MEMORANDUM 07-161

TO: Mayor Hornaday and Homer City Council

FROM: Walt Wrede

DATE: September 19, 2007

SUBJECT: Resolution 07-94 / Reauthorization of City Hall / Town Plaza Committee

Resolution 07-94 is on the Council’s Agenda for its meeting on September 24. This resolution, if enacted, would reauthorize the City Hall / Town Plaza Review Committee, extend its term, and redefine its mission and assigned tasks.

I have sponsored this resolution because I think it is very important to have a committee of local citizens involved in the design process who have direct access to the Architects and the City administration. This committee would serve the same purpose as the Building Committee did during construction of the Library. The Committee would provide input and recommendations on things like design, cost estimating, and budget. It would help coordinate the public participation process and provide regular reports to the City Council. It would also provide a final report with recommendations to the Council regarding budget and design.

I have proposed simply reauthorizing the City Hall / Town Plaza Review Committee for several reasons. First, it is the most prudent and expedient thing to do. The City and the Contractor have already begun preconstruction activities and a public kick-off meeting is scheduled for next week on September 26^th. It is important that this committee be in place so that it can fully participate in the public meeting and meet directly with the Architects the next morning. In short, we do not have the time to create a new committee and recruit new members. Second, and most important, is the fact that the previous committee and its members are uniquely qualified to serve. The members are all very interested and committed to this project and many have a long history with Town Center. The committee functioned very well, was very productive, and performed a great service for the Council and the public. I think the City would be well served to keep this Committee alive.

I believe it would be most prudent to simply reappoint the members who last served on the Committee to at least get us started. The Council of course, reserves the option to change the make-up of the Committee as needed. I would also suggest that the Parks and Recreation and Planning Commissions also be given the option to change their representatives if they desire.

RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution 07-94