But on Monday the council selected a site for the shelter, and plans to choose one for the library at its next meeting.
Councilman John Fenske proposed the council approve the shelter's current site as the location for its new building, given the difficulty the council has had relocating the facility in the past.
Fenske said Mayor Jack Cushing will continue to pursue efforts to convince Department of Transportation officials to allow the shelter to be built on one of several lots near the Homer Airport.
Past efforts to seek DOT approval of the sites have failed. Cushing appeared optimistic that future conversations may prove more fruitful.
The site selection for Homer's planned library facility will take the council a bit more time, however.
The council appeared to be leaning toward one of two sites off Poopdeck Trail. The east site is owned by the city, while the site west of the trail is owned by Petro Marine Services.
Some council members expressed the opinion that the city would be foolhardy to choose a site it would have to pay for so close to one owned by the city.
"I don't see how it's worth $400,000 to move across the street," said Councilman Ray Kranich, referring to the potential cost of the land.
Others on the council, however, felt the Petro Marine site was best in terms of location, especially considering plans for Town Square. The Homer Public Library's Advisory Board recently recommended the Petro Marine site, and several public comments were made in support of the site.
"I think the (Petro Marine site) is in the long-term vision of where a lot of people see this town going," Councilman Mike Yourkowski said. "It would really set the tone for the town."
The council postponed action on the library site until the Jan. 27 meeting when councilwoman Rose Beck, who was absent Monday, would be back.
Carey James can be reached at cjames @homernews.com.
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