Having visited the state’s capital earlier this month, Mayor Jim Hornaday and council members Matt Shadle and Val McLay reported that their arrival in Juneau was preceded by the exposure McLay and his “eagle-bashing cane” received on “The Daily Show with John Stewart.” The award-winning television program recently filmed a segment about Homer’s eagle-feeding controversy. It included an interview with McLay and pictures of him walking with a cane he uses as the result of an injury sustained in a motorcycle accident.
“Everywhere I went, they knew me and my cane. And if they didn’t, he (Shadle) made sure they did,” McLay said of his Juneau welcome.
A City of Homer Mayor’s Recognition was given to Homer High School junior Simeon Daigle, winner of the 2006 Large School 4A Divisional Wrestling State Title in the 125-pound category. Daigle, who is co-captain of the school’s wrestling team and has a 4.021 grade point average, also won state titles during his sophomore and freshman years and holds four Homer High School wrestling team records.
Hornaday also recognized South Peninsula Hospital’s 50th anniversary, with a commemorating plaque given to Charlie Franz, the hospital’s chief executive officer, David Green, chair of the hospital’s service area board, and Ron Alderfer, vice president of the hospital’s board of directors.
“The hospital board, employees, physicians and allied professionals have worked diligently since 1956 to meet the health-care needs of our community,” Hornaday said in presenting the plaque.
A party celebrating the hospital’s anniversary will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 8. The public is invited to hear guest speakers, tour the hospital, view artwork obtained through the hospital’s new Healing Arts Loan Program and enjoy a barbecue.
Before Franz, Green and Alderfer could return to their seats, Hornaday presented them with a second plaque in honor of “Hospital Week,” May 7-13.
City Manager Walt Wrede reported to the council that he and Hornaday met with Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor John Williams to discuss ownership of land under and around the hospital. When the details for an agreement have been ironed out, they will be presented to the council for approval.
Wrede also reported receiving a petition from 26 business owners who are concerned about traffic speed in the city’s Old Town area. Speed bumps that can be removed in the winter are being considered as a way to force drivers to slow down.
Appointment of Barbara Howard to the Parks and Recreation Commission was confirmed by the council, as was Mary Calhoun’s appointment to the Transportation Advisory Committee.
No committee reports were presented to the council. No members of the public testified on subjects either on or off the agenda.
Other action taken by the city council on Monday included the following:
n Ordinance 06-22, sponsored by the City Manager and Planning Department, was adopted. It rezoned portions of A. A. Mattox Subdivision from urban residential to residential office. Urban residential districts are designed for housing areas, whereas residential office districts provide for a mix of residential, businesses and offices.
n Ordinance 06-26, sponsored by the city manager to accept $800,000 from a legal settlement involving Hurlen Construction Company’s work on Pioneer Dock was amended to transfer $600,000 into Port and Harbor Reserves and $200,000 into the city’s general fund to reimburse a portion of legal expenses incurred. The amendment was adopted. A public hearing and second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for May 8.
n Resolution 06-47, sponsored by Shadle, requested establishment of a nine-month task force to address overslope development at the small boat harbor, development that could take place on a platform above the slope of the harbor. The resolution was adopted with an amendment saying “contingent upon Port and Harbor approval,” and with no one named as chairman of the task force.
n Resolution 06-51, sponsored by council member Beth Wythe, was adopted to revise the council’s operating manual by adding a “Code of Ethics” section. The code sets “reasonable standards” of conduct for and a process to resolve complaints or inquiries regarding the conduct of elected city officials, appointed advisory commissioners and board members.
The next regular meeting of the Homer City Council is at 7 p.m. May 8.
McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@Homernews.com.
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