A resolution that passed Monday without discussion states that the city of Homer values its current relationship with Kachemak City, is not involved in a petition and letter being circulated among Kachemak City residents and would entertain talk of a merger if Kachemak City initiated the discussion on its own.
Kachemak City Mayor Phil Morris said he was pleased with the news. Kachemak City passed a similar resolution last Wednesday.
“We’re delighted both communities are in agreement on that issue,” he said Tuesday.
Council member Beth Wythe brought the issue up during her closing statements in a council meeting in July and Mayor James Hornaday said he would support such a resolution.
The confusion began in March, when Homer city council member Doug Stark said that he had been asked by several Kachemak City residents to help them circulate a petition regarding a merger.
Stark said in a written statement then that he has consulted with them, “strictly on my own time, with no city help, and at no salary.”
Stark reaffirmed his position on Tuesday, agreeing that the city of Homer isn’t involved.
“It’s a petition by the citizens, by the voters,” he said.
If the petition gathered enough signatures, it would go to the state boundary commission, he said. But he couldn’t say if that has happened yet.
“It’s currently in process,” Stark said.
Some residents, however, heard Stark was involved and thought he was working as an agent of the city of Homer.
At least one resident called the city to get them off their mailing list, Wythe said, urging her to draft the resolution clarifying the city’s position.
“We wouldn’t want them to feel like they are in a hostile takeover situation, because they’re not,” she said.
In other news, the council:
* Pledged a $2,500 contribution to the proposed statewide methamphetamine abuse education campaign.
* Awarded two contracts for a road project and ramp replacement.
* Set a public hearing date of Sept. 25 to determine the need for a Bayview Gardens sewer improvement district.
• Supported the Kachemak Bay Equestrian Association’s quest for grant money for a new equestrian park.
• Exempted the Homer Chamber of Commerce from all city property taxes. The original resolution included Community Mental Health as well, but they were cut out of the final resolution by an amendment from council member Mike Heimbuch.
• Awarded a contract for $125,997 worth of furniture for the Homer Public Library to Corporate Express.
• Appointed Richard “Bumpo” Bremicker to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
• Authorized the city to enter into a loan program with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to finance the $3.72 million Kachemak Drive Phase II Water and Sewer project.
• Submitted a set of ballot questions for the regular municipal election reauthorizing HARP and amending it to allow for the construction of new roads and trails.
• Accepted $540,000 in settlement funds in the Ocean Drive Loop Erosion Control Project.
• Accepted a $10,314.24 Impaired Driving and Occupant Protection Program grant.
• Authorized the sale of a lot to Kenai Peninsula Housing Initiatives.
Ben Stuart can be reached at ben.stuart@homer-news.com.
Wythe said the resolution was necessary to alleviate some confusion residents were expressing to her about the origin of the petition and a letter regarding water issues in July.
"We wouldn't want them to feel like they are in a hostile takeover situation, because they're not."
-- Council member
Beth Wythe
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