Session 01-03, a Regular Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Cushing at the Homer City Hall Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Boy Scouts Troop 555.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: FENSKE, KRANICH, LADD, MARQUARDT, YOURKOWSKI.
STAFF: CITY MANAGER DRATHMAN
SECRETARY TO C. MNGR. LIVINGSTON
FINANCE DIRECTOR BAUGH
PORT/HARBOR DIRECTOR ABBOTT
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR MEYER
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER: CUE (excused)
AGENDA APPROVAL
(Addition of items to or removing items from the agenda will be by unanimous consent of the Council. HCC 1.24.040.)
The agenda was approved by consensus of the City Council with additional backup to Memorandum 01-08 on the Consent Agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA
Chris Newby addressed the Council on Resolution 01-05, the Ocean Drive Loop Bluff Erosion project. He reiterated what he had stated in his and his wife's letter to the council urging them to continue this process. He expressed his opinion that the improvement district failure was due to the way it was written and that there were a few anomalies with that assessment roll, meaning some incorrect lot or front footage calculations. He emphasized that it is somewhat unclear what is actually being measured, the total project costs were based on front footages from tax parcel map measurements that are not necessarily accurate. He related that he had done enough calculations back and forth to indicated that if the footage were actually measured, the percentage outcome on the vote on the district, by the property owners, would probably have been closer to 50/50, or even a favorable outcome. He stated that more importantly it looks as though folks from down near Dr. Eneboe's property through the Tillion's property are opposed to the district and that the folks beyond that point towards the spit are predominantly in favor of it. He voiced his belief that if the calculations are based upon the assessed value and the front footage calculations that were provided, there is overwhelming support or non-objection for the project. He urged the Council to move forward with getting a little more engineering input into this project and exploring the project further. He relayed that he spoke with Dennis Nottingham with Peratrovich, Nottingham & Drage and that Mr. Nottingham suggested exploring different types of sheet pile material that could dramatically lower the cost of this project.
Julie Cesarini commented on Ordinance 01-01(S) accepting certain tax foreclosed property deeded to the City by the Kenai Peninsula Borough and determining the disposition. She inquired if the Council needed anything from her or if she needed anything from the Council or was it all written in the Ordinance.
Mayor Cushing briefly commented on the process and the difference in "for public purpose" and "for resale".
Gordon Bowen addressed the Council regarding Ordinance 01-03 and the two attached Resolutions. He praised the Council for their efforts and for the regulatory controls. He voiced objection to the $.04 per gallon for filling up at Public Works. According to Mr. Bowen, with the other costs, this would be $47.36 per thousand and the market price to people who live out in the "hinderlands" right now about $35 per thousand. He noted the charge for filling at an authorized fire hydrant would come to $27.36 per thousand, once again high. He advised that he and his partner, Hank Boelter, have full interest in hauling water primarily because they are a big user in the laundromat and that this would help lift the yoke of monopolistic oppression from anybody who doesn't necessarily want to buy water from any one particular water hauler. He asked the Council to look at the charges in the Resolution, for accuracy. He asserted that they do not want to fill up at Public Works if they can avoid it. He commented regarding the end user fee per month of $10 and agreed that this is a good idea whether the end user is a City resident or not. He suggested using a sticker to keep track of those who have paid the $10 fee.
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.)
Prior to reading the Consent Agenda, Mayor Cushing inquired if the Council had any desire to pull any of these items and place elsewhere on the Agenda. Items b, d, f & g were placed under Ordinances as requested by Councilmember Ladd. Item h. was placed under Resolutions as requested by Councilmember Yourkowski. It was noted that the Resolutions attached to Ordinance 01-03 also were removed from the Consent Agenda and remain attached to the Ordinance.
A. Homer City Council regular meeting unapproved minutes of January 22, 2001. Recommend approval.
B. Ordinance 01-03, Of the City of Homer Amending City Code 14.08, Provisions Relating to Resale of Water and Water Filing Station. City Manager. Recommend adoption for first reading, public hearing 02/26/01 and second reading 03/12/01.
Resolution 01-, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Amending the City of Homer Fee Schedule Regarding Water Rates for Bulk Water/Resellers of Water. City Clerk.
Resolution 01-, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Amending the City of Homer Fee Schedule, Water Rates, to Add a Section Regarding End Users, for Residential Units and Commercial Structures. City Clerk.
C. Ordinance 01-05, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska Repealing Homer City Code 10.04.070, City Docks, Prohibited Usage. Kranich. Recommend adoption for first reading, public hearing and second reading 02/26/01.
D. Ordinance 01-06, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska Amending Homer City Code Chapter 3.16 Procurement. Finance. City Manager. Recommend adoption for first reading, public hearing 02/26/01, second reading 03/12/01.
Resolution for amending the procurement manual will be presented at the Public Hearing.
E. Ordinance 01-07, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Appropriating $3,289.82 from the General Fund - Fund Balance for a Part Time Fire Department Position. City Manager. Appropriated to Acct. 100.5103-5104.150 for expenditure. Recommend adoption for first reading, public hearing and second reading 02/26/01.
Memorandum from Fire Chief as backup.
F. Ordinance 01-08, Of the City Council of Homer Accepting and Appropriating a Reimbursement Grant of $10,000.00 from the State of Alaska Department of Transportation for Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspections and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Grant Agreement. City Manager. Revenue Acct. 151.4520.731, Expenditure Acct 151.5101-5102.731. Recommend adoption for first reading, public hearing 02/26/01 and second reading 02/26/01.
Memorandum from Chief of Police as backup.
G. Ordinance 01-09, Of the City Council Amending Homer City Code Chapter 14.08 to State the Authority of the City Council to Limit or Terminate the Sale of Water for Export or Consumption Outside the City's Certificated Water Service Area. Mayor. Kranich. Yourkowski. City Manager. Recommend adoption for first reading, public hearing 02/26/01 and second reading 03/12/01.
H. Resolution 01-03, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Approving Change Order No. 1 to Tryck, Nyman and Hayes, INC.'s Agreement with the City of Homer for Professional Engineering Services for the Kachemak Bay Multi Purpose Ocean Dock Project in the Amount of $391,430.00 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. (Extension of Services for Construction phase of project.) PWD. City Clerk. Project Acct. 415.904. Recommend adoption.
Memorandum from Public Works as backup.
I. Resolution 01-04, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Amending the Official Records Retention Schedule for the City of Homer by Adding a New Section under Finance Accounting. City Clerk. Finance. Recommend adoption.
J. Memorandum 01-07, from Mayor, Re: Reappointment of Michael Disler to the Port/Harbor Commission, Appointment of Mimi Tolva to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Appointment of Paul Mackie to the Port Harbor Commission and Appointment of Councilmember Yourkowski as Alternate to the PWSRCAC. Recommend confirmation.
K. Memorandum 01-08, from City Clerk, Re: Liquor License Renewals for Land's End, Don Jose's Mexican Restaurant, Best Western Bidarka Inn, Alice's Champagne Palace and Kachemak Bowl. Recommend approval and non objection.
FENSKE/KRANICH - MOVED FOR THE APPROVAL OR ADOPTION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. (Items A, C, E, & I - K.)
VOTE: YES: FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, KRANICH.
Motion carried.
VISITORS
ANNOUNCEMENTS/ PRESENTATIONS/ BOROUGH REPORT/ COMMISSION REPORTS
Mayor Cushing advised the Council as to where his correspondence is located for their review and that all of the important information is forwarded to the Council and or the City Administration.
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
A. Ordinance 01-04, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Repealing Homer City Code 10.04.090, State of Alaska lease and operations policy and 10.04.095, State of Alaska lease--restrictions incorporated by reference. City Clerk. (First Reading 01/22/01, Public Hearing 02/12/01, Second Reading 02/12/01.)
There was no public testimony.
ORDINANCE(S)
A. Ordinance 01-01(S) , Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Accepting Certain Tax Foreclosed Property Deeded to the City by the Kenai Peninsula Borough and Determining the Disposition of Parcel 179-280-33. Council. City Clerk. (First Reading 01/08/01, Public Hearing 01/22/01, Second Reading 02/12/01.)
YOURKOWSKI/KRANICH - MOVED TO ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 01-01(S) BY READING BY OF TITLE.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES: FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, KRANICH.
Motion carried.
B. Ordinance 01-04, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Repealing Homer City Code 10.04.090, State of Alaska lease and operations policy and 10.04.095, State of Alaska lease--restrictions incorporated by reference. City Clerk. (First Reading 01/22/01, Public Hearing 02/12/01, Second Reading 02/12/01.)
KRANICH/YOURKOWSKI - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 01-04 READING BY READING OF TITLE.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT.
Motion carried.
C. Consent Agenda Item B. Ordinance 01-03, Of the City of Homer Amending City Code 14.08, Provisions Relating to Resale of Water and Water Filing Station. City Manager. Recommend adoption for first reading, public hearing 02/26/01 and second reading 03/12/01.
YOURKOWSKI/KRANICH - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 01-03 BY READING OF TITLE.
Councilmembers inquired about the following:
City Manager Drathman responded that this has not been considered, that they could review this and bring it back to the Council at the next meeting and a one year moratorium was considered regarding the fees in the resolutions. He affirmed that the $.04 charge is additional. He did not see the monthly reporting as a problem for the water haulers, adding that the City residents hooked up to the City's water system are billed monthly. All rules and regulations are subject to the approval of the Council.
The reason for no filing stations outside the City is because of the moratorium on no water expansion outside the City limits; the draw down rate on water and the further out, East Road, the greater the draw down; and the annexation matter.
There was some discussion regarding the certified water service area and the proposed annexation area. Other comments were about preparations and cooperative planning for the proposed annexation areas. Council noted that part of the water service area is outside of the corporate limits of the City; therefore, a question for the City Attorney would be whether or not fill stations can be allowed in the service area and not outside of that area. There needs to be a master water plan. There was concern expressed regarding the wording "any error" with reference to revoking the water filling/reseller permit. It was noted that in some places "days" is used and in some places "business days" is used, and that this makes it confusing. There is reference to definitions that should probably be in the definition section. The Trailer Park lots are noted under Mobile home park end users. The disclaimer is to protect the City of Homer in that the City's water is being hauled by private individuals. The monthly service charge to the end user is $10 a month whether the end user gets 1,000 gallons or 200,000 gallons.
Mayor Cushing clarified that the wording is not the water service area, but the certified water service area.
A topic to talk about at the worksession is about those who fill up buckets of water from the City water system and haul these to their homes, etc. The City Attorney is requested to be at this meeting.
The worksession will be 3:30 p.m. on February 26, 2001 regarding this Ordinance and attached Resolutions.
Councilmember Ladd suggested that when there are agenda items of this nature, there should be a worksession prior to the Regular Meeting. He suggested that other matters be discussed at these worksessions such as project reporting and seasonal sales tax.
There was a brief discussion regarding forwarding questions to the administration ahead of the meeting.
City Manager Drathman asked if the Council wanted to consider a Committee of the Whole prior to each Regular Meeting.
Mayor Cushing pointed out with concurrence of the City Manager that the agenda needs to be published for the worksession or Committee of the Whole.
VOTE: YES: MARQUARDT, KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI.
Motion carried.
Resolution 01-, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Amending the City of Homer Fee Schedule Regarding Water Rates for Bulk Water/Resellers of Water. City Clerk.
Resolution 01-, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Amending the City of Homer Fee Schedule, Water Rates, to Add a Section Regarding End Users, for Residential Units and Commercial Structures. City Clerk.
D. Consent Agenda Item D. Ordinance 01-06, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska Amending Homer City Code Chapter 3.16 Procurement. Finance. City Manager. Recommend adoption for first reading, public hearing 02/26/01, second reading 03/12/01.
Resolution for amending the procurement manual will be presented at the Public Hearing.
YOURKOWSKI/FENSKE - MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 01-06 BY READING OF TITLE FOR FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION.
Councilmember Yourkowski read a portion of one of the amendments into the record and suggested that verbiage be added so that there be written concurrence of either the Mayor or the Mayor Pro Tem. (If the value of the property, service or contract exceeds fifteen thousand dollars but does not exceed forty thousand dollars, the Manager may authorize the acquisition or contract with the written concurrence of the Finance Director if appropriated funds are available.)
Mayor Cushing pointed out that one of the whereas clauses states that there are many opportunities for purchases, such as vehicles, that have to be abandoned because of timelines, deadlines and the procurement policy.
Councilmember Fenske asked that this be added to the worksession at 3:30 on the 26th.
Councilmember Ladd expressed his opinion that increasing from $5,000 expenditure authority for the City Manager to $15,000 and then an additional "up to $40,0000" is too steep and there is no check and balance.
Councilmember Marquardt suggested that fleet purchases should be well planned and the $40,000 amount is just too high.
Councilmember Kranich inquired about the wording on open market procedures about publications and obtaining two bids if not publicized.
City Manager Drathman elucidated the reason for this in the case of a "good deal" offered to the City such as with the last vehicle purchase in December that Tony Chevrolet gave to the City, that had to be acted upon before a Council meeting. He advised that the current amounts in the procurement ordinance were set in the early 80s. He noted that there are checks and balances throughout this Ordinance.
Discussion ensued.
VOTE: YES: YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD.
Motion carried.
E. Consent Agenda Item F. Ordinance 01-08, Of the City Council of Homer Accepting and Appropriating a Reimbursement Grant of $10,000.00 from the State of Alaska Department of Transportation for Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspections and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Grant Agreement. City Manager. Revenue Acct. 151.4520.731, Expenditure Acct 151.5101-5102.731. Recommend adoption for first reading, public hearing 02/26/01 and second reading 02/26/01.
Memorandum from Chief of Police as backup.
LADD/FENSKE - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 01-08 BY READING OF TITLE FOR FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION.
There was some concern regarding this ordinance, the information in the Memorandum and the jake brake issue. Council relayed comments that the inspections conducted by the Homer Police Department were done professionally and regularly.
VOTE: YES: LADD, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, KRANICH, FENSKE.
Motion carried.
Mayor Cushing called for a ten minute break. Time not noted on the tape.
F. Consent Agenda Item G. Ordinance 01-09, Of the City Council Amending Homer City Code Chapter 14.08 to State the Authority of the City Council to Limit or Terminate the Sale of Water for Export or Consumption Outside the City's Certificated Water Service Area. Mayor. Kranich. Yourkowski. City Manager. Recommend adoption for first reading, public hearing 02/26/01 and second reading 03/12/01.
KRANICH/LADD - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 01-09 BY READING OF TITLE FOR INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING.
Councilmember Ladd requested this Ordinance be added to the worksession agenda. He reiterated some of his earlier comments under Ordinance01-03 about how the City works with those in the proposed annexation area. He read the following amendment in the Ordinance into the record:
(b) Notwithstanding, any other provision of this title, the City Council may by resolution restrict. interrupt, decrease, or terminate the sale of water for export or consumption outside the certificated. service area whenever the City Council determines it is in the best interests of the city to do so. Such action does not require a finding of water shortage, emergency, or good cause, but may be based on any reasons the city council determines are in the best interest of the city. If practicable, the city will give thirty days notice to the public, affected bulk water customers, and resellers of action taken under this subsection, but the failure to give such advance notice will not render the restriction, interruption, decrease, or termination ineffective, nor will it give rise to any claim or action against the City.
Mr. Ladd stated that the intent of this language may be what is wanted, but this may not be the way the Council wants it done.
This will be added to the worksession on February 26th at 3:30 p.m.
Councilmember Fenske voiced a possible conflict of interest in that he gets water delivered outside the City limits as well as inside the City limits.
Mayor Cushing ruled that there is no conflict and this question will be followed up with the City Attorney.
Discussion ensued.
Mayor Cushing suggested the Council consider a moratorium, first, on new growth and/or new quantities going outside the City.
VOTE: YES: FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, KRANICH.
Motion carried.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
A. City Manager's Report
1. Bank of America Joint Operating Agreement
2. Local Bidder's Preference
B. Bid Report from City Clerk
C. Games of Chance Report from City Clerk
D. Records report from City Clerk.
City Manager Drathman noted the report from Fire Chief Painter about delivering a child at the Fire Station on page 133 of the packet. He also commented on the report on page 134 from Police Chief Robl discussing recent arrests that are believed to have solved some burglaries and vehicle thefts in the area. On page 135 there is a representation of a cross section of Bartlett Street and Hohe Street from DOT about the reconstruction that is going to happen next year. There is intent to include a sidewalk in the Bartlett and Hohe Streets' project and to include catch basins connected to the ditch.
Finance Director Baugh brought the Council up to speed on the Bank of America Agreement and the City of Homer's involvement, in part, in a lawsuit to get approximately $12,000 owned to the City. The City will share in a part of the cost of the lawsuit at .001 % of the fees not to exceed the City's share of the settlement. It is possible that the City will get $0.00.
Support and some concern was expressed about the proposed Local Bidder's Preference Ordinance.
COMMITTEE REPORT
A. Beach Policy Task Force
Councilmember Yourkowski, co chair of the Task Force, gave a brief report that the last meeting was a review, getting some members up to speed, and that an expert on beach geomorphology was present. Area four was preliminarily mentioned. The next meeting is February 20 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Councilmember Fenske, Chair of the Water and Sewer Standards Committee, advised that packets of information were mailed to the property owners in Water and/or Sewer districts and that there will be a meeting February 22nd at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Councilmember Marquardt, Chair of the Road Standards Committee, advised that a meeting would be scheduled soon.
PENDING BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
A. Memorandum 01-09, from City Manager, Boelter Water Permit.
Recommendation: ....that Hank Boelter's application for a water hauling permit be approved subject to the requirements of Ordinance 01-03.
YOURKOWSKI/KRANICH - MOVED TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATION OF MEMORANDUM 01-09.
FENSKE/KRANICH - MOVED TO POSTPONE UNTIL WE HAVE RESOLVED ORDINANCE 01-03.
VOTE: YES: FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, KRANICH.
Motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS
A. Resolution 01-05, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska Noting the Failure of the Ocean Drive Loop Bluff Erosion Control Improvement/Assessment District and Requesting Further Evaluation of the Erosion Control Situation on Ocean Drive Loop Bluff. City Clerk.
FENSKE/KRANICH - MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 01-05 BY READING OF TITLE.
Mayor Cushing clarified that adoption of this Resolution would bring this matter back to the Council and would provide for further evaluation such as funding scenarios and et cetera.
City Manager Drathman advised that this resolution does not obligate the City and that the property owners may redefine the boundaries.
The process was discussed.
VOTE: YES: KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT.
Motion carried.
B. Consent Agenda Item H. Resolution 01-03, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Approving Change Order No. 1 to Tryck, Nyman and Hayes, INC.'s Agreement with the City of Homer for Professional Engineering Services for the Kachemak Bay Multi Purpose Ocean Dock Project in the Amount of $391,430.00 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. (Extension of Services for Construction phase of project.) PWD. City Clerk. Project Acct. 415.904. Recommend adoption.
Memorandum from Public Works as backup.
YOURKOWSKI/FENSKE - MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 01-03 BY READING OF TITLE.
Council briefly discussed the construction management and the dock project schedule.
Mayor Cushing emphasized that there were several stake holder meetings held regarding this project.
VOTE: YES: MARQUARDT, KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI.
Motion carried.
COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE
John Faulkner commented on the Kachemak Bay Multi Purpose Ocean Dock project and submitted a letter for the record. He appealed to the Council for their assistance, since his appeals to the City Administration, in his opinion, fell on deaf ears. He voiced his concerns regarding the dock project and the impact on his business regarding the noise from the project. He pointed out that at this point the City has not placed any limitations on construction activity such as hours of operation, noise controls, interruption of traffic, dust control, et cetera nor have there been any moves toward enforcement measures. He relayed Land's End's proposed addenda to the bid on the following: communication, traffic, dust/garbage, noise, contingency, and enforcement measures including fines for violation. He stated that Land's End wants to be a part of the bidding process.
There was a discourse by and between the City Manager, Mayor and Council and Mr. Faulkner.
Mr. Faulkner stated that he will contact the City Manager tomorrow about resolving some of these matters that he mentioned in terms of reasonableness.
Ken Castner commented that there is something to be said for local hire and good neighbors. He stated that there are a dozen very qualified companies bidding on the dock and commended the Council for approving the Change Order with Tryck, Nyman and Hayes. He commented about litigations and that the contractors doing this project practice project management and critical path management. He noted the pre bid conference one week ago wherein the bidding contractors were present, including himself, and that they had asked about 100 questions. He voiced his opinion that all of these issues may be resolved weekly. He noted that the contractors are sensitive to the issues, particularly the driving of the pilings. He emphasized that all the bidders want all the rules up front, which is why so many questions were asked at the pre bid conference. The pile driving has to be done in conjunction with tides, Kachemak Bay, crane work and et cetera. He voiced his opinion that doing all the pile driving in the winter would probably be more expensive.
Chris Newby voiced a clarification regarding the improvement district process and the City Code, and voiced his concern that the process not start over completely with the Ocean Drive Loop Erosion Control improvements. He commented on the steps and keeping this project moving forward. He stated that he would call the City Manager and set up an appointment.
Larry Goode commented on the Ocean Drive Loop Erosion project and asked if this project was going to continue. He inquired about the next step and asked for some help. He noted and voiced concern that it took nine months to get to this point.
Mayor Cushing, noting the Resolution, stated that Council's intent is to further evaluate the problem on Ocean Loop Drive Bluff. He stated that he expects to see a smaller district.
Hank Boelter commented on his water permit and asked for an interim permit until the Ordinance is resolved, so that he can stay in business.
The City Manager offered to look into this and see what he can do.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Tans was not present.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
Secretary to the City Manager Livingston, filling in for the City Clerk, had no comment.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager Drathman had no comment.
COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR
Mayor Cushing noted that he attended the Mayor's Conference and has a package of information that will be on his office desk to read and review. He summarized that the Mayor's Conference was one of the least contentious he has attended. He noted that the following items were discussed at the Mayor's Conference:
Municipal funding and that the legislature may restore some of the past cuts to the municipalities.
Natural gas and that the oil companies are still looking at the northern route.
Equity in Education Funding Act.
That Economic Development present to the Boundary Commission on a yearly basis boroughs that should be formed. This would be putting the "peg" one step faster.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Fenske commented about the taking the heat on postponing Mr. Boelter's water permit, because of setting this aside for the worksession. He voiced his appreciation of the fact that the City Manager is going to try to see what he can do for Mr. Boelter in the interim.
Councilmember Yourkowski voiced appreciation for Mr. Castner's comments about the professionalism in running a job and that mitigation is a part of that project. He noted in road projects there is silt control, traffic control with ten minute delays and etcetera. He voiced his preference for discussions to be held in a professional manner rather than in a yelling match. He voiced appreciation for the City Manager's work this week.
Councilmember Ladd noted that there are a lot of hot issues and voiced appreciation for these matters being put to the Council. He stated that he looks forward to the worksession . He commented about the, more or less, complete list of projects and thanked the City Manager for putting this together, that it was informative and will be good for review and tracking.
Mayor Cushing noted that the projects would be a focal point of the next brown bag luncheon.
Ray Kranich expressed his opinion that for the amount of agenda the Council is getting done fairly early. He voiced his appreciation of the deliberation and consideration on some pretty vital issues and that this was a productive meeting. He suggested that the City Manager and Attorney work on a redraft of the Ordinance for underground utilities or take it off the books, because the City Attorney has stated that he cannot defend it.
City Manager Drathman stated that he could add it to the list for Council to prioritize.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at 11:35 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 26, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. in the Homer City Hall Council Chambers. A worksession at 3:30 p.m. on February 26, 2001 regarding Ordinances 01-03 and attached Resolutions, Ordinance 01-06 and Ordinance 01-09. There is a joint worksession with the Council's advisory bodies is scheduled for February 26th at 5:30 p.m. regarding Land Allocation/Use and the Proposed Land Bank Ordinance. The Mayor/Council/Management Brown Bag Luncheon is scheduled for noon on February 26th.
________________________________________________________
RACHEL LIVINGSTON, SECRETARY TO THE CITY MANAGER
____________________________________
MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK
APPROVED: ___________________________