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Soldotna lawmakers on Wednesday are scheduled to consider an adjustment to the city's landscaping ordinance as it pertains to undeveloped residential property. 070808 NEWS 1 Peninsula Clarion Soldotna lawmakers on Wednesday are scheduled to consider an adjustment to the city's landscaping ordinance as it pertains to undeveloped residential property.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Story last updated at 7/8/2008 - 1:48 pm

Landscaping rules to be discussed: Soldotna looks at undeveloped properties

Soldotna lawmakers on Wednesday are scheduled to consider an adjustment to the city's landscaping ordinance as it pertains to undeveloped residential property.

"We've had an ordinance that didn't allow clear cutting of residential lots, but the question arose, 'Is it adequate?'" said City Manager Tom Boedeker on Monday.

He said the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended not changing the rule as it applies to the smallest residential lots -- those that are less than 14,000 square feet. The ordinance requires a minimum of 15 percent of existing trees and shrubs remain.

However, on lots between 14,000 and 39,999 square feet, 20 percent of trees and shrubs shall remain and on lots larger than 40,000 square feet, 25 percent of trees and shrubs must remain.

The proposed ordinance does allow removal of more trees if construction of a structure cannot be accomplished conveniently without their removal, but prior to the removal of natural vegetation, a replacement landscape plan must be submitted for city approval.

Boedeker said the amending Ordinance 2008-14 pertains "strictly to undeveloped residential property."

A public hearing on the ordinance is slated for Wednesday.

In other business, the Soldotna City Council is expected to consider a resolution accepting a $1.1 million state grant for road, water and sewer projects.

Boedeker said no specific projects are designated in the grant, but the city is considering a number of unfinished water and sewer projects, several of which are partially funded through previous grants.

Among ongoing projects that can be paid for with the new grant are the Kalifornsky Beach Phase 4 sewer extension project, the Kalifornsky Beach well house project, municipal well C2 and the upgrade of Well House C. Remaining funds could go toward completing the Fireweed Street extension.

Boedeker said, additionally some lift stations could be upgraded to ready them for electronic remote control operations and reading systems.

The council is also expected to consider donating two large steel water tanks to the Anchor Point Fire and Emergency Medical Service Area.

The 10,000 gallon tanks were acquired by the city as part of the Hodges property purchase near the Soldotna Municipal Airport. Boedeker said the city does not anticipate a need for the tanks.

During the public presentation portion of the council meeting, an invasive plant awareness program is to be presented by Janice Chumley, integrated pest management technician with the University of Alaska Fairbanks cooperative extension service, and Kenaitze youth.

The council meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Phil Hermanek can be reached at phillip.hermanek@peninsulaclarion.com.




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