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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02182025 Planning & Zoning MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska Planning & Zoning Commission Special Meeting Minutes February 18, 2025 Volume 8, Page 100 1 CALL TO ORDER The February 18, 2025, special meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Carol Griswold. OPENING CEREMONY Commissioner Claire Sullivan led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: Carol Griswold, presiding, and Brenan Hornseth Nathaniel Charbonneau Vanessa Verhey Sean Ulman Clare Sullivan comprising a quorum of the Commission; and Daniel Meuninck, Community Development Director Courtney Bringhurst, City Planner Clara Brown, Executive Assistant Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk Excused — Verhey, Hubbard Absent — None Vacant — None CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT — None APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion (Charbonneau/Sullivan) Approval of Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous NEW BUSINESS Resolutions Resolution 2025-008: Adopting the Planning and Zoning Commission Rules of Procedures 2025 Update City of Seward, Alaska February 18, 2025 Motion (Charbonneau/Sullivan) Planning & Zoning Commission Special Meeting Minutes Volume 8, Page 101 Approve Resolution 2025-008 Meuninck explained the Rules of Procedure update for the Planning & Zoning Commission had been a year -long effort aimed at reducing vague things and improving procedural clarity. The last revision had taken place in 2014 and was in need of an update. The primary goal was to ensure due process, minimize reliance on legal consultation, and serve as an effective training tool for new commissioners. The goal was to adopt it at this meeting and keep opportunities open for continued feedback and future amendments. The commission expressed appreciation and acknowledged the effort put into the revised Rules of Procedures. They recognized the significant work that had gone into the revisions over the past year and commended the document for being comprehensive, well -structured, and thoughtfully prepared. Griswold noted some housekeeping edits throughout the document and the commission agreed on making the edits. Resolution 2025-008 was amended to add to Rule 5, last paragraph, last sentence to add "an executive session or" so the section would read: "a person so removed from office shall have a right to an executive session or public hearing before council concerning the cause for removal." Resolution 2025-008 was amended to Rule 12 regarding city staff and the city clerk align with the current city code 2.30.217 B. Resolution 2025-008 was amended in Rule 19 Special Meeting to strike the word "administration" from the first sentence to align with current city code 2.30.220 B. Main Motion as Amended Passed Unanimous Other New Business Receive Commission feedback on allowing one member of the Planning and Zoning Commission to live outside Seward City Limits if they live in the greater Seward area and own and operate a business on their property inside city limits Meuninck said this idea had already been presented to City Council as a discussion item. Council had requested feedback from the commission on the topic of allowing a member outside of city limits. Meuninck explained the current proposal was designed with strict limitations such as owning property in town and operating a business on it to be eligible for a commission seat. The commission relaxed the rules to allow the audience members to speak on the topic: June Pemberton, inside city limits, expressed opposition to allowing individuals from outside the city to serve on the Commission. As someone who currently resided inside city limits, she would be most affected by the planning and zoning decisions that were being made. Those potential 1 City of Seward, Alaska Planning & Zoning Commission Special Meeting Minutes February 18, 2025 Volume 8, Page 102 commissioners who live outside of city limits would do their business in town and then go home at the end of the day. Stephanie Millane, outside city limits, owned two business inside city limits and felt non-residents could serve fairly on the commission. She suggested removing the property ownership requirement since she leases her business space. Millane also emphasizes her tax contributions and limited opportunities to voice concerns. Jena Peterson, outside city limits, echoed Millane's comments. She expressed support for allowing non-residents to serve on the commission. Samantha Allen, inside city limits, highlighted the enthusiasm and insight the business community could bring to the Planning and Zoning Commission. She noted that business owners had shown interest in joining, which could help with quorum and provide a diverse perspective on the board. The commission discussed the topic in great detail. Several commissioners expressed differing views on the matter. Some emphasized that business owners already had a voice on the commission. Others expressed concerns about giving too much influence on non-residents. There were also points raised about the restrictive requirements for non-resident applicants, such as owning property or a business within the city. It was noted that ultimately it was a city council decision. The goal was to ensure that decisions made had a positive .and lasting impact on the community. CITIZEN COMMENTS June Pemberton, inside city limits, spoke to the continuous impact of local government decisions on those who live within the city limits. By contrast, other individuals would be affected only during their regular business hours inside city limits. Pemberton also expressed frustration with the online application process where she experienced technical issues. She advocated for a greater understanding of how local decisions affect residents daily lives and urged the commission to consider the ongoing impact of these decisions on those who live in the city. COMMISSION AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Charbonneau thanked city administration and the public. Sullivan thanked the administration for putting the Rules of Procedures document together. The finished produced represented an amazing amount of work. She noted Chair Griswold as one of the best editors she knows. Sullivan was thankful for all ongoing support that the city clerk's office and administration does for the commission. Ulman thanked everyone for coming and thanked administration for the support. City of Seward, Alaska Planning & Zoning Commission Special Meeting Minutes February 18, 2025 Volume 8, Page 103 Hornseth thanked all the commissioners and those who were completing their terms. He also thanked the public for their engagement and thanked city staff. Griswold asked city staff to assist June Pemberton in obtaining the P&Z application. Griswold appreciated the commission and thanked them for a great discussion tonight. She appreciated the public for sitting through the meeting and thanked everyone behind the scenes. ADJOURNMENT The special meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m. couut,-(iyiAAAftru Jodi z Carol Griswo Dep ty City Clerk Chair (City Seale.•• S��ruhI 'i�, F E 'g, • • .• • s ' •SEAL • = -.- : • • f• +,ft OF P`-oss 1 1