HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-06-24 P&Z MinutesCITY OF KENAI -
~ ~ PLANNII~~ AND ZONIN.~ COMMISSION
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AGENDA '~~
KENAI CITY COUNCIL C)~AMBERS
June 24, 1998 - 7:00 p.m.
http://www.Kenai.net/city
1. ROLL CALL:
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 10, 1998
4. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD:
5. CONSIDERATION OF PLATS:
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6. PUBLIC HEARINGS: y~
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a. PZ98-28-An application to amend Conditional Use Permit PZ95-30 to include a erusfiing plant
and an asphalt plant for the property described as Tract 6, Horseshoe End at River Benda:
Subdivision (approximately 2113 Beaver Loop Road). The original permit (PZ95-30) was issued
for Extraction of Natural Resources. Application submitted by foster Construction, PO. Bow
303, Soldotna, Alaska. Continued from June 10, 1998.
7. NEW BUSINESS:
a. PZ98-30-A resolution of the Kenai Planning and Zoning Commission recommending thatahe
Kenai City Council approve the Historic Preservation Plan for the City of Kenai: E
8. OLD BUSINESS:
9. CODE ENFORCEMENT ITEMS:
a. PZ98-08-Variance Permit (Oversize Sign}-One Stop Grocery
10. REPORTS:
a. City Council
b. Borough Planning .: ~~ .~ ',`._ .._._' -_ __ , . ,
c. Administration -~-~ «-~'
11. PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED: r , -
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12. INFORMATION ITEMS: ? .-
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a. State of Alaska 2000-2002 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plaf~~STLP)• Ev~~uat~
Criteria ~ ;
b. Kenai Peninsula Borough Trail Plan & Preliminary Needs List ~ :`jl ~ •
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13. COMMISSION COMMENTS & QUESTIONS: ~ ~
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14. ADJOURNMENT: `' ,'-' ~~~-~- - . •~'
Approved
CITY OF KENAI
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMI~
June 24, 1998 - T: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, Karen Mahurin, Art Graveley
Others Present: Councilman Hal Smalley, City Attorney Cary Graves,
Administrative Assistant Marilyn Kebschull, Contract
Secretary Barb Roper
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
GOECKE MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA WITH THE ADDITIONAL
ITEMS HANDED OUT PRIOR TO THE MEETING AND ASKED FOR
UNANIMOUS CONSENT. MOTION SECONDED BY MAHURIN.
AGENDA WAS APPROVED AS PRESENTED.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: -June 10, 1998
Graveley requested his last name be spelled correctly in the June 10, 1998
minutes.
MAHURIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JUNE 10, 1998.
SECONDED BY GOECKE.
Mahurin and Werner-Quade stated the person identified on page 21 as Vesta
Leigh was actually Jo-An Buzzell. The name needs to be corrected.
THE MINUTES OF JUNE 10, 1998 WERE APPROVED AS CORRECTED.
4. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: None
5. CONSIDERATION OF PLATS: -None
Planning & Zoning Commission
June 24, 1998
Page 1
Approved
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
a. P298-28 - An application to amend Conditional Use Permit PZ95-
30 to include a crushing plant and an asphalt plant for the property
described as Tract 6, Horseshoe End at River Bend Subdivision
(approximately 2113 Beaver Loop Road). The original permit (PZ95-
30) was issued for Extraction of Natural Resources. Applications
submitted by Foster Construction, P.O. Box 303, 3oldotna, Alaska.
Continued from June 10, 1998.
GRAVELEY MOVED TO APPROVE P298-28 -APPLICATION TO
AMEND CUP PZ95-30. MOTION SECONDED BY GOECKE.
Glick noted this was a continuation from the last meeting but a public
hearing will be allowed as it was advertised. Glick requested those
individuals wishing to speak to the item to come forward, enter their
name on the sign in sheet and state their name and address for the
record. Glick also stated that testimony will be limited to 3 minutes.
Verbatim Begins
Phil Nash, 110 S. Willow, # 104, Kenai, Alaska - I hope that wasn't
included in my three minutes (he signed in).
Glick: That will start now.
Nash: Again my name is Phil Nash, my office address is 110 S. Willow,
# 104, Kenai. I represent the estate of Waldo Coyle, currently
administered by George Goerig, Esq. and Sue Wright, Beneficiary. A...
an official of the City yesterday suggested to me that the commission
members might not understand that I am an attorney paid from the
estate assets ah... (illegible) and that I should disclose that fact to you
tonight in case there was any question about where my pay may be
coming from.
Members of the Commission, Mr. Chairman, I have...I'm going to try
and...and...direct myself to about five issues tonight. The first one is a
potential for a procedural error. The notice for the public hearing was
an application to amend the Conditional Use Permit, PZ95-30. The
motion at the hearing on June 10 was to approve an amendment to that
conditional use permit. There was considerable public op...opposition.
Planning & Zoning Commission
June 24, 1998
Page 2
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It was again brought up as a motion to amend tonight except that
yesterday the City informed me that it is now, apparently, considering
this, or maybe considering this, as instead a new application under
Section 150, which has much less stringent requirements and not an
amendment under 151. Now, I'm not sure that that will come before you
tonight but of course we are here under a public hearing so I can only
address those issues that I... I think I'm aware of. My point is, if that
does come to you tonight, in further proceedings in this matter, I would
suggest to you, and...in fact I would submit for the appeal record, that
the public notice, if that is an amendment, the public notice is thereby
procedurally defective, the motion placing the matter before the body
last June 10, wha...what it was, would be procedurally defective, the
motion bringing the matter on before you tonight would be procedurally
defective, it would violate the whole concept of your...your municipal
code and the state law and the Constitution of the State of Alaska. I
hope that won't come up tonight.
Next section, to the extent that this is in fact an amendment process,
which is what is setting on before you as, my first point is that there is
no special advantage to an amendment and...and....I would suggest it's
important for you to remember that. Kenai Munic...Municipal Code
14.20-158(b) provides that a permit holder may amend his site plan and
statements by filing an application for amendment, etc., etc.. The
commission shall approve the application for amendment if the original
application would have been approved had it contained the provisions of
the application for amendment. So, the theory is...is to remember you
can't boot-strap something in by giving one permit first and then trying
to amend later and slide it in on its own. They all have to work together.
To the extent that this is a Conditional Use for Surface Extraction of
Natural Resources, there's another matter that's very important relative
to your code, Kenai Municipal Code 14.21.151, provides in pertinent
part that the application for the conditional use permit, this would be
the same for an amendment for that use permit, to engage in the
surfin...surface extraction of natural resources shall be in writing, etc.,
have to have a site plan, all the rest, number 7, under part (a) is very
important, location and nature of other operations.
The next thing, Findings Following a Public Hearing. Kenai Municipal
Code 14.21.154 (a) provides that upon the basis of the application,
supplemental information and the public hearing, the commission shall
Planning 8~ Zoning Commission
June 24, 1998
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make a determination. Folks, that is a finding of fact for the courts. A
determination as to whether the need for the particular natural resource,
which will be of course crushed gravel and asphalt, within the City of
Kenai outweighs any detrimental effects the operation may have on
surrounding property owners.
Glick: Mr. Nash, you're way past 3 minutes already.
Nash: I... I would ask for special consideration to be able to permit since
I'm arguing the law and not an emotional issue.
Glick: Only if somebody else in the audience is willing to give up their
time.
(Three individuals indicated they would give up their time)
Nash: Thank you. Item number 4 maybe important for you to take a
look at, and that is your annual report requirements. Kenai Municipal
Code 14.20.155(b) provides that the permit holder shall submit a yearly
report. Have there been annual reports? Now, I'm not saying there
haven't, I am saying that the file, at least, that I looked at did not
include any annual reports. If there had been no annual reports, should
the existing permit not be terminated under KMC 14.21.57?
Next point, To the extent that this may be a new conditional use permit
brought before you tonight, 14.21.50(a) provides generally that there are
some uses which may be compatible with the principal uses in some
zones if conditions are met. (b) (1) provides, uses not specifically
permitted in the zone concerned may be permitted providing the
following conditions are met, this is included on the front. Part (ii), such
uses must be in harmony with the intent of the zone. Now, well come
back the intent of the zone in a minute. Section (b) (2) is even more
important, it provides, and this is important. Development and
extraction of natural resources which can be mined underground
without substantially disturbing the surface of the land may be
permitted, providing the benefits to the City in terms of economic
development must outweigh any adverse effects on the adjoining
properties. Ladies and Gentlemen, I would submit it would be
absolutely preposterous to assume that your code would permit the
development of something underground, I mean, make the requirement
on the development of something underground only if the benefits of the
Planning & Zoning Commission
June 24, 1998
Page 4
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ter...and...the...the City in terms of economical development outweigh
any adverse effects of the...to the adjoining property owners, and they'll
make the same requirement if it is above ground. Kenai Municipal Code
14.20.150(b)(3) then provides that if you're going to have a surface
extraction you got to do it under the other surface extraction code which
is the 151. Which Ike already talked to.
Now, we'll hit probably the most important one, that is the intent of rural
residential. Kenai Municipal Code 14.20.080(a)(2)(i) provides the intent
of the rural residential zone to be as follows: The rural residential zone is
intended to provide for low density residential development in outlying
and rural areas in a form which creates a stable and attractive
residential environment. The specific intent in establishing this zone is
to provide uses which would violate the residential character of the
environment. Does a rock crusher and an asphalt plant violate the
residential character of the environmental specific intent of that zone
required under your code?
After the last hearing I read in the Clarion, as you probably all did, that
the City of Soldotna had recently awarded a paving contract to Foster
Construction. I wrote to the City Manager, tried to determined if there
were provisions in the contract for the batch plant to be located in
Soldotna. A copy of that is included in the packet I will be giving you as
(illegible). His responding letter is interesting and I am also providing
that for a copy of the record, but Note 3, paragraph 3 of the letter;
Finding an acceptable site so as not to affect a beautiful and quiet
bedroom community may be difficult to do as most citizens consider
their neighborhoods to be just that. Now, Mr. Bodecker's letter also
addresses existing screening and asphalt plants. One is as you enter
Soldotna from Kenai. I got a copy of a brand new map from the Borough
that's marked Waldo Coyle Exhibit "E", Kenai Peninsula Borough GIS
Plat Map 18, everybody knows about it, can take a look at it, it'll be a
part of the record.
At the last meeting I gave you a copy of Ruby's Dazzling Scenic View
Subdivision, I now would refer you to the Kenai Peninsula Borough GIS
Plat River...Plat Map Kenai River 6, this is the area we are interested
when you look at it (Nash is holding the plat map up) you will notice that
Ruby's Dazzling Subdiview...Subdivision is not yet in this Section 10 but
it does show the location of most of the homes of these folks who are
here tonight, perhaps you may want to put it up so that they can show
Planning & Zoning Commission
June 24, 1998
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you as they come up to testify where their little piece of the rock is.
I have one last comment. Members of the Commission, Mr.
Commissioner, if it would be difficult to find an acceptable site in the
City of Soldotna to put a rock crusher and an asphalt plant, why would
it be easier in the City of Kenai? I can assure you that the citizens of the
City of Kenai consider their rural residential bedroom communities to be
just as beautiful as do the cities.... citizens of the City of Soldotna.
Thank you.
Nash: I would like to... if I may approach? (Nash handed out the
"Objection of Waldo Coyle Estate" -copy included as part of the record).
The one with the yellow is for the official record, I have copies for... of the
entire packet, for the members of the Commission who would like to
have them. Here's more of Exhibit "E", and I will either give this one to
you (talking about the plat map) or leave this one here depending on
how you want it, for whoever wants to read it.
Glick: You can let it there for the moment.
Nash: Okay (laid map on floor in front of podium). Okay, because I
doubt that anybody would be much interested in me for the rest of the
night, I would ask to be excused.
Glick: Okay, thank you Mr. Nash.
Dave Knudsen, 4460 Beaver Loop, Kenai, Alaska - I need to sign in
(gave up his time for Nash). Mr. Nash took most of my time. Ah... Curt
Wilcox asked me to ah... make sure you had a copy of his letter and...
the point that he wanted me to bring up was the request is not
consistent with the intent of the details of the City Code in reference to;
such uses must be in harmony with the intent of the zone. And...so
I...you..you have a copy of this don't you? And...
Glick: Sir, would you state your name also.
Dave Knudsen, I live at ah... 4460 Beaver Loop, and... and... and I
concur with ah... Mr. Wilcox. So, you have a copy of this right?
Glick: Yes.
Planning & Zoning Commission
June 24, 1998
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Knudsen: Okay.
Glick: Thank you. Anyone else in the audience wishing to speak to this
item?
Lloyd Richardson, 495 Dolchok, Kenai, Alaska -and I'll onl....only
use my 30 seconds. The reason we bought in that particular area is
because it was rural residential, also that there were covenants in the
area maintaining the value of the properties and I believe that an asphalt
plant and rock crusher would deteriorate the value of the ah...
neighborhood as well as the ah...surrounding area. Ike delivered a lot of
gas and diesel to ah...asphalt plants in the past in the Lower 48 and
every one of them had a certain fragrance about them that I don't believe
you would want blowing in your bedroom window. Thank you.
Glick: Alright, thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak?
Delora Garcia, 2528 Dolchock, Kenai, Alaska - My husband was at
the last meeting and he told you how he felt about this and it has not
changed. I'm sure you all remember how much he was against this.
Thank you.
Gordon Gifford, 1509 Barabara Drive, Kenai, Alaska - I will look
right at it. Ike been there 27 years in that house. I did not have any...
couldn't have perceived of any way that I would be living next to an
aspalt plant. I've installed em', in California, I've been around crushers.
Also on the way to Anchorage this last week, there is one operating in
the Pass. None of you want it in your neighborhood putting out
sp....stack off the asphalt...a stack dust, a plume of dust off the crusher.
I don't think we need it in our neighborhood. It's rural residential....I...I
don't understand even why we have to fight it. Why is it going in? I
don't understand it, but I guess well have to fight it. I don't understand
why, we don't want it, we don't need it. Put it out on Marathon Road
somewhere, get it out of our neighborhood. Let him truck his rock to
Marathon Road. Crush it, burn it and...hopefully, the Airport may not
like it. I'm against it, I hope we don't have to take it further. Thank you.
Victor Hett, 150? Barabara Drive, Kenai, Alaska -Good evening, my
name if Victor Hett. I'm....I hate to come here again like I did two weeks
ago. Um... as the rest of these people, my feelings have not changed. I
noticed in Mr. Foster's letter that there's ah...mention of the traffic would
Planning & Zoning Commission
June 24, 1998
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be less because they will all go towards the Bridge Access. Well, getting
out of my little street, I live on 1507 Barabara Drive, stepping back, I~1
also be looking right at it, smelling it, listening to it, I don't want to do
that. Um...I don't know who's going to pay for fixing Beaver Loop cause
it's kinda going to pieces as we mentioned last week, and getting out of
my road is a problem, even now, but with the trucks it's even worse in
the summer. Ah... they continually run the stop sign there at Bridge
Access, which, I'm not the law so I guess that's not my worry except that
is a bad intersection. We kinda put up with the gravel pit, um... the only
reason may be now is that (illegible) in the road, but I'm concerned
about the noise and the smell, and I noticed in Mr. Foster's letter that
this pit, or this ah...crusher and ah... blacktop machine appears to be
about 11 years old. Ah... Mr. Gifford speaking of the one up on the
Pass, I'd like to know how old that one is, but I can expect 11 years ago
there was not such stringent requirements as there are today. So, I...I
hope, as Mr. Gifford says, I hope we don't have to go farther with this
but we are prepared to do so because my house would not be worth
much if this happens and I hope that maybe Mr. Foster would like to
buy it because I don't want to live there if this happens. Thank you.
Glick: Okay, thank you. Anybody else?
Nolan Compton, 2785 Beaver Loop Road, Kenai, Alaska - I live just
basically about 300 yards from where the proposed plant is to go. Um...
I guess, from looking at the letters and looking at what is in here about
the Department of Environmental Conser...Conservation, I'm sure that
this plant's going to probably meet all the air quality and all the
um...soun...all of the air quality and probably water ah...as far as
creating any environmental problems but the Department of
Environmental Conservation is not concerned about noise, there's
no...no real regulations there and there is no real regulations about
odor. Ah...odor is probably what everyone seems to be more concerned
about and the noise that~l be generated, obviously the dust. I can't
believe that a City, in it's infinite wisdom, would consider the fact that
you have a high school that is located directly (pointed out on wall map)
across from this area. You have our golf course that's located there,
you have our baseball field that's located there, when this plant is
running, all those people are going to smell it. They may not hear it,
they may see some of the smoke from it but they are definitely gonna
smell it. The DEC doesn't regulate odor and this system, I'm sure, is
going to have odor to it and that's gonna be a consideration that we need
Planning & Zoning Commission
June 24, 1998
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to think of for our City. Um... it's something that if you're playing a
round of golf it wouldn't be very inviting to be out there. Ah...maybe
everyone would go to Soldotna and play golf over there because they
won't want to visit our golf course over here. There's just a lot of factors
that seem to be going on with this and I guess back to the basic, I don't
understand why we're even considering it in a residential area. Ah... it
would seem like coding states that is a manufacturing, he's
manufacturing asphalt, that's not really what the community is designed
for, and I guess if you boil it all down, um...noise and odor and just the
fact that it is a bedroom community and it's very nice down on Beaver
Loop and I don't see where the tourists would find it very enjoyable to go
to Cunningham Park anymore. It's just...you know... overall just seeing
what Ibe seen of asphalt and what I vision of an asphalt plant, it's just
something I don't think would be necessary in the community. I know
that some way or another there is going to be one because there is a lot
of asphalt needed and it's going to come to this area as we continue to
develop but maybe we should look at other areas for the location of this
particular plant. Thank you.
Glick: Thank you. Anyone else in the audience wishing to speak to this?
Jim Krein, 365 Dolchok, Kenai, Alaska - ah... I was here last week
ah... indicating my displeasure with ah... the site ah... selection for this
endeavor and ah... thought about it for a couple of weeks, I'm sure as a
lot of folks here and sitting out in the audience have and I kept coming
back to the downtown area and our kids in the schools. Ah... granted,
this operation will not be ah...year around operation, but the prevailing
winds do (pointed out area on the wall map behind the podium) hit the
core area of town. Um... in a business setting, I...I...I read the ah...the
paperwork, and maybe four weeks out of the ah... summer, but when
you're in business, when somebody knocks on the door, you react. Alls I
can see is a time frame from about the last part of the school year going
up through and including the football season where that particular area
of town where the prevailing winds. Well the airport's (pointed out area
on map again) at 019 and the prevailing winds are from the south, ah...a
good 75% of the time, the wind is going to be blowing this way. When
you put a plume here and it starts fanning out, you'll be covering the
high school, the middle school, the elementary school, the grounds that
currently, or in a few weeks here, are going to have at least 4 to 500 kids
playing soccer every night, not to mention all their ah.... family. The golf
course was mentioned, ah... so i...i...to me it comes back to that, um... I
Planning & Zoning Commission
June 24, 1998
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don't think those people want to ah... be exposed to that. Ah... a
permits a permit and you know that it allows things to operate within a
certain limit set by whatever agency the permit comes from, who
monitors that is left up, generally, to the operator. Ah...I have ah...
serious doubts about ah... the permitting system. The other thing I
would like to ah... remind you of is we just had a similar situation here
recently where ah... a residential area put up ah... put up a bit of a stink
about a commercial building going into their residency area and you
folks went through some grief on that and finally ah... agreed with the
owners of the property that was zoned residential to disallow the
commercial entity to come into their area. I think basically for the same
reasons all these people are talking about this evening is we are
residential area, we do not need a commercial entity, especially one that
is spuing out odors and dust ah... I think that youxve set the precedence
there and I hope you continue ah... with your voting this evening to
disallow this ah... endeavor in that area. Thank you.
John Coston, 4T0 Dolchok Lane, Kenai, Alaska -Good evening, my
name is John Coston, excuse me... um... I live at 470 Dolchok. You
know, I still have a concern about the increased road traffic, but you
know, I've got additional concerns about ah... the rock crushing and
asphalt plant. Urn... I was in construction years and years ago so I
know what batch plants smell like, I know what rock crushers are like. I
did read Mr. Foster's letter saying he does have a scrubber and he's
using it, what was it, a roller I believe was, to crush smaller rock, but...
but what I do know is many businesses build outside city limits because
of the type of business they are, especially if they have ah...loud noise
and smell. You know, smell and noise are real typical of batch plants.
The one thing I'm not really sure about is the scrubber, it's a water
scrubber and effective...effectiveness of the scrubber. Ah... what I'll give
to you is ah... some information from OSHA about asphalt fumes and
the ah...carcinogenic effects. Another thing that I have ah... a little
concern with is asphalt when it's sampled, check the quality of the
sample, there's various methods. One uses ah... solvents with the
asphalt in the centrifuge. Those solvents are typically like carbon
tetrachloride and tetrachloride ethylene, those are known carcinogens.
In North Carolina the State DOT is spending about, I think, about 21
million dollars doing some clean up of a ah... batch plant, so, what I'll
do is I'll give you ah... information I have from OSHA (handed to
Chairman Glick) and I'm still against the...the plant right now.
Planning & Zoning Commission
June 24, 1998
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Glick: Thank you. Anyone else in the audience wishing to speak?
Jennifer Richardson, 495 Dolchok, Kenai, Alaska - I live at 495
Dolchok Lane just off Beaver Loop and I also spoke two weeks ago to...to
this group regarding concerns. I have the same concerns um... my
concerns would be the same even though this letter says it's only going
to be 200 tons per hour rather than 5 or 600 tons - 200 tons per hour
is a lot of rock being crushed and there will be noise, and there will be
dust, there will be traffic, more traffic in and out of there and I still have
the concerns about the air quality, water quality, our wells, our ground
water, and the safety of the children. Thank you.
Glick: Thank you.
Henry Knackstedt, 1602 Barabara Drive, Kenai, Alaska -Good
evening, I'm Henry Knackstedt, ah... 1602 Barbabara Drive, and ah... I
voice the same concerns my neighbors have in support of them and this
document that Foster submitted and it was received by the City on July
17t'', I just picked it up and was reading through it and.... and I'm not
necessarily qualified to understand all of it, but... picked up little bits
and pieces and...and... I was frankly more concerned about the crusher
and the noise and I picked up on this other thing ah... in his... in his
third paragraph he says, the only exhaust from the stack emits...the
only exhaust the stack emits is steam from evaporation of moisture and
aggregate being processed. Okay, it's just water vapor...but then when I
look at Exhibit B, which is part of the permit, and ah... it indicates that
particulate matter, this is for a lot more open.. operating hours than
they're planning on but it's what they are permitted for, ah... it page
17... 7 of 13, particulate matter is about 30 tons per year, that's about,
oh what, 60,000 pounds in a year, Sulphur dioxide, 136.7 tons, roughly
about 240,000 pounds in the air, it's not steam. I figured that it might
be and then on the next page of Exhibit B continued, nitrogen oxides,
nearly 100,000...or ah... 1,000 tons a year, that's about 180,000
pounds, and I didn't figure any of the others, but carbon monoxide, 39.3
tons, remember a ton is 2000 pounds so... so you need to calculate and
then Volatile Organic Compounds, those are ah... um...oils and stuff
that, you know, you can smell, 26.2 and ah... there are probably some
other miscellaneous things that they don't permit or look at or whatever,
but ah... perhaps when Jack comes up he can kind of explain how
that... maybe their equipment does take that out and...I would like to
say too that Foster Construction is always ah... a real good firm and
Planning & Zoning Commission
June 24, 1998
Page 11
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everything like that, I... ah... but they are in my neighborhood and... I...
don't really mind....the pits there, you know, and ah... they're...they're...
they're making something of their property um...but um... the asphalt
plant I'm kinda marginally concerned about because of the...but...my
neighbors are very concerned about....about that and the odor and I'm
probably far enough away where that's not a concern, however, the noise
from the crusher and... and more consideration is something that I...I
am concerned about and reading through Jack's letter here, or Steve's,
um... you know... ah... perhaps ah... I haven't experienced that
particular crusher and maybe I am overreacting but... I'm not so sure.
Thank you.
Glick: Thank you.
Jeff Kohler, 4350 Beaver Loop Road, Kenai, Alaska -Everybody who
spoke to you here... we... we each have a different concern, some of them
overlap but I think just based on the number of people that are willing to
show up here a second a night, you can get a gist for how the
neighborhood feels about it. One of my concerns is...you get one...one
heavy industrial use foot in the door in the gravel pit, what's next? I
think each time that th...the...the door is opened it...it sets a precedence
and makes it much easier for the....for the next issue to come in. Ah... a
lot of us are in a position...myself I bought ah... ah... Alaskan
architecture home at the peak of the market, I've been working hard and
fighting to keep its value up and I think these are the kind of things that
will...will keep eroding that, my ability to sell that and see any of my
money back with the heavy traffic and the other issues that are (illegible)
but...but just look at the people, a lot of these people came out second
time, I know you folks are here every other Wednesday night, you know,
certainly appreciate your work and I know that you...you tend to take a
lot of flak for some of your decisions you make but this is ah... this is an
issue that ah...normally I'm not real vocal in coming out in these kind of
situations but I felt it necessary this time. Thank you.
Glick: Sign in Sir. Sir, would you sign in please. (Kohler signed in).
Thank you. Anyone else in the audience wishing to speak?
John Admire, 410 Rogers, Kenai, Alaska - I live a b...a bit more
removed than most of the folks you...you've ah... heard from tonight, I
live up at 410 Rogers, which is up on the, kind of the... the small bluff
that overlooks the whole Beaver Loop area and I would say.... I see a
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June 24, 1998
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couple of my neighbors out there as well that...we up there on that...in
that neighborhood have some of the same concerns, the odor and
the...and the visibility concerns that might come up. Ah... I just came
aware of this a couple of weeks ago, so I haven't had a lot of opportunity
to look at the air permit or...or see how it permitted....I....I do see that it
is...I.... I notice that Mr. Foster indicates that hell be ah... using this
facility on a limited basis, more for residential rather than commercial
uses but he is permitted to operate 8760 hours per year, which is
basically full time, all year long. Ah... don't know if the...the...permit
that the City would give them would limit the use, the time span that
they can operate the plant but they are permitted to operate full time, all
year long. Ah....anyway, just wanted to ah... make sure you understand
that...there...people outside of the Beaver Loop area that have some
concerns as well. Thank you.
Glick: Thank you.
Mark Larson, 3040 Kim-N-Ang, Kenai, Alaska - Hi, I'm Mark Larson,
3040 Kim-N-Ang, just off of Dolchok. I just drove into town and...and got
here a little late so I hope... what I... I ah... was going to get up and
and...and address the same things that I guess that um... that Jeff
Kohler, Mr. Kohler did. Ah... I'm against the plant or any kind of
industry coming in. I bought my...my property because it was a little
neighborhood that, although it doesn't have covenants it was ah... it's
ah... a very nice neighborhood and it's kind of ah... kind of has the best
of both worlds, it's kind of rural but it's in between both and... and...
and I think if you let one industry in the door it kinda does set a
precedence and ah... and I think it would... it'll just have ah... real
detrimental value on the ah... on the land. Thank you.
Glick: Thank you Sir. Anyone else in the audience wishing to speak?
One more time, anyone else wishing to speak?
Jack Foster, Mile 1-1/4 Forest Lane, 3oldotna, AK - Kinda opened a
can of worms here it looks like and ah....
Glick: State your name also for the record.
Foster: Okay, I'm Jack Foster with Foster Construction, and um... you
know with that letter, my intentions with that letter was to try relax this
whole thing a little bit and... and because that's what it is... this plant
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June 24, 1998
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is...on it...I'm putting it up right now. In fact I...why...I'm...didn't make
it home tonight first but putting the plant up in Ridgeway and that's
where our big gravel pit is. That's where we have 60 acres worth of
gravel and it's good crushable gravel, it's ah... actually better crushable
than what we have here in Beaver Loop. Beaver Loop is small rocks so it
takes more of it and... and there's more sand reject ah... my intentions
to put this in Beaver Loop have not changed from the very first meeting.
I might not have made myself clear but it is more or less a job to job type
situation. Ah... I did mention last meeting that it might be for ah... for
Bridge Access Road, or it might be for...for...for ah... Forest Drive or
something like that, bring it in for. That plant doesn't just chan...you
don't just put it up in...in one day, I found that out. You know, it takes
ah... it takes a week to put the thing up and it takes three days to take
in down so I'm not going to be moving it around a lot. It's going to stay
right where it stic...where it's at, possibly even if Bridge Access, if I
were...was to be the low bidder on that, so... um... just one of the things
I wanted to mention...did in the letter...that some of you might not have
read, that um... that the majority of the traffic for pri...private use would
be coming out of the other direction, out toward Bridge Access. That's a
half a mile versus 2-1/2 miles in the other direction, so the people in
Dolchok area and up and down that road, with their kids riding their
bikes on the streets, which I wouldn't recommend. I wouldn't let my dog
on that road let alone my kids, but at any rate, ah... point is, ah... very
little traffic would be going that direction.
Um...as far as Mr. Nash's comments about not wanting to have property
next to a gravel pit or let alone an asphalt plant and a crusher. They
should have considered that, in my opinion, they should have
considered that when they sold that property to....to ah... AA Dan, and
allowed Dan, who sold it with the intention to have a gravel pit. So that
makes my gravel pit bordered on two sides, one with Pat Doyle and the
other AA Dan. They are both very good neighbors, I have no problems
with either one of em...but...but ah...that's where the deposit of gravel
happens to be in the City. There is no...there is no ah... there's no gravel
north of Soldotna until you clear out there ah...close to Collier, it's all
sand. Soldotna is the other direction. I have no problem in putting this
thing up in Ridgeway. My permit was....was ah... was ah... able to... I
was able to transfer my permit, the existing one that Wilder had over to
myself, no problems at all and the plant went up in Ridgeway. Um...
Soldotna is a little different than Kenai, it's not quite as spread out, you
know, so there's really no place other...you know...in the city limits of
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Soldotna to put it. So, I'm trying to answer that question, but... um... I
do think that a lot of people in this room have ah... a misconception of
whats...I understand because if it was going up in my back yard, I'd
probably would too and what I wanted to do is just try to explain
that...that crusher is, like I said in my letter, that crusher is just a real
low key operation. Ah... a local contractor that's been in town for years
and years and years already owns this, he's going to be crushing for me
and ah... he'll be set up in Ridgeway and we'll be crushing there in a
week or so but ah... but there just...you know, just a primary crushing,
not the secondary and the third ah...crusher, the jaw and all that stuff,
so it's.... it's not the big, dusty, noisy thing that's gonna, you know,
cause the houses to fall into the Kenai River. It will never happen. So,
you know, if the...the asphalt plant, you know, I might gear up and that
thing is a 300 ton per hour, 250 to 300 ton, you know so, most
driveways take 3 or 4 dump truck loads so you get 4 or 5 jobs together,
crank up, it's got an 80 ton silo, you make, in one hour, you make
enough, you shut down the rest of the day you use that out of the 80 ton
silo, so it's not like the thing smokes and um... as far as the
particulates. Ah...you know, I work right beside Alaska Road Builders
crusher. I mean, I'm in the gravel pit right next to it and that's the
Ridgeway gravel pit is ours and across the Ridgeway Road is...is their's
and all I see is steam. I don't see any dust, I don't see any smoke, I don't
see any particulates, you know, I don't see any of that stuff. I don't
smell anything and ah... and... and when this plant was set up in
Wasilla, there was a house probably less than 500 feet away up on a hill
overlooking this and I called Wilder after last meeting, I said, "Did you
have any complaints from the City of Wasilla or with the....with the...
with the... Council or people or anything about this plant?" He said, No,
that plant's been set up there for...for better than five years, we haven't
had a single complaint. So obviously, it...you know, it doesn't smoke
that much and.... and ah... like I say, I never notice ARB smoke at all, I...
I watch that thing and just white smoke coming out, dissipates, you
know and...and the last comment I want to make...this... you know, this
is not a Tesoro, this is not a refinery, it's not a Collier, it's... it's an
asphalt plant, it's going to be here for awhile and leave again, in... in
Ridgeway and move around and, so, anyway, appreciate the chance to
talk.
Glick: Thank you Sir. Okay, is there anyone else in the audience
wishing to speak? Yes?
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June 24, 1998
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Bill Kluge, 1512 Barabara Drive, Kenai, Alaska - I have to ah... agree
with my neighbors that I'm not very ah... enthused about having a ah...
asphalt plant going in down the road from my house. Ah:.. you know
one of the...the benefits you get from living in the city limits is that we
have zoning in the city and we don't have that out in Borough, so you
take the risk when you live in the Borough of having whatever come in
next door to you. So, when you purchase property in the city, you are
protected by our zoning ordinance. The intent of rural residential is not
for industrial use. Ah... I wish conditional uses had not been allowed in
that area but they are there and I'd like to see it restricted to what has
been allowed so it is not expanded. Um... you know, like I say, that's
one of the benefits that we should have from living within the city limits
is that we are zoned and we are protected from occupancies that aren't
desirable coming into your neighborhood because you have that zoning
in place. So, I ask that you ah... reject this ah... addition to the
conditional use. Thank you.
Glick: Thank you Sir. Anyone else in the audience wishing to speak?
Seeing no one, at this time well close the hearing to the public, bring it
back to the Commissioners. (Public hearing closed at 7:45 p.m.) Staff
have anything additional to add to this before we discuss it.
Kebschull: Nothing additional unless you have questions of us.
Glick: Okay, discussion?
Bryson: I would ah...like to AMEND THE AH...MOTION TO ATTACH
THE AH... ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECEIVED AH... FROM MR.
F03TER TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICATION.
Glick: Okay.
MOTION SECONDED BY NORD.
Glick: Okay, let's vote on the amendment. That's to include the material
received from Mr. Foster on the permitting.
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June 24, 1998
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Vote
BRY30N Yes
GOECKE Yes
MAHURIN Yes
GLICK Yes
WERNER-QUADE Yes
NORD Yes
GRAVELEY Yes
Motion passed unanimously.
Glick: Okay, other discussion?
Goecke: Mr. Chairman?
Glick: Yes, Mr. Goecke?
Goecke: Ah... we had ah...a reference to ah... conditional use permit
ah... application here that ah... gentlemen said that we had ah... turned
down. In fact, that's partially true ah... I think this body recognizes what
that was and this body did in fact pass that ah... at a later date... ah...
was appealed to City Council and before Council had a chance to ah...
arrive at a decision the ah... the application was pulled. I... I did
live...within approximately a half a mile of ah... a big, a much bigger
asphalt plant than what this one is ah... in reference to the big one of
Quality Asphalt out on Ciechanski Road, um... and...I didn't have any
problem ah...I didn't ever smell it and ah... I never did hear it. Ah... and
it was a ah... one that I think was in ah... continuous use type plant.
Um... and I too live um... the people, ah...couple different people have
ah... made the statement of the fact that ah... it is ah... is going to be
coming over the top of the golf course, is going to be coming over top of
the school, um... that being the case, that's where I live. Um... I don't
um... I don't perceive this as a problem and so in that respect I will be
voting for this tonight.
Glick: Anymore discussion?
Mahurin: Mr. Chair?
Glick: Yes, Ms. Mahurin?
Mahurin: Um... while I appreciate that it makes sound business sense
to operate a gravel crusher where there's gravel. The gravel appears to
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June 24, 1998
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be only on Beaver Loop. We've had overwhelming testimony for two
weeks ah... from the neighbors in the area and I do agree with them that
the intent of rural residential was not for heavy industrial and that a
conditional use permit means that we approved something that does not
fit within the zone and I really feel that the residents quality of life, at
this point, has to carry our vote and I would, however, like to see Mr.
Foster ah... have an area for his business and maybe that's something
that the City can work with. I do think that ah...the comment of
Marathon Road was not a bad comment. Um... Mr. Foster is a good
neighbor and a good business and contributor in our community
and...and we certainly would want to try to help out, but my vote,
unfortunately, will be No ah... because I... I don't feel, and I'm being
rude, we aren't ah... definitely, more than obliged but ah... it's
responsible of us to listen to the residences that have testified.
Glick: Any other discussion?
Graveley: I have a question, Mr. Chairman, ah... I have to ask it of Mr.
Foster?
Glick: Okay
Graveley: Ah...Mr. Foster? The ah... permit, Exhibit "E", A record of
transfer tracking ah... was last permitted to Wilder Construction. I think
I under...or I think I heard you clear tonight that ah.., you have made
the transfer.
Foster: (spoke from the floor, somewhat illegible). The transfer is in the
process with DEC right now. It's been... it's been sent off to DEC and
from my understanding of Wilder and DEC that there is no problem
because it is the same plant as far as the asphalt plant. We had to send
in an amendment to the crusher because we have a different crusher.
So ah... we could (illegible)....
Graveley: Thank you.
Glick: Any other discussion?
Werner-Quade: Question for staff? Ah...when this conditional use
permit was originally granted, ah... it seems that there were s...some
restrictions on the permit, are those restrictions still in place and if so,
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June 24, 1998
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could you review them?
Kebschull: The information is provided in your packet and a copy of the
original permit granting the gravel extraction ah... extraction of natural
resources, PZ95-30, the existing ah... additional requirements were
hours after completion of Spur project from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and
does control water ah... at the... with DEC approved methods, were the
two restrictions placed on the original extraction permit.
Werner-Quade: And those would still be in place then?
Kebschull: Yes.
Werner-Quade: This wouldn't change anything?
Kebschull: Right, although the Spur project um...that they were
referring to, I believe, was the project on this end, although they weren't
clear about that.
Werner-Quade: Thank you.
Glick: Mr. Bryson?
Bryson: Yeah... question for staff? Ah... Mr. La....Nash, in his
testimony, alluded to the possibility that ah...ah... this may not be an
amendment to an existing ah... conditional use permit ah... I wonder if
staff might expand on that ah... if that is indeed the case, if so I would
be comfortable with...
Graves: I think the application that was turned in was actually for a
Section 150 Conditional Use Permit not to amend the old Section 151
Surface Extraction Permit. My interpretation of that is this is for a
separate conditional use permit. Um... the wording of the...the notice
does reference an amendment, however, the note... the public notice
does clearly state what's going on in that area, there's going to be....
there is a proposed application which would allow a rock crusher and an
asphalt plant. So, to that extent, I... I think the public was given core
notice of...of what these public hearings involve and the...the public
notice appears to have been successful in that there was ah... a
significant turnout of the public, which it is designed to do. Um...
they...while there are some concerns with the public notice I... I think
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June 24, 1998
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the core information was provided and I... I think the Commission also
has to weigh the fact that the public has turned out for two meetings,
two weeks in a row and to try to reschedule now to provide essentially
the same information might be hardship on the members of the public
when all...all the same information would be provided at the next
meeting. Did that answer your question?
Bryson: Ah...yes. One more question.
Glick: Go ahead Mr. Bryson.
Bryson: Ah... are you comfortable with the wording of the Motion as it
stands?
Graves: Ah... Mr. Bryson, I think I might...on the ah... first part of the
resolution, ah... that...that first paragraph where it talks about
amending PZ95-30. I...I would suggest re-wording that to...to reflect
what the body of the resolution says and that's an application for a
Section 150 permit has been submitted. So, the body of the resolution
refers to Section 150 permit, it's just that the preamble talks about an
amendment of the old permit. So, I would suggest amending...to clear
up that...that potential confusion perhaps amending the preamble to
reflect what the body says in that it is a Section 150 conditional use
permit.
Bryson: Thank you, ah... I would like to propose an AMENDMENT TO
THE MOTION ADOPTING THE WORDING...WORDING MR. GRAVES
MOTION.
Graveley: I SECOND THAT.
Glick: Okay, could we have that read now?
Graves: Mr. Bryson?
Bryson: Yes?
Graves: I think if you...if you look at that first paragraph in the
preamble where it starts, "a resolution"... if you go down to line 4 and
you delete "Use Amend PZ95-30 To Include," that should cover it then it
just refers to the granting of the conditional use permit for a crushing
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June 24, 1998
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plant and an asphalt plant which is....which would coincide with the
body of the resolution.
Brysoa: Can I....could you bring that...
Graves: Can I approach please?
Glick: Yes.
Graves approached Commission Bryson to point out where the change
should be made in the resolution.
Glick: We need to read it for the benefit of the rest of the
Commissioner's here. Mr. Graves, could you read that for the benefit of
the rest of the Commissioners.
Graves: Um... what I suggested is that in that first paragraph, the
preamble to the resolution, on line 4, delete the words, at the start of
that sentence, "use amend PZ95-30 to include." So that the paragraph
would now read, "A resolution of the Planning and Zoning Commission
of the City of Kenai Granting a Request for Conditional Use Permit For:
Foster Construction, P.O. Box 303, Soldotna, Alaska, Crushing Plant &
Asphalt Plant located Tract 6, Horseshoe End at River Bend
Subdivision." That way it would...it would more accurately reflect the
body of the resolution.
Glick: Okay, Mr. Bryson, is that what your amendment will now say?
Bryson: It is.
Glick: Any discussion on this amendment? Okay, let's vote on this
amendment.
Vote
WERNER-QUADS Yes GOECKE Yes
NORD Yes MAHURIN Yes
GRAVELEY Yes BRYSON Yes
GLICK Yes
Glick: Motion to amend passed. I'd like to ask staff for clarification for
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June 24, 1998
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my own benefit, the original conditional use permit for gravel pits does
have a buffer zone, is that correct?
Kebschull: Are you stating, is it listed in the resolution?
Glick: No, but, any of the gravel pits that have conditional use permits
on Beaver Loop, if I remember correctly, you have a buffer zone, and if
my memory serves me right, what is the footage in the buffer zone.
Kebschull: I did not bring the file with me so if you wanted to take a
short break I will go up and get it.
Glick: Anybody else in the Commission interested in this.
Graveley: Yes, I am.
Glick: Okay, we'll take a five minute break. Break started at 8:00 p.m.
Glick called the meeting back to order at 8:05 p.m.
Glick: In answer to the question of natural screening, ah... staff has
brought up the one for Foster's specific gravel pit. It asks for natural
screening, trees and vegetation between the property lines and
excavation, there's a 200 foot buffer along Beaver Loop Road, none on
the north, ah... 93 feet, supposed to be, on the east, and 150 feet on the
west side ah... is also site clear of the ah... the pit. Now, I don't know if
all this has been developed but that's the screening that is required on
this particular gravel pit. Ah...I just wanted everyone to know that for
information now that I know it too. Mr. Bryson?
Bryson: Yes, I ah... I wonder if Mr. Foster might indicate the area on
there that has been cleared and also the area they are proposing to set
up the plant.
Glick: Of the sites of your gravel...present gravel pit?
Foster: Um... the buffers we have right now on this particular piece of
property remain the exactly the same as what they were on the front,
along the highway, and we have not taken any trees out along the
highway so whatever Chester Cone had cleared along the highway, that
has not changed. Um... in an agreement with ah... with Mr. Doyle and
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June 24, 1998
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you know...we...we...we're all up against the edge up there on his side,
as he is against the edge, and on the other side, we are up...up against
the edge too...we have no buffer on the other side. Ah... AA Dan ah...
right now is taking up....he's going in our gravel pit and he's working
right off that line with his gravel pit. So, the two...all three pits are
basically side by side, ah... the...the east end or what the backside ah...
you know... didn't require a buffer and the front has a 200 foot buffer.
Ah... as far as the place where the crusher will be set up, it...we...we've
split the pit and ah...we split the pit and this (pointed out area on the
sketch provided) side over here by Pat Doyle has already been excavated
out from the Spur Highway and the other 20 acres ah... primarily has
been untouched ah... and the plant will approximately go in the middle
of that property. It'll be oh what...approximately 600 feet off the
highway, 600 feet back in there, in the middle of that and....and the
stock piles would be off the backside there, so, this is the side here, this
is Pat Doyle's side, this is AA Dan's side, and ah... that answers your
question.
Glick: Does that answer your question?
Bryson: Yes, it does.
Glick: Thank you. Okay, any more discussion? I guess we're ready to
vote.
Vote
GOECKE Yes NORD No
MAHURIN No GRAVELEY Yes
BRYSON Yes WERNER-QUADE Yes
CLICK Yes
Roper: Two No, Five Yes.
Glick: The motion passed unanimous...or not unanimous, 4 to 2, I'm
sorry.
Roper 8s Goecke: 5 to 2
Glick: 5 to 2. It can be appealed to the Council for public's information,
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June 24, 1998
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you can appeal it to City Council, our decision.
Smalley: Mr. Glick, could you explain the process like they would have
to go up to...
Glick: Yes, you would have to go...
Kebschull: If... any appeals need to be submitted in writing within 30 of
this decision to the City Clerk.
Member of Audience: To who? City Clerk?
Kebschull: Yes.
Member of Audience: What...what happened to government of the
people, by the people, for the people?
Glick: Sir, public hearing is over, I'm sorry, but...
Member of Audience: Yeah, I hear you.
Verbatim Ends
Smalley left at 8:10 p.m.
7. NEW BUSINESS:
a. PZ98-30 - An resolution of the Kenai Planning and Zoning
Commission recommending that the Kenai City Council approve
the Historic Preservation Plan for the City of Kenai.
MAHURIN MOVED TO APPROVE PZ98-30. MOTION SECONDED BY
WERNER-QUADE.
Kebschull noted that members of the Historic District Board were
present to provide information on how the Preservation Plan was
developed and to answer any questions the Commission may have.
Historic Board members present were Ethel Clausen, Cecelia Richard,
and Bill Kluge.
Kluge reported the Preservation Plan was being worked on before he was
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June 24, 1998
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appointed to the Board and it includes a culmination of a lot of work.
Kluge began with the Table of Contents and pointed out there were 13
items within the plan and it starts with the Mission Statement which is
probably the most important part of the Preservation Plan is the Mission
Statement as it states what the purpose of the Board is and the goals
and objectives. Another important item is the development plan. Kluge
went down the list on page 7 of 9 under Item 10 in the plan and pointed
out the Board would like to see development in Old Town as it would
bring that area of town to life. The Board would like to see the City take
and active role in promoting the development. Kluge stated the Board
would like to see an effort made to implement a master plan that has a
list of objectives such as historic exhibits. The Board is limited to
parcels of City property in the area for exhibits and it might require that
the City consider land swaps to consolidate some areas in Old Town.
Kluge used the old equipment Mayor Williams got out of the cannery as
an example, the only reason it is not on display is there is no room in
Old Town for it.
Kluge discussed the walking tour brochure which was developed by the
Board with the assistance of the Visitor's Center. This brochure has
provided an incentive for visitors to walk through Old Town. The area
also has signs placed in front of several of the historic buildings.
Kluge continued, the Board encourages the City to do more in the way of
landscaping and green belts in the area. The overview park that is being
worked on at this time is a step in the right direction. Kluge thought
that tax incentives from the City could possibly be provided to encourage
development in Old Town. The Mission Street and the road upgrades
certainly help the area including the historic style lighting.
The Board would like to continue participation with the Visitor's Center
to publicizing the walking tour and various exhibits at the Center.
Kluge stated that enforcing the Townsite Historic District zoning
ordinance is important. This has been a touchy subject in the past, the
Board does not want to stop development but wants to assure it is done
in manner with historic character.
Mahurin stated the plan was very interesting as this is an area close to
her heart. Mahurin commented on the problem the Board has had with
meetings, etc., and asked if the group was comfortable with the plan for
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June 24, 1998
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the Historic Board to meet twice annually and with special meetings as
required. Kluge replied, Yes and thought the business could be handled
with less meetings which would cut down on City expense. Kluge
continued, he thought it wise to have participation from the Historic
Board on the development in Old Town and perhaps a committee from
the Historic Board could be developed for review purposes.
Goecke thought that decreasing the number of meetings would not help
the situation. Goecke continued, he felt if one meeting was missed then
it would be easier to miss all others. Kluge stated the Board has had
problems with quorums but once the number of members was reduced it
helped the situation.
Mahurin pointed out the Historic District Board can't just be anyone
that is interested in serving, certain requirements are set out by the
National Park Service and three of the seven members have to be from
the disciplines of history, architecture, architectural history and
archeology. Mahurin continued, there is a limited number of individuals
in the area in those categories.
Graveley commended the Historic Board on their efforts on the
Preservation Plan, it is very well done.
Vote
NORD Yes MAHURIN Yes
GRAVELEY Yes BRYSON Yes
WERNER-QUADE Yes GOECKE Yes
GLICK Yes
Motion passed unanimously.
8. OLD BUSINESS: -None
9. CODE ENFORCEMENT ITEMS:
a. PZ98-08 -Variance Permit (Oversize Sign) -One Stop Grocery
Kebschull reported the owners had removed the banner. Kebschull also
reported that Mr. Springer wanted her to pass on that MAPCO had
moved their sign to an island which consequently becomes a part of the
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June 24, 1998
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building and is not considered a sign.
10. REPORTS
a. City Council
Bannock represented City Council and provided the following report:
Item C-1, Ordinance 1785-98 has to do with property adjacent to the
golf course at the end of Lawton Drive. This is the part of a large land
swap which affects the Public Health Nurse and ultimately is the funding
mechanism for the multi-use covered ice facility. The ordinance allows
the land to be sold as residential lots.
Item H-8, the Public Health Center -there has been 1.7 million dollars
from the Legislature for the Public Health Center in Kenai. This is great
news for the City of Kenai because it does two different things, it gets the
Public Health Nurse out of the overcrowded office in City Hall and also
assure the Center will stay in Kenai. Council chose a piece of ground
called the Etelin Subdivision which is between Country Foods and the
Dentist office for the proposed site.
Item H-9 -The Kenai River Classic has an event every year which raises
funds for habitat improvements on the Kenai River. The group selected
the area in or around Cunningham Park and plans to spend up to
$250,000 for improvements.
Mahurin asked about Item H-10, is it up for sale or was it purchased.
Bannock replied, the Dairy Queen is for sale but the issue of selling was
not discussed. Mayor Williams presented an idea that perhaps, and
because of the lack of interest, that consideration be given to
demolishing the building or removing it, and just selling the property.
Administration didn't think that was a good idea because the deal with
the FAA and the appraisal is that the property will probably take 6 to 9
months to sell. The City is 3 months into it at this time and if it is sold
for substantially less than the appraised value, the General Fund must
make up the difference back to the Airport Fund.
b. Borough Planning
Bryson reported a meeting was held June 22, 1998. The consent
Planning & Zoning Commission
June 24, 1998
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Approved
agenda was approved as written. Item F-2, a hearing to vacate a right of
way outside the City of Kenai on Old Cannery Road. The Salamantof
Native Association and the Fish and Game came to an agreement as to
the type of facility that Fish and Game would not object to. Bryson
noted that Fish and Game has no power to deny a vacation but they do
have input. Fish and Game came up with some development standards
which include providing parking to the public, etc. Bryson thought it
will be interesting to see if they would keep the same concern for parking
when the City goes forth with their application to provide beach access
on the south side of the river. The City is also attempting to address the
issue of parking and other amenities. If Fish and Game kept the same
position they should not be opposed to what the City is proposing. The
item was approved.
Item F 4, petition to classify 15 acres of Borough land as recreational.
George Spracher has occupied a portion of the land his wife got as a part
of a native allotment. This was denied through the appropriate channels
so he was petitioning for a preferential right to purchase if it became
classified as recreational. The Planning Commission recommended
denial of the reclassification.
Item F-5, request for Land Use Permit for gravel site in the Homer area.
The petitioner requested development of a material site in the area and is
planning to utilize 800 yards for a road he constructed down there.
There was a tremendous amount of opposition from the public. Bryson
noted his position on that was unless there is some market in the Homer
area for silt and sand, it isn't going to have a very long life as a
commercial facility. The item was recommended for approval.
Item 6 through 10 were postponed until the next meeting due to the late
hour.
Item H-1, was rescheduled to the next regular meeting.
Item J-1, was approved to build within the 50 foot buffer along the river.
c. Administration:
Kebschull apologized for the mix up in the packet and asked that
Commissioner's review the Kenai Peninsula Borough Trail Plan as it will
be on the agenda for P&Z review at the second meeting in July.
Planning & Zoning Commission
June 24, 1998
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Approved
Kebschull responded to Mahurin's comment regarding the Historic
District Board by stating that no decision has been made with regard to
their meetings. As provided as information in the packet at the last
meeting, City Council will schedule a work session at their August 19
meeting which will involve the Planning and Zoning Commission, the
Historic District Board and Council to discuss possible options.
11. PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED: -None
12. INFORMATION ITEMS:
a. State of Alaska 2000-2002 Statewide Transportation Improvement
Plan (STIP) Evaluation Criteria
b. Kenai Peninsula Borough Trail Plan & Preliminary Needs List
13. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS:
Commissioner Mahurin reported that she will not be at the next meeting.
Commissioner Bryson reported that he too will not be at the next meeting as
he will be out of town.
Commissioner Nord wanted to inform staff that the vehicle on Sycamore Street
is still there, they made an attempt to hide it by putting a blue tarp over the top
of it.
14. ADJOURNMENT:
MAHURIN MOVED TO ADJOURN. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:40 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Roper, ontract Secretary
Planning & Zoning Commission
June 24, 1998
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