Session 06-08, a Regular Meeting of the Homer Economic Development Advisory Commission was
called to order at 6:02 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, NEWBY, RILEY (arrived
about 6:05), SCHEER.
COUNCILMEMBER: WYTHE
STAFF: CITY CLERK CALHOUN
SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR HOLEN
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: MURPHY (excused)
The Commission conducted a Worksession from 5:07 p.m. to 6:01.48, agenda items
includeddiscussion on the OEDP/CEDS/COMPREHENSIVE PLAN and assigned chapters of the
current OEDP; Homer Spit Plan, an assignment of Commissioner Faulkner; and, although on the
agenda, Mariner Park highest and best uses did not get discussed due to time constraints.
List of Chapters of the Current OEDP and Lead Commissioner in the review for the rewrite/update of
each chapter/section.
1. Fisheries, Chair Howard (Mini Committee/Worksession/Public Forum scheduled for December 21st at 10 a.m. in the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers.)
2. Aquaculture/Mariculture Development, Chair Howard
3. Forestry and Forestry Products
4. Recreation and Tourism - Commissioner Faulkner (Mini Committee/Worksession/Public Forum scheduled for December 19th at 10 a.m. in the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers.)
5. Retirement, Chair Howard
6. Transportation, Commissioner Murphy
7. Agriculture, Commissioner Newby and Riley, and Chair Howard.
8. Home Based Industries, Commissioner Newby
9. Utilities, Commissioner Corey, Chair Howard and Commissioner Faulkner expressed interest.
10. Retail/Service Industries, Commissioner Murphy
11. Light and Advanced Technology Industries, Commissioner Riley
12. Government, Commissioner Murphy
13. Education, Commissioners Newby (lead), Commissioner Scheer - planning part.
14. Homer Spit Plan, Commissioner Faulkner
15. Health Care, Commissioner Corey
16. Planning and Administration Development, Commissioner Scheer (Side note: newly appointed to
the Planning Commission by Mayor Hornaday and confirmed by the Council on December 11, 2006)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA. (3 MINUTE TIME
LIMIT)
There were no public comments.
RECONSIDERATION
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Unapproved meeting minutes of November 14, 2006.
COREY/SCHEER - MOVED FOR THE MINUTES TO BE APPROVED.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VISITORS (Chair set time limit not to exceed 20 minutes)
A. John Parker, Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District (EDD) Director
Mr. Parker addressed the Commission regarding the various responsibilities and role of the EDD, and
about the EDD office and staff. He briefly commented on the EDD as being a federal designation and
that this is what provides for qualification for an extra 10% funding for projects on the Peninsula and
how the CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies) document fits into the funding
plan. He also commented on the composition of the EDD, responding to inquiry that the Homer
representatives are Anne Mari Holen and David Durham (Wells Fargo).
Mr. Parker was thanked for driving to Homer for the meeting.
B. Carol Swartz, Director of Kachemak Bay Branch of the Kenai Peninsula College (KBBKPC)
Ms. Swartz provided the Commission with historical information, including the various past locations
of KBBKPC in Homer. She commented on the role of the College in the community, the economic
benefits of its presence in Homer and future goals and objectives. She emphasized that the facilities in
Homer do need expanding and commented on the most recent construction project. She reported on
her lobbying efforts and encouraged lobbying for the KBBKPC expansion and needs. She was
thanked for her report.
STAFF & COUNCIL REPORT/COMMITTEE REPORTS/BOROUGH REPORTS (Chair set
time limit not to exceed 5 minutes.)
A. Memorandum EDC 06-16, from Special Projects Coordinator, Holen.
Staff report and comments included the following:
Meeting with Comprehensive Plan Consultant. City Planner Beth McKibben has invited Steve Colt,
the economist who is part of the Comprehensive Plan consulting team, to meet with EDC members
and other interested folks on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 10 a.m. Ms. Holen noted that there might
be some flexibility in that time and asked for input. There did not seem to be any negative reactions.
Kenai Peninsula EDD Open House. Thursday, Dec. 14, any time between 1 and 4 p.m.
OEDP Rewrite (update to CEDS). Ms. Holen offered to send the OEDP in electronic form. It was
noted that the OEDP is on the Clerk's webpage and that the link had been sent in the agenda to all
Commissioners. Commissioners expressed desire to have it sent by Ms. Holen in the WORD format.
She offered to assist Commissioners in their rewrite.
Councilmember Wythe noted that the Council was receptive to the inclusion of the CEDS into the Comprehensive Plan, when it is updated. She also congratulated Commissioner Scheer on his appointment to the Planning Commission, he will continue to serve on the EDC. She noted that this would be a nice link, providing a direct liaison with Planning and Zoning. She also commented on
Ordinance 06-63(A), Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Amending Homer City Code Marine
Commercial District Sections 21.52.020 Permitted Uses and Structures, 21.52.030 Conditional Uses
and Structures, and 21.52.040 Dimensional Requirements, adopted by the City Council, last night,
December 11, 2006, at their Regular Meeting. She suggested that this might be something to consider
when reviewing the Spit Plan section of the OEDP.
PUBLIC HEARING (3 MINUTE TIME LIMIT)
PENDING BUSINESS
A. Memorandum EDC 06-17, Commissioner Murphy, Re: Mariner Park Highest and Best Use with
Draft Resolution. Tabled on November 14, 2006.
COREY/FAULKNER - MOVED TO TAKE THIS MATTER FROM THE TABLE.
No discussion.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
HOWARD/RILEY - I WOULD MOVE APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION WITH
AMENDMENTS AS REQUIRED, I MOVE THAT THIS RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED AS
WRITTEN WITH THE AMENDMENTS THAT MADAM CLERK HAS JUST PASSED OUT.
THAT MOTION WOULD INCLUDE A RESTRUCTURE OF A SECTION OF THE
RESOLUTION IN THE NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
RECOGNIZES THAT THE HIGHEST AND BEST USES FOR MARINER PARK CONTINUE IN
ITS CURRENT FUNCTION OF PROVIDING PASSIVE RECREATION AND THAT ITS
UTILITY AND SAFETY BE IMPROVED BY PROVIDING THE FOLLOWING AMENITIES IN
THE PRIORITY LISTED: WE LIST THE PRIORITIES, THESE ARE ESSENTIALLY THOSE
ELEMENTS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE VARIOUS COMMISSIONS THAT WE ASKED
TO RESPOND TO THE HIGHEST AND BEST USE OF THE PARK WITH THE EXCEPTION,
MY MOTION WOULD STRIKE NUMBER 10. WHICH WAS DEVELOP UTILITY HOOKUPS.
SO I WOULD PROPOSE THAT WE WOULD INCLUDE THOSE NINE ITEMS AS AMENITIES
TO BE ADDED TO ACHIEVE THE HIGHEST AND BEST USE OF MARINER PARK.
1. Provide pedestrian access to spit trail. Consider a tunnel walkway to cross under spit road.
2. Install restrooms.
3. Move entrance of mariner park to the north along the homer spit road, away from the curve.
4. Develop a bike trail from the lighthouse to mariner park.
5. Develop beach access.
6. Develop bird watching sites.
7. Concrete pad the pavilioned picnic areas with BBQs on the inside berm.
8. Develop RV and tent camping sites on the road side of the park and day parking on the ocean side.
9. Build an informational kiosk.
Strike 10. Develop utility hookups.
There was general discussion about private sector competition, hence the deletion of item 10. If the
RV sites are going to be developed there should be utility hookups or the City would be in violation
of its own Ordinance in terms of minimum requirements for RV parks - something to consider. Pros
and cons for the demand for RV camping were mentioned.
RILEY/SCHEER - (CHAIR RECOGNIZED AS A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT) - I
RECOMMEND THAT WE AMEND EIGHT, AS I ORIGINALLY RECOMMENDED AND
STRIKE RV AND WITH DAVE'S RECOMMENDATION PERHAPS TENT CAMPING AND
JUST SAY DEVELOP CAMPING SITES AT THE ROAD SIDE, SO THAT YOU DON'T TIE
YOURSELF INTO HAVING TO DEVELOP UTILITY HOOKS UP AS WELL.
CONSENSUS EXPRESSED.
Motion carried.
It was noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended developing utility hookups.
However, the Commission is not bound by that input. Due to the tidal washing in the Mariner Park
area it might not be a viable location for utility hookups. The utilities are located on the east side of
the Spit Road. The Master Plan for Mariner Park was mentioned and the drawings by the Parks and
Recreation Commission of the Mariner Park and area. The utility hook ups recommended by the
Commission was being sensitive to fiscal constraint associated with further infra structure
development. Mariner Park should be developed to look nice and better accommodate the public,
which takes money.
FAULKNER/RILEY - (CHAIR RECOGNIZED AS A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT) INSERT THE
WORD "FEE" TO ITEM 8. Develop fee camping sites.
CONSENSUS EXPRESSED.
Motion carried.
Concern expressed about the meaning of beach access.
FAULKNER/RILEY - MOVE TO STRIKE 5. DEVELOP BEACH ACCESS.
The Parks and Recreation Commission has commented about using dredge spoils to bring this up to
above the high tide mark and to maybe use some rip rap as part of the revetment process, so perhaps
the Commission was looking at access along those lines. Perhaps this is more like Tide Street, that it
provides pedestrian access. This may have been the Parks and Recreation Commission's intent,
however, their intent is not defined.
VOTE: (primary amendment 1.) YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
The meaning of Number 7. is vague. This is to be an area set aside for barbecuing.
SCHEER/COREY - (CHAIR RECOGNIZED AS FRIENDLY AMENDMENT) RESTRUCTURE
ITEM 7. TO READ: DEVELOP A CENTRAL PAVILIONED BARBECUE/PICNIC AREA ON
THE INSIDE OF THE BERM.
Discussion.
CONSENSUS EXPRESSED.
Discussion about maintaining the current foot print, or expanding the current foot print. It could be
stated to recognize the highest and best use and continue its function providing passive recreation and
that its utility and safety be improved within its current foot print by providing the following
amenities. It is expected that this would be returned to the Parks and Recreation Commission to more
fully flesh out before any of this is carried out. It is important to clarify the foot print issue. Suggested
verbiage - Continue in its current function and within its current foot print, providing passive
recreation. There was objection to the suggested verbiage. Suggested verbiage: The highest and best
use for Mariner Park is consistent with the following uses: Comment that inserting more words makes
it more convoluted. Objection expressed to the word passive, because the recreation is anything but
passive.
FAULKNER/ - STRIKE WORD PASSIVE.
Not seconded.
FAULKNER/ - SO I WOULD OFFER AS A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO DELETE ALL OF
THE WORDS FROM CONTINUE THROUGH AND INCLUDING PASSIVE.
Motion not recognized. Commissioners had objections regarding the structure of the sentence.
FAULKNER/NEWBY - THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECOGNIZES THAT THE HIGHEST
AND BEST USES FOR MARINER PARK ARE RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE AND THAT
ITS UTILITY AND SAFETY BE IMPROVED BY PROVIDING THE FOLLOWING
AMENITIES IN THE PRIORITY LIST.
RILEY/FAULKNER - FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO CHANGE ITS UTILITY AND SAFETY
TO THE UTILITY AND SAFETY.
CONSENSUS EXPRESSED.
There was discussion about foot print.
VOTE: (Primary amendment 2. as friendly amended ) YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Now Therefore now reads: Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the City Council Recognizes that the
Highest and Best Uses for Mariner Park are Recreation and Open Space and that the utility and safety
be improved by providing the following amenities in the priority list.
There was clarification that the whereas clauses state the facts and therefore, do not have to be
amended to included the changes to the Now Therefore or to the priorities.
FAULKNER/NEWBY - ADD NUMBER TEN, OR WHAT WOULD NOW BE NUMBER NINE
TO DEVELOP LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE.
Desire expressed to see some sculpture to an otherwise fairly flat area. Planting. Screening between
campers. Landscape architecture to enhance the beauty of the Mariner Park area.
FAUKLNER - FRIENDLY AMENDMENT, NUMBER NINE TO ENCOURAGE LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTUAL DESIGN CONSISTENT WITH NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
Motion not recognized.
Suggestion - to encourage landscape design - and then whatever the goals are, to enhance separation
between the road, camping to blend with the natural topography, or whatever the particular goals.
Discussion continued along these lines.
There was some word smithing prior to the Chair recognizing this in final form.
FAULKNER/NEWBY - MOVED TO AMEND TO DEVELOP LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
DESIGN CONSISTENT WITH THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND THE OTHER USES OF
MARINER PARK. (Item 9.)
There was no discussion.
VOTE: (secondary amendment to primary amendment 3) YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS
CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VOTE: (primary amendment 3. as amended) YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
(Note: the above two votes were made in opposite order.)
There was no further discussion.
VOTE: (main motion as amended) YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS.
Motion carried.
Items as amended:
1. Provide pedestrian access to spit trail. Consider a tunnel walkway to cross under spit road.
2. Install restrooms.
3. Move entrance of mariner park to the north along the homer spit road, away from the curve.
4. Develop a bike trail from the lighthouse to mariner park.
[5. Develop beach access. ]
[6.] 5. Develop bird watching sites.
[7. ]Concrete pad the pavilioned picnic areas with BBQs on the inside berm. 6. Develop a central pavilioned barbecue/picnic area on the inside of the berm.
[8.] 7. Develop[ RV and tent ] fee camping sites on the road side of the park and day parking on the ocean side.
[9. ] 8. Build an informational kiosk.
9. Develop Landscape Architecture Design Consistent with the Natural Environment and the Other Uses of Mariner Park.
[10. Develop utility hookups.]
Concern expressed regarding what is in the CIP Document regarding a second fishing lagoon and this
apparent conflict. An amendment will be necessary to the CIP Document.
B. Memorandum EDC 06-18, Commissioner Faulkner, Re: Homer Spit Plan.
FAULKNER/COREY - MOVED THAT WE ADOPT THE REVISIONS TO THE HOMER SPIT
PLAN AS PRESENTED IN OUR PACKET WITH THE MODIFICATIONS AND CHANGES
MADE DURING THE WORKSESSION.
It was noted that Items 4. "Encourage orderly planning and growth by defining priority uses within
sub areas within the same zone on the Spit, giving weight to existing and traditional mix of uses,
public preference and economic return", and 4 a. "Discourage industrial activities which pollute the
environment, or that heavily impact recreational uses of Kachemak Bay", were not discussed during
the worksession. Concern was allayed since the Commission is conducting an on going revision to the
OEDP and there is nothing to prevent the Commission from revisiting any of the revisions.
NEWBY/ - MOVED FOR THE QUESTION.
Chair Howard recognized the informal call for the question, since there were no further comments.
VOTE: YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
The revisions are as follows:
14. Homer Spit Plan
As development of the Homer Spit progresses, the following issues need to be considered:
A. Balancing open space and recreation uses
B. [Evaluating industrial vs. recreation land use and considering the purchase and designation of industrial park property] Evaluate industrial vs. recreational land use[planning] needs. Manage future growth opportunity by reviewing and possibly modifying permitted uses within the marine commercial and industrial zones.
C. Consider adopting building standards
D. Developing a campground plan
E. Encouraging off-site parking with a shuttle to destination
F. Expanding and improving public facilities at the Port and Harbor to benefit year-round economy
G. Evaluating management of parks and public amenities
H. [Encouraging protection of the natural environment] Encourage protection of natural habitat consistent with preservation of public and private assets.
I. Encouraging marketing of the Port, Deep Water Dock and Ice Facility
J. [Evaluating the safety of lodging and camping on the Homer Spit in tidal wave areas] Evaluate the
safety of all potential uses on the spit in light of its status as a coastal flood plain.
HOMER SPIT PLAN
Goal: [Develop the Homer Spit.] Manage the land and other resources of the Spit to
accommodate its natural processes, while encouraging a safe mix of uses including marine
industrial, sport and commercial fishing, tourism, marine transportation, and open
space/recreation.
Objective: [To promote the use of the Homer Spit land and facilities for the citizens of Homer.] To
optimize public and private land use on the Homer Spit consistent with local priorities.
Actions:
1. Maintain and Promote the Natural Beauty of the Spit.
A. Support and implement separate building, architectural, and landscaping standards for all city, commercial and private property on the spit
B. Encourage Parks and Recreation funding with primary emphasis on input into design, construction and maintenance of Spit parks
C. [Ensure protection of wetlands] Ensure protection of public lands, including critical habitat, wetlands, public beaches, and uplands.
a. Pursue grants available through State and Federal agencies for habitat acquisition
b. Balance the accommodation of natural features and processes with the protection of existing public beaches, private property, and critical habitat.
c. Encourage long-term erosion control on the west side [should consider shallow offshore revetment or other] that incorporates proven engineered solutions to protect west side public beaches along with other public assets.
2. Ensure the Port and Harbor receives a fair return on assets.
A. [Ensure funds generated from Spit enterprises are property coded and reinvested in the Port] Revenues and expenses generated by enterprises located on the Homer Spit be allocated [coded] to the Port & Harbor Fund.
B. Encourage private enterprise investment through foresight, planning and execution C. Market and promote the Deep Water Dock and other Port functions aggressively.
D All public assets designated for lease or sale should [have terms] be reviewed annually by the
Council [annually], and be continuously advertised. Realtor participation in the lease or sale of
public lands should be encouraged.
3. Plan and Implement future transportation needs on the Spit.
A. Create and enforce more stringent parking controls
B. Consider private parking concessions in established parking zones that are identified by signs and hand outs.
C. Consider a city subsidized shuttle, and park and drive system
[D. Implement the Homer spit campground plan]
[E.]D. Explore the expansion of usable ground by filling non-critical habitat with dredge spoils to a
common elevation
4. [Encourage commercial and industrial enterprises in traditional industrial areas in and around the
harbor.] Encourage orderly planning and growth by defining priority uses within sub-areas
within the same zone on the Spit, giving weight to existing and traditional mix of uses, public
preference, and economic return.
A. [Encourage emphasis on commercial enterprises that do not pollute or infringe on recreational opportunities] Discourage industrial activities which pollute the environment, or that heavily impact uses of Kachemak Bay.
B. Enhance small boat harbor moorage and encourage marine related services and enterprises
C. Evaluate additional cruise ship dockings and freight handling
5. Develop more visitor oriented infrastructure.
A. Consider additional off the Spit camping/RV parking facilities
B. Encourage over slope development
C. Support bike and pedestrian interconnecting trails
D. Support development of a fishing pier
6. Develop an expansion plan for port facilities.
A. Support Phase II expansion of the Deep Water Dock for multiple ship berthing
B. Support replacement of the Main Dock utilized by the Alaska Marine Highway System
NEW BUSINESS
A. Commissioner Faulkner Requested Discussion on Local or Regional Value Add Processing Requirement. No information provided.
No motion to bring this to the floor.
The Commission expressed concurrence and non objection with Commissioner Faulkner's request to
comment on this item under Commission comments.
INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS (NO ACTION MAY BE TAKEN ON THESE MATTERS,
THEY MAY BE DISCUSSED ONLY)
A. City Council Unapproved October 27, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes, November 20, 2006
Special Meeting Minutes, November 27 Regular Meeting Minutes; and December 4, 2006 Special
Meeting Minutes.
B. Bradner's Alaska Economic Report, November 6 and 20, 2006.
C. Memorandum 06-195, from Councilmember Wythe, To Mayor and Council during the Regular
meeting of November 27, 2006, Re: OEDP/CEDS added to the Comprehensive Plan. Approved by
Council.
D. KBEDD Letter of Support, Re: Alaska Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Coalition (ABRC) to establish EPA funded Brownfields Revolving Loan fund for Environmental Clean Ups.
E Resolution 06-161, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Authorizing Participation in a Harbor
Expansion Feasibility Study with the US Army Corp of Engineers and the Alaska Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute any and all
Appropriate Documents. Scheduled for adoption by Council on December 11, 2006.
There was no discussion.
COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE (3 MINUTE TIME LIMIT)
Audience comment on any matter.
There were no audience comments.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY STAFF
Special Projects Coordinator wished all Happy Holidays.
COMMENTS OF THE COUNCILMEMBER
Councilmember Wythe wished all Happy Holidays and thanked Commissioner Faulkner for the work
he has done starting on the redraft of the OEDP and that she is looking forward to seeing how this all
fleshes out.
COMMENTS OF THE CHAIR
Chair Howard thanked Commissioner Faulkner for getting the Commission kick started, that it was
great getting down the road on this and that he looks forward to getting more of these elements
brought before the Commission. He proposed that there be another worksession at 5 p.m. for the next
meeting to continue this work on the plan. He brought Commissioner Riley up to speed with regard
to the work on the components of the OEDP and work up on revisions. He asked Commissioner
Riley if she could pick up a couple of these?
Commissioner Riley responded about their small tech company on East End, KRD, that right now
they are staffing up, about a 50% increase, from ten employees to fifteen employees. She relayed the
challenge of finding the engineers, computer programmers, accountants and so forth that they need.
Chair Howard suggested Item 11. Light and Advanced Technology Industries and Commissioner
Riley agreed to take the lead on this item.
Chair Howard continued with his comments, that he had the pleasure of attending the North Pacific
Fisheries Council meeting last week, that was very informative and the actions of that Council will,
probably, have economic impacts on this community. This is a federal process that takes a long time
to get through. He noted that the forum was quite educational.
Commissioner Riley asked to take agriculture as well.
Chair Howard noted that no one is expected to work in a vacuum and advised Commissioner Riley to
let the Clerk know, in advance, of meetings for advertising. He stated that he certainly likes to weigh
in on the farmings and such, adding that this is his native background. He wished happy holidays to all.
COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Newby noted that she will take on the Educational component and that she will follow
up with Carol Swartz, who was preaching to the crowd.
Commissioner Faulkner thanked Commissioner Corey for her incredible fudge, that she brought
tonight to share with all, and the incredible staff. He noted the support from Special Projects
Coordinator Holen and the City Clerk, adding that it makes it a joy to work on the mini tasks. He set
up a time of next Tuesday, December 19th at 10 a.m. in the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers for
his worksession on Recreation and Tourism. This is kind of an odd ball, for all of the growth seen that
is largely residential in nature, actual visitor counts are very flat. This is a concern to people who earn
their living from that industry and will be a topic of discussion. He alluded to the initiative, that he
would like to bring up at some point, to create immediate positive economic and even social impacts
in the area of value added processing of anything brought to Homer shores. This is very akin to
CDQs, passed on a federal level. Off shore processors are now required to bring a certain percentage
of their catch on shore. Homer is every bit entitled to that resource. This is primarily about salmon
and halibut, the value of which is phenomenal, even a minimal amount of processing required would
have profound impacts on Homer's tax base, employment base and possibly some other types of spin
offs. He expressed his belief that there is a legal mechanism in the Borough, adding that he is in favor
of floating the concept and seeing if someone at the City Council or probably the City Manager level
would determine whether or not this is politically something that Homer should weigh into. He noted
that he is one of the owners of a major historic fish processing plant, by default, and that they value
add, virtually, everything, noting that maybe 10% of the catch goes out whole. Whereas, industry
wide 95% of the salmon caught in the upper Cook Inlet and coastal waters is shipped out as
commodity fish - not sorted or graded, which also happens with the halibut. The state has
implemented the landing tax as a way of reaping some reward from that travesty, of taking Alaska's
natural resource and shipping it out of state. He stated that he is in favor of getting rid of the tax and
providing something that generates even more revenue to the communities. When the fisherman
catches the fish and simply pays the tax, there is no return, but if a local processor is paid to filet it or
do vacuum seal it or some other type of value add there is return. There is precedence in other
industrial zones. He commented on other natural resource extraction around the United States,
creating lots of precedence for some other processing before the resource is shipped. Years ago there
was a restriction, exclusive to Alaska, where no one could harvest and ship out whole logs. This was
a means of encouraging value added, primarily in the South East. He suggested that this Commission
look into the value add fish processing, remove a lot of the fears associated with something new and
different, particularly fears associated with government involvement through mandates and that they
might be able to cut through a lot of that objection and do something that is good for the community
and for the industry. He noted that if there is general support, this needs to go to someone in the
administration to see if it can get some wings, there being no point to the Commission pursuing it
since it is a pretty big issue. It involves bringing in processors to comment specifically on the
economics pro and con, adding that he believes that he can arrange this. He encouraged everyone to
think about this and see if this is something that they want to play with.
Commissioner Corey stated that since she was in the hospital she had a chance to talk to Sarah, who
works with South Peninsula Hospital Executive Charlie Franz, noting that she shared the printed
information with the rest of the Commission this evening, regarding OEDP section on Health Care.
She advised that she did not get anything done on the Utility section, knowing that there are a couple
of other Commissioners working on this. She wished all a Merry Christmas.
Commissioner Riley inquired if there is a deadline on the OEDP.
Chair Howard noted that there is no specific deadline, that the Commission just needs to move
through the document and get in the process of restructuring and updating all of the elements of the OEDP.
Commissioner Scheer expressed his excitement of being appointed to the Planning Commission, that
he hopes to create a little bit of a bridge, that he would see some planning happen here and some
economic considerations happen there. He thanked Councilmember Wythe and anyone else who had a
hand in his appointment.
Commissioner Newby stated that Commissioner Scheer cannot leave the EDC and she wished
everyone a Merry Christmas.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Chair Howard adjourned the
meeting at 8:09.23 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2007 at 6 p.m. and a
Worksession at 5 p.m. prior to the Regular Meeting. Mini Committee/Worksession/Public Forum
meetings are Tuesday, December 19th at 10 a.m. on Recreation and Tourism with Commissioner
Faulkner and Thursday, December 21st at 10 a.m. on Fisheries. All meetings to be held in the Homer
City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.
___________________________________
MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK