Session 08-15 a Regular Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order at 7:06 p.m. on June 9, 2008 by Mayor James C. Hornaday at the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: HOWARD, NOVAK, ROBERTS, SHADLE, WYTHE

ABSENT: HEIMBUCH (Excused)

STAFF: CITY MANAGER WREDE

CITY ATTORNEY TANS

DEPUTY CITY CLERK JACOBSEN

Department Heads may be called upon from time to time to participate via teleconference.

The Committee of the Whole meeting at 4:00 p.m. was cancelled due to lack of a quorum. A Special Meeting was held at 5:30 to hear Frank Griswold’s Appeal of City Manager’s Denial of Request to Inspect Public Records

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

Sandra Thompson, city resident, said she is here to ask for Council’s approval of her lease for space 124 at the Airport Terminal Building. She would like to dispel any doubts regarding her ability to operate a car rental company. Homer Alaska Car Rental is a sole proprietorship; she is the sole owner and plans on hiring two part time employees. As the wife of John Thompson, who owns the Hertz franchise in Homer, she has worked hand in hand with him for the past 10 years. Her rental company will in no way create an exclusive share of the rental market here in Homer. She plans to rent trucks, vans, and a few economy cars. She thanked the Council.

Larry Goode, city resident, commented he is here on behalf of Resolution 08-69 on the mil rate for the seawall to increase it for some work to be done for maintenance in the fall. He said he is in support of that and added that they are in the process of forming a homeowner’s association and expect to have it wrapped up this week, so it looks positive in that direction. They are working with an attorney that will walk them through the steps on Wednesday, so it looks like everything is moving forward. He commented that it is short notice on this mil rate for the fall but they appreciate it being added to the agenda, but knows that it has to move forward, and that they are in favor of it.

Heath Smith, city resident, commented regarding Resolution 08-65 awarding the car rental concession space at the Homer Airport. He said there were two applicants for this space, himself and Sandra Thompson, and staff recommends awarding the space to Sandra Thompson. Mr. Smith said when the last occupant of the concession space quit business, he knew it was a business opportunity because he had helped him as a friend for several years, and well understands the business. Mr. Smith explained that his business plan is financed by his savings and home equity loan, he put this plan into action immediately and have been renting cars and vans since April 25^th. He presently owns and is renting 8 rental vehicles including vans, small SUV’s, and pickups. He purchased the phone number of the closed business to capture traffic from past clientele and existing advertising, established a website for his company Active Car Rentals, and networked a number of visitor industry companies because he intends to succeed here. The car rental space at the airport is important because it is clearly a premium location for a car rental business and the price is fair. There is no good alternative for him that would not have excessive cost. The staff memo in the packet mentions the financial, economic, and work experience of the applicants. He said his financial capability to field a fleet of rental cars is perfectly adequate as he already has a rental fleet in operation. 10% of the gross sales is the City’s fees for the car rental. Since the City estimated fee income is $8,000 for the Thompson proposal, this means gross sales of $80,000. His business plan projects sales of over $90,000 a year and his plan means more money for the City. The Thompson proposal calls for manning the booth for 13 hours every day. He prepared his business plan with his banker and the SBA and because of this he questions that her business could afford 91 hours a week coverage even with the owner working full time and paying the help close to minimum wage. He estimated the hired help would cost close to $30,000 per year. Mr. Smith commented that the Thompson plan doesn’t seem sound in its economics. The staff comment about locating off airport could apply to either applicant. Because she owns a percentage of Pioneer Car Rental/Hertz, she could operate from the same booth. With his company next to the Thompons, the City and the public would benefit from competition. He respectfully requested that the Council vote no on the resolution because if his company could locate at the Airport it would mean more income to the City and better service to the public. He thanked the Council.

Paul Hueper, city resident, thanked the Council for Resolution 08-69 and said they are definitely in favor of having the resolution passed. It has been great to work with the City and get the lawsuits behind them and move forward. Something needs to be done with the seawall it desprately needs to be moved forward. He said they appreciate this and don’t mind being taxed for it as long as it is fair. They know they need to pay maintenance fees and do something as the wall is in need of repair going into this next fall. He doesn’t know if it will make it through another season unless they do something with this. He said this is a positive step forward to see the City willing to work with the property owners to get some tax money rolling. He noted that the methodology for taxing is based on assessed value, and a lot of the property owners don’t like it, but understand that it is the best option right now. They hope in the future it could be another way can be found to do it legally on a per foot basis versus the assessed value. They do appreciate what they are doing right now and are looking forward to a good working relationship with the City. He asked that they pass Resolution 08-69.

RECONSIDERATION

There were no items for reconsideration.

CONSENT AGENDA

A. Homer City Council unapproved meeting minutes of May 27, 2008 Regular Meeting. City Clerk.

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion to approve the consent agenda.

ROBERTS/NOVAK SO MOVED.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

VISITORS

A. Renewable Resources Coalition – Dave Atcheson and Clark Whitney, Jr. and George Matz, Cook Inlet Alliance – 15 minutes

Dave Atcheson thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak tonight. He gave a presentation on how the Pebble Project will affect Homer and the economics of the program. Mr. Atcheson introduced himself and explained that he was a volunteer with the Renewable Resources Coalition before he started working for them. He was a commercial fisherman, is an avid sports fisherman, and writes for a variety of magazines about fishing.

Regarding the Pebble Mine, Mr. Atcheson thinks that everyone should make an informed decision regarding the mine and consider all sides. The Renewable Resources Coalition is a group made up primarily of Alaskans who care about our renewable resources and want to protect the jobs we have now and the individuals who make their living from our renewable resources, fish and game.

What the plans are in Bristol Bay

· Open Pit Mining, Underground Mining, and a Tailings Disposal area, Earthen Dams, a Road to Cook Inlet and Power Infrastructure.

· There is 1000 square miles of mining claims in the mining district. The area includes 5 species of salmon, trout, and dolly varden.

· The Pebble advertising states they will only affect two river systems, but they are the two largest river systems, the Nushagak River and the Kvichak River.

· The salmon escapement on the Kvichak River is 11 million, compared to the Kenai River which is 750,000 shows how big this issue is.

· There will be a 104 mile road whose terminus will be in Cook Inlet with a port for the large ore ships that will come in.

· The ore would most likely be transported through a slurry pipe and the ore ships will be in Cook Inlet along with their discharge.

· The original plan on the two rivers is 5 dams, 2 which would connect to make one of the largest earthen dams in the world. Behind that on Frying Pan Lake would be the place where the tailings would be stored.

· The mine is a sulfide mine. Sulfide rock, when under the ground, weathers slowly and naturally. When taken above ground, pulverized in the mining process, and exposed to oxygen and water, it creates sulfuric acid with is a toxin. The rock would have to be stored in the tailings area.

· Originally 250 megawatts of power was estimated, but now they are pushing 400 megawatts.

· It is primarily owned by foreign companies.

· It would be the largest mine in North America.

· The area proposed for Pebble Mine gets 35 inches a year and is at the headwaters of our largest fishery. If something affects one fishery, it affects them all. For example it took years to recover from the affects of the oil spill and people thinking Alaskan fish was tainted.

· Currently they are drilling core samples, the slurry is being pumped on the ground, and they are using 135 thousand gallons of water per day.

· Northern Dynasty, who started the Pebble Partnership, doesn’t do any mining but look for large mining companies to join. The largest player in this is Anglo Amercian who owns 49% share holder in Debiers Diamonds. They are based in London and have a poor human rights record. They have done most of their mining in third world countries. They had two dam failures in 2005 in Ganna, one which flooded a community and a school. They have had over 40 worker deaths a year since 2002, they are not good corporate citizens.

· Some major risks include a large tailings dam in a seismically active area, and acid mine drainage with the sulfide mine, sulfide mines create problems with ground and surface water, and copper contamination, which affects salmons ability to smell and get back to their natal streams.

· Northern Dynasty 2004 report said unexpected environmental damage from spills, accidents, and severe acts of nature, such as earthquakes, may not be fully insurable and could result in total loss of shareholder equity.

· As Canadian citizens, Northern Dynasty’s directors and officers may not subject themselves to US legal proceedings.

· They said they wouldn’t use cyanide, but changed their mind; said they would stay out of upper Talarik Creek, but changed their mind.

· We stand to lose our clean water, our fish, and our reputation.

· The specter of a giant open pit mine at the head waters of Bristol Bay is enough to ruin the Alaska Independent Fisherman’s Marketing Association marketing plan. You can forget Copper River Salmon, Bristol Bay Salmon, or what is harvested in Cook Inlet.

· The economics in the Bristol Bay fishery was $331 million, and 500 full time salmon jobs, which connects to what we do here.

· People think the mine is connected to the Permanent Fund. Oil and gas companies pay over 20% of the market value. The market value from hard rock mining is 0.7%. For every $0.50 that the mining pays to the state, the state pays out $1 for oversight and for the road.

· There are 63 hard rock mines that are on the superfund clean up list. The Summitville Mine in Colorado has cost $300 million so far to monitor and it has to be monitored in perpetuity.

· Government accounting between 1998-2007 shows $2.6 billion of tax money has been spent on reclamation of abandoned mines.

· The problem with the permitting process is that the mining company is paying for the baseline studies and hires consultants until they get the results they want, which are then submitted to DNR for approval.

· The Pebble Mine is precedent setting and all traditional uses are trumped. It opens the door for future threats.

Mayor Hornaday noted some of the groups who have presented both for and against the Pebble Project. He questioned Mr. Atcheson’s comment regarding the State selecting experts until they found one who agreed with the State. Mr. Atcheson clarified that he was referring to the Pebble Project hiring consultants until they get the desired results and filtering the results that go to the State. Mayor Hornaday felt that was a serious accusation and asked if he had proof. Mr. Atcheson believed he could find it, but didn’t have it with him tonight.

Mayor Pro-Tempore Novak thanked Mr. Atcheson for his informative presentation.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS/BOROUGH REPORT/COMMISSION REPORTS

Assemblymember Bill Smith reported to the Council regarding the Hospital Mil Rate, which the Assembly raised from 2 mils to 2.3 mils, less than what was anticipated. The Borough Mil Rate went down from 5.5 to 4.5 mils. If the City manages to bring their mil rate down they could get to a level where they could compete with some of the areas, because we all know the comment is Homer has the highest mil rate in the Borough. There is a sales tax initiative to exempt Borough sales tax on certain non prepared food items from September 1^st through May 31^st of each year. He suggested Council wait until fall to take action on a local sales tax initiative to see what comes out of the ballot box. He also commented that the Homer landfill is reaching capacity earlier than expected and may end up becoming a transfer site as early as next year, so the Borough is working to ramp up recycling. Assemblymember Smith noted that an idea in the climate action plan was to have a slight tax increase on gasoline to fund the plan and he suggested since the price of gas has nearly doubled the City might consider using some of the funds from the tax on gas to apply to the sustainability fund.

Mayor Hornaday suggested Assemblymember Smith consider participating on the Alaska Statehood Anniversary Committee.

Lou Stewart, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, advised the Commission that the Karen Hornaday Park Master Plan Committee has been established and they will be meeting Tuesday, June 17 at the park. He invited the Councilmembers to attend.

A. Memorandum 08-86, From Councilmember Roberts Re: AML Communities Conference on Climate Change

Councilmember Roberts commented that Homer continues to be on the forefront with this issue and other communities are using Homer as a model on how to proceed. She commended Special Projects Coordinator Holen for the presentation she made at the conference. It was deemed the most valuable aspect by several people who attended the conference.

Mayor Hornaday reported that Bob Hahn, prior City of Homer Attorney for 22 years, passed away. Legendary Artist Alex Combs passed away. The California sea lion that was seen in Kachemak Bay had to be picked up by the Sea Life Center and had to be euthanized.

PUBLIC HEARING(S)

There were no public hearing scheduled.

ORDINANCE(S)

A. Ordinance 08-19, An Ordinance of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Amending Homer City Code 21.60 Supplemental Regulations Sign Code. City Manager/Planning. Recommended Dates: Introduction June 9, 2008, Public Hearing and Second Reading June 23, 2008.

Memorandum 08-83, from City Planner as backup.

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Ordinance 08-19 for introduction and first reading by title only.

WYTHE/SHADLE SO MOVED.

Councilmember Wythe referenced lines 27, 28, and 29 and questioned how the sign ordinance attracts economic development.

Councilmember Roberts commented that if she was thinking of locating a business would she want it somewhere that is cluttered with signs or in a place that aesthetically looks good for her business to be located.

Councilmember Shadle added that in business location is the most important part and while we don’t want huge signs, we do want limitations to keep signage tasteful, thoughtful, appealing, and look like Homer. He noted after reading through the ordinance and driving around, there are violations everywhere. He asked if we really want to do this, or are existing signs going to be grandfathered and future businesses have to abide by this.

Acting City Planner Engebretsen commented that the sign code is adding allowable signage in certain situations. For example if you own a boardwalk on the spit, all of the businesses on the boardwalk can only have 150 of signage. This adds some flexibility to add a little more signage and talks about the free standing sign on the property. The existing code language is confusing and inconcise and this is to partially rectify that problem. It won’t change the existing violations.

Councilmember Wythe noted the punctuation line 64 does not make sense.

Councilmember Roberts commented she had difficulty finding the footnotes that were referenced in the tables and Commissioner Howard expressed concern about the difficulty in trying to make sense of the sign ordinance.

Acting City Planner Engebretsen advised Council that the Planning Office they have a nice tri-fold brochure that explains it in simplified terms.

WYTHE/ROBERTS I MOVE TO STRIKE THE WORD WORKING ON LINE 64 AND REPLACE IT WITH WORDING.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

VOTE (Main motion as amended): YES: ROBERTS, WYTHE, HOWARD, NOVAK

NO: SHADLE

Motion carried.

B. Ordinance 08-20, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska, Amending the Homer City Zoning Map to Rezone a Portion of the Urban Residential (UR) District to Residential Office (RO). City Manager/Planning. Recommended Dates: Introduction June 9, 2008, Public Hearing and Second Reading June 23, 2008.

Memorandum 08-84, from Acting City Planner as backup.

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Ordinance 08-20 for introduction and first reading by title only.

WYTHE/ROBERTS SO MOVED.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

Mayor Hornaday called for a break at 8:01 p.m. The meeting resumed at 8:06 p.m.

C. Ordinance 08-21, An Ordinance of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Enacting a Sales Tax Exemption on Food Items. Shadle. Recommended Dates: Introduction June 9, 2008, Public Hearing and Second Reading June 23, 2008.

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Ordinance 08-21 for introduction and first reading by title only.

SHADLE SO MOVED.

Motion failed for lack of a second.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

A. City Manager’s Report

City Manager Wrede reported the City closed on the sale of the old library building and the proceeds of about $400,000 after closing costs will be applied immediately to pay down the new library loan. He reported on the landscaping issues at the new library, noting that $30,000 was budgeted for the landscaping. The LAB has formed a committee to review the original landscaping design on the plans or if they want something different. The LAB has discussed a sign for the new library and wants to do an RFP for artists to submit proposals. He reported that the judge ruled in favor of the City in the eminent domain proceedings and the City was awarded four full acres. The Water Treatment Plant Project is underway and the trees that are being removed are being donated to Tom Schroder who provides cut wood for people in need. Regarding personnel Matt Clarke was offered and has accepted the job of Deputy Harbormaster. Mr. Wrede interviewed three qualified applicants for the City Planner position and hopes to offer the job and fill the position by the end of the week. He advised Council that the City received a $5000 grant from ICLEI for the development of an Employee Sustainability Handbook and Joel Cooper has already started working on it. Mr. Cooper will attend the Department Head Staff Meeting to begin discussions with staff.

Councilmember Wythe asked about the status of the remaining parcel from the old library property. She noted they still maintain the obligation to sell that property and pay the loan down.

Mayor Hornaday commented he doesn’t think the City should sell any land.

Councilmember Novak commented that he is not particularly enthused about selling right now. He is happy to have land in a land bank for future trades or other things, regardless of what the potential agreements that were made in the past on their intent; he thinks we can also see there are other reasons why they might save the property for future development, sale, or trade with other private enterprise for the City for excess morrows.

Councilmember Shadle countered the statement “regardless of intent” and questioned if it is okay to lie and change their mind. He doesn’t think so and said this isn’t how City government should work. We agreed that we would sell the property to pay off the debt.

Councilmember Wythe concurred and added that when we they sit at the table and tell the public we are going to do this thing, and just because it becomes more convenient later to do something different, that doesn’t relieve them from their public obligation to follow through on what we say we are going to do. When we took the loan and financed the library, part of the agreement was that we would use the existing properties to pay down the library loan. The understanding of owning the existing properties is that they were given to the City for the purposes of library use. If we decide we want to do something different, not only are we breaking trust with the public, we are breaking trust with the person who gave the City the property in good faith.

There was discussion regarding bringing back a resolution authorizing the sale of the property for Council to take action on. Point was raised that a resolution has already been passed directing the City Manager to sell the property and pay down the loan.

Councilmember Roberts agrees with the obligation to give the money to the library, but noted the Council also has the obligation to determine when the best time to sell it and she doesn’t know if this is the time. She would like more feedback from the City Manager regarding that aspect.

Councilmember Novak commented that he just wanted to make the point that it isn’t unanimous and there are others who have some other thoughts on the matter.

Regarding the funding for the library grounds, Councilmember Novak commented that he has seen fields that look better than the library grounds. He would like them to find a way to trim the grass.

City Manager Wrede responded that there are people that think the City built something they can’t maintain. It is hard to mow the grass there as the ground was never prepared and is really rough. They could take a weedwacker to it, but that idea was frowned upon, and the LAB has a group to come in and pull the weeds. He noted that some people like the way it looks.

Mayor Hornaday noted the strong feeling that he heard that people didn’t want a regular lawn there, they want natural. And we got natural.

City Manager Wrede said that in discussion at the LAB meeting, there are some members who are knowledgeable about native plants and there was good discussion about what plants would provide for permanent ground cover, reduce the need for weeding and watering, and no mowing would be required. If they act quickly it could be replanted this summer.

B. Bid Report

C. Question of the Week

COMMITTEE REPORT

A. Comprehensive Plan Community Advisory Committee

B. Public Arts Committee

C. Transportation Advisory Committee

D. Permanent Fund Committee

E. Lease Committee

PENDING BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Memorandum 08-80, from Special Projects Coordinator, Re: Proposed CIP Schedule.

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the approval of the recommendation of Memo 08-80.

WYTHE/ROBERTS SO MOVED.

Councilmember Wythe commented that previously they discussed the need for a mechanism to establish how things get on the CIP, how long they stay there, and how they come off. She would like to see them go through the process of developing the CIP under the standards referenced in Special Project Coordinator Holen’s report of her CIP training under the City Manager’s report. It would be very useful in cleaning up their plan and give them a 5 year working plan and a twenty year long range plan for capital projects.

City Manager Wrede responded that he will meet with Ms. Holen when she returns and relay the wishes of the Commission and bring something back to them.

Mayor Hornaday noted for the public that Council is establishing the schedule for the Capital Improvements Projects, and soon they will be adopting the schedule for the operating budget, so now is the time to start bringing requests to Council for consideration. He noted it doesn’t mean everyone will get what they ask for, but if requests aren’t timely they are less likely to be considered.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

B. Memorandum 08-81, from City Planner, Re: Recommendation from the Homer Advisory Planning Commission for Homer Spit Comprehensive Plan Update.

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the approval of the recommendation of Memo 08-81.

ROBERTS/WYTHE SO MOVED

There was no discussion.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

C. Memorandum 08-82, from City Planner, Re: Joint Worksession with Port & Harbor Advisory Commission

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the approval of the recommendation of Memo 08-82.

ROBERTS/ SHADLE SO MOVED

There was no discussion.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

RESOLUTIONS

A. Resolution 08-65, A Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Awarding the Car Rental Concession Space to Sandra Thompson Homer Alaska Car Rental of Homer, Alaska in the Amount of $2,331 Annual Rental Fee plus 10% of Gross Sales Estimated at $8,000 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Clerk.

Memorandum 08-87 from Personnel/Airport Terminal Manager as backup

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion to adopt Resolution 08-65 by reading of title.

There was no comment and no motion was made.

B. Resolution 08-66, A Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Awarding the Climate Action Plan to the Firm of Deerstone Consulting of Homer, Alaska in the Amount of $40,000 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Clerk.

Memorandum 08-86 from Special Projects Coordinator as backup

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion to adopt Resolution 08-66 by reading of title.

Councilmember Wythe stated she may have a conflict of interest. She explained that Brian Hirsch is on the Board of Directors for HEA, as an employee of HEA she said it may be perceived as conflict of interest for her to vote on this action item.

Mayor Hornaday referred the question to City Attorney Tans. City Attorney Tans questioned if she has any financial interest in Mr. Hirsch’s company or this contract that would, or if it would affect her employment status. She responded no on all accounts, she doesn’t know him personally.

Mayor Hornaday ruled that there is no conflict of interest.

ROBERTS/WYTHE MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 08-66.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

C. Resolution 08-67, A Resolution of the City Council of Homer Alaska, Amending the Homer Advisory Planning Commission Bylaws and the Policy and Procedures Manual. Planning.

Memorandum 08-85 from City Planner as backup

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 08-67 by reading of title only.

WYTHE/HOWARD SO MOVED

Councilmember Wythe raised a question regarding ending the meeting at 10 p.m. with a vote of the Commission required to extend beyond that, she asked if the intent is to keep the meeting from going to all hours it seems appropriate for it to say “not to exceed an additional hour” or something to that effect.

WYTHE/ROBERTS MOVE THAT IT BE AMENDED TO BE THAT IT COULD BE EXTENDED BEYOND 10:00 P.M. FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED ONE HOUR.

There was brief discussion for clarification.

Acting City Planner Engebretsen commented that she would prefer not to see a one hour extension. There may be times when they only need a little bit of time to wrap up business, or more time because in the event of a large public hearing. The way it is now allows the Commission the flexibility to extend for a specific amount of time.

VOTE: YES: WYTHE,

NO: SHADLE, HOWARD, NOVAK, ROBERTS

Motion failed.

Councilmember Wythe noted a Committees process is being established and questioned if the Commission has the authority to delegate to a further body.

City Attorney Tans responded not unless Council gives them the authority. Title 29 they have certain specific duties they must perform and those duties may not be delegated to others, however they could get input from anybody.

Acting City Planner Engebretsen commented that the Parks and Recreation Commission has similar language regarding Committees in their bylaws, which is how they created the Karen Hornaday Park Master Plan Committee. The Committee made up of some Commissioners and members of the public is advisory to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

D. Resolution 08-68, A Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Awarding the Contract for Preparation of the Trails Design Criteria Manual to William Nelson and Associates of Kenai, Alaska in the Amount of $25,430 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager/Public Works

Memorandum 08-88 from Public Works Director as backup

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion to adopt Resolution 08-68 by reading of title only.

WYTHE/NOVAK SO MOVED.

WYTHE/MOVE TO CORRECT THE SPELLING ERROR ON THE THIRD WHEREAS TO READ “THE FIRM HAS CREATED A TEAM…”

There was no discussion.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

VOTE (Main motion as amended): NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

E. Resolution 08-69, A Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Establishing a Mil Rate of Four (4) Mils for the Ocean Drive Loop Special Service District. City Manager.

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion to adopt Resolution 08-69 by reading of title only.

WYTHE/ROBERTS SO MOVED

There was brief discussion if it clear enough that this is an additional 4 mils. City Attorney Tans suggested adding a sentence at the end to the effect that this milage is in addition to the general property real property tax mil rate.

WYTHE/NOVAK I WOULD MOVE THAT

There was no discussion.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

VOTE (Main motion as amended): NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

Maria Santa Lucia said this is her first Council meeting and thanked them for their hard work, she appreciated listening today. Ms. Santa Lucia commented in support of Sandra Thompson and thinks her business would be wonderful for Homer. She stayed to comment on the Pebble Mine presentation and its affects on our community. She has four sons and all of them have fished in Bristol Bay, her oldest son is in Iraq right now, her 19 year old is operating his own fishing boat permit in Bristol Bay, her 16 year old son left today to go fish in Bristol Bay, and she has a 13 year old as well. This is their future and when she heard the comments on the affects that there could be on our environment, she asked the Council to highly consider this as a determent to the future of Alaskans. She is saying it as a mother and she hopes they will take it seriously.

Public Works Director Meyer wanted to take this opportunity to remind them about the overall design of the library throughout the structure and site itself. We were striving for a LEED’s certificate. If what we had wanted was manicured lawns, it wouldn’t have been consistent with trying to design a facility that was low maintenance. Obviously there are some things that could be done, like pulling dandelions. Personally, he likes dandelions, they are the first color we get here in Alaska. There was more landscaping associated with the project, but that was removed. He likes the naturalness of it and that the City doesn’t have to hire Parks and Rec employees, add to the mowing contract, and burn the fuel necessary to mow the entire site.

Mayor Hornaday expressed that he would like to see a specific motion from the LAB as to what they really want there. This is very different than what they wanted before. They wanted natural and they got natural. City Manager Wrede responded that is the task of the landscaping committee that they developed.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY ATTORNEY

City Attorney Tans had no comment.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK

Deputy City Clerk Jacobsen had no comment.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER

City Manager Wrede had no comment.

COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR

Mayor Hornaday commented that Tania Uminski-Spurkland and her husband donated a painting by Fred Machetanz of a polar bear for long term lease to the library. We thank them for that. A lot of us remember the Uminski’s from shopping at their department store. He noted that June 6 was the anniversary of D-Day 1944. We need to continue to appreciate the deaths of those who died to protect our freedom.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Mayor Pro-Tempore Novak thanked the public for their participation and enjoy the sunny weather.

Councilmember Shadle said he is going home tonight and eat some dandelions. He thinks more people need to so we won’t have to talk about dandelions again in the City Council Chambers.

Councilmember Wythe thanked the Council for enduring her interesting work schedule today.

Councilmember Howard had no comment.

Councilmember Roberts explained that she did not second the sales tax ordinance that Mr. Shadle presented because she thinks the wisest thing is to wait for the referendum in October to see what happens with that. Mr. Shadle’s will be worth considering later on. She is glad to see the City moving forward on the Climate Action plan to be awarding the contract to a group to start working on the plan and to have our manuals started. They are really good things to see happening. She said she learned an interesting fact that when the City of Juneau lost their hydro-electric power, they were able to reduce their electric usage by 35% in one week’s time. She would expect the City and a lot of people could find savings like that.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. by Mayor James C. Hornaday. The next Committee of the Whole is scheduled for Monday June 23, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday June 23, 2008at 7:00 p.m. The next Special Meeting is scheduled for June 23, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. All meetings scheduled to be held in the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

MELISSA JACOBSEN, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

Approved: