HomeMy WebLinkAbout04062010 Planning & Zoning PacketSeward Planning & Zoning Commission
Agenda Packet
April 6, 2010 Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers Beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Seward Planning & Zoning Commission
Sandie Roach'
Chair
Term Expires 02113
Steven Heinrich
Vice Chair
Term Expires 02111
Frank DeMarco
Commissioner
Term Expires 02112
Tena Morgan
Commissioner
Term Expires 02113
Vacant
Commissioner
Term Expires 02112
Cindy Ecklund
Commissioner
Term Expires 02111
Vacant
Commissioner
Term Expires 02113
Phillip Oates
City Manager
Christy Terry
Community Development
Director
Donna Glenz
Associate Planner
Dwayne Atwood
Administrative Assistant
Reeular Meetin,
1. Call to Order
2. Opening Ceremony
A. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Special Reports & Presentations
A. City Administration Report
B. Other Reports, Announcements & Presentations
5. Citizens' Comments on any subject except those items
scheduled for public hearing. [Those who have signed in
will be given the first opportunity to speak. Time is limited
to 2 minutes per speaker and 30 minutes total time for this
agenda item]
6. Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda. [Approval of
Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by
asterisk (*). Consent Agenda items are not considered
separately unless a Commissioner so requests. In the event
of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular
Agenda.]
7. Special Items
A. Election of Chair and Vice -Chair ................... Page 3
Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting Agenda
April 6, 2010
8. Public Hearings [Limit comments to 5 minutes. Those who have signed in will be given
the first opportunity to speak]
A. Unfinished Business Items requiring a Public Hearing — None
B. New Business Items requiring a Public Hearing
1. Resolution 2010-03, recommending City Council Approval of the
Rezoning of Lots 2, 4 & 5, Block 2, Oceanview, from Single Family
Residential (R1) to Auto Commercial (AC) in compliance with the
Land Use Plan, located on the West side of Third Avenue between
Van Buren and D Streets................................................................ Page 4
9. Unfinished Business — None
10. New Business —
A. Resolution 2010-04 Recommending City Council Adoption of the All -
Hazard Mitigation Plan for the City Of Seward .......................................... Page 12
B. Resolution 2010-05 Recommending the Commission Priorities from April
2010 to April 2011....................................................................................... Page 64
C. Resolution 2010-06 Requesting the Department of Commerce,
Community and Economic Development Division of Community and
Regional Affairs Provide Onsite Planning Commission Training ............... Page 67
D. Scheduling a South Harbor Uplands Work Session with PACAB.............. Page 70
* E. February 2, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes ................................................ Page 72
11. Informational Items and Reports (No action required) -
A. Reminder — April 20 Appeal Hearing, 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers... Page 78
12. Commission Comments
13. Citizens' Comments [Limit to 5 minutes per individual —Each individual has one opportunity to speak]
14. Commissions and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments
15. Adjournment
Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting Agenda
April 6, 2010
P&Z Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: April 6, 2010
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Administrative Assistant Dwayne Atwood
Agenda Item: Election of Chair & Vice -Chair
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
Each year the Planning and Zoning Commission must elect a Chair and Vice -Chair for the coming year.
The duties of the Chair are to:
1. Open the meeting on time and call the meeting to order;
2. Announce in proper sequence the business on the agenda;
3. Recognize members who are entitled to the floor;
4. State and put to a vote all legitimate motions that arise during the meeting:
5. Do not permit debate until there is a motion on the floor;
6. Protect the Commission from frivolous or delaying motions by refusing to recognize
them;
7. Enforce the rules regarding debate and keep order;
8. Expedite business in a way compatible with the rights of the members;
9. Decide all questions of order;
10. Respond to all inquiries of members;
11. Ensure that citizens address all remarks to the Commission; and
12. Declare the meeting adjourned.
The Vice -Chair assumes the duties of the Chair when necessary.
The process for election of the Chair and Vice -chair is as follows:
The current Chair should open nominations. Anyone can nominate another commissioner as chair.
If only one nomination is received, a motion should be made to close nominations and cast a
unanimous ballot for the chosen person. That motion will need a second and can be approved
by unanimous consent. (No role call vote is necessary).
If more than one nomination is received, the clerk will prepare ballots for each Commissioner to
vote for one nominee and sign his ballot. The clerk will then collect the ballots, read the votes
aloud, and announce the prevailing nominee. A motion is then in order for someone to elect the
nominee as chair. A second is needed and the motion can be approved by unanimous consent of
the commission.
The above procedures should also be used to elect a vice chair.
Sponsored by: Applicant
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2010-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE SEWARD PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA,
RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE REZONING
OF LOTS 2, 4 & 5, BLOCK 2, OCEANVIEW, FROM SINGLE FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL (RI) TO AUTO COMMERCIAL (AC) IN COMPLIANCE
WITH THE LAND USE PLAN, LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF
THIRD AVENUE BETWEEN VAN BUREN AND D STREETS
WHEREAS, the owners of Lots 2, 4 and 5, Block 2 Oceanview Subdivision have
submitted an application and the filing fee, requesting their lots be rezoned from Single Family
Residential (R1) to Auto Commercial (AC); and
WHEREAS, the current Zoning of the three parcels is Single Family Residential (RI)
and the current Land Use Plan map designation recommends the parcels be rezoned to Auto
Commercial (AC); and
WHEREAS, the Seward City Code SCC §15.01.035, Amendments, (b) (3) allows the
consideration of this rezone because the parcels are contiguous to the requested zoning district
and the rezone is recommended by the Land Use Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Auto Commercial district was established to provide areas to
accommodate highway -oriented commercial activities such as offices, certain institutional uses,
and limited personal services and retail uses requiring substantial outdoor activity, traffic, and
parking; and
WHEREAS, a goal of the Seward Comprehensive Plan is to bring the Zoning Map into
conformance with the Land Use Plan; and
WHEREAS, the public notification process was complied with and the appropriate
public hearing as required by Seward City Code § 15.01.040 was conducted by the Commission
on April 6, 2010.
Seward Planning and Zoning
Resolution 2010-03
Page 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning
Commission that:
Section 1. The Seward Planning and Zoning Commission supports the proposed zoning
change and recommends the attached Ordinance 2010-_ be forwarded to City Council for
approval.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 60' day of
April 2010.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sandi Roach', Chair
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VACANT: Two
ATTEST:
Jean Lewis, CMC
City Clerk
(City Seal)
P&Z Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: April 6, 2010 "
Through: Christy Terry, Community Development Director
From: Donna Glenz, Associate Plannerc��
Agenda Item: Rezone of Lots 2, 4 and 5, Block 2, Oceanview
Suvdivision, located on the West side of Third Avenue between
Van Buren and D Streets, from Single Family Residential (R1) to
Auto Commercial (AC).
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
Attached for the Commission's review and recommendation to the Seward City Council is
Resolution 2010-03 recommending City Council approval of the attached Ordinance 2010-XXX,
amending the Zoning Map by rezoning Lots 2, 4 and 5, Block 2, Oceanview Subdivision, from
Single Family (RI) to Auto Commercial (AC) (see attached maps).
The applicants are requesting this rezone in order to provide zoning suitable for possible future
business uses as allowed within the Auto Commercial Zoning District and to bring the lots into
conformance with the Land Use Plan.
The Third Avenue corridor is largely commercial, which is reflected in the Land Use Plan. The
older single family structures located on Lots 2, 4 and 5 are allowed to remain as single family
homes but can be developed for light commercial purposes under a rezone to Auto Commercial.
The parcel to the North contains the Seward Plumbing business and is currently zoned Central
Business District. The parcels to the East, located across Third Avenue contain Bayside
Apartment complex currently zoned Auto Commercial and No Sweatt Auto zoned Central
Business district. Located to the South are a privately owned lot and structure and the Seaman's
Mission at the corner of Third and D Street, both are currently zoned Auto Commercial. The
parcels to the West across the alley are zoned Single Family Residential and generally contain
single family homes.
Seward City Code SCC §15.01.035, Amendments, (b) (3) allows the consideration of this rezone
because the land is contiguous to the requested Auto Commercial Zoning District in both the
East and South and is recommended by the Land Use Plan.
The Land Use Map, as adopted by the 2020 Comprehensive Plan, designates the area requested
for rezone as Auto Commercial (AC) as defined in SCC 15.05.025 (b)( (8) Auto Commercial
district (AC). Intended to provide areas to accommodate highway -oriented commercial activities
such as offices, certain institutional uses, and limited personal services and retail uses requiring
substantial outdoor activity, traffic and parking, and which also serve the offices and nearby
residential areas, and which do not materially detract from nearby residential areas.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST
YES NO N/A
1. Comprehensive Plan (2020) X
Land Development w
"We value orderly growth and balanced development that is driven by community consensus
in conformance with the land use plan." (page 14)
3.2.2.1 (bullet 4) Update the zoning code in order to implement the Comprehensive Plan and
bring the zoning map into conformance with the Land Use Plan
2. Land Use Plan (2020 Comp Plan) X _
The West side of Third Avenue between Van Buren and D Streets is designated for rezone
from Single Family Residential (RI) to Auto Commercial (AC).
3. Strategic Plan (1999) X _
The Strategic Plan supports the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and encourages
bringing the Zoning Map into conformance with the Land Use Plan.
As required by the City Code, neighboring property owners within 300 feet of the area subject to
review were notified of the proposed rezone and the parcels were posts for public notice. Staff
has received no objections to the rezone at the time of this review.
RECOMMENDATION:
Commission approve Resolution 2010-03 recommending City Council approval of the attached
Ordinance 2010-XX, Rezoning Lots 2, 4 and 5, Block 2, Oceanview Suvdivision, located on the
West side of Third Avenue between Van Buren and D Streets, from Single Family Residential
(R1) to Auto Commercial (AC).
Sponsored by: Planning and Zoning Commission
Introduction Date: April 26, 2010
Public Hearing Date: May 10, 2010
Enactment Date: May 10, 2010
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2010-
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AMENDING THE ZONING MAP DESIGNATION OF
LOTS 2,4 & 5, BLOCK 2, OCEANVIEW, FROM SINGLE FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL (R1) TO AUTO COMMERCIAL (AC) IN
COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAND USE PLAN, LOCATED ON
THE WEST SIDE OF THIRD AVENUE BETWEEN VAN BUREN
AND D STREETS
WHEREAS, three applicants have requested the rezone of Lots 2, 4 and 5, Block
2, Oceanview Subdivision, from Single Family Residential (R1) to Auto Commercial
(AC); and
WHEREAS, the three lots being considered for rezone contain approximately
18,295 square feet of land; and
WHEREAS, the Seward City Code SCC § 15.01.035, Amendments, (b) (3)
allows the consideration of this rezone because the parcels are contiguous to the
requested zoning district and is recommended by the Land Use Plan; and
WHEREAS, the official Zoning Map described in SCC 15.01.030 will be
amended from Single Family Residential (R1); to Auto Commercial (AC) bring the
parcels into conformance with the official Land Use map; and
WHEREAS, the Planning & Zoning Commission has complied with public
notice and public hearing procedures for amending zoning district designations, as
required by Title 15; and
WHEREAS, at the April 6, 2010 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission
reviewed the application, held a public hearing and recommended City Council approval
of the proposed zoning amendment included in this ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
City of Seward
Ordinance No. 2010-xx
Page 2
Section 1. The official Zoning Map of the City is hereby amended by changing
the zoning designation of Lots 2, 4 and 5, Oceanview Subdivision from Single Family
Residential (R1); to Auto Commercial (AC).
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days following enactment.
ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA,
THIS I & DAY OF MAY 2010.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Willard Dunham, Mayor
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Jean Lewis, CMC
City Clerk
(City Seal)
RECEIVED
FEB 0 8 2010
Per .1 "r
LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENT - REZONING APPLICATION
Petitioner: A 014," ft�d07-10''�
Address: &)(- 3 :1-8s, .SS,wI-m4o A14- 9q,44 q
Phone No:
Legal Description: ,-��� 2 iem) 4-07-0 41 41-14 �L ILOT #e 2-
Physical Location: /DOS 3."d J440t.
Land Use Plan: Present: e. Proposed: G
Zoning District: Present: /� % Proposed: e
Intended use and/or reason for rezoning: %D Gpr►�/�G %Tip A!/a'D
1,/S?"o AsLOcArL- "A[�9izL's SS�1SL�t �H�� s0 /voS- 3•G
.dvc. L0� 1i
A map is reouired to accompany this application! Proof of ownership for parcel(s)
must be available if Borough tax roles do not indicate applicant's name.
The APPLICATION and MAP (indicating the specific area) must be submitted together,
with a FEE of $250.00 (payable to the City of Seward) to the Community
Development Office.
Signatures of 51 % of property owners involved in the rezoned area.
SIGNATURE
ADDRESS (legal) DATE
/pos 3� 8 ox -3285 j- 3 0
a > o
6 /1 t ��1
Sponsored by: Administration
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2010-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL
ADOPTION OF THE ALL -HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN FOR THE CITY
OF SEWARD
WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires all States to
submit a Hazard Mitigation Plan to be eligible for any FEMA funding in disasters; and
WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough incorporates into their plan the City of
Seward's All -Hazard Mitigation Plan as an annex; and
WHEREAS, FEMA disaster recovery funding requires regular updates to the Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) is working with Peninsula cities to
update the All -Hazard Mitigation Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City of Seward's All -Hazard Mitigation Plan is scheduled for adoption by
the Council on April 12, 2010; and
WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough's All -Hazard Mitigation Plan, including the City
of Seward annex, is scheduled for introduction on May 4, 2010 and final adoption on June 8, 2010;
and
WHEREAS, the All -Hazard Mitigation Plan will then continue on to the State and Federal
level for adoption.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. The Commission recommends Council approval of the Seward All -Hazard
Mitigation Plan as attached.
Section 2. This resolution shall take affect immediately upon its adoption.
Seward Planning and Zoning
Resolution 2010-03
Page 2
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward,
Alaska, this 6`b day of April, 2010.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sandie Roach', Chair
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VACANT: TWO
ATTEST:
Jean Lewis
City Clerk
(City Seal)
Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: April 6, 2010
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Community Development Director Christy T
Agenda Item: Recommending Council Adoption of the SeN
All -Hazard Mitigation Plan
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
The Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) is in the process of updating the All -Hazard Mitigation Plan
and is working with Peninsula cities to develop the final draft of a multi jurisdictional mitigation
plan. Meetings with the cities began in early February. The plan addresses emergencies and
mitigation measures for earthquakes, floods, wildfires, tsunamis and severe weather events,
avalanches, erosion, and technological and human caused hazards - hazards that pose high risk to the
communities of the KPB. The All -Hazard Mitigation Plan will be evaluated and updated every five
years or within one year of a disaster event that significantly affects the KPB community. This is the
first update to the plan.
KPB incorporates the City of Seward's All -Hazard Mitigation Plan as an annex. The plans being
updated at this time are hazard mitigation plans as opposed to emergency response plans.
Emergency response typically involves well -practiced, coordinated efforts to save lives and property
following a disaster. Hazard mitigation is intended to reduce community and individual vulnerability
to, as well as the economic and emotional costs of, hazards before they occur. Seward has both types
of plans in place.
The City of Seward's All -Hazard Mitigation Plan is scheduled for adoption by the Council on April
12, 2010. This timeline is crucial to KPB meeting their mandated deadlines for their plan update and
inclusion of the City Plans as annexes. The Kenai Peninsula Borough's All -Hazard Mitigation Plan,
including the City of Seward's annex, is scheduled for introduction on May 4, 2010 and final
adoption on June 8, 2010. The All -Hazard Mitigation Plan will then continue on to the State and
Federal level for adoption.
INTENT: Provide a recommendation to Council on the proposed update to the All -Hazard
Mitigation Plan for the City of Seward.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Where applicable, this agenda statement is consistent with the
Seward City Code, Charter, Comprehensive Plans, Land Use Plans, Strategic Plan and City Council
Rules of Procedures or Other Plans or Policies.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve Resolution 2010-04, RECOMMENDING COUNCIL
ADOPTION OF THE ALL -HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN FOR THE CITY OF SEWARD.
City of Seward
All Hazard Mitigation Plan
Final Plan
April 12, 2010
Seward Hazard Mitigation Plan -1- March 23, 2004
Revised April 12, 2010 ST
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. Chapter 1 -Introduction............................................................. 3
1. -Purpose of Plan ........................................................ 3
1I. -Methodology............................................................ 4
III. -Plan Organization..................................................... 5
IV. -City of Seward- background .......................................... 6
2. Chapter 2 -Hazard Identification................................................. 8
3. Chapter 3 -Historical Hazards in Seward ....................................... 15
4. Chapter 4
-Hazards in Seward ....................................................
18
Annex A
-Floods...................................................................
18
Annex B
-Earthquakes............................................................
25
AnnexC
- Tsunami................................................................
28
AnnexD
- Coastal Erosion........................................................
29
Annex E
- Wildland Fire...........................................................
33
Annex F
- Weather..................................................................
34
Annex G
-Snow Avalanches/Landslides..........................................
35
AnnexH
-Volcano..................................................................
36
AnnexI
-Technical.................................................................
37
Annex J
- Economic...............................................................
38
5. Chapter 5 -Public Participation on Plan .......................................... 42
6. Chapter 6 -Implementation......................................................... 43
6 A -Potential Project List .................................................. 44
7. References -References and addendums.......................................... 47
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -2- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Chapter 1 - Introduction
I. Purpose of Plan
The purpose of this plan is to fulfill local Hazard Mitigation Plan requirements. The plan will
identify hazards; establish community goals and objectives and select mitigation activities
that are appropriate for the City of Seward.
The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), Section 322 (a-d) requires that local
governments, as a condition of receiving federal disaster mitigation funds, have a mitigation
plan that describes the process for identifying hazards, risks and vulnerabilities, identify and
prioritize mitigation actions, encourage the development of local mitigation and provide
technical support for those efforts.
In addition, this plan has fulfilled the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Reform
Act of 1994 (NFIRA). With this act, Congress authorized the establishment of a Federal
grant program to provide financial assistance to States and communities for flood mitigation
planning and activities. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has
designated this Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA).
Under the FMA, FEMA provides assistance to States and communities for activities that will
reduce the risk of flood damages to structures insurable under the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP). FMA is a state -administered, cost -share program through
which states and communities can receive grants for flood mitigation planning, technical
assistance and mitigation projects.
The purpose of this plan is to produce a program of activities that will best tackle Seward's
hazard and flood problems and meet other community needs. Consistent with FEMA
planning process guidelines, the purpose of this plan is to accomplish the following
objectives:
• Ensure that all possible activities are reviewed and implemented so that disaster related
hazards are addressed by the most appropriate and efficient solution;
• Link hazard management policies to specific activities;
• Educate residents about potential hazards that threaten the community, including but
not limited to flood and wildfire hazards, extreme weather conditions, earthquakes and
tsunami;
• Build public and political support for projects that prevent new problems from known
hazards and reduce future losses;
• Fulfill planning requirements for future hazard mitigation project grants; and,
• Facilitate implementation of hazard mitigation management activities through an action
plan.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -3- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
II. Methodology
The methodology used for the development and updating of the Seward Hazard Mitigation
Plan, consisted of the following tasks:
1. Public involvement
2. Coordination with other agencies or organizations
3. Hazard area inventory
4. Problem identification
5. Review and analysis of possible mitigation activities
6. Local adoption following a public hearing
7. Periodic review and update
This hazard mitigation plan contains a list of potential projects and a brief rationale or
explanation of how each project or group of projects contributes to the overall mitigation
strategy outlined in the plan.
The Mitigation Plan will be evaluated and updated every five years. In addition, the plan
will be updated as appropriate when a disaster occurs that significantly affects Seward,
whether or not it receives a Presidential Declaration. The update will be completed as soon
as possible, but no later than the 12 months following the date the disaster occurs.
Routine maintenance of the plan will include adding projects, as new funding sources
become available or taking projects off the list when they are accomplished.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -4- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
The Plan is organized as follows:
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 presents sections on the purpose and goals of the plan, methodology used, and
a background study of the City of Seward.
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 identifies known hazards in Seward, such as flooding, tsunami and earthquake
potential, and beach erosion, including probability of each event.
Chapter 3
Chapter 3 addresses historical floods and other hazards that have occurred within the City
of Seward.
Chapter 4
Chapter 4 includes annexes of hazards affecting the City of Seward with hazard
assessment vulnerability and potential mitigation measures.
Chapter 5
Chapter 5 outlines the public participation process undertaken during the planning process
and for the purpose of prioritizing projects and updating the plan.
Chapter 6
Chapter 6 addresses implementation procedures and a process for updating the plan.
References
References are included in this section.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -5- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
IV. City of Seward — Background
General Location
Seward is situated on Resurrection Bay on the east coast of the Kenai Peninsula, 125
highway miles south of Anchorage. It lies at the foot of Mount Marathon, and is the gateway
to the Kenai Fjords National Park. The communities of Bear Creek and Lowell Point are
adjacent to Seward. The city lies at approximately 60.104170 North Latitude and
149.442220 West Longitude (Sec. 10, T001 S. R001 W, Seward Meridian). The City of
Seward is located in the Seward Recording District. The incorporated area encompasses
14.4 sq. miles of land and 7.1 sq. miles of water.
Climate
Seward experiences a maritime climate. Winter temperatures average from 17 to 38
degrees F; summer temperatures average 49 to 63 degrees F. The average annual
precipitation includes 66 inches of rain and 80 inches of snowfall. Due to the proximity of
the Gulf of Alaska and the topography of the land, large low pressure systems often bring
heavy rains and strong winds during the fall storm season.
History of Seward
Resurrection Bay was named in 1792 by Russian fur trader and explorer Alexander
Baranof. While sailing from Kodiak to Yakutat, he found unexpected shelter in this bay from
a storm. He named the bay Resurrection because it was the Russian Sunday of the
Resurrection. Seward was named for U.S. Secretary of State William Seward, who
negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia during the Lincoln administration. In the
1890's, Capt. Frank Lowell arrived with his family and established a settlement. In 1903
John and Frank Ballaine and a group of settlers arrived to begin construction of a railroad.
Later, this settlement became a town. Seward became an incorporated city in 1912. The
Alaska Railroad was constructed between 1915 and 1923, and Seward was developed as
the ocean terminus and supply center for interior Alaska. By 1960, Seward was the largest
community on the Peninsula. Tsunamis generated after the 1964 earthquake destroyed the
railroad terminal and killed several residents. As an ice -free harbor, Seward has become an
important supply center for Interior Alaska. 2003 was the 100th anniversary of the founding
of Seward.
Culture
Seward is primarily a non -Native community, although the Qutekcak Tribe is very active
within the community. Seward's annual Fourth of July celebration and its grueling Mount
Marathon race attract participants and visitors worldwide. Other annual events include the
Seward Silver Salmon Derby in August and the Polar Bear Jump -Off Festival in January.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -6- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Population and Economy
In 2009, the Department of Community and Economic Development certified Seward's
population at 2,619 people. Seward is incorporated as a home rule city.
As the southern terminus for the Alaska Railroad and road link to Anchorage and the
Interior, Seward has long been a transportation center. The economy has diversified with
tourism, commercial fishing and processing, ship services and repairs, oil and gas
development, a coal export facility for Usibelli Mine, Alaska Vocational Technical Center
(AVTEC), the Spring Creek Correctional Center, and the University of Alaska's Institute of
Marine Sciences. The Alaska SeaLife Center, the Kenai Fjords National Park and the Mt.
Marathon Race during the Fourth of July festivities attract visitors. Over 320,000 cruise ship
passengers visit Seward annually. Approximately seventy- five residents of Seward hold
commercial fishing permits.
Facilities
Water is supplied by nine wells, is treated and distributed throughout Seward. Sewer is
collected via pipes to a secondary treatment lagoon. Almost all homes are connected to the
city systems. Refuse collection is provided by the city under contract; the Borough provides
solid waste disposal. The Kenai Peninsula Borough refuse transfer facility is located on
Dimond Boulevard.
Seward Public Utility purchases power from Chugach Electric Association for day to day
operations, and owns six emergency standby diesel generators.
Harbor facilities include approximately 4000 linear feet of moorage and space for up to 650
vessels.
Seward Providence Medical Care Center is licensed to admit and care for up to six in-
patients. The Long Term Care Facility, Seward Mountain Haven is licensed to admit and
care for up to forty patients.
Fire/rescue resources include Seward's primary facility, Seward Fire Department located at
316 4th Avenue in downtown Seward and one satellite station located at mile 6.5 Nash
Road in the Seward Marine Industrial Center basin area.
Transportation
Seward is connected to the Alaska Highway system by the Seward Highway. Bus and
commercial trucking services to and from Anchorage are available daily. Air services and
charters are available at the State-owned airport. Two paved runways are utilized, at 4,240
and 2,300 feet. The port serves cruise ships, cargo barges and ocean freighters from
Seattle and overseas. The small boat harbor has two launch ramps, slips for 650 vessels
and approximately 4,000 linear feet of moorage for transient vessels. The Alaska Railroad
provides over 1.4 billion pounds of cargo transit each year, importing cargo for the Alaskan
Interior and exporting coal to the Pacific Rim. Seasonal passenger transportation is
available by rail and highway.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -7- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Chapter 2 — Hazard Identification
The Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is in the process
of preparing a Hazard Mitigation Plan for the state. The following hazard matrix was
modified from that plan for the Seward area.
Hazard Matrix — Seward Census Area
Flood
Wildfire
Earth-
quake
Volcano
Snow
Avalanche
Tsunami
Weather
Land -
Slides
Erosion
Drought
Tech
Economic
Probability
Y-H
Y-L
Y— H
U
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
U
Extent
L
L
T
Z
L
L
T
L
T
Z
T
T
Previous
Occurrence I
Y
Y
Y
Y
I Y I
Y
I Y
I Y
I Y
N
Y
N
Probability:
Y = Hazard is present in jurisdiction but probability unknown
Y — L = Hazard is present with a low probability of occurrence
Y — H = Hazard is present with a high probability of occurrence
N = Hazard is not present
U = Unknown if the hazard occurs in the jurisdiction
Extent:
Z = Zero
L = Limited
T = Total or extensive
Previous Occurrence
Y=Yes
N=No
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -8- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
The following sections are explanations of hazards that are present in the City of Seward.
Flood
Definition
Riverine: Periodic over bank flow of rivers and streams.
Flash: Quickly rising small streams after heavy rain or rapid snow melt.
Urban: Overflow of storm sewer system usually due to poor drainage following
heavy rain or rapid snowmelt.
Tidal/Storm: Surge and wave run-up, higher than normal tidal range and higher
inshore wave run-up due to storm effects in coastal areas.
The East Zone of the Kenai Peninsula Borough is at risk to flooding from heavy rains;
spring ice jams and rapid snow melt; tidal storm surges and coastal wave run-up, glacial
damming and glacial outburst flooding, and special geologic conditions. High flows can
occur during any season, but are most common as a result of rapid snowmelt in the spring
or intense precipitation during the summer and fall. In the East Zone, flooding hazards are
compounded by steeply sloped, unstable mountain streams.
In Seward, development is occurring on alluvial fans and deltas which have been deposited
by these steep drainages. The hazards associated within the area were demonstrated in
major flood occurrences in October of 1986, August 1989, September 1995, October and
November 2001, October 2006 and December 2009. Flooding in Seward and the
surrounding area has resulted in repeated disruption of vital services such as water, sewer,
power, and transportation routes; damage to roadways, bridges, flood control structures
(dikes, weirs), buildings, port and harbor facilities, airport facilities, railroad facilities, utilities
and communications systems and in addition natural/environmental emergencies such as
landslides.
Seward Area Drainages:
Spruce Creek
surge-release/debris
Lowell Creek
surge-release/debris
Japanese Creek
surge-release/debris
Resurrection River
seasonal
Glacier/Salmon Creek
seasonal
Sawmill Creek
surge-release/debris
Godwin Creek
surge-release/debris
4th of July Creek
surge-release/debris
Lost Creek
surge-release/debris
Debris and surge -release flooding will continue to be a problem in the Seward area.
According to the 1994 Resurrection River Reconnaissance Report, the US Army Corps of
Engineers stated that the 1986 and 1995 storms left the steep drainages even less stable
and more prone to landslides and avalanches in future storms. In addition, stream channels
tend to migrate unpredictably across the alluvial fans as deposition occurs. Consequently,
mapping flood hazard areas on these fans is difficult and unreliable.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -9- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
In 2003, residents of Seward, Bear Creek and Lowell Point established a flood -service area
board, the Seward/Bear Creek Flood Service Area (SBCFA). This board's duties are to
provide flood protection, planning and mitigation services, as well as developing,
implementing and updating a development plan for furnishing flood protection services. The
board will develop criteria for determining service area involvement in future flood control
projects, and coordinate with the City of Seward to ensure there is neither duplication nor
contradiction in the flood control projects or services provided.
The SBCFSA Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan was originally published July 2005 and updated
November 2007.
The October 2006 flood event resulted in federal disaster declaration as residents were
evacuated, highways and roads flooded, levees damaged and critical infrastructure
damaged. The December 2009 high water event and storm surge resulted in a state
disaster declaration as critical waterfront infrastructure was damaged including the wave
barrier along Lowell Point Road, the Seward Green belt area and the seawall at the Alaska
SeaLife Center.
Earthquake
Definition: Sudden motion of the earth's surface, faulting, and ground failure.
Coastal Alaska is within the pacific subduction zone. Subduction zones are areas where
one tectonic plate plunges beneath another. Earthquakes cluster at the edge of the
plunging plate, and its path into the mantle can be traced by the location of the
earthquakes. The "ring of fire" around the Pacific is a giant earthquake zone, and coincides
with a ring of subduction zones that produces the world's deepest trenches, such as the
36,000 foot deep Marianas Trench. It is striking evidence for the existence of these zones.
An example of a subduction-zone plate boundary is found along the northwest coast of the
United States, western Canada, and southern Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. Subduction
zones are characterized by deep -ocean trenches, shallow to deep earthquakes, and
mountain ranges containing active volcanoes. Seward is located on this subduction zone.
Seward's earthquake risk may be better explained by using the matrix prepared by the
Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
(ADHS&EM) designates Seward as a jurisdiction that has a high probability of an
earthquake. Seward is designated as having a zone 4 risk. Earthquakes can trigger
secondary hazards including fires, fuel spills, landslides, avalanches, tsunamis, uplift,
subsidence, infrastructure failures and soil liquefaction.
Tsunami Hazard
Tsunamis are ocean waves that are generally triggered by vertical motion of the sea floor
during major earthquakes. Near ocean or undersea landslides or volcanic eruptions can
also generate tsunamis. They can be generated locally or a great distance from where they
landfall. Tsunamis have historically caused significant damage to coastal communities
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -10- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
throughout the world. As the tsunami crosses the deep ocean, its length from crest to crest
may be a hundred miles or more, and its height from crest to trough will only be a few feet
or less. They can not be felt aboard ships nor can they be seen from the air in the open
ocean. In the deepest oceans, the waves will reach speeds exceeding 600 miles per hour
(970 km/hr). When the tsunami enters the shoaling water of coastlines in its path, the
velocity of its waves diminishes and the wave height increases. It is in these shallow waters
that a large tsunami can crest to heights exceeding 100 feet (30 m) and strike with
devastating force.
As a tsunami leaves the deep water of the open sea and travels into the more shallow
waters near the coast, it undergoes a transformation. Since the speed of the tsunami is
related to the water depth, as the depth of the water decreases, the speed of the tsunami
diminishes. The change of total energy of the tsunami remains constant. Therefore, the
speed of the tsunami decreases as it enters shallower water, and the height of the wave
grows. Because of this "shoaling" effect, a tsunami that was imperceptible in deep water
may grow to be several feet or more in height. When a tsunami finally reaches the shore, it
may appear as a rapidly rising or falling tide, a series of breaking waves, or even a bore.
Reefs, bays, entrances to rivers, undersea features and the slope of the beach all help to
modify the tsunami as it approaches the shore.
Earthquake or other seismic activities near Seward can cause a tsunami to occur in
Resurrection Bay as was the case in 1964. Due to the frequency of earthquakes within
Alaska and the ocean topography of Resurrection Bay, there is a significant threat that a
tsunami will occur again.
Shoreline Erosion
Definition: Storm induced waves and flooding cause the destructive erosion of the coastal
areas.
From the fall through the spring, large low pressure systems that develop in the Gulf of
Alaska and systems that are brought to the region by winds in the upper atmosphere steer
massive storms in the North Pacific Ocean toward Alaska. When these storms impact the
shoreline, they often bring wide swathes of high winds and rain, occasionally causing
coastal flooding and erosion.
The intensity, location and the land's topography influence the storm's impact. Another
factor that influences the damage done to the shoreline by coastal storms is the amount of
rain associated with the system. Fierce storm conditions do not have to be present to cause
damage.
Coastal shoreline erosion is a continuing problem within the City of Seward along the
waterfront campground and near the Seward Marine Industrial Center. Weather conditions
make shoreline erosion an ongoing threat to the city.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -11- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Erosion to the beaches caused by storms or high winds are an ongoing hazard in the City
of Seward. The December 2009 storm surge with high water event caused extensive
damage to the wave barrier along Lowell Point Road, the Seward Green belt area and the
seawall at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Lowell Point Road is the only access for Kenai
Peninsula Borough Citizens living in that community, access for State and Federal Parks
and a key sewer and electric utility corridor for Seward. Other wave action and coastal
flooding also causes damage to the shoreline. Use of Resurrection Bay by recreational
boaters, is a source of wave action which will continue to be a problem even without
significant storms. City of Seward has taken steps to minimize the impacts of erosion on
the beaches with the addition of rock walls, culverts and channels, but additional measures
are necessary.
Coastal erosion regularly threatens significant assets including the City owned bike path,
Playgrounds, park, RV sights landmarks and the Alaska Sea Life Center.
Wildfire
Wildfires that were reviewed are:
Wildland fire
Urban Interface fire
Firestorms
Wildfires do not present a major threat to people or property because of the coastal
weather conditions in the Seward area. Urban Interface Fire risk changes, as more
development occurs, placing people and property at a higher risk due to accidental and
man made fires.
The fire risk has also been increasing in recent years due to the spruce bark beetle
infestation. The dead trees are very dry and therefore highly combustible. This will
present an even bigger problem in the coming years as the trees start to fall, littering the
forest floor with flammable material.
Volcanoes
Alaska is the home to more than 80 major volcanic centers. In general, there are one or two
eruptions a year. Over half of the state's population lives within 100 miles of an active
volcano.
The single greatest hazard from an explosive volcanic eruption is ash, fine fragments of
rock blown into the atmosphere during volcanic eruption.
Lahars, lava and tsunami generating landslides are also potential hazards during a volcanic
eruption.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -12- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Avalanches
An avalanche is a slope failure consisting of a mass of fluidized snow sliding down a
hillside. The damage caused by an avalanche varies based on the avalanche type, the
consistency and composition of the avalanche flow, the flow's force and velocity, as well as
the avalanche path. Avalanches usually occur on slopes between 25 and 50 degrees, with
most starting between 30 and 40 degrees. They can be triggered by both natural and
human factors.
There is growing exposure to this hazard as development continues to occur in avalanche
prone areas and participation in winter recreational activities increases.
Winter Weather
Winter weather includes heavy snows such as blizzards, ice storms and extreme cold.
Heavy snows can bring the community to a standstill by inhibiting transportation, knocking
down trees and utility lines, and by causing structural collapses in buildings not designed to
withstand the weight of the snow. The cost of repairs and snow removal can be significant.
Ice buildup can bring down utility and communication lines as well as making transportation
difficult.
Extreme cold causes fuel to congeal in storage tanks and supply lines stopping fuel flow to
residential furnaces. Without heat water and sewer pipes can freeze and pipes can
rupture. Alternate heating sources can cause their own set of problems, from accidental
fires and illness from carbon monoxide in the home. Extreme cold can also increase the
likelihood of ice jams and flooding.
Landslide
Landslide refers to "the downward and outward movement of slope forming materials
reacting under the force of gravity." The materials are usually natural soil, rock, artificial fill
or a combination of those items. The term covers a range of events including mudflows,
mudslides, rock flows, rockslides, debris flows, debris avalanches, debris slides and earth
flows.
Geology, precipitation, topography and cut and fill construction practices all influence
landslide activity. They are often the result of heavy precipitation, coastal storms, flooding,
volcanic eruption, construction work or seismic activity.
One of the costliest landslide events ever experienced in the United States was associated
with the 1964 Good Friday earthquake. Approximately 60 percent of the total damage
caused by the earthquake was due to landslides. This was part of the equation for the
tsunami damage in Seward.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -13- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Drought
Droughts are fairly rare in Seward. A drought is commonly defined as a period of time of
very low precipitation. Drought severity depends on duration, intensity and geographic
extent as well as the demand on the water supply.
Seward experiences periods without rain, and the forests and grasslands become
extremely dry, increasing the probability of Urban Interface fires.
Economic
A large section of the Alaskan economy is resource based. When the resources generate
insufficient revenue, due to lack of the resource availability, poor prices or other conditions,
an economic disaster may be the result. Economic disaster consequences usually affect a
wide geographic area. Some of the resources that could lead to disasters if their
availability becomes limited include fish, lumber and coal. Seward is a tourist destination for
cruise ships, road and rail. The visitor decline would have a major impact on the economic
wellbeing of Seward.
Interactive Nature of Hazards
A hazard cannot be treated in isolation, as there are inter -relation between the hazard
agents. Frequently one hazard event triggers another. For example, a coastal storm will
often trigger flood and landslides. Or a wildfire could increase erosions and flooding risks.
As a result, all possible consequences of a hazard need to be considered when deciding
the most appropriate mitigation actions. It is also important to consider all the hazards that
could occur in an area when decided which mitigation activities to undertake. Some
mitigation measures could worsen the effects from the hazards such as allowing economic
development in areas susceptible to tsunamis or landslides.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -14- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Chapter 3 — Historical Hazards in Seward
History of Flooding in Seward
In 1986, over 15 inches of rain fell in a 36 hour period; saturating the steep slopes and
causing severe erosion. In some areas, landslides and avalanches dammed stream
channels, eventually causing a "surge -release" of floodwaters and debris when the dam
failed. This material, which included boulders as large as 8-feet in diameter, caused
extensive damage to buildings and facilities located downstream on the alluvial fans.
In August 1989 and September 1995, only active channel work kept Japanese Creek from
changing course and charging through the western edge of Forest Acres Subdivision.
Workers kept it within the channel. Creek waters joined Resurrection River to flood
southerly along the Seward Highway embankment into the undeveloped Forest Acres and
Fort Raymond area. Water moved across the highway and moved toward the Port Avenue
section of the small boat harbor. Part of the Seward Fisheries Meal Plant and the north
boat launch facility in the harbor were destroyed by the rapid water movement. The City of
Seward has worked with the Kenai Peninsula Borough to implement the Resurrection
River/Japanese Creek flood mitigation work. The work in the Resurrection River delta was
completed in 1999 and some maintenance work was done in July 2000. The construction
for the initial phase of the Japanese Creek Levee was completed during the summer of
2001.
Currently, the City of Seward has completed the permitting process for the second phase of
the project, has completed the Japanese Creek relocation and, by the time of this plan's
approval, will have completed all the property acquisitions. The second phase of the
project will extend the levee/road to the Seward Highway. Construction of the levee and
relocation of utilities is planned to begin in 2010. (Please see maps below and attached)
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Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -15- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
A major area of flood concern in the city involves the Lowell Creek Flood Control Project.
This project, built in 1940, diverts Lowell Creek away from the city through a tunnel in Bear
Mountain and into Resurrection Bay. During floods, Lowell Creek can reach high velocities
and carry boulders and debris weighing several tons. Blockage of the tunnel would cause
flood flow to go over the spillway and flow through the middle of the city. Due to the age of
the tunnel and the potential for catastrophic failure from debris blockage, the tunnel has
been determined to be inadequate and unsafe. Many repairs of the tunnel have taken place
throughout the years beginning in 1945, with additional emergency repairs in 1984, 1988,
and 1991. More recently an overhaul of the tunnel occurred in the winter of 2002-2003.
The US Army Corps of Engineers and subcontractors were responsible for tunnel work
including a lining of high strength concrete on the floor and replacement of some railroad
ties at the entrance for protection. Voids were found beneath the tunnel and were filled
during this project period.
During the 1995 and 2001 flood event, sediment and rock that flowed out of Lowell Creek
washed away riprap and a portion of the bridge at the waterfall which eroded the water
main and sewer line.
The flooding event in October 2006 was caused by the combination of high tides, warm
temperatures and the remnants of a typhoon stalled over south central Alaska caused 9 to
15 inches of rain to fall on the Seward area. The heavy rains contributed to the closing of
the Seward Highway at Mile 4, portions of the airport were flooded and residents from
outlying areas were evacuated from their homes. The outflow from the Lowell Creek
diversion tunnel dumped a 25 foot pile of debris and gravel on the bridge, severed the only
road to residents living at Lowell Point and threatened water main and sewer lines. Several
levees were damaged and approximately 200,000 cubic yards of bed load was deposited in
Japanese Creek severely constraining the levee's ability to contain flood waters.
The Alaska District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assumed long-term maintenance
and repair responsibility of the tunnel, inlet and outlet structures, until completion of
construction of an alternative method of flood diversion or until November 8, 2022. The
City of Seward continues to work with our congressional delegation to insure this project is
funded.
History of Earthquake and Tsunami Events in Seward
On Good Friday, March 27, 1964, North America's strongest recorded earthquake, with a
moment magnitude of 9.2, rocked central Alaska. Large areas were lifted up or dropped by
several feet, landslides were extensive, ground failure led to large fissures in the ground,
landslides into bays caused huge seiche waves locally and a tsunami caused damage
thousands of miles away. The result in Seward was disastrous to the town, waterfront,
boats and railroad. An estimated $14 million in damage occurred. An entire section of the
waterfront slid into Resurrection Bay.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -16- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
During the 1964 earthquake, landslides into bays near Valdez and Seward sent 35 foot
waves sloshing back and forth like water in a bathtub. In Seward, an oil tanker was
wrenched loose from a pipeline, which erupted in flames, spreading to the nearby oil tanks.
Burning oil on the water washed inland. Ships were battered against piers and washed
ashore. Warning time can be limited when the tsunami is triggered close to the impacted
coastline. In Seward, a 1070 meter section of the waterfront slid into the Resurrection Bay
due to the earthquake shaking. This generated a local tsunami causing much damage. Oil
from storage tanks was spread on to the water and ignited. About 20 minutes later, the first
wave of the main tsunami hit. The 11-13 fatalities in Seward were due to the local and the
main tsunamis.
History of Erosion in Seward
Coastal erosion is an ongoing problem for the City of Seward. Areas most seriously
affected by shoreline erosion include Lowell Point Road, Alaska SeaLife Center Lease site,
Waterfront Park south to the waterfall and the Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC).
Emergency erosion control efforts by the City of Seward include the shoreline at the
waterfront camping area and within the Seward Marine Industrial Center. In recent years,
the city has replaced riprap along Lowell Point Road in a number of different locations to
maintain the protection of the city sewer line.
The December 2009 storm surge event with high water caused extensive erosion and
damage to the wave barrier along Lowell Point Road, the Seward Green belt or water front
park area and the seawall at the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -17- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Chapter 4 — Hazards in Seward
The goal of mitigation is to reduce the future impacts of a hazard including property
damage, disruption to local and regional economies, and the amount of public and private
funds spent to assist with recovery. However, mitigation should be based on risk
assessment.
A risk assessment predicts the potential loss from a hazard event by assessing the
vulnerability of buildings, infrastructure and people. It identifies the characteristics and
potential consequences of hazards, how much of the community could be affected by a
hazard, and the impact on community assets.
A risk assessment consists of three components: hazard identification, vulnerability
analysis and risk analysis. Hazard identification will attempt to identify known hazards
within the community. Vulnerability analysis will show how each hazard may have an
impact on the community. Risk analysis will show what frequency and what damage from
identified hazard may impact the community.
The following annexes describe hazards that may occur in the City of Seward. The
hazards are broken into annex sections, which when appropriate, identify the hazard,
assess vulnerability, risk, mitigation goals and potential projects. Due to time constraints,
hazards that are not identified as a significant risk to the City of Seward are included but
given less comprehensive attention.
Annex A - Floods
A. Hazard Assessment
Step one is to identify the hazard. As outlined in Chapter 2 of this plan, flooding in the City
of Seward occurs primarily as a result of heavy rains and the effects of being built on the
alluvial fans of Resurrection River and Lowell Creek.
B. Vulnerability Assessment and Impacts
Step two is to identify the jurisdiction's vulnerability (the people and property that are likely
to be affected). Inventorying the jurisdiction's assets to determine the number of buildings,
their value, and population in hazard areas can also help determine vulnerability.
Identifying hazard prone critical facilities is vital because they are necessary during the
response and recovery activities.
Major rain events in the past have shown that the Seward area is prone to flooding by
many factors, including swelling of water ways, surge -debris release and the damming
effects caused by erosion of the steep banks of the surrounding mountains, rapid snow
melt and to some degree, storm surge. The City of Seward remains vulnerable due to its
being built on an alluvial fan. The Lowell Creek Tunnel Project is an example of mitigation
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -18- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
planning for the City of Seward. In 1992, a report on flood damage reduction was created
by the US Army Corps of Engineers. In this report, the Corps determined that the tunnel
has deteriorated due to debris abrasion. The rails used to armor the tunnels floor had been
torn out and floor has eroded to the bedrock. The report states the tunnel has been
determined to be vulnerable to blockage and possible collapse. They also determined that
the tunnel is deteriorating faster than it could be repaired. Blockage of the tunnel by lining
failure, debris and/or landslides would cause flood flow to go over the spillway. Water and
debris would flow through the heart of the city. Homes, senior citizen apartments, medical
and dental clinics, and the hospital are situated in the Lowell Creek Canyon just below the
diversion dike. According to the 1992 US Army Corps of Engineers report, the flood control
project is considered unsafe and inadequate. The most recent repair work was done during
the winter of 2002-2003, in which the Corps replaced the floor, rails and part of the eroded
bedrock voids. These repairs should control the erosion problem for a number of years but
this will be an ongoing project. The 2008 Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA)
returned the Lowell Creek diversion tunnel to the US Army Corps of Engineers
management and authorized a project to correct current deficiencies.
Resurrection River is another area prone to flood damage. In 1994, the US Army Corps of
Engineers did a reconnaissance report on prevention of flood damage for the Seward Area
Rivers. In this report, all the watersheds entering the upper Resurrection River were
examined and it was determined that rapid sedimentation in the Resurrection River channel
places much of the development adjacent to the river in danger of flood damage. A
significant concern of possible flood damage is the Seward Highway bridge crossings.
During the 1995 flood event, water crossed the highway at or near these crossings. In
1999, 150,000 cubic yards of debris, woody material, gravel, sand and silt was removed
from Resurrection River approximately 2000 feet downstream from the center Seward
Highway Bridge. The desired effect of the work was to alleviate backwater conditions
eliminating potential flooding. Along with this project, the city replaced the culverts of the
lagoon outflow at 4th Avenue. Recent improvements to the Seward Highway and Alaska
Railroad bridges include the installation of clear span bridges across the Resurrection
River.
In 1996, the City of Seward developed a mitigation plan for flood hazards in the city.
Flooding mitigation and recommendations have been done for Spruce Creek, Lowell Creek,
Rudolph Creek, Japanese Creek, Resurrection River Basin, Sawmill Creek and Fourth of
July Creek. That plan is available at the City of Seward Community Development office.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Flood Mitigation Plan also includes Seward and areas north
of the city and is available through the borough office. In 2003 the Kenai Borough adopted
Ordinance 2003-30 establishing the Seward/Bear Creek Flood Service Area (SBCFA).
Section 16.50.090 of the Kenai Peninsula Code defines the SBCFSA Board of Directors
powers and duties, which include responsibility for developing, implementing and updating
a plan for furnishing flood protection, planning and mitigation services. The SBCFSA Flood
Hazard Mitigation Plan was originally published July 2005 and updated November 2007.
Risk analysis is the final level of hazard assessment. It involves estimating the damage
and costs likely to be experienced in a geographic area over a period of time. Risk has two
measurable components: (1) the magnitude of the harm that may result (defined through
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -19- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
the vulnerability assessment); and (2) the likelihood or probability of the harm occurring
(multiple flooding scenarios).
The magnitude of the flooding in Seward has been historically high. Debris and surge -
release flooding will continue to be a problem due to the topography and traditional weather
patterns of the area. Risk depends on the degree of flooding and can include disruption of
services, transportation routes, and communication systems. According to the FEMA FIRM
maps, if there was a 100 year flood event, the estimated borough assessed values of
structures within the flood affected area is in excess of $21,000,000. These structures
include residential buildings, commercial buildings and public facilities. In 1986, estimated
recovery costs for the City of Seward were projected at $2.2 million. The 1995 flood had
estimated repairs to just city property was $147,700.
In Seward, there are flood warning systems which give community residents' an organized
notification of impending flood danger. The National Weather Service (NWS) provides flood
forecast and warning data utilized by many communities that have local warning systems.
National Flood Insurance Programs (NFIP)
The function of NFIP is to provide flood insurance to homes and businesses located in
floodplains at a reasonable cost, and to encourage the location of new development away
from the floodplain. The program is based upon mapping areas of flood risk, and requiring
local implementation to reduce that risk, primarily through guidance of new development in
floodplains.
The City of Seward uses Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), effective May 19, 1981, and
codified the Flood Plain Mitigation Plan in October 1999, to depict areas of flooding within
the city limits. The FIRM depicts the flood plain as determined by FEMA.
Details of the NFIP can be found at hft://www.fema.gov/doc/library/nfipdescrip.doc.
The 1981 Flood Insurance Rate Maps are outdated and are in need of updating to address
the following items.
• 1981 maps need to be reevaluated with the 29 years of additional data.
• Corrections may need to be made for areas where fill or naturally high ground is now
shown as flood prone but may not be in jeopardy of flooding.
In 2010, FEMA will update its FIRM maps for the City of Seward. The estimated date for
release of the draft maps is March 30, 2010. Draft hard copy maps will be released for
public review, and once public meetings are held by FEMA and public comment is
obtained, final maps and digital shapefiles will be available in 2011.
The City of Seward Community Development Office is available for estimates of the
number and assessed values of structures located within the areas identified on the FIRM.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -20- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
To deal with problems of flooding at the Seward Airport, the State of Alaska Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities published the Seward Airport Master Plan and
environmental assessment in July 2008.
The City of Seward and the US Army Corps of Engineers have made substantial progress
in prevention of flooding in Seward. The Lowell Creek Tunnel Project completed in 1940,
diverts the waters of Lowell Creek away from the city through Bear Mountain and into
Resurrection Bay. The Japanese Creek Levee Project completed in 2001, keeps flood
waters from entering the Forest Acres Subdivision and crossing the highway. These
projects, as well as the Resurrection River dredging project, currently reduce the risk of
major flooding within the city.
C. Mitigation Measures
This section of Annex A addresses flood mitigation goals for the City of Seward with
potential projects to achieve these goals.
Goal 1: Identify hazard areas and select mitigation measures for those areas
Goal 2: Increase public awareness of hazards
Goal 3: Enact mitigation measures
This first goal is to identify the flood hazard areas and mitigation measures that will better
protect individual and commercial property owners within the City of Seward. On going
mitigation measures include:
• Floodplain development permits to include elevation certificates and data
• Request base sea level and flood elevations from builders on proposed projects
• Provide maps of flood hazard areas, in digital and hard copy
• Update as required city code floodplain management ordinance
• Update the Seward Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan, 1996; this was subsequently
replaced by the Seward/Bear Creek Flood Service Area Flood Hazard Mitigation
Plan, Originally published July 2005 and updated in November 2007.
• Update the Seward Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan, 1996
• Integrating Flood Hazard Mitigation strategies into the Seward 2010 Comprehensive
Plan, 1990
• Include flood issues in the Seward Strategic Plan, 1999
• Provide FEMA Public Outreach Floodplain information booklets
• Staff coordination with SBCFSA, KPB, State of Alaska, and Federal Floodplain
managers on flood issues within the City of Seward.
• Building Permits; insuring the adopted building codes address flood issues
• Continue working with the Seward Bear Creek Flood Service Area Advisory Board to
update the working mitigation plan.
• Advising the US Army Corps of Engineers of conditions concerning the Lowell Creek
Tunnel Project including renovating the tunnel and developing a new outfall.
• Maintain and extend the Japanese Creek Levee.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -21- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Remove excess bed load accumulation in Seward's rivers and creeks.
• Ditch, drainage, sea wall and culvert construction, coordinated to help ensure the
safe, flood free drainage even during potential storm events.
Potential Projects:
• Acquire land within the city to develop a usable secondary evacuation route that
bypasses the Seward lagoon and boat harbor areas. Provide barriers to this route
and designate it as a recreational trail for use outside of emergency access.
(Planning and Zoning Commission, May 6, 2004)
• Complete the Two Lakes Park Replat and the joint use access agreements providing
the secondary evacuation route.
• Update Flood Insurance Rate Maps: the 1981 maps need to be reevaluated with 29
years of additional data. Evaluate additional programs that address Seward's unique
alluvial fan flood problem.
• The City of Seward should continue improving its NFIP Community Rating System,
under the Federal Insurance Administration's Community Rating System (CRS) by
exceeding the required standards to obtain further flood insurance premium
reductions for policyholders within communities while simultaneously reducing flood
losses.
• North Forest Acres Levee and Access Road Project: Phase 2 of this project has
begun to protect the North Forest Acres Subdivision and other areas of the City of
Seward from recurrent flood damage by constructing a levee along the lower portion
of Japanese Creek. Flood -proofing existing structures: Improving existing structures
to make them less susceptible to flood damage could be a viable project for many of
the historic buildings or non -elevated structures.
• The below was completed in 2009 with the help of the Kenai Watershed Forum.
Dairy Hill Drainage Improvements: Upsize culverts and improve haphazard
drainage in the Dairy Hill Area. During heavy rainfall events, the flows in the
drainages can become severe and cause washouts of roadways, culverts and
building improvements. An HMGP grant application was submitted in 2010 in the
amount of $339,387.00.
• Replace the Dairy Hill Road/ Seward Lagoon culverts with larger culverts. During
flood events, the existing culverts cannot divert enough water to prevent flooding of
the road.
• Conduct a structural assessment of the 4t' of July Creek dike. A failure of the
existing dike would cause damage to
Spring Creek Correctional Center.
• Coordinate with the US Army Corps
upgrade, replace or find an alternative
resulting out -flow sediment build up
infrastructure of the city water supply and
of Engineers as they develop a project to
to the Lowell Creek diversion tunnel and it's
• Japp Creek investigation to evaluate the flow capacity of the existing flood control
corridor, to determine sedimentation trends/rates, and to utilize this information to
develop a long term maintenance strategy and funding plan to preserve the system.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -22- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
• Fourth of July Creek investigation to evaluate the flow capacity of the existing flood
control corridor, to determine sedimentation trends/rates, and to utilize this
information to develop a long term maintenance strategy and funding plan to
preserve the system.
• Spruce Creek evaluate the flow capacity of the flood control corridor and determine
sedimentation rates. Use this information to develop a plan to preserve the flood
control corridor and to create a long term maintenance strategy and funding plan.
• A geomorphic investigation should be conducted of Scheffler Creek to determine the
size, frequency, and potential deposition characteristics of future debris flows.
• Consider land use code regulation changes to more effectively guide development
and floodplain use. Evaluate certain areas for additional preventative measures. The
city subdivision regulations which govern the division of land for sale or development
should include floodplain regulations. The floodplain regulations should be
incorporated into the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP) and the Seward
Comprehensive Plan.
• Support a U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska needs Assessment this fall to
consider needs throughout the greater Seward watershed area. Alternative, the City
could proceed ahead to request our Congressional delegation to establish earmarks
of $100K for our preliminary assessments.
Goal two is to increase public awareness. This could be accomplished by the following
measures.
• Information Dissemination: The purpose of information dissemination is to provide
the community residents with knowledge about the flood hazards in their
neighborhoods and possible activities for mitigation. A variety of agencies can
participate in information dissemination. Manuals are available through the City of
Seward Clerks Office, Community Development Office and at the Seward
Community Library.
Outreach Projects: The City continues to provide flood information and technical assistance
to current and prospective residents and business owners. The City will schedule
training/info sessions for local realtors, contactors and lending institutions. Real estate
disclosure: Alaska State Statute 34-70 requires a seller to disclose flood hazard on
residential properties.
Risk Analysis: With advances made in Geographic Information System (GIS)
technology, it is becoming increasingly easy to analyze the risk of various flood
events. This analysis, of course, depends on the availability of data relating to
building location and value and flood recurrence. Performing multiple risk analyses
helps to increase public understanding of a coastal or river flood potential. Often,
risk is understood only at the "100-year" level, because this forms the basis for Flood
Insurance Rate Maps. The "100-year" flood means a flood level having a 1 %
chance of being equaled or exceed annually. If information is collected and
reviewed, the possibility of predicting what areas may be impacted during a 5, 10, 15
year cycle.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -23- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Potential Projects:
• Continue distributing the brochure describing the City of Seward flood dangers and
floodplain building regulations.
• Continue working with FEMA and other Federal and State Agencies as the Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are updated and researching other tools for
accurately forecasting and mitigating Seward's complex alluvial fan flood problem.
• Continue working with FEMA to obtain the latest National Flood Insurance Program
information and scheduling workshops.
• Provide floodplain regulations information, updates or revisions to the citizens of
Seward.
• Continue coordination with FEMA to conduct flood proofing or elevating workshops
for the City and public.
• Continue the City's efforts working with potential partners or agencies while
capitalizing on multiple funding sources for mitigation projects, including erosion and
sediment control projects.
• Continue refining the education and outreach programs to notify current
homeowners and potential homebuyers about flood hazard risks in identified areas.
• Provide local realtors and lending institutions with GIS copies of FIRM as they are
updated.
• Complete North Forest Acres Levee and Access Road Project.
• Complete Dairy Hill Road/ Seward Lagoon culvert replacement.
• Conduct a structural assessment of the 4th of July Creek dike.
• Obtain ongoing permits for the Lowell Creek outfall sediment and erosion control
program.
• Continue public education concentrating on the SAWS (Siren Alert and Warning
System), what it means and what to do in the event of an emergency. Educate the
public on the Emergency Alert Network. (Planning and Zoning Commission May 6,
2004)
• Continue providing new homeowners, builders or renovators a brochure detailing the
fuel tank stand codes helping to insure they're more flood/earthquake prepared
(Planning and Zoning Commission May 6, 2004)
The third goal in the process is to enact mitigation solutions. The City working closely with
the SBCFSA has identified flood mitigation problems and recommended solutions within
their capabilities, which have been through the public process and approved by the City
Council, with some funded and others competing for state or federal funding. Mitigation
problems exceeding the City and SBCFSA capabilities and expertise have been forwarded
to FEMA, US Army Corps of Engineers and other federal and state organizations for their
assistance. The City and SBCFSA have agreed on those projects that can be funded by
each and included in their budget. Grant requests and other financial sources are being
sought on those that exceed either's capacity. Completion of any project will depend on
the availability of funds and any changes of priority.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -24- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Annex B - Earthquake
A. Hazard Assessment
Earthquakes are common occurrences in Seward. The threat of a tsunami is dependent on
the magnitude and location of the tectonic activity.
Most large earthquakes are caused by a sudden release of accumulated stresses between
crustal plates that move against each other on the earth's surface. Some earthquakes
occur along faults that lie within these plates. The dangers associated with earthquakes
include ground shaking; surface faulting, ground failures, snow avalanches, seiches and
tsunamis. The extent of damage is dependent on the magnitude of the quake, the geology
of the area, distance from the epicenter and structure design and construction. A main goal
of an earthquake hazard reduction program is to preserve lives through economical
rehabilitation of existing structures and constructing safe new structures.
Ground shaking is due to the three main classes of seismic waves generated by an
earthquake. P (primary) waves are the first ones felt, often as a sharp jolt. S (shear or
secondary) waves are slower and usually have a side to side movement. They can be very
damaging because structures are more vulnerable to horizontal than vertical motion.
Surface waves are the slowest, although they can carry the bulk of the energy in a large
earthquake. The damage to buildings depends on how the specific characteristics of each
incoming wave interact with the buildings' height, shape, and construction materials.
Earthquakes are usually measured in terms of their magnitude and intensity. Magnitude is
related to the amount of energy released during an event while intensity refers to the
effects on people and structures at a particular place. Earthquake magnitude is usually
reported according to the standard Richter scale for small to moderate earthquakes. Large
earthquakes, like those that commonly occur in Alaska are reported according to the
moment -magnitude scale because the standard Richter scale does not adequately
represent the energy released by large events.
Intensity is usually reported using the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. This scale has 12
categories ranging from not felt to total destruction. Different values can be recorded at
different locations for the same event depending on local circumstances such as distance
from the epicenter or building construction practices. Soil conditions are a major factor in
determining an earthquake's intensity, as unconsolidated fill areas will have more damage
than an area with shallow bedrock.
On the Richter scale, magnitude is expressed in whole numbers and decimals. A 5.0
earthquake is a moderate event, 6.0 characterize a strong event, 7.0 is a major earthquake
and a great earthquake exceeds 8.0. The scale is logarithmic and open-ended.
Surface faulting is the differential movement of the two sides of a fault. There are three
general types of faulting. Strike -slip faults are where each side of the fault moves
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -25- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
horizontally. Normal faults have one side dropping down relative to the other side. Thrust
(reverse) faults have one side moving up and over the fault relative to the other side.
Earthquake -induced ground failure is often the result of liquefaction, which occurs when soil
(usually sand and course silt with high water content) loses strength as a result of the
shaking and acts like a viscous fluid. Liquefaction causes three types of ground failures:
lateral spreads, flow failures, and loss of bearing strength.
On Sunday, November 3, 2002 magnitude 7.9 Denali Fault Earthquake, one of the largest
ever recorded on U.S. soil according to the U.S. Geologic Survey, resulted in no damage in
Seward. On a global level, three of the ten strongest earthquakes ever recorded occurred
in Alaska.
B. Vulnerability Assessment and Impacts
Seward, Alaska is located in the Pacific Subduction Zone in which Oceanic -continental
convergence is taking place. This area is also known as the Ring of Fire or the Pacific Rim
of Fire. It is the place where two tectonic plates are in a very slow collision. The buildup of
pressure between the tectonic plates determines the degree of earth movement. Such
destruction (recycling) of crust takes place along convergent boundaries where plates are
moving toward each other, and sometimes one plate sinks (is subducted) under another.
The location where sinking of a plate occurs is called a subduction zone (USGS). Volcanic
activity is also high along subduction zones.
The City of Seward is very vulnerable to such earth movements. A risk analysis for the City
of Seward shows significant impact to priority infrastructures and the economy. If the right
conditions occur during an earthquake, a tsunami is also a potential hazard.
This photo was taken after the 1964
earthquake. It shows the waterfront area where
major devastation occurred from both the
earthquake and the resulting tsunamis.
Photos from the Earth Science Photographs from the
U.S. Geological Survey Library, by Joseph K. McGregor
and Carl Abston, U.S. Geological Survey Digital Data
Series DDS-21, 1995.
Impact to the city would be substantial if a major earthquake occurred. The history of
Seward during the 1964 earthquake shows that many major problems were eminent.
Depending on the magnitude of the quake, a number of different outcomes could take
place. Transportation, infrastructure, emergency services, commerce and individual
property as well as lives would be affected by a large quake. In the 2004 plan edition,
mitigation measures Goal 1; had an objective to obtain land for a secondary evacuation
route that bypasses the Seward Lagoon and boat harbor areas.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -26- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
In January 2010, the Seward Planning & Zoning Commission approved a replat of land
owned by the City to designate it as a park. A sixty foot wide Right —of- Way was included
in the request to allow for access to a private landholder. The landholder agreed to allow for
a secondary access route across their property for consideration of the right of way. Details
on the exact location of the secondary route and its width will be determined in the spring of
2010. Construction of the route will not start until funds are available to complete it.
Goal 2 in the Plan mitigation measures had an objective to develop a brochure to educate
homeowners on fuel tank stands. That objective was included in the information packet
given to anyone applying for a Building Permit. During the plan review phase of a project
items that are of concern for earthquake mitigation are pointed out to the developer and
where possible required for the project.
C. Mitigation Measures
Goal 1: Identify hazard areas and select mitigation measures for those areas
• Update building codes to stay current with state requirements and industry
concerning earthquake protection.
• Identify non -buildable sites through the city's land use plan and city zoning maps.
• Earthquake proof priority structures (schools, city buildings, public safety offices,
etc.) This project requires the involvement of many government entities and
assessments of various structures. Where possible employ Earthquake resistant
building technology to mitigate damage.
• Acquire land within the city to develop a secondary evacuation route that bypasses
the Seward lagoon and boat harbor areas. Provide barriers to this route and
designate it as a recreational trail for use outside of emergency access. (Planning
and Zoning Commission, May 6, 2004) (Land has been designated in January of
2010. The survey of the route is scheduled to be accomplished in the spring of
2010.)
Goal 2: Increase public awareness of hazards
• Conduct community mock emergency exercises and evaluate response.
• Develop public education to concentrate on the SAWS (Siren Alert and Warning
System), what it means and what to do in the event of an emergency. Educate the
public on EAN (Emergency Alert Network). (Planning and Zoning Commission May
6, 2004) Possibly make public announcements using the utility billing memo and the
scanner announcement page with GCI cable TV and radio.
Continue to update brochures and handouts to educate homeowners on fuel tank stand
codes and earthquake mitigation measures so they will be more flood/earthquake
prepared.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -27- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Goal 3: Enact mitigation measures
The third goal in the process is to enact mitigation solutions. Once the potential problems
and solutions have been addressed along with input from the public process and approval
of the City Council, the mitigation can go forward. The process of funding each project can
be addressed during the normal budget process and/or with grant funding. Completion of
any project will depend on the availability of funds and any changes of priority.
Annex C -Tsunami
A. Hazard Assessment
Tsunamis are ocean waves that are generally triggered by vertical motion of the sea floor
during major earthquakes. Near ocean or undersea landslides or volcanic eruptions can
also generate tsunamis. They can be generated locally or a great distance from where they
landfall. Warning time can be limited when the tsunami is triggered close to the impacted
coastline.
Seismically -generated local tsunamis
Seismically -generated local tsunamis were produced during the 1964 earthquake.
Earthquakes generate tsunamis when the sea floor abruptly deforms and displaces the
overlying water from its equilibrium position. Waves are formed as the displaced water
mass, which acts under the influence of gravity, attempts to regain its equilibrium. The main
factor which determines the initial size of a tsunami is the amount of vertical sea floor
deformation. This is controlled by the earthquake's magnitude, depth, fault characteristics
and coincident slumping of sediments or secondary faulting. Other features which influence
the size of a tsunami along the coast are the shoreline and bathymetric configuration, the
velocity of the sea floor deformation, the water depth near the earthquake source, and the
efficiency which energy is transferred from the earth's crust to the water column.
Landslide -generated tsunamis
Submarine and sub -aerial landslides can generate large tsunamis. Sub -aerial landslides
have more kinetic energy associated with them so they trigger larger tsunamis. An
earthquake usually, but not always, triggers this type of landslide and they are usually
confined to the bay or lake of origin. During the 1964 earthquake, landslides into bays near
Valdez and Seward sent 35 foot waves sloshing back and forth like water in a bathtub.
Warning time can be limited when the tsunami is triggered close to the impacted coastline.
In Seward, a 1070 meter section of the waterfront slid into Resurrection Bay due to the
earthquake shaking. This created a local tsunami causing much damage. Landslides
usually occur in the heavily glaciated areas of Prince William Sound and parts of Southeast
Alaska. One earthquake can trigger multiple landslides and landslide -generated tsunamis.
Low tide is a factor for submarine landslides because low tide leaves part of the water -
saturated sediments exposed without the support of the water. Loading on the delta from
added weight such as trains or a warehouse or added fill can add to an area's instability.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -28- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Resurrection Bay borders the Gulf of Alaska and it is vulnerable to tsunamis generated by
landslides, underwater landslides, crustal plate movement, and volcanic activity in the
North Pacific Ocean. The Gulf of Alaska could receive a tsunami from several possible
sources.
B. Vulnerability Assessment and Impacts
The map below is from the State of Alaska Hazard Mitigation Plan which designates
Seward as having a high tsunami hazard.
"TSUNAMI HAZARD
BY COMMUNITY
(DISTANT SOURCES ONLY)
IS High
0 Moderate
Law
i None or negligible
'* a d Point
i. ,. 1►dalk nalaska Gulf a? Alaska
o 200 400
moe
This truck at Lowell Point,
2 miles from Seward, was
bent around a tree by the
surge waves generated by
the underwater landslides
along the Seward
waterfront. The truck was
about 32 feet above water
level at the time of the
earthquake.
Source US Geological Survey.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -29- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
C. Mitigation Measures
Seward was one of the first cities in the U.S. to be considered Tsunami Ready. The city has
put together evacuation maps, pamphlets and signs designated to help people in our
community escape potential risk. Due to the history of tsunamis in Seward, the city has
cooperated with the State of Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula Borough in the development
of tsunami warning signals. The city has developed response plans to deal with the effects
of tsunamis. In the 2004 version of this plan, in Goal 1 we identified two potential projects
that benefit the community. With the assistance of The State of Alaska DHS/EM, USGS,
UAF Geological Department and NOAA we have finalized a new inundation map for the
community. This map shows the effects of different size waves and effects from waves
generated inside and outside of Resurrection Bay. The final version of the map went to the
publishers in January 2010. The second project was to acquire land to develop a
secondary evacuation route. An agreement has been reached with the private landowner
who will allow for this route over their property. Survey of the route has been completed
and we are currently looking into any engineering studies that may be required.
Goal 1: Identify earthquake and tsunami hazards within the City of Seward and evaluate
and prioritize potential mitigation measures.
Potential Projects:
• Revise tsunami inundation hazard prediction maps and revise as needed after an
event or disaster.
• Develop a secondary evacuation route that bypasses the Seward lagoon and boat
harbor areas. Provide barriers to this route and designate it as a recreational trail for
use outside of emergency access. (Planning and Zoning Commission, May 6, 2004)
• Drill or dry run practice community evacuations of above and existing evacuation
routes.
• Place one electrical supply circuit underground across the Lagoon in an old
waterline.
• Complete an underground electrical supply circuit over Dairy Hill and through Two
Lakes Park.
• Complete an underground circuit from the South Harbor expansion to Jefferson
along Ballaine Blvd.
• Complete the SMIC electrical loop along Sorrel Rd.
• Complete the electrical loop along Alemeda St. To Leirer Rd.
• Complete the underground electrical loop on Lowell Pt. from Beach Drive to Lowell
Pt. Rd., and the loop from Shady Ln. to Beach Dr.
Goal 2: Protect lives and properties in the event of a tsunami through public education and
emergency response exercises.
• Install AWS (Alaska Weather System) radios in public buildings. These radios will
also broadcast tsunami watches and warnings.
• Install EMWIN (Emergency Managers Weather Information Network), from the
National Weather Service into the police dispatch area.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -30- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
• Conduct community mock tsunami exercises and review responses to correct
deficiencies.
• Develop public education to concentrate on the SAWS (Siren Alert and Warning
System), what it means and what to do in the event of an emergency. Educate the
public on EAN (Emergency Alert Network).
Annex D — Coastal Erosion
A. Hazard Assessment
Erosion to the beaches caused from storms or high winds are an ongoing hazard in the City
of Seward. Other wave action and coastal flooding also causes damage to the shoreline.
South facing shorelines within the city are more susceptible to wave erosion. These
shorelines are mainly public property.
B. Vulnerability Assessment and Impacts
Erosion in the form of wave action in Resurrection Bay is caused by a number of different
scenarios. The most damaging wave action is the result of storm surge. These storm -
induced waves cause the destructive erosion of coastal areas. Use of Resurrection Bay by
recreational boaters, is a source of wave action which will continue to be a problem even
without significant storms.
The City of Seward has taken steps to minimize the impacts of erosion on beaches with the
addition of rock walls, culverts and channels. In 2002, the City of Seward did some
emergency erosion control work south of the ship lift located in Seward Marine Industrial
Center. The project was designed to reduce the ongoing erosion in that area. Over $38,000
was spent on that repair effort. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is looking into more
extensive erosion work at the SMIC.
After the 2006 flood event, the City of Seward evaluated options for additional erosion
control within the Seward Small Boat Harbor basin. A new Travelift dock was built in 2008,
connecting the existing sheet -piling dock forming the foundation for the Best Western Hotel.
Additional rock was placed in the north-west corner to help alleviate the erosion problem in
this quadrant of the harbor.
The north-east corner of the harbor requires additional mitigation efforts to prevent future
damage from future flooding events. A stormwater drain is currently in place in this area;
however shore bank erosion will continue to be a problem unless rock, sheetpile or other
substrate is placed in the area to prevent further erosion. This area of the harbor has been
subject to damage from wave action because the east breakwater was not originally
designed or built long enough to protect this area from wave events originating from
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -31- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Resurrection Bay. In 2010 the US ARMY Corps of Engineers awarded a contract to extend
the east breakwater 215 feet to mitigate this problem.
An additional consequence of the flooding events in Seward is the accumulation of debris
(soil, rocks, vegetative matter, trash) that is deposited in the harbor basin. This requires
additional dredging to maintain proper depth in the harbor. The US Army Corps of
Engineers maintains responsibility for a portion of the harbor dredging, but most flood
prone areas are the City of Seward's responsibility. Dredging is scheduled to occur in 2011
based on funding availability.
Lowell Point Road on the south end of the City of Seward has suffered repetitive erosion
and flood damage problems from both weather and coastal erosion. Lowell Point Road
serves as the infrastructure access to the sewage treatment facility. This access must be
maintained. Erosion to the access road south of the waterfall has been a major economic
and safety concern. The city estimates it would cost approximately $5 million dollars to
replace and erosion proof the existing access, electric and sewer lines.
In December of 2009 a storm surge caused severe damage to Lowell Point Road, Alaska
SeaLife Center, the south camping area, camping area along Ballaine Blvd and the south
beach of SMIC. The State of Alaska made a declaration of disaster for this event.
C. Mitigation Measures
GOAL: Reduce the amount of shoreline erosion within allowable practices and monetary
constraints.
Potential Projects:
• Build a protective barrier south of the Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC) for
erosion control.
• Complete wave barrier at the ship lift located in SMIC.
• Maintain the rock barrier located in the Waterfront Park area.
• Create a baseline assessment on Lowell Point Road, existing infrastructures and the
feasibility of culvert/ditch line installation.
• Maintain or redesign rip -rap barriers along Lowell Point Road.
• Dredging operations to remove debris and fill at the head of Resurrection Bay near
the airport.
• Cover the underground electric line to Lowell Pt. with concrete
• Current Mitigation measures required at Waterfront Park includes 1) repairing,
maintaining and redesigning the rock barrier located in the Waterfront Park area and
2) implementing a regenerative program of our native Beach Rye Grass (Elymus
arenarius) by aggressively replanting, relocating city campground fire pits,
implementing educational signage to redirect foot and recreational vehicle traffic and
installing boulders and other barriers to prohibit vehicles from damaging the coastal
vegetation.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -32- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
• Install a protective "spit" near the waterfront in cooperation with the state, to protect
from coastal erosion, storm surge tides and tsunami inundation. Similar to the south
harbor upland, but smaller.
• Install sheet -piling or a rock barrier along the north-east edge of the harbor to
prevent further erosion.
• Dredging operations to remove debris and sediment accumulation within the harbor
from flooding events and to maintain necessary depth.
Annex E — Wildland Fire
A. Hazard Assessment
The City of Seward has a low probability of direct wildland fire hazard but there have been
instances of wildland/urban interface fire situations in May of 2000 and 2001.
Seward is subject to the effects of a wildland fire in the East Zone of the Kenai Peninsula.
Primarily, transportation to the city would be disrupted if a major wildland fire event would
take place in the East Zone.
B. Vulnerability Assessment and Impacts
The City of Seward has a low risk of wildland fire and secondary effects of a fire from the
East Zone are covered in the KPB Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The communities of the East Zone have the potential to experience both large structural
and urban/wildland interface fires. Large wildland fires also have the potential to affect
Seward from secondary effects such as air space and road closures due to smoke. Fires
may arise as isolated incidents, or be caused by other emergencies such as earthquakes.
In addition, they may be complicated by the presence of hazardous materials, and extreme
weather conditions.
There is a history of large wildland fires in the East Zone such as the Moose Pass fire of
1985 or the Crown Point fire of 2001. The increasing amount of spruce -bark beetle killed
forest coupled with the right mix of weather and fire behavior could result in a large wildfire
that would impact people, property, air quality and the transportation corridor. Under certain
conditions, the increased beetle kill forest may increase the potential for fire starts of
urban/wildland fires in formerly low risk areas. The potential risk to property and people can
be great given the correct mix of extreme fire weather and increased fuel loading.
Although the City of Seward has a low probability of wildland fire, the East Zone wildland
fire potential has been problematic for Seward and continues to pose a threat to the city. In
the case of the wildland fire that affected the Kenai Lake/Trail River campground in 2001,
the City of Seward gave mutual aid to the US Forest Service. The Seward Fire Department
crew was on the fire from June 26 through June 29, 2001.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -33- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Potential projects:
• Acquire permission to clear hazard, and potential hazard trees beyond the
permit area for the transmission line from Dave's Creek to Grouse Lake from
the State and the USFS.
• Clear the trees from the newly acquired permission areas and the brush within
the permitted area.
Urban Fires
As with many communities, the City of Seward has a greater probability of urban fire
situations than wildland fires. Urban fires continue to dominate the city's fire
prevention/protection efforts within the City of Seward. Structural, vehicle, marine and small
brush fires are common occurrences within the city.
C. Mitigation Measures
The Kenai Peninsula Borough offered a course on urban interface fire fighting in May of
2004 to better prepare firefighters for wildland/urban fire situations. The three day course
was sponsored by the Borough Office of Emergency Management and Central Emergency
Services in Soldotna. It was designed to address the issues of wildland/urban fires on the
peninsula. The City of Seward has participated in the Alaska Firewise Program, which
identifies hazards to homeowners and offers solutions to protect residents in or near
forested areas. Relocating the Seward Building Department into the Fire Department has
helped streamline this part of the process for builders by consolidating review of potential
response to a structure, operational needs of the builder and City department's
requirements in one location. During this plan review structures that are in an area that has
risk/exposure to a wildland/urban fire, have been required to incorporate protective
measures.
KPB is tracking the spread of the spruce bark beetle throughout the peninsula. The KPB
Spruce Bark Beetle Office offers assistance and advice to businesses and homeowners.
Annex F- Weather
A. Hazard Assessment
The City of Seward has a high probability of weather related hazards. Winter storms can
include heavy snowfall, ice storms, blizzards and extreme cold. Heavy spring or fall
precipitation can lead to flooding in the Seward area.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -34- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
B. Vulnerability Assessments and Impacts
The probability of weather related hazards in Seward is high. Weather can disrupt
communications; power, transportation, emergency services, and can pose a risk to
individuals. Heavy snow has secondary effects as well, such as avalanches that close the
highway and rail access into the city. A major winter storm in 2000 caused numerous
avalanches that closed the Seward Highway in several places between Anchorage,
Girdwood and Seward. This storm also caused power outages that affected the city and
outlying areas. People rushed to the local grocery stores and most of the perishable foods
were cleaned out as soon as the town was notified that the road would be closed. Medical
supplies had to be flown in and the state ferry Tustumena was given deliveries from other
communities to bring into Seward. Many people were stranded for up to seven days in one
of the several communities that were affected.
Other major weather events include flooding, wind and extreme cold. Flooding of the past
was a direct result of major downpours and already saturated ground. Extended dry periods
and wind have affected the city by hampering efforts of controlling fire. In May 2000, a
wildland fire in the Japanese Creek region quickly spread due to high winds and dry
conditions. The City of Seward evacuated the Gateway Subdivision due to the speed at
which the fire was traveling.
C. Mitigation Measures
Goal. Increase public awareness of hazards related to severe weather
• Coordinate responses of private contractors during a severe event as indicated in
the City's Emergency Plan.
• Public education on the effects of severe weather.
• Inform public of availability of AWS radios, in preparation of potential weather
advisories.
• Activate the City's EOC to coordinate planning and logistical efforts in dealing with
the emergency.
Potential projects:
• Rebuild the old transmission line sections in Lawing, Boulder Ck, and Lakeview to
current distribution standards (its current use) so that it will withstand known weather
conditions.
• Rebuild the double Circuit line from Dimond Blvd. to Dairy Hill Rd to withstand
known weather conditions.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -35- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Annex G — Snow Avalanches/Landslides
A. Hazard Assessment
Both snow avalanches and landslides are common occurrences within the City of Seward.
Lowell Point Road is commonly closed during the winter from snow avalanches. Landslides
occur along that same road during heavy rains. Lowell Canyon is also prone to landslides
during heavy rain. If a landslide were to block the Lowell Creek Tunnel entrance, serious
flooding could affect homes, businesses, the hospital, and the senior center. Monitoring of
Lowell Creek during major weather events is a high priority for the City of Seward.
B. Vulnerability Assessment and Impacts
There is a moderate probability of snow avalanches/landslides within the City of Seward.
Infrastructure disruption in Lowell Canyon can be a result of an avalanche or landslide
event. Many of the secondary effects of avalanche are road closures on the Seward
Highway which have greater impact to the community as a whole.
C. Mitigation Measures
Goal. Increase public awareness of hazards of avalanche/landslides in the community
• Identify avalanche areas within the city and generate GIS Hazard Maps. Coordinate
with Community Development on locations of areas for any zoning issues.
• Create safe parking areas along Lowell Point Road for vehicles.
• Develop and install signs designating avalanche danger zone.
• Renovate Lowell Canyon Tunnel access.
• Establish a retaining structure in Lowell Canyon to prevent avalanches from
disrupting city water storage system.
Potential Projects:
Design and develop a new generation of diversion structures and flexible
transmission poles to bend with the snow impact.
Underground more of the distribution lines in avalanche areas, ex. Mile 22.
Annex H — Volcano
A. Hazard Assessment
The City of Seward, in the East Zone of the Kenai Peninsula Borough, would see
secondary effects from a volcanic eruption. Actions needed are to be able to cope with
potential long term effects and continual activity from the volcanoes. Infrastructure, facilities
and priority buildings will need to be secured from volcanic ash fallout. Citizens with
respiratory conditions would need to be protected or evacuated.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -36- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
B. Vulnerability Assessment and Impacts
The vulnerability assessment is covered in the Kenai Peninsula Borough Hazard Mitigation
Plan for the East Zone. In the Borough's Emergency Plan is a checklist that covers volcanic
activity. The City has adopted the checklist for activities to be performed for warning,
response and recovery phases (Vol. 2 KPB Emergency Plan Hazard Specific Checklist).
C. Mitigation Measures
Goal. Increase public awareness of hazards
• Refer to KPB Hazard Mitigation Plan for guidance on mitigation plans
• Identify critical facility risk and need from ash fallout.
Annex I — Technical
A. Hazard Assessment
There are various technical hazards within the City of Seward. One of the most prevalent is
the anhydrous ammonia that is used in chilling facilities at the local fish processing plants.
Facilities are located at the SMIC, the boat harbor and the south end of town. Other
potential technical hazards within the city include; fuel storage facilities, explosive storage
and hazardous materials shipped into the city by marine vessel and truck or train cargo.
B. Vulnerability Assessment and Impacts
The probability of a technical hazard incident in the City of Seward is low, although there
have been incidents in the past. Anhydrous ammonia is the most significant hazard that
affects the community. Anhydrous ammonia is a corrosive and toxic gas that is an eye,
nose and throat irritant. It is highly toxic if inhaled and may be an explosive hazard in a
confined space. An example of this is the anhydrous ammonia leak and explosion at the
Icicle Seafood's processing plant in Homer, Alaska, On July 1, 1998. The fire/explosion
destroyed the Homer Plant. A broken ammonia line, under repair at the plant, was the
source of the explosion. An estimated 34,000 Ibs was in the system at the time of the
explosion. It is not clear how much anhydrous ammonia escaped out of the system before
the incidents. The plant was located on the Homer Spit, which is away from the heavily
populated portion of the city but within close proximity of many businesses, campgrounds
and the boat harbor. During the fire, the Spit had to be evacuated which took approximately
one hour to complete.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -37- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Icicle Seafood's Seward Plant, located in the Seward boat harbor and within 1 mile of
downtown Seward, holds 23,000 lbs. of anhydrous ammonia in their system with an
additional 300 lb external cylinder. Resurrection Bay Seafoods, located at the southern end
of town has 650 lbs. in the system. Polar Seafoods, located in the SMIC area has 4500
lbs. Due to the proximity of two of these processing plants to populated areas, the city has
a high risk from the effects of an anhydrous ammonia release.
Icicle Seafoods currently has an Emergency Response Plan in place for potential release of
anhydrous ammonia. In coordination with the Seward Fire Department, Icicle Seafoods
conducts a simulated leak exercises. Icicle also does an in-house monthly exercise as part
of their ERP. The plan is designed to meet the requirements of the Process Safety
Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals, the Hazardous Waste Operations and
Emergency Response regulation, and Part 68 of Risk Management Plan regulations. The
plan is available at the Icicle Seafoods Seward Fisheries Plant.
Another potential technical hazard incident is the fuel storage tanks located north of the
small boat harbor. These include gasoline, heating oil, motor oil, and diesel and propane
storage facilities. All of which have the ability cause extreme environmental disasters
and/or fire/explosion incidents. In the event of a failure of any of these tank systems, the
risk to the City of Seward is high. The probability however of such failures is low. The
largest threat from a fuel spill would be environmental contamination. The petroleum tank
facility is located within a few hundred yards of the shoreline. A major spill or rupture of any
tank would have far reaching impacts.
All of these technical hazards can also occur as secondary affects of other identified
hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis and flooding. During the 1964 earthquake,
ruptured fuel lines and ignition of the fuel caused additional problems for the City of
Seward. Other technical hazards that could affect the City of Seward by secondary effects
are listed in the KPB Hazard Mitigation Plan.
C. Mitigation Measures
Goal. Increase public awareness of hazards of potential spills/accidents
• Work with industry operators to educate the public on potential hazards and develop
strategies for response, evacuation, and containment.
• Develop spill/clean up plans with industry.
• Encourage sites to meet standards/regulations for all reportable quantity hazard
materials.
• During large renovation, repairs or after a disaster, encourage the use of utilidoors
for future pipelines.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -38- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Annex J — Economic
A. Hazard Assessment
An economic hazard for the City of Seward would primarily result as a secondary effect of
other potential hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis and flooding. Because of the
diversified economy of Seward, the probability of an economic hazard is low.
B. Vulnerability Assessment and Impacts
The economic impact of increased natural gas prices is currently being felt through the Fuel
Adjustment Charge in our electric bills. This increase is expected to increase dramatically
in the next few years.
The City of Seward has a low probability of other economic hazards. There are a number
of scenarios that could cause a hazard to the economy if they were to occur. A few of these
would be the closure of one or many of the government/private industry that has significant
influence to the local economy. A few of the local industries that could affect the City of
Seward would be the loss of the tourism industry or the closure of the Alaska Vocational
Technical Center.
Tourism in Seward is an industry that has far reaching impact on Seward businesses and
residents. There are many different industries that stem from the influx of the travel
industry. There are approximately 28 hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts, 27
restaurants, 4 seasonal water tour companies, 66 charter boats, 2 grocery stores, 22 art/gift
shops, the Alaska Seal-ife Center, hardware businesses and charter booking agencies, 2
fuel companies, campgrounds, and other related industries throughout the area could all be
impacted by the reduction or elimination of tourism. A potential cause of reduction would be
a terrorist threat or action based in the city or within the US. If one cruise ship was
destroyed or taken by a terrorist organization in the US the reduction of tourist coming to
Seward could be 100%.
Another major industry that has far reaching impacts on the City of Seward is the Alaska
Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC). AVTEC is a state entity. AVTEC owns and operates
12 buildings, leases 1 building, has 69 full time employees with a payroll of $4.4 million,
and spend approximately $530,000 in local businesses. AVTEC offers its employees good
wages, benefits and a retirement system. The employees in return live in the community
using the various businesses and services. A possible scenario that could affect the role of
AVTEC in our community would be the reduction of the State budget.
An impact to the commercial fishing industry could also affect the City of Seward by the
reduction of services, employment and the decrease in vessels and crews who support
many businesses throughout the city. These include the 3 local fish processing facilities,
fuel companies, grocery stores, restaurants and hardware/fishing supply stores.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -39- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Government agencies would also be impacted such as the City of Seward for port fees,
business license fees, and other research/enforcement agencies.
The probability of any of these events to occur is very low but the impact to the economy of
the community would be high.
C. Mitigation Measures
Goal 1: Increase public awareness of potential hazards
• Make concise information available to the public about local industry concerning any
government control.
• Make sure that accurate information is given to agencies that are responsible for
dissemination of information concerning the City of Seward or other government
agencies.
• Public groups (Chamber of Commerce, Lions, and Rotary Clubs, etc.) with business
interests have accurate and timely information available to dispel rumors.
Goal 2: Support and encourage planned economic development that will be beneficial
to the City of Seward.
• Develop and find existing programs that insure that the City of Seward is a safe and
clean place for visitors to come.
Goal 3: Support and encourage the permitting and construction of an in state gas line
to the states vast gas reserves.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -40- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Chapter 5 — Public Participation on Plan
In 2010 Fire Chief David Squires led the revision of the Hazard Mitigation Plan for the City
of Seward under the direction of the City Manager, Phillip Oates.
Working with the following people within City of Seward departments Executive Liaison to
the City Manager, Suzi Towsley collected information.
Departments from the City of Seward that assisted in compiling information include:
Fire Department — David Squires, Fire Chief
Engineering / Building Department— Stefan Nilsson
Public Works — W.C. Casey and Kirsten Vesel
Community Development- Christy Terry and Donna Glenz
Electrical Department- John Foutz and Jeff Estes
Small Boat Harbor- Kari Anderson
Seward Parks and Recreation- Karin Sturdy
Upon completion of the first draft, copies were distributed to the Fire Station, the Public
Library and the City Clerks office for public review.
The first public hearing for the draft proposal was held at the Planning and Zoning
Commission meeting of April 6, 2010.
Additional public hearings on The All Hazard Mitigation Plan were conducted at City
Council meetings on April 12, and April 26 2010.
Comments from the public from the meetings will be incorporated into the plan before
submission to the KPB, State of Alaska, and Federal Governments.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough has put together a public notice bulletin with contacts for the
City of Seward as well as Borough contacts for individuals interested in the process of
hazard mitigation. This is available on the internet at
http://www.borough.kenai.ak.us/emergency/hazmit/plan.htm
Public input into The All Hazard Mitigation Plan planning process was solicited in a Public
Notice published in the Seward Phoenix Log on April 1 and 8, and 15, 2010.
Interagency coordination was received from the following agencies:
Kenai Peninsula Borough
State of Alaska
US Army Corps of Engineers
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -41- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
The State of Alaska gave direction on how to formulate the plan, identify the hazards and
mitigation measures. The State of Alaska reviews the plan for compliance and
completeness and recommends changes that need to be made.
The Corp of Engineers provided information on past mitigation efforts and estimations on
proposed mitigation measures and including the permitting process.
In the revision of this plan under the direction of City Manager, Phillip Oates, each of the
City departments were contacted for input for completed mitigation measures, new
proposed mitigation measures and other hazards that may effect the City of Seward. Any
agency contacted to review the original plan was given the opportunity to review the
revised document.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -42- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
Chapter 6 — Implementation
The City of Seward will implement this plan by the methods outlined in this chapter. In
addition to a positive cost/benefit ratio, projects will be prioritized and selected for
implementation based on community goals, planning objectives, funding availability,
environmental concerns and public support. The City Manager is responsible for
implementing the plan as resources allow. Projects selected for funding will follow a public
process with the Planning Commission making recommendations to the Seward City
Council for further public input and approval of projects. Completion of any project will
depend on the availability of funds, changes in priority and will need to be individually
approved and adopted by the City Council prior to the start of that project.
The Planning and Zoning Commission will review the potential projects list for
recommendations to the Council on which projects should receive the highest priority. The
Council is responsible for making the final decision on which projects are submitted for
funding.
Because flooding from severe storms presents the greatest threat to Seward it is
anticipated that projects mitigating damage from floods will receive the highest priority. In
subsequent updates of the plan, continued evaluation of danger from other hazards will be
undertaken.
Determining which projects should be submitted for funding will be based on a FEMA
approved cost/benefit method. A publication by FEMA explains how to determine cost-
effectiveness of mitigation projects and how to calculate the benefit -cost ratio. In addition
to a positive cost/benefit ratio, projects will be prioritized and selected for implementation
based on community goals, planning objectives, funding availability, environmental
concerns and public support.
The Plan will be monitored and it will be updated when a disaster occurs that significantly
affects Seward, whether or not it receives a Presidential Declaration, assuming funding is
available to update The Plan. The update will be completed as soon as possible, but by no
later than the 12 months following the date the disaster occurs. The normal review cycle
will be five years.
The City Manager will direct staff to start the updating of this Plan two years before the end
of the five-year cycle. Securing grant monies and developing a project plan will occur the
two years before the end of the five year requirement. Writing of the update will happen
one year before the end of the five year cycle, to allow for adequate time for public
participation. The public will be advised of the revision process through announcements
the paper for public review and comment at regular Planning and Zoning Commission
meetings and City Council Meetings. Plans will be available at various public sites
(example: Library, City Hall). Advertisements will run in the Seward Phoenix Log, our
weekly local newspaper, requesting public comment.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -43- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
The All Hazard Mitigation Plan will be updated as necessary as required by State of Alaska
law, Title 29.40.030. At a minimum however The Plan will be evaluated and updated every
five years.
6A - Potential Projects
The following list is based upon city staff analysis of vulnerabilities and mitigation measures
for known hazards in the Seward area. Prioritizing the list will depend on future disasters
and the needs of the community. Inclusion of short and long term projects is consistent
with the state hazard plan.
• Short-term projects are those, which could be accomplished within a two year time
period.
• Long-term projects will take longer than two years and/or depend on other projects
being accomplished first or substantial funding resources.
Project Listing: (not prioritized)
1
2
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Identify additional hazards not covered previously and do a risk analysis within a two
year time period. (Short Term)
The current Flood Insurance Rate Maps are very outdated and are in need of
updating to address the following items. (Long Term)
➢ 1981 maps need to be reevaluated with 23 years of additional data.
➢ Corrections may need to be made for areas where fill or naturally high ground is
now shown as flood prone but may not be in jeopardy of flooding.
➢ U.S. Corps of Engineers needs to analyze new flood boundaries as part of the
harbor/port improvement project.
➢ Investigate better flood programs, especially ones specific to alluvial fan flooding.
City of Seward should evaluate the benefits of applying to FEMA to join the
Community Rating System. (Short Term)
City staff should work with adjustors on the Community Rating System to reduce
interest rates. (Long Term)
Information on how to obtain insurance from the NFIP should be provided to private
property owners. (Short Term)
Publish a brochure containing information on the City of Seward flood dangers to be
distributed to the community. (Short Term)
Require that realtors disclose hazard risk in real estate transactions. (Short Term)
Bring a flood -proofing workshop to Seward to assist the City and private property
owners. (Short Term)
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -44- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
9. Reevaluate land use codes and subdivision regulations that are specific to
development within the flood prone areas. (Short Term)
10. Mitigate damage to roads, drainage and utilities by requiring that reconstruction be
to a higher standard after a storm. (Long Term)
11. Revise the flood plain ordinance to include a provision for cumulative substantial
improvement or damage. (Short Term)
12. Properties should be identified that would be appropriate for protection because of
flood risks, and after public input, acquisition, conservation, or flood hazard
protection regulations by the government should be pursued. (Long Term)
13. Require buildings to be built with the lowest floor one foot above base flood
elevation. (Short Term)
14. Improve enforcement of floodplain regulations, including requiring certificates for all
structures within the flood plain. (Short Term)
15. Continued maintenance of the Resurrection River drainage. In conjunction with KPB,
conduct an engineering study to determine the most effective use of the dredge
materials from the maintenance dredging. (Long Term)
16. Continue Lowell Creek Tunnel outflow maintenance. (Short Term)
17. Expand public awareness about NOAA Weather Radio for continuous weather
broadcasts and warning tone alert capability. (Short Term)
18. Identify buildings or locations vital to the emergency response effort and buildings or
locations that, if damaged, would create secondary disasters. (Short Term)
19. Encourage real-time availability and use of satellite data to evaluate fire, spruce bark
beetle killed forest, and flood or tsunami potential. i.e. EMWINS, KPB Spruce Bark
Beetle. (Long Term)
20. Encourage KPB school mitigation efforts. This measure will increase help to protect
children and retain a school's functionality as an emergency shelter. (Long Term)
21. Encourage non-structural mitigation and preparedness activities. Encourage
activities at the household level. (Short Term)
22. Conduct city-wide earthquake/tsunami drills. Citywide earthquake/tsunami drills will
educate people on what to do when an earthquake/tsunami occurs and reinforce
interagency and individual expectations. (Long Term)
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -45- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
23. Encourage the development of earthquake structural performance standards and
incorporate earthquake overlay zones in the community land use ordinances.
Encourage the development of citing requirements based on soil type, slope, and
other considerations. Before this can happen, information about where the various
risks are located must be developed. (Long Term)
24. Promote incorporation of new methods to improve building performance. New
materials and construction techniques might be more effective or feasible than what
is currently available. (Long Term)
25. Evaluate the need for development of large-scale earthquake -hazard maps of the
Seward areas. Seismic hazard area maps need to be created for the area. The
maps should depict site amplification, liquefaction susceptibility, and ground failure
at a minimum scale of 1 inch = 1 mile. (Long Term)
26. Publish Tsunami Inundation Maps. Revise maps after a significant event or natural
disaster. (Long Term)
27. Improve the Lowell Creek diversion project by reassessing the best route for creek
diversion, renovation of the tunnel and development of a new outfall. (Long Term)
28. Identify and advise of avalanche/landslide areas within the City of Seward for
potential community development. (Short Term)
29. Encourage the Kenai Peninsula Borough to include service areas outside of City of
Seward city limits in this plan.
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -46- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
References and Addendum
1 City of Seward. Flood Hazards Mitigation Plan. City of Seward Community Development
Department and Hensley Consulting Services, 1996.
2 Draft State Hazard Mitigation Plan. Alaska Division of Emergency Services (ADES),
March 2002.
3 Flood Damage Reduction Revised Reconnaissance Report Seward, Alaska, Lowell
Creek. United States Army Corps of Engineers (USCOE), August 1992.
4 Flood Mitigation Assistance Guidance. Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) FEMA 299, August 1997.
5 Kenai Peninsula Borough All- Hazard Mitigation Plan First Draft 2003. Bechtol Planning
and Development, November 2003.
6 Kenai Peninsula Borough Flood Mitigation Plan. KPB, March 1996.
7 Seward Area Rivers; Flood Damage Prevention Interim Reconnaissance Report. United
States Army Corps of Engineers, February 1994.
s Subduction Zones. Alan Feuerbacher
htti)://www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/6040/floodO9.htm
9 U.S. Geological Survey web sites; http://neic.usgs.gov;
htti)://i)ubs.usgs.gov/-oublications/text/understanding.html
10 FEMA publications: How to Determine Cost -Effectiveness of Mitigation Projects and
Calculating the Benefit -Cost Ratio. http://www.fema.gov/fima/�)dm.shtm
11 The Water Resources Development Act of 2007, Section 5032 Lowell Creek Tunnel,
United States Army Corps of Engineers, 2007
12 Proposed North Forest Acres Levee/Road map, HDR, Wm. J. Nelson & Associates,
AeroMetric, April 2008]
Addendum of Revisions/Updates
Seward All Hazard Mitigation Plan -47- March 23, 2004
Revised, April 12, 2010
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
The Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) is working with
Peninsula cities to update the All -Hazard Mitigation
Plan. The Plan addresses wildfires, flooding, earth-
quakes, volcanic eruptions and other emergencies that
the Kenai Peninsula may face. FEMA disaster recovery
funding requires regular updates to the Plan.
Completion Date; April 22, 2010
Public Meetings
Page 1 of 1
Home Our Webs" Our t"apvert nont Ote Economy Our History out oeography A Pictorial Visit Other Was,
Kenai Peninsula Borough All -Hazard Mitigation Plan
Plan Home Page` -
All -Hazard Mitigation •.
Public Meetings
Who/What
Meeting Date
Packet 1: Introduction
Meetings were held in early February
-
Packet 2: Floods
Seward Bear Creek Flood Service Area Board
3/1 /2010
Anchor Point Advisory Planning Commission
3/2/2010
Cooper Landing Advisory Planning
3/3/2010
Commission
Moose Pass Advisory Planning Commission
3/3/2010
Hope Advisory Planning Commission
3/4/2010
KPB Planning Commission
3/8/2010
KPB Roads Board
3/9/2010
Packet 3: Remaining Sections
Seward Bear Creek Flood Service Area Board
4/5/2010
Anchor Point Advisory Planning Commission
4/6/2010
Cooper Landing Advisory Planning
4/7/2010
Commission
Moose Pass Advisory Planning Commission
4/7/2010
Hope Advisory Planning Commission
4/8/2010
KPB Planning Commission
4/12/2010
KPB Roads Board
4/13/2010
Ordinance Adoption Process
Anchor Point Advisory Planning Commission
5/4/2010
Cooper Landing Advisory Planning
5/5/2010
Commission
Moose Pass Advisory Planning Commission
5/5/2010
Hope Advisory Planning Commission
5/6/2010
KPB Assembly - Introduction
5/4/2010
KPB Planning Commission
5/10/2010
KPB Assembly - Adoption
6/8/2010
Meeting Locations and Times
Last updated: February 12, 2010
http://www.borough.kenai.ak.us/emergency/hazmit/meetings.htm 3/17/2010
Sponsored by: Planning and Zoning Commission
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2010-05
A RESOLUTION OF THE SEWARD PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION RECOMMENDING THE PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION PRIORITIES FROM APRIL 2010 TO APRIL 2011
WHEREAS, at the February 16, 2010 work session the Planning and Zoning
Commission reviewed their Priorities List; and
WHEREAS, the Seward City Council Rules of Procedure, adopted March 14, 1994, state
that the Council should meet in an annual joint work session with the Commission to address
areas of mutual concern; and
WHEREAS, the Commission and Council held a joint work session, reviewed and
updated the Planning and Zoning 2010 Priorities List on March 8, 2010; and
WHEREAS, at the April 6, 2010 meeting the Planning and Zoning Commission
reviewed and approved the Planning and Zoning Priority List; and
WHEREAS, Council will address a resolution adopting these recommendations on April
12, 2010.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning
Commission that:
Section 1. The following List of Planning and Zoning Priorities is hereby approved and
recommended to Council for their adoption:
PRIORITIES
Short and Medium Term
1) Rewrite of Title 15
2) Municipal Lands Management Plan (1995)- Update in conjunction with the Capital
Improvement Plan and the City Land Disposal Policies and Procedures
3) Meet with Port and Commerce Advisory Board to discuss the South Harbor Uplands
4) Waterfront Park Replat -2010
5) Nash Road Bench Study — as funding allows
Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution 2010-05
Page 2 of 2
Continuing
1) Continue recruitment efforts for the Planning and Zoning Commission
2) Continue to pursue compliance with the Seward City Zoning Code
3) Annually review the City of Seward Comprehensive Plan
4) Ensure that new facilities or alterations meet ADA requirements
FOLLOW PROGRESS MADE BY OTHER ENTITIES
Parks and Recreation Master Plan (1993)
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 6 b
day of April, 2010.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sandie Roach', Chair
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VACANT: Two
ATTEST:
Jean Lewis
City Clerk, CMC (City Seal)
P&Z Agenda Statement
Date: April 6, 2010
Through: Christy Terry, Community Development Director
From: Dwayne Atwood, Administrative Assistant
Agenda Item: A Resolution of the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
Recommending the Planning and Zoning Commission Priorities from
April 2010 to April 2011
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed their Priorities List at their February 16, 2010
work session in preparation of their Annual Joint Work Session with Council. The Commission
and Council, during their Joint Work Session, reviewed and updated the Planning and Zoning
2010 Priorities List on March 8, 2010. The mutually agreed upon list of priorities was updated
and specified in this resolution.
Council will address a resolution endorsing these recommendations on April 12, 2010. If the
Planning and Zoning Commission has changes to submit to Council, a substitute resolution will
be provided with the recommendations.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST:
Where applicable, this resolution is consistent with the Seward City Code, Charter,
Comprehensive Plans, Land Use Plans, Strategic Plan and City Council Rules of Procedures.
Other:
RECOMMENDATION•
Approve Resolution 2010-05, recommending the Planning and Zoning Commission Priorities
from April 2010 to April 2011
Sponsored by: Administration
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2010-06
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF
COMMERCE, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
OF COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS (DCRA) PROVIDE ONSITE
PLANNING COMMISSION TRAINING
WHEREAS, community planning is an important activity for elected, appointed and other
local leaders; and
WHEREAS, DCRA is offering an onsite Planning Commission Training that explores
planning commission authority, roles and responsibility, decision making, comprehensive planning
and land use regulations; and
WHEREAS, DCRA is currently scheduling onsite workshops with interested municipalities
during 2010; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Department staffwill work with DCRA to provide
the requested materials including incorporating the Commission's wishes regarding format, proposed
dates, and training issues into the request letter.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. The Commission requests an onsite DCRA Planning Commission Training.
Section 2. This resolution shall take affect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Planning and Zoning Commission ofthe City of Seward, Alaska,
this 6th day of April, 2010.
Seward Planning and Zoning
Resolution 2010-05
Page 2
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sandie Roach', Chair
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VACANT: TWO
ATTEST:
Jean Lewis, CMC
City Clerk
(City Seal)
Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: April 6, 2010
To: Planning and Zoning Commission i
From: Community Development Director Christy Terry'
Agenda Item: Requesting the Division of Community and
Regional Affairs (DCRA) provide onsite Planning
Commission Training
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: In March, DCRA sent municipalities around the State a
solicitation asking if Planning and Zoning Commissions were interested in an onsite training opportunity.
These workshops are customized to meet each Planning Commission's training and scheduling needs.
DCRA is asking for a resolution from each Commission interested in the planning commission training.
While this training has the potential to be extremely valuable, the Commission will have to review their
schedule and commit to an additional 3 hour training session. The Commission has many items on their
priority list and is working hard on accomplishing a major code rewrite. If Commissioners know that they
are unable to make this additional time commitment, please feel confident to vote against the resolution.
Once the resolution is approved, the Commission should give the administration general comments and
guidance on the following items:
l . What are some optional dates and times that would you like to schedule the training? The
training generally lasts three hours, and since all of our Commissioners work, I would imagine that
the training would be scheduled for an evening or weekend session. Please refer to the Agenda
Statement scheduling the joint work session with PACAB for an overview of dates already
scheduled by the Commission. DCRA would be available to travel to Seward after June.
2. What potential issues would the Commission like to see covered in the training? DCRA
would like communities to request three potential topics. Some possible suggestions:
• Roberts Rules of Order and Parliamentary Procedures
• Roles and Responsibility of a Planning Commissioner
• Public Process, particularly as it pertains to Code Updates
• Findings of Fact and decision making
• CUPs and Variances
• Open Meetings Act, including ex parte
From the guidance provided, Administration will submit the materials and information required by DCRA
for them to adequately prepare a customized workshop.
INTENT: If the Commission would like to take advantage of this opportunity, a resolution must be
provided requesting the DCRA Planning Commission training.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Where applicable, this agenda statement is consistent with the Seward
City Code, Charter, Comprehensive Plans, Land Use Plans, Strategic Plan and City Council Rules of
Procedures or Other Plans or Policies.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve Resolution 2010-06 REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF
COMMERCE, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION OF COMMUNITY
AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS (DCRA) PROVIDE ONSITE PLANNING COMMISSION TRAINING
Meeting Date:
Through:
From:
Planning and Zoning Commission
Agenda Statement
Apri16, 2010
Christy Terry, Community Development Director
Dwayne Atwood, Administrative Assistant
Agenda Item: Set a date for joint Work Session with Planning
and Zoning and PACAB to discuss South Harbor
Upland Development.
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
At the March 8, 2010 Planning and Zoning work session with City Council, City Council requested
that a Joint Planning & Zoning / PACAB work session be scheduled to discuss potential
development of the South Harbor Uplands.
Please note the current Planning & Zoning meeting and work session dates are as follows:
• April 6, Regular Meeting (Title 15 Landscape and Design Work Session 6:30)
• April 20, Appeal Hearing, 7 p.m.
• May 6, Regular Meeting
• May 18, 6:30 Work Session (Title 15 draft review)
• June 1, Regular Meeting (quarterly Flood Board Work Session 6:30)
• June 15, 6:30 Work Session (second Title 15 draft review)
• July 6, Regular Meeting
• July 20, 6:30 Work Session (joint PACAB / Council / P&Z work session on Title 15 draft)
• August 3, Regular Meeting
• August 17, 6:30 Work Session (Title 15 community meeting preparations)
• September 7, Regular Meeting (quarterly Flood Board Work Session 6:30)
• September 14-15, Title 15 community meetings
• September 21, 6:30 p.m. Work Session
• October 7, Regular Meeting
• October 19, 6:30 Work Session
• November 4, Regular Meeting
• November 16, 6:30 Work Session
• December 7, Regular Meeting (quarterly Flood Board Work Session 6:30)
• December 21, 6:30 p.m. Work Session
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests that the Commission set a date for a Planning and Zoning work session with PACAB
to discuss development of the South Harbor Uplands.
City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
February 2, 2010 Volume 6, Page 3 81
Call to Order
The February 2, 2010 Regular Meeting of the Seward Planning & Zoning Commission was
called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chair Roach'.
Opening Ceremony
Commissioner Stauffer led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Roll Call
There were present:
Sandie Roach' presiding, and
Christina Stauffer Cindy Ecklund
Steven Heinrich Frank DeMarco
comprising a quorum of the Commission; and
Donna Glenz, Associate Planner
Dwayne Atwood, Community Development Assistant
Absent was: Tena Morgan - Excused
City Administration Report
Associate Planner Donna Glenz updated the Commission of the following business
items:
• Community Development Director Christy Terry was attending an entrepreneurial and
small business development strategies course in Anchorage.
• A request for proposals, open January 28 through February 12, 2010 for the City of Seward
leased land appraisal project. The City will be seeking rent adjustments based on the
appraisals, which occur every five years.
• On January 12, 2010 a group of 33 City employees completed the Alaska Performance
Excellence Self Assessment workshop training.
• On January 14 ECI Hyer and RISE Alaska gave an update presentation to the Library
Museum Committee on the design progress for the new library. The group will return on
February 11 for a community update meeting, tentatively scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the
library basement.
• A notice was sent to the Commission that an applicant was appealing a Community
Development Department finding. The Commission was informed of rules regarding ex-
parte communication.
• Community Development Department staff continued to work on the Dairy Hill drainage
grant application. The Application was due to Homeland Security on February 8, 2010.
City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
February 2, 2010 Volume 6, Page 3 8 2
• LSC Transportation Consultants met with interested parties of the community to discuss
the Seward Area Transit Plan. This group will be back in Seward in early March to keep
the community updated on progress. The plan will help to gain grant dollars to meet
transportation needs.
• Council authorized the City Administration to work with the Department of Environmental
Conservation to place air monitors in Seward. The Community Development Director can
provide additional information. Four monitors were to be installed.
• The city manager and Mayor Willard Dunham were in Washington, D.C. working with the
city lobbyist and Legislators to address critical city concerns.
Other Reports, Announcements & Presentations — None
Citizens' Comments on any subject except those items scheduled for Public Hearing - None
Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion (Ecklund/Heinrich) Approve the Agenda and the Consent
Agenda
Motion Passed
Unanimous Consent
The following items were approved on the Consent Agenda:
January 5, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes
Unfinished Business Items requiring a Public Hearing — None
New Business Items requiring a Public Hearing —
Resolution 2010-02 of the Planning and Zoning Commission
recommending City Council and Kenai Peninsula Borough approval of
the Two Lakes Park preliminary replat which establishes the outer
boundaries of the Two Lakes Park, includes the vacation of all interior
undeveloped Rights -of -Way, easements and interior platted lot lines;
and dedicates additional easements and extends the Vista Avenue Right -
of -Way North providing legal access to USS 1931, located predominately
within the Park Zoning District
Glenz reviewed Resolution 2010-02. She noted the platting of Two Lakes Park had been a
goal of the Community Development Department and the City of Seward for many years. She
reviewed the replat established the exterior boundary of the park and also vacated all interior rights
of way and established utility and emergency access easements. The owners of USS 1931, Bob and
Patty Linville, worked diligently to accommodate the plat, Glenz explained, then outlined the
conditions.
City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
February 2, 2010 Volume 6, Page 3 8 3
In response to a question from Commissioner Ecklund, Glenz explained she had received
verbal communication from a supporter of the replat noting they had attempted to submit written
comments but the email had not been received. The supporter was responding to a notice that was
provided to property owners who had a holding within 300 feet of the park boundary.
Notice of public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted
and the public hearing was opened.
Seward resident Carol Griswold spoke in favor of the park plat. Griswold noted that
longtime resident Pat Williams had told stories of swimming in the park as a child. Over the years,
the property had generally been considered to be a park, Griswold said. Thanks were extended to
everyone involved in the park effort, including former Seward Community Development
Department Director Kerry Martin.
Seward resident Kerry Martin said that he had worked on the park project for many years,
beginning in 1980. Kerry noted the park area had been considered for a residential subdivision and
other uses in the past. It was important that the land be maintained as a park, Martin said.
Commissioner Heinrich requested City of Seward Fire Department Chief David Squires
describe the emergency access easement route at the park boundary.
Squires explained the extent of the work involved in gaining access for the emergency
route. Squires said some details need to be worked out, including a plan for shared access at the
northern end of the park that would not create any imposition for the adjoining property owner.
Heinrich asked if the emergency route might be gated at the entry points.
Squires explained the route was to be gated and the city manager had the ability to declare
an emergency. In response to a question of the classification of the route and whether it was a
designated right of way, Squires explained the route access was allowed via easement. It was
planned that the route be regularly brushed out.
Roach' said it was important to note the value of the emergency access route as part of the
park plan.
No one else requested to be heard and the public hearing was closed.
Motion (Ecklund/Stauffer) Approve Resolution 2010-02
Ecklund noted a typo in the resolution title and requested housekeeping change from
"plated" to platted in that reference. Ecklund also asked about a letter received from adjacent
property owner Carol Ann Lindsey and the concerns expressed about any potential for a southern
access to the park.
City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
February 2, 2010 Volume 6, Page 3 8 4
Glenz explained condition 6 of the recommended conditions requested the surveyor
remove the depiction of the historic trail from the adjoining property. She noted the historic trail
depiction was only informational and did not grant public access at that point to the park.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Unfinished Business — None
New Business --
Schedule 2010 work sessions and community meetings to update Title 15
Glenz explained the City of Seward had designated the update of Title 15 as a priority. She
noted the proposed schedule for work sessions and public meetings had been requested at the
January 19th Commission work session.
Ecklund asked if the City Council has expressed any concerns about the proposed
schedule.
Glenz said City Council had not expressed any concerns about the timing of the meetings.
Ecklund noted the timing of notices and advertising for the public meetings was important,
in order to hold critical public meetings before some seasonal residents leave Seward in the
autumn.
Motion (Stauffer/Ecklund)
Motion Passed
Setting the dates for the work sessions and
community meetings to update Title 15 as:
Feb. 16, wind turbine work session; April
20, landscape work session; May 18, Title
15 draft review; June 15, second draft
review; July 20, joint PACAB / Council /
P&Z .work session; August 17, community
meeting preparations; September 14-15,
community meetings.
Unanimous
Set joint work session with Seward City Council
Following a lengthy discussion on the availability of commissioners for the meeting and
the amount of time dedicated to the meeting, the Commission unanimously approved a session to
be held from 6 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 8, 2010.
Informational Items and Reports (No action required)
City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
February 2, 2010 Volume 6, Page 3 8 5
Reminder of 2/16/2010 work session on small wind turbine zoning ordinance.
Glenz noted that background information for the work session was provided in the
February 2, 2010 Planning Commission Agenda Packet. The Commission requested staff publicly
notice and set aside time for discussion of the 2010 priorities in preparation for the joint work
session with Council.
In response to Commission questions, Glenz said the Community Development Department
would ask that an electric utility staff member attend the work session.
Reminder of 2/17/2010 American Planning Association Course
Glenz stated the second portion of the course was offered from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the
upstairs conference room at City Hall. Written materials were to be provided to the Commission,
whether they are able to attend the course or not.
Reminder of 3/2/2010 Joint Work Session with Seward Bear Creek Flood
Service Area Board
Glenz reminded the Commission of the session at 6:30 p.m., followed by the regularly
scheduled Planning Commission meeting. The joint work session was one of the quarterly
meetings to be held with the Flood Service Area Board.
Commission Comments
Stauffer asked if the Community Development Department was providing the public with
any technical information about wind energy conversion systems.
Glenz said the information provided in the agenda packet was available
Ecklund said she was pleased that Two Lakes Park is being formally recognized as a park.
It is her hope that the community is able to benefit from the park in perpetuity, she said.
Heinrich said he will be quite busy at work in the near future, but will make every attempt
to attend the various meetings and work sessions.
Roach' said she was very pleased with the progress that had been made with the Two
Lakes Park platting effort. She also thanked staff for work completed in preparation for the
meeting. The transit meeting held earlier in the month was part of an effort to improve
transportation infrastructure and services in Seward. The public will determine what is needed, and
eventually there will be grant funding, she added. It was very important to get a consensus from
the community about what the transportation needs were.
Citizens' Comments
City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes
February 2, 2010 Volume 6, Page 3 8 6
Kerry Martin, in response to earlier discussion, explained the differences between a right-
of-way and an easement.
Carol Griswold thanked the Commission for supporting the Two Lakes Park plat. Griswold
also offered several ideas for the Commission to consider during 2010, including: improving
methods by which the City of Seward can create public access to public properties when they are
blocked or landlocked; an ordinance requiring public input for all public building construction and
large commercial projects; the City of Seward encouraging and promoting electric vehicle use.
Dave Squires congratulated the Commission for supporting Two Lakes Park and approving
Resolution 2010-02. Squires also thanked the Community Development Department for soliciting
input from other departments when preparing the preliminary replat.
Commissions and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments
Ecklund supported Griswold's request that the City get involved in promoting the use of
electric vehicles. Ecklund asked Griswold to provide any information about what had been done to
promote electric vehicle use in other Alaska cities. She stated she would like to take the material,
if available, to the next work session.
Stauffer said she had been under the impression that the Two Lakes Park area had already
been formally designated as a park. She was very pleased with the recent work and thanked
everyone involved in moving the park plat forward.
Glenz thanked the Commission for all their hard work, as well as former Community
Development directors Kerry Martin and Rachel James for their efforts to bring the Two Lakes
Park plat forward. She noted that a platted emergency access route was a major accomplishment
for the community. Continuing to state the park evacuation route had been a goal of the
Comprehensive Plans since the 1964 Earthquake, when portions of the Seward Highway were
rendered impassable.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Dwayne Atwood,
Community Development Assistant
(City Seal)
Sandie Roach'
Chair
MEMORANDUM
City of Seward
Community Development
Date: April 6, 2010
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Donna Glenz, Associate Planner J
Subject: Reminder of the Tuesday, April 20, 2010 Appeal Hearing
7:00 PM — City Council Chambers
An Appeal Hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission has been
scheduled for April 20, 2010 at 7:00 pm. Further reminders will be forth
coming.
This memo is to serve as a reminder of the rescheduled appeal hearing.
April
2010
April 2010
May 2010
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