Loading...
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) .•%,4% Of SE'v.'•. —•— _ • • SEAL ® �.. t • 0..2.4::49E1,ACI.,s�Q .... .... '.55'E OF Pl,, 1 1 1