Session 06-23, a Regular Meeting of the Homer Advisory Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Chesley at 7:12 p.m. on August 16, 2006 at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

PRESENT:      COMMISSIONERS:    CHESLEY, FOSTER, HESS, KRANICH, MINSCH, ZAK

 

                   ABSENT:                 PFEIL (excused)

 

                   STAFF:                             CITY PLANNER MCKIBBEN

                                                DEPUTY CITY CLERK JOHNSON

                                                                  

A quorum is required to conduct a meeting.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA

 

All items on the consent agenda are considered routine and non-controversial by the Planning Commission and are approved in one motion.  There will be no separate discussion of these items unless requested by a Planning Commissioner or someone from the public, in which case the item will be moved to the regular agenda and considered in normal sequence.

 

A.         Time Extension Requests

B.         Approval of City of Homer Projects under HCC 1.76.030 g.

C.         KPB Coastal Management Program Reports

D.                 Commissioner Excused Absences

 

The agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Commission approves minutes with any amendments.

 

A.                             Approval of June 14, 2006 special meeting minutes

 

The minutes were adopted as amended by consensus of the Commission.

 

B.                             Approval of July 19, 2006 regular meeting minutes

 

The minutes were adopted as amended by consensus of the Commission.

 

C.                             Approval of July 26, 2006 special meeting minutes

 

The minutes were adopted as amended by consensus of the Commission.

 

D.                             Approval of August 2, 2006 regular meeting minutes.

 

The minutes were adopted as amended by consensus of the Commission.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT, PRESENTATIONS

 

The public may speak to the Planning Commission regarding matters not on the agenda.  The Chair may prescribe time limits.  Public comment on agenda items will be heard at the time the item is considered by the Commission.  Presentations are approved by the Planning Director, the Chair, or the Planning Commission.  A Public Works representative may address the Planning Commission.

 

There was no public present.

 

RECONSIDERATION

 

None.

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

The Commission conducts Public Hearings by hearing a staff report, hearing public testimony and then acting on the Public Hearing items.  The Chair may prescribe time limits.  The Commission may question the public.

 

There were no public hearings.

 

PLAT CONSIDERATION

 

The Commission hears a report from staff, testimony from applicants and the public.  The Commission may ask questions of staff, applicants and the public. 

 

There were no plat considerations.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

A.                             Staff Report PL 06-89(S) Town Center Task Force

 

City Planner McKibben referenced Staff Report PL 06-89(S) that is supplemental to the last discussion.  Greg Jones of CIRI shared his concerns and considerations at the last meeting.  After receiving a copy of the supplemental report Mr. Jones has not responded.  The recommendations of the Town Center Task Force (TCTF) did not change; they were reorganized.  The TCTF gave guidelines for the infrastructure development inside the Town Center.  They are separated into items that would and would not be included in the subdivision development agreement.  City Planner McKibben read the conclusion and recommendation.

 

HESS/MINSCH - MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION ACCEPT STAFF REPORTS PL 06-89(S) AND 06-79 TOWN CENTER TASK FORCE.

 

City Planner McKibben noted that Greg Jones and Bruce Creager commented from their perspective as planners against angle parking.  It does not work well in snow towns and is archaic.  There are no vegetated medians in the Town Center for the sake of snow removal and plant survivability.  Larger vegetated areas on the sides work better in northern climates and are desired over the smaller center median.  The Commission made the following suggestions:

·         larger pockets of landscaping instead of fewer

·         spruce trees in vegetated areas with annual flowers

·         lights on the trees in the winter

·         rock gardens

 

The Commission discussed the 1% art program and questioned who would pay the costs.

 

KRANICH/MINSCH - MOVED TO STRIKE THE LAST SENTENCE FROM THE RECOMMENDATION - “ADDITIONALLY FORWARD THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE TASK FORCE FOR THE 1% FOR ARTS PROGRAM TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.”

 

City Planner McKibben suggested allowing art to be considered in such a way that the city will not be responsible for the 1%.  Commissioner Kranich said the developer should not be liable for the 1% art as he is already building a street to turn over to the city.  The Public Arts Committee is the vehicle for aesthetics in the Town Center.  The TCTF recommendations were forwarded to the Planning Commission for review and recommendations will be sent to the Public Works Director.

 

VOTE:  YES.  MINSCH, ZAK, KRANICH

 

VOTE:  NO.  CHESLEY, HESS, FOSTER

 

Motion failed.

 

Commissioner Zak commented that the recommendations lack trails.  He suggested arranging for parking on the perimeters and eliminating the roads when possible.  Subdivision agreements pertain to things that happen in the ROW where roads and sidewalks are being built.  Some things were incorporated into the Fred Meyer CUP.  One is what happens in the public ways in the plat and the other is the CUP.  Lighting and crosswalks was suggested and agreed upon by the Commission as there is merit to cohesiveness of infrastructure and large store development.

 

The Town Center calls for access from the north, west, east and south.  Staff was asked to include the Commission’s concern of the 1% art implementation.  If art is in the ROW does the developer or the City pay:  Who is responsible for ongoing maintenance?

 

FOSTER/HESS - MOVED UNDER STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPING THAT NO. 1 BE REVISED THAT THERE BE NO MEDIANS IN THE ROADS AND NO. 2 CREATE LARGER POCKETS OF LANDSCAPING TO HELP ENSURE PLANT SURVIVABILITY.

 

Recommending no medians would prevent cement medians in the middle.  Larger pockets of landscaping rather than fewer would help plant survival.

 

VOTE:  YES.  MINSCH, HESS, KRANICH, FOSTER, CHESLEY, ZAK

 

Motion carried.

 

The recommendations do not specify curb radius.  Sharp corners will be used to slow traffic down and will enable emergency vehicles to make the turn safely.

 

ZAK/MINSCH – MOVED TO ADD UNDER OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS (ADD BULLET) HIGHLY ENCOURAGE PERIMETER PARKING.

 

The plan calls for parking pockets to allow for reduction of the required parking in front of a building.  This will encourage park and walk. There is no place defined for large motor homes pulling a boat or any places for them to stop.  With a mixture of parallel and angle-in parking the larger RV’s could use parallel spaces.  Perimeter parking on the outside of Town Center would be developed by CIRI or whoever develops the area.  It would be a cost savings to avoid putting major roads through Town Center. 

 

VOTE:  YES.  MINSCH, ZAK, HESS, CHESLEY, FOSTER

 

VOTE:  NO.  KRANICH

 

Motion carried.

 

FOSTER/ZAK – MOVED TO ADD UNDER PARKING:  TO INCLUDE AREAS TO ACCOMODATE BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES WITH TRAILERS.

 

City Planner McKibben clarified this is for parking within the ROW, not on the site.  It was decided to relocate the parking recommendation to other recommendations. 

 

FOSTER/HESS - MOVED TO AMEND THAT PARKING SHOULD INCLUDE AREAS THAT ACCOMMODATE BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES WITH TRAILERS TO BE INCLUDED UNDER OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS.

 

VOTE:  YES.  (secondary amendment)  KRANICH, FOSTER, CHESLEY, ZAK, HESS, MINSCH

 

Motion carried.

 

VOTE:  YES.  (primary amendment) ZAK, HESS, FOSTER, CHESLEY, MINSCH, KRANICH

 

Motion carried.

 

The Commission inquired as to the selection of the style of lightening within Town Center.  City Planner McKibben said the TCTF did not select the type of lights and the first developer will set the precedence for the entire Town Center.  Public Works Director Meyer has guidance as to the style of lights and the developer will no doubt select between one or two and it will be approved by Mr. Meyer. 

 

VOTE:  (main motion)  YES.  FOSTER, CHESLEY, ZAK, KRANICH, HESS

 

VOTE:  (main motion)  NO.  MINSCH

 

Motion carried.

 

B.                 Staff Report PL 06-82 Capital Improvement Plan/Legislative Request

 

HESS/KRANICH - MOVED TO BRING PL 06-82 TO THE FLOOR.

 

VOTE:  YES.  FOSTER, MINSCH, CHESLEY, ZAK, KRANICH, HESS

 

Motion carried.

 

Chair Chesley called for a recess at 8:16 p.m. and resumed the meeting at 8:27 p.m.

 

Upon discussion of numerous improvement projects the Commission selected the following as priorities:

 

Local Roads                       Trails                                State Roads

Town Center Infrastructure   Senior Access Trail              Main Street Reconstruction

                                                                             Sidewalks

Structures                         Utilities

Port & Harbor Building Water Treatment Plant Upgrade/Alternative Water Source

Police Station                      Bridge Creek Watershed Land Acquisition

Conference Center

Homer City Hall

Deep Water Dock

 

Equipment

Fire Engine Replacement/Aerial Truck

Rescue Systems Upgrade

Harbor Float Replacement, Phase I

 

C.                 Staff Report PL 06-86(S) Marine Industrial and Marine Commercial Ordinances

 

The Commission did not discuss this during the worksession and is not ready to take action.

 

HESS/ZAK - MOVED TO TABLE ACTION ON STAFF REPORT PL 06-86(S).

 

VOTE:  YES.  CHESLEY, MINSCH, ZAK, KRANICH, HESS, FOSTER

 

Motion carried.

 

D.                             Staff Report PL 06-80 Bridge Creek Watershed Protection District Pamphlet

 

City Planner McKibben said the pamphlet is informational and a start.  The Commission requested a paragraph be added to explain impervious coverage and that gravel and crushed rock on driveways be clarified.

 

Bill Smith, citizen, said it is preferable that water is not allowed to go in roadside ditches, but rather disbursed on the property.  Low corners of parcels could have holding ponds for excess water.

 

HESS/FOSTER - MOVED TO POSTPONE REMAINING ACTION ON STAFF REPORT PL 06-80 TO ALLOW STAFF TO INCORPORATE COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION.

 

City Planner McKibben said she was not necessarily looking for approval, but rather comments for the pamphlet.  Commissioner Foster is to provide information to the City Planner and then the pamphlet will be ready to be distributed.

 

VOTE:  NO.  MINSCH, HESS, KRANICH, FOSTER, CHESLEY, ZAK

Motion failed.

 

HESS/MINSCH – MOVED TO BRING STAFF REPORT PL 06-80 TO THE COMMISSION FOR DISCUSSION.

 

VOTE:  YES.  MINSCH, ZAK, KRANICH, HESS, CHESLEY, FOSTER

 

Motion carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

The Commission hears a report from staff, testimony from applicants and the public.  Commission business includes resolutions, ordinances, zoning issues, requests for reconsideration and other issues as needed.  The Commission may ask questions of staff, applicants, and the public.

 

A.                             Staff Report PL 06-92 Election of Officers

 

ZAK/FOSTER – MOVED TO NOMINATE RAY KRANICH FOR VICE CHAIR.

 

Commissioner Kranich declined the nomination.

 

FOSTER/ZAK – MOVED TO NOMINATE BRUCE HESS FOR VICE CHAIR.

 

Commissioner Hess accepted the nomination.

 

KRANICH/FOSTER – MOVED TO NOMINATE SHARON MINSCH FOR VICE CHAIR.

 

Commissioner Minsch accepted the nomination.

 

Nominations were closed.

 

Commissioner Minsch said someone new needs to be trained, as the Commission has heard Mr. Hess is not willing to be Chair.

 

Commissioner Hess said if Mrs. Minsch is willing to serve he would be willing to go that way.

 

There was a tie vote.

 

Commissioner Hess recommended Commissioner Kranich for the Chair position stating that Mr. Chesley expressed issues about his work schedule.  He added that Ray Kranich has the ability and time to serve as Chair.  Chair Chesley said he will likely resign from the Commission effective October 18th.  With his job, new work schedule and travel he will miss too many meetings to keep up with the chairmanship.

 

Nominations for Chair were opened.

 

HESS/FOSTER – NOMINATE RAY KRANICH FOR CHAIR.

