HOMER CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MARCH 28, 2000

Session 00-06, a Regular Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order at 7:30 PM by Mayor Jack Cushing at the Homer City Hall Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: WELLES, FENSKE, MARQUARDT, YOURKOWSKI, CUE

STAFF: CITY MANAGER DRATHMAN

DEPUTY CITY CLERK BENSON

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR MEYER

PORT & HARBOR DIRECTOR ABBOTT

FINANCE SUPERVISOR MACK

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER: KRANICK (excused)

AGENDA APPROVAL

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

The agenda was approved by consensus of the City Council with a substitution of an amended Memorandum 00-14.

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

Steve Morphis, a Homer business owner, spoke on the business license issue to oppose it. He stated that there are a lot of different reasons for that. He didn't see the gain being worth the trouble it would cause for the business owners. He wished the business owners would have been notified so more would show up to testify, however, he suggested that maybe this issue was overshadowed by the annexation issue. He knows there is more support "out there" against the issue so he was hoping the council would postpone it or modify it so it's not so restrictive.

David Schroeder, a Homer business owner, spoke on the business license issue 00-07(A). He said he talked to four different council members and got four different cost estimations, opinions and work load responses. He does not see the benefit to the Homer businesses. He understood that Homer is not receiving the full amount of the sales tax revenue due to businesses which are non-compliant about filing or collecting sales tax. He pointed out that the borough sales tax department has an enforcement procedure in place and outlined that procedure. He asked why the City of Homer has to recreate a system that is already in place by the borough. He felt that the business owners would be penalized by having to pay a city licensing fee in addition to the state license fee and that this is not a good idea to find non-compliant businesses. He suggested hiring a contractor to do compliant enforcement instead.

Charles Davis protested the addition of the "uniformed imposter" to "influence" his testimony. He read Article 1 Section VI of the Constitution regarding the right to peacefully assemble. He addressed the fact that the council has no right to represent him nor do anything in his name. He called the activities of the government "undo process". He addressed the executive session saying he wished city business would be discussed in public. He talked about the election process in Russia addressing the differences. Mr. Davis addressed rumors including the past rumor that Ron Drathman was going to be city manager before his name was submitted and now, the rumor is the City is going to buy the Lakeside Mall. He spoke against the possibility of it saying the City does not have the money. He again spoke against the executive session saying doing business in "secret" will cost more than the City would realize saying it was "unAmerican".

Tim Daugharty, from Parks and Recreation Commission, introduced himself as a proposed City resident who lives outside the city limits. He wanted to clarify a couple of questions on the consent agenda regarding Mariner Park. He admitted it is a big issue with a lot of hard questions. He addressed his concerns on vehicular access regarding Mariner Park. He pointed out that the city bought Bishop's Beach access to have coaling access to the beach. He also point out that there is dedicated access to the beach between Bishops Beach and Mariner Park which is located at the base of the spit. Mr. Daugharty stated that the commission recognizes the tough policy question on whether or not and where to allow vehicular access. He said the commission was not opposed to vehicular access for the important aspect of living where we do (referring to coaling) and could not decide whether or not to allow or ban vehicular access. He pointed out that the master plan includes some "green space", some "bird habitat viewing" and that maybe these don't mix with vehicular traffic and wish the council luck on making their decision. He asked for questions and Councilmember Cue asked if he would stay for discussion on this issue later in the meeting.

Pete Roberts spoke regarding Memorandum 00-14 saying he'd like to see the city do it's business in the open. He also addressed the business license issue saying he does his house design business within the city and paying sales tax and admitted there would probably always be people who try to "beat the city". He said he'd like to see a building inspector instead of a Fire Marshal. He pointed out that a lot of good time was lost on a project on the spit because of the remoteness of Homer from the Fire Marshal. He felt that Councilmember Marquardt and Mayor Cushing would understand the importance of this issue. He further admitted that he knew the city needs the tax revenues, referring to Mr Davis' testimony, but though the city would do better with a building inspector.

RECONSIDERATION

CONSENT AGENDA

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

A. Homer City Council regular meeting unapproved minutes of March 13, 2000. Recommend Approval.

B. Memorandum 00-13 from City Manager, Re: Homer Air General Concession Lease. Recommend Approval.

C. Memorandum 00-14, from City Clerk, Request Executive Session, Re: Discussion of Potential Real Property Acquisition/Disposal Opportunities. Recommend Approval.

D. Memorandum 00-16, from City Manager, Re: Mariner Park Master Plan Recommend Approval. This item placed under New Business Item B.

E. Memorandum 00-17, from City Manager, Lot 12A-1, Port Industrial Subdivision No. 3 Lease Renewal, assignment and application. Recommend Approval.

MARQUARDT/WELLES - MOVE FOR APPROVAL OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

MARQUARD - REQUESTED THAT ITEM D BE PULLED AND MOVED TO NEW BUSINESS AS ITEM B.

VOTE: (Items A,B,C and E) YES: FENSKE, WELLES, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, CUE

Motion Carried.

The Mayor acknowledged business owner Mike McCune in the audience, asking if he wanted to speak and welcomed him to town. Mr. McCune stated he is looking forward to moving to Homer.

VISITORS

Mayor Cushing introduced Alan Parks of the Alaska Maritime Conservation Council.

Alan Parks introduced himself as an Outreach Coordinator who works for the Alaska Maritime Conservation Council. He talked about who the Council is and that their membership which began in 1992 is based upon commercial fisherman, subsistence harvesters and charter boat operators. He stated the council is a diverse board of folks concerned about the ecosystem who are spread across Alaska and includes a person in Washington DC. The guiding principals are a healthy and diverse marine ecosystem, that the marine resource management must be comprehensive and incorporate indigenous scientific and experimental knowledge; that the utilization of resources in the marine ecosystem must be managed to prevent over-exportation, destruction and neglect of those resources and associated habitats. Parks gave a brief history of what the Council has been involved in over the years. He said there has been a lot of discussion around the state about creating an AFA Coop style resource management in the gulf of Alaska. The style is complex but Alaska Maritime Conservation Council is concerned that the AFA and Coops style in the Bering Sea did not include assurance that conservation measures would be enacted, therefore, that concern is also reflected in the gulf fisheries. Parks handed out a brochure on the AMCC's position. Parks warned that the proposition of the gulf fisheries as written would eliminate any opportunity for expansion of our fleet into the bottom fishery and does not include conservation measures. He thought it important that the public understand what the ramifications could be at this point. Parks addressed the issue of Essential Fish Habitat. He said NMFS identified the Habitat as the entire 200 mile limit which is called the Exclusive Economic Zone due to the non existence of scientific data, however, that was not useful for fisheries management. He said that the Habitat addresses all life in the sea within the Habitat boundaries including plant life, sponges and sea coral that really makes fish grow. A public process is being set up so there is input on identifying more specifically these areas rather than including the whole area. Parks said fisheries politics and regulations is hard to explain in a short presentation. He hoped that there would be questions to follow. Parks offered an 8 minute film to be shown at break. Councilmember Fenske asked what makes AMCC unique to other fish councils. Parks answered that AMCC doesn't get involved in allocation disputes. That they focus mainly on sustainable fisheries, clean fishing, community based management and are more than others into habitat protection by reducing the effects of fishing practices. Mr. Parks welcomed questions saying he would be available at the break.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS/BOROUGH REPORT/COMMISSION REPORTS

Mayor Cushing welcomed Borough Assembly Representatives Chris Moss and Drew Scalzi.

Mr. Moss stated he didn't have much to report. He noted that at the last meeting he saw that the borough refused the $25,000 for the dog ordinance. He relayed that Drew and Mr. Brown and Mr. Navarre went to DC about two weeks ago and lobbied on borough business and on behalf of the City for the dock and the fisheries businesses.

Mr. Scalzi had no comment.

No further reports, announcements or presentations.

PUBLIC HEARINGS.

A. Ordinance 00-08, Of the City Council of Homer, Prohibiting the Dumping of Batteries in the Waters of the City, Authorizing a Reward for Information Leading to the Conviction, and Imposing a Penalty. City Manager. City Attorney. (Introduction 3/13/00, Public Hearing 3/28/00, Final Reading 4/10/00).

Bob Keyes stated that he has a boat in the harbor during the summer and he thinks that dumping batteries in the water is "atrocious". He suggested the City start a public relations campaign to inform people instead of making an ordinance. He felt that the people who are dumping batteries will need to have their "minds changed" about it because they are dumping them at night. He reiterated that a public relations campaign would work. He pointed out that batteries is not the only hazard saying that paint and toilet paper in the water is a problem also. His feelings are it's a "bad situation" and again recommended a public relations campaign.

B. Ordinance 00-09, Of the City Council of Homer, Accepting and Appropriating a Grant of $16, 370.00 from the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources for the Poopdeck Trail Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager. City Clerk.( Introduction 3/13/00, Public Hearing 3/28/00, Final Reading 03/28/00)

No public testimony.

ORDINANCE(S)

A. Ordinance 00-07(A), Of the City Council of Homer, An Ordinance Amending the Business License Requirements of Chapter 8.02 of the Homer City Code. Fenske. (Introduction 02/28/00, Public Hearing 03/13/00, Final Reading 03/28/00.)

FENSKE/CUE -MOTION FOR ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 00-07 BY READING OF TITLE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING:

Councilmember Fenske commented that he had received approximately 4 calls that were basically against the ordinance and possibly over 20 calls that had questions but did not have a negative reaction to the business tax. He also relayed that several businesses had stated that it's about time because we need a mechanism to know who's doing business inside our city, which is now absent. He recognized that there would be a learning curve as far as how to enforce it and may even modify it, however, he thought it absolutely essential that the City know who's doing business inside the City. He then asked for it's approval.

Councilmember Welles suggested this ordinance be moved to another public hearing. He further suggested that the annexation issue may have over shadowed this issue and felt that this is a big enough issue, including the fact that it was voted down less than a year ago, that it needs to have a public hearing that stands on it own. He asked that they delay voting and have a public hearing at the next meeting and a second reading following that so it would be addressed in two meetings.

Mayor Cushing asked if that was okay under our present structure.

Councilmember Welles stated that according to the city attorney it is.

Mayor Cushing stated that he had been advised today that it needed to be voted down (addressing Councilmember Welles) again asked if the city attorney had said it could be done this way.

Councilmember Welles stated that the code reads that the second reading has to follow a public hearing. He pointed out that it could not be a public hearing tonight because it has to be advertised, however, after a public hearing the second reading can follow. He further pointed out that the public hearing and the second reading can be combined in the same meeting so this could be put "one over". Councilmember Welles declined a motion at this time asking for more feedback.

Councilmember Marquardt agreed with Councilmember Welles. He thought there had not been adequate public input in this issue.

Councilmember Fenske said he did not have a problem waiting, however, did point out it has been two and a half months since he first distributed the rough draft to the council. He advised that the ordinance that was voted down last fall had few people against it and that the reason he voted it down was because it was asking for much too much from the businesses as far as information. He stated he did not want to be known as a councilperson who takes forever to accomplish something. He said he understood the council's discomfort in pursuing this at this time due to the annexation issue, however, he didn't think it was that big a deal nor that the business ordinance has had that little review. With that, he said, he would support Councilmember Welles motion.

WELLES/FENSKE - MOVE THAT COUNCIL HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING AT THE NEXT MEETING.

Councilmember Marquardt said he saw this an opportunity to extend to the business community another opportunity to talk about this one more time. He stated that the council gets slammed for being anti-business and he wanted to make a point that they're not; that he thinks this postponement illustrates that.

VOTE: YES: CUE, FENSKE, WELLES, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT

Motion Carried.

B. Ordinance 00-09, of the City Council of Homer, Accepting and Appropriating a Grant of $16, 370.00 from the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources for the Poopdeck Trail Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager. City Clerk. ( Introduction 3/13/00, Public Hearing 3/28/00, Final Reading 3/28/00)

WELLES/ MARQUARDT-FENSKE - MOTION FOR ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 00-09 BY READING OF TITLE ONLY FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING:

VOTE: YES: MARQUARDT, CUE, FENSKE, WELLES, YOURKOWSKI

Motion Carried.

C. Ordinance 00-10, Of the City Council of Homer, Amending the Permanent Road Maintenance Map to Include Sitka Rose Circle. Public Works. City Clerk. (Introduction 3/28/00, Public Hearing 4/10/00, Final Reading 4/24/00) Memorandum from Public Works as backup.

MARQUARDT/ WELLES - MOTION FOR ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 00-10 BY READING OF TITLE FOR INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING:

Councilmember Marquardt commented that this development is well designed and good to see.

Councilmember Welles requested that the final reading be included the same meeting as public hearing to move it all.

Mayor called for any objection to have final reading at the same meeting. Clerk stated there was no problem and no requests from the property owner. There was no objection. Final reading and public hearing passed by consensus.

VOTE: YES - YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, CUE, FENSKE, WELLES.

Motion Carried.

CITY MANAGER' S REPORT

A. City Manager's Report.

Councilmember Marquardt asked where the new patrol officer is from. City Clerk answered Soldotna.

B. Bid Report, from City Clerk

C. Game Permit Report, from City Clerk

COMMITTEE REPORT

Mayor addressed Councilmember Marquardt acknowledging that he had asked to get the roads standard committee back on line. The Mayor stated he had taken action to get a quorum and will get back to him on that.

PENDING BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Cushing stated he had a request from the council acknowledging that there were people in the audience who were there to address Item B and had asked to swap Item A and B in sequence. He asked for any objections. None given. Item B was then addressed.

B. Memorandum 00-16, from City Manager, Re: Mariner Park Master Plan.

Recommend Approval. This item brought from Consent Agenda, Item D.

CUE / MARQUARDT - MOTION TO ADOPT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF MEMORANDUM 00-16.

Councilmember Cue thanked Tim Daugharty for his presentation and for staying for discussion and questions. She stated she has concerns regarding vehicular damage to the Mariner Park habitat. She asked Mr. Daugharty what the City's objectives are for the park and is that compatible to the goal. She pointed out that vehicular access increases erosion and that she is opposed to it with the exception of obtaining coal which she recognizes as a local need feeling that this facet could be maintained and all other traffic should be restricted.

Councilmember Marquardt added that tent camping is proposed in the plan on the west side of the tidal cut and questioned the value of putting tents there reminding all that the cut was made to prevent casual vehicular traffic on the berm area. He recalled testimony that the berm area contains one of the few natural beach Rye grass spots in the Homer area. He felt that vehicles and tents would degrade the area. He stated that since birds nest in that area he would like to hear what the parks and recreation commission thought about interpretive signs in that area.

Councilmember Fenske clarified, referring to Councilmember Cue's comments restricting vehicular activity in the park, that she is addressing the area outside the defined parking area.

Councilmember Cue agreed.

Councilmember Fenske continued commenting that historical use regarding coaling by the community, and acknowledging that this is a great access to low tide beaches, he stated that his observations have been that people who would be there for the purpose of gathering coal would not be the ones who are the most degrading to the habitat. He compared recreational use of jumping storm berms and spinning brodies to the coal traffic which would be controlled and slow moving. He agreed with Councilmember Marquardt and Councilmember Cue that the City needs to address the recreational vehicle access to the beaches. He advised there are some problems in Anchor Point that they're trying to address extreme degradation. He felt that joyriding on the beach is not healthy for the community referring to a death a few years ago, pointing out that this activity has decreased there by locals. He stated he sees an increased use by folks from out of town utilizing our beaches for that type of recreational activity. He asked for help from Parks and Recreation in dealing with this problem touchy issue. He felt it needs to be addressed.

Mayor Cushing passed the gavel to Councilmember Marquardt and addressed the council saying he liked the plan. He said he would call it a conceptual plan as opposed to a master plan. He said he would like to see the plan go to the public works department so it can be done to scale. He said that while they are drafting the elevations and numbers that would give time to give public notice and then council could vote on that plan. Mayor Cushing then took back the gavel.

Councilmember Welles commented positively on the discussion asking if there was any money to do anything such as grants and to what extent any monies would go.

Mayor Cushing stated that two meetings ago the council approved the application to EVOS that included the money. He said the application is not due for another three weeks and then it will be some time after that until we find out what's anticipated and to what degree. He felt that the monies would at least cover the interpretive signs and everything else would be a long shot.

YOURKOWSKI/MARQUARDT - MOTION TO AMEND MEMORANDUM 00-16 TO READ "CITY COUNCIL REFER THE MARINER PARK MASTER PLAN TO PUBLIC WORKS FOR FURTHER INPUT AND DRAFTING":

Councilmember Fenske asked the City Manager what the time line would be as far as drafting the Mariner Park Plan.

City Manager guessed meeting after next.

Councilmember Marquardt wondered if more input on how detailed the plan should be needed to be make more clear. He stated that a surveyors, DOT style report is not wanted. He described a plan that is more a conceptual plan that is basically to scale and not a lot of time put into it, like a working document.

VOTE: YES - FENSKE, WELLES, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, CUE

Motion to amend carried.

VOTE: YES - CUE, FENSKE, WELLES, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT

Motion Carried on Memorandum 00-16.

Mayor commended Parks and Recreation on their work regarding Mariner Park Master Plan.

A. Memorandum 00-15, from City Clerk, Re: Executive Session, Attorney-Client Privilege Discussion of Potential Real Property Acquisition / Disposal Opportunities. City Attorney will participate telephonically.

Mayor Cushing read Memorandum 00-15 and was corrected by City Manager Drathman that is does not include attorney-client privilege. Mayor stood corrected.

Council recessed to executive session at 8:45 PM.

Council returned and the meeting was called to order at 9:40 PM.

Councilmember Marquardt reported that reference the executive session no action was taken.

RESOLUTIONS

A. Resolution 00-29A, Of the City Council of Homer, Supporting Don Young's HB 701 and Senator Murkowski's SB 25, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act. Mayor.

WELLES/YOURKOWSKI - MOTION FOR ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 00-29A BY READING OF TITLE

Councilmember Yourkowski requested to amend resolution 00-29 after the first "therefore be it resolved" where it says "advancing these bills" to add "and will strongly support final legislation which protects fisheries and provides funding focused on conservation projects".

Seconded by Councilmember Marquardt.

YOURKOWSKI/MARQUARDT - MOTION TO AMEND TO ADD "AND WILL STRONGLY SUPPORT FINAL LEGISLATION WHICH PROTECTS FISHERIES AND PROMOTES FUNDING FOCUSED ON CONSERVATION PROJECTS".

Councilmember Yourkowski pointed out that there are other similar bills to support and that the council doesn't have to be focused on these two bills specifically. He clarified that he just wanted to add the amended to show that the council supports final legislation, whatever that may be.

VOTE: YES - MARQUARDT, CUE, FENSKE, WELLES, YOURKOWSKI

Motion to amend carried.

VOTE: YES- CUE, FENSKE, WELLES, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT

Motion carried.

Mayor thanked council for their support.

A. Resolution 00-37, Of the City Council of Homer, Amending the Fee Schedule for Business Licenses. City Clerk. Recommend Adoption.

Councilmember Fenske felt that this should be voted upon because it's a separate item and further felt that without the fees being in place there wouldn't be a need for discussion on it.

FENSKE/MARQUARDT - MOTION FOR ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 00-37 BY READING OF TITLE

Mayor Cushing addressed Councilmember Fenske acknowledging that he (Fenske) wanted the "numbers" out but stating that they would not be adopted without the enabling ordinance for support.

Councilmember Fenske stated that he thought the fees could be adopted and when the ordinance is adopted, if it is, the fees are already established. He further stated that if it isn't adopted in the near future, however, when it is adopted it could then be amended. He referred to a prior discussion with Finance Director Dean Baugh at a meeting setting the fees at $5.00, saying he wanted to nail down the costs that are in the resolution now so that it will become a non-item for the discussion next meeting.

Mayor Cushing stated then that he would take the vote for the resolution, however, would not sign it until the ordinance passes, if it does. He further stated that if it doesn't pass the council could rescind it.

VOTE: YES - YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, CUE, FENSKE, WELLES

Motion carried.

Mayor Cushing stated that this vote is pending the outcome of the ordinance and that council has made it clear the fee would be $5 for the business license.

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

Abe Alborn, a Homer resident, asked how to get a packet. City Clerk gave directions on how to access that packet for the public at City Hall and pointed out the one at the back of the room. Mayor Cushing advised that the Library carries a copy and a subscription is available also. Mayor Cushing advised that Latitude 59 generally gets a copy and the news media gets copies.

Laura Barton, thanked the council and city manager for letting her speak. Ms. Barton addressed a rumor that City Manager Drathman is getting a raise. She referred to what a great time she had last Friday during the picketing against annexation stating there was a lot of support from the traffic going by. She stated that she'd left town Saturday to shop and had a wonderful time and asked council if any of them had been up the road in three months.

Bob Keyes stated he'd missed the public comments, however, wanted to state his opposition to the business license ordinance stating he feels it is a duplication of what is already being done. He stated that he thinks the annexation plan is a good idea and wanted to compliment the council in their efforts in that respect, however, he sympathizes with the people outside of town. He urged the council to communicate with the people being annexed. He addressed Councilmember Fenske stating that he was unaware of anyone for the business license ordinance.

Abe Alborn asked the council where he could get a copy of the city's budget and where he could get a copy of the business license ordinance. He was directed by the Mayor.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY ATTORNEY

Not present.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK

Deputy City Clerk Benson had no comment.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER

City Manager Drathman thanked Deputy City Clerk for a good job filling in for Ms. Calhoun who is absent. He also thanked City Clerk Calhoun for adjusting her vacation schedule so she would be available for the court for the annexation hearing last Sunday. He further stated he liked the rumor of his pending raise.

COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR

Mayor Cushing addressed the question of why the businesses weren't notified of the business license ordinance. He stated that's precisely it; we don't know who they are. He welcomed the new fish processor business to town. He further complimented the council, the administration and the port and harbor for their good work over the past few years to allow the opportunities that they need to recover the loss of Seward Fish. He stated that this takes a lot of work on all parts.

Mayor Cushing announced that an organization is looking for a place to have a bi-polar concert of which one would be in the Spanish quadrant of Antarctica and another in the north pole region. He advised that Homer was asked to be considered as a location. He asked for informal permission of the council to send a letter asking for details on being considered and what would be required. He advised that any action on it would be done by the council, making it clear that he is only asking support in obtaining information at this time. There was no objection.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Councilmember Welles had no comment.

Councilmember Fenske commented that Laura Barton may have put the council on the spot more than she knew regarding the rumors and warned not to start rumors council can't stop.

Councilmember Marquardt commented that he's having lots of conversations with the public regarding the annexation issue. He felt that there seems to be a lot of misinformation. He encouraged the public to call him at home and discuss the issue.

Councilmember Yourkowski echoed Councilmember Marquardt's comments.

Councilmember Cue thanked Alan Parks for bringing information about the Alaska Marine Conservation Council and reminding us how important the marine habitat is. She further thanked the members of the council for their comments on the vehicular access issue regarding the Mariner Park Plan. She thanked the Parks and Recreation Commission for putting together the master plan and looked forward to public works coming back with a plan to include vehicular restrictions.

Mayor Cushing stated that he knew Brother Asaiah was in the hospital and hoped he was able to listen to the meeting tonight and wished him well. He then followed up on the comments regarding annexation stating that no one is taking this lightly. He encouraged the public from both sides of the line to continue to communicate with the council informally.

Councilmember Fenske commented that he, too, continues to encourage communication regarding the annexation issue. He said he always enjoys hearing opposing points of view. He said he wanted to make it clear that the council never tried to hide anything or fast track anything and that it just was never part of the plan. He said he felt the perception of that was driven by erroneous information making it bigger than what it is.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at 10:08 PM. The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 10, 2000, at 7:30 PM in the Homer City Hall Council Chambers.

_______________________________________

DEENA BENSON, DEPUTY CITY CLERK