HomeMy WebLinkAboutAM 2022-004 Hemlock Subdivision Concept 4 - FailedCity of Seward
Action Memorandum 2022-004
Meeting Date: July 11, 2022
To: City Council
From: Janette Bower, City Manager
Agenda Item: Action Memorandum 2022-004: Direct the City Manager to Move Forward
with the Hemlock Subdivision Project as Described in R&M Engineering
Concept 4
Background and justification:
The City of Seward has a dramatic housing shortage and feedback from community stakeholders
has indicated the supply is hundreds of homes short of meeting demand. This lack of market
balance in residential home inventory is causing numerous negative downstream economic impacts.
Local businesses have indicated the lack of available housing is a primary barrier to economic
development. Some illustrative examples are the difficulty to recruit necessary levels of workers,
high turnover in current staff, and high cost of living implications. Numerous organizations in the
Seward community have expressed a desire for the City to take actions which will increase
residential development.
On December 13, 2021, the City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2021-143, which
authorized the City Manager to work with R&M Engineering on the creation of a design for the
Hemlock Subdivision. This task order (#2734.181) required an appropriation of $19,471 for the
project.
On February 14, 2022, City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2022-021 which authorized
the City Manager to execute a task order 2734.182 with R&M Engineering for the rezone and replat
of the proposed parcel necessary for the Hemlock Subdivision project.
During the same meeting, City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2022-020 which authorized
the City Manager to execute task order 2734.18.03 with R&M Engineering for the development of a
utility expansion plan for water and sewer infrastructure which would be required for the
subdivision. Task order 2734.04 authorized R&M Engineering to complete a geotechnical
investigation of the proposed site and expended $29,855. In total, $115,786 has been spent on the
project to date for technical services. This does not count internal costs.
During the May 3, 2022, Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting, the commission failed
Resolutions 2022-009 (Replat) and 2022-010 (Rezone) which were necessary to move the project
forward.
While the City Council has approved the expenditure of funds for this project, no formal project
approval or direction has taken place. City Administration requests City Council approve the project
itself and provide direction to move forward with the necessary actions.
Of note, the proposed project has been adjusted based upon community input and comments made
to Planning and Zoning Commission regarding the need for higher density residences. Please see the
attached concept which includes a total of 30 units. This includes 16 duplexes and 14 four plex's.
This would require the parcel to be zoned R3.
SCC 15.01.035 (2) states, "A proposed amendment which is substantially the same as any other
proposed amendment submitted within the previous nine months and which was not approved
shall not be considered". City Administration requested the City Attorney review Code
requirements and provide an opinion about changing the project from an R1 Zoning designation
and 40 single family units to the current proposal meets the definition of "substantially different".
The City Attorney confirmed this project does indeed meet the Code provision.
If City Council approves this Action Memorandum, City Administration will take actions to advance
the project to completion.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan: 3.2.1 Promote Residential Development. 3.3.1 Encourage Development of New
Housing in Seward
Strategic Plan: Encourage construction of residential and seasonal housing
Other:
Certification of Funds
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: $
This legislation (✓):
Creates revenue in the amount of:
Creates expenditure in amount of:
Creates a savings in the amount of:
x Has no fiscal impact
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s):
Not budgeted
x Not applicable
Finance Signature:
Attorney Signature:
Administration Recommendation
eAdopt Ordinance
Other:
DISPOSITION
Failed by City Council on July 11, 2022.