 

Commissioner Kranich accepted the nomination.

FOSTER/MINSCH – NOMINATE BRUCE HESS FOR CHAIR.

 

Commissioner Hess declined the nomination.

 

Chair Chesley read the duties of the Chair from the Planning Commission Handbook.

 

Nominations were closed.

 

VOTE:  YES.  ZAK, HESS, FOSTER, CHESLEY, MINSCH

 

Motion carried.

 

HESS/FOSTER – MOVED TO NOMINATE SHARON MINSCH AS VICE CHAIR.

 

Commissioner Minsch accepted the nomination.

 

FOSTER/ZAK – MOVED TO NOMINATE BRUCE HESS AS VICE CHAIR.

 

Commissioner Hess declined the nomination.

 

Nominations were closed.

 

VOTE:  YES. KRANICH, FOSTER, CHESLEY, ZAK, HESS

 

Motion carried.

 

The Commission briefly discussed the seating arrangements.

 

The new officers will preside at the September 6th meeting.  Chair Chesley thanked Commissioner Hess for serving as Vice Chair.  He has had to fill the role of chair many times and has done a great job.  He thanked Commissioner Kranich for assuming chairmanship and Commissioner Minsch for stepping up to the leadership position.

 

B.                             Staff Report PL 06-85 Nonconformity at Lot 10 Block 7 Bayview Garden Subdivision

 

City Planner McKibben read the staff recommendations. 

 

The applicant was not present.

 

There was no public comment.

 

HESS/MINSCH - MOVED TO ACCEPT NONCONFORMING USE LOCATED AT LOT 10 BLOCK 7 BAYVIEW GARDEN SUBDIVISION.

 

Commissioner Foster noted that detached accessory buildings may occupy not more than 25% of a required rear or side yard and shall be located at least five feet from the nearest part of a main building and five feet from a property line.  If the lot was sold or a main home was built on the lot it would restrict the size of the new building.  City Planner McKibben said the applicant is aware of the restrictions and may remedy them by a number of means, including subdividing the lot or vacating a lot line.  The reason for the nonconformity is that the structure would not be permitted today without a primary structure, as it was built pre-annexation.

 

VOTE:  YES.  FOSTER, MINSCH, CHESLEY, ZAK, KRANICH, HESS

 

Motion carried.

 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

 

Staff recommends the Commission accept the garage-shop as a nonconforming use on Lot 10, Block 7 Bayview Garden Subdivision located at 833 Fireweed Avenue in Homer, Alaska.

 

C.                             Staff Report PL 06-90 Nonconformity at 545 West Fairview Avenue

 

City Planner McKibben read the staff comments/recommendations.

 

The applicant was not present.

 

There was no public comment.

 

HESS/MINSCH -MOVED TO ACCEPT NONCONFORMITY AT 545 WEST FAIRVIEW AVENUE.

 

The Commission noted the gap in the nonconforming use from 1988 to 1998 from both the City and Borough information. Findings of nonconformity need to be specific and unidentified staff members may not constitute the burden of proof.  A continuous document from 1978 – 2006 may be unlikely and the resident has not been living there the entire time.  However, it is unlikely a brown mobile home would be replaced with a brown mobile home.  The trailer would have to be used continually to constitute a nonconforming use.  In a court of law words may not be enough.

 

City Planner McKibben said the information was provided by the applicant and staff research.  There is a continuing record of the same mobile home.  

 

The Commission suggested contacting Mary Ann Mullins who has lived in the neighborhood for many years.

 

HESS/MINSCH - MOVED TO SEND STAFF REPORT PL 06-90 BACK TO STAFF FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS.

 

VOTE:  YES.  MINSCH, HESS, KRANICH, FOSTER, CHESLEY

 

VOTE:  NO.  ZAK

 

Motion carried.

 

STAFF COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS:  

 

Staff recommends the Commission accept the 1973 mobile home located at 545 West Fairview (Lots 7 & 8 Lot 7A, Block 4 Homer Enterprise Inc. Sub Resub.) as a nonconforming structure.  If/when the mobile home(s) is/are abandoned the nonconformity shall not be allowed to continue.

