Name: Shane Horan

Age: 52

Occupation: Kenai Peninsula Borough director of Assessing

Family: Wife, Nancy; children, Shannan and Kelly

Education: BA English, Wheeling Jesuit University, Wheeling W. VA

Organizations and special interests: Alaska Association of Assessing Officers past president

Previously held elected office: Soldotna City Council

1. How much residential development should the City allow in the commercial district? Should the high-value commercial district be preserved for businesses?

A modest amount of residential development should be allowed in the commercial district as is now allowed in the limited commercial district. Admittedly, sales tax receipts from commercial sales far outweigh those received from the real property taxes based on Soldotna's 1.65 mill rate. Most developers or commercial landowners recognize the Highest and Best Use of the commercially zoned land and will develop it accordingly to maximize their return on investment. Market trends and the principle of supply and demand will dictate as to what use the land should be put. There are numerous examples in other communities where the two uses can and have coexisted successfully. It is important however, to maintain a reasonable balance with all due consideration given to ingress/egress, safety, traffic flow, reasonable signage, setbacks and preservation of the Kenai River and buffers.

2. What can be done to expedite building a city cemetery? Should the city manager be given a firm deadline to start building it?

The Cemetery Task Force was resurrected in August of 2007 by Mayor David Carey and Council has approved $300,000 for the purchase of land to build a cemetery. The citizens of Soldotna need assurance that Soldotna can be a resting place for loved ones who have passed on. It helps solidify a family's sense of belonging in a community. This selection however, should not be done in haste. The city manager should not be pressured by a firm deadline date to start building. The Task Force of 12 should carefully review and weigh all options available for suitable land. Additionally, any options entertained should not necessarily be limited to the boundaries of Soldotna. Consideration should be given to potential donation of lands which would help offset the land purchase with funds then potentially available for cemetery improvements.

3. What can Soldotna do to get the Kenai River off the impaired water body list? Is enough being done already?

Ed Sleater and I are active participants representing Soldotna on the Kenai River Working Group (KRWG). Additional members are Pete Sprague and Gary Knopp of the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Joe Moore and Rick Ross of the city of Kenai. We have been successful in encouraging our respective Councils and Assembly to pass Resolution 2007-01. This resolution, which was submitted to the Board of Fish, states our intention to work together as recognized local governments in crafting solutions to remove and keep the Kenai River off the impaired list. The City Council also passed resolution 2007-015 requesting Gov. Sarah Palin to provide direction to involved state agencies as to which agency should take the lead in adopting measures to reduce hydrocarbons and to set removal of the impaired status as a priority. All is being done that can be done.

4. How can the city ensure Birch Ridge Golf Course is not sold to a developer? Should it be zoned recreational or be restricted to some similar use; should the city purchase it?

The city can ensure that Birch Ridge Golf Course is not sold to a developer by purchasing it. I suspect a developer would create a residential subdivision from the currently zoned rural residential 92-acre parcel to achieve a better rate of return. In public testimony before the Soldotna council in February of 2006, Pat Cowan, owner of Birch Ridge Golf Course, indicated his interest to retire and sell the property. As a courtesy, he brought his intent before the city to solicit any interest in purchase. An independent fee appraisal should be reviewed with a possible purchase by the city at Fair Market Value. The golf course is a wonderful asset the city should acquire to encourage youth activities and provide affordable recreation for those wishing to golf in our area rather than having to head elsewhere.

5. Should property taxes or sales taxes be raised to pay for public servants' pensions under PERS? What other solutions to the PERS unfunded liability situation should the City explore?

Payments to the State of Alaska pension system, PERS, are a part of the regular operating expenses of the city that need to be budgeted as a percentage of wages. The city does not have a great deal of discretion in deciding whether or not to make the payment to the pension system. It is required. The city of Soldotna invested an extra million dollars to pay down its pension liability. This will have a positive impact on the rate that is required to be paid. The city must continue to demand fair treatment from the Legislature in recognition of this extra contribution. The city must also continue to be actively involved in crafting a legislative statewide solution to the PERS challenge. If the state funds a significant portion of the PERS contribution, it is unlikely that the city will need to raise taxes specifically for the PERS payment.