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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10082009 Planning & Zoning Minutes City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes October 8, 2009 Volume 6, Page 3 5 9 Call to Order him The October 8, 2009 Regular Meeting of the Seward Planning & Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chair Roach'. Opening Ceremony Commissioner Stauffer led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Roll Call There were present: Sandie Roach' presiding, and Tena Morgan, Christina Stauffer, Steven Heinrich comprising a quorum of the Commission; and Christy Terry, Community Development Director Suzi Towsley, Executive Liaison Excused were: Sue McClure and Cindy Ecklund x, City Administration Report Community Development Director Christy Terry updated the Commission of the following business items: • The Seward Mountain Haven Long Term Care Facility was scheduled for opening ceremonies October 17, 2009. • The Alaska Municipal League Conference was scheduled for mid November, possible training sessions for commissioners was available, more information on the training was to be forth coming. Other Reports, Announcements & Presentations — None Citizens' Comments on any subject except those items scheduled for Public Hearing- None Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda — Motion (Stauffer/Heinrich) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous +r.. - The following items were approved on the Consent Agenda: City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes October 8, 2009 Volume 6, Page 3 6 0 September 1, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes. Unfinished Business Items requiring a Public Hearing Resolution 2009 -21 of the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska, granting a variance from Seward City Code 15.10.220 Development Requirements to allow the annual temporary placement of a membrane structure within the 5 foot West setback, from October 15 through April 15 on Lot 1A, Block 1, Marina Subdivision, 1301 Fourth Avenue, within the Harbor Commercial Zoning District (Postponed from the September 1, 2009 Planning and Zoning Meeting) Terry reviewed Resolution 2009 -21. She reviewed the questions the Commission had presented at the September 1, 2009 meeting. She explained the applicant, Mark Clemens, was in the audience to answer questions from Commission. Terry also introduced Fire Chief Squires and Building Inspector Stefan Nilsson. Terry noted a motion to approve Resolution 2009 -21 was on the floor as presented at the September 1, 2009 meeting. Notice of public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. Applicant Mark Clemens addressed the Commission. He apologized to the Commission for being unable to attend the September meeting and thanked them for their willingness to postpone the decision on the variance request. Clemens noted the membrane structure was to allow his staff to perform maintenance and repair on the vessel belonging to his company. Fire Chief Squires addressed the Commission, stating that the applicant was in compliance with stringent Fire Code. He noted the applicant was required to apply for and receive an annual inspection before he received the annual membrane structure permit. Squires noted the principal structure on the property was a retail store, he stated in the event of a fire the rear access was not restricted. He spoke in support of the application. No other public comments were presented and the public meeting was closed. Roach noted the motion was on the floor for approval from the September 1, 2009 meeting: Motion (McClure/Heinrich) Approve Resolution 2009 -21 (as postponed from the September 1, 2009 meeting) Heinrich stated he was concerned for the convenience of the business owner, and stated that a "sunset clause ", as suggested by staff alleviated his concerns. Morgan stated she supported adding a sunset clause to the variance. City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes October 8, 2009 Volume 6, Page 3 61 In response to Stauffer, Terry explained the resolution had no end date noting the annual variance use of the setback was allowed indefinitely. She noted staff had offered (in the agenda statement) an amendment suggestion to address the "Sunset" concerns of the Commission. Commission suspended the rules to ask questions of the applicant and staff. In response to Heinrich, Chief Squires, Director Terry and Building Inspector Nilsson noted there had been no complaints or inquires regarding the variance request from any neighboring property owners. Clemens confirmed he had a good relationship with the neighboring businesses, he also noted he had a membrane structure in the same location in the past and had not received any complaints. In response to Morgan, Clemens said that the membrane structure color was planned to be a neutral color. In response to question from Stauffer, Clemens stated that he had not experienced any trouble from or damage due to winds on similar structures. Commission back on the rules: Motion (Morgan /Stauffer) Amend Resolution 2009 -21 Add a new Section 2. to read: The Commission finds haw the need for this variance is directly related to the applicant's business operations on land leased by the City, and therefore this variance will terminate upon termination of the existing lease with the city, or any extension thereof ", (and re- numbering subsequent sections) Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous Vote on Main Motion Passed as Amended Unanimous New Business Items requiring a Public Hearing — None Unfinished Business — None New Business Set Work Session Topic for October 20, 2009 Terry stated administration was requesting the Commission set "Updates to Title 15 Seward City Code" as the work session topic for October 20, 2009, also to serve as a joint work session with the Historic Preservation Commission. The work session was to begin at 6:30 pm, City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes October 8, 2009 Volume 6, Page 3 6 2 immediately preceding the Special Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission at 7:30 pm. j Commission set the work session topic presented by staff by Unanimous Consent. Informational Items and Reports (No action required) Special Meeting Notice for October 20, 2009 Terry informed the Commission of the properly submitted public hearing item scheduled for the October 20, 2009 as a zoning height variance request by Alaska Logistics. She also noted the same company had submitted a lease request for property within the Seward Marine Industrial Center. The lease request was also scheduled for review and recommendations to Council on the same agenda. NFIP /CRS Update for September 2009 Commission Comments — Stauffer expressed her thanks to Fire Chief Dave Squires, Building Inspector Stefan Nilsson and applicant Mark Clemens for assisting the Commission. Heinrich and Morgan echoed their appreciation. .....1 Roach' thanked Clemens, Chief Squires, Nilsson and Administration for their work. Citizens' Comments Clemens thanked the staff for assisting him through the process and the Commission for their consideration and hard work on the variance request. Commissions and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments Terry informed the Commissioners that October 19, 2009 was Alaska Day and City Offices were closed. She also noted the November Planning and Zoning meeting normally scheduled for Tuesday was scheduled for Thursday, November 5 due to National Elections. Adjournment r g adjourned at 8 p. ��,�, °° O I • 1 l% r,/ ® 1• r 3n v � s . 11. 2 A # 1 onna Glenz, y Vandie Roach' Associate Planner `hair :0 , n, r , L,_,t„..._ J ■ i v° r (City Seal) 's, .1 4. 4 4 #/, ,,,,_. °, ,, t � O F "�o'