HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-18 Council MinutesKENAI CITY COUNCIL — REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 18, 2020 — 6:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
210 FIDALGO AVE., KENAI, AK 99611
MAYOR BRIAN GABRIEL, PRESIDING
MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Kenai City Council was held on March 18, 2020, in City Hall Council
Chambers, Kenai, AK. Mayor Gabriel called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Gabriel led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Roll Call
There were present:
Brian Gabriel, Mayor
Henry Knackstedt
Jim Glendening
Glenese Pettey (telephonic)
A quorum was present.
Also