HomeMy WebLinkAbout04182017 Planning & Zoning Minutes City of Seward,Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
April 18, 2017 Volume 7, Page 230
Call to Order
The April 18, 2017 Special Meeting of the Seward Planning & Zoning
Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice Chair Martha Fleming.
Opening Ceremony
Commissioner Anderson led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Roll Call
There were present:
Martha Fleming presiding, Gary Seese, Margaret Anderson,
Craig Ambrosiani
comprising a quorum of the Commission; and
Donna Glenz, Planner
Dwayne Atwood,Planning Technician
Excused were Cindy Ecklund, Tom Swann and David Carlton
City Administration Report
Planner Donna Glenz updated the Commission on the following business items:
• No new floodplain development permits had been issued since the previous
meeting.
• Glenz noted that staff had been very busy with the added workload of spring
property development and public inquiries.
• The annual spring Permitting & Agency Information Day event was scheduled for
April 20 in the Community Room of the public library.
• The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly held meetings in City Hall on April 18.
Other Reports, Announcements & Presentations—None
Citizens' Comments on any subject except those scheduled for Public Hearing—None
Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion(Anderson/Ambrosiani) Approve the Agenda and Consent
Agenda
City of Seward,Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
April 18, 2017 Volume 7,Page 231
Motion Passed Unanimous
The following item was approved on the Consent Agenda:
April 4,2017 Meeting Minutes
Unfinished Business Items requiring a Public Hearing—None
New Business Items requiring a Public Hearing—
Resolution 2017-05 of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward,
Alaska recommending City Council amend portions of Seward City Code§15.10.220
Development Requirements Table—Notes to extend the maximum 26 foot building
height area to include the South Harbor Uplands,Tract H,Waterfront Park Replat
Glenz said the proposed Code amendment was to extend the 26 foot building height zone
in the boat harbor basin area southward to include the South Harbor Uplands. She noted
the Port and Commerce Advisory Board held a meeting on April 5 and supported by
motion extending the 26 foot building height standard to the uplands. Staff recommended
approval.
Glenz directed Commissioners to a wall map depicting the area to be included by the
proposed amendment.
Ambrosiani asked what the structural height standard was for the South Harbor Uplands if
no action was taken. Glenz noted the development standard outside of the harbor area was
34 feet. She added that the upland area was elevated approximately six feet above adjacent
grade.
In response to Fleming, Glenz noted it was possible to build a three-story structure within
the 26-foot zone,but generally development would be limited to two-story construction.
In response to Seese, Glenz said gable roof construction was allowed to be extended above
26 feet at the peak,provided the average roof height did not exceed the Code standard.
Notice of public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted
and the public hearing was opened.
Hearing no one wishing to speak,the public hearing was closed.
Motion (Anderson/Seese) Approve Resolution 2017-05
Motion Passed Unanimous
City of Seward,Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
April 18, 2017 Volume 7, Page 232
Resolution 2017-06 of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of
Seward,Alaska recommending City Council approve Volumes I and II of the
Seward 2030 Comprehensive Plan to include the Land Use Map
Glenz noted that the proposed amendments to the Land Use Map were displayed and
directed Commissioners to the included zoning areas. Glenz described the proposed
amendments and summarized the public comment that had been received during the work
sessions.
Glenz stated the City began working on the Comprehensive Plan update in January of
2015. The process included 13 public meetings. She noted the updated plan was to go
before City Council for approval and recommendation to the Kenai Peninsula Borough for
adoption.
Anderson asked if the approval could be postponed until the May 2 meeting to include
more Commissioners. Glenz stated the schedule for adoption would be delayed to the
point that the City of Seward might need to request an extension from the Kenai Peninsula
Borough and that a full Commission was not expected until the June meeting.
Fleming asked if the Land Use Map amendments proposed for the Dairy Hill Tracts
(former horse corral area) would affect any planned to development. Glenz noted that the
Land Use Map designation of Resource Management provided more flexibility for a land
owner to rezone as necessary in the future.
Glenz noted that staff had received no comments from the public and recommended
approval.
Notice of public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted
and the public hearing was opened.
Hearing no one wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Motion (Seese/Ambrosiani) Approve Resolution 2017-06
Motion Passed Yes: Seese,Ambrosiani, Fleming
No: Anderson
Unfinished Business—None
New Business Items—None
Informational Items and Reports (No action required)
City of Seward,Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
April 18, 2017 Volume 7,Page 233
2017 Planning& Zoning Meeting Schedule
City Clerk Information Regarding Motions and Amendments
Alaska Railroad Corp. Expansion Plan Meeting
Permitting& Agency Information Day
Glenz directed Commissioners to the City Clerk information in the packet that related to
motions and amendments,which was intended to be helpful for effective meetings.
Glenz also noted the Permitting & Agency Information Day, and that the Alaska Railroad
Corp. would be present. Other agencies would be present as well.
In response to Anderson, Glenz said the Community Development Department had been
involved with six building permit reviews.
In response to Seese, Glenz said the Permitting & Agency Information Day was an
informational event and attendance was not required.
Commission Comments—
Ambrosiani thanked staff for the work and effort in producing the Comprehensive Plan.
Anderson said she also appreciated the work on the part of staff to complete the
Comprehensive Plan. Anderson added that the community participation level was lower
than she expected and that influenced her vote and feelings about approving the plan.
Fleming said the public participation seemed somewhat lower than during previous plan
revision efforts. Some of the input was provided electronically, through surveys and social
media,and that may have given the impression that participation was lower, she said.
Citizens' Comments—None
Commission and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments—None
Glenz noted that public participation during the 2005 Comprehensive Plan update was
relatively low. Glenz said the two recent public meetings held by contractor PDC
Engineers Inc. were well attended and the City sponsored work session to address the Land
Use Plan Map was also well attended.
In response to Fleming, Planning Technician Dwayne Atwood reiterated comments made
by Glenz. He noted he had attended meetings as a journalist and that the public
participation during the previous Comprehensive Plan update was modest.
City of Sewarct Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
April 18, 2017 Volume 7,Page 234
The Commission and staff further discussed issues related to encouraging public
participation, including the best ways to disseminate information and notices to inform
residents.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
D ayn- ' twood artha FO-Leming
P : 'ng Techni ian Vice Chair
(City Seal)
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