CITY OF HOMER

Parks and Recreation Commission

HOMER, ALASKA

City Manager

RESOLUTION 04-53

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL DESIGNATING LOT 11-B OF BUNNELL'S SUBDIVISION NO. 17 AS WOODARD CREEK PARK.

WHEREAS, Members of the neighborhood adjacent to Woodard Creek have requested that the City owned property adjacent to the Right of Way for Spruceview Avenue to Bartlett Street be designated as a public park; and

WHEREAS, The Homer Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission recommended that the Council designate Kenai Peninsula Borough Parcel 175-133-2800, Bunnell's Sub. No. 17, Lot 11-B as Woodard Creek Park; and

WHEREAS, This parcel is a 30 foot by 386 foot long strip, that the City acquired through foreclosure in 1978 and was designated for public use; and

WHEREAS, This parcel lies along Spruceview Avenue, is close to the Pratt Museum, and the City's Parcel 175-133-2800, Bunnell's Subdivision no. 17. Lot 12A would be sufficient for utilities, roadway as it is designated through Ordinance 00-13(S); and

WHEREAS, There has been a lot of concern expressed by the Friends of Woodard Creek, Cook Inlet Keeper and the neighborhood regarding the health of Woodard Creek, which runs through the proposal park parcel, lot 11B; and

WHEREAS, Neighborhood verbal support was relayed to the Parks and Recreation Commission; and

WHEREAS, During the June 26, 2000 Regular Council Meeting under public hearing item Ordinance 00-13(S), the following statement was made:

Wendy Kroll, representing Cook Inlet Keeper, testified that in the interest of protecting water quality the Cook Inlet Keeper strongly suggests extending sewer and water hook ups to Homer's more densely developed areas. The City's purchase of Lot 12 A would facilitate this effort and would also provide additional benefit for the City of Homer as well. Lot 12A lies within the Woodard Creek Watershed, which is one of Homer's few remaining urban streams. Woodard Creek flows by the South Peninsula Hospital, Karen Hornaday Park, through a residential neighborhood, past the Pratt Museum, and into the business district before it ends near Bishop's Beach. This is the largest watershed running through Homer's core and is currently experiencing a wide range of urban impacts. This watershed holds the most promise for conservation through responsible development. Ms. Kroll pointed out that the community has an opportunity to improve the quality of life within this neighborhood by taking advantage

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Resolution 04-53

City of Homer

of this natural resource. She noted the beauty of this lot, that it is wooded and undeveloped

and that the creek runs right through the lot. She advised that the riparian zone is healthy on both sides of the creek. Ms. Kroll reported that the Cook Inlet Keeper wants to support the effort to get water and sewer to these community members and also to preserve the riparian zone and to promote the health of this watershed at this time; and

WHEREAS, The Homer City Council made the following statements during the adoption of Ordinance 00-13(S) for second and final reading on June 26, 2000:

Council agreed that it was necessary to preserve the special character of the Woodard Creek Watershed/drainage. Council further agreed to forward this matter to the Water and Sewer Standards Committee for comment on the development of easements and access across this drainage. There was suggestion that a member of the Cook Inlet Keeper attend a Water and Sewer Standards Committee meeting to discussion what they know about this particular watershed and how it impacts that drainage. There was brief discussion about carving the road right-of-way around the trees and preserving some of the more natural habitat in addition to the watershed.

WHEREAS, Designating Lot11-B as a park matches up with the concerns regarding the Woodard Creek Area and preservation of greenspace.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby designates Lot 11-B of Bunnell's Subdivision No. 17 as Woodard Creek Park.

PASSED and ADOPTED by the Homer City Council this 14th day of June, 2004.

CITY OF HOMER

_______________________________

ATTEST: JACK CUSHING, MAYOR

___________________________________

MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: Not identified. Parks and Recreation Commission is considering an adopt a park program and will be discussing this again at their June 17th Regular Meeting. There has been some neighborhood discussions with the Museum and Friends of Woodard Creek regarding maintenance of this park.