Session 07-33
a Special Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order at
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CHESLEY, HEIMBUCH, NOVAK, ROBERTS, WYTHE
ABSENT: SHADLE (excused)
STAFF:
FINANCE DIRECTOR HARVILLE
LIBRARY DIRECTOR HILL
Department Heads may be called upon from time to time to participate via teleconference.
Mayor Hornaday excused Councilmember Shadle despite his lack of prior notice of excusal. Councilmember Wythe objected.
AGENDA APPROVAL (Only those matters on the noticed agenda may be considered, pursuant to City Council’s Operating Manual, pg. 5)
Amendments included: Resolutions – Substitute Resolutions 07-124(S), 07-125(S) and 07-126(S) with amounts included as outlined in Memorandum 07-194.
The agenda was approved by consensus of the City Council.
PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE
AGENDA
Kevin Hogan, city resident, commented on Resolution 07-123, stating the City is asking for more than needed if they can’t come to an agreement with the landowner who has a long tract record of civic involvement and responsibility. A new negotiator is needed. In reference to Resolution 07-112, the City Attorney contract is new with a new term and new rate. It is against the Procurement Policy and there must be a new RFP. The City Attorney’s job is to prosecute violations. Mr. Hogan would like to see local attorneys get a chance with a full time staff attorney and keep the money in town. Perkins Coie receives a huge amount of money from different municipalities.
Nancy Hillstrand, affected property owner re: Resolution 07-123, would like to see an audit on what happened through negotiations with the City. A lot of money is being spent that does not need to be. She hasn’t been listened to, as the written offers on her property are completely different than what was discussed. It is her hope the City understands her point and can talk and work it out. She feels the City is ganging up on her and with two lawyers involved the ability to see both sides of the story are lost. There are three other pieces of property in that area that have not been looked into. It has taken her fourteen years to purchase the property for the public good and she could subdivide, which would cost the City more.
Mayor Hornaday cautioned Ms. Hillstrand to talk to her attorney Dan Westerburg since she had retained him.
Tina Day, Director of Homer Chamber of Commerce, thanked Council for considering Resolution 07-127, stating fireworks will make the event bigger and better and promote Homer as a shoulder season. The price includes professional fireworks handlers.
ORDINANCE(S)
A. Ordinance 07-52, Of the City Council of
Homer, Alaska Amending the Homer Zoning Code
by Adopting a New Chapter 21.56 to Create a New Town Center Zoning District and Amending the Zoning Map to Rezone
Portions of the Central Business District to the Town Center Zoning District. Wythe. (Introduction and First Reading
Memorandum 07-193 from Planning thru City Manager as backup.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the
introduction of Ordinance 07-52 for first reading by title only.
WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
WYTHE/NOVAK – MOVED TO AMEND
In the Town Center Development Plan an objective is
to review building heights. An exception of taller buildings would be where
suitable fire protection is provided.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
NOVAK/ROBERTS – MOVED TO AMEND
Discussion ensued as to the appropriateness of
placing the verbiage in the whereas clauses. One point
was if it is not included in the opening whereas statement the subject should
not be addressed in the body of the ordinance. Another point is that it
encourages minimum architectural standards, going against the standards we are
trying to set.
Councilmember Chesley
asked for City Manager Wrede’s opinion. Mr. Wrede
stated whereas clauses are generally a statement of intent and the foundation
of the ordinance, it would not hurt to include the verbiage.
VOTE: YES. ROBERTS, NOVAK
VOTE: NO. HEIMBUCH, WYTHE, CHESLEY
Motion failed.
WYTHE – MOVED TO AMEND
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
WYTHE/ROBERTS – MOVED TO AMEND
Discussion ensued as to the conflict with E. 1. that states you may have a building up to 66,000 square
feet.
Councilmember Chesley
asked for City Planner McKibben to comment on the standards.
City Planner McKibben stated a building of 8,000
sq. ft. or larger or if it covers more than 30% of the lot area, a Conditional
Use Permit is needed first. The other standard is that you cannot have a larger
retail store more than 66,000 sq. ft.
VOTE: NO. CHESLEY, NOVAK, HEIMBUCH, ROBERTS, WYTHE
Motion failed.
VOTE (main motion as amended) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
PENDING BUSINESS
A. Ordinance 07-42,
Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Appropriating Funds for the Calendar Year 2008 for the General
Fund, the Water-Sewer Fund, the Port/Harbor Fund,
Debt Funds, Capital Reserve Funds
(Conditional Expenditures). (Recommend First
Reading
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Ordinance 07-42 by reading of title only for second and final reading.
WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
Mayor Hornaday commented an additional
$5,000 was added to the $40,000 pledged anonymously to hire a person to
implement the Climate Action Plan. A Legislative report from Senator Murkowski
includes block grants for communities that survived the Energy Bill. It
provides funding for implementation of climate change programs that cities are involved
in. Mayor Hornaday met with Representative Seaton, Homer Electric Association (
HEIMBUCH/CHESLEY – MOVED TO ADOPT
AMENDMENT A-12
Councilmember Heimbuch voiced the priority need to repair floats in the harbor and that Port and Harbor Commissioners concur $143,000 could be moved to begin a matching fund for harbor repairs.
Port and Harbor Director Dean was
asked for his opinion on the East Boat Harbor Feasibility Study. He stated the project has been a high
priority of the Council and Administration since 2001; if Council wishes to
change the priority they can do so. The money is well spent for the future
plan, 75% of the funding is Federal or State and knowledgeable people have been
hired. National and regional economic numbers for the project will follow.
Design engineers with 40 to 50 years experience in the
Councilmember Heimbuch noted
since 2001 two major things have happened in the maritime industry: crab
rationalization and 400 Alaskan harbors looking to build $50M to $75M harbors.
Using the threat of losing the
City Manager Wrede commented Northern Economics is positioned to access changes in the fishing industry. The City will get an honest assessment and if the economics are not there Council can pull the plug on the study.
VOTE: NO. WYTHE, CHESLEY, NOVAK, HEIMBUCH, ROBERTS
Motion failed.
HEIMBUCH/ROBERTS – MOVED FOR ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT A-11 THE CLERK’S CANDY $250.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
ROBERTS/NOVAK – MOVED FOR ADOPTION OF BUDGET AMENDMENT A-1 (SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR).
Councilmember Roberts noted the changes since last week: more money has been donated for the sustainability coordinator position. The City Manager is looking into the legal ramifications of donations and how they can be expended. Councilmember Novak voiced the need for another staff position in the City Manager’s office. The position could be combined with monies from global warming, volunteer incentive program and recycling allowing for $55,000 (including the donations). It could be a three-year position.
NOVAK/ROBERTS – MOVED TO AMEND COUNCILWOMAN ROBERTS MOTION TO ADD THE ITEMS LISTED: VOLUNTEER INCENTIVE PROGRAM, GLOBAL WARMING MONEY, RECYCLING MONEY TO THE FUNDS AVAILABLE TO HER MOTION.
City Manager Wrede expressed
concern of Councilmember Novak’s suggestion to use funds for the volunteer
incentive program of the Fire Department. It is a volunteer incentive program
to reward volunteers for their good work with the Fire Department and
CHESLEY/WYTHE – CALLED FOR THE QUESTION ON THE MOTION TO AMEND THE AMENDMENT.
VOTE: YES. NOVAK, ROBERTS, WYTHE, CHESLEY
VOTE: NO. HEIMBUCH
Motion carried.
Councilmember Roberts called for a point of order on the three pages in the budget.
Councilmember Novak answered B-45 and B-35.
VOTE: (amendment) NO. CHESLEY, NOVAK, HEIMBUCH, ROBERTS, WYTHE
Motion failed.
NOVAK/ROBERTS – MOVED TO AMEND TO
It is expected the money will be saved in utility bills and set aside for a part-time person.
City Manager Wrede voiced opposition to the amendment pertaining to electricity cost savings as it is speculative. He suggested moving the global warming and recycling money and tapping the reserve fund for the remainder of money.
Councilmember Wythe voiced objection to remove money from the reserve fund as Council is doing everything in their power to increase the balance to the stated minimums.
Councilmember Chesley
asked that a special meeting be scheduled on January 14th to discuss
implementation of the
VOTE: (amendment) YES. NOVAK, ROBERTS
VOTE: NO. CHESLEY, HEIMBUCH, WYTHE
Motion failed.
Councilmember Roberts asked that
the City Manager provide ideas about implementing the
ROBERTS/WYTHE – MOVED TO POSTPONE FUNDING OF THE POSITION.
Mayor Hornaday ruled the matter may be postponed.
Discussion ensued on the postponement of implementation of the plan. City Manager Wrede said implementation of the plan will require budget amendments. Asked if the employee at Public Works could aid in implementation of the plan, City Manager Wrede answered some of the tasks could be assigned although the employee is needed as a project engineer.
Councilmember Wythe called for a point of order as the subject is off the matter.
VOTE: (postponement) YES. WYTHE, NOVAK, HEIMBUCH, ROBERTS
VOTE: NO. CHESLEY
Motion carried.
Items A-4 (
HEIMBUCH/CHESLEY – MOVED TO ADOPT
A-6 ($20,000 TO
Councilmember Heimbuch referenced
Council’s discussion at the December 10th meeting re-routing the
$20,000 request for the
HEIMBUCH/WYTHE – MOVED TO REDIRECT $20,000 INTO THE HOMER FOUNDATION.
Councilmember Heimbuch stated his proposed contribution is based on the length of time senior citizens have been in the community. A great majority of senior citizens have been here for a long time and enrich our community. The $20,000 contribution is worthwhile.
VOTE: (amendment) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Discussion ensued where the money would come from.
WYTHE/CHESLEY – MOVED THAT A PORTION OF IT COULD BE RECOVERED FROM INCREASES IN THE TRAVEL ASSESSMENTS FUND FOR THE COUNCIL.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: (amendment) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
NOVAK/WYTHE – AMEND
The
The motion was stricken by Mayor Hornaday and by unanimous consent of the Council.
Councilmember Wythe noted the additional $9,000 for subsistence and $2,000 for lobbying. Councilmember Heimbuch should come up with an additional $9,000.
Mayor Hornaday called for a
recess at
HEIMBUCH/ROBERTS - MOVED
Councilmember Heimbuch stated the 2007 General Fund balance is healthy enough to move $9,000. Finance Director Harville verified the $9,000 will come from unexpended funds from the 2007 General Fund. Councilmember Wythe noted the $2,500 in account 5604 public education that was for methamphetamine education; she recommended that be moved over as it was a one time expenditure.
WYTHE/HEIMBUCH - MOVED TO AMEND
TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL $2,500 TO THE AMOUNT OUT OF THE 2008 BUDGET FROM
There was no discussion.
VOTE: (amendment) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VOTE: (main motion as amended) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
HEIMBUCH/WYTHE - MOVED TO ADOPT
A-9 (DIVISION/DEPARTMENT HEAD ISSUE) FOR CONSIDERATION.
Councilmember Heimbuch voiced plans to move forward with the division to department status for Planning, Library and Clerks in the coming year. He requested holding off on implementation until Council can discuss more thoroughly.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Proposed budget amendment A-10 (Community Schools Coordinator) was deleted.
HEIMBUCH/CHESLEY – MOVED FOR CONSIDERATION OF A-13.
Councilmember Heimbuch noted the positive impact hockey has had for Homer and asked that $10,000 to be granted towards the hockey rink’s property tax. Council discussed the Borough’s tax reduction, noting City taxes were reduced in proportion to the Borough amount.
VOTE: YES. NOVAK, HEIMBUCH, CHESLEY
VOTE: NO. ROBERTS, WYTHE
Motion failed.
CHESLEY/WYTHE – MOVED TO ADOPT MODEL #2 A-14.
Council noted the equitable treatment of residential and commercial water and sewer rates with Model #2. The model relates the fees to usage.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIM0US CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Councilmember Chesley defended the Public Works Project Manager position and the Global Warming Task Force staff person, stating both positions should be fully funded.
WYTHE/HEIMBUCH – MOVED TO PROPOSE
THE PROJECT MANAGER POSITION BE MOVED SO IT
Discussion ensued on the Project Manager position; Public Works has the greatest need of a Project Manager. Although City Manager Wrede could use help with a Project Manager too, the greatest need is out in the field. Public Works Director Meyer needs help and the Port and Harbor Department will benefit too.
WYTHE/CHESLEY – MOVED TO WITHDRAW.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
NOVAK – MOVED TO AMEND THE
WATER/SEWER BUDGET TO THE EXTENT OF ASKING REGINA TO GO BACK IN
Mayor Hornaday ruled the motion was not appropriate as the water/sewer rates were just approved.
WYTHE/CHESLEY – CALLED FOR THE QUESTION.
VOTE: YES. WYTHE, CHESLEY, NOVAK, HEIMBUCH, ROBERTS
Motion carried.
Councilmember Heimbuch called for a point of order. Councilmember Chesley had brought up if the other resolutions had to be enacted before being included in the budget. City Manager Wrede stated there is enough money in the budget to accommodate the resolutions that follow.
VOTE: (main motion as amended) YES. CHESLEY, NOVAK, HEIMBUCH, ROBERTS, WYTHE
Motion carried.
B. Resolution 07-112
Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Extending the City Attorney Contract with Perkins Coie for the Period of
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 07-112 by reading of title only.
WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
Discussion ensued on a month to month contract with Perkins Coie and a Request for Proposals for legal services.
WYTHE/HEIMBUCH – MOVED TO AMEND TO PROVIDE FOR MONTH TO MONTH SERVICES TO PERKINS COIE SUBJECT TO THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.
This is to address public concerns regarding the public process. Perkins Coie has provided services for many years to the City. City Manager Wrede commented he will discuss the month to month contract with the City Attorney.
VOTE: NO. HEIMBUCH, WYTHE, ROBERTS, CHESLEY, NOVAK
NOVAK/ROBERTS - MOVED TO AMEND TO USING THE RATES FOR THE YEAR 2007.
A new contract will not be written, the attorney contract will continue with existing rates.
VOTE: (amendment) YES. ROBERTS, NOVAK, CHESLEY
VOTE: NO. HEIMBUCH, WYTHE
Motion failed.
City Manager Wrede commented it will be up to Perkins Coie if they want to continue services on a month to month basis. If they are not willing to continue the City may be without legal services for an extended amount of time. The terms of the attorney agreement are that either party can withdraw with a 60-day written notice.
WYTHE/HEIMBUCH – MOVED TO ADD
ADDITIONAL BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THE
Discussion ensued on the need for the clause. Staff can prepare the RFP based on the understanding a 60-day notice could be given. Perkins Coie should be made knowledgeable of the City’s intent to RFP legal services.
VOTE: (amendment) YES. CHESLEY, HEIMBUCH, WYTHE
VOTE: NO. NOVAK, ROBERTS
Motion failed.
VOTE: (main motion) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
C. Resolution 07-119, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska Amending the City of Homer Fee Schedule Regarding the Water Rates. City Manager/Finance. Recommend adoption.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 07-119 by reading of title only.
WYTHE/ROBERTS – SO MOVED.
An amendment to insert the numbers of Model #2 is needed.
NOVAK - MOVED TO ADOPT MODEL #2
Motion failed for lack of a second.
Mayor Hornaday asked Finance Director Harville for input on the figures.
Councilmember Wythe called for a point of order, stating the resolution could simply be amended without reading in all the numbers.
WYTHE/ROBERTS - MOVED TO AMEND
THE
An agreement was made on rates for sewer and water already.
Councilmember Novak commented changing the customer charge will increase the commercial rates but will not change the numbers in the water/sewer fund or reserves. He asked to give direction to the Finance Director to reduce the customer charge on the commercial side for water/sewer.
Mayor Hornaday commented Model #2 has already been adopted and it would be a substantial change. He accepted Councilmember Novak’s comments as an amendment to the amendment proposed by Councilmember Wythe. The motion died for lack of a second.
VOTE: (amendment) YES. CHESLEY, NOVAK, HEIMBUCH, ROBERTS, WYTHE
Motion carried.
VOTE: (main motion as amended) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
D. Resolution 07-120, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska Amending the City of Homer Fee Schedule Regarding the Sewer Rates. City Manager/Finance. Recommend adoption.
ROBERTS/CHESLEY - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 07-120.
WYTHE/ROBERTS - MOVED TO AMEND
THE
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VOTE: (main motion as amended) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
E. Resolution 07-121, Of
the City Council of Homer,
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 07-121 by reading of title only.
WYTHE/ROBERTS – SO MOVED.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
A. Memorandum 07-192, from City Clerk, Re: Request for Executive Session pursuant to AS §44.62.310(C)(1), Matters, the Immediate Knowledge of which would Clearly have an Adverse Effect upon the Finances of the Government Unit. (Land Acquisition for Water Treatment Plant.) Conduct immediately upon approval.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the approval of the recommendation for Executive Session to discuss land acquisition for the Water Treatment Plant.
WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. WYTHE, CHESLEY, NOVAK, HEIMBUCH, ROBERTS
Motion carried.
Council
recessed to Executive Session at
Mayor Pro Tempore Novak stated Council took direction from the City Attorney, gave direction to the City Manager and discussed the issue.
B. Resolution 07-123, Of the City Council
of Homer, Alaska Authorizing Eminent Domain Proceedings
for Land Acquisition in Support of the Construction of the New Homer Water Treatment Plant. City
Manager/Public Works. Recommend adoption.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption
of Resolution 07-123 by reading of title only.
WYTHE/ROBERTS – SO MOVED.
HEIMBUCH/CHESLEY - MOVED TO
POSTPONE RESOLUTION 07-123 UNTIL THE
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
It is hoped the matter will be
resolved prior to the
RESOLUTIONS
A. Resolution 07-122, Of the City
Council of the City of Homer, Alaska Awarding the 2008 Courier Service Contract to O'Leary Enterprises in the Amount
of $1,500.00 per Month Plus
Additional Trip Fees as Bid and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. Finance/City Clerk. Recommend adoption.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 07-122 by reading of title only.
WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
B. Resolution 07-124, Of the City Council
of Homer, Alaska Awarding the Contract for Preparing
the 35% Schematic Design for the New City Hall/Town Square Plaza to the Firm of ECI/Hyer
of Anchorage, Alaska in the Amount of $________ and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the
Appropriate Documents. City Manager. Recommend adoption.
Resolution 07-124(S), Of the City Council of
Homer, Alaska Awarding the Contract for Preparing
the 35% Schematic Design for the New City Hall/Town Square Plaza to the Firm of ECI/Hyer
of Anchorage, Alaska in the Amount of $202,985 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate
Documents. City Manager. Recommend adoption.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion to adopt
Resolution 07-124.
WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
WYTHE/NOVAK - MOVED TO SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION
07-124(S) FOR RESOLUTION 07-124.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
WYTHE/ROBERTS - MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 07-124(S).
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
C. Resolution 07-125, Of the City Council
of Homer, Alaska Awarding the Contract for Preparing
the 35% Schematic Design for the New City Hall/Town Square Plaza to the Firm of Jay-Brant General Contractors of
Homer, Alaska in the Amount of $_______ and Authorizing
the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City
Manager. Recommend
adoption.
Resolution 07-125(S), Of the City Council of
Homer, Alaska Awarding the Contract for Preparing
the 35% Schematic Design for the New City Hall/Town Square Plaza to the Firm of Jay-Brant General Contractors of
Homer, Alaska in the Amount of $63,973 and Authorizing
the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City
Manager. Recommend
adoption.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption
of Resolution 07-125.
WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
WYTHE/ROBERTS - MOVED TO SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION
07-125(S) FOR RESOLUTION 07-125.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption
of Resolution 07-125(S) by reading of title only.
WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
D. Resolution 07-126, Of the City Council
of Homer, Alaska Awarding the Contract for the
Off-Site Infrastructure/Preliminary Platting/Permit Application for the New
City Hall/Town Square Plaza to the Firm
of Seabright Survey of Homer, Alaska in the Amount of $_________ and Authorizing
the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents.
City Manager. Recommend adoption.
Resolution 07-126(S), Of the City Council of
Homer, Alaska Awarding the Contract for the
Off-Site Infrastructure/Preliminary Platting/Permit Application for the New
City Hall/Town Square Plaza to the Firm
of Seabright Survey of Homer, Alaska in the Amount of $ and Authorizing the City
Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents.
City Manager. Recommend adoption.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption
of Resolution 07-126 by reading of title only.
WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
WYTHE/NOVAK – MOVED TO REPLACE RESOLUTION 07-126
WITH RESOLUTION 07-126(S).
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption
of Resolution 07-126(S) by reading of title only.
WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
E. Resolution 07-127, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska
Authorizing the City Manager to Reallocate
$5,000 Dollars of Unexpended Funds from the FY 2007 Operating Budget for the Purpose of Making
a City Contribution to the Fireworks for the 2008 Winter Carnival and the Chamber of Commerce Anniversary. Mayor/Wythe. Recommend
adoption.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution
07-127 by reading of title only.
WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
COMMENTS OF THE
AUDIENCE
Martha Ellen
Anderson, graduate from
Kim Burrows, speaking for Michele, spoke on impeachment for Bush/Cheney. We must force Congress and demand that representatives live up to honor and clarity. The movement to impeach is growing with momentum; it is in the daily media. It is necessary for citizens to let their voices be heard for impeachment and eviction of the President and his cohorts. Seventeen states have already introduced impeachment resolutions, and seven more are considering doing so. Citizens are trying to get the attention of their leaders. We need to find a moral outrage inside of ourselves to say enough is enough.
Kate Finn,
Anchor Point resident, expressed embarrassment for having to address the
impeachment issue as it is occurring under the leadership of President Bush and
Vice President Cheney. Torture is soul corrupting, unethical, immoral, cruel
and illegal, yet it is still being done. Ms. Finn called for impeachment.
Gerrianne Reiter, city resident, stated President Bush and
Vice President Cheney misled the nation into a preemptive war in
Bob Burns,
George
Meeker, city resident, 85 yrs. old, is still interested in the legislative
process. He is a veteran of WWII, farmed and owned private businesses. He has
reviewed the Bill in Congress to impeach Bush and Cheney. It is important that voters
participate and bring things back to normalcy. The
Stan Anderson, Homer resident, noted a milestone in gathering 750 signatures in the Homer area to impeach the President and Vice President.
Tim O’Leary, community member since 1977, supports impeachment of the President and a resolution from City Council calling for impeachment. Homer Citizens for Impeachment is looking for a sponsor to formally be on the agenda to impeach. There is a huge lack of confidence with how the Federal Government is being administered. We are not capable of getting at the truth of what’s been going on. Impeachment brings on an investigation of administration. Attorney General Mukasey told Justice not to cooperate with the House, even though when sworn he was responsible to oversight by the judiciary. There are a lot of disparate souls that have reached the conclusion the country is in crisis.
COMMENTS OF THE
City Attorney Tans was not present.
COMMENTS OF THE
City Clerk Johnson had no comments.
COMMENTS OF THE
City Manager Wrede thanked Council for their hard work on the budget and the other tough issues on the agenda. He appreciates the support for City employees. He wished Council and the entire community a happy holiday season.
COMMENTS OF THE
MAYOR
Mayor Hornaday commented it is a real joy to live here in the cosmic hamlet by the sea. It is one of the most interesting communities in the history of civilization. He appreciates the work of Council, both past and present, City employees, commission and committee members and the citizens of the Homer area that make sure life is not boring. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
COMMENTS OF THE
Pro Tempore Novak
commented the budget document passed and we may start earlier next year. He
appreciates the public comment, looks forward to next year and people coming
back. Happy Holidays, and we will see everyone next
year.
Councilmember
Wythe thanked staff for all of their work, particularly
Councilmember
Chesley thanked all the volunteers that serve on City
commissions and committees. He echoed appreciation of staff. Without volunteers
support a lot of the functions of the City would not happen. Happy Holidays to the community.
Councilmember
Heimbuch commented it was a pretty good night on the budget, he got four of the
six amendments he proposed batting 666 is a good night. There were good
discussions on the budget. He thanked Council for the spirit of comradely that
surpasses the deep divisions about a lot of stuff. The amount of good humor
around the table is not lost on a lot of people.
Councilmember Roberts said Happy Holidays to everybody in Homer.
ADJOURNMENT
There being
no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at
______________________________
JO JOHNSON,
Approved:
_____________________