SALT LAKE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
451 South State Street, Rooms 126 and 315
Present from the Planning Commission were Chairperson Ralph Becker, Diana Kirk, Jim McRea, Judi Short, Gilbert Iker, Aria Funk, Max Smith and Fred Fife. Kimball Young was excused.
Present from the Planning Staff were Planning Director William T. Wright, Brent Wilde, Everett Joyce, Doug Dansie, Ray McCandless, Cheri Coffey and Alex Beseris.
A roll is being kept with the minutes of all who attended the Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Becker called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Tapes of the Planning Commission meeting will be retained in the Planning Office for a period of one year after which they will be erased.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Funk moved to approve the minutes of Thursday, September 5, 1996 subject to the correction given to the secretary being made. Mr. Smith seconded the motion. Mr. Fife, Ms. Funk, Ms. Short, Ms. Kirk, Mr. Smith and Mr. Iker voted “Aye”. Mr. McRea and Mr. Young were not present. Mr. Becker, as Chair, did not vote. The motion passed.
PUBLIC HEARING - Petition No. 41 0-239 by Temple Pointe LC. Requesting modifications to a previously approved conditional use (#41 0-203) for a planned development to construct a restaurant addition to the Blockbuster video center at 838 West North Temple Street in a Commercial Shopping Center “CS” zoning
district.
Ms. Cheri Coffey presented the staff report outlining the major issues of the case, the findings of fact and the staff recommendation, a copy of which is filed with the minutes.
Mr. David Felsted, representing the petitioner, was present for this portion of the Planning Commission meeting and stated that he was in agreement with the staff recommendations. Mr. Felsted said his company was in the process of finalizing the “No Build" agreement with Albertsons. He explained that Albertsons' legal department was backed up which was causing the delay but added that they did not expect any problems relative to the agreement.
Mr. Becker opened the hearing to the public and asked if anyone wished to address the Planning Commission. Upon receiving no response, he closed the hearing to the public and opened it for Planning Commission discussion.
Ms. Kirk moved to approve Petition No. 41 0-239 based on the findings of fact and subject to the conditions listed in the staff report. Ms. Short seconded the motion. Mr. Fife, Ms. Funk, Ms. Short, Mr. McRea, Ms. Kirk, Mr. Smith and Mr. Iker voted “Aye”. Mr. Young was not present. Mr. Becker, as Chair, did not vote. The motion passed.
PUBLIC HEARING - Petition No. 41 0-236 by Don and Nancy Halverson Requesting a conditional use for a sport court to be located at 563 North Cambridge Circle in a Foothill/Residential 11FR-3 II zoning district.
This item was postponed until a future Planning Commission meeting.
Mr. Wright and Mr. Becker left the meeting at this time in order to attend the appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of the Westminster parking lot.
Ms. Diana Kirk acted as Chairperson during Mr. Becker's absence.
PUBLIC HEARING - Petition No. 410-234 by Sprint Spectrum Requesting a conditional use for a telecommunications monopole to be located at 132 South 1400 West in an Industrial 11M-1" zoning district: and
PUBLIC HEARING - Petition No. 41 0-235 by Sprint Spectrum Requesting a conditional use to co-locate on a telecommunications monopole with AT&T Wireless Services at 1225 South Redwood Road in a Commercial IICC" zoning district.
Mr. Ray McCandless presented the staff reports, outlining the major issues involved, the findings of fact and the staff recommendations, copies of which are filed with the minutes.
Ms. Kirk asked how many applications were being approved each month and whether the majority of the requests were for wall mounts or monopoles.
Mr. McCandless responded that the requests were a mix of both types and that the majority of the applications were for permitted uses which did not require Planning Commission approval. Mr. McCandless said he believed the Planning Commission was seeing approximately 25% of all applications.
Ms. Funk asked what the general range for a monopole was and added that these two requests seemed to be in relative proximity to each other. Mr. McRea stated that there was no mathematical equation on how close together or how far apart poles needed to be. Ms. Kirk asked if these two monopoles would be transmitting to different locations. Mr. McRea said that was his understanding.
Mr. Tim Soffe, representing Sprint Spectrum, was present for this portion of the Planning Commission meeting and said they were in agreement with the staff report. Mr. Soffe explained that many factors determined where monopoles should be located in order to provide adequate coverage. Mr. Soffe handed out copies of maps outlining the coverage that would be provided by the locations they hoped to secure for monopoles and/or wall mount antennae. He explained that line-of-sight with surrounding facilities dictated the required height of the telecommunications equipment. He handed out a report outlining the basics of their requests for approval of these two locations, a copy of which is filed with the minutes.
Ms. Kirk opened the hearing to the public and asked if anyone wished to address the Planning Commission. Upon receiving no response, she closed the hearing to the public and opened it for Planning Commission discussion. Ms. Kirk likened telecommunication monopoles to billboards and expressed concern that a great many monopoles would be constructed, that technology would change and the poles would never come down.
Mr. Wilde explained that the ordinance contained a provision for abandoned monopoles.
Ms. Kirk said she was not sure that would be adequate to deal with the potential problem. Ms. Kirk said she thought it might be wise to initiate a moratorium on these kinds of requests to allow the Planning Commission time to determine the total impact these telecommunication antennae requests would be having on the City, considering this petitioner was only one of five companies making these kinds of requests.
Mr. Wilde said the subcommittee could meet with representatives from the industry and possibly provide some kind of overlay report detailing the combined locations and impacts in a comprehensive manner.
Ms. Funk asked if they could limit the number of poles that could be erected.
Mr. Wilde said he did not believe the City could preclude a company from requesting approval to enter the City market.
Mr. McRea stated that the subcommittee on this matter had discussed the possible need to hire an in-house technical consultant to help resolve the complex issues relative to the field of telecommunications. Mr. McRea stated that the subcommittee should be reconvened and needed to expand their scope of study to include the towers in the telecommunications corridor near Ensign Peak and to look at issues affecting the communication facilities in the mountains.
Mr. Wilde stated that the City might want to pursue the possibility of locating telecommunications antennae on City property in parks, golf courses and other City-owned properties. He informed the Planning Commission that seven applications had recently been filed by Sprint Spectrum, two of which had been scheduled for the October 3rd Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Wilde suggested that, rather than request the City Council to establish a moratorium on these requests, the Planning Commission deal with the items on this agenda and those already scheduled for the next meeting. Mr. Wilde stated that the staff would not place any more such requests on the Planning Commission agendas until the issues of updated plans for antennae placement in the City, colocation between companies and pole abandonment had been studied in detail.
Mr. McRea moved to direct the Planning Staff to refrain from placing these telecommunication antennae items on the Planning Commission agendas until the telecommunications subcommittee was reconvened and had an opportunity to study the potential to getting updated plans for antennae placement in the City, to further explore the possibilities of colocation between companies and to study the issues relative to pole abandonment and how to handle the removal of poles in the future. Mr. Iker seconded the motion. Mr. Fife, Ms. Funk, Ms. Short, Mr. McRea, Mr. Smith and Mr. Iker voted “Aye”. Mr. Young and Mr. Becker were not present. Ms. Kirk, as Chair, did not vote. The motion passed.
Mr. Iker moved to approve Petition No. 410-234, based on the findings of fact and subject to the conditions listed in the staff report. Mr. McRea seconded the motion. Mr. Fife, Ms. Funk, Ms. Short, Mr. McRea, Mr. Smith and Mr. Iker voted “Aye”. Mr. Young and Mr. Becker were not present. Ms. Kirk, as Chair, did not vote. The motion passed.
Mr. Iker moved to approve Petition No. 41 0-234, based on the findings of fact and subject to the conditions listed in the staff report. Mr. Fife seconded the motion. Mr. Fife, Ms. Funk, Ms. Short, Mr. McRea, Mr. Smith and Mr. Iker voted “Aye”. Mr. Young and Mr. Becker were not present. Ms. Kirk, as Chair, did not vote. The motion passed.
PUBLIC HEARING - Petition No. 41 0-226 by Brad Knight requesting a conditional
use to construct a surface parking lot located at 1973 South 1 300 East in a
Residential 1'R-O" zoning district.
Mr. Brent Wilde presented the staff report outlining the major issues of the case, the findings of fact and the staff recommendation, a copy of which is filed with the minutes.
Mr. Brad Knight, the petitioner, was present for this portion of the Planning Commission meeting and stated that he was in agreement with the staff report but requested Condition #2 dealing with property ownership be left open.
Mr. Wilde stated that the sale of the property could be contingent upon Planning Director approval and compliance with the zoning and subdivision regulations at the time of the sale.
Mr. Knight said they would be satisfactory to them.
Ms. Kirk opened the hearing to the public and asked if anyone wished to address the Planning Commission.
Mr. Gordon Williamson, a resident of the area, stated that he was in favor of closing the alley but asked for clarification on the landscaping requirements for this project.
Mr. Everett Joyce used a briefing board to demonstrate where the landscaping would be located.
Upon receiving no further response, Ms. Kirk closed the hearing to the public and opened it for Planning Commission discussion.
Mr. McRea moved to approve Petition No. 41 0-226 based on the findings of fact and subject to the conditions in the staff report with an amendment to Condition #2 that separation of ownership of the two properties would require Planning Director approval and would have to meet all of the zoning and subdivision regulations at the time of the sale of the property. Mr. Smith seconded the motion. Mr. Fife, Ms. Funk, Ms. Short, Mr. McRea, Mr. Smith and Mr. Iker voted “Aye”. Mr. Young and Mr. Becker were not present. Ms. Kirk, as Chair, did not vote. The motion passed.
PUBLIC HEARING - Petition No. 400-96-65 by Salt Lake City Planning Division requesting properties along the 400-500 South connector street (west of Redwood Road) be declared surplus.
Mr. Becker returned to the Planning Commission meeting at this time and resumed the position of Chairperson.
Mr. Alex Beseris presented the staff report outlining the major issues of the case, the findings of fact and the staff recommendation, a copy of which is filed with the minutes.
Mr. Becker opened the hearing to the public and asked if anyone wished to address the Planning Commission. Upon receiving no response, he closed the hearing and opened it for Planning Commission discussion.
Mr. Iker asked if the property would be sold at fair market value.
Mr. Wright responded in the affirmative.
Ms. Kirk moved to approve Petition No. 400-96-65 based on the findings of fact contained in the staff report. Mr. Smith seconded the motion. Mr. Fife, Ms. Funk, Ms. Short, Mr. McRea, Ms. Kirk, Mr. Smith and Mr. Iker voted “Aye”. Mr. Young was not present. Mr. Becker, as Chair, did not vote. The motion passed.
Petition No. 41 0-219 by Ron Case Roofing requesting a conditional use for a contractor yard located at 440 South Redwood Road in an Industrial “M-1" zoning
district.
Mr. Alex Beseris presented the staff report outlining the major issues of the case, the findings of fact and the staff recommendation, a copy of which is filed with the minutes. Mr. Beseris suggested the Planning Director also be given final approval authority for the landscaping plan.
Mr. Randall Rounds, representing the petitioner, was present for this portion of the Planning Commission meeting and stated that they were in agreement with the staff recommendations.
Mr. Wright stated that the petitioner was proposing to plant English Ivy as a fence cover but it had come to the staff's attention that English Ivy might not work well on the fence surface and probably needed to be replaced with another type of plant.
Mr. Becker opened the hearing to the public and asked if anyone wished to address the Planning Commission. Upon receiving no response, he closed the hearing to the public and opened it for Planning Commission discussion.
Ms. Kirk moved to approve Petition No. 41 0-21 9 based on the findings of fact and subject to the conditions listed in the staff report with an added condition that the Planning Director be given final landscape approval. Ms. Short seconded the motion. Mr. Fife, Ms. Funk, Ms. Short, Mr. McRea, Ms. Kirk, Mr. Smith and Mr. Iker voted “Aye." Mr. Young was not present. Mr. Becker, as Chair, did not vote. The motion passed.
PUBLIC HEARING - Petition No. 41 0-231 by Kreg Van Stralen for “central Park" requesting a conditional use for a commercial planned development for a drive-thru restaurant as a pad site at 171 North Redwood Road in a Commercial 11CS" zoning district.
Ms. Cheri Coffey presented the staff report outlining the major issues of the case, the findings of fact and the staff recommendation, a copy of which is filed with the minutes.
Mr. Iker expressed concern that relative to upgrading the property at 175 North Redwood Road, that the petitioner's agreement to consider replacing windows and doors was too vague. He suggested it be made one of the conditions of approval.
Mr. Kreg Van Stralen, the petitioner, was present for this portion of the Planning Commission meeting and stated that he had been involved in this process more than a year ago and praised the Planning Staff for working with him on this process. Mr. Van Stralen stated that this project had progressed from one that would not have been approved to what was before the Planning Commission at this time because the staff had been willing to go the extra mile and work with him on this matter. Mr. Van Stralen used a briefing board to demonstrate the flow of traffic through this site since the neighbors had expressed concern to him about the traffic. Mr. Van Stralen requested the Planning Commission approve this request.
Mr. Becker opened the hearing to the public and asked if anyone wished to address the Planning Commission.
Mr. Gary Calison, representing the Jordan Meadows Neighborhood Council, stated that they were in full support of this project.
Upon receiving no further requests to address the Planning Commission, Mr. Becker closed the hearing to the public and opened it for Planning Commission discussion.
Mr. Iker moved to approve Petition No. 410-231, based on the findings of fact and subject to the conditions listed in the staff report with an amendment to Condition #4 that the replacement of the windows and doors be at the discretion of the Planning Director upon consultation with the Building Inspector. Ms. Kirk seconded the motion. Mr. Fife, Ms. Funk, Ms. Short, Mr. McRea, Ms. Kirk, Mr. Smith and Mr. Iker voted “Aye”. Mr. Young was not present. Mr. Becker, as Chair, did not vote. The motion passed.
PUBLIC HEARING - Petition No. 410-238 by Maun Alston for the Travelers Aid Society requesting a conditional use for an overflow homeless shelter to be located at 399 Andrew Avenue in a Commercial 11C-G II zoning district.
Mr. Doug Dansie presented the staff report outlining the major issues of the case, the findings of fact and the staff recommendation, a copy of which is filed with the minutes. Mr. Dansie stated that most of the comments he had received had related to concerns relative to a possible increase in crime in the neighborhood, homeless people walking the streets and hanging out around the neighborhood, a desire that no single men be allowed at the facility, fear of duplication of the problems that have existed at Pioneer Park and a possible negative effect on property values. Mr. Dansie stated that his staff report needed to be corrected relative to a statement that there was no residential population in the immediate vicinity and stated that the area was zoned for commercial use but some properties were used as residential properties. Mr. Dansie stated that two issues not included in the staff report needed to be addressed: 1) a designated smoking area to keep the smokers inside the overflow shelter property; and 2) the address of the facility should be changed to reflect 400 West Street rather than Andrew Avenue.
Ms. Funk asked how many people the facility would be able to accommodate.
Mr. Dansie said he did not know the building capacity but added that the number of people accommodated would vary from day to day depending on variable
circumstances.
Ms. Pamela Atkinson, Chair of the Winter Overflow Emergency Services and a member of the Travelers Aid Society Board of Trustees, stated that she was also the Vice President of Mission Services for Intermountain Health Care and that much of her work dealt with homeless and low income people. She stated that their mission was to provide emergency assistance and opportunities to people to take steps out of homelessness and make a transition to independent living. Ms. Atkinson explained the numbers of people the homeless shelter served and added that during the winter months, there was always a waiting list of people needing help. Ms. Atkinson said the need for an overflow facility had been recognized about five years ago when several homeless people had frozen to death. Ms. Atkinson stated that women and children were allowed in the facility on a 24 hour basis, but the men were allowed from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. She stated that last year the overflow shelter had served an average of 1 60 people per night, with the highest number being 244. She stated that this particular building would be able to accommodate approximately 300 people but added that the main shelter would be filled before this shelter would be utilized. Ms. Atkinson stated that many of the people who used the shelter services were not from Pioneer Park, that many of them worked all day but needed some place to sleep since they did not earn enough money to pay rent. Ms. Atkinson stated that the main shelter was already filling up and it wasn't even winter yet. She stated that the City should not allow people to freeze to death because of a lack of shelter facilities. Ms. Atkinson said she believed that by working closely with the homeless population they could learn to take responsibility for themselves.
Mr. Bob Anderson, a member of the Travelers Aid Society Board of Trustees and a Senior Vice President of Zions First National Bank in the Real Estate Department, stated that more and more people were not able to take care of their own housing needs. Mr. Anderson stated that last year, the homeless in need of winter shelter overflowed into the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, and a warehouse facility provided by the City. He stated that even with the overflow facilities, they had not been able to service 55 families who had requested shelter. Mr. Anderson stated that they had looked at every site they could in the zoning districts which allowed homeless shelters that had the potential to meet their needs and this site was the only viable site they could come up with. Mr. Anderson stated that if they were denied approval for this site, they had few, if any other, options.
Mr. Richard Hatcher, a former recipient of the shelter services, stated that he and his two children had been homeless the previous winter and had been helped by the Travelers Aid Society in the overflow shelter. Mr. Hatcher said he had worked full time last winter, had since moved into transitional housing and was currently involved in therapy at Valley Mental Health. Mr. Hatcher said he believed he would have lost his two boys if he had not been helped by Travelers Aid Society.
Mr. Michael Place, President of the Western Nut Company located at 434 South 300 West, stated that during the late 1980's an overflow homeless shelter had been located immediately adjacent to his building. Mr. Place stated that during the time that building had been used as an overflow facility, they had not experienced any problems from the inhabitants at the shelter. He stated that the administration from the Travelers Aid Society was active in the community and worked for the betterment of the community.
Mr. Mark Howell, President Elect of the Travelers Aid Society and the Executive Vice President of First Security Corporation and head of the business banking for the entire corporation, stated that they had no other alternative for an overflow shelter facility. Mr. Howell stated that this was an emergency overflow shelter and the people living at this overflow facility would not become permanent residents of this facility. Mr. Howell explained that as soon as they reached the top of the list, they would be moved to the main shelter. He added that the shelter would be well managed and supervised and that residents would be required to follow strict rules including no drugs, alcohol or weapons in the facilities, enforced curfews and required work details. Mr. Howell said he understood the community's concerns about negative impacts and crime. He stated they shared those concerns and added that they wanted a neighborhood free of crime. Mr. Howell stated that shuttles would provide transportation from the overflow shelter to the main shelter and the children would be bused to schools. Mr. Howell stated that this was a conditional use process which would allow the Travelers Aid Society, the neighborhood residents and businesses, and the City to evaluate how this site worked as an overflow shelter. Mr. Howell stated that First Security Bank had become involved in this matter several years ago when several homeless people froze to death and decided this type of situation was not acceptable. Mr. Howell stated that if this request was not approved, many people would have to spend the nights on the streets wherever they can find some kind of shelter. He stated that by providing a shelter, they would be protected and ours would be a better community. He stated that they were willing to meet with those concerns to work on the issues involved in matter. Mr. Howell said they could not promise there would be no problems caused by this shelter but promised that any problems that might occur would be addressed and resolved as quickly as possible. He requested the Planning Commission approve this request.
Mr. Becker opened the hearing to the public and asked if anyone wished to address the Planning Commission.
Ms. Norma Amodt, Chairperson of the People's Freeway Community Council, stated that their Executive Committee met with Ms. Alston of the Travelers Aid Society in July 1996 since their regular meeting is not held during the month of July. Ms. Amodt said they had looked at the building and had decided this proposal would be acceptable to them. She explained, however, that when their regular meeting had been held in September 1996, the council members had been very upset and requested the agreement signed be rescinded. Ms. Amodt said they were opposed to this shelter because they had been inundated with the transients who had been removed from Pioneer Park. She stated that since those transients had migrated to their community, they had experienced more problems with fires and people camping out on porches and in back yards. Ms. Amodt requested a member of their community council serve on the Advisory Committee that would be established to review this matter if this request were approved and added that they would prefer that mainly women and children be served by this overflow shelter.
Mr. Steve Taylor, President of Tire World located at 1300 South and 300 West and another located at 431 West 1 500 South, stated that they had once had a Firestone business in the Bailey Tire Building and had found it difficult to operate their retail services because of the transient problem in the neighborhood. Mr. Taylor stated that he was not anti-homeless but pointed out that much of the homeless population was preyed upon by a criminal element. Mr. Taylor expressed concern that the six parking stalls available at this site were not adequate since approximately 75k of the families served by this proposed shelter would have their own transportation.
Mr. Steve Bunting, a resident of the area, stated that he had obtained a petition signed by 100 of his closest neighbors who were opposed to this request. Mr. Bunting stated that they were not anti-homeless but they believed they would be severely, adversely impacted by a homeless shelter in their community. Mr. Bunting said they were already experiencing problems with having to clean up drug paraphernalia and trash from the transient population. He stated that a fire hydrant had recently blown out a water main when the Fire Department had tried to put out a fire in the neighborhood and expressed concern that this community was not adequately protected against fire hazards. Mr. Bunting stated that he did not know anything about the People's Freeway Community Council and their original support of this project.
Mr. Roy Adams, a business property owner in the area, stated that he had spoken with several people including police officers, business owners, people at the Utah Transit Authority and the Salvation Army regarding the main homeless shelter and had been informed that it was nothing but a criminal activity. Mr. Adams said he had been told it caused nothing but problems from morning until night time. He said many female employees near the main shelter would not show up at work until daylight and left before dark. Mr. Adams stated that the UTA fences ranged between nine feet and fourteen feet in height; their cars were secured by fences and cameras and lights were operated at night with two security people. He added that drug paraphernalia had to be cleaned up on a daily basis. Mr. Adams stated that the security forces he had spoken with said they lost twice as much product at their 200 South office than at their two other locations put together. Mr. Adams said he had been informed by someone at the Salvation Army that 95% of the people at the homeless shelter were there by choice rather than by misfortune beyond their control.
Mr. Jim Hasselfeld, a property owner in the area, stated that his concern was for the safety of the people who would be served by the overflow shelter. Mr. Hasselfeld stated that the snow had been piled so high in this area last winter that snow plows and dump trucks had to be brought in to remove the snow along 400 West and haul it away. He stated that this area had a lot of semi-trucks and the area was not safe for children relative to traffic. He urged the Planning Commission to table this matter, meet with the business people in this area and experience, first hand what this area was like.
Mr. James McDermaid, a resident of the area, stated that due to a lack in zoning enforcement and law enforcement, this neighborhood had become a neighborhood on the lledge." Mr. McDermaid said they were on the edge of the light rail corridor, 1-15, the railroad lines and industrial businesses that violated noise, air and water pollution laws, about which the City and County seemed unable to correct. Mr. McDermaid said this neighborhood was a maze of back alleys, open fields, vacant buildings and places that if introduced to dope dealers, drug addicts and the mentally and/or physically ill street people, would spawn a nightmare for police and City officials and for those who lived in this community. Mr. McDermaid asked how many police officers it would take to patrol this area if Pioneer Park required ten police officers. He asked if the City had a plan for the people of this area and whether or not a new precinct would be established near the main homeless shelter on 200 South Street. He asked if they would have to leave their sprinkling systems running twenty-four hours per day and erect twelve foot high fences to protect themselves. Mr. McDermaid said he felt there were many other possible locations for this project that were not located within 600 feet of residential properties with families of children and elderly people who put forth as much effort in their homes as any other homeowner in the most expensive parts of the City. Mr. McDermaid said he was very much opposed to this type of use of property in his residential neighborhood.
Mr. Bob Fisher, a property owner in the area, said he found it ironic that across the hall from this meeting, the City Council was conducting a hearing on regulating rental properties which would render many people homeless while the Planning Commission was hearing a request for a homeless shelter. Mr. Fisher said that, in effect, the Planning Commission was 11Sticking one finger in the dike while the City Council was drilling about 20 more holes". Mr. Fisher suggested the representative of First Security Bank who had stated that they wanted to help the homeless utilize one of the 1 6 vacant buildings between 1 00 and 300 South Streets on Main Street for the homeless. He said he believed this was a wonderful solution since it was temporary and the streets would be closed temporarily for construction purposes. Mr. Fisher said this community had just gone through the process to close a portion of an alley on Lucy Avenue in order to try and remedy the transient problems in this area. Mr. Fisher said this area was experiencing a lot of crime problems and he urged the Planning Commission to listen to the business people in this area.
Mr. Andy Peterson, a property owner in the area, stated that he be felt it was an abomination for the Planning Commission to limit those who wished to address this matter to a two-minute time frame while they were asking them to throw their livelihoods at the feet of the Planning Commission. He said he disagreed with that limit vehemently. Mr. Peterson said he did not believe the Planning Commission had physically examined this area carefully enough and felt they were sitting piously and acting as if they knew this area. Mr. Peterson invited the Planning Commission to visit the businesses in this area and stated that it was a retail area, that people did have valuable property in this area which was precious to them. Mr. Peterson said he was not anti-homeless and acknowledged that this matter needed to be addressed but added that the Planning Commission needed to fully understand the impacts to this area. He suggested the Planning Commission had not adequately dealt with the issues of parking, sanitation, or how the people would be dealt with. Mr. Peterson stated that when he had applied for his permits, he had been "run up the flag pole ten times" yet this request did not even reach the “flag pole" since it was a temporary use. He said he would be more than happy to
take the Planning Commission on a guided tour of what occurred in this area.
Ms. Barbara Peterson, a property owner in the area, stated that the staff report said
this area provided mostly wholesale or manufacturing services and said that
information was not correct, that this area was mostly a retail business center.
Ms. Peterson said their female employees were very concerned about their safety
relative to this proposal. She invited the Planning Commission to try to make a lefthand
turn on 1300 South and 400 West, between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., and
promised them excitement if they tried that maneuver. Ms. Peterson asked what
the food and transportation services would be for the residents of the overflow
shelter.
Mr. Hans Jorgensen, a resident of the area, stated that since the transient
population had been removed from Pioneer Park, they had migrated to this
community. Mr. Jorgensen asked if the being shuttled to the main shelter would be
mandatory for the residents of the overflow shelter or if a percentage of the
residents would be allowed to roam the neighborhood during the day. He asked
why the building used the previous winter as an overflow facility was not available
this year.
Mr. Jorgensen stated that the residents of this neighborhood were scared because
the past record of the main shelter was not a good record. He said they were
nervous about trying this for a winter and evaluating how it worked when the main
shelter did not have a good record already.
Mr. Bart Warner, a property owner in the area, stated that it appeared to him this
request was going to be approved and requested that if it were, the overflow
shelter be limited to families. Mr. Warner said the perception of the homeless,
single adult male was rougher than it was relative to families and expressed
concern at the possible negative impacts this facility would have on his business.
Mr. Warner said he hoped solutions could be arrived at that would help everybody.
Mr. Thomas Boley, a concerned citizen, suggested information be made available from people who had already experienced the issues involved in having a homeless shelter for a neighbor in order to make the best decision. Mr. Boley said it appeared to him that it would be best to use the overflow shelter for families, but only with stringent controls.
Mr. Hal Wasden, a business manager in the area, handed in a petition signed by twenty people from the area who were opposed to this request, a copy of which is filed with the minutes. Mr. Wasden stated that vandalism was already a problem in this area and added that his business had two one-thousand gallon propane tanks
PC MEETING - 9/19/96 Page 14
on their site and vandalism to those tanks could do some serious damage. He said he did not believe the four rest rooms in the proposed overflow shelter would be adequate to service 300 people and added that he did not want them trying to use his facilities. Mr. Wasden reiterated the difficulties with left-hand turns in this area and stated that they would be far more difficult during the reconstruction of Interstate I-15 when much of the traffic would diverted to this area. Mr. Wasden stated that he was very much opposed to this shelter at this site.
Mr. John Douglas, a property owner on 400 West, stated that he was in the
process of opening a museum on 400 West called “Remember When". Mr.
Douglas said they planned to house antique and classic cars in their 15,000 square
foot facility and expressed concern that since they did not plan to charge admission
to the museum, their facility would be full of the homeless population, not the
population they hoped to attract. Mr. Douglas requested the Planning Commission
look at what an overflow shelter would do to this area. He stated that this area
was not a residential area, that it was totally an industrial area. Mr. Douglas asked
how they planned to successfully bus 300 homeless people around when the City
couldn't adequately bus its students. He requested the Planning Commission look
at this matter before they ruined this neighborhood.
Ms. Melissa Clark, a property owner in the area, expressed concern for her personal
safety as well as the safety of her employees if this request were approved. Ms.
Clark expressed concern relative to theft of property, people sleeping in cars in the
area, graffiti and safety issues. She stated that she had been in this area for
twenty years and had never heard about a community council for this area or how
to get involved in it. Ms. Clark said she cared about the homeless and wanted a
resolution to the problems to be found but expressed concern about the problems
associated with them.
Mr. Mark Smasal, Director of the Homeless Program Medical Affairs Hospital,
stated that he provided medical services to military veterans in the City who
comprised about one third of the overall homeless, male population. Mr. Smasal
stated that about 50 to 60 veterans resided at the main homeless shelter at any
given time and that figure usually doubled during the fall and winter months. He
stated that through cooperative efforts between the VA Hospital and the Travelers
Aid Society, they provided essential services to the homeless veteran population
who would remain on the streets without these services. Mr. Smasal stated that
by providing these services to the homeless veteran population, the community was
made safer relative to crime.
Ms. Virginia Clark, an employee at Franklin Quest in the area, stated that they had
been working over the past twenty-three years to deal with transient, crime and
drug dealer problems in this area. Ms. Clark stated that they had become involved
in community meetings which were increasing from one to almost five meetings per
month to deal with these problems. Ms. Clark stated that there had to be answers
PC MEETING - 9/19/96 Page 15
to these problems that would work for everyone, including the homeless, without
uprooting viable businesses which were threatened by this situation.
Ms. Kim Hall, a single parent residing in this neighborhood, stated that being a
single parent, she could not afford housing in a different neighborhood, and since
she was on the brink of being homeless herself, she understood the need to care
for the homeless. Ms. Hall stated that she recognized the City needed a balance
between housing and business needs but added that this neighborhood was too
highly stressed with negative impacts and couldn't survive many more of them.
She said she wanted to raise her children in a safe environment and expressed
concern that her neighborhood might no longer provide that opportunity.
Ms. Hall asked if port-potties would be installed in the area in order to ensure
sanitary conditions. Ms. Hall urged the Planning Commission to consider this
matter very carefully. She explained that the People's Freeway Community Council
meetings were held at 7:00p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month on the fifth
floor of the Horizon Center located at 1250 South Main and invited everyone
interested in attending to join them.
Mr. Becker stated that community council information could be obtained in the
Community Affairs Office in the City and County Building.
Ms. Lynn Jorgensen, a resident of the area, stated that the people in this area were
very interested in this matter and should be listened to. Ms. Jorgensen stated that
if governments wanted citizens to be involved, they needed to pay attention to
them when they did get involved.
Mr. John Rutter, a business property owner in the area, stated that during the last
two years they had experienced four major break-ins on their property, but that the
twenty year prior to that two year period, they had only experienced two break-ins.
Mr. Rutter expressed concern relative to this increase in crime and said he feared
this area would soon experience the same negative impacts the area surrounding
Pioneer Park experienced. He asked why the City would want a second area to
become blighted in the same area the Pioneer Park area had been blighted. Mr.
Rutter stated that the people of this area had worked to keep this area viable and
did not want those efforts to be destroyed.
Mr. John Lake, a business property owner in the area, stated that since the closure
of Pioneer Park he had experienced two break-ins, transients sleeping in his
dumpster and next to his building, and hassling his employees. Mr. Lake said some
of his partners were women who often returned from catering jobs late at night
who were now scared for their safety. He stated that the alarm companies were so
busy there was a two week waiting period before they could service new
customers. Mr. Lake stated that since “NO Trespassing" signs were posted on
PC MEETING- 9/19/96 Page 16
some of the surrounding fields, the police said there was nothing they could do
about transients on those private properties.
Mr. Jay Liljenquist, a property owner in the area, stated that one of his tenants had
postponed renewing his lease until he knew what would happen with this proposal.
Mr. Liljenquist said he was not so much opposed to this request as he was
concerned that they be required to meet City regulations just like everyone else was
required to do. He stated that safety was a major issue on Andrew Avenue
because of its condition, lack of sidewalk and snow removal problems during winter
months. He added that another major concern was the lack of parking for this
building.
Mr. John Hillier, a property owner in the area, stated that he believed the impacts
from this facility would devastating to his business and that he would lose some of
customers. Mr. Hillier said he would like to remain at this location but expressed
concern that if this were approved and negatively impacted his business, he might
not be able to do that.
Mr. Bert Margetts, a business manager in the area, stated that he was very
concerned about the homeless people but questioned the wisdom of placing
homeless people at this site. Mr. Margetts said he could not imagine successfully
busing 300 people several times a day in order to service their needs. He stated
that this was not an adequate surrounding area for this project. Mr. Margetts
pointed out that the Planning Commission did not have the authority to commit City
funds to better snow removal and police protection for this area, but added that
those issues needed to be addressed.
Mr. Wes Dutson, a resident of this area, stated that snow removal had always been
a problem for this area, either due to lack of streets being plowed or snow being
dumped and piled up in this area. Mr. Dutson said the buses to shuttle the
residents of the proposed overflow shelter would have a difficult time maneuvering
on these streets during the winter months and would negatively impact the
surrounding properties. He added that he felt the staff report had not accurately
stated the types of uses in this area. Mr. Dutson stated that several of his
customers had seen him on the news speaking about this matter and had
threatened to take their business elsewhere if this project were approved. He said
he had had to put his business expansion plans on hold because of this request and
was now very concerned about his livelihood.
Ms. Fae Nichols, a member of the People's Freeway Community Council, invited
anyone who was interested in this community to join their monthly meetings and
get involved. Ms. Nichols stated that most of the people who had spoken at this
meeting closed their doors at night and returned to their homes which were not in
this area and had not shown any interest in helping the residents of this area. Ms.
Nichols stated that they had been concerned about this community and involved in
PC MEETING - 9/19/96 Page 17
working to resolve its problems for more than twenty years, including establishing a
mobile patrol watch for the area. She stated that their mobile watch patrolled the
area nightly, that the community council had been there for this area, and asked the
business people where they had been.
A request was made from the audience for the boundaries of the area covered by
the People's Freeway Community Council. Mr. Wright responded that its
boundaries were from State Street to 1-15 and from South Temple to 2100 South.
Mr. Becker explained that the Planning Commission recognized the time and efforts
expended by the community councils by allowing them to speak at hearings before
the rest of the public, but added that community council comments were not give
more weight or credence than comments from other members of the community.
Mr. Kevin Fisher, a property owner in the area, stated that many of the City
services in this area were inadequate. Mr. Fisher said the safety issues were a
great concern in this area and the lighting was terrible and needed to be resolved.
Mr. Clark Louder, a property owner in the area, stated that it was inconceivable to
him that this matter was proceeding without a written plan for better police
protection for this area. Mr. Lowder said the increase in crime since the transients
had been removed from Pioneer Park needed to be addressed. He added that this
overflow shelter might need to be located at this site but the crime in the area
needed to be resolved.
Ms. Samantha Frances, a resident of this area, stated that there were a lot of
elderly people in this area as well as children and she did not agree with placing a
homeless shelter in this area. Ms. Frances said it was already frightening for her to
go out into the streets because of the transient problem.
Mr. Keith Gardner, a property owner in the area, stated that he was a plumber and
had looked at the plumbing in this building recently and was stunned that anyone
would want to put 300 people in this building unless they were planning to redo all
the bathrooms.
Mr. Marion Garry, an employee in this area, stated that his employer was opposed
to this project in this area. Mr. Garry said he was a volunteer at the rescue mission
and acknowledged that shelter for the homeless needed to be provided. He
suggested a lltent city" be established on the outskirts of the City, that he didn't
think a business area was the best location for a homeless shelter. Mr. Garry said
he believed the Army would donate tents for this purpose.
Several people who had previously spoken raised the following requests, concerns
and/or questions: 1) lack of notification and the notification process; 2) that a
new staff report be done to better address this area and the issues involved; 3)
concern that a five year lease had been signed on this building which intimated this
PC MEETING - 9/19/96 Page 18
site was intended for permanent use or for transferring the main shelter to this site;
4) this site being a bad place to bring homeless families to in light of the transient
problem already existing in this area; and 5) a fear that once this request was
granted, the overflow shelter would become permanent at this site.
Mr. Becker acknowledged the concern relative to the criminal element who preyed
on the homeless population and the people in the surrounding areas and asked if
any steps had been taken to address the issue of security for this overflow shelter.
Mr. Howell responded that they were committed to having a crime free
environment and added that any time they discovered a crime had been committed,
they were quick to respond by involving the police. Mr. Howell stated that they
were providing shelter for families and were just as concerned as crime as the
public. Mr. Wright stated that no additional patrols had been arranged with the
police department relative to this matter.
Ms. Kirk asked what kind of lighting would be required for this facility. Mr. Becker
pointed out that the area needed more lighting, not just this facility. Mr. Wright
explained the ordinance requirements relative to lighting of the parking lot and
stated that the Planning Commission might want to require specific lighting of the
building. Mr. McRea asked if the police would patrol this area on a more regular
basis if this overflow shelter were approved. Mr. Howell said he believed that
would be the case and added that the majority of the people from Pioneer Park
were not their residents.
Mr. McRea stated that this area already seemed to be lacking in some of the City's
services and asked if approval of this request would help provide more services for
this area. Mr. Anderson stated that the shelter residents worked to improve the
community they were involved in.
Mr. Anderson stated that the rest rooms in this building may not be adequate but
they offered more than previous overflow shelters had provided. Mr. Anderson
stated that they would make sure the sanitation needs were taken care through
porta-potties. He added that food would be brought in from the food bank and the
people in the shelter were responsible for getting involved in contributing caring for
their own needs.
Mr. Anderson explained that they had only signed a short term lease on the building
though they did have an option to buy. He added that the option to buy was only
for after the May, 1997 review of this matter, that no five year lease had been
signed by them. Mr. Anderson said they had spent countless hours trying to find a
suitable site for their overflow shelter and no one in the City wanted this type of
service in their neighborhood. Mr. Becker asked if they had looked at the possibility
of providing tents for the homeless. Mr. Anderson responded that their current
efforts were to try and get the homeless out of their camps and into a location
where adequate services could be provided. Ms. Atkinson stated that tent
PC MEETING - 9/19/96 Page 19
situations were failing in other locations, that weapons, alcohol and drugs could not
be controlled in a tent situation. Ms. Atkinson stated that they had control over the
residents in a building but not when they were in tents.
Mr. Becker asked where people would sign up for shelter services. Ms. Atkinson
said everyone would have to sign up at the main shelter and that the overflow
shelter would not be used until the main shelter was filled. Mr. Iker asked for
clarification on how the residents would be fed. Ms. Atkinson stated the single
men would be given hot chocolate or coffee and a doughnut and would be required
to the leave the overflow shelter by 7:00a.m. She added that the families would
be able to have breakfast, which would be provided by the food bank, at the
overflow shelter.
Mr. Iker asked if the children would be bused to school. Ms. Atkinson responded in
the affirmative. Mr. Iker asked what the schedule would be for the families residing
in the overflow shelter. Ms. Atkinson stated that the families would only be
transported to the main shelter if there was a specific activity they were unable to
provide at the overflow shelter. She explained that many of the people would have
their own transportation but added that they had a van to provide transportation for
those who did not have a vehicle in order for them to get to places such as Valley
Mental Health and to get to job interviews.
Mr. Iker asked what percentage of the farrlilies had a family member who was
employed. Ms. Atkinson stated that at least 50% of them were employed and
added that they had a job service program at the shelter to help people become
self-sufficient and to find transitional housing. She stated that they had a lot of
success stories about people who had just needed a helping hand.
Ms. Funk asked what the parking accommodations were. Mr. Howell stated that
they had some parking at the main shelter, though it was limited. Mr. Howell
stated that the proposed site was surrounded by vacant areas that could be used
for parking for the residents and that the six stalls provided would be allocated to
their staff. Ms. Funk asked how many cars they would need to provide parking for
if they were at their maximum capacity of 300 people, all of whom were families.
