Dunes City Planning Commission

M I N U T E S  Regular Meeting - March 27, 2008 - 7:00 P.M.

printable RTF file

First Evidentiary Hearing - Stormwater Management Ordinance

City Hall - 82877 Spruce St

Westlake , OR   97439

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:  Troy Ronning, Ken Platt, Lee Riechel, Ron

                                                   Shearer, Eggert Madsen, Sandy Jones

AUDIENCE MEMBERS:             Eight

STAFF PRESENT:                     Andrea Waler

I.     CALL TO ORDER

          Chairman Lee Riechel called the meeting of the Dunes City Planning Commission to

         order at 7:30 pm . 

           Lee Riechel welcomed new Planning Commission member, Sandy Jones

II.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES

          Lee Riechel postponed approval of February 28, 2008 Planning Commission meeting                minutes until the next Planning Commission meeting.

III.   OLD BUSINESS

            Lee Riechel opened the Public Hearing at 7:35 pm. on Ordinance 194 - Storm Pollution            Reduction. 

            Lee Riechel stated the policies in the Dunes City Comprehensive Plan as criteria for       the Stormwater Management Ordinance review.  He specifically identified policies A1,   A9, B9, E1, through E4 and E7.   And it was noted that there is reasonable evidence that criteria for this activity is well supported and covered by the          comprehensive plan.  Lee Riechel then read the explanation of hearing procedures.  He           further explained that     the Evidentiary hearing results will be sent to the City Council on           the auspices of a recommendation from the Planning Commission.  At this point in the

            hearing, Lee Riechel asked each individual Planning Commission member if they had      any actual or potential conflicts of interest.  All Commission members stated no.  Lee   Riechel then welcomed public input.

            William Gates - Canary Road , Florence , OR   97439

  William Gates expressed his concern that the Stormwater Manual's reference to a 5 year storm as a storm model is woefully inadequate.   William Gates suggested a 25 year storm quideline at a minimum, based on the NOA chart.  He expressed that the City should adopt a specific storm model.  He pointed out the 5 year storm model is for 4.5 inches of rain and a 100 year storm is 8 inches of rain. 

John Stead - 83505 S. Cove Way , Florence , OR   97439 .   John Stead shared the lengthy and involved process that this Ordinance had gone through and identified the various Committees that had worked on this project.  He suggested a 100 year storm guideline rather than 5 year model.  5 year is unrealistic for this area.  25 year is better, but with our weather, a 100 year is recommended.  He also shared that last summer with the Blue/Green algae problem, we need to be good stewards of the lake.  He also feels the public does not want to deal with registered engineers anymore than they have to.  John Stead stated that he is endorsing this document as presented.

Jerry Curran - 5600 Shady Lane, Dunes City , OR   97493 .   Jerry Curran supports proposal of endorsement for stormwater control.  He served on the Stormwater Committee, working on this project approximately 100 hours.  Jerry Curran stated he does endorse John Stead's proposal and feels the 100 year/8" rain model be endorsed.  He feels there is no danger in being over-prepared however, under-preparedness can be disastrous though.

David Bellemore - 83548 Salal, Florence , OR   97439 .  David Bellemore shared his involvement in the work on Stormwater Management from the very start.  He recommends requiring higher standards and protecting resources as lakes like Woahink are becoming increasingly rare.  He also backs the 100 year storm standard. David Bellemore feels it is necessary to keep the stormwater manual out of ordinance because changes would be

The manual can changed and kept separate.  David Bellemore also complimented the Planning Commission for their work on this project.

Darlene Beckman - 82150 Booth Island , Westlake , OR   97493 .  Darlene Beckman said she  supports the stormwater management program but it needs to be understandable and still protect our water.  She stated it needs to be realistic, effective , and useful so homeowners are able to utilize it.

Norman Martin - 83750 Rio Drive , Florence , OR   97439

Norman Martin presented to the Planning Commission a 62 page packet of information entitled "Documents for Objections to the Stormwater Pollution Reduction   Ordinance" that he wants to be part of the record.  This information packet is attached to these minutes.  Norman Martin went through each document he presented and explained his position which in a condensed version is "the City is breaking many laws, rules and statutes".  Norman Martin also stated the process was wrong as well.  Lee Riechel pointed out to Norman Martin that this information should be directed to the City Council.

The Public Hearing portion of the meeting was closed at 9:28 PM and the Planning Commissioners began their discussion.  Lee Riechel expressed that none of them have the technical expertise or knowledge to critique and make recommendations on the manual but in administering and making the process work.  With that in mind, Lee Riechel felt they could only make broad versus detailed comments.  Ron Shearer suggested having an Engineer at the City Council meeting when this is presented.  Lee Riechel asked for more opinions from the Planning Commission.  Troy Ronning expressed that this was too complex for the average citizen.  He suggested removing the Ordinance from the stormwater manual so the City Council can change it at will. 

Lee Riechel stated a decision needed to be made and the Planning Commission members decided that in order to give it their best effort they wanted to reconvene next week.  A motion was made to reconvene and a meeting date was set for Monday, March 31, 2008 at 7:00 pm. , at Dunes City Hall . 

Meeting adjourned at 10:18 pm

Respecfully submitted,  

Andrea Waler

Planning Secretary