Session 01-18, a Regular Meeting of the Homer City Council was called to order at 7:37 p.m. by Mayor Cushing at the Homer City Hall Council Chambers located at 491 E Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Council's Committee of the Whole was held from 4:11 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Regular Meeting Agenda and the City survey question development were the agenda items.

PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: LADD, FENSKE, MARQUARDT, YOURKOWSKI, KRANICH

STAFF: CITY MANAGER DRATHMAN

DEPUTY CITY CLERK BENSON

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR MEYER

LIBRARY DIRECTOR HILL

ACCT. SUPERVISOR MACK

CITY PLANNER TUCKER

PLANNING ADMIN. ASSIST. GUYTON

POLICE OFFICER DEVEAUX

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CUE ( Excused)

AGENDA APPROVAL

The agenda was approved by Consensus of the City Council with the addition of Ordinance 01-49 with reference sheet and backup information as Consent Agenda Item F and substitution of Resolutions 01-70(S) and 01-71(S). Resolution 01-72 pulled from agenda.

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

The Rules were Suspended to take COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE.

Eric Szymoniak heard that the skateboard park might be moved to a different piece of land. He wondered if that was true.

City Manager Drathman responded saying that another location will be recommended to the council at the next meeting.

Mako Haggerty lives outside the City. He thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak. He expressed disappointment that the resolution didn't get put on the agenda. He felt it's a good one and addresses the problems that will happen with a "for profit" prison that's proposed in the Kenai area. He wished to address a couple of specific issues: 1. The Florida study referenced at the last meeting by Cornell was flawed. The researcher that executed that study was fined $20,000 by the Florida Ethics Commission. 2. The project is being sold by using the job situation. He explained that the public prisons have about a 15% turnover rate with correction officers, however, a study done by the Criminal Justice Institute indicates the turnover rate in "for profit" prisons is over 40%. He felt this would not be good jobs for the peninsula. He believes the underlying issue is accountability - 1. A public prison is accountable to the public and every dollar spent is spent in operating the facility. 2. A private prison operation is accountable to their shareholders only and a portion of every dollar spent is going to go to their shareholders. He asked rhetorically, who loses? He advised that the Government Accounting Office has found that there is no real savings with private prisons. Mr. Haggerty pointed out that a private prison is operating with less money and a portion of that less money is going to the shareholders, therefore, less money is going into the facility. He felt the whole issue is a no-brainer and is a loser for the borough and Homer will feel a trickle-down effect in an adverse way. He again thanked the council.

Kevin Wyatt, a resident of the borough, expressed disappointment that the resolution didn't get put on the agenda and allow the council to weigh in. He acknowledged the heartburn created between the leaders of the borough and the various city councils on the peninsula, however, he still felt it's a good opportunity for the council to have a public discourse on the issue. He stated that the public does look to the council for leadership and information. Mr. Wyatt stated that the privatization scheme came about in the 90's, was talked about in public education and is approached the same way everywhere saying this allows projects to be done better. He cited government claims that every specification of the State will be met, the building will be spec'd out, they will do everything the State does and do it for cheaper and turn a profit, too. He knows this is not true saying "it can't happen". He listed places it can't be done - prisons, education, cops, airport security guards. He advised that this way of doing things has run its course and government who is still doing business with private prisons is cutting way back on it. He stated that the powers that are pushing this is a well funded very special interest group. He alluded that the prison issue in Delta Junction has been forgotten about and attention has been turned to the peninsula by politicians in Juneau. Mr. Wyatt felt the public was being told "don't say no" and the more the public talks about it and thinks about it, the bigger loser it becomes. He appreciated the opportunity to put his two cents in. He reiterated that he doesn't think this is a good idea for the borough. He didn't feel that the neighbors who oppose it will let this issue drop.

Louis Flora, a non-resident, "thirds" the sentiment regarding the resolution not making the agenda. He cited that the pro's to the prison issue say "say yes to jobs" but really what it is, is "McPunishment". He felt that the turnover rate for a private prison wouldn't be very different from the turnover rate at McDonald's. He think it's an absurd and gross industry to commodify (sic) punishment and privatize it. He thought the next step to that line of thinking is to send it over seas to Indonesia or somewhere. He doesn't want this on the peninsula because he morally opposes it and he thinks its "gross".

At this point the Mayor explained the fact that the council has to be guarded about what goes on the agenda as a "laydown". They must be careful not to pack the room with representation of just one side of an issue that wasn't advertised. He added that laydowns are touchy on what gets in. He explained that any councilmember still has the opportunity to bring any resolution to the council in the normal course of the formulation of the agenda. Unfortunately for this resolution, that would be after the prison vote. He invited council members to weigh in on this issue as an elected official at the end of the meeting under Agenda Item Comments of the City Council.

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 September 10, 2001. Recommend approval.

B. Ordinance 01-47, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Authorizing the Appropriation of Funds from the Port/Harbor Reserve Funds for Repairs to the Steel Grid in the Amount of $18,000.00. City Manager. Recommend adoption for introduction, schedule public hearing and second reading October 8, 2001.

Memorandum from Port/Harbor Director as backup.

C. Ordinance 01-48, Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Accepting and Appropriating a Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant/Rural Community Fire Protection Grant, Under Public Law 95-313, from the State Department of Natural Resources in the Amount of $5,000.00 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documents. City Manager. Recommend adoption for introduction, schedule public hearing and second reading October 8, 2001.

Memorandum from the Fire Chief as backup.

D. Resolution 01-64, Of the Homer City Council Adopting an Alternative Allocation Method for the FY 02 Shared Fisheries Business Tax Program and Certifying that this Allocation Method Fairly Represents the Distribution of Significant Effects of Fisheries Business Activity in the Cook Inlet Fisheries Management Area. City Manager. Recommend adoption.

E Memorandum01-54, from Administrative Asst., Re: Arctic Transportation Services Inc. Airport Lease. Recommend approval.

F Ordinance 01-49, An Ordinance of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Appropriating $7,500.00 from the Homer Police Department Fleet Reserve for the Purchase of Three Used Police Vehicles. (Added under Agenda Approval)

YOURKOWSKI/FENSKE- MOVE FOR THE APPROVAL OR ADOPTION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONSENT AGENDA BY READING OF TITLE.

VOTE: YES: FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, MARGUARDT, KRANICH.

Motion carried.

VISITORS

ANNOUNCEMENTS/ PRESENTATIONS/ BOROUGH REPORT/ COMMISSION REPORTS

Commissioner Hamik reported for the Parks and Recreation Commission. She advised that the commission requests of the council and administration to be allowed to work with the City Planner on Town Square issues. She added that in the next few months the Town Square Committee will have a design and time with the City Planner would be greatly appreciated.

PUBLIC HEARING(S)

A. Ordinance 01-45, Of the City Council Amending Section 21.45.020 of the Homer Zoning code to Repeal "Professional Offices" as a Permitted Use in the Urban Residential Zone. City Manager. (First Reading 09/10/01, Public Hearing 09/24/01, Second Reading 10/08/01.)

There was no public testimony.

B. Ordinance 01-46, Of the City Council Amending Section 17.04.140 (c), an obsolete section. (First Reading 09/10/01, Public Hearing 09/24/01, Second reading directly afterpublic testimony.)

There was no public testimony.

Councilmember Marquardt reported that he'd received a call from Angie Newby representing the Realtor's Association who said they had voted in favor of this ordinance. He offered to request documentation from them stating this.

FENSKE/LADD -MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 01-46 BY READING OF TITLE AS JUST READ.

Mayor Cushing clarified that the obsolete section is reference to all of the LID's, that they are no longer codified LID's because Council has taken action. They are on their way to construction and no longer need to be listed as tentative.

VOTE: YES: FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, KRANICH

Motion carried.

ORDINANCE(S)

CITY MANAGER'S REPORT

A. City Manager's Report

City Manager Drathman introduced and welcomed City Planner Zak Tucker. He announced that Assistant Chief Scott Elmer has been appointed by Governor Tony Knowles to the Alaska Fire Standards Council. He read a letter from Karen Berg-Forrester commending the Homer Police Department and specifically Officer Deveaux for their peace keeping efforts and professionalism in handling a disturbance.

B. Bid Report from City Clerk

C. Records Report from City Clerk.

COMMITTEE REPORT

PENDING BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

RESOLUTIONS

A. Resolution 01-65, Of the Homer City Council Adopting Capital Projects/Legislative Requests for Fiscal Year 2003 and Requesting Appropriate Funding. Mayor and City Council.

KRANICH/YOURKOWSKI- MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION OF 01-65 BY READING OF TITLE.

There was a question as to why the Animal Shelter is still on the list. There was a understanding that the funding had been obtained for that. Administration advised that they are leaving it on the list until such time that the project goes out to bid. Further, as soon as the architect submits the plans and an agreement is entered into with him, there will be a better idea of what the project will cost. Therefore, it has been left on the list until the project actually starts. The City will know more specifically what funding will be needed after the first of the year.

YOURKOWSKI/FENSKE- MOVE TO AMEND RESOLUTION 01-65 BY ADDING A #12 TO READ EAST HILL / WEST HILL MAIN LINE EXTENSIONS.

The City Manager advised that from the west end of Bear Creek Drive to Kachemak Drive the engineering only has been done for water and sewer line extension. He added that the price was good because it was combined with the State plan. The City is not committed to doing the project but it preserves the place in the right-of-way alignment for the water and sewer. Generally, if this had been done later, it would end up on the middle of the highway and the costs would be much greater. The Mayor addressed the fact that if this turns out not to be in the annexed zone, the plan could be passed off to another interested party.

It was pointed out that although the goal is not to have a long list, the advantage of putting an item on the list gives the State notification that the City has great needs in that area.

A Call for the Question was made. There was no objection.

VOTE:(Primary amendment 1.) YES: MARQUARDT, KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI

Motion carried.

FENSKE/LADD- MOVE TO AMEND RESOLUTION 01-65 TO REPOSITION ITEM 11, SATELLITE SEWER DUMP STATIONS, TO THE LOCATION OF ITEM 7, THEN SHIFT THOSE DOWN.

There was discussion at the Committee of the Whole regarding expansion of this item to include purchasing property for the dump stations or a substitution or in conjunction with the digester to be installed at Public Works as an alternative to the dump station. Buying property would raise the price. Agreement was expressed on the property being germane, however, the digester is a different project. Staff will re-scope the cost of the project to include the property for the satellite stations. No objection by council.

VOTE: (Primary amendment 2.) YES: YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD.

Motion carried.

VOTE: (Primary amended motion): YES: KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT

Motion carried.

Mayor Cushing read the titles of the projects removed from the list this year as follows:

• Reconstruction Freight Dock Road

• East Road Design for Reconstruction

• Bartlett Street, West Hill Re-paving

• Bartlett/Hohe Water/Sewer Line Replacement

• Bunnell and Lee Avenue Sewer System

• Utility Vehicle Replacement

• Ambulance Replacement

• South Peninsula Women's Services Shelter for Battered Women

• Homer Senior Center Independent Housing

He stated that although this is not a comprehensive list of the projects undertaken this year, these are the ones on the list that were accomplished. He added that the Small Boat Harbor and the Pioneer Dock projects currently under construction were not on the list

B. Resolution 01-66, A Resolution Of the Homer City Council Prioritizing Capital Projects In the Community for Submission to the State of Alaska for FY2003 Funding Under the Capital Project Matching Grant Program (AS 37.06). Mayor and City Council.

FENSKE/KRANICH - MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 01-66 BY READING OF TITLE.

The Mayor clarified that this will put the Homer Public Library as the number one priority for the Governor's Matching Grant in the amount of $101,360 from the State with a local share of $31,508.

Appreciation was expressed for all the work by Arlene Kranich (Councilmember Kranich's mother) in establishing a Homer Public Library. Council felt this was a good direction for the City to go, they wished there was more money to support this project and called it the "center of learning and research" in addition to providing "recreational activities for children". It was noted there was unanimous support for the library project.

VOTE: YES: LADD, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, KRANICH, FENSKE.

Motion carried.

C. Resolution 01-67, Of the Homer City Council Supporting ADEC in their Efforts to Gain Funding for Projects in the Homer Area. Mayor and City Council.

YOURKOWSKI/LADD - MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 01-67 BY READING OF TITLE.

KRANICH/YOURKOWSKI - MOVE TO ADD #6, THE EAST AND WEST HILL MAIN LINE EXTENSIONS.

Council felt this should be added to be consistent and so that all agencies can see where the City is going in the future for rebuilding and planning. The goal was to make as efficient a system as possible and will facilitate the ease with which other LID's may be formed to utilize this expansion.

Mayor Cushing called for objections to the Amendment. There were none.

Motion carried by Unanimous Consent.

Mayor Cushing called for any objections to an amendment to the Satellite Sewer Dump Stations as amended in Resolution 01-65. There were none.

Amendment Adopted by Unanimous Consent.

VOTE: (Main amended motion): YES:FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, KRANICH

Motion carried.

D. Resolution 01-68, Of the Homer City Council Supporting Area Wide Projects. Mayor and City Council.

FENSKE/MARQUARDT- MOVE FOR THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 01-68 BY READING OF TITLE.

The Mayor read the Area-Wide Project list: 1. Kachemak Bay Campus Facility, 2. Pratt Museum Fire Alarm/Security, 3. North Pacific Volcano Learning Center, and 4. Homer Center for the Arts. He clarified that the projects are funded by others, however, they need the City Council support to move ahead successfully. Councilmember Fenske spoke in support of this resolution.

VOTE: YES: MARQUARDT, KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI

Motion carried.

E. Resolution 01-69, Of the Homer City Council Adopting the "City of Homer Capital Improvement Program 2002 through 2007" as the Official Six Year Capital Improvement Plan for the City of Homer. Mayor and City Council.

LADD/YOURKOWSKI - MOVE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 01-69 BY READING OF TITLE.

The Mayor listed the amendments discussed in Committee of the Whole to the "City of Homer Capital Improvement Program 2002 through 2007" draft.

1 Page 119, Second paragraph would read " Mud Bay on the Homer Spit is habitat for Shorebirds. Several private properties are located within this area and on the outer beach of the spit."

Mayor Cushing called for objections to this change. No objections.

2 Page 103, Second paragraph would read " it is the intention of the City to allow tourist and sport fishery use on the main dock and use as a wet lab research area for State and Federal Programs".

Mayor Cushing called for objections to this change. No objections.

3 Page 69, First sentence would read "development is occurring in the Bridge Creek Watershed. This expenditure would purchase lands or acquire conservation easements in the watershed.

Mayor Cushing called for objections to this change. No objections.

4 Page 60, The project location map would show "Mile 3.75 to 12".

Mayor Cushing called for objections to this change. No objections.

5 Page 97, Administration to re-write the scope on the description and objective to match up with the current scope of the Jack Gist project. Specifically, to redefine Phase IV.

Mayor Cushing called for objections to this change. No objections.

Mayor Cushing called for further discussion and cited the new projects for this year:

• •Heath Street from Pioneer to Fairview

• •Redecking/Safety Railings to the Main Dock

• •Police Station Addition/Remodel

• •Fire Training Facility

• •Police Garage

• •Homer Center for the Arts

No further discussion.

VOTE: (main amended motion) YES: YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD

Motion carried.

Mayor called for a recess at 8:40 p.m. and reconvened at 8:55 p.m.

F. Resolution 01-70(S)(A), Of the City Council of Homer, Alaska Nominating Local and Area Wide Projects for the 2004 - 2006 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP). City Manager.

MARQUARDT/LADD - MOVE FOR ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 01-70(S) BY READING OF TITLE.

Mayor Cushing read the list of projects nominated to the State of Alaska, items 1-5.

1 Sterling Highway (Bypass) Traffic Signals

2 Pioneer Avenue/Heath Street - Homer High School Access

3 Bike Trail Realignment - Beluga Slough to the Homer Spit

4 Baycrest Ski Trail Head - Homestead Trail Head Rehabilitation

5 Paving Freight Dock Road

Council noted that this list weighs heavy for pedestrians and traffic concerns. Hope was expressed that this be the last time the Council sees the name "Bypass" used for the Sterling Highway.

YOURKOWSKI/KRANICH - MOVE TO AMEND RESOLUTION 01-71(S) TO ADD #6 TO READ "STERLING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC CIRCLES" WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WILL PROVIDE THAT BACKUP MATERIAL.

No discussion.

Mayor Cushing called for objections. No objections.

Motion carried by unanimous consent.

VOTE: (main amended motion) YES: FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT, KRANICH.

Motion carried.

G. Resolution 01-71(S), Of the City of Homer, Alaska Condemning the Terrorist Attack on the United States of America. Mayor. Yourkowski. Fenske.

The Mayor called for the entire council to be co-sponsors on this resolution. No objections.

Mayor Cushing advised that he used this format as the basis of a Mayor's Proclamation and read it into one of the public gatherings that was held shortly after the event. He pointed out that some good changes were made by the Homer City Council from the resolution provided by the Municipal League and the National League of Cities in that this one recognizes that there was more than innocent Americans in the building.

YOURKOWSKI/FENSKE - MOVE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 01-71(S) BY READING OF TITLE.

Comments from the Council included that this is a very sad event and that hate slogans and vandalism to an Arab-American's property in Anchorage is inappropriate behavior. Anger must not be carried to the levels of bringing in other innocent people. The mentality of any persons retaliating against other Americans represents the terrorists that we're opposed to. Along with freedom comes grave responsibility such as tolerance, forthrightness and being observant of the Constitution that we live by. It was noted that the attack on the towers was preceded by an attack on the U.S.S. Cole, the embassies in Africa and the event in Lockerbie, Scotland. A call was made for all to stand together, tall and proud and follow our president in support locally and nationally. The point was made that one citizen could prevent something of this nature or worse in the future. It was pointed out that not just Americans are targets; that was obvious when 200 marines were killed in the middle east with the bombing of the building, then within 15 minutes 100 French paratroopers were killed by the same effort in a different area of the city. Some are still stunned regarding the incredible loss of innocent lives and the incomprehensible magnitude of property damage in addition to the subtle way this incident will dominate the agenda for the next few years.

VOTE: YES: KRANICH, FENSKE, LADD, YOURKOWSKI, MARQUARDT

Motion carried.

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

Al Waddell advised that he's here tonight with the same problem he came to the council with two months ago. There is a sewer problem on his property and this is the reason that nine cabins are not finished. He's met with several council members, the mayor and the city manager. Public Works has been working with him in an attempt at resolving the issue, however, an agreement has not been reached. Mr. Waddell cited several problems surrounding suggested resolutions. He advised that he is losing money on cabins that should have been rented all summer at $100 a night. He gave a detailed chronology of the circumstances leading up to the sewer main going over the top of the water main so when it hits his property the sewer main is only 6.25 feet down. He reiterated his call for relief from this council. Mr. Waddell alluded to a lawsuit citing the outcome of his lawsuit with Homer Electric Association and apologized for bringing this up at this time, referring to the terrorist attacks. Mr. Waddell reported that he's trying to develop the town, that he's experienced a lot of vandalism and graffiti on his property.

Mayor Cushing responded that after the last meeting he and others stayed and talked about this issue. It was his understanding that there may be solutions but the question is "who pays" and who's responsible. He avowed that the City is trying to work with Mr. Waddell.

Mr. Waddell added that he'd originally requested and was granted an 8" sewer line and an 8" water main which was to serve the 10 acres in addition to the 2.5 acres on the other side of the road. It's his understanding that the State has lost all of their records for that entire street. He cited detailed problems with the water and sewer mains. One problem cited was that the sewer main needs to be incased in concrete which it is not. Mr. Waddell implied that DEC might need to get involved and stir things up. He expressed "frustration beyond all comprehension". He added that he'd had a complete survey of the property done. In addition he spent $3900 to have a "topo" made of the property, to no avail. He again expressed frustration and said he really didn't want to get the lawyers into this situation.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY ATTORNEY

City Attorney Tans was not present.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK

Deputy City Clerk Benson had no comment.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER

City Manager Drathman thanked Deputy Clerk Benson for a great job filling in for City Clerk Calhoun. He thanked Administrative Assistant Hobbs for her "normal sterling" job on the CIP's and welcomed City Planner Zak Tucker to the City. He thanked Public Works Director Meyer and the Public Works Department for the great job on the dock projects. He reported that Scott Hurlen ⁽¹⁾ is real impressed with the Public Works Department. He commended Library Director Hill for all her work on the library. He commended Finance Director Baugh and Accounting Supervisor Mack and the finance department for all their work on the budget. City Manager Drathman assured the skateboarders in the audience that he would have a plan next week and there would be information in the packet for the council at the next meeting.

COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR

Mayor Cushing commented on the water/sewer problems on Al Waddell's property saying he knows the Public Works Department is trying to work with him on that project adding that it is a complicated project and hopes he's able to reach a resolution.

Mayor Cushing reported that within the last two weeks his presence as mayor has been pretty much dominated by the "horrible event in New York City". Most events were canceled, however, Women's Services continued with their fund raiser for the women's shelter feeling that this is a similar type of event to the opposite extreme - violence of one to one verus nation to nation. He attended vigils over the weekend, including a patriotic sing-a-long on Sunday at the High School where he made his proclamation. He commented on the attention the football players gave the sing-a-long saying they didn't do the announcements while the singing was happening, making it a silent football game.

Mayor Cushing is glad the nation seems to be getting back to normal and that the healing process needs normalcy to occur. He also felt it was needed and right to have a period of reflection while canceling scheduled events to see what this all means to us as a nation.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Councilmember Yourkowski reminded everyone to vote a week from Tuesday. He reiterated some audience comments on the prison issue addressing the accountability issue. He asked if the prison managers should be held accountable to the public or the shareholders and profits. He brought up a safety issue pointing out that cost cutting in security recently brought about unacceptable results in the airlines industry. He felt Louie Flora's comments calling the new prison "McPunishment" was appropriate.

Councilmember Kranich commented on the prison issue saying he would have liked to discuss it in a public forum and have the public comment on it. He has questions on the process by which it is being brought forward to it's current position. He understood that a legislature member has similar concerns about the process. He referred to the contract the Borough has signed with Cornell saying

he questioned the fact that the Borough appears to be promoting the project. He didn't think a government entity was supposed to promote things like that, however, he could see why they want to. He explained that the prison would pay approximately $292,000 a year in taxes according to their "in lieu of" agreement on an 800 bed prison. He presumed this money would go into the general fund of the Borough. He again questioned the process and added that he didn't know how he would vote at this point. He urged citizens of the Borough to ask questions and become informed voters.

Councilmember Ladd encouraged folks to vote on October 2^nd. He felt that what happened recently is cause for all to be participants in our election process and our democratic society. During Committee of the Whole the survey was commented on and he hoped to meet with City Manager Drathman to assist in working on it. He didn't think it was necessary the City Council take a position on a proposition that is for the public to decide. He encouraged all to vote their conscience and wished all running for elected positions the best of luck. He is still devastated by what happened with the terrorists attack on America. He felt it would be difficult to return to normal; that all will remember this day as we have the fall of the Berlin Wall, landing on the moon, the assassination of President Kennedy and Pearl Harbor.

Councilmember Marquardt encouraged everyone to vote on Tuesday. He felt elected officials put in a lot of hours and a lot of hard work to make the City work for the citizens. He respectfully requested everyone to vote informed on Tuesday. He wasn't sure he's ready for things to get back to normal, so to speak, in regard to the September 11 terrorist attack. He felt that given the headlines regarding "garbage bears" prior to the attack, maybe we do take for granted our liberties and maybe it's time to become better informed as to what's going on in the rest of the world. He hoped there is a change in the way things are carried out in the U.S.

Mayor Cushing commented that getting back to normal will be a long time coming. Doing the normal things again is what he felt would help us move on such as feeling good about watching an athletic event, for starters.

Councilmember Fenske wasn't sure normal is what he'd like to get back to. He thought about prior elections where only 15-25% of the registered voters turned out. He would like to see that change to 50-75% voter turnout. He felt we need to accept the responsibility we have for being Americans which would be trying to make each community, state and country better. The only way to do that is by the officials selected to represent the citizens.

Mayor Cushing announced that typically voter turnout in Homer, Fritz Creek and Diamond Ridge Precincts are 2-5% ahead of the rest of the peninsula. He asked for a challenge to increase that; then added that the whole peninsula should rise to that challenge also.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:38 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 8, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. in the Homer City Hall Council Chambers preceded by the Committee of the Whole meeting, which begins at 4 p.m.

______________________________________

DEENA BENSON, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

Approved: _____________________________

1. Hurlen Construction was awarded the bid on the Kachemak Bay Multi-Purpose Ocean Dock Project (Pioneer Dock).