CITY OF HOMER
HOMER, ALASKA

Wythe

RESOLUTION 07-06

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER, ALASKA, DELETING THE PROJECT “MARINER PARK FISHING HOLE” FROM THE CITY OF HOMER 2007-2012 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN.

 

         WHEREAS, A project to construct a recreational “fishing hole” in the Mariner Park area of the Homer Spit was included in the City of Homer Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2007-2012; and

 

         WHEREAS, Although the 2007-2012 CIP was adopted by the Homer City Council, members never voted specifically to include the Mariner Park Fishing Hole project; and

 

         WHEREAS, The Homer City Council requested input from the City of Homer Economic Development Commission on the concept of a second fishing lagoon; and

 

         WHEREAS, City staff researched the history of Mariner Park and provided a 7-page synopsis titled “Mariner Park on the Homer Spit – Issues for Development;” and

 

         WHEREAS, This investigation revealed many issues that bring the wisdom and feasibility of a Mariner Park fishing hole into question, including issues involving Mariner Park as a Critical Habitat Area, previous denial of a Corps of Engineers permit for placement of fill in Mariner Park Lagoon, and previous opposition from the Federal Aviation Administration to any development at Mariner Park that would attract “hazardous wildlife,” which includes large-bodied birds; and

 

         WHEREAS, A previous City Council supported recommendations of a study funded by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council to preserve existing habitat at Mariner Park through conservation easement; and

 

         WHEREAS, Mariner Park provides significant shorebird habitat and was included in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network in 1995; and

 

         WHEREAS, The Economic Development Commission solicited input from the other City boards and commissions regarding “highest and best use” for Mariner Park; and

 

         WHEREAS, In response, the Port and Harbor Advisory Commission passed a motion stating “we recommend not building a second fishing lagoon at Mariner Park;” and

 

         WHEREAS, The Parks and Recreation Commission presented their conclusion that “a fishing lagoon is not a sound idea” for Mariner Park; and

 

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Resolution 07-06

City of Homer 

 

         WHEREAS, The Homer Advisory Planning Commission stated that “a fishing lagoon is not the highest and best use of the land [Mariner Park] at this time;” and

 

         WHEREAS, The Library Advisory Board passed a motion to “recommend that Mariner Park not be developed as a fishing lagoon;” and

 

         WHEREAS, The Economic Development Commission reviewed all of the recommendations from the other commissions and developed a list of recommendations for improvements to Mariner Park that are incompatible with construction of a fishing lagoon.

 

         NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That the Homer City Council remove the “Mariner Park Fishing Hole” project from the City of Homer 2007-2012 Capital Improvement Plan.

 

         PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE HOMER CITY COUNCIL this ______ day of _____________, 2007.

                                                                                                 CITY OF HOMER

 

                       

                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                JAMES C. HORNADAY, MAYOR

ATTEST:

 

 

                                                                       

MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK



 
Fiscal Impact: N/A