REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 28, 2009
Session 09-08 A
Regular Meeting of the Port and Harbor Advisory Commission was called to order
at 6:04 pm on October 28, 2009 by Chair Cathy Ulmer at the City Hall Cowles
Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer,
PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS VELSKO, HARTLEY, ZIMMERMAN, WEDIN, AND
ULMER
ABSENT: COMMISSIONER CARROLL (EXCUSED)
STAFF: PORT & HARBOR
DIRECTOR HAWKINS
DEPUTY
APPROVAL
OF THE AGENDA
Chair Ulmer requested
a motion to approve the agenda.
VELSKO/HARTLEY –
MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS WRITTEN.
There was no
discussion.
The agenda was
approved by consensus of the Commission.
PUBLIC
COMMENT REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA (3 Minute Time Limit)
There were no comments.
RECONSIDERATION
None.
APPROVAL
OF MINUTES
A. Meeting
Minutes of September 23, 2009
Chair Ulmer requested a motion to approve the minutes.
VELSKO/ HARTLEY - MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 23RD AS
PRESENTED.
There was no discussion.
VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VISITORS
The Commissioners welcomed Mr. Kevin Hogan, recent Port & Harbor
Advisory Commissioner, and newly appointed Councilmember.
There was no discussion or comment made at this time.
STAFF & COUNCIL REPORT/COMMITTEE REPORTS/BOROUGH REPORTS
(Chair
set time limit not to exceed 5 minutes)
A.
Port & Harbor Director’s
Staff Report – October 2009
Port
& Harbor Director Hawkins summarized his report for the Commissioners. He
asked if there were any questions. The following points were touched upon.
-
A
revised letter was issued to Rescue 21. There has been no response at this
time.
-
Dredging
will be conducted in the spring of 2010 due to the contractor taking other
work. The request was not issued in a timely manner.
-
Beneficial
uses are being considered for the dredge spoils as well as costs.
-
Development
of a 20 year Dredge Spoil plan.
-
Corps
of Engineer study for the harbor expansion project is ongoing. There are
serious concerns, with the number one being the increased construction costs. Rock
is the biggest expense. This is not a dead issue, but it is not a slam dunk
either. It is the reason that these types of projects take so long. The City
has not contributed additional funds. A meeting will be held to make a decision
to continue or put is on the shelf.
-
Hoka
Hey Challenge event, participants and entourage was discussed. Possible
location for end of race party is the chip pad. Camping on the Spit does not
seem possible due to space requirements. The organizers are working with
English Bay, the Chamber and City representatives. There was a brief discussion
regarding the participants, age, personalities, local vendor involvement,
peninsula wide participation, etc.
-
Repairs
of the Fishing Lagoon ramp were done with funds from the Port and Harbor
Reserves and why it was not done with funds from the General Fund. It was noted
that the Port & Harbor does not gain anything from the lagoon and this will
possibly set a bad precedent. They finally are out of the red and steps like
that could put them right back in again.
There
was no further discussion.
B. Lease Committee Report (if a meeting was held since the last Commission
meeting) a. Regular Meeting Minutes for October
8, 2009
Commissioner Velsko reviewed the highlights of the Lease
Committee meeting of October 8, 2009.
-
Appraisals were conducted on nine properties,
most were several years overdue. There was an increase to the nine leases on
the average of a $1000.
-
Peninsula
Salvage and Scrap is still waiting on removal. There was a hold over clause in
their lease.
-
The
restaurant at the Auction Block is still under consideration whether it will be
self-operated or subleased.
-
Fish
factory compliance and code issues should be completed shortly and the addition
of the lot is progressing. It is believed that it will be in compliance in the
following two weeks.
-
Under
new business the Lease Committee reviewed the sub-lease(s) request from El
Pescador and denied the request at this time due to the setback requirements.
It was recommended they work with the City and seek a variance.
Commissioner Zimmerman pointed out a few
additional lease holders that appear to be in violation with the setbacks. He
did not feel it was in fairness to address one and not all in violation. Port
& Harbor Director Hawkins stated the setback requirements are relevant only
to the approach ramps and he thought all those issues were taken care of, and
the road setbacks is DOT. Commissioner Velsko explained that the Lease
Committee is aware of violations but the Committee’s purpose is not
enforcement. There was a further discussion regarding the setback requirements
for the El Pescador lot. The Lease Committee is in favor of the idea however it
is not supported by the City Code. The City must show some conformity within
the leases.
-
The
Lease Committee recommended Staff send a letter to the El Pescador regarding
the request and the explaining the issues and limitations established by City
Code and what options the El Pescador has open.
-
Port
& Harbor Director Hawkins stated that this issue will be on the agenda for
the Special Meeting on November 16, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. He reported that clear
direction for staff was not given by the Committee members to execute a letter.
A deadline must be given on when the building must be removed; the building
cannot be there next year.
-
Further
discussion regarding the additional sub-leases requested and the existing conditions
regarding structures currently on the property.
-
2010
Meeting Schedule
-
Chair
Erickson was re-elected and Vice Chair is Philip Alderfer.
There was no further discussion.
PUBLIC
HEARING (3 minute time
limit)
None.
PENDING
BUSINESS
A. Memorandum Dated October 16, 2009 Re:
Seldovia Village Tribe Ferry Revised Drawings
Port & Harbor
Director Hawkins stated that they hired PND Engineering as a consultant because
the ramp component of the project was getting outside his area of expertise.
They were hired to review the submitted drawings. He reviewed the currently
submitted drawings for the ramp design and hi-lited the stairs at the raised
platform as a concern.
There is no action
required at this time and is more informational.
Commissioner
Zimmerman asked if the Homer Run Oil and Ferry projects could coexist. Port
& Harbor Director Hawkins confirmed that they could and then further
elaborated on the history and condition of the JJ Float. Commissioner Hartley
commented on the location and having both projects on JJ float.
There was no further
discussion.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Lease Proposal Home Run
Oil
a. Letter received as
attachment via Email dated October 2, 2009
Port & Harbor Director Hawkins distributed information regarding the
land allocation of Lot 13.
Points noted and comments were:
- Lot 13 has never
been let out for Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Which area of Lot
13, tank location, and proximity to Deep Water Dock
- Physical review of
selected location and additional recommendation from Commissioner Wedin
- Total quantity of
fuel with both tank farms located in one spot.
- Ability to monitor
spillage adequately for each separate entity.
- Current
requirements for monitoring spills.
- Using the
recommended lot is not favorable to the proposer due to the irregular shape and
setbacks.
- The non-usage of
the existing fuel dock.
- The chosen lot
must have the land allocation description changed in order to be used for this
project.
- The need for an additional
supplier and competition on the Spit.
A brief discussion ensued regarding the recommendation requested of the
Port & Harbor Advisory Commission from the Lease Committee on the tentative
proposal from Home Run Oil.
WEDIN. - MOVED TO RECOMMEND PRESERVING THAT AREA AS A STAGING AREA DUE TO
THE VALUE OF THAT LOT BEING IN SUCH CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE DEEP WATER DOCK IT
SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
There was no second to the motion. A brief discussion followed on the
Deep Water Dock and future expansion phases, but it will be too far in the
future to benefit the proposed location.
VELSKO/HARTLEY - MOVED TO RECOMMEND HOME RUN OIL DEVELOP THE PROPOSAL
AROUND LOT 8D1, CURRENTLY ALLOCATED FOR TRUCK STAGING AND IF THAT APPEARS TO BE
UNFEASIBLE TO RECOMMEND THE WESTERN PORTION OF LOT 13, NOT TO EXCEED FORTY
PERCENT OF THE LOT.
Discussion regarding the proposer of the motion to be Commissioner Wedin
or Velsko and that it was not a concern could be a friendly amendment. (The
original motion died for lack of a second.) Further discourse on the
recommended area would also allow for expansion. The convenience of one lot
over another; the argument was presented on the difference of one type of staging
over another. There were no drawings of the proposed project and the current
drawings are very conceptual at this time.
Commissioner Hartley called for the question.
VOTE. YES. VELSKO, ZIMMERMAN, HARTLEY, ULMER, WEDIN.
Motion carried.
B. Discussion – Water Meters
on Floats
This topic was put on the agenda by former commissioner Kevin Hogan. Chair
Ulmer invited Mr. Hogan to comment. Mr. Hogan asked for this to be placed on
the agenda as a discussion item because the Harbor is subsidizing the entire
water system. Currently the Harbor is paying the commercial rate and all the
water is being dumped into the Harbor.
A brief discussion followed regarding establishing metered water and
charging for hook-up; the moorage fees covering the cost of water usage. The
amount of water wasted and poured into the harbor. A suggestion was considered
regarding installation of devises that determines the number of gallons that
goes through but not into the sewer system; establishing a Water Board to
handle the complaints and issues that will definitely arise; some floats have
water just at the head of the float; using the system established to bill the
electric, to bill the water; over the summer a major leak was discovered and
repaired. It was discussed which entities were the biggest users on the Spit; the
size of the lines and that saltwater is used for fire fighting. It was noted
that if folks have to pay for what they use they will start conserving.
Port & Harbor Director Hawkins informed the Commission that they plan
to replace all flanges under the floats, reattaching waterlines damaged by ice,
and putting a capital project together to install waterlines from N float to R
float. Signage has been installed regarding conserving fresh water.
Chair Ulmer asked if further action was needed. Mr. Hogan stated it was
informational really and something to think about.
A further brief discussion regarding costs or fees included in the
moorage fees allows for easier management. To maintain separate fees would
require increased staff time and the staff to maintain. The current goal is to
reduce usage.
A brief detour discussion on Kodiak’s power and water supply by
hydroelectric and windmills followed.
C. Discussion – Metered
Parking
Discussion encompassed allowing metered parking in the Department of
Transportation (DOT) Right of Way (ROW) since the City has entered into an
agreement with the DOT on management on the west side of the Spit. The issue of
charging is still on the table. It is believed that high profile parking places
should be metered to allow better turnover in front of the businesses, and as an
additional revenue source. The Spit Comprehensive Plan will include this
because it is well known that the key to success on the Spit is parking; a
survey was sent out to employees for input and there have been two public
meetings plus a website is available and offers the opportunity for input. A joint
worksession with Planning, and the Economic Development Commission scheduled
for November was cancelled and will be rescheduled for the first part of
December. Comments by commissioners were to make parking on the Spit at a
premium and it could subsidize public transit such as establishing a shuttle
bus.
There was no further discussion.
D. Draft Resolution – 2010
Meeting Schedules
The Commissioners reviewed the proposed 2010 meeting schedules and noted
the November and December meetings were already changed to account for the Holidays.
It was discussed that the number of meetings the Commission has missed with no
notice has not happened in the past few years. The Clerk reported that the
commission has missed two meetings this year and did not miss any the year
before.
VELSKO/WEDIN - MOVED TO ACCEPT THE 2010 MEETING SCHEDULE AS PRESENTED.
There was no discussion.
VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
E. Draft 2010 Commissioner
Attendance Schedule
The commission reviewed the attendance schedule and did not find any
problems it was noted that once a new Commissioner is appointed it could be
changed some more if needed. July at this time was left blank due to normal
schedules of the commissioners.
WEDIN/ZIMMERMAN – MOVED TO ACCEPT THE COMMISSIONERS ATTENDANCE SCHEDULE
TO THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR 2010.
There was no discussion.
VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
F. Teleconferencing
Deputy City Clerk Krause explained this topic was put on the agenda at
the request of Council person Howard to see if there would be interest in
having the capability to teleconference. The Clerk further explained that there
would be guidelines to allow teleconference. That this would have to be on the
agenda again and then change made in the bylaws and other documents as required.
Discussion included the aspect of
additional costs to the budget for teleconferencing, that this was an option to
have a quorum.
VELSKO/HARTLEY - MOVED TO SEND A MEMORANDUM THAT THE PORT AND HARBOR
ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDS ALLOWING TELECONFERENCEING AS AN OPTION OF
ATTENDANCE TO A COMMISSION MEETING.
Mr. Hogan offered a comment that this is encouraged by the open meetings
act. An incident with the Lease Committee was offered where if they could have
teleconferencing then action could have been taken on the issue on the table.
VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
INFORMATIONAL
MATERIALS
A. Harbormaster’s Monthly Statistical Report for September 2009
B. Weekly Crane & Ice Report
C. Deep Water Dock
D. Pioneer
Dock Ferry Landings
E. Pioneer Dock
F. Water Usage
G. Commissioner Attendance Schedule for Council Meetings 2009
H. Lease Expiration Schedule - UPDATED
I. Port
& Harbor 2009 Strategic Plan
J. Ordinance
09-44(S) Overslope Development
L. Press Release – Summer 2010 Ferry
Schedule
A comment made on the “push” to approve the Overslope Ordinance in record
time. It only took approximately 14 years. Chair Ulmer asked about vendors
being allowed to be on the docks when cruise ships come into port. Any cruise
she had taken there was always the presence of the local “flavor” on the docks
and Homer should offer something similar to visitors. It was recommended to
contact and work with the Chamber of Commerce on that issue. There are nine
visits expected this summer from cruise ships.
COMMENTS
OF THE AUDIENCE
Mr. Hogan recommended attending the Trade is Transportation seminar to be
held in Anchorage. He will email the information to the clerk for distribution
to the Commissioners. He did not feel the ferry was going to benefit the City
of Homer as much as expected. He will try to make as many meetings as possible
and will always be supportive of the Harbor and its projects and issues while
on the Council.
COMMENTS
OF THE
Deputy City Clerk Krause commented that they were awesome and good meeting.
She recommended postponing approval of the 2010 Meeting schedule to see if
there was consensus on changing the meeting time to 5:00 p.m. She noted that
this would be the best time to make that change.
The Commission approved by consensus to postpone and put this issue on
the agenda for November.
Harbormaster Hawkins commented that the ice sales were 43,400 tons which
is the record so far with the exception of the year Icicle burnt down. There is
no public ferry system that is not subsidized and some as much as 60%. The year
end totals for the load and launch ramp was $97,203.00 up from 2008 was $92,759.00
2007 was $103,337.00 was the highest. Fees have not been increased since 2004.
COMMENTS
OF THE COUNCILMEMBER (If one is appointed)
None.
COMMENTS
OF THE CHAIR
Chair Ulmer asked to
consider changing the meeting times to 5:00 p.m. Commissioner Zimmerman
expressed that it may be a hardship but it could be discussed and if it would
help budget wise he would be agreeable. She requested the topic to be on the November
agenda.
COMMENTS
OF THE COMMISSION
Commissioners Velsko and Zimmerman had no comments.
Commissioner Hartley thanked new Councilmember Hogan
for his comments and his continued support.
Commissioner Wedin commented it was a short meeting.
There being no
further business before the Port and Harbor Advisory Commission Chair Ulmer adjourned
the meeting at 7:43 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on
November 18, 2009 at City Hall, Cowles Council Chambers, 491 E. Pioneer Avenue,
Homer,
Renee Krause, Deputy
City Clerk I
Approved: