Session 06-07, 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, SCHEER.

COUNCILMEMBER: WYTHE

STAFF: CITY CLERK CALHOUN

SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR HOLEN

ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: NEWBY, RILEY (excused)

Announce if Newby and Riley are excused.

The Commission conducted a Worksession from 5:04 p.m. to 6:03 p.m. Regarding the Comprehensive Plan Rewrite process and the Overall Economic Development Plan/Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy in the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

No objections or amendments to the agenda were expressed. The Chair announced that the agenda stands as published.

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

Glen Seaman, City resident, addressed the Commission regarding a Mariner Park Fishing Lagoon. He applauded the Commission for deferring this issue to the other Commissions to define the highest and best use. He stated that he had not taken the idea of a Mariner Park Fishing Lagoon very seriously, since it seems absurd to him. He expressed his opinion that a lot of effort has gone into planning for use of that area. He noted that the area is very important to shore birds and the Shorebird Festival. What would be the impact of a Fishing Lagoon in associated activities, parking requirement? As a beach user he objected to the thought of a Fishing Lagoon and new outlet to that area. The area changes frequently and there are weather dynamic impacts to that site. The channel changes all the time. Commented on maintenance, adding that it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that a Fishing Lagoon won't work He relayed speaking with some other users of that area and that the Parks and Recreation Commission pointed out a lot of good reasons why the highest and best use is the recreational use of that area, including tent camping and motor home camping. During the peak of the tourist season the area was jammed, packed, full. Many people choose to go to that area instead of the very busy area of the Spit. He encouraged Commission support of the recommended Resolution to the City Council. He suggested that, if this idea of the Fishing Lagoon is pursued in the future, there be more public process and more input gathered. He suggested that the full extent of it be looked at and see if it is even practical. He said that he has a hard time believing that it could even be successful there and that he really questions the cumulative impacts that it would have on the adjacent important habitat use areas, such as additional parking requirement and where the campers would go. He pointed out that during the busy time of the year the whole Spit is full. He voiced his belief that the highest and best use of the Mariner Park area is well expressed by the Parks and Recreation and Port and Harbor Commissions and by the Economic Development Commission. He suggested improvement to the facilities, restrooms.

RECONSIDERATION

None scheduled.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A. Unapproved meeting minutes of October 10, 2006.

MURPHY/COREY - SO MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 10, 2006.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

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

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

A. Memorandum EDC 06-13, from Special Projects Coordinator, Holen.

Special Projects Coordinator Holen noted that she prepared a separate memo on the Mariner Park issue at the request of the Chair. She added that, to her knowledge, the Mariner Park Fishing Hole idea is still in the CIP, expressing concern about this being a bit of a contradiction with the proposed Resolution. She commented about the CIP document and amendment process. She commented on the OEDP/CEDS and Comprehensive Plan and where to start. Expressed her understanding that there appeared to be some consensus on starting with the existing OEDP. She noted that there would be value if the Commission wants to explore individual issues in the arena of Economic Development planning.

Discussion: Part of concern is that the OEDP is not used by the Council, Community or Planning Commission. Is it a viable planning document, that the City bases their planning decisions upon. The last update on the OEDP was in 1999. There is a tendency for plans to go on a shelf and stay there unless a particular person focuses in on it. During the years that the OEDP was being annually updated the City was using it and it was a living and breathing thing. The current City Council is interested and when the Commission is routinely and periodically presenting concepts to the Council, they will be reminded of this document. The document does not have to be rewritten to the degree to satisfy EDA. Incorporate the CEDS into the Comprehensive Plan? There is value to having these plans. Special Projects Coordinator Holen advised that, as a grant writer, she quotes from these plans all the time, therefore it is helpful to have up to date documents. The concept of Fishing Lagoon at the base of the Spit included in the 1999 Plan. The OEDP needs to be depoliticized and not subject to the Council, for instance, if it becomes a document that the Planning Commission or Planning Director uses as guideline, or if the Manager is directed to use the OEDP in forming certain policies and if it is referenced in the Comprehensive Plan as document that guides community development. These implementation steps would assist the Commission in knowing that the OEDP is worthy of their investment of time. The Commission values the effort is to bring consensus of the community over time. This document cannot be shelved. Looking at the whole picture, when this Commission quit functioning that whole aspect of Economic Development, the weight and balance against planning, was gone. Economic Development was shelved not just the plan. History of Commission and OEDP were mentioned, and that this Commission has never used a rubber stamp. This Commission is to gather ideas and ascertain what is in the best interest of this community. The consistency of these issues, back 20 years, is amazing. There are various aspects, development and implementation that this Commission needs to review and analyze for merit and feasibility, but not for purposes of doing it. The OEDP and other recommendations from the Commission were based on fact and not personal opinion. Emphasis on the importance of getting the OEDP/CEDS into the Comprehensive Plan. Could the future document be referenced in the Comprehensive Plan to provide some specific guidelines as to how the CEDS should be organized. Comment that the document should be done first and then added to the Comprehensive Plan. Council has to have a comfort with the content of the document prior to being added to the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Wythe stated that she would be happy to bring this forward when the Commission feels that they are ready. Discussion about broaching the idea with the Council about incorporating the OEDP/CEDS into the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Wythe will place a Memorandum on the Council's agenda regarding the concept of including the OEDP/CEDS in the Comprehensive Plan under New Business. Formatting is not critical issue. Inquiry if the Commission would like Special Projects Coordinator Holen to prepare an organized way of working on this document, might be good to see an organized plan? This Commission has the ability and wherewithal to organize itself. Some fundamental questions have to be answered, which the Commission has not answered and which is why the Commission is floundering. Once the Commission answers these it will know how to proceed and what to do. Concerns reiterated about putting a lot of time and effort into the OEDP/CEDS and then it not being listened to. Need to make sure that the work/plan is valid. First question to answer - would we use the OEDP/CEDS without anybody else using it? If the answer is yes, that alone justifies doing it and if the answer is others will use it too, then that brings about more justification. If it becomes part of the Comprehensive Plan, that is the best of all worlds. The goals are all good goals? What are the Commission's goals? The challenge is to commit to something that is small. Work on the sections in smaller groups and get this started. If 95% of the things are agreed upon then 95% of the changes that any Commissioner would bring to the table will find consensus. Appreciation was expressed for the Olympia, Washington's sustainable economy approach, which forces the asking of questions that should be answered before beginning the process: What is sustainable economic development? What is Homer's existing and potential niche in the local economy? Do we want to encourage certain types of businesses?

The other three approaches are a little more generic, structural, whereas the Olympia, Washington approach starts out a little more rhetorical.

Suggestion to bring, to the next Commission meeting, four questions, that the Commission agrees need to be answered, that might start out with: What is the City of Homer's role in Economic Development? Are we actively pursuing certain enterprises? Are we subsidizing enterprises? Are we coming up with brainstorming ideas that we then sell to the City Council? Four questions seem reasonable. It might help drive individual efforts. Scale back the individual initiatives, Commissioner revisions to the OEDP based on time, interest and ability. Requires individual commitment. Suggestion to taking the OEDP and taking five pages at a time, just going through it at a worksession prior to the Regular Meeting. Nice thing about the Olympia plan is that it goes from broad to specific. Probably will spend more time in the beginning and leave the specifics for later.

Maybe this time go specific first. The Olympia Plan is in the packet beginning on page 156, some of the questions in this plan are very appropriate.

Chair Howard noted the consensus that at the next Worksession the Commission will review the 1999 OEDP and start the overhaul. He asked the Commission to look at what is a reasonable amount to work on, whether the first five pages, introductory material, or whatever.

Commissioner comments: It was suggested that the Chair make an executive decision and tell the Commission what section to work on and to let everyone know ahead of time. Concern was expressed that by diving into the OEDP that some things might be missed that they want to included in the new document.

Chair Howard stated that it is incumbent upon each Commissioner to bring those new things to the table.

Commissioner Comments: Should the Commission be looking at more broad goals? Wi Fi needs to be included, an example of one of the new items. There is not much industry in Homer, should that be explored? What are the different classifications of the things that are desired to be looked at and with what kind of emphasis? This step is broader than the OEDP. Many of these things will naturally fall into a category - Home Based Industry, Utilities, etc. The OEDP covers, what appears to be, all of the bases. New categories can be added. Suggestion, in terms of organization, rather than taking the top or first four, tackle the review by design; expertise, interest or related items to get down more efficiently. Town Center probably deserves a whole sub category under economic development objectives since it is so multifarious. Which makes a case to start with the objectives. Chair encouraged to assign one chapter to an individual Commissioner as they have the interest.

Chair Howard had no objection. At the next worksession each Commissioner should be prepared, the Commission will take on what it can and continue at the next worksession.

Commission comments: Not creating a new document, this is a review to recommend revisions or modifications of the OEDP. Two person committees were discussed and that these meetings need to be advertised. Information would be provided for public review, at the Clerk's Office. No fiscal impacts are anticipated. Advertising was discussed.

Voluntary assignments of OEDP Chapters:

1. Fisheries, Chair Howard

2. Aquaculture/Mariculture Development, Chair Howard

3. Forestry and Forestry Products

4. Recreation and Tourism - Commissioner Faulkner

5. Retirement, Chair Howard

6. Transportation, Commissioner Murphy

7. Agriculture

8. Home Based Industries

9. Utilities, Commissioner Core, Chair Howard and Commissioner Faulkner expressed interest.

10. Retail/Service Industries, Commissioner Murphy

11. Light and Advanced Technology Industries

12. Government, Commissioner Murphy

13. Education, Commissioner Scheer

14. Homer Spit Plan, Commissioner Faulkner

15. Health Care, Commissioner Corey

16. Planning and Administration Development, Commissioner Scheer

Commission comments: To what degree should the Commissioners employ the Olympia approach? Don't want to get bogged town into too many nuances. Need to pose the critical questions up front. Do not need unanimous consent on everything? Proper role of government in Homer for pursuing Economic Development initiatives? Niche for Economic Development or position within the Borough? This helps form a working relationship for which all Commissioners can contribute. Perhaps the Chair could facilitate that discussion for ten minutes every meeting and when ten minutes is over, its over. This Commission will do whatever it decides to do. Request to develop or have a similar way of approaching each of these issues; analysis of current situation, overall goals and then specific recommendations. A matrix approach to analysis? Belief that this will logically evolve. Ultimately it will be the Commission providing the input. Reiterated that this is all a starting point. The Commission did not ask for staff to do anything for the next meeting. Staff will be available for doing research and the Commission needs to be conscious of solicitation of Staff time.

PUBLIC HEARING (3 MINUTE TIME LIMIT)

None scheduled.

PENDING BUSINESS

A. Memorandum EDC 06-14, from City Clerk, Re: Mariner Park Highest and Best Use with Draft Resolution.

Recommendation: Discuss the highest and best uses of Mariner Park and amend the attached Resolution to the City Council.

SCHEER/COREY - SO MOVED TO BRING THIS ITEM TO THE FLOOR.

Appreciation and thanks to the other Commissions for input. Author of draft Resolution applauded. Draft Resolution discussed.

Resolution, highest and best uses:

1. Move entrance of Mariner Park to the north along the Homer Spit Road, away from curve.

2. Provide pedestrian access to the Spit Trail. Consider Tunnel walkway to cross under Spit Road.

3. Develop with RV and tent camping sites on one side and day parking on one side.

4. Utilities for hookup fee (water, sewer, power)

5. Informational kiosk.

6. Restroom.

7. Concrete pad pavilioned picnic areas with BBQs on the inside berm.

8. Bike trail from the Lighthouse to Mariner Park

9. Beach access.

10. Bird watching sites.

SCHEER/MURPHY - MOVED TO REVISE THE RESOLUTION TO STRIKE NUMBER 3 IN ITS CURRENT FORM AND CHANGE IT TO "ENCOURAGE UPGRADES WITHIN THE CURRENT DEVELOPED FOOT PRINT FOR LIMITED RV AND TENT CAMPING"

Motion was not recognized by the Chair.

Discussion ensued. Is it the Commissions purview to set up the highest and best uses or to recommend to the Council what the highest and best uses should be? Or recommend that the entity in charge of this area take the suggestions and formulate a plan. Concern about whether or not the items in the Resolution are reasonable and that someone needs to make that decision. This Commission needs to review the highest and best issues and make its own recommendation. That is the reason for the Resolution

Councilmember Wythe stated that in this particular case, since the Commission is essentially providing a recommendation, the Resolution is fine since this Commission went to the other Commissions and public to develop this recommendation based on a portion of the larger community. This Commission is promoting the results of its work to the Council as a recommendation.

MURPHY/COREY - MOVED TO TABLE THIS RESOLUTION UNTIL THIS COMMISSION HAS PROVIDED ITS INPUT ON THE HIGHEST AND BEST USE OF MARINER PARK.

VOTE: YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

Chair Howard agreed to place Mariner Park highest and best use on an ensuing agenda, and recommended that it be during a worksession and then take formal action during a regular meeting. No meeting was earmarked.

Councilmember Wythe suggested that if the Commissioners have suggestions about how this should be handled to get these to the Clerk in time for the next packet, which gives everyone a chance to review and will better facilitate discussion.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Memorandum EDC 06-15, from City Clerk, Re: 2007 Regular Meeting Schedule.

Page 235

Recommendation: To approve the 2007 Regular Meeting Schedule of the Economic Development Commission as noted in the attached draft Resolution.

MURPHY/COREY - SO MOVED TO BRING THE REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE TO THE FLOOR (For approval of the Schedule).

Chair clarified that the Regular meetings are the Second Tuesday of every month.

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 October 9, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes and October 16, 2006 Special Meeting Minutes; and Unapproved October 23, 2006 Special and Regular Meeting Minutes.

B. Email Correspondence from Commissioners Newby and Riley, Re: Request to be Excused from November Meeting.

C. Bradner's Alaska Economic Report, September 22, October 23 and 29, 2006.

D. Resolutions 06-151(A) and 06-152, Re: CIP and Senior Housing.

There was no discussion.

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE (3 MINUTE TIME LIMIT)

Lou Stewart, City resident and Parks and Recreation Commissioner, thanked the Commission for their discussion on Mariner Park. He referred to the map on page 227 of the Commission packet. He reported that the Parks and Recreation Commission did not want to increase the foot print beyond the first oval, because that is presently in the tidal flood plain. There was an idea to use the dredge spoils to bring that up to above the high tide mark, to make it a year round parking area with the use of rip rap. The map shows some RV camping spaces provided adjacent to the Spit Road. After attending many meetings with the Port and Harbor and Planning Commission, he relayed that no one likes to see the RVs on the front leading edge of the beach. He expressed his opinion that if there are going bathroom facilities there, there will be some costs incurred and RV camping would, perhaps, be a way to pay for the facilities, a win/win situation. Keep the larger RVs away from the seaward side. Moving the entrance toward town would make the access easier and safer. Some tent camping is envisioned, which is part of the Spit thing. Upgrade the whole space and make it, not only a presentable summer time space, where locals can use it and enjoy it and have a nice recreational spot. Also a way to, perhaps, solve an issue with a cross walk at Kachemak Drive, a very important needed fix/solution. He thanked the Commission.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY STAFF

Special Projects Coordinator Holen and City Clerk Calhoun had no comments.

COMMENTS OF THE COUNCILMEMBER

Councilmember Wythe stated that as the Commission goes through their CEDS, that she would be happy to assist with anything.

COMMENTS OF THE CHAIR

Chair Howard thanked Commissioner Faulkner for covering the meeting that he could not attend with the Commissions. He commended the various Commissions for their Mariner Park input and for their concerted effort, which gives this Commission a good platform from which to work

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

There were no Commission comments.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission, Chair Howard adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 12, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a worksession at 5 p.m. in the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

____________________________________

MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK

Approved: ________________