The extension allows Tarola to feed eagles until the Homer City Council can consider an emergency ordinance to allow eagle feeding at Keene's cabin beyond the Jan. 26 deadline. Mayor Pro Tempore Dennis Novak, acting in Mayor James Hornaday's absence, last week proposed an ordinance to extend eagle feeding another 60 days. City officials consulted with wildlife biologists and have concerns that stopping eagle feeding after Keene had already started this season might harm the eagles.

"It's obvious we have an emergency situation regarding the feeding of eagles," Novak said. "They need a chance to adapt. I don't anticipate this to continue next winter because Jean's passed away. We're certainly going to finish up her work this year," he added.

Novak said in conversations with other council members he believes all of them are in agreement in extending feeding through March. Tarola, who had worked with Keene for several years to help her and is familiar with her process, would be the person designated to feed eagles. If the emergency ordinance passes, Tarola could feed until March 27. If it fails, feeding would stop on Jan. 26.

Under an eagle and wild bird feeding ordinance passed in 2006, feeding had been banned in Homer city limits. Keene had been granted a waiver to feed from Dec. 20-April 1 each winter until 2010.

City code allows an emergency ordinance to be introduced and acted upon first reading at a city council meeting. There is no public hearing or second reading, and the ordinance has a 60-day limit. Novak said people can speak on the emergency ordinance and other matters at the beginning of the meeting.

Michael Armstrong can be reached at michael.armstrong@homernews.com.