Session 06-13, a Regular Meeting
of the Homer Advisory Planning Commission was called to order on
PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS FOSTER, PFEIL, HESS, LEHNER, CONNOR, KRANICH
ABSENT: COMMISSIONER CHESLEY (Excused)
STAFF: CITY PLANNER MCKIBBEN
DEPUTY CITY CLERK JACOBSEN
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR MEYER
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 and considered in normal sequence.
A. Time Extension Requests
B. Approval of City of
C. KPB Coastal Management Program Reports
D. Commissioner Excused Absences
The agenda was approved as presented by consensus of the Commission.
Commission approves minutes with any amendments.
A.
Approval of
The
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 approved by the Planning Director, the Chair or the Planning Commission. A Public Works representative may address the Planning Commission.
There were no public comments or presentations.
RECONSIDERATION
There were no items for reconsideration.
The Commission conducts Public hearings by hearing a
staff report, hearing public testimony and then acting on the Public Hearing
items. The Commission may question the
public.
City Planner McKibben
summarized the staff report.
Mark Thielenhaus, applicant
and Captain of the Salvation Army Church, commented that he was available to
answer questions from the Commission.
Commissioner Foster asked
if there have ever been problems with congestion on the
Vice Chair Hess asked
Captain Thielenhaus for his opinion of the parking requirement for churches,
which is one parking space for every five seats. Captain Thielenhaus commented that he thinks
it is a low estimate as most attendees don’t carpool.
Douglas Derby commented
that just about everyday he drives down Baycrest H
Frank Vondersaar, resident
on
There were no more public
comments and Vice Chair Hess closed the public hearing.
LEHNER/PFEIL MOVED TO
ACCEPT
STAFF COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval and adoption of findings
with the following conditions.
Commissioner Lehner
commented that she feels a new building there would be an attraction.
Commissioner Foster
commended the applicants for meeting the Community Design Manual in areas where
they are not required to and for their storm water plan. He wished all the applicants would keep these
things in mind.
Commissioner Kranich made
the following comments with regard to content of the staff report:
·
Staff Report page 2 “Drainage” Due to the slope of the parcel, recent water
and sewer stub-out excavation, DOT culvert installation, impervious coverage
and construction excavation work. The applicant is consulting an engineer for
site specific drainage requirements that meet HCC 21.44.050 (a)(5) and HCC
21.44.050 (b) and (c).
It was agreed that
there should be a comma after the “work.”
·
Staff Report page
4 Finding g, he questioned if the Fire Marshal gives a permit for a foundation.
It was agreed that the
wording should be revised to read “ The applicant w
·
Staff Report page 4 Finding d (under Conditional
Use Permit Standards), states “Landscaping. All areas not devoted to buildings,
parking walkways or driveways shall be covered one or more of the following:
lawn grass, natural or ornamental shrubbery, or trees.” Should native grass be excluded from items
used to cover?
City Planner McKibben
pointed out that this excerpt is taken directly from code and she feels there
is some flexibility. She believe that
native grass could be used as the intent is that it be landscaped with vegetation.
·
Staff Report page
5 Finding e discusses the required lot size for the church but does it include
the church and parking.
City Planner McKibben
stated that the code doesn’t specify, but it says the minimum lot size for the
church, so it would include the parking.
·
Staff Report page 5, Public Works comment “Permits
w
City Planner McKibben reviewed the information provided by
Public Works and confirmed that it should say “Permits w
She recommended the Commission amend staff recommendation
6 to read “The applicant w
KRANICH/LEHNER SO MOVED.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT
Motion carried.
City Planner McKibben commented that Commissioner
Kranich’s other edits were minor enough that having them noted in the record
was sufficient.
Ray Steiner, commented
that it is possible to get a preliminary foundation approval from the Fire Marshal to proceed while they are
continuing to review the final project.
He said Peter Flowers is the architect and Mike Tauriainen is the
structural engineer and they are pursuing it so they can start the project as
they have an extensive foundation to put in.
He clarified that is why the staff comment was written that way.
Commissioner Foster questioned
the location of the overhead power line.
Mr. Steiner said the existing line is overhead but w
Commissioner Connor
commented that this is a great plan but it is missing a barrier between the lot
and highway, which is something that is addressed by the Community Design
Manual.
CONNOR/PFEIL MOVED TO ADD
CONDITION SEVEN THAT THE APPLICANT WILL WORK WITH STAFF TO DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT
A LANDSCAPING PLAN TO SHIELD THE PARKING AREA FROM THE
City Planner McKibben
pointed out that the only section of the CDM that applies to this development
is the lighting section.
Commissioner Connor
commented that the spirit of the Gateway overlay in this area and having
parking so close to the highway, it would be a beautification to have a buffer
there. She cited the CDM addressing
something at least three feet high and parallel to the right-of-way to soften
the visual impact from the street. She
thinks it would be nice if you couldn’t see the parking lot as you drive down
the h
Commissioner Foster again
expressed his appreciation of the applicant going over and beyond the
requirements in their application, but agrees with Commissioner Connor’s added
condition.
Mr. Steiner agreed that a
natural buffer would look really nice.
VOTE: YES:
PFEIL, CONNOR, HESS, KRANICH, FOSTER, LEHNER
Motion carried.
There was no further
discussion on the main motion as amended.
VOTE (Main motion as
amended): YES: FOSTER, CONNOR, PFEIL,
LEHNER, KRANICH, HESS
Motion carried.
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.
A. Staff
Report PL 06-51 Bunnell’s Subdivision Sutton/Cups Addition Preliminary Plat
City Planner McKibben
summarized the staff report.
11. The
general location of existing water and sewer utilities, and the intent and
methods of the subdivision to utilize and access such utilities.
Staff Response: The plat does not meet these
requirements.
The plat submittal letter dealt with
water and sewer. These lots are
currently served or capable of being served by existing sewer & water
mains.
12. Provide
a contour map of the subdivision and road profiles if road grades exceed 6% on
arterial and 10% on other streets.
Staff Response: The plat meets these requirements. No
Right of Way are to shown to be dedicated by this action. However, this may need to be shown should
This plat does not contemplate dedication of
PUBLIC WORKS COMMENTS:
The Public Works Department had the following
comments:
·
Borough code Title 20.12.060 Form and contents
required, states that
the preliminary plat should depict, among other items, "..name of existing
or platted streets and public ways...easements, existing and
proposed...location of known existing municipal sewers, water mains, and other
utilities within the subdivision and immediately abutting thereto..." Swatzell right-of-way is not identified,
existing utility and sidewalk easements are not shown, and the existing
utilities are not depicted (of particular interest is the water & sewer locations).
Public
works as-built documents normally provide the locations of existing
utilities. The submittal letter Specified
that existing easements would be depicted when the Title Report is
received. This is normal for easements
that do not show on any recorded plats.
See DPW comments under “Title 20.20.100” where they detail the water
& Sewer locations.
·
Borough code Title 20.20.030 Proposed street layout -
Requirements, states, "The streets provided on the plat must
provide for the continuation or appropriate projection of all streets in surrounding
areas and provide reasonable means of ingress for surrounding acreage
tracts". The east portion of
Swatzell
Street is listed as “Non-functional” on the 1986 Master Streets Plan for a
reason – No part of the street has been constructed, nor is the street likely
to be constructed or necessary for many years to come. For the City to require an outright gift of
over $65,000 worth of commercial property and encumbrance of building and use
restrictions on an additional $41,000 worth is nothing more than rank
extortion.
(Local Realtors have estimated the
value of
The
dedication might be appropriate if additional lots were being created. In fact, a lot is being eliminated. The only lot that would gain access by this
dedication is the one being combined with a portion of former lot 52A, and it has
access on
·
Title 20.20.100 Half Streets, speaks to
half street dedications.
·
The 1970 sewer collection as-builts and the 1985
Pioneer Reconstruction as-builts correctly, or incorrectly, depict Swatzell
connecting to
The status of the dedication on
FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMENTS:
·
Fire Chief Painter commented
that access to lot 53A1 is more than 150 feet from the roadway (
So what
provisions does the Chief have for access to lot 53A as it currently
exists? This plat improves the current
situation.
STAFF COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS:
Planning Commission recommend approval of the
preliminary plat with the following comments:
The east half of
So
the City wants the donation of over $100,000 worth of property value, and then
expects the property owner to further construct a street that has NEVER been
used, and to further extend water & sewer mains, install underground power,
streetlights and sidewalks? Even Tony
Soprano isn’t that bold with criminal extortion plans.
Show existing utility and sidewalk easements and the
existing utilities.
Certainly – when the Title report is
received. It has not yet been ordered,
pending resolution of the irrational requirement to dedicate
Provide a contour map as needed.
The
City has 2’ contours of the entire city, provided by City taxpayers – isn’t
that sufficient? Does the City Staff not have access to that data?
Mr. Anderson reiterated
some of his previous points and added that his client would agree to an
expanded setback, so if Swatzell is to be developed in the future, the City
would only need to purchase the area of the setback. He felt that would be fair.
Commissioner Foster said
he hears Mr. Anderson’s point regarding the lot line adjustment but the
Commission is held by the subdivision ordinance and the Borough and their requirements
for what information needs to be on a plat.
To make the statement that the City already has the information is not
sufficient when it is stated that there are items that are necessary for
submittal of a preliminary plat. Mr.
Anderson responded that if he were subdividing and proposing to dedicate any
streets then a center line profile or topography map would be essential. With regard to water and sewer, it is
available to one lot and the other has stub outs along the side. He said the
problem is that they are trying to apply subdivision requirements to
elimination of lot lines.
Commissioner Connor
questioned the size of the expanded setback.
Mr. Anderson recommended a minimum of forty feet. He agreed that they would be willing to take
it all the way to the top along lot 53-A1 as well.
Annie Whitney, Associate
Broker with Alderfer Group Realtors, commented that Jen and Dave Olsen are
clients of hers. She is here tonight to
make some points on their behalf based on the recommendations from the Planning
Department regarding this plat. Ms.
Whitney explained that the way the lot runs in relation to the building is not
straight on, but more perpendicular. She
explained that the lot 51-A1 sits up above where the parking lot is now. They would like to sell that parcel and to do
that, it makes sense to get rid of lot line that separates the lot they
purchased for their parking and the lot the restaurant is on and giving the
“pole” of the flag lot to the person who wants to purchase the upper lot. Ms. Whitney explained that she understands
the City’s desire to obtain land to develop roads in the future. She stated, however, that it is punitive for
the City to ask private property owners to give up a large portion of their
land for a road that isn’t going to be developed or need to be developed
because there is access to the properties above it from
Ms. Whitney pointed out on
the aerial photo where Swatzell is dedicated and where it is not, Mr. Anderson
joined in and there was discussion reiterating previous points. City Planner McKibben explained that the lots
in the middle were allowed to subdivide previously because they have legal
access fronting a legal right-of-way, which is
Ruby Haigh, City resident
and owner of a parcel that fronts Swatzell just above the area proposed for
replat, spoke in favor of the dedicated right-of-way. She said they have been waiting for Swatzell
to be built so they could get sewer to their property. She would like to see
Swatzell opened up so the parcels can be developed.
Karin Marks, City resident
and owner of property adjacent to the Olsen’s commented that she was here to be
a good neighbor to help the Olsen’s clean up their situation, but now she is
hearing about land being taken for the road right-of-way. She stated she is very concerned because if
they are taking a swathe of land from the Cups property, the City w
Public Works Director
Meyer spoke in defense of the Public Works comments. Mr. Meyer said it is not the purpose of
Public Works, the Planning Department or the Planning Commission to make the
surveyor’s life easier or base decisions on the best interest of a single
property owner. It is their
responsibility make decisions based on the best interest of the community. The applicant, through their agent, has
suggested that they would place some setback requirements that would turn the
30 foot strip into an unbuildable area, it would have no value to the
property. By arguing that they are
losing something, what they are gaining is access to the back lot. If this is approved without the right-of-way,
lot 53-A1 w
Commissioner Lehner
questioned the advantages of Swatzell being developed as a connector to Pioneer
in relation to its proximity to the other intersections. She commented that it may have advantages if
it comes down part of the way and connects laterally. City Planner McKibben noted that the 2005
Transportation Plan identifies Swatzell as a local street and not a
collector. Mr. Meyer added that it won’t
have the same traffic as
Commissioner Foster asked
if sewer could go in without road dedication.
Mr. Meyer responded that they can do front sewer in easements and if
sewer were the only utility needed there, it could be an option. He reminded the Commission of the major
electrical transmission main that has a corridor encumbered along this
alignment. Mr. Meyer commented that this
is why they want to see plats show utilities.
He commented that he does have the information on water sewer service
locations, topography but it is not the community’s responsibility to spend the
time to overlay all of the information.
As properties want to plat, they should present the information needed
to make a good decision. Mr. Meyer commented
that approving this plat without dedicating the right-of-way is easier to do if
you don’t see all the existing utility lines, the existing easements or what
has been suggested in the Transportation Plan for the City. If they are shown on the plats it makes it
easier for the Commission to make an informed decision. Mr. Meyer stated that Swatzell going through
is the best decision for the Community.
Commissioner Kranich said
he had a question for Mr. Meyer but first wanted to clarify that he had
received a call from David Olsen and during the discussion Mr. Olsen said this
is near property that Mr. Kranich owned.
Mr. Kranich stated that he was half owner of a parcel that abuts
There was discussion
regarding whether it was appropriate to move for a conflict of interest during
the public comment portion. Vice Chair
Hess called for a short recess at
FOSTER/LEHNER MOVED THAT
COMMISSIONER KRANICH HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
There was brief discussion
and Mr. Kranich stated that he does not feel that he has a conflict.
VOTE: YES:
LEHNER
NO: CONNOR, HESS,
FOSTER, PFEIL
Motion failed.
Commissioner Lehner
commented that she had an ex parte conversation. She said that she happened to have lunch at
Café Cups today and the Olsen’s told her that they were very upset about the
possibility of Swatzell coming through their land. She said she has no other
information other than their personal reactions to it.
Commissioner Kranich
commented that in the communication he had with Mr. Olsen, Mr. Olsen only
commented on his opposition to Swatzell.
Mr. Olsen had said that he would not be at the meeting tonight and Ms.
Whitney would be attending on the Olsen’s behalf.
Commissioner Kranich said
he can see the potential for a sewer main running north and south to provide
service for the half lots up above the subject lots in the future and Mr.
Anderson had alluded to the fact that the owners would be willing to provide an
expanded setback on the west side of the lots.
He asked Public Works Director Meyer if it would be sufficient at this
time to underlay the flag and the ten feet to the east of it with a utility
easement that would extend then on north to the north property line to where
there would be a thirty foot utility along the westerly side of the two lots.
Mr. Meyer responded that
it is a partial solution. If the
Commission felt the expanded setback was a fair and proper encumbrance to place
on the lot in exchange for the replatting that needs to be done and in the best
interest of the community, they could do that.
He made reference to the Water/Sewer Master Plan which suggests there
should be a water and sewer line along the corridor; the decision would not
speak to the Transportation Plan, which suggests that a street should be constructed
there. He reiterated his earlier
statement that proposing a replat puts a property owner in the public arena and
dedicating sewer easements or street rights-of-way that are in the public’s
best interest.
Commissioner Pfeil asked
Mr. Meyer if the expanded set back could be used in the future for a road. Mr. Meyer responded that it could. The worst case would be that the City would
have to build in the corridor and have to buy the land and the building. Having the setback in place would at least keep
the City from having to purchase the entire lot and building; they would only
have to purchase the land in the setback.
Mr. Meyer said it is helpful, but questioned if it is in the best
interest of the Community.
Vice Chair Hess asked if Mr.
Meyer could recall an instance where the City has required a dedication of a
street right-of-way in similar circumstances before and what the outcome was. Mr. Meyer spoke of a plat that Mr.
Anderson presented previously on Roger’s
Vice Chair Hess commented
in regard to Commissioner Kranich’s earlier comments that a thirty foot utility
easement could satisfy the utility requirements and he understands the roads
plan calls for Swatzell to run all the way to Pioneer. Mr. Hess said those aren’t set in stone
situations, they are conceptual and there are other scenarios that may work out
better in some situations. Mr. Hess
mentioned the examples that Swatzell could come down to a cul-de-sac or go
east/west to
Mr. Meyer responded that
turning
Vice Chair Hess asked if
the City has the ability to require a dedication when an applicant is not w
Commissioner Lehner
questioned if this were a twenty foot alley, would the 600 foot restriction on
a road with a cul-de-sac st
Mr. Anderson pointed out
for the Commission that it is 1320 feet from
Commissioner Foster asked
if a non road egress/ingress access to the lots would be acceptable. Mr. Anderson asked where the trail would go
and said he didn’t think he could present that to his client with a straight
face. He feels the expanded setback and
30 foot utility easement are the most reasonable solutions. He added that if he’s not mistaken, the
dedication off
LEHNER/KRANICH MOVED TO
ACCEPT
STAFF COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS:
Planning Commission recommend approval of the
preliminary plat with the following comments:
Commissioner Lehner
commented her belief that the dedication does not appear to be the best way to
go in terms of balancing the issues here.
Commissioner Kranich
expressed his agreement.
FOSTER/CONNOR MOVED TO
RECOMMEND A NEW RECOMMENDATION THREE, OR ONE, THAT THE EAST HALF OF SWATZELL
STREET BE DEDICATED ALONG THE WEST LOT LINE AS A 30 FOOT BUILDING SET BACK AND UTILITY
EASEMENT.[3]
Commissioner Foster feels
this is a good compromise. Dr. Foster
made comments regarding previous action when
Commissioner Kranich
questioned that since there is code language that states a person cannot build
in a utility easement, would it be clearer to take out the language in the
previous motion regarding the setback.
KRANICH/LEHNER MOVED TO
AMEND TO DELETE THE LANGUAGE “A BUILDING SETBACK” FROM THE PREVIOUS
MOTION.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
There was no further
discussion regarding the primary amendment.
VOTE (Primary Amendment): YES:
KRANICH, FOSTER, LEHNER, PFEIL, HESS, CONNOR
Motion carried.
There was no further
discussion on the main motion as amended.
VOTE (Main Motion as
amended): YES: LEHNER, HESS, FOSTER, CONNOR, PFEIL, KRANICH
Motion carried.
Vice Chair Hess called for
a recess at
Public Works Director
Meyer left during the recess.
OLD BUSINESS
A.
Commission Work
List, Ongoing
City Planner McKibben
commented that the Commission had requested public signs be added to the
worklist in relation to the requirement of three hundred feet between public
signs. She pointed out that the meeting
packet had already been prepared when the request was made and would be sure to
add it for the next packet.
Commissioner Connor
expressed her concern that with the rapid development and the spruce bark
beetle, she feels the trees are not being protected and are disappearing pretty
fast. She stated that she would like to
see more ordinances surrounding trees and protecting them. She said there are publications available
that contain model ordinances. She would
like to see it be a regulation, but also an incentive to get people to keep their
trees. Everything she has read includes
the obvious benefits of trees, but there are also economic benefits to having
trees on your property. Commissioner
Pfeil concurred with her comments.
Commissioner Foster
commented regarding numbers of cabins that are being built and their
signage. He asked where they would fall
in the code, whether they would fall under bed and breakfast or cottages. He said he was speaking of the four or five
coming into town.
City Planner McKibben
commented that one she can think of she recalls that the permit issued was a
zoning permit for a duplex. Rooming
houses are permitted out right, which is five guest rooms or less. She commented the sign on the one permitted
as a duplex is probably okay, but the sign out by the right-of-way is something
she has asked that a letter be written for, but staff hasn’t gotten around to
it yet. She said it may be faster to
call DOT since it is probably in the right-of-way.
B.
Staff
City Planner McKibben
recommended postponing this discussion to the end of the agenda.
FOSTER/PFEIL MOVED TO
POSTPONE IT.
There was brief discussion
to talk about this after new business.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
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 consideration and other issues as needed. The Commission may ask question s of staff, applicants, and the public.
A. Staff
Report PL 06-54 Lot 17 Block 3, Kelly Ranch Estates Mitigation Plan
City Planner McKibben read
the staff report.
Jeremy Young, applicant,
said he was available to answer questions.
Commissioner Foster
questioned 18 feet of what he thought could be the drain field. Mr. Young responded that the 18 feet is the
distance to the lot 18 next door. He
referred to another page in the packet where he provided approximate sizes for
each drain field for gutter and footer drain.
There was discussion of
the septic and City Planner McKibben clarified that the drain field for the
gutter and footer drain is in reference to the foundation not the septic. The location may have to move depending on
where the septic has to be located.
Mr. Young commented again
regarding his drainage and reviewed the measurements and information he
provided in the meeting packet. Mr.
Young stated that the soil in the area is about 7 feet of a sandy type material
before you hit a hard pan, the ground is very permeable.
Commissioner Connor
questioned the site plan in relation to the aerial photo. She questioned the amount of trees that would
need to be removed for the septic location.
Mr. Young discussed the location of the septic and drain field in
relation to the well located on the adjacent lot and the distances that have to
be maintained between each. He commented
that other site plans he considered would have caused him to remove more trees.
Commissioner Connor
commented to his site plan and the aerial photo and that there are a lot of
trees along the southern and eastern property lines. She asked how many trees he is going to cut
down to accommodate the septic.
Mr. Young replied that the
drain system could be as small as two 75 foot runs and explained that the drain
field on a system engineered by Jack Cushing on a neighboring property was 400
feet long and almost 100 feet wide. He
said the drain system really depends on the perk test and the engineer and the
perc testing has not been done yet.
Ms. Connor commented that
she is concerned about the amount of disturbance to the land and it would be
nice to keep the trees there as they are essential in keeping the soil in
place.
Mr. Young expressed his
understanding of Commissioner Connor’s concerns, but he explained that location
of the well on the adjacent property is right on the property line across from
the house. He explained that he has to
have at least a 100 foot separation from their well to his septic system. Because he has to maintain this separation he
has to keep his septic in the area of the trees. His goal is to save as many trees as possible
because it adds to the privacy and cover of the lot.
City Planner McKibben
commented that another option to the site plan would be to relocate the house
on the south side so the drain field would be on the north side, but that would
entail taking trees out to put the house in.
If Mr. Young keeps the house on the north side, it w
There was discussion
regarding the origin of the names of the streets in the subdivision.
CONNOR/KRANICH MOVED TO
ACCEPT
Commissioner Connor stated
that her concern is all the measurements are unknown and in her opinion
maintaining the trees is part of the mitigation. That is how she sees the trade for more
impervious coverage. It is important for
her to know how many trees are going to be able to stay there before she would
approve the increase in impervious coverage.
Commissioner Foster
commented that he supports an applicant coming before the Commission to bring
forth a mitigation plan and offering so much effort in their endeavor. He says he supports it but has a logistical
issue, which is that they have had more and more mitigation plans come before
the Commission and the plan are being done in a variety of ways from engineered plans to plans drawn on
the back of an envelope. He read that
the purpose of a mitigation plan is that it must be designed to mitigate the
effect of the impervious coverage on water flow and the effect of loss of
vegetation created by the impervious coverage.
Dr. Foster said at first blush it looks like it does, but having been a
part of the body that established the language for the Bridge Creek Watershed
Protection District, they were hoping that it would be an engineered mitigation
plan that would take the amount of coverage a person had and do it with a
calculation that shows how much of a collection pond would be needed.
City Planner McKibben
stated that there is nothing in the code which states that a mitigation plan be
engineered. There has been discussion of
putting together a mitigation handbook, however there have been more pressing
issues to deal with so it has not been completed. Her understanding regarding mitigation plans
is that the mitigation could be any variety of different tools and
techniques. In reviewing different types
of mitigation plans in other communities, the plans are usually pretty informal
and sometimes discuss soils or allow dry wells or bio swales. Homer City Code does not call for that. Ms. McKibben said that Mr. Young’s mitigation
plan is not unlike others that have been approved by the Planning
Commission. In the City’s work on its
wetlands plan, it has been discovered that the lands in the Bridge Creek
Watershed are better for development than lands in the heart of Homer. Ms. McKibben commented she feels Mr. Young’s
plan does a good job of slowing down the water coming off the impervious surfaces,
which is what she understands as the goal of the mitigation plan.
Commissioner Foster
responded in agreement with Ms. McKibben’s comments. He continued that maybe it w
VOTE: YES:
PFEIL, HESS, KRANICH, FOSTER, LEHNER
NO: CONNOR
Motion carried.
City Planner McKibben read
the staff report.
Commissioner Pfeil
reported that the Transportation Advisory Committee reviewed the draft
ordinance at their meeting the night before.
He said that over all they liked it but felt that the draft needs some
more review, for example section 8 line 136 says “shall have sidewalks, bicycle
paths, or other non-motorized transportation facilities” and line 141 says “may,
at the developers option, have sidewalks, bicycle paths, or other non-motorized
transportation facilities”. He stated the Committee did not make any formal
recommendations.
The Commission and City
Planner McKibben discussed the draft ordinance with the following comments:
·
Line 141 “may” is
the current code language and with the amendments would still be the case for
sidewalks, trails and bicycle paths that are not identified in the Homer Non
Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan (HNMTTP) and not in a public access
corridor. Any shown in the HNMTTP have
to be constructed
·
Title 22 is in
addition to the Borough Code, so if the City has requirements above and beyond
Borough Code, title 22 is where they would go.
·
Add to language
to line 105 “access to contiguous public lands or connections with existing or proposed non motorized corridors.”
City Planner McKibben
commented that she thinks there was a reason they did not include that
language.
·
It was clarified
regarding the last bullet under title 11 in the staff report regarding non
motorized transportation facilities being built to code, that trails can be
built with other materials than paving material.
·
City code does
not require the trails be paved, but that they are developed in accordance with
City standards. Example was given that
trails have been constructed in the past by volunteers, but the City didn’t
want to take over maintaining them because they weren’t constructed properly.
·
In the first
Whereas starting on line 33 reverse number 6 and 7 for a more likely flow of
events.
·
Concern was
raised as to who would maintain the increased number of public access trails if
it is not going to increase City debt, as noted on line 38.
·
Lines 65-71 it
seems that bullets three and four could be combined.
·
Line 83-86 it
seems that bullets three and four could be combined.
City Planner McKibben
noted that in both instances, it is current code language with language added
to both number fours. They are trying to
incorporate the changes without stirring up the existing code.
·
Lines 114-116
changing the end “or non motorized means” to something else or change it to “or
other non motorized means”
It was questioned if there
are rights-of-way that are not necessarily dedicated as public use. City Planner McKibben said she would look
into it.
C. Staff
Report PL 06-55, Town Center Development Task Force to Address Subdivision
Agreement and Infrastructure Development
City Planner McKibben
summarized the staff report. She
recounted that staff had suggested creating a very short term, special task
force to assist the Planning Commission in giving guidance to the Public Works
Director on the infrastructure in
Commissioner Connor stated
she would be honored to serve on the task force.
Commissioner Foster raised
an issue that was discussed at the May 3rd meeting during the Fred
Meyer replat. He commented that he spoke
to some members of the Town Center Development Committee who reinforced that
the roads located in
City Planner McKibben
commented that the intent is that the Task Force w
Commissioner Foster argued
that this group could have as much impact on establishing a better location for
the north/south corridor as any. He
referenced the issue of the road coming out directly across the street from an
access for
Vice Chair Hess cited Borough Code 20.20.050 Lots on major streets--Access Requirements.
Lots fronting on arterial streets with less than 200 feet of
right-of-way as identified in the arterial road plan adopted by the borough or,
until such plan is adopted, lots fronting on state maintained roads with less
than 200 feet of right-of-way may be required to be provided interior or
frontage road access upon a definite finding by the commission that due to
size, topography, physical characteristics, or an unusually heavy traffic flow,
that a serious hazard to the safe utilization of the highway would result from
direct access thereto.
Commissioner Kranich
commented that after reading the May 3rd meeting minutes he has
taken notice as he passed the area. He
has seen the bump there, which is steep fronting the highway, but the land
behind it is not steep. Commissioner
Foster interjected that the road could come around the high area, so as not to
have to cut into it and create a blind spot on the left and right and not have
it come out across from the other access which could create a need for a stop
light there.
FOSTER/PFEIL MOVED TO
BRING
There was no discussion on
the motion.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT
Motion carried.
FOSTER/LEHNER MOVED THAT
THIS GROUP[5]
ADDRESS THE NORTH/SOUTH, EAST/WEST SITING OF THE ROADS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE
TOPOGRAPHY, HYDROLOGY AND TRAFFIC IMPACTS.
Commissioner Foster
expressed his desire for the Task Force to review this issue.
Commissioner Lehner made
reference to a software program that is used to show proposed road elevations three
dimensionally by providing elevations and it shows very quickly what road cuts
w
City Planner McKibben
responded that the City does not do this work for the applicant and is outside
the scope of this task force. She
reminded the Commission that one of the conditions from the last meeting was
for the applicant to bring engineering information to Public Works to develop
the subdivision agreement.
Commissioner Foster
commented that his motion does not bind anyone to anything, it is just a
recommendation.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT
Motion carried.
Commissioner Connor asked
if the Commission had any other specific items for the Task Force to
review. Commissioner Lehner suggested
looking at the May 3rd meeting minutes where the preliminary plat
was approved, the Commission identified items for the Task Force to
evaluate.
There was discussion
regarding the building height to road width ratio. City Planner McKibben stated that staff has
been looking at this situation and have plenty of information to bring to the
Task Force for review and discussion.
Old Business Item B. Staff
There was brief discussion
regarding getting the Commission’s comments or changes to City Planner McKibben
on the draft ordinance.
REPORTS
A. Kenai
Peninsula Borough Report
Commission Foster mention
that the Forest Glen replat[6] is
on the Borough Planning Commissions next agenda and the Borough makes a
recommendation regarding the trail the Commission recommended that there is a
provision by the City for taking ownership of it.
City Planner McKibben
commented that the Borough doesn’t like to take ownership of trails and in the
past the City hasn’t taken ownership either.
She noted that the current administration has accepted trails and if
adopted the code amendments in the HNMTTP would make it not only policy, but
code that the City accept the trails.
She said she would ask City Manager Wrede if he wants to submit
something to the Borough showing the City’s support.
B.
There was no Kachemak Bay
Advisory Planning Commission Report.
PLANNING DIRECTOR’S
REPORT
City Planner McKibben
expressed her disappointment that the Commission did not accept the
right-of-way in the Sutton/Cups replat earlier this evening. She feels they need to accept rights-of-way
when they have the opportunity to do so.
She realizes they were trying to reach a compromise, but.. Commissioner Lehner interjected that she
doesn’t think Swatzell should come through to Pioneer. City Planner McKibben stated that it has been
in information from Public Works since the 1970’s and is in all of the City’s
accepted planning documents, and she feels their action was inappropriate.
Commissioner Connor
commented regarding the requirement in the large/wholesale retail that the
applicant do the citizen participation meetings and from those meetings there
is supposed to come information summarizing what the concerns were and what the
applicant plans to do to attempt to address those concerns. Ms. Connor asked if that has been turned into
the City. She feels it would be a good tool to look at before making any more
decisions. City Planner McKibben
responded that it is part of the CUP application. She said she understands Ms. Connor’s point
but needs to give it some consideration.
There was discussion
regarding the itinerant merchant permit and the sign permit. The barbeque stand and sign located on the
corner of
Vice Chair Hess asked about
Informational Item C recommendation regarding the Public Arts Committee. City Planner McKibben said the memo has gone
to Council.
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.
A. Letter dated
B. Letter dated May 5, 2006 to Peter Fefelov from Dotti Harness, Planning Technician
C. Memorandum 06- , Resolution of the City of Homer’s Public Arts Committee Requesting that the Planning Commission and Staff consult with the Public Arts Committee Before any Permits are Issued and Construction Commences for Projects in the Town Center Area.
D. Memorandum 06- , Itinerant Merchant Licensing Procedure and
COMMENTS OF THE
AUDIENCE
Members of the audience may address the Commission on any subject. The Chair may prescribe time limits.
There were no audience
comments.
COMMENTS OF THE
COMMISSION
Commissioners my comment on any subject, including staff reports and requests for excused absence.
Commissioner Pfeil said
“Thank you everybody”.
Commissioner Foster
commented that he spoke to Jack Cushing who is busy working with property
owners along the bluff on
Commissioners Conner,
Hess, Kranich and Lehner had no comment.
ADJOURNMENT
Notice of the next regular or special meeting will appear on the agenda following “adjournment”.
There being no further
business to come before the Commission the meeting adjourned at
MELISSA JACOBSEN, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
Approved:
[1] During
approval of the minutes on
[2] Mrs. Marks is referring to having to give up the portion of her property she uses for parking for right-of-way.
[3] After discussion during minutes approval the Commission agreed that reference to a street right-of-way should not have been in the motion and the amended main motion should have been that a 30 foot utility easement be dedicated along the west lot line. See minutes of June 21, 2006.
[4] Commissioner Foster is referring to Brad Rinkey, Platting Manager with Lounsbury & Associates
[5] The
[6]