Session 01-14, a Regular Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order at 7:32 p.m. by Mayor Cushing at the Homer City Hall Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Council's Committee of the Whole met from 4:04 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Agenda Item was the Regular Council Agenda.

PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CUE, FENSKE, KRANICH, LADD, MARQUARDT.

STAFF: CITY MANAGER DRATHMAN

CITY CLERK CALHOUN

ACCT. SUPERVISOR MACK

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR MEYER

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER: YOURKOWSKI (excused)

AGENDA APPROVAL

(Addition of items to or removing items from the agenda will be by unanimous consent of the Council. HCC 1.24.040.)

The agenda was approved by consensus of the City Council with the substitution of Ordinance 01-34(S) for Ordinance 01-34 on the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Fenske requested that the unapproved minutes of the last meeting, June 25, 2001, be pulled off the agenda to look at some changes.

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

There were no public comments.

RECONSIDERATION

CONSENT AGENDA

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

A. Homer City Council regular meeting unapproved minutes of June 25, 2001 and Amend Previously Adopted minutes of June 11, 2001 page 11, wherein a material omission existed regarding the main motion vote on Memorandum 01-39(A). Recommend approval.

The unapproved minutes of June 25, 2001 were pulled.

B. Ordinance 01-33, Of the Homer City Council Approving the Interim Agreement with the Kenai Peninsula Borough to Provide Fire and Emergency Services, Accepting and Appropriating $106,227.00 for these Services and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager. Fiscal Note: $106,227 to Acct. 100.4602.03. Recommend adoption for first reading and introduction on July 23, 2001, public hearing and second reading dates to be August 13, 2001.

Memorandum from City Manager as backup.

C. Approved under Agenda Approval will be Ordinance 01-34(S). Ordinance 01-34, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Accepting and Appropriating a Grant from the U.S. Coast Guard in the Amount of $5,787,240.00 for the Kachemak Bay Multi Purpose Ocean Dock Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager. Fiscal Note: $5,787,240 to Revenue and Expenditure Acct. 415.904. Recommend adoption for first reading and introduction on July 23, 2001, public hearing and second reading dates to be August 13, 2001.

D. Ordinance 01-35, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska Amending Homer City Code Section 1.60.060, Fire Department Volunteer Personnel City Manager. Recommend adoption for first reading and introduction on July 23, 2001, public hearing and second reading dates to be August 13, 2001.

Memorandum from Fire Chief as backup.

E. Ordinance 01-36, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Appropriating an Interlibrary Cooperation Grant Award from the State of Alaska in the Amount of $1,250.00 for the Homer Public Library for Travel and Cost Reimbursement. City Manager. Fiscal Note: $1,250 from General Fund Balance Revenue Acct. 100.2711 to Expenditure Acct. 151-730. Recommend adoption for first reading and introduction on July 23, 2001, public hearing and second reading dates to be August 13, 2001.

Memorandum from Finance Director as backup.

F. Ordinance 01-37, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Accepting and Appropriating a Grant from the State of Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Senior Services, in the amount of $8,098.00 for the Senior Library Program and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager. Fiscal Note: $8,098 Revenue Acct. 100.4508.030 to Expenditure Acct. 100.5103 and 5104.147. Recommend adoption for first reading and introduction on July 23, 2001, public hearing and second reading dates to be August 13, 2001.

G. Resolution 01-45, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the 2001/2002 Special Services Contract By and Between the City of Homer and the Alaska Department of Public Safety, Alaska State Troopers. City Manager. Fiscal Note: Revenue budgeted: $72,500 Acct. 100.4505.030 Recommend adoption.

Memorandum from Chief of Police as backup.

H Resolution 01-46, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Approving and Accepting Amendment Three to the Public Safety Office Space Lease No. 2443 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager. Fiscal Note: Revenue budgeted. $723.24 per month Acct. 100.4650.160. Recommend adoption.

I Memorandum 01-42, from Mayor Cushing, Re: Reappointment of Rose Beck and Fred Pfeil to the Planning Commission and Appointment of Rick Foster from a City Resident Seat on the Planning Commission to a Non City Resident Seat. Recommend confirmation.

J Memorandum 01-43, from City Clerk, Re: Request for Executive Session pursuant to AS §44.62.310(c)(2), Subjects that may tend to prejudice the reputation and character of any person, provided the person may request a public discussion. Recommend approval and conduct under Pending Business in conjunction with Item A. City Manager's Contract Review and Evaluation.

K Memorandum 01-44, from City Clerk, Re: Liquor License Transfer of Location for the Homer Brewing Company. Fiscal note: Revenue. Recommend approval and non objection.

FENSKE/KRANICH MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OR APPROVAL OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONSENT AGENDA.

The City Clerk asked, since the Mayor had not read the second part of Item A. as part of the Consent Agenda, that the second part of Item A. the previously approved minutes and the material omission on page 11 be included in the Consent Agenda approval.

VOTE:(excluding the June 25, 2001 unapproved minutes.) YES: FENSKE, LADD, MARQUARDT, KRANICH, CUE.

Motion carried.

VISITORS

ANNOUNCEMENTS/ PRESENTATIONS/ BOROUGH REPORT/ COMMISSION REPORTS

A. AML/Legislative Committee Summer Meeting Report from Councilmember Fenske.

Councilmember Fenske reported on the AML/Legislative Committee Summer Meeting held in Seward on July 12 and 13, 2001. He stated that the meeting was well attended, the format of the meeting worked very well and a lot was accomplished. He advised that the full report materials are available for review in the City Clerk's Office.

Mayor Cushing reported on the presentation of awards to two new Eagle Scouts: Daniel and Matthew Allred.

PUBLIC HEARING(S)

A. Ordinance 01-28(A), Of the Homer City Council to Place on the October 2, 2001 General Municipal Election Ballot, Propositions pertaining to Funding Non Profits from the City of Homer General Fund. Fenske. Fiscal note: Ballot printing and advertising, Accts. 100.5227.101 and 100.5238.101. (First Reading June 25, 2001, Public Hearing July 23, 2001, Second Reading August 13, 2001)

There was no public testimony.

B. Ordinance 01-29, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Accepting and Appropriating Funding from the State Department of Corrections in the Amount of $10,940.00 for Upgrading Plumbing Fixtures in the Jail and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. HPD. City Manager. Fiscal Note: Revenue Acct. 100.4503.030 and Expenditure Acct. 100.5903.164.(First Reading June 25, 2001, Public Hearing July 23, 2001, Second Reading July 23, 2001 immediately following public testimony.)

There was no public testimony.

CUE/FENSKE - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 01-29 BY READING OF TITLE ONLY FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: YES: KRANICH, CUE, FENSKE, LADD, MARQUARDT.

Motion carried.

C. Ordinance 01-30, Of the City of Homer Amending Homer City Code Sub Section 1.24.040 (h), Bylaws for Council Procedures, Quorum; Voting and Amending the City Council's Operating Manual to Reflect the Change in the Council's Bylaws. City Manager.(First Reading June 25, 2001,Public Hearing July 23, 2001, Second Reading August 13, 2001)

There was no public testimony.

D. Ordinance 01-31, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Authorizing the Purchase of Parcel 3, of Lot 45A Coal Bay Subdivision from the Mental Health Land Trust for the Construction of the Kachemak Bay Multi Purpose Ocean Dock (Pioneer Dock) in the Amount of $3,000.00, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager. Fiscal Note: Expenditure Acct. 415.5904.904. (First Reading June 25, 2001, Public Hearing July 23, 2001, Second Reading July 23, 2001 immediately following public testimony.)

There was no public testimony.

LADD/KRANICH - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 01-31 AS READ FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: YES: MARQUARDT, KRANICH, CUE, FENSKE, LADD.

Motion carried.

E. Ordinance 01-32(A), Of the City of Homer Amending Homer City Code Section 21.48.020, Central Business District Permitted Uses and Structures, to Authorize Farmers Market and Adding Section 21.32.167 to Define Farmers Market. City Manager. (First Reading June 25, 2001, Public Hearing July 23, 2001, Second Reading August 13, 2001)

Sharon Roufa, President of "Homer's newest non profit organization - the Homer's Farmers' Market", spoke in favor of this ordinance. She noted that the Farmers' Market has a lot of benefits and benefits a lot of people in the community:

These benefits are to the small farm operators, farmers and consumers. It gives the farmers direct access to markets and increases farm income. Provides consumers access to locally grown farm fresh produce. Helps the community with nutritious and fresh foods that are scarce in a lot of places in America, especially Alaska. Promotes nutrition and education. Promotes wholesome eating habits and better food preparation. Boosts the community's economy.

She commented about the farmers' markets/open air businesses being permitted outright in the GC1 District (General Commercial One) and is well served by the purpose of GC1 to provide sites for businesses that require direct motor vehicle access and may require larger land area than would be needed in the CBD (Central Business District). She pointed out that the term, open air businesses, is not defined and in practice includes car lots and other light industrial outside uses. She noted that by defining the farmers' markets more specifically with this Ordinance, then Open Air Businesses become more specifically a pedestrian market, which ties more closely with the purpose of the CBD, stated to be designed to encourage pedestrian movement throughout the area. Ms. Roufa commented that Farmers' Markets transform empty parking lots into economic hubs, often on days when economic activities are otherwise slow. She emphasized that the small scale specialization endemic to this type of commerce draws more consumers into the area where the market is held, thus increasing the business of established retailers in the area. She added that the economic competition is good for the local economy and consumers by increasing productivity, stabilizing prices, increasing product variety and improving service. She stated that some of the direct competition between retailers and marketers is mitigated by requiring that the markets prohibit resale, which is what this Ordinance does and achieves kind of a balance between the established "brick and mortars" and the smaller scale Farmers' Market. She reiterated the benefit to the community's economy as a whole. She voiced her belief that this type of commerce should be, especially, encouraged in the CBD. She commented on other benefits of Farmers' Markets: functioning as incubators for business, help vendors start enterprises, exchange information, build business reputations and acumen, and to earn income. She noted that this acts as a survival safety net for people at the bottom of the economic system and also supplements the incomes of producers or often part time workers, the retired or hobbyists. She stated that the community benefits as these businesses grow, expanding the tax base and increasing the uses of the business district as well as fostering community involvement. Ms. Roufa commented that problems related to Farmers' Markets are typical of all enterprise, such as perceived congestion and perceived unfair competition. She reported that these potential drawbacks are mitigated by the many documented benefits of these markets and can be addressed in the same manner as all draw backs of all enterprise. She expressed her opinion that congestion needs to be addressed in Homer in general and many businesses would encourage the development of City parking. She added that markets, like any other business, still need a parking plan. She addressed the perception that market vendors compete unfairly due to not having the same infra structure as a "brick and mortar" establishment, that this is largely untrue in that markets still need to address insurance issues, are accountable to the borough and federal government for taxable income and the limited hours and stall sizes mean that vendors are actually paying similar fees per square feet of retail space as that of the established businesses. She advised that the difference is overall size. She emphasized that allowing the entry into the economy of a much smaller scale capitalist, and by allowing the development of Farmers' Markets in the CBD the City of Homer will benefit in so many ways. Ms. Roufa emphasized that this will be a boon to citizens as consumers, business owners and as members of the community. She stated that Farmer's Markets will be an added reason to draw people from around Homer, the Kenai Peninsula and the world, as tourists, into the heart of Homer. She thanked the Council for considering this Ordinance.

Cris Rideout thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak on the Farmers' Market addition to the Ordinance. He reported that four Farmers' Markets have been held so far this summer and that the support from the community has been really positive and there has been a lot of encouragement from residents of the City and the community. He stated that from what he has heard the Farmer's Market does not appear to be taking much away from the CBD right now and a lot of the business owners in the CBD feel that the Farmer's Market would draw business into the CBD. Mr. Rideout voiced his opinion that the CBD is kind of an historic business part of the town and that he would like to see that continue to grow. He relayed discussions with the Town Square people, who feel that the Farmers' Market is something they would like to see be hand in hand with what they are doing and that it would be really complementary. He addressed some of the concerns regarding restrooms and parking and that it is realized those issues have to be addressed before the Farmers' Market could move from its current location or anywhere else to the CBD and would probably be a winter project addressing those concerns. He voiced appreciation for all the support from everybody concerned specifically citing the City government and the Planning Commission. He stated that he looks forward to being in the CBD next year with the Farmers' Market and thanked the Council for their time.

ORDINANCE(S)

A. Ordinance 01-27, Of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Amending the Homer City Code Zoning Map to Rezone Portions of the Rural Residential District (RR) to General Commercial 1 (GC1). Planning Commission. City Manager.(First Reading June 11, 2001, Public Hearing June 25, 2001, Second Reading July 23, 2001.).

Ordinance 01-27(S), contains correction to the Ordinance.

FENSKE/CUE - MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 01-27 BY READING OF TITLE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING.

FENSKE/CUE - MAKE A MOTION TO SUBSTITUTE ORDINANCE 01-27(S) FOR ORDINANCE 01-27 BY READING OF TITLE ONLY.

VOTE: (primary amendment) YES: LADD, MARQUARDT, KRANICH, CUE, FENSKE.

Motion carried.

Councilmember Kranich inquired if this ordinance were truly non code as stated in the substitute.

He was advised that it is non code and will be an amendment to the zoning map.

VOTE:(main amended motion) YES: MARQUARDT, KRANICH, CUE, FENSKE, LADD.

Motion carried.

CITY MANAGER'S REPORT

A. City Manager's Report (Submitted by Meeting Time.) (Memo from Library Director regarding Millionth book, Police Officer Shealy commendation, Homer Soft Ball All Stars, Public Works Director commendation from Homer Animal Friends, Kachemak Bay Multi Purpose Ocean Dock (Pioneer Dock) project report, Scenic Byways, KPB Memo regarding Senate Bill 29, Ice/Crane Time, Quarterly report on 2001 Traffic Safety Saturation Patrol grant, Public meeting on the 2001 Homer Traffic Plan on July 30 from 6 to 8 p.m.)

City Manager Drathman read the memorandum from Library Director Hill, and the commendations into the record. He specifically noted:

• One millionth book checked out of the Library December 2000

• Police Officer Shealy's life saving CPR.

• Great job by the Homer Soft Ball All Stars Team second place tournament finish, winning the sportsmanship award and Coach Bushell wining all tournament coach

• Public Works Director Meyer's donation of water to the Homer Animal Friends

In response to Councilmember Cue, the City Manager advised that he has an implementation group addressing the Beach Policy Task Force recommendations. Items currently being addressed are funding to implement some of the recommendations; removal of some of the items such as the clam digger, barge, recliner, satellite dish and platform; and signage. He stated that there will be weekly meetings until every one of the recommendations is implemented.

The City Manager reported that there is a public meeting on the Draft Transportation Study on Monday, July 30th from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Council Chambers. In response to Councilmember Fenske, the Manager stated that some of the traffic measuring devices are the state's and some are probably the City's Transportation Plan contractor, Taurianen.

B. Bid Report from City Clerk

The City Manager responded to Councilmember Kranich's inquiry regarding the emergency services vehicle invitation to bid, verifying that this is a new ambulance and may or may not be a replacement rather than an addition. He advised that the cost of 24 hour EMS coverage is being discussed. He reported on the funding for the ambulance: $100,000 came from the legislature and that Representative Scalzi pushed this through for the City..; $20,000 is from the City's fleet reserve; that this vehicle has sort of been on the City' wish list all along; and that the hope is the bids will come in at the $120,000 level. He noted that the new ambulance will certainly be used on the KES contract and this may mean an addition of the vehicle rather than a replacement vehicle.

COMMITTEE REPORT

A. Steep Slope Task Force

Councilmember and Committee Chair Ladd named the members of the task force, Mark Kinney and Wayne Alderhold, and the advisory members, Public Works Director Meyer and Planning Commissioner Smith. He reported that the task force met on June 26th and July 17th. He mostly commented about the July 17th meeting and the draft Steep Slope Development document. He stated that one of the concepts in the draft document is to establish within Homer a Homer Steep Slope District (HSSD) in which land development and construction therein would be subject to the special regulations put forward in the Homer City Code. He noted that part of what the task force is looking at is, that any parcel with a portion of land that falls within the HSSD would fall underneath those regulations and standards of the HSSD. He commented that all uses permitted in any zone within Homer right now in which HSSD property is located would be permitted, but under the guidelines and conditions of the Steep Slope Ordinance. He reported that the task force is looking at a district that would encompass, throughout the community, the needs associated with steep slope development. He noted that the task force has used the general slope analysis map and part of the comprehensive plan for their review. Mr. Ladd pointed out that the map indicates steep slope as twenty percent or greater. He reported that the proposal is that a proposed development on steep slope would be subject to a site review by the Planning and Public Works Directors and if they perceive concern then a further review would be needed by a geotechnical expert. He listed the area standards being reviewed: Site design, drainage, grading, vegetation, access and circulation. He announced that the next meeting is scheduled for August 7th at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers. He read verbiage from his Mother's text book in 1924 about concerns with steep slope issues and that one of the most important means of preserving the soils is not to attempt to cultivate the slopes, but to keep some sort of vegetation upon them. He continued reading, that the vegetation may be forest, grass or orchard and that in this way the fields below the slopes are protected as well as the slopes themselves. He noted that the final document/recommendations will not be to Council by the end of August and probably will be a couple of months late.

The Mayor and the Council voiced acknowledgment that the Task Force needed more time.

Councilmember and Chair Fenske of the Water and Sewer Standards Committee commented on the property owner requests to extend the period for revising the current water and/or sewer LIDs. The process was discussed. He asked that the Council consider this extension and that there be community notice.

Upon Mayor Cushing's request the City Clerk advised that the objection period ends July 28th and Resolutions will be to the Council for the August 13th Regular Council Meeting. Council may grant an extension of the 50/50 assessment methodology at that meeting by Resolution for those LIDs that do not pass.

PENDING BUSINESS

A. City Manager's Contract Review and Evaluation. Executive Session may be conducted at this time unless the City Manager requests a public discussion.

The City Council may take action or make a statement following the Executive Session

Mayor Cushing recessed the regular meeting to Executive session at 8:29 p.m. The Mayor and Council returned to the Council Chambers at 10:44 p.m. Mayor Cushing reconvened the regular meeting at 10:48 p.m.

Councilmember Marquardt stated that the Council did meet in Executive Session for the annual review of the City Manager and discussed performance and accomplishments. The business of the City government is being accomplished and in a competent manner.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Memorandum 01-45, from Councilmember Ladd, Re: To Further Support Memorandum 01-39(A) through the Establishment of Process and Certain Conditions. (City of Homer Survey)

Recommendation: 1. That a timeline including a process for Council development and consent on issues, needs, or other items for placement into the survey be established in order to comply with the completion timeline of October 31, 2001 stated in Memorandum 01-39.

2. That the City of Homer contract services with a third party organization, preferably a non profit organization, to assist in the design and to conduct the survey in order to obtain qualitative and quantitative information on city related issues.

3. That the City Manager submit to the City Council at the first meeting in August, a prioritized listing of three organizations, preferably non profit in nature, from which the City Council will determine one organization to assist in the design and to conduct the citizen survey.

4. That in order to complete the survey by October 31, 2001, and to have citizen information available to Councilmembers prior to final budget considerations, the contracted organization will mail surveys to respondents no later than September 17, 2001. Stamped self-addressed envelops for returning the surveys to the contracted organization will be include with survey packets.

5. That the Council considers conducting a City of Homer survey as stated in Memorandum 01-39 on a bi-annual basis.

6. Survey results will be published for public awareness as soon as the Council has received and reviewed compiled information from the conducting organization.

Fiscal note - not noted.

LADD/FENSKE - MOVED TO PULL MEMORANDUM 01-45

The motion was not recognized as following proper protocol.

FENSKE/KRANICH - MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES SO THAT MR. LADD CAN MAKE REFERENCE TO MEMORANDUM 01-45.

There were no objections.

LADD/ - ASKED FOR MEMORANDUM 01-45 TO BE PULLED FROM THE AGENDA AT THIS TIME.

There was no objection and Mayor Cushing announced this Memorandum as pulled from the agenda at this time and that the survey is continuing on under the driving document, Memorandum 01-39(A).

RESOLUTIONS

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

There were no audience comments.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY ATTORNEY

City Attorney Tans was not present and is not available for this meeting.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK

City Clerk Calhoun commented on being glad to be back in Alaska after being outside in over 100 degree weather.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER

City Manager Drathman encouraged everyone to look occasionally at the City's Home page at http://www.ci.homer.ak.us. and to check the site for monitoring the projects going on throughout the City and the area as well as the progress on the dock project, adding that the public works people put that together very well. He thanked the Council for their consideration and the openness of the discussion of his evaluation. He voiced appreciation for the comments that were made both ways.,

COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR

Mayor Cushing voiced his excitement with the good work the City has been doing with the good 75 or so employees that are doing really good work on behalf of the tax payers. He stated that he likes the initiatives that the Council has been considering and the ideas that have been talked about. He noted the good evaluation period with the City Manager and thanked him for a lot of the efficiency of the existing administration right now and what has been able to be accomplished as a City. He voiced his enjoyment at having the bulk of July off. He commented that he had only one real concern about missing a meeting and that is when a business, Homer Brewing Company, has to wait on a Council meeting, however, he was assured that this was not a big impact on when that business could open. He emphasized that special meetings should be considered if not holding a Council meeting will impede business for anyone. He reiterated appreciation for having a month between meetings and the time to spend with and enjoy family and community.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Councilmember Fenske stated that he likes seeing that people who come from outside the City limits still feel comfortable coming to this Council Chambers and asking for the City's assistance, furthering enterprises that they have. He voiced his opinion that this is one of the biggest kudos that the City can get from the community around it, having people ask for that kind of assistance, referencing the Farmer's Market. He noted that this is not the only place that this happens and makes him feel like they are headed in the right direction. He thanked everyone for their work and that he is sure glad that this is not a one guy job.

Mayor Cushing interjected that his family has been utilizing the Farmer's Market, which is good produce and good goods available to the community.

Councilmember Kranich stated that the Council is a very diverse group and exposed to many different elements in the community and that just by being a diverse group they are not in the same social circles. Therefore, the Councilmembers are exposed to a larger group of the community. He voiced his amazement that so often the Council can come to, a lot of times, full agreement amongst all six of us on many very important issues, critical issues of the community. He noted that even when the Council does not agree one hundred percent the decision of the whole is still backed. He commented on the survey that they are going to go ahead with, via Memorandum 01-39(A) as the Mayor had stated, and get out to the community. He commented that there are a lot of different things going on in the community. He addressed boat operators:

Regarding the construction area out around the end of the Spit, between the harbor entrance and past Land's End, to give those guys that are working out there a break and to slow down. There are signs out there. It is amazing how many boat operators either need glasses or can't read or just don't care.

He pointed out that there are workers that hang in a basket off of a boom on a crane 250 feet tall and that it does not take much of a wave to give those workers a ride.

Mayor Cushing briefly commented, along the same subject as Councilmember Kranich, about the barge not appearing that it could be affected by any wave action and that the tenders look as though they are going to be swamped by some of the waves that have been created.

Councilmember Ladd thanked the folks working on the Steep Slope Task Force, dedicated members, and there is a long way to go and that they are making good progress. The next meeting is August 7th in the Council Chambers at 6 p.m. He commented about Memorandum 01-39(A), the survey, and that he is concerned that they work together to develop a meaningful survey that accurately assesses the attitudes and opinions of the City and the residents on related issues dealing with the City. He stated that he would like to see the Council working, dedicating a little of the Committee of the Whole time to start developing and formulating some of the questions that the Council might put on the survey. He noted that there are several areas that the Council wants to survey, one of the areas about services can be done in another way, there are questions issues and long range community focus and goals that need questions developed. The Council needs to work with the City Manager, the group of people working with him and the City employees to draft these questions. Mr. Ladd voiced his preference that the survey that is developed be passed through some other party to make sure that the questions are not weighted in one direction and that there will be straight forward results.

Mayor Cushing commented about the Mayor's Cup Invitational Golf Tournament and that Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Bagley has asked him to put a team together and he wants to know by August 15th. The Public Works Director will be a part of that team as may Representative Scalzi. He stated that a fourth person is needed and encouraged any Councilmember to participate.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at 11:05 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 13, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. preceded by the Committee of the Whole meeting at 4 p.m. on Monday, August 13, 2001, both being conducted in the Homer City Hall Council Chambers.

_____________________________________

MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK

APPROVED: __________________________