HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-27 Planning & Zoning MinutesKENAI PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 27, 2021 — 7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
210 FIDALGO AVENUE, KENAI, ALASKA
CHAIR JEFF TWAIT, PRESIDING
MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Twait called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Twait led those assembled in the Pledge of the Allegiance.
2. Roll Call
Commissioners present:
Commissioners absent:
Staff/Council Liaison present:
A quorum was present.
3. Agenda Approval
J. Twait, D. Fikes, A. Douthit, G. Woodard, A. Douthit, J.
Halstead, R. Springer
G. Greenberg
Planning Director R. Foster, City Manager O. Ostrander,
Deputy City Clerk M. Thibodeau, Council Liaison J.
Glendening
Chair Twait noted the following revisions to the agenda and packet:
Add item L.2. Informational Items
• CUP Code Violation Letter— 1005 Angler Drive
MOTION:
Commissioner Douthit MOVED to approve the agenda with requested additions to the packet and
Vice Chair Fikes SECONDED the motion. There were no objections; SO ORDERED.
4. Consent Agenda
MOTION:
Commissioner Douthit MOVED to approve the consent agenda and Commissioner Woodard
SECONDED the motion. There were no objections; SO ORDERED.
"All items listed with an asterisk (`) are considered to be routine and non -controversial by the
Commission and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of
these items unless a Commission Member so requests, in which case the item will be
removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda
as part of the General Orders.
5. *Excused absences — None
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of October 13, 2021
The minutes were approved by the Consent Agenda.
C. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT— None.
D. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT— None.
E. CONSIDERATION OF PLATS
1. Resolution No. PZ2021-37 - Recommending That Steven Oberts Subdivision No.
1 Attached Hereto Be Approved.
MOTION:
Commissioner Springer MOVED to approve Resolution No. PZ2021-37 and Vice Chair Fikes
SECONDED the motion.
Planning Director Foster presented his staff report with information provided in packet explaining
that the applicant wants to separate a parcel of approximately 45 acres, noting that the separation
of low lands on property from some higher ground will create a more manageable parcel.
Approval of the plat was recommended, subject to the following conditions:
1. Further development of the property shall conform to all federal, State of Alaska, and local
regulations.
Clarification was provided that the lots meet the minimum size for well and septic systems.
VOTE:
YEA: Halstead, Woodard, Douthit, Springer, Fikes, Twait
NAY:
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Resolution No. PZ2021-39 - Recommending the Council of the City of Kenai
Approve and Adopt the City of Kenai Land Management Plan.
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
October 27, 2021
MOTION
Vice Chair Fikes MOVED to approve Resolution No. PZ2021-39 and Commissioner Springer
SECONDED the motion.
Planning Director Foster gave a presentation on the draft Land Management Plan (LMP),
including why it was created, the background and development of the LMP, the new City Lands
Inventory and Database, the objectives of the LMP, how it categorizes lands by recommendation,
and timeline for approval by commissions and Council. He provided a demonstration of the new
GIS tool and explained how it interacts with the database, and how it can be used by the City and
the public in the future.
Staff provided clarification that most parcels recommended to be retained have a narrative to
explain that status, and that an implementation plan after the final LMP is approved will include
changes suggested by commissions and Council such as subdivision and zoning changes.
It was discussed how disposal of land can become a contentious issue and the commission
should consider the lands recommended for disposal in groups. It was noted that some public
feedback had been received by the commission regarding disposal of certain lots.
Staff explained that Titles 21 and 22 determine how the City manages lands, and that a plan for
development approved by Council is prerequisite for disposal. It was clarified that there are
distinctions between commercial and residential development, and ultimately the determination
for whether a development should be approved for disposal is at the City Council's discretion.
The need for more feedback from impacted residents was discussed. It was clarified that the
zoning will not change when lands are sold, and any subsequent zoning changes would require
the normal public hearing process with Council approval. Parcels automatically receive a dispose
status when they are deemed not needed for a public purpose, and if they are sold there will also
be a public process.
Clarification was provided that, regarding a development plan required for land sale, the
timeframe for construction can vary and the buyer has different options to meet it. It was
suggested that Council review how timeframes are set for residential developments, and it was
noted that the Commission can recommend that Council revisit Title 22 and consider how
residential properties can be treated differently.
The Kenai Cemetery was discussed, and it was noted that the expansion should be finalized in
the summer of 2022. An adjacent parcel was discussed as a possible addition to the airport
expansion, and it was noted that staff would look at this and return to the next Commission
meeting with more information.
Clarification was provided that commissioners and can send questions and concerns to the
Planning Director to be submitted in the packet, and any public comment received will be added
to the next meeting packet or laydown as well.
MOTION:
Commissioner Douthit MOVED to postpone Resolution No. PZ2021-39 until the November 10,
2021 and Commissioner Halstead SECONDED the motion.
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VOTE:
YEA: Woodard, Douthit, Springer, Fikes, Twait, Halstead
NAY:
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS — None.
H. NEW BUSINESS
1. Action/Approval -Recommendation for Resolution No. 2021 -XX —Approving the
Execution of a Lease to Integrated Account Management, Inc. on Lot 3, Block 3,
Cook Inlet Industrial Air Park Subdivision.
MOTION:
Commissioner Douthit MOVED to recommend approval of Resolution No. 2021 -XX — Approving
the Execution of a Lease to Integrated Account Management, Inc. on Lot 3, Block 3, Cook Inlet
Industrial Air Park Subdivision. Commissioner Woodard SECONDED the motion.
Planning Director Foster noted the draft Council resolution in the packet for a 45 -year lease to
Integrated Account Management, Inc. Their application is to continue their current use of the land
for professional offices. Foster stated that this use is compatible with this zoning district and with
the Comprehensive Plan, and staff's opinion is that it is a good fit. He noted that because this is
airport property, the lease would go toward the airport fund.
Clarification was provided that the lessee has the opportunity to purchase the property, which
they had discussed with staff but decided instead to renew their lease.
VOTE:
YEA: Douthit, Springer, Fikes, Twait, Halstead, Woodard
NAY:
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
PENDING ITEMS — None.
J. REPORTS
1. City Council — Council Member Glendening noted that the LMP discussions are off to
a good start, and encouraged commissioners to take their time with consideration before
approval. Reported on the actions from the October 20, 2021 City Council meeting.
2. Borough Planning — Vice Chair Fikes reported on the actions from the October 25,
2021 Borough Planning meeting.
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3. City Administration — Planning Director Foster reported on the following:
• The next Planning & Zoning Commission meeting will include two Conditional Use
Permit applications, and the continuation of LMP discussion.
K. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENT — None.
L. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. Ordinance No. 3243-2021
Director Foster noted that Ordinance No. 3243-2021, which had been recommended for
approval by the Planning & Zoning Commission, came into effect on October 15, 2021 and
implements changes to the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process which will affect the CUP
applications presented for public hearing at the next commission meeting. He reviewed the
changes, and highlighted the importance for the commission to provide specific findings.
He also noted the code violation extension letter provided in the laydown, and clarification was
provided on the circumstances and timeframe for rectification. Further discussion clarified
specifics of the permit and violation, and the City's means for determining violations and
enforcing conditions. It was noted that the permit holder has options for correcting the violation
and it is their responsibility to determine the best approach for resolution.
M. NEXT MEETING ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATION
1. November 10. 2021
N. COMMISSION COMMENTS & QUESTIONS
Commissioner Woodard noted that she may not be in attendance at the next meeting.
Commission Douthit noted he is looking forward to the next meeting.
Commissioner Halstead expressed appreciation for the LMP presentation. He also noted that
resolution of code violations is an important issue, and he appreciates Administration for providing
clarification.
Commissioner Springer noted that he appreciated Director Foster's service
Vice Chair Fikes thanked Director Foster and City Manager Ostrander, noting that approval of the
LMP will take time and public participation and she is glad to see engagement of community
members. She also noted she appreciates staff's approach towards code violations.
Council Member Glendening noted that he was heartened by the discussions on both the LMP
and CUPs. He requested a review on Titles 21 and 22, noting the importance of findings and
recommendations from the Planning Director.
Chair Twait encouraged commissioners to spread the word about the LMP to get more of the
public informed and engaged.
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There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m.
Minutes prepared and submitted by:
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Meghan Thibodeau i
Deputy City Clerk I
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