M E M O R A N D U M 06-87

TO: MAYOR HORNADAY AND HOMER CITY COUNCIL

FROM: MATT SHADLE, COUNCILMEMBER

DATE: MAY 16, 2006

SUBJ: REQUEST FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION AND PUBLIC ADVISORY INPUT ON THE CONCEPT OF A SECOND FISHING LAGOON LOCATION IN THE MARINER PARK AREA.

There has been comment, discussion and inquiry the last couple of decades about a Fishing Lagoon in the Mariner Park area.

It portends to be an economic boon to the Homer tourist economy and a pleasure for the locals as well.

I would like to see the Economic Development Advisory Commission weigh in on this subject as to its validity and feasibility.

I would also like to find out what the citizenry of Homer thinks about the subject. We could put information petitions at various locations around town for a couple of weeks to see if our public is interested. Businesses would have to be asked first and could be Pudgy's Meat Market, Spenard Building Supply, Safeway, Save-U-More, Ulmers, Harbormaster's Office, Captain's Coffee, Latitude 50, Espresso Express, Kachemak Wholesale, Public Library, and the like.

Depending on the Commission's input and citizen response Council may call for a public hearing on the matter.

RECOMMENDATION:

Forward the concept of a second Fishing Lagoon located in the Mariner Park area to the Homer Economic Development Commission for input, including the validity and feasibility thereof.

Place informal petitions around town at various businesses for two weeks.

Fiscal Note: Staff time ($30 to $40), paper, copy time and supplies.