Resolution 13-095 Authorizing Use of HERC Gymnasium Until the Building is Demolished

CITY OF HOMER
HOMER, ALASKA
Lewis
RESOLUTION 13-095

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER, ALASKA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO KEEP THE HOMER EDUCATION AND RECREATION COMPLEX (HERC) GYMNASIUM OPEN FOR PICKLEBALL, BASKETBALL, AND OTHER COMMUNITY RECREATION PROGRAMS THAT REQUIRE ONLY MINIMAL HEAT AND UTILITIES UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE BUILDING IS DEMOLISHED.

WHEREAS, The City of Homer does not have the funds to refurbish the HERC Building or to operate and maintain it and it has been unsuccessful in identifying a suitable use for it going forward; and

WHEREAS, At a recent CIP Planning workshop, the City Council decided that it was in the best interest of the community to demolish the building and use the land as the site of a proposed new public safety building; and

WHEREAS, There are a number of steps which must be taken before the building can be demolished including identifying the funding for demolition and selecting a contractor through the City’s procurement procedures; and

WHEREAS, Minimal heat must be maintained in the building whether it is in use or not in order to prevent pipes from freezing and snow from accumulating on the flat roof; and

WHEREAS, Pickleball, adult basketball, and other City of Homer Community Recreation Programs are very popular and make a large contribution to community health and the quality of life; and

WHEREAS, These programs involve vigorous physical activity and do not require heat above the minimal setting already used to keep the building in “warm status”; and

WHEREAS, Advocates for these programs have requested that the gymnasium remain open with minimal heat and utilities until such time as the building is demolished.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council finds that the gymnasium remains an asset for as long as the HERC building remains standing and that it would be in the best interest of the community to use it provided that maintenance and utility costs are minimal; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to keep the HERC gymnasium open for pickleball, basketball, and other City of Homer Community Recreation Programs that require only minimal heat and utilities until such time as the building is demolished.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Homer City Council this 23rd day of September, 2013
      

CITY OF HOMER

            
MARY E. WYTHE, MAYOR
ATTEST:

    
MELISSA JACOBSEN, CMC
DEPUTY CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: Estimated additional $15,000 for electric and maintenance; $7,500 in 2013 and $7,500 in $2014.