Session 99-19, a Special Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order at 7:40 p.m. 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.

A worksession was held prior to the Special Meeting regarding a Timber Harvest Project in the Bridge Creek Water shed. The worksession was called to order at 6:37 p.m. and was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: FENSKE, MARQUARDT, PARKS, MATTHEWS, WELLES, YOURKOWSKI .

STAFF: CITY MANAGER DRATHMAN

CITY CLERK CALHOUN

DEPUTY CITY CLERK CLUKA

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 Council.

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

Asaiah Bates stated that it has been a pleasure and a joy to see Councilmember Marquardt elected to another term and Patricia Cue elected, both to a position of authority and to carry out the necessary work. To Councilmember Parks, Mr. Bates commented that he would surely be missed. He elaborated on the importance of voting. The two elected officials are highly intelligent, positive and have a very balanced view of the progress that is needed in the City of Homer. He stated with their assistance he is sure Homer will continue to make progress and carry out the operations that are needed to keep Homer in order. He voiced his hope that all had a great trip.

OATH OF OFFICE

Kurt Marquardt, Incumbent, reelected for a three year term

Patricia Cue, elected for a three year term.

City Clerk Calhoun administered the Oath of Office and congratulated the two elected officials

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Alan Parks, out going Councilmember

Mayor Cushing presented and read a plaque of appreciation to Councilmember Parks.

Councilmember Parks voiced his pride in being a part of the progress of the City these past three years. He pointed out that anyone can be a Councilmember, and that if he can do it anyone can do it. Specific projects he mentioned: The Conservation Easement on the Spit. Being a part of the process to protect Homer's true assets. The purchase of property on the Spit and Beluga Slough land through the Exxon Valdez Trust Council. He noted the magazine articles wherein Homer is considered the most enlightened City in the State, socially and culturally and wherein Homer was selected as one of the ten best places to live in the Country. In conclusion he noted the book by Robert Fulghum, All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. He wished all good luck and thanked everyone for the recognition.

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE.

There were no audience comments.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY ATTORNEY

City Attorney Tans was not present.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK

City Clerk Calhoun congratulated Councilmembers Marquardt and Cue. She commented that the Clerk's Office would certainly notice Councilmember Parks absence.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER

City Manager Drathman congratulated the newly elected officials and stated that Councilmember Parks would be missed.

COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR

Mayor Cushing congratulated Councilmembers Marquardt and Cue. He told Councilmember Parks that he has been an inspiration. The Mayor commented that fifteen or twenty years ago none of the Councilmembers or himself envisioned sitting at the Council table, let alone making the decisions for the City. He thanked Councilmember Parks for the advocacy he has done for the fisheries and that he brought forth a focal point(s) for the commercial fisheries, buyers and for the overall health of the community.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Councilmember Welles told Councilmember Parks to have fun and congratulated Councilmembers Marquardt and Cue.

Councilmember Fenske commented that this body has been referred to as the gang of seven, and welcomed Councilmember Cue to the gang and Councilmember Marquardt back. He told Councilmember Parks that it has been a pleasure to have worked with him on a couple of committees, although he can't say that they were real bosom buddies, he is more fond of Councilmember Parks now. He thanked Councilmember Parks for his energy and that his heart was in the right place for all that he has tried to accomplish.

Councilmember Marquardt welcomed Councilmember Cue and that he looks forward to working with her. He told Councilmember Parks that he is sorry to see him go and will be seeing him around town. He stated that he expects input from Councilmember Parks at the Commission and Council levels. He voiced appreciation for Councilmember Parks sincerity and role as Councilmember.

Councilmember Matthews congratulated the winners and wished Councilmember Parks good luck in his future endeavors. He stated that he looks forward to the next election, adding that no one told him about a run off election.

Councilmember Yourkowski congratulated Councilmembers Marquardt and Cue. He noted that he and Councilmember Parks have been friends for years at the harbor and that it has been a real education sitting next to him at the Council table this past year. He agreed that Councilmember Parks would be missed and hoped that he would provide input from time to time.

Councilmember Parks thanked the Council for all the recognition and that he knows they have a big job ahead of them, as always and that they each have the critical minds to hash out the details.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 25, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

________________________________________

MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC/AAE, CITY CLERK