Session 08-25 a Special Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order on September 15, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Hornaday at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: HEIMBUCH, NOVAK, ROBERTS, WYTHE

 

ABSENT:                                             HOWARD, SHADLE (Both Excused)

 

STAFF:                                                CITY MANAGER WREDE

                                                            DEPUTY CITY CLERK JACOBSEN

                                                            SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR HOLEN       

 

AGENDA APPROVAL (Only those matters on the noticed agenda may be considered, pursuant to City Council’s Operating Manual, pg. 5)

 

The agenda approved by consensus of the Commission.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

A.        Resolution 08-95(S), A Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Supporting       Designation of the North and South Sterling Byways as National Scenic Byways. City Manager.

 

City Manager Wrede explained that this was postponed until September 22nd, but he found out the Borough Assembly is considering a similar resolution at the Assembly meeting on the 16th and he sponsors don’t want to unless the City has passed this. The Mayor agreed to bring it back tonight. City Manager Wrede pointed out the substitute whereas or they could amend to delete it and the one above it.

 

ROBERTS/WYTHE MOVED TO ADOPT THE SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION WITH THE AMENDED WHEREAS.

 

There was brief discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

B.         Capital Improvement Plan and FY 2010 Legislative Requests

            1.         Presentation by Proposers of New Projects

            2.         Capital Improvement Plan and Draft Resolution

 

Mayor Hornaday reviewed the information being discussed and encouraged audience members to pick up copies provided for reference. He gave an overview of how the projects are presented, explaining that the City does not have a lobbyist and the Mayor and Councilmembers who usually presents to the Legislature. In the last several years Legislators have been tell the non-profit’s that in order to have a project considered by the Legislature, the projects need to be on the City’s list in some fashion. Legislators have indicated that the next two years are going to be heavy capitol budget years and in three years it is going to slack off. Financially the City is in a better position now than four years ago. In an unqualified opinion from the auditor we are operating in accordance with the standard accounting principles. This year Council is giving those with new projects an opportunity to give brief presentations on their projects. Mayor Hornaday noted that the City has seen tremendous increases in costs for energy and projected sales tax revenues are down. He reviewed the City’s contributions to non profits and the Homer Foundations disbursement of City funds.

 

Miranda Weiss, Development Director at the Pratt Museum, thanked Mayor and Council for the opportunity to speak tonight. She thanked the City for its help with replacing the museums fuel tank and for their continuing investment in the museum in terms of annual operating support. The City’s continued support helps them leverage other funders. Presently one of the Directors with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency, is visiting the museum. She points out that they are a national leader in engaging our community and it is invaluable for her to see that the community invests in the museum. In terms of their capital improvement project, they have done extensive study, assessment, and evaluation for this project, which is renovation of their building and improvement of their 8 acres. It is the largest project they have undertaken. The studies have included handicap accessibility, site planning, building assessment as a whole, collection storage space, and the studies have shown they need to move ahead with this project. They are well positioned to take on this project. The Patrons of the Pratt Society paid off the mortgage after helping them acquire 8 acres of land. They have been operating in the black for the last number of years, and their programs are busting out of the museum.  As noted in their project description the museum has been initiated into the Rasmussen Foundation’s predevelopment program, a type of incubation program to ensure capital projects in the state are sound, well planned, and will be sustainably funded afterward. The City’s support in having this project listed on the CIP list will be invaluable, in part because it will help them leverage other support. Ms. Weiss encouraged Council to consider their roof project for their short list so the museum might be able to have support through the state. The roof is the most urgent project now that the fuel tank is done. She noted that investing in the Pratt is investing in quality of life here. The museum gets more than 35,000 visitors and serves more than 4,000 students through the year. The Pratt won an award in 2005 and they continue to receive national attention for what happens in the museum. Ms. Weiss said she just left the museum and there were about 30 people there discussing a community boat house and what it could look like. She thanked Council for their continued investment in the Pratt.

 

Mayor Hornaday questioned funding for the phase I, Ms. Weiss said she expects the funding will be private and public; they are in the process of developing their fundraising plan. She noted that the numbers are old and the updated numbers are larger. The roof portion will stay the same at $319,000.

 

Councilmember Heimbuch asked about the impact for the Pratt if Council was forced to cut back on their funding. Ms. Weiss said it is an issue that has been discussed and the loss would be significant. She noted it is about 10% of their annual budget. Looking at contingencies is something they do every year.

 

Councilmember Heimbuch expressed concern that if the ballot measure for the food exemption on sales tax passes the City may be in a situation where they have to decide to cut a program entirely or decrease everybody commensurately.  He encouraged everyone with a project before the Council to keep that in mind. Mayor Hornaday added that if the proposition passes the City expects to lose somewhere between $800,000 to $1,000,000.

 

Fred Lau, Director of Homer Senior Citizens, thanked the Council for support this last year. He said they were able to leverage the funds to get additional funding for operations at the Senior Center. He said right now he can’t answer what impact losing City funding would have on the program, but they have operated without City funds before. The Senior Citizens project is similar to what they have had before that has been included in the CIP list. They aren’t asking for City funding, but to be included on the CIP to leverage additional funds with our Legislator. The funding for this project will come from Alaska Housing Finance, the Denali Commission, home improvement funds, and from Homer Senior Citizens. Homer Senior Citizens has always put a substantial amount of money into their own projects and since 2003 they have built 17 new units.

 

In response to questions Mr. Lau said that although they are not asking for specific funding from the City, the Legislatures feeling is that if it is on the CIP, the City supports the project and it is an important project in the community. Last year the Homer Senior Citizens received $20,000 from the Homer Foundation. It was used as leverage funds for our nutrition and transportation program and their adult day services program. They leveraged about $139,000 for each program.

 

Judith Lund commented on behalf of the South Peninsula Hospital Board. The Board is requesting their project for the new MRI and MRI building be moved to the top of the hospital’s list of items requested for funding. What has happened is the MRI that currently at the hospital is housed in a trailer and is a rented unit, is now obsolete, and cannot be upgraded as there is no software for it. When this year is over it will be effectively useless. They either need to rent another MRI or purchase one. Purchasing will be more cost effective in the long term. They are trying to raise funds to purchase. When asked if they have had any indication from Health and Social Services about getting it on the Governor’s capital budget this year. She explained that she is not sure, there is new management and a new Service Area Board that was just appointed. They don’t have a lot put together yet on this project, it is too late to have it on the ballot, and they are trying to raise funding on their own. They have put information out, but have not heard from Health and Social Services.

 

Cinda Eckert commented on behalf of the Homer Hockey Association. She thanked the City for past support and advised Council that they have recently purchased their building for Two and a quarter million dollars. The owner has agreed to owner finance the building and they will lease the land from the owner. They have interest only payments for a 5 year period, and then they can re-amortize the remaining debt at the end of the 5 year period in to principal and interest payments for the remaining 25 years. Now that the change of ownership has taken place the Association feels confident they can raise the money through grant sources to reduce the principal to a point they can manage the payments after that five year period. In an effort to expand the usage of the facility and increase revenues it was suggested they put in a concrete floor. Based on research done with the contractor, the cost of converting the sand based floor is $350,000 which includes a $50,000 contingency fee for material cost increase and use of architect and/or engineer. It would benefit the community and state as it would be an additional venue for trade shows, conventions, and things like that. It would not only increase Homer’s revenues, but also Homer Hockey Association. It closes that gap between seasons by bringing in an additional $30,000 to $40,000 estimated annually. The concrete floor would greatly increase the uses for the building and for Homer. Mrs. Eckert said she did a presentation at the Kachemak City Council meeting. They were very interested and agreed to place their project on their CIP list and have agreed to match 1% for this project. Representative Seaton was in attendance and noted that it is nice to have a 10% match when bringing in a request like this. She asked the Council to consider that as well and its benefits to Homer and to their association. If they are so inclined to provide some matching money, they would accept it, and will be looking for other sources as well. She explained the benefits of having the concrete floor with relation to utility costs and increased uses in the summer.

 

Mayor Hornaday suggested contacting the US Department of Agriculture regarding financial support. The City received funding for the library from them. He asked for clarification if the Association is just looking for matching funding.  Mrs. Eckert responded that first they are asking for support to get on the list. Secondly if Council is inclined to give some matching money, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

Bob Letson, CEO at South Peninsula Hospital, filled in some additional information to what was mentioned earlier. He said they are not asking for funds from the City but would like to be on the CIP list because they are trying to gain community support and achieve funding. He stressed the importance of replacing the MRI and provided a photo of location of the existing unit. He noted the present MRI lease expires in June of next year. It is not able to have any software upgrades, it is five software upgrades behind, and it is totally obsolete. Right now it is in a mobile unit as shown in the photo, and they need a building to house a new unit because presently patients are exposed to inclement weather and it is not convenient for the elderly or disabled. The unit will have to be replaced in July and the new unit will be able to accommodate patients that are larger or claustrophobic. The unit serves a population of about 12,000 with Homer and surrounding communities and an MRI is essential for physicians to diagnose a multitude of medical conditions, and it is used quite often in trauma. It is important to the revenue stream of the hospital as it brings in about $1 million a year before expenses. The cost for the MRI is in the neighborhood of $1,800,000 for the unit. To build a building would be another $500,000 to $700,000. They are seeking funding from all the sources they can. An obvious alternative would be to lease a unit; however it is very expensive to lease a unit. Currently it costs several hundred thousand dollars in interest, as well as $84,000 a year in the cost of the van and maintenance, which would go away if they had a building.

 

In response to questions Mr. Letson commented that after all expenses the MRI generates $400,000 a year. The lifespan of the unit is about 6 to 7 years and if they are able to continue with software upgrades it could go longer. Over the life of the unit, about 25% of the cost is reimbursable by Medicare. There is no direct tie in for a designation for a critical care hospital. They did get their approval effective August 7th which is very helpful with Medicare reimbursement. The MRI is essential to the development of our hospital. It is very important in physician recruitment in that many physicians depend on the MRI for their practice. It is very important in the range of service for SPH to be a viable hospital. In a lot of cases there is no equivalent diagnostic tool to an MRI. The MRI prevents exploratory surgery in some cases, it can do some preventive heart diagnosis, and it is an early detector of cancer and tumors. It can hit each level of tissue, unlike an x-ray looking at the bone. It is a wonderful diagnostic tool saving money in terms of exploratory surgery and cutting back on hospital stays. The current access to the van is through a door from the x-ray department. There is a wooden canopy that is damp and cold a lot of the year. It is really not a good situation right now, which is why they are looking a doing a building as part of this.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen spoke regarding the Beluga Slough Trail Reconstruction. It is the boardwalk that goes from the Islands and Ocean visitor center to Bishops Beach. She reported that Islands and Ocean has removed the portion of the boardwalk that crosses their property. The remainder that is on City property is in a state of disrepair. It is an expensive project and the City will likely have to apply for grants for it, but the first step is to get it on the CIP as a project of need for the community for granting agencies. In response to questions Planning Technician Engebretsen commented that part of the criteria for this is to make it handicap accessible. Islands and Ocean has over 70,000 visitors per year and a lot of folks take the guided walks down to Bishops Beach so it only makes sense to make it as accessible as possible.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen also spoke regarding the project for the Bishops Beach picnic shelter. She explained that the existing shelter is safe, but it is an aging structure built around 1980 with help from the Coast Guard and eventually it will need to be replaced. She is not sure that the cost listed is correct. Mrs. Engebretsen noted that it is leaning but Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty checks it regularly to make sure it is not getting worse. She anticipates that a new shelter would be placed in the same location.

 

City Manager Wrede commented regarding the Brush/Wildland Firefighting Truck. He said the City would benefit from a brush fire truck that is able to get to roads that are inaccessible in the winter time or not built to City road standards, making it impossible to get a tanker truck or engine in. There is also wildfire danger on the edges of the City with the dead spruce. The truck the City is using is old and was converted from a former utility vehicle. The new vehicle would give expanded coverage to areas that can’t be reached now. It is not an immediate need and the Fire Chief has it scheduled for 2011.

 

There was brief discussion regarding the new priority level. Special Projects Coordinator Holen explained that they got rid of the terms necessary, essential, and so forth and replaced them with priority levels 1, 2, and 3. Level 1 would be the highest priority and level 3 would be lowest. It would be up to Council and Administration to consider a number of factors in deciding the level of a project.

 

City Manager Wrede commented regarding the Community Recreation/Multi Use Center. He noted that it is scheduled after 2014. Community Schools Coordinator Illg hopes at some point the City will have a Parks and Recreation Department and the City will be involved in recreation projects. With the discussion about need for youth activities and programs, this is something Mr. Illg wanted to propose, but understands it is something that can’t be accomplished soon.

 

City Manager Wrede commented regarding Fire Engine 4 Refurbishment. He explained the City has a new fire engine that will be here in October. There has been a promise for some time that there would be a fire presence on Skyline Drive and consideration that the old water treatment plant might be used as a station or garage if the building is able to support it. If engine 4 is refurbished it could be located on site to help fill the need on Skyline Drive. There was discussion that there are volunteer fire fighters who could respond to a station on Skyline Drive rather than having an employee there.

 

City Manager Wrede commented regarding the Fire Pump Testing Trailer. The Fire Department is required to regularly test their pumpers and fire hoses. At times they have to pump so much water from the fire hydrants that it upsets the system and causes disruption to residential service, or too much sediment gets stirred up. Another option is using Beluga Lake, but that has its own set of problems including going across private land and sucking up sediment that messes up the pumps. This new system is self contained and allows them to do their testing without tapping into the water system. There was brief discussion that this may be something that could be shared with the Borough in an effort to alleviate some of the cost to the City.

 

Nicky Szarzi of the Sport Fish Division of Fish in Homer and Game and Port and Harbor Director Hawkins commented regarding Fishing Lagoon Improvements. She gave a brief history of the development of the fishing lagoon. The intent of the lagoon is to provide more road accessible shore based fishing and protect wild stocks in the local streams. She said the lagoon rivals the number of king and silver salmon caught and number of anglers at Anchor River, Deep Creek, Ninilchik, and Stariski Creek combined, also shore base angling in Seward and Ship Creek in Anchorage. It has been quite a successful project. The City expanded the fishing lagoon in 1994 and since then the most recent major improvement was the addition of the handicap ramp and the hardening of the outer berm. It was a joint project in conjunction with the spit bike path. The City signed an MOU to perform day to day maintenance to keep the ADA improvements open and to maintain the berm. It has been about 10 years since the outer berm of the lagoon was hardened and the southern berm has been stable. The northern berm was damaged after the improvements and has required an addition of material from the harbor dredging each year. Port and Harbor Director Hawkins has been working with the DOT engineer who helped design the berm to estimate the cost to fix it and has found the cost is less than projected at $200,000. The lagoon is slowly filling in with sediment because of the dredge spoils. This summer the king salmon smolt suffered high mortality possibly due to low oxygen created because there wasn’t enough space between the pens and the bottom. A gravel bar formed on the south side entrance that was removed by Fish and Game and the Harbormaster for about $10,000. A larger gravel bar is forming on the north side entrance that needs removal. Ms. Szarzi explained that Fish and Game can still pay for large boating projects but no longer have non boating funds for improvements to the lagoon. After discussion with Port and Harbor Director Hawkins about funding for the upgrades to the lagoon, they are asking that the project be added to the short list for funding from legislature. It is listed as priority 2 but should be a top priority to the City because it is costing money annually to upgrade the berm with dredge spoils. In response to questions Ms. Szarzi said she is not aware of any City projects that have had a negative impact to the berm. She feels the berm fix would be the priority to the project and the gravel bar fix could be added to it. Port and Harbor Director Hawkins concurred that the equipment is out there they could deal with the gravel bar. It would be recommended that the lagoon be dredged as the same time as the harbor as it is shallower than it used to be.

 

Port and Harbor Director Hawkins commented regarding the Harbor Float and Ramp 3 Replacement. He explained replacing the float and putting the old ramp to it wouldn’t resolve the issue. Ramp three is the last original ramp in the harbor and in upgrading it would have to be ADA acceptable. It makes sense to put the two projects together.

 

Mayor Hornaday commented that in previous trips to Juneau former Councilmember McLay would talk to the Department of Transportation regarding Harbors. Other communities have received funding and questioned why Homer hasn’t.

 

There was discussion that Representative Seaton’s office is aware of this and there is a good chance of it getting funded. The ADA part is important as this ramp is the most centrally located in the harbor and generally there is a problem with ADA accessibility in the harbor. Port and Harbor Director Hawkins noted that the cost listed is current.

 

Public Works Director Meyer commented regarding the Sewer Treatment Plant/Bio-Solids Treatment Plant. He noted that a grant has been applied for to accomplish the design. He gave an overview of the sludge process. This project brings in a mechanical dewatering process for the sludge. A small anaerobic digester would do what is happening now in the lagoon. Methane would be given off and used in energy recovery. The other part of the project would be to utilize a portion of the lagoon to solve the inflow and infiltration (I and I) problem. During the wet season they get a lot of water running down the pipes to the sewer treatment plant in excess of its hydraulic capacity. The high flows could be diverted to the lagoon which would allow them to store it for a short time and then slowly release it to the treatment plant when the flows have fallen. This would allow the City to stay within the discharge permit. The part of the lagoon that wouldn’t be used could be filled and used in the future for a new Public Works complex.

 

There was brief discussion about homeowners who tie sump pumps, footing drains, and roof drains in to the sewer line which causes the water in excess of the plants hydraulic capacity. Finding those connections is very challenging in the City. Regarding unacceptable fecal and coliform levels Public Works Director Meyer commented that maybe once or twice over the last several years has there been an issue. He explained that the water that leaves the treatment plant is not chlorinated because it goes to a natural environment; it goes through an ultra violet process. The problems that create the violations for the most part are hydraulic problems only. If a plant was designed to eliminate any violations it would have to be a larger capacity. The current plant designed for 880,000 gallons a day, during the wet seasons they can experience a million and a half to two million gallons a day. The extra capacity would cost money. The I and I takes away from the capacity a few days a year. The excess surface water/ground water that enters the sanitary sewer takes away from treatment capacity. Without that excess the plant lasts longer.

 

Councilmember Roberts commented that this project is very innovative and though the number looks big it is probably a significant savings over the long term and solves what could be a very big problem to the City. This could be a way to help the system grow.

 

Public Works Director Meyer commented regarding the Water Storage/Distribution Improvements. He explained there are two transmission lines, one behind the hospital and down the bluff and one down East Hill. This project would connect the two together to create a pressure zone that goes all the way across. It would benefit the community in having more than one way to get water to different areas of town. The water/sewer master plan calls for some additional storage in the event of an emergency. Right now we could use some additional storage and it would make the system work more effectively. In response to questioning as to why this is recommended to come first before West Hill, Public Works Director Meyer commented that this is a rapidly growing area with the largest subdivision that has been approved in the City being contemplated in this location. It is developing that void between the transmission main that comes down East Hill and the one behind the hospital. He recognizes the need on West Hill and a letter was sent out to property owners that are adjacent to the West Hill alignment and about 30-40% was interested. The other issue is that if we are going to provide water to lots we need to be providing sewer at the same time and to provide sewer to that alignment is problematic along West Hill.

 

Public Works Director Meyer commented regarding the Lake Street improvements, noting that it probably has the most serious pavement problem in Homer. It is not a City of Homer responsibility and this is in the CIP to encourage the State to do something with their right-of-way. 

 

Discussion ensued on how to proceed with the process.

 

Mayor Hornaday commented that they may want to consider hiring a lobbyist for these next two years. The legislators like to have these smaller projects on the list, because money comes up that we don’t even know about. Representative Seaton has explained that they have to be on the list. It doesn’t have to be the top 15 list, but on the City’s CIP list. There is no way of predicting the dynamics of the legislature, but word is that there will be a lot of funding for capital projects. If the City isn’t going to hire a lobbyist, then consideration should be given for the City Manager to spend a session in Juneau and work on it.

 

Councilmember Novak questioned if the non profits not being included in the City’s top 15 would affect their ability to get funding.

 

Councilmember Wythe recommended the CIP should include City projects that fall within the 2009-2014 time frames. There are 8 state projects and 8 non profit projects that could be separated out into different sections or appendices, but included in the CIP booklet. Anything beyond the 2014 scope could be included in a long range plan appendix. She noted that there are projects that may have been a priority before but as time has passed their need or viability has changed and perhaps needs to come off the list.

 

Councilmember Roberts commented that all of the projects that were presented tonight have validity to be on the City’s CIP list. She noted that Special Projects Coordinator Holen has a statement that the City recognizes these non profits as significant value to the Homer Community would address Councilmember Novak’s concern.

 

City Manager Wrede commented anything Council votes on to the top 15 priority list would be rated as priority level 1 because there is an immediate need, there is funding in the pipeline, or history with the project. Council can adjust the priority levels if deemed necessary. Representative Seaton made it clear the non profits don’t have to be on the top 15 list, they just need to be on the CIP list to show they are endorsed by the City. Representative Seaton also pointed out that the legislature and Governor’s Office don’t want to be seen as picking projects out of the blue. Council did more to vet tonight than they ever have by letting people come and present their projects. Council can say they understand them and their benefits to the Community.

 

Councilmember Heimbuch commented his understanding that Council is trying to get a City project CIP list that started to have a life of its own and some continuity. They need to continue to pay attention to that aspect. We have to develop a CIP that is practical, reasonable, and reflects our ability to do these things. We need to have projects the people can decide if it is in the scale and scope of the City can reasonably accomplish in a five year plan. State and Federal projects need to be separated out to be dealt with at the appropriate level.

 

Councilmember Novak expressed the importance of maintaining a section to include projects past the 2014 date to show long term planning.

 

There was further discussion on priority lists for projects and seeking funding for projects.

 

WYTHE/HEIMBUCH MOVED THAT IN OUR 2009-2014 CIP WE INCLUDE ONLY THE CITY PROJECTS THAT HAVE A COMPLETION DATE BETWEEN 2009-2014, WE WOULD INCLUDE ALL OF THE STATE ROAD PROJECTS THAT ARE CURRENTLY INCLUDED, AND ALL OF THE PROPOSED NON PROFIT ITEMS, TO BE A TOTAL OF 8 STATE ROADS AND 8 NON PROFIT ITEMS LISTED AS APPENDICES OR SEPARATE SECTIONS OF THE OVERALL LIST. THERE WOULD BE THE CITY LIST, THE NON CITY PROJECTS, BUT OF INTEREST TO THE CITY, AND THE PROJECTS PROPOSED BY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.

 

NOVAK MOVED FOR A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO ADD THE ADDITIONAL PROJECTS BEYOND 2014 AS AN APPENDIX TO THIS LIST.

 

It would be an appendix subsequent to the list.

 

VOTE (Friendly amendment): NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

At this time it is to allocate the time frame the City projects have to fall with in order to be included and considered, and ensuring the state and non profit items would be included in the book.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

WYTHE/ROBERTS MOVED THAT AT OUR FUTURE MEETING WE COME PREPARED TO REVIEW ALL OF THE ITEMS THAT FALL IN THE DATE LINE 2009-2014 AND HAVE OUR DETERMINATION AS TO WHETHER WE WOULD VOTE TO CONTINUE INCLUDING THEM OR CONSIDER THEM FOR REMOVAL FROM THE LIST.

 

There was brief discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

WYTHE/ROBERTS MOVED THAT AT OUR NEXT PROGRESS MEETING THAT WE BE PREPARED TO ASSIGN THE VALUE 1, 2, OR 3, TO THOSE PLANS. ITEMS 3 ARE LONG RANGE, ITEMS 2 ARE NEAR RANGE, AND ITEMS 1 ARE PRIORITY FOR THIS TIME FRAME RIGHT NOW.

 

There was brief discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried. 

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

Bumppo Bremicker commented regarding Kachemak Drive pathway. It is a state road so would need to be state funded. The City pushing for those state funded projects is very important. He sees this not only as a recreational thing, but also as a safety issue. The shoulder is inches wide, the ditches are really deep, traffic runs pretty fast, and there are people walking and biking it. It is a dangerous situation. Having a pathway along there would be a really good thing. He encouraged them to get it to the state.

 

Special Projects Coordinator Holen commented regarding the resolution passed last year that noted State project requests as well as Federal project requests. She had brief discussion with Councilmember Wythe on City projects versus State projects.

 

Leonard Wells commented that he thinks the projects brought forward this evening should be given great consideration and be on the list someplace unless there are specific reasons not to include them. He asked if Councilmember Wythe intended the 2014 to be the completion date or started by 2014. Councilmember Wythe responded it is the scheduled year, not necessarily the completion date. 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Council the Special Meeting was adjourned at 9:47 p.m. by Mayor James C. Hornaday. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. The next Special Meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. and the next Committee of the Whole is scheduled for September 22, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. All meetings will be held in the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

 

                                                                                   

MELISSA JACOBSEN, CMC, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

 

Approved: