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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04062021 Planning & Zoning Minutes City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 6, 2021 CALL TO ORDER Volume 7, Page 452 The April 6, 2021 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 Clare Sullivan Gary Seese Nathaniel Charbonneau Vanessa Verhey (telephonically) Tom Swann (telephonically) Craig Ambrosiani (arrived 7:07 p.m.) Comprising a quorum of the Board; and Jackie C. Wilde, Community Development Director Brenda Ballow, City Clerk CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Carol Griswold(telephonically) had a comment for the city attorney:as a potential change in the official maps, she wondered if a petition to rename a street required following SCC 15.01.035 amendment process to secure signatures from 51%of the area property owners,as well as posting a notice. She believed that Dairy Hill was a recognizable feature in the Seward landscape, and she thought Chamberlin Road should be renamed to Dairy Hill Lane because no one remembered who Chamberlin was anymore. Griswold believed that Dairy Hill Lane was utterly charming and asked the commission to keep the name. Cheryl Seese (written) was opposed to renaming Dairy Hill Lane to Chamberlin Road because it represented a threat against the preservation of Seward's history. She suggested naming a different street Chamberlin Road, if possible. Ambrosiani arrived at 7:07 p.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Charbonneau/Sullivan) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 6, 2021 Volume 7, Page 453 There were no consent agenda items. SPECIAL ORDERS,PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Administration Report. Community Development Director Jackie Wilde introduced new City Planner Courtney Bringhurst. City Planner Courtney Bringhurst said she hailed from Pennsylvania;she had a Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture,and had previously worked for the National Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management in Utah. She was excited to join the city. Wilde announced that Andy Bacon had left the city and would be missed. The vacancy for the Planning Technician position was being advertised. Other Reports,Announcements, and Presentations - None Special Items - Election of Chair and Vice-Chair Ecklund opened nominations for the chair. Ambrosiani nominated Ecklund as chair; Sullivan seconded. There were no other nominations. Ecklund called for objections; there were none. Ecklund opened nominations for the vice chair. Charbonneau nominated Swann as vice chair; Ambrosiani seconded. There were no other nominations. Ecklund called for objections; there were none. PUBLIC HEARINGS Resolutions Requiring Public Hearing Resolution 2021-008, of the Planning And Zoning Commission Of The City Of Seward, Alaska, Granting a Conditional Use Permit To Seaview Community Services to Operate Recovery Housing,Substance Abuse Treatment Center,And Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)Clinic Within A Four(4)Unit Multi Family Dwelling On Lot 21a Block 25,Original Townsite Of Seward Located At 402 Second Avenue; Within The Auto Commercial (AC) Zoning District. Motion(Ambrosiani/Charbonneau) Approve Resolution 2021-008 Wilde said SeaView Community Services applied for a Conditional Use Permit(CUP)to operate a recovery house and substance abuse treatment center at 402 Second Avenue. The property was zoned Auto Commercial(AC). Wilde reviewed the conditions that would be applied by the Fire and Building Departments, and concluded that the Community Development Department was recommending approval of the CUP. City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 6, 2021 Volume 7, Page 454 Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. Grace Williams read a letter from SeaView's governing board requesting support of this resolution; there would be no zoning changes required, and the property would be professionally staffed and operated. She added that she was in favor,personally,of approving this resolution. She understood that the idea of substance misuse was difficult, but the stereotypes were not always accurate. In fact, Williams said, she believed most people knew at least one person who struggled with an addiction problem. Jim Doepken was a pastor in Seward, and was on the board for SeaView. He could see the proposed property from his own house; he was comfortable having this SeaView facility in that location. Surrounding his home was a variety of activities, including nightly rentals, crew housing, and several medical, commercial, and law enforcement activities. He wished to fight against the stigma of substance misuse.The SeaView facility would be dedicated to serving people who were working on recovery, people who were seeking help for their mental health and substance misuse issues. Marie Gage believed in rehabilitation, but did not wish to have the facility located in this particular neighborhood. She had called some of the treatment centers in other communities and learned that they were not located within residential neighborhoods. Gage presented a citizen petition containing 59 signatures she had collected from residents on Second Avenue and Sixth Avenue. She reported having spoken to several residents on Sixth Avenue about their experiences with the facility in their neighborhood;the neighbors complained to her about the experiences that had with the clients, specifically stating that they were not notified of walk-aways and that the clients exercised in the yard outdoors. She suggested perhaps building a new facility over by the Spring Creek Correctional Center. Erik Van Eck could see the proposed facility from his home. He was raising seven children, one of whom had seen a counselor at SeaView; his son had suffered through high turnover in the staff counselors to whom he was assigned. He believed this treatment center would bring drugs into the neighborhood, and he didn't want his children exposed to it. He thought this facility should be located in a more commercial area. Zach Johnson lived near the hospital,which was nearby the proposed facility location.He had small children who played in the neighborhood. He was afraid of how this facility would impact the neighborhood, and suggested that drugs might be planted in secret locations for the facility's clients which could be inadvertently found by children. He knew how difficult it was for recovering addicts to be tempted by their past associates, and worried the neighborhood children could be put at risk. Kameron Kowalski had grown up exposed to drug and alcohol issues within her own family; several people in her family had struggled with addictions. She said her mother may not have died from an overdose in 2004 if there was a facility like this available in Seward at the time. She supported the location for the SeaView facility, and understood that Seward was a sheltered City of Sewarc4 Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 6, 2021 Volume 7, Page 455 place, but thought parents needed to prepare their children for the real world. Carol Griswold(telephonically) said this structure started in the 1950s as a garage and gas station business, then turned into a single-family home, then a single-family home with two apartments, and most recently a single-family home with three nightly rentals. She thought there was information missing from the packet that were important, including the use as a treatment facility. She believed the floor plans and parking plans were missing spaces dedicated to staff needs,and the dimensions were inaccurate. Putting this treatment facility in this location would be like putting them in a fishbowl, providing no privacy for the facility or the neighboring homes. She wished the commission would listen to the neighbors,most of whom did not wish to have this resolution approved. Lori Landstrom (written) fully supported this resolution. She wished to end the stigma of recovery. Ann Weed(written) supported the work of SeaView and this new facility;it was important to acknowledge a health crisis in the beginning stages. CJ Horner (written) was a neighbor of this proposed facility. They strongly objected to this resolution,and thought there were other locations more appropriate. Diana Morrison (written) lived nearby the proposed facility, and was excited to see this proposed facility. She had first-hand experience with receiving assistance from SeaView in 2013 for guidance,and was grateful that they were available. Art&Yolanda LeMaster(written)were neighbors to the proposed facility.They enjoyed living in this neighborhood, but did not want this new facility next door. They had spoken to residents on Sixth Avenue who said they felt like a prisoner in their own home. They believed this facility should not be located in a residential neighborhood. Naneth Ambrosiani(written) lived in this neighborhood. She opposed having this facility in the neighborhood, and was concerned that it would have a negative impact on her family's quality of life. She wished to have the quiet neighborhood remain intact,and was concerned about the potential negative impact on property values. Marsha Ambacher (written) supported SeaView's plans for a new facility. She thought the location was perfect because it was near the SeaView offices,and had the hospital nearby. She thought SeaView's treatment program was well-run and effective. Every person being treated by SeaView was someone's brother,sister,parent,or friend.She believed that SeaView only accepted clients who wished to take part in the program, and that people who went through their programs became successful and productive in society. Alan Nickell(written)was the police chief in Seward.He supported SeaView and the work they performed. He thought it was crucial to have people suffering from addictions to have a safe space for their recovery. He stated the police department had only one case concerning the Sixth City of Sewarct Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 6, 2021 Volume 7, Page 456 Avenue facility. There was a big difference between the behavior of an addict on the streets and an addict who was in recovery. Richard Cruse(written)supported SeaView's program,but wondered if this was the right location for a new facility; perhaps moving the facility over near Spring Creek would be a better alternative. Kevin Finch (written) objected to locating the SeaView treatment center in this proposed location. He feared an increase in crime and drugs would result. He believed the Sixth Avenue location had received complaints by the police department. He was also concerned with a drop in property values. Kelley Baker (written) strongly supported SeaView's proposed facility. She believed the mission of this facility aligned with that of Providence Hospital and the city. Christy Skinner Audette Bagula(written) lived nearby the proposed facility location.she recalled the structure being used as a home, and was opposed to having the property used as a methadone clinic. She didn't think it was the right location,and was concerned with the impact on the neighborhood. Katy Baldwin Johnson (written) supported this resolution. She thought it was critical for SeaView to expand bed availability in order to meet demand in a timely manner; when someone wanted to accept treatment, making them wait for a bed to open up was detrimental.. David Kingsland (written) was in favor of this resolution. The proposed location was in a historically commercially-zoned area; all along Jefferson Avenue was one commercial endeavor or another. No one else appeared and the public hearing was closed. Ecklund asked Ambrosiani if he expected to have any financial impact, either positive or negative, if this resolution were to be approved since he lived nearby. In response, Ambrosiani stated he did not expect to have any financial impact either way. Ecklund asked the commission if anyone wanted to have Ambrosiani recused from this item. There were no objections to having Ambrosiani continue. Ambrosiani thought the best location for this facility should be explored by the community, with planning foresight in mind. He thought there was a clear message from the neighboring property owners that they did not want the facility to be located in this neighborhood, based upon the citizen petition that had been turned in earlier in the meeting. Ambrosiani also wondered if the commission should even be entertaining this CUP tonight, because SeaView had not properly receive a CUP for their current location on Sixth Avenue; he saw this as a code violation. He thought perhaps the commission should instead be considering where the most appropriate location for a treatment facility should be,and then act accordingly. His desire would be to add a condition City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 6, 2021 Volume 7, Page 457 requiring the CUP to come back to the commission in one year for another review. Sullivan was concerned that the property had been purchased prior to this CUP coming forward. She thought the presence of this facility may have a negative impact on the neighborhood. She was also concerned with the loss of sales tax and bed tax monies for the city. Having experience working in law enforcement, Sullivan was concerned with potential criminal activities this facility might draw. Charbonneau was concerned with the location of this facility; it was too close to single- family residences. Seese wondered if there could be a different location for this facility. He was concerned with the set-up of the facility inside, and if the rooms were constructed in such a way as to be effective for this use.He suggested perhaps the city should build a new treatment facility in another location instead. Ecklund stated the packet materials indicated that this CUP request was appropriate and lawful, per city code. She believed the conditions put into the CUP by the fire department would satisfy the internal structure of the building being appropriate and useful. She thought there was more trouble created by untreated drug abusers on the streets than people who were actively receiving help in a treatment facility. Swann thought this CUP proposed a similar mix of uses as the commission had seen before; he would be in favor of this resolution. Verhey was concerned with this location continuing under a variance from city code, although it was already being used for nightly lodging. She would be in favor of postponing this and deliberating more. Charbonneau pointed out the future land use plan designated this location to be re-zoned to residential in the future. In response, Ecklund said the Comprehensive Plan identified several areas which would support this proposed CUP. Ecklund suggested that the scope of the commission's authority in this regard was to ensure appropriate conditions were placed upon the CUP request; it was not for the commission to say this facility could not exist in this location. Ambrosiani believed this was an unlisted use, and was concerned that the commission would be shoehorning this CUP in to fit. He was concerned that there was not a definition in city code which specifically identified a treatment facility. He believed the definition needed to be identified before proceeding with the CUP. Swann understood the concerns being expressed, but wanted to keep the discussions relevant to identifying the conditions being placed upon SeaView for this CUP. He said it wasn't up to the commission to allow the facility being in this location, because that was already allowed by city code, but rather to set the conditions for the CUP. City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 2021 Volume 7, Page 458 Ambrosiani wanted the city code violation on the other SeaView property to be resolved prior to having this CUP approved. In response, Wilde said what was before the commission tonight was the approval of a CUP for this particular location; the building and fire department would address concerns about life safety as part of the CUP.Regarding the Sixth Avenue location, Wilde said SeaView was operating that facility as apartments, and so did not require having a CUP. Wilde said the Community Development Department would look into that issue, but reminded the commission that that was not what was before them for consideration tonight. The commission suspended the rules to speak to Christine Sheehan. In response to Ecklund, Executive Director of SeaView Community Services Christine Sheehan said the fence in the back yard of the proposed location was wooden and was approximately six feet high. Sheehan confirmed that no visitors would be allowed to come to the facility. Sheehan stated that most clients in treatment did not have their own vehicles, but there would be two to three staff members on duty who drove vehicles. In response to Sullivan,Sheehan said there would usually be one or two staff people at a time on site for the MAT program. The commission went back on the rules. Motion to Amend(Ambrosiani/Sullivan) Amend Resolution 2021-008 by adding a new condition #H to require this CUP to come back for a one-year review, to include having a public hearing, and also to require SeaView submit quarterly reports to the commission that address the facility's activities. Ecklund supported having an annual review, and said if the conditions of the CUP were not upheld, the CUP could be revoked or modified by the commission. Ecklund was surprised to hear earlier that there were complaints about the Sixth Avenue facility; she hoped that people would start reporting their concerns more formally so there was a record of it. Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous Main Motion Passed AYES: Sullivan, Verhey, Seese, Swann, Ecklund NOES: Charbonneau, Ambrosiani The commission recessed at 9:27 p.m. The commission resumed at 9:33 p.m. Resolution 2021-009,of the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission,Granting A Variance from Seward City Code 15.20 Signs to Providence Seward Medical Center, Permitting An Exception To The Zoning Code To Allow For Two Additional Signs To Be Permitted On The Premises Located At 417 First Avenue,Within The Institutional(INS)Zoning District. City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 6, 2021 Volume 7, Page 459 Motion (Charbonneau/Sullivan) Approve Resolution 2021-009 Wilde said Providence Hospital applied for a sign variance for the purpose of upgrading existing signs, and installing two additional signs, at their facility. She said the Community Development Department recommended approving the sign variance. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. Carol Griswold opposed this sign variance, particularly because the signs that were already there were very bright at night. She didn't believe Providence needed more signs to identify themselves, or distinguish them from the Seward Community Health Center, nor did she believe their request for a variance met the requirements of city code. No one else appeared and the public hearing was closed. Charbonneau thought the facility was not very well signed, and thought this would be an improvement. Verhey wondered why the emergency sign would be removed; it didn't seem like a good idea. In response to Ecklund, Ambrosiani said he had not provided input to Providence about their proposed signs. Ecklund stated that allowing this sign variance was in keeping with city code. Motion Passed AYES: Ambrosiani, Charbonneau, Seese, Sullivan, Ecklund NOES: Swann, Verhey NEW BUSINESS Resolution 2021-010,of the Planning And Zoning Commission of the City of Seward,Alaska, Recommending City Council Approve The Renaming of Dairy Hill Lane to Chamberlin Road Located North and West of the Seward Lagoon, in the Cliff Addition to Seward Tow nsite. Motion (Charbonneau/Sullivan) Approve Resolution 2021-010 Wilde said the request to rename the road originated with a citizen. The portion of road currently called Chamberlin Road, previously named Government Road,was renamed in 1990 to honor E.E.Chamberlin who was a long-time resident,former city council member,former mayor, and territorial senator who lived on that road.Wilde said the Community Development Department City of Seward, Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 6, 2021 Volume 7, Page 460 recommended renaming Dairy Hill Lane to Chamberlin Road. Charbonneau wondered why the entire road could not be re-named to Second Avenue all the way. In response, Wilde said that wasn't allowed because the road bent and changed direction from north/south to east/west. Ecklund said the area of Dairy Hill would always remain. Motion Passed Unanimous Resolution 2021-007,of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska, Recommending City Council Approve the Walkable Mural Application Guidelines and Administrative Policy. Motion (Charbonneau/Sullivan) Approve Resolution 2021-007 Wilde said an application and guidelines had been created for a walkable mural program, at the direction of city council. She reminded the commission about the work session that they had in September, 2020. The Community Development Department had worked closely with the Public Works Department to create the program. Upon successfully completing the application r process, the applicant would receive a permit from community development to proceed with the design and maintenance. A non-refundable application fee of$500 plus a $1,500 maintenance deposit would be required;for the period of three years,the crosswalk would have to be maintained by the applicant. Charbonneau wondered if there were any concerns with distracted driving. Wilde said in her research, she found no reports of increased safety concerns; rather, there were reports that traffic compliance actually improved. Sullivan wondered what the criteria was for approval or denial of design. Wilde said community development and public works would review the design proposal against the guidelines, looking specifically for certain colors and shapes to ensure the design could not be misinterpreted as traffic signage. . Motion Passed AYES: Charbonneau, Swann, Sullivan, Verhey,Ambrosiani, Ecklund NOES: Seese Other New Business Items Set work session topic for May 18, 2021. Ecklund said May 18, 2021 was the graduation for Seward High School. The commission re-scheduled the May 18, 2021 work session to May 20, 2021. City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 6, 2021 Volume 7, Page 461 The commission set topics for the following work sessions: 111 • April 20,2021 —Review definitions for dwelling,lodging and housing,and review the land use allowed table • May 4, 2021 —Continue to review current land use allowed table • May 20, 2021 —Review the municipal land plan The commission unanimously approved meeting in a joint work session with the Historic Preservation Commission twice each year. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS 2021 Planning& Zoning Meeting Schedule City Calendars COMMISSION COMMENTS Sullivan was learning a lot. Verhey thanked everyone for their hard work. Charbonneau welcomed Bringhurst to the city,and thanked Wilde for her work. Seese welcomed Bringhurst to the city. Swann observed that sometimes, as commissioners, they had to overcome the public's wishes in order to comply with legal requirements; it wasn't easy when that happened. Ecklund agreed that it was hard when the public's wishes conflicted with the city code. She welcomed Bringhurst. CITIZENS' COMMENTS Kameron Kowalski was disheartened by the other citizen's reaction towards her earlier; she had been the subject of that citizen's anger. She did not realize how complex business items were for the commission. Kowalski was dismayed that Ambrosiani stated earlier that the citizen's outburst earlier should be taken into consideration; she had been the target of that citizen's anger earlier this evening, and was upset that the commission had expressed sympathy for the citizen's outburst. Every citizen had their fair turn to speak, and a disrespectful outburst from a citizen should not be condoned. Kowalski observed that there were many supporters of the SeaView City of Seward,Alaska Seward Planning&Zoning Commission Minutes April 6, 2021 Volume 7, Page 462 proposal at tonight's meeting; not everyone was against their proposal. She wished SeaView the best. Tony Baclaan welcomed Clare Sullivan to the Planning & Zoning Commission; he appreciated her service. He welcomed Bringhurst. He was happy the walkable mural process was moving forward. COMMISSION AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS Ambrosiani apologized that Kowalski was the subject of the citizen's anger. He had been trying to keep track of pros and cons from the public opinions, and was unhappy the public's wishes could not override city code. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. r 4 4104 A_., .0.04, /./. ..: k. 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