HomeMy WebLinkAbout07162013 Planning & Zoning PacketSeward Planning &Zoning Commission
Meeting Packet
July 16, 2013 Special Meeting
City Council Chambers Beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Seward Planning & Zoning Commission
Special Meeting
July 16,
p.m. City Council Chambers
Sandie Roach'
Chair
1.
Call to Order
Term Expires 02116
Martha Fleming
2.
Opening Ceremony
Commissioner
Term Expires 02114
A. Pledge of Allegiance
Alexis Campestre
3.
Roll Call
Commissioner
Term Expires 02/16
4.
Special Reports & Presentations
Bixler McClure
Commissioner
A. City Administration Report
Term Expires 02115
Cindy Ecklund
B. Other Reports, Announcements & Presentations
Vice Chair
Term Expires 02114
5.
Citizens' Comments on any subject except those items
scheduled for public hearing. [Those who have signed in
Dale Butts
will be given the first opportunity to speak. Time is limited
Commissioner
to 2 minutes per speaker and 30 minutes total time for this
Term Expires 02/16
agenda item]
Vacant
Commissioner
6.
Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda. [Approval of
Term Expires 02115
Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by
asterisk (*). Consent Agenda items are not considered
separately unless a Commissioner so requests. In the event
of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular
Agenda.]
Jim Hunt
City Manager
Ron Long
Assistant City Manager
Donna Glenz
Planner
Dwayne Atwood
Planning Technician
Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting Agenda
July 16, 2013
1
7. Public Hearings [Limit comments to S minutes. Those who have signed in will be given
the first opportunity to speak]
A. Unfinished Business Items requiring a Public Hearing — None
B. New Business Items requiring a Public Hearing - None
8. Unfinished Business — None
9. New Business —
A. Resolution 2013-13 of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City
of Seward, Alaska, providing recommendations to City Council regarding
the parcel legally known as the West '/2 of Lots 19 and 20, Block 30,
Original Townsite of Seward, located at 408 Madison Street ....................... Page 3
B. Discussion and direction for the regularly scheduled August 6, 2013
Planningand Zoning Commission meeting ................................................. Page 11
C. June 4, 2013 Regular Meeting Minutes....................................................... Page 12
10. Informational Items and Reports (No action required) -
A. 2013 Planning & Zoning Meeting Schedule ................................................ Page 16
B. FEMA Region X Newsletters for June and July .......................................... Page 17
11. Commission Comments
12. Citizens' Comments [Limit to S minutes per individual — Each individual has one
opportunity to speak]
13. Commissions and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments
14. Adjournment
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Agenda
July 16, 2013
2
Sponsored by: Staff
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2013-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, PROVIDING RECOMMENDATIONS
TO CITY COUNCIL REGARDING THE PARCEL LEGALLY KNOWN AS
THE WEST % OF LOTS 19 AND 20, BLOCK 30, ORIGINAL TOWNSITE OF
SEWARD, LOCATED AT 408 MADISON STREET
WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) is in the process of tax foreclosure on tax
parcel 14813010, with the legal description of the West % of Lots 19 and 20, Block 30, Original
Townsite of Seward; and
WHEREAS, the KPB is foreclosing on the property for delinquent property taxes and
notified the City of Seward of this action; and
WHEREAS, the property is located on the north side of Madison between Fourth and Fifth
Avenues; and
WHEREAS, this property is vacant and has become derelict, a public safety hazard, and
extremely unsightly. Over the past few years numerous complaints have been received by the
Community Development office. The parcel owner passed away in January 2010 leaving no heirs
willing to take ownership and/or responsibility of the parcel; and
WHEREAS, this parcel is a 50 X 60 foot legal non -conforming undevelopable parcel; and
WHEREAS, the adjacent property owner has expressed an interest in acquiring the parcel by
providing the full demolition, removal and clean-up needed to restore the parcel; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to obtain title from the KPB and transfer
ownership to the adjacent property owner for cleanup and property restoration; thereby placing it
back on the tax rolls; and
WHEREAS, the City of Seward has no public purpose for the real property and the Planning
and Zoning Commission recommends the City Council declare the real property to be surplus and
eligible for disposal.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning
Commission that:
3
Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 2013-13
Section 1. The Commission recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager
and City Attorney complete the tax foreclosure process to obtain the Clerk's Deed for the parcel with
the legal description of the West % of Lots 19 and 20, Block 30, Original Townsite of Seward.
Section 2. The Commission further recommends that the City Council declare that it has no
public purpose for West %2 of Lots 19 and 20, Block 30, Original Townsite of Seward and declare the
property surplus for disposal.
Section 3. The Commission further recommends that the City Council authorize the City
Manager and City Attorney to negotiate and enter into an agreement whereby the City will transfer
the West %Z of Lots 19 and 20, Block 30, Original Townsite of Seward to the adjacent property
owner by sole source negotiations.
Section 4. The Commission adopts the recitals stated above as findings of the Commission.
For these reasons, the Commission recommends the City Council transfer the property as is, where
is, with no warranties, and for less than fair market value.
Section 5. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 16th day
of July, 2013.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sandie Roach', Chair
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VACANT: One
ATTEST:
Brenda Ballou, Acting City Clerk (City Seal)
0
Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: July 16, 2013
n
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
Through: Ron Long, Assistant City Manager
From: Donna Glenz, Planner
Agenda Item: Providing recommendations to City Council regarding the parcel
legally known as the West %Z of Lots 19 and 20, Block 30, Original
Townsite of Seward, located at 408 Madison Street
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
The Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) is in the process of tax foreclosure on tax parcel 14813010,
with the legal description of the West '/Z of Lots 19 and 20, Block 30, Original Townsite of Seward,
located at 408 Madison, for delinquent property taxes. Alaska State Statue declares all unredeemed
property inside the City Limits is deeded to the City subject to the payment of the unpaid taxes and
foreclosure costs against the property. The City was noticed of the tax foreclosure on the above
property and now needs to declare the intent of the property.
This property has become derelict, a public safety hazard as well as an extreme eye sore and over the
past few years numerous complaints have been received by the Community Development office.
However the parcel owner passed away in January 2010 leaving no heirs willing to take ownership
and responsibility of the parcel. On June 3, 2013 the City Building Inspector and Fire Chief
conducted a physically inspection of the parcel and structure finding it dangerous to human life and
the public welfare.
This property is a legal non -conforming 3,000 square foot parcel, 50 X 60 feet. The parcel does not
meet the minimum zoning code requirement for buildable lot size of 6,000 square feet
(SCC§ 15.10.220 Development Requirements & SSC§ 15.10.220, note 2, B) or the buildable 3,000
square foot originally platted lot requirement (SSC§ 15.10.220, note 2, D); therefore the lot is
undevelopable.
The adjacent property owner has expressed an interest in acquiring the parcel by providing the full
demolition, removal and clean-up needed to restore the parcel. It is in the best interest of the City to
obtain title from the KPB and transfer ownership to the adjacent property owner for cleanup and
property restoration; thereby placing it back on the tax rolls.
The City of Seward has no public purpose for the real property and City staff recommends the
Planning and Zoning Commission recommends the City Council declare the real property to be
surplus and eligible for disposal.
5
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST:
Yes
No
N/A
Comprehensive Plan (2020):
1.
3.9.2.1 Encourage citizens, as well as the City to take an active role in
X
beautifying. the community, " (page 30
2
Strategic Plan (1998):
"Promote a safe community" (page 18)
X
3
Seward City Code:
Numerous sections of title 9, Health and Safety support this action:
X
4
Municipal Lands Management Plan:
Tax/Lien Foreclosure: (page 3)
X
ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes X No
RECOMMENDATION:
Commission approve Resolution 2013-13 providing recommendations to City Council regarding the
parcel legally known as the West % of Lots 19 and 20, Block 30, Original Townsite of Seward,
located at 408 Madison Street
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MEMORANDUM
City of Seward
Community Development
Date: July 16, 2013
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
Through: Donna Glenz, Planner -Ke�
From: Dwayne Atwood, Planning Technician
Subject: Discussion and. Direction for the August 6, 2013 Planning and Zoning
Commission Regular Meeting.
City Planner Donna Glenz is traveling out of state and will not be available for the
August 6, 2013 Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting.
No Public Hearing items were submitted by the July 16`h deadline and no New Business
items have been requested at this time.
Staff suggests the Commission consider rescheduling the August 6 meeting to August 20,
or another appropriate date.
Recommendation: The Commission reschedule the August 6, 2013 Planning and Zoning
Commission Regular Meeting to August 20, 2013.
11
City of Seward, Alaska
June 4, 2013
Call to Order
Planning Commission Minutes
Volume 7, Page 33
The June 4, 2013 Regular Meeting of the Seward Planning & Zoning Commission was
called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice Chair Ecklund.
Opening Ceremony
Commissioner Fleming led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Roll Call
There were present:
Cindy Ecklund presiding, and
Martha Fleming Dale Butts
Alexis Campestre
comprising a quorum of the Commission; and
Donna Glenz, City Planner
Dwayne Atwood, Planning Technician
Excused was: Sandie Roach'
City Administration Report
Bixler McClure
City Planner Donna Glenz updated the Commission on the following business items:
• The Seward / Bear Creek Flood Service Area board quarterly work session with the
Planning and Zoning Commission was rescheduled from June 4 to June 18. The work
session was to include discussion and review of proposed FEMA Digital Flood Insurance
Rate Maps.
• Glenz said the local Safeway store had entered into a partnership with Chevron to provide
bonus points that could be credited toward fuel purchases. The bonus points could be used
in Seward and Soldotna, Glenz said.
Other Reports, Announcements & Presentations
Presentation of "Commitment to Planning Award" and Proclamation to David Squires,
retired Fire Chief and City Building Official.
Citizens' Comments on any subject except those items scheduled for Public Hearing — None
12
City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 2013 Volume 7, Page 34
Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion (Butts/Fleming) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed Unanimous
The following items were approved on the Consent Agenda:
May 22, 2013 Special Meeting Minutes
Unfinished Business Items requiring a Public Hearing — None
New Business Items requiring a Public Hearing —
Resolution 2013-12 of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of
Seward, Alaska, recommending City Council amend portions of Seward City
Code 15.25 Floodplain Management to adopt the September 27, 2013 Digital
Floodplain Rate Maps as established by FEMA and update portions of Title
15.25 to minimum FEMA requirements
Glenn noted the history of the federal flood insurance program and the requirements for
local management of floodplain development. The effort to digitize the local floodplain maps took
several years to complete. Glenz further noted the City had six (6) months from the date the
Federal Insurance Administration sent a letter of final determination to adopt the new DFIRM
maps and the required City Code amendments to remain eligible for the Nation Floodplain
Insurance Program (NFIP).
Butts asked for clarification regarding any action the Commission might take and what was
required of City Council.
Glenz said the resolution before the Commission was a recommendation to Council in
support of the adoption of the attached ordinance, which included the proposed floodplain maps
and corresponding changes to City Code.
Notice of public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the
public hearing was opened.
City resident David Squires asked how prospective property buyers would know if a
property had been improved to meet any floodplain development standards.
Glenz said prospective buyers could do research with the appropriate offices, such as the
Kenai River Center for parcels within the Kenai Peninsula Borough and the Community
Development Office for parcels within the City limits. Prospective buyers could also research the
available floodplain maps and have discussions with lenders regarding necessary flood insurance.
13
City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 2013 Volume 7, Page 35
Squires asked if more public education efforts might be helpful to inform property
developers.
Glenz said the City meets FEMA requirements for providing public information and
notification, including contacting property owners, realtors, lenders, local insurance agents and
contractors. The City also participates in an annual public permitting and information day held
locally, Glenz said.
Motion (Fleming/Butts) Approve Resolution 2013-12
Butts questioned whether housing lenders provided floodplain development and flood
insurance information. In response, Glenz stated that lenders were able to direct their clients to the
appropriate agency for information and assistance.
Ecklund noted that not all of the Kenai Peninsula Borough was participating in the
National Flood Insurance Program.
Glenz agreed that the City of Kenai, Soldotna and Kachemak City were not participating in
the National Flood Insurance Program, but the remainder of the Kenai Peninsula Borough was
participating. The local floodplain development requirements were, essentially, identical to those
of the Borough, Glenz said.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Unfinished Business — None
New Business — None
Informational Items and Reports (No action required)
Reminder of June 18 Seward / Bear Creek Flood Service Area Work Session
2013 Planning & Zoning Meeting Schedule
Reminder of June 24 Quarterly Report to Council
Ecklund asked Fleming if she would provide the quarterly Planning and Zoning
Commission report to City Council.
Fleming said she would provide the report. Fleming said she planned to gather the latest
information for her Council report at the scheduled June 18 Planning and Zoning
Commission work session.
Commission Comments
14
City of Seward, Alaska
June 4, 2013
Planning Commission Minutes
Volume 7, Page 36
Campestre thanked retired Fire Chief David Squires for his years of service.
Fleming also thanked David Squires for contributing to the community.
McClure noted that he would not be available for the June 18 work session and asked to be
excused.
Butts thanked David Squires for being an advisor the Planning and Zoning Commission
over the years. Butts also noted the recent death of Seward Resident Jerry Tuthill, who was a key
member of the Seward Volunteer Fire Department and other community organizations.
Ecklund noted David Squires had dedicated more than 28 years to serving the City of
Seward and thanked him again.
Citizens' Comments — None
Commission and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments — None
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
Dwayne Atwood,
Planning Technician
(City Seal)
Sandie Roach'
Chair
15
Memorandum
CITY OF SEWARD
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Date: November 8, 2012
To: Planning & Zoning Commission
Through: Donna Glenz, Planner
From: Dwayne Atwood, Planning Technician
Subject: 2013 - Planning & Zoning Meeting Schedule
This memo is to provide a schedule of the Planning & Zoning Commission Meetings for the calendar year 2013. Unless
otherwise noted the P & Z regular meetings will begin at 7:00 R.m. The "Scheduled Special Meetings" shall be held
ONLY if a Public Hearing item is on the agenda and will commence at 7:00 pm, otherwise the gathering will be
held as a work session commencing at 6:00 pm.
Month Regular Meeting Special P&Z Meeting for Public Hearings 7:00 pm
OR scheduled Work Sessions Commence at 6:00 pm
January January 3 January 15 (New Year's Holiday on Tuesday, January 1)
February February 5 February 19
March March 5 (Note: March 5 Flood Board Work Session at 6:00)
March 19
April
April 2
April 16
May
May 7
May 21
June
June 4
(Note: Jue4 June 18 Flood Board Work Session at 6:00)
June 18
July
July-2
July 16
August
August 6
August 20
September
September 3
(Note: September 3 Flood Board Work Session at 6:00)
September 17
October
October 3 (Thursday)
October 15 (Borough & Local Elections on October 1)
November
November 7 (Thursday)
November 19 (National Election on November 5)
December
December 3
(Note: December 3 Flood Board Work Session at 6:00)
January January 7 January 21
If you have questions or concerns or cannot attend, plea-- ^-» 224-4049 or email datwood@cityofseward.net.
16
2012 Community
Resilience Innovation
Challenge Recipients
FEMA announced the selection of
30 recipients to receive funding
under the 2012 Community
Resilience Innovation Challenge
program, including two in FEMA
Region X. The program focuses on
building local community resilience
to man-made and natural disasters,
with an emphasis on innovation,
collaboration with community
stakeholders, sustainability,
repeatability and measurable
benefits to the community.
Preparedness is a process that
requires continued focus year-round.
This year's award recipients are
recognized for programs designed to
continue to move community
preparedness forward, and assist
local areas in building and
revitalizing community -based
partnerships to advance the nation's
resilience to disasters.
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate
said, "The goal of this effort is to
further empower communities to
collaborate and develop innovative
approaches to effectively respond to
disasters."
The program is being funded by the
Rockefeller Foundation and
administered by the Los Angeles
Emergency Preparedness
Foundation who acted as a third -
party intermediary to encourage
local communities to engage in
creative activities that enhance
disaster resilience. Funding levels
ranged to a maximum award level of
$35,000, and applications were open
to most local, state, and tribal
S, 1k - A = N
agencies and governments; business
entities; associations; organizations
and groups.
Over 1,900 applications were
received across the country. FEMA
is grateful to all applicants for their
dedication and commitment to
building community resilience.
FEMA recognizes that a
government -centric approach to
disaster management is insufficient
to meet the challenges posed by a
catastrophic incident. To meet our
nation's preparedness goals, the
whole community must be actively
involved in all phases of the
preparedness, response, and
recovery cycle. These awards are
designed to invest in and enhance
the whole community effort.
Recipients from FEMA Region X
Radio in a Box
KRBD Community Radio -
Rainbird Community Broadcast —
Ketchikan, AK
Emergency Hubs at P-Patch
Community Gardens
Seattle Office of Emergency
Management — Seattle, WA
Additional information on the
Challenge program and a detailed
summary of each recipient's project can
be found at www.fema.gov and
www. ResilienceChallenge. org.
Ask the Help Desk
Need help with a mapping project
or mitigation planning? The
Region X Service Center can
connect you to the resources you
need. Email us today!
RegionXHeIDDesk@starr-team.com.
PdskMAP
Increasing Resilience Together
JUNE 2013
17
www.starr-team.com
NEWS FROM REGION X
100 Resilient Cities
Centennial Challenge
As natural and man-made shocks
and stresses grow in frequency,
impact and scale, with the ability to
ripple across systems and
geographies, cities are largely
unprepared to respond to, withstand,
and bounce back from disasters.
With more than 75 percent of people
expected to live in cities by 2050,
public and private sector leaders are
expressing an increasing desire to
build greater resilience, yet many
have neither the technical expertise
nor the financial resources to create
and execute resilience strategies on
a city-wide scale, in a way that
addresses the . need of the poor or
vulnerable populations.
To enable 100 cities to better
address major 2151 century
challenges, the Rockefeller
Foundation is inviting cities from
around the world to apply for the
100 Resilient Cities Centennial
Challenge, a $100 million
commitment to building urban
resilience around the world.
Beginning this summer the
Foundation will select 100 cities
through and application process.
The Foundation will provide support
to the winning cities to analyze the
risks that will inform development
of a city-wide resilience strategy. To
drive the implementation of the city-
wide strategy the Foundation will
provide support to hire each city's
first Chief Resilience Officer as well
as provide advice to leverage
billions of additional dollars in
infrastructure financing. Selected
cities will also gain membership to
the 100 Resilient Cities Network to
share what works.
For more information visit
www.rock-efellerfoundation.org.
401h Oregon Planning
Institute Conference
Oregon Planning
Institute (OPI), is
hosting its 40t'
i` `Je1 Oregon conference in
September 2013.
OPI is a
conference for land use planners and
related professionals to obtain
relevant training, discuss issues and
opportunities, and to connect with
peers for creative problem solving.
2013 is also the 40`h anniversary of
Oregon's land use program hence,
the theme for OPI 2013: The Next
Oregon. Much is changing in the
Oregon landscape. OPI strives to
provide the best and most current
information with which to address
the exponential scale and pace of
change. OPI has a strong record of
providing resources for hazards
planning and mitigation. Sessions
have included: Floodway
Development Standards;
Compelling Compliance in Special
Flood Hazard Areas; FEMA
Consultation with National Marine
Fisheries; Natural Hazard Mitigation
Planning in Oregon; and Oregon
Seismic Lifeline Identification. Just
a few of the 2013 session topics are;
discussions of scenario planning,
energy transmission siting, and
planning and public health. Keep an
eye out for additional trainings
throughout the year for resources to
make and to keep Oregon
communities resilient.
Scholarships are available to cover
50% of the OPI registration fee for
those that meet the qualifications.
The scholarship application is
available at center.uoregon.edu/OPI/
For more information on the
conference, additional training
opportunities and educational resources
visit www. oregonplanninginstitute. com
How to be Financially
Prepared for a Disaster
If a disaster struck your
neighborhood, you would only have
seconds or minutes to react. Is that
enough time to find your
homeowners insurance policy, bank
account information, or backup your
financial software? Probably not.
Financial responsibilities don't stop
when disasters hit. Even if your
house is destroyed, you still must
pay your mortgage. And, failing to
pay bills or loan payments could
wreck your credit just when you
need it most.
Being financially ready for a
disaster is easy. Here are four steps
you can take to get started today:
• Visit Ready.gov to access tools
and resources that will help you
prepare financially for
emergencies.
• Join the National Preparedness
Coalition to access a national
network of community partners
seeking to strengthen disaster
preparedness efforts.
• Download the Consumer Action
Handbook, a comprehensive tool
that provides guidance on how to
recover after a disaster and
information on other important
financial aspects of your life.
• Visit MyMoney.gov for tools and
tips on ways to speak with youth
on the importance of getting an
early start on financial literacy.
When you're financially ready for a
disaster you'll be able to get back on
your feet faster
FEMA posted this article on the
USA.gov blog.
PdskMAP
Increasing Resilience Together
JUNE 2013
www.starr-team.com
NEWS FROM REGION X
Free Webinar:
"Sure! PH move out of
the floodplain!"
Information and lessons
learned from an innovative
flood protection project
.lone 18. 11 anz Pacific
This webinar will describe how the
USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service offered a
voluntary floodplain buyout for a
flood -prone, economically
distressed community. This unique
approach prevents future flooding
problems where dams, channels, and
floodproofing may either be more
expensive or not physically possible.
One hundred properties have been
purchased so far. Buildings were
removed and the area was returned
to natural floodplain. Participate in
this webinar to learn more about this
project and how it can apply to your
local situations.
This webinar is sponsored by the
USDA NRCS East National
Technology Support Center. Contact
Madalene Ransom, Ph.D.,
Economist, for more information
about watershed economics. Contact
Holli Kuykendall, Ph.D., for more
information about our webinars.
For more information or to register,
visit www.conservationwebinars.net.
Suggested Reading
Home Elevation Guidance
Page 3
Featured Training
Risk MAP and CRS Synergy
for Local Officials
./une26, R: 00 ism Pacific
,Inure 28, 8: UO am Pacific
FEMA and STARR have partnered
to present this one -hour session to
introduce FEMA's Community
Rating System and Risk MAP
programs and show how
communities can use each to
improve their floodplain
management programs.
The overview of the two programs
will be followed with specific ways
Risk MAP products can help
communities obtain credit under the
CRS and recommended approaches
for communities to take advantage
of these programs.
The target audience is local
floodplain managers, engineers, and
CRS Coordinators.
One CEC for CFMs
Presenters: David Carlton, STARR;
and French Wetmore, French &
Assoc.
To register for online courses, visit
STARR's training site online at
j.mp/starrwebtraining, or email
RXTraining@starr-team.com.
FEMA has released a
f�Hurricane Sandy
Recovery Fact Sheet
titled "Foundation
Requirements and Recommendations for Elevated
Homes" The well -illustrated fact sheet focuses on how to
elevate homes on small lots. The fact sheet can be found
in our Tools and Resources at www.starr-team.com.
American Surveyor
There is a great article in the latest issue of the American
Surveyor titled "Taking the Mystery Out of Flood
Openings" by Terri L. Turner, AICP, CFM. Surveyors
and local floodplain officials will appreciate this useful
resource that illustrates some important considerations
when evaluating flood openings.
The newsletter can be viewed at www.amerisurv.com.
A
�srnue
PdsklaTIA"
Increasing Resilience Together
JUNE 2013
19
www.starr-team.com
Enhanced GIS Services
for MSC and MIP
FEMA recently deployed the new
Geographic Information System
services for the Map Service Center
and the Mapping Information
Platform. These updates and
enhancements bring additional
capabilities and greater ease -of -use
for all users of these systems.
Enhancements include:
• Easier use of the Map Product
Search, now incorporating a
familiar BingTM Map interface and
more flexible search bar
Replacement of the outdated
MapViewer-Web with an updated
National Flood Hazard Layer
(NFHL) service for viewing in
Google Earth and display in the
FEMA GeoPlatform
Improvement in the usability of
the NFHL WMS service and its
implementation in Google Earth
• Updating of the NFHL to the 2012
FIRM Database schema
These improvements also make
additional services available to the
public for the first time, including
access to the NFHL through REST
and WFS services.
The following links provide additional
information on the enhanced services
(click to follow): MSC - MIP -
GeoPlatform.
Online LOW -
New Capabilities
FEMA has successfully launched
new capabilities to the Online Letter
of Map Change (LOMC)!
Requestors may now submit both
Amendment and Revision
applications through Online LOMC.
This convenient web tool is now an
alternative to the paper MT-EZ,
MT-1, and MT-2 forms.
There are many benefits to applying
for a LOW online:
• Submit, pay, and upload
supporting documentation for
all LOMC requests through one
single online platform
• Applicants may save
information online and finish
applying at their convenience
• Clear and intuitive interface
makes applying user-friendly
• Frequent applicants can manage
multiple LOMC requests online
• Applicants can check their
application status in real-time
• More efficient communications
with LOMC processing staff
For more information visit
http://Www.fema.gov/national flood -
insurance program flood-hazard-
mapping/letter-map-change or
starr-team.com to view the LOMC
Subscription Flyer
MskMAP
Increasing Resilience Together
JULY 2013
20
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NEWS FROM REGION X
Risk MAP and CRS
Synergies Training
In late June, FEMA sponsored
several online trainings on the
synergies between Risk MAP and
the Community Rating System
(CRS). If you would like to know
more about how the two programs
can work together to reduce risk and
lower insurance premiums in your
community, you can view the
recorded session online. Visit
http://j. mp/starr-recorded-training
for more information.
JULY 2013
EMI Training
Opportunity
E386 Residual Coastal
Construction
August 5-8, 2013
EMI, Maryland
The Residual Coastal Construction
course is designed to train
participant on FEMA's Coastal
Construction Manual. This manual
is the primary, state-of-the-art
reference for planning, designing,
and constructing residual structures
in the various coastal environments.
Course Goals
• Understand the basic principles of
designing in coastal environment.
• Understand the differences in
design requirements and expected
performance between coastal
construction and inland
construction.
Understand the significance and
"lessons" of historical events at
the coast.
• Describe minimum requirements
and "best practices" for coastal
construction
• Identify coastal hazards at
potential building sites and
identify where to obtain pertinent
information.
• Understand how to calculate
design loads and conditions.
• Understand the continuous load
path principle
• Identity siting, design,
construction, and maintenance
defects that result in vulnerable
buildings.
Twelve (12) CECs for CFMs
To apply, submit FEMA Form 119-
25-1 to your State Emergency
Management Training office.
FEMA P-464
Guidelines for Design of
Structures for Vertical
Evacuation from Tsunamis
July 10, 12pm
This 90 minute webinar will provide
an overview of FEMA P-646 report,
Guidelines for Design of Structures
for Vertical Evacuation from
Tsunamis (Second Edition).
Participants will be introduced to the
concept of vertical evacuation from
tsunamis. The webinar will
summarize guidance on tsunami
hazard assessment, vertical
evacuation options, siting concepts,
performance objectives, design
loads, design concepts, and
emergency management issues that
should be considered in locating,
designing, and operating vertical
evacuation structures. The target
audience are building officials,
emergency managers, engineers,
architects, town planners, and others
who may be involved in developing
tsunami evacuation procedures for
coastal communities
Registration is $200 per computer
site. The registration fee will
increase to $225 per computer site
after Friday, July 5, 2013. To pay by
check or purchase order, please
contact the ATC office at (650) 595-
1542 or atc@atcouncil.org.
To register please go to the online
registration page or to register by
mail please complete this form.
1.5 Professional Development
Hours (PDHs)
Presenter: Ian N. Robertson, S.E.,
Professor of Structural Engineering,
University of Hawaii
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21
NEWS FROM REGION X
Region X Retirement
Farewell Denise Atkinson
Denise Atkinson retired at the end
of May after almost 40 years of
federal civil service. Denise worked
for the Dept. of the Navy beginning
in 1973 until she transferred to
FEMA in 1992. Denise was
promoted to Floodplain
Management Specialist in 1998 and
served in that capacity until her
retirement. Denise worked with
many communities in Region X
throughout her career, but primarily
with communities in Oregon.
Denise was deployed to help flood
victims recover following
presidentially declared disasters in
Florida (2004), Louisiana (2005),
Oregon (2006) and New York
(2012).
We miss you already, Denise!
Welcome Back Bryan Weber
Region X is looking forward to
Major Bryan Weber's return
following almost a year of active
military duty. Bryan will return to
Region X to resume his duties as a
Floodplain Management Specialist
on July 15. Bryan will work
primarily with communities in Idaho
and eastern Oregon.
Suggested Reading
There is another great article in the
American Surveyor Newsletter
(from earlier this year) about
Elevation Certificates titled "Don't
Forget that Flood Certification" by
Terri L. Turner, AICP, CFM.
Surveyors and local floodplain
officials will appreciate this useful
resource that illustrates the
importance of Elevation
Certificates. The newsletter can be
viewed at www.amerisurv.com.
Ask the Help desk
If you have questions about a
mapping project, or mitigation
planning, the Region X Service
Center is here to help. Email us
at RegionXHelpDesk@starr-
team.com.
Oregon Programmatic
Biological Assessment
The Final Programmatic Biological
Assessment (PBA) for the NFIP in
Oregon was completed by FEMA
earlier in 2013 and is available to
read at: the FEMA Library. The
Portland, Oregon office of the
National Marine Fisheries Services
(NMFS) is now writing the
Biological Opinion on that PBA,
and a draft of the Biological
Opinion (BO) is expected to be
delivered to FEMA for comment in
late -summer or early -fall of 2013.
Once the final version of the BO for
the NFIP in Oregon is completed by
NMFS, FEMA Region X will write
Habitat Assessment and Mitigation
guidance for Oregon. This guidance
is intended to accompany the BO
written by NMFS in order to assist
jurisdictions in understanding how
to assess and document the
environmental effects of NFIP-
related projects on listed
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
species and their designated critical
habitats. A 2010 version of similar
guidance for the Puget Sound Basin
of Western Washington is already
available for viewing, but will soon
be replaced with a revised 2013
version that provides additional
information on how to comply with
the ESA under the BO written by
NMFS for Puget Sound.
For more information on the PBA or the
BO contact Barry.Gall@fema.dhs.gov
and to read the Assessment please visit
the FEMA Library.
Preliminary National
Seismic Hazard Maps
The National Seismic Hazard
Mapping Program is pleased to
announce that preliminary
documentation of the 2014 update of
the National Seismic Hazard Maps
(NSHM) has been posted on the
USGS hazards website.
These documents are being made
available for public comment. If you
would like to give specific feedback,
please use the 'Contact Us' link at
the bottom of the webpage listed
below. The. email will be routed to
the NSHM team.
The NSHM team will aggregate
comments received over the next 6
weeks and consider them
collectively before moving forward
with the update.
The preliminary National Seismic
Hazard Maps can be downloaded
from the USGS Earthquake Hazards
Program website
Risk Awareness Survey
FEMA needs your helpl
Since 2010, FEMA has conducted
an annual nationwide survey on
Risk Awareness of local officials.
Survey results, such as those
presented below from 2012, track
trends and inform federal agencies
and state and local communities
how to most effectively engage and
support communities toward
advancing mitigation actions to
reduce vulnerabilities to natural
hazards.
It is now time to take the 2013 local
official survey!
Continued on next page
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JULY 2013
22
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NEWS FROM REGION X Page 4
Survey (cons.) Click the link below or copy/paste engage communities in efforts to
into your browser to take the survey: build a safer stronger nation.
If you are currently a local official, https://svy.cfigroup.com/cgi- If you have questions about the
please follow the link below and take this 15-minute survey before bin/gwebcorporate.dll?idx=DB6QFC survey, please contact
July 31. Your individual responses Your participation will provide Vincent. BrownWema. dhs.gov.
will be kept confidential and FEMA and other agencies with the
anonymous. information necessary to better
FEMA 2012 Risk Awareness Survey Findings
Public Officials Obtain and Communicate Food Risk in Multiple Ways
Over 70% of officials get information about flood risk from flood maps. The majority of officials surveyed obtain
flood risk information from a combination of flood maps, FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program, and their own
experience. Just under half of the officials also received information about flood risk from other officials.
Officials communicate flood risk through community meetings and postings to websites: Holding community
meetings/open houses and posting to a community website were the most popular methods officials used to
communicate flood risk to their citizens - both were cited by over 40% of officials surveyed.
There is an opportunity for local officials to communicate more about flood risk: Less than a third of officials stated
they communicate about flood risk to the general public at least annually. About a quarter (28%) stated they
communicate about flood risk once every few years, while 16% stated they never communicate about flood risk.
Floodplain and Emergency Managers communicate the most about flood risk: The majority of officials stated that the
public hears most about flood risk from Floodplain and Emergency Managers, whereas only a third of officials felt
that the Mayor communicated with the public about flood risk.
Community Mitigation Action Advancement is a Collaborative Effort
Developing a community multi -hazard plan requires collaboration: A variety of officials participated in developing
their community's multi -hazard mitigation plan. 74% of Emergency managers cited involvement, versus 62% of
community planning officials, 59% of other local officials, 57% of city council or planning commission members, and
50% of floodplain managers.
Over 70% of officials took action to mitigate their community's flood risk: Of those who took action, over 80% did so
through floodplain management ordinances. Additionally, zoning, storm water management regulations, and enforcing
building codes were each cited by over 60% of officials.
The General Public Wants Flood Risk Information Delivered to Them
People want to hear about flood risk on the news and through mailings. Local news (76%) was by far the preferred
information source regarding general flood risk at 76% (as opposed to specific flood -related news), with mailings a
distant second at almost 30%.
People expect to hear about flood risk from their mayor or local media. The most cited source of where people expect
to get information about flood risk from was their Mayor/ other local elected officials and the local media.
People get information from the local media and insurance agents: Local media and insurance agents were most
mentioned as sources for information on individual's risk of flooding to their property. "NIARR
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