Memorandum 03-141

DATE: August 19, 2003

TO: Mayor and Council

FROM: John Fenske

RE: Committee Report, Kachemak Bay Campus

CC: City Manager and City Clerk

The campus administration and the community advisory board have been actively seeking funding for the expansion of the Kachemak Bay Campus (KBC). Due to their persistent effort, GO Bonds totaling three million dollars have been allocated for the expansion project. The KBC building on Pioneer Ave. has 8084 gsf. the new addition will increase this by 8553 gsf. and the purchase of the Barefoot Trailer Park adds an additional 2.5 acres to the campus, for parking and green space.

On August 11 I attended the Kachemak Bay College Advisory Board Meeting. This meeting was to select the development plan for the campus. Option A, was to include the purchase of the City Hall property, Option B1 and B2 excluded the purchase of City Hall property. The difference between B1 and B2 was the configuration of the new construction. The Option B1 was selected by the Advisory Council to be put forward for consideration by the Kenai Peninsula College Administrator, the UAA Board, and the Board of Regents.

The Advisory Board sent with this recommendation a request that Statewide Administration seek a Right of First Refusal if and when the City of Homer decides to sell its interest in the City hall property.

I would encourage the Council to prepare a Resolution in support of this plan of action. The City of Homer has for years been an active supporter of the Homer Campus and I know is equally as excited in the prospects of this Campus expansion any other participant.

Respectfully submitted

John Fenske, Council Representative to the College Board

Suggested Amendment for Council Consideration:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City Council hereby wishes to grant the University of Alaska the right of first refusal on the sale of the current Homer City Hall and property and authorizes the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents.