Session 02-08, a Regular Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order at 7:33 p.m. by Mayor Jack Cushing at
the Homer City Hall Council Chambers located at 491 E Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Council's Committee of the Whole met from 4:14 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The regular meeting agenda items and the
development of City wide survey questions were the items of discussion.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: FENSKE, KRANICH, LADD, MARQUARDT, YOURKOWSKI.
STAFF: CITY MANAGER DRATHMAN
CITY CLERK CALHOUN
CITY PLANNER TUCKER
CHIEF OF POLICE ROBL
LIBRARY DIRECTOR HILL
POLICE SARGENT KUHNS
POLICE OFFICER SHEALY
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR MEYER
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER: CUE (excused)
AGENDA APPROVAL
(Addition of items to or removing items from the agenda will be by unanimous consent of the Council. HCC 1.24.040.)
Agenda approved by consensus of the Council with the following changes: Note Change: Meeting of April 22, 2002 is
canceled due to a lack of quorum, therefore, all public hearings scheduled for April 22nd will be held on May 13th and
second readings scheduled for April 22nd will be held May 13th. Substitutions: Consent Agenda Item F. Memorandum
02-19(S), from Mayor, Re: Reappointment of Bill Choate and Paul Mackie to the Port/Harbor Advisory Commission, the
Appointment of Catherine Ulmer to the Port/Harbor Advisory Commission and the appointment of Thomas Bartlett to the
Planning Commission, the attached Quit Claim Deed to Resolution 02-25 and the recorded Certificate of Boundary for the
legal description included in the packet on pages 119-123. Amendment: Amendment request for Ordinance 02-08 regarding
the recorded Certificate of Boundary.
PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA
There were no public comments.
RECONSIDERATION
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.)
Councilmember Kranich requested that Item B. Ordinance 02-14 be placed under Ordinances as Item B.
Councilmember Fenske requested that Item C. Ordinance 02-15 be placed under Ordinances as Item C.
A. Homer City Council regular meeting unapproved minutes of March 26, 2002. Recommend approval.
B. Ordinance 02-14, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Amending Homer City Code Chapter 19.12, Excavation of
Homer Spit Beach, by Adding Subsection c. to Section 19.12.020 Definition of Storm Berm, Repealing and Reenacting
19.12.090, Prohibition on Drift Wood Removal and Adding a New Section 19.12.100, Violation--Penalties; and Amending
Homer City Code Chapter 19.16, Vehicles on Homer Spit Beach, by Adding a New Section 19.16.021 Definition of Storm
Berm, Adding Subsections c. and d. to Section 19.16.030, Use of Vehicles - Prohibited, and Amending Section 19.16.040,
Violation -- Penalties. Cue. Yourkowski. Recommend introduction and public hearing and second reading on May 13,
2002.
Memorandum from Chief of Police as backup.
PLACED UNDER ORDINANCES AS ITEM B.
C. Ordinance 02-15, Of the City Council of Homer, Appropriating $2,342.00 from the General Fund - Fund Balance to the
Homer Planning Department to Complete Budgetary Needs for the Town Square Task Force Mission. Yourkowski. Fiscal
Note: From the General Fund - Fund Balance to 100.5210.130 $2,342.00. Recommend introduction and public hearing and
second reading on May 13, 2002.
PLACED UNDER ORDINANCES AS ITEM C.
D Resolution 02-23, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Establishing the Residential Holding Tank Policy, Operational
Rules and Regulations and Amending the City's Fee Schedule to Include the Associated Fees for Residential Holding Tank
Services. City Manager. Recommend adoption.
Memorandum from City Manager as backup.
E. Resolution 02-25, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Authorizing the Donation of Lots 39-44 of W.R.
Benson Subdivision to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pursuant to Homer City Code Section 18.12.060, for the
Headquarters for the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and Kachemak Bay Research Reserve and Visitor Centers
and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Quit Claim Deed. City Manager. Recommend adoption.
F. Substitute approved under Agenda Approval. Memorandum 02-19(S), from Mayor, Re: Reappointment of Bill
Choate and Paul Mackie to the Port/Harbor Advisory Commission, the Appointment of Catherine Ulmer to the Port/Harbor
Advisory Commission and the Appointment of Thomas Bartlett to the Advisory Planning Commission. Recommend
confirmation.