 

D.                 Staff Report PL 06-91 Homer Non-Motorized Transportation and Trail Plan

 

City Planner McKibben asked for guidance to develop recommendations for trails both inside and outside city limits.

 

Citizen Bill Smith commented on the nonconformity at 545 West Fairview Avenue.  He said Gerald Russell, the applicant in 1979, was last selling used cars in Phoenix, Arizona.  Mr. Smith likes the idea of defining a higher standard for trails.  Currently from East Hill to West Hill there is steep hillside that serves the public now with unstructured trails.  He wouldn’t want to eliminate those trails by making too stringent of standards.  Mr. Smith pointed out there are neighborhood trails that need to be built within subdivisions; they don’t necessarily go from a subdivision to a park or recreation area.  He would like to assure that neighborhood trails are not forgotten along with main trails.

 

HESS/ZAK – MOVED TO BRING STAFF REPORT PL 06-91 TO THE COMMISSION FOR DISCUSSION.

 

VOTE:  YES.  MINSCH, ZAK, KRANICH, HESS, CHESLEY, FOSTER

 

Motion carried.

 

The Commission discussed the different types of trails and it was noted they are defined in the Homer Non Motorized Transportation and Trail Plan (HNMTTP) by being identified on the maps.  City Planner McKibben explained the City Attorney said if the ordinance states the draft language as written in the HNMTTP all trails will have to be constructed to a certain standard.  She asked if it was appropriate for some of the trails identified in the HNMTTP to be constructed to the standard as they were not intended to serve the same kind of purpose.  Trails could be categorized for different standards or core areas of town could be defined.  As to new subdivisions, Title 22 would be amended to include non motorized transportation easements or rights of way.

 

Commissioner Kranich asked that Section 7 Line 177 “dated June 28, 2005.” be amended to include a comma and add “or any subsequent revised version.”  The same language could be added to Section 4 Line 126 to make the definition stand forever.  He asked about the language contained in Sections 1 and 2 pertaining to Site and Access Plan, requiring pedestrian connections with proposed driveway and curb cuts and with existing non motorized transportation systems.  In reality the proposals may never connect.  The ordinance needs to include the new standards in Title 11.

 

ZAK/MINSCH - MOVED TO ASK STAFF TO TAKE STAFF REPORT 06-91 BACK FOR FURTHER STUDY AND DEVELOP A STANDARDS HEIARCHY WITH A CLEAR MAP TO SHOW WHERE THE STANDARDS WOULD APPLY.

 

The Commission noted the need for flexibility on trails construction.  Suggestions were:

·         Different types of trails, allowing widths and steepness

·         Differentiation of trails for horses, people and bikes

·         Maintenance provisions if trails are for year round use

·         Americans with Disabilities Act rules for trails

 

City Planner McKibben said the Parks and Recreation Department has concerns about trails not being built to standards in the heavily used core area of town.  They need maintenance and constant repair.  They have asked that trails be built to a higher standard. 

 

VOTE:  YES.  ZAK, HESS, FOSTER, CHESLEY, MINSCH, KRANICH

 

Motion carried.

 

REPORTS

 

A.                 Borough Report

 

Commissioner Foster said Monday’s meeting was long with lots of plats for approval.  There was only one from Homer, a vacation of an old plat in Town Center.  There was discussion about plat waivers from Country Club Estates and the ramifications that have occurred from them.   All of the information is on line.  Dr. Foster said the decisions the Homer Advisory Planning Commission makes are important and it is important for everyone to do their homework.

 

When asked about a plat waiver, Commissioner Foster explained it is in State law and makes it simple to do a lot line adjustment, to perhaps give half of your property to your kids.  If there are less than four lots, no additional ROW, and all lots are on platted streets you do not have to go through the whole platting process.  A plat waiver is inexpensive.

 

On the Kenai Peninsula Borough web page there is information and facts on plat waivers.  Dr. Foster said each time a plat waiver came to the KPB the city may or may not have known.  The KPB staff recommended against it and in discussions tried to educate the KBP Planning Commission, stating it was supposed to be simple.  The KPB Planning Commission spent an enormous amount of time on it.  It is essential you do your homework.

 

Chair Chesley asked Commissioner Foster how he felt about continuing on as the Homer representative for the KPB Planning Commission.  Commissioner Foster said he would like to continue at least for the length of his appointment with the HAPC.

 

HESS/KRANICH – MOVED TO CONTINUE THE TABLED ITEM (STAFF REPORT PL 06-91 HOMER NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION AND TRAIL PLAN) TO THE NEXT WORKSESSION.

 

Chair Chesley said this was only meant to be one ordinance to amend a small section of the code and then go to Council.  There was support for minimal amendment and the more it is turned into a housekeeping issue it runs the risk of opposition from the Council.

 

VOTE:  YES.  KRANICH, FOSTER, CHESLEY, ZAK, HESS, MINSCH

 

Motion carried.

 

B.       Kachemak Bay Advisory Planning Commission Report

 

None.

 

PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORT

 

City Planner McKibben is hopeful to have an expert conduct training for staff and the commission.  She would like to hire someone that can do the training locally.

 

Chair Chesley asked about the following:

 

Boyd Walker’s sign – condition of CUP

Gig’s Beads – two free standing signs

Sourdough Express – doesn’t meet height requirements

Homer Travel – complies, sign next door is too tall

City of Homer/Pioneer Avenue directional sign – doesn’t meet the height requirement

Vann appeal

Blackwell – nonconforming use

Jean Keane – CUP for trailer

Nancy Hillstrand - added two new buildings to area

Fraiman – continued to expand; additional signage on sign, water truck and retail

 

Commissioner Foster asked about temporary banners and the advertisements on them.  City Planner McKibben stated banners are allowed but with advertisements they have to be part of the allowed signage measurements.  Commissioner Foster inquired about the process of the driveway application, as his own experience was that no questions were asked about drainage or the location.  City Planner McKibben explained former City Manager Drathman took all the permits from the Planning Department.  Zoning was moved back to Planning when the code compliance position was created.  

 

Commissioner Kranich asked for a copy of Title 11 and the Design Criteria Manual.

 

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

 

Items listed under this agenda item can be HCC meeting minutes, copies of zoning violation letters, reports and information from other government units.

 

None.

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

Members of the audience may address the Commission on any subject.  The Chair may prescribe time limits.

 

Citizen Bill Smith thanked Vice Chair Hess and outgoing Chair Chesley for the time and extra effort.  He said it will be sad to see Chair Chesley go.  He thanked everyone for their work.

 

 

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

 

Commissioners may comment on any subject, including requests to staff and requests for excused absence.

 

Commissioner Zak suggested sending a thank you letter to the TCTF.  He said Commissioner Hess did a wonderful job as co-chair.  He recommended the past vice-chair and the chair receive their choice of a paperweight or coffee mug, beginning with the outgoing officers.  There is a local artist that makes a unique mug.

 

Commissioner Minsch asked about lights for the purpose of timing public testimony.  This was briefly discussed. 

 

Commissioner Kranich thanked Chair Chesley and Vice Chair Hess for their service.  He said if either one of them has a desire to continue he will be glad to call for reconsideration.  There was a lot of time spent by both and Vice Chair Hess did an outstanding job filling in with contentious items.  Commissioner Kranich thanked all the commission for their confidence in him as the Chair, adding he will need a lot of support.  He said it will take a long time before he can reach the level of expertise Chair Chesley exhibited in conducting meetings and keeping everyone informed.  He will be calling on all commissioners for support.  Vice Chair Hess is up on the code, and for the chairman to stop and look up code would be like juggling raw eggs.  Commissioner Kranich is glad to see GCI set their fence posts in concrete and created a cedar fence around the parking lot.  It is a nice looking facility and the fence will be an addition to it.  It was a hard fought battle and there is solidarity in the commission in accomplishing it.  It is good for the community.  He is looking forward to going ahead.

 

Vice Chair Hess echoed everyone’s sentiment about Chair Chesley and the job he had done since Bill Smith left the commission.  He has exhibited leadership in running the meetings and Vice Chair Hess has learned much from him.  He appreciates the opportunity to have experienced the Vice Chair position.  It has been a tremendous growth experience.  He was always told unless you are uncomfortable you are not growing.  With Chair Chesley absent during the Fred Meyer CUP he will never forget the experience.  Vice Chair Hess is happy Commissioner Minsch is willing to serve as Vice Chair.  He has a tremendous amount of respect for Chair Chesley’s abilities and he will be sorely missed.

 

Commissioner Foster commented he received a letter today from someone reviewing the minutes.  They said the last Fred Meyer hearing minutes do not reflect Fred Meyer’s responses.  Commissioner Foster said he didn’t mention it as none of the other commissioners had.  He also received a letter regarding the utility line work below Bryan Zak’s property and passed it on to the planners, City Manager Wrede and Public Works Director Meyer.  He received a response back from City Manager Wrede who said the planners will be looking into potential questions regarding legal roads and legal buildings.  The City Manager suggested that Dr. Foster not overreact.  Commissioner Foster believes it is the Commission’s role.  He asked when the underground utilities within subdivisions kicks in and received no response.   He looked at HCC 1.76 to see if he was overstepping the Commission’s duties and it clearly says to respond to and give advice upon the development and type and location of public improvements and relocation, removal, extension, change, use and existing use of future public ways, ground spaces, buildings, properties and utilities.  The Commission is to promote public interest in and understanding of the Master Plan and of general regulations in regard to planning and zoning.  The Commission is supposed to communicate with the public and make investigations for any matter related to city planning.

 

Chair Chesley suggested Commissioners Kranich and Minsch review HCC 1.76.  Commissioner Minsch said when the documents say to make investigations it means the commission, not individual commissioners out doing their own research.  Often at the table she hears a commissioner saying “my research”.  Research isn’t given to the other commissioners or the appellant.  Mrs. Minsch would like to talk about this at a different time.  

 

Commissioner Kranich said he is going to try to put the time in when there are issues the Commission works on that are serious and important to the community.  He intends to be at the Council and Committee of the Whole meetings when the items are on the agenda and will try his utmost to present the position of the commission as a whole. Whatever the decision the commission made, the feeling of the commission will be presented to the City Council.  Commissioner Kranich spent a couple days in Seward and made several trips by the beautiful Safeway there.  Beauty is definitely in the eyes of the beholder because it is not his idea of a beautiful building.  In their parking lot where the spaces are painted yellow the lines come out 18 ft.  Most every parked vehicle was hanging out.  Between the yellow lines was 22 ft.  With the vehicles hanging out of the parking spaces at the most there was 8 ft. for vehicles to come up and down and turn into their parking spots. Our Fred Meyer at 27 ft. and 20 ft. will be a more user friendly parking lot.  The conditions placed on Fred Meyer and the criteria developed with the Commission and Bill Smith will provide for better facilities than in other towns.  He again thanked the previous commissioners for their hard work.

 

Chair Chesley thanked Bruce Hess for his role of Vice Chair and said it was great working with him, putting their heads together to figure out how to do a good job in their roles.  He is looking forward to the new officers’ service.  The Commission is about passing of the time.  It is community leadership.  It is great to have Commissioners Kranich and Minsch to pass the batons to.  He appreciates the feedback about his role as Chair, but his role has been made easy and he has been made to look good as he is surrounded by capable and talented people.  He gave the credit to the commissioners for making his job easy.  He thanked Deputy City Clerk Johnson and City Planner McKibben.   

 

ADJOURNMENT

         

Notice of the next regular or special meeting or work session will appear on the agenda following “adjournment.”

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission the meeting adjourned at 10:47 p.m.  The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for September 6, 2006 at 7:00 p.m., in the Cowles Council Chambers.  There will be a work session at 6:00 p.m. prior to the meeting.

 

 

 

_________________________________

JO JOHNSON, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

 

Approved: ________________________