SEPTEMBER 30, 2003

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Chair Balen called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. Commissioners Milligan, Meatzie, Balen and Cutter answered the roll. Commissioners Hauser, Uhl and Cvar were absent. A quorum was present.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: Chair Balen noted that Ms. Booth's letter of concern about the stormwater runoff was a more broad concern than just the Dane's application. Ms. Booth noted that the lots were being covered by buildings and was concerned that drainage from pipes and rooftops erode away the bank in front of the properties on Yaquina John Point. Chair Balen noted that in Yaquina John Point and Alsea Highlands there is no curb and gutter system, so stormwater tends to be a problem in areas such as these. He felt the Planning Commission should look at the development code and ensure that appropriate rules and regulations be included if they aren't already. Mr. Dane noted that there was far less water running down on the beach now than there was when they first bought the property in 1968. According to Mr. Dane, In 1974 a ditch system was installed to divert the water from the east side of Waziyata and into a culvert down the trail to the beach. The sanitary district also improved the situation, as the septic tanks and pits used to discharge over the bank as well. Mr. Dane agreed that this was still an issue though, as people increase the roof coverage and sizes of the houses. Chair Balen felt that the Yaquina John Point area should be reviewed to determine if future development should even be allowed to happen. He noted that fire is also a major concern, as the houses are so close together. The drainage issue will be put on an upcoming agenda to be addressed through Code review and revisions.
   Dick Mevis, property caretaker for Mrs. Booth, noted that when the riprap had originally been installed in front of her property, there was one space of about 4-5 feet of sand. That is now 50 feet in width, and a major portion of the bank is gone. He advocated that roof drains be installed to preserve the bank from further erosion.
3. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: Commissioner Milligan noted that coastal erosion had been dramatically increased in the last several decades, and this is a risk in waterfront property. She felt that issues such as riprap should be undertaken by those property owners, but erosion is always a risk when purchasing waterfront property. Mr. Lewis noted that in regard to the abandoned car on Spring Street, the Sheriff’s office has again been apprised, so hopefully some action will be forthcoming. Commissioner Cutter mentioned that it appeared the City was clearing the area up around the skatepark. Staff informed the Commission of the City’s plans to widen Crestline to allow for a pedestrian/bicycle path, and also that the skatepark parking lot is scheduled to be paved. Commissioner Cutter expressed concern that residents along Crestline may utilize the newly paved shoulder for parking, which may cause additional problems for pedestrians and bicyclists.
4. MINUTES: The Commission considered the minutes from the August 26, 2003 meeting. Commissioner Meatzie moved to approve the minutes as presented. Commissioner Cutter seconded, and the motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
5. CORRESPONDENCE: None, other than Mrs. Booth's letter which had already been discussed, or that was associated with the hearing.
6. PUBLIC HEARING: 1-V-03: Louise and Charles Dane Application for Establishing Property Lines: Chair Balen opened the Public Hearing, and called for bias, conflicts of interest and ex parte contact. Commissioner Meatzie stated that, due to prior dealings with the applicant, he felt he would not be able to render an unbiased opinion. Following a brief recess, staff returned with a suggestion that with only four members present, and one recused, the Public Hearing should be delayed to the next regular Planning Commission meeting date, October 28, 2003. Chair Balen then announced the Public Hearing was postponed, and reopened the Planning Commission meeting.
7. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:
A. Planner Report: Mr. Lewis reviewed his written report.
B. Date for Workshop to Discuss Code Revisions: A brief discussion ensued. It was suggested that the City Council be apprised of the fact that the Planning Commission was moving forward with the code revisions. Chair Balen noted that they would also like to look at the issue of stormwater runoff with respect to properties in the City and how that might best be handled, such as a study of site drainage. Commissioner Cutter noted that with the holiday season coming up, the dates in November and December may need to be moved in order to ensure a quorum. It was determined to begin the process of discussing code revisions at the meeting in October, and to schedule a workshop on the issue for the 9^th of December. Staff noted it may be possible to make that a dinner workshop, so the Commission could start early and have plenty of time for discussion.
C. Other Issues: None.
8. ADJOURNMENT: At 7:20 p.m., there being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Meatzie moved to adjourn. Commissioner Cutter seconded, and the motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.