G. Memorandum 02-20, through City Manager, Re: Airport Terminal Lease for Era Aviation's Air Carrier Office.
Recommend approval.
FENSKE/YOURKOWSKI - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OR APPROVAL OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF
THE CONSENT AGENDA BY READING OF TITLE.
There was non objection to adding a modification note on Resolution 02-25 that Lots 39-44 are also known as Tract A.,
recently replatted.
Mayor Cushing asked if there were an objections to the motion, there were none.
VOTE:(Items A., and D. - G.) YES: NON OBJECTION/UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VISITORS
ANNOUNCEMENTS/ PRESENTATIONS/ BOROUGH REPORT/ COMMISSION REPORTS
A. Mayoral Proclamation, Library Week.
There was non objection to Item A. being read and Library Advisory Board and Librarian comments moved to when the
Library Director arrives. (1)
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
A. Ordinance 02-10, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Accepting and Appropriating a Reimbursement of $9,600.00 from the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities for Performing Inspections on Commercial Vehicles and Commercial Vehicle Driver Credentials and authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager. Fiscal Note: Revenue Acct: 151-4520-731 $9,600.00, Expenditure Acct: 151-5101--5102-731 $9,600.00. (First Reading 03/26/02, Public Hearing 04/08/02, Second Reading directly after public testimony.)
There was no public testimony.
KRANICH/FENSKE - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 02-10 BY READING OF TITLE.
Police Sargent Kuhns, Certified Commercial Vehicle Inspector, elucidated the inspection process for Level 1, 2, and 3
inspections, what is inspected and approximate amount of time spent on each inspection. In response to Council concerns
and inquiry regarding the issue of Jake brakes, exhaust systems and decimeters, Sargent Kuhns replied that decibels are
difficult to measure, that most of the muffler systems are in compliance, and that the use of Jake brakes on hills is necessary
and a safety issue on the hills such as Baycrest Hill, East and West Hills and even Main Street. He agreed that the use of
Jake brakes on the flats is not necessary and is done, generally, by the inexperience driver. Sargent Kuhns emphasized that
the Commercial Vehicle Inspections predominately deal with the structure of the vehicle. Level One Inspection - top to
bottom check for frame cracks, axles, brakes and slack adjusters, leaking exhaust systems under the cab or sleeper, tires and
loads. Level Two and Three are more of a walk around inspection and driver/paperwork inspection. He stated that most of
the truck drivers and owners are receptive to the inspections and even set up appointments for inspections, because they are
just as concerned about safety issues. He advised the Council that if a vehicle has a serious infraction such as a serious
frame crack the vehicle is deadlined, meaning it is stopped where it is and placed out of service. Sargent Kuhns noted that
95% of the drivers want to know if something is wrong and that these drivers don't want to get in an accident, get bad P.R.
or be involved in a civil lawsuit. He informed the Council that there is a requirement for an annual certified mechanic
inspection and that there is a proof of inspection white sticker, about 6"X6", that is generally placed on the passenger side.
When the vehicles are inspected the driver is asked for license, registration, medical card and proof of annual inspection.
Council expressed high commendation for Sargent Kuhns work and relayed positive public feed back especially from the
commercial truck community.
Councilmember Ladd referred to the Chief of Police Robl's memorandum submitted at the March 26th meeting:
"We began doing level one inspections on commercial vehicles in Homer in the later part of 1998. Since that time, we have
performed 185 level one inspections in Homer and hundreds of level two and level three inspections. Forty-four percent of
the vehicles inspected were placed out of service due to serious safety related malfunctions discovered during the
inspections. Juneau is the only area in the state that recorded a higher out of service percentage than Homer did. It's clear
that commercial vehicle enforcement needs to be taken seriously. I will be sending at least one officer to a commercial
vehicle enforcement training course this year and will try to send two. As our patrol/personnel situation improves, we will
devote more time to this important area of public safety.
VOTE: YES: MARQUARDT, KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI.
Motion carried.
Library Director arrived. Mayor Cushing read the proclamation into the record.
Library Director Hill and Library Advisory Boardmember Lord thanked the Mayor for the proclamation and thanked the
Mayor and Council for rating the Library as such a high priority on the project list. Library Director Hill advised the Mayor
and Council of the exciting activities planned for Library Week.
Mayor Cushing noted that Kenai Peninsula Borough Assemblyman Moss is was in the audience.
B. Ordinance 02-11, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Amending the Homer Zoning Map, Pursuant to Homer City
Code 21.36.020, to Reflect the Rezoning of a Portion of the City's Urban Residential District to a Residential Office
District Designation. City Manager. (First Reading 03/26/02, Public Hearing 04/08/02, Second Reading 05/13/02.)
There was no public testimony.
C. Ordinance 02-12, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Amending the 2002 Budget to Appropriate $29,015.00 from
the General Fund - Fund Balance for a New Position, Administrative Assistant/Project Development. City Manager. Fiscal
Note: Appropriated from the General Fund - Fund Balance, Expenditure Acct: 100.5101, 02, 05,06.110. (First Reading
03/26/02, Public Hearing 04/08/02, Second Reading directly after public testimony.)
There was no public testimony.
YOURKOWSKI/FENSKE - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 02-12 BY READING OF TITLE.
Council commented that they hoped this would alleviate some of the stress that the administration is under. They also
inquired about how long of a period it would be before the person is hired and the amount for a full year salary.
City Manager Drathman stated that the person would be hired in about a month and the annual salary is $43,000. He
commented on the history of the position and advised that some of the duties of this position will involve the annexation
transition, writing and seeking for grants/funding for projects and to assist with the work load in the Manager's Office.
There was some discussion about budgeting positions and other items rather than having to do special appropriations
during the year outside of the budget process and budget cycle.
VOTE: YES: YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD.
Motion carried.
Mayor Cushing called for a recess at 8:35 p.m., reconvening the meeting at 8:49 p.m.
D. Ordinance 02-13(S), Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Appropriating $35,000.00 from the Port/Harbor Reserve
Fund Balance for the Small Boat Harbor Repairs and Renovation Project for the Boat Wood Grid Modifications. City
Manager. Fiscal Note: Appropriated from the Port/Harbor Fund Balance, Expenditure Acct: 415-906. (First Reading
03/26/02, Public Hearing 04/08/02, Second Reading directly after public testimony.)
There was no public testimony.
KRANICH/FENSKE - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 02-13(S) BY READING OF TITLE.
Council lauded the work at the small boat harbor and stated that the new Boat Wood Grid is great. Positive comments of
fishermen were relayed to the staff.
VOTE: YES: LADD, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, KRANICH, FENSKE.
Motion carried.
ORDINANCE(S)
A. Ordinance 02-08, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Amending Homer City Code Section 1.05.010 City
Boundaries Designated. City Manager. (First Reading 03/11/02, Public Hearing 03/26/02, Second Reading 04/08/02.)
LADD/KRANICH - MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 02-08 BY READING OF TITLE.
YOURKOWSKI/MARQUARDT - MOVED TO AMEND SECTION 1.05.010 TO STRIKE: AND THE LEGAL
DESCRIPTION OF THE ANNEXATION OF 4.58 SQUARE MILES DATED AND RECORDED IN BOOK __, PAGE
__ OF THE HOMER RECORDING DISTRICT OFFICE, AND INSERT "AND THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF
THE CORPORATE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF HOMER INCLUDING APPROXIMATELY 4.58
SQUARE MILES ANNEXED TO THE CITY OF HOMER EFFECTIVE MARCH 20, 2002 AND RECORDED IN
THE RECORDING DISTRICT: 309 -HOMER, AS SERIAL NUMBER 2002-001430-0 DATED APRIL 3, 2002,"
The City made history again in that this was the first City document recorded in the Homer Recording District.
VOTE: YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Council voiced concern regarding the accuracy of the boundaries and inquired about the review process.
City Manager Drathman informed the Council that surveyor, Roger Imhoff, was hired to write the metes and bounds of the
new boundaries and that this was reviewed by the Department of Community and Economic Development/Local Boundary
Commission. Although it is always possible that an error exists it is doubtful. If there is a mistake found it will be corrected.
Mayor Cushing suggested that City limit signs be posted, and was advised that, with the passage of time, this will take
place along with relocation of current signs, such as the Baycrest sign.
