REGULAR MEETING
Session 08-01 A Regular
Meeting of the Port and Harbor Advisory Commission was called to order at
PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS ULMER, KILCHER, CARROLL, HOGAN, MARTIN
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS VELSKO, MACKIE
(EXCUSED)
STAFF:
DEPUTY
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Commissioner Hogan requested including a discussion on Ethics under New
Business, Item B. Intent to Continue Service.
The amended 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
Commissioner Hogan requested confirmation that notification within a
timely manner of an absence is sufficient.
Commissioner Ulmer commented she noted some typographical errors and will
forward those to the clerk.
B.
Special Meeting Minutes
of
The minutes of both meetings 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 – January
2008
Port and Harbor
Director Dean did not have anything further to add to his report. He did point
out the letter from the Corp of Engineers regarding the permitting for a dolphin
being turned down. As of now there will be no construction of a dolphin.
Commissioner Ulmer
asked who comprised the Lease
Committee. Chair Kilcher listed the members of the Lease Committee as follows:
Regina Harville, Finance Director; Steve Dean, Port & Harbor Director;
Philip Alderfer, Public at Large; Otto Kilcher, as a member of the Port &
Harbor Advisory Commission. Chair Kilcher noted that they had requested John
Velsko but he was unavailable. City Manager Wrede was present, but not as a
part of the Lease Committee.
There was no further discussion.
PUBLIC HEARING (3
minute time limit)
None.
PENDING BUSINESS
A. A. Overslope
Proposal
1. Memorandum 07-24 Dated
Re: Overslope
Development Task Force
2. Chapter 21.55 Overslope District
3. Overslope Development from
4. Memorandum dated
5. Site Location Maps
ULMER/CARROLL- MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM A., OVERSLOPE PROPOSAL.
Chair Kilcher noted
that the main topic for discussion was the overslope proposal with the five
attached backup documents. He commented that these could be discussed in any
order the Commissioners wished.
Commissioner Ulmer felt
the enclosed documents held some very important information.
Commissioner Hogan
asked when the initial work was done on the Overslope issue regarding Overslope
Development. Port & Harbor Director Dean stated it was done over a year ago,
in 2006 and 2007.
Chair Kilcher gave a brief
summary why this was in front of them again. Mike Yourkowski’s conceptual proposal
for overslope development was next to the grid. He observed that this proposal
did not fit into the areas previous designated for Overslope Development by the
Commission. The next step would be to just decline his request and/or consider
additional areas or remedies to the situation.
Commissioner Ulmer
feels that this area does not fall within the designated areas, and those
designated areas are not full so she does not see where she can approve this
proposal unless there is a compelling reason to change or add to the previously
designated areas.
Chair Kilcher agreed to
a certain extent, but he also did not want to discourage development. He was open
to development depending on the reasons given regarding the issue of overslope
development in an area that was not designated. He commented that the
Commission previously decided to start Overslope Development within areas where
there was nothing first.
Commissioner Ulmer
replied that she feels that the Commission needs to review the track record of
the person or business that submits the proposal. That they need to consider
everything that is presented to the Commission. Commissioner Ulmer felt that
this is where the Overslope District document was very effective. She noted
that the next step is not even to this Commission, but to Planning.
Commissioner Carroll
commented he missed that meeting and asked about the nature of the comments
from Mr. Brad Faulkner. Commissioner Martin commented that there was reference
to the ongoing dispute between Mr. Yourkowski and Mr. Faulkner. Commissioner
Carroll noted that the proposed area does not abut Mr. Faulkner’s property. Commissioners
Hogan and Martin were of the opinion that there was personal issues involved
and that even separating the personal issues there was still some remaining
issues. The Commissioners concurred with their comment. Chair Kilcher observed
that even if/or when the Commission decided on opening up other areas for
development, it could be initiated but it would still have to be released first
through the Request for Proposal process. Commissioner Hogan offered the
suggestion of offering a property trade instead of going through the RFP
process. Port & Harbor Director did not have an answer to his question. There
was a brief discussion on the likelihood of approval.
Commissioner Ulmer
asked if the Commissioners reviewed the Overslope District document. She opined
that it was very precise in the requirements for overslope development. Chair
Kilcher noted for the Commission that this document has not been adopted at
this time by Council and Planning has not addressed or reviewed it either. Commissioner
Martin stated that reading that last sentence of the Memorandum dated
Discussion ensued
regarding overslope development in an area that already has so much congestion.
The ensuing discussion additionally encompassed the recommendation of a trade,
the congestion within the area next to the grid; and the possible opening up
the area for parking.
The Commissioners
discussed the proper motion to address Mr. Yourkowski’s proposal. Port &
Harbor Director Dean clarified for the Commission that Mr. Yourkowski has not
submitted this proposal to the City Council at this time; he has chosen to
submit it first to the Port & Harbor Commission to get their opinion or
recommendation prior to a formal submittal.
Mr. Martin reminded the
Commissioners about his conflict of interest and would be abstaining from a
vote.
HOGAN/ULMER – MOVED TO
RECOMMEND MR. YOURKOWSKI RESUBMIT THE CONCEPTUAL OVERSLOPE PROPOSAL INDICATING
There was no further
discussion.
VOTE. YES. KILCHER,
ULMER, CARROLL, HOGAN
ABSTAIN. MARTIN
Motion carried.
The Commissioners then
addressed the Memorandum dated
KILCHER/ULMER - MOVED
TO FINALIZE ADOPTION OF THE OVERSLOPE DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT,
There was no further
discussion.
VOTE. YES.
NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
A. Land Allocation Plan
1. Memorandum from City Clerk Re: Joint
Worksession
2. Memorandum 07-23 Re: Land Allocation
Plan 2007
MARTIN/ULMER – MOVED TO DISCUSS THE LAND ALLOCATION PLAN.
Port & Harbor Director Dean reviewed what was previously done in 2007
and restated the recommendations made by the Commissioners.
Commissioner Martin questioned the item regarding the Lot 12 Chip Pad;
Port & Harbor Director Dean remarked that typically they have advertised
all available lots at one time. There was a brief discussion regarding two
entities. This discussion was not audible for the Clerk to properly notate
within the minutes.
Commissioner Ulmer asked for Commissioner Hogan’s input since he seems to
be up on this issue. Commissioner Hogan responded saying he felt that the City
should divest itself of the land and get it on the tax rolls instead of being a
landowner. It would bring more revenue into the City through taxes. He stated
that the City has an incredible land inventory and does not feel the City
should keep it unless there is a future purpose to warrant keeping the land.
Chair Kilcher advised that there were two options; one discuss it and
leave it the same from last year and two or three Commissioners can go to the
worksession and those Commissioners can make changes on behalf of the
Commission. Chair Kilcher felt that during this worksession some issues may
come up. Commissioner Ulmer stated the Council would be spending only so much
time since it will be done on Council night.
Port & Harbor Director Dean stated that one of the most important outcomes
is what lot can come out for Request for Proposal. He gave an example of the areas
for Overslope Development. He then pointed out a few additional examples. He
did agree with the same recommendations as last year. Commissioner Hogan asked
if there were lots that he felt were important to Harbor operations. Port &
Harbor Director Dean replied that at this time there are no lots offered for
lease that the Harbor needs.
Chair Kilcher commented about parking on the spit, and if they could
solidly define a long term parking plan, then they could designate which lots could
be parking only and which would never be parking. Commissioner Martin commented
about the bureaucracy in getting something done and this is a small town he
could not imagine the process in a larger city.
Commissioner Hogan reviewed the parcels and commented on the estimated
values, he would like to see those put up for sale, he would like to see a
discussion in the mix. Commissioner Martin commented that it needs to be on the
agenda to be discussed properly. Commissioner Hogan stated they are discussing
the Allocation Plan and that was the same issue. The Commissioners deferred to
Chair Kilcher who replied that it was under open discussion and Commissioner
Hogan could make a motion if he so desired.
HOGAN/KILCHER – MOVED TO RECOMMEND
Commissioner Martin asked Port & Harbor Director Dean for his opinion
on what would happen. Port & Harbor Director Dean commented that he would
be disappointed to sell lands that could generate funding for the Harbor
because the proceeds from any sales would most likely go into the general fund,
not to the Harbor; he remarked that it would be “shooting ourselves in the head
and foot,” he related that it has come up many times before the City Council to
sell the parcels in town. Commissioner Hogan asked if there was a valuation
and/or listing where they could see what the City owned. The Commission
responded where he could find that information, such as checking with the
Borough. Commissioner Hogan stated that he was not thinking so much of parcels
on the Spit, but the other property the City owned. Chair Kilcher commented
that he is a bit apprehensive, however valid a discussion, he found that the
Hillstrand property deal is ingenious and somewhat at the expense of the public
with the parking, but with some rules and good solid planning there would be
some semblance of control, otherwise it would be a disaster. Commissioner Hogan
argued that the private property owners on the Spit are the highest utilized,
developed and highly valued. He believes the parking issues on the Spit are the
City’s failure.
Commissioner Martin related that the parking was changed over a period
time from the initial leases. This can happen all over. Chair Kilcher commented
that was the time that additional measures could have been taken by them.
Commissioner Ulmer called for the vote.
VOTE. YES. KILCHER, CARROLL,
HOGAN, MARTIN.
NO. ULMER.
Motion carried.
B. Memorandum dated
Chair Kilcher read the Memorandum from the Clerk regarding the requirements
for letting the City Council and Mayor know their wish to continue serving on
the Commission.
Commissioner Hogan asked if anyone attended the class held by the City
Attorney regarding Ethics. Commissioner Carroll elaborated on a few points but
the Clerk was unable to clearly hear his comments to include in the minutes.
Commissioner Hogan questioned the requirement to submit the Disclosure
document since he just submitted it less than three months ago and nothing has
changed since then. The Clerk responded that she would check the requirement
with the City Clerk, but that another one probably would not be required.
Chair Kilcher asked if there was any further discussion. Commissioner
Hogan stated that this addressed his question regarding Ethics that he added to
the agenda.
There was no further discussion.
INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS
A.
Harbormaster’s Monthly Statistical Report for
November 2007
B.
Weekly Crane and Ice Report
C. Pioneer
Dock
D. Pioneer
Dock Ferry Landings
E. Fish
Dock Revenue 2007
F. Resolution 07-108 Alternative Allocation
Method for the FY08 Shared Fisheries
Business Tax Program
G. Resolution 07-113(A) Establishing the 2008
Meeting Schedule
Port & Harbor Director Dean clarified for Commissioner Hogan the last
column of the Fish Dock Revenue Spreadsheet, Item E; that this chart showed the
Budgets projected for 2007 and what the actual budget ended up being and the
percentage amounts.
Further discussion ensued regarding the possible projected economic
impact to Homer regarding the decrease in Ferry Landings. Clarification was
made that the longshoreman involved are state employees in response to a
question from Commissioner Hogan. Port & Harbor Director Dean stated his
main concern was the direct and/or indirect impact on Harbor operations. He
then commented that there was a recent meeting between the Mayor and various
officials. Discussion continued regarding why the Ferry System does not pay the
City and alternative schedules for the Ferry. Commissioner Carroll recommended
checking out how other ferry systems are run.
There
were no further discussions.
COMMENTS OF THE
AUDIENCE
None.
COMMENTS OF THE
Port & Harbor Director Dean had no comments.
Deputy City Clerk
Krause said they were doing great.
COMMENTS OF THE CHAIR
Chair Kilcher felt that there should be a workshop held by the City for
Executive Sessions as he was a bit unsure about the whole executive session
portion of the meeting; he feels that there was some clarification needed
regarding the lease committee going into Executive Sessions. Other than that he
did his best to extend the meeting tonight, but that was all he had.
COMMENTS OF THE
COMMISSION
Commissioner Carroll complimented the Harbor
employees for putting the recent fire out even before the Fire department got
to the scene.
Commissioner Martin commented that it was a good
meeting.
Commissioner Ulmer had no comment.
There being no further
business before the Port and Harbor Advisory Commission Chair Kilcher adjourned
the meeting at
Renee Krause, Deputy
City Clerk I
Approved: