The Wrangell Planning and Zoning Commission met last Thursday evening to discuss potential changes to the city's code regarding nuisance activities. Specifically, they looked at the parts of the code regarding noise complaints.
Carol Rushmore, Economic Development Director for Wrangell, explained to the commission that Wrangell City Manager Lisa Von Bargen had presented the borough assembly a rough draft of a rewritten nuisance code. Copies of this draft were also being presented to the planning and zoning commission for their input, to ensure that any new codes would comply with existing zoning codes.
The proposed noise ordinance stated that it would be unlawful to produce noises that exceed 60 decibels from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. This limit would be lowered to 50 decibels outside of the previously mentioned times. The commission agreed that one of their concerns, upon reading through the ordinance, is that they were unsure of who would be keeping track of what noises exceeded the decibel limit.
There were also concerns that this would make use of lawnmowers and chainsaws difficult for homeowners. Members of the commission also wanted to know how this could affect members of the public who worked night shifts, and therefore slept during the day.
The discussion on the pros and the cons of the draft ordinance were discussed for some time. Eventually, however, the commission agreed that more time was needed to review the document more thoroughly before giving their opinions back to the city manager.
They agreed to hold a workshop to discuss the draft further on Sept. 6.
During this meeting, the commission also heard from Wrangell resident Jim Collier. Collier said that he owned two properties, one on Hemlock Avenue and another at 12.3 mile. He came to the commission to state his dissatisfaction with the lack of snow plow services at his Hemlock Avenue address. He said that, as a taxpayer, he felt that he should receive similar city services as everyone else. He also added that not getting snow removed for people who lived outside city limits also put them in some danger, as fire services could have trouble reaching peoples' homes if too much snow was piled on the road. As this was not an agenda item, the commission did not take any action during the meeting.
Other items approved in the meeting include:
A preliminary plat review of the Bay Company Replat and Alley Vacation II;
A final plat review of the Massin/Industrial Replat; and
A conditional use application for short term B&B or Airbnb rental, as well as long term rentals, requested by Kay Larson.
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