VOTE: YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
SECTION 1.05.010 NOW READS: 1.05.010 City boundaries designated. Alaska Tidelands Survey 612 and the legal
description stated in the Order Declaring Corporation of the City of Homer, dated March 31, 1964, and recorded in Book
32, Page 169 of the Homer Recording District Office, and the legal description of the Corporate Boundaries of the City
of Homer including approximately 4.58 square miles annexed to the City of Homer effective March 20, 2002 and
recorded in the Recording District: 309 -Homer, as serial number 2002-001430-0 dated April 3, 2002, are
incorporated in this section by this reference as the boundaries of the City of Homer. (Ord. 84-25 §2, 1984.)
B. Consent Agenda Item B. Ordinance 02-14, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Amending Homer City Code
Chapter 19.12, Excavation of Homer Spit Beach, by Adding Subsection c. to Section 19.12.020 Definition of Storm Berm,
Repealing and Reenacting 19.12.090, Prohibition on Drift Wood Removal and Adding a New Section 19.12.100,
Violation--Penalties; and Amending Homer City Code Chapter 19.16, Vehicles on Homer Spit Beach, by Adding a New
Section 19.16.021 Definition of Storm Berm, Adding Subsections c. and d. to Section 19.16.030, Use of Vehicles -
Prohibited, and Amending Section 19.16.040, Violation -- Penalties. Cue. Yourkowski. Recommend introduction and
public hearing and second reading on May 13, 2002.
Memorandum from Chief of Police as backup.
YOURKOWSKI/FENSKE - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 02-14 BY READING OF TITLE FOR
FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION.
Councilmember Yourkowski commented on some of the problems that the Police Department ran into regarding
enforcement of the current ordinance for protecting the storm berm and beaches. He stated that this Ordinance, 01-14, is an
attempt to clarify the intent of the Beach Policy and hoped that there would be no further problems at the judicial level with
this more stringent or better defined ordinance.
Council asked that the definition of storm berm be reviewed and a better definition submitted, that the word "tamper" as
used in19.12.090; Driftwood Removal Prohibited - No person shall tamper with, burn or remove driftwood from a storm
berm; be reviewed and replaced, or the sentence reworded to better reflect the Beach Policy, and that 19.16.030(c) be
reworded or the wording, "on any beach", be removed .
Chief of Police Robl advised the Council that there are a lot of definitions of storm berm, that this definition is from the
State of Maine and is the best definition that he could find.
VOTE: YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
C. Consent Agenda Item C. Ordinance 02-15, Of the City Council of Homer, Appropriating $2,342.00 from the General
Fund - Fund Balance to the Homer Planning Department to Complete Budgetary Needs for the Town Square Task Force
Mission. Yourkowski. Fiscal Note: From the General Fund - Fund Balance to 100.5210.130 $2,342.00. Recommend
introduction and public hearing and second reading on May 13, 2002.
FENSKE/YOURKOWSKI - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION FOR INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 02-15 BY
READING OF TITLE ONLY.
Councilmember Fenske inquired if this is for the Town Square Task Force budgetary needs or for the Implementation
Group. He further inquired if $2,342 will complete all of the needs and what needs are left.
City Manager Drathman advised that this Ordinance correctly refers to the Town Square Task Force. He stated that they are
not sure what all needs are left. The original Town Square group got a grant to do certain things and as a part of that grant
there was a required match. The working group/the Task Force has gone through their grant program and come up with a
conclusion to use this $2,342 to leverage $18,000, therefore is a pretty good thing and that there will be a good return on
this $2,300. He noted that this budget has not been approved by the Task Force, since there was no quorum for the last
meeting due to scheduling conflicts, adding that all the members are in favor of this budget item. Mr. Drathman informed
the Council that it is unknown if this is the last money to be spent since recommendations are still forthcoming and may
include acquisition of land, additional mapping and experts involved with this project.
Councilmember Yourkowski noted that purpose of this grant is to fund the design of an alternative and an economic
analysis.
Council discussion ensued.
Mayor Cushing and Councilmember Yourkowski reported on attending a fund raiser, last Tuesday on behalf of the City, in
Anchorage for the purchase of the Poop Deck property, 3.5 acres, for the Kachemak Heritage Land Trust for the Town
Square Project.
VOTE: YES: MARQUARDT, KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI.
Motion carried.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
A. City Manager's Report (Crane Time/Tons of Ice.)
B. Bid report. (Sale of impounded vessels and RFP for harbor work boat/tow boat both due on April 26th at 2 p.m.)
C. Game permits. (Hospice of Homer filed copy of renewal.)
COMMITTEE REPORT
A. Beach Policy Implementation Group
City Manager Drathman clarified that this is a staff committee, with a couple of Councilmembers attending, to implement
the Beach Policy that the Council adopted. He informed the Council that Chief of Police Robl, Committee Chair, will be
reporting on these meetings in the future.
Councilmember Yourkowski noted that within the Beach Policy recommendations that the Council passed included the
requirement that the expenses be included in this year's budget, adding that he is fine with backing off of that a little and
looking for grants for awhile. He emphasized that Council did pass the policy and, although not defined, it did have a fiscal
note. That is the reason that some of the policies have not been implemented as far as educational signage. He reminded the
Council that they were initially going to take an educational approach rather than a more stringent approach. He reported
that during the implementation group meeting the discussion included the signage, educational aspects, beach education
included in the pamphlets that are handed out to the campers and the sample ordinances that the Council introduced tonight.
He relayed that he has been getting a lot of input from people as to the fact that the cars are still running around on Bishop's
Beach. He stated that he just wanted to let people know that the policies are to be re-evaluated after a year and that the
Council can enact new policies. Councilmember Yourkowski encouraged and requested public input.
Councilmember Fenske voiced his recollection that the signage and hand out information was supposed to be ready for
distribution to the public for this summer.
City Manager Drathman responded, regarding signage and hand out information, that staff is working on this right now. He
pointed out that the big push will be the funding. There is money to order some signs right now, but not enough to order all
of the signs right now. If the grant money is not going to be available within the month he will come back and request an
interim appropriation.
B. Town Square Working Group
City Manager Drathman advised that this staff committee is Chaired by City Planner Tucker and he will be reporting on
these meetings in the future. The next meeting is April 25, 2002. He reported that the consultant, Chris Beck, who has been
working with Kachemak Heritage Land Trust for over a year on this project, made a presentation and suggestion on the
direction of this project.
C. Parking Task Force
Councilmember Marquardt gave a brief report that the Task Force is working on their recommendations and plan to finalize
this in May. The idea is to forward these recommendations to staff for possible refinement to the parking ordinance and
also solutions to existing parking problems. The next Parking Task Force meeting is scheduled for April 30, 2002.
City Manager Drathman reported that the staff will evaluation the recommendations from the Parking Task Force and then
bring to the Council recommendations as to what staff thinks should be implemented. If the staff disagrees with the Task
Force the Council will still get both positions/findings.
PENDING BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
A. Memorandum 02-21, from City Clerk, Re: Prioritization of Project list.
Recommendation: Approve a list of ten to twenty projects.
YOURKOWSKI/KRANICH - MOVED TO POSTPONED THE RECOMMENDATION OF MEMORANDUM 02-21
UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING, MAY 13.
Council discussed pros and cons to postponement.
Mayor Cushing called for a recess at 9:45 p.m., reconvening the meeting at 9:55 p.m.
Council agreed that the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 13th would begin at 3 p.m. and the first item of business
on the Committee of the Whole agenda would be the prioritization of the project list.
VOTE: YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS
COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE
There were no audience comments.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Tans was not present.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
City Clerk Calhoun inquired if the City Wide Survey Questions were to be an agenda item on the Committee of the Whole
Agenda for May 13th.
Mayor Cushing affirmed.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager Drathman had no comment.
COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR
Mayor Cushing had no comment.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Fenske reported on his trip to Juneau for the AML, Legislative and Subcommittee Conference and that the priorities of the subcommittees were reviewed. He advised that he is on the Finance Subcommittee. He further reported on the Conference and the work done. He advised that he brought back review information that will be on file in the Clerk's Office and that he did a memo to the City Manager and Council. The message relayed in Juneau was to not count on any new taxes, not to expect projects as have been done in the past, that the Constitutional Budget Reserve is down to about $2.4 billion, and that if there is not a plan that comes into effect to help make up some of the finances for this year there will be about a $900 million bite out of the Reserve. Therefore, the Budget Reserve will not be earning interest to help pay for services. As this Reserve becomes less and less or goes away completely the legislature will not need a 75% vote to dip into the Permanent Fund earnings, it will only need a simple majority. He brought some Citizen Information Packets from Juneau and these will be available for the public. He relayed that the overall atmosphere in Juneau is "down" and does not have the usual "buzz".
Mayor Cushing interjected this billion dollars is being spent on state services that people are demanding and that he pities
the work ahead of the legislature four years from now when that Constitutional Budget Reserve is no longer there to tap
into and these questions will have to be answered. By avoiding the questions and not figuring this out, the window of
opportunity is quickly going away.
Councilmember Yourkowski commented that what he thinks they are trying to do is to force the use of the Permanent
Fund, maybe that's obvious, but seems like a plan. Regarding the priority list, he pointed out that, as currently scored, five
out of the top ten are Planning Department issues. He asked the Council to consider the staffing and the work load of the
Planning Department. He thanked Bill Choate and Paul Mackie for being willing to serve on the Port and Harbor
Commission and acknowledged the fact that Catherine Ulmer and Thomas Bartlett are willing to serve on Commissions
also and are from the annexed area. He thanked the Mayor for appointing individuals from the annexed area.
Councilmember Marquardt followed up on comments by the members of the Friends of the Library and the Library
Advisory Board, wherein the Mayor and Council were thanked for making the new library the number two priority. He
emphasized that this was done independently by the Mayor and each Councilmember and as the scoring went it ended up as
number two. He reiterated their comments wondering where this leaves the policy makers in determining the budget,
adding his hope that those involved with the City Council in the next year or two do not forget that priority and that it
become a real priority. He commented about the new City boundaries providing a little extra breathing room with the new
revenue source and that these monies are not used here and there and here and there and all of a sudden nothing is left for
the new library. He voiced his desire that "we put our money where our mouth is", and make this library a reality in the
near future.
Councilmember Kranich commented on an issue that goes back to December 13th and that if the Council is going to sit at
the top, make policy, implement regulations and one thing and another then the Council ought not to violate regulations.
Pertaining to Airport Parking, on December 13th the Councilmembers were all sent Emails of advisement regarding the
Airport Parking and again April 3rd there are two different memos with three different City departments involved. If the
Council is violating the regulations then Council should suffer the consequences and if parked in the wrong spot, ought to
be towed. He commented about when in Juneau at the combined hearing on annexation that several of the Council publicly
stated that they would stand down for reelection should the annexation take place. Mr. Kranich submitted his resignation
for his Council seat effective as of the date of the next Regular City of Homer Election. He stated that he will continue to
serve in office from now until the effective date of his resignation and that by resigning he does not relinquish his right to
run for election to the Homer City Council including but not limited to the election of a successor to serve the remainder of
the term of the vacant office created by his resignation. He submitted this to the City Clerk.
Mayor Cushing clarified that the intent is that Mr. Kranich would be on the same schedule as anyone else who leaves and
not be gone prior to the certification of the election. He emphasized and confirmed that none of the Councilmembers have
changed their minds regarding resigning.
Councilmember Ladd advised the he too will be submitting his resignation and is still working on the wording of it dealing
with the certification of the election and wants to assure that it is done properly and will stand by his word and most likely
submit his resignation in the near future. He voiced his hope that when the Mayor and Councilmembers get back from
Japan that they will have a good speaking use of Japanese and able to conduct the Council meeting bi lingually. In terms of
the library he stated that it is rated high and if some of the items were combined, which relate to the library, and take the
other scores it would far surpass the number one item. He reiterated the need for the worksession on the prioritization of the
projects. He commented about three other items which top the library on the list and that puts the total at 99 points. As an
educator, he stated that it is known that the more a child reads the better the achievement scores and there is a direct
correlation between the number of books signed out and the academic achievement of the student, adding that the norm
reference testing reflects, very much, those who read more. He voiced his appreciation for all that Library Director Hill
does and for the library.
21. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at 10:17 p.m. The next regular
meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 13, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. in the Homer City Hall Council Chambers located at 491 E.
Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska. The Council's Committee of the Whole is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. on May 13, 2002,
in the Homer City Hall Council Chambers. The Manager's Transition meetings with the public are scheduled for April 9, 23
and May 6 , 2002 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
_____________________________________
MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK
Approved: _________________
1. Library Director Hill was coming to the Council meeting from the Friends of the Library meeting.