PORT AND HARBOR ADVISORY COMMISSION UNAPPROVED

REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 26, 2008

Session 08-03 A Regular Meeting of the Port and Harbor Advisory Commission was called to order at 6:00 pm on March 26, 2008 by Chair Otto Kilcher at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

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

STAFF: DEPUTY HARBORMASTER HAWKINS

DEPUTY CITY CLERK KRAUSE

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

KILCHER/ULMER – MOVE TO ADD LETTER FROM SKY CARVER WITH ALASKA WASTE TO NEW BUSINESS, ITEM D.

There was no discussion.

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 February 27, 2008

VELSKO/MARTIN – MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.

There was no discussion.

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 – February 2008

Deputy Harbormaster Hawkins had no further information to add to the report. Commissioner Hogan requested clarification on the staff time spent involved in the Winter King Derby. Deputy Harbormaster Hawkins gave a brief summary of the employees involved, the time spent and that the department supports the event. Commissioner Hogan requested staff to draw up a memo to show all staff and the time spent for this event.

Commissioner Velsko reported that the Lease Committee recommended Lots 9 and 10 to be leased to Kenai River Seafoods and Lot 12c to be leased to the Harbor Leasing, LLC. He stated that the Committee discussed executive session and what business was to be conducted and the reasons to use executive session. He reported that the City Attorney advised the Committee what topics that should be discussed during an executive session but recommended against using executive session excessively during the Lease Committee meetings. It was better to keep things out in the open. The City Attorney recommended using the same parameters for everyone. Commissioner Velsko pointed out that the leases still have to go through negotiations.

Chair Kilcher requested some clarification on the interest and proposals submitted by Harbor Leasing, LLC on Lots 9 and 10 if they were getting Lot 12c. Commissioner Velsko stated he expressed that question at the meeting. It was his understanding that this information was previously discussed at the January meeting of the Lease Committee. He elaborated that he objected to accepting some of the proposals since they were not submitted in a timely manner. Some proposals were given a time extension.

Commissioner Hogan asked if he had a conflict of interest. Chair Kilcher offered that Commissioner Hogan was no longer in the running for the Lease since they were in negotiations with Kenai River but Harbor Leasing was not totally out of the picture since the negotiations were not complete. It was agreed that it could be perceived that Commissioner Hogan had a conflict of interest.

There was no further discussion.

Commissioner Carroll arrived at 6:12 p.m.

PUBLIC HEARING (3 minute time limit)

None.

PENDING BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Spit Parking

Chair Kilcher asked for a motion to discuss.

ULMER/MARTIN – MOVED TO DISCUSS SPIT PARKING.

Commissioner Martin inquired if any additional feedback was known regarding the request for a joint worksession. Deputy Harbormaster Hawkins read an email that indicated City Council adopted the Port & Harbor memorandum and directed Staff to arrange the joint worksession to discuss parking issues on the Spit. This email was dated March 25, 2008. Further discussion among the Commissioners regarding who was going to contact them and when it would be scheduled ensued. The Commission discussed how important it was to have this started so that when an analysis is performed the consultants can view the problems on the Spit in the summer when the immediate problems are fully visible. It was agreed that this worksession, to encourage maximum attendance, should be held in the next few weeks. It was noted what days would be better than others. Commissioner Hogan recommended that the Police Chief and Department of Transportation should be included in the discussion.

Chair Kilcher requested Staff to investigate and produce prior work and discussion materials for the worksession.

The Commissioners discussed when the appropriate day and time should be in regards to the Planning Commission schedule and the Commissioners schedules. It was agreed that it would be better to set the meeting on a separate day and preferred 6:00pm or later. The Commission tentatively set the meeting for April 10, 2008 at 6:00p.m. Staff would try to coordinate and get responses from the invitees.

MARTIN/ULMER - MOVED TO REQUEST STAFF TO ARRANGE JOINT WORKSESSION ON APRIL 10, 2008 AT 6:00 P.M.

There was no further discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

There was a brief discussion on some of the parking issues on the Spit. Commissioner Ulmer wanted to be prepared for the worksession. This will assist in directing the conversation in an expedient manner. She did not want the discussion to founder and no action taken. Commission Ulmer had a question on the “RFP.” Chair Kilcher explained what the request for proposal would contain; It would be possible off site parking recommendations will be included because it will encompass current and future parking requirements.

B. Use of Dredge Spoils for Beach Renourishment at Mariner Park

HOGAN/MARTIN - MOVE TO DISCUSS USE OF DREDGE SPOILS FOR REPLENISHMENT OF MARINER PARK.

Commissioner Hogan stated that a few months ago the Commission submitted a recommendation to Council to use the Dredge Spoils for Mariner Park. He wanted to know what the status of that issue. Commissioner Velsko stated that Council has appropriated $65,000.00 from the Port & Harbor Reserve funds to move the dredge spoil to construct a dewatering facility to be in compliance with EPA. He asked if the Commission should send a Memorandum to Council that this was a good time to start loading up trucks and take it to the Park. Deputy Harbormaster Hawkins clarified that this was in lieu of selling the dredge spoils. In the past they have always managed to sell the dredge spoils.

Further discussion ensued on future processing and what they should use the dredge spoils for such as renourishment, private business owners, reestablish Green Timbers, Louie Lagoon, etc. This may enhance the use of the Spit and dispose of dredge spoils. It was acknowledged that there was more involved than dumping dredge spoils. Commissioner Carroll commented that if dredge spoils were used where green timbers was located; it would be a very suitable place to install parking for the Spit.

VELSKO/HOGAN - MOVE TO SEND MEMORANDUM TO CITY ADMINISTRATION REINFORCING A PRIOR RECOMMENDATION THAT THE COMMISSION DID NOT WANT THE SALE OF DREDGE SPOILS OFF OF THE SPIT.

There was no discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

Further discussion by the Commissioners regarding the many needs that currently require attention on the Spit and the amount of stock on hand and what will always be available. Deputy Harbormaster Hawkins explained what the cost to haul down to Mariner Park would be per truckload. Commissioner Martin felt it was important to offer some type of assistant to Mr. Young and other private property owners in the same predicament. The Commissioners liked the idea of offering the dredge spoils for no cost or minimal cost and the property owner trucks it out. It was briefly discussed if dredge spoils could be dumped right into the water or not; the engineering may be problematic; a study done regarding placement of gravel by installing a pipe and reseeding of Mariner Park approximately fifteen years ago; scour on the groins; and current practices by the Army Corps of Engineers. Deputy Harbormaster Hawkins answered Chair Kilcher’s questions regarding the costs involved with loading the dredge materials into the trucks. The Commissioners further discussed what would be fair to the private property owners to assist them in re-nourishing their properties. There was also a brief discourse on the number of private owners and the number of truckloads of material that would be required to turn a parking lot out a green timbers. The Commissioners discussed the issue of the property owners cannot legally dump the materials in the water. Commissioner Carroll explained in more detail what it would possibly do if the sand is dumped on areas where people park. It was agreed that the material alone would not provide suitable parking materials

Discussion ensued regarding the composition and suitability of dredge spoils for parking areas, etc. That there were numerous areas where the spit could benefit with added materials. It was discussed how to prioritize the uses. Placement locations and permitting for Mariner Park was discussed briefly.

Chair Kilcher opined that enough time has been devoted to this topic and since there were many unknowns that it may not be used for private property owners; it would be beneficial to have a large location to stockpile the material which would assist in receiving higher prices; some incentives were recommended to aid in encouraging purchases.

Commissioner Velsko recommended amending their recommendation to Council that it should include encouragement to reseeding efforts for Mariner Park and allow property owners on the West side of the Spit to purchase materials for minimal to no cost.

The Commission agreed to have a separate recommendation. Commissioner Carroll did point out that the majority of the “tent” land there is not owned by anyone, if it could be turned into parking then there would be more benefits. Commissioner Velsko stated that could be included in that recommendation. He amended his motion as follows:

VELSKO/ULMER - THE PORT & HARBOR ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDS THAT THE CITY OF HOMER ADMINISTRATION CONTINUE WITH THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PROCESS WITH THE SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE DREDGE SPOILS AVAILABLE TO PROPERTY OWNERS ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE SPIT FOR LITTLE OR NO COST; PLACEMENT OF MATERIAL ON STATE OWNED PROPERTY EAST OF THE STORM BERMS TO PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE FUTURE PARKING; AND PLACEMENT IN MARINER PARK FOR RESEEDING EFFORTS.

There was a brief discussion that the materials should be used to make or improve parking areas, reseeding, and the City obtaining blanket permits. There was no further discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion passed.

C. Election of Vice Chair

Chair Kilcher opened the floor for nominations.

MARTIN/CARROLL – MOVED TO NOMINATE COMMISSIONER ULMER FOR THE VICE CHAIR.

Chair Kilcher asked if there were additional nominations. He asked if Commissioner Ulmer would accept the nomination for vice chair. He then closed the floor. Commissioner Ulmer stated she would accept being Chair Kilcher’s partner.

There was no further discussion.

VOTE. YES. VELSKO, ULMER, KILCHER, MARTIN, CARROLL, HOGAN

Motion carried.

D. Alaska Waste

Martin/Hogan – MOVED TO DISCUSS THE LETTER RECEIVED FROM ALASKA WASTE.

Chair Kilcher reported he received a call from Mr. Carver requesting information on getting the opportunity to bid on trash and garbage disposal. He wanted to discuss adding it to the agenda at the next meeting. That would allow the public to participate.

VELSKO/ULMER – MOVED TO PUT ON THE APRIL AGENDA.

Commissioner Martin asked what the time frame would be required to act on this. The current provider is on a month-to-month basis. The established procedures have to be followed regarding procurement. But the first thing will be to properly putting it on the Commissions agenda so the public has the ability to attend and comment. Chair Kilcher offered that Alaska Waste did provide the service prior to the current service and would like the opportunity to submit a bid again.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion passed.

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

A. Harbormaster’s Monthly Statistical Report for January 2008

It was noted that the report was for February but there was an error on the agenda.

B. Weekly Crane and Ice Report

C. Deep Water Dock

D. Pioneer Dock

E. Pioneer Dock Ferry Landings

F. HCC Code 1.72 Port & Harbor Advisory Commission

G. City Officials Guide to an Effective Meeting

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

None.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY STAFF

None.

COMMENTS OF THE COUNCILMEMBER (If one is appointed)

None.

COMMENTS OF THE CHAIR

Chair Kilcher thanked everyone for their time and attending the meetings.

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

Commissioner Hogan thanked the Commission for putting the waste hauling on the next agenda that the City does have a procurement policy and it should be followed; he thanked Commissioner Ulmer for stepping up and he will not be at the May meeting.

Commissioner Carroll was looking forward to resolving the parking issues on the Spit.

Commissioner Martin commented that it was another meeting and one minute left for the ninety-minute deadline.

Commissioner Velsko commented ninety days ninety minutes what else could he say.

Commissioner Ulmer commented that Chair Kilcher was doing a wonderful job, and thanked the Commissioners for the show of support.

ADJOURN

There being no further business before the Port and Harbor Advisory Commission Chair Kilcher adjourned the meeting at 7:30.m. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on April 23, 2008 at City Hall, Cowles Council Chambers, 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

Renee Krause, Deputy City Clerk I

Approved: