Session 03-01, a Regular Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order at 7:33 p.m. by Mayor Jack Cushing at the Homer City Hall Council Chambers located at 491 E Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

The Council's Committee of the Whole met from 4:085 p.m. to 5:59 p.m., agenda items were the Personnel Rules and Regulation Revisions submitted via Resolution 02-82 during the December 9, 2002 regular meeting with action postponed to January 27, 2003, and the Regular Meeting agenda. 

 

PRESENT:            COUNCILMEMBERS:           FENSKE, KRANICH, LADD, STARK,                                                                                              YOURKOWSKI.                                                                                          

                        STAFF:                                   ACTING CITY MANAGER ROBL                                                                                                  ADMINISTRATIVE ASSIST. LIVINGSTON

                                                                        CITY CLERK CALHOUN

                                                                        CITY CLERK ASSISTANT HUFFNAGLE

                                                                        FINANCE DIRECTOR BAUGH

                                                                        LIBRARY DIRECTOR HILL

                                                                        PERSONNEL OFFICER HOBBS

                                                                        PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR MEYER

                                                                       

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER:                      BECK (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 Council with the following changes: Addition from Councilmember Stark Memorandum 03-06, regarding Library Site Selection Pending Business Item B.; Memorandum to City Manager’s Report regarding the Fire at Bay Watch Condominiums and Ordinance 03-07 to the Consent Agenda. Substitute Pages 6, 8 and 15 on minutes. Written testimony received regarding Ordinance 02-53(S)(A) from Sharon Whytal and Joel Cooper and written comment received from Hal Spence and Susan McLane regarding the Animal Shelter Site. Ballots for City Manager Selection process as requested by Councilmember Stark, not added to the agenda, these are available should Council choose to use these during the development of the short list of City Manager applicants for the interview process. Public Hearing will be 2/24/03 and second reading 03/10/03 for Ordinances 03-03--03-05, Consent Agenda Items D, E and F. to provide time for the Planning Commission to add a recital documenting that the proposed zoning for the study area is in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

 

Pat Moss, in the annexed area, complemented the City on the beautiful job it is doing on the road she lives on, Jeffery Avenue . She commented on the Animal Shelter Site, sharing her credentials, and advised the council that they are not going to be able to construct a proper facility for $400,000.00.  She reported that it was about 1974 that she established Homer Animal Friends and taught obedience classes for Homer Animal Friends. She told the Council that she is less concerned about the site than she is about a proper facility being built, pointing out that Animal Shelters are incredibly complex structures and cited some of the things a proper Animal Shelter needs:

            Extensive and incredibly complicated drainage system and the drains cannot just run through the general populace, because the drains carry disease.

            Incredibly complicated ventilation systems, one system for the general populace of animals, one for the office helpers and shelter workers, and one for isolation animals           

            Separated areas for cats and dogs

            Euthanasia areas

Mrs. Moss emphasized that this is not a box with cages in it, this is an incredibly complicated structure. She voiced her opinion that Homer could find in its heart to put in some more money to make it a proper shelter. In response to Council inquiry as to her opinion on site location, she stated that the more centrally located the better, the further out of town the more problems, the current location and area around Public Works is a good spot, although maybe not ideal. She added that the dump area would probably work as well.

 

Kevin Hogan was thanked by the Mayor for the book that he gave the Mayor and Council each, VOLTAIRE CANDIDE. He echoed previous comments on the animal shelter. He highly endorsed Resolution 03-06, traffic light at the Sterling Highway/Lake Street Intersection, noting that this is a safety issue. He suggested there be a process in place to interface with DOT regarding street safety, perhaps a standing committee so there are not more problems like the Sterling Highway/Lake Street Intersection that DOT has changed over the last fifteen years and that have made it worse.

 

Bob Shavelson thanked the Council for the work they are doing and for taking the time, noting the size of the Council’s packet for this meeting. He echoed Pat Moss’s comments, adding that he strongly supports moving forward with the Animal Shelter for the town and that this is an issue that resonates with a lot of people. He voiced his hope that the Council would push this project forward.

 

Mayor Cushing asked Pat Moss if she had any comments regarding the existing location being expanded.

 

Pat Moss reiterated that she cannot address that, what she is concerned about is the quality of the facility.

 

Ken Castner, referring to Memorandum 03-02, commented about the Library Site Selection, the Manager’s recommendation and relayed his history on the Library Building Committee and the matrix that they had put together. He commented about the Library Building Committee’s matrix that identified some alternative sites around town other than what was in play at the time. One of the parcels suggested is behind Petro Marine and owned by Petro Marine. He advised that Petro Marine has subdivided that property and put it up for sale and the Committee has had more time to look at the one thing missing from both matrixes, a comprehensive plan for more than next week. He voiced opinion that the center of the center of town is a really good spot. He stated that he is not adverse to the City selling property in order to raise money. He also commented on Memorandum 03-03, City Manager selection process, noting that the Mayor invited him to take part as a member of the general public representing the non profit community in the selection process for the new City Manager. He emphasized that he has done every thing the Council has done, yet it is unclear, to him, as to what his duties are going to be and it is not spelled out in a resolution as to what a “Selection Committee” does. Mr. Castner stated that he has to know since a lot of people are calling him and asking him to ask questions of the candidates during the interview process and asking for his support of one candidate or another. He asked for a response so that he can plan.

 

Mayor Cushing advised that he and Mike Dye will be involved in everything that the Council is involved with except the voting by the Council or participation in an Executive Session.

 

There was brief discussion by the Mayor and Council with agreement that Ken Castner and Mike Dye both participate in the interviewing process, the luncheon and such, except voting. It was stated that their input regarding impressions and opinions from the process are desired as well as the general public’s.

 

Barb Seaman, Executive Director of the Land Trust and part of the Town Square Task Force, advised that she could talk about all kinds of topics on the agenda, but will keep it to a couple. She commented on Memorandum 03-02, the Library Site, encouraging the Council to select the Petro Marine  site for a bunch of reasons already stated. This is the, sort of, center piece of town and could be the Library center piece of town and fits a big picture, a big vision, that has been in the works for a long time. The purchase price should not be a big enough detriment to stop the Council from picking the best place in town, which is pretty important, and then design and development could take place. She stated that she has seen zoning changes come that are intended to strengthen the center of down town Homer. The Petro Marine property is adjacent to Poopdeck Park, adjacent to the future trail hub in town. The sites next to it that are City owned could be added, or not, to expand parking and public access to the Library. The site has a great traffic pattern and in the future the roads that the Council will consider will also be accessing the Library site, which is something to think about in the future planning of down town Homer. She emphasized that the Petro Marine site is a world class site and she voiced her hope that the Council would look at it carefully, adding that there is a willing seller there, willing to talk to the City about it and that the seller is having a local realtor put a value on that property for sale. She noted that the Library Advisory Board and Town Square Task Force also have commented on this site as being a good site for the Library. She encouraged the Council to adopt Ordinance 03-02, the appropriation for the Town Square Project to continue that effort, keep the momentum up, and that contacts have been made and the designs are coming. She advised that the Task Force report will be to the Council at a March meeting with the final economic analysis and the design idea, hopefully based on the Library decision.

 

Mayor Cushing shared a common knowledge that Petro Marine would give the Land Trust first option on the property being discussed.

 

Barb Seaman corrected the Mayor that Petro Marine was not going to give the Land Trust first option, Petro Marine was promoting the property for a piece of the Town Square Project. She confirmed that the City would not be stepping on anything the Land Trust is wanting to do and that the Land Trust encourages the City to purchase this site for the Library.

 

Bob Keys voiced concern regarding the hiring of a new City Manager and that he would like to see someone hired that has some knowledge of the tourism industry in Homer. He voiced his opinion that there has not been much attention paid by the present City Manager to tourism or the logging business in Homer. The vast majority of Homer’s business that is attracted is a result of tourist coming to Homer. The tourists spend a day, a few days, a few weeks or the whole summer. He stated that close attention should be paid to what the tourist like about Homer and set sites on making it comfortable for them to be here and enjoy themselves. He commented that the City Managers get in, get involved in City politics and the running of the City, but not the direction that the City needs to go.

 

Dale Banks stated that he owns a business in City limits and is a Library user. He urged the Council to strongly weigh the comments of the Library Advisory Board and the representatives of the Town Square Project regarding the site selection of the Library. He commented that he is not real familiar with the history, but it seems that the Petro Marine site is a real good site and voiced his hope that the Council would pursue that site.

 

RECONSIDERATION

 

None scheduled.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

(Items listed below will be enacted by one motion. If separate discussion is desired on an item, that item may be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular Meeting Agenda at the request of a Councilmember.)

 

Councilmember Fenske requested that Item C. Ordinance 03-02 be placed under Ordinances as Item A.

 

Public Hearing will be 2/24/03 and second reading 03/10/03 for Ordinances 03-03--03-05,  Items D, E and F.

 

Councilmember Yourkowski requested that Resolution 03-06, Item N. be placed under Resolutions as item A.

 

Mayor Cushing asked that Ordinance 03-07, Item H., be placed under New Business Item B.

 

A.        Homer City Council unapproved meeting minutes of  December 9, 2002 Regular Meeting. Recommend approval.                                                                                 

 

B.            Ordinance 03-01, Amending Title 17 of the Homer City Code, regarding Improvement Districts. Recommended by City Attorney. Mayor and Council. Recommend adoption for introduction and first reading, public hearing January 27, 2003 and second reading February  10, 2003.                          

