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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-27 P&Z MinutesCITY OF KENAI PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS May 27,1998 - 7:00 p.m. AGENDA http://www.Kenai.net/city 1. ROLL CALL: 2. SWEARING IN OF NEW COMMISSIONER: Art Graveley 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 13, 1998 5. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: 6. CONSIDERATION OF PLATS: 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. PZ98-20-An application for an Encroachment Permit for side yard setbacks for the property described as Lot 4, Block 1, Parks Subdivision (102 Highbush Lane), Kenai, Alaska. Application submitted by Bill Bradley Zubeck, 7983 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, AK 99611. b. PZ98-21-An application for a variance for an oversize sign with lighting for the property described as Lot 4, Block 1, Parks Subdivision (102 Highbush Lane), Kenai, AK 99611. c. PZ98-23-An application for an Encroachment Permit for the rear yard setbacks for the property described as Lot 6, Block 4, Thompson Park Addition #1 (3805 Primrose Place), Kenai, Alaska. Application submitted by Elliott N. Reid, P.O. Box 2541, Kenai, AK 99611. d. PZ98-24-An application for a Variance Permit for an off premise sign for the property described as Lot 2, Julissen Subdivision, Amended (4097 Beaver Loop Road), Kenai, Alaska. Application submitted by Rita Smagge, Kenaitze Indian Tribe I.R.A., P.O. Box 988, Kenai, AK 99611. e. PZ98-25-An application for a Variance Permit for front yard setbacks for the property described as Government Lot 176 (101 Highbush Lane), Kenai, Alaska. Application submitted by Rita Botelho, P.O. Box 61, Kenai, AK 99611. 8. NEW BUSINESS: a. Sale of Blocks 1 and 2, Five Iron Heights Subdivision. 9. OLD BUSINESS: a. Development Requirements Table--Discussion 10. CODE ENFORCEMENT ITEMS: a. Lot 2, BA, Spur Road #6 b. Lot 3A1, Spur Road Sub No. 7 11. REPORTS: a. City Council b. Borough Planning c. Administration 12. PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED: Planning & Zoning Commission Agenda 13. INFORMATION ITEMS: a. Letter to Michael Christian dated 5/7/98 b. Appointment Letter to Art Graveley dated 5/22/98 14. COMMISSION COMMENTS & QUESTIONS: May 27, 1998 Page 2 15. ADJOURNMENT: Approved CITY OF KENAI PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION May 2T, 1998 - 7:00 p.m. Chairman: Carl Glick *** MINUTES *** Ron Goecke called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Carl Glick, Phil Bryson, Ron Goecke, Barb Nord, Karen Mahurin, Art Graveley, Teresa Werner-Quade (arrived at 7:35 p.m.) Others Present: Councilman Hal Smalley, Administrative Assistant Marilyn Kebschull, Contract Secretary Barb Roper 2. SWEARING IN OF NEW COMMISSIONER: Art Graveley Commissioner Art Graveley was sworn in by Kebschull. Chairman Glick welcomed Graveley back to the Planning and Zoning Commission. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: GOECKE MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AND ASKED FOR UNANIMOUS CONSENT. MOTION SECONDED BY BRYSON. AGENDA WAS APPROVED AS PRESENTED. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: -May 13, 1998 GOECKE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MAY 13, 1998 AND ASKED FOR UNANIMOUS CONSENT. SECONDED BY MAHURIN. MINUTES OF MAY 13, 1998 WERE APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT. 5. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: None 6. CONSIDERATION OF PLATS: -None Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 1 .~ Approved T. PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. PZ98-20 - An application for an Encroachment Permit for side yard setbacks for the property described as Lot 4, Block 1, Parks Subdivision (102 Highbush Lane), Kenai, Alaska. Application submitted by Bill Bradley Zubeck, 7983 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, AK 99611. MAHURIN MOVED TO APPROVE P298-20. MOTION SECONDED BY NORD. No public hearing. Bryson reported he reviewed the as-built submitted with the application and noted the garage was interpreted as not needing to meet the 25' front setback which is acceptable. Bryson also noted it appeared the intent was to create the fifteen foot side setback and it didn't end up that way due to field construction so it would be appropriate to approve the application. VOTE BRYSON Yes WERNER-QUADE Absent GOECKE Yes NORD yes MAHURIN Yes GRAVELEY Yes GLICK yes Motion passed unanimously. b. PZ98-21 - An application for a variance for an oversize sign with lighting for the property described as Lot 4, Block 1, Parks Subdivision (102 Highbush Lane), Kenai, AK 99611. NORD MOVED TO APPROVE PZ98-21. MOTION SECONDED BY GOECKE. Brad Zubeck indicated that he was in attendance to answer any questions the Commission may have. No further public hearing. Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 2 Approved Goecke reported he did not have a problem with the sign but he does have a problem with it being lit. Goecke felt if a lit sign was approved then future requests would have to be approved in other subdivisions. Goecke suggested the applicant consider a yard light for his sign. Mahurin reiterated that she is on record as being opposed to any variances to the City's sign ordinance and pointed out this variance is for a home occupation which is already a special use. Mahurin indicated she is opposed to allowing the variance. Bryson requested a segregation of the two issues making two motions; one specifically for the lighting of the sign and the second for the size of the sign. BRYSON MOVED TO AMEND THE ORIGINAL MOTION TO SEGREGATE THE ISSUE INTO TWO AREAS, LIGHTING AND SIZE OF THE SIGN. GOECKE SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE WERNER-QUADE Absent GOECKE Yes NORD Yes MAHURIN Yes GRAVELEY Yes BRYSON Yes GLICK Yes Motion passed unanimously. Glick requested the size of the sign be discussed first. Mahurin pointed out the variance request of 28 square feet is significant and discussions just took place on home occupations which included the innocuous use of a part of a home for a home business that doesn't draw a lot of attention to it. The requested size of the sign would certainly draw attention. Mahurin stated she could not support the request. Nord isn't opposed to the size of the sign being 32 feet considering the location and thought it would not be very visible to many people in that particular area. Nord wondered why the two issues could not be discussed at the same time and indicated that she wanted to go on record a saying she is not opposed to allowing the variance. Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 3 Approved VOTE (Sign Size Onlyj NORD Yes MAHURIN No GRAVELEY No BRYSON Yes WERNER-QUADE Absent GOECKE Yes GLICK No 3 Yes votes, 3 No votes, Motion failed. Glick requested the lighting of the sign be discussed as the applicant may want to consider a smaller sign. Brad Zubeck, P.O. Box 1156, Girdwood, Alaska 99587 stated the request for the sign is for 32 square feet but he does not intend to use all the square footage. This only allows him some room to work with and he doesn't want a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood blocking the view to his house. Zubeck thought coming back to the Commission with an actual sign proposal would be better. Glick asked if the lighting issue should be dropped until the proposal was provided. Zubeck indicated he would leave the decision to the Commission and pointed out the lighted sign would not be necessary in the summertime but in the winter it would be nice to have a couple small lights. Zubeck continued, he could see the Commission's point if they wishto reject the request for lighting the sign since there is no actual design, it could be HEA yard lights or an innocuous spot light. Zubeck reiterated it is not his intent to use the entire 32 square feet for his sign, he just wants the ability to go that large if it would look good as he would not do anything to detract from the property or the area. Zubeck thought the current code allows fora 4 foot sign and he thinks that is pretty small in order to read it or place a plexi-glass brochure box on it. Glick asked if Zubeck intends to come back with a specific sign design for the Commission to review. Zubeck stated he would. Mahurin pointed out that Zubeck gave his home address as Girdwood and asked about the home occupation in Kenai. Zubeck reported he will be living in Kenai and will be residing at the residence. Mahurin asked if Zubeck would have a local mailing address. Zubeck answered that he would. Bryson asked if one of the persons who voted on the prevailing side Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 4 Approved would be willing to make a Motion for reconsideration. Glick stated he voted so would make notice of reconsideration at the next meeting so if Zubeck wanted to bring back something specific he could do so at that time. Zubeck indicated his design would also specify the type of lighting he would like to use. Goecke stated he would not vote in favor of a lighted sign as he does not feel a residential area is conducive to lighted signs regardless of the size. Glick asked other Commissioner's what their feelings were for a lighted sign. Mahurin stated she would vote no. Bryson stated given the opinion of the sign size he would tend to believe that if it was voted on now it would probably fail. Nord stated she would vote no. Graveley stated he would vote no. BRYSON MOVED TO POSTPONE THE DECISION OF THE SIGN UNTIL THE NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING. GRAVELEY SECONDED. MAHURIN No BRYSON Yes GOECKE Yes GLICK Yes GRAVELEY Yes WERNER-QUADE Absent NORD Motion passed. Yes c. PZ98-23 - An application for an Encroachment Permit for the rear yard setbacks for the property described at Lot 6, Block 4, Thompson Park Addition # 1 (3805 Primrose Place), Kenai, Alaska. Application submitted by Elliott N. Reid, P.O. Box 2541, Kenai, AK 99611 MAHURIN MOVED TO APPROVE PZ98-23. MOTION SECONDED BY NORD. No public comment. Staff had nothing additional but Kebschull pointed out the Building Official was present to answer any questions from the Commissioners. Springer noted that he had nothing to add to the application. Glick asked what was behind the lot. Springer thought there was a Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 5 Approved fence and a structure which isn't very close. Graveley noted one of the comments on the application is the applicant intends to enlarge the structure at a later date which would require this encroachment permit. Graveley asked which direction the garage was being enlarged. Springer indicated he would be building a structure between it and the house or actually connecting his house so it would be in front. Graveley asked if he would not be going to the west or north. Springer confirmed that he would not. Graveley asked if there were utilities running behind the area. Springer did not think so. Mahurin indicated she did not have a problem with granting the encroachment permit but did not want to give an approval for any sort of further encroachment by another building permit. Mahurin asked what type of stipulations needed to be placed on the permit. Springer replied, in order for the applicant to do any additional work to his structure he needed an encroachment permit. Glick asked if the applicant would not be adding to the part that encroaches, only adding to another part of the building. Springer confirmed that was correct, he would not be increasing the encroachment, he would like to add to the front of the building to utilize more of the front yard. Bryson stated as he understands the application is for an encroachment permit which is specifically for an existing situation. Bryson continued, a variance would be required for any future building into a side setback which is not being applied for. Mahurin thought the applicant was asking for a permit for future encroachment and understands that is not what was being asked for. Nord asked if an encroachment permit was issued and the building should burn down after adding on to it would the applicant be allowed to encroach. Springer replied, the attorney would have to clarify that as at this time if the structure were to burn down he would not be able to rebuild in the same location without a permit. Spring thought once an encroachment permit is provided he would be allowed to rebuild in the same location, therefore, a ruling from the attorney would be required. VOTE GRAVELEY Yes BRY30N Yes WERNER-QUADE Absent GOECKE Yes Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 6 '; I Approved NORD Yes MAHURIN Yes CLICK Yes Motion passed uaanimously. d. PZ98-24 - Aa application for a Variance Permit for an off premise sign for the property described as Lot 2, Julissen Subdivision, Amended (1097 Beaver Loop Roadj, Kenai, Alaska. Application submitted by Rita Smagge, Kenaitze Indian Tribe I.R.A., P.O. Box 988, Kenai, AK 99611. GOECKE MOVED TO APPROVE PZ98-24. MOTION SECONDED BY MAHURIN. Rita Smagge, Executive Director for Kenaitze Indian Tribe, P.O. Box 3075, Kenai, Alaska, 99611 reported she was in attendance to represent the Tribe on their application for a variance permit for anoff- premise sign for the greenhouse. Smagge continued, the greenhouse is located at 255 North Ames and is off the main roadway so Olga Julissen, a Tribal Member, has given permission for the Tribe to place a sign on her property. Goecke indicated that he would be voting against the request since one was just turned down by the Commission where a builder was wanting to put up a sign for some development and placing a sign off premises. Goecke reported the decision was being appealed to City Council but the Commission has no choice but to turn down the request because of that. Nord stated being one of the persons who voted yes on the sign before, she will also be in favor of this request. (A problem with the microphones was noted by a member in the audience, the problem was corrected and the meeting continued). Nord continued, she checked with staff to see if the appeal had gone through and what the status was. Since this issue is the same as the last one, she will again vote yes. Mahurin reported she didn't have a problem with this one as she did with the other request since the difference is the Kenai Spur Highway and Beaver Loop Road, a primary and secondary road. Mahurin continued, in this particular the case the owner of the property is also Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 7 Approved indirectly involved with the business which could be looked at as a non- profit. Mahurin pointed out the difference between the two signs, the request that was denied was for property off the Spur Highway for future commercial development. The request being considered is for an informational sign and Mahurin hoped that it would comply with the sign ordinance. Goecke stated the party who was allowing the other sign was involved because the land belonged to the City of Kenai. Kebschull (illegible) asked if the sign would be a commercial size sign since it would be for a commercial operation or would it be a residential size sign since it is being placed on residential property. Kebschull thought the Commission needed to determine the size of the sign. Werner-Quade arrived at 7:35 p.m. Glick asked Smagge what size sign was being proposed. Smagge replied, the sign would be whatever is required by ordinance. General discussion took place on the size of the sign and it was decided the issue would be voted upon and the Commission would assume the applicant would conform to the sign ordinance. VOTE BRYSON Yes GOECKE No MAHURIN Yes GLICK No WERNER-QUADE Yes NORD Yes GRAVELEY Yes Motion passed. e. PZ98-25 - An application for a Variance Permit for front yard setbacks for the property described as Government Lot 176 (Highbush Lane), Kenai, Alaska. Application submitted by Rita Botelho, P.O. Box 61, Kenai, AK 99611. NORD MOVED TO APPROVE P298-25. MOTION SECONDED BY WERNER-QUADE. Rita Botelho, P.O. Box 615, Kenai, Alaska 99611 stated the site plan Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 199$ Page 8 Approved indicates the lot as being unique although it is 2.5 acres. There is a slim ridge that is available to build anything on and a surveyor checked it out. The house is going to be 24 x 28. Botelho indicated that she would like to add something on eventually, therefore, is asking for a setback. Glick asked if the first floor was going to be cut into the bank. Botelho answered, it would be a daylight basement. Glick confirmed the first floor would be cut into the bank so there would actually only be one story in the back part. Botelho confirmed that was correct. Glick asked where the driveway was going to go. Bothelho answered, the driveway will be off to the right where the 15 foot mark is on the setback. Bryson stated the rationale of the topography is a major issue and the request is appropriate. Graveley indicated that he weighs heavily with the City Engineer's comments that the variance would allow reasonable use of the lot without filling wetlands and the comment of garages are allowed by code to encroach by 10 feet of front property line. Graveley continued, the Building Official commented the amount of usable building site on the lot is very limited and would be cost prohibitive at any other location. Nord noted this is a very nice lot size but there isn't very much land to build on so she will be voting in favor of the request. VOTE WERNER-QUADE Yes GOECKE Yes NORD Yes MAHURIN Yes GRAVELEY Yes BRYSON yes GLICK yes Motion passed unanimously. 8. NEW BUSINESS: a. Sale of Blocks 1 and 2, Five Iron Heights Subdivision. Glick reported the Commission is required to tell City Council that the lots are not needed for public use and can be sold. Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 9 Approved Goecke thought this is a great idea and he has been looking for this to happen since the golf course was built. Goecke commented it would be Council's decision on how the blocks would be marketed. Goecke felt a sealed bid per lot would be the best way to go rather than giving one big deal to a particular developer. MAHURIN MOVED TO DECLARE BLOCKS 1 AND 2 IN FIVE IRON HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION AS NOT BEING NEEDED FOR PUBLIC USE. GOECKE SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE GOECKE Yes NORD Yes MAHURIN Yes GRAVELEY Yes BRYSON Yes WERNER-QUADE Yes CLICK Yes Motion passed unanimously. 9. OLD BUSINESS: a. Development Requirements Table -Discussion Goecke asked if the memo from Springer should be handled first since it is a separate item. Mahurin felt that a Motion was not required on the memo as she would vote against it so if Goecke wants action on it someone would have to make a Motion or the Commission should just read the memo and keep going. BRYSON MOVED TO INCORPORATE THE INTENT OF THE SETBACK ALLOWANCES A3 REFLECTED IN SPRINGER'S MEMO AND REQUESTED IT BE INCORPORATED IN THE ENABLING ORDINANCE. SECONDED BY GOECKE. Bryson stated the memo addresses very small encroachment situations typically the 1 foot to 1-1 / 2 foot maximum and these situations are more likely and not caused by casual construction or minor blunders. The situations are not pre-meditated and Bryson feels this is an appropriate approach. Mahurin indicated she feels just the opposite since when she first came back to the Planning and Zoning Commission she believed the first Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 10 Approved several items that were dealt with were encroachments with all new houses being built. Mahurin continued, she operates under the fact that she would rather give permission than forgiveness as opposed to doing something and then assuming it's okay to ask for it to be grand fathered. Mahurin is concerned that if the Commission grants 10%, which may cut down on time, but sometimes speed doesn't take the place of being able to talk about things and stopping precedence from happening. Mahurin also thinks there has been some misuse of the setbacks so she is opposed to incorporating it into the land table. Werner-Quade noted she is in favor of the memo as there is a very small percentage and a lot of the items reviewed fall into the category. Werner- Quade continued, she is really in favor of #3, Reduce the Cost to the Public, as people come before the Commission for very small amounts asking for a variance. Bryson requested that Administration explain the changes to the table. Kebschull reported she would explain changes on page 1 and Springer would explain the changes on page 2. Kebschull explained the new Table specifies single, two and three family dwellings, which was not specified in the old Table. These are actually the minimum lot sizes for those zones in the City. Kebschull continued, staff took those numbers and filled in the blanks. The "N's" come from the Land Use Table that was just worked on. In the seven-family dwelling is where an actual figure was determined to increase lot size for each family dwelling. The way the figure was determined was from the old Table taking 7200, which was the smallest lot size, and divided it by 3 to get 2400 sq. ft. Mahurin stated she was confused as by looking at the newest Title 14 and the existing Developments Requirement Table from 1991, page 2. The four-family dwelling without water/sewer says in the RR, 40,000 is not included in the Table so Mahurin is concerned. Kebschull explained that when the water and sewer requirements were looked at it was determined that the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation sets the requirements. Mahurin agreed the old Table with or without water/sewer was confusing but the question is can the City be more restrictive than DEC. Kebschull answered, the City does not regulate onsite water and sewer. Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 11 Approved Springer explained the changes on page 2 consists of the inclusion of footnotes to define how the side setbacks are determined. The first footnote's intent is if one portion of a building is one story and the other portion is two story, then the side setback is independently determined rather than taking the view of the structure as a whole. Springer continued, the plot plan as-builts would be submitted by distinguishing where single and two-story portions of the building are actually located on the lot. This way you couldn't have atwo-story structure with a small one story portion 5 feet from the property line. The two-story portion would still have to maintain the larger 15 foot setback. Springer stated the second footnote basically defines what a story is, 1- story, 2-story, daylight basement, etc. Glick thought the changes were what was discussed previously by the Commission. Mahurin asked if the Motion was to approve the Developments Requirement Table but to approve the incorporation of Springer's memo. Bryson confirmed that was correct, the inclusion would create a page 3 to the Table. VOTE NORD Yes MAHURIN No BRYSON Yes GOECKE Yes GRAVELEY Yes WERNER-QUADE Yes GLICK Yes Motion passed. Glick asked for a Motion to accept the Development Requirements Table. MAHURIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS TABLE AS AMENDED. SECONDED BY GOECKE. Kebschull reported that a Public Hearing needed to be scheduled. MAHURIN AMENDED THE MOTION TO SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING AT THE NEXT MEETING. SECONDED BY GOECKE. Bryson reported there was one other item that needs to be added to Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 12 Approved page 14-72 which deals with maximum heights. The paragraph should read: "All structures in aircraft-approach zones and within 8,000 feet of the main runway shall be subject to height limitation on the basis of obstruction criteria as shown on the current FAA approved Kenai Airport Master Plan drawings on file at City Hall." Bryson stated it would be appropriate to have it at City Hall and not at the Airport due to the building permit situations. MAHURIN AMENDED THE MAIN MOTION TO INCLUDE THE ADDITION TO THE SECTION ON MAXIMUM HEIGHTS. VOTE MAHURIN Yes GRAVELEY Yes BRYSON Yes WERNER-QUADS Yes GOECKE Yes NORD yes GLICK Yes 10. CODE ENFORCEMENT ITEMS: a. Lot 2, BA, Spur Road #6 b. Lot 3A 1, Spur Road Sub No. 7 Kebschull reported that no response was received regarding the code enforcement items. 11. REPORTS a. City Council Smalley made the following report based on the copy of the agenda included in the meeting packet: Item B-1, Chuck McGee from the U.S. Census Bureau reported that approximately 35-45 people will be hired to perform the work which should be accomplished in 3 months. Item B-2, Carter discussed the future of the Airport and the fact that within 10 years Anchorage would not have anymore land to expand so a Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 13 Approved hub would be required. The Kenai Airport could provide that but new runways would need to be constructed. Smalley indicated the Council believes that where the airport goes the peninsula goes. Council directed City Administration to discuss Carter's thoughts with him and to share them with the Airport Commission then develop a contract with Carter to review the possibilities of the potential development of the airport. Items C-1 through 7 were passed. Smalley reported items 5 and 6 were reluctantly passed as the City was somewhat held hostage to perform the tasks knowing there is the potential for great amount of expense if there is any contamination. New Airport and Planning and Zoning Commissioners were approved. Discussion took place on the future of the Historic District Board. A meeting will be held with Council, Planning and Zoning and the Historic District Board to discuss Planning and Zoning possibly resuming the responsibility of Old Town. Item H-5 was approved and is a calling card vending machine located in the Airport Terminal. b. Borough Planning Bryson reported a meeting was held on Tuesday, May 26 because of the holiday. During the Plat meeting 11 plats were presented and 10 were approved and one was postponed by the surveyor. None of these were in the City of Kenai. During the regular meeting the a significant item under Public Hearings was Item F-2, a petition to vacate a 66 foot section line .easement adjacent to the Kenai River. The individuals occupying the two lots have residences built on the section lines, however, the Borough is in the process of evaluating all the road easements that would lead to the Kenai River and this is one that will be addressed. Action was postponed. Item H-1 was a request by the owner to obtain a waiver of the survey Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 14 Approved requirements because it is a large 40 acre parcel. Item H-3 was postponed until November at the request of the State. Since then the State and the applicant have met on several aspects of the request for vacation and have come to some memorandum of agreement. Portions of the application are going to be rescheduled. One item that was not included was the easement in the City of Kenai. Apparently no agreement has been obtained. c. Administration: Kebschull reported that when reviewing Mr. Zubeck's request for a sign in a residential zone it appeared that there were some discrepancies in the code which may need to be looked at more closely. Kebschull continued, it's a concern if you don't want lighted signs in a residential zone when it is permitted for churches, schools, community centers, public charitable institutions, they could have a 32 sq. ft. sign. Kebschull reported she will not be at the next meeting. 12. PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED: Brad Zubeck recommended that the Planning and Zoning Commission consider amending the Code to include the requirement of an actual design before a variance application is brought to the Commission. This would help the applicants to get their materials together before approaching the Commission. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS: a. Letter to Michael Christian dated 5/7/98 b. Appointment Letter to Art Graveley dated 5/22/98 14. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS: Commissioner Mahurin stated this was a hard meeting as there was a lot of work and welcomed Mr. Graveley to the Commission. Mahurin expressed concern about the comments made by Council regarding the Historic Board. Mahurin feels there is definitely a special interest Board that needs to be preserved and not necessarily incorporated into Planning and Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 15 Approved Zoning. Mahurin continued, it's no secret that she still has very negative feelings about the actions Planning and Zoning took when it came to Townsite Historic rezoning. Mahurin encouraged the Commission to watch what goes on and hopes that Council could maybe come up with some other ideas as to how a Historic Board can function without being incorporated into Planning and Zoning. Commissioner Werner-Quade welcomed Graveley back to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Commissioner Goecke also welcomed Graveley to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Goecke stated at one time he would have agreed with Mahurin's comments regarding the Historic District Board but from every indication the Board has had maybe one meeting a year where they had a quorum. Goecke continued, that may be a little on the far side but they have had a severe time trying to get a quorum at the meetings so Council is probably right in assuming the Board isn't doing what they are supposed to do so something needs to be done. Councilman Smalley reported a short list of four consultants to do a presentation on the Challenger Learning Center for architectural design has been established. Smalley noted it would be difficult to make a selection as all proposals are excellent. Smalley stated that someone may see some City equipment in the Oilers ballfield. The Parks and Rec Department has made arrangements with the Oilers to do some work on the field in exchange for product. This year Parks and Rec will receive fertilizer which happens to be a huge expense. Smalley commented on the Townsite Historic Board and noted that Council is interested in public input that's why no position was taken to do anything irrational. Smalley stated that part of the problem is the lack of quorum. Council will meet with Planning and Zoning and the Historic Board to make a decision in the future which would be in the best interest of the City. Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 16 I Approved 15. ADJOURNMENT: GOECKE MOVED TO ADJOURN. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:25 P.M. Respectfully submitted, ~- Barbara Roper ontract Secretary Planning & Zoning Commission May 27, 1998 Page 17