Session 10-11 a Regular Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order on March 8, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. 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, ROBERTS,                                                                                                                    WYTHE, ZAK

 

                        ABSENT:                               LEWIS, HOGAN (both excused)                 

 

                        STAFF:                                   CITY CLERK JOHNSON

                        CITY MANAGER WREDE

                        FINANCE DIRECTOR HARVILLE

                        PORT AND HARBOR DIRECTOR HAWKINS

                        PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR MEYER

 

Councilmember Lewis has requested excusal. Councilmember Hogan was excused following the Committee of the Whole due to illness.

 

Mayor Hornaday ruled both Councilmembers Lewis and Hogan had an excused absence. There was no objection from the Council.

 

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

 

Council met for a Worksession from 4:02 p.m. to 4:48 p.m. to hear from Pat Fitzgerald, Corps of Engineers, on the East Boat Harbor Expansion Feasibility Study. Council met as a Committee of the Whole from 5:00 p.m. to 5:26 p.m. to discuss Health Policy and Regular Meeting Agenda items.

 

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 amended to add PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance 09-40(S) – written public comments and Visitor Pat Fitzgerald, COE, was rescheduled to be heard following Agenda Approval.

 

VISITORS

 

Pat Fitzgerald, Corps of Engineers provided an update on the East Boat Harbor Expansion Feasibility Study. It was a joint study with the COE, DOT, and the City of Homer. The study evaluated moorage demands, an assessment of benefits, environmental baseline studies, and harbor alternatives. Detailed cost estimates were provided resulting in a number of sound engineering solutions to address current and proposed moorage needs. Due to high construction costs, the costs significantly exceed the benefits. The COE cannot recommend to Congress that a harbor be constructed, but does recommend that a technical report be completed. It would be the best mechanism to provide a basis for seeking Congressional authorization.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

 

There were no public comments.

 

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 Special Meeting minutes of January 13, February 22, and February 25, 2010 and Regular Meeting minutes of February 22, 2010. City Clerk. Recommend adoption.                                                                            

 

B.        Memorandum 10-41, From City Clerk, Re: Request for 30-Day Extension of Appeal       Hearing for Michael Kennedy, Appeal of the Planning Commission Decision of an        Enforcement Order at 844 Ocean Drive Loop, Lot 83, Oscar Munson Subdivision.    

                                                                                                                                   

C.        Memorandum 10-42, from City Clerk, Re: Liquor License Renewal for Ring of Fire        Meadery.   

 

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the approval of the recommendations of the consent agenda as read.                                                                                                     

 

WYTHE/ROBERTS - SO MOVED.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

VISITORS

 

A.        Corps of Engineers, East Boat Harbor Feasibility Study

 

Heard earlier, following Agenda Approval.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS/BOROUGH             REPORT/COMMISSION REPORTS

 

A.        Borough Report

 

B.        Commissions/Board Reports:

 

1.         Library Advisory Board

 

2.         Homer Advisory Planning Commission

 

3.         Economic Development Advisory Commission

 

4.         Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

 

5.         Port and Harbor Advisory Commission

 

Mayor Hornaday expressed appreciation to Mayor Pro Tempore Wythe for chairing the last meeting in his absence and to Council for proceeding without him. He voiced the importance of completing the Census 2010 information that has a direct bearing on funding and legislative district boundaries for the local area.

 

PUBLIC HEARING(S)

 

A.        Ordinance 09-40(S), An Ordinance of the Homer City Council Adopting the 2008 Homer Comprehensive Plan and Recommending Adoption by the Kenai Peninsula Borough. City Manager. Introduction September 14, 2009, Public Hearings October 12 & 26, November 23, 2009, January 25, February 8 & 22, March 8, 2010, Worksession November 9, 2009 and Second Reading March 22, 2010.                                

 

            Memorandum 10-11 from City Planner and Planning Technician as backup.

 

Mayor Hornaday opened the public hearing.                                                                                    

 

There was no public testimony.

 

Mayor Hornaday closed the public hearing.

 

Maps were provided as a laydown from a group that was not able to attend the meeting.

 

B.        Ordinance 10-12, An Ordinance of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Amending the     FY 2010 Operating Budget by Appropriating $7,725 from the Airport Reserve Account       for the Purpose of Replacing the Roll-Up Baggage Door at the Airport. City   Manager/Public Works Director.  Introduction February 22, 2010, Public Hearing and     Second Reading March 8, 2010.                                                                   

 

            Memorandum 10-39 from Public Works Director as backup.

 

Mayor Hornaday opened the public hearing.

                       

There was no public testimony.

 

Mayor Hornaday closed the public hearing.

 

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Ordinance 10-12 by reading of title only for second and final reading.

 

WYTHE/ROBERTS - SO MOVED.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

ORDINANCE(S)

 

A.        Ordinance 10-13, An Ordinance of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Repealing            Homer City Code 18.08.120 Sublease, and Revising Homer City Code 18.08.180       Assessments; Capital Improvement Projects. Hogan.  Recommended dates: Introduction March 8, 2010, Public Hearing and Second Reading March 22, 2010.           

 

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the introduction and first reading of Ordinance 10-13 by reading of title only.

 

Failed for lack of a motion.

 

B.        Ordinance 10-14, An Ordinance of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Adopting Homer            City Code Chapter 3.14, Revolving Energy Fund, and Amending the FY 2010 Operating       Budget by Appropriating $315,691 from Thirteen Facility Depreciation Accounts to   Provide Startup Funds. Roberts. Recommended dates: Introduction March 8, 2010,   Public Hearing and Second Reading March 22, 2010.                                  

 

            Memorandum 10-43 from Councilmember Roberts as backup.

 

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the introduction and first reading of Ordinance 10-14 by reading of title only.   

 

ROBERTS/WYTHE - SO MOVED.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

C.        Ordinance 10-15, An Ordinance of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Accepting and    Appropriating an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Community    Economic Stimulus Grant Administered by the State of Alaska Department of           Commerce, Community and Economic Development in the Amount of $161,979.77 for          the Purchase of Electric and Heating Fuel and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute   the Appropriate Documents. City Manager.         Recommended dates: Introduction March 8,             2010, Public Hearing and Second Reading             March 22, 2010.

 

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the introduction and first reading of Ordinance 10-15 by reading of title only.               

 

WYTHE/ROBERTS - SO MOVED.

 

City Manager Wrede explained the City is being reimbursed for money spent in 2009 to the present time for electric and heating fuel. The funds can be re-appropriated as Council sees fit.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

 

A.        City Manager’s Report                                                                                  

 

  1. Sanitary Sewer Slip-line Project: I would like to devote most of the Manager’s Report at this meeting to a presentation by Carey Meyer on the Sewer Slip-line project that is currently underway. This is a project that the City received American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus) funds for (90% of the cost) but it is not very visible and not very sexy. All the work is happening underground. However, this project is very important and it will save the taxpayers and the water and sewer customers a great deal of money in the future. I think it would be good for the public to be aware of it. If Council likes this presentation, we could do similar ones on other ARRA projects like the PRV station improvements, the new street sweeper, etc.
  2. Parity Study: During the budget deliberations, Council noted that it would like to see a parity study completed this year and also suggested that it might want to discuss having an independent consultant perform the work. Attached is a memorandum from the Personnel Director regarding this issue. We would like some guidance regarding whether you would like Sheri to proceed with a new parity study or contract it out. We do not need a decision at this meeting. This is for your information and discussion.
  3. Juneau: I will be taking my first trip to Juneau on Tuesday morning the 9th and will be there for the remainder of the week. In addition to working on the approved CIP List, I will be visiting state and federal agencies on various City projects. At meeting time, I will provide you with a short list of bills working their way through the process which could have important impacts on Homer. I expect to attend committee hearings on some of these and hope to visit with the Governor’s staff about the proposed maritime academy. 

   

Councilmember Wythe asked for a place on the next agenda to discuss a parity study. Councilmember Roberts suggested the City could band together with other communities for a reduction in costs for the study.

 

B.        Bid Report                                                                                                     

 

C.        Games Report                                                                                                

 

COMMITTEE REPORT

           

A.        Public Arts Committee

 

B.        Transportation Advisory Committee

 

C.        Permanent Fund Committee

 

D.        Lease Committee

 

PENDING BUSINESS

 

A.        Resolution 09-113, A Resolution Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Establishing a    2010 Mil Rate of _______ Mils for the Ocean Drive Loop Special Service District in             Addition to the General Real Property Tax Mil Rate. City Manager. (Postponed from          October 26, 2009.)                                                                                         

 

WYTHE/ROBERTS – MOVED TO POSTPONE TO THE FIRST MEETING IN MAY. (May 10, 2010)

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

None.

 

RESOLUTIONS

 

A.        Resolution 10-25, A Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Expressing its Support         for a City Application to the Alaska Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) to Reconstruct             Approximately 850 Feet of the Beluga Slough Trail. City Manager.

 

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 10-25 by reading of title only. 

 

ZAK/HOWARD – SO MOVED.

 

Brief discussion ensued on the absence of a cost defined in the resolution.

 

WYTHE/HOWARD - MOVED TO POSTPONE TO THE NEXT MEETING.

 

City Manager Wrede clarified that Council passed a similar resolution and this is a do-over. The previous cost was incorrect. An ordinance will follow with the amount included for accepting the grant. The resolution will allow for the City to apply for the grant.

 

WYTHE/HOWARD - MOVED TO WITHDRAW THE AMENDMENT TO POSTPONE.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

B.        Resolution 10-26, A Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Awarding the       Contract for Website Redesign, Development and Implementation to the Firm of Aha   Consulting Inc. of Lake Oswego, Oregon, in an Amount Not to Exceed $20,000 and   Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate the Contract and Prepare the Appropriate          Documents. City Manager.                                                                            

 

            Memorandum 10-44 from Website RFP Review Committee through City Manager as        backup.

 

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 10-26 by reading of title only.

 

WYTHE/HOWARD - SO MOVED.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

There were no comments from the audience.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY ATTORNEY

 

City Attorney Klinkner was not present.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK

 

City Clerk Johnson had no comment.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

City Manager Wrede had no comment.

 

COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR

 

Mayor Hornaday had no comment.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

 

Councilmember Howard expressed a thank you to all the Public Works crew for their extraordinary work.

 

Councilmembers Roberts, Wythe, and Zak had no comment.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at 6:19 p.m. by Mayor Hornaday. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 22, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. The next Committee of the Whole is scheduled for Monday, March 22, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. A Worksession is scheduled for Monday, March 22, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. All meetings scheduled to be held in the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

______________________________

JO JOHNSON, CMC, CITY CLERK

 

Approved: _____________________