 

Memorandum from City Clerk.                                                                                   

 

C.            Ordinance 03-02, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Appropriating $5,000.00 from the Planning Reserves Fund for the Town Square Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. Beck. Yourkowski. Fiscal Note: Revenue and Expenditure Acct. 151-387. Recommend adoption for introduction and first reading, public hearing and second reading January 27, 2003.                                            

 

PLACED UNDER ORDINANCES AS ITEM A.

 

D.            Ordinance 03-03, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Amending the Homer City Zoning Map to Zone Portions of the Annexed Area Identified as Study Area #2 Per Attached Exhibit A. City Manager. Recommend adoption for introduction and first reading, public hearing February 24, 2003, second reading March 10, 2003.        

 

E.            Ordinance 03-04, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Amending the Homer City Zoning Map to Zone Portions of the Annexed Area Identified as Study Area #3 Per Attached Exhibit A. City Manager. Recommend adoption for introduction and first reading, public hearing February 24, 2003 and second reading March 10, 2003.  

 

F.            Ordinance 03-05, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Amending the Homer City Zoning Map to Zone Portions of the Annexed Area Identified as Study Area #4 Per Attached Exhibit A. City Manager. Recommend adoption for introduction and first reading, public hearing February 24, 2003 and second reading March 10, 2003.  

 

G.            Ordinance 03-06, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Amending Chapter 21.62 Variances of the Homer Zoning Code by Deleting 21.62.015, Exception from the Code. City Manager. Recommend adoption for introduction and first reading, public hearing January 27, 2003 and second reading February 10, 2003.                          

 

Addition approved under agenda approval: H.            Ordinance 03-07, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Appropriating  $265,000.00 from the General Fund - Fund Balance to Purchase AURA Land in the Bridge Creek Watershed and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. Mayor. Recommend introduction and public hearing and second reading on January 27, 2003.

 

PLACED UNDER NEW BUSINESS ITEM H. TO BE ADDRESSED/ACTED UPON AFTER THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

 

I.           Resolution 03-01, Of the Homer City Council Confirming Dean Baugh as Treasurer for Calendar Year 2003. City Manager. Recommend  adoption.                                 

 

J.           Resolution 03-02, Of the Homer City Council Confirming the Appointment of Lisa Vaughn as Deputy Treasurer for Calendar Year 2003. City Manager. Recommend adoption.

 

K.           Resolution 03-03, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Amending the Procurement Policy and Procedures Manual, Travel Authorization and Expenditure Report Forms Regarding the Personal Auto Use Mileage Rate from $0.365 to $0.36 for 2003. City Manager.  Recommend adoption.                                                                                 

 

L.           Resolution 03-04, Of the Homer City Council Adopting the Alfa Cafeteria Plan. City Manager. Fiscal Note: $450.00 plan enrollment fee from Acct. 600.5210.800, Insurance Fund, budgeted. Recommend adoption.                                                                     

 

Memorandum from Personnel as backup.                                                                  

 

M.           Resolution 03-05, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Authorizing the Purchase of Thirty Five SCBA (airpack) Replacement Units, Associated Software and Training, and Service Bench and Testing Equipment from Eagle Enterprises, Inc. of Homer, Alaska in the Amount of $150,000.00 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager. Fiscal Note: Acct. 151.736. Recommend adoption.         

 

Memorandum from Fire Chief as backup.                                                      

 

N.           Resolution 03-06, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Requesting that State of Alaska DOT & PF Install Traffic Signals at the Intersection of the Sterling Highway and Lake Street. Stark.  Recommend adoption.                                                         

 

PLACED UNDER RESOLUTIONS AS ITEM A.

 

O.            Resolution 03-07, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Supporting a Grant Application for $123,000.00 by the South Peninsula Behavioral Health Association Inc., dba, Community Mental Health Center and Pride Program, to Replace Aging Vehicles and Purchase an Additional Car for Transporting Clients. Mayor. Recommend adoption.                     

 

P.             Memorandum 03-04, from City Clerk, Re: Request for Executive Session pursuant to AS 44.62.310.(c)(1), Re: Land purchase with UAA. Recommend approval and conduct under New Business as Item B.                                                                                

 

Q.            Memorandum 03-05, from City Clerk, Re: Request for Executive Session pursuant to AS 44.62.310(c)(2), Re: City Manager applicant background and financial information. Recommend approval and conduct in conjunction with New Business Item A.

 

FENSKE/YOURKOWSKI - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONSENT AGENDA AS READ.

 

Councilmember Ladd requested that Item Q. be placed with New Business Item A.

 

VOTE: (Items A, B, D - M, O and P) YES: FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, STARK,                                                                         KRANICH.

Motion carried. 

 

VISITORS

 

A.        Derotha Ferraro, Chamber of Commerce Report.                                   

 

Derotha Ferraro unable to attend, this report will be rescheduled.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS/BOROUGH REPORT/COMMISSION REPORTS

 

A.        Council Travel Reports                                                                        

            Stark, Ladd, Beck.

 

Mayor Cushing advised that he will be attending the Mayor’s Conference in Juneau in February.

 

Nancy Lord, Chair of the Library Advisory Board,  reported predominately focusing on the Library Building Committee and Library site selection. She advised that the Library Advisory Board and Building Committee met jointly and carefully reviewed the City Manager’s recommendation.  She relayed thanks to the City Manager and administration for the effort in getting that recommendation made before the deadline and for doing such a good job with it. She reported that the group does not believe there is a bad site; however, after discussion and public comment there was a unanimous vote of the Board recommending the Petro Marine site. Ms. Lord stated that the Board wants to be clear on the record why they think this is such a great site:

            Central Location and most options for developing the City center.

            A plus in relation to the park land and other City properties.

            A good site.

            Largest of the sites.

            Accessible, yet quiet.

            Less traffic.

            Good aesthetics and view.

            It is ready.

            Nucleus or catalyst for future City planning and development.

She relayed the Board’s excitement with the Petro Marine site and encouraged the Council to consider this site and to move as quickly as Council is able. She added that on the matrix this site was ranked in the middle due to the purchase price, which can be off set by selling other City properties.

 

Councilmember Stark noted that the Manager’s report failed to evaluate the purchase price as he noted in Memorandum 03-06. He inquired if the group did a “boots on the ground” analysis.

 

Ms. Lord advised that the Building Committee did go out and walk the sites and got a good sense of the sites.

 

Councilmember Stark commented on his report and shared a concept from the EDD conference regarding tourism: If  we make Homer attractive to its residents we will make it attractive to tourists. He also commended the Mayor for his excellent presentation and for making Homer look good.

 

PUBLIC HEARING(S)

 

A.            Ordinance 02-53(S)(A), Of the City of Homer Imposing a Temporary Six Month Moratorium on Applications for Permitted Retail and Wholesale Structures in Excess of 30,000 Square Feet of Building Area and to Require the Homer Planning Commission to Initiate a Review Regarding the Compatibility of Retail and Wholesale Structures of this Size with the Homer Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations and to Report to the City Council Regarding Recommendations. Mayor. Ladd. (First Reading December 9, 2002, Public Hearing and Second Reading January 13, 2003.)                                     

 

Toby Tyler voiced appreciation for the good work that has been done on the road he lives on. He advised that he received the survey and on the question about box stores he had put a big NEVER right above five, or whatever it was. He stated that since then he has modified his opinion slightly to not wanting a box store on the CIRI site. Homer already has several box stores. He relayed some of the history of the CIRI site:

            In about the 40s the site was cleared of all the trees for the FAA site to put up their towers long before there was much City around.

            KBBI Concert on the Lawn for many years.

            When the property was finally sold the City acquired the northern part and CIRI acquired the southern part.

            Baby trees grew up where the clear cutting had occurred.

Mr. Tyler stated that currently on the southeast corner of the CIRI property exists one of the most beautiful collections of young, thriving spruce trees left in the whole area since the beetle kill. He emphasized that the CIRI site is the worst possible site, in town, for a box store to be placed and that everything would be cut down and the growth would have to start all over, again. He commented on the box stores that already exist and that the already existing Safeway will go out of business and leave an empty building. He voiced his opinion that if Fred Meyers has to come to town the logical thing for them to do is to buy out Safeway and remodel the building to within whatever restrictions the Council placed, voicing his hope that the Council will be very careful with the restrictions. He shared his dissatisfaction with the Safeway ingress/egress situation, adding that with Fred Meyer coming it makes sense for them to lower their price. He urged the Council to add to the ordinance some kind of regulation regarding lights in the parking  area so that the lights are carefully arranged and shielded to shine downward similar to the lights at Homer High School. He pointed out that there are alternate sites available and more needs than another grocery store. He urged the Council to impose a moratorium. He voiced his hope that the Council would do something another big store will put other stores out of business and it will totally change the feeling and wonderfulness of Homer.

 

Bob Keys advised that he was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and voiced his belief that this is the place where Fred Meyer was originally established. He stated that Fred Meyer is a real solid company and a good company with good products and that they market good. He stated that he does not care if Fred Meyer comes to Homer, but does not want to see them located on the CIRI property. Mr. Keys noted that he is in the tourist industry and his customers have expressed their appreciation of the aesthetic beauty of Homer, as is right now as opposed to a concrete jungle that they come here to get away from. He objected to this great big facility being placed in the middle of town, which is supposed to be reserved for part of the Town Square Project. He voiced his opinion if this area is used for a store the Town Square Project will be down the tubes. He objected to the clearing of the beautiful trees and replacing them with a big store, which Homer doesn’t need any way. He voiced concern with Fred Meyers running other business out of business, which is something they can do. He reported on a great deal of consternation going on in Soldotna right now where a Fred Meyer store exists wherein RVs park. Due to the RV parking area in the Fred Meyer lot there are noisy all  night parties, dog feces all over everywhere and no control. Mr. Keys relayed a conversation he had with the Safeway Store Manager in Soldotna who had made the statement that Safeway’s idea is that motor homes belong in motor home parks not in a grocery store parking lot. He urged the Council to not sacrifice the City’s rules and regulations for a business. Tourism and the aesthetic beauty of Homer is very important to the people that come here. He advised that some of his customers have stayed all summer and that he figures his business generates $200,000.00 to $250,000.00 for the City of Homer in charters, sales tax, taxi cabs, restaurants, air charters, rentals and etcetera, pointing out that he has only seven little cabins that he rents out to people who come here because they like the beauty of Homer. He voiced his opinion that Fred Meyers would drastically change Homer. Mr. Keys told the Council that his Grandfather was the second resident in Portland, Oregon, that he had a ferry business across the Willamette River for thirty five years before bridges were built. He emphasized that he is not against private enterprise and that Fred Meyers has every right to come here and establish a store. He voiced his opinion that there are not enough people here to support four big grocery stores; Kachemak, Safeway, Save U More and Fred Meyer. He reported that he sends tide books all over the world citing places like Austria, France, Germany, England, Formosa and Japan and that he tells people the best tides to fish and dig clams, which means a lot. He advised that last summer there were not ten days that he had an empty cabin. He emphasized that he spends quite a bit of money advertising his business in Florida, South and North Carolina, Texas, California, etcetera.  He concluded by stating that he believes it is just wrong to put a big grocery store, that doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the stores, in the middle of something that is as pretty as Homer.

 

Dale Banks voiced his support of the passage or Ordinance 02-53(S)(A). He stated that, undeniable, placing a large box store in the center of Homer would have traumatic impacts to the flavor of Homer. He cited impacts of increased impervious surface, parking and traffic issues, effects on the Town Square Project, local small businesses, aesthetics, City taxes and services, average wages. quality of life and etcetera. Noting that survey results seem to indicate a support of a large box store, he pointed out that the City has a duty to fully investigate how a large box store will affect the City, how it fits in with the City’s vision - the Comprehensive Plan. He encouraged the City to study impacts of box stores in similarly sized towns and research towns that have said no. He voiced his opinion that a Task Force could possibly be a good means to this endeavor, similar to the Beach Policy Task Force. He strongly urged the Council to consider a one year moratorium and to give adequate time for this process, which hopefully, will include meaningful public input and thorough investigation and consideration of impacts to the City and surrounding area. He complemented the Council on  having the foresight to impose a moratorium now to help the Council, City Manager, the Planning Commission and the public to thoroughly understand the impacts associated with a large box store near the center of town. He again urged the Council to consider a one year moratorium.

 

Kevin Hogan shared some photos that he took of the architecture and aesthetics of Homer this afternoon, that he did a few of these in panoramic format and then ran out of film or he would have taken more photos. He commented on the reason he gave the book, VOLTAIRE CANDIDE, to the Mayor  and each Councilmember, that he wanted them to see the folly of proventulism. He noted that every community in the world thinks that their own half acre is anointed by God. Homer is just like everyone else and is a competitive environment. He stated that the article in the Homer News that reported that Homer is in the lead in sales in the Borough in the third quarter is totally false. The only thing Homer leads the borough in, according to that report, is cost of living. It is extreme folly to think that the City is going to tell Fred Meyer what a good aesthetic business site is or any large professional corporation, especially when looking around town at what now exists. Mr. Hogan stated that he does not think there is any way to bring Fred Meyer down to the Homer level. God did a wonderful job when He put this place here, but what has been done has not improved on it a whole lot. He urged the Council to send out a positive message and that imposing a moratorium has a negative message and in the matter of commerce that is something that is going to stick. Right now  the school district is starving for money and Homer is telling an employer that is going to bring in 100 families and pay millions of dollars of sales tax that they are not wanted. Mr. Hogan stated that there is nothing wrong with this town that a good dose of prosperity isn’t going to fix or at least help out. He cautioned the Council regarding the level of government interference to allow in the world of commerce. He noted the discussion centered on the CIRI property and voiced concern that if the City imposes a moratorium on the use of that property and there is a sale pending, this constitutes a taking and the share holder’s of CIRI are going to be harmed by that. He emphasized that the City does not have the legal horses to go up against CIRI legal horses and that CIRI has a responsibility to their share holders to provide the best return on their investment. If the City government infringes upon their right, takes something from them, then the City will have to compensate them or be in trouble. He stated that he does not think the community, proventualism  and the life style police mentality being addressed here will hold up in court. Realizing that other communities have gone through this process, he pointed out that there is a big difference in planning and telling someone that they cannot use their property for an intended use, adding that it is not CIRI’s problem that the City has not planned for development. He commented on the track record of the large corporations is usually pretty good on fitting into a community in a positive manner. Mr. Hogan addressed some comments made when this Ordinance was introduced, last meeting, regarding the Lowe’s store in South Anchorage and the access issues; that he contacted the Manager of Lowe’s who informed him that Lowe’s had nothing to do with the planning of that access for that facility , which was planned by the Municipality of Anchorage. It is folly to think that the City is going to tell someone how to run their business better than they can. He stated that if there are businesses that are pushing this ordinance he would like to know about them so that he can quite trading there. It is not the government’s function to interfere with the people’s freedom of choice. Homer is the second largest community in this borough with the third highest gross sales and is third in sales tax revenues. Right now a lot of revenue is going up the road. He agreed that planning needs to be done, but separate from this ordinance. He encouraged the Council to send a message to box stores, not of moratorium, but rather of what can be done to help them. He suggested that there be a third reading so that the public had opportunity to comment after ordinances have changes. He stated that he does not want his freedom of choice impinged on, that he thinks that Homer could use some economic activity, that he does not want to see a school strike and like to see revenues for the borough for schools and more students in the schools.

 

Roark Brown, business owner inside and outside the City, spoke in favor of the moratorium, not for the purpose of excluding box stores, but for planning purposes. He noted that most people agree that the proposed down town location is not the best place for a large store and that, perhaps, on the outside of town. He voiced disagreement with Bob Keys that this town is aesthetically pleasing and that he brings a lot of tour operators to town and tries to bring group business to Homer and works with a lot of travel agents. He commented about picking people up at the airport and taking them out to the Spit, that it is, frankly, embarrassing as is the appearance of East Road. He voiced his support for architectural standards, even a theme for the town. He advised that he is one of the last to support telling people how to run their business, but is in support of having some guidelines to make this place more visitor friendly and more appealing, which right now it is not.

 

Mimi Tolva commented that she has lived here a long time and is a big supporter of free enterprise. She advised that she travels a lot to big and little places and that she has seen what unplanned and helter skelter growth can do. Maybe or maybe not Homer should have box stores, adding that, personally, she would rather not have box stores. She stated that if there are going to be box stores the Council has done a good thing with the moratorium and voiced her strong support of the moratorium. She voiced concern with letting box stores do what they may at the cheapest possible cost. Homer will end up like Beaverton, Oregon or some of these other places that no one wants to visit or live in. She encouraged high standards and noted that people are starting to talk about high standards and wanting to improve what they are doing here in the Homer area. Ms. Tolva encouraged the Council to stay on that track and to keep Homer a beautiful and special little place. She noted the tree planting and raising of standards little by little. Regarding Fred Meyer coming to town, as wonderful as that may be, she pointed out that they are not going to have a lot of high paying jobs and if they put out of business some of the little business that are owner run and family businesses, those people are going to take a big cut in pay. She disagreed that Fred Meyer will be a big economic stimulus, interjecting that it is just another box store.

 

Bob Shavelson testified in support of the Ordinance and thanked Councilmember Ladd and the Mayor for having the foresight to introduce this ordinance. He agreed that this is another complex issue with major opinions. He echoed Mr. Banks sentiments that this should be a one year moratorium, or cooling off period or a time to reflect on what is wanted for the appearance of the community and to deal with the complex issues that arise out of this box store topic. He stated that he has been heartened recently to hear the comments of the City Council and to read in the news papers that there does seem to be a collective agreement to look ahead 25, 50 or 100 years. The challenge is for Council to promote a broad vision for the public good, satisfy the public interest. He noted that what got people out was the story that CIRI was interested in selling their parcel in the middle of town to Fred Meyer. He emphasized the importance of understanding the entities involved, two private entities, private corporations that will look out for their private interests, who do not have a duty to the community of Homer and who are legally bound to maximize the returns to their share holders. Mr. Shavelson voiced the assumption that the jobs that come with the big box store business will be minimum wage jobs. He voiced disagreement with the survey comment he read in the news paper about the need for Homer to grow and to let it grow. He stated that planning is not passive it is an activity that the City Council has to be immersed in and that Council has a duty to pursue the public interest. He voiced his opinion that if Council does not pursue the public interest Homer will be a scenario like Soldotna, which is not attractive or conducive to attracting tourists. He said that Councilmember Stark’s comment was right on about the EDD report, that what makes a place attractive to its residents makes it attractive to tourism, a very accurate sentiment. He disagreed with those who raise the flag of capitalism and free enterprise, adding that one of the problems with the economic system is that there is no way to value what is valued; open space, clear vista, clean water, clean air. There is nothing in the economic balance sheet that looks at those things, it is always dollars and cents, revenues and expenses; therefore, it is up to elected officials to try to embrace that value in the community and put in some foresightful policy. He suggested that the issues of economic dislocations be addressed in this ordinance, it would be valuable to know how many business would be removed from the City tax rolls in the event that a large box store or two come to town. He closed by stating that there is considerable social, economic, aesthetic and site location issues and that it is important to be deliberative rather than rush to judgment on these things. He suggested that taking a year to carefully consider these issues and amend the Comprehensive Plan would be in the best interest of the City.

 

Sue Post voiced strong support of this Ordinance, the box store six month moratorium and that she would love to see the six months changed to one year. She advised she is an owner of business here in town that is celebrating its 25th year of being a family owned business[1], in Homer and that they have seen the town grow quite a bit. Everyone knows that the town will continue to grow and change, which is pretty inevitable. She voiced her feeling that a big box store in Homer would severely detriment many of the local business and that tax revenue will be lost with the stores that don’t continue to thrive. She reported on many people that come to their store from out of town all year round and that this clientele loves to come to Homer because of its uniqueness. She testified that there are some who come twice a year from Anchorage to do their give shopping at the unique stores in Homer. Regarding the employment issue, she advised that she is a Homer graduate that left town, went to Anchorage and came back, in a large part, due to the uniqueness and because Anchorage is so ugly with box stores and strip malls. Box stores are not the best jobs for young people, it is a dead end job and there are stores such as Nomar that train young people trades, retail and skills. She stated that she does not feel that has a large enough community  to support the number of grocery stores that will be here. She encouraged the Council to extend the moratorium to one year and give some of the stores that have recently remodeled or opened a chance to get their feet on the ground. She commented that perhaps those residents in Homer who said, in the survey, that they wanted a big box store here to see prices come down, perhaps will see lower prices with the larger Save-U-More and the newer wholesale store here in town. She encouraged people to give these two stores, Save-U-More and the newer wholesale store a chance. She voiced concern that another grocery store will mean that one or at least two of the other grocery stores will fold up and the City will have the issue of big empty buildings that do not support small family owned retail businesses. Ms. Post relayed that she had been reading that Fred Meyers has said that if it comes to Homer it would only be a grocery store and that she finds it hard to believe that it would stay that way and that Fred Meyers would soon be including household supplies, CDs and audio cassettes, jewelry, books, you name it and more and more of the local businesses will be impacted and fold. She pointed out another issue of a big corporations coming to town is that they do not often rely on the local services; print jobs are done at their headquarters, banking at headquarters, signs are made back at headquarters, a high impact. Regarding the tax issues, she asked everyone to consider how often the small businesses here in town are approached by school children, Hockey club, benefit auction, school year books, school basket ball teams, you name it. She reported that there are probably three people a week in their store looking for a donation and that they never turn them down. There is a pride in the community, because local businesses do support local events and students. She voiced agreement that there are some parts of Homer that are not as attractive as others, but Homer still beats places like Soldotna and Wasilla, hands down and that she has never heard a tourist come in and say, “Oh what a beautiful town that is 70 miles up the road.” She expressed her opinion that the small businesses generate a large tax dollar revenue that can not be equaled by a large box store, if those stores fold. She offered to serve on a Task Force in the event that Council decides to create one. She encouraged the Council to take a serious look at the impact to this community.

 

Steve Howell, local business owner and also works in Kenai five days a week, informed the Council that he chooses to make Homer his home for his family for  many reasons, most of which are located up the road 75 miles. He moved his family to Homer from the Nikiski/Kenai area specifically to get away from the things that were happening to the local community whose identity was being consumed by large mega corporations that were moving into town and driving small business out and obliterating that community tie between citizens and the commercial engine of the community. It is unfortunate, maybe in some ways, that we live in a society that functions around that commercial engine, but that is the model and that’s what holds this community together and makes it work in a lot of ways. He voiced chagrin with turning around and selling out, meaning there is a big price tag, to a big corporation from outside. If the price looks good enough the corporation will move in and buy, essentially, the retail business that exist. Mr. Howell testified that he wanted to make a few points; that America is a wash in the sea of instant gratification; people that move to Homer don’t need instant gratification, meaning things that are accessible to them at all times. No one moved to Homer for convenience. How refreshing to live in a place where one has to think about what we do, what we purchase and about who we interact with, whether or not this person is going to donate to my child’s hockey program, this person has a son that is eventually going to work in my business who I am going to teach business ethics. A town center should reflect the people who live and work here including its history. There is absolutely nothing about Fred Meyer that reflects the town, its center, its heart and its history and is a giant trip and fall forward for the community. Mr. Howell assured the Council that he is not against commercial activities, but a store like Fred Meyer should exist on the periphery not at the  heart and center of town. Regarding the tax revenue, he pointed out that there is only so much money that is going to be spent, there is only so much liquid cash. He asserted that more money will not be spent in town because Fred Meyers is here. Those who were before spending money as business owners will be spending less. There is a certain amount of growth that is occurring in this town. He avowed that within the first couple of years with a large entity moving to town there is likely to be a spike in tax revenue and spike in some sort of commerce around, warning that it is not sustainable. He pointed out, that based on basic economic predictions, there is not going to be more growth over the long term, which, according to Mr. Howell, are the same predictions that Fred Meyers is using to move here. He relayed a comment about the survey in the newspaper that there were 37% who strongly oppose such a thing in town, especially in the center of town. He announced that there is no net gain in employment over the long term, because a box store moves to town and is probably a net loss. If a business is selling more with less overhead, and the biggest part of that overhead is labor, the analysis is that if there is the same growth over a certain period of time and it is done with fewer employers, there are fewer people employed. He declared that Fed Meyers/ Kroeger competes with Safeway not with local business, the notion that any local business could compete is as silly as saying that Mr. Kranich is going to start a power company on his own and compete with HEA, emphasizing that it is impossible to compete at that level. Mr. Howell declared that Fred Meyers/Kroeger is the first or second largest grocer in the country, right up there with Safeway. Fred Meyers’ business model is different than Safeway’s in that Fred Meyers comes in and competes to a certain degree with Safeway by lowering the price of groceries, but cannibalizes the retail market, the retail businesses that exist in a town, to augment the low margins in grocery business. Homer’s small businesses will go into the various departments that exist within Fred Meyers to prop up the competition in the grocery business. Local businesses have a responsibility to make a profit, but also have an obligation not to be greedy, which is not something that exists in corporation America and is exactly the opposite. He noted that Fred Meyers sort of has an obligation to make a profit for the share holders, but absolutely have a duty to be greedy because that is the only way they can manage to take the communities and assimilate them into their business model. He told the Council that they have a really uncomfortable duty to protect the local businesses while at the same time allowing free commerce to take place in town. He suggested and voiced his hope that the Council would consider a year moratorium to give the time necessary to understand this issue and protect the competitive environment for the businesses that help create the identity, along with the Council, in this community and not to sell it out to an outside corporation. He emphasized that Fred Meyers is a very large US corporation. 

 

Jane Wilkes, resident for 41 years, commented on the changes in Homer, some good and some not so good. She stated that one of the things that makes Homer such a special town, not only the unique aesthetic beauty, is the unique feature of the variety of small businesses in town. She voiced her opinion that these are the things that really give Homer the special flavor that it has, adding that she sees the small businesses, not only as a benefit to local citizens, but also of benefit to the tourists who come to town. When tourists come to a place like Homer the places they want to visit are the unique little towns and they can go to a box store anywhere. She voiced her feeling that as a community the local businesses need to be supported, the men and women who have made the community what it is. Allowing the box stores to come into town is going to be detrimental to a lot of the small businesses, citing the grocery store competition already mentioned by previous testifiers. She shared her thought of the many businesses in town that are not grocery stores that cannot compete against a large store such as Fred Meyers. Ms. Wilkes voiced her understanding that the City Council does not want Homer to be seen as anti business and that Council wants to promote business and she urged the Council, as a pro business stance, to put their support behind the local businesses, the local men and women, the local citizens that are already a part of the community. She also urged the Council to extend the moratorium, if they can, for a year just to get more input and to research some other small towns that have allowed the box stores in and what has happened in those locations. She noted that the moratorium would give time to study some of the detrimental effects that can come from box stores.

 

Barbara Keys addressed the Mayor and Council by sharing her views on the box store or Fred Meyers coming. She voiced concern with the increase in traffic on Main Street should Fred Meyers go in on the CIRI property, reporting that Main Street already has a lot of traffic now, this time of year, the Miller Truck, the Bud Weiser Truck , Carlile, motor homes, laundry traffic, and that the increased traffic would really raise havoc for their business[2]. Recognizing that the Council probably does not know, she inquired where the entrance and exit would be located. She voiced disapproval with any access on Main Street and dissatisfaction with situation with the Save-U-More store access, which is chaos right now and will be much worse in the summer time. She stated that she can epitomize stop lights on the Sterling Highway where the Save-U-More store access is located, on Main Street and where the store is proposed on the CIRI property. She expressed her opinion that there are enough grocery stores with Pudgy’s, Ray Evarts store, Save-U-More and Safeway; and that what is really needed is a store where Homer people can buy their clothing, shoes, and accessories that are really needed. She voiced her preference for a Mini Mart of a Wal-Mart or a K-Mart. She commented on how Fred Meyers is when they come in with a big parking lot, RVs come for the free parking they take away from the local RV park owners and that is how they make their living, in the summer time. She stated that she just does not go for it and that there is another means. She suggested that if Fred Meyers has to come that it could go out East Road where there is more room and where it would not take away from the beauty of Homer. She emphasized the beauty of driving into Homer from the top of the Hill, which is so beautiful, and that a big box store would ruin that view and would not be very eye appealing. She commented that other people have said that Homer will become just like their towns with box stores, which are over populated, no beauty any more and that it just ruins everything.  Ms. Keys wondered what would happen to the property taxes,  do these taxes increase, which is another thing that should be considered. Fred Meyers comes in with a gas station and a Taco Bell, which is what they did in Soldotna. When Carrs, Safeway now, came in they lowered their prices, real low, and put Ray Evarts and Proctors out of business and then jacked their prices up and they keep raising. She reminded everyone about Bradley Lake that this would generate a lot of revenue for the City, purchasing supplies, but it did not instead they barged their supplies in  from Seattle. She commented on donating to the Skateboard Project for the youth and other things to help Homer and children get started and to see the beautification of Homer and to encourage our children to stay here and to remember their younger years  and some of the things the community has done for them. Hopefully, these children will come back from college, start their families here and it will still be Homer and still be beautiful. She encouraged the Council to keep Homer beautiful and not ruin it, not take away about the only trees left in Homer on the CIRI property. She concluded by encourage the Council to reconsider a one year moratorium and to look for other places and not take away from the beautification coming in off the Sterling Highway. Ms. Keyes advised that she does not want a Homer by Carmel or Homer by the Sea she just wants to see, “Where the land ends and the sea begins.”

 

Barb Seaman inquired if she may read a letter from Anne Daigle or if the Mayor and Council would prefer for her to give this to the City Clerk. Council expressed concurrence for her to read the letter into the record: A letter by Anne Daigle, a life long resident, born and raised in Homer, her family homesteaded across the Bay: “City Council members I am writing concerning the debate over whether to allow big box stores in Homer. I feel that a community is made up of many dimension, one of which are the local businesses. I am in support of small businesses, which give Homer its unique flavor. These local merchants have invested their resources into our town and obviously their livelihood depends on the success of their small stores. If we let large box stores like Fred Meyer come into Homer, we can count on our small businesses going under. Total Office Supply, HIH, Little Dippers, Ulmers, just to name a few, are in danger. We must remember these that there beauty and safety in diversity. Also, if we value the tourist industry in our town, we must strive to keep Homer attractive, providing many interesting and pleasing looking shops to explore. Let Soldotna and Kenai keep the box stores, but let’s keep Homer an interesting and unusual place to shop. Let’s not let the almighty dollar dictate our actions. There are many more important considerations here. Let’s keep our “Hamlet by the Sea” just that, and protect it from becoming just another community filled with impersonal big business, which lack flavor. Thank you. Anne Daigle.”

 

Mayor Cushing called for a recess at 9:30 p.m., reconvening the meeting at 9:485.

 

LADD/FENSKE MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF 02-53(S)(A) BY READING OF TITLE.

 

There was some discuss regarding the testimony on the issue of the moratorium and the reason for this ordinance. Comments from the survey results were mentioned.

 

YOURKOWSKI – MOVED TO CHANGE WORD SIX TO TWELVE FOR A TWELVE MONTH MORATORIUM.

 

Primary Amendment 1. died for lack of second.

 

LADD/KRANICH – MOVED TO AMEND TO CHANGE THE TITLE TO: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HOMER DIRECTING PLANNING TO WORK WITH THE HOMER PLANNING COMMISSION TO DEVELOP PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS TO BE FOLLOWED  FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF LARGE RETAIL AND WHOLESALE STRUCTURES OF 30,000 OR MORE SQUARE FEET OF BUILDING AREA AND TO ASSESS THE COMPATIBILITY OF RETAIL AND WHOLESALE STRUCTURES OF THIS SIZE WITH THE HOMER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ZONING REGULATIONS AND TO REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL REGARDING RECOMMENDATIONS WITHIN SIX MONTHS.

 

Copies of the proposed written amendments were copied and distributed to the public by Administrative Assistant Livingston.

 

This amendment addresses public input directly to individual Councilmembers regarding the public’s perception of the negative connotation and anti business persona that the word ‘moratorium’ gives and to replace that, instead, with restrictions and conditions for stores in excess of 30,000 square feet. Comment was made that deletion of the moratorium does not weaken the ordinance.  Concern was expressed that taking away the moratorium, which is understood by most to be temporary, will create a loop hole that someone will be able to exploit within the six month period. There was discussion regarding the title change from moratorium to no moratorium and some preference voiced to eliminate the “and to assess the compatibility of retail and wholesale structures of this size with the Homer Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations and to report tot he City Council regarding the recommendations within six months.”

 

Councilmember Stark emphasized that he sees this ordinance as a means to develop architectural controls, better landscaping, fencing, and to be able to address things such as; building sides greater that two thousand (2,000) square feet should have art work or coloring satisfactory to the Planning Commission, parking lot landscaping, and shielded lights. He advised that he sees the application of this ordinance to all zones in the City.  He commented that even though this ordinance does not specifically say that it is regarding anything other than 30,000 square feet or more, that the Planning Commission may use this as a way to improve some of the things around town such as requiring fences to shield some of the junk around town, interjecting his belief that City Planner Tucker also saw this element of the ordinance. 

 

Councilmember Fenske stated that there are a lot of codes implemented but not enforced and that he does not believe this ordinance adequately addresses the problem that the community wants addressed - What businesses do we want in this community and what do we want them to look like?

 

VOTE: (primary amendment 2.) YES: YOURKOWSKI, STARK, KRANICH, LADD.

                                                      NO:  FENSKE.

 

Motion carried.

 

LADD/KRANICH - MOVED TO REPLACE LINES 100 AND 101 - REPLACE ‘TEMPORARY MORATORIUM UPON LARGE RETAIL AND WHOLESALE STRUCTURES GREATER THAN 30,000 SQUARE FEET.’ WITH ‘TEMPORARY DEVELOPMENT PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS FOR LARGE RETAIL AND WHOLESALE STRUCTURES OF 30,000 SQUARE FEET OR MORE. ‘

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: (primary amendment 3.) YES: UNANIMOUS CONSENT. NON OBJECTION.

 

Motion carried.

 

LADD/KRANICH - MOVED TO AMEND  LEAVING SECTION (A) AS IS, LINES 103 - 106 AND  - 108 AS IS RIGHT THERE AND BEGINNING WITH LINE 109-111 REPLACING THAT TERMINOLOGY WITH THE FOLLOWING:

ANY LARGE STORE APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO THE CITY PRIOR TO PLANNING AND PLANNING COMMISSION SUBMITTING RECOMMENDATIONS REQUIRED BY THIS ORDINANCE TO THE COUNCIL AND PRIOR TO THE COUNCIL APPROVAL OF SAID RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE REQUIRED TO:

(1) CONDUCT EARLY DEVELOPER-COMMUNITY MEETING SCHEDULED  AND PUBLICIZED IN COOPERATION WITH THE CITY, AND

(2) INCLUDE AN IMPACT REPORT ADDRESSING ITEMS 1 - 7 IDENTIFIED IN SECTION 1. (D) AND (D) WOULD BE REPLACED WITH WHAT IS HERE:

(D) THE PLANNING DIRECTOR, WORKING WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION, SHALL IMMEDIATELY INITIATE NECESSARY STEPS TO BE FOLLOWED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RETAIL AND WHOLESALE STRUCTURES OF 30,000 OR MORE SQUARE FEET OF BUILDING AREA AND IDENTIFY A PROCESS REQUIRED FOR EARLY DEVELOPMENT-COMMUNITY MEETINGS AS A PART OF THE LARGE STRUCTURE APPLICATION PROCESS. AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, THE DEVELOPER WILL SUBMIT AN IMPACT REPORT INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

(1) COMPATIBILITY OF STRUCTURE TO SMALL-CITY ATMOSPHERE PRESENTLY ENJOYED IN HOMER,

(2) IMPACT OF STRUCTURE ON VEHICULAR FLOW, PARKING, AND EMERGENCY SERVICES,

(3) COST IMPACT TO CITY SERVICES: POLICE, FIRE AND EMERGENCY,

(4) ASSESS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND POTENTIAL COSTS RESULTING FROM BOTH WASTE WATER, SURFACE WATER RUN-OFF, AND LIGHTING,

(5) IMPACT TO COMMUNITY TO INCLUDE POTENTIAL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT/UNEMPLOYMENT, CITY REVENUE GAINED/LOST, AND RAMIFICATIONS TO PRESENTLY ESTABLISHED BUSINESS,

(6) FEASIBILITY STUDY ADDRESSING POTENTIAL USE OF COMPARABLY-SIZED, VACANT STRUCTURE(S) EXISTING IN HOMER, AND

(7) IMPACT TO NEIGHBORING RESIDENCES.

IN ADDITION, PLANNING AND PLANNING COMMISSION SHALL SUBMIT ONE OR MORE REPORTS TO THE CITY COUNCIL IN WRITING WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE CONTAINING SUCH RECOMMENDATIONS, AS IT DEEMS APPROPRIATE FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE HOMER ZONING ORDINANCE OR OTHER LAND USE REGULATIONS OF THE CITY.

 

Councilmember Ladd clarified that E, F and G are left in the Ordinance and that although the word ‘moratorium’ is gone it has been replaced with definitive items that a developer has to address, such as community meetings. He quoted a comment in one of the City Manager applications: “If you are serious about planning you will develop a master plan. You will think of it as verb rather than a noun.”

 

Councilmember Stark reiterated his earlier comments that landscaping and associated issues apply to all of the zones to improve the livability of this community. He stated that he plans to work with the City Planner and make suggestions to the Planning Commission to accomplish some of these  things. He interjected that a lot has been learned from City Manager applicant essays and the Community Survey results. He too quoted an applicant, “It is better to develop appropriate ordinances and design standards conforming to community expectations in order to manage development rather than spending money trying to prohibit development, such as Fred Meyers.”

 

Councilmember Kranich stated that he likes the amendment with these requirements and that it eliminates a lot of subjectivity and establishes firm criteria for the developer for the community. He emphasized that the area of main concern is the impact of the continued growth and development of the community, interjecting that this goes clear back to when there were only 300 people in Homer and every store and business that opened had a definite impact on those already here. He voiced his fear that this scenario is going to continue until there is not a lot left to build something on till north of Soldotna. He was emphatic regarding enforceability, no planning; no permit.

 

Councilmember Fenske commented about not knowing if the City has adopted the Uniform Building, Electric, and/or Plumbing Codes, that there is no inspection department dong these types of inspections and voiced his concern that this is building some more code that is going to be, maybe, impossible to enforce.

 

Discussion ensued.

 

VOTE: (primary amendment 4.) YES: UNANIMOUS CONSENT. NON OBJECTION

 

Motion carried.

 

FENSKE/YOURKOWSKI - MOVED TO POSTPONE TO NEXT MEETING.

 

There was brief discussion.

 

Mayor Cushing inquired if this motion included a second public hearing.

 

Councilmember Fenske responded in the affirmative.

 

Friendly amendment: INCLUDE A SECOND PUBLIC HEARING.

 

There were no objections. Motion now reads: Moved to postpone to next meeting and included a second public hearing.

 

VOTE: (primary amendment 5.) YES: FENSKE, YOURKOWSKI, STARK.

                                                       NO: LADD, KRANICH.

 

Motion failed.

 

There was brief discussion.

 

VOTE: (main amended motion) YES: KRANICH, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, STARK.

                                                      NO: FENSKE.

 

Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ORDINANCE(S)

 

A.        Consent Agenda Item C.            Ordinance 03-02, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Appropriating $5,000.00 from the Planning Reserves Fund for the Town Square Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. Beck. Yourkowski. Fiscal Note: Revenue and Expenditure Acct. 151-387. Recommend adoption for introduction and first reading, public hearing and second reading January 27, 2003.                                                        

 

YOURKOWSKI/STARK - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 03-02 FOR INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING BY READING OF TITLE.

 

Councilmember Yourkowski clarified that this is one appropriation for the Town Square Project for GIS mapping and for consultant services. He responded to Councilmember Fenske’s inquiry that he is sure that the Town Square Project will take advantage of the City’s GIS mapping capabilities, that this Ordinance is just to get some money designated for Town Square, is kind of a contingency fund, that it is unclear how much is needed, $5,000.00 should cover costs and the consultant is the same one they have been working with all along (Chris Beck). 

 

Councilmembers Stark  and Ladd  relayed that in the survey there were a lot of responses in favor of the Town Square and that people are wanting green spaces. It was also noted that planning was not rated highly, therefore, it is appropriate to fund better planning.

 

Finance Director Baugh responded to Councilmember Kranich that there is a balance of $50,000.00 in the Planning Reserve Fund.

 

VOTE: YES: UNANIMOUS CONSENT. NON OBJECTION.

 

Motion carried.

 

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

 

A.        City Manager’s Report (Employee anniversaries, Catie Bursch letter of thanks, Notification of Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting, Homer Animal Shelter design and site selection, Library site selection matrix, and addition of Fire at the Baywatch Condominiums.)                                                                                                           

Employee anniversaries: John Bacher, Port and Harbor - 15 years; Randy Rosencrans, Police - 14 years; Larry Rutherford, Port and Harbor - 13 years; Wes Cannon, Port and Harbor - 8 years; Ken Frazier, Public Works - 7 years; Chuck Thorsrud, Police - 4 years; Deena Benson, Clerk’s Office - 3 years; Richard Gibson, Public Works - 3 years; Mark Kruzick, Police - 2 years; Stacy Luck, Police - 1 year; and Jolee Ellis, Library - 1 year.

 

Finance Director Baugh was commended for his excellent work on the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

 

Police Officer Joe Hamilton was commended for his quick actions on the Baywatch Condominium Fire,  reporting it and getting occupants out of the building.

 

Homer Fire Department was commended for their quick and effective attack on the Baywatch Condominium Fire.

 

B.         Games Report.

                                                                       

COMMITTEE REPORT

 

A.        Town Square Task Force. (November 21, 2002 notes)

                                   

Councilmember Yourkowski gave an overview of the November and December meetings  items of discussion were:

Need to establish the boundaries for the Town Square area and where the tax incentive programs would work.

The official recommendation from the Town Square Committee for the Library site is the Petro Marine site or the City parcel in the Town Square area.

 

Mayor Cushing interjected that he stressed, as much as anything, that the Town Square Task Force needs to get the over lay district going.

 

PENDING BUSINESS

 

A.            Memorandum 03-01, from Mayor, Re: Animal Shelter Site Selection.        

 

Recommendation: Review the site selection for the animal shelter as submitted by the City Manager . Review other input received to date. Approve or start the process to approve a site for the animal shelter.

 

Note: City Manager submittal is under Manager’s Report as directed by the City Manager.

 

STARK/ - I RECOMMEND WE APPROVE THE MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION, THE FIRST PARAGRAPH, ON PAGE 356, THE BEST LOCATION WOULD BE TO LOCATE ADJACENT TO PUBLIC WORKS CAMPUS IN A VERY SMALL PORTION OF THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT, IF USE OF IF USE OF THIS PROPERTY CAN BE ARRANGED EVEN THROUGH A LAND SWAP IF NECESSARY, THE NEXT BEST LOCATION WOULD PROBABLY BE ALONG THE STERLING HIGHWAY EAST OF THE DUMP STATION.

 

Motion died for lack of a second.

 

FENSKE/YOURKOWSKI - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF MEMORANDUM 03-01.

 

There was some discussion regarding the sites with emphasis on the current site.

 

FENSKE/- MOVED THAT WE SELECT THE CURRENT LOCATION OF THE ANIMAL SHELTER AS A SITE, WITH THE CONDITION THAT IF ANY OTHER LOCATION COMES UP IN THE NEXT THREE OR FOUR MONTHS THAT THE COUNCIL BE OPEN TO CONSIDER THAT LOCATION, THIS WILL GIVE THE MAYOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS WITH STATE DOT IT WILL ALSO GIVE ANYBODY THAT HAS OTHER OPTIONS AN MECHANISM FOR PUTTING THOSE IN, BUT IT WILL NOT DELAY THE PROCESS OF SETTING A SIGHT, SO

 

Motion requested to be clarified.

 

FENSKE/ - I MOVE THAT WE SET AS A PRIMARY SIGHT THE CURRENT LOCATION WITH THE CONSIDERATION THAT IF OTHER OPTIONS ARE MADE AVAILABLE THAT WE CONSIDER THOSE IN THE NEXT FOUR MONTHS.

 

Motion died for lack of a second.

 

There was some discussion with the Public Works Director regarding the sites adjacent to the Public Works building.

 

FENSKE/YOURKOWSKI - MOTION TO AMEND THAT THE CURRENT LOCATION BE CONSIDERED AS THE PRIMARY SITE FOR THE ANIMAL SHELTER, BUT IF IN THE NEXT FOUR MONTHS OTHER OPTIONS ARE MADE AVAILABLE THE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER THEIR APPLICABILITY.

 

Mayor Cushing commented on some meetings regarding sites with DOT, DNR and the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council. He advised that Governor Knowles had indicated that the state sites were probably okay, but it is too close to an administrative change and the Exxon Trustee Council indicated about the same. He stated that he would discuss this with the State Departments when he is in Juneau at the Mayors’ Conference.

 

Discussion ensued with preference expressed for the current site and that this issue needs to be laid to rest.

 

VOTE: (primary amendment) YES: FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, STARK, KRANICH.

 

Motion carried.

 

VOTE: (main amended motion) YES: UNANIMOUS CONSENT. NON OBJECTION.

 

Motion carried.

 

B.            Memorandum 03-02, from Mayor, Re: Homer Public Library Site Selection.

                                                                                                                                               

Recommendation: Decide on the site for the Homer Public Library (or schedule for final site selection), using community, committee, and Advisory Board input, and the Site Selection Matrix as submitted by the City Manager on December 3, 2002.

 

Note: City Manager submittal on the site selection matrix is under Manager’s Report as directed by the City Manager.

 

Addition if approved under agenda approval: Memorandum 03-06, from Councilmember Stark, Re: Library Site Selection - accompanies Manager’s December 3, 2002 Memorandum, page 385 of this packet.                                                                                                                                    

 

Recommendation: Select sites 2 or 5 for Library. (1. Intermediate School, 2. Town Square, 3. Hazel/Heath, 4. Existing Library, 5. Petro Marine North.)

 

FENSKE\YOURKOWSKI – MOVED FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF MEMORANDUM 03-02.

 

Councilmember Fenske noted the verbiage of Resolution 02-64(A), wherein the Council directed the City Manager to bring back to the Council his recommendations for the location of the new City Library and in the Now Therefore Be It Resolved clause it states that the site location evaluation will be performed using a site selection matrix and the west four lots on Hazel Avenue are to be considered along with the recommendations of the Library Building Committee and Administration. He advised the Council that when he asked the Administration why the west four lots did not appear in the grouping of recommended sites he was told that these did not meet muster to be included. He shared his surprise in that the west four lots on Hazel Avenue consist of about 2.4 acres of property which is larger than many of the areas proposed for the Library site. He pointed out that these lots are not on the main arterial such as the two lots proposed on the east end of Hazel Avenue, a busy intersection. He expressed concern that the west four lots were not considered by the Library Building Committee. He commented on the overwhelming recommendation for the adjacent property, the Petro Marine property which the City does not own. He emphasized his desire to put an end to this never ending, “Where Are We Going To Put The Library” story. Without having a location the City is precluded from doing a site cost development, planning for a structure and the like.

 

The Public Works Director worked up a matrix with cost criteria of land acquisition, demolition and extended utilities cost and extended road costs are not figured.

 

The Petro Marine site is costly and all the sites have associated costs.

 

FENSKE/YOURKOWSKI – MOVED TO POSTPONE ACTION ON THE SITE SELECTION UNTIL NEXT MEETING WHEN WE WILL HAVE A FULL COUNCIL. Restated: MOVED TO POSTPONE ACTION ON MEMORANDUM 03-02 UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING. (January 27, 2003.)

 

Councilmember Fenske noted that Councilmember Beck is expected back for the next meeting and not all the information was made available to the community. He voiced his pleasure that a site will be selected.

 

There was quite a bit if discussion allowed that was not germane to the issue.  

 

Councilmember Fenske called for the question and there was no objection.

 

VOTE: (postponement) YES: KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, STARK.

 

Motion carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

A.            Memorandum 03-03, from Mayor, Re: City Manager Selection Process. Conduct Executive Session to review background and financial Information. Invite Personnel Officer Hobbs to the Executive Session.                                                                                  

 

Council’s initial short list of twenty nine applicants is:

 

            Donald J. Braun

            Carey S. Meyer

            Phil C. Shealy

            Walt E. Wrede

            Marvin L. Yoder

 

Personnel Officer Hobbs recommends scheduling interviews for January 29 - 31, 2003. The City is paying for the applicant’s and partner’s airfare, care rental and hotel for three days. She also suggests scheduling a Special Meeting with Executive Session to review background information, interviews and selection.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

                               

Reduced the list to those applicants that you want to bring to Homer to Interview.  Approve the dates as suggested by the Personnel Officer.

 

Ballots supplied as requested by Councilmember Stark.

 

A.1.     Consent Agenda Item. Q.            Memorandum 03-05, from City Clerk, Re: Request for Executive Session pursuant to AS 44.62.310(c)(2), Re: City Manager applicant background and financial information. Recommend approval and conduct in conjunction with New Business Item A.

 

LADD/FENSKE – MOVED TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATION OF MEMORANDUM 03-05.

 

There was a brief discussion by the Council that they did not need to discuss the background information.

 

VOTE: NO: YOURKOWSKI, STARK, KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD.

 

Motion failed. No executive session will be held.

 

KRANICH/STARK – MOVED TO ADOPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF MEMORANDUM 03-03.

 

There was no discussion prior to the amendment.

 

KRANICH/LADD – MOVED TO AMEND THAT WE BRING FOR INTERVIEW MARVIN L. YODER, WALT WREDE, PHIL SHEALY AND CAREY MEYER ACCORDING TO THE INTERVIEW SCHEDULE AS PROPOSED BY PERSONNEL OFFICER.

 

There was quite a bit of discussion.

 

Mayor Cushing suggested that staff do a tour with the applicants. There were no objections.

 

A draft contract will be sent to each finalist for negotiations.

 

FENSKE/YOURKOWSKI – MOVED TO AMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL WRITE DOWN THREE NAMES AND USE THE THREE PEOPLE SELECTED.

 

YOURKOWSKI/LADD – MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO THE CONCLUSION OF BUSINESS.

 

VOTE: (suspension of the rules) YES: UNANIMOUS CONSENT. NON OBJECTION.

 

Motion carried.

 

FENSKE/YOURKOWSKI – CALLED FOR THE QUESTION (amendment).

 

VOTE: (call for the question) YES: FENSKE, YOURKOWSKI.

                                                  NO: STARK, KRANICH, LADD

 

Motion failed. Discussion ensued.

 

LADD/ - MOVED TO DIVIDE THE QUESTION.

 

Current motion on the floor is not divisible.

 

With concurrence of the Council the motion was withdrawn.

 

Discussion ensued.

 

LADD/KRANICH – MOVED TO DIVIDE THE QUESTION. TO DEAL WITH THE MOTION IN PARTS AND SEQUENCE.

 

VOTE: (on division) YES: UNANIMOUS CONSENT. NON OBJECTION.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

VOTE ON MARVIN L. YODER:  YES: LADD, YOURKOWSKI, STARK, KRANICH.

                                                            NO: FENSKE

 

Motion carried.

 

VOTE ON WALT WREDE: YES: FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, STARK, KRANICH.

 

Motion carried.

 

VOTE ON PHIL SHEALY: YES: KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, STARK.

 

Motion carried.

 

VOTE ON CAREY MEYER: YES: FENSKE

                                                  NO: STARK, KRANICH, LADD, YOURKOWSKI.

 

Motion failed.

 

VOTE ON ACCORDING TO THE INTERVIEW SCHEDULE AS PROPOSED BY PERSONNEL OFFICER:

 

STARK/KRANICH - MOVED TO AMEND TO HAVE THE INTERVIEWS JANUARY 28-30 AND A SPECIAL MEETING TO MAKE THE FINAL SELECTION ON JANUARY 31ST.

 

THERE WAS CONCURRENCE TO ADD “3 P.M.” TO THE MOTION FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 31ST.

 

Motion now reads: Moved to amend to have the interviews January 28-30 and a special meeting to make the final selection on January 31st at 3 p.m.

 

VOTE: (primary amendment to the last part of the divided question.) YES: UNANIMOUS CONSENT. NON OBJECTION.

 

Motion carries.

 

There was a consensus of the Council to conduct a worksession with the community members of  Selection Committee  on January 27 at 2 p.m. to work out the details of the Manager Selection process such as interview questions. This discussion may carry over as the first item of business at the Committee of the Whole, which begins at 4 p.m. on Monday January 27th.

 

Personnel Officer Hobbs is to set up the schedule and meet with the Council at the worksession. It was generally decided that the Personnel Officer will conduct a tour. She suggested that a contract be given to each interviewee for their review.

 

VOTE: (amended last part of divided question.) UNANIMOUS CONSENT. NON OBJECTION.

 

Motion carried.

 

Community members Ken Castner, non profit representative, and Mike Dye, Chamber of Commerce representative,  are to participate in everything except the vote for final selection.

 

VOTE: (main amended motion) YES: UNANIMOUS CONSENT. NON OBJECTION.

 

FENSKE/ - MOVED TO HAVE THE FAMILIARIZATION TRIP BE CONDUCTED BY PERSONNEL DIRECTOR MS. HOBBS AND THAT THOSE COUNCILMEN AVAILABLE FOR LUNCH ON THAT DAY WOULD MEET WITH THE CANDIDATES FOR LUNCH.

 

Motion died for lack of second and recognition.

 

Personnel Office Hobbs advised that tentatively scheduled is the tour, then a meeting with the department heads, a luncheon with the hiring committee and interview. The 10 a.m. for tour, 12 to 1 for lunch 2:30 to 4:30 for interview, these times are subject to change. The Personnel Officer will finalize the schedule and send it to the Council.

 

B.         Conduct Executive Session if approved under Consent Agenda Pursuant to 44.62.310(c)(1), Land purchase with UAA.                                                                                                       

 

The Mayor and Council decided that there was no need for an Executive Session.

 

Councilmember Stark stated that he is concerned about the land trade with UAA for City Hall, but that this does not have to be in Executive Session.

 

B. 1.     Consent Agenda Item H.            Ordinance 03-07, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Appropriating  $265,000.00 from the General Fund - Fund Balance to Purchase UAA Land in the Bridge Creek Watershed and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. Mayor. Recommend introduction and public hearing and second reading on January 27, 2003.  

 

KRANICH/LADD - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 03-07 BY READING OF TITLE FOR FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION.

 

Council discussed the importance of protecting the City’s water shed and one way of doing that is to acquire property in the watershed area.

 

The question was called for and there was no objection.

 

VOTE: YES: FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, STARK, KRANICH.

 

Motion carried.

 

Mayor Cushing advised that there is a 7.5 acre parcel part of a 50 acre parcel that the University said that they felt they had capacity to pull from the counter if this Ordinance passes, to allow the City to make an additional offer at the next meeting.  He indicated that this would not be a big expenditure and that EVOS money may be spent for this type of purpose.

 

RESOLUTIONS

 

A.        Consent Agenda Item. N.           Resolution 03-06, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Requesting that State of Alaska DOT & PF Install Traffic Signals at the Intersection of the Sterling Highway and Lake Street. Stark.  Recommend adoption.                                                         

 

STARK/YOURKOWSKI - MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 03-06 BY READING OF TITLE.

 

Councilmember Stark reported that this particular traffic signal was mentioned in nineteen of the responses to the survey, which is exceeded only by one other item, that he will address later. He advised that his second priority would be a light at the intersection of Heath Street and the Sterling Highway. He noted that there are other things that can be done and that this Council can review everything. He voiced his opinion that this is a fairly clear cut case and should be moved forward.

 

STARK/LADD - MOVED TO AMEND IN THE THIRD WHEREAS AND REPLACE THE WORD ‘STATE’, WITH ‘THE CITY’S CONSULTANT STUDIES’ THAT SHOW THAT THE SIGNALS ARE WARRANTED AT THIS INTERSECTION.

 

Councilmember Stark inquired if cross walks had to be in the Resolution, adding that he has no objection.

 

Council discussed the following:

            A worksession on this issue to discuss the ramifications of all of the foot traffic that the City has both on the Sterling Highway and Pioneer Avenue, both being state highways.

            Make a comprehensive approach to DOT, which might be better received.

            The survey indicates that the people in the community are ready for the traffic signals, adding that there were no comments that traffic lights are not needed.

            The Lake Street/Sterling Highway intersection has been designed and built to include traffic signals.

           Preference voiced to move forward to the state rather than to do more studying.

            Main Street and Sterling Highway Intersection.

            Heath Street and Sterling Highway Intersection.

            Round-a-bout.

            Current traffic study.

 

Councilmember Ladd relayed a statement from the Public Works Director that the Transportation Plan has been prepared, but never presented to the City Council for approval. It is necessary that this come to the Council.

 

It was suggested that the Public Works Director advise the Council on when he would like to have the Transportation Plan come before the Council.

 

Discussion ensued.

 

STARK/FENSKE - MOVED TO POSTPONE TO SECOND MEETING IN FEBRUARY (February 24, 2003) UP TO THE FIRST HOUR DURING THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.

 

Public Works Director attendance is requested.

 

VOTE: (postponement) YES: UNANIMOUS CONSENT. NON OBJECTION.

 

Motion carried.

 

Appointment of Finance Director Dean Baugh as Interim Manager is to be placed on the next agenda.

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

Ken Castner commented on a lot of public testimony being received about the City needing to be a little bit more proactive rather than reactive in planning its future. To try and control what happens around town rather than having others dictate what the town is going to look like and how it is going to develop. To that end, he stated that the piece of property currently owned by Petro Marine is going to play a large part in the future development of the town. He stated that he, for one, would rather pay the money or at least find out the price before rejecting it. He suggested that someone go to Harbor Enterprises and negotiate with them and see about striking a deal. In the long term of the town it is better to sacrifice another half a year or a year or whatever on getting something finished rather than settling for the second best location. He voiced his hope that the City look at putting a pedestrian under pass under the Sterling Highway and either connect into the trail system that goes down through the Fish and Wildlife property or connect to the west end of the Fish and Wildlife property. He advised that this is where a bike path had been planned/designed, but there were no funds. He emphasized that more than stop lights and people pressing buttons are going to be needed to move the crowds that are going to be at that location. He shared his thought that there are monies available to do that sort of thing and that it just takes a while to get it up on the list. If the City never asks for it, it never gets on the list.

 

Bob Keys stated that he quit coming to City Council meetings a long time ago, because he always thought that it was pretty much a rubber stamped affair, that things had been pre decided before it ever came to the floor in the Chambers. He told the Council that he is really impressed with them tonight at this meeting, that everything got a thorough discussion and there has been pros and cons discussed, the vote was not always all yes or all no. He said that he thinks this Council is doing a good job now and that he hopes it continues. He offered a piece of property that he has out East Road for the Animal Shelter that is 4.5 acres, it is isolated with no other buildings close to it in any direction, and a whole lot cheaper than $400,000.00. He offered to throw in a fifty year supply of wood chips for bedding.

 

Barbara Keys commented about maybe moving the Fred Meyer half way between Anchor Point and Homer and Council’s concern about losing revenue. She suggested that this area be annexed and then the City can get their money. Upon being asked she agreed to have her name be put down as in favor of this.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY ATTORNEY

 

City Attorney Tans was not present, according to Mayor Cushing was on standby for the meeting.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK

 

City Clerk Calhoun voiced genuine concern regarding Ordinance 03-01 and asked the Council to please vote it down at second reading so that it could be reworked.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

Acting City Manager Robl had no comment.

 

COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR

 

Mayor Cushing complemented the Council for their work on a “ton” of material tonight. He apprised the Council regarding the UAA land matter of trading City Hall for 4.7 acres in the proposed Town Square area and that there needs to be some negotiation. He suggested that the Council consider what they want the asking price to be for City Hall, adding that he believes UAA is going to make an offer. 

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

 

Councilmember Stark reported that there were 19 responses in the survey on the traffic signal, 24 responses on sewer and water rates. He expressed his opinion that the sewer and water rates are too high and that he would like the administration, primarily Finance and Public Works, prior to the next budget cycle, to see what they can come up with to reduce costs and get the rates down. He addressed the responses in the survey about a Library Service area, that, in his opinion, this is a non starter and that people in the area outside the City would say “annexation two”. He requested a worksession on the first session in March on a formula for non profit grants as mentioned by Councilmember Beck during the 2003 budget cycle. He thanked the survey participants, adding that all he does is quote the survey and urged the participants to be active in the City activities. He commented about Bartlett Street, which was also commented on in the survey, and knowing that this was supposed to be coming out he had the administration working on that project. He advised that there will be a public hearing held on January 30th in the City Hall Council Chambers and voiced his hope that Bartlett would be built this year. Mr. Stark stated that it has been an exciting meeting, that he is jazzed and not even sleepy.

 

Mayor Cushing interjected that he would not mind the service area issue coming up especially with regard to a recreation service area.

 

Councilmember Ladd voiced concern with the lateness of the hour and trying to plan dates and issues to be discussed. He voiced his opinion that Council’s plate is very full when it comes to issues of planning whether it be the master water and sewer plan, transportation issues, relocation of City Hall, and the City Manager hiring process. He shared his satisfaction with Ordinance 03-07, dealing with the Bridge Creek Watershed land acquisition, which was number 15 on the “report” of capital improvement projects. He noted that there are several other issues on Council’s plate such as the steep slope, Beach Task Force stuff and etcetera. Mr. Ladd stated that he would like all of these issues put on the table some how and for the Council to prioritize and put these issues into a calendar and spread out around the Council’s work. He pointed out that non profit issues do not have to be dealt with until the next budget cycle, but there are some things staring the Council right in the face such as the Library, Town Square Project and other real issues in progress.

 

Councilmember Stark asked for the non profit grant issue to be on the Committee of the Whole agenda.

 

Councilmember Yourkowski advised that the Town Square Task Force would like to have a worksession with the Council and on February 10th with Mark Feffer to discuss tax incentive funding for development of that area and for and update . He suggested that 2 p.m. would be a fairly good time.

 

Councilmember Ladd interjected that the Council is reacting rather than being proactive regarding these issues and needs to put a master plan into place. He voiced concern regarding the transportation issues, pedestrian accesses to new visitor center, and school children crossing the road dogging traffic.

 

There was non objection from the Council to conduct the worksession with the Town Square Task Force on February 10, 2003 at 2 p.m.

 

Councilmember Fenske thanked Mr. Keys for his kind offer, but his property is still zoned Office Residential. He stated that he is glad that the Council is getting toward the end of this meeting, that he is very pleased that the Council got the Animal Shelter off of the dime, that he is looking forward to this next week to get the Library off the dime and move on to bigger and better things.

 

Councilmember Kranich agreed that the Council got through some pretty weighty issues tonight and into some pretty weighty issues tonight that will be completed within the next thirty days. He shared his thought about Councilmember Stark mentioning the different aspects about the survey results. He suggested that when the new Manager gets settled and the Planning Director is back from vacation that the Council should take out some ads in the local media in an attempt to educate the local residents primarily on what facilities belong to the State and what belongs to the City. Having multiple agencies taking care of similar facilities. Regarding City Hall, he stated that there are several levels of appraisal processes that are used and that Council should get at least a ball park figure.

 

Council briefly chatted about getting an appraisal comparable amount or recommendation from a realtor as to what amount Council could sell City Hall, selling City Hall, relocation of City Hall, temporary City Hall site, Library and City Hall combined and associated issues.

 

Finance Director Baugh advised that the insurance company does an annual appraisal. He was asked to provide this information in the next Council packet.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at 1:22 a.m. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. The Committee of the Whole is scheduled to meet at 4:00 p.m. on January 27, 2003. These meetings will be held in the Homer City Hall Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

 

___________________________________

MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK

 

 

Approved:____________________


 


[1] This is the Book Store located on the corner of Pioneer Avenue and Svedlund Street.

[2] Main Street Cabins