Session 08-03 a Regular Meeting
of the Homer City Council was called to order at
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: HEIMBUCH, NOVAK, ROBERTS, SHADLE, WYTHE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CHESLEY (excused)
STAFF:
Council met as a Committee of the Whole from 4:07 to 5:17 p.m. Agenda items included Climate Action Plan, Staff Time for Individual Inquiries and Regular Meeting Agenda items.
Department Heads may be called upon from time to time to participate via teleconference.
AGENDA APPROVAL
(Addition of items to or removing
items from the agenda will be by unanimous consent of the Council.
Councilmember Shadle declared a conflict of interest on Resolution 08-12, stating Seabright Survey had done some work for him before.
Mayor Hornaday ruled a conflict of interest for Councilmember Shadle.
Agenda approved by consensus of the City Council with the following changes:
Call to Order -
Councilmember Chesley has requested excusal; Consent
Agenda - Ordinance 08-05 - Written public comments; Visitors - Kachemak Kids Early Learning Center rescheduled to
PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA
Frank Griswold, city resident, commented on Ordinances 08-05 and 08-06. As to Ordinance 08-05 it is odd the City would add the open air use to the GC1 district in 2004 and not define until 2008. It should be sent back to the Planning Commission, as the uses conflict. Open air business should be made a conditional use. Ordinance 08-06 zones conservation to rural residential. He questioned why it is in the public interest to rezone; perhaps the original zoning was whimsical. It should be introduced by Council instead of a petition by the City Manager.
RECONSIDERATION
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
(Items listed below will be enacted by one motion. If separate discussion is desired on an item, that item may be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular Meeting Agenda at the request of a Councilmember.)
A. Homer City Council unapproved meeting minutes of
B. Ordinance 08-03, Of the City Council
Accepting and Appropriating an ADOT Reimbursement of up to $6,605.00 for Commercial
Vehicle Enforcement Inspections and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the
Appropriate Documents. City Manager. Recommend
Introduction
Memorandum 08-07 from Police Chief as backup.
C. Ordinance
08-04, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Amending Homer City Code 21.60
Supplemental Regulations Sign Code. City Manager/Planning. Recommend
Introduction
Memorandum 08-08, from
City Planner as backup.
Placed under Ordinances.
D. Ordinance 08-05, Of the City Council of
Homer, Alaska Amending Chapter 21.32 by Adding a New Section Entitled Chapter
21.32.09X, “Business, Open Air.” City Manager/Planning. Recommend Introduction
Memorandum 08-09, from City Planner as backup.
E. Ordinance 08-06, Of the City
Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Amending the Homer City Zoning Map To
Rezone Portions of the Conservation Zoning District (CONS) to Rural Residential
(RR). City Manager/Planning. Recommend
Introduction
Memorandum 08-10, from City Planner as backup.
F. Resolution 08-08(S), Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Awarding the Contract for Investment of the Permanent Fund to Washington Capital Management, Inc. of Seattle, Washington at the Annual Rate of 65 Basis Points of the Portfolio and $15 Per Trade and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate documents. City Clerk. Recommend adoption.
G. Resolution 08-09, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Awarding the Contract for Thermal Imaging Cameras to L.N. Curtis & Sons of Eagle River, Alaska in the Amount of $16,691.50 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Clerk. Recommend adoption.
Memorandum 08-11 from Fire Chief as backup.
Placed under Resolutions.
H. Resolution 08-10, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Awarding the Contract for the Purchase of a Jail Transport Van to Alaska Sales and Service of Anchorage, Alaska in the Amount of $22,379.00 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Clerk. Recommend adoption.
Memorandum 08-14, from Police Chief as backup.
I. Resolution 08-11, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Awarding the Contract for Outfitting the Jail Transport Van to Alaska Safety, Inc. of Anchorage, Alaska in the Amount of $7,890.00 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Clerk. Recommend adoption.
Memorandum 08-15, from Police Chief as backup.
J. Resolution 08-12, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Awarding the Contract for Geotechnical Investigation for the New City Hall to Seabright Survey of Homer, Alaska in the Amount of $22,500.00 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager/Public Works. Recommend adoption.
Placed under Resolutions.
K. Resolution 08-13, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Expressing its Opposition to Adoption of the Proposed Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) 2008 Winter Ferry Schedule for Southwest Alaska. Mayor. Recommend adoption.
Placed under Resolutions.
L. Memorandum 08-12, From Lease Committee, Re: Proposal to Lease Tract 1B (Fishing Hole Subdivision No. 2) Received from Bob’s Trophy Charters and Tract 1C Received from Sportsman’s Supply. Recommend approval.
M. Memorandum 08-13, from
City Clerk, Re: Liquor License Renewal for Cosmic Kitchen, Duggan’s Waterfront Bar, and Starvin Marvin’s Pizza. Recommend non objection and approval.
The amended agenda was approved by unanimous consent of the Council.
VISITORS
A. Kachemak Kids Early Learning Center, 10 minutes.
Continued to
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS/BOROUGH REPORT/COMMISSION
REPORTS
Mimi Tolva, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commissioner, gave an update on the work the commission is doing.
A. George Matz, Grant Kachemak Conservation Society - Bear Proof Garbage Cans, 15 minutes.
Geoge Matz, Vice President of the Kachemak Bay Conservation Society (KBCS), reported on bear resistant trash containers. The KBCS has received a grant for $100,000 to prevent conflicts between bears and people. They have ordered 448 trash containers with shipment expected in April or May. Anyone with a 99603 zip code may purchase the containers at a reduced price of $50 apiece.
Mayor Hornaday commented that Anne Marie Holen, Special Projects Coordinator, and himself talked to ABCnews.com in regard to Climate Change. He invited Governor Palin to run in the Homer Spit Run in June.
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
A. Ordinance 07-50, An
Ordinance of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Authorizing the Design and Installation of an
Additional 4,400 Linear Feet of Water Main Along Kachemak Drive to Complete the Loop
Between the Airport and East End Road and Approving
the Creation of a Deferred Assessment District. City Manager/Public Works. Introduction
Memorandum 07-192 from Public Works
as backup.
Steve Zimmerman, city resident, recently got water and sewer services on Kachemak Drive. He doesn’t know why these property owners get a deferred assessment. He favors getting the sewer done. Fire hydrants will lower residents’ insurance rates. Excess water on Kachemak Drive could be diverted to a fill station to help commercial haulers. He cautioned Council on spending too much money.
B. Ordinance 08-01, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Accepting
and Appropriating an
Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Geographic Initiative Grant in the Amount of $5,000 for Development of
an Employee Sustainability Handbook and Authorizing
the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager. Introduction
There was no public testimony.
NOVAK/ROBERTS – MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 08-01 BY READING OF TITLE.
Councilmember Novak requested the employee handbook follow the energy
program the City implements.
NOVAK/ROBERTS – MOVED TO AMEND SECTION 1 TO STATE THE PROPOSED HANDBOOK
WILL FOLLOW THE ENERGY PROGRAM THE
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
WYTHE/ROBERTS – MOVED TO AMEND THE SECOND WHEREAS TO STRIKE “ACROSS THE
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VOTE: (main motion as amended) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
C. Ordinance 08-02,
Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Authorizing the City to Issue General Obligation Bonds in the Principal
Amount of Not to Exceed $6,000,000 to Finance
Part of the Cost of the Planning, Design, Construction and Equipping of a New City Hall and Town Square (Plaza) and
Related Capital Improvements; and to Submit the Question of the Issuance of Such Bonds to the Qualified
Voters of the City at the
Frank Griswold, city resident, commented the public knows what City
Hall is but not what a Town Square is. Confusion on a ballot initiative should
be avoided. He suggested deleting town and square and say the purpose is to
finance a one-acre public plaza to be built adjacent to City Hall and related
capital improvements, although it may violate the one subject rule. The
percentage of costs to finance, and a breakdown of what portion is going to
each area should be defined. What happens if the costs exceed the funds
available? Would it be null or be in phases like the hospital?
Kevin Hogan, city resident, agrees with Mr. Griswold that more
specifics are needed. Is it for city-owned property or to be used to develop CIRI’s property? He needs clarification if it is a
referendum or advisory vote. Council is spending a lot of money; it is one of
the biggest bond issues before the voters.
Steve Zimmerman, Homer resident, said there is way too much money
flowing out. There is an unlimited fund of property taxes to pay for it. Does
anyone know how much taxes are going up to pay for the project? What happens if
the proposition doesn’t pass? He urged Council to tighten the budget.
WYTHE/NOVAK – MOVED TO POSTPONE THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 08-02 UNTIL
THE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 11TH.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: (postponement) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
ORDINANCE(S)
A. Ordinance
08-07, Of the City Council Amending the FY 2008 Budget by Authorizing the
Transfer of $15,000.00 from City Hall Recycling Fund to the Sustainability
Fund. Heimbuch. Recommend Introduction
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the
adoption of Ordinance 08-07 for introduction and first reading by reading of
title only.
HEIMBUCH/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
Discussion ensued on the transfer of funds as
a housekeeping measure to establish a record of accounts to implement
sustainability measures in the Climate Action Plan.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
B. Ordinance
08-04, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Amending Homer City Code 21.60
Supplemental Regulations Sign Code. City Manager/Planning. Recommend
Introduction
Memorandum 08-08, from
City Planner as backup.
NOVAK/WYTHE – MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF
ORDINANCE 08-04 BY READING OF TITLE.
Councilmember Shadle disagrees with the
responsibility lying on the owner of the lot to retain all required sign
permits, rather than the business owner. He referenced Scott Ulmer and Ray
Evarts businesses.
Councilmember Heimbuch noted the amendment is
due to cluster businesses on the Spit. Discussion ensued on the business owners
versus the property owners as responsible for signage compliance. There are
absent property owners who may not be able to oversee business owners sign
dimensions.
HEIMBUCH/SHADLE – MOVED TO POSTPONE
INTRODUCTION.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: (postponement) YES. HEIMBUCH
VOTE: NO. ROBERTS, WYTHE, SHADLE, NOVAK
Motion failed.
WYTHE/NOVAK – MOVED TO PLACE ON THE
There was brief discussion on postponing
instead of discussing at the next Committee of the Whole meeting.
VOTE: YES. ROBERTS, WYTHE, NOVAK
VOTE: NO. HEIMBUCH, SHADLE
Motion failed.
VOTE: (main motion) YES. NOVAK, ROBERTS,
WYTHE
VOTE: NO. HEIMBUCH, SHADLE
Motion failed.
A. City Manager’s Report
City
Manager Wrede stated the public comments regarding City Hall/Town Square are
good ones. We are trying to get as much information to the public as possible
on the project. At the February 11th meeting the approved project
budget will be ready. The design team is coming up with numbers as best they
can for the next meeting. The project budget will include all costs including
the building, square, infrastructure and land trade costs. We are now to the
point of talking serious about land trades. The committee has settled on a
location for the square and building and has a good idea of a preliminary plat
for roads. At the next meeting a conceptual plan will be before Council. Once a
decision is made on land trades CIRI can talk to their board and Council can
then discuss. At the next meeting we will discuss how the project will be paid
for. Council has expressed the desire to pay for the project without raising
taxes and negatively affecting existing services. He and Finance Director Harville are working on projections for next year that will
also be provided.
State Administration and DOT are making a strong argument for
transportation bonds. Mayor Hornaday stated there is no State money for Town
Plaza or Karen Hornaday Park, although they liked the Spit Trail project. The
priority roads are Main St. and Sterling Highway intersection.
Councilmember Shadle commented the ballot language stated taxes will be
levied without limitation. There must be a ceiling. The City is currently at 4.5
mils; if we exceed 6 mils we lose all our sales tax. We want to protect the
sales tax. City Manager Wrede said the ballot is standard language required by
the lending institutions and the FCC. Because they are general obligation bonds
it means you are pledging the full faith and credit of the city. It will be top
priority to pay them back; you will do whatever you can to pay them back. It
may mean using reserves, cutting the budget, or eliminating programs to pay the
amount back. If we ever had to raise the property tax you would not want to go
over the cap.
Councilmember Heimbuch noted there may be a citizen’s initiative to
lower property tax. He asked what effect that would have if they happened
simultaneously. City Manager Wrede responded it is a legal question, however,
Council will want to make sure bond payments can be made without raising or
affecting property taxes. The discussion next week will be to assure we can
make bond payments without affecting services or raising property taxes. Councilmember
Heimbuch commented he is amazed at how many people have come up to him and said
this is enough. Mayor Hornaday concurred he is hearing the same thing.
Councilmember Novak stated property taxes were reduced a while ago to 4.5%.
There is no intention to raise property tax; if City Hall can’t be budgeted
within the funds and projected revenues the project will be modified and scaled
back. Councilmember Shadle noted in the past when we have put up bonds the
public has been advised of the terms. City Manager Wrede answered the public
will know as it is required by law.
B. Bid Report
C. Games Report
COMMITTEE REPORT
A. Comprehensive Plan Community Advisory Committee
B. Public Arts Committee
(Worksession
C. Transportation Advisory Committee
(Regular
Meeting
D. City Hall - Town Square Review Committee
(Regular
Meeting
E. Permanent Fund Committee
(Regular
Meeting
PENDING BUSINESS
None.
A. Memorandum 07-159, from
City Clerk, Re: Request for Executive Session pursuant to AS §44.62.310(C)(2), Subjects that Tend To Prejudice the
Reputation and Character of any
Person, Provided the Person may Request a Public Discussion. (Councilmember Shadle’s
Failure to Appear for
Ethics Hearing) Conduct immediately upon approval.
Councilmember Shadle requested the Executive Session be heard in public.
Councilmember Wythe addressed Councilmember Shadle of the responsibilities of the Council to act on behalf of the public. Consideration of the lives and time of one another must be given. Six members of the Council worked with staff to coordinate the date for the ethics hearing; the seventh member did not show up. The lack of value for other members’ time and substantial expense to the citizens of the community borders on flagrant disregard for responsibility as a councilmember. Councilmembers Wythe and Roberts lost personal leave time; it cost the community the expense of staff and attorney time and loss of community faith in Council’s functions. Councilmember Wythe asked that the mistake be acknowledged so Council could move forward.
Councilmember Shadle responded the executive session was brought up on three different dates, including today and he now knows what the intentions were all along. His attorney advised him not to attend the ethics hearing.
Councilmember Novak admonished Councilmember Shadle for his failure to show up at the hearing that the people had called for him specifically. Councilmember Shadle’s attorney doesn’t work here and has nothing to do with Council. Councilmember Novak voiced it was totally irresponsible, not acceptable, and embarrassing that Councilmember Shadle can’t step up to the plate and say what needs to be said and deal with it. He added: When it comes to making choices you need to ask yourself, not your attorney. You need to be accountable and accept responsibility. You can’t pretend it didn’t happen, it happened and it was a real poor choice.
Councilmember Shadle responded to Councilmember Novak that he was really sorry he felt so strongly about it. Some of us are just perfect and don’t make any mistakes and do anything wrong.
Councilmember Roberts told Councilmember Shadle the Council had spoke eloquently; it was his responsibility to at least notify us you wouldn’t be here. The matter was not addressed before because you were not at the meetings.
Councilmember
Shadle noted he was present at the
B. Memorandum 08-17, from City Clerk, Re: Request for Executive Session Pursuant to AS §44.62.310(C)(1),Matters, the Immediate Knowledge of Which Would Clearly Have an Adverse Effect Upon the Finances of the Government Unit. (Legal Defense for Defendants Minsch, Shadle, Stark And Zak)
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the approval of the recommendations of Memorandum 08-17.
WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NOVAK, ROBERTS, WYTHE
VOTE: NO. HEIMBUCH
Motion failed.
HEIMBUCH/WYTHE – MOVED FOR RECONSIDERATION.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VOTE: (main motion) YES. WYTHE, NOVAK, HEIMBUCH, ROBERTS
Motion carried.
Council
recessed to Executive Session at 8:32 p.m. and reconvened at
Mayor Pro Tempore Novak related Council met with the City Attorney and received legal advice.
RESOLUTIONS
A. Resolution 08-14 Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Authorizing an Application for Funding to the Alaska Energy Authority’s Alternative Energy Grant Program for a Preconstruction Grant to Assess the Feasibility of Developing Hydroelectric Power Using City Water Lines. Novak. Recommend adoption.
Memorandum
08-16, from Public Works as backup.
NOVAK/ROBERTS MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 08-14 BY READING OF TITLE ONLY.
Council discussed the opportunity to receive grant funds up to $100,000
for hydroelectric power using city water lines. The Public Works Director and
Councilmember Heimbuch stated Councilmember Chesley
requested postponement. Councilmember Novak noted the grant application is due
February 11th so there was no time for postponement.
City Manager Wrede and Public Works Director Meyer met with
VOTE: YES. ROBERTS, WYTHE, SHADLE, NOVAK, HEIMBUCH
Motion carried.
B. Resolution 08-09, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Awarding the Contract for Thermal Imaging Cameras to L.N. Curtis & Sons of Eagle River, Alaska in the Amount of $16,691.50 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Clerk. Recommend adoption.
Memorandum
08-11 from Fire Chief as backup.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 08-09
by reading of title only.
HEIMBUCH/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
The thermal imaging cameras were a budget line item for $25,000. Brief
discussion ensued on the possibility of placing the savings in the
sustainability fund. City Manager Wrede will follow up with Fire Chief Painter.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
C. Resolution 08-13,
Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Expressing its Opposition to Adoption of the Proposed Alaska
Marine Highway System (AMHS) 2008 Winter Ferry Schedule
for Southwest Alaska. Mayor. Recommend adoption.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 08-13
by reading of title.
HEIMBUCH/NOVAK – MOVED TO ADOPT.
Councilmember Heimbuch noted the importance of the ferry system to
southwestern communities. AMHS has taken great steps to mitigate the impacts to
the communities. While we are actively seeking support and helping the city of Seldovia for other transportation alternatives, now is not
the time to express opposition to the AMHS plan.
Councilmember Shadle supports the resolution as it is not just about Seldovia, but Kodiak too. AMHS spoke at the Chamber two
weeks ago; they are $2.6M short.
Mayor Hornaday noted the importance to Seldovia
and stated we have to support the resolution.
Councilmember Heimbuch noted the Tustumena’s
weekly operational costs are $250,000 versus revenue of $45,000. The Kennicott increases to $450,000 in weekly costs with
revenue of $45,000. It is a huge difference, how can we talk about the State
using money wisely and ignore the big subsidy?
Councilmember Novak noted the revenues are determined on the winter
schedules.
City Manager Wrede said there may be other options such as smaller
barges going back in forth.
Councilmember Heimbuch noted AMHS is hoping the down time on the Tustumena’s refurbishment will get communities up and
rolling independently. Good things may happen from this. It may revert back to
three western trips a year instead of ten or twelve.
VOTE: YES. HEIMBUCH, ROBERTS, WYTHE, SHADLE, NOVAK
Motion carried.
D. Resolution 08-12, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Awarding the Contract for Geotechnical Investigation for the New City Hall to Seabright Survey of Homer, Alaska in the Amount of $22,500.00 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager/Public Works. Recommend adoption.
Councilmember Shadle previously declared his conflict of interest. He
took a seat in the audience.
Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 08-12
by reading of title only.
WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UANNIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE
Jim Preston, city resident since 1974, stated when he moved here the city reservoir was just started. He is concerned about future water supplies for the City. There may be plenty of water supply as the community grows, and in case of draught there is water rationing. He trusts the leadership of the City has ongoing plans of providing more water for the future. He asked for a copy of the report outlining water sources.
Dean Ravin, business owner in city, proposed
sewer/water rate model#3 step in right direction. Commend city for revisiting
rate structure, have brought down and will help. My proposed model – total cost
of sewer and water service divided by total # used , customer charge = gallons
used per dollar, w/encourage conservation. Ignoring any of the models on the
table now in January are getting a waterbill on a
flawed model. A rate increase happened for January business, will get water
bill $218 + local city sales tax. Will make a lot of us unhappy, ask if going
to take steps to repair damage. Encourage CC to hold onto bills, will be real
crowded in CC chambers.
Stan Anderson, Homer resident, supports impeachment hearings that will
establish facts and prove if administration violated a number of issues.
Americans deserve to see the issues addressed in impeachment hearings. He asked
Council to pass a resolution calling for impeachment hearings.
Kevin Hogan, city resident, commented the Port and Harbor Advisory
Commission passed a resolution asking Council to consider land disposal in the
Land Allocation Plan. He encouraged Council to visit the expense side of the
water rates; a lot of attention has been paid to the revenue part. He recommended
Council instruct administration to reduce expenses in water service by 1% a
month for the next 20 months. He commented on the Lease Committee meeting of
January 21st that was held in Executive Session, stating it was a
violation of the Open Meetings Act. The Committee stated they had talked about
a lot of things while in Executive Session. He would appreciate if a little
more attention was paid to the rules and they were followed. The City Manager’s
report says he was in attendance in Executive Session, yet eight months ago he
was to be removed. He hopes the un-civility at the Council table is winding
down; it is very hard to watch and he would like to see Council move beyond it.
Councilmember Heimbuch commented the Lease Committee is not operating
with disapproval of the City Attorney. He asked Mr. Hogan what standard we
should use? Mr. Hogan answered a judge may need to deal with it. There was no
announcement of an Executive Session and no limitation of the business
conducted. When the Committee came out of Executive Session they said they had
discussed a whole range of things. Councilmember Heimbuch commented it could be
interpreted as a learning experience for all of us. A public hearing is a step
forward. Mr. Hogan would argue of the Lease Committee operating in good faith.
Judith James, Homer resident since 1952, expressed concern of the erosion
of civil liberties in areas clearly forbidden by the Constitution. We are
living in an increasing environment of fear and distrust. Constitution safeguards
have been weakened and destroyed by the Bush administration. Initially it was
faith based with tax money being used to fund religious activities. In 1973 the
church and State confounded together; it is an alarming threat to liberty and
conscience. It is time to wake up and exercise our duty to render unto Caesar
that which is Caesar’s and until God that which is God’s.
Walter Johnson, Homer resident for 40 years, shares the concerns of Stan
Anderson. The reckless fiscal policy of administration is a huge burden on our
children and grandchildren. The ill advised war has tried the patience of
friends. Stealing this much from our children is a high crime above a
misdemeanor. Council’s passing a resolution expressing concern would be much
appreciated.
George Meeker commented he appreciates the service the Council is
rendering.`
COMMENTS OF THE
City Attorney Tans was not present.
COMMENTS OF THE
City Clerk Johnson had no comments.
COMMENTS OF THE
City Manager Wrede announced a
public meeting on January 29th at 7:00 p.m. at Islands and Ocean
Visitor Center. The Planning and Zoning Department and Commission invites
interested members of the development community, landowners and residents with
problems near wetlands, creeks and steep slopes. Planning and Zoning is
finishing a five-year grant project and one of the last pieces is to draft
rules of building on steep slopes and wetlands. Contact Beth McKibben or Julie
Engebretsen at
COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR
Mayor Hornaday had no comments.
COMMENTS OF THE
Councilmember Novak commented on water rates. Council is working on adjusting the rates and customers will be getting a big bill for January. New rates started January 1st. If rates are restructured he would assume adjustments will be made. He anticipates it will balance out so customers are not spending money they don’t have to spend.
Councilmember Shadle thinks it would be a brilliant idea for getting billed for the water you use as the person commented tonight. It would serve for good conservational purposes, is simple and to the point. He thinks the people would support that.
Councilmember Wythe had no comment.
Councilmember Heimbuch stated it is hard for people who want to have a water rate based strictly by usage to come to grips with the fact that we subsidize the building of the system with our money. We will always have fixed source of what we do; this is common with municipalities. We have dense subdivisions and a five-mile long water line that serves a limited number of people that goes out the Spit. Sometime in the distant future, maybe 200 years from now, we still have fiscal constraints with extraordinary fixed costs.
Councilmember Roberts thanked Mayor Hornaday for going to Juneau to represent Homer. She thanked the Permanent Fund Committee for finishing up and selecting the firm to run the permanent fund. She commended Councilmember Shadle for having the courage to have his executive session in public. She thinks it helps the public at large to realize we are communicating and can deal with each other, talking in public.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business
to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at 9:54 p.m. by Mayor
James C. Hornaday. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for Monday,
______________________________
JO JOHNSON,
Approved: _____________________