HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 02 05 WS
Minutes Approved by Springfield Planning
Commission:
City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION HELD
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013
The City of Springfield Planning Commission met in a work session in the Jesse Maine Meeting
Room, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 6:00 p.m., with
Commissioner James presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Chair James and Vice Chair Bean, Commissioners Kirschenmann, Salladay, Moe, Vohs
and Nelson. Also present were Planning Manager Greg Mott, City Attorney Joe Leahy and
Management Specialist Brenda Jones and Members of staff Mark Metzger, Gary Karp, Ken Vogeney
and Jeff Paschall members of the staff.
1. 2014-2018 Capital Improvement Program, A Community Reinvestment Plan.
The City of Springfield’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a five-year Community
Reinvestment Plan that describes the near-term program for funding and construction of City
public facilities. A fundamental purpose of the CIP is to facilitate the efficient use of limited
capital resources. The underlying concept is to program, for future expenditure, all reasonably
available sources of revenue. Since projected revenue is significantly less than the needs
identified in the City’s infrastructure facilities plans, the CIP is also a vehicle to facilitate
reconciliation, in the near term, of the competing priorities for scarce capital resources.
The CIP is updated annually and is an intermediate step in a process that originates with long term
planning activities that anticipate the need for public facilities at least 20 years into the future, and
concludes with the adoption of the annual Capital Budget to appropriate funds for the ultimate
construction of those facilities. The cost of operation is separately included in the City’s
operating budget. The CIP identifies the facilities concepts that may reasonably be expected to be
required in the next five years, refines those concepts, and provides a priority list of projects.
Priority projects are selected from the long list of needed capital improvements identified in the
various master plans and refinement plans adopted by the City Council. Traditionally, the
principal constraint applied in developing the CIP is the realistic availability of financial resources
to fund a project.
Over the last year the construction of the first phase of the Jasper Trunk Line Extension has been
completed and construction of the second phase is well under way. The completion of the first
two phases will opens up the Jasper/Natron area to development by providing gravity sewer
service. This summer, “A” Street and Thurston Road are set to be overlayed with $1.2 million in
federal Surface Transportation Program funding. In addition, work continues on several
rehabilitation and upgrade projects, as well as the stormwater quality projects.
The public input process for the CIP began in November when citizens, organizations, and City
staff were asked to suggest projects for consideration in the CIP. Staff reviewed and prioritized
the projects, assembling a draft CIP for the Planning Commission review. After the Planning
Commission reviews the CIP at work session and the February 22nd regular session, the City
City of Springfield
Planning Work Session Minutes
February 5, 2013
Page 2
Council will review it in a work session on March 4, 2012, and the will hold a public hearing prior
to adoption on March 18, 2012
The 2014-2018 CIP includes those projects that are currently in the Capital Budget and in various
stages of planning, design, and construction. In addition, the CIP includes descriptions of projects
that have been identified through various facilities planning efforts but do not currently have
complete funding identified. These projects are aimed at improving neighborhoods, providing for
economic growth, improving traffic safety, mobility and access, complying with environmental
standards, and maintaining the existing city infrastructure. The following is a list of the most
significant projects in the CIP and currently budgeted:
Sewer Wet Weather Flow Abatement – The City continues to make the
repair/rehabilitation/replacement of older wastewater pipes throughout the City to reduce leakage
of ground water into the system as a high priority in the Capital Improvement Program. In 2010,
The City completed rehabilitation of the basins identified in the Wet Weather Flow Management
Plan (WWFMP) adopted in 2001 by the City and the Metropolitan Wastewater Management
Commission (MWMC). Additionally, the City will have completed all of the identified
rehabilitation in the 2008 Wastewater Master Plan by the end of the current fiscal year.
Rather than update the WWFMP, the City, in conjunction with MWMC, is moving to a Capacity
Management Operations and Maintenance (CMOM) program to remain in line with both State
and Federal regulations. This program may, in the future, identify additional preservation needs,
as may an update to the Local Wastewater Management Plan.
South 2nd Sewer Replacement -- The City has begun work on a sewer replacement project in S.
2nd Street as a result of a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) experienced this past summer, and
work continues on several sewer upgrade projects and the Jasper Trunk Sewer Extension with
completion expected in mid-2013.
Jasper Trunk Sewer Extension – The Jasper Trunk Sewer Extension will provide sewer service to
the Jasper/Natron urban growth area that is currently not serviced. The City Council has made
this a priority project to promote development and community growth. In FY 2012 the project
was divided into four separate construction contracts. Construction on the first phase is complete,
and construction on the second phase is underway with completion anticipated in the first quarter
of FY 2014. Construction of the first phase allowed for the decommissioning of the Lucerne
Meadows Pump Station, which was due for major upgrades, and construction of the second phase
will allow for the decommissioning of two more pump stations. Additionally, the design for the
final phases of the project, and acquisition of necessary easements will be complete by the end of
FY 2013. Funding for the project was secured through the issuance of revenue bonds in 2009.
Franklin Boulevard Sanitary Sewer System Expansion – The expansion of the Franklin Boulevard
Trunk Sewer extends the Glenwood wastewater system from the end of the existing trunk line in
Franklin Boulevard south to the Urban Growth Boundary. The City Council has made the
redevelopment of Glenwood and the reconstruction of Franklin Boulevard a priority to promote
development and community growth. The City has recently applied for funding to begin
construction of the roadway project, elevating the priority for the sewer extension project.
Funding to begin the planning and design phase was programmed and budgeted in FY 2013. It is
proposed that construction funding be programmed for FY 2014 to ensure the sewer extension
City of Springfield
Planning Work Session Minutes
February 5, 2013
Page 3
project is progressing ahead of any street construction work. Funding for the project is secured
through wastewater user fee collections.
Franklin Boulevard Reconstruction – The City has secured $1.2 million in a combination of
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Springfield Economic Development Agency
(SEDA), Transportation System Development Charges (SDC), and Lane Transit District (LTD)
funds to complete the required documentation under the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) prior to project development and delivery. The NEPA process is recently underway, with
the first step to clarify design elements and potential environmental impacts in order to reach
agreement with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and ODOT on the necessary level of
environmental documentation. In the coming months Council will be asked to support a ‘build
alternative’ that will likely be evaluated as either an Environmental Assessment (EA) or a
Categorical Exclusion (CE). The CE is much less expensive and time consuming than the EA, but
may not be realistic based on the community’s values and goals for this project. The Franklin
concept endorsed by Council in 2008 envisions sections of improved arterial and sections of a
multi-way boulevard treatment that includes access lanes and parking adjacent to the arterial.
Project elements include roundabout intersections, median control, relocated EmX station
platforms, space preserved for future dedicated EmX guideways, and provision of high quality
bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The City has recently made application to the Statewide
Transportation Improvement Program (2015-2018 STIP) for $6 million, and will match that with
a $3.5 to $5 million Oregon Transportation Infrastructure Bank loan to complete a Phase 1
improvement from the Franklin/McVey intersection to a logical termini to the west. Construction
is anticipated in 2016.
Over-Under Channel Pipe Replacement – The Over-Under Channel is part of the City’s
stormwater system serving mid-Springfield from 5th to 28th Streets and from Main Street to
Highway 126. The name of the Channel comes from the configuration of the system where
stormwater is collected and conveyed in both an open channel and in a large pipe located under
and adjacent to the channel. A portion of the piped system, from the east side of Silke Field to the
outfall of the system into the Q Street Channel at Moffitt School, is a corrugated metal arch pipe
(CMP) installed in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Staff has found that this CMP has reached
the end of its useful life and is showing signs of corrosion and minor failures. In FY 2011, the
City Council approved funding to design a replacement pipe system and identify the amount of
additional funds needed for construction. Staff has been gathering data and will hire a consultant
to evaluate the drainage basin and make recommendations for rehabilitating or upgrading the
Over-Under Channel Pipe in FY 2013. It is anticipated that project design will begin in FY 2014.
In addition to the above major projects, several other projects are also already budgeted and
scheduled, including: the Mill Race Stormwater Facility, Booth Kelly Drainage, and the
restoration of the Lower Mill Race and Mill Race Outfalls.
For the 2014-2018 CIP, a five-year outlook, one of the most significant aspects is the projection of
a continued uncertainty in funding for street preservation projects. The absence of regular street
preservation activities in the CIP and capital and operating budgets has resulted in, a sharp decline
in the condition of the local street system. This has led the City to embark on a public outreach
and education program to communicate the serious cost implications of deferring maintenance
and preservation activities that had routinely been a part of both the operation and capital budget
to maintain our $400 million (2008 value) transportation asset. Staff is now engaged in an effort
City of Springfield
Planning Work Session Minutes
February 5, 2013
Page 4
to develop and present revenue alternatives to the Council to recover from a period of deferred
maintenance and preservation before end of life cycle of the asset. Once a street segment reaches
the end of its useful life it can no longer be preserved and must be reconstructed or allowed to
completely deteriorate.
Commissioner James asked
Jeff Paschall responded communicating that Brian Conlon has been on tour …………..
Commissioner Kirschenmann asked Jeff if Brian was also ………………..Jeff responded that
New Projects for 2014-2019 CIP:
• Franklin Boulevard Reconstruction Phase I
• 42nd Street operational, safety and Mobility improvements
• Weyerhaeuser Haul Road Acquisition
• 42nd Street Sanitary Sewer
Funding Outlook:
• Sewer rate payer revenues stable
• Need for future bond issuance extended
• SDC revenues remain flat
• Need to identify a stable funding source for Street and Transportation Projects.
Vohs: one of the steps in the process is to have citizen involvement. Jeff indicated that he has
received a large number of responses and explained where and what was covered. The items have
been identified but does not have funding.
Vohs also asked about the Carter Building. Staff indicated that they done some internal updates. Joe
Leahy added some text to this topic.
Moe asked about the downtown project, Jeff added that this is for downtown and will help with more
of the downtown upgrades. Steve also indicated that this is one of his top priorities, getting downtown
updated and bring in new businesses. Jeff indicated that his is a top priority.
2. Amendments to the Springfield Development Code (SDC) Section 4 3-145 – Wireless
Telecommunication Systems Facilities, and Certain Terms Found in Section 6.1-110 –
Meaning of Specific Words and Terms which Apply to Section 4.3-145.
In December 2011, Council requested that staff consider the feasibility of amending the Development
Code to address the visual impact of cell towers and their impact on residential neighborhoods in
particular.
On March 26, 2012, Council was briefed on existing standards guiding the installation of cell towers
and other telecommunications facilities. The briefing included a discussion of the visual impact cell
towers have had on surrounding neighborhoods. Specific concerns were identified at the March
meeting that led to staff to meet again with Council on October 22, 2012. Staff presented a package of
measures which addressed Council’s concerns from the March meeting. Council approved the
City of Springfield
Planning Work Session Minutes
February 5, 2013
Page 5
measures in principle and directed staff to develop specific amendments to the SFC to implement
them.
Staff has prepared a package of amendments to SDC Sections 4.3-145 and 6.1-115 which gives the
Planning Commission the lead role in approving all new cell tower installations. The proposed
amendments add new standards to the code which would establish minimum setbacks for towers from
streets and would allow the City to require cell tower applicants to fund a peer review of certain
technical elements of their application. The amendments require SDC Section 4.3-145 and require
changes to Section 6.1-115 which includes definitions of various telecommunication terns used in
Section 4.3-145.
The scope of the amendments prompted staff to provide Commission members with advance copies of the
proposed changes to allow more time for review. Attachment 1-3 were prepared for Council. These are
included to provide additional background for the changes that will come before the Commission. Attachment
4 includes an annotated version of the proposed new code sections that will replace SDC Section 4.3-145 and
revise Section 6.1-115
The scope of the amendments prompted staff to provide Commission members with advance copies of the
proposed changes to allow more time for review. Attachments 1-3 were prepared for Council. These are
included to provide additional background for the changes that will come before the Commission. Attachment
4 includes an annotated version of the proposed new code sections that will replace SDC Section 4.3-145 and
revise Section 6.1-115.\
Where to begin:
• Council initiated a review of the current regulations related to the siting and design standards for cell
towers – called wireless telecommunications system (WTS) facilities in the development code.
• Council concerned stemmed from the location of towers near residential
What do we do now:
Current review process for siting new WTS facilities is based primarily on the zoning.
• Location Type
• Level of Review
• Advantage/ disadvantage to Developer
Results of the Current Approach:
• 15 to 18 towers in Springfield located in preferred zoning district: 2 towers in acceptable zone;
1 tower in conditionally suitable zone.
•
Proposed Approach
• Preferred; Acceptable and Conditionally Suitable location categories are dropped.
• Level of review based on the level of visual impact of the proposed facility and not the zone.
• Low, Moderate and High visibility facilities types are created
• Allowed facilities in zoning district tied to visibility type
• All tower facilities, regardless of visibility will be reviewed by the Planning Commission or
Hearing Official
• The proposed amendments are a re-write of the existing Development Code section 4.3-145
City of Springfield
Planning Work Session Minutes
February 5, 2013
Page 6
• Collocating equipment repairs and replacement on existing towers will continue to be
reviewed as Type I activities.
Federal Limits on Local regulation of WTS facilities
Telecommunications Act of 1996
• The siting of wireless telecommunications facilities must comply with local zoning and land
use regulations; and
• Local jurisdictions must not unreasonably discriminate among providers of functionally
equivalent services but may distinguish applications based upon different visual, aesthetic and
safety concerns; and
• The local regulations must not result in the actual or effective prohibition in the provision of
personal wireless services.
Highlights of the proposed new section 4.3-145
•
•
• Low Visibility, WTS facilities that do not exceed the height limit of the base zone and shall
not increase the height of an existing WTS facility
•
Shift in Review Process to Planning Commission and Hearing Official Review of Tower facilities
• Type I Review (Staff)
o Approval of new Stealth and Low Visibility facilities
o Approval of collocation, repair and replacement of …..
• Type III Review (Planning Commission, Hearing Official)
• Council notice of tower application with provisions for elevation f applications to direct
Council review.
Application Funded Peer Review
• Review and Approval of WTS facilities depends on highly specialized scientific and
engineering expertise.
• The proposed amendment allows the Director to require the applicant
• The cost to the applicant is estimated to be between $1,200 and $1,600. The cost of Type III
Discretionary Use with Site Plan Review is about $10,000.
Additional Notes………………
• Only one new tower has been built in the past five years.
• There has been discussion of a new tower (faux tree) being built in Glenwood at the County
Waste Transfer Site.
• The Planning Commission will conduct a hearing on this matter on February 20th. The
Council will hold a hearing in April.
City of Springfield
Planning Work Session Minutes
February 5, 2013
Page 7
James asked ……Mark responded
James asked how updating the code is it defined in its
James asked how long the City of Bend has had these changes in there Code? Gary Karp responded
that
Tim Asked if the next meeting February 19th or 2oth?
Johnny commented how technology…..
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes Recorder – Brenda Jones
______________________
Greg James
Planning Commission Chair
Attest:
____________________
Brenda Jones
Planning Secretary