

The water and sewer agreement is attached to the property in perpetuity. The agreement is also required to be included on the Final Plat.

The City Council will be concerned with the final water and sewer agreement.

The Applicant is currently required to test the existing water well according to County and State regulations.

The City Planner noted the ideal long term development of the property will include annexation. Easements have been included on the Final Plat and all other considerations at the Sketch Plat have been addressed.

Chairman Reimann asked if the water and sewer agreement stipulates that if the law changes the property would be required to be annexed.

The City Planner noted the draft water and sewer agreement allows for connection to municipal water service in the event of a policy change or annexation.

Chairman Reimann noted duplication in the agreement.

Chairman Reimann asked for further comment.

Mr. Cope made a motion to recommend approval of the Final Plat of the Myers’ Minor Subdivision to the City Council, stipulating that the City Attorney shall conduct a final review of the Water and Sewer Agreement prior to the City Council action and the water and sewer agreement shall be referenced on the Final Plat.
Mr. Martin seconded the motion.
Chairman Reimann called for further discussion.
There was none.
The motion carried, with all present voting aye.

Chairman Reimann asked for public oral or written comments.

Ms. Harness raised the question of the relationship between the Planning Commission and the City Council and asked for clarification in the regulations and amongst the members.

Mr. Cope asked for the status on an application. The City Planner provided the details of the application.

Chairman Reimann received a letter of resignation from Commission member Bill Cooley. Chairman Reimann thanked Mr. Cooley for his service to the Commission.

A training session April 16th for the Planning Commission is available.

February 24th is the next meeting date.

The meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm.