Approved without objection at November 1, 2012,TCC Regular Meeting Turnagain Community Council Meeting Minutes October 4, 2012

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1 Approved without objection at November 1, 2012,TCC Regular Meeting Turnagain Community Council Meeting Minutes October 4, Cathy Gleason, TCC President, called the meeting to order at Turnagain Elementary at 7:04 pm. I. Opening Remarks/Announcements/Approval of Minutes Chris Habicht moved and Bill Wortman seconded a motion to approve the TCC minutes for September 6, The motion passed with no objections. Still looking for someone to serve as Secretary-Treasurer for TCC. Please contact Cathy if interested. Cathy Gleason noted that the announcements were on the back of the printed agenda. Cathy highlighted some of these and announced some new ones: Oct. 10 AWWU Master Plan Update Open House, 4:00-7:00 p.m., AWWU Headquarters, 3000 Arctic Blvd. Info: Chris Kosinski, , Chris.Kosinski@awwu.biz. Go to to review document and submit comments. Comment deadline is October 31. Oct. 11 W. Northern Lights Blvd. Pedestrian Improvements Design Update Open House, 5:30-7:00 p.m., Romig Middle School Multi-purpose Rm., 2500 Minnesota Dr. This is the final design review for the proposed walkway between Captain Cook Estates Cir. and Lois Dr. Construction is scheduled for Info: Brooke Blessing, , blessingbr@muni.org. Oct. 24 Midtown and West Anchorage Community Council Legislative Candidates Forum, 7:00 9:00 pm at the Spenard Recreation Center Multi-purpose Room. Info: Jim Bowers spenardcc@gmail.com Nov. 7 Airport Part 150 Noise Study Second Public Information Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Spenard Recreation Center Multi-purpose Room, 2020 W. 48 th Ave. Info: Ryk Dunkelber, , Cathy announced that discussion of the Heritage Land Bank Policy Changes and the APOC presentation would not be on tonight s agenda; they will be rescheduled at a future time. Steve Strait moved and Pat Redmond seconded a motion to amend the agenda. Motion was approved without objection. II. Committee Reports Airport Master Plan Update: Cathy passed around a sign-up sheet for those interested in serving on a committee to participate in the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Master Plan Update. TCC representation to serve on a Master Plan Stakeholder s Working Group will be chosen by the committee.

2 Anchorage Airport Communications Committee: AACC Chair Matt Claman reported on the September 20 th meeting. Public participation for the Airport Master Plan Update was discussed. Projected forecast was provided expect 1.5% to 2% growth per year. Landed tonnage will be back to 2006 volumes in Based on these projections, there s no pressing need for expansion. Community councils will be asked to provide representatives to the Stakeholder s Working Group. Erosion at Point Woronzof was discussed. Part of the Coastal Trail fell off the bluff in the mid-1990s and had to be rebuilt inland. At the continuing high rate of erosion, the rebuilt trail and eventually, Pt. Woronzof Dr., are in danger. It was decided that the airport will meet with the Army Corps of Engineers, then the AAC Committee will get involved in the discussion with other appropriate federal, state and local entities to look at possible solutions. Lake Hood User Group: Meryl Akers presented a report on the September 24 th meeting. These are not regularly scheduled. Meetings do not follow the intent of the Communications Committee information is only one way, there are no minutes, and follow-up of items brought up is lacking. Pilots expressed concern regarding Title 17 light sport pilot certificates. The certificate does not require a flight medical, but the airport does not allow planes on the lake unless pilots have a flight medical. Next meeting date not set. Meetings used to be a round-table discussion of attendees, but they are now more of an informational presentation format. A new manager will be selected soon TCC Officer/Board Nominating Committee: Elections will be held at our November 1 st meeting all seats are open. Cathy asked if anyone is interested in serving on a Nomination Committee. Due to lack of interest, no committee formed. TCC Board will come up with a slate for next month s election. Kiwanis Fish Creek Park VIP Committee: Due to our legislative representation advocating for improvement project funding, the Parks Dept. will be continuing work at the park next year. The VIP Committee will be meeting again in the near future to help guide how the funds are spent. Bill Wortman agreed to continue serving on the committee. 2 III. Assembly Report Ernie Hall o Construction permitting: An ordinance was passed to allow third party plan review of structural plans by certified structural engineers. Projects will still need to go through all Municipal inspections. This will shorten timeframe for custom homes. o Sidewalk ordinance: Assembly voted to repeal the ordinance they had previously passed, but the Mayor vetoed the repeal. o Tesoro liquor license on Northern Lights and A Street: Problems with inebriates in many of parts of town are growing. Some liquor stores are more problematic than others. Currently, a lot of documentation is required to shut down a store. Want to hear from community councils; they carry a lot of weight. Assembly will more likely to see a lot more restrictions on conditional use permits. A one-year sunset clause will become more common. o More vandalism and smash-and-grabs occurring downtown: Looking for ways to reduce these crimes.

3 o 2013 Municipal A and B budget proposals: The Mayor has proposed two budgets; A would include severe cuts; B budget is much more reasonable and is will use Municipal funds originally targeted for the School District. based on increased Muni funding that would have gone to the School District, but won t because of the Legislature passed SB 181 last session. A bill was passed last legislative session increasing state funding, so more local funds are available to be used in the Municipal operating budget. The Mayor will go to the tax cap under Budget B. The Police Department wouldn t fill current vacant position, but there would be no layoffs. One fire station in south Anchorage would be closed. Library funding would stay whole. There will be an Assembly work session on October 12 th at City Hall. Public hearings are scheduled for October 23rd & 30 th ; the Assembly will take action on the budget November 13 th. o Title 21: The committee is working hard, but won t be ready for a public hearing on November 27th. Still need to deal with Chapter 10. There are now three drafts: the provisionally-adopted version approved by the Assembly, amends approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission, and Planning Dept. staff language. Debbie Ossiander has been encouraging those that disagree on particular items work together to find common ground. Hope to get it scheduled for introduction in December. o John Thomas building: Municipality is proposing to sell the building at 3 rd Ave. & Cordova; would have to be approved by the Assembly. Non-profits groups currently leasing space are charged $0.07 per square foot. Rate is going up to $0.25, but, even at that rate, fees do not cover all maintenance costs. One consideration is, is it appropriate for the Municipality to subsidize these nonprofits groups? Assembly is asking the city to come up with options, including relocation options or nonprofits purchasing the building and dealing with the building. A public hearing will be held soon. Community Development Block Grant funds have been used for building improvements and a percentage of these will need to be paid back if it is sold. o Questions from the audience: The public hearing on the liquor license for the Tesoro station was not well posted is the hearing closed? No. The hearing was postponed until October 23. Expecting a lot of opposition. How often does a liquor license come up for review? Every three years. Community councils should track liquor licenses and provide input, so that objectionable ones are not approved. A lot of people do not follow the turn right only sign coming out of the Spenard Post Office on W. Northern Lights. Suggest placing a cop to ticket people going straight. Cathy Gleason reported that when the post office was proposed, TCC requested that the outlet line up with the Carrs one, so people could go straight. At some point after that, the right turn only sign was posted, likely due to traffic hazards of trying to go straight. In Plan B, Parks and Recreation will take a hit. Why? All departments are taking a hit. John Thomas provides lots of services to a lot of non-profits. Harriet Drummond o The Assembly approved the purchase of 33 new tazers for the Police Dept. Goal is to acquire 180. Cost is $300,000. Wrongful deaths are costly if these save one life, they are worth the cost. 3

4 IV. Airport Report 4 John Johansson provided the update: Part 150 Noise Study: o Consultant completed summer noise monitoring and is developing draft noise contours. o Next Study Input Committee Meeting is Wednesday, Nov 7, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Airport Field Maintenance Facility Training Room. o Next Public Meeting is the same day, 5:30pm to 7:00pm at Spenard Rec. Center. o Aviation Forecast, basis of future noise contours, presented at Sept 19 th Master Plan meeting. o Web site: anc150study.com. Master Plan: o Public Open House held on Sept 19 th, during which the issues and goals and public involvement plan were discussed and the Aviation Forecast for use by both the Master Plan and the Part 150 Noise Study were presented. Attended by about 80 people. o Finalizing project scope, issues and goals, and public involvement plan after July outreach meetings and Project kick-off Open House in Sept. o Web site: send comments, questions and request to receive notifications/updates at contact@ancmasterplan.com. Aviation Forecast: 1.4 % annual growth in aircraft operations projected through The only significant construction projects at airport through end of year are: o Taxiway E and RON 2 Reconstruction near C Concourse o East Airpark Storm Drain Extension and Postmark Storm Drain Repair may get underway o Security fence around Kulis Aircraft Parking Apron and access road from airfield directly to fire station. o Parking Garage Escalator Replacement o Lake Hood Strip RPZ Property Acquisition (6 Duplexes at end of Wendy s Way) Project was awarded to Point Mackenzie Construction and Management. Start date end of Oct. The contractor's Subcontractor is removing the houses in whole. Houses have to be removed by March 15 th, 2013 by the contract. All the other work will continue in May and be finished by the contract end date of July 31 st For questions, contact the project office phone: Additional 4 Tanks at AFSC Tank farm are 100% complete. Concessions recently opened: o Alaska Dog Haus at Hex End of B Concourse on the secure side of passenger screening. o Cinnibon at Hex End of B Concourse on the secure side of screening. Concessions opening later this year or early next year: o Grizzly Pizza at the entrance to A-concourse on nonsecure side of screening. o Silver Gulch Brewing Company across from Chili's on secure side of screening. Kulis: o Demolition complete. o Clean up of some contamination at the old POL facility through next summer. o NAM operating out of the old cafeteria to support passengers on Shell Oil flights to North Slope at least thru December, may be long term.

5 Tim Coons with Airport Operations has been selected as the new Lake Hood Manager effective Monday, October 8, Sign up for GovDelivery at anchorageairport.com to receive s on all sorts of DOT related things. 5 V. Wetlands Management Plan Update The TCC Board provided comments to the Wetlands Management Plan Update draft by the Aug. 31st deadline. The comments were posted on the TCC website for members to review. Main focus of the TCC letter was on Turnagain Bog Management Strategies, requesting that pertinent information from AO (S-2) be included in the Plan. Pat Redmond moved to approve the comments as posted on the web site and provided at the meeting. Chris Habicht seconded. Vote: 11 in favor; 0 opposed. Comments are approved. VI. Legislative Report Senator Hollis French: o Full campaign mode. Representative Lindsey Holmes: o State Department sent her to Mexico as a guest speaker. o Last day to register to vote is Sunday. o Monitoring status previously passed legislation. o Working with community on road and park capital projects. o Following up on September windstorm response legislative hearing was held to discuss issues with the utility companies Chugach started mobilizing crews from around the state 12 hours before the storm. Communication was a big problem; ongoing phone busy signal to get information was major issue. Mayor s office will be working to improve it. Member of the audience suggested that utilities put a map in their lobbies, showing all the power outages that they are aware of. VII. State Legislative Candidates for November 6th Elections Senate Seat District J Hollis French - passed out flier. Moved here in 1978 and spent 13 years in the oil industry. Graduated from Law School at Cornell. Served as a prosecutor in Alaska. Elected to Senate in Part of the bipartisan coalition over last 6 years. One of area of focus: Lower crime rate and prison populations. Bob Bell passed out flier. Moved here in Started an engineering firm in One thousand Alaskans have received paychecks. Thirty-four years in oil business. Knows how to negotiate with oil business. Six years on Anchorage Assembly. Attended lots of community council meetings while on the Assembly. Appointed to Board of Supervisors. Have business experience oil industry, public office, charity boards, and statewide boards. Helped get term limits on the ballots: these have been reversed by legislation or shot down by the courts.

6 6 State Representative District 19 Lindsey Holmes - Born here and grew up in the TCC area. Has consistently attended and teleconferenced with TCC and worked with us in getting funding for project requests. Issues worked on include: speed bumps and traffic calming; schools; domestic violence; parks; and consumer protection. Helped small businesses. Worked for rational changes to the oil tax, advocate for children and education. Would love to continue to represent us. Questions from the audience: If elected would you come to CC meetings or participate on teleconference? o French yes very important o Bell Have a history of going to CC meetings this is important there to represent you. Have been going door-to-door. o Holmes ditto to what both said very important. Would you join the bipartisan coalition? o Bell - No, I think the Senate should be partisan. We should work together, but not join. Tip O Neal could work across the isle. We don t need a coalition. o French This is the most significant difference between Bell and me. We must work across the isle. We must share power or it s just words. Without a coalition, minority just gets lip service legislators not on equal footing. We must keep coalition together. Every politician says they will work across the isle I have been doing it. o Bell - would not agree with that. With the coalition, the rest of the Republicans were left out. To Holmes What is your position on joining a bipartisan coalition? You had a chance to join, why not? o Holms - I am a huge fan of the coalition. No party has veto power. We have a variation on that in the house with four Democrats and lots of Republicans. I have not joined, but have heard wonderful things about it. These coalitions are not unusual to Alaska, but not common in other states. To Bell - Please comment on the success or failure of the partisan divide at the national level in Washington, D.C. o Bell - National system has been awful over the last four years. Worked well for long time before that. To Bell - Anchorage Mental Health Community Service wants to acquire Longhouse Hotel for housing of severely mentally ill, possible with criminal records. If a funding request comes before the Legislature, would you support it? o Bell I am reluctant to see that go ahead. Better to put it outside of neighborhoods API is not in a neighborhood. To Bell What is your position on oil taxes? o Bell - House Bill 110 is a starting point I would not vote for it. Oil bill the Senate passed did not go far enough. Want oil industry to fill pipeline and want Alaska to get fair share. What would it take to get them excited to get more oil? Hope to come up with solutions.

7 7 VIII. Title 21 Rewrite Cheryl Richardson, Anchorage Citizens Coalition, and Tom Davis, MOA Senior Planner, provided an overview of the Title 21 Rewrite process and discussed the status of comments TCC has previously provided. Cheryl Richardson, Anchorage Citizens Coalition o The Assembly approved Anchorage 2020 in Values contained in this document are still relevant and should be reflected in Title 21: Safe walking, clean water, homes that look like homes. Providing natural open space areas in higher-density housing. Plan needs to deal with growth. We do not have enough housing land for projected growth. We do not want to send growth to the Mat-Su Valley or look like Manhattan. Turnagain Crossing [proposed development to be built in Turnagain] is a great example of mixed housing and business this is the kind of development encouraged in the plan. West Anchorage District Plan was just adopted. Values in there are consistent with Almost finished 12 of 14 chapters in This plan was provisionally adopted by the Assembly. The mayor then hired a consultant and he put more construction interests into the plan. Proposed changes came out in summer of Since then, the Planning and Zoning Commission (mostly represent developer interests) put their stamp on it. They have eliminated purpose to provide safety, environmental protection, or life quality. No open spaces, native plants, reducing energy, protecting character, and so on The new plan will come before Assembly, probably in January Handouts were provided showing compromises made to open space. The municipal planning staff is doing a great job of protecting public interests. Tom Davis, MOA Senior Planner o Responding to one of the items TCC provided comments on, Planning & Zoning Commission didn t deal with creating an Airport District. Airport and TCC agreed that status quo/current zoning should be retained. The Assembly agreed not to move forward with modified Transition District; current code language will be retained. The Planning Dept. s Issue Response (on the website) states an Airport District will be created separately and current zoning will still apply. Title 21 won t apply to airport. There is a placeholder for an Airport District. Airport boundary is in doughnut hole. New code will not apply in that area. The old code will apply in airport boundaries until and Airport Zoning District is finalized a separate process. Basically, this issue as kicked down the road. At the time the rewrite was started, the West Anchorage District Plans was not adopted, Now that it is, it will provide some guidance. Questions/comments from the audience: Bill Wortman Winter needs to be thought about when designing standards. Pat Redmond winter conditions were taken into account. o Tom Davis - There are lots of sections in the Title 21 that deals with winter. Snow storage and snow removal plan must be in the design. Winter issues are weaved into the plan integrated section by section. High-rise buildings and

8 shadowing effects will be looked at as a separate ordinance. Wind effects of highrises will need to be studied. Heard a lot from the committee regarding unlimited building heights, especially from the North Star Community Council. There are height transition requirements for Midtown. o Harriet Drummond - Five members of the Assembly are working on revision to Title 21. Will the other six just go along with all of the recommendations? We do not know. Not happy that only five Assembly members are going through the changes. It is still possible to give final approval to the provisionally adopted chapters. Why did the assembly members go back? Not clear. Cathy thanked both presenters for all their work on the Title 21 Rewrite. 8 IX. Comments from the floor/agenda Items for Nov.1st TCC Meeting Agenda items for November meeting: Office/Board Member Elections Traffic Calming Legislative Candidates from Districts H and 16 X. Meeting Adjournment The meeting was adjourned 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Chris Habicht, TCC Board member.