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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-12 Planning & Zoning MinutesKENAI PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION — REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2025 - 7:00 P.M. KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 210 FIDALGO AVE., KENAI, AK 99611 VICE CHAIR EARSLEY, PRESIDING MINUTES A. CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the Kenai Planning & Zoning Commission was held on November 12, 2025, in City Hall Council Chambers, Kenai, AK. Vice Chair Earsley called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. 1. Pledge of Allegiance Vice Chair Earsley led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. Roll Call There were present: Sonja Earsley, Vice Chair Glenese Pettey Stacie Krause A quorum was present. Absent: None Gwen Woodard Jeanne Keaton Diane Fikes Also in attendance were: Kevin Buettner, Planning Director Jessica See, Planning Administrative Assistant Sovala Kisena, City Council Liaison 3. Agenda and Consent Agenda Approval MOTION: Commissioner Woodard MOVED to approve the agenda and consent agenda. Commissioner Krause SECONDED the motion. The items on the Consent Agenda were read into the record. Vice Chair Earsley opened the floor for public comment on consent agenda items; there being no one wishing to be heard, the public comment period was closed. Vice Chair Earsley opened the floor for public comment on consent agenda items. There being no one wishing to comment, the public comment period was closed. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. *All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine and non -controversial by the council and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Planning & Zoning Commission November 12, 2025 Page 1 of 4 Commissioner so requests, in which case the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda as part of the General Orders. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. *Regular Meeting of October 22, 2025. C. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS - None. D. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS - None. E. CONSIDERATION OF PLATS - None. F. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Resolution PZ2025-30 -Recommending the Approval of a Conditional Use Permit for the Operation of a Small Automotive Sales Business at 4586 Kenai Spur Highway, Davidson Homestead Tract A, in the Rural Residential Zoning District. MOTION: Commissioner Woodard MOVED to approve Resolution PZ2025-30. Commissioner Krause SECONDED the motion. Director Buettner read into the record the staff report as included in the packet and attached to Resolution PZ2025-30. Vice Chair Earsley opened the floor for public comment. Laurin Lee-Ensey (applicant), provided the Commission with a packet of information related to her business, noting that all permits were in place, including a surety bond; the conditional use permit request pertained to approximately seven -percent of the parcel; the business would be a limited, by appointment only operation; this would improve an overgrown corner of her lot, improving safety and visibility; the use would be small-scale, quiet and compatible with the residential character of the area; the application met all requirements, complied with regulations, and this would be a well maintained business on her property. Commissioner Fikes thanked the applicant for the thorough presentation, noting she was excited to hear that lighting would be added the corner addressing visibility concerns. Dan Verkuilen addressed the Commission with concerns related to clutter and potential decrease in the value of the neighborhood. Ms. Lee-Ensley clarified that access was immediately off of Strawberry road, not the Spur Highway; there would be a maximum of ten vehicles; the current plan is to rotate five to ten cars regularly; and it would be organized and not cluttered. Mr. Verkuilen stated he did not oppose entrepreneurs; and his concerns were related to the value of homes in the area. Sherry Inness addressed the Commission in opposition, noting the neighborhood is zone residential; this would change the rural character of the neighborhood; this would set a precedent for future commercial development; and she felt the business was not compatible with the residential zoning of the area. There was discussion regarding neighboring properties that were not within City limits which could be developed commercially; and the conditional use process. Connie Taplin addressed the commission requesting clarification of the conditional use permit could be transferred if the property were sold. Planning & Zoning Commission Page 2 of 4 November 12, 2025 Clarification was provided that the matter would come back before the commission and if there were no changes to the use, yes it could be transferred. Diane Taplin addressed the Commission in opposition, noting she was unaware of the corner being unsafe or of accidents happening there; there are other businesses on Strawberry road, those are outside of City limits; and that she supported the testimony of Ms. Inness. Ms. Lee-Ensey provided additional testimony, noting she respected the opinions shared; emphasized her personal investment in the property and community; a conditional use permit is not permanent; and she had spoken with neighbors who did support this. There being no one else wishing to be heard, the public comment period was closed. Clarification was provided that any properties within 300-feet were mailed notices of public hearing; the public hearing noticed was published in the Peninsula Clarion; and published on the City website. Commissioner Keaton spoke in support of the conditional use permit, noting the property went through the application process and has met the required criteria. Commissioner Woodard spoke in support, noting the applicant met the required criteria; it was conditional and not permanent; the location was not within the subdivisions; and it was not uncommon to have business just outside of a subdivision. VOTE: YEA: Askin, Keaton, Pettey, Krause, Fikes, Woodard, Earsley NAY: None ABSENT: None MOTION PASSED. Vice Chair Earsley noted the 15-day appeal period. G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None. H. NEW BUSINESS 1. Discussion - Direction from Kenai City Council to Review and Make Recommendations to Update Kenai Municipal Code 14.10 — Subdivision Regulations. Director Buettner provided an overview of the memo as provided in the packet, noting the Administration has identified housing as a high priority; and the City has been approached by large- and small-scale developers. There was discussion regarding removing explicit standards from code and instead referring to policies that are adopted by Council; the goal is to have clear communicable standards to provide to developers. Support for this process was expressed by the Commission. I. REPORTS 1. Planning Director Planning Director Buettner — No report. 2. Commission Chair - No report. 3. Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commissioner Fikes reported on recent actions of the Kenia Peninsula Borough Planning Commission. 4. City Council Liaison _ Planning & Zoning Commission Page 3 of 4 November 12, 2025 Council Member Kisena reported on recent actions of the City Council. J. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS - None. K. NEXT MEETING ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATION 1. Next Meeting: December 10, 2025 L. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS Commission Members stated appreciation for public participation and welcomed Commissioner Askin. M. PENDING ITEMS - None. N. ADJOURNMENT O. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None. There being no further business before the Planning & Zoning Commission, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:21 p.m. I certify the above represents accurate minutes of the Kenai City Council meeting of November 12, 2025. Logan P ks Deputy City Clerk Planning & Zoning Commission Page 4 of 4 November 12, 2025