Session 09-09 a Regular Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order on April 13, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tempore Dennis Novak at the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: HOWARD, LEWIS, NOVAK, ROBERTS, WYTHE, ZAK
STAFF:
LIBRARY DIRECTOR HILL
POLICE CHIEF ROBL
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR MEYER
Department Heads may be called upon from time to time to participate via teleconference.
Council met as a Committee of the Whole from 4:00 p.m. to 5:23 p.m. Agenda items included Regular Meeting Agenda.
AGENDA APPROVAL
(Addition of items to or removing
items from the agenda will be by unanimous consent of the Council.
The agenda was amended to add:
PENDING BUSINESS - Ordinance 09-01: Memorandum 09-30 from Economic Development Advisory Commission renumbered to 09-45 and written public comments. RESOLUTIONS - Resolution 09-41(S), Substitute Resolution Authorizing the City Administration to Pursue All Avenues of Discussion to Encourage All Commercial Parties that have a Potential Role in Producing, Transmitting, Distributing or Selling Natural Gas to Residents and Businesses in the City of Homer and the Surrounding Area to Bring Natural Gas to the Homer Market. Novak.
The amended agenda was approved by consensus of the Council.
PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA
Alan Parks, Homer resident, spoke in favor of Resolution 09-38. In late February a gathering of the coastal communities was held in Homer. Many people came and participated; it was an opportunity for coastal communities to come together and come to consensus on common areas of concern of the climate change. The compact is well written and covers a lot of ground. It does not lock THE City into anything new. Many towns are looking at Homer’s Climate Action Plan and momentum will build when coastal communities sign on to the compact.
Terry Thompson, Kachemak Bay Research Reserve Manager, supports Resolution 09-39. NOAA put out a call for proposals seeking restoration projects that were shovel ready. KBRR submitted a proposal for the removal of derelict fishing gear from Kachemak Bay. The $1.75 M project, if funded, will bring revenue to the region and Homer. The grant will be highly competitive on a nationwide basis. Support from City Council will go a long way in showing support. There are several partners in the project, including the NOAA Kasitsna Bay Lab, UAF, local Fish and Game, and a group out of Washington state as experts in crab pot removal.
Asked how many derelict crab pots may be in the bay, Mr. Thompson answered the number will be determined by a survey, possibly 1,000’s. It is a two-year project. The first year site scan sonar will identify where the pots are located; a remotely operated vehicle will then look at each pot to make a determination for removal. In some cases, it may do more habitat damage by removing pots.
Milli Martin, Chair of the Kenai Peninsula Assembly, commented on the City Manager’s report that contains the letter from Mayor Carey that KESA desires to cancel the existing contract for emergency services with the City on July 1. The move is six months earlier than anticipated. The contract was reviewed and KESA has the volunteers and equipment to handle the area. The element missing was the new station. The Borough is researching existing buildings in the area and located a building off Diamond Ridge Road that will fully fill the needs of staff and equipment for the immediate future. Presently the Administration is working on approval of a lease. They are very excited about having a presence on the west side above Homer. On April 22nd Borough and City staff will meet to start negotiations to include a mutual aid agreement. Ms. Martin expressed her appreciation to the Mayor, City Council and especially the Homer Volunteer Fire Department for their support and cooperation over the years.
Council expressed the following concerns:
Nancy Lord, city resident, wished all a happy Library Week. As to Resolution 09-38, she is proud of Homer for being the leader with the Climate Action Plan. In her travels around the state she often hears from other communities about Homer being a leader in the forefront, thinking of energy use and green. She encouraged support of the resolution as yet one more way to help position the City for stimulus funds from the Federal government. Many of the funds are for energy related projects.
RECONSIDERATION
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
(Items listed below will be enacted by one motion. If separate discussion is desired on an item, that item may be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular Meeting Agenda at the request of a Councilmember.)
A. Homer City Council unapproved meeting minutes of
B. Memorandum 09-41, from Deputy City Clerk, Re: New Liquor License for Fresh Catch Cafe.
C. Memorandum 09-42, from Mayor, Re: Appointment of Julie Beatty to the Library Advisory Board, Reappointment of Glen Carroll to the Port and Harbor Advisory Commission, Reappointment of Marianne Aplin, Trina Fellows, and Angie Newby to the Public Arts Committee, and Appointment of Sharon Minsch and Michael Yourkowski to the Spit Comprehensive Plan Committee.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the approval of the recommendations of the consent agenda as read.
WYTHE/HOWARD - SO MOVED.
Councilmember Roberts expressed the need to move Item C to New Business.
HOWARD/LEWIS – MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO GO BACK TO AGENDA APPROVAL.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: (suspend rules) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
ROBERTS/LEWIS – MOVED TO MOVE ITEM 5C TO NEW BUSINESS ITEM 13B.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VOTE: (main motion) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VISITORS
A. Joy Steward, Update on The Homer Foundation.
1. FY09 City of Homer Grants Program.
Joy Steward provided an update on the grants program The Homer Foundation administers for the City of Homer. In 2009 $25,000 was allocated to the foundation. There were eleven applications and all qualified and were funded at some level. They were scored on criteria set forth in the application including financial health, governance, correlation of mission to programs, and leverage. This year there was a lot of discussion on essential services and how the non profits serve the community. The review committee really looked at which organizations were filling needs that may otherwise go unmet. There was $4,000 in earnings from the City’s endowment fund, thus making $29,000 total for award.
Mayor Hornaday commented although he did not see one particular exhibit, he understood it was highly controversial. His opinion is that City funds should not be used for that sort of thing. It served the community poorly to have that as a representative of Homer. Ms. Steward replied that The Foundation looks at how well governed the agencies are and how well they serve the community. They do not look at specific projects that happen in each organization.
There is currently $123,000 in the endowment fund, down slightly from the high point due to the economic downturn. They hope to see it come back up.
Councilmember Zak commented there may be stimulus money for renewable and green energy, including nonprofits.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS/BOROUGH REPORT/COMMISSION
REPORTS
A. Mayor’s Proclamation - National Library Week – April 12-18, 2009
B. Thank you note to Mayor Hornaday from Lory Hahn, widow of Bob Hahn, Former City Attorney.
C. Pier One Theatre 2008 Season Report
Michael Hawfield, Library Advisory Board Chair, wished all a happy Library Week. He is proud of the library, its volunteers and staff, and Council’s support. Tomorrow the Friends are hosting an appreciation luncheon to the staff. Thursday is top drawer reading and the top shelf winner will be announced. Saturday there is a celebration of Lifelong Learning between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. Libby Riddles will be the keynote speaker. Foods will be catered, music by Eric Fenger and Regina Harville will be running the coffee cart. They will have the world’s most practical silent auction. He thanked Linda Martin and Nancy Lord for their service to the LAB, and welcomed Julie Beatty as a new LAB member. The exterior library sign by Brad Hughes should be up in June. It is a crane motif to adorn the corner of Hazel and Heath streets. The preschool reading program has 100 kids per month, enjoying the comforts and safety of being in the library. He thanked Eileen Faulkner for her leadership with the rotating art.
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
A. Memorandum 09-40, from Police Chief, Re: Recovery Act, Grant Review Request for Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the Amount of $48,412 as Part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Mayor Hornaday opened the public hearing.
There was no public testimony.
Mayor Hornaday closed the public hearing.
ORDINANCE(S)
A. Ordinance
09-13, An
Emergency Ordinance of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Amending the FY
2009 Operating Budget by Appropriating Funds in the Amount of $69,000 for the
Purchase and Installation of a Backup Generator at City Hall. City Manager.
Memorandum 09-44 from Public Works Director as backup.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Ordinance 09-13 for introduction and first and final reading by reading of title only.
WYTHE/LEWIS – SO MOVED.
The funds were in the depreciation reserves account.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
A. City Manager’s Report
1. KESA Contract: Attached is a letter from Mayor Carey notifying the City that the Borough intends to terminate the KESA contract effective July 1. The bad news about this is that it will reduce revenues by about $100,000 this year and reduce them to zero next year. The good news is that the City will hopefully have much less responsibility and liability for people and property outside of the City limits. We are looking now at ways we can restructure the department and save money. There are a number of details to be worked out and these will happen when we draft the transition plan. There is a lot to talk about here and I hope to do that at the meeting.
2. Back-Up Generator / City Hall: This agenda includes an emergency ordinance to purchase and install a backup generator at City Hall. Since many of the City’s servers and its wireless phone system are based there, a loss of power for any extended period of time has serious implications for the City’s emergency response capability. I will talk more about this during discussion of the ordinance.
3. Spit Parking: Bryan and I had a good meeting with the head of the DOT/PF ROW Division. DOT/PF appears to be receptive to the idea that the City would assume responsibility for parking regulation within State ROW on the Spit. We are now in the process of working with the State on an MOU.
4. East Boat Harbor Expansion Feasibility Study: The feasibility study is moving forward but at a slower pace. The Corps received less money in the Omnibus Bill than it was anticipating. The good news for the City is that this means the local match for 2009 will be less also. The Corps has decided not to ask the City for its match until certain details about the project cost can be determined. The total project cost is being driven up by the cost of obtaining and shipping armor rock. We are presently working to secure rock from a local source in the hope that construction costs would be reduced and the cost benefit ratio improved. We would be happy to talk about this in a little more detail at the meeting.
5. Twenty Year Dredging Plan: The Corps would like to move forward this year with the new 20 year dredging plan. We are presently reviewing a proposed project cooperation agreement. At this time, we still have quite a few unanswered questions about this plan that we hope to have answered before we move forward. Again, this is an issue that we are happy to talk about in detail at the meeting.
6. Dru: I am sorry to report that Dru Corbin has resigned from her position. She is moving to Anchorage to be with her husband who recently accepted a fulltime job there. We will miss Dru and she did a great job. We are presently advertising. I have downgraded the position and am currently advertising for an administrative assistant / secretary. The good news is that this will save the City about $6,000 and the new employee will be asked to focus more on office filing and organization; something we need. The bad news is that this person will not function as another Special Projects Coordinator. Therefore, there will be less support for boards and commissions and less available time for projects. Overtime will be eliminated.
7. Oyster Growers Association / Proposed tax Exemption: The Oysters Growers requested that their new facility on the Spit be exempted from property taxes under Borough and City exemptions for properties used exclusively for community purposes. You will recall that the Council recently adopted an ordinance on this topic that makes the City Code on Community Purpose Exemptions consistent with that of the Borough (Ordinance 08-49, attached.) The Association’s request was denied by the Borough Assessor because the Association was in the business of selling a product and because it was renting rooms upstairs for office space to organizations other than the Association. Therefore the Borough concluded that even thought the Association was organized as a non-profit, is was not exempt because the property was not being used exclusively for community purposes. The Association subsequently requested that its property be exempted under Section 5.12.116 of the Borough Code entitled Economic Development Property Exemption. A copy of this section of the Borough Code and the relevant section of State Statutes is attached for your information. The code allows for a partial exemption for a certain period of time for some types of new businesses. The Borough Assessor called to say that he will recommend to the Assembly that a portion of the building be exempted under this provision. He wanted to know if Homer would exempt the building from local property taxes as well. I told him that I would discuss this with the Council but that I did not think there was anything in the Homer City Code or in Ordinance 08-49 that would allow for this automatically. A City ordinance would likely be required if the Council wanted to exempt. I will double check this with the City Attorney. This whole discussion raised a larger question for me, namely, whether the Council wants to consider an ordinance like this to encourage new business generally.
8. Ash Fall Response / Clean-up: At the time this report was written, the City crews were working hard to mitigate the effects of the ashfall which occurred on April 4. The Public Works Department was able to shut down the air intake systems on City buildings and implement ashfall protection procedures. Water and Sewer staff were monitoring the situation and were prepared to act if water supplies were threatened. IT shut down all servers that were not needed for essential operations. PW worked on Saturday and Sunday to wash the ash from City building and City parking lots. The streets are next. This is being accomplished in part with a water truck leased from Twin Peaks. The Airport Terminal received attention first. The Port and Harbor crew shut down the ice plant temporarily as a precaution. The Fire Department was prepared to activate the EOC if necessary. Chief Painter and I were both in frequent contact with the Unified Command and Borough Office of Emergency Management. We have requested that the Unified Command hold a public informational meeting in Homer like it did in Kenai regarding the Drift River Facility. Some of this activity (especially that of PW, overtime and leasing equipment) will cost money that is not specifically budgeted. Because we think this may occur again, maybe more than once, we have set up a separate account to track these costs.
9. KBBI: Attached is a letter from KBBI General Manager David Anderson. In the letter, David makes some suggestions about how we might go about improving and upgrading the sound system in the Council Chambers. He also states that KBBI can no longer afford to provide a staff person to work the City sound system and simultaneously gather news stories for broadcast on the radio. In short, KBBI is requesting that the City assume responsibility for this function. Jo and I met with David last week to talk about a transition plan. We are currently looking at ways to take this function over without additional cost to the City, if possible. I think David’s suggestion about getting a professional studio engineer to look at what we have is a good idea and we can do that immediately if Council agrees. We have tried to save money over the years and make incremental improvements here and there. We probably need a more comprehensive analysis of the whole system, including interaction between the teleconference and sound systems. Jo, State and I are looking at how we can assume responsibility for the sound system with minimal cost and disruption.
10. Stimulus Package Generally: We continue to review the Stimulus Package to see how Homer might fare. More and more information becomes available almost daily about where the money is going and how to apply for it. We received a call from DOT/PF last week that raised our hopes that the Freight Dock Road project has a good chance of being funded. The Legislature appears poised to accept the energy block grant and weatherization money provided that the Governor does not veto. This money can be used to fund the City’s two alternative energy projects and implement some of the recommendations Council will soon receive about making City buildings more efficient. We have already applied for funding for all eligible water and sewer projects including the feasibility study for a new water source. We are reviewing other programs such as funding for law enforcement and habitat restoration.
11. University Lease: The University’s lease at the old school expires in September of this year. The university has asked for a new lease that contains three one year extensions. Before I respond, I think this requires some discussion by the Council. I would suggest an executive session at the next meeting to discuss. The reason is legal and lease negotiation matters that have a direct financial impact on the City.
12. Airport Terminal Land Lease: Good Budget News here. You may recall that not that long ago, we told Council that the State was proposing to raise land lease fees at the airport significantly and planned to make the increase retroactive back several years. This would have had a severe impact on the airport terminal budget. Apparently, many other communities were as upset about this as Homer was. We were recently notified that airport lease rates will be frozen until 2011. After that, they will increase at a much more moderate rate. A memorandum from Sheri Hobbs, the Airport Terminal Manager and a letter to Sheri from DOT/PF are attached for your information.
City Manager Wrede reported DOT is holding a public hearing about the East End Road project from mile 3.75 to milepost 12.2. The project has been scaled back from $21M to $9M. It was to include a bike trail out to McNeill School. The public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, April 16th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Paul Banks Elementary School. More information may be obtained from Mike Hall, DOT highway design at 269-0592.
Assemblywoman Milli Martin talked about the KESA contract that is to last for two years and be extended in 6-month intervals. It was decided it would be beneficial to have two separate fire departments. Mayor Carey said KESA will be ready to take over July 1st. The Homer Fire Department and KESA will be independent, with KESA providing their own services. As of July 1st the City will not provide fire services outside city limits. Calls for fire or ambulance will go to Soldotna and will be dispatched from there. For questions, the public may contact City Manager Wrede, KESA board members or Mayor Carey.
Street sweepers are out cleaning up the ash from Mt. Redoubt. It is a difficult task, as the roads freeze every night. Public Works staff is limited to working during the day. They were out Saturday on Pioneer Ave. cleaning sidewalks and the Spit trail is already clear. The guys are doing the best they can; the ash complicated matters as it melted the snow quickly. There has been flooding with roads washing out and clogged culverts. Public Works staff has been busy and has been working hard.
Councilmember Howard thanked the Public Works crew for ash removal, stating the City is beginning to look nice. A number of citizens had requests to look at drainage systems and Public Works helped each one of them making happy and thankful citizens. Councilmember Zak commented on the Fire Department’s swift response to the ash fall. They were ready to activate emergency systems and ready to mitigate any damage. He commended them for being ready to take action, saving money by not letting anything get damaged.
Councilmember Novak requested an Executive Session at the April 27th meeting to discuss the West Campus lease for the University.
As to the DOT right of way for Spit parking, City Manager Wrede reported that Port and Harbor Director Bryan Hawkins and he had a positive meeting with the DOT ROW division. They agreed to take another look at the proposed parking lot expansion at the base of the Spit. The director of the division says they will take another look at parking at Kachemak Drive and the Spit Road. Public Works Director Meyer provided drawings of parking improvements. Some parking areas will be eliminated and will be loading zones only. They are reviewing where crosswalks will go, diagonal parking, and expansion of new and longer term parking. DOT says it will be a quick process. Although we are not in a position to do any construction, it is a good position to regulate the existing parking on the Spit Road. If we can get organized enough by this Fall, we can get a contractor to do the work on paving and expanding parking lots.
Brief discussion ensued on the yellow stickers on parked cars that are issued by Port and Harbor. Abandoned vehicles are given notice and at some point are removed from the premises.
Councilmember Wythe requested the City Council meetings radio broadcast and Council Chambers sound system be added to the April 27th Committee of the Whole.
City Manager Wrede reported a grant for the security gates at the Deep Water Dock will be awarded in the Fall. The grant will provide security gates and other security systems at the DWD. It is a requirement of the Coast Guard and part of Homeland Security regulations. When there are container and cruise ships in port, security is needed. The grant will fund $107,000, with a local cash match of $30,000. The project may be completed for less than $107,000. The security features may also include cameras to see the DWD in both police and harbor offices.
KBBI asked if the City could assign someone to oversee the recording at Council meetings. The High School may have an interested student or it could be a volunteer. Systems Manager Steve Bambakidis is the most familiar with the system. It is great that KBBI has done it for years without charging the City. The audio system is the City’s and there are issues with the sound and phone systems.
Federal stimulus money for the tidal energy request was discussed. We are waiting to if Governor Palin will accept some of the stimulus; it was approved by both the House and Senate. If $50M is funded we have a good chance at getting the project. It would provide for a feasibility study to see if tidal power would work in Kachemak Bay. There are four sites, two off the Spit, one in Seldovia and one is Nanwalek where generated energy could be put back in the grid.
B. Question of the Week
COMMITTEE REPORT
A. Public Arts Committee
B. Transportation Advisory Committee
C. Permanent Fund Committee
D. Lease Committee
Mayor Hornaday recessed the meeting at 7:57 p.m. and reconvened at 8:05 p.m. During the recess Mayor Hornaday was presented a birthday cake and card.
PENDING BUSINESS
A. Ordinance 09-01, An
Ordinance of the Homer City Council Enacting Homer City Code Chapter 5.42 Establishing a Green Fee for
Disposable Shopping Bags, and Requiring Sellers
in the City to Collect the Green Fee and Remit it to the City. Lewis.
Introduction
Memorandum 09-45 from Economic Development Advisory Commission as information.
Motion on the floor from January 12, 2009: MOTION FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 09-01 FOR INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING BY READING OF TITLE ONLY.
LEWIS/WYTHE – MOVED TO POSTPONE ORDINANCE 09-01 INDEFINITELY.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
B. Resolution 09-36, A Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Homer and the Alaska Disc Golf Association (ADGA) Regarding Construction, Maintenance, and Operation of a Proposed Disc Golf Course at Jack Gist Park. City Manager/Public Works.
Motion on the floor from March 23, 2009: MOTION FOR THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 09-36 BY READING OF TITLE ONLY.
WYTHE/NOVAK – MOVED TO POSTPONE INDEFINITELY.
City Manager Wrede commented the resolution will come back when it is ready.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Memorandum 09-43, from Councilmember Novak, Re: Repair or Replacement of Bishops Beach Picnic Shelter.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the approval of the recommendations of Memorandum 09-43.
NOVAK/ZAK – SO MOVED.
The need for repair of the shelter was discussed in the CIP process. The shelter is leaning and is lacking posts. It was pointed out by Councilmember Wythe the City is not a construction company and the repairs should go out for RFP.
WYTHE/HOWARD - MOVED TO AMEND THE RECOMMENDATION TO SAY THEY WILL DISCUSS THE FEASIBILITY OF REPAIR AND DRAFT AND PREPARE AN RFP FOR THE CITY COUNCIL TO REVIEW AND APPROVE.
Councilmember Novak pointed out Public Works staff built the equipment shed at Public Works and they are capable. It should be an option for the City Manager and the Public Works Director.
Councilmembers Wythe and Roberts agreed Council made the distinct determination Public Works would not be building projects again and the determination should be followed.
City Manager Wrede recalled the project was removed from the CIP list and funds were not put in the capital budget for repairs. A budget ordinance is needed to include a plan on repairs, whether it makes more sense to replace the shelter or shore it up.
VOTE: (amendment) NO. ROBERTS NOVAK
VOTE: YES. WYTHE, ZAK, HOWARD, LEWIS
Motion carried.
VOTE: (main motion as amended) YES. LEWIS, ROBERTS, WYTHE, ZAK, HOWARD, NOVAK
Motion carried.
B. Memorandum 09-42, from Mayor, Re: Appointment of Julie Beatty to the Library Advisory Board, Reappointment of Glen Carroll to the Port and Harbor Advisory Commission, Reappointment of Marianne Aplin, Trina Fellows, and Angie Newby to the Public Arts Committee, and Appointment of Sharon Minsch and Michael Yourkowski to the Spit Comprehensive Plan Committee.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the approval of the recommendations of Memorandum 09-42.
HOWARD/NOVAK - SO MOVED.
NOVAK/ROBERTS – MOVED TO REMOVE TWO NAMES ON THE SPIT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMITTEE PENDING EVALUATION.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VOTE: (main motion as amended) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS
A. Resolution 09-37, A Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Encouraging the Elimination of Plastic Bags in the Local Environment. Lewis/Roberts.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 09-37 by reading of title only.
LEWIS/ROBERTS – SO MOVED.
WYTHE/ROBERTS
- MOVED TO AMEND THE FIFTH WHEREAS BY STRIKING “SINGLE USE” AND MAKING THE “P”
IN “PLASTIC” A CAPITAL LETTER.
There
was no discussion.
VOTE:
YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS
CONSENT.
Motion
carried.
LEWIS/ROBERTS
– MOVED TO AMEND TO REMOVE THE LAST THREE WHEREAS CLAUSES. THE NOW, THEREFORE,
CLAUSE WOULD READ “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER,
ALASKA, ENCOURAGES CITIZENS AND BUSINESSES TO ELIMINATE PLASTIC BAGS FROM THE
ENVIRONMENT AND THE CITY WOULD PLACE ON ITS WEBSITE A LIST OF THOSE STORES THAT
ARE PLASTIC BAG FREE AND WHEREAS THE CITY WOULD PLACE ON ITS WEBSITE A LIST OF
THOSE NON-PROFITS THAT SELL REUSABLE BAGS, AND THE CITY WOULD SUPPLY TO THOSE
BUSINESSES THAT ARE PLASTIC BAG FREE AN 8 X 11 SIGN THAT INDICATES SUCH.”
WYTHE/ZAK
- MOVED FOR A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO SEPARATE THE THREE POINTS TO BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED CLAUSES.
Councilmember Zak suggested the 8 ½ x
11 sign be metal instead of plastic.
VOTE: (friendly amendment) YES. NON
OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
NOVAK - MOVED FOR A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE 4TH
FROM LAST WHEREAS THAT SAYS “WHEREAS, THE CITY WILL INSTITUTE AND ENCOURAGE
DIMINISHING THE USE OF PLASTIC BAGS” AS AN ADDITIONAL ITEM UNDER BE IT
THEREFORE RESOLVED.
Motion died for lack of a second.
VOTE: (amendment) YES. NON
OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
WYTHE/ROBERTS
–MOVED TO STRIKE THE WHEREAS CLAUSE, “WHEREAS, THE CITY OF HOMER WILL INSTITUTE
A PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE DIMINISHING THE USE OF PLASTIC BAGS DISPOSAL, AND”
NOVAK/ZAK
- MOVED FOR A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO JUST STRIKE “INSTITUTE A PROGRAM” FROM THAT
WHEREAS CLAUSE.
There
was no discussion.
VOTE:
YES. NOVAK, LEWIS, ZAK
VOTE:
NO. ROBERTS, WYTHE, HOWARD
Mayor
Hornaday broke the tie with a YES vote.
Motion
carried.
At
the Committee of the Whole it was discussed that when the whereas
is moved into the enactment clause it is no longer needed in the body of the
resolution.
VOTE:
(amendment) YES. LEWIS, ROBERTS, ZAK
VOTE:
NO. HOWARD, NOVAK, WYTHE
Mayor
Hornaday broke the tie with a NO vote.
Motion
failed.
WYTHE/ROBERTS
- MOVED TO STRIKE THE “WHEREAS, THE CITY OF HOMER WILL INSTITUTE A PROGRAM TO
ENCOURAGE DIMINISHING THE USE OF PLASTIC BAGS DISPOSAL; AND.”
Moving
the three whereas clauses to the be it further
resolved clause eliminates the need for the whereas in the body of the resolution.
VOTE:
YES. ZAK, HOWARD, NOVAK, LEWIS, ROBERTS, WYTHE
Motion
carried.
VOTE:
(main motion as amended) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion
carried.
B. Resolution 09-38, A
Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Supporting the Alaska Coastal
Communities Global Climate Change Compact. Mayor.
Mayor
Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 09-38 by reading of
title only.
WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
WYTHE/HOWARD
– MOVED UNDER THE NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED CLAUSE TO STRIKE THE WORD “FULLY”
SO IT WOULD JUST SIMPLY READ “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY OF
HOMER, ALASKA, SUPPORTS THE ALASKA COASTAL COMMUNITIES GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
COMPACT AND HEREBY ADDS ITS NAME AS A SIGNATORY TO THE COMPACT.”
There was no discussion.
VOTE: (amendment) YES. NON
OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VOTE: (main motion as amended) YES. NON
OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
C. Resolution 09-39, A Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Expressing Support for the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve Grant Application to Remove Derelict Fishing Gear and Old Crab Pots from Kachemak Bay. City Manager.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 09-39 by reading of title only.
WYTHE/ROBERTS – SO MOVED.
Discussion ensued on how the project would stabilize existing jobs. It would help boat owners and provide funding to the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve in tough times. The project would also help with the Port and Harbor enterprise fund, as the boats will be paying moorage and fees for crossing the dock. It shores up jobs that may be in jeopardy during economic hard times.
City Manager Wrede explained he wrote a letter of support to meet the grant deadline. He anticipated Council’s support on the resolution and could have withdrawn the letter if Council failed to support the grant application.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
D. Resolution 09-40, A Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Expressing Support for the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District’s Legislative Funding Request to Conduct a Feasibility Study Related to the Proposed Central Peninsula Vocational Education Center. Wythe.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 09-40 by reading of title only.
WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
Councilmember Wythe recalled at an earlier meeting Council had discussed the feasibility of a vocational education center in the Kenai area. The Central Peninsula area has the infrastructure that will support a center.
Councilmember Lewis expressed support for the Kachemak Bay Campus to become a more technical college instead of building a whole new center. Councilmember Zak noted that the AVTEC in Seward will be providing one service and the new Kenai center will be providing a different curriculum. Eventually another center could be located in Homer.
Councilmember Novak suggested the three different centers could highlight different skills to provide a variety on the Peninsula. Councilmember Roberts offered support, as it will enhance skills for jobs available in the Kenai area. Although a vocational education center is on the City’s long term CIP, Council can offer support for the Kenai center now and look for a center in Homer at a later date.
Councilmember Zak talked to one AVTEC applicant who will need to attend training in Wasilla or Palmer, as the Seward center’s wait list is 18 months. The Kenai center would provide additional opportunities.
VOTE: YES. WYTHE, ZAK, HOWARD, NOVAK, LEWIS, ROBERTS
Motion carried.
E.
Resolution 09-41, A Resolution of
the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Authorizing the City Administration to
Pursue All Avenues of Discussion to Encourage All Commercial parties that have
a Potential Role in Producing, Transmitting, Distributing or Selling Natural
Gas to Residents and Businesses in the City of Homer and the Surrounding Area
to bring Natural Gas to the Homer Market. Novak.
Mayor
Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 09-41 by
reading of title only.
NOVAK/ZAK - SO MOVED.
NOVAK/ROBERTS - MOVED TO SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION 09-41(S) FOR 09-41.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Discussion ensued on the amendment to include a database created by the City, and what it would cost the City. Councilmember Novak said the database may incur some time. Figures are need for Enstar to determine if the project is feasible. There are marketable commercial qualities of gas on the Epperson Knob of the North Fork Road that is not committed. It is not committed; it could go north or come to Homer. There has to be a pipeline and a distribution system with a certain number of users to make it economically feasible. Gas is an economic development and providing information would be building the economy of the City. We can initiate discussion to bring gas to Homer and giving Enstar more information would provide for more meaningful discussions.
Costs of conversion to natural gas per household is unknown at this time. In Fairbanks liquefied gas off the North Slope is being used. It is re-gasified and distributed to 1,100 users. A small percentage of the users are residential; most are commercial. It is a benefit to large users of energy or electricity and an economic stimulus for communities. Natural gas is cheaper than some of the alternate energy fuels. The supply exists on the North Fork and supplies are sufficient for Homer for several years ahead.
City Manager Wrede was asked about the manpower and impact on City employees to create the database and if the same service would be provided for another business.
City Manager Wrede believes the opportunity for natural gas is here, but is concerned about the time it would require on behalf of City employees. If we are serious, the City would need to hire a level of expertise beyond what we have. Negotiating gas and working on cooperative agreements and working with RCA require a specialized level of expertise. If Council is serious about the natural gas prospect, Public Works Director Carey Meyer nor he have the time or expertise. There are attorneys and consultants for this type of work. Would the City be subsidizing an industry by doing all the work for Enstar? Cities market themselves all the time; we have not talked about whether the City becomes the utility. The question is who would distribute the gas? If Council is serious, they should go forward 100% and bring in top guns.
Councilmember Novak said it was not his intent to initiate putting the City in the gas business. He wanted to help promote discussions and initiate the development of natural gas for Homer. People such as Enstar want and need to know how many people can sign up. They want to know how many users there are in the area. Providing the information to promote economic development will provide for a more meaningful discussion.
Councilmember Howard noted all the information is public and the Enstar folks are skilled in figuring out their own market. She supports welcoming and encouraging Enstar to determine if natural gas is an investment they wish to make. The City should draw the line there, unless the City decides to go into the utility business.
Mayor Hornaday’s understanding is that costs are becoming quite an issue in the Central Peninsula area where natural gas is going in. The natural gas companies now want communities to pay for the main lines and the hookups. It is happening with other utilities as well. Organizations like Enstar are very well organized and the City should have someone on our side that knows as much before committing ourselves. We can encourage Enstar, but should not be committing ourselves until we know the facts. Mayor Hornaday has been following natural gas for forty years, and the lines tend to always go north.
WYTHE/ZAK - MOVED TO AMEND THE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED TO READ “BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE CITY OF HOMER WILL ASSIST WITH PROJECT FEASIBILITY BY PROVIDING SUCH INFORMATION AS MAY BE AVAILABLE IN CURRENT CITY DATABASES.”
Current maps and densities may be provided without going out to collect additional information.
The City is not in a financial position to create databases for Enstar, but may cooperate with them.
VOTE: (amendment) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VOTE: (main motion as amended) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE
There were no comments of the audience.
COMMENTS OF THE
City Attorney Klinkner was not present.
COMMENTS OF THE
City Clerk Johnson wished Mayor Hornaday a belated Happy Birthday.
COMMENTS OF THE
City Manager Wrede had no comment.
COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR
Mayor Hornaday commended the Homer Tribune for receiving the award of the best weekly newspaper in Alaska for the second year in a row. His successor Jane is responsible for the awards. It is good to have both a public and private radio to keep us informed.
COMMENTS OF THE
Councilmember Novak asked that people interested in the Spit and want to be involved in the Comprehensive Plan apply for the committee through the Clerk’s office.
Councilmember Zak commented that they heard a little about the stimulus funds from Alan Parks and The Homer Foundation. The website www.icleiusa.org/stimulusfunding not only applies for nonprofits but also for businesses. There is a lot of opportunity for members of the community.
Councilmember Wythe had no comment.
Councilmember Roberts commented about ten months ago we were told the airport leasing fees were going to triple. She thanked Sheri for advocating on behalf of the City. It will help manage the airport better. She offered thanks to Public Works for helping with the quick clean up of ash.
Councilmember Lewis thanked the kids at the high school and the HAYEA group for the encouragement on the plastic bags and everyone else that wanted something done.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m. by Mayor James C. Hornaday. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. and the next Committee of the Whole is scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. All meetings scheduled to be held in the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.
_______________________________
JO JOHNSON, CMC, CITY CLERK
Approved: ______________________