Session 08-08, a Regular Meeting of the Economic
Development Advisory Commission was called to order by Chair Hogan on
PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS
ERICKSON, HOGAN, NEECE, RAVIN, SCARPITTA
ABSENT: COMMISSIONER
YAKUNIN
STAFF: DEPUTY
APPROVAL OF
THE AGENDA
NEECE/SCARPITTA MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA.
The agenda was amended to discuss Lease Policies,
item 9A after New Business items.
The amended agenda was approved by consensus of the
Commission.
PUBLIC
COMMENTS REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
There were no public comments.
RECONSIDERATION
There were no items for reconsideration.
APPROVAL OF
MINUTES
A. Regular
meeting minutes of
RAVIN/SCARPITTA MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT
Motion carried.
VISITORS
There were no visitors.
STAFF REPORT
& COUNCIL REPORT
Special Projects Coordinator Holen reported that
she and City Manager Wrede attended the Economic Development District Forum in
Kenai a few weeks ago. A few of the speakers strongly recommended reading the
book Boom Town, and she purchased a
copy that could be checked out. She also reported that the City submitted an
application to the Alaska Energy Authority to study the feasibility of tidal
power in
There was discussion of having a Commissioner
attend the Kenai EDD meetings. Commissioner Neece said he would be interested
but has transportation issues. It was noted that EDD would reimburse a Commissioner
for travel up there and Special Projects Coordinator Holen said she would bring
information back at the next meeting.
PUBLIC
HEARING
There were no items for public hearing.
PENDING
BUSINESS
A.
Lease
Policies
This agenda item was addressed later in the agenda.
B. Review
of Planning Commission Issues: Draft Comprehensive Plan
ERICKSON/SCARPITTA MOVED TO DISCUSS
There was no discussion.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Commissioner Scarpitta commented that he spoke to
The Commissioners and City Planner Abboud talked about
the timeframe for reviewing the Draft Comp Plan and the EDC’s recommendations
for amendments. Question was raised as to what could be done to establish a
goal to encourage growth as an economic development factor. In the event there
is a sudden dump of jobs in the community, as happened in Seldovia during WWII,
there needs to be an impact plan for dealing with it. Chair Hogan noted that
since he has been in Homer there has been a mindset to try and curtail growth,
but economic development is dependant on growth. We don’t have a formula for
accommodating growth in this town; it seems to be more of a formula for
preventing it. It is important that we
have a plan in case a sudden growth happens. Commissioner Neece addressed the
need for infrastructure for development in the area and the concept that
economic development could expand outside City limits yet st
Commissioner Erickson noted that the language in
chapter 8 is focused mainly on tourism and the school, which is fine, but it
also needs to focus on the port, entrepreneurials, and other businesses, like
manufacturing. The City can’t put all its eggs in the tourism basket.
Regarding absorbing an influx if industry were to
open here, Commissioner Ravin countered that we have the infrastructure and
room for substantial growth without changing anything. The population of young
people has shrunk over the last 6 years and our population is down about 8%. In
that time the cost of local government has doubled. He noted that it doesn’t
account for inflation. In raw numbers, that is not going to attract people to
move here. The infrastructure could accommodate a 15% growth in the area.
Special Projects Coordinator Holen asked if the
Commissioners had read the entire draft Comprehensive Plan and noted that in
discussion of the Committee who worked on developing the draft, no one said we
should try to prevent growth, but that growth is a given in Homer. There was
discussion of what do we need to be cognizant of accommodating growth, including increased
density, annexation in the future, a new water source, improved fire fighting
equipment for taller buildings, and so forth. Those are things that can be
found throughout the Comp Plan, not necessarily concentrated in the economic
development chapter. Affordable housing is an issue that came up over and over
in discussion and that it is seen as an impediment to growth and development in
City limits because the closer you are to the city center, the more expensive
it is. Chair Hogan commented that we need to establish a tax and rate structure
that is going to encourage people to move into the City rather than moving out.
Commissioner Scarpitta recognized that we do need
economic development besides tourism, but tourism is an enormous impact in
funds that we receive. Homer is an increasingly significant destination for
people. He believes there is a benefit of growth in the immediate areas outside
of Homer. An important goal to him is to get jobs for people here so they can
survive here.
After further discussion, the Commission agreed to
meet for a worksession at
·
Including
what they already talked about with Planning Technician Engebretsen to put in
as goal 2 and into goal 7.
·
Note
the language they would like to see removed that was a little offensive to
them.
·
Vision
statement becomes either smaller or broader, either get rid of the list or list
them all.
Commissioner Scarpitta noted that he may be absent
due to a potential job opportunity.
C. Promotional
Commissioner Scarpitta commented that he spoke to
NEW BUSINESS
A. Open
Meetings Act Issues
RAVIN/SCARPITTA MOVED TO DISCUSS OPEN MEETINGS ACT
ISSUES
There was no discussion.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
The Commission expressed their frustrations with
the restrictions of the Open Meetings Act. Issues presented included:
·
It
restricts the social intercourse between Commission members.
·
Commissioners
can’t do near the damage of Legislators, Congress persons, and Council members.
·
It
has gotten so restrictive it precludes getting a lot of work done. There needs
to be flexibility to get work done.
·
Consideration
should be given to posting a bulletin board that can be accessed by the public
where the Commissioners can communicate.
·
The
Commissioners have a hunger to talk and if we were not hamstrung by this Open
Meetings Act, we would be sitting down and talking and getting work done.
·
The
ethics ordinance has also made it difficult for the Commissioners, especially
as it can affect their business. It takes away from their ability to function
and the City to get the benefit of their expertise.
·
The
Open Meetings Act is mandated by the state.
ERICKSON/RAVIN I MOVE THAT WE
There was lengthy discussion about the specifics
for the blog and ensuring that they aren’t conducting business, but exchanging
ideas. Special Projects Coordinator Holen said she would do some research and
bring information back.
VOTE: YES: NEECE, HOGAN, ERICKSON, RAVIN,
SCARPITTA,
Motion carried.
Discussion ensued regarding allowing telephonic
participation by Commissioners.
SCARPITTA/RAVIN MOVED THAT WE REQUEST THE COUNCIL
TO PERMIT TELECONFERENCING OR OTHER ELECTRONIC MEANS FOR ABSENT MEMBERS TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING.
The Commission discussed technological options for
member participation. Video conferencing would alleviate the issue of dealing
with visuals.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT
Motion carried.
Discussion resumed on the Open Meetings Act.
Question was raised regarding where to direct their request or recommendation.
Special Projects Coordinator Holen commented that she would like to have some
discussion with Bill Smith to get a better idea of the role
NEECE/ERICKSON MOVED TO CONVEY TO THE
There was discussion.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT
Motion carried.
B. 2009
Meeting Schedule
HOGAN/SCARPITTA MOVED TO DISCUSS THE MEETING
SCHEDULE.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Commissioner Erickson noted that the Lease
Committees quarterly meetings are not on the schedule.
Commissioner Scarpitta noted the meeting for
special meeting allowance for advertisement to be permitted on shorter notice
utilizing advertising on the radio.
There was brief discussion of the schedule.
HOGAN/NEECE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MEETING SCHEDULE
FOR 2009.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
C. Should
EDC Sponsor a Public Forum as an
ERICKSON/SCARPITTA MOVED TO DISCUSS
There was no discussion.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Commissioner Erickson commented that the blog site
will allow business owners to comment. She has talked with business owners who
don’t want to comment directly to the City because they are afraid of
retribution. They should be able to be anonymous. Chair Hogan concurred.
There was discussion of the chain of command for
City business owners to express concerns or complaints. The Commission
recognized a need for someone to f
The Commission agreed to discuss this at their next
meeting.
Chair Hogan commented that there is no recourse
when City Hall doesn’t follow City policy, there is no accountability.
HOGAN/NEECE MOVED THAT THE EDC REQUESTS THE COUNCIL
EXPLORE THE FORMATION OF AN OMBUDSMAN POSITION WITH APPROPRIATE DEGREE OF
AUTONOMY TO ACT IN THE BEHALF OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
There was brief discussion.
VOTE: YES: NEECE, SCARPITTA, ERICKSON, RAVIN, HOGAN
Motion carried.
D. “Homer:
Open for Business” - What can the City of
ERICKSON/NEECE MOVED TO DISCUSS
There was no discussion.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Commissioner Ravin expressed the need that the City
employee perspective should be “How can we help you complete this project?” It
should be a tone or philosophy for doing business.
Commissioner Erickson commented about a discussion
she had with a contractor whose clients came to the City and it took them so
long to get through the City that the people wished they hadn’t come here to
build.
Commissioner Scarpitta commented that helping
complete Mr. Ravin’s suggested philosophy of asking the question “How can I
help you” is the attitude we want people to have, but in needs to go further.
Helping complete it would be to cut through some of this and say “don’t worry
I’ll do it for you”, or “let me make the call”. They won’t do that though
because that is not the procedure they have. You can’t change people’s
attitudes by saying “here is your new attitude”. You need to hire for attitude.
Commissioner Neece commented about the information
he provided from the City of
Chair Hogan noted that Seward used to be more anti
development than Homer is, but they have turned that around in a big way.
There was discussion about ways to establish an
internal infrastructure for promoting business development. There needs to be a
point person for economic and development. Council should look at appointing a
person to be a liaison for any commercial development within the City of
It was reiterated that the City need to change the
philosophy. A lot of people laughed at the slogan “The City that Works”. We
need to promote that we are open for business and we want to help. It is
recognized that we can’t change the people behind the desk, but it needs to be
mandated that this is how we need to approach the public when they want to do
business with the City.
Commissioner Neece suggested a worksession with
someone from Planning, the City Manager, Tina Day or someone equivalent, and
the EDC to have a think tank that addresses pro-business; to define parameters,
set the mission statement and things like that. In big business they hire
people to do this.
The Commission agreed to keep this item under
pending business.
ERICKSON/SCARPITTA MOVED THAT COMMISSIONERS
ERICKSON
There was discussion and clarified that they would
meet at Lands End at
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT
Motion carried.
E. Possible
New Revenue Options for the City of
Chair Hogan passed the gavel to Vice Chair
Scarpitta and excused himself briefly.
Commissioner Ravin commented regarding a decline in
consumer spending, referencing a Homer News article from August that outlined
stagnant or declining revenues from local sales tax revenue. He noted that the
trend w
Chair Hogan returned and resumed as Chair.
SCARPITTA/ERICKSON MOVED TO DISCUSS
There was no discussion.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT
Motion carried.
There was discussion regarding funding issues in
the City. One of the things this Commission needs to do is look at ways to
bring in more money. It is important to look at ways to develop the economy for
the City as well as for the citizens of the City.
Commissioner Neece said he would like to discuss
this on their next agenda. He has some information he can provide from AGIA for
developing workforce development programs.
NEECE/ERICKSON MOVED TO DISCUSS HAVE THIS ON THEIR
NEXT AGENDA
There was no discussion.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT
Motion carried.
F. Lease
policy
HOGAN/RAVIN MOVED TO DISCUSS
There was no discussion.
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT
Motion carried.
Chair Hogan explained that there are two bodies
making lease policy revisions and he suggested they address how to recommend to
the Council. He noted that the current Lease Committee is staff weighted. There
was discussion that there are a lot of places where Committee members and
Commissioners aren’t clear on what is going on. Chair Hogan pointed out that
the last revision of the Lease Policy Council removed the City Manager from the
Committee because of some political friction. The staff on the Committee work
directly under the City Manager. Under City Code the City Manager is not
supposed to be the negotiator, and that is where the rub has been. The original
intent is that the Committee was to be the negotiating body. The philosophical
issue is should it be a staff process or a public process. There are pros and cons
of both concepts. Point was raised that staff can get a lot more done, and that
if you have too many business owners on the Committee, all of a sudden they
know too much about other peoples business. It was countered that having the
public participate on the Committee makes it less political.
Commissioner Erickson expressed concern about a
recent occurrence where the Lease Committee unanimously voted no on the project
with the State, and Council overrode it and went opposite of the Lease
Committee.
Chair Hogan and Commissioner Erickson agreed to
meet as a Lease Policy Review Committee to discuss and bring recommendations
back to the Commission.
NEECE/SCARPITTA MOVED THAT A CHAIR HOGAN
There was discussion that they would meet on
December 7th at
VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT
Motion carried.
INFORMATIONAL
MATERIALS
A. City of
B. Lease Committee Meeting Synopsis,
C. “Looking for Gas” - Petroleum News Article
D. Items from October 27 City Council Meeting Packet/Updates on
Status of Various Ordinances and Resolutions
COMMENTS OF
THE AUDIENCE
There were no audience comments.
COMMENTS OF
THE
Special Projects Coordinator Holen commented that
she is one of the people who does shop local, despite the 7.5% sales tax. This
is the second year she has done a walk about to do her Christmas shopping. A
walk about is where she walks around town and accomplishes as many errands as
she can on foot. She shopped at Northwind Gifts, Forget Me Not Flowers, The Book
Store, Ptarmigan Arts, Homer Jeans, and Nomar and got most of her Christmas
Shopping done.
COMMENTS OF
THE COUNCIL MEMBER
There were no Council member comments.
COMMENTS OF
THE CHAIR
Chair Hogan said he is glad the got a lot of work
done and he appreciates the Commission.
COMMENTS OF
THE COMMISSION MEMBERS
Commissioner Scarpitta commented that he may or may
not be at the next meeting. This was an exciting meeting with lots going on. He
heard that their reputation was good and there is a feeling that they are
concerned about the community. He agrees that they are.
Commissioner Neece said it is great and he is
enjoying it.
Commissioner Erickson agreed.
Commissioner Ravin offered a statistical snapshot
of Homer, using the last decade that we have full statistics for. In 1997
school enrollment for the City was 1412 students, in 2007 we were down to 1135
students, a 20% drop in enrollment. That is evidence of a large demographic
shift. In the same decade the median age in Homer went from 32.4 years to 38.7
years, a six year shift, which is another huge demographic shift. In a local
sense it is a shift that is monumental. If it happened in a state or nation,
people would be panicking. For a City’s age to change like that in a decade
should worry us. It means that the young kids are going to be lonely here when
they are 21 and his 18 year old son may not come back to this community when he
is done with school. This town is aging.
ADJOURN
There
being no further business to come before the Commission the meeting was
adjourned at
MELISSA JACOBSEN,
Approved:
[1] Mrs. Day was a member of the Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Committee which participated in development of the Draft Comprehensive Plan.