HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning 2022-01-27 COMPLETE AGENDA PACKETCity of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
Department of Community Development - Nora Gierloff, Al CP, Director
CHAIR KAREN SIMMONS; VICE -CHAIR ANDREA REAY; COMMISSIONERS
LOUSIE STRANDER, DENNIS MARTINEZ, SHARON MANN, APNEET SIDHU
AND ALEXANDRIA TEAGUE
CITY OF TUKWILA
PLANNING COMMISSION (PC)
MEETING AGENDA
VIRTUAL MEETING VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS
JANUARY 27, 2022 - 6:30 PM
To Participate in the Virtual Meeting at 6:30 pm:
By Phone: Dial +1 253-292-9750„60139539# Access Code: 601 395 39#
Online: To join the meeting online click here Click here to join the meeting
FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT DURING THE MEETING YOU MAY CALL 1-206-433-7155.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ELECT 2022 PC OFFICERS (then the 2021 Chair will turn over the position to the 2022 Chair)
III. ATTENDANCE
IV. ADOPT 12/9/21 MINUTES
V. INTRODUCE NEW PLANNING COMMISSIONER - ALEXANDRIA TEAGUE
VI. PC PROTOCOL PRESENTATION — EMILY MINER, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
VII. PC QUESTIONS / COMMENTS
VIM. AMEND PC BY-LAWS
IX. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
X. ADJOURN
Tukwila City Hall • 6200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, WA 98188 • 206-433-1800 • Website: TukwilaWA.gov
City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
Department of Community Development - Nora Gierloff, AI CP, Director
CITY OF TUKWILA
BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW (BAR)
PUBLIC HEARING
MINUTES
Date: December 9, 2021
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams
Protocol: Max Baker explained the protocol for the virtual meeting. He then
asked the Planning Commissioners (PC) to introduce themselves. Also, the new
Department of Community Development (DCD) Associate Planners Isaac Gloor
and Breyden Jager were introduced to the PC.
Commissioner Reay nominated Commissioner Martinez as Chair Pro Tem in the absence of the
Chair and Vice -Chair. Commissioner Mann seconded.
Chair Pro Tem Martinez called the public hearing to order.
The PC Secretary took roll call.
Present: Commissioners Dennis Martinez, Sharon Mann, Andrea Reay and Apneet Sidhu
Excused
Absent: Chair Louise Strander and Vice -Chair Karen Simmons
Vacant
Position: One
Staff: DCD Development Supervisor Max Baker, Long Range Planning Manager Nancy
Eklund, Senior Planner Jaimie Reavis, Associate Planner Isaac Gloor, Associate
Planner Breyden Jager, and PC Secretary Wynetta Bivens
Adopt Commissioner Mann moved to adopt the August 26, 2021
Minutes: minutes. Commissioner Sidhu seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Chair Pro Tem Martinez opened the public hearing for:
CASE NUMBERS: L19-0077
PURPOSE: Public hearing design review for a new three-story mixed-use building. The
new building will be located to the north of the existing restaurant, which is
proposed to remain. The proposal includes a commercial tenant space, an
indoor recreation space and a parking garage on the first story. A total of nine
dwelling units are proposed on the second and third stories.
LOCATION: 14181 Interurban Ave S (new building address);
14201 Interurban Ave S (existing restaurant building address).
Tax parcels: 3365901515, 3365901505, 3365901480, and 3365901470
Staff asked the Commissioners the appearance of fairness questions.
Tukwila City Hall • 6200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, WA 98188 • 206-433-1800 • Website: Tukwila WA.gov
BAR Public Hearing
12/9/21
Page 2
Commissioner Mann disclosed that, as a real estate salesperson, she sold the property to the
Galliano family several years ago. She also stated she had no interest in the property. No one
objected to Commissioner Mann hearing the project.
Jaimie Reavis, Senior Planner, DCD, gave the presentation for staff. She provided an overview of
the review process, background information for the site and project as well as staff analysis on the
design review criteria. The project is located in the Regional Commercial Mixed (RCM) use district,
which allows multi -family dwellings on the second story or above of a structure. Design review is
required for all multi -family structures. The site consists of four parcels consolidated into one. She
also went over the project proposal.
Staff's Recommendation
Staff recommended approval with four conditions as noted in the 12/9/21 packet staff report. The
following condition was added:
- Additional lighting be included as part of the construction permit, to illuminate pedestrian
pathways and building entrance areas on the front and second front of the project site.
Public Comments
Comment letters were received from two adjacent neighbors regarding the following areas of
concern: hillside stability, potential for tree removal on the hillside, and garbage. All concerns
were addressed by staff and the applicant. No additional comments were received by email.
Mario Galliano, the applicant, thanked everyone for being at the meeting and said everyone did a
fantastic good on the project. And that Jaimie did a good job explaining the project. The architect
for the project said he agreed.
Staff and the applicant addressed questions from the Commission.
Virtual Public Testimony
None.
Chair Pro Tem Martinez closed the public hearing.
Deliberation
The PC were in consensus that the project is a great development creating more housing, retail
space and underground parking - which they said was great.
Motions:
Commissioner Sidhu moved to approve Case Number L19-0077 Design Review based on staff's
findings, conclusions, recommendations, four conditions, and the additional condition.
Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Phone: 206-433-1800 • Email: Mayor@TukwilaWA.gov • Website: TukwilaWA.gov
BAR Public Hearing
12/9/21
Page 3
Director's Report
- PC vacancy — the position previously held by Commissioner Dixie Stark has been
vacated.
- Staff informed the PC that delayed BAR projects will be coming to the PC starting
January 2022.
- Staff noted that efforts on the Comp Plan will increase in late spring or early winter.
Adjourned: 7:44 pm
Submitted by: Wynetta Bivens
Planning Commission Secretary
Phone: 206-433-1800 • Email: Mayor@TukwilaWA.gov • Website: TukwilaWA.gov
Planning Commission Protocols:
Open Public Meetings, Public Records, &
Appearance of Fairness Doctrine
Emily Miner, Assistant City Attorney
OZ3DEN
MURPHY
WALLACE
ATTORNEYS
Tukwila Planning Commission
Presentation Overview:
• Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) Requirements
• Chapter 42.30 RCW
• Public Records Act (PRA) Requirements/Retention
• Chapter 42.56 RCW
• Appearance of Fairness Doctrine requirements
• Chapter 42.36 RCW
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Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA)
Chapter 42.30 RCW
Legislative Declaration
• "The people, in delegating authority, do not give public
servants the right to decide what is good for the people to
know and what is not good for them to know."
• "The people insist on remaining informed so they may
retain control over the instruments they have created."
Rules
• Meetings declared open and public.
• All Meetings of the Governing Body Shall be Open and
Public — Gavel to Gavel
• All Persons Shall be Permitted to Attend any Meeting of the
Governing Body, Except as Otherwise Provided by Law
• The Purpose of the OPMA is to Allow the Public to View the
"Decision-making Process"
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Open
Meetings
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Important Definitions:
• Meetings — All meetings under State
Statute are considered Regular Meetings if
codified at a regular date, place, and time.
Any other meeting is considered a Special
Meeting. Meetings are considered to
occur when a quorum of the Membership
takes "Action."
• Action — Means the Transaction of Official
Business
• Public Testimony; All Deliberations;
Discussions; Considerations; Reviews;
Evaluations
• Final Actions — the OPMA is in Effect
Whether or Not "Final" Action is Taken
• Regular Business Meetings
• Special Meetings
• Executive Sessions
• Attendance at Others'
Meetings
• Attendance at Social Events
• Serial Meetings
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Open
Meetings:
Types of
Meetings
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Open Meetings
Use of Social Media
• When conducting city business using
social media, use disclaimers (or link)
• Clearly distinguish your personal view
from official City / entire Council
position on a topic
• Avoid a quorum of the Council
discussing city business using the same
social media platform or post
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Public Records Act
Chapter 42.56 RCW
• PRA is "a strongly worded
mandate for broad disclosure of
public records." Hearst v. Hoppe,
90 Wn. 2d 123 (1978).
• Requires all agencies to disclose
public records unless an
exemption applies.
• Imposes fines for non-
compliance.
