HOMER CITY COUNCIL

Session 06-06, a Regular Meeting of the Homer Economic Development Advisory Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Robert Howard in the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS: COREY, FAULKNER, HOWARD, MURPHY, NEWBY, RILEY, SCHEER.

COUNCILMEMBER: WYTHE

STAFF: CITY CLERK CALHOUN

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Chair Howard noted a correction on Agenda Informational Item E. that it should read September 12th instead of December 12th

There were no other changes to the agenda. It was clarified that Memorandum EDC 06-09 was an insertion.

NEWBY/MURPHY - MOVED THAT THE AGENDA BE APPROVED.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA. (3 MINUTE TIME LIMIT)

Aimee Sukzynski advised the Commission that she and her husband run a small internet service provider here in Homer and that they have addressed the Commission once before. She asked the Commission to consider if Homer Wi Fi could give a presentation on wireless internet, what it is and how Homer can get connected. Provide just some general information and provide a question and answer opportunity.

RECONSIDERATION

None schedule.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A. Unapproved meeting minutes of August 8 and September 12, 2006 Regular Meeting.

COREY/NEWBY - MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.

Commissioner Faulkner noted one change regarding attendance, clarifying that he was absent.

Commissioner Newby requested that her unexcused absence be excused.

Chair Howard stated that he would excuse Commissioner Newby.

RILEY/COREY - MOVED TO APPROVE THE MODIFICATIONS.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: (modifications regarding attendance on August 8) YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

There was no discussion, minor clarification.

VOTE: (modified minutes) YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

VISITORS (Chair set time limit not to exceed 20 minutes)

A. HEA Rick Eckert, Re: Tidal Energy

Rick Eckert, HEA gave an informational presentation to the Commission, provided some written information, drew some diagrams on the chalk board and answered questions:

As it stands today there are no tidal projects in the United States.

Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that there are only 40 sites in the entire world that have marketable tidal power.

There has to be a differentiation of 16 feet between low and high tide.

Has to be close enough to some electrical grid for harvesting of the power.

There are three basic types of DOE tidal power technologies: Barrage or Dam, Tidal Fence, Tidal Turbine. These were illustrated or diagramed on the chalk board.

Environmental and Economic Challenges: Tidal power plants that dam estuaries can impede sea life migration and silt buildups behind such facilities can impact local ecosystems. Tidal fences may also disturb sea life migration. Tidal Turbines appear to have the least environmentally damaging of the tidal power technologies, about 95% marine life survival and the least to no impact to marine transportation systems.

Low cost to operate, high cost to construct, thereby lengthening payback periods. Resulting in a cost per kilowatt -hour that is not competitive with fossil fuel power.

Briefly commented on the Healy Coal Project, Clean Coal and Blue Sky projects. AIDA is looking at the coal project. Commented on the rail line transport of coal, plans and concepts.

Other possible sources of power and power contributors were mentioned.

There was a question and answer period by and between the Commissioners, Councilmember Wythe and Mr. Eckert.

Briefly commented on private electricity generators, the relationship with HEA, metering and the basic, general process.

The Commission thanked Mr. Eckert and expressed their appreciation for the informative presentation.

STAFF & COUNCIL REPORT/COMMITTEE REPORTS/BOROUGH REPORTS (Chair set time limit not to exceed 5 minutes.)

A. Memorandum EDC 06-09, from Special Projects Coordinator, Staff Report

B. Memorandum EDC 06-11, from Deputy City Clerk, Re: Report on Council Directives & Ethics to the Advisory Bodies

C. Memorandum EDC 06-12 , from Special Projects Coordinator, Staff Report.

Councilmember Wythe reported on the last Council meeting, Monday, October 9, 2006. She advised the Commission that Council had identified priority projects and a top five:

1. Water Treatment Plant Upgrade/Alternative Water Source

2. Deep Water Dock Expansion, Phase I

3. Homer City Hall/Town Center Infrastructure

4. Kachemak Bay Campus Expansion

5. Senior Access Trail

The other items not yet ranked:

Fairview Avenue Main to East Hill

Paving Freight Dock Road

Land Acquisitions for New Roads

Spit Trail Completion/Harbor Pathways

Restrooms (Downtown Restroom, Public Restroom Homer Spit and Spit Trail Restroom)

Homer Intersection Improvements

Main Street Reconstruction

East Boat Harbor

Harbor Entrance Erosion Control

Ohlson Mountain Ski Area Improvements

Bridge Creek Watershed Land Acquisition

Pioneer Dock Fenders

Pratt Museum Fuel Tank Replacement

Other items are not removed from the CIP booklet.

There will be a separate Resolution of Support for the Senior Housing Complex.

Last night Council approved the applying for funding through Code Blue for EMS equipment that also has a community match of $2,340.00. Application for a Alaska Recreational Trails Grant to build the WR Bell Trail with a local match up to $12,500.00 Council repealed the property tax reduction, a different recommendation is scheduled to come to the Council during the late part of the budget cycle. The budget preparation schedule has been put off due to Finance Director being in the Hospital and the City Manager out of town due to his father's illness. She advised that Council should be seeing a preliminary budget at their next meeting.

Comprehensive Plan, Economic Development Section was commented on. The Chair stated that this was to be placed on the November agenda and that City Planner McKibben would be invited to the meeting regarding this item. Another visitor suggested was the John Parker from EDD, previously suggested at the August meeting to discuss regional development issues.

Commissioners suggested preparing for the next meeting: By each Commissioner gathering data on the current state of the community and goals, and making a list of priorities and where each Commissioner thinks that the community should go. To be familiar with the current OEDP and the Comprehensive Plan, which contains the current Economic Development Plan. It was noted that this information was contained in previous Commission meeting packets.

Reference was made to the historic information that exists in the City Hall Library and City Archives, a vision of Homer in the future that was stated in the 40s and 50s and that it is amazing how very little the essence of that has changed from that time to what the Commission previously did and that there probably will not be a major change in the new plan. It would be good to have the statistics of the current state of the economy in Homer.

Councilmember Wythe advised that the award of the Comprehensive Plan rewrite/update Contract has not been before the Council at this time and is scheduled for the Council's October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting.

Commissioners inquired if there would be opportunity for the Commission to have input into the formation of the Economic Development Plan section. Commissioner Newby, who was also on the Selection Committee for the Comp Plan Contract, advised that there was discussion that the EDC wanted to be actively involved in the Economic Development Plan portion and that, at least, the Organization that was ranked highest has a super strong economist on their staff. It might not be a bad idea to have a memo from the EDC saying that it is about to lodge onto its review of the past Economic Development Plans and would like to have that high on the agenda to be looked at soon.

Discussion ensued on the importance of the EDC having the back ground information, particularly the stats and having input into the plan. Important for EDC to be involved in setting the goals and that the goals be coordinated with land use, planning, etc. The EDC should not take for granted that the stats are going to answer or address the kinds of issues that EDC wants to be answered or addressed.

Chair Howard asked the Commissioners, particularly Faulkner and Scheer, to list out those elements that they think need to be addressed.

Discussion ensued regarding the process and scope of the Comprehensive Plan Project.

It was noted that the Commissioners asked to be placed on the mailing list for the SOP (Situation and Prospects from the Borough) and that no one has received a copy. Commissioner Scheer indicated Special Projects Coordinator Holen's frustration that this has not happened.

Chair Howard emphasized that the Commissioner's job is to be thoroughly familiar with the Comprehensive Plan that is in effect now and the Overall Economic Development Plan. What the Commissioners like and don't like. What the Commissioners would like changed.

Councilmember Wythe responded to Commissioner Faulkner's query about the priority projects for the Commission to focus on that may be of assistance or bring consensus that this is not needed at this point. Right now the Council is establishing what they consider the priorities and then the list will go to Juneau, etcetera.

PUBLIC HEARING (3 MINUTE TIME LIMIT)

None scheduled.

PENDING BUSINESS

None scheduled.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Request from Commissioner Newby to discuss Homer as a Hot Spot for Wireless Internet

SCHEER/FAULKNER - MOVE TO DISCUSSION.

VOTE: (to discuss) YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

Commissioner Newby responded to inquiry that the reason she brought this up was because of the meeting that she missed in August and that it seems that more time was spent on the details and not the concept. She suggested that the Commission might want to think about more of an exploration of this concept. She shared some information about the Silicon Valley sponsoring an areawide WiFi. The concept has some really, definite economic value to the community both with tourists and businesses, quality of life issues, etcetera. Consider recommending to the City to put out an RFP (Request for Proposals), that this could be a great potential project for EDA grant monies. She stated that she would like a panel type presentation. She relayed that Special Projects Coordinator Holen had advised that the RFP process is not hugely expensive for the City.

Commissioner Scheer commented on how and when he brought this up in the first place. He relayed being advised to bring these types of things forward via Resolution that will eventually go to the City Council. This issue needs a real focus and therefore a Resolution is the best way to go and will provide something for the Commission to sink its teeth into. One of the matters is for the City to provide infra structure or permission for the providers to use City property, or could be a City utility. There is a huge, wide range of possibilities. Most realistic thing for Homer is for the City to contract for providing WiFi in a definitive area like Town Center or the City limits, for a bigger project. Do some research to ascertain the economic benefit. Make a decision that is based on real numbers.

Comments:

It was noted that Commissioner Scheer did a very good job with his presentation. Overall the Commission gave a conceptual endorsement, but did not recommend that the Council pursue a contractual process, believing that this was best left in the hands of the private sector.

Objection was made to rehashing what the Commission has already taken action upon. Objection to a Commissioner placing an item back on the agenda due to missing the meeting wherein that matter was decided. Commissioners' time and energy is too valuable to rehash work. Not sure that there is anything else to cover. Point was made that although the Commission takes action on something it does not mean that matter can never come back to the Commission.

The EDC is a Commission that can recognize combining public and private entities into partnerships to make something happen economically. It is very much the EDC's role to forward on some of these things and to take on a more proactive role/position.

Councilmember Wythe reiterated her recommendation to Commissioner Scheer to make recommendation to the Council through the document of a Resolution. It could be a memorandum of recommendation or a Resolution for Council approval.

Discussion ensued along the same lines as previous discussion. Pros and cons about Commission involvement, about private and public sector relationships on the WiFi. That Wi Fi is a fast moving industry and that the market will drive it. That the Commission could do supportive time things that are neutral and benign, that it is technology that does carry community benefit, economic development and quality of life. Support for incorporating that into a Resolution. Wi Fi is a positive addition to the Community and this could be stated in a Resolution. Wi Fi is relevant and an intrinsic part of the Town Center Development or the City Commercial core development, including the Spit. Support for a Resolution to the Council for consideration during the Town Square/Town Hall concept that they make sure that these are intrinsic parts of inclusion. It is also incumbent upon the businesses to do their own marketing, to convince the City Council that WiFi should be integrated into the Commercial Development. There was comment about the possible use of Church steeples for the Wi Fi antennae.

B. Memorandum EDC 06-10, from Deputy City Clerk Re: Bylaw Amendment for Meeting Time

FAULKNER/NEWBY - SO MOVED TO BRING THIS ITEM TO THE FLOOR.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: YES: THE AYES HAVE IT.

Motion carried.

Commission discussion: Desire expressed for flexibility. Noted that worksessions must be advertised. Time lines for advertising were discussed to get in the newspaper and the alternative method of advertising on the radio. Whether or not to change the Regular Meeting time and when to have worksessions. Leave the Bylaws as they are vs. change the Bylaws to conduct regular worksessions at 6 p.m. and the Regular Meeting at 7 p.m. The worksession will be beneficial to the overall mission of this Commission and beneficial to the work and actions of the Commission. Reiteration about submitting actions in the form of Resolutions. Right now the Commission work load is pretty light, as the Commission gets more things on its plate the worksession will really streamline their structured meeting. Commission inquired about impacts to staff with meeting earlier. Schedule worksessions regularly and have flexibility by not putting worksessions in the Bylaws. No action may be taken at worksessions. Quorum is not required at a worksession. Worksessions are public meetings. No support expressed for conducting a worksession on a different day. The Commission used to conduct Regular Worksessions. Worksession attendance is not mandatory, as many Commissioners as can be at the worksession should be there.

Chair Howard noted the importance for all Commissioners to attend the worksession and wondered how much time Commissioners have to dedicate to these meetings.

Ms. Newby noted that she will not be in attendance in January.

City Clerk Calhoun responded to inquiry that worksessions do have to be recorded.

FAULKNER/MURPHY/RILEY - MOVED THAT WE, AT THIS POINT IF APPROPRIATE, THAT WE NOT AMEND THE BYLAWS AND KEEP OUR REGULAR MEETING TIME AT 6 O'CLOCK.

Discussion to maintain the regular meeting time at 6 p.m. and that the Commission may have a 5 o'clock worksession as needed. Why is the Commission spending so much time revoting, rediscussing things it has already decided? Point made that the Commission had not thought about the structure of the Regular meetings and the overall benefits and value of a worksession. Pros and cons were discussed with conducting a worksession at 6 p.m. and regular meeting at 7 p.m. Most concurred to implement the worksession process as soon as possible and on a regular basis. It was noted that if the meeting time does need to change the Commission may change it, any time in the future and that now does not seem the appropriate time.

VOTE: YES: SCHEER, HOWARD, MURPHY, RILEY, FAULKNER, COREY. (by show of hands)

NO: NEWBY. (by show of hand)

Motion carried.

Chair Howard proposed to conduct a worksession for next month at 5 p.m prior to the Regular Meeting, main agenda item Comprehensive Plan

C. Local College UAA-KPC-Kachemak Bay Campus Expansion and Economic Impacts for Homer

NEWBY/SCHEER - SO MOVED TO BRING THIS TO THE FLOOR.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: VOICE VOTE: AYES IN FAVOR, NON OPPOSED.

Motion carried.

Noted that there is no supporting documentation.

Commissioner Newby stated that she would like to see the Commission invite Carol Swartz, College Administrator, from the College, the College Expansion is on the CIP list and it has been on the Chambers list as one of the top four projects.

Discussion: Is housing the issue? Is City Hall space the issue? This is one of the most viable things to tackle. Opinion expressed that the Commission needs a presentation or, at least, a question and answer type of conversation with Carol Swartz. Would this be a more appropriate topic for a worksession? The College project is clearly a high priority. Statistics - economic impact, enrollment. The stats might be more effective coming from an economist, ie., during the Comprehensive Plan. Some desire expressed for the Special Projects Coordinator to write something up about the history of the College, with the note from other Commissioners that most of them could advise the rest of the Commission regarding the historical aspects of the College. Some stated that this is really a Council matter.

Councilmember Wythe stated that the reason for this agenda item is probably to ascertain if there is anything that the EDC can do to assist with bringing the College up to full University status, what prevents that from happening and is there a way that the EDC can help some of those underlying things gain importance.

Discussion ensued: Funding is an issue. Making a four year institution with all of the required certifications is not an easy task. Would require PHD credentials instead of Master Degrees for instructors. Historically the UA Board of Regents has not looked upon Homer as being a viable community for increased economic endeavor. Housing issues - private sector, available City lands for this use, etc. Need Carol Swartz input on these matters. The current campus is considered a four year facility, as part of the UA. There are a variety of elements involved in terms of the economics of the Regents getting behind an expansion. Noted that the UA has funding issues. Seward has a better chance of getting funding based on marine biology, fisheries, sea life center and the like. Each campus has some special thing that it offers the system and Homer has not defined any. Perhaps the EDC should brain storm that niche. This matter lends itself, somewhat, to the Resolution format and perhaps, with consultation with Carol Swartz, a Resolution could be formulated to a very narrow and specific focus that helps to influence the Board of Regents. There is universal support. This breaks down to whether or not the EDC wants to spend its time on something that it will have very little impact on, like moving a ten ton ball uphill. A lot of things start with seed. Like to hear what Carol Swartz thinks the EDC can do to help her. EDC does have limited time and ability. This could relate to the EDC work on the Comprehensive Plan. OEDP (now the CEDS) will cover those types of things. Due to limited resources the Commission should prioritize things, such as the OEDP (now the CEDS) and letting it set the priorities.

Councilmember Wythe interjected her view point that Homer's niche is pretty defined, Homer is an Arts Community. Homer has a stage and facilities that totally and completely support the Art development side of a University. In the State of Alaska, Arts are a much more integral part of the university system and are done, in part, in Anchorage, although not a full blown well defined program.

MURPHY/RILEY - MOVED TO MOVE THE MEETING ON.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS (NO ACTION MAY BE TAKEN ON THESE MATTERS, THEY MAY BE DISCUSSED ONLY)

A. City Council Approved August 14 and 28 , September 11, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes (approved) and September 25, 2006 Special and Regular (unapproved)

B. July 23, 2006, Oregonian, "Start an odyssey in Homer, Alaska."

C. Natural Gas to Homer, Petroleum News, Vol. 11, No. 36, September 03, 2006

D. Council's Resolution 06-67 (A) , Natural Gas Pipeline to Homer

E. Email Correspondence from Angie Newby, Re: September 12th Non Meeting

F. Email Correspondence from Jeff Murphy, Re: Request to be Excused from December Meeting

G. Bradner's Alaska Economic Report

H. Memorandum 06-171, Safety Concerns at the Base of the Homer Spit and Mariner Park

I. Memorandum 06-172, Parking and Pedestrian Crossing at the Base of the Spit

J. Memorandum 06-173, Mariner Parks

K. Memorandum 06-174, Mariner Park Use

L. Memorandum 06-175, Capital Improvement Plan, 2007 Recommendation

Commission comments: Send another letter to the other Commissions regarding Mariner Park, for their input and not to focus on a second Fishing Lagoon, to focus on the highest and best use of Mariner Park. This matter is agendized for November 14th, EDC Regular Meeting. The Port and Harbor Commission had some things in their Memos that highly relate to Mariner Park. Perhaps the Commission did not communicate clearly enough. What the EDC would like is the other Commission's input on the highest and best use for Mariner Park and requests that they, please, place this matter on their next agenda - Mariner Park Highest and Best Use - That the Commission appreciates the other Commissions' work, efforts and input regarding Mariner Park and the possibility of a second fishing lagoon. What the Commission would very much appreciate is input on the highest and best use of Mariner Park and its area. The EDC is tasked with advising the Council regarding economic development matters. Mariner Park has long been noted for importance and a high value area. The highest and best uses of this essential park area do need to be evaluated and considered. Mariner Park is like the gateway to the Spit, the first impression of the Spit, if you will.

Chair Howard will plan to be at the Commissions' meeting to answer any questions, etc. It was suggested that EDC members try to attend the other Commission meetings. Commissioner Scheer offered to attend the Parks and Recreation meeting and Commissioner Faulkner volunteered to show up at one Commission meeting.

The City Clerk offered to notify the Commissions; Parks and Recreation, Planning Commission, and Port and Harbor Commission with the above.

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE (3 MINUTE TIME LIMIT)

Audience comments upon any matter.

Aaron Larson, represents one of the wireless companies in town, expressed support of the Council's opinion not to favor one company over another. He relayed their excitement about their product and the future of their company, and that they would hate to see someone else be favored and visa versa. He stated that he does think that wireless could benefit the City and that things can be done that will not benefit any one provider, while still promoting the roll out of these services. Such as a permitting process for light posts and things like that or a voucher system for senior citizens and students and different things like that. These would not favor any one provider, but would make it easier and more affordable for companies like theirs to roll out their net work.

Brian Ormond, represents Spit Spots Company, stated that after listening to everything the one thing that he heard about was the CIP, the Capital Improvement thing. This town, definitely, needs more public restrooms and encouraged the Commission to make sure that project makes it on the top ten.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY STAFF

City Clerk had no comment.

COMMENTS OF THE COUNCILMEMBER

Councilmember Wythe had no comment.

COMMENTS OF THE CHAIR

Chair Howard stated that it was great to have everybody here and that it was a long discussion.

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

Commissioner Newby wanted clarification that there is a worksession at 5 p.m. next meeting.

Chair Howard confirmed.

Commissioner Newby stated that she thinks that some of the things that she asked to have included on the agenda were before on the agenda, and that the Commission really was going to start sinking its teeth into the OEDP (CEDS). That in itself is the EDC's basic document and out of it will grow a variety of other avenues that the EDC will realize what it needs to get on to and not get on to. She stated that she will probably get a hold of Carol Swartz and let her know what some of their concepts are, get back to the EDC with something a little more concrete, and that she might take Beth Wythe out to lunch and have her give her a little mini course on Resolutions.

Councilmember Wythe suggested getting with the City Clerk about Resolutions.

Commissioner Faulkner commented that one of the things that he is hoping to bring forth is an initiative (Resolution) in the next four to six months, on the expansion of the public water system. It is probably a luming crisis that is every bit as great as the energy crisis. The alternative to the reservoir and the development of that system is essential not just City wide, but area wide. The funding mechanism to build something like that concerns the EDC . He commented on how politicized the bulk water sales got and how it polarizes the community. The alternative water source is a huge concern to the City Council and is something that the EDC might want to spend some collective time thinking about and will put this matter on some future agenda.

Commissioner Scheer expressed enjoying getting into some meatier discussions, that he appreciates everyone and the open mindedness. He relayed advice he received from Commissioner Murphy; Don't make snap decisions, get all the information and the correct answer will come out of that. He stated that he really looks forward to the collection of real information that will help them to proceed.

Commissioner Murphy stated that he is just glad to see a full Commission, that things just go better with a higher level of diversity. He stated that he values the Commissioners more for their disagreements than their agreements.

Commissioner Riley had no comment.

Commissioner Corey stated that she learned a lot tonight, because she listened. She stated that she likes working with all of the Commissioners .

ADJOURNMENT

MURPHY/NEWBY - SO MOVED TO ADJOURN.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: YES: NON OBJECTION.

Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. There will be a worksession at 5 p.m. prior to the Regular Meeting. Both meetings will be held in the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

_____________________________________

MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK

Approved: ____________________