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Home My WebLink AboutRES2023-069 Spring Creek Rezone to Park Sponsored by: Regis CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA RESOLUTION 2023-069 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA UPDATING THE MUNICIPAL LANDS INVENTORY AND MANAGEMENT PLAN TO INCLUDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO INCREASE DAY USE PARKING AT THE SPRING CREEK CAMPGROUND, REQUEST AN EASEMENT TO MAINTAIN BEACH ACCESS TO THE NORTH OF THE CAMPGROUND, AND PLAT THE AREA INTO ONE PARCEL AND REZONE TO PARK WHEREAS,the Seward City Code §2.30.225.b states that"the Commission shall act in an advisory capacity to the City Council regarding the Seward Zoning Code, Seward Comprehensive Plan, Official Zoning Map, Official Land Use Plan Map, and other duties as requested by the City Council; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public work session on January 24, 2023 to discuss ways to improve the parking and access at the Spring Creek Campground; and WHEREAS, on April 4, 2023, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved Resolution 2023-007 with the below stated recommendations for the Spring Creek Campground area; and WHEREAS,the 2022 Municipal Lands Inventory and Management Plan recommends separating the Spring Creek Campground from docks, boat basin, breakwater, and the rest of Parcel 14524040, retaining the campground and maintaining the public access to the beach; and WHEREAS,Spring Creek Campground is the only municipal campground on the east side of the bay; and WHEREAS, Spring Creek Beach is very popular with visitors and locals; and WHEREAS, the Spring Creek Campground area is being used for overnight parking as well as day use parking; and WHEREAS, the day use parking area should be expanded and marked with signage; and WHEREAS, the public walks along the beach front to the north of the Spring Creek CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA RESOLUTION 2023-069 Campground, which is trespassing on private property; and WHEREAS, although the Alaska constitution protects the public's access to beaches below the ordinary high tide, obtaining a public easement from property owners to the north will further protect the public's right of access and use of the beach, and ability to connect to the sections owned by the City of Seward; and WHEREAS,the intended long-term use of this parcel is as a recreational area; and WHEREAS, the City should plat the Spring Creek Campground and surrounding beach area into one parcel and rezone to Park to preserve it as a public recreation area; and WHEREAS, protecting the campground and beach now for public recreation by platting into one parcel and rezoning from Industrial to Park is even more crucial as the surrounding area develops; and WHEREAS, the other municipal campgrounds are named "Waterfront Park and Campground"and"Forest Acres Park and Campground",the official name should be"Spring Creek Park and Campground." 1111 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA that: Section 1.The Municipal Lands Inventory and Management Plan will be updated with the following recommendations: a) Designate additional day use parking in the Spring Creek Park and Campground with signage b) Request an easement from the property owners to the north of Spring Creek Park and Campground to clarify and further protect legal beach access for the public c) Plat the Spring Creek Park Campground area into one parcel and rezone as Park d) Officially rename as Spring Creek Park and Campground Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska this 12th day of June, 2023. CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2023-069 THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA G'APCIVVdAkAL Sue McClure, Mayor AYES: Osenga, Finch, Barnwell, DeMoss, Calhoon, Wells, McClure NOES: None ABSENT: None illll/11 ABSTAIN: None .•`��OF SE''�. "ft ATTEST: �Go Rq�� Q'Q = • ' N S. . • •SEAL • . -�-- City Clerk Ac-rwo__;) tpurr ctrx C4lz< _"72's ALPSt.•`• stelitisitiv" (City Seal) City Council Agenda Statement Meeting Date: June 12, 2023 To: City Council Through: Norm Regis, Acting City Manager From: Jason Bickling, Community Development Director Subject: Resolution 2023-069: Updating the Municipal Lands Inventory and Management Plan to Include Recommendations to Increase Day Use Parking at the Spring Creek Campground, Request an Easement to Maintain Beach Access to the North of the Campground, and Plat the Area into one Parcel and Rezone to Park Background and justification: On January 24, 2023, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public work session to discuss ways to improve the parking and beach access at the Spring Creek Campground. The Spring Creek Campground area is currently used for overnight parking as well as day use parking. The day use parking is designated closer to the beach and limited in size. The Commission recommended designating additional day use parking adjacent to the current parking to the east, and marking this area with signage. The public and Commission also noted that individuals are trespassing on the beach to the north of the Spring Creek Campground area as it is privately owned. It was recommended that the City work with the property owner to establish a right-of-way easement that would allow the public to legally access that portion of the beach. This easement would create continuous beach access from the Spring Creek Campground area up to the tidelands south of the Seward Airport. Finally, it was noted that the long-term use of the Spring Creek Campground area and beach is intended to be that of a recreational area. As such, it should be protected by platting those areas into one parcel and then rezoning as Park. On April 4, 2023 the Planning and Zoning Commission approved Resolution 2023-007, which included recommendations to increase the day use parking at the Spring Creek Campground, request and easement to maintain beach access, plat the campground and day use area into one parcel and rezone as Park, and rename it as the Spring Creek Park and Campground. Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Plan: 3.6.1.1—"Improve existing and develop additional recreational infrastructure • Identify, protect, and preserve scenic and natural areas for recreational enjoyment 3.6.1.2 • Maintain public access to beaches by continuing City ownership of tidelands and upland access points • Develop an acquisition strategy to identify and secure sufficient and suitable public lands for parks, sports fields, greenbelts,open space, trails, trailhead parking and other public facilities, including easements to access these public lands • Ensure that Municipal land acquired for or converted to long-term or permanent-park or recreational uses are officially dedicated as park land Strategic Plan: N/A Other: Certification of Funds Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: $ 0 This legislation (✓): Creates revenue in the amount of: $ Creates expenditure in amount of: $ Creates a savings in the amount of: $ x Has no fiscal impact Funds are (✓): Budgeted Line item(s): Not budgeted x Not applicable Fund Balance Information Affected Fund (✓): General SMIC Electric Wastewater Boat Harbor Parking F1 Water Healthcare Motor Pool Other Note:amounts are unaudited Fund Balance/Net position — unrestricted/unassigned $ Available Unrestricted Cash Balance: $ Finance Director Signature: No financial impact Attorney Review RxYes Attorney Signature: Not applicable Comments: Administration Recommendation eApprove Resolution Other: