HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-15 Council Minutes - Work SessionKENAI CITY COUNCIL JOINT WORK SESSION
LAWTON ACRES
MAY 15, 2017 — 6:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MAYOR GABRIEL, PRESIDING
NOTES
Council present: R. Molloy, M. Boyle, B. Gabriel, H. Knackstedt, T. Navarre, G. Pettey, J.
Glendening
Others present: City Manager P. Ostrander, Acting City Clerk J. Heinz, City Attorney S.
Bloom, M. Kelley, M. Bondurant
Mayor Gabriel began the work session at approximately 6:00 p.m. advising the work session was
called to discuss the Administration's report to City Council regarding Lawton Acres.
Greg Daniels noted he was against development of Lawton Acres due to light and noise pollution
and long -term negative effects; suggested that most residents didn't know Council was
considering Commercial development; pointed out that the City didn't benefit from selling the
property until the properties were sold; also pointed out that the property was zoned as
conservation in the Comprehensive Plan.
Roy Wells noted he recognized there was no resolution in deferring and that the land was there
to be sold or leased at market value to support the airport; suggested a land swap noting the
buffer was reasonable due to the narrow parcels.
Wanda Carlson spoke against development noting she was not in favor of the additional traffic it
brought; had her home built when the subdivision was smaller and since it's grown the noise was
too loud to take a nap.
Bruce Steiner noted he lived on Lawton Drive and enjoyed the quiet nature of where he lived;
didn't understand the push to sell the property as there were vacant buildings around town;
suggested offering tax breaks for businesses moving into vacant buildings.
Scott Romain suggested land sales be left to private industry; noted several lots in town that were
vacant and for sale; pointed out the buffer zone for Aspen Hotel was 100 -feet and asked that the
City find a way to keep the buffer zone for the residents.
Ed Steiner suggested the derelict buildings around town be improved.
Melissa Frates noted publicly owned property was less expensive; suggested preserving the
green space and revitalizing the derelict properties.
Mike Beck noted the flowers were across the street from him and there was not buffer; explained
it felt like he was in the Walmart parking lot when in his back yard.
Mike Christian pointed out bigger cities build walls to push the noise up and buffer noise;
suggested leaving the trees so that it wasn't necessary to build expensive walls. Also pointed out
that the same group of people had been speaking against development over the years and
suggested putting the topic on a ballot.
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May 15, 2017
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Patty See noted that there were many areas in Kenai that had vacant buildings if commercial
space was needed.
Sheila Henks spoke in favor of retaining the buffer as her property was across from Lawton Acres
and the trees made it feel like it wasn't in town even though it was.
Barb Christian spoke in favor of doing something permanent such as a land swap; noted the
expense of water and sewer connection seemed cost prohibitive; described the noise level on the
Kenai Spur Highway.
Marian Austin noted the trees had diminished tremendously since she moved here; didn't want
walls to keep the noise out; enjoyed the wildlife that the trees provide.
Mary Whitely spoke in favor of retaining the buffer of trees for the benefits they provide such as
cooling, improving public health by absorbing CO2, ash, dust, etc., and providing visual screening
and protection.
Kelly Kelso spoke in favor of a permanent solution; suggested the Airport Commission look at a
land swap.
Betty Osborn pointed out the residents loved the space and didn't want the area developed;
wanted it left alone.
Richard Kelso pointed out there had been two referendums when, not just the neighborhood, but
the entire City asked that the area not be developed.
City Manager Ostrander pointed out that Council had specific questions they wanted answered in
the form of a recommendation from Administration on what the property would look like if it were
to be developed; also pointed out that Council and Administration were trying to be transparent
and show what the entire subdivision would look like. Ostrander noted a local improvement district
was a viable option and that a land swap would have to be of equal value and approved by the
FAA. Finally, it was reiterated that the proceeds from the sale of the property go to support
operations of the Airport which the entire community benefitted from, that there was no mandate
to sell the property, but if sold, must go to support operations of airport.
City Attorney Bloom noted an advisory vote was a feasible option; suggested a multiple choice
option; clarified the reversion clause on the deed would go into effect when the City dedicated the
property as a park forever or never be used for the benefit of the Airport.
City Manager Ostrander indicated he had visited with Mr. Sorhus and confirmed he was still
interested in a portion of the property.
Council Member Knackstedt noted he did not have a burning desire to sell the property;
recognized it was airport property; noted Tract C, if subdivided out, would be difficult to develop
and Tract E offered the best the buffers; also noted he was not opposed to a local improvement
district.
Council Member Molloy noted the FAA approved the buffer on Walker Lane; was not in favor of
a local improvement district; was in favor of a ballot proposition; was also supportive of a trade
depending on what land was available to be traded; saw an opportunity to resolve the issue.
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May 15, 2017
Page 3
Councilor Boyle provided clarification on the land benefitting the airport; noted it was clear time
after time that the property remain a buffer; was not in favor of a local improvement district; was
supportive of a ballot proposition and of the general fund purchasing the property and leaving it
as it is.
Council Member Pettey pointed out it was responsible to recognize fair market value and the
property was for the benefit of the airport, which the entire community benefitted from. She
recognized the trees left a legacy; noted Council had had to make a decision that affected
someone's pocket books pointing out that many neighbors not present could be concerned about
how their tax dollars were spent; supportive of ballot proposition.
Vice Mayor Navarre pointed out that citizens getting involved was what made a city work; that
there would be winners and losers in the situation; that Council had to be good stewards of tax
money and City property. Noted he was willing to continue the discussion to work out a solution
and was supportive of a local improvement district. Also pointed out that if nothing was done the
trees would have to be limbed or trails built to ensure homeless wouldn't live there, all of which
cost tax dollars.
Council Member Glendening noted 1,800 acres had been given to the City for the benefit of the
airport from the FAA and funds recognized from the acreage were for support of the airport;
pointed out Lawton Acres was a small portion and the City had grown over the years; also pointed
out the bluff erosion was affecting Old Town and until it was known the Bluff Erosion Prevention
Plan was working, there was pressure to move the commercial center.
Mayor Gabriel noted that at the last work session, residents asked that the topic not be brought
back up over and over, however the nature of unsolicited offers on the property would make the
topic continually come back up; agreed that conclusion was necessary. Also noted that his private
property was adjacent to industrial property and understood the desire for retaining buffers.
Those that attended and participated in the meeting were thanked and it was agreed that a
significant list of new information had been brought forward.
The work session adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Notes prepared by:
City Clerk