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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01202026 Planning & Zoning Work Session PacketPlanning & Zoning Commission Work Session Packet Work Session Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Council Chambers, City Hall 6: 00 p.m. The City of Seward, Alaska SEWARD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION WORK SESSION AGENDA January 20, 2026 Clare Sullivan Chair Term February, 2026 Brenan Hornseth Vice Chair Term February, 2028 Nathaniel Charbonneau Commissioner Term February, 2027 Vanessa Verhey Commissioner Term February, 2026 Rhonda Hubbard Commissioner Term February, 2028 June Pemberton Commissioner Term February, 2028 Andrew Wilder Commissioner Term February, 2027 Daniel Meuninck Community Development Director Courtney Bringhurst City Planner Jamie Crocker Executive Planning Assistant Jodi Kurtz Deputy City Clerk 6:00 p.m. 1) CALL TO ORDER 2) STAFF COMMENTS 3) DISCUSSION ITEMS Council Chambers a) Mobile Health Unit 4 b) Marijuana Code Review .11 c) Commissioner Training ..19 4) ADJOURNMENT 2 OUTCOME GOALS FOR WORK SESSION 1) Review and discuss proposed amendments to Seward City Code related to a mobile health unit, including a definition, operational standards, and zoning applicability. 2) Review the draft of Marijuana Code amendments in preparation for the joint work session with City Council on January 26tn 3) Conduct Commissioner training Background: The Commission will review and discuss proposed amendments to Seward City Code related to mobile health units. This discussion is intended to clarify how mobile health units differ from existing mobile medical units, review proposed definitions and operational standards, and gather commissioner input on appropriate zoning districts and limitations prior to formal consideration. The Commission will also review proposed amendments to Seward City Code related to Marijuana Establishments. This includes updates to definitions, land -use classifications, and the Land Uses Allowed Table. The purpose of this discussion is to gather commissioner input and identify policy considerations prior to the joint work session with the City Council. Finally, the Planning and Zoning Commission has requested short training sessions at their work sessions. This mini training will focus on Robert's Rules of Order, including common motions, amendments, and procedural requirements, to support effective and consistent Commission decision -making 3 Mobile Health Unit Community Benefits of Mobile Health Units Overview Mobile Health Units (MHUs) are fully equipped clinical vehicles that deliver primary, preventive, and limited specialty health care services directly in the community. They are a widely used service delivery model employed by Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), hospitals, and public health agencies to improve service availability, strengthen care coordination, and respond flexibly to local needs — particularly in rural and remote communities like Seward. Planned Locations and Operating Use The mobile health unit is intended to operate at a variety of community locations on a scheduled, time -limited basis. Locations will be selected based on accessibility, community need, operational feasibility, and coordination with property owners or managing entities. A non-exclusive list of potential locations includes: • Seward's Cup (near Safeway; seasonal) • Cruise Ship Terminal (seasonal) • Schools • Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) — multiple sites • Churches and faith -based facilities • Boat Harbor and maritime facilities • City parking lots • Fire Department facilities • JAG and marine industrial sites • Community Library • Senior Center • Fisheries and seafood processing sites (including Icicle, RBS, and Polar Seafoods) • Alaska SeaLife Center • Spring Creek Correctional Center Use of the mobile unit at these locations may occur during daytime or early evening hours and may be recurring, seasonal, or event -based. Year-round operation is subject to the availability of appropriate heated indoor storage. At this time, the mobile unit is stored in covered, unheated storage during the winter months, which limits winter deployment. All operations will be coordinated in advance and conducted in a manner that minimizes traffic, noise, and disruption to surrounding uses and occupancies. Improved Access to Care Mobile Health Units (MHUs) are fully equipped clinical vehicles that deliver primary, preventive, and limited specialty health care services directly in the community. They are a 5 Community Benefits of Mobile Health Units widely used service delivery model employed by Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), hospitals, and public health agencies to improve service availability, strengthen care coordination, and respond flexibly to local needs — particularly in rural and remote communities like Seward. Improved Access to Care • Addresses practical barriers: MHUs help overcome common challenges such as transportation limitations, weather -related disruptions, distance from services, mobility constraints, and inflexible work schedules. • Extends geographic reach: Mobile services allow care to be provided in neighborhoods, worksites, senior housing, shelters, and other community locations where fixed -site clinics may be difficult to access. • Supports continuity of care: By bringing services closer to patients, MHUs reduce missed appointments and help patients stay connected to primary and preventive care. Community -Based Service Delivery • Patient -focused approach: Mobile medicine allows services to be delivered in settings that are convenient and familiar to patients, reducing delays in seeking care. • Locally responsive deployment: MHUs can be scheduled and routed based on identified community needs, seasonal population changes, or emerging service gaps. • Encourages earlier engagement: The visibility and convenience of mobile services support timely care before conditions require more intensive or costly intervention. Prevention and Public Health Support • Emphasis on preventive services: MHUs commonly provide primary care visits, chronic condition monitoring, vaccinations, screenings, and health education. • Reduces avoidable emergency use: By addressing health needs earlier and in community settings, mobile services help decrease non -emergency use of hospital emergency departments. • Public health response capacity: MHUs are effective tools for immunization clinics, outreach efforts, and response during public health events or emergencies. 6 Community Benefits of Mobile Health Units Addressing Community Need • Serves residents with limited access to fixed -site care: Mobile services are particularly beneficial for seniors, individuals with chronic health conditions, seasonal workers, and others who may have difficulty traveling to clinic locations. • Improves consistency of service delivery: MHUs help maintain access to care during periods of high demand, infrastructure disruption, or clinic capacity constraints. • Supports care coordination: Mobile services can be integrated with existing clinics and referral networks to ensure follow-up and continuity. Efficient and Flexible Use of Resources • Cost-effective extension of services: MHUs expand care capacity without the expense or permanence of new brick -and -mortar construction. • Adaptable operations: Service locations, hours, and offerings can be adjusted as community needs change. • Emergency and surge capability: Mobile units can function as temporary service sites during emergencies, natural disasters, or facility interruptions. Compatibility with Local Land Use and Community Character • Temporary and low -impact use: MHUs operate on a scheduled, time -limited basis and do not require permanent structures or land modification. • Comparable to other service vehicles: Their use is similar to mobile blood drives, mobile libraries, or food trucks that provide essential services without altering neighborhood character. Summary Mobile Health Units are a practical and flexible method of delivering health care services that directly benefits the community. Clear zoning code language and land use allowances for mobile medicine enable local governments to improve access to care, support preventive and primary health services, and enhance community readiness — while maintaining consistency with land use goals and community character. Mobile medicine complements, rather than replaces, fixed -site clinics and strengthens the overall local health care delivery system. Submitted by Jilian Chapman, CEO Seward Community Health Center January 14, 2026 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-XXX AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AMENDING SEWARD CITY CODE 15.10.140 DEFINITIONS AND 15.10.226 LAND USES ALLOWED TO INCORPORATE REGULATIONS FOR A MOBILE HEALTH UNIT WHEREAS, according to Seward City Code 15.01.035, the Planning and Zoning Commission by its own motion may recommend amendments to Title 15 to the City Council; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the community to periodically review and update the Seward zoning code to reflect community changes and needs; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a work sessions on January 20, 2026, to discuss how mobile health units should be incorporated into Seward City Code and recommend changes; and WHEREAS, the Seward City Code currently defines a "Mobile medical unit" as a trailer, motorized coach, or van containing advanced medical equipment such as a CT scanner, MRI, or similarly complex medical diagnostic or decontamination equipment; and WHEREAS, the City has identified a proposed use involving a motorized van operated by a local hospital to provide routine, non -emergency health screenings and check-ups that does not include advanced diagnostic imaging or decontamination equipment; and WHEREAS, the existing definition of "Mobile medical unit" does not accurately reflect or encompass lower -intensity mobile medical services such as routine health screenings and preventive care; and WHEREAS, the City finds that mobile health unit services differ in intensity, infrastructure needs, and land -use impacts from mobile medical units containing advanced diagnostic equipment; and WHEREAS, the City desires to support access to routine and preventive healthcare services while maintaining clarity and consistency within the zoning code; and WHEREAS, the creation of a distinct land -use definition for mobile health units will improve regulatory clarity, administrative efficiency, and enforcement consistency; and WHEREAS, allowing mobile health units in commercial and institutional zoning districts is consistent with the intent of the zoning code and the character of those zoning districts; and 8 WHEREAS, the City Council finds that this amendment promotes the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved Resolution 2026-0XX on Month X, 2026, recommending the City Council approve the proposed parking amendments; and WHEREAS, the proposed code change is consistent with values and goals expressed in the Comprehensive Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SEWARD ORDAINS that: Section 1. Seward City Code Title 15.10.140 Definitions is hereby amended to read as follows (new language is in bolded italics and deleted language is stricken): 58. Mobile health unit. A motorized vehicle, trailer, or van used for the provision of routine, non -emergency medical services such as health screenings, examinations, vaccinations, preventive care, or similar outpatient services. A mobile health unit does not include vehicles containing advanced diagnostic imaging equipment such as CT scanners or MRI machines, nor does it include decontamination equipment. Section 2. Seward City Code Title 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed is hereby amended to read as follows (new language is in bolded italics, and deleted language is stricken): K. Mobile medical units and mobile health units as defined in section 15.10.140E are allowed in accordance with table 15.10.226 of this chapter and subject to the following: 1. The unit shall not provide services within any public right-of-way. 2. The unit may operate in a single location for a maximum of 150 consecutive days in a calendar year 3. The unit shall be and remain legally licensed and road -ready. Table 15.10.226. Land Uses Allowed KEY: O - Use Permitted Outright H - Home Occupation 9 C - Use Requires Conditional Use Permit P - Use Requires Administrative Permit Blank - Use Prohibited Zoning Districts Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally Public Uses RR R1 R2 R3 UR OR AC HC CB I RM INS P Mobile, health unit O O O O O O Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days upon adoption. ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA the XX day of Month, 2026. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Sue McClure, Mayor AYES: NOES: AB SENT: ABSTAIN: VACANT: ATTEST: Kris Peck City Clerk (City Seal) 10 Marijuana Code Review CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-XXX AN ORDINANCE OF THE SEWARD CITY COUNCIL, AMENDING SEWARD CITY CODE 15.10.226 — LAND USES ALLOWED FOR MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENTS WHEREAS,; and WHEREAS,; and WHEREAS,; and WHEREAS,; and WHEREAS,; and WHEREAS,; and WHEREAS,; and NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SEWARD ORDAINS that: Section 1. Seward City Code Title 15.10.140 Definitions is hereby amended to read as follows (new language is in bolded italics and underlined, and deleted language is stricken): B. Specific definitions. (Parenthetical references are for cross-reference only.) In this chapter, unless otherwise provided or the context otherwise requires: 54. Marijuana. Marijuana means "marijuana" as that term is as defined in Alaska Statute 17.38.900 and any amendments thereto, means all parts of the plant of the genus cannabis whether growing or not, the seeds thereof the resin extracted from any part of the plant, and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds, or its resin, including marijuana concentrate; "marijuana" does not include fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant, sterilized seed of the plant that is incapable of germination, the weight of any other ingredient combined with marijuana to prepare topical or oral administrations, food, drink, or other products, or industrial hemp as defined in AS 03.05.100 12 55. Marijuana establishment. Marijuana establishment means a A marijuana cultivation facility, a marijuana testing facility, a marijuana product manufacturing facility, or a retail marijuana store as those terms are defined in AS 17.38.900 and any amendments thereto. a. Cultivation facility, limited. A licensed limited marijuana facility has the same privileges and prohibitions set forth in 3 AAC 306.405(a)(b)(c) and can perform the same activities as a licensed standard marijuana cultivation facility except it must have fewer than 500 square feet under cultivation (3 AAC 306.400). Mafijuana-eCultivation facility, standard. Marijuana cultivation facility means aAn entity registered to plant, propagate, cultivate, harvest, prepare, cure, package, store, and label and package marijuana,: and to sell marijuana to licensed retail marijuana stores, to licensed marijuana product manufacturing facilities, and to other licensed marijuana cultivation facilities, but not to consumers..-, subject to all the privileges and prohibitions described in 3 AAC 306.600-3 ACC 603.675. 1. Limited marijuana cultivation facilityA limited marijuana cultivation facility has the privileges set forth at 3 AAC 305.405(a) and (b), and is subject to the prohibitions at 3 AAC 306.405(c), except that it must have fewer than 500 square feet under cultivation. lac. Marijuana pProduct manufacturing facility, heavy. Marijuana product n entity registered to purchase harvested marijuana from a cultivation facility; extract, process, manufacture, prepare, and package marijuana products; and transfer or sell marijuana and marijuana products to other marijuana product manufacturing facilities, a marijuana testing facility, or and to retail marijuana stores, but not to consumers. There is a high potential of creating noise, vibration, dust, smoke, fumes, odor, glare, toxins, or other environmental impacts on surrounding properties or uses because of the nature of its equipment, operations, processes, materials, and products. cL Product manufacturing facility, light. An entity registered to engage in the manufacture, predominantly from previously prepared and/or finished marijuana products or parts that, because of the nature of its equipment, operations, processes, materials, and products, has little or no potential of creating noise, vibration, dust, smoke, fumes, odor, glare, or other environmental impacts on surrounding properties or uses. € e. Retail marijuana store. Retail marijuana store means aAn entity registered to purchase marijuana from marijuana cultivation facilities, to purchase marijuana and marijuana products from marijuana product manufacturing facilities, and to sell marijuana and marijuana products to consumers. f Retail store with onsite consumption endorsement, indoor. An entity authorized to sell specific marijuana products and amounts for consumption at the time of purchase only within an indoor area of the building designated as the marijuana consumption area. 13 & Retail store with onsite consumption endorsement, outdoor. An entity authorized to sell specific marijuana products and amounts for consumption at the time of purchase within a designated outdoor space surrounded by a sight- obscurine wall or fence. h. Retail store walk-up or drive -through exterior window pick-up. A window attached to the licensed marijuana retail store through which a customer on foot or in a vehicle may purchase marijuana products. Ei. Marijuana testing facility. Marijuana testing facility means aAn entity registered to analyze and certify the safety and potency of marijuana. 56. Marijuana products. Marijuana products means cConcentrated marijuana products and marijuana products that are comprised of marijuana and other ingredients and are intended for use or consumption, such as, but not limited to, edible products, ointments, and tinctures. Section 2. Seward City Code Title 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed Table is hereby amended to read as follows (new language is in bolded italics and underlined, and deleted language is stricken): H. Marijuana establishments as defined in section SCC $15.10.140.B.55 are allowed in accordance with SCC Land Uses Allowed tTable §15.10.226 of this chapter subject to the following: 1. The facility owner or operator has submitted a license application to the State of Alaska for the corresponding type of marijuana establishment prior to operation, and maintains a current license from the state at all times the facility is in operation. 2. Marijuana establishments shall not to be located within 500 feet of the entrance of any building where religious ceremonies are regularly held, a correctional facility, recreational facility or youth center licensed by the state or local government, park, playground, athletic field, community center, childcare facility, housing facility owned by a public housin' authority, homeless and transient shelter, habilitative care facility, or within 1,000 feet of any school. The distance specified in this subsection must be measured by the shortest pedestrian route from the public entrance of the building in which the licensed premises would be located to the outer parcel boundaries of the school, recreation or youth facility or to the main public entrance of the building in which religious services are regularly held, or the correctional facility. The burden of proof demonstrating that the facility meets the required separation distances is the responsibility of the marijuana establishment owner or operator. 3. A marijuana establishment shall be in a permanent structure with a valid certificate of occupancy. No marijuana establishment shall be authorized in a vehicle, trailer, 14 mobile food unit, standalone intermodal shipping container (i.e. conex unit), or temporary structure. 34. All marijuana establishments shall meet all other criteria in this the Seward City Code and in Alaska Statutes and Alaska Administrative Codes. TABLE Zoning District Designations The following zoning district abbreviations are provided for information and interpretation: RR = Rural, very low density single-family residential R1 = Single-family, low density residential R2 = Single and two-family, medium density residential R3 = Single, two and multi -family, high density residential UR = Urban residential, a mix of residential uses and low impact home professional offices OR = Office residential AC = Auto and neighborhood oriented, light commercial HC = Harbor commercial CB = Central business district - dense downtown commercial I = Industrial RM = Resource management - partially developable lands subject to floodplains and steep slopes INS = Institutional, public, quasi -public uses P = Parks Table 15.10.226. Land Uses Allowed Key: O — Use Permitted Outright H — Home Occupation C — Use Requires Conditional Use Permit P — Use Requires Administrative Permit Blank — Use Prohibited 15 Zoning Districts Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally Public Uses RR RI R2 R3 UR OR AC HC CB I RM INS P Marijuana establishment, cultivation facility 9 0 0 Marijuana INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK establishment, cultivation facility, limited Marijuana establishment, limited cultivation faeility 14 14 1=1 1=1 1=1 H 1 14 14 14 Marijuana INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK establishment, cultivation facility, standard Marijuana establishment, predttet manufacturing facility (hazardous materials) E Marijuana INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK establishment, product manufacturing facility, heavy Marijuana establishment, product manufacturing facility, light (non C C 0 C hazardous materials) Marijuana establishment, retail store 0 0 C 0 C 0 C Marijuana establishment, retail store with onsite consumption endorsement; indoor 0 0 C 0 C 0 C 16 Zoning Districts Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally Public Uses RR RI R2 R3 UR OR AC HC CB I RM INS P Marijuana INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK establishment, retail store with onsite consumption endorsement: outdoor Marijuana establishment, retail 0 0 0 0 &tore with on site eensumptieti endorsement; outdoor Marijuana INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK establishment, retail store walk-up or drive -through exterior window pick-up Marijuana establishment, testing facility 0 0 0 0 0 C Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption. ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA the XX day of Month, 2026. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Sue McClure, Mayor AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: VACANT: ATTEST: 17 Kris Peck City Clerk (City Seal) 18 Commissioner Training PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION 1. You want the Commission to take action: • Make a main motion i. "I move to approve Resolution 2026-xxx" • Requires second and vote CHEAT SHEET 2. You want to change a motion already on the floor • Make an amendment i. "I move to amend Resolution 2026-xxx to add/strike..." ii. "I move to amend Resolution 2026-xxx to add a condition that states..." • Requires second and vote • Discussion involves only the amendment 3. You want more time before voting on a resolution • Make an attempt to postpone item. Can be done in two different ways: i. During agenda approval 1. Ask to postpone to a later date a. If no one objects, resolution is postponed b. If objection, make a motion to postpone i. Second and vote is required 2. During agenda approval, the item is never opened and no record is created. 3. This option works well if you want to postpone the public hearing. ii. During resolution deliberation 1. Make a motion to postpone to a later date a. Requires second and vote 2. When item is brought back, Commission picks up the proceeding exactly where they left off. Keep in mind the public hearing will have already occurred. 4. You want to remove something from the consent agenda • Request item to be removed and put on regular agenda i. No motion required. Clerk will place the item in the appropriate place on the agenda. 5. You want to add something to the agenda • Request item to be added to the agenda i. If no one objects, Clerk will add item in the appropriate place on the agenda. ii. If objection, make a motion to add item 20 1. Second and vote is required • No items may be added if they require public notice. If a Commissioner would like to add an item requiring public notice, Commissioner should request to add a Discussion Item regarding item requiring public notice. If the Discussion Item is added to the agenda, the Commission as a collective body may direct Administration to publicly notice item and include as an agenda item at the next meeting. 6. You disagree with the Chair's procedural ruling • Make a motion to appeal ruling of the Chair i. Requires second and vote 7. You have a conflict of interest, bias, or have engaged in ex parte communication • When asked by the Chair, publicly announce the potential conflict and state whether you believe you can remain impartial i. Chair will rule on whether participation is allowed 1. Any Commissioner may challenge the Chair's ruling. The question then before the Commission is, "Shall the ruling of the Chair be sustained?" a. A majority of No votes overrules the Chair's ruling • While Commissioners do state if they believe they can remain impartial, Commissioners do not recuse themselves. They allow the Chair and possibly the Commission to decide participation. 8. You believe another Commissioner has a conflict of interest, bias, or has engaged in ex parte communication • When asked by the Chair, state your concerns on the record i. Chair will rule on whether participation is allowed 1. Any Commissioner may challenge the Chair's ruling. The question then before the Commission is, "Shall the ruling of the Chair be sustained?" a. A majority of No votes overrules the Chair's ruling 9. You think a decision needs to be revisited • Make a motion to reconsider i. Only prevailing side may make a motion to reconsider ii. Timing differs for Legislative and Quasi -Judicial resolutions 1. Legislative: May make motion at any point in the same meeting as the decision or with the Clerks Office by 5:OOpm on the next business day 2. Quasi -Judicial: Must be made in the same meeting before adjournment 21 iii. Two -Thirds vote required 10. A resolution does not receive a motion and second • This differs based on if the agenda item is a legislative or quasi-judicial item i. Legislative Item: If no motion and second occurs, the item cannot be acted upon ii. Quasi -Judicial Item: If no motion and second occurs at the initial call, the Chair proceeds with the public hearing. If no motion and second occurs after the close of the public hearing, the item fails and a denial resolution with findings is required. 11. You wish to make a friendly amendment • A friendly amendment is an agreed -upon, non -substantive change accepted by the mover and seconder and allowed by the Chair that is made before the original amendment is voted upon. Otherwise, it must be a formal amendment. i. Ask the Chair if your amendment would be considered friendly. ii. Chair asks the mover and seconder if they are agreeable to incorporating the change as a friendly amendment. iii. If no objection, the amendment may be incorporated. If there is objection, a formal motion to amend is required. 12. Loss of quorum mid -meeting • If quorum is lost mid -meeting due to a Commissioner recusal or any other reason, no further action can be taken and the item must be continued at a later time when quorum is reestablished. No discussion or deliberation may continue once quorum is lost. 13. You wish to convene an executive session • You make a motion to convene as executive session. i. Your motion must state the specific purpose. The reasons must be permissible in accordance with Rule 20 of your Rules of Procedures. ii. No action may be taken in executive session. 14. You wish to engage someone speaking during public comment • You may ask clarification questions to the speaker, but you should not deliberate with them or the Commission until the hearing is closed. It is not appropriate to answer questions from the public. 15. Golden Rule • If you're unsure, ask the Chair, Clerk, or Administration 22