CITY OF HOMER
HOMER, ALASKA

Wythe/EDC

RESOLUTION 08-77

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER, ALASKA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO RECRUIT AN AMERICORPS VISTA TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND PROGRAMS FOR ONE YEAR.

WHEREAS, The Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDC) was established in 1993 to formulate recommendations for economic development strategies to be implemented by the City of Homer; and

WHEREAS, The City’s economic development plan has not been updated since 1999; and

WHEREAS, The EDC would benefit greatly from additional staff support to develop a new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy; and

WHEREAS, A full-time economic development staff person could also assist with other tasks such as responding to inquiries from the public, assisting in the development of a Port & Harbor marketing plan, and collaborating with other organizations such as the Homer Chamber of Commerce on economic development initiatives; and

WHEREAS, The University of Alaska Center for Economic Development sponsors an Americorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program that “promotes economic development by mobilizing community resources”; and

WHEREAS, VISTAS are recruited from a national pool of applicants, must possess a bachelor’s degree or three years of related volunteer/job experience, and are expected to provide full-time service for one year; and

WHEREAS, The City of Homer has been assured that we could secure a VISTA in November 2008 with no cost-share requirements if we submit an application this summer; and

WHEREAS, While cost-share is not required, the City may have a better chance of securing a highly-qualified VISTA if some support is provided to augment the modest living allowance provided to the VISTA through the national Americorps program;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Manager’s Office prepare and submit an application for an Americorps VISTA to assist with economic development tasks; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Homer offer to provide the Bridge Creek Reservoir cabin as housing for the VISTA or provide a housing stipend of $300 per month for one year if the cabin is judged to be unsuitable.

PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE HOMER CITY COUNCIL this ______ day of _____________, 2008.

CITY OF HOMER

_____________________________

JAMES C. HORNADAY, MAYOR

ATTEST:

______________________________
JO JOHNSON, CMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Impact: $2,600 for laptop computer, printer, and 12 months of phone/DSL service. $3600 housing stipend if Bridge Creek cabin is deemed to be unsuitable for housing.