Session 09-08 a Regular Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order on March 23, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tempore Dennis Novak 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, LEWIS, NOVAK, ROBERTS, WYTHE, ZAK

 

                               STAFF:                                CITY CLERK JOHNSON

                                                                            CITY MANAGER WREDE

                                                                            CITY PLANNER ABBOUD

                                                                            PORT AND HARBOR DIRECTOR HAWKINS

                                                                            PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR MEYER

                                                                           

Mayor Hornaday has requested excusal.

 

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

 

Council met as a Committee of the Whole from 4:00 p.m. to 5:10 p.m. Agenda items included Representative Seaton’s idea to transfer funds from City Hall to Kachemak Bay Campus for expansion and Regular Meeting Agenda. Council conducted a Worksession from 5:30 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. to discuss Ordinance 09-12(A).

 

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: CONSENT AGENDA - Email correspondence from Alcoholic Beverage Control Board re: Beluga Lake Lodge Inc. liquor license; MANAGER’S REPORT - Memorandum from City Manager re: Response to Tariff Rate Changes.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Novak called for a motion for the adoption of the agenda as amended.

 

HOWARD/LEWIS – SO MOVED.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

 

Kevin Hogan, city resident, commented on Resolution 09-35, suggesting the Spit parking study be taken care of right away as it is a safety issue. He commented on Resolution 09-33, specifically the transfer of the Town Square parcel. At the joint worksession on the Land Allocation Plan he heard there was a restriction on the deed limiting its use to the Town Square. At the recorders office he could not find a related restriction on the parcel. The Economic Development Advisory Commission talked about putting the parcel back on the market. He would like to see it separated out until there is documentation as to whether there is a restriction on the title. As to the Port and Harbor Tariff, the City Manager’s response to the Port and Harbor memo is in the supplemental packet. He told Council they should not buy Administration’s explanation on a public hearing. The City is required to hold a public hearing on a resolution used to increase rates.

 

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 March 9, 2009 Regular Meeting.       City Clerk.                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                   

B.        Memorandum 09-33, from City Clerk, Re: Liquor License Ownership Transfer for Beluga Lake Lodge Inc. to Best Western Bidarka Inn.                                    

 

C.        Memorandum 09-34, from Mayor, Re: Reappointment of Bette Seaman to the Library Advisory Board.                                                                                                

 

Councilmember Zak requested that Memorandum 09-33 be moved to New Business.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Novak called for a motion for the approval of the consent agenda as amended.

 

ROBERTS/LEWIS - SO MOVED.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

VISITORS

 

None.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS/BOROUGH             REPORT/COMMISSION REPORTS

 

A.                Response from the Regulatory Commission of Alaska to Mayor Hornaday’s Questions and Invitation to City Council Meeting.                                                       

 

B.        Mayor Hornaday’s Response to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, Re: Huge Increase in Homer Area Electric Rates.                                                

 

C.        Letter from Richard Svobodny, Acting Attorney General, Re: District Attorney’s Office in Homer.                                                                                                        

 

D.        A Vision for ‘Our Town’, by Betty Snow.                                                    

 

E.         Councilmember Wythe’s Washington, DC Trip Report.                               

 

F.         Memorandum 09-39 from Port and Harbor Advisory Commission, Re: Public Hearings for Tariff Changes.                                                                                               

 

G.        Homer Chamber of Commerce Membership Poll – Ordinance 09-01.          

 

Bill Smith, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assemblyman, announced Saturday, March 28th the public is invited for the Milli & Billy show, presenting fascinating facts about Kenai Peninsula Borough assessments and budget. The meeting will be held at City Hall, Cowles Council Chambers from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

 

Dennis Wheeler, Advisory Section Manager of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, appeared before Council to outline the utility rates and answer questions. As a lifelong Alaskan, he has worked for the RCA for four years. He passed on Chair Robert Pickett’s apologizes for not attending the meeting, stating he was in Juneau working with the Governor and Legislators on issues.

 

The RCA regulates a broad range of public utilities, pipelines, natural gas providers, telecom companies and refuse companies. They make sure rates are just and reasonable and offer the utility to make a fair rate of return. When they have a monopoly, RCA makes sure the market control is not abused. Many utilities operate in competitive environments. Utilities come to RCA to request a change in rates; it can be expensive and time consuming. The RCA has 15 months to work through the request. Some utilities file one after another, others are years in between. With the oil embargo of the early 70’s a simplified rate filing process (SRF) was adopted. Companies can make a quarterly filing and make adjustments in their rates.

 

HEA has three components to their rate: customer charge, base rate (per killowat rate) and energy costs that allow the costs to change as the costs change. The SRF allows the utilities to make adjustments on a quarterly basis. They maintain a balancing account that is adjusted for energy costs. We saw a huge jump in energy prices which reflected in a huge spike in the energy component. As costs go down the energy component will go down.

In the exchange of letters from Mayor Hornaday it was discovered Homer’s tariff in terms of the billing statement was missing a piece of the puzzle. In the part that explains the two-tier process (base rate and energy component), the base rate was missing from the billing statement. HEA is in the process of changing the billing statement where the information is more clear. For some good news, HEA recently filed a change to the energy component and a 4˘ drop will be reflected on the new billings.

 

Mr. Wheeler provided the document outlining HEA’s energy component change and a document that depicts the changes over time from 2004 to now. Chugach, HEA and MEA rates are fairly close; in 2004 to July 2007 the rate jumps to 3˘, and last year jumped tremendously. The long term issue for HEA and other railbelt utilities is where they will get their power from as the railbelt continues to grow. The Legislature is looking at the REGA study, to take little utilities and combine them in a single generation company. It is a voluntary step on the utilities part. The other issue is natural gas.

 

There were a couple of presentations made in front of RCA, one by Enstar and one by Armstrong. As the Cook Inlet fields mature there is a sense that available natural gas is diminishing. RCA does not regulate producers. They are not under obligation to provide data of how much they develop and produce. When Enstar or Chugach brings RCA a contract they do not have input into the costs. Enstar is looking at a bullet line project with the main pipe going to Canada with offshoots. RCA is looking at natural gas storage to alleviate price spikes. Storage could be reinjection into the ground or in tank storage. With Agrium out of the picture and with the LNG plant not taking as much gas there is still an issue of deliverability. As of now they are okay, but are giving warning signals that may not always be the case.

 

Council asked questions of Mr. Wheeler: Rates changes can be made on a quarterly basis. There are some limitations and the RCA can look closer. If the spike is too great the RCA can look more closely. The typical rate case that takes 450 days is for utilities outside the SRF (Simplified Rate Filing) process. HEA had a SRF rate filing in February 2008 at 6.5%; this Fall they had their COPA filing that passed through Chugach’s rate increase.

 

Councilmember Zak commented that Homer was hit hard with 50% rate increases with no notice to consumers. It is hoped the reaction from HEA is just as quick to reduce the fees. People are talking about moving out of the community due to high electric bills. Mr. Wheeler answered because there are quarterly filings there is a narrow time. The latest increase was due to dramatic spikes in oil and gasoline. The SRF process is granted to cooperatives, who should be responsive to their members. RCA tends to give cooperative members less hands on that a corporation or LLC. The issue is whether members feel they are getting adequate notice to members. In one of the quarterly filings the HEA Board called a meeting, noticed it in the paper and the resolution was adopted six days later. Within a couple of days the filing was made with RCA. RCA regulations require notices be reasonable. Costs are passed on quickly, whether up or down. Asked if Homer can expect to see a drop in rates, Mr. Wheeler answered that based on presentations from producers and what he has read from other sources, the prediction is costs will go up when the recovery happens. He does not expect the drop to last for any significant amount of time. For a long time the local utilities had long-term contracts with gas producers; those are now coming to an end.

Mayor Pro Tempore Novak commented there is a misconception the rates doubled. The cost of power adjustment doubled.

 

Asked about future consolidation of power companies, Mr. Wheeler answered Chugach, HEA, MEA, and AEA have been looking at new generation. The Governor and Legislature have a bill in front of them now. If a particular utility chooses to opt out they can do so.

 

Brief discussion ensued of a District Attorney and Probation Officer located in Homer.

 

Councilmember Wythe provided an overview of her trip to Washington, DC. She returned encouraged that the City may be able to access funding from the stimulus plan for water programs. It was interesting to observe the processes they use, which is much like Juneau. She and City Manager Wrede visited with a gentleman from ICLEI. A conference is coming up in May and it would be nice to have Anne Marie Holen attend. She appreciates the Council and community support in allowing her to go to Washington, DC to represent Homer.

 

Councilmember Howard referenced the supplemental memo from the City Manager suggesting ways to improve the budget process. When public notice is put out for the proposed budget it will also include resolutions to identify fees. The Port and Harbor Advisory Commission should also be provided the opportunity to provide input on port fees.

 

Councilmember Zak questioned if the fees could be put out for public hearing at this time, after the fact. At this point, the Port and Harbor recommendation is the most we can do for future fee increases.

 

PUBLIC HEARING(S)

 

A.        Ordinance 09-12(A), An Ordinance of the Homer City Council, Amending Homer City   Code Section 21.03.040 to Add Definitions Related to Off-Street Parking; Amending the           Definition of “Parking Space” in Homer City Code Section 21.03.040; Enacting Homer         City Code Chapter 21.55, Off-Street Parking; Amending Homer City Code Section            21.70.020 to Provide for Zoning Permit Application Submissions and Regarding Off-           Street Parking; and Repealing Homer City Code 7.12, Off-Street Parking. City             Manager/City Planner. Introduction March 9, 2009, Public Hearing and Second Reading March 23, 2009.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Novak opened the public hearing.                                                                    

 

Kevin Hogan, city resident, assumes the amended definition of parking spaces will be throughout the code, both on-street and off-street. He asked Council to look at a two tiered definition of a parking space. The current space is 20’ and the proposed change is 19’. It would be nice to see the regular parking space and those for compact vehicles. He would like to see discussion to consider the idea.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Novak closed the public hearing.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Novak called for a motion for the adoption of Ordinance 09-12(A) for second and final reading.

 

WYTHE/ROBERTS – SO MOVED.

 

ROBERTS/ZAK – MOVED TO AMEND LINE 253, SECTION E TO READ “REQUIRED OFF-STREET PARKING MAY BE LOCATED OFF-SITE IN A CITY-OWNED MULTIPLE USE PARKING AREA IF THE CITY PLANNER DETERMINES THE PARKING AREA WILL ADEQUATELY SERVE THE USE. TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY THE CITY PLANNER WILL CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING FACTORS IN RELATION TO THE USE TO BE SERVED:”

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

WYTHE/ROBERTS - MOVED TO AMEND LINE 151 THE DISTANCE FROM 700 TO 1,500 FEET AND REPLICATE FOR ANY OTHER AREAS THAT ARE DESIGNATED THAT WAY.

 

Councilmember Wythe commented in terms of developing Homer into a walkable community, 1,500 ft. is equivalent to two city blocks. Most people would be willing to walk a couple of blocks for a centralized parking area. It would require less area for parking, leaving more room for infilling.

 

VOTE: YES. ROBERTS, WYTHE, ZAK, HOWARD, NOVAK, LEWIS

 

Motion carried.

 

ZAK/HOWARD - MOVED TO AMEND LINE 221 ITEM 14 BOWLING ALLEY TO CHANGE THE 4 TO 2 PER BOWLING LANE.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

ZAK/WYTHE – MOVED TO AMEND LINE 222 ITEM 18 AUDITIORIUMS CHANGE FOUR TO FIVE SEATS.

 

The change would be consistent with churches, one parking spot per five seats.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

 

Councilmember Wythe explained part of the objective of the re-write was to simplify the determination of the number of parking spots to make it easier for developers. When a certain percentage is allocated to compact cars in relation to full size vehicles you get into a numbering game. People in Alaska tend to drive larger vehicles and allocating slots to compact parking may not allow enough for full size vehicles.

 

VOTE: (main motion as amended) YES. LEWIS, ROBERTS, WYTHE, ZAK, HOWARD, NOVAK

 

Motion carried.

 

ORDINANCE(S)

 

None.

 

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

 

A.        City Manager’s Report

 

  1.  City Website: As you know, we have been discussing the need to improve the City’s website. The idea is to update the site, make it more user friendly, and integrate all of the department web pages and links. Doing this could help the Council achieve its goal of getting more information out to the public. It could also improve productivity save a great deal of staff time because many people with questions could go right to the website. The department heads discussed how best to proceed with this project at their last meeting. The consensus was that we should hire a professional web designer to provide an overhaul to the entire site. The contractor would also provide training to staff in each department on how to update the pages with new information. I will be asking you for an appropriation to do this soon. 
  2. Climate Action Plan: Things are moving ahead with implementation of the Climate Action Plan. The new model for tracking and calculating fuel and electric consumption is just about complete. We expect to receive the consultant’s report soon regarding steps we can take to save energy in City buildings. A great deal of time and energy is being focused on the library heating system right now. I have reassigned some of Anne Marie’s duties and she will be taking responsibility for various Climate Action Plan tasks such as community outreach, research on energy saving appliances and equipment, improving the recycling effort, and helping to draft new procurement rules. The Sustainability Handbook is now on the website and a press release recently went out to advertise its availability to the general public. Orientation / training for City employees is being scheduled. We will soon be setting up a way for people to make carbon offset payments to the sustainability fund.
  3. Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District Capital Project Request: The Kenai Economic Development District has submitted a capital grant request to the legislature in the amount of $200,000 to study the feasibility of constructing a Central Peninsula Vocational Education Center.  Although the funding request     (attached) does not mention this, it is my understanding from talking to Anne Marie that the intent is not to compete with AVTEC in Seward. The new facility would be part of AVTEC.  The EDD Director, John Torgerson, has asked EDD Board members to seek letters and resolutions of support from local governments. Recall that the Council has expressed support for a Voc Ed center here in Homer. We bring this to you for your information and consideration. If Council wants to pursue this and support it, we can craft a resolution for the next meeting.
  4. Kachemak Drive Water and Sewer Phase II. Attached is a memorandum from the Public Works Director regarding a status report on the Kachemak Drive Phase II Water and Sewer Project. The design of this project is essentially complete. A widely recognized expert has concluded that this project, as designed, will have no adverse impact on bluff erosion or change the way water flows in this area. There are some permits that still need to be secured but the biggest hurdle in our view, is the fact that there are 18 easements that still need to be obtained. As Carey notes, we expect to receive some of them, but not all. In order for this project to move forward in a timely manner, Council will need to address the easement issue. Whether to proceed much further at this time is now a policy call for the Council. There is not a whole lot more we can do to move the project forward. Remember, this project has already been in the works for four years. While we understand the concerns and questions that have been raised by the small group of people who are opposed to moving forward, we cannot help but wonder what responsibility the City has to those property owners who signed the petition to form the LID and desperately need the project.
  5. Change Orders: Homer Water Treatment Plant Project: Attached are two change orders that were recently issued for the Water Treatment Plant Project. The smaller of the Change Orders ($15,808.66) is to cover work that was the responsibility of the treatment equipment manufacturer. The City will be reimbursed for this expense. The larger of the Change Orders is to cover a myriad of work tasks that were required of the contractor but not specified in the bid documents. These are items that were not anticipated. All funds for these change orders will be taken from the approved project contingency fund. We are notifying Council pursuant to the City’s procurement policies. 
  6. Roehl Property Acquisition: The transaction on the Roehl property in the Bridge Creek Watershed is essentially complete. Since the transaction was finalized, several other members of the family who own property in the same subdivision have contacted BIA and expressed an interest in selling also. These are adjacent properties to the ones you just purchased and we are interested in them. We are not surprised at this development since these property owners have expressed interest before. I have asked the City Attorney to work with BIA to see what the asking price might be and address other preliminary issues. If things look good, I can make a tentative offer to purchase which would be subject to Council approval. When Beth and I were in DC, we learned that the Stimulus Package contains money for watershed protection. I plan to explore that option. Also, Carey just secured a commitment from DEC that the 1.5 % interest loans can still be used for watershed protection for another year. In other words, the City is pre-approved. 
  7. Request from Representative Seaton RE, Transportation Projects that might be eligible for Stimulus Funding: Representative Seaton recently contacted us to ask if we had any transportation projects that would be eligible for funding under the stimulus package rules. The Legislature is apparently going to get directly involved in some manner in trying to influence how the transportation money is going to be spent. You may recall that I expressed doubt earlier about whether the City would receive any transportation funding because it was all going to DOT/PF. It looks now like there may still be some hope that the City could benefit from this funding. Attached is a letter that we sent to Representative Seaton which identifies two projects (Pave Freight Dock RD, Harbor Float Replacement / Ramp 3) from Council’s original list of stimulus package projects. We think these meet FHA and Stimulus Package Rules, namely that they can be ready to go quickly and all ROW, Categorical Exclusion, land acquisition, and other issues are already addressed.
  8. ISO Letter: Attached is a letter from Insurance Services Office (ISO). This letter essentially confirms that the City’s ISO rating is being downgraded from 3/8B to 5/8B. You may recall that the Council authorized us to appeal and/or ask for a reconsideration of this rating. We did so but were not successful in changing the rating. We have a list of improvements that we can make to the system in the future that will improve the City’s ISO rating. Those will be priories when we formulate future budget requests.  One item that we can work on immediately is retro-fitting the old water treatment plant to house fire equipment for faster response times on the hillside. Engine 4 needs a home and this would be a great place for it. Expect a budget / capital project request relatively soon. 
  9. Disc Golf: You will recall that the Council recently approved Resolution 08-97(A) which allowed disk golf as a permitted use at Jack Gist Park. The next step was for the Alaska Disc Golf Association to work with Public Works to iron out the details. This work has been completed. The agenda for this meeting contains a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the Association and the City for maintenance and operations of a disk golf course at the park. You will note that the MOU avoids any immediate financial commitments from the City on big ticket items such as keeping the road open in winter and providing bathroom facilities.
  10. Lake St. The City has a grind and repave project in the budget for this year to maintain and improve some local streets. Carey has approached DOT/PF to see if they are interested in piggy-backing with this project to get some improvements done on Lake Street. We’ll let you know if there are any developments there.
  11. FEMA Letter re: Flood Maps: The City Planner recently sent a letter to FEMA which contained the City’s comments on the new Flood Hazard Maps. Attached is the response. You will note that FEMA basically agrees with the City’s concerns about Beluga Slough and Beluga Lake but declines to rectify the problem at this time. They do explain the rational for doing what they did. At this time, we do not have a good handle on how many properties might potentially be affected, both in terms of building regulation and insurance rates. Please let us know if you would like more detailed information about this topic.
  12. Amended Personnel Regulations: The amendment process for the Personnel Policies is now complete. Sheri and the City Attorney’s have spent a great deal of time on this and I believe what we have now is a much improved product. The policies are currently being circulated among the employees and we expect to bring them to Council for review and approval in April.
  13. Port and Harbor Commission Memo RE: Sales Tax. Attached is a memo to the City Manager from the Port and Harbor Commission regarding Resolution 09-20. You will note that the Commission requests that the administration track sales taxes for the next year that are generated by harbor operations. At the time this was written, I had not yet had the opportunity to discuss this with either the Commission or the Finance Department. I bring it to you for your information.
  14. Letter from Port and Harbor Regarding Derelict Vessels: Attached is a letter from the Port and Harbor to the U.S. Coast Guard regarding the growing problem of derelict vessels in coastal communities. I know that Council has expressed interest in this subject before and I hope you support the approach taken here. This is a topic that I think harbormasters and communities around coastal Alaska will be increasingly unified on in the coming years. Derelict vessels are a drain on community resources, limit the capacity of local infrastructure, and impede economic development.   
  15. Stimulus Package Generally: We continue to review the Stimulus Package to see how Homer might fare. More and more information becomes available almost daily about where the money is going and how to apply for it.
  16. Anchorage Trip: Bryan Hawkins and I will be traveling to Anchorage next Tuesday the 24th to meet with the Corps of Engineers and DOT/PF. We will meet with the Corps to discuss progress on the 20 year Dredging Plan and the feasibility study funding and scope of work for the proposed harbor expansion. We will meet with DOT/PF to talk about parking on the SPIT, specifically within the state ROW.
  17. Small Oil Spill: Unfortunately, we have experienced a relatively small oil spill at the water pumping station at the reservoir. The leak happened at a fitting between the fuel tank and the side of the building. The spill has been reported to DEC and clean-up activities are underway. We can provide you with more details at the meeting. Although this is a small spill, the clean –up will be expensive. Of course, we want to do the best job possible given the location.

                                                                             

City Manager Wrede reported he came back from Washington, DC optimistic about the stimulus package. Everyone is interested in what will happen at the State level, as the Governor initially hesitated to take some of the money. Homer residents are interested in some of the programs. The main interest is what the City does with water and sewer projects in the stimulus. Public Works Director Carey Meyer is getting positive signals that our projects have good prospects. It looks like the Legislature will play an active role in helping DOT decide which road projects will be acceptable. Mr. Wrede expressed optimism about paving Freight Dock Road, which could be ready to go soon. Most are concerned about the Governor’s action, meaning there is no weatherization or alternative energy money. The Legislative delegation was contacted with the City’s concerns of Climate Action Plan projects consistent with the stimulus package.

 

City Manager Wrede and Port and Harbor Director Hawkins were scheduled to travel to Anchorage tomorrow and decided not to go due to the volcano. Instead, they will participate with DOT telephonically. On the East Boat Harbor Expansion project they will talk about refining the scope of work and how to move forward. The Corps of Engineers did not get the full allocation and the State is having trouble meeting their allocation. The project timeline may need to be redefined. Last year Council saw a presentation on the Corps 20-yr. dredging plan. The COE is ready to go and this Spring we will see big changes on the Spit. The area across from the Chappell campground will not be used for dredge spoils again, allowing more land for commercial activity. Dredging will take place and spoils will be piped to the site at Pier One Theatre. There is good debate amongst the engineers as to how it will work. There will be a local match of $50,000 to construct the dredge site. Materials will be stored there for a longer period of time. Some campground space will be lost and the road will be re-routed. Parking will be discussed with DOT. A meeting has been scheduled with the head of the ROW division about the City taking over responsibility for regulating on-street parking in DOT’s right-of-way.

 

Councilmember Wythe expressed her intent to sponsor a resolution for the Central Peninsula Vocational Educational Center.

 

City Manager Wrede explained the proposed CPVEC will not compete with AVTEC in Seward, it may be a part of it. We will have to wait until a feasibility study is done to see if AVTEC will join forces with CPVEC or stand alone.

 

Discussion ensued on derelict vessels and the possibility of the City getting a bond from the owner to assure they are not stuck with big ship in the harbor. Port and Harbor Director Hawkins commented they are careful with larger ships. There are those that have been tied up in the harbor for a long time, have paid and stayed current for years. Ownership changes hands and they went downhill. There are policy changes that could be looked at, including research with other harbors regarding pollution issues. 

 

The ISO rating was discussed and its effect on the City’s cost of insurance. City Manager Wrede explained insurance rates will increase for certain parts of town. A lot of areas up on Skyline Drive are too far from the fire station and fire hydrants. A fire station on Skyline Drive is necessary. People that live away from the fire station will see a change in insurance rates.

 

City Manager Wrede reported the new water treatment plant will be occupied by July, 2009. Eventually it is hoped that Fire Engine #4 can be housed in the old water treatment plant. For the next few months a rental area will need to be found to keep the engine inside. Councilmember Roberts visited the water treatment plant and was impressed with the operation. 

 

As to roads and the stimulus package, the projects have to be ready to go. Design, permits and easements must be in order, which eliminates everything on the list except the harbor floats and Freight Dock Road. Public Works Director Carey Meyer reported the State was given an opportunity to piggyback Lake Street on the City’s planned upgrades. He learned DOT has $125,000 for the entire Kenai Peninsula Borough to do road repaving. He was promised DOT will seriously consider using all the money to improve and pave Lake Street. He asked if Council found the project important enough for the City to spend their money or whether the City was in a position to offer matching funds to encourage them to spend the money they have on Lake Street. There is a lot of work to be done on roads within the Borough and DOT’s budget is very limited.

           

B.        Bid Report                                                                                                     

 

C.        Question of the Week                                                                                                

 

COMMITTEE REPORT

           

A.        Public Arts Committee

 

B.        Transportation Advisory Committee

 

C.        Permanent Fund Committee

 

D.        Lease Committee

 

PENDING BUSINESS

 

None.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

A.        Memorandum 09-33, from City Clerk, Re: Liquor License Ownership Transfer for Beluga Lake Lodge Inc. to Best Western Bidarka Inn. 

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Novak called for a motion for the approval of Memorandum 09-33.              

B.     Memorandum 09-33, from City Clerk, Re: Liquor License Ownership Transfer for Beluga Lake Lodge Inc. to Best Western Bidarka Inn.                                    

ZAK/LEWIS – SO MOVED.

 

Brief discussion ensued on two liquor licenses for the Beluga Lake Lodge and Bidarka Inn, both owned by the same individual.

 

VOTE: YES. NOVAK, LEWIS, ROBERTS, WYTHE, ZAK, HOWARD

 

Motion carried.

 

RESOLUTIONS

 

A.        Resolution 09-32, A Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Acknowledging   Lampang, Thailand, as a Sister City. Mayor.                                                      

 

            Memorandum 09-32 from Administrative Assistant, thru City Manager as backup.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Novak called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 09-32 by reading of title only.     

 

ZAK/LEWIS – SO MOVED.

 

Council discussed the Sister City programs and the means in which Council can be friendly and reach their hand out without costing much money. They will share education, culture and nature. At this time adopting the Thailand Sister City will not include a monetary contribution. Steve Yoshida is in Lampang and has ties to the exchange program.

 

VOTE: YES. HOWARD, NOVAK, LEWIS, ROBERTS, WYTHE, ZAK

 

Motion carried.

 

B.        Resolution 09-33, Of the City Council Approving the City of Homer 2009 Land Allocation Plan. Mayor/City Council.                                                  

 

            Memorandum 09-35 from Planning Technician, thru City Planner as backup.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Novak called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 09-33 by reading of title only.

 

WYTHE/ROBERTS - SO MOVED.

 

ROBERTS/ZAK - MOVED TO AMEND TO ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR LOTS 19-21.

 

Discussion ensued on which lots should go up for RFP. Port and Harbor Director Bryan Hawkins reported he was contacted by someone requesting an RFP on Lot 21, staff recommended Lot 22 be left available for public access. The Lease Committee also made recommendations.

 

Councilmember Roberts suggested Lots 22-27 could wait for RFP until we see what development happens on the harbor. Councilmember Wythe questioned the overall benefit of waiting to RFP the remaining lots when advertising all lots would still produce a limited response.

 

Port and Harbor Director Hawkins commented Lot 22 may include a ramp. The Port and Harbor Advisory Commission recommended that we encourage the potential customer to develop overslope for Lot 21.

 

Councilmember Lewis commented Lots 26 and 27 are partially filled with overflow parking on big weekends. Keeping them from RFP until the Comprehensive Plan is completed is important.

 

VOTE: (amendment) YES. ZAK, HOWARD, NOVAK, LEWIS, ROBERTS

VOTE: NO. WYTHE.

 

Motion carried.

 

VOTE: (main motion as amended) YES. WYTHE, ZAK, HOWARD, NOVAK, LEWIS, ROBERTS

 

Motion carried.

 

C.        Resolution 09-34, A Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Awarding the Contract for the Exterior Library Sign to Compass of Homer, Alaska, in the Amount of $10,000 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate documents. City Clerk.                                                                                                                      

 

Memorandum 09-36 from Library Advisory Board as backup.

           

Mayor Pro Tempore Novak called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 09-34 by reading of title only.

           

ZAK/ROBERTS - SO MOVED.

 

Council commented on the great looking sign that will be vandalism resistant to trucks, bazookas, and sledge hammers.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

D.        Resolution 09-35, A Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Awarding the Contract for Professional Planning Services for the Spit Comprehensive Plan Update and Parking Study to the Firm of USKH of Anchorage, Alaska, in the Amount of $65,000.00 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Clerk.

                                                                                                                                   

Memorandum 09-37 from City Planner as backup.                                       

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Novak called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 09-35 by reading of title only.

 

HOWARD/ROBERTS - SO MOVED.

 

Discussion ensued on addressing Spit parking first. City Manager Wrede and City Planner Abboud indicated the contractor would address immediate concerns with engineers looking at parking with a long-term plan in mind. The parking concept will be addressed early when the Spit is in full action.

 

VOTE: YES. ROBERTS, WYTHE, ZAK, HOWARD, NOVAK, LEWIS

 

Motion carried.

 

E.         Resolution 09-36, A Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Homer and the Alaska Disc Golf Association (ADGA) Regarding Construction, Maintenance, and Operation of a Proposed Disc Golf Course at Jack Gist Park. City Manager/Public Works.          

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Novak called for a motion for the adoption of Resolution 09-36 by reading of title only.     

 

WYTHE/LEWIS – SO MOVED.

 

WYTHE/ZAK - MOVED TO POSTPONE TO APRIL 27TH TO ALLOW TIME FOR STAFF TO REVISIT THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND BRING IT MORE IN LINE WITH MEMORANDUMS WE HAVE WITH SIMILAR TYPES OF PROGRAMS.

 

Asked if the postponement would be timely, Public Works Director Carey Meyer stated the City lacks MOU’s with many people that use our parks.

 

Councilmember Wythe said like Little League, disc golf charges fees and we want to make sure we are not leaving ourselves open for liability.

 

City Manager Wrede commented insurance and liability are the areas that could be tightened up. Like the Nordic Ski Club, they could be required to carry their own insurance. The Alaska Disc Golf Association says they have the ability to collect fees; it doesn’t say what they can be used for. It is a non profit operation. As to maintenance and operations, it implied they were on-site all the time; possibly creating liability issues. Fiscal impact information to the City is not listed because the City does not make any promises regarding restrooms, keeping the facility open in the winter, etc. 

 

Public Works Director Meyer expressed concern about the small size of Jack Gist Park and the ability to accept additional uses. After walking the configuration the disc golf course can operate without too much conflict between the two user groups.

 

City Manager Wrede stated the MOU could be amended and ready for the first meeting in April.

 

WYTHE/ZAK – MOVED TO AMEND POSTPONEMENT TO THE FIRST MEETING IN APRIL.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: (secondary amendment) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

VOTE: (postponement) YES. LEWIS, ROBERTS, WYTHE, ZAK, HOWARD, NOVAK

 

Motion carried.

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

Paulette Wellington, Anchor Point resident, said Saturday morning, March 28th is earth hour and people are encouraged to turn off electricity from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time. In 2008 more than 50 million people shut off their electricity and hundreds of cities have agreed to participate in 2009. It is a symbolic calling on world leaders to take action on climate change. A website: earthhour.org shows a video of the 2008 earth hour participation. It is s simple concept that has grown globally in less than two years. This year’s goal is to have one billion people around the globe participate.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY ATTORNEY

 

City Attorney Klinkner was not present.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK

 

City Clerk Johnson had no comments.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

City Manager Wrede commented on Kevin Hogan’s comment of the piece of land the City owns in Town Center. The City bought the parcel for fair market value. The University has a process to dispose of land they own. They have to put it out to bid, unless it is sold to a public entity for a public purpose. The City got at fair market value and was able to avoid the bidding process. If he had previously indicated there was a restriction on the deed he was misspoken.

 

COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Novak commented on the award of the contract for the library sign to Brad Hughes. The new Sister City is in northern Thailand, the town of Lampang, continuously inhabited for 1,400 years. It is a historical place and looks like an interesting place. He hopes to hear more in the years to come.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

 

Councilmember Wythe had no comments.

 

Councilmember Zak said he tried to catch the RCA guy to question him if the rates would come down as quickly as they went up. He would expect the rates to come back down and not be held up on some other factor not impacted on the rate increase.

 

Councilmember Roberts thanked Councilmember Wythe and City Manager Wrede for going to Washington, DC. It sounds like a productive meeting. During the Committee of the Whole there was discussion about the college. She supports the college; it is a difficult thinking process. She found her tour of the new water treatment plant very interesting and encourages everyone to take the opportunity to see it. When the plant comes online people will hardly notice. The employees are running the place so effectively all you have to do is turn on the tap water. You don’t know anyone is working behind the scenes.

 

Councilmember Lewis remarked over the Spring break there were a number of kids out of town. The math group from the Middle School competed statewide in Juneau and took third place. The PeeWee team took second place in Juneau and other teams traveled to Anchorage and played hard. There were a number of adults who participated in the 50k and 25k in Talkeetna. He congratulated them all.

 

Councilmember Howard thanked Mayor Pro Tempore Novak for running the meeting and thanked all that visited and listened in. She appreciates the conversation about the college.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tempore Dennis Novak. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. The next Committee of the Whole is scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2009 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:______________________