Session 07-20 a Regular Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order on September 10, 2007 at 7:03 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:        HEIMBUCH, NOVAK, ROBERTS, SHADLE,                                                                                  STARK, WYTHE

 

                        STAFF:                                   CITY MANAGER WREDE

                                                                        CITY CLERK JOHNSON

                                                                        CITY ATTORNEY TANS

 

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

 

Council met as a Committee of the Whole met from 4:04 p.m. to 5:31 p.m. in the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers. Agenda items included Capital Improvement Plan, Exxon Valdez settlement funds, use of laptop computers in Council Chambers and Regular Meeting agenda.

 

Council met as a Board of Adjustment for a Special Meeting from 5:42 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. to hear the appeal on Oscar Munson Subdivision Brant Replat as remanded from Superior Court.

 

AGENDA APPROVAL

 

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

 

Agenda was approved by consensus of the City Council with the following changes:

 

Consent Agenda: Memorandum 07-145(S) from Deputy City Clerk Re: Confirmation of Election Workers for the Regular City of Homer Election – October 2, 2007 and all Processes Thereof Pursuant to Homer City Code and Deemed Necessary by the City Clerk and City Manager’s Report: City Manager’s Report, September 10, 2007 and Attachments.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

 

Public may comment upon any matter on the agenda except Public Hearing items: Ordinance 07-29, Authorizing Funds Transfer from City Hall Depreciation Reserves to Fund 170 for Construction of a New City Hall;  Ordinance 07-30, Authorizing Expenditure of        Homer Accelerated Roads and Trails Program (HART) Funds for Paving a Portion of Soundview Avenue; Ordinance 07-31, Appropriating Funds of $55,000 from Homer Accelerated Water Sewer Program (HAWSP) for Investigating the Integrity of the Spit Water Tank and Ordinance 07-31(S), Appropriating Funds of $55,000 from the Water Reserves Account for Investigating the Integrity of the Spit Water Tank.

 

Kevin Hogan, city resident, commented on Resolution 07-92 and its lack of mention of a dollar amount. He would like to see a limitation on how much money to spend. Commenting on Resolution 07-91, he voiced there was no notification of any of the Lease Committee meetings. The committee is not exempt from meeting notice requirements. He would like to see the businesses continue, but they are not allowed under current policy. A short-term lease could be made for the two businesses to see if they are meeting criteria. 

 

David Lawrence, 17 year resident, owns Bob’s Trophy Charters. He submitted a lease proposal months ago. He thanked the City for 15 years of leases, stating he would like to continue business.

 

Lou Stewart, city resident, opposes Ordinance 07-33, stating the fund needs to remain as it is. There are a number of projects in the future including infrastructure of Town Center. He supports Resolution 07-90. He commented on Resolution 07-93; he learned it is a common procedure on small money projects. He would like to see Spruceview Avenue LID Phase II. As a property owner he has concerns of who will pay for it and how much it will cost.

 

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 August 27, 2007 Regular Meeting.             City Clerk. Recommend approval.                                                                                     

 

B.         Ordinance 07-32, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Authorizing the Transfer of $3,051.00 from the General Fund Balance for Process Documentation and   Internal Control Analysis, Awarding the Contract for Review of the Internal Control/Process Documentation to Mikunda, Cottrell & Co. of Anchorage, Alaska and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager/Finance. First Reading September 10, 2007, conduct Public Hearing and Second Reading on September 24, 2007.                                                                                                                          

 

            Memorandum 07-144, from Finance Director thru City Manager as backup.                

 

C.                 Ordinance 07-33, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Reducing Sales Tax for Homer          Accelerated Roads and Trails Program from 3/4 of One Percent to 1/2 of One Percent       Effective January 1, 2008. Stark. First Reading September 10, 2007, conduct Public    Hearing and Second Reading on September 24, 2007.

 

Placed under Ordinances.                                

 

D.        Ordinance 07-34, Of the Homer City Council Accepting and Appropriating a $7,500.00         Grant, with “In Kind” 10% Match, for Volunteer Fire Assistance from the State            Department of Natural Resources for the Homer Volunteer Fire Department and             Authorizing the City      Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager.          First     Reading September 10, 2007, conduct Public Hearing and Second Reading on             September 24, 2007.                                                                                                                    

 

            Memorandum 07-147, from Fire Chief thru City Manager as backup.  

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E.         Memorandum 07-145, From Deputy City Clerk Re: Confirmation of Election Workers for the Regular City of Homer Election - October 2, 2007 and All        Processes Thereof Pursuant to Homer City Code and Deemed Necessary by the City        Clerk. Recommend approval.                                                                                                                                                  

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of the recommendations of the Consent Agenda as read.

 

WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

VISITORS

 

A.        Homer High School Senior Government Students                                             

 

Diane Warner, Homer High School Government Teacher, stated it was a class requirement to see how governments run. Students are required to speak at site council or city council; they will observe for a minimum of an hour.

 

Mayor Hornaday welcomed the senior students and asked them to introduce themselves. 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS/BOROUGH    REPORT/COMMISSION REPORTS

 

None.

 

PUBLIC HEARING(S)

 

A.        Ordinance 07-29, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Authorizing the Transfer of FY          2007 Funds from City Hall Depreciation Reserves to Fund 170 Set Up for the      Construction of a New City Hall. Finance/City Manager. First Reading August 27,           2007, conduct Public Hearing and Second Reading on September 10, 2007.

                                                                                                                                   

There was no public testimony.

 

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Ordinance 07-29 by reading of title only for second and final reading.

 

WYTHE/SHADLE – SO MOVED.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

                                                                                                                                   

B.         Ordinance 07-30, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Authorizing the          Expenditure of Homer Accelerated Roads and Trails Program (HART) Funds for the Paving of the             Southern 900 Linear Feet of Soundview Avenue. Public Works/City Manager. First         Reading August 27, 2007, conduct Public Hearing and Second Reading on September 10, 2007.                                                                                                              

 

            Memorandum 07-140 from Public Works Director, thru City Manager as backup.

                                                                                                                                   

There was no public testimony.

 

NOVAK/WYTHE – MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 07-30 BY READING OF TITLE ONLY FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

C.        Ordinance 07-31, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Appropriating Funds in the Amount of $55,000 from Homer Accelerated Water Sewer Program (HAWSP) for Investigating the Integrity of the Spit Water Tank and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. Public Works/City Manager. First Reading August 27, 2007, conduct Public Hearing and Second Reading on September 10, 2007.

                                                                                                                                   

            Ordinance 07-31(S), Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Appropriating Funds in the           Amount of $55,000 from the Water Reserves Account for Investigating the Integrity of        the Spit Water Tank and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the            Appropriate      Documents. Public Works/City Manager.                                                          Page     179

 

            Memorandum 07-151 from Public Works Director thru City Manager as backup.

                                                                                                                                   

There was no public testimony.

 

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion to substitute Ordinance 07-31(S).

 

WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion for the adoption of Ordinance 07-31(S) by reading of title only for second and final reading.

 

WYTHE/NOVAK – SO MOVED.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

           

ORDINANCE(S)

 

A.        Ordinance 07-33, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Reducing Sales Tax for Homer Accelerated Roads and Trails Program from 3/4 of One Percent to 1/2 of One Percent Effective January 1, 2008. Stark. First Reading September 10, 2007, conduct Public Hearing and Second Reading on September 24, 2007.

 

Councilmember Wythe noted in the fall of 2006 voters at a 3:1 margin voted to retain the rate for HARP at ¾ % of one percent tax rate and add new uses (trails). The community supported the amount one year ago and it is inappropriate to consider reduction at this time. Councilmembers Roberts and Novak concurred with the present tax rate, citing the need for infrastructure for the Town Center project and the addition of trails. 

 

Councilmember Shadle identified $2.8M in the fund and questioned how many voters voted? Would those who didn’t vote want their taxes decreased?

 

Councilmember Novak pointed out the importance of voting to members, including the students in the audience.

 

Public Works Director Carey Meyer reported Bartlett Street costs at $400 per lineal foot, excluding a water line. Starting from scratch gravel costs average $200 to $250 per lineal foot. Five hundred dollars per lineal foot is not outrageous. With the many road and trail projects on the Capital Improvement Plan list $2.8M doesn’t go very far.

 

Councilmember Stark voiced he was pleased the students are here, as this issue is a perfect example of what the City Council has to consider. With two opposing views it is not simple. The Borough is raising sales tax 1% on January 1st, making the total sales tax at 7.5%. People will notice the sales tax increase.

 

Councilmember Wythe said with $5M in requests for local road improvements and $4M for trails, $2.8M is not a drop in the bucket. The object of the fund is to build enough fund so we have money to meet obligations. If we fail to plan for future development, children here today will bear the brunt. Failure to plan is planning to fail. Councilmember Novak computed at $2.6M for one mile of road there is not a lot of money for roads. The City has no control of the Borough raising the sales tax; they can raise it up to 3% without a vote of the public. The one percent is going to the Borough, some towards schools and the landfill. He would hate to feel the City’s planning was intimidated and inhibited by the Borough sales tax.

 

Councilmember Shadle said taxes are debatable; the question is if you want us to spend less or more of your money.

 

VOTE: YES. SHADLE, STARK

VOTE: NO. WYTHE, NOVAK, HEIMBUCH, ROBERTS

 

Motion failed.

 

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

 

A.        City Manager’s Report                        

 

  1. Conflict of Interest Code (HCC 1.12) and Ethics Code ( HCC 1.18). Last week I participated in a work session with the Planning Commission in which the Conflict of Interest Code was the primary topic of discussion. The Commission had a very healthy discussion about the Conflict of Interest Code and how it might be applicable to contractors and realtors on the Commission. The Commission developed a very specific set of questions that it asked the staff to pass on to Gordon for a written response. We also talked about having a joint Planning Commission / City Council training session on topics such as Conflict of Interest, Ethics, Ex-Parte Contact, and the Open Meetings Act. There seemed to be general agreement that at this time, given all that is happening on the national, state, and local level with respect to ethics in government, it is very important to maintain and strengthen public trust in local government in Homer. The Commission talked about not only a training session, but ways to involve the public in a healthy debate about ethics and good government.
  2. Amendments to HCC 5.12 (Dangerous Structures) and HCC 5.16 (Public Nuisances). The City (Police, Fire, Public Works, Planning) has been receiving an increasing number of calls and complaints over the past few years about dangerous buildings and public nuisances. Homer is changing rapidly as you all know, and what used to be acceptable and commonplace in a frontier town is not any longer. The City has taken several actions in recent years to abate public nuisances (like removing junked cars on the bluff and beaches) but we have not gone as far as many in the community would like. Junked and abandoned cars are one thing. Dangerous buildings that need to be torn down are something else. Tearing them down can be complicated, expensive, and involve numerous legal hurdles. Several years ago, Gordon identified some weaknesses in our code that placed limitations on the City’s ability to effectively deal with these public health and safety situations. Part of the problem was that the City’s Code was old and outdated and had not kept up with changes in state and federal law. Gordon put together a draft ordinance which updated the code and combined HCC 5.12 and 5.16. We are reviewing that draft again and plan to bring an ordinance to the Council very soon for your consideration; hopefully at the next meeting.
  3. Open House on Tiglax: The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is inviting the public to celebrate 20 years of conservation work and “ 20 Years of Sailing for Science” with an open house on the Tiglax. There will be music, food, tours of the ship, and other activities. USFWS Regional Director Thomas O. Melius will be in attendance. The ship will be moored at its regular spot in the harbor behind the Coast Guard facility on Freight Dock Road. The event takes place on September 22 from 1 PM until 4 PM.
  4. Global Warming Task Force Public Meeting: The Global Warming Task Force is hosting a Public Meeting on Saturday, September 15, from 9:30 to 3 PM at the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center. This event is being well publicized through its affiliation with the Sustainable Homer Forum taking place September 12-16. ( See attached Flyer). The purpose of the Global Warming Task Force public meeting is to 1) present a draft Homer Climate Action Plan and 2) solicit feedback and ideas from the public before the report is finalized for presentation to the City Council in December. Deborah Williams of  Alaska Conservation Solutions (formerly with the Alaska Conservation Foundation and the U.S. department of the Interior) will speak for the first half hour about global warming in Alaska and the importance of local government leadership. Council members are encouraged to attend.
  5. ICLEI Visit: This visit is closely related to the Climate Action plan mentioned above. On September 14, two representative from Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) will be here to talk about the City’s role in preparing for the impacts of climate change in Homer. The City of Homer is one of four local governments nationwide participating in the pilot phase of a new ICLEI program called Climate Resilient Communities. The meeting on September 14 (10:30 to 2:30 / City Hall) will include presentations by two NOAA scientists about the likely impacts of climate change in the area. This presentation is primarily for the City and will be attended by staff members from PW, Planning, Police Fire, etc. Council members are encouraged to attend.
  6. Jerry Yudelson Visit: Jerry Yudelson, a recognized expert on Green Buildings will be in Homer on Tuesday, September 25. He will be giving a lecture at the Islands and Oceans Visitor Center in the evening. During the day, he will do a presentation and discussion session at City Hall from 2 to 4 PM. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the potential for green building in Alaska and to have a general discussion about the proposed new City Hall. This presentation is for the benefit of City staff. Members of the City Council, Boards and Commissions, and the GC/CM team are invited as well.
  7. Budget Request / Homer Senior Citizens: Attached is a letter I recently received from Fred Lau, the administrator of Homer Senior Citizens. In his letter, Fred requests that I insert $20,000 for Homer Senior Citizens into the 2008 budget and that a separate line item be established in the budget for that purpose. In the letter, Fred makes the case that the Senior Center is different from other Non-Profits and that a budget line item similar to that enjoyed by the Pratt Museum and the Chamber of Commerce is justified. This is a decision that will ultimately be made by the City Council. However, I wanted to give you a heads-up about this request so that you can think about it. I am considering whether to insert it into the draft budget we are now preparing. Let me know if you have comments at this time.
  8. Kachemak Bay Ferry Project Public Meetings: The Seldovia Native Association Inc. has announced that it will conduct agency and public scoping meetings to discuss the proposed Kachemak Bay Ferry project. Information will be available for review and project personnel will answer questions and gather input. The scoping meeting in Homer is scheduled for Tuesday, September 18, from 6 to 8 PM at the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center. For more information or to submit comments, contact Holly Morris, Environmental Coordinator, at 907-696-6200 or hlm@mlfaalaska.com.
  9. Public Information Effort: Ballot Proposition. The City will be working to put out some informational materials about the upcoming ballot proposition, as it normally does. This proposition is relatively complex in comparison to most, and so it will be very important that the City takes steps to make sure the voters are fully informed about what they are voting on.
  10. Budget Preparation: We are moving forward on the adopted budget preparation schedule. The week of September 10th Regina and I will be meeting with all of the Department Heads to go over their budget requests, including operating, capital, and personnel.  
  11. Council / PC Joint Meeting: A tentative joint meeting has been scheduled for the Committee of the Whole on September 24 (a change). You will recall that the Council and the Planning Commission agreed to meet in joint session on a quarterly basis.  The Planning Commission would like to discuss the Gateway Overlay Zoning District and the Community Design Manual. Jo has tentatively placed these items on the Agenda. The Ethics Ordinance has also been mentions as an agenda item. Please let us know if this time and date is satisfactory and if there is anything you would like to add to the agenda.
  12. City Hall / Town Center Project: There is a resolution before the Council for consideration at this meeting which offers the contract to Jay-Brant Company. Jay Brant clearly won this on its own merits and it put a very good proposal together. If the Council adopts this resolution, the next step is to negotiate the pre-construction activities agreement (basically design) and the GC/CM contract.
  13. Contract Modifications: There are two contract modifications (change orders) that the City approved that I want to report on pursuant to the procurement code. The first is a change order to the contract with Herndon Construction for construction of Kachemak Drive Phase I Water and Sewer Project. The Change order is in the amount of $68,856.45. The revised contract amount is now $1,006.561.70 and is within the approved project budget. The change order covers additional amounts of type II classified fill and other construction materials, manhole construction, culvert installation, and other activities not anticipated in the original engineering design and cost estimate. The second Change Order is to the Contract with HDR Alaska for design of the new water treatment plant. The Change order is in the amount of $13,311.00 and this brings the revised contract amount to $649,956.00; an amount within the approved budget. The money covers additional work required to determine the treatment process required to meet new lead and copper regulations. (see attached).
  14. Senior Center Access Trail: This project was discussed in some detail at a recent meeting. I am writing to provide an update. We have now received the grant agreement  and will introduce an ordinance accepting the grant and appropriating the money at the next meeting. Carey and I plan to meet with Fred Lau in the near future to talk about design and budget. Will keep you informed of progress.

 

An upcoming meeting for Global Warming Task Force includes a draft of their Climate Action Plan on how the City can reduce its greenhouse gasses. The meeting is Saturday, September 15th at Islands and Ocean Visitor Center. The Kachemak Bay Ferry Project will have a public scoping meeting September 18th at 6:00 p.m.

 

Councilmember Stark noted the Senior Center, Pratt Museum and Homer Foundation are nonprofit organizations the City provides funding to. He said it would be better to leave the nonprofits out of the budget.

 

Councilmember Wythe asked that funding for nonprofits be discussed at the Committee of the Whole on October 8th.

           

B.         Question of the Week                                                                                      

            Do you use the City’s Web Site? If so, is it easy to use and do you find the information       you are looking for?    

           

COMMITTEE REPORT

           

A.        Comprehensive Plan Community Advisory Committee                                       (September 27, 2007 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.)

 

B.         Global Warming Task Force

            (September 12, 2007 6:30 p.m.)

 

C.        Public Arts Committee

            (September 20, 2007 11:00 a.m.)

 

D.        Transportation Advisory Committee

            (September 18, 2007 5:30 p.m.)

 

PENDING BUSINESS

 

A.        Resolution 07-82, Of the City Council Amending the Homer Accelerated Roads         Program (HARP) Policy Manual to the Homer Accelerated Roads and Trails      Program (HART) Policy Manual, Incorporating Non-Motorized Transportation and Trail            Infrastructure in the Program. City Manager/Parks and Recreation Advisory             Commission. Recommend adoption.                                                                                                                                                                

            Memorandum 07- 152 from Public Works Director thru City Manager as backup.

                                                                                                                                   

Resolution 07-82 was continued from the August 13th meeting for a recommendation that road costs be revisited by Public Works. The following motion on the floor:

 

WYTHE/NOVAK – MOVED TO ACCEPT RESOLUTION 07-82.

 

Amendments to the HART Policy Manual were made at the August 13th meeting.

 

Councilmember Wythe agrees the recommendations of the Public Works Director to revisit costs later be accepted. She proposed equitable property owner front footage of road costs be added to the second meeting in October.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

None.

 

RESOLUTIONS

 

A.        Resolution 07-90, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Granting Use of City Land    for Construction of the Proposed Reber Trail and Supporting an Application to the       Alaska Recreational Trail Grant Program For Partial Funding. City Manager.            Recommend adoption.                                                                                                                                                 

            Memorandum 07-148, from Public Works Director thru City Manager as backup.

                                                                                                                                   

NOVAK/WYTHE – MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 07-90 BY READING OF TITLE ONLY.

 

WYTHE/NOVAK - MOVED TO POSTPONE ADOPTION OF THIS PENDING THE INCLUSION OF SOME BETTER FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

 

There is no reference where the money will come from for the City to share costs of the trail, to include maintenance. Deadline for the grant was discussed.

 

VOTE: (postponement) YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

B.         Resolution 07-91, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Authorizing the City Manager           to Issue a Qualified Request for Proposals to Lease City Land for Tracts 1-B and 1-C,       Fishing Hole Subdivision No. 2. City Manager/Lease Committee. Recommend adoption.

 

            Memorandum 07-143 from Lease Committee as backup.

 

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion to adopt Resolution 07-91 by reading of title only.

 

WYTHE/SHADLE – SO MOVED.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

C.        Resolution 07-92, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Awarding the General           Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) Design and Construction Services for the    Proposed New City Hall/Town Center Plaza to Jay Brant General Contractors of Homer,             Alaska and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into Negotiations to Execute the Pre-     Construction Agreement. City Clerk. Recommend adoption.                

 

            Memorandum 07-149 from Public Works Director thru City Manager as backup.

                                                                                                                                   

NOVAK/WYTHE – MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 07-92 BY READING OF TITLE.

 

Councilmember Heimbuch asked if there was any thought given to the project’s impact prior to the sales tax proposition passing, as entering into negotiations will require costs. City Manager Wrede answered the resolution approves entering into a contract for pre-construction design. Council has money for the pre-construction activities to include a preliminary design, refined cost estimating and a budget. Council must pass a project budget before the issue would go to the voters if needed.

 

Asked if the pre-construction design would have a time limit, taking into consideration the public’s vote on the fall ballot proposition, City Manager Wrede said if the Fall proposition fails, Council would need to determine what the public made of the failed proposition. Council can discuss if they want to go to the public and ask if they are willing to borrow money for the project. The cost range of the pre-construction activities is 10% of project cost.

 

Councilmember Stark voiced his support of building a new City Hall although he strongly opposes the proposition to raise sales tax. There are a number of ways to finance construction of a new City Hall without the passage of more taxes.

 

Councilmember Wythe noted the second half of the sales tax increase proposition allows for assisting in construction of nonprofit capital projects. In the beginning decisions of the City Hall project the Council voted to move forward. There was no discussion of a sales tax increase to help provide funding; the discussion came up much later. Council voted in confidence that we would be able to move forward with the project without consideration of the fall ballot measure.

 

Councilmember Novak recounted there is already money in the bank for design of the construction budget from what the Legislature appropriated and from the sale of the university. Costs can be covered for the initial phase and it is important to get started on the project as we get less for the money the longer we wait. The upcoming sales tax proposition focuses on recreation and the Town Center Plaza.

 

Councilmember Heimbuch said spending $600,000 on pre-construction design is a big amount; it is a $10M project and the willingness of the community to bite off has not ye been established. If the public voted solidly no for a sales tax increase he is not sure they would vote for a property tax increase.

 

Councilmember Novak referenced the large parcel of land as a first step in development of an economic development project. It will create more businesses and activity, not only for City Hall. CIRI is working with the City to make it a positive project for Homer. It is a lot more than just a City Hall.

 

Councilmember Shadle supports the new City Hall, because he wants to see the college expand into the present building. He cannot support the resolution because it is left un-open and without the voters support. We need to wait until the voters vote.

 

Councilmember Wythe said the vote up or down on sales tax does not represent the vote on this project. The proposition is tied to recreation and Town Center and the result is not a thumbs up or down. We are walking into a $10M project with $4M. We own the land and have the ability to access water and sewer. We have close to half of the total project; we did not have that for the library.

 

Councilmember Stark pointed out the vote in three weeks will not determine the direction of the City Hall/Town Center project. The ballot proposition to raise the sales tax to 7 ¾% will receive a resounding no. The vote on the ballot proposition will reflect the fact that voters have had it up to and beyond their eyeballs with taxes.

 

VOTE: YES. STARK, NOVAK, ROBERTS, WYTHE

VOTE: NO. SHADLE, HEIMBUCH

 

Motion carried.

 

D.        Resolution 07-93, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Approving a Change Order Under the Spruceview/Noview Road Local Improvement District Contract to Include the Douglas Street Road Improvement Work and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute    the        Appropriate Documents. City Manager/Public Works. Recommend adoption.

                                                                                                                                                Memorandum 07-150 from Public Works Director thru City Manager as backup.

 

Mayor Hornaday called for a motion to adopt Resolution 07-93 by reading of title only.

 

WYTHE/SHADLE – SO MOVED.

 

Douglas Street is the road by Fish and Game.

 

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 Tans had no comments.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK

 

City Clerk Johnson reminded the audience of absentee voting opening September 17, 2007.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

City Manager Wrede had no comments.

 

COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR

 

Mayor Hornaday said it was good to see everybody. Go Mariners!

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

 

Councilmember Novak commented the ¾% HARP sales tax is already being collected; it has been the same for several years. There is a ¼% sales tax on the ballot; the Borough is adding 1% effective January. The reason sales tax is going to be higher is because of the Borough, the City’s vote for ¼% sales tax increase is $440,000 per year.

 

Councilmember Shadle said if you can’t vote, tell everyone else you know to vote. The 7¾% sales tax we are looking at is the highest in the state.

 

Councilmember Stark commented it is wonderful to have the students here, as this has been one of the more interesting meetings in his five years on the Council. Good philosophical positions relating to higher or lower taxes and funding of the Town Center project were brought out. He is pleased to be a part of it.

 

Councilmembers Heimbuch, Roberts and Wythe had no comments.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Hornaday adjourned the meeting at 8:07 p.m. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 24, 2007 at 7 p.m. The next Committee of the Whole is scheduled for Monday, September 24, 2007 at 4 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: _____________________