Session 08-15, a Regular Meeting of the Homer Advisory Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Kranich at 7:01 p.m. on August 6, 2008 at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

PRESENT: COMMISSIONER BOS, KRANICH, MINSCH, MOORE, SINN, STORM, ZAK

STAFF: CITY PLANNER ABBOUD

PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

DEPUTY CITY CLERK JACOBSEN

AGENDA APPROVAL

Commissioner Storm requested that item D under Public Hearings be moved to item B.

The amended agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

PUBLIC COMMENT

The Public may speak to the Planning Commission regarding matters not scheduled for public hearing. (3 minute time limit) Presentations approved by the Planning Director, the Chair or the Planning Commission. A Public Works representative may address the Planning Commission.

There were no public comments.

RECONSIDERATION

There were no items for reconsideration.

ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

All items on the consent agenda are considered routine and non-controversial by the Planning Commission and are approved in one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless requested by a Planning Commissioner or someone from the Public, in which case the item will be moved to the regular agenda and considered in normal sequence.

1. Approval of the Minutes of June 4, and June 18, 2008

2. Time Extension Requests

3. Approval of City of Homer Projects under HCC 1.76.030 g

4. KPB Coastal Management Program

MINSCH/STORM MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

PRESENTATIONS

Presentations approved by the Planning Director, the Chair, or the Planning Commission. A Public Works representative may address the Planning Commission.

There were no presentations.

REPORTS

A. Borough Report

There was no Borough Report.

B. Kachemak Bay Advisory Planning Commission Report

There was no KBAPC report.

C. Planning Director’s Report

1. Staff Report PL 08-79, City Planner’s Report

City Planner Abboud and Planning Technician Engebretsen reviewed the staff report.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

The Commission conducts Public Hearings by hearing a staff report, hearing public testimony and the acting on the Public Hearing items. (3 minute time limit) The commission may question the public. Once the public hearing is closed the Commission cannot hear additional comments on the topic.

A. Staff Report PL 08-81, Ordinance 08-30(S), An Ordinance Amending the Homer Zoning Code to Change Size Limitations on Wholesale and Retail Structures in the CBD, GC1, and GC2 Zoning Districts

City Planner Abboud reviewed the staff report.

Chair Kranich noted there will be a second public hearing on August 20^th, and opened the Public Hearing.

There were no public comments.

Chair Kranich closed the public hearing.

There were no commission comments.

B. Staff Report PL 08-82, CUP 08-06, A Request for a Conditional Use Permit for a Day Care Facility in the Residential Office District in the Christian Community Church building at 3838 Bartlett Street, Kachemak Kids Early Learning Center

Commissioner Storm stated she has a conflict of interest. She explained that she sat on the Board of Directors and helped fill out the conditional use application.

MINSCH/ZAK MOVED THAT COMMISSIONER STORM HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: YES: MOORE, MINSCH, ZAK, KRANICH, SINN, BOS

Motion carried.

Commissioner Storm left the table.

Commissioner Moore stated he may have a conflict as he provides dumpster service.

MINSCH/ZAK MOVED THAT COMMISSIONER MOORE HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

There was brief discussion clarifying he provides dumpster service for the church. The Commission reviewed their policy and procedures and HCC 1.12.010 (c)(2) regarding conflict of interest. Point was raised that they determined Commissioner Moore had a conflict due to a similar issue at the last meeting and the Commission should be consistent. It was noted that once the new City Attorney is on board they can get some guidance on how to proceed in the future.

VOTE: YES: MINSCH, SINN, KRANICH, BOS, ZAK

Motion carried.

Commissioner Moore left the table

Emilie Otis, Boardmember of Kachemak Kids Early Learning Center, explained that their mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, cooperative style preschool and childcare program that strengthens families through the education of parents and staff. It is a non profit organization that opened in September of 2007. The program is based on a whole child approach for early childhood development and provides a long awaited solution for the needs for childcare and preschool in Homer. They believe in the value of play and creative exploration as means for children to develop a love of learning, effective skills of collaboration, understanding the importance of kindness and respect among all, and the ability to think innovatively. Kachemak Kids is the result of three years of planning by parents, educators, and community members concerned about the dwindling number of quality childcare and preschool options in Homer. Extensive research led the learning center to develop a state licensed center at this new location for toddler and preschool aged children. Currently there are 16 families utilizing the program in the summer and 47 families have registered and used the services. Without childcare and preschool options to rely on families will increasingly look to other communities to make their homes. Kachemak Kids Early Learning Center is not only good for children and families, but also Homer as well. An early learning center provides excellent pre-K educational opportunities and having it combined with a childcare facility is unusual in a rural community. Homer needs an early learning center because research has shown that children who receive high quality childcare and participate in excellent pre-K educational programs succeed not only in their enrollment but in the years to follow as students, employees, and citizens. Civic leaders and educators agree that it is an essential ingredient in overall economic, social, cultural, and educational strength of a community. Regarding economic development for the community, many working families are challenged to find this service in our community. When parents feel good about the care and education their child is receiving, they are more likely to return to the work force. Ms. Otis said she is an example of that. She has two children in the program and had they not opened last year she would not have been able to return to work at the hospital until her children returned to school. Regarding the location, the Board of Directors has spent over 14 months researching and exploring options for another location. Due to licensing restrictions and the program requirements, the Christian Community Church is by far the best option they have. Their current location was intended to be temporary when they opened last year. Given the current market it isn’t feasible for them to build. There will be a minimal impact on the existing area and its current use. The church was used as a school for many years with 50 to 100 students using the facility. They will have a maximum of 24 children and expect no more than three cars dropping off or picking up at any given time due to staggered schedules. She pointed out on the aerial photo where the 1800 square feet of fenced play area will be located.

Chair Kranich opened the public hearing.

Marlena Hodgdon commented that she has a child enrolled in the program since it opened and plans to keep her there until next year. She supports the program completely and has started getting more involved in the program. Moving to a larger location will be nice so they can have more room for all the children. Ms. Hodgdon said she worked at home and stayed home with her daughter for the first three years and now wants to get back out in the working world. Childcare and preschool for children in this area is not easy to find. She hopes the Commission will support this location for the program.

There were no further public comments and Chair Kranich closed the public hearing.

MINSCH/BOS MOVED TO ADOPT STAFF REPORT PL 08-82 THE CUP 08-06 FOR THE DAYCARE FACILITY IN THE RO DISTRICT AT THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH BUILDING WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.

STAFF COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS:

Planning Commission approve CUP 08-06 with the following conditions.

1. New and existing lighting must comply with HCC 21.48.080 by Oct. 1, 2008.
2. The play area to be fence prior to the opening of the childcare facilities.

There was brief discussion that the fencing is required by code for a day care facility and that is the only thing needed to be accomplished for the facility to operate.

VOTE: YES: MINSCH, ZAK, KRANICH, SINN, BOS

Motion carried.

Chair Kranich noted for the record that this action can be appealed.

Commissioners Storm and Moore returned to the table.

C. Staff Report PL 08-84, Land’s Staff Report PL 08-82, A Request to Amend Conditional Use Permit 08-02 to Reduce the Garage Building Set Back Distance from the North Property Line at Land’s End Condominiums, Located at 4799 Homer Spit Road

Commissioner Moore stated that he has a conflict of interest.

ZAK / MINSCH MOVED THAT COMMISSIONER MOORE HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

Commissioner Moore explained that he provides dumpster service. Lea Miner, project manager, noted that Mr. Moore works for the Homeowners Association not the applicant.

VOTE: YES: ZAK, SINN, BOS, STORM, KRANICH

NO: MINSCH

Motion carried.

Commissioner Moore left the table.

City Planner Abboud and Planning Technician Engebretsen reviewed the staff report.

Jon Faulkner, President of Land’s End Development Corp. and applicant, welcomed the new Commissioners. He expressed his understanding that it was clarified at the last meeting and he didn’t believe it was the Commissions intent originally when this was passed to cause them to redesign the project. He outlined that in the letter to the Commission. Mr. Faulkner referenced the code that invoked the 25 foot setback, specifically HCC 21.44.050 (b)(2) says 15 feet. He said they are prepared to conform to what code requires, but it was unclear where the 25 feet came from as it is not in code. The proposal Mr. Faulkner made to Public Works Director Meyer conforms to this in both of their opinions. They felt the spirit of the Commission at the last meeting was to delegate that to Public Works and that is what they perused in good faith. Mr. Faulkner said they believe the agreement is in conformity with their direction and also with the ordinance. 25 feet causes them to have to substantially redesign the project and he doesn’t believe it was the Commissions intent last time.

Public Works Director Meyer confirmed that he is in agreement with Mr. Faulkner’s proposal. He explained that the easement that was agreed upon was 21 feet total with 11 feet on Mr. Faulkner’s property and 10 feet on the neighboring City property and eventually the storm drain will go along the property line.

Chair Kranich opened the public hearing.

There were no public comments, and Chair Kranich closed the public hearing.

MINSCH/SINN MOVED TO ADOPT STAFF REPORT PL 08-84 LAND’S END STAFF REPORT PL 08-82 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 08-02 WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS AND FINDINGS.

STAFF COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Amend Finding for PUD-HCC 21.61.060(e)(4) on the bottom of page 3 of the Decisions and Findings Dated June 16, 2008 to state:

The proposed garage-boat storage building must be set back a minimum of 14 feet from the north property line.

2. Amend Condition (i) to state:

i. The maximum garage floor area shall be 4,750 square feet. The maximum building height for the garage-boat storage units will be 26 feet. The garage-boat storage building will be set back 14 feet from the north property line.

3. Findings to support this recommendation:

1. The proposed drainage easement addresses drainage issues by providing an adequate area to resolve common drainage issues.
2. The site plan stamp dated July 21, 2008 provides 3-feet (south of the easement) to for a landscaped buffer per HCC 21.49.060(h)(1)(a)(i).

Question was raised whether there were examples of doing a similar size drainage easement with other property owners in the City. Planning Technician Engebretsen responded that it may be found in certain subdivisions, she is not aware of any between commercial properties, but there is a problem out there and both parties need to work together for a solution. Normally we don’t ask applicants to work with the City to find solutions for our common problem, but in this case the City is one of the property owners. The site demands this because of the problems there. This CUP only deals with the Land’s End Corporation property so the drainage easement will only be on their property. When something happens on the City property the other portion of the easement may be granted then.

Public Works Director Meyer concurred that the City is not granting an easement at this time, but at the appropriate time when the City’s property is developed. Mr. Meyer said the proposed 15 foot setback is from the bank of the ditch to the building.

It was clarified that this action only establishes 11 feet of a 21 foot easement. There is pending development on the City lot, so the other 10 feet of the easement is in the future.

VOTE: YES: KRANICH, BOS, STORM, ZAK, SINN, MINSCH

Motion carried.

D. Staff Report PL 08-80, A Request for a Conditional Use Permit at 3670 Lake Street for the Expansion of the Court House, for more than one building containing a permitted principal use on a lot per HCC 21.48.030(k), for a lot containing more than 8,000 square feet of building per area per HCC 21.48.040(d), and for Other Uses, similar to and not more objectionable than a permitted use listed for this district, per 21.48.030(n)

Planning Technician Engebretsen reviewed the staff report.

Phil Slabaugh thanked Planning Technician’s Engebretsen and Harness for doing a great job of pulling information together. Mr. Slabaugh commented that the DAP that he filled out is a poor piece of paperwork and he is willing to help fix it. He said the Commission has a good general description of the project and he his here to answer questions they may have. He noted this project is regulated by the State and they are meeting all the regulations. The State’s parking and paving requirements are less than the City’s requirements.

Mr. Slabaugh clarified that the south lot is for the State employee parking and police vehicles that bring the prisoners to court and the north lot is for public and jurors. The goal is for separation between the juror parking and employee parking as there is more concern for security. Regarding snow removal, he expects it will be handled like any other business. There is a snow pile area shown for the north lot and nothing really designated for the south lot. There is a requirement from the State to keep so many spaces open and if they have to pack snow away, they will. They require 15 space be available on the south parking spaces and 35 spaces in the north lot.

Chair Kranich noted for the record that Al Waddell, the neighbor across the street called and left a message on Chair Kranich’s home answering machine and cell phone expressing concern about parking for the facility. Chair Kranich stated that he did not return Mr. Waddell’s calls and had no conversation with him about it.

Mr. Slabaugh added that the State has agreed to a 25 year lease with 2 five year options. In the 35 years they want to set aside another 2500 square feet and another ten parking spaces.

Point was raised that for a lot of people in the community, parking at the court house has been a big problem in the past. It is requested that there be a reduction in parking spaces, but there needs to be assurance that this new parking design will be adequate to solve the problem. Mr. Slabaugh responded that currently the north parking hasn’t really been used by jurors at all because of the breezeway between the buildings. They would’ve had to go around the building to get in. He noted the new parking layout on the aerial photo. Regarding the islands, Mr. Slabaugh commented that he would like to see the one on the north side of the building go away as they are creating a green strip along the building, so it is not needed. The ones in the north lot are fine.

Planning Technician Engebretsen noted that staff followed code regarding office requirements and fixed seating in determining the parking requirement. The code written a few years ago requires more landscaping than this building has. It is an existing building so the parking islands is an attempt to bring this property up to current City Code, if possible, but there is a trade off between landscaping and parking. On the site plan from 1983 there were 56 spaces; however the spaces on the north side weren’t really developed. The current request is for a 5% reduction for a total requirement of 66 spaces. Ms. Engebretsen clarified that 71 spaces are required, 69 are shown on the site plan, and staff is recommending that 66 be required.

There was brief discussion that the exit on the south parking lot, entering Lake Street, can not be permitted by DOT due to its proximity to Ben Walters. Mr. Slabaugh commented that a solution could be to make it a one way entrance to Lake Street. There is currently an apron there. It is preferred that there be an entrance and exit there and Planning Technician Engebretsen noted that if it could be permitted by DOT, it would probably be okay with the City.

Chair Kranich opened the public hearing.

There were no public comments and Chair Kranich closed the public hearing.

MINSCH/ZAK MOVED TO ADOPT STAFF REPORT PL 08-80 FOR A CUP AT 3670 LAKE STREET WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS AND FINDINGS.

STAFF COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS: Note: 5 yes votes are needed to approve a CUP.

Staff recommends approval per the findings in this staff report and the conditions listed below:

1. Reduce, by 5%, the required parking spaces, resulting in 66 spaces.
2. Parking areas to be paved and striped within 2 years of occupancy of the new addition.
3. Provide treed landscape buffers that are a minimum of 10 wide and 170 feet long that parallel Lake Street and Ben Walters Lane per HCC 21.48.060(h)(1)(b)(ii) and the CDM p29 #4.
4. The outdoor leisure plaza near the main entrance on the north side must be at least 5% of the gross floor area per CDM p20 #1.
5. Both parking lots to have treed landscaped islands that are ten (10%) of the parking area per HCC 21.48.060(h)(1)(b)(1).
• In the north parking lot, if treed, 712 square feet of the side buffer (between the courthouse parking lot and 3691 Ben Walters parking area) may count towards this requirement. The parking islands to be a maximum of 100 feet apart per the CDM p29 # 4,7.
• In the south parking lot, if landscaped with scrubs, the highlighted areas (labeled 5-9) to be counted toward the 10% landscaping requirement.
6. Eliminate the southern most curb cut on Lake Street.
7. Apply for an AkDOT driveway permit for the north driveway entrance on Lake Street.
8. A 6-foot high visual buffer of wood or stone to enclose the dumpster.

Question was raised if the dumpster has to be completely enclosed. Planning Technician Engebretsen explained that the purpose of the requirement is to block the sight of the dumpster from neighboring properties and could probably be accommodated by enclosing three sides.

MINSCH/ZAK MOVED TO AMEND CONDITION 6 TO READ ELIMINATE THE SOUTHERN MOST CURB CUT ON LAKE STREET UNLESS A DOT PERMIT IS OBTAINED FOR THAT DRIVEWAY.

It was clarified that the Commission’s intent is for staff to deal with it, it doesn’t have to come back before the Commission.

There was brief discussion that in accordance with City Code there is not frontage between the driveway and Ben Walters, but it could be dealt with if it is one way.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

ZAK/MINSCH MOVED TO ELIMINATE STAFF RECOMMENDATION ONE.

Commissioner Zak explained that if this motion passes he would recommend amending recommendation 5 to reduce some of the islands and increase spaces.

Commissioner Storm expressed her view that the City and Commission have worked hard to develop the Community Design Manual and Comprehensive Plan calling for more landscaping and visual, aesthetic improvement on property. She thinks that if the Commission keeps giving concessions for more parking it undermines the other initiatives that the Commission has put in place.

Discussion ensued regarding the effect of the amendment. Planning Technician Engebretsen commented that the implication is that if the parking spaces were removed, more landscaping could be added and the applicant would have to meet the 10% landscaping requirement, which they are close to with existing plan. By allowing the parking reduction they can increase the landscaping. Further comments included:

· There is other landscaping in the plan and the islands in this particular parking plan could be seen as a liability and it would be a better plan overall for the project not to have these little islands.

· The applicant had mentioned earlier he would like to see island 3 removed and the Commission has expressed the need for more parking. It is a little give and a little take.

VOTE: YES: MOORE, MINSCH, SINN, KRANICH, BOS, ZAK

NO: STORM

Motion carried.

MOORE/MINSCH MOVED TO AMEND CONDITION 8 THAT THERE BE A SIX FOOT HIGH VISUAL BUFFER OF WOOD OR STONE FROM ADJACENT PROPERTIES.

Commissioner Moore clarified his intent is that it not be enclosed on all four sides.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

ZAK/MOORE MOVED TO AMEND CONDITION FIVE THAT WE CHANGE IT FROM 10% TO 5% OF THE PARKING AREA TO ALLOW US TO ELIMINATE THE ISLANDS.

It was clarified that that it is the intent to change the 10% in both places in condition five to 5%.

Commissioner Storm reiterated her concern regarding the Community Design Manual and efforts to beautify Homer. She feels they are spot changing code requirements based on the use of this property.

Discussion points included:

· When dealing with snow removal in the winter, the islands further reduce parking spaces.

· If this were a new building being built some of their views would likely be different and they wouldn’t be recommending removing anything. This effort is trying to find a compromise between new rules and an old building.

· This property is a unique case because we know how bad the parking there can be. No one wants to eliminate the green spaces, but in reality this case dictates that parking is more important.

· In the past the north lot has been used to less than 50% of its potential.

· The south lot is being designated for employees only and so all the jury pools will be required to park only in the north lot.

VOTE: YES: ZAK, SINN, BOS, MINSCH, MOORE, KRANICH

NO: STORM

Motion carried.

Planning Technician Engebretsen suggested the Commission may want to consider specifying what island the Commission want deleted from the upper lot. There was discussion that island three, the one against the building, is the one the applicant would prefer to have removed.

ZAK/MINSCH MOVED TO AMEND ITEM 5 TO ELIMINATE THE LAST SENTENCE IN THE FIRST BULLET - THE PARKING ISLANDS TO BE A MAXIMUM OF 100 FEET APART PER THE CDM P 29 #4,7 AND REPLACE IT WITH ELIMINATE PARKING ISLAND NUMBER 3 IN THE NORTH PARKING LOT FOR ADDITIONAL PARKING.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: YES: BOS, MINSCH, MOORE, ZAK, KRANICH, SINN

NO: STORM

Motion carried.

There was no further discussion on the main motion as amended.

VOTE: (Main motion as amended): YES: BOS, MINSCH, MOORE, STORM, ZAK, KRANICH, SINN

Motion carried.

Chair Kranich called for a recess at 9:05 p.m. The meeting resumed at 9:17 p.m.

PLAT CONSIDERATION

The Commission hears a staff report, testimony from applicants and the public, The Commission may ask questions of staff, applicants and the public, The Commission will accept testimony or a presentation on agenda items that involve an applicant.

A. Staff Report PL 08-83, South Peninsula Hospital Subdivision 2008 Addition Preliminary Plat

Planning Technician Engebretsen reviewed the staff report.

There were no applicant comments or public comments.

MINSCH/STORM MOVED TO ADOPT STAFF REPORT PL 08-83 SOUTH PENINSULA HOSPITAL SUBDIVISION WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.

STAFF COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS:

Planning Commission recommend approval of the preliminary plat with the following comments:

1. A plat note indicating that this subdivision may contain wetlands. Property owners should contact the Army Corp. of Engineers prior to any on-site development or construction activity to obtain the most current wetlands designation (if any).
2. Add a plat note stating the area between the old hospital property line and the new lot line is still dedicated to public recreation and site the recording information.
3. Correct Pioneer Drive to Pioneer Avenue on the vicinity map.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

PENDING BUSINESS

There were no pending business items.

NEW BUSINESS

The Commission hears a report from staff. Commission business includes resolutions, ordinances, zoning issues, requests for reconsideration and other issues as needed. The Commission may ask questions of staff, applicants, and the public. Any items brought before the Commission for discussion are on the floor for discussion following introduction of the item. The Commission will accept testimony or a presentation on agenda items that involve an applicant (such as acceptance of a non conformity).

A. Staff Report PL 08-78, Election of Officers

Chair Kranich opened the floor for nominations for the Chair.

Commissioner Zak nominated Commissioner Minsch as Chair. There were no other nominations.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Commissioner Minsch nominated Commissioner Storm as Vice Chair. There were no other nominations.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

There was no objection for Commissioner Kranich to finish the meeting as Chair.

B. Staff Report PL 08-77, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

MINSCH/ZAK MOVED TO DISCUSS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE 2008-2013 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN.

Chair Kranich commented that the Commission discussed this during the worksession.

Their first four recommendations are

· Alternative Water Source

· Deep Water Dock

· Main Street

· Homer Intersections

The remaining items they discussed will be included in the memorandum to Council listed in no particular order.

MINSCH/SINN MOVED TO HAVE STAFF PREPARE A MEMORANDUM FOR COUNCIL PER THE WORKSESSION DISCUSSION. 1. ALTERNATIVE WATER SOURCE 2. DEEP WATER DOCK 3. MAIN STREET 4. HOMER INTERSECTIONS WITH THE OTHER ONES TO BE LISTED IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER- EAST BOAT HARBOR, FIRE FIGHTING ENHANCEMENT, PAVING FREIGHT DOCK ROAD, PUBLIC RESTROOMS, PORT AND HARBOR BUILDING, SKYLINE FIRE STATION, SPIT TRAIL COMPLETION, AND THE STERLING HIGHWAY ONE AT THE BOTTOM.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

A. Memorandum dated July 16, 2008 to the Port and Harbor Advisory Commission from Walt Wrede, City Manager regarding Update on Spit Parking Issues

B. Letter dated July 10, 2008 to Jerry Worthman, Alyeska Tire, from Dotti Harness, Planning Technician

C. Letter dated July 3, 2008 to Ed Adair, and Tome and Charlie Knoll from Dotti Harness, Planning Technician

D. Resolution 08-81, a Resolution of the City Council of Homer, Alaska, Requesting that the Alaska Department of Transportation Transfer Parking Management and Enforcement Authority Within the Sterling Highway Right-of-way Between Freight Dock Road and Fish Dock Road to the City of Homer

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

Members of the Audience may address the Commission on any subject.

There were no audience comments.

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

Commissioners may comments on any subject, including requests to staff and requests for excused absence.

Commissioner’s Sinn, Moore, and Bos had no comments.

Commissioner Storm welcomed the new Commissioners and the New City Planner.

Commissioner Zak dittoed Ms. Storm’s comments and thanked Mr. Kranich for his leadership. He hopes Mr. Kranich knows that a no vote against him does not say that they don’t like him as Chair.

Commissioner Minsch thanked Mr. Kranich for being a great Chair. She thanked Commissioner Storm and welcomed the new Commissioners.

Chair Kranich welcomed the new Commissioners. As a life long resident in Homer he is pleased to see Mr. Moore and Mr. Sinn two long time, young residents stepping forward to become involved in the City government process. Mr. Bos being new to the area will bring a new viewpoint. Mrs. Storm is a relatively new member as well. He is happy to see them involved, not that they will all agree on everything, but everyone’s view points are respected. It has been a pleasure being Chair and working with staff.

ADJOURN

Meetings adjourn promptly at 10 p.m. An extension is allowed by a vote of the Commission. Notice of the next regular or special meeting or work session will appear on the agenda following “adjournment”.

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for August 20, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers. There is a worksession at 5:30 p.m. prior to the meeting.

MELISSA JACOBSEN, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

Approved: