David Berry

The agenda for the meeting included mayoral proclamations, public comment periods, and a consent agenda. Key items under the consent agenda involved approving the unapproved minutes from the February 23, 2026, regular meeting and considering several ordinances. Ordinance 26-17 proposes appropriating $240,000 from the Water CARMA Fund for the purchase of two properties for future water treatment needs. Ordinance 26-18 seeks to appropriate funds from the Land Fund and General Fund for purchasing two properties for conservation and water utility requirements. Additionally, resolutions were presented concerning participation in the State of Alaska Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) for the Police Chief position, and authorizing the Homer Volunteer Fire Department staff to apply for two separate grants (Southern Region EMS Council FY27 Code Blue Grant and a DOI Office of Wildland Fire Grant). The public hearing section addressed Ordinance 26-14 regarding capital budget appropriation for a tax foreclosure property purchase, Ordinance 26-15 for purchasing timber to repair a dock fender, and Ordinance 26-16(A) concerning amendments to City Code Title 4 regarding elections. Reports were presented by various advisory commissions, including updates on Title 21 revisions and strategic planning for the Library and Parks departments. New business focused on the potential direct collection of sales tax by Airbnb for short-term rentals.

This strategic plan outlines the ADA Advisory Board's advisory role to the City Manager and City Council regarding Title II Regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act within the City of Homer's programs, activities, and facilities. Its key strategic pillars encompass administrative advising, policy formulation for accessibility, planning and evaluating ADA Transition Plans, fiscal advocacy for compliance, and community advocacy. The plan's goals include preparing and reviewing ADA Transition Plans, advocating for ADA compliance in all city projects, actively promoting universal design principles for facilities and services, and exploring opportunities to improve service for all community members.

The agenda for the regular meeting included calls to order, agenda approval, and public comments. Key items for discussion or action involved consent agenda items, specifically the February minutes, staff and committee reports covering various local economic and development topics, and pending business regarding Short Term Rentals (STRs) and Itinerant Merchants. New business focused on Budget Recommendations. Informational materials included the KPEDD 2026 Housing Assessment and the 2026 Work Plan. The commission's discussions, as detailed in associated memoranda, heavily revolved around crafting recommendations to the City Council concerning STR regulation, including policy goals, comparison with previous failed ordinances, and exploring alternative revenue collection methods like administrative fees versus sales tax.

The Regular Meeting began with agenda amendments, including adding a legislative update. Public comments addressed short-term rental sales tax collection (Memorandum CC-26-050) and election code amendments (Ordinance 26-16), with specific input on percentage calculation methods. The Consent Agenda was adopted, approving minutes from a prior special meeting, budget appropriations for property purchase (Ordinance 26-14) and dock fender repair (Ordinance 26-15), and confirming the appointment of the new Chief of Police. During visitors and reports, the City Council received updates on state legislation, water/wastewater rates, the transition of police leadership, and ongoing discussions regarding Airbnb sales tax collection and Title 21 progress. Public hearings were held for the adoption of Ordinance 26-12, concerning IT capital project funding, and Ordinance 26-13, authorizing the purchase of a dump truck. The Council proceeded to introduce Ordinance 26-16, amending election code, which included an unsuccessful amendment attempt regarding library board membership language. New Business focused on the direct collection of sales tax by Airbnb, with discussion around requiring STR owner registration and potential assignment of this issue to the Economic Development Advisory Commission.

The Library Advisory Board (LAB) meeting agenda included reviewing the 2025 Library Annual Report, the January 2026 Library Director Report, and fundraising updates. Key pending business items involved setting a revised timeline for the 20th Anniversary Celebrations, including deciding on plaque text for a time capsule and the structure for the 2046 Roundtable. The board also addressed the LAB Strategic Plan and Goals, reviewed United for Libraries recordings, and considered a new Library Fee Schedule and Library Donation Account history. New business also covered reviewing Bylaws. The document also includes extensive statistical summaries for 2025 and January 2026 performance metrics.