Session 07-31 a Special Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order at 5:42 p.m. on December 10, 2007 by Mayor James C. Hornaday at the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CHESLEY, HEIMBUCH, NOVAK, ROBERTS, SHADLE, WYTHE

ABSENT: SHADLE (excused)

STAFF: CITY MANAGER WREDE

CITY CLERK JOHNSON

Councilmember Shadle has requested excusal.

Council met as a Committee of the Whole from 4:14 to 5:32 p.m. regarding 2008 Budget.

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

Agenda approved by consensus of the City Council. No items may be added.

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA\

There were no public comments.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS/ BOROUGH REPORT/ COMMISSION REPORTS

A. City Hall – 10% Conceptual Design Presentation by ECI/Hyer, Agnew::Beck, Corvus Design

Brian Meissner, Lead Architect of ECI/Hyer, presented the 10% conceptual design of City Hall Town Square. With occupancy expected by Fall 2009, approval for 35% design is the next step in the process. A budget and schedule can then be set and a decision to go ahead or not proceed will be made. The public will be asked for financial support through a special election targeted for March 4, 2008. With voter approval, a mid June 2008 construction date is anticipated. If the vote fails, alternatives will be explored through private sector financing or lease of a building.

The design phase is essential to show voters a location and the looks of a building. It will show the public how the building fits in with the general master plan for Town Center and a refined cost estimate. The GC/CM (General Contractor/Construction Manager) brings the contractor on board early allowing the design team to be more reactive.

With construction costs rising 12% each year, getting an early jump on scheduling will allow for construction to begin in 2008.

Chris Beck of Agnew::Beck defined Town Square as the nexus point and most valuable piece of real estate within the City. Good access is needed with pedestrian routes. There are a lot of wetlands in the area to build the infrastructure around.

Council commented on the responsiveness of the design team and the good job they were doing.

Kenton Bloom, Surveyor, commented on the significant economic development and expansion of retail Town Square will provide for Homer. Additionally the college will benefit by purchasing the current City Hall.

State Representative Seaton commented that many towns in Alaska are strip malls. What is being developed in Homer is a great idea with more of a centralized town feature. Everyone notices it, both residents and outsiders, and he’s glad the State has helped. He has grave doubts there are future State funds available.

Mayor Hornaday commented he received the same grave doubt response from Senators in Washington, D.C. regarding funding. It is essential the Friends of Town Center, Rotary and Chamber of Commerce get the word out.

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

There were no comments from the audience.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY ATTORNEY

City Attorney Tans was not present.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK

City Clerk Johnson had no comments.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER

City Manager Wrede had no comments.

COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR

Mayor Hornaday had no comments.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Councilmembers had no comments.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at 6:32 p.m. by Mayor James C. Hornaday. The next Committee of the Whole is scheduled for Monday, January 14, 2008 at 4 p.m., the next Special Meeting is Monday, December 17, 2007 at 7 p.m. and the next Regular Meeting is Monday, January 14, 2008 at 7 p.m. All meetings are scheduled to be held in the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

______________________________

JO JOHNSON, CMC, CITY CLERK

Approved: _____________________