HomeMy WebLinkAbout10082024 Planning & Zoning MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2024 Volume 8, Page 83
CALL TO ORDER
The October 8, 2024, regular meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission was called to order
at 7:07 p.m. by Chair Carol Griswold.
OPENING CEREMONY
Commissioner Hubbard led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Carol Griswold, presiding, and
Vanessa Verhey
Sean Ulman
Rhonda Hubbard
Clare Sullivan
comprising a quorum of the Commission; and
Daniel Meuninck, Community Development Director
Courtney Bringhurst, City Planner
Clara Brown, Executive Assistant
Kris Peck, City Clerk
Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk
Excused — Charbonneau, Hornseth
Absent — None
Vacant — None
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT- None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Sullivan/Verhey) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approval of the September 3, 2024, Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes
Approval of the September 11, 2024, Planning & Zoning Commission Special Meeting Minutes
City of Seward, Alaska Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2024 Volume 8, Page 84
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATION, AND REPORTS
City Administration Report
Community Development Director Daniel Meuninck provided an update on city business
license renewals. He spoke about the Trout Unlimited Grant that was sponsoring organizations
through the Alaska Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Meuninck also updated the commission on the
Comprehensive Plan and details about the public engagement survey. Lastly, Meuninck provided
details of commissioner training available through the American Planning Association.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Resolutions Requiring Public Hearing
Resolution 2024-020, of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska,
Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Robert Williams to use the Unsubdivided Portion of Survey
No. 149, Located at 2405 Seward Hwy; and Lot B1, Forest Acres Subdivision Levee Replat,
Located at 2413 Seward Hwy for Commercial Outdoor Storage; Within an Auto Commercial (AC)
Zoning District
[This is a quasi-judicial item. Commissioners may not discuss any items pertaining to this
Resolution with the applicant, other commissioners, or the public.]
Motion (Sullivan/Verhey) Approve Resolution 2024-020
Bringhurst referred to packet for the location of the project and surrounding properties. She
explained the zoned areas on the map of all properties around this location. She mentioned that
this property has been discussed previously for a proposed land swap.
Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the
public hearing was opened No one appeared and the public hearing was closed.
The applicant Robert Williams (telephonically) was available to answer questions from the
commission. William described his plan to move the entrance back to make it easier for trailers to
enter and exit the premises. Williams addressed the proposed land swap.
Resolution 2024-020 was amended on Condition #14 to add: that will be completed within 1 year
of the start of the business."
Resolution 2024-020 was amended to strike Condition #4 in its entirety.
Resolution 2024-020 was amended to add new Condition #4: The driveway on the main security
gate on east side of property along Seward Hwy will be moved back by at least 26 feet.
Resolution 2024-020 was amended to delete Condition #5 in its entirety.
1
City of Seward, Alaska Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2024 Volume 8, Page 85
Main Motion as Amended Passed
NEW BUSINESS
Resolutions
Unanimous
Resolution 2024-021, of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska,
Recommending City Council Support the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly Approval of the
024 Kenai Peninsula Borough Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, which will include the City of
Seward and the City of Seldovia.
Motion (Sullivan/Verhey) Approve Resolution 2024-021
Bringhurst recalled a previous work session regarding the Hazard Mitigation Plan. She provided
an update the status of the KPB plan, the city's plan, and the Bear Creek Flood Board plan.
Griswold noted the plan had not yet been updated with the comments she had made for the August
draft.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Resolution 2024-022, of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska,
Recommending Kenai Peninsula Borough Approval of the Preliminary Plat of the Original
Townsite of Seward, Lots 12, 13, 14 & North Y2 of Lot 15, Block 15; Located at 313 & 315 Fourth
Ave; Creating Lot 14A, Seward Original Townsite Wisel Replat
Motion (Sullivan/Verhey) Approve Resolution 2024-022
Bringhurst spoke on the location of the replat and noted it was same location as the recently failed
CUP for the hotel. Bringhurst spoke about the future development of this property. She said the
applicant John Wisel has started the replat process that required him to vacate the interior lot line
and create one parcel.
Motion Passed
Other New Business
Unanimous
City Attorney discussion and Q&A with Commissioners regarding quasi-judicial
proceedings (telephonically)
City Attorney Robert Palmer discussed quasi-judicial proceedings with the commission and
answered questions.
1
City of Seward, Alaska Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2024 Volume 8, Page 86
Discuss work session topic for Wednesday, October 23, 2024
After discussion the commission chose to discuss Marijuana Regulations, Building Height and
Parking requirements on the October 23, 2024 Work Session.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
Reminder of Meetings
Work session on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall
November 5, 2024, meeting has been rescheduled due to the election
Two meetings on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, in Council Chambers
Work Session at 5:30 p.m.
Regular meeting at 7:00 p.m.
CITIZEN COMMENTS — None
BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
Hubbard appreciated the city staff for all the information at the meeting tonight and looked
forward to the upcoming work session.
Ulman appreciated the variety of topics. He appreciated everyone's hard work.
Sullivan thought it was a great work session about the Seward Police Station. She thanked the city
attorney for the information on ex parte contact. She appreciated the staff on how hard they work
to move the agenda along and move the city forward.
Griswold appreciated the city staff, the CUP applicant, and the City Attorney for their
participation tonight.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
CetA,64 1?-tia,“/D-cd
JodVKurtz / ) Carol Griswol
1
1