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Home My WebLink About03032020 Planning & Zoning Minutes City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes March 3, 2020 Volume 7,Page 390 CALL TO ORDER The March 3, 2020 regular meeting of the Seward Planning& Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Cindy Ecklund. OPENING CEREMONY Commissioner Charbonneau led the pledge of allegiance to the flag ROLL CALL There were present: Cindy Ecklund presiding,and Nathanial Charbonneau Tom Swann Liz DeMoss Craig Ambrosiani Gary Seese Comprising a quorum of the Board; and Also Present Jackie C. Wilde, Community Development Director Andy Bacon, Planning Assistant Excused Kelli Hatfield CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Tony Baclaan,inside city,thanked the Commission for their work on the walkable mural policy. Baclaan welcomed commissioner DeMoss to her first P&Z meeting. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Swann/Charbonneau) Approve the agenda and consent agenda Motion (Swann/Charbonneau) Amend the agenda to add New Business item D to discuss process for presenting a gold pan to Martha Fleming Motion Passed Unanimous Motion (Swann/DeMoss) Amend the agenda to add New Business item E to discuss and request staff move forward on beach restoration project Motion Passed Unanimous City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes March 3, 2020 Volume 7,Page 391 Motion (Ecklund/Swann) Motion to remove February 4, 2020 from the consent agenda Motion Passed Unanimous Main Motion Passed Unanimous SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Administration Report Jackie Wilde updated the Commission on the following business items • Wilde presented the Commission with 2020 Alaska Planning Association Conference hand painted mugs. • Wilde announced that a job offer for the new City Planner was accepted and the new hire is set to begin work on April 6. • Bacon discussed a couple of sessions he attended from the 2020 planning conference, including one on coastal hazard mapping, and one on tourism best management practices from the City of Juneau. Other Reports,Announcements, and Presentations Planning conference report from attendees: Ecklund, Charbonneau,and Swann Swann discussed some aspects of the Commissioner training program involving making findings on variance applications,which he found very educational and relevant to tonight's meeting. Swan found the conference to be very beneficial, and looks forward to attending future conferences. Charbonneau stated that the meeting sessions were very beneficial, and discussed a session on public noticing that outlined various ways of providing public notice in addition to direct mailing and public posting. Ecklund discussed ways in which meeting procedure might be modified to allow additional input from applicants or their representatives,based on some discussion from the Commissioner training session. New Business Items requiring a Public Hearing Resolution 2020-03 Granting a Variance From Seward City Code 15.10.222 Development Requirements Table To Charles McEldowney, Permitting An Exception To The Zoning Code To Allow A 5 Foot Side Yard Setback To A Street On Lot 20, Block 38, Original Townsite Seward 601 Fourth Avenue,Within The Office Residential Zoning District Bacon stated that the applicant requested this variance to expand the buildable envelope on their lot from fifteen feet to twenty feet. Bacon discussed the current site plan and use of the property, and noted the house presently located on the lot is a legal nonconforming structure with encroachments into 2 setbacks and the right of way. The applicant's development plan would eliminate encroachments into the right of way.Bacon discussed surrounding zoning and land uses. Bacon stated that no objections from staff were received,and all public notice requirements were City of Sewar4 Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes March 3, 2020 Volume 7, Page 392 met. Bacon stated that staff recommends approval of this variance application with conditions that the owner work with the electric and building departments on any requirements for the new site plan, and that the applicant adhere to a 10 foot rear yard setback. Chair Ecklund opened public hearing on this item Mark Chilman, inside city, discussed concerns with the ability to maintain adequate room for drainage and sidewalks along rights of way in this area. Wanice Cowles, inside city, stated that she lives next door to the subject property and wanted to clarify that this item does not affect her property and that she is here in support of the applicant. Motion(Swann/Ambrosiani) Approve Resolution 2020-03 Granting a Variance From Seward City Code 15.10.222 Development Requirements Table To Charles McEldowney, Permitting An Exception To The Zoning Code To Allow A 5 Foot Side Yard Setback To A Street On Lot 20, Block 38, Original Townsite Seward 601 Fourth Avenue, Within The Office Residential Zoning District Swann stated that he is in favor of the application,and believes that the applicant meets the criteria where approval is acceptable. Swann stated a finding that the setback restriction was put in place after the property was platted, causing this corner lot to have a buildable restriction greater than the neighboring lots. Swann agreed with the finding in the resolution that the variance requested was the minimum variance necessary to permit the reasonable use of the property, ad stated that the applicant is not asking for greater relief than what is permitted in the surrounding lots. Ecklund asked to clarify some comments from the staff report, regarding possible alternatives. Swann addressed public comment by noting that the sidewalks and gutters were on city property and that the applicants request for variance is wholly on their property so the two do not'conflict. Ambrosiani thanked staff for all the information provided in the packet. Motion passed AYES: Swann, Seese, Charbonneau, Ambrosiani,DeMoss, Ecklund NOES: none City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes March 3, 2020 Volume 7,Page 393 Resolution 2020-04 Granting A Conditional Use Permit To Sockeye Point Marine Services LLC To Construct and Operate A Bunkhouse On Tract F Fourth Of July Creek Subdivision Number Two Within The Industrial Zoning District Bacon described the subject property size and current use. Bacon referred to an aerial image of the property, showing where the proposed bunkhouse would be located in relation to the road and the industrial uses taking place on the property. Bacon described the proposed bunkhouse structure based on application materials. Bacon described surrounding land use and zoning, on-site utilities available,and stated that the applicant is planning on using a septic pumping service in conjunction with two 2,000 gallon holding tanks for wastewater disposal. City staff have reviewed the project, and their comments are provided in the packet and reflected in the conditions. Public notice was provided in accordance with City Code. Chair Ecklund opened public hearing on this item Charles McEldowney,outside city, stated that he supports this resolution based on the identified community need for employee housing in Seward. McEldowney stated that he has attended public meetings over the years on economic development and promoting the marine trades, and that the need for additional employee housing is discussed often. Tony Baclaan, inside city, stated that he supports this application, and supports ideas to promote mixed uses of property and increasing housing in Seward. Baclaan stated that he liked the idea of pumping out wastewater so as not to put additional strain on City facilities adjacent to SMIC. Rob Enderbrock, outside city, stated that he was the applicant, and has worked on the North Slope for 35 years, and has lived in similar housing during his career. The unit he proposed to move down to Seward was up until very recently being used for housing. Tim Jagielski II,inside city,stated that JAG has grown considerably since taking over the drydock and is really struggling to find housing for their employees. Jagielski stated concerns about lost work opportunity as a result of not having places to house employees and visiting boat crews who utilize local hotels and restaurants. Jagielski stated that the increased business that would result from having more housing would benefit multiple sectors of the Seward economy. Motion (Ambrosiani/Swann) Approve resolution 2020-04 Granting A Conditional Use Permit To Sockeye Point Marine Services LLC To Construct and Operate A Bunkhouse On Tract F Fourth Of July Creek Subdivision Number Two Within The Industrial Zoning District Ambrosiani stated that he looked forward to hearing comments from Fire Chief Crites because we are hearing two really important sides to this issue in the need for more housing while also ensuring safety of residents, especially in the SMIC area which is located farther away from first responders. Ecklund requested the Fire Chief come to the podium and discuss building safety for City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes March 3, 2020 Volume 7, Page 394 this application. Clinton Crites stated in response to Ambrosiani that there are just a few single family houses that are in the SFD coverage area along Nash Road.Crites stated that he understands and supports the creation of additional employee housing in the SMIC area, but cautioned the Commission that increased response times to reach that area in an emergency necessitated additional building safety measures, and urged the Commission to act in their abilities to support that mission.Crites stated that any building relocated into City Limits needed to meet adopted City Codes. In response to Ecklund, Crites gave an overview of fire department assets in the SMIC area. Swann stated that he supports this application, and noted that at the last meeting the Commission reviewed a CUP for employee housing in tents, and at that meeting the Commission discussed wanting to see more permanent structures used for employee housing, and as such approved the use of tents for just one more year. Swann suggested adding a condition to maintain a vegetative buffer between the housing and industrial work taking place on the property. Commission discussed adding additional life safety conditions beyond what is currently recommended. Ecklund stated that she was in support of the resolution as written, and stated that she hoped to see additional fire department resources in the future. DeMoss stated that she supported the resolution as written, and would defer to the Fire Department to ensure buildings were up to code. Motion (Swann/Charhonneau) Amend section F7 of resolution to delete the word "animal" and replace with "bear" Motion Passed Unanimous Motion (Swann/Charbonneau) Amend section F6 of resolution to state that a vegetation greenbelt shall he maintained surrounding the bunkhouse Motion Passed AYES: Swann,Ambrosiani Charbonneau, Seese,Ecklund NOES: DeMoss Motion passed AYES: Swann,Ambrosiani Charbonneau, Seese,DeMoss,Ecklund NOES: none UNFINISHED BUSINESS- none NEW BUSINESS A. Elect Commission Chair and Vice Chair City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes March 3, 2020 Volume 7, Page 395 Motion (Swann/Seese) Elect Cindy Ecklund as Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Motion (Swann/Ambrosiani) Elect Tom Swann as Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Vice Chair Motion Passed Unanimous B. Set work session topic for March 17,2020 as"Comprehensive Plan review: Land Use"and "Discuss crosswalk(walkable murals)application process" Commission discussed and set work session topics to those recommended in the agenda.The Chair polled the Commission for availability C. Approval of February 4, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes Chair Ecklund pointed out a housekeeping omission from the February 4, 2020 meeting minutes D. Discuss presenting a gold pan to former Commissioner Fleming Motion (Swann/Seese) Order a gold pan for Commissioner Martha Fleming to be presented by Council at a future meeting. Motion Passed Unanimous E. Request staff write a letter re beach nourishment Motion(Swann/Ecklund) Direct staff to write a letter to the flood service area board requesting funding for project design for beach revitalization and place two test piles of fill material above the high-water mark for the purpose of observing natural erosion Motion Passed Unanimous Commission Comments: Charbonneau-Thanked staff for their work and thanked the public for attending the meeting Swann- updated staff and commission about upcoming meeting availability Seese-Thanked Ecklund and Swann for their service as officers Ambrosiani-Thanked staff for the information provided in the packet Ecklund-Thanked the public for attending and providing input on the public hearing items. City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes March 3, 2020 Volume 7, Page 396 Citizens' Comments: Tony Baclaan, inside city, thanked Liz DeMoss for joining the Commission and congratulated Commissioners Swann and Ecklund for their willingness to serve as officers. Baclaan discussed mitigating measures to allow for the increase in housing opportunities at SMIC. Tim Jagielski II, inside city, thanked the Commission for their work, and highlighted the importance of employee housing to the growth of businesses in Seward. Jagielski stated that he would be totally open to adding fire suppression systems to employee housing. Commission and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments ADJOURNMENT (Swann) The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM Jac ' C. Wilde Cindy L. lund Community Development Director Chair (City Seal;:OF SE`V'�'• �� r........• ## :''``.,G10OPA•r••eriO v ? o: a - •E . SEAL . . z ,� ., • S •••.,HF 1 day`; iQ.,,�• �4T••........, 5 �`•., F OF FO ' P,.•