• Act requires strict compliance
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What does the PRA require agencies to do?
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• Appoint a Public Records Officer
• Adopt rules of procedure that
address production, proper
keeping, and fullest and timely
assistance in response
• Publish procedures describing
certain agency organization,
operations, rules, and other
items listed in PRA
• Publish PRA fee schedules
• Provide for a review
• Procedure for any denial of
records
• Publish information related to
where requests must be
submitted
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Searching and Providing Records
• Searches
• Agency must conduct adequate
search — consider all forms, all
locations, all possible search terms,
all possible forms of records
• Search criteria; time taken to
produce records, and areas searched
must all be documented
• Installments
• Records can and should be provided
in installments if the request is very
large or time-consuming
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Statutory
Exemptions
(EXEMPT)
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• Exemptions
• Not all records, or parts of records, are
disclosable — depends on the
information contained in the record and
if a legal exemption applies
• Exemptions are narrowly construed
• An Exemption Log must be prepared
and given to requestor noting legal
reason record/part of record was
redacted
• Privacy:
• There is no general "privacy" exemption in
the PRA
• Privacy is considered invaded only if
(1) highly offensive to the reasonable
person and (2) not of legitimate
concern to the public
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Duty to
Preserve
Records
Legal Penalties, Including Fines and
Imprisonment
RCW 40.16.010 Injury to public record.
Every person who shall willfully and
unlawfully remove, alter, mutilate,
destroy, conceal, or obliterate a record,
map, book, paper, document, or other
thing filed or deposited in a public office,
or with any public officer, by authority of
law, is guilty of a class C felony and shall be
punished by imprisonment in a state
correctional facility for not more than five
years, or by a fine of not more than one
thousand dollars, or by both.
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Enforcement and Penalties
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RCW 42.56.550(4)judicial
review of agency actions.
• Requestors - Awarded
Attorney Fees
• Discretion of the
court to award such
person an amount
not -to -exceed one
hundred dollars for
each day that he or
she was denied the
right to inspect or
copy said public
record.
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Records Retention
• Maintenance of Records:
https://www.sos.wa.gov/archi
ves/recordsmanagement/man
aging-city-records.aspx
• Local Gov't Common Records
Retention Schedule (CORE)
• Records in Native File Format
• Records Born Electronically
• As noted earlier, there can be
criminal liability for willful
destruction or alteration
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Duty to Produce Records
• Business Records (Public) vs. Personal Records (Private)
• When Creating a Record as a Member vs. as an Individual
• Records Kept on City Equipment vs. Personal Equipment
• Business Records Received or Sent Outside of City
Resources
• What Do You Need to Keep?
• Primary Records vs. Secondary Records
• Cc'd Copies That You Do Not Proliferate as a New Record
• Transitory Records - Have No Retention Value
• What About Everything Else?
• Commission Archive
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APPEARANCE OF FAIRNESS DOCTRINE
Chapter 42.36 RCW
• Codified RCW Chapter 42.36
(1982)
• Only 11 Sections
• No Purpose Statement
• Limited to Quasi -.Judicial Matters
• Creates Objective & Subjective
Standards
0
Legal Standard
• Would a reasonable person
• Apprised of the totality of a
member's personal interest or
involvement
• Be reasonably justified in thinking
• That the involvement might affect
the member's judgment?
Swift v. Island Co., 87 Wn. 348 (1976)
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APPEARANCE OF FAIRNESS DOCTRINE
Applies to Quasi-judicial Actions
• Acting like a judge
• Making judicial -like decisions
Quasi-judicial Characteristics
• Retrospective
• Specific parties
• Applies existing law or rules to conform
conduct
• Hearing or other contested forum/action
• Determines rights, duties or privileges
0
FUNDAMENTAL DISTINCTION
Legislative Decisions
• Prospective: Make Law to Achieve Broad Policy
Objectives
• Set Direction and Policy; Dynamic
Behavioral/Conduct Changes
• Limited Procedural Safeguards
Quasi -Judicial Decisions
• Retrospective: Conform Conduct to Existing Law
• Contested Case Setting with Identified Parties
• Procedural and Substantive Due Process Safeguards
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APPEARANCE OF FAIRNESS DOCTRINE
RULE: No ex parte contacts with opponents or proponents
during pendency of quasi-judicial action
REMEDY: (1) Disclose the substance of communication, (2)
Offer an opportunity for rebuttal & objection
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APPEARANCE OF FAIRNESS DOCTRINE
AFD Violations; Consequences
• Action Taken Will be Void
• Civil Damages May be Available
• Bad intent
• Abuse/misuse of authority
• Delay of decision/action
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QUESTIONS?
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RULES OF PROCEDURE
FOR THE
TUKWILA PLANNING COMMISSION
AND
BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL
REVIEW
Adopted April 17, 1958
Amended November 29, 1973
Amended February 28, 1974
Amended July 29, 1982
Amended February 26, 1998
Amended March 23, 2006
Amended January 15, 2009
Amended August 25, 2011
Amended October 2017
RULES OF PROCEDURE
FOR THE
TUKWILA PLANNING COMMISSION AND
BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
ARTICLE I — PURPOSE AND GOALS
Pursuant to the authority conferred by RCW 35A.63 and per Tukwila Municipal Code (TMC)
2.36.010 the Planning Commission ("Commission") is hereby established to serve in an advisory
capacity to the Mayor and City Council for the City of Tukwila.
The purpose of the Tukwila Planning Commission is to perform the function of a Municipal
Planning Commission as set forth in Chapter 35.63 of the Revised Code of Washington
("RCW") and Chapter 2.36 of the Tukwila Municipal Code ("TMC") on matters relating to land
use, comprehensive planning and zoning. The purpose of the Tukwila Board of Architectural
Review is to review land development and building design per the TMC Chapter 18.60.
The objectives of the Planning Commission are as follows:
1. To influence in a positive manner the major planning efforts and projects that will affect
the city.
2. To advocate consistency and integration among plans which provide a future image and
direction for the city as well as the means for meeting more immediate needs.
3. To ensure that effective citizen participation, including opportunities for timely public
involvement, are part of the City's planning processes.
4. To represent a whole -city view -point when evaluating proposed plans, projects and issues.
5. To make recommendations which recognize the city's needs and government's constraints
as well as identified citizen viewpoints.
6. To fairly judge the merits of quasi-judicial applications such as site-specific rezone
requestsshoreline conditional use permits.
The goal of the Board of Architectural Review is to provide review by public officials of land
development and building design in order to promote the public health, safety and welfare.
Specifically, the Board of Architectural Review ("BAR") shall only approve well-designed
developments that are creative and harmonious with the natural and manmade environments.
Individual project approvals shall be based on an evaluation of the project design against the
applicable design guidelines, Zoning Code requirements and other development standards.
ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP
Per TMC 2.36.020, the Commission shall be composed of seven members and shall include six
community members representing a cross section of the community from different trades,
occupations, activities and geographical areas and one member representing a business operating
in the City.
Page 2 of 13
A. Length of Appointment
The term of membership for the members of the Tukwila Planning Commission shall be
four years.
B. Resignation
If a Commission member is unable to complete their term of service a letter of
resignation should be sent to the Mayor indicating the effective date of the resignation.
C. Removal
Commission members may be removed from the position if absent without being excused
for three consecutive meetings or six regular meetings in a calendar year.
D. Compensation
Members will receive no monetary compensation for serving on the Commission.
ARTICLE III - DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION, OFFICERS, COMMISSIONERS AND
SUPPORT STAFF
A. Duties of Commission
The Commission shall undertake the duties and responsibilities defined in TMC 2.32.010.
B. Officers
Officers shall be a Chair and a Vice -Chair; both appointed members of the Commission.
In absence of both the Chair and the Vice -Chair members shall elect a Chair pro tem.
C. Duties of the Officers
Chair
The Chair shall preside at all meetings and adhere to the duties of the presiding officer
prescribed in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised. When necessary, the Chair shall
call for special meetings. The Chair shall be a full voting member of the Commission.
The Chair may delegate duties to other Commissioners with the consent of the
Commission. The Chair shall speak on behalf of the Commission before City Council,
the public and City staff.
The Chair will serve as a member on the City's Board of Ethics. In the event the Chair is
unable or unwilling to serve on the Board of Ethics, the Commission shall select a
member to serve on the Board.
The responsibilities of the chair include:
• Providing group direction and options for setting goals;
• Coordinating with staff to set meeting agendas;
• Coordinating meeting preparation with City staff; and
• Representing the Commission in the community.
The term of office shall be one year.
Vice -Chair
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The Vice -Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair in absence of the Chair. The Vice -
Chair may also speak on behalf of the Commission before City Council, the public and
City staff when the Chair is not available to speak.
The term of office shall be one year. The Vice -Chair will promote to the Chair the
following year.
D. Duties of Commissioners
It is the responsibility of all Commission members to:
• Arrange adequate time to carry out responsibility as a Commission member;
• Come to meetings prepared: Read all reports, proposals and documents
distributed prior to meetings;
• Listen to other Commission members and communicate with respect and
courtesy; and
• Participate in group discussion and decision making.
I. Ethics Training
Every Commission member must complete Ethics Training and sign an Ethics
Training Certification Form within 90 days of appointment and must complete the
training within 90 days of reappointment or every four years, whichever comes
first.
II. Open Public Meetings Act Training
Pursuant to RCW 42.30.205, every Commission member must complete training
on the Open Public Meetings Act and sign an OPMA Training Certification Form
within 90 days of appointment and must complete the training within 90 days of
reappointment or every four years, whichever comes first.
III. Public Records Training
Every Commission member must complete training on the Public Records Act
and sign a Public Records Training Certification Form within 90 days of
appointment and must complete the training within 90 days of reappointment or
every four years, whichever comes first.
IV. Conflict of Interest
Washington's ethics laws prohibit public officials from gaining financially as a
result of his or her position. Public officials must declare any conflicts of interest
at a public meeting. A conflict exists if a recommendation potentially could affect
the finances of the group member or the finances of a family member. If a
conflict exists, the member must declare this fact at a meeting where the issue is
being discussed and refrain from discussing or voting on the recommendation.
V. Equity Policy Training
In 2017, the Tukwila City Council adopted the Equity Policy, Resolution 1921.
The Tukwila City Council identified the need for an equity policy to continue the
City of Tukwila's commitment to being an inclusive community that provides
equal access to all City services. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance
to City elected officials, staff, boards and commissions, partners, residents,
businesses and guests on how the City of Tukwila will actively promote equitable
access to opportunities and services.
Page 4of13
The City requires every member of an advisory body to complete training on the
Equity Policy, Resolution 1921 within 90 days of appointment and within 90 days
of reappointment or every four years, whichever comes first.
Link to the Equity Policy, Resolution 1921 Training
Every Commission member must sign a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form
within 90 days of appointment and must sign a new Disclosure Form within 90
days of reappointment or every four years, whichever comes first.
E. Duties of Support Staff
One or more City staff are assigned to support the Commission. The Director of the
Tukwila Community Development Department or his/her designee will serve as the
Secretary to the Commission. The primary role of the Secretary is to represent the City
and facilitate communication between the Commission, City Administration, the City
Council and other City departments. Responsibilities of the Secretary and support staff
include:
• Ensuring compliance with applicable laws, such as the Open Public Meetings Act
(OPMA) and the Public Records Act (PRA) including legal noticing requirements;
• Maintaining a current roster of all members,
• Taking roll at regular, special and public hearing meetings;
• Compiling agendas and agenda packets, recording, transcribing, and maintaining
minutes and records, forwarding recommendations and/or implementing actions;
• Providing professional guidance, issue analysis and recommendations;
• Assisting with research, report preparation and correspondence.
ARTICLE IV — DESIGNATION OF OFFICERS
The Commission shall make a motion to designate a Chair and a Vice Chair to serve for one
year. Designations are based on longevity of service on the commission and will rotate through
all of the members before a member serves an additional term. Generally, officers shall be
designated and take office annually at the first regular public meeting of the Commission in
January. The first item of new business shall be the designation of the officers and they will
assume their duties at that time.
The Vice -Chair from the previous year will be designated as Chair and the next member in line
in line of seniority will be designated as the Vice -Chair.
Should the Chair be vacated prior to the completion of the Term, the Vice -Chair will assume the
duties and responsibilities of the Chair for the remainder of the Term. The next member in line of
seniority will then be designated as the new Vice -Chair to serve out the remainder of the Term.
Should the Vice -Chair be vacated prior to the completion of the Term, the Chair will designate
the next member in line of seniority as the new Vice -Chair to serve out the remainder of the
Term.
Page 5 of 13
ARTICLE V — MEETINGS
Section 1: Meetings.
All Commission meetings shall comply with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act
RCW 42.30. All meetings shall be noticed and open to the public.
The Planning Commission may hear both legislative and quasi-judicial actions. The
Commission may devote part or all of a meeting to an informational work session during which
no comments from the public will be permitted, unless the Chairperson or a majority, on a case-
by-case basis, decides otherwise. All Board of Architectural Review hearings are quasi-judicial
in nature. All meetings shall be open to the public and duly noticed per the applicable
regulations in the Tukwila Municipal Code.
Quasi-judicial public hearings determine the legal rights, duties or privileges of specific parties,
decided in a contested case proceeding by non judicial decision -makers such as planning
commissions, city councils and hearing examiners. The decisions made as a result of such
hearings must be based on and supported by the record developed at the hearing. Therefore,
these types of hearings are subject to stricter procedural requirements than legislative hearings.
The purpose of legislative public hearings is to obtain public input on matters of policy. They do
not involve the legal rights of specific, private parties in a contested setting but rather affect a
wider range of citizens or perhaps the entire City. If challenged, the decision reached at a
legislative public hearing is only reviewed to determine if it is constitutional or violates state law.
All meetings of the Planning Commission shall be governed by these by-laws. Where the by-
laws do not state otherwise, the parliamentary rules and procedures contained in the current
edition of Roberts Rules of Order shall apply.
A. Schedule
The Commission shall hold regular meetings according to the following schedule:
The fourth Thursday of each month January through October and the second Thursday in
November and December. The meetings shall begin at 6:30 p.m. unless modified. Should a
regular meeting day be a legal holiday, the scheduled meeting shall be postponed to the
succeeding Thursday, unless a majority of the Commission votes to select another day or to
cancel the meeting.
Any Commission meeting may be canceled by a majority vote or consensus of the Commission.
The Chair or Vice -Chair may instruct the Secretary to cancel a meeting for lack of agenda items
or lack of a quorum.
B. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be held by the Commission subject to notice requirements prescribed by
State law. Special meetings may be called by the Chair in conjunction with the Secretary, the
City Council, or the Mayor, or by the written request of any three (3) Commissioners by written
notice emailed or delivered to each member of the Commission at least 24 hours before the time
specified for the proposed meeting.
Page 6 of 13
Special meeting called shall state the subject(s) to be considered and no subject other than those
specified in the notice shall be considered. No special meetings shall be scheduled between
November 15th and the end of the year. The agenda for a special meeting need not conform to
the Order of Business in Section C of this Article.
C. Order of Business
The order of business for each regular meeting of the Commission shall be as follows:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Amendment of Agenda if Necessary
4. Approval of Minutes
5. Unfinished Business
6. New Business
7. Reports of Commissioners and Staff/Announcements
8. Adjournment
D. Notices
The public shall be notified of the preliminary agenda for the forthcoming Commission meeting
by posting a copy of the agenda in the City's Digital Records Center. In the event of a public
hearing, the notice of hearing will be published in the legal section of the newspaper in
compliance with RCW 35A.12.160.
ARTICLE VI - RULES OF MEETINGS
A. Absences
Absence from more than three (3) consecutive Commission meetings may be cause for
removal. Members shall communicate with the Secretary with requests for an excused
absence in the event they will miss three (3) or more consecutive meetings. Emergency
requests may be considered. The Chair may approve the absence.
B. Quorum
At all Commission meetings, the presence of the majority of the currently seated
members constitutes a quorum. A quorum is required for the Commission to take any
action.
C. Rules of Procedure
The current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall provide the basis for
meeting structure and official decisions shall be made by motion and vote of the
Commission.
D. Meeting Decorum
To provide a fair and efficient forum for the conduct of business at Planning Commission
meetings, the following rules of decorum shall be observed:
a) No person shall address the Commission without first obtaining recognition from the
Chair.
Page 7 of 13
b) The Commission may allow comments from members of the public attending work
sessions by permission of the Chair or majority vote.
c) If there are a large number of people who wish to speak at a meeting the Chair may
limit each speaker to a specific number of minutes of speaking time. If a speaker is
representing an organization, the Chair may grant that speaker additional speaking
time
d) If audience dialogue becomes disruptive, the Chair may recess the meeting or request
that the meeting be adjourned.
e) Once a member of the public has spoken in regard to a specific matter before the
Commission, he or she shall not be recognized to speak again until all persons
wishing to speak have first been given the opportunity to do so.
f) To aid in the creation of accurate meeting minutes all speakers should identify
themselves each time they address the Commission.
g) Planning Commission meetings will generally begin at 6:30 PM or as indicated on the
public notice. They will continue until the agenda items have been completed or until
9:30 PM whichever comes first. Continuation of a meeting past 9:30 PM requires
approval of a motion to extend by a majority vote. If no motion is approved the Chair
will continue the meeting to a date certain.
E. Conflict of Interest and Appearance of Fairness for Quasi -Judicial Actions
The appearance of fairness doctrine is a rule of law that requires government decision -makers to
conduct quasi-judicial hearings and make quasi-judicial decisions in a way that is both fair in
appearance and in fact. Any member of the Commission who in his or her opinion has an
interest in any matter before the Commission that would prejudice his or her actions shall so
publicly indicate and shall step down, leave the hearing room and refrain from voting and any
manner of participation with respect to the matter in question so as to avoid any possible conflict
of interest or violation of the appearance of fairness.
If a member of the Commission or his/her immediate family has a tangential interest in the
matter at hand but does not think that this would prejudice his/her opinion the member should
publicly disclose this interest on the record prior to the start of the hearing and allow persons to
challenge his/her participation in the hearing. If so challenged the member shall step down,
leave the hearing room and refrain from voting and any manner of participation with respect to
the matter in question. If not challenged the member may participate.
If a member of the Commission has had ex -parte communication with either proponents or
opponents of the project the member shall place the substance of the written or oral
communication on the record, make a public announcement of the content of the communication,
and allow persons to challenge his or her participation in the hearing. If so challenged the
member shall step down, leave the hearing room and refrain from voting and any manner of
participation with respect to the matter in question.
F. Quasi -Judicial Hearing Procedures
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All quasi-judicial hearings held by the Commission shall be recorded and use the following
procedures:
Chair - call the meeting to order
Secretary - take attendance
Commission - review, amend and adopt the minutes of previous meetings
Chair - swear in all those who wish to offer testimony at the hearing including staff
members
Chair - open the public hearing, state the purpose of the hearing and the action the
Commission may take
Staff - ask each of the Planning Commission/BAR Members the following questions
regarding any appearance of fairness issues:
• Do you or your family have any interest in the subject property?
• Do you stand to gain or lose by your decision on this matter?
• Have you had any ex -parte communications about this application? If so, please
disclose the substance of these communications and whether you think it will
impair your ability to impartially decide on the merits of the application.
• If any Commissioner answers yes to one or more of the prior questions, ask: Does
anyone here object to Commissioner hearing this matter?
If any Commissioners disclose appearance of fairness issues allow the applicant or
other audience members to challenge their participation in the hearing. If so
challenged the Commissioner must step down from the case and leave the room
unless this would cause the loss of a quorum per RCW 42.36.090. If the applicant
does not object to the Commissioner hearing the case, please have them state that for
the record.
Staff — present the staff report and take questions from the Commission
Applicant — optional presentation and take questions from the Commission
Public — comments and questions are to be directed to the Commission
Rebuttal testimony and responses by staff, applicant and the public
Chair - close the public hearing
Commission deliberates
Any member may make a motion on the application
Any member may second the motion
Discussion
Vote
Next Item if applicable
Director's Report
Chair - adjourn the meeting
G. Legislative Hearing Procedures
All legislative hearings held by the Commission shall use the following procedures:
Chair - call the meeting to order
Secretary - take attendance
Commission - review, amend and adopt the minutes of previous meetings
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Chair - open the public hearing, state the purpose of the hearing and the action the
Commission may take
Staff — present the staff report and take questions from the Commission
Public — comments and questions are to be directed to the Commission
Rebuttal testimony and responses by staff and the public
Chair - close the public hearing
Commission deliberates
Any member may make a motion on the application
Any member may second the motion
Discussion
Vote
Next Item if applicable
Director's Report
Chair - adjourn the meeting
H. Voting
Voting on all matters except amendments to these by-laws shall be by simple majority.
a) The Chair shall have one vote and shall enjoy the same opportunity to vote as
afforded to all other Commission members.
b) On matters considered of extreme importance, the Chair may call for roll call vote.
c) No matter may be voted upon unless:
1) The matter has been discussed at a previous meeting of the Commission, or
2) The matter has been placed on the agenda prior to the meeting by any member of
the Commission or by the Secretary, or
3) A new legislative item, not on the agenda, and considered by a 2/3 vote of the
Commission to constitute an emergency and thus warrant immediate decision,
may be approved by a 2/3 vote, or
4) A new procedural item, not on the agenda, may be approved by a simple majority
vote.
d) All Commission members shall have one and only one vote on any particular matter
of business.
e) There shall be no voting by proxy.
I. Adjournment/Recess/Continuations
Meetings shall be adjourned by a majority vote of the Commission or by the chair
when it appears that there is no further business.
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The Commission may, by majority vote or consensus, recess for a short break. The
proposal to recess may set a time limit or can be until the Chair calls the meeting back
to order.
Continuations of meetings shall be to a definite time and place by the majority vote of
present Commission members. The Commission may continue a public hearing to a
future date for the purpose of accepting new written or oral testimony. A continued
public hearing to a date certain does not require new public notice. A closed public
hearing cannot be re -opened without issuance of a new public notice.
Article VII Code of Ethics
Members of the Commission shall fully comply with RCW 42.23 Code of Ethics for Municipal
Officers and with TMC 2.95 Code of Ethics for Employees and Appointed Officials.
ARTICLE VIII — COMMITTEES
From time -to -time, the Chair may appoint sub -committees of the Commission membership, or a
Committee -of -the -Whole thereof, for purposes of furthering the conduct of Commission
business. Such committees may be directed to draft or review legislative proposals, to initiate
code -amendments or special studies, or to undertake research and analysis of topical matters
referred to the Commission by action of the City Council.
ARTICLE IX — AMENDMENTS
These Rules of Procedure may be amended by two thirds vote of the members present at any
regular or special meeting, provided notice of such proposed changes shall be transmitted by the
Secretary to each member in good standing not less than five (5) days nor more than fifteen (15)
days prior to such meeting.
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2021 ROSTER OF COMMISSIONERS
Karen Simmons, Chair
Andrea Reay, Vice -Chair
Louise Strander
Dennis Martinez
Sharon Mann
Apneet Sidhu
Alexandria Teague
Wynetta Bivens, Secretary
Past Chairs
2021 Commissioner Louise Strander
2020 Former Commissioner Heidi Watters
2019 Commissioner Dennis Martinez
2018 Former Commissioner Nhan Nguyen
2017 Former Commissioner Miguel Maestes
2016 Commissioner Sharon Mann
2015 Former Commissioner Mike Hansen
2014 Commissioner Louise Strander
2013 Former Commissioner Thomas McLeod
2012 Former Commissioner Brooke Alford
2011 Former Commissioner Margaret Bratcher/Commissioner Alford
2010 Former Commissioner Bill Arthur
2009 Former Commissioner George Malina
2008 Former Commissioner Chuck Parrish
2007 Former Commissioner George Malina
2006 Former Commissioner Allan Ekberg
2005 Former Commissioner Margaret Bratcher
2004 Former Commissioner George Malina
2003 Former Commissioner Kirstin Whisler
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2002 Former Commissioner David Livermore
2001 Former Commissioner Vern Meryhew
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