HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-25 P&Z Minutes
CITY OF KENAI
~ PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
AGENDA
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
March 25,1998 - 7:00 p.m.
http://www.Kenai.net/city
1. ROLL CALL:
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 11,1998
4. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD:
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5. CONSIDERATION OF PLATS:
a. PZ98-13-Preliminary Plat Horseshoe End at River Bend Subdivision, Garcia Addition
b. PZ98-15-Preliminary Plat-Carl F. Ahlstrom Church of God Replat
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
a. PZ98-07 (Continued from March 11, 1998~Variance Permit (Oversize Sign with Internal
Lighting}-Lot 1, Grace Brethren & Beck Property Replat, 406 McCollum Drive, Kenai, Alaska.
Application submitted by Kenai Grace Brethren Church, Christopher A. Hay, Pastor, 406 McCollum
Drive, Kenai, Alaska.
b. PZ98-08 (Continued from March 11, 1998}-Variance Permit (Oversize Sign}-Lots 6, 7, 8, Block 3,
Thompson Park Subdivision, 5455 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, Alaska. Application submitted by
Spur Road One Stop, Reann D. Pitts, 5455 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, Alaska.
c. PZ98-12-Conditional Use Permit (Professional Offices~Lots 6 & 7, Papa Joe's Subdivision, 9520
&/or 9488 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, Alaska. Application submitted by Hugh Chumley & Joe
Chumley, P.O. Box 753, Sterling, Alaska.
7. NEW BUSINESS:
a. PZ98-14 (PZ96-38~Transfer of Conditional Use Permit, Bed & Breakfast From Olen & Andrea
Moyer to Les and Susan Bradley-For the property described as Government Lots 83 and 84, 1101
Third Avenue, Kenai, Alaska.
b. Review of KMC 14.20.230-Home Occupations
8. OLD BUSINESS:
9. CODE ENFORCEMENT ITEMS:
10. REPORTS:
a. City Council
b. Borough Planning
c. Administration
11. PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED:
12. INFORMATION ITEMS:
13. COMMISSION COMMENTS & QUESTIONS:
14. ADJOURNMENT:
Approved
CITY OF KENAI
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
March 25, 1998 - 7:00 p.m.
Chairman: Carl Glick
*** MINUTES ***
Chairman Glick called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Carl Glick, Phil Bryson, Teresa Werner-Quade, Ron
Goecke, Barb Nord
Members Absent: Karen Mahurin, Michael Christian
Others Present: Administrative Assistant Jan Taylor, City Engineer Jack
LaShot, City Attorney Cary Graves, Building Official Bob
Springer, Councilman Duane Bannock, Contract Secretary
Barb Roper
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
GOECKE MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AND ASKED THAT THE ITEM
PRESENTED BEFORE THE MEETING BE INCLUDED. GOECKE ALSO
ASKED FOR UNANIMOUS CONSENT. MOTION SECONDED BY BRYSON
AGENDA WAS APPROVED WITH THE ADDITION.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: -March 11, 1998
WERENER-QUADE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MARCH 11,
1998. MOTION SECONDED BY GOECKE WHO ASKED FOR UNANIMOUS
CONSENT.
Nord requested the third sentence of the first paragraph on page 8 be changed
to read, "The shop would be run on weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and
possibly 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the weekdays."
MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 1998 WERE APPROVED WITH THE ABOVE
NOTED CORRECTION.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 1
t
R
Approved
4. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: None
5. CONSIDERATION OF PLATS:
a. PZ98-13 -Preliminary Plat -Horseshoe End at River Bend
Subdivision, Garcia Addition.
GOECKE MOVED TO APPROVE PZ98-13. MOTION SECONDED BY
NORD.
Bryson stated he would abstain as he represents the surveyor on the
plat.
VOTE
BRYSON Abstain WERNER-QUADE Yes
GOECKE Yes NORD Yes
MAHURIN Absent CHRISTIAN Absent
CLICK Yes
Motion passed unanimously.
b. PZ98-15 -Preliminary Plat -Carl F. Ahlstrom Church of God
Replat
WERNER-QUADE MOVED TO APPROVE PZ98-15. MOTION
SECONDED BY BRYSON.
Staff had nothing additional.
VOTE
GOECKE Yes
MAHURIN Absent
BRYSON Yes
CLICK Yes
Motion passed unanimously.
NORD Yes
CHRISTIAN Absent
WERNER-QUADE Yes
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 2
Approved
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
a. P298-099 (Continued from March 11, 1998) -Variance Permit
(Oversize Sign with Iaternal Lighting) -Lot 1, Grace Brethren &
Beck Property Replat, 406 McCollum Drive, Kenai, Alaska.
Application submitted by Kenai Grace Brethren Church,
Christopher A. Hay, Pastor, 406 McCollum Drive, Kenai, Alaska.
GOECKE MOVED TO BRING BACK P298-07. MOTION SECONDED BY
NORD.
Glick opened Public Hearing.
Christopher Hay, 1509 Randy Way, Kenai, Alaska, spoke in favor of
the variance as he did two weeks ago. Hay reiterated a few things
mentioned previously and included an additional comment. The sign
being asked for is a replacement of the existing sign. It is much more
attractive, up to date and will enhance the church, the neighborhood,
and the community. Hay reported he went out to measure the existing
sign, which he thought was equivalent to the new one, but the current
sign actually has an overall face, including all framing, of 70 sq. ft. The
new sign is 40 sq. ft., so he is actually asking for a much smaller sign.
Hay again reiterated that he was in favor of the variance.
Kathleen Beck, 9200 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, Alaska spoke in
favor of the sign. The existing sign, as mentioned two weeks ago, is old
and needs to be replaced. If it is left the way it is it would become a
danger so something needs to be done with it. The new sign, although
different, will make a better presentation for our community, the visitors,
and the residents.
Janine Espy, 403 McCollum Drive, Kenai, Alaska spoke in favor of the
variance being passed. Espy reports her home is directly across the
street from the church so she drives past it several times a day. Espy
thinks the new sign would be in keeping with the attractive appearance
already there in the neighborhood. The church is always well kept and
this is another way for them to keep the church in good condition. Espy
asked that the Commission approve the sign variance.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 3
Approved
Debbie Sonberg, 410 Cinderella Street, Kenai, Alaska - as a
concerned neighbor to the Kenai Grace Brethren Church, Sonberg
requested that the Commission approve the sign variance. Kenai Grace
Brethren Church is active in the neighborhood and are concerned about
their image. They have done a good job in keeping up on the building
and grounds. Their current sign was beautifully constructed but is has
gone through numerous face lifts and had to be reinforced several times.
The current proposed sign will take up less than 60% of the square
footage the current sign does and offers other desirable improvements.
Internal lighting is easier on the eyes compared to the existing external
lighting. The style and color will add to the aesthetic appearance.
Sonberg reported a Commissioner at the last meeting suggested that this
neighborhood's residents are sticklers on rules and that rules were the
basis for their objection to another issue before the Commission.
Sonberg believed that particular Commission member misunderstood
the concern of the neighborhood's residents. The primary concern on
either issue is preservation of the nature and integrity of their
neighborhood. The sign does not threaten the nature or integrity of the
neighborhood. If anything it will enhance the neighborhood's
appearance and sense of harmony. The Kenai Grace Brethren Church is
asking for an allowable variance that is not objectionable to the
neighbors. It will be considerably smaller and more attractive than the
existing sign.
Glick closed public hearing and reminded everyone the variance request
was amended at the last meeting to state the actual size is 40 sq. ft.
Werner-Quade asked for clarification on the size going from 35 sq. ft. to
40 sq. ft. Glick confirmed the original measurement did not include the
frame, etc. The actual size is 40 sq. ft. which includes the frame.
VOTE
NORD Yes MAHURIN Absent
CHRISTIAN Absent BRYSON Yes
WERNER-QUADE Yes GOECKE Yes
GLICK Yes
Motioa passed unanimously.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 4
Approved
b. P298-08 (Continued from Marh 11, 1998) -Variance Permit
(Oversize Sign) -Lots 6, T. 8, Block 3, Thompson Park Subdivision,
5455 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, Alaska. Application submitted by
Spur Road One Stop, Reann D. Pitts, 5455 Kenai Spur Highway,
Kenai, Alaska.
GOECKE MOVED TO BRING BACK PZ98-08. MOTION SECONDED BY
NORD.
No public comment.
LaShot reported the second sentence of the staff report shows the zone
allows for a square footage total of 84 sq. ft. That should read 81 sq. ft.
in that zone.
Glick asked if staff knew exactly how much variance was being asked
for. Springer thought it was 212 sq. ft. total. The actual size of the
Tesoro sign was discussed in detail and it was determined the actual
size is 48 sq. ft. It was also noted that staff measured the sign as a
rectangle and whoever manufactured the sign probably measured the
sign as an emblem so there would be some difference in the square
footage. Bannock asked for clarification on the total square footage
including all signs. It was confirmed it was 168 sq. ft. total.
Bryson stated the location is a different situation than in town. The
service stations in town are in a 35 mile per hour zone and this is on the
highway in a 55 mile per hour zone, they should have a slightly larger
sign. Bryson will support the variance request.
Glick requested the motion be amended to state the variance of 14 sq. ft.
to avoid any confusion.
NORD MOVED TO AMEND PZ 98-08 TO STATE THE VARIANCE IS
FOR 14 SQ. FT. MOTION SECONDED BY GOECKE.
VOTE (Amendment)
BRYSON Yes
GOECKE Yes
MAHURIN Absent
LICK WERNER-QUADE Yes
NORD Yes
CHRISTIAN Absent
Yes
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 5
Approved
Motion passed unanimously.
VOTE (Main Motion)
WERNER-QUADE No GOECKE yes
NORD Yes MAHURIN Absent
CHRISTIAN Absent BRYSON yes
GLICK Yes
Motion passed -one No vote.
c. PZ98-12 -Conditional Use Permit (Professional Offices) -Lots 6 &
7, Papa Joe's Subdivision, 9520 &/or 9488 Kenai Spur Highway,
Kenai, Alaska. Application submitted by Hugh Chumley and Joe
Chumley, P.O. Box 753, Sterling, Alaska.
GOECKE MOVED TO APPROVE PZ98-12. MOTION SECONDED BY
NORD.
Glick opened the public hearing and requested that anyone wishing to
speak to the item keep their comments limited to three minutes. Goecke
would serve as timekeeper.
Verbatim Begins
Again my name is Debbie Sonberg, 410 Cinderella Street, Kenai,
Alaska. Before I read my statement, I would like to have the
Commission's responsibility on this matter clarified. I need to know if
it's your responsibility to determined the appropriateness of this
application as it relates to established City of Kenai Zoning Code and
City of Kenai Municipal Plan? Or do you have the freedom to vote
according to personal preference or political platforms, even if it goes
against the Code and the Plan? Are you addressing this issue from the
perspective of the Codes and Plan or is it from another perspective?
Glick: Well, we have to vote based on our interpretation of the Code.
Maybe we interpret it different that you do or somebody else does, or
different Commissioners could interpret it different.
Sonberg: Okay, as long you're going by the Code and interpreting, that's
fine with me.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 6
Approved
Glick: Okay.
Sonberg: Okay
Sonberg: Okay, my understanding is that public hearing is necessary
prior to approving a qualifying application, that is an application that
meets the criteria established in the Code and the Plan. If an
application does not meet the criteria it should be denied regardless of
public comment. This application does not even meet the criteria
necessary to be considered for approval.
I can see no clear difference between the appeal package presented to
the Council Board of Adjustment and this new application present
tonight before this Commission. The City council Board of Adjustment
in Case No. BA-98-1, the appeal of Hugh Chumley and Joe Chumley,
stated that we... stated, and I quote from the findings, " we cannot find
that the uses in the conditional use permit application are similar to
principal uses permitted in the zone", and another quote, "we cannot
find that the development is consistent with the intent of Rural
Residential 1 ". The Board of Adjustment has already ruled that this
requested. land use does not meet the qualifications necessary to be
~~ granted a limited use permit.
I am opposed to commercial development in residential neighborhoods.
Joe and Chew... Joe and Hugh Chumley are again requesting a land use
change from residential to commercial. It doesn't matter whether you
call it rezoning or a limited land use permit, one end result remains the
same -commercial development in residential neighborhoods.
Arguments against commercial uses in this neighborhood have been
heard by this Commission and by the City Council on at least three
previous occasions. I request that these documents and arguments be
added to tonight's discussions. They show a consistency of intent by
this neighborhood to maintain the nature and integrity of our
neighborhood. They will also show that this neighborhood has been pro-
active and consistent in the planning and development of this
neighborhood for over 13 years.
With the initial 1985 documents requesting that this area be rezoned to
Rural Residential 1, this neighborhood made it clear that we were
rezoning so that we could have a say in future development of our
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 7
Approved
neighborhood.
Glick: Are you about to wrap it up Mam?
Sonberg: Am I over three minutes already?
Glick: Yes
Sonberg: I'm close.
Glick: Okay.
Sonberg: I didn't think I'd take that long to read a page and a half. We
do not want commercial development in our neighborhood. This desire
was instrumental in the initial rezoning in 1985, and has been made
clear over and over at each Commission or Council meeting regarding
the development of this neighborhood.
Duane Bannock stated that Mr. Craycroft was a visionary in commercial
development. If commercial development were to continue as I
understood his division... his vision to be described, in years to come
'~ Kenai would in fact end up running neighborhoods out of existing areas,
just as Ron Moore, who spoke to the Council on behalf of the Chumley's
described in downtown and mid-town Anchorage.
We neighbors were visionaries of neighborhood preservation and took
steps necessary to maintain the nature and integrity of our
neighborhood back in 1985. We believe the existing City of Kenai
Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan support the preservation of our
neighborhoods.
I believe that in order for the Commission to uphold the City of Kenai
Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan, even in the absence of opposing
arguments, the Commission would have to deny this application for a
limited commercial use permit.
Again, we have made our intents and our arguments clear over and over
again. Please consider the consistency with which we have spoken
throughout the year.
Glick: Anybody else wishing to speak to this item?
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 8
J Approved
My name is Joan Buzzell, I live at 1103 Aliak, Kenai, Alaska and I've
been in that neighborhood for 19 years. The City was aware in 1985
that our petition for water and sewer was contingent on the validity of a
rezoning petition our RR-1.
If the City can break their agreement with us in this matter, by granting
a Conditional use Permit to Mr. Chumley, then are we entitled to have
our assessment money refunded?
If the City can break agreements with residents who have done a great
deal of work to obtain a change in zoning, going by the City's rules,
because a corporation with more clout that we have applies pressure,
what message is this sending to those of us who play by the rules?
Please refer to the memorandum sent to the City by Colleen Ward, dated
March 16, 1998 for more reasons for my objections to granting this
petition. Thank you.
Glick: Thank you.
My name is Hugh Chumley, address P.O. Box 1371, Sterling, Alaska.
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gen... Gentlemen of the Commission, I thank
you once again tonight for listening to us again. I'm not here to tell you
your job, I know that you know that so I don't need to try to tell you. I
only want to present a few of the facts as we see them involved. As far
as speaking to following the course we feel we followed the course. We
followed the guidelines laid out by the City.
Ah, the first thing we did was come in here and applied for a rezone on
the whole four acres. That was a mistake and we moved on. The next
thing we did was applied for Conditional Use Permit with neighborhood
input. We moved on. The next thing, the only other thing that we
thought we had before us, was we appealed the decision of this Council
here, this body, with modifications addressing the concerns presented
by the public. And now, here we are again tonight with the same
amended request presented to you folks.
Our personal plans for development of that property we, as I stated, we
started off and was going to develop the whole four acres, that was a
mistake. The next thing we did is we drafted a subdivision trying to
come in without any driveways on Cinderella which was a big concern.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 9
`~ Approved
That was not cost effective. The next thing we did was develop the
current subdivision that is there now and then come to this body and
request only two lots, only 40,000 sq. ft. approximately, or 50,000 out of
the whole four plus acres. We did this as a business concern but....
wit...at the same time we had the concerns of the neighborhood in mind.
We met kinda unofficially with some of them, we listened to their
concerns and we tried to address them. According to the way the City
Code or the way that the ah..... the way I understand it, there could be
53 home use businesses in this neighborhood without any input from
the City. That is not conceivable but it is possible the way it operates
now. On the same piece of property, and I'll try to hurry because I know
I only have three minutes, on this same piece of property, the four acres
that we're talking about tonight, only two lots of, according to the
current City Code, we could put in 21 family dwellings there. Seven tri-
plexes could be 21 families, that's not the best for the neighborhood.
That's not what we wish to do. However, as a business, we... we have to
be cost effective with our business dealings and to put in five, or seven
residential dwellings there is not going get that.
One of the strong dissidents, or one of the strong people ah... opposing
this offered to buy our property. She said we'd give you what we.... what
~ ~ you get for it. I didn't think that was too bad ah... ideal under one
condition, that those opposed would sell us their property for what they
have it in. But they didn't want to do that and I don't blame them.
We have addressed all... all previous concerns. We identified the
business use, the schools have withdrawn their concerns, there is no
access on Cinderella, it's been proven or been stated by professionals
that there is no devalue of property upon the current development plan.
The City Attorney said there was no deal in 1985. We've addressed the
buffer zone and also the economic situation where there's other
vacancies in, have been pointed out that that not be of concern. The
public, the neighbors has had a chance to have input into the
development of this property. If this Conditional Use Permit is died
tonight... is denied tonight, the other options we as developers have to
us will not leave the privilege for the neighbors.
I want to thank you once again for your consideration and your time
that all of you had put in on this project. Thank you.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 10
~ Approved
Glick: Okay, thank you. Anyone else in the public wishing to speak to
this item?
Vesta Leigh, I live in that area. (P.O. Box 905, Kenai, Alaska) First of
all, reference that Mr. Chumley said, I have an objection with his permit.
It says therein, he has initialed it, the third item down, please submit
plans showing the location of all existing buildings, alterations,
elevations, there is no place where it says how high he expects his
buildings to go, he could put up under the professional 10-story
building as far as that goes, there is no... nothing that says there.
Okay, my comments tonight are, as I said several years ago, and I said
in January and as I said in February this year, we shouldn't have to be
here again. One of the first things I would like to ask for is a
continuance of this ah.... a continuance for this matter. As previously
predicted, although I know you guys are stuck under a certain time
constraint for meetings... that... that ah.... many of the interested
parties, property owners are gone due to spring break.
~ I'd like to state again that we feel we have a contract with the City
~ regardless of what... ah... your City Attorney has said and I just paid
mine off last fall and here comes an applicant again asking the City to
breach a contract it made with me and other property owners. Charlie
Brown was the City official for many years. I would like to read a
paragraph from his memo of March 25, 1985 from Charlie Brown to the
City Council. Part of it...and... this is just a part... says, "in addition is
with the first petition we received February 5, 1985 it is contingent upon
the validity of a rezoning petition." Next paragraph, last sentence... "the
petition appears to be valid pending the validity of the rezoning petition.
So regardless of whether Mr. Graves agrees or not, the City
administration at that time was aware of what the deal was and we still
consider it that. It seems increasingly likely that this will eventually be
decided by an Alaska judicial system.
No matter what the commercial venture is proposed, that's a very
dangerous section of highway. I live there, I have to come out there. I
know that and a business drive in exit between the exit and egress of the
high school is a potential tragedy. Furthermore, if the Planning and
Zoning approves this request for a Conditional Use Permit against the
express wishes, needs, guarantees of the citizens of that area it would
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 11
Approved
indeed be a simple chore in the future to yet have another Conditional
Use Permit to build a fast foods outlet, multi-pump station, or whatever.
Or anything that would suck the kids from across the street and be
lucrative to the owners.
The Kenai Comprehensive Plan says in part, "protect established
residential neighborhoods from intrusion by incompatible land uses".
Granting this permit would fly in the face of that comprehensive plan.
The plan also states "land use plan... is designed to respond to
development trends, natural site characteristics and the community's
attitudes towards future growth and it becomes apparent that the City,
by applying this Conditional Use Permit could then later call it a trend
and other Conditional Use Permits would then happen allowing anything
one commercial applicant wants anywhere in the City.
Nearing conclusion I'd like to say that granting this applications request
for the Conditional Use Permit would violate 14.20.080 of the Municipal
Code which states, "the RR zone is intended to provide for low density
residential development in outlaying rural areas in a form which creates
a stable and attractive residential environment." And later on the same
chapter... "to prohibit uses which would violate the residential
~) character.." I submit that granting this Conditional Use Permit would in
fact violate the City's own Ordinances.
The last argument I would like to bring forth is that no one person
should be allowed to make a substantial profit of the backs of others.
This pur... proposal would do just that. It would in fact make the
present owner deniably wealth...undeniably wealthier by changing the
use from residential to commercial. The estimate has been that he
would realize tens of thousands of dollars in profits from this maneuver
and it is said that this same tactic is being used in other bodies of
authority ah... with other properties in this State.
And I should like to conclude with this statement. Unlike other people
who have opposed this Conditional Use Permit, I'm not subject to
pointed, or vague, threats of losing my job or livelihood if I continue to
oppose this Conditional Use Permit and I shall continue to oppose it and
that will also include writing to any future prospects or... or suspected
prospects of that of a commercial entity to tell them how their neighbors
feel. Thank you.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 12
Approved
Glick: Anyone else wishing to speak to this item?
Mark 3chrag, 312 Princess, Kenai, Alaska - I just, aside from my
speech, I saw this...it's... their talking about opposed, unopposed, they
have not cheap.... I don't know quite....I don't quite trust the figuring
here because they show all these seller figures for these ah... 4-plexes
that are there. I know that several of those are empty, so if you're
talking about the owner of those being non-opposed, that's one thing,
but I know that they're not.... lot of those are empty, right now, so...
anyway... (not legible}
I'm here to ask you to do the right thing tonight because it feels like... to
me the right thing in this case is not put money in a couple pockets.
The right thing is honor the previous, good faith agreement and whether
that's binding or not, I guess it'll have to be determined yet or not, but it
was a good faith agreement entered into by this neighborhood and it was
fulfilled by this neighborhood. And the right thing also honors the
wishes of the neighborhood. Whether or not it's a majority, there again,
I can see they can fight over that, but there are a lot of people here
expressing their...their wishes. The neighborhood entered the agreement
~ not just in words but in deed. They took money out of their pockets to
back up their wishes. If any of you are concerned about integrity and in
government, I guess I want to point that you now are a governing body
and that I ask that you do not set aside the wishes of this neighborhood,
but.... but that you ah.... honor wishes of this neighborhood. And I also
ask you to consider whether this City would have it's all American
designation if at the time of the designation it was ruled by a mind-set
that puts commercial development above all else. We need development
but it must be balanced with other quality of life issues. We can have
healthy development without looking like a Wasilla. One of the reasons I
came to... to Kenai... because I lived in Soldotna my first couple of years
in this area, was because of the green space... the feeling of town that
was over here and I know a lot people, people that I know myself,
bemoan the fact that it is kind of, it moved out a little bit already and I
would ah... prefer to see things done to try and encourage that... that
sense of town... Thank you.
My name is Janine Espy, I live at 403 McCollum Drive, Kenai, Alaska,
I've spoke on this in the past and I've still stand that same. I would ask
that you would not permit the passing of this Conditional Use Permit. I
do not believe that it fits into the Kenai's Comprehensive Plan. It does...
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 13
} Approved
is not similar in any way to the principal uses permitted in the zone,
currently, and it is not in harmony with the intent of the zone as it is
now and we would like to see it remain that way. We... I have always felt
the same way, I do not want it to be rezoned for any purpose other than
residential 1 and I know that um..... there's been efforts made to... to
make the neighborhood happy with changing some of the way that is
been presented but it remains the same that we want our neighborhood
to remain residential one without the Conditional Use Permit being
passed.
Mr. Chairman, members of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Ladies
and Gentlemen, my name is Ralph E. Ash and I reside at my present
address for the past fifteen years. My residence is directly across from
the proposed project. We, the residents of this area, are adamant about
the proposal of changing a rural character of the area. This is the main
reason we have resided here for so many years. Changing the
classification of the area or granting the Conditional Use Permit will
totally change the environment of the area. We are totally against this
procedure and do not want this change to occur. We do not believe
there is a demand or a need for any business ventures in this area,
~ especially directly across a five lane highway from the Kenai High
~ School. It is also close to the entrance and exit of the Kenai Middle
School. Adding traffic congestion to a main arterial highway is not good
planning and zoning. It will only contribute to the accident potential of
the area.
The Comprehensive Plan discourages commercial rezone in
neighborhoods which are adversely impacted. We firmly oppose a
changing from rural to general commercial. The same applies to the
granting of the Conditional Use Permit. Multi-office facilities will
definitely adversely affect the present rural residential environment of
the area. It will bring the usual problems associated with these
facilities. Who is going to be responsible for these problems. Granting
this permit is in direct violation of the City of Kenai's zoning code. It
states, "uses must be similar to principal uses permitted in the zone and
uses must be in harmony with the intent of the zone." The specific
intent in establishing the zone is to inhibit uses which would violate the
residential character of the environment. We recommend this request be
refused. Thank you.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 14
Approved
Hello my name is Karen Ruebsemen and I live at 307 Cinderella
Street, Kenai, Alaska. I'rn opposed to any commercial building in um...
the area that I live in. I feel it is a detriment to our residential area for
these reasons, number one, it's a safety issue. A vacated building at
night poses a problem to my home which is about two blocks from this
building. I think vandalism is on the rise in the Peninsula. I don't want
it going into the residential area. We don't need a business in that area.
Businesses invite patrons with a different attitude. I have a completely
different attitude when I go into a business area than when I go into a
residential area. I have a different attitude when I'm driving. When I
park the car. When I'm getting out of the car I'm thinking of the
business that I have at hand, I'm not considering the residential area of
kids and families. I feel it serves no purpose to be put there. I would
not make the assumption that the school district because they are not
present are in support of a business across the street from their schools.
I would like to apologize to Mr. Goecke. At one point in our first meeting
I spoke um... and then you had talked about how businesses and
schools should have a relationship, that it's important for education to
participate in business, with business concepts being implemented
~ inside the school and I did not laugh, I....I wou... I did not laugh at that
but um... but I was.... I felt like I was part of the group that um... that
was laughing and I'm... I don't sup... you know, I don't feel that way. I
definitely think that business principles and um... a relationship
between schools and businesses is very important, I just don't feel that
it's a physical relationship. Okay, I just wanted to make that clear and I
know you spoke at the City Council meeting also on that and um... I had
to leave in the middle of what you were saying and so I wanted to make
sure that I made that clear.
Ah... I think that were been here enough and I think that you~e heard
enough from the public on this. Ah.... I... I just hope that you take those
concerns um... when you chose to vote for this.
Glick: Yes, Teresa?
Werner-Quade: Mrs. Ruebsemen, may I ask you, how many times have
you spoke to the City Council or Planning and Zoning regarding this
issue?
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 15
j Approved
Ruebsemen: I believe one time last year and then three times, this is my
third time this year, around this issue.
Glick: Anybody else in the public wishing to speak to this item?
My name is Glenn McCollum, 3r. and I live at 399 McCollum Drive,
Kenai, Alaska.
Mr. Chairman and members of the Planning and Zoning Commission
and staff, I request that...well, I guess we are fully seated... but I did
prepare this in case, I had hear... I request that if the Commission isn't
fully represented or seated tonight, March the 25th, 1998, we be granted
a postponement until the next Commission meeting. This is a very
important decision and should be only made when all members were
present.
I'm asking you not to propose or... not to approve this PZ98-012,
Conditional Land Use Permit presented by Mr. Chumley of Raven
Contractors or Chumley, Inc. for several reasons:
~ Granting of this permit would be contrary to the Kenai Zoning Codes,
~ 14.20.150 which you.... we keep saying this and saying this all the time,
which outlines conditional use...uses as similar in principal to uses
permitted in zone rural residential one or uses must be in harmony with
the intent of the intent of the zone. Mr. Chumley's permit does not fit
either of these requirements. I thought that CUP, Conditional Use
Permit.
Professional Offices are outlined commercial in the Land Use Table and
do not fit the category of churches, gardening, agriculture or off street
parking.
We cannot believe professional offices adhere to the intent of the zone as
stated in Kenai's Zoning Code 14.20.080 which states, "rural residential
and rural residential 1 do providing for low density residential
development, which is believed...we believe is the intent of the zoning.
We also believe as stated in the Board of Adjustment Case BA-98-1, that
the residents who petitioned the City in 1985 was to keep out our
neighbors, MAPS, rural residential # 1. There isn't any need for private
offices in this area.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 16
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The Kenai Comprehensive Plan says the City of Kenai will support
development of neighborhoods serving commercial uses such as
Laundromats, grocery stores in commercial zones.
The Commission's decision may be based on public input. A
determination if proposed use is similar to the principal uses in the zone
or the use would be in harmony with the intent of the rural residential
# 1 if the use would provide a service to the neighborhood.
And for these reasons, we cannot find that the development is consistent
with the intent of the rural residential # 1 zoning. Thank you.
Glick: Anyone else in the public wishing to speak to this item. Last
chance.
Bannock: Mr. Chairman?
Glick: Mr. Bannock?
Bannock: With the permission of the Chair and permission of the um..
` Committee, I would request permission to step down to address the
~ committee.
Glick: I don't see that as a problem since you are not an official
Commissioner.
Nord: Mr. Chairman?
Glick: Yes
Nord: Before he does that I would just like to make the statement that
Mr. Chumley had come into my office today, Joe Chumley had come into
my office today to see another colleague of mine and him and I did
discuss certain things, we did not discuss this process tonight, ah... I
had informed him that I could not talk about particular issues that are
being discussed here tonight, though we did discuss other properties of
his.
Glick: Okay.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 17
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Bannock: Thank you, my name is Duane Bannock, I reside at 1105
First Street, Kenai, Alaska. Um, first I would like to ask the
Commission if they had all received a copy of the Board of Adjustment
findings (it was confirmed all Commissioners did). I would like to speak
to that just very briefly because I signed off on that and I would like to
explain a couple of different items in there. Um... for starters the
Council chose not to hear the amended appeal, um... at our Board of
Adjustment hearing. We heard the exact same items that this
Commission turned down on approximately 6 weeks ago. We chose not...
we saw the information with regards to professional offices, we chose not
to allow the appeal to be amended so what was turned down by Council
was exactly what was turned down at this very same body.
I know there was a little bit of question when I signed on to the
affirmative of this because as a matter of fact I... I was... I am supportive
of this project and was in the past as well. There were two very main
reasons, actually three. When our Attorney, Mr. Graves called me, it
was evident the appeal was going to fail based on the fact there are
already four people that had signed up against it. There were two very
long range effects though in our appeal that I chose to take the
1
affirmative issue on. We heard about both of those tonight. Um...one of
them was a deal with the City of Kenai in regarding the 25%
assessment. That was addressed on page 3 of the appeal where the City
Council says, we don't see it that way and there was not a deal, and that
was not something that was.... that was brokered there. The way this
Councilman sees it, that neighborhood paid 25% assessment as opposed
to paying a 100% assessment.
Secondly, the Council addressed the issue of vacancies and should
vacancies be considered as to whether or not another Conditional Use
Permit or any type of action should be taken. That was rejected on page
6 of that... of the exact same thing. Those are the reasons why
Councilman Bannock signed on the affirmative for that.
As far as the intent of rural residential 1, it is in our... it's in our
paperwork tonight, rural residential zone is to provide for low density,
residential development in a way that creates a stable and attractive
residential environment and to preserve the rural and open quality of the
environment. I dare say that that particular piece does not meet RR-1
specifications, especially when you consider in 1985 when it was zoned
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March 25, 1998
Page 18
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RR-1 there were 4-plexes on there which are specifically not allowed in
RR-1 zones.
Also, in the fall of 1997, through a work session with Planning and
Zoning and the City Council, this Council and this Commission adopted
a new set of Land Use Tables which do allow for a Conditional Use
Permit when acts in this particular zone when access by the Kenai Spur
Highway. Thank you very much for your time.
Glick: Thank you. At this time we will bring it back to the
Commissioner's for discussion. Ah...staff have any comments on this
before we begin our discussion?
LaShot: I don't think we have anything additional.
Werner-Quade: Um...I have this concern, we heard from four people ah...
in the audience ah.... who were opposed to permit um... asked for voice
a concern about some sort of ah....continuance on this particular
um....hearing. Ah... now we also have a letter from Ms. Colleen Ward
who was the unofficial, official spokesperson for this group. We all
~ heard from her before and it's nice to see a letter from her in the packet
1 also. I'm not sure about point of order but ah... I would like to make a
motion for a continuance on this um.... issue because a few people are
absent due to spring vacation and we have a few people absent on our
own Board as well and ah.... to use Ms. Mahurin's words from the last
meeting when she asked for a continuance on the sign Ordinance, which
I don't feel is anywhere near a hurricane as this issue, ah... she says in
fairness to the applicant they should have the benefit of a full
Commission to have a more democratic process. Now some of these
people in the audience have spoke to this issue up to five times now,
either to Planning and Zoning or to Council, or to both. Um... you know,
maybe, maybe some felt like they haven't been heard at all, but um... I
think that some of these residents are willing to come to us on five
different occasions to speak to this issue in the same fashion every time,
then maybe we could hear it one more time. In that light I am moving
for a continuance of this PZ98-12.
WERNER-QUADE MOVED TO CONTINUE PZ98-12. MOTION
SECONDED BY NORD.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 19
Approved
Glick: Now, you are moving for a continuance, are you also asking to
have us, another public hearing or just continue the.... I mean the
public hearing has been closed.
Werner-Quade: Right, I'm asking to continue this hearing to the next
meeting when a few more of our Commission members will be present
and also ah....
Bryson: Point of Order, this is essentially a postponing or tabling motion
which is not debatable.
Glick: Okay.
VOTE: (Continuance)
GOECKE No
MAHURIN Absent
BRYSON No
GLICK No
NORD Yes
CHRISTIAN Absent
WERNER-QUADE; Yes
Glick: Motion failed. We shall continue. Okay, anymore discussion.
Glick: I have a few comments so I'd like to turn the gavel over to Mr.
Bryson.
Bryson: Proceed.
Glick: There were a couple of things said that weren't quite correct. The
building height, whether it was a professional building or not, there is a
limit on how high the building could be. Another thing, we build a
highway, the State builds a highway through the City to handle more
traffic, well they put, they lowered the speed zones since they put a four
lane highway in there with a turn, to be able to handle more traffic.
There's a possibility that the new Challenger Site Center is going to be
basically right across from that, the two sites that are being looked at
are. Ah...the other thing is people are not building residents along main
highways. You can go back and look at the building permits issued in
the City and you will find very, very few, if any, in the last ten years,
issued directly on the Spur Highway. Pieces of property on the Spur
Highway are not desirable to build a house on and at the same time,
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 20
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people don't want to necessarily live behind a 7-11, but some
businesses, as I see it, being allowed by our Code, are compatible with
residents who would live adjoined to or behind. That's all I have to say.
Bryson: I'll turn the gavel back to Glick.
Werner-Quade: I do have a comment, um...in the conclusion of staff says
that the Commission's decision should be based on public input. Now,
some public input that we heard comes from Mr. Chumley in the form of
home occupation permits being somehow equal to a Conditional Use
Permit for a business and my comment to that is build a house, come to
us and ask for a home occupation permit. These are the kinds of
parallels that you insist on making to us. That's it.
Glick: Ms. Nord.
Nord: My only comment was that in the fall of 97 we did go ahead and
look at the Land Use Table and for some reason we put in the RR-1 a
footnote that states that the property in order to issue a Conditional Use
Permit, that the property must have egress and ingress through the
Kenai Spur Highway and when I look at the zoning map up there I find
~ that only a certain area where that would possibly could even affect and
that's in this particular area. So there was some sort of reasoning
behind the City Council and this body that we did that and my feeling is
that probably the reason that we did that was that we were looking at
the future, looking at how the growth was going in the City of Kenai and
looking at that particular area seeing the growth going out in that area.
Ah... I feel that the highest and best use of that property is for something
such as this, so, therefore, I'm going to be voting in favor of this.
Glick: Okay, anymore discussion? Yes, Mr. Bannock
Bannock: Mr. Chairman, if I could just expound on that particular issue
in that why did the Council do that and I feel comfortable in speaking for
the entire Council is that in an RR-1 zone we had no intention nor do we
have any intention of allowing Conditional Use Occupations...
Conditional Use Permits in an area, for instance, on the inside of a
subdivision or in the back side of a subdivision that would require major
traffic through that particular subdivision. I parti... I remember the
night we were hung up on that particular point and it was ah.... Mrs.
Kebschull that came up with that particular suggestion that said if that's
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March 25, 1998
Page 21
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what your concern is then make a footnote, make an asterisk to it that
says the only way that a Conditional Use Permit can be considered for
such an item as this is to make it with access to or from the Kenai Spur
Highway, and I... I think that goes a long ways to what the future intent
is. We're not interested in taking and bringing hoards of traffic through
any particular subdivision but rather making it on the front side, case in
point, the Kenai Spur Highway.
Glick: Okay, any other discussion? Phil?
Bryson: Ah...make a statement... Ah... Ah... Mr. Barron Butler ah...
came into my office several days before the meeting ahhh... we... we
discussed the ah... results of the ah... Council action and the prior
application, we did not address the proposal.
Glick: Okay.
VOTE: (Main Motion)
NORD Yes
CHRISTIAN Absent
~ WERNER-QUADE: No
~ GLICK Yes
MAHURIN Absent
BRYSON Yes
GOECKE Yes
Motion passed.
Glick: I do thank you for all your input. Mr. Bryson?
Bryson: Ah... I feel it is probably appropriate to assemble ah... findings
of fact on this to support the decision.
Glick: Okay
Bryson: I don't necessarily have anything ah... at this time but I think it
appropriate for the ah... situation.
Glick: Okay, the secretary will work with the staff to... come up with the
findings of fact or how do you want to proceed? Do you think it's
necessary, Cary, to have a finding of fact?
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 22
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Graves: I don't think it would hurt. I... I don't think it's going out on a
limb by saying this case will go back up to the Board of Adjustment, it
would have no matter how the vote turned out, so, I don't think it will
hurt to have some findings of fact for the Board of Adjustment to review.
Although, they will review it essentially all over again because of the No
vote, but um... that's why the Board of Adjustment issues findings of
fact to set out the rationale on their decision.
Glick: So, while you're saying it wouldn't hurt we don't have to, er....
Graves: Traditionally you haven't but the staff will be glad to work with
ah... the Chair and do findings of fact if the Chair wishes.
Glick: Okay, Mr. Bryson...
Bryson: I ah... feel like it's appropriate, yes.
Glick: How do the rest of the Commissioners feel? Are you comfortable
with it (question to Goecke. Goecke confirmed he was comfortable with
it). Okay, I~1 get with you after the meeting to set up a time or
~ something. Okay, moving along, the next item is New Business, ah...
Verbatim Ends
7. NEW BUSINESS:
a. PZ98-14 (PZ96-38j -Transfer of Conditional Use Permit, Bed &
Breakfast -From Olen 8~ Andrea Moyer to Les and Susan Bradley -
For the property described as Government Lots 83 and 84, 1101
Third Avenue, Kenai, Alaska.
Nord abstained from voting on PZ98-14 as she sold the property to the
applicants and also informed them how to handle the situation. Nord
thought she could not be unbiased in the decision.
GOECKE MOVED TO APPROVE PZ98-14. MOTION SECONDED BY
BRYSON.
Bryson stated the application is for the transfer of a bed and breakfast
component of the original application. The other portions requested
were not approved. Bryson continued, the reason he mentioned this is
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 23
\} Approved
because it was addressed in one of the original staff recommendations.
When asked if an amendment was appropriate Bryson replied, that it's
clear enough when taking the cover sheet as the action that is being
requested, the other sheet was dated 1996 and they would have to refer
to the approval.
Staff had nothing additional.
VOTE
BRY30N Yes
GOECKE Yes
MAHURIN Absent
GLICK Yes
Motion passed unanimously.
WERNER-QUADS Yes
NORD Abstain
CHRISTIAN Absent
b. Revew of KMC 14.20.230 -Home Occupations
Glick explained that the Commission had to determine whether or not
they want Mr. Graves to go forward with making some changes to the
~ Home Occupation section. Graves indicated a memo was included in
~ the packet. Graves stated that when he began looking at it he thought
the answer was yes, a permit was required but the more he got into it
the more he realized perhaps they did not for the reasons contained in
the Code. It may well be that this Commission and Council would want
those businesses to get a permit. There are other municipalities that
require home occupations to get a permit, so it's not unknown that that
happens. Also, there is a general housekeeping issue with a lot of the
listed home occupations such as millenary workers, beauty shops, major
computer and home offices. There may be some changes that could be
made in these areas. Graves also stated that he would be glad to make
whatever changes the Commission feels is necessary.
Goecke pointed out that millenary work is sewing and there is probably
more women in this town doing alterations and sewing for other people
than what the City knows about. Goecke didn't think this item should
be eliminated if everything is to be kept straight and above board. It was
noted the home occupation permits have been issued in the past for that
particular purpose. Goecke believes that the permit process should stay
in place as it is because if the process was deleted now it would serve as
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 24
~) Approved
a great disservice to former applicants, especially those applicants that
were turned down. Goecke reiterated that he would like to see the
process stay in place. If a business is being operated from the home
then a home occupation permit needs to be applied for whether it costs
anything or not. Administration needs to know when a business is being
run out of a home.
Bryson stated this is a case of what goes around, comes around. In the
distant past and in the early stages of his representation on the Planning
Commission the interpretation was that there was no formal application
for home occupations. Bryson wasn't sure if there were any
modifications in the ordinance but there was in the interpretation which
evolved into a full blown application process. Bryson expressed desire
to have Mr. Grave propose something and wouldn't have any particular
problem with eliminating home occupation applications.
Nord felt that it would be unfair to people that have applied so the City
should continue with the home occupation permit process. Nord
continued, she would like to see the definitions less stringent as far as a
permit process goes, especially when looking at home occupations that
involves computers and doesn't generate any traffic in the area.
i
Werner-Quade stated she personally thought it is a good idea to review it
in order to know what is going on in town.
Bryson stated his only other comment is that home occupations need to
pay the taxes and obtain other licenses if needed, primarily sales taxes.
Graves stated there was one other issue, with staff issuing permits in
some cases and Planning and Zoning Commission in other cases.
Graves asked if it should be drafted so all permit requests come before
Planning and Zoning. The general consensus is the requests will come
before Planning and Zoning. Graves noted this practice would be good
for sales tax purposes and he should have a draft available at the next
meeting.
8. OLD BUSINESS: -None
9. CODE ENFORCEMENT ITEMS:
Glick asked staff if there was any follow-up to the Beaver Loop situation where
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
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j Approved
there was allegedly businesses being operated that should not have been.
LaShot replied that staff had no reports at this time but should by the next
meeting.
10. REPORTS:
c. City Council:
Bannock made the following report from the Council Agenda of March
18, 1998:
Item C-2 is the rent payment for the animal control shelter. The amount
is for seven months.
The gift shop at the Airport has a new operator. He is very excited about
being there to sell his native arts and crafts and it should be a
tremendous success.
Item H-6 the Change Order for $147,000 to the Alaska Regional Fire
Training Center. $120,000 of that was for a change the City requested
for an on-site well.
i
The dates for the budget work session were noted. April 8 will be held at
the Senior Center beginning at 7:00 p.m. April 28 and May 11 will be
held in Chambers at 7:00 p.m. Bannock encouraged Planning and
Zoning Commissioners to attend.
Item H-9 came directly from the Planning and Zoning minutes which
says, "Discussion -Ordinance for Moratorium /Reapplying for
Conditional Use Permit After Denial." Bannock stated this came directly
out of the Chumley issue discussed earlier. Bookey brought this as a
discussion item. Bannock felt this is an incredibly dangerous thing to
get into because of the varying Conditional Use Permits offered. The City
has on the book a law that says if a rezone is applied for and the rezone
is turned down you may not apply for a rezone for a period of 9 months.
Bannock reported that he and Mr. Smalley were under the impression
that you could not apply for Conditional Use Permit of the same thing for
that same period, which is inaccurate. However, Bannock cautioned the
Council on enacting an ordinance that would eliminate applying for a
Conditional Use Permit for any particular time on any particular piece of
ground because it is entirely possible that a person could apply for a
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March 25, 1998
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\j Approved
Conditional Use Permit at one end of the spectrum and be denied then
go all the way to the other end of the spectrum for something completely
different and be handcuffed to a rule that states because you were
turned down for one business you can't have another. Administration is
going to bring something to Council. Bannock indicated that he asked
that it come before Planning and Zoning first but the request was not
taken kindly.
Graves indicated the proposal he intends to send to Council is one which
would put a moratorium on a substantially similar issue to avoid a
situation where you apply for a hotel and get denied then you want a 7-
11, that would be different enough to where you can reapply within the
moratorium. Bannock stated depending on how Council viewed it, that
has a lot to do with it, for instance, as mentioned earlier, the Council
determined that they chose not to hear the second version, the version
approved tonight, of the Chumley appeal. Council felt they were
different enough issues that they chose to turn down the original appeal
in consistency with what Planning and Zoning turned down. Bannock
stated he didn't think this was such a bad idea as long as it is crystal
clear that just because a particular piece of ground and a particular
applicant had been denied a Conditional Use Permit, that doesn't
~ eliminate them for the rest of the year. Bannock continued, he and Mr.
Smalley would make sure Planning and Zoning is kept is posted as to
what happens with this issue.
There is some work going on in the Airport, both Hertz and Budget Car
Rental had leased the vacant spaces adjacent to their existing spaces.
b. Borough Planning:
Bryson reported a meeting was held on March 23, 1998. The agenda is
included in the packet and the following report made:
The consent agenda was approved.
Item E-1 an ordinance proposed to amend classification of Borough land
was approved. This item was carried forward from last year.
Item F-1 was a vacation of a turn around easement and it was approved.
Item F-2 -the Borough had received six lots in North Kenai which were
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 27
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being leased and used through the State process, leased by Jess Wade
as part of his business. The lots were reclassified as preferred
contractors parcels. The next item is an ordinance proposing and
authorizing the negotiated purchase of the six parcels at fair market
value was recommended to be approved.
Item F-4, reclassification of a ten acre parcel of Borough land in the
Cooper Landing area. This is the same area where a previous
application to reclassify this parcel was turned down at the Borough
Planning Commission level then it was appealed to the Borough
Assembly and was approved. There is a group in Cooper Landing
petitioning to classify the parcel back to preservation as it is a viewing
area for goats and sheep. The item has been postponed until May.
Items F-5 through F-7 were all recommended for approval.
Items G- l , H-1 and H-2 were approved.
Item J, Kenai River activities, what is popularly known as the Funny
River Bridge Crossing project was at the Borough Planning Commission
~ for a coastal zone review comments. The Administration proposed and
~ the Planning Commission concurred that the design request proceed to
have a more concrete impact on the effects of the bridge cited at that
proposed location.
c. Administration:
LaShot reported that the Forest Drive meeting with the State will be held
on March 26, 1998. This meeting was delayed a few times.
There will be a couple more sign variance requests before the
Commission at the next meeting.
The Beaver Loop business issue will be looked into.
Bryson asked if staff made a report on the uniform sign ordinance
information that was included in the last meeting packet. Nord clarified
the information was provided at her request.
Nord asked if the people who applied for a Conditional Use Permit for
the Bargain Barn on Beaver Loop had appealed the Commission's
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March 25, 1998
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Approved
decision. Graves replied that as of this time they have not, however, he
did discuss the appellant procedure with the applicant. She indicated at
that time that she would appeal but nothing has come through yet.
11. PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED:
Leo Oberts, Chinook Court, Kenai, Alaska attended the meeting to inform the
Commission that he is preparing his river front properties for sale. Oberts
showed Commissioners photos of the lots that have lost frontage due to boat
wakes. Oberts explained that he will be coming before the Commission in the
future regarding this issue.
12. INFORMATION ITEMS: -None
13. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS:
Commissioner Nord pointed out the reason she asked staff about the appeal
is because she was having some problems with the decision. Not the decision
that she said No because she would say No again based on what she knew.
After that meeting she re-read the Planning Commission handbook and it says,
if only a quorum is present, any one member could prevent matters before the
~ Commission from being adopted. This is because it takes a majority of the full
membership, not a majority of the quorum.
Councilman Bannock stated there are a few safeguards the City has in place
and it requires four positive votes to pass an ordinance, not necessarily a
majority of the four, but rather four positive votes. Bannock thought that sets
it at ease a little in that if there was only four people who wanted to support
something and they were the only four that were there, you had three people
that weren't there that wanted to oppose it, your vote would still pass. That's a
real important thing to note as we go down a very dangerous path if issues are
put off based on attendance. The question is whether or not there is a quorum
or whether there is enough members to vote. The key thing here is attendance
and Council certainly preaches about attendance. Bannock urged caution in
postponing based on attendance.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 29
Approved
14. ADJOURNMENT:
GOECKE MOVED TO ADJOURN. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:40 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Roper, Contract ecretary
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 25, 1998
Page 30