Loading...
04/24/1967 SMKODAK PISL ID tORQIUGH () 1 9 9 `4 SPECIAL JOINT MEETING - April 24, 1967 ASSEMBLY AND ZONING COMMISSION I CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 8:10 p.me in the Magistrate's Courtroom, Donnelley Building, Kodiak, Alaska, by Assembly Presiding Officer Lester. II ROLL CALL Present Absent Wilton T. White, Chairr:^n Henry Breckberg Elden Lester, Presiding Officer Donald Arndt James Barr Mrs. Jo Hajdu Norman Sutliff Also present: Doug Preston, Clerk; Ralph Val?-__;ra, Assessor; Sam Best, Ordinance Committee chairman; Jim Stansbury, Building Inspector; Sally Hendrix, Secretary, taking minutes; and approximately 9 in the audience. III ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION A. Expansion of Business District. Mr. Hansen opened the discussion. He stated that the Commission had chosen the Tagura Road area as a logical expansion for the business district because it is already spotted with several businesses and because, although there are some new homes in the area, for the most part it needs considerable improvement. They felt that it would be more favorable an area than Mill Bay Road because of the lack of utilities in the latter area. The Commission feels that although this area might not necessarily be the right one, more business area should be planned for, and if the Assembly still felt that this area was not suitable, they should propose another area. Mr. Hansen further suggested that if a long -range planning expert were to select an area for the growth of Kodiak's business district, he might choose this area. If the Borough keeps the attitude that no rezoning will be done if there are any objections to it, no long -range plan could ever be accomplished, since there will always be some objections. Mr. Barr then commented on the rezoning. He felt that there is no justifica- tion in asking for a change this radical at the present time. He stated that there are even people backing out of their present commitments to rebuild in the Urban Renewal area. He pointed out that even though the Urban Renewal property is very expensive, it is ready to be used, with sewer and water available. He felt that the property beyond Tagura is not suitable because it is so steep, and cannot be reached from Mission Road. However, he felt that the area on Tagura, which is flatter land, would be more suitable. Mr. Barr also felt that the present 1980 Plan should be followed as closely as possible until it can be replaced by a new plan. It outlines the Island Lake area and from the Cutoff Road along Mill Bay Road as business areas. It was pointed out that sewer and water are not available in these areas. Mr. White commented that the industry in Kodiak has far outgrown the 1980 Plan, and this is what has caused the swift growth of Kodiak. He stated that if the city is to grow, plans must be made for expansion of the business area. He commented that the 1980 Plan may be taken as an overall guide, but that some areas must be completely re- evaluated. There were various other comments made. Mr. Hansen suggested extending Tagura Road on out the dedicated right-of-way to join Mission Road at 6th Street. Mr. Williams suggested that rezoning the Tagura Road area might upgrade it faster than leaving it as is. It was suggested that perhaps another area would be more suitable for business expansion, such as from the Berg building on out the Base Road, but it was felt there would be just as many objections from residents of that area. Mr. Sutliff commented that when the waterfront area along Tagura Road had been set aside as an industrial area for canneries, it was felt that it would be logical to have businesses across Tagura Road from the industrial area. Mrs. Hajdu stated that it didn't make sense to have a residential area bordering an industrial area, and that people should not be encouraged to build homes there when it is hoped that more - canneries -will •locate there. if the - area ._is zoned business now, then people will not be able to people new homes there, only to have to relocate later on. It was agreed that the shore area must be reserved for new canneries. It was pointed out that the area further out Mission Road to the Leite Addition is fine residential property because of the view, and JOINT S L A D ZONING COMMISSION MEETING - April 24, 1967 2 that it is too steep to be used as a business area. Mr. Hansen and Mrs. Hajdu felt that it could be used for apartments. After considerably more discussion and map study, it was agreed that another attemtp should be made to rezone a smaller portion of the aeaa which was originally proposed. Mr. Barr commented that if the area develops rapidly, then it can be expanded further. The Zoning Commission will further define the boundaries of the area at their next meeting. B. Exception to Parking Requirements Granted to Ron Ball for Bunkhouse, Restaurant and Bar - Townsite Blk 18 Lot 19 (Case 155 -B). Mr. Hansen explained that there was no provision in the ordinance for parking requirements for a bunkhouse or dormitory -- therefore the requirements for a hotel are used. However, the people using these facilities are cannery workers and very seldom own cars. Since the requirements were being met for the restaurant and bar, with some spaces left over for the bunkhouse as well, the Commission had granted the exception. it was not the intent of the Commission to include Mr. Ball's Hertz car rental business in the exception. The Commission agrees that there is a parking problem in the area, but does not feel that Mr. Ball's establishment will add to it. If Mr. Ball eventually finds that he does not have sufficient parking space, he will have to purchase more land to provide it. It was agreed that the biggest parking problem in the area is that of the fishermen's cars, and also the cannery employees. A solution must be found for these problems, but individuals opening establishments in the area should not be required to provide parking for these other cars. Mr. Lester pointed out that the Kodiak Inn had not anticipated parking problems, which it now has, and felt that Mr. Ball might also have a problem later on. However, he did not wish to hold up Mr. Ball's construction. The other Assemblymen concurred, and Mr. Barr stated that he would withdraw his appeal to the decision on the exception. Mr. Hansen suggested that the ordinance be amended to include different parking requirements for rooming houses. C. Resignation of Mr. Breckberg from Zoning Commission. Mr. Hansen presented Mr. Breckberg's resignation which was read by Mr. White. Mr. Hansen requested that an appointment be made to fill the vacancy. Mr. White asked for suggestions and Herb Richmon's name was mentioned. Mr. White inquired if the group was sufficiently large, and Mr. Hansen replied that he thought it should be larger, and that he would appreciate the participation of the Comprehensive Planning Commission. D. Comprehensive Plan and Expert Planner. It was agreed that the Borough should have an expert long -range planner, but that it must be someone who will remain on the staff to put the plan into effect. Mr. Sutliff stated that the planners who worked on the 1980 Plan were experienced and had good ideas, but left when they had drawn up the plan. Mrs. Hajdu felt that even a specialist would still have to depend on the local people for recommendations. Mr. White stated that the Federal Government will not give Kodiak any grants for water or sewer work until a nww Comprehensive Plan has been established, but that neither will they provide a grant to accomplish a new Plan. For this reason, other means are being sought to accomplish a Plan, such as through a private planning firm. It may be more expensive, but it does not look as if funds are going to come through from ASHA, and even if they did, it would probably be 1970 before the Plan were completed. E. Future Joint Meetings. It was agreed that future joint meetings would be worthwhile. The Zoning Commission was invited to attend a meeting with the Assembly and representatives from the Division of Lands to discuss various problems in Bells Flats on Wednesday, May 3, at 9:00 a.m. IV ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m. APPROVED: ,), ( ,t7„, -kAka5 Wilton T. White (Arnold Hansen Borough Chairman Zoning Commission Chairman