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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05/09/2012ROLL CALL Members Present: Doc Reiss, Amanda Anderson, David Miller, John Matthews, Tim Boyle, Duane Morris, Scott Headrick Members Excused: Staff Present: Public Present: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Reiss opened the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Review of the April 25, 2012 minutes was moved to the end of the meeting. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Port Angeles, Washington 98362 May 9, 2012 6:00 p.m. None Nathan West, Scott Johns, Sue Roberds, Heidi Greenwood Jack Glaubert, Jerry Austin, Paul Gottlieb, Darlene Schanfald, Ed Chadd, Elsie Stevenson, Mike Keggan REVISED DRAFT SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM. Review of an updated Shoreline Master Program proposing amended and new policies and regulations intended to achieve the goals of the State Shoreline Management Act and the community's vision for shoreline management. It is intended that this public hearing will be continued to May 9 in order to allow the public to comment on the draft Program that is available on the City's web site at www.cityofpa.us. (Continued from April 25, 2012.) Associate Planner Scott Johns reviewed staff's report regarding the background of the current review process and described differences between the original Shoreline Master Program and the revised Program. He noted that public comment was a primary concern during the review process that has taken place for the past two years. In addition to comments received at a variety of number of public meetings held with regarding to the update process, a survey was prepared where the 270 responses were incorporated into the draft document. He then reviewed the most current revisions to the Program that were suggested and discussed at the April 25, 2012, public hearing by Commission members and members of the public present during that public hearing and provided a written response to all questions raised during the public hearing. Mr Johns responded to Commissioner Reiss regarding a bluff wall suggested to be constructed east of the Red Lion Hotel in the vicinity of the Waterfront Trail adjacent to property owned by Jerry Austin and Jack Glaubert. Mr. Johns clarified that a bluff wall would not be permitted in marine areas because such a wall could prevent sloughs which are a naturally occurring action Planning Commission Marines May 9, 2012 Page 2 supported by the State Department of Ecology as a nourishment action to the shoreline. The construction of a retaining wall would require mitigation that is not initially described in the Program currently. The Program requires that, other than for single family development, physical access is required for the public to access shoreline areas unless determined to be impracticable, and uses within the shoreline area are required to be water dependent. Commissioner Miller asked for clarification as to the ownership of properties along the north side of Railroad Avenue and why the Program restricts uses along the shoreline to be shoreline or recreationally oriented. Mr. Johns clarified that properties located north of Railroad Avenue, with the exception of the Landing Mall, are all owned by public entities. The State Department of Ecology has deemed that shoreline areas will be accessible to the public unless impractical. Director Nathan West further responded that the predominant focus of the State regulations and guidelines for use of shoreline properties is to enable the use of shoreline areas for water dependent or water enjoyment uses. Commissioner Morris asked for further clarification as to what uses would be considered water enjoyment. Mr. Johns responded that if a person's ability to look out over the water, such as when eating at a restaurant, is integral to the recreational experience, such a use can be considered water enjoyment. He suggested that the term "restaurant" should perhaps be elaborated upon in order not to preclude other similar establishments and a variety of seasonal uses such as retail food carts and tourist uses. He would adjust the definitions accordingly. Chair Reiss opened the public hearing. Darlene Schanfald, Olympic Environmental Council, P.O. Box 2664, Sequim, Washington urged the Commission to delay a decision on this matter. She felt that the amended document lacked detail. She stated that the Clallam County Shoreline Master Program and Port Townsend Shoreline Master Programs are more explanative and detailed. The City's plan is vague and talks a lot about saving the shoreline but doesn't refer to the Elwha Dam sedimentary deposit expectations. The Program is not user friendly. The intent of the Shoreline Master Program is to protect and restore the shorelines for public use and salmon restoration. The build up of sediments along Ediz Hook is not discussed. Further development of Ediz Hook goes against the intent of the Shoreline Management Plan. The Program needs an expansion of definition language; how parking contaminants will be contained; where residential can occur; identification of where natural sites can occur; outfall controls could be upgraded at this juncture; the wetland section talks about typing streams but does not include specifics; and sea level rise is not addressed. She does not believe the document is ready to be approved. Jack Glaubert 222 Hardwick Road, Sequim, WA 98382 asked if access to his property could be taken from the Waterfront Trail (Railroad Avenue Extended). Director West indicated that this question does not pertain to the Shoreline Master Program. Mr. Glaubert asked how height is determined in shoreline areas. He noted a potential conflict with height description in the Program document. Mr. Johns will check to be certain there are no conflicts prior to submitting to Council and explained that primarily, lower heights are dictated in shoreline areas that are at or below Zoning Code provisions. He felt staff had done a good job in addressing concerns Planning Consmnss,on Minutes Afav 9, 2012 Page 3 previously expressed with regard to his property. There being no further discussion, Chair Reiss closed the public hearing Director West noted that the Commission may forward a recommendation to the City Council of approval, or continue deliberation thereby extending discussion of the proposed amended Program. All of the information and public comment received after July, 2011 are available on the City's web site as well as recordings of the Planning Commission meetings and Harbor Planning meetings. Commission Duane Morris moved to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council with the additional changes noted during the public hearing regarding minor corrections for clarification. Commissioner Tim Boyle seconded the motion that passed unanimously. Chair Reiss thanked staff for their lengthy period of work on this very detailed subject. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC None STAFF REPORTS None REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. PREPARED BY: S. Roberds retary Doc Reiss, Chair