Ms. Atkinson said she would be surprised if they ever reached their capacity of 300
people. Ms. Atkinson stated that on the most dreadful nights, the previous year,
they had served 244 people, all of whom were not families. Ms. Atkinson stated
that about 40-60o/o of the families owned cars. Ms. Funk stated that would mean
approximately 24 cars would have to be parked and asked if they had addressed
the parking problem. Ms. Funk said the claim that the surrounding streets and
vacant lots could be used for parking was not an adequate way to deal with this
parking problem, and she felt it needed to be addressed. Mr. Smith said he
believed an innovative parking site plan would allow for more than six parking
stalls. Mr. Howell said he believed 60 families was a high number.
PC MEETING- 9/19/96 Page 20
Mr. Becker asked if anyone had reviewed traffic impacts this facility might have on
the surrounding community. Mr. Wright explained that this since the ordinance
requirement for this site was six stalls, he was certain no traffic impact analysis
had been completed. Mr. Becker stated that if this project were approved, there
might be an increased need for snow removal in this area and asked if the City had
anticipated how the snow removal issue might be dealt with. Mr. Wright stated
that snow removal was provided on priority basis and additional snow removal for
this area had not been studied. Mr. Wright said he could not speak for the Public
Works Department on how they would be handling snow removal for this area.
Ms. Kirk asked if the Planning Commission could require the overflow shelter to
remove their own snow. Mr. Wright said it could be required of the shelter for their
own property but they could not require the shelter to deal with the snow on City
streets.
Mr. McRea asked how the job service program operated. Ms. Atkinson stated that
they worked closely with Job Service and the community to place as many of their
residents as they could with temporary jobs. Mr. McRea asked if there was some
kind of outreach program they could utilize to develop better public relations with
this neighborhood and recruit to find jobs for the residents of the shelters in this
community. Ms. Atkinson said that was certainly possible.
Mr. McRea asked for clarification on who would be required to leave the overflow
shelter in the morning and how that would be accomplished. Ms. Atkinson stated
that 53°/o of their current residents were employed. She added that there were
also day care centers where some of the residents spent their time while others
often spent their days seeking employment. Ms. Atkinson stated that the single
men would be transported away from the overflow shelter each morning, the
school children would be transported to school, and the family members would be
counseled on becoming self-sufficient.
Mr. McRea asked if meals would be provided at noon and in the evening at the
overflow shelter. Ms. Atkinson responded in the affirmative and added that the
overflow facility would be staffed twenty-four hours per day. Mr. McRea asked if
there were organized programs to involve the adult family members who were not
employed. Ms. Atkinson stated that the Rio Grande area had never been as clean
as it was now due to the main shelter population who spent portions of their
mornings cleaning up the environment. She stated that they often helped agencies
paint and clean up buildings as a means to contribute to the community.
Mr. McRea asked for a description of their efforts to locate possible overflow
shelter facilities. Mr. Anderson stated that First Security Bank and Zions Bank had
worked with the property management divisions to locate possible sites within their
financial framework and the zoning requirements of the City. He stated that they
not only looked at all of the existing facilities they could, they had also examined
the possibility of building their own building but the cost of land had been
PC MEETING 9/19/96 Page 21
prohibitive. Mr. Anderson explained that this type of use was only allowed in two
zoning districts in the City.
Mr. Fife asked how this six month trial period would be evaluated to determine its
success. Mr. Howell said they would have to examine the costs involved from
operating between separate facilities, as well as how well this project had worked
for the cornmunity. Mr. Howell stated that they would also have to look at how
well their transportation system had operated. Mr. Wright stated that the advisory
committee that would established would also be monitoring this project.
Mr. Becker asked which schools the children would be bused to and the capacity of
those schools. Ms. Maun Alston, the petitioner, stated that they worked with the
school system who made the determination on which schools the children would be
bused to after an evaluation on each of the children.
Mr. Becker asked if the petitioners had explored the possibility of allowing only
families to utilize the overflow shelter. Ms. Atkinson said that was an option but
added that the men were vulnerable to the hazards of freezing to death, not just the
women and children. Mr. Howell stated that the main shelter was not large enough
to house all of the single men and if they were not allowed in the overflow shelter,
they would be left on the streets.
Mr. Becker asked if the Travelers Aid Society had looked at cleaning up some of the
vacant lots filled with weeds in this area. Mr. Howell stated that they would be
happy to work with the community by involving the homeless people in a joint
effort to clean up these lots.
Mr. Becker stated that it was obvious there had not been a lot of communication
between the Travelers Aid Society and this community and asked how they
planned to deal with that problem. Mr. Howell stated that their initial efforts were
to locate a site that would work as an overflow shelter and then work with the
community on the issues that needed to be resolved. Mr. Howell said the
comments he had heard at this meeting mostly dealt with an already existing
problem and they believed this overflow shelter would help lessen some of those
existing problems by getting some of the people off the streets. Mr. Howell said it
was obvious the City also needed to improve its services to this area.
Mr. Becker asked if anyone in the audience had questions for the representatives
from Travelers Aid. He explained that this was not a time to debate this issue but
rather, a time to make sure concerns and questions were dealt with. Mr. Becker
requested questions and concerns be limited to issues that had not yet been
addressed, not repetitions of previously stated issues.
The petitioners were asked why they were not using the building behind the
Western Nut Company which had previously been used as an overflow shelter. Ms.
PC MEETING - 9/1 9/96 Page 22
Alston responded that it was not zoned to allow an overflow shelter. A question
was raised about how the inadequate fire protection issue would be handled. Mr.
Wright explained that the ·fire safety issues would be dealt with during the building
permit process.
Someone asked what would be required of the 47o/o of the single men who were
not employed as well as the working men who would off work at 5:00 but could
not get into the overflow facility until 9:00 at night. Ms. Atkinson stated that
some of the 4 7% unernployed men would spend their days looking for work after
being bused to the main shelter facility. Ms. Atkinson stated that many of the
people would spend their time at the Weegan Center. Ms. Atkinson stated that
Counseling, showers and laundry facilities, and GED educational programs were
available at the Weegan Center. Ms. Atkinson said there was also a day program
at the Valley Mental Health Center for those who qualified.
Mr. Becker asked if anyone was left at the overflow facility who would be able to
roam the neighborhood. Ms. Atkinson said they would make sure they were all
bused or shuttled to the main shelter facility or to work, and that they would not
remain in this neighborhood during the day. She explained that the Salvation Army
opened at 6:00p.m. and people started waiting in line about 5:30 for dinner.
Someone asked how many full-time staff member would be on duty when the
overflow facility was at maximum capacity. Ms. Atkinson responded that there
would be one supervisor and five helpers each night. She stated that the helpers
were not currently homeless people.
It was suggested this matter be reviewed sooner than May, 1997. Mr. Becker
explained how the advisory committee would monitor this project
Someone asked if the Travelers Aid Society had any long range plans to make this
overflow shelter a permanent facility and/or to acquire the vacant 1 5 acres to the
west of this site in order to localize all of their facilities in this area. Mr. Anderson
said they did not have any long term plans to do that and pointed out that this area
was increasing in value. Ms. Atkinson said they had no plans to move the main
shelter to this area because the services to support the homeless shelter were not
located in this area.
Someone asked if the residents of the shelter would be allowed to leave the
building after entering it at night and whether or not they would be able to have
friends come visit them at the shelter. Ms. Atkinson responded that they would
not be allowed to leave once they had gone back into the shelter and they would
not be allowed to have friends visit them at the shelter at night.
Someone asked who was causing all of the problems blamed on the transient
population if it was not the people would be staying at the shelter and the overflow
PC MEETING - 9/19/96 Page 23
shelter, since it appeared the problems emanated ·from the areas where the shelters
were located. Ms. Atkinson stated that the drug dealers were out in force in the
City and the Travelers Aid Society was working diligently with the Police
Department to try to resolve some of these problems. Ms. Atkinson acknowledge
that there was a criminal element among the homeless population but they were
not the homeless population served by the Travelers Aid Society. She added that
anyone high on drugs or inebriated was not allowed into the shelters. Ms. Atkinson
stated that Volunteers of America transported any inebriated people trying to get
into the shelter to the Detoxification Center.
Mr. Becker closed the hearing to the public and opened it for Planning Commission
discussion. Mr. Becker outlined the options available to the Planning Commission:
1) denial of the request; 2) approval subject to the conditions listed in the staff
report; or 3) table the request in order to address issues that were in need of
resolution prior to making a final decision.
Mr. Fife asked how the preparation of the facility would be affected if the Planning
Commission were to table this matter. Mr. Wright stated that the Planning
Commission could address this matter without taking public comment at the
October 3rd meeting. Mr. Wright explained that no public comment could be
accepted at that time because the 14-day notice requirement could not be met for
the October 3rd meeting.
Mr. Iker said it seemed many of the issues involved in this matter exceeded land
use planning which the Planning Commission typically considered. Mr. Iker said he
felt the advisory committee seemed vital to address the issues in this matter and he
felt it should have been established several months earlier. Mr. Iker said this
community was being asked to make a significant commitment to this matter and,
apparently, was not getting its tax dollars' worth of services. Mr. Iker said lighting,
snow removal, fire hazards and protection issues all needed to be carefully studied.
He suggested the Police Department be included in the advisory committee efforts
and added that if the Planning Commission were to approve this request, they
should arrange it to be effective upon the completion of some of the conditions of
approval. Mr. Iker stated that the people of this community were entitled to know
what kind of commitment they would be getting from their City to take care of its
problems. Mr. Iker said the people of this community should be involved in the
advisory committee.
Motion on Petition No. 41 0-238:
Ms. Short stated that she did not believe anything would be accomplished by
tabling this matter and moved to approve Petition No. 41 0-238 subject to the
conditions listed in the staff report; that representatives of the Police Department
and the People's Freeway Community Council be included in the Advisory Board
Committee and that the Advisory Committee meet at least every two weeks, rather
PC MEETING - 9/19/96 Page 24
than once per month; and that the meetings be posted and open to the public
where concerns could be voiced. Ms. Short suggested interested people get
involved in a mobile watch program to help reduce crime in their community.
Ms. Kirk seconded the motion and proposed it be amended to include a smoking
area be established in order to keep the residents of the overflow shelter contained
on the shelter property; that parking issues be studied and some kind of permit
system be established to handle the parking issues; that the address be changed to
reflect 400 West than Andrew Avenue in order to provide a better image; that the
Police Department look at the fencing and lighting issues in the area; and that a
traffic study for the area be conducted and fire hazard issues be examined by the
advisory committee. Ms. Short accepted the amendments to the motion.
Mr. Wright stated that fire hazard inspection was part of the building permit
process. Ms. Short asked if they actually checked the fire hydrants during that
process. Mr. Wright said the staff would make a note that the hydrants needed to
be checked in this case.
Mr. Iker suggested an additional amendment to the motion that the advisory
committee be established and be functioning before any certificates of occupancy
were granted. Ms. Funk said the language in Condition #1 needed to be clarified
since it required all residents of the shelter be shuttled to the main shelter facility.
Ms. Funk pointed out that the Planning Commission had been informed that some
of the residents would have their own vehicles and be allowed to provide their own
transportation. Mr. Wright stated that the language in that condition could be
clarified to state that those residents without personal transportation would be
shuttled to the main shelter, rather than remain at the overflow shelter, on a daily
basis. Ms. Short and Ms. Kirk accepted the amendments to the motion and the
second.
Mr. Smith stated that he had worked near the main shelter, that half of their
employees were women, and in nine years, they had never experienced any
problems caused by the homeless shelter. Mr. Smith stated that he believed the
homeless shelter was a solution to the problem, not the problem, and expressed his
support for this request.
Mr. McRea stated that any time a controversial issue arose, community
participation was critical and commended those present for their involvement. He
encouraged those present to continue this process of involvement.
Mr. Wright asked Ms. Short if her motion was based on the findings of fact
contained in the staff report. Ms. Short responded in the affirmative. Mr. Becker
suggested the motion also be based on the comments received at this hearing.
Again, Ms. Short responded in the affirmative.
PC MEETING - 9/19/96 Page 25
Mr. Becker explained that he was not a voting member of the Planning Commission
unless his vote was required to break a tie. Mr. Becker stated that every
community in the City had been impacted by the decision to remove the transients
from Pioneer Park. Mr. Becker stated that upon talking with other people about this
problem, one of the responses he had received was that maybe now he could
understand what the people adjacent to Pioneer Park had been living with for years.
Mr. Becker stated that this was an entire community issue that needed the
involvement of the entire City, not just certain communities. He stated that the
homeless population who would be residing in the homeless overflow shelter was
not the same transient population which created many of the problems associated
with the transient lifestyle.
Mr. Smith, Mr. Iker, Ms. Kirk, Ms. Short, Mr. Fife, Ms. Funk and Mr. McRea voted
II Aye" on the motion to approve Petition No. 410-238. Mr. Young was not
present. Mr. Becker, as Chair, did not vote. The motion passed.
Mr. Becker requested Mr. Fife, a resident of the People's Freeway Community
Council, serve on the advisory committee as a Planning Commission representative.
Mr. Becker also requested this committee be established as quickly as possible and
get to work on the issues involved immediately.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. McRea moved to reopen Case No. 410-232 by Ernest Hughes in order to clarify
that the motion was based on the findings of fact in the staff report and that the
intent of the motion had been directed toward having the conditions of approval
and ·findings of fact achieve compatibility with the neighborhood. Ms. Short
seconded the motion. Mr. Fife, Ms. Funk, Ms. Short, Mr. McRea, Ms. Kirk, Mr.
Smith and Mr. Iker voted “Aye”. Mr. Young was not present. Mr. Becker, as
Chair, did not vote. The motion passed.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.