Session 04-09, a Regular Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order at 7:00 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 Worksession on Long Range Fiscal Planning scheduled for 1: 30 p.m. was canceled.
The Council's Committee of the Whole met from 4:02 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The first part was a joint session with the Port/Harbor Advisory Commission
regarding Spit Parking Issues and the rest of the session was on the Regular Meeting agenda.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BECK, LADD, NOVAK, STARK.
STAFF: CITY MANAGER WREDE
CITY CLERK CALHOUN
FINANCE DIRECTOR BAUGH
FIRE CHIEF PAINTER
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR MEYER
PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT JONKER
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: FENSKE; YOURKOWSKI (excused)
Department Heads may be called upon from time to time to participate via teleconference.
AGENDA APPROVAL
(Addition of items to or removing items from the agenda will be by unanimous consent of the Council. HCC 1.24.040.)
The agenda was approved by consensus of the Council with a Revised Agenda and Submission of Resolution 04-43.
PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA
Public comments upon all matters of the agenda except the public hearing items: Ordinance 04-12,Appropriating $10,000 for Stocking the Fishin'
Hole, Ordinance 04-16, Appropriating up to $600,000.00 from the Homer Accelerated Roads Program Funds for Repaving Bayview Avenue, Ben
Walters Lane, Kachemak Way, Main Street, Rochelle Road and for the Paving of Heath Street from Pioneer Avenue to Homer High School and the
Draft Homer All Hazards Mitigation Plan
John Velsko resident, addressed the Mayor and Council regarding Memorandum 04-57, Spit Parking Proposed Plan, stating that, as presented to the
City Council by the Port/Harbor Commission, it has a needlessly complicated fee schedule and relies on technology or iron rangers to collect fees. He
voiced his opinion that with no paving or striping in the parking lots it will, consequently, become and enforcing nightmare. He pointed out that iron
rangers are very vulnerable to theft and vandalism and a very real possibility that the City's investment of $12,000.00, in iron rangers, could wind up at
the bottom of the harbor in the first year. He reported, from last year, that the iron ranger at the boat launch was robbed and vandalized several times.
He noted that the Port and Harbor Commission has made it clear on several occasions that the area around ramps 1,2 and 3 and Hillstrand's
Boardwalk are the most congested and deserving of regulation, yet the City is reluctant to tackle these areas because these are under state control. He
shared his thought that by ignoring this it will only make it worse and if parking is implemented across the street the parking on Spit Road will become
worse. He urged the Council to not ratify this plan and to send it back to the Port and Harbor Commission with a narrower scope of work; ie., the
diagonal parking on the Boardwalk, the Salty Dawg parking lot and ramps 1, 2 and 3 and crosswalks, as needed. He inquired if the Council could ask
the Highway Department for some signs, "Delay of Five or More Vehicles is Illegal, Use Pull-outs for Wildlife Viewing and Photography." He advised
that there have been several near misses on Spit Road where people stop in the middle of the road to take pictures and encouraged enforcement,
interjecting his belief that there was a fatality last year or the year before that could be attributed to passing a row of cars. He voiced concern about
Homer kids out there working on boats.
Ray Kranich commented on Memorandum 04-57 and that he realizes addressing the parking problem on the Spit has to start somewhere. He
commented on the Port/Harbor Commission suggestion of twelve hours in the Seafarer's Memorial parking lot and nothing abut the strip of public
parking across the road from Fish Dock Road to the Steel Grid almost to Happy Face, and suggested that this short term parking in front of those
businesses will create a problem and also, that the parking situation overslope development will create. He referred to the plan regarding the
Harbormaster Office and Salty Dawg parking area at $5.00 a day, that being a premium lot, yet this does not say what parking time will be allowed in
that lot; 24 hour day? or 12 hour day? or $20.00 for four days? He noted that there is no other 12 hour parking until north of Morphis's Boardwalk in
lot 16 and 17. He suggested that there will be a lot of people displaced, thereby impacting the other lots toward ramp 5 and lot 12A. He relayed
disagreement in his family over the $30.00 annual fee that stall holders would have to pay or pay daily and that he does not agree that stall holders
should have to pay this additional fee, noting the additional fees already added to stall holders. He commented on Resolution 04-25, Property
Management Policy and Procedures, that he worked with the City Manager and City staff during many, many meetings. He said that he thought about
this after the meetings, regarding Section 18.2 under conclusions, language in A. is language and intent that the City Attorney has in which he would
prefer that improvements on a lot at the end of the lease would become property of the City. He, after putting himself in a lessee position, suggested
that when the lessee goes to all the expense of putting up a building on a 30 to 35 year lease and that there will be a different City Manager, Mayor,
Council with differing attitudes and therefore, that there be some sort of wording change. He thanked the Council.
Steve Zimmerman, resident and City short term lessee, commented that he does not fully understand all of the way this is running compared to the
proposals that he read on the rough drafts. He said that he likes the way part of this has been changed and inquired if everything else in the draft
remains as it was?
City Manager Wrede advised that the underlined verbiage depicts the changes.
He encouraged the Council to get something done soon so that they can continue in other directions out there and apologized for not having time to
look this over.
Kevin Hogan, resident and short term lessee, encouraged the Council to put this thing to bed and to not adopt something that they cannot live with.
He urged the Council to adopt a workable plan in the best interest of the City and one that businesses can work with as well. He shared his desire for
Homer to build up the business community, make long term investments and that one of the goals and purposes; not a change, a problem and
hindrance to business out there; is the City leaning toward the direction of discouraging people being in the business of property management. He
voiced his opinion that if the City is going to encourage someone to come and make an investment then the City needs to give them enough latitude
and respect as a business owner to address market demands and needs. He relayed his, his business and his partner's interest in developing property on
the Spit, investing money and putting up buildings to lease out to other tenants and that they have abandoned that idea, because of this policy, which
he voiced objection to and that he does not think this is a good policy to pursue as a policy statement. He recommended, to move forward, that
business be encouraged and not micro managed. He shared Mr. Zimmerman's confusion about what is on the table and that he found some good
things in the policy on pages 241-246, such as the determination of the lease rate adjustments, periodic adjustments that go both ways, wherein , what
is on the table provides only for adjustments that are an increase to the rates. He reiterated his previous comment to the Council to provide for market
adjustments that increase or decrease and to not accelerate the demise of a business. He expressed recognition that things are probably only going to
go up, however, there needs to be provision in case things go down and that the good will of the City be telegraphed and shared with the lease
partner. He encouraged the Council to take a close look at the Memorandum from the City Manager and to incorporate most of those comments from
the meetings with the lessees. He voiced concern, echoing Mr. Kranich's comments, about what happens at the end of the lease and that the Council
needs to give at least the option that people are not going to abandon their investment at the end of a lease term. Mr. Hogan pointed out that most
other municipal and railroad leases provide for the lease holder to have the expectation that they are not abandoning their investment at the end of the
term and that they can either sell it to the next lease holder and that a lot of this is dependent on the value of the improvement. He commented that the
Council is kind of going to set up a situation where, as a lease term declines, there is going to be less incentive for maintenance, improvement and
pretty much what happened with the McGee lease. He interjected that McGee kind of ended up in a situation where there was no way he could afford
to improve his holdings out there and that it deteriorated and that this could have been a better situation if the City's position was a little more flexible.
He also encouraged the Council to have a strong qualification or criteria list, including financials, for the viability of people they City is going to allow
to bid on the RFP process, to prevent some of the past mishaps with chuck and jive artists that don't have the wherewithal or the real intent to
improve out there. He voiced his desire to see the environmental inspection be provided by the City up front and the by the lease holder going out,
citing his own situation of an 8 foot hole outside his window that stinks like diesel and that he did not do this. He thanked the Council.
Kurt Marquardt, resident, urged the Council to support Memorandum 04-59, feasibility study for the Convention Center, and Memorandum 04-57,
Spit Parking. He advised that he was a member of the City's Parking Task Force developed under the guidance of former City Planner Zak Tucker and
that it appears that most of the recommendations from that committee have been adopted by the Port and Harbor Commission. He commented on the
$30.00 fee for the annual permit and urged th Council to eliminate that fee for the stall holder, who already pays enough, and voiced agreement with
Mr. Kranich. He expressed his opinion that there is a parking problem, that a good amount of revenue can be collected and the recommendations, for
the most part, especially recommendation number one concerning the pedestrian cross walks, are appropriate. He thanked the Council.
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.)
A. Homer City Council unapproved meeting minutes of April 12, 2004 Regular Meeting. Recommend approval.
B. Ordinance 04-19, Of the City Council Authorizing the Expenditure of Homer Accelerated Water and Sewer Program (HAWSP) Funds for
Kachemak Drive Phase One Sewer. PWD. City Manager. Fiscal Note: Project No. 215-826: Estimated project cost is $644,800.00, total property
owner assessments at 75%, $483,600.00 minus exemptions equals $384,400.00. Assessment per parcel: $12,400.00. Recommend introduction and
conduct a Public Hearing and Second Reading on May 10, 2004.
C. Ordinance 04-20, Of the City Council Authorizing the Expenditure of Homer Accelerated Water and Sewer Program (HAWSP) Funds for Ocean
Drive Loop Sewer. PWD. City Manager. Fiscal Note: Project No. 215-827: Estimated project cost: $890,098.00. Property owner assessments at
75%: $667,573.50. The City's share will be funded from the Homer Accelerated Water and Sewer Program. Assessment per parcel: $11,126.23
Recommend introduction and conduct a Public Hearing and Second Reading on May 10, 2004.
Mayor Cushing advised of a Conflict of Interest, owns property in the district; therefore, Councilmember Ladd, Senior Councilmember, read this
agenda item into the record.
D. Ordinance 04-21, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Accepting and Appropriating a 2004 Seatbelt Enforcement Blitz Grant of up to
$9,900.00 from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Highway Safety Grant and Authorizing the Chief of Police to Execute
the Appropriate Documents. HPD. City Manager. Fiscal Note: Revenue ane Expenditures Accts: 151-781, Police Department Blitz Enforcement, $
9,900.00 Recommend introduction and conduct a Public Hearing and Second Reading on May 10, 2004.
E. Resolution 04-38, Of the City Council Amending the City of Homer Records Retention Schedule, Computerized Records, Financial Supporting
Records and Police Records. City Clerk. Recommend adoption.
F. Resolution 04-39, Of the City Council Amending the 2004 Regular Meeting Schedule for the Library Advisory Board. City Clerk. Recommend
Adoption.
G. Resolution 04-40, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Community Schools Agreement with the
Kenai Peninsula Borough for Joint Use of Equipment and Facilities for the Homer Community Schools Program in the Amount of $21,640.00 for
2004. City Manager. Fiscal Note: $21,700 is budgeted in Acct: 100.350.5812. Recommend Adoption.
H. Resolution 04-42, Of the City Council Determining, Pursuant to Homer City Code 17.04.030(d), that the East End Road Water and Sewer
Improvements are Needed and Authorizing the City Clerk to Proceed with the Petitioning Process for said Improvements. PWD/City Clerk.Proposed
Fiscal Note: Sewer - Total cost estimated is $303,911.79; 75% = $227,933.84; would be assessed against each of 11 parcels = $20,721.26, twenty
year payment plan at 2.5% interest. Water- Total cost estimated is $334,719.27; 75% = $251,039.45 would be assessed against each of 16 parcels =
$15,689.97, twenty year payment plan at 2.5% interest. Recommend Adoption.
Memorandum 04-66, from Public Works as backup.
I. Memorandum 04-62, from City Clerk, Re: Liquor License Renewals for Café Cups and Captain Pattie's Fish House Inc. Recommend voicing non
objection and approval.
J. Memorandum 04-63, from Mayor, Re: Reappointment of Kyra Wagner to the Library Advisory Board. Recommend confirmation.
LADD/BECK - MOVED FOR THE APPROVAL AND/OR ADOPTION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONSENT AGENDA.
VOTE: YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VISITORS
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS/BOROUGH REPORT/COMMISSION REPORTS
A. Memorandum 04-67, from Councilmember Stark, Re: Trip Report - Alaska Municipal League - Juneau 14-15 April.
Councilmember Stark elucidated the success of his trip to Juneau, that there was a lot accomplished. He emphasized how this showed him again the
advantage to the City of belonging to the Alaska Municipal League (AML) and the amount of good the league can accomplish, while working with all
of the cities in the state. He reported that he mentioned to the legislators that the City's main position was in relation to getting a fiscal plan adopted
and other items in the Resolution. He apprized all of the work being done on Municipal Revenue Sharing and the PERS costs.
B. Special Presentation to Deena Benson, Deputy City Clerk 2.
Mayor Cushing presented Deena Benson with the International Municipal Clerk plaque and lapel pin denoting her recent designation as Certified
Municipal Clerk and a Mayoral Exhortation regarding the Municipal Clerk's Code of Ethics.
C. Mayoral Proclamation, City Clerk's Week May 2-8, 2004.
Carole Hamik, Parks and Recreation Commissioner, gave a progress report. She thanked the Mayor and Council, on behalf of the Commission,
relaying the Commission's pleasure with the Mayor and Council for giving positive direction to DOT and for implementing improved roads, sidewalks
and crosswalks on most of the heavily used connecting roads. She advised that they allocated $1,000.00 from their limited Parks and Recreation
Reserve Funds for spring planting supplies. She apprized the Council that the Commission is considering a number of options to benefit the
community and are in the process of prioritizing the use of the Parks and Recreation Reserve Fund expenditures. She informed the Council that,
although, the Commission wholehearted supports the Fishin' Hole, they do not want the appropriation to come from their reserve funds. She
emphasized the Commission's thanks to Bill Smith for his years of hard work on the Planning Commission. Commissioner Hamik noted that the
Commission is in the process of categorizing and evaluating the City parks, a park survey has been developed to solicit input, ideas and preferences
from the Community. She advised that one of the options under consideration is much needed playground equipment, which would be used year
round. In conclusion, she reported that the Parks and Recreation Commission passed a motion in full support of the Non Motorized Transportation
and Trails Plan Draft by Dowl Engineers and read a significant paragraph from the Draft Plan: "Over the last quarter of the Century a number of plans
have addressed non motorized transportation in Homer. One plan in particular, the 1984 Comprehensive Sidewalk and Trails Plan for the Homer area
is exceptionally thorough in its degree of detail and development. This plan is well crafted and rather remarkable in its recommended practices of
polices. This is especially so when one considers that the plan was written in a small coastal community in south central Alaska well before the
planning of non motorized transportation systems became main stream and widely promoted. Forward thinking and ahead of its time this plan should
be resurrected and used as a resource. Although twenty years have passed since the plan was released, its recommendations and analysis is still valid.
In many ways the 2004 Non Motorized Transportation and Trail Plan may be viewed as an update of the 1984 Plan." She thanked the Mayor for his
excellent appointments and reappointment to the Commissions, interjecting that these Commissioners are intelligent, dedicated and are a pleasure to
work with.
Mayor Cushing clarified that the funding for stocking the Fishin' Lagoon is not coming out of the Parks and Recreation Reserve Fund.
Lane Chesley, Planning Commission Acting Chair, reported and advised the Council regarding Bill Smith's resignation and thanked him for eight years
of dedicated service to this community. He stated that the Commission will miss Mr. Smith's presence, tenacity and hanging in there to help them get
work done. He advised that the Commission is working on the 2004 work list, that he will be meeting with the Mayor on their priorities to accomplish
between now and the end of the year.
Mayor Cushing extended his thanks to Mr. Smith and for staying on past the Bridge Creek Reservoir Issue to address the retail store issue. (1)
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
A. Ordinance 04-12, Of the City Council, Appropriating $10,000 for Stocking the Fishin' Hole from the General Fund Fund Balance and Authorizing
the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. Beck. Fiscal Note: Transfer from General Fund, Fund Balance to Account 100.112.5210,
Economic Development Professional Services.(First Reading April 12, 2004, Public Hearing and Second Reading April 26, 2004.)
Robert Begich, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, advised the Council of the status of the funding for this project. Today there is a little over
$28,000, with the Ordinance pending and the Borough contribution, this could bring the amount very close to the required $50,000.00.
Mayor Cushing asked Mr. Begich what entities had contributed.
Mr. Begich responded to the Mayor and Councilmember Stark the following:
Contributors are: Kenai River Sport Fishing Association, Homer Chamber of Commerce, Homer Sport Shed, Homer Enterprises and a couple of
other local businesses as well as the South Peninsula Sportsmen's Association. The Kenai Peninsula Borough is discussing appropriating up to
$15,000.00, may be as little as $10,000.00, for both City of Homer and Seward. He confirmed that if the Borough contributes $15,000.00 then only
$7,000.00 would be needed from the City of Homer.
Nick Dudiak, resident, apprized the Council of the History of the Fishin' Lagoon and the City's participation therein. He advised that he is the retired
Homer area Fishing Biologist that started this project in 1984 and that in 1983 he requested permission from the City Council to conduct an
experimental stocking project on that little inlet on the Spit that used to be an old boat basin, about a quarter of the current size. He relayed that
through looks of astonishment by the Council and polite attempts to determine if he was sane, the City did approve the project, which was a smooth
process compared to getting regional approval from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Mr. Dudiak advised that the experiment was a full
raceway of king salmon smolts from Elmendorf Hatchery and that his competency as a Fisheries Biologist as well as his sanity were definitely
questioned as this was the first time to release salmon smolt where there was no fresh water available for imprinting. He emphasized that the City's
cooperation and gracious permission and his neck sticking way out, some 84,000 king salmon smolt were released in June of 1984. He reported that
there were significant adult returns 18 to 30 pound fish in 1987 and 1988, proving the validity of the experiment much to the City's and his relief. He
noted that with the fine tuning of the project there have been significant returns now for 17 years, including Kings and two runs of Cohoe thanks to
the efforts of the recent of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) staff. He emphasized that the City of Homer, through all of this, has
been a major contributor to this project by purchasing additional property, enlarging the lagoon through construction, maintenance of the outer berm
walls, gravel and rip rap, construction of restrooms, handicap access, fish cleaning tables and now funding. He advised that the City's contribution was
acknowledged and rewarded several years ago when, then Mayor, John Calhoun was invited to Washington D.C. as a co recipient with South
Peninsula Sportsman Association and ADF&G with the American League of Anglers and Boaters Award as the best sport fish enhancement project in
the Nation. He recalled that Mayor Calhoun received the award in the Rose Garden by the President of the United States and that a similar award was
given to the project in 1995. Mr. Dudiak noted that this is a project with National acclaim and one that is used as a model in other parts of Alaska,
British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. He commented that the City of Homer can continue to take credit for this project, especially
the significant contribution to the socioeconomic factors in the community. He pointed out that direct and indirect economic roll over for the
businesses in the community are very significant, not to mention the recreational opportunities for families with young children, teenagers and the
elderly and the handicapped. He voiced his opinion that this project is responsible for keeping the City campgrounds full for the entire summer season,
if the fish can be stocked through the entire summer returns. He encouraged the City to continue its history of cooperation and commitment with
ADF&G toward these funding requests, recognizing that it is more difficult to provide enough salmon smolts that provide returns thorough out the
entire summer season. He thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak to this important issue and personally thanked the City of Homer for
making this project possible in the first place.
Mayor Cushing stated that the City Manager has been asked, by the Council, to, over the next year, look at ways, besides coming to the General Fund
this late in the season, to support there programs such as user fees and encouraged Mr. Dudiak and/or Mr. Begich to contact the Manager with any
ideas.
Merlin Cordes, resident, expressed having mixed feelings about the City paying up for stocking the Fishin' Hole and that his real big burn on this is
that the tax payers of Homer are not getting a fair shake on it. He stated that there is a major entity within Homer's tourism infra structure that is short
changing the system, legally, to the tune of $78,000.00 a year, which would very easily pay for the stock for the Fishin' Hole. He commented that
when there is a charter group (2) that takes out six, eight or ten people and just charges for the first five hundred in sales tax, throughout the course of
the summer the tourist are leaving Homer with a total of a $78,000.00 discount, according to the sales tax figures given by the Kenai Peninsula
Borough in 2002. He noted that the hotel and motel industry collects on a per room per night basis. He suggested that if the Charter Industry were
collecting on a per person per day basis the City of Homer would see nearly $80,000.00, and the Kenai Peninsula Borough amount would be
$400,000.00, interjecting that this money would help out paying for a lot of things that would help out the tourists. He noted that the State of Alaska
is looking at taxing in the summer to get money out of tourists and that the major push and stress on the infra structure is during the summer with the
tourists and yet on the Kenai Peninsula there is a major tourism group giving discounts, legally. He urged the Council to work on and contact the
Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly regarding closing this tax loop hole that will benefit the entire Peninsula. He relayed the history and reason for the
tax cap at $500.00, which was not to benefit the tourists, who are using the local amenities. Mr. Cordes commented on the charter business fishing the
same return stock for the Fishin' Lagoon. He voiced agreement with the continued stocking of the Fishin' Lagoon, but not with funds from the General
Fund.
Tom Hagberg, President of the South Peninsula Sportsman's Association and non resident, reported that the South Peninsula Sportsman's Association
donated $3,000.00 to the Fishin' Lagoon stocking project last year and plan to again this year. He advised that their money comes from running a
small Salmon Derby in Anchor Point that makes $4,000.00 or $5,000.00. He commented that stocking fish is running down their bank account as
well and applauded the City of Homer for spending a lot of money over the years on this project and that he appreciated this. He commented that the
Chamber of Commerce would say that a fish caught, by a tourist from Panache, Wisconsin, is probably is worth about a $40 million. He reported on
the Youth Fishing Fair, that "they" have done for the last fifteen years, wherein, kids are taught to fish, tackles is given away and this year there were
90 kids from being carried by their mothers to 15 and 16 year olds and that fishing at the Fishin' Lagoon is the perfect place for this age group. He
commented about the Anchor River's small stock of wild fish and that they are trying their best not to damage that too much and that another 180
boots tromping around and knocking down the banks is not going to help the ecology out there either. He reported that the legislature has recently
passed legislation authorizing youth fishing days with Fish and Game and "they" submitted to the Board of Fish a proposal that one day during the
summer, on a Friday, one day each month, to close one half of the Lagoon for fishing by kids under 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and that, locally, this can be
dovetailed in with the Youth Fishing Fair with Fish and Game. He emphasized that this gives the kids a day of fishing, once a month, without the
tourists, that he does not see a large impact to the community and does see a large impact to the kids in the community. Mr Hagberg advised the
Council that through the Youth Fishing Fair and teaching Hunter's Ed he finds that there are a lot of parents, in this community, really looking to get
their kids interested in something and have them a list of things fishing, shooting, hunting, hockey, baseball and that every thing added to the list
provides more variety for the parents for their kids. He told the Council that he wanted to leave them with a quote from the Bible, "If you give a kid a
fish, you feed them for a day; if you teach them to fish, you feed them for a lifetime." He thanked the Council.
STARK/BECK - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 04-12 BY READING OF TITLE.
Discussion included the importance of the Fishin' Hole and concern regarding the expenditure.
STARK/LADD - MOVED TO AMEND THE AMOUNT FROM $10,000 TO $7,000.
Comments were that at the last meeting there was discussion about reducing this to $5,000.00 and concern about the Fund Balance. The Manager
was asked if the Auditors brought any good fortune.
City Manager Wrede reported that the Auditors have not provided information regarding the audited fund balance number, year end 2003.
NOVAK - FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO CHANGE THE AMOUNT FROM $7,000 TO $8,000.
There was objection to the friendly amendment.
Friendly amendment died.
Discussion continued on the funding source for this appropriation.
LADD - FRIENDLY AMENDMENT THAT THE $7,000 BE TAKEN FROM THE GENERAL FUND IF THE AUDITORS SHOWS US TO
HAVE THAT AMOUNT OF MONEY ON TOP OF THE MINIMUM BALANCE OF $2 MILLION THAT WE MUST HAVE IN THAT
ACCOUNT.
There was objection to the friendly amendment.
Friendly amendment died.
LADD/STARK - MOVED TO AMEND THAT $7,000 IS CONTINGENT UPON THE AUDIT SHOWING THAT WE ARE $7,000 AHEAD,
THAT THE AUDIT SHOWS WE HAVE IT ON TOP OF THAT $2 MILLION.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: (Second amendment 1 to primary amendment 2) YES: LADD, STARK.
NO: BECK, NOVAK.
Motion failed.
There was recognition that there are only four Councilmembers present and that it takes four affirmative votes to pass anything.
VOTE: (primary amendment 1.) YES: NOVAK, BECK, STARK.
NO: LADD.
Motion failed.
LADD/STARK - MOVED TO AMEND TO CHANGE THE $10,000 TO $6,000 WITH THE CONDITION THAT THE AUDIT REPORT
REFLECT THAT WE HAVE $6,000 ABOVE THE $2 MILLION MINIMUM BALANCE IN THE GENERAL FUND.
Discussion ensued.
NOVAK/ - FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO MAKE IT $7,000, PROVIDED THAT WE CAN ALSO WRITE IN THERE A STIPULATION
THAT SOME PROCEDURE BE ENACTED AND CREATED TO GENERATE REVENUE FROM THAT FISHIN' LAGOON TO HELP PAY
FOR THE STOCK WE ARE DOING IN THE FUTURE, ACTUALLY HAVE SOMETHING GENERATED ON THE BOOKS FOR NEXT
YEAR THAT WILL SHOW US WHERE WE CAN GET REVENUES FROM THE PEOPLE FISHING IN THE LAGOON.
There was no objection to the friendly amendment.
Discussion ensued.
BECK/LADD - POSTPONE UNTIL WE HAVE BETTER NUMBERS.
Discussion was that the Council needs more information and that the motion on the floor covers that objective.
Discussion ensued and Merlin Cordes comments were acknowledged and agreement was expressed.
Mayor Cushing asked the Council to keep in mind that they are discussing 1/6th of 1% of the total budget and that he believes the Council has been
fiscally responsible.
Motion to postpone was withdrawn with consensus of the Body.
LADD/STARK - FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO CHANGE TO $7,000 IF THE BUDGET SHOWS OR AUDIT SHOWS THAT WE HAVE
THAT AMOUNT AND IF NOT THE CITY MANAGER WILL FIND THE MONEY SOMEWHERE OR FIND PARTNERS TO HELP US
RAISE IT AN EITHER/OR THING. (As suggested by the Manager)
There was no objection to the friendly amendment.
VOTE: (Primary amendment 2. as amended) YES: NON OBJECTION UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VOTE:(main amended motion) YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
B. Ordinance 04-16, Of the City Council Appropriating up to $600,000.00 from the Homer Accelerated Roads Program Funds for Repaving
Bayview Avenue, Ben Walters Lane, Kachemak Way, Main Street, Rochelle Road and for the Paving of Heath Street from Pioneer Avenue to Homer
High School. City Clerk, pursuant to Council's Action on Memoranda 04-38 and 04-50, on March 22, 2004. Fiscal Note: From HARP to Expenditure
Fund 160. (First Reading April 12, 2004, Public Hearing and Second Reading April 26, 2004.)
Memorandum 04-65, from Public Works Director.
Cynthia Morelli advised that she had provided two manuals, in March, to the Homer City Hall (3) from the Safety Office of the State of Florida on
pedestrian and bicycle friendly and street safe design, which were in part developed by Dan Burden, Walkable Communities. She voiced her hope that
the Mayor and many of the Council had a chance to review these.
Mayor Cushing confirmed that he had these, that copies could be made for the Council and noted that these original documents were to be returned to
Cynthia Morelli.
Ms. Morelli emphasized the need for pedestrian and bicycle pathways for Main Street and encouraged the Council to include these for all the streets
up for repaving. She commented about walking Dan Burden and that she began to imagine Main Street as it could be, adding that the view is first
class, although the street is not. She noted the icy dangers of Main Street in the winter and that there is no where to walk without being on the
roadway itself. She noted the two big intersections to Main Street, Pioneer Avenue and Sterling Highway. She commented about the schools and
neighborhoods in Homer being mostly to the north. Ms. Morelli suggested that for Main Street there be sidewalks; pedestrian crosswalks at each
intersection; planters, trees ans shrubs such as along Pioneer Avenue; and that people would feel safe to walk or bike with their children to Bishop's
Beach. She also recommended that there be a round about or other traffic calming designs. She stated that these things are positive steps for Homer
to take and that meeting each other face to face builds a stronger community and that businesses prosper.
Debbie Poore testified that this repaving is a minimum improvement needed for pedestrian safety. She requested a sidewalk to the High School along
upper Heath Street and a separated walkway on one side of Main Street, a main vehicular and pedestrian artery that warrants further development.
She advised the Council that a walkable town is a priority of Homer residents. She noted that the Council is in a position to direct Homer's growth
and economic health and that she appreciates what a bind it can be to balance income and expenses. She reported that other communities have found
that increasing the walkability of their town actually strengthens their economy. She asserted that, for residents and tourists, the increase in pedestrian
amenities is an incentive to get out of vehicles and explore the town, which leads to more local commerce. She thanked the Council for all the difficult
decisions they make and the long hours they spend for the City's benefit.
Mark Landwehr testified in favor or the paving and repaving roads to lower the dust problem and that no more roads be upgraded then what the City
can maintain. He voiced concern regarding the sweeping processes and the sweeping away of the roadway striping and marking. He commented about
accelerators and violators of the roadway rules. He relayed a comment he received about Homer being a dirty little town. He voiced appreciation for
the landscaping, adding that it does not do any good if the infra structure is not supported and objected to piles of dirt down the middle of the road
and/or along the edges of the road. He commented about his friend, Nora. DeSylva., who has breathing problems and that the dirt makes its way into
her house, since she lives next to the road. He reported that it is disappointing for him to do all of the cleaning in her house that he has to do and then
still finds more dirt. He commented about the money being spent on things like ice rinks, zamboni machines, paving and other things. He suggested
triage of projects. He said that he is in favor of sidewalks, but not at the expense of keeping the streets cleaned. He voiced appreciation of the
Council's time.
Ruthe Schoeder-Ehri advised the Council that she walks, that there are a lot of people not here at the Council meeting, who walk, such as Senior
Citizens. She commented about her mother having a difficult time walking to get her mail due to the lack of sidewalks. She encouraged the Council,
especially in light of the recent walk ability study, to seriously consider using part of the paving money to increase the pedestrian and bicyclist
transportation routes including crosswalks. She asserted that pedestrians and bicyclists have just as much right as people in cars. She thanked the
Council.
Kathleen Fundt, a fairly new resident in Homer, commented about the pedestrian pathways and safety in South East Alaska. She voiced her love of
Homer and that it is wonderful in every way except for pedestrians. She expressed her support of the Council in supporting an adjacent sidewalk, the
second option, the middle expense. She inquired how often the roads are repaved, ten years? twenty years? She encouraged the Council to put the
money into the pathways now, a good consideration to look at the long time. She noted the increase of residents, tourists and commerce with the
Islands and Oceans Visitor Center and the gold mine across the way. She concluded that money into sidewalks is a good long term investment. She
thanked the Council.
Jeanne Parker, resident, advised that she really enjoys walking and encouraged the Council to even pave less roads and make each one walkable. She
voiced her opinion that all cities in the world need to get away from motorized vehicles and that things need to be looked at differently. She
emphasized that Homer needs to become, more and more walkable and that this is definitely a safety issue, aesthetic issue and a bigger picture issue of
which everyone needs to be, daily, aware. She thanked the Council.
Ray Kranich testified in favor of this Ordinance and that he too thinks that it behooves the Council to go with a 27 foot and put the adjacent walk way
in there. He voiced realization that this is a compromise and somewhat of a safety compromise it is still something worthwhile. He asked, as a matter
of clarification, if Kachemak Way and Main Street the lower portions are being done as well as the upper portions.
Public Works Director Meyer responded that the entire Kachemak Way is being done and that only the upper portion of Main Street is being done.
Kurt Marquardt, resident and member of the Road Standards Committee, advised that the Road Standards Committee supports option 2, widening of
the paving and altering of the striping to allow for pedestrian walkways and that this is endorsed strictly as an interim step toward the creation of true
pedestrian walkways. He commented on the HARP funds that are in excess of $2 million, the sales tax and other revenue generated for that fund and
that this appropriation will be money well spent and that the public supports the efforts by the City of Homer to create these walkways. He thanked
the Public Works Director for his efforts towards this end. He reported that this is the first time since the creation of the HARP that the program
funds will be used for repaving roads that were paved over the last twenty years by the HARP. He stressed the importance to the public of providing
some sort of pedestrian amenities without spending a lot of money. In response to the Council, Mr. Marquardt advised that the Road Standards
Committee is supporting option 2 at this point and that he does support the concept of having a wider pathway, that he agrees with there being some
sort of a buffer and that he believes the striping will do that. He also responded with agreement with the 27 foot paving. He reported about the Road
Standards Committee's input regarding the four state road projects for this summer; Pioneer Avenue, Bartlett Street, Sterling Highway and East End
Road. He advised that the Committee made recommendations regarding striping for crosswalks at several dozen locations.
Claire Thoriyton, student at Homer High School, testified that as a member of the track team and representing the soccer and cross country running
teams that some times they run around town. She told the Council it is pretty hard without side walks and very hard to cross the streets. She advised
that they get tired of running around the track, in a circle. Claire Thoriyton responded to the Mayor's inquiry, that the dust is not so much of a
problem as it is trying to get across the streets.
STARK/NOVAK - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 04-16 BY READING OF TITLE.
Councilmember Stark made a brief comment regarding limiting the use of the HARP.
STARK/LADD - MOVED TO AMEND THE LAST WHEREAS CLAUSE: TO INCLUDE THE 7' WIDE PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY AND 10'
LANES ON MAIN , BEN WALTERS, KACHEMAK WAY, AS IS PRESENTLY IN THE WHEREAS, AND 24' WIDE STREET ON
ROCHELLE AND BAYVIEW, WHICH WOULD BE TWO 10' LANES AND A 4' PEDESTRIAN LANE AND A SEPARATED PATHWAY ON
HEATH, IF THAT IS FEASIBLE.
Whereas clause prior to amendment: WHEREAS, The repaving project is to accommodate inclusion of the 7' wide pedestrian walkway and to
decrease the travel lane width to ten feet, where and if feasible.
There was some discussion.
Public Works Director Meyer expressed his opinion that this change can be accomplished within the amount being appropriated. He advised that the
walkway, sidewalk or separated pathway could be constructed fairly economically for Heath Street. He stated that going from 24 feet to 27 feet will
cost more than originally projected and should still be within the $600,000.00. He emphasized that when the roadway width is increased the ditch
goes away and storm drainage systems are expensive.
Discussion ensued regarding roadway width and the possibility of separated pathway. Concern was expressed about having a pathway so close to
vehicular traffic. It was recommended/suggested that the City pursue acquiring a striping machine.
Mayor Cushing clarified that all five roadways can be done at 27 feet for $575,000.00 and that for another $25,000.00 a separated pathway can be
constructed on Heath Street. Council noted that the 24 foot pathways reduced the costs by $35,000.00.
Council concurred that if the bids come in low that the other roads be widened to 27 feet.
VOTE:(primary amendment) YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
There was no further discussion.
VOTE:(main amended motion) YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Mayor Cushing called for a recess at 9:22 p.m., reconvening the meeting at 9:32 p.m.
C. Public Comment on the Draft Homer All Hazards Mitigation Plan.
There was no public testimony.
ORDINANCE(S)
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
A. City Manager's Report(Follow up and updates, Parks and Recreation Commission expenditure recommendation, Kenai Peninsula Opportunities
Forum Notes, Summer Trolly Service Proposal from Homer Chamber of Commerce, Request from Hal Homer and Gail Zywot to buy sell or trade a
City Lot on Ohlson Lane, Email from Chief of Police regarding DOT's Traffic Control Plans for Homer and the U.S. Navy visit.)
RFP: Incorporation of Art into the New Homer Public Library. Proposals to provide art or suggest how to incorporate art into the proposed new
Homer Public Library will be received at the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, City of Homer, 491 East Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska until 4:30
p.m., Thursday, April 29, 2004.
There was discussion regarding the East End Road Water pipe upgrade, Summer Trolley, taxes, traffic study and signalization and reduced speeds,
and the US Navy visit.
City Manager Wrede advised that he would come back to the Council regarding a recommendation on the East End Road Water pipe upgrade and
that he favors use of water tank grant money. He responded to the Council inquiry regarding the Trolley matter, that research needs to be done
regarding insurance, maintenance, ADA, and impacts to the City.
Council agreed that they needed all the information about the Trolley before they can make a decision and that this would be a good partnership with
the Spit Parking Plan.
City Manager Wrede reported on his meeting with the Borough Mayor and the other Borough Managers. Generally all of the Borough Cities are experiencing the issue of extending services to greater areas and that they plan to meet more often.
Council requested that something come to them for their next meeting regarding lowering the speed limit on the Sterling Highway.
B. Bid Report.
COMMITTEE REPORT
A. Road Standards Committee. (Met on April 20, 2004)
Road Standards Committee Chair Marquardt gave a report and advised that the Committee plans to recommend that their name be changed.
B. Town Center Development Committee. (Met on April 15, 2004)
PENDING BUSINESS
A. Memorandum 04-57, from Port/Harbor Commission and Director, Re: Parking Issues on the Spit.
Postponed on April 12 to April 26. Main Motion is on the floor. NOVAK/BECK - MOVED TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATION OF
MEMORANDUM 04-57.
Recommendation. Port and Harbor Advisory Commission recommends that the detailed parking recommendations and plans be implemented by City
Management for the 2004 season if a budget can be provided to do so; if not, that these recommendations and parking plans be budgeted for 2005
and implemented for the 2005 season.
Listing of Spit Parking Recommendations:
1. Construct (painting, appropriate signage, etc.) pedestrian crosswalks across Spit Road at Ramps 1, 2, 3, the Fishin' Hole and Mariner Park. (This
recommendation is requested to be sent to the Road Standards Committee for their review.)
2. Seafarers Memorial Parking Lot. Recommend for 12 hour, revenue parking with Iron Ranger collection box installed and appropriate signage. Ten
"free parking" short term spaces to be laid out closest to the Memorial however. Parking permits allowed here.
3. Ramps to Harbor Floats. Recommended free parking, with appropriate signage, with 2 handicap spaces closest to the ramp's pier access then two
30-minute spaces, with the rest of the spaces signed for 2-hour parking. No permits/sticker parking allowed here (except for vendors/repair firms
who can apply for special passes at the parking office.)
4. Steel Grid. Recommended for free parking, 2 spaces closest to the grid to be signed for "grid use," rest of spaces limited to 2-hour parking. No
permits/sticker parking allowed here.
5. Salty Dawg Lot and South side of Harbor Office Customer Lot. Recommended for revenue parking with "iron ranger" collection box, $5/day rate
(premium lot), no permit/sticker parking allowed here.
6. North side of Harbor Office Customer Lot. Recommended for free short term parking with the 2 spaces closest to Harbormasters Office to be
15-minute parking, then spaces designated 30-minute parking or 1-hour parking as appropriate. No permit/sticker parking allowed here.
7. Lots 16 & 17, (North of Morphis Boardwalk). Recommended for revenue parking, iron ranger collection box, 12-hour limit, fee of $3. No
permit/sticker parking allowed here.
8. Lots 13, 14, 15 and southern half of 12A. This area extends from a point roughly halfway between ramps 3 and 4 to a point roughly halfway
between ramps 4 and 5. Recommended for revenue parking with iron ranger collection boxes, fee of $3, 24-hour parking. Parking permits/stickers to
be allowed here.
9. Meter Parking. Recommend installation of parking meters to regulate parking (with 3-hour time limit) in the diagonal parking spots west side of
Spit Road (between ramps 1 and 3) and in the combination of diagonal and parallel-parking spots east of Spit Road between ramps 1 and 3.
10. Remainder of parking areas/lots recommended free parking, hoping to result in more usage of the northern portion of Lot 12A and the parking
lots on east (industrial) side of harbor basin.
11. General: The "season" to be defined as May 15 to September 15. Permits (parking stickers) to be sold at recommended rate of $30 for the
season, $15 for one month and to be valid only in designated lots. Recreational Vehicles (RV's) under 25' length to be accepted in Lots 12A through
17 and in Seafarers Memorial Lot. Longer RV's to be parked on east side of harbor basin (but consideration to be given to laying out a few spaces at
Seafarers Memorial Lot and in Lots 16 and 17 for longer RV's with a higher Iron Ranger fee to be applicable).
Enforcement will be necessary and it is recommended that this be an important aspect of any plan that is implemented. The Commission requests that
if practical, the above recommendations be implemented for the 2004 season. The Commission would request to be able to review the effects of these
implemented recommendations after the 2004 season in order to make recommendations regarding any required modifications or adjustments. The
Commission has a few "long term" parking issues that need more discussion, such as developing new parking lots, creation of a shuttle van service, etc.
Mayor Cushing relayed that there was some talk of implementing these in phases, the low cost ones versus waiting until 2005 to budget all of these.
He summarized the Council's and Commission's discussion of a litany of things that the indication from the Commission was to get moving on
something, even if the Council cannot find the budget for everything and to be as comprehensive and do as many as possible. He advised that there
was some comment to do at least item 3. Ramps to Harbor Floats. Recommended free parking, with appropriate signage, with 2 handicap spaces
closest to the ramp's pier access then two 30-minute spaces, with the rest of the spaces signed for 2-hour parking. No permits/sticker parking allowed
here (except for vendors/repair firms who can apply for special passes at the parking office.)
Council discussion included the importance of crosswalks, the need for parking areas, and concern about paying for the implementation of the list of recommendations
LADD/BECK - MOVED TO AMEND THAT THE PORT AND HARBOR ADVISORY COMMISSION'S SPIT PARKING
RECOMMENDATIONS BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY ADMINISTRATION AND DEPARTMENTS FOR REVIEW AND INPUT AND
THAT A PARKING PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS BE RETURNED TO THE COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC HEARING AND
CONSIDERATION.
Council commented that to implement this will take a well developed process. There was comment about this being back to the Council for the next meeting.
The Port/Harbor Commission was asked to address a parking area across the street from the Seafarer's Memorial and how to deal with the slip
holders with regards to either fee or parking location.
Mayor Cushing pointed out the verbiage of item 9.Meter Parking. Recommend installation of parking meters to regulate parking (with 3-hour time
limit) in the diagonal parking spots west side of Spit Road (between ramps 1 and 3) and in the combination of diagonal and parallel-parking spots east
of Spit Road between ramps 1 and 3.
Council asked for an analysis of the cost of implementation from the stand point of the cost of enforcement and cost of administration with issuing all
of these permits and so forth. It was pointed out that if metered parking will be delayed until 2005 then the parking areas of Item 9 need to be
addressed. Council expressed a desire for specifics to assist with implementation. There was emphasis on the importance of citizen awareness and
citizen opportunity to support and provide input to the Council.
Mayor Cushing shared his interpretation of this amendment, that the administration may come back to the Council in five different phases. Parking
meters may be the last and final thing that goes to public hearing, next summer after budgeting. The first phases would be those of low budget
implication and that possibly stand the chance of producing revenues.
VOTE (primary amendment 1.): YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VOTE: (main amended motion): YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
A. Resolution 04-25, Of the City Council Revising the Property Management Policy and Procedures Manual, as Provided for by the Homer City
Code, Section 18.08.160(b) City Manager. Postponed on March 8 to April 12, postponed on April 12 to April 26. Main Motion is on the floor.
Memorandum 04-64, from City Manager as backup and with newly revised Lease Policy.
Postponed on March 8 to April 12, postponed on April 12 to April 26: Main Motion is on the floor. FENSKE/YOURKOWSKI - MOVED
FOR THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 04-25 BY READING OF TITLE.
There was discussion regarding borough appraised values and fair market values.
The City Manager emphasized that the idea is to be fair, that an appraiser's estimate of what a fair market value helps to establish a fair market rent, to
address how much the City believes a lease is worth and that the City has the option to have an asking price, like any land lord.
Discussion ensued.
LADD/BECK - MOVED TO AMEND 11.2 PARAGRAPH F, PAGE 263, TO CHANGE SIX MONTHS TO TWELVE MONTHS.
There was some discussion
VOTE:(primary amendment 1.) YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
There was additional discussion.
LADD/STARK - MOVED TO AMEND 11.2 PARAGRAPH F. PAGE 263, 8TH LINE DOWN, "WITHIN SIX MONTHS" AFTER THE WORD 'RESOLUTION'.
There was no discussion.
VOTE:(primary amendment 2.) YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
11.2 (F) now reads: F. Lease Renewals: The City Council, after reviewing a recommendation from the Lease Committee, may elect to not require a
competitive bidding process for a property whose lease has expired (including all options) if it finds that it is in the best interest of the City to enter
into a new lease agreement with the current lessee. If the current lessee is interested in entering into a new lease agreement, he/she must indicate so in
writing to the City Manager at least 6 months 12 months prior to the expiration of the lease and submit a formal lease application / proposal for
evaluation by the Lease Committee. The City will review the application but is under no obligation to enter into a new lease. If the Council chooses to
approve such a new lease without a competitive process, it must approve such new lease by resolution within six months that includes a finding that
it is in the public interest to do so, after consideration of relevant facts including, but not limited to,the following:
Mayor Cushing voiced concern regarding 4.2(e) and asked that this be deleted.
STARK/NOVAK - MOVED TO AMEND PAGE 254 TO AMEND TO DELETE 4.2(E).
E. If no satisfactory proposals are received for a specific property within the designated timeframe, the Lease Committee will consider qualified
proposals on a first come, first served basis thereafter until the next scheduled advertisement period.
There was a brief discussion.
VOTE: (primary amendment 3.) YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Mayor noted that item f and g would be renumbered to e and f.
City Manager Wrede advised that the asterisks show where code amendments are required.
Discussion ensued.
Mayor Cushing recommended, after discussion, an amendment.
STARK/LADD - MOVED TO AMEND TO CHANGE, PAGE 257, 7.2(A)(1), "PUBLIC AND PRIVATE.
a. 1. Lease Rental Rates Generally: All property shall be leased at no less than "fair market rent". Fair market rent is defined as the rental income that a
public and private property would most likely command in the open market; indicated by the current rents paid for comparable space as of the date
of the appraisal.
There were some comments.
VOTE:(primary amendment 4. ) YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
There was some discussion and the Finance Director and City Manager affirmed that they could attach the appraisals, as backup, to the lease when
these come to Council for approval.
VOTE:(main motion as amend) YES: NON OBJECTION .UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
B. Resolution 04-43, Of the City Council Establishing a Schedule for Final Adoption of the City of Homer's Long Range Fiscal Plan. City Manager.
STARK/LADD - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 04-43 BY READING OF TITLE.
There will be a worksession on the Long Range Fiscal Plan at 1 p.m on Monday, May 10th and a public hearing on Tuesday, May 25th.
There was some discussion and the Manager clarified that the plan will be available for public review for the public hearing.
Councilmember Stark voiced his concern about coming up with a long range fiscal plan, before the Council knows the probability or possibility of the
income to the City from a new large store. He voiced his hope that the plan will incorporate this probability. He emphasized the importance of
knowing revenue figures before the plan is adopted.
Discussion ensued and included the unknowns with the state legislature regarding municipal funding.
VOTE: YES: NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE
Audience comments upon any matter.
Mark Landwehr commented about John DeSylva's death and the estate he left behind, to a little old lady, that includes a large boat assessed at
$900.00 and that this boat has to be disposed of. He inquired as to the City regulations regarding this type of disposal, that he spoke with the EPA and
DEC.
City Manager Wrede suggested that Mr. Landwehr meet with him to discuss this matter.
Carey Meyer commented about street sweeping and that Public Works does treat street sweeping with a little higher priority the last few years then in
the past. He advised that Pioneer Avenue was swept as early as he remembers it ever having been swept and that it looks pretty good. He noted that
the Spit Pathway has been swept, rather quickly and that most of the streets have been swept. He reported that they have installed a water tank on the
tool cab to keep the dust down while they are sweeping and that it will be used on the watering truck to wet the gravel roads before thy put down the
dust control, to make that process more effective. He stated that they cannot make as big of an impact as they would like to and that state roads and
private parking lots are not swept by the City. He pointed out that the City's budget for dust control has taken a few hits and asked that this be
remembered at budget time.
Councilmember Stark commended Public Works and reiterated his comments/suggestion regarding a striper.
Public Works Director Meyer commented about one day when the streets were swept, then needed a snow plow and then sanding.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Tans was not present.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
City Clerk Calhoun thanked the Council.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager Wrede had no comment.
COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR
Mayor Cushing thanked Bill Smith for his eight years or so on the Planning Commission and thanked all the Commissioners and volunteers for the
City to make sure that all of them know that the City is thankful for their service. He emphasized the importance of the work by the volunteers and
exhorted them to keep up their very valuable work and to keep volunteering on all levels. He commented about the street sweeping and that he did
not mean to imply, at all, that Public Works does not do their job. He advised the Council that he has often toyed with the idea of volunteer crews
operating City equipment, such as the street sweepers and trail cleaning equipment, interjecting that Parks and Rec might chase this down a bit. He
reported that there are a lot of events coming up such as the ground breaking ceremony this Wednesday for the Ice Rink Facility dedication. He
commented on one of the newspaper articles, "Sweat Shop Free Homer", and that this would be an excellent ballot question as would the smoking
issue, that could both be on the fall ballot. He recalled that about 1400 people weighed in on both sides of the smoking issue and the three months of debate.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Stark commented on possible referendum items, that he told the chief sponsor for the smoking question, in September of 2002, that
this is an initiative issue, adding that he still feels this way. Mr. Stark voiced his thought that the use of volunteers on City equipment is an insurance
question and a legal issue. He expressed his pleasure at getting done before midnight. He reported that he did speak with the City's representative in
the House and the staff for the City's representative in the Senate regarding additional funding for the Animal Shelter and that the City may know by
the next meeting if there will be any appropriation by the legislature for that project, courtesy of those two fine gentlemen.
Councilmember Ladd thanked the Clerks, that Clerk's week is a time to thank them and, in his opinion, the Clerks Mary, Deena and Jo (4) should be
thanked every week. He stated that without that office this place would grind to a real halt. He advised that he was out of the town for the last two
weeks and that he just got back today from Hanover, New Hampshire. He reported that the Alaska Airlines Magazine had an article on the eagles in
Kachemak Bay, that there are 46 million birders in the Country of which 18 million cris cross the Country generating $32 billion to the National
economy, a significant hunk of money. He stated that he would like to know what the economic impact is to the Peninsula. Mr. Ladd commented
about the upcoming decision the Council will have to make regarding the Animal Shelter and the funding thereof.
Mayor Cushing interjected that the picture in the magazine was taken on the Spit and that there was a good blurb advertising Homer as a bird stop.
Councilmember Beck thanked Bill Smith for his work on the Planning Commission and that she cannot imagine being on that Commission for eight
years, that it boggles her mind. She emphasized that he deserves respect and thanks for all other work that he has accomplished during those eight
years, with the rest of the Commissioners. She relayed her eagerness to discuss the Animal Shelter at the next meeting and hoped that a plan can be
developed on how to cover the fiscal gap.
Mayor Cushing reiterated his desire that the use of volunteers on City equipment be looked into, adding that if other cities in this Nation have found
ways around insurance and indemnification, as with volunteer fire departments, then Homer should be able to do this. He pointed out that Homer sure
has a lot of Little League volunteers all over Hornaday Park with hammers, saws and power equipment taking care of fencing and everything else up
there, kind of under the City watch.
Councilmember Novak thanked the City Clerks for hanging in there and that he appreciates the job that they do, that they keep the wheels greased
and make things move. He said, "Good night."
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for
Monday, May 10, 2004 at 7 p.m. A worksession on Long Range Fiscal Planning is scheduled for Monday, May 10, 2004 at 1 p.m., staff will present
Council with a draft long range fiscal plan for review and discussion. The next Committee of the Whole meeting, scheduled for Monday, May 10,
2004 at 4 p.m. All meetings scheduled to be held in the Homer City Hall Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.
_____________________________________
MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK
Approved: _______________
clerk@ci.homer.ak.us, 235-3130, home number 235-2843.
1. References to the Bridge Creek Water Protection District and the large retail and wholesale building size and standards issues.
2. Charter - meaning Fishing Charter Business.
3. Mayor Cushing has both of these documents.
4. Mary Calhoun, Deena Benson and Jo Johnson.