CITY OF HOMER
HOMER, ALASKA
City Manager
ORDINANCE 05-35(A)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER, ALASKA ADOPTING THE HOMER
TRANSPORTATION PLAN, AMENDING THE HOMER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO INCLUDE
THE TRANSPORTATION PLAN AND RECOMMENDING ADOPTION BY THE KENAI
PENINSULA BOROUGH.
WHEREAS, The Kenai Peninsula Borough as a second class borough shall provide for planning on an
areawide basis in accordance with AS 29.40; and
WHEREAS, The City of Homer, as a first class city inside a second class borough, has prepared a
Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, The Kenai Peninsula Borough adopted the "1999 Homer Comprehensive Plan Update," by
Ordinance 99-64; and
WHEREAS, The City of Homer has developed the Homer Transportation Plan; and
WHEREAS, The Homer Transportation Plan will guide the development of the motorized transportation
for the City of Homer; and
WHEREAS, The Homer Road Standards Committee, Planning Commission and other Commissions and
bodies have reviewed said plan and/or conducted public hearings; and
WHEREAS, The Homer City Council, based upon the recommendation of the Homer Advisory Planning
Commission, recommends that the Kenai Peninsula Borough adopt the Homer Transportation Plan as a
part of the Homer Comprehensive Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City of Homer:
Section 1. That the Homer Transportation Plan is hereby adopted as part of the Homer Comprehensive Plan.
Section 2. That recommendation is hereby made to the Kenai Peninsula Borough for adoption of the
Homer Transportation Plan as an element of the Official Borough Comprehensive Plan within the City of
Homer planning area of the Borough. Section
Section 3. This Ordinance is a non Code Ordinance.
Section 4. Memorandum 05-111, as amended is included.
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Ordinance 05-35(A)
City of Homer
The City contracted in 2001 to develop a Homer Area Transportation Plan. This plan was never adopted
by the City Council. Last fall the City Council directed the Road Standards Committee to review the plan
created by the consultant, and recommend any changes. Planning and Public Works staff worked with the
Road Standards Committee in reviewing the plan. The draft update incorporates the changes proposed by
the Road Standards Committee. The Committee forwarded their work to the City Council.
The City Council has directed the Planning Commission to review the draft plan. The Commission received
a copy of the draft plan at the September 1, 2004 meeting.
Homer City Code 1.76.030 requires the Homer Advisory Planning Commission to develop, adopt, alter or
revise, subject to approval by the Council a master plan for the physical development of the City. Such
master plan with accompanying maps, plats, charts, descriptive and explanatory matter, shall show the
Commission's recommendations for the development of the City territory, and may include, among other things:
Development of the type, location and sequence of all public improvements,
The relocation, removal, extension or change of buildings, properties and utilities,
The general extent and location of rehabilitation areas.
The Commission held numerous work sessions on the draft plan, working with staff and concerned
residents of the Mountainview neighborhood. Two public hearings were held in December 2004 and
January 5, 2005. Following are specific amendments agreed to by the Planning Commission over the
course of the two public hearings and numerous worksessions and meetings.
Executive summary - page I-1 second paragraph - Homer population 2004 - 5,332
Page I-3 first paragraph to be amended to read as follows:
The Homer Area 2001 Transportation Plan was produced to be a comprehensive transportation-planning
tool for the City of Homer. Additionally, the Non-Motorized Trails and Transportation Plan should be
considered a companion document to the Transportation Plan, as it is the City of Homer's policy document
for comprehensive long-range non-motorized transportation and trails system.
Page I-3 third paragraph to be amended as follows:
The 2001 Draft Transportation Plan was completed but not adopted. In Fall 2003 the City of Homer Road
Standards Committee began reviewing the goals, objectives and recommendations of the 2001
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Ordinance 05-35(A)
City of Homer
Draft Transportation Plan. The Homer Advisory Planning Commission took up discussion of the Draft
Transportation following the Road Standards Committee. This plan reflects the plan as recommended by
the Planning Commission.
Page I-3 fourth paragraph to be amended as follows:
The Road Standards Committee and the Homer Advisory Planning Commission further recommend that
where ever this plan recommends signalization, alternatives such as roundabouts be seriously considered.
Page I-18 add new section 3. 3 Mitigation Funding to read as follows:
The City of Homer currently requires projects that may increase traffic significantly to complete a traffic
impact analysis (TIA). The TIA may require mitigation projects to alleviate the impacts expected from the
increased traffic. Funding from these projects can be designated to supplement or fully fund specific
projects. These might include traffic calming techniques and devices, alternative access, by-pass routes or
rapid transit/shuttle services. Funding for sidewalks, trails or alternative transportation opportunities may
be a condition identified as a mitigation activity if a required TIA warrants.
Page I-20 -correct goal four to remove the extra "progression".
Page I-21 objective 5 to be amended to read as follows:
This plan shall determine if there are traffic advantages for new corridors. Advantages will be measured by
the change in percent volume reduction on other roadways.
Page I-21 objective 11 - end sentence after reconstruction projects. Add language to read as follows:
The East End Road bike trail will lead to a dramatic increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic along the
north side of East End Road. Safe pedestrian and bicycle crossings will be needed to allow trail users to
cross to the south side of East End Road at appropriate locations.
Page I-21 new objective added to read as follows:
Criteria for street design will be developed so that "local" roads are neither over-nor under designed for
their uses and community context. Local roads and their rights-of-way and radii (curb, turning, and center
lane) will be no wider than necessary to meet neighborhood needs for access and safety and will be
designed to calm vehicular traffic (e.g. reduce vehicles speeds to 25 mph or less). Subdivision standards for
residential areas will be revisited to include traffic calming techniques such as narrower roads to encourage
slower traffic movement.
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City of Homer
Page I-21 new objective added to read as follows:
Areas used intensively by pedestrians, such as the Homer Spit, will be considered for additional traffic
calming measures.
Page I-26 2nd paragraph in section 6.2 last sentence amended to read as follows :
They found that signalization, or other means of traffic control is warranted, even in the lower volume
winter season.
Page I-31 add new bullet under Improvement Alternatives
Implementation of Non-Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan
Page I-32 amend third paragraph to read as follows:
The modern roundabout should be considered as a traffic mitigating solution at any intersection where
traffic flow is a concern. Many communities are turning to roundabouts as a solution to their traffic
problems, and numerous studies show them to have a superior safety record [and reduced construction] and
maintenance costs to intersections with signals or stop signs. The modern roundabout increases capacity
and improves traffic flow, and is easily negotiated by large trucks and RV's. In addition, studies have
shown that pedestrian safety increases due to increased driver awareness and slower speeds. Homer is a
perfect candidate for the modern roundabout given the seasonal fluctuation of the number of vehicles on
our roads. In conclusion, there will be less wait-time, (leading to a higher level of service), more efficient
fuel usage, fewer accidents, decreased costs, and better traffic flow by employing the modern roundabout.
For more information, please refer to www.alaskaroundabout.com. The Homer Planning Commission
recommends the modern roundabout be utilized as a replacement for signalization at any intersection where
traffic flow is considered a problem. Any proposed roundabouts should accommodate the largest form
of transportation traditional to the intersection.
Page I-32 insert new paragraph after the third paragraph to read as follows:
In addition to roundabouts the Homer Planning Commission recommends that other alternatives to
signalization also be considered, such as a one-way couplet. (Figure….). One-way couplets are designed
so that traffic flow is maximized and circulates traffic as blood circulates through the body, in one-way
streams. This means stops are minimized. [For example this concept could route traffic into one-way
patterns along the following streets:
East on Sterling Highway starting at Pioneer Avenue intersection
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City of Homer
· North on Lake Street starting at the Sterling Highway intersection
· West along Pioneer Avenue.
Traffic traveling on the Sterling Highway would continue without stopping at the Pioneer Avenue and Lake
Street intersection turning either north or south on Lake Street. Traffic coming north on the two-way
portion of Lake Street from Ocean Drive would merge into the one-way portion. At Pioneer Avenue and
the Sterling Highway intersection, no stop would be required for a right-hand turn to head north. A
left-hand turn would return onto the one-way portion of the Sterling Highway. Left hand turns would be
with traffic eliminating across traffic turns. Heath Street, Main Street, and Greatland Street would be
two-way connectors. Left hand turns on these connectors additionally would be with traffic, again
eliminating across traffic turns.
The figure to be amended to take out street names and labeled as "Example Only".]
Page I-33 add new bullet under Corridor Improvements
Consider implementing the recommendations of the Non-Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan, thereby
reducing vehicular traffic.
Page I-35 bullet discussing Heath Street extension amended to read as follows:
The route for the proposed extension will extend Heath Street north and then east to East Hill Road. The
Planning Commission recommends that if the Heath Street extension is developed, Mountain View Drive
and Elderberry Court be converted to one way east only from Kachemak Way to Heath Street. This will
reduce the possibility for these streets becoming impacted with excess traffic. Alternatively, Mountain View
and Elderberry could be maintained as dead end streets, the goal being to maintain the area as a quiet,
pedestrian friendly neighborhood, discouraging or not allowing through traffic.
Page I-35 bullet discussing Poopdeck Trail amended to read as follows:
Poopdeck Trial reconstructed as a road. Should traffic conditions warrant the development of Poopdeck
Road it will be developed with a separated pedestrian pathway.
Page I- 35 bullet discussing Greatland Street amended as follows:
The proposed route will intersect Pioneer Avenue at Bartlett. The Planning Commission recommends that
if Greatland Street is extended to Pioneer Avenue that it be a right turn only intersection, reducing the
backup of traffic trying to cross Pioneer Avenue. This will keep traffic entering Pioneer Avenue separated
from the Bartlett Street intersection. It should be noted this recommendation will
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City of Homer
conflict with the proposed one-way couplet.
Page I-35 bullet discussing Fairview west to Fairview amended to read as follows:
This route will include traffic calming techniques.[which will maintain the neighborhood character and not
encourage through traffic].
Page I-35 after recommendations of the Road Standards Committee add a new section to read as follows:
The Planning Commission recommends that before the Heath Street extension is developed other
improvements, such as but not limited to, intersection improvements at East Hill and East End Road be considered.
The Planning Commission further recommends the development of safe pedestrian/bicyclist crossings
across East End Road [shall be developed] at Paul Banks Elementary School and on the route to Jack Gist
Park. In addition, a crossing [shall] should be provided near Rochelle or Sabrina Road to promote safe
travel between neighborhoods south of East End Road and the bike trail to the north.
Page I-37 add to the end of section 7.3 the following:
In some instances, benefits to traffic, pedestrians, bicyclists, and/or emergency vehicles will warrant
connecting two or more collector streets via a route that functionally transforms a local street into an actual
or potential thoroughfare. (The effect of the proposed Heath Street extension on Mountain View Dr.
would be an example.) Wherever a proposed connection of this type elicits concerns from potentially
affected residents, the city will initiate a "neighborhood-driven design" process to evaluate the proposal.
All decisions concerning the proposed connection will be made through this process.
Once concern from affected residents has indicated the need for a "neighborhood-driven design" process,
the city will initiate the following steps:
· Contact in writing all residents of affected local streets to explain the proposed connection
and the "neighborhood-driven design" process.
· Schedule a meeting between city representative(s) and neighborhood representatives to begin the process of documenting all concerns (on all sides) and brainstorming ways to address these.
· Meet as appropriate to resolve concerns. Solutions may involve eliminating or re-routing the
connection, designing the connection using one or more "traffic calming" approaches, one-way streets, or
opening the connection only in emergencies (e.g., via locked bollards).
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· Throughout the process, document discussions and post this and other useful information on
the city's website.
· Notify affected residents in writing of all decisions reached.
Page I-37 Add new section 7.5 to read as follows:
Any upgrade in streets, culverts and bridges (new and old) will be designed to accommodate the 1% flood
event. Any upgrades in streets, culverts and bridges will be designed to protect or minimize adverse
impacts of flooding or erosion to neighboring properties or resources.
Page I-37 -Amend next to last sentence in section 8.1 to read as follows:
Changing Poopdeck to a roadway, with a separated path, and extension of Heath Street also provides
considerable circulation benefits.
Appendix C and D - map titles to be more descriptive.
Attached map illustrated one-way couplet concept as identified in the amendment for page I-32. This will
need a title for final printing.
Recommendation:
The Homer Advisory Planning Commission recommends the Homer City Council include the amendments
in a revised draft of the Transportation Plan, hold a public hearing, adopt the plan and forward to the Kenai
Peninsula Borough for adoption as an update to the Comprehensive Plan.
PASSED AND ENACTED by the Homer City Council this 27th day of June, 2005.
CITY OF HOMER
_____________________________ JAMES C. HORNADAY, MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________________
MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK
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Ordinance 05-35(A)
City of Homer
First Reading: June 13, 2005
Public Hearing: June 27, 2005
Second Reading: June 27, 2005
Effective Date: June 28, 2005
Ayes: -5-
Noes: -0-
Abstain: -0-
Absent: -1-
Reviewed and approved as to form and content:
________________________ ____________________________
Walt E. Wrede City Manager Gordon Tans, City Attorney
Date: ________________ Date: _____________________
Fiscal Note: NA
/mlc