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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06042013 Planning & Zoning Minutes City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes June 4, 2013 Volume 7, Page 33 trim Call to Order The June 4, 2013 Regular Meeting of the Seward Planning & Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice Chair Ecklund. Opening Ceremony Commissioner Fleming led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Roll Call There were present: Cindy Ecklund presiding, and Martha Fleming Dale Butts Bixler McClure Alexis Campestre comprising a quorum of the Commission; and Donna Glenz, City Planner imp Dwayne Atwood, Planning Technician Excused was: Sandie Roach' City Administration Report City Planner Donna Glenz updated the Commission on the following business items: • The Seward / Bear Creek Flood Service Area board quarterly work session with the Planning and Zoning Commission was rescheduled from June 4 to June 18. The work session was to include discussion and review of proposed FEMA Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps. • Glenz said the local Safeway store had entered into a partnership with Chevron to provide bonus points that could be credited toward fuel purchases. The bonus points could be used in Seward and Soldotna, Glenz said. Other Reports, Announcements & Presentations Presentation of "Commitment to Planning Award" and Proclamation to David Squires, retired Fire Chief and City Building Official. Citizens' Comments on any subject except those items scheduled for Public Hearing — None City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes June 4, 2013 Volume 7, Page 34 Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion (Butts/Fleming) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous The following items were approved on the Consent Agenda: May 22, 2013 Special Meeting Minutes Unfinished Business Items requiring a Public Hearing — None New Business Items requiring a Public Hearing — Resolution 2013 -12 of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska, recommending City Council amend portions of Seward City Code 15.25 Floodplain Management to adopt the September 27, 2013 Digital Floodplain Rate Maps as established by FEMA and update portions of Title 15.25 to minimum FEMA requirements Glenz noted the history of the federal flood insurance program and the requirements for local management of floodplain development. The effort to digitize the local floodplain maps took several years to complete. Glenz further noted the City had six (6) months from the date the Federal Insurance Administration sent a letter of final determination to adopt the new DFIRM maps and the required City Code amendments to remain eligible for the Nation Floodplain Insurance Program (NFIP). Butts asked for clarification regarding any action the Commission might take and what was required of City Council. Glenz said the resolution before the Commission was a recommendation to Council in support of the adoption of the attached ordinance, which included the proposed floodplain maps and corresponding changes to City Code. Notice of public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. City resident David Squires asked how prospective property buyers would know if a property had been improved to meet any floodplain development standards. Glenz said prospective buyers could do research with the appropriate offices, such as the Kenai River Center for parcels within the Kenai Peninsula Borough and the Community Development Office for parcels within the City limits. Prospective buyers could also research the available floodplain maps and have discussions with lenders regarding necessary flood insurance. City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes June 4, 2013 Volume 7, Page 35 hi. Squires asked if more public education efforts might be helpful to inform property developers. Glenz said the City meets FEMA requirements for providing public information and notification, including contacting property owners, realtors, lenders, local insurance agents and contractors. The City also participates in an annual public permitting and information day held locally, Glenz said. Motion (Fleming/Butts) Approve Resolution 2013 -12 Butts questioned whether housing lenders provided floodplain development and flood insurance information. In response, Glenz stated that lenders were able to direct their clients to the appropriate agency for information and assistance. Ecklund noted that not all of the Kenai Peninsula Borough was participating in the National Flood Insurance Program. Glenz agreed that the City of Kenai, Soldotna and Kachemak City were not participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, but the remainder of the Kenai Peninsula Borough was participating. The local floodplain development requirements were, essentially, identical to those of the Borough, Glenz said. Motion Passed Unanimous Unfinished Business — None New Business — None Informational Items and Reports (No action required) Reminder of June 18 Seward / Bear Creek Flood Service Area Work Session 2013 Planning & Zoning Meeting Schedule Reminder of June 24 Quarterly Report to Council Ecklund asked Fleming if she would provide the quarterly Planning and Zoning Commission report to City Council. Fleming said she would provide the report. Fleming said she planned to gather the latest information for her Council report at the scheduled June 18 Planning and Zoning Commission work session. Commission Comments City of Seward, Alaska Planning Commission Minutes June 4, 2013 Volume 7, Page 36 Campestre thanked retired Fire Chief David Squires for his years of service. Fleming also thanked David Squires for contributing to the community. McClure noted that he would not be available for the June 18 work session and asked to be excused. Butts thanked David Squires for being an advisor the Planning and Zoning Commission over the years. Butts also noted the recent death of Seward Resident Jerry Tuthill, who was a key member of the Seward Volunteer Fire Department and other community organizations. Ecklund noted David Squires had dedicated more than 28 years to serving the City of Seward and thanked him again. Citizens' Comments — None Commission and Administration Response to Citizens' Comments — None Adjournment Meeti g adjourned at 7:24 s.m. ` D ayn; Atw. od, - Sandie Roach' P arming Technician Chair (City Se ►y p F S • • Vr O RP OF 2�' r te` ••. : • I SEAL • ' _.• • • • : : ist • �•.`� `Y.• • v:)e OF A Pg 8' j