Memorandum 18-115 2018 Comprehensive Plan

M E M O R A N D U M   18-115

TO:                  MAYOR AND HOMER CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH:    KATIE KOESTER, CITY MANAGER
FROM:            RICK ABBOUD, CITY PLANNER

DATE:              October 4, 2018

SUBJECT:      AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER ALASKA ADOPTING THE 2018 HOMER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND RECOMMENDING ADOPTION BY THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH.

Background

After consultation with appropriate City Departments, Commissions, Committees, and gathering public input, the Planning Commission has reviewed and updated the Comprehensive Plan in its entirety. The new document reflects an update to the 2008 plan in consideration of work accomplished over the last 10 years and that which remains to be addressed over the next 10 years.

The values from the 2008 plan have not been altered and no significant changes have been made to the goals and objectives. What has changed is some formatting and cleaning up of duplicate and scattered cross-references. Some goals have been moved or combined. The implementation tables are more comprehensive and are found at the end of each chapter. Statistical information throughout the document has been updated to reflect current conditions and future projections.

The Comprehensive Plan was the subject of 29 meetings of the Planning Commission and went through the Parks, Art, Recreation & Culture Advisory Commission, Library Advisory Board, and Economic Development Advisory Commission.  The Planning Department hosted a community Open House on March 1, 2018 and the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the draft plan on April 18. The public comment period yielded some quality community input, which the commission was able to consider for the final draft version. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the final draft on September 5, 2018.

Planning Staff review per HCC 21.95.040

21.95.040 Planning Department review of code amendment. The Planning Department shall evaluate each amendment to this title that is initiated in accordance with HCC 21.95.010 and qualified under HCC 21.95.030, and may recommend approval of the amendment only if it finds that the amendment:

A. Is consistent with the comprehensive plan and will further specific goals and objectives of the plan.

Staff response: This proposal updates and set forth the goals and objectives of the Homer Comprehensive Plan.

B. Will be reasonable to implement and enforce.

Staff response: This update of the Comprehensive Plan does not introduce any concepts that would be considered unreasonable to implement and enforce. The updated format will make the plan easier to implement and enforce.

C. Will promote the present and future public health, safety and welfare.

Staff response: This amendment promotes health, safety and welfare of the community by updating the plan to be responsive to current needs and aspirations.

D. Is consistent with the intent and wording of the other provisions of this title.

Staff response: This amendment has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is consistent with the intent, wording and purpose of HCC Title 21.

Recommendation:

Adopt Draft Ordinance 18-47

Attachments:

Ordinance 18-47

2018 Homer Comprehensive Plan

Backup Materials - Includes staff reports, meeting minutes, outreach materials, and public input. Much of the draft plan material and staff report attachments are not included. A complete record is available at the Planning Department.