Session 08-20, a Regular Meeting of the Homer Advisory Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Minsch at 7:01 p.m. on November 5, 2008 at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

PRESENT:      COMMISSIONER BOS, KRANICH, MINSCH, MOORE, SINN, STORM

 

STAFF:                   CITY PLANNER ABBOUD

                   DEPUTY CITY CLERK JACOBSEN

                   PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

                  

AGENDA APPROVAL

 

The agenda was amended to change the order of New Business item and hear Item E as D and Item D as E.

 

The amended agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

The Public may speak to the Planning Commission regarding matters not scheduled for public hearing. (3 minute time limit) 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.

 

RECONSIDERATION

 

There were no items for reconsideration.

 

ADOPTION OF THE 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.

 

1.       Approval of Minutes of October 15, 2008

2.       Time Extension Requests

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

4.       KPB Coastal Management Program Reports

 

Commissioner Kranich requested the minutes be moved to new business for discussion.

 

The amended Consent Agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

 

PRESENTATIONS

Presentations approved by the Planning Director, the Chair, or the Planning Commission. A Public Works representative may address the Planning Commission.

 

A.                 Presentation by Nancy Casey, Casey Planning and Design, 65% draft Article 5.14 of the Design Criteria Manual, Non-Motorized Trails and Public Access Easements.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen introduced Nancy Casey of Casey Planning and Design, who has been contracted to prepare the Trails Design Criteria Manual.

 

Ms. Casey explained that the development of the Trails Design Criteria Manual stems from implementation of the Homer Non Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan (HNMTTP). The manual is necessary to have in place prior to the adoption or acceptance of access easements. Currently there are no codes that require trails to be part of a subdivision or development. The intent of the content of the manual is for it to be used by the developers, the City, or anyone who is looking to incorporate a trail project or access easement on their property. The manual is also to be used by the reviewing staff to evaluate any proposed easements or trails. It sets the early stage that the trail will be functional and appropriate for the location, and then it gets more specific to construction requirements. Five trail tiers have been established that would be appropriate for what is expected to be developed in Homer. The hope is that most projects will fit within the design parameters within the trail tier system. Although there are no trail requirements in code now, as the trail plan gets updated it may start to identify trails that are of higher priorities than others, and it may identify various trails that are in coordination the five trail tiers. As the plan is updated in the future, more detail or direction could be incorporated in the plan. The trails manual provides direction for people when they are developing their trails, then they would go to the Design Criteria Manual for more details.

 

In response to questioning, Ms. Casey commented that in the development of this plan they used ASHTO sources as the guiding principle for safety on bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Other sources included Forest Service Design parameters for trails, which have become widely accepted by State and Federal Agencies for recreational trails; and ADA guidelines for recreational trails, although they have not been adopted as enforceable yet, they are a good recommendation and could be adopted in the future. Concern was raised regarding equestrian use on the trails. Ms. Casey said the trails plan may define areas that are more or less appropriate for horses. Regarding slopes Ms. Casey said in the event of a steep side slope there may be a need to use retaining devices, or avoid it. It depends on the stability of the ground adjacent to it. The 2:1 ratio is pretty standard, but there may be situations where you could work around it.

 

REPORTS

 

A.       Borough Report

 

There was no Borough Report.

 

B.       Kachemak Bay Advisory Planning Commission Report

 

There was no KBAPC report.

 

C.       Planning Director’s Report

          1.       Staff Report PL 08-117, City Planner’s Report

 

City Planner Abboud reviewed the staff report and the activity at the last City Council meeting.

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS

The Commission conducts Public Hearings by hearing a staff report, hearing public testimony and the acting on the Public Hearing items. (3 minute time limit) The commission may question the public. Once the public hearing is closed the Commission cannot hear additional comments on the topic.

 

A.                 Staff Report PL 08-121, Nonconformity at 501 Soundview Avenue

 

Commissioner Moore stated he does business with the applicant.

 

KRANICH/STORM MOVED THAT COMMISSIONER MOORE HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST REGARDING THIS NON CONFORMING STRUCTURE.

 

Commissioner Moore stated that he has known the applicant just about his entire life and has been doing refuse service business with him for a while.

 

VOTE: YES: MINSCH, STORM, KRANICH, SINN

          NO: BOS

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Moore left the table.

 

City Planner Abboud reviewed the staff report.

 

Chair Minsch noted the laydown items provided regarding this non conformity.

 

James Dolma, applicant’s representative, said he would be happy to answer any questions. In response to questioning Mr. Dolma explained that both mobile homes are about the same size. He said they were under the impression that Mr. Nakada had applied for non conformity some time in the past, and Mr. Nakada thought since 1982 everything had been done that needed to be. Mr. Dolma said Mr. Nakada is living between the two mobile homes at this point. He has not moved the bed from the original trailer; electric service, and water and sewer are hooked up to both. He is waiting to get this resolved so he can get the old trailer moved out of there. Mr. Dolma provided photos showing the condition of the current mobile home and the mobile home intended to replace it. Mr. Dolma stated the long term plan is to have a conventional addition built on to the home.

 

Chair Minsch opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Chair Minsch closed the public hearing.

 

Neither Mr. Dolma nor Mr. Nakada had any further comments.

 

STORM/SINN MOVED TO BRING TO THE FLOOR FOR DISCUSSION STAFF REPORT PL 08-121 NON CONFORMING STRUCTURE.

 

The motion was approved by consensus.

 

STORM/SINN MOVED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR DELIBERATION.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES: MINSCH, SINN, KRANICH, BOS, STORM

 

Motion carried.

 

The Commission adjourned into executive session at 7:37 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:33 p.m.

 

STORM/KRANICH MOVED TO APPROVE STAFF REPORT PL 08-121 WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.

STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: the Commission move to go into executive session for deliberations.

Considerations if nonconforming status is granted:

·         The ‘older’ mobile home must be removed within 30 days of the Decisions and Findings.

 

There was no discussion. Chair Minsch stated for the record that the Commission discussed this item in executive session.

 

VOTE: NO: MINSCH, KRANICH, SINN, STORM, BOS

 

Motion failed.

 

STORM/BOS MOVED TO ADOPT FINDINGS TO SUPPORT OUR VOTE.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

STORM/KRANICH MOVED TO AMEND “A” FROM THE STAFF REPORT AS FOLLOWS:

 

a. A nonconforming structure may be enlarged or altered, but only if it does not increase its nonconformity;

 

Finding:  Replacing the mobile home with another of the same dimensions can be considered an alteration.

 

Finding:  Replacing a mobile home with another mobile home that is the same size, does not enlarge or increase its nonconformity.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES: KRANICH, BOS, STORM, SINN, MINSCH

 

Motion carried.

 

STORM/BOS MOVED TO AMEND FINDING B AS FOLLOWS:

 

b. If a nonconforming structure is moved for any reason for any distance whatsoever it shall thereafter conform to the code provisions applicable in the zone in which it is located after it is moved;

 

Finding:  The trailer that is proposed to be replaced must be removed and disposed of or relocated to an accommodating zoning district. The older trailer that has been moved can not continue to be used on this lot.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES: BOS, MINSCH, STORM, KRANICH, SINN

 

Motion carried.

 

STORM/KRANICH MOVED TO AMEND FINDING C AS FOLLOWS:

 

c. If a nonconforming structure or nonconforming portion of a structure is damaged by any means to an extent of more than fifty percent of its replacement cost at time of the damage, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of Homer City Code.

 

Finding:  The replacement of the structure is considered an alteration and is not considered to be reconstructed. A RECONSTRUCTION AND IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE AN ALTERATION.

 

Finding:  The “older” mobile home is reaching the end of its’ economic life and is proposed to be replaced with a ‘newer’ mobile home. 

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES: STORM, MINSCH, KRANICH, SINN, BOS

 

Motion carried.

 

STORM/BOS MOVED TO SUPPORT ADOPT ITEM “D” AS IS.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES: MINSCH, KRANICH, SINN, STORM, BOS

 

Motion carried.

 

City Planner Abboud advised the applicant that there is a procedure for appealing a Planning Commission decision to the BOA and suggested contacting staff.  

 

Commissioner Moore returned to the table.

 

PLAT CONSIDERATION

The Commission hears a staff report, testimony from applicants and the public, The Commission may ask questions of staff, applicants and the public, The Commission will accept testimony or a presentation on agenda items that involve an applicant.

 

A.                 Staff Report PL 08-111, Jack Hamilton Replat Preliminary Plat

 

City Planner Abboud reviewed the staff report.

 

There were no applicant or public comments.

 

STORM/MOORE MOVED TO ADOPT STAFF REPORT PL 08-111 WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.

STAFF COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS:

Planning Commission recommend approval of the preliminary plat with the following comments:

 

·         A plat note indicating that this subdivision may contain wetlands.  Property owners should contact the Army Corp. of Engineers prior to any on-site development or construction activity to obtain the most current wetlands designation (if any).

·         Confirm the property ownership and that the correct names are shown on the plat.

·         Correct the subdivision information along the western lot line to show the Hartman Subdivision.

·         Conform to KPB code 20.12.0060 (M). Show approximate locations of slopes over 20 percent in grade.

·         Dedicate 15 foot utility easements to serve each lot. (This is typically accomplished by dedication the 15 ft easement along rights of way.)

 

There was brief comment regarding the utility easement.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

PENDING BUSINESS

 

There were no items scheduled for pending business.

 

NEW BUSINESS

The Commission hears a report from staff. 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. Any items brought before the Commission for discussion are on the floor for discussion following introduction of the item. The Commission will accept testimony or a presentation on agenda items that involve an applicant (such as acceptance of a non conformity).

 

A.                 Staff Report PL 08-116, 2009 Meeting Schedule

 

STORM/BOS MOVED TO ADOPT STAFF REPORT PL 08-116 MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2009.

 

There was brief discussion on deleting the second meeting in November. There was no action taken.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

STORM/BOS MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES FOR THE BOROUGH REPORT.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

Rick Foster, Borough Planning Commissioner, reported that he is currently on the Plat Committee as well. The plat for removal of a lot line near the hospital on Fairview came up. Originally Borough staff had recommended over the City’s recommendation to keep the utility easement in there. At the meeting they made a verbal announcement that they were not going to require that. It was based on a comment from the Applicant. He spoke to the option to clear the way that the City still has the right to request the utility easements even if it is not a subdivision.  Referencing the attached minutes Mr. Foster read that the Borough Attorney stated that the City felt this was not a subdivision as it is taking away a lot line. But the Borough Attorney replied that a return to acreage is still a subdivision and the City can require those easements if necessary. Mr. Foster recalled previously the City Planning Commission opposed a subdivision next door because of its steep slope, so it wasn’t likely that a utility easement was going to be necessary going up the hill there. Mr. Foster wanted to make sure that the City understands that regardless of whether you are removing a lot line, it is still considered a subdivision. Mr. Foster reported regarding Country Club estates. The Borough Attorney and Max Best are going to the Assembly because the decision was made by the Board of Adjustments, which is not the Borough Assembly, but a board of citizens and one Borough Assembly member. They plan to appeal and take it to the next level. Question was raised whether the City will be involved.

 

 

B.                 Staff Report PL 08-123, Draft Parking Ordinance Amending HCC 7.12, Off Street  Parking

 

Chair Minsch noted that they discussed the staff report during the worksession.

 

STORM/KRANICH MOVED TO FORWARD STAFF REPORT PL 08-123 BACK TO STAFF WITH THE COMMENTS AS DISCUSSED IN THE WORKSESSION AND ADVISING STAFF TO FORWARD IT TO THE ATTORNEY FOR REVIEW.

 

There was brief discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

C.                 Staff Report PL 08-118, 65% Draft Trail Design Criteria Manual

 

STORM/BOS MOVED TO DISCUSS STAFF REPORT PL 08-118 AND PROVIDE COMMENTS.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

Comments included:

·         It is great to have comprehensive design criteria for something that will hopefully last the community a long time.

·         If this is going to Parks and Rec it is important that they catch the significance of the fact that three or four levels of trails appear to allow for equestrian use. The trails could be heavily damaged.

 

KRANICH/SINN MOVED THAT WHEN THIS DESIGN CRITERIA MANUAL IS PRESENTED TO THE PARKS AND REC COMMISSION, EQUESTRIAN USE SHOULD BE CALLED TO THEIR ATTENTION AND THE POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGE TO THE TRAILS DISCUSSED.

 

Commissioner Moore expressed his opposition to singling out equestrian users of trails, noting that anyone can do damage, even people walking on the trails.

 

Commissioner Sinn commented that he felt the purpose is more of a nature to let the people who are going to be using this item as  a tool, if this is something they want to address, now is the time. They could also consider another level of trail development designed for equestrian use.

 

VOTE: YES: MINSCH, KRANICH, SINN, STORM, BOS

          NO: MOORE

 

Motion carried.

 

D.       Staff Report PL 08-122, Comprehensive Plan Review of Chapter 7

 

Chair Minsch noted there was discussion of the staff report during the worksession.

 

STORM/BOS MOVED TO BRING STAFF REPORT PL 08-122 CHAPTER 7 DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO THE FLOOR FOR DISCUSSION.

 

City Planner Abboud noted that another goal was added supporting beach access and referencing the Beach Policy.

 

There was discussion regarding the wording of goal 8 and activities on the beaches. Further discussion ensued on how to proceed with proposing amendments.

 

Chair Minsch called for a recess at 9:32 to compile information that has been addressed over the last two worksessions. The meeting resumed at 9:39.

 

KRANICH/SINN MOVED TO AMEND OBJECTIVE A AND THE REST OF GOAL 8 AS PROVIDED BY STAFF ON PAGE 133 OF THE PACKET OBJECTIVE A TO READ “SUPPORT CITIZENS EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND PUBLIC USE THROUGH THE CURRENT BEACH POLICY.” AND ADOPT THE REST OF GOAL 8 IN ITS ENTIRETY.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

KRANICH/BOS MOVED WE ADOPT GOAL 7 ON PAGE 133 AS PROVIDED BY STAFF.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

·         Page 7-5

 

KRANICH/SINN MOVED TO AMEND OBJECTIVE A3 BI CHANGE THE FIRST WORD FROM "REQUIRE" TO "ENCOURAGE".

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

·         Page 7-7

 

KRANICH/BOS MOVED TO AMEND IN GOAL THREE IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS, THE FIRST LINE ABOUT FIVE WORDS IN, REPLACE THE WORD “WILL” WITH THE WORD “MAY”.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

KRANICH/BOS MOVED TO AMEND NUMBER 1 DELETE THE WORDS CITY HALL.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

KRANICH/BOS MOVED TO AMEND NUMBER 2 PLACE A PERIOD AFTER THE WORD CENTER “BUILD A PUBLIC RESTROOM IN THE TOWN CENTER.” AND DELETE THE REST OF THE SENTENCE.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

KRANICH/BOS MOVED TO PLACE A PERIOD AFTER THE WORD GOALS, “IMPROVE THE EXISTING CITY ZONING ORDINANCE TO BETTER MEET TOWN CENTER GOALS.” AND DELETE THE REST OF THE SENTENCE.

 

BOS/KRANICH MOVED TO AMEND TO READ “CONTINUE TO IMPROVE…”

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE (Primary amendment): NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

There was brief discussion.

 

VOTE (Main motion): NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

KRANICH/BOS MOVED IN ITEM 6 DELETE WORDS “PARTNER WITH BUSINESSES AND LAND OWNERS TO”, AND CAPITALIZE “E” IN ENCOURAGE.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

·         Page 7-8

 

KRANICH/BOS MOVED IN GOAL 5 IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS NUMBER 1 DELETE THE WORD “USE” AT THE VERY START AND REPLACE IT WITH “ENCOURAGE THE USE OF” THE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE MAPPING…

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

·         Page 7-9

 

KRANICH/BOS MOVED TO PUT A PERIOD AFTER THE COMMA IN THE SENTENCE AND DELETE THE WORDS “TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE ADJOINING CITY HALL”

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

·         Page 7-11

 

SINN/BOS MOVED TO AMEND THE IMPLEMENTATION TABLE FOR CHAPTER 7 FIRST LINE “DESIGN/FUND TOWN CENTER TOWN SQUARE” MOVE IT OUT TO MID TERM.

 

There was brief discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

SINN/BOS MOVED TO AMEND THE IMPLEMENTATION TABLE NEAR THE BOTTOM SECOND TO LAST LINE “CREATE A PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN” MOVE TO NEAR TERM, AND THE ONE BELOW IT “CONDUCT A PARKS AND RECREATION INVENTORY TO IDENTIFY GAPS AND SHORTFALLS IN COMMUNITY OFFERINGS AND FACILITIES” MOVE TO NEAR TERM.

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

SINN/KRANICH MOVED TO AMEND THE IMPLEMENTATION TABLE “BUILD A CITY GREENHOUSE TO SUPPORT THE HOMER BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAM” MOVE IT OUT TO LONG TERM.

 

City Planner Abboud commented that there may be a lease that is expiring that could potentially eliminate it soon. He will bring information regarding that with the next draft.

 

It was noted that moving the greenhouse and other projects out to long term may be objectionable to the public who has put a lot of effort into this. There was discussion that there are funding issues and the City’s priorities need to be considered for near term. There are other facilities that could be utilized for a City Greenhouse, specifically the upstairs of the old school that is currently being used for storage, should restructuring take place.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

STORM/MOORE MOVED TO EXTEND THE MEETING TO 10:30.

 

There was brief discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

         

MOORE/SINN MOVED TO AMEND THE IMPLEMENTATION TABLE “IMPROVE ACCESS REMOVE BARRIERS OF USING PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES” TO NEAR TERM.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

MOORE/BOS MOVED TO AMEND THE IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE “DEVELOP PUBLIC RESTROOMS DOWNTOWN” MOVE IT TO NEAR TERM.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

KRANICH/SINN MOVE TO AMEND THE IMPLEMENTATION TABLE SECOND ITEM “INCREASE STAFFING AT PARKS AND REC AND CONSIDER A MERGER WITH COMMUNITY SCHOOLS” MOVED TO MID TERM.

 

A near term consideration of increasing staff is not prudent at this time.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

STORM/BOS MOVED TO MOVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 STAFF REPORT PL08-122 BACK TO STAFF WITH COMMENTS AND AMENDMENTS.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

E.       Staff Report PL 08-114, Comprehensive Plan Review of Chapter 5

 

STORM/BOS MOVED TO MOVE STAFF REPORT PL 08-114 DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 5 TO THE NEXT WORKSESSION.

 

There was brief discussion regarding the date.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

F.       Approval of Minutes of October 15, 2008

 

STORM/BOS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 15 MEETING.

 

Commissioner Kranich noted there were two places where the second wasn’t listed. Deputy City Clerk Jacobsen explained that she had reviewed the recording and would have the information recorded in the copy that goes into the permanent record.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

 

A.         Memorandum dated November 5, 2008 from Rick Abboud, City Planner to the HAPC Regarding an Informational Request from Rick Foster.

B.         Notice of Decision dated October 29, 2008 on Lot 7A, Fairview Subdivision 2008 Replat Preliminary Plat.

 

City Planner Abboud noted that the comments from Mr. Foster are comments from a year ago.

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

Members of the Audience may address the Commission on any subject.

 

There were no audience comments.

 

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

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

 

Commissioner Moore said he will be out of town from November 17 through December 14. Regarding his conflict of interest they need to find some common ground on the dumpsters. City Code says he doesn’t have a conflict, it states $300 per occurrence or $5000 in a year, and they aren’t hitting those numbers.

 

Commissioner Sinn responded that tonight he didn’t vote Commissioner Moore off due to the financial interest, but because of the personal interest of having known the applicant since childhood.

 

Chair Minsch concurred and suggested that if Commissioner Moore needs more direction or the Commission isn’t hearing him right, he needs to let them know. She asked that he clarify when making his statement whether or not it exceeds the standards in the code of ethics. There may come a point where they will have to decide if he is helping or hurting the Commission, but right now, he is a big help and they are doing okay.

 

Commissioner Kranich commented that they had a piece of business before them tonight that they took very seriously and they were guided by City Code. There were one or two items that were very clear. It wasn’t an easy decision for any of them. He hopes in the next step there will be a better solution to the problem.

 

Commissioner Bos agreed that it was a tough decision to make and he hopes no one gets caught up in an emotional conversation or issue by locals who may chastise anyone for the decision that was made.

 

Chair Minsch stated that this was a quasi-judicial issue and is subject to appeal. If it is appealed to Council, they can remand it back to the Planning Commission. The Commissioners should not discuss it with anyone.

 

Commissioner Storm asked City Planner Abboud to add to their worklist about looking at the hole in the nonconformity.

 

Commissioner Sinn reiterated the need for information the status of the green house for them to review.

 

Chair Minsch commended the Commissioners. She recognized that they are doing their homework, reading their packets and giving it careful consideration. Tonight was ugly; she admires them all for their work. Right or wrong, everyone is respectful.  She asked for feed back if she is rushing the meeting or going to slow and she noted she should have been clearer to the applicant regarding the Soundview decision.

 

ADJOURN

Meetings adjourn promptly at 10 p.m. An extension is allowed by a vote of the Commission. 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 10:23 p.m. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for December 3, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers. There is a worksession at 5:30 p.m. prior to the meeting. There is a worksession scheduled for November 13, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.

 

 

                                                                       

MELISSA JACOBSEN, CMC, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

 

Approved: