PORT AND HARBOR ADVISORY COMMISSION                                                                        UNAPPROVED                         

REGULAR MEETING                                                                                                                                  

APRIL 23, 2008

 

Session 08-04 A Regular Meeting of the Port and Harbor Advisory Commission was called to order at 6:00 pm on April 23, 2008 by Chair Otto Kilcher at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

 

PRESENT:                     COMMISSIONERS KILCHER, ULMER, VELSKO, CARROLL, HOGAN, HARTLEY

 

ABSENT:                       COMMISSIONER MARTIN (EXCUSED)      

 

STAFF:                          PORT & HARBOR DIRECTOR DEAN

DEPUTY HARBORMASTER HAWKINS

                                    DEPUTY CITY CLERK KRAUSE

 

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

 

The agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA (3 Minute Time Limit)

 

None.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES          

           

A.                  Regular Meeting Minutes of March 26, 2008         

 

The minutes were approved by consensus of the Commission.

 

RECONSIDERATION

 

None.

                                                             

VISITORS        

 

None.

 

STAFF & COUNCIL REPORT/COMMITTEE REPORTS/BOROUGH REPORTS

(Chair set time limit not to exceed 5 minutes)

 

A.                  Port & Harbor Director’s Staff Report – March 2008

 

Commissioner Hogan requested information regarding revenue the City has garnered from allowing car/produce sales on the corner lot located near the launch ramp.

 

Chair Kilcher called for a point of order. A motion was needed to discuss.

 

He asked for any objection to discuss, hearing none the motion was passed. He asked for the discussion to continue.

 

It was noted that business was conducted on City property and issuance or certification of business licenses was under the Police Department.

 

Port & Harbor Director Dean reported that Administration has decided to re-advertise for his replacement. The salary range was increased and a broader area was advertised in; the Secom system replacement maybe sent out for RFP. It is not a Windows based system; it is not a reliable system even with the upgrades and component replacements. He reviewed the costs for the Winter King Derby. The sulfur shipments have not started, but are expected to start any day. They have a ninety day agreement. It is expected to fill three ships. Each sack weighs approximately 3300 pounds. There was further discussion on where the sulfur came from and the Commission requested information on the Hazards of this product. Port & Harbor Director Dean stated that he does not know the specifics on the hazards related to sulfur.

 

Information regarding hazards found by Deputy City Clerk Krause:

http://www.epa.gov/air/urbanair/so2/hlth1.html

 

1.      Health and Environmental Impacts of SO2

SO2 causes a wide variety of health and environmental impacts because of the way it reacts with other substances in the air.  Particularly sensitive groups include people with asthma who are active outdoors and children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung disease.

Respiratory Effects from Gaseous SO2 - Peak levels of SO2 in the air can cause temporary breathing difficulty for people with asthma who are active outdoors.  Longer-term exposures to high levels of SO2 gas and particles cause respiratory illness and aggravate existing heart disease.

Respiratory Effects from Sulfate Particles - SO2 reacts with other chemicals in the air to form tiny sulfate particles.  When these are breathed, they gather in the lungs and are associated with increased respiratory symptoms and disease, difficulty in breathing, and premature death.

Visibility Impairment - Haze occurs when light is scattered or absorbed by particles and gases in the air.  Sulfate particles are the major cause of reduced visibility in many parts of the U.S., including our national parks.

Acid Rain - SO2 and nitrogen oxides react with other substances in the air to form acids, which fall to earth as rain, fog, snow, or dry particles.  Some may be carried by the wind for hundreds of miles.

Plant and Water Damage - Acid rain damages forests and crops, changes the makeup of soil, and makes lakes and streams acidic and unsuitable for fish.  Continued exposure over a long time changes the natural variety of plants and animals in an ecosystem.

Aesthetic Damage - SO2 accelerates the decay of building materials and paints, including irreplaceable monuments, statues, and sculptures that are part of our nation's cultural heritage.

The Commission recalled some tragic events regarding the trucking of sulfur in earlier years.

 

There was brief discussion regarding the Kenai River Seafoods and if the building size was considered  for the lot in relation to the required setbacks.

 

There was no further discussion.

 

B.                   Lease Committee Report – March 2008

 

Commissioner Velsko commented that there is a long way to go in regards to the Lease Committee responsibilities. He felt that it serves no purpose since the City Administration really has the last say. He mentioned that as an example the building size in relation to the lot should have been addressed. As pointed out by Commissioner Hogan. The meetings are irregular, and he opined that there should be a better way to run the railroad.

 

Commissioner Hogan declared he had a conflict. He reserved the right to comment as a member of the public.

 

Chair Kilcher determined that this was actually a report. Therefore there would be no comments from the public until the end. The subject is not meant for discussion. Deputy City Clerk Krause clarified that the Commissioners could request further clarification upon items in Commissioner Velsko report. Chair Kilcher stated that it is not a venue to take “testimony”; discussion ensued between the Commissioners whether Commissioner Hogan did have a conflict and should recuse himself. It was determined that as far as commenting on the report he did not have a conflict even though he has not formally pulled his bid for a lease on that property. Commissioner Hogan explained his reasoning for a possible conflict of interest being that he still has an active proposal for the aforementioned property. Port & Harbor Director Dean recalled a statement included within Commissioner Hogan’s proposal and clarified that Commissioner Velsko is only one member of the Lease Committee. He is the Commission’s representative on that Committee. Chair Kilcher summarized that questions asked of Commissioner Velsko should be conveyed to the Lease Committee. Commissioner Velsko stated that was what he was trying to convey that there is room for improvement and the Lease Committee is still basically City Staff. Commissioner Hartley asked what documents are required in the proposals. It was noted that a site plan is required but not to scale. It was debatable the actual power of the Lease Committee when it came to the “decider.”

 

Chair Kilcher offered some background information on the lease committee and the recent leases before the Committee.

 

Commissioner Velsko did offer that the trend prior was to not send a “rollover lease” to RFP but this was changed by the Lease Committee.

 

Commissioner Hogan requested a decision to be made on his purported conflict of interest.

 

Vote. No. Velsko; No. Ulmer; No. Hartley; No. Kilcher; Yes. Carroll

 

There was further clarification on opinion of why Commissioner Hogan did or did not have a conflict. The Commission proceeded to discuss the process of reviewing potential lessees and what they may propose as a use for the property. Commissioner Hogan understood that the Commission was to review all potential leases but he does not remember seeing any leases other than his. Discussion ensued on prior leases and open meetings, future meetings, who signs the documents and City Councils roll in approving the leases. Interpretation of the City Code in relation to the Lease Committee was in question by Commissioner Hogan.

 

There was no further discussion.

 

PUBLIC HEARING (3 minute time limit)

 

None.

 

PENDING BUSINESS

                                     

A.         Spit Parking Joint Worksession

 

Chair Kilcher requested an update on the worksession. Deputy Clerk Krause stated that the date was changed to May 6, 2008 at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers. She briefly summarized the agenda and information contained in a packet that will be available the Friday prior to the meeting.

 

There was no further discussion.


 

NEW BUSINESS

 

A.                  Alaska Waste

 

Chair Kilcher read the title and requested a motion to discuss.

 

HOGAN/VELSKO – MOVED TO DISCUSS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR CITY BUSINESS ON THE SPIT FROM ALASKA WASTE.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Chair Kilcher gave a brief summary regarding the reason for this topic to be on the agenda. Port & Harbor Director Dean gave some clarification regarding the Council actions to postpone developing a request for proposal until September 22, 2008 meeting.

 

Mr. Craig Gales, Alaska Waste stated he attended the Council Meeting on April 14, 2008. He was hoping that a request for proposal could be issued earlier so that the bid process could be completed by September 2008. He entertained questions from the Commission regarding the following:

  1. Length of Contract – 3-5 years with renewals.
  2. Rear Load and Roll off Cans included in proposal. Right now service is provided by Mr. Moore and Alaska Waste.
  3. Proposal to be Citywide.

Discussion continued regarding who puts the proposal materials together and whether it would be beneficial to include input from the staff and user of the dumpsters.

 

Mr. Lloyd Moore, Moore & Moore Services and City Resident answered questions from the Commission regarding the number of containers his company services and the nature of his current service agreement with the City for the Spit. He explained that initially his service saved the City of Homer $40,000.00. He further explained how he tracked when service on the dumpsters is required.

 

Chair Kilcher posed a comment/question to both representatives regarding the provision of covered containers and providing additional containers in the busy season.

 

Mr. Moore responded that for additional containers there is no room and even now they deal with trying to service the existing containers when most of the time a vehicle is blocking access to those containers. Moore & Moore own the current containers. They will be providing lids for all containers with the exception of the fish dock containers. The lids will prevent to some degree dumping of construction debris, crab traps, etc. These containers are set up for residential trash.

 

There was no further discussion.

 

B.                   New Commissioner – Robert “Bob” Hartley

 

Chair Kilcher officially welcomed Bob Hartley to the Commission and asked him to say a few words about himself. Commissioner Hartley stated he has lived in the area since 1968. He retired from teaching in Anchorage twenty years ago and moved to Homer permanently. He has used the harbor quite a bit and wanted to give back to the community.


 

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

 

A.            Harbormaster’s Monthly Statistical Report for March 2008

B.                   Weekly Crane and Ice Report

C.                  Pioneer Dock

D.                  Pioneer Dock Ferry Landings

E.                   Deep Water Dock

 

Chair Kilcher asked if there were any questions or comments on the enclosed materials.

 

There was no discussion.

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

Mr. Gales commented that the original service provider was Waste Management not Alaska Waste.

 

Mr. Moore was having trouble understanding why Alaska Waste was adamant to put this out to RFP; he cannot understand why they can do it cheaper now when they could not do it four years ago; he believes they may have a better mousetrap now.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY STAFF

 

Deputy City Clerk Krause had no comment.

 

Port & Harbor Director Dean commented that this was his last meeting. He was going to do nothing -  spend time with his family. He responded to Commissioner Carroll’s question regarding dredge spoils and parking requirements.

 

Deputy Harbormaster Hawkins had no comment.

 

COMMENTS OF THE COUNCILMEMBER (If one is appointed)

 

None.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CHAIR

 

Chair Kilcher commented that as a body they are required to keep a very open process. If someone came along and asked for a proposal they have to do it. He also commented on Commissioner Hogan’s comment regarding restroom facilities and offered that it may be something the City considers that the new leases require public restroom facilities. Small concessions may have to be offered, but it would offer alternatives to building separate restroom facilities.

 

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

 

Commissioner Hogan stated he will miss Steve Dean and thanked him for all his hard work. He stated that Steve was the best harbormaster they have had; he was not sure there would be any progress on the outhouse at fishdock road and offered to include one in his construction but it would probably not be taken; he commented on the lease issues and not wanting it to be his life; he just wanted the rules to be followed.

 

Commissioner Carroll asked if the Commission was going to address the dredge-parking issue at the next meeting. He state his reason for this question was he drove out to the view the berm on the west side and picturing them filled with gravel and realized how much parking that would create. He noted it was above the high tide line and he does not believe it will wash away.

 

Commissioner Velsko wished Steve Dean a happy retirement. Enjoy himself.

 

Commissioner Ulmer thanked Steve for his work.

 

ADJOURN

 

There being no further business before the Port and Harbor Advisory Commission Chair Kilcher adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on May 28, 2008 at City Hall, Cowles Council Chambers, 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

 

                                                           

Renee Krause, Deputy City Clerk I

 

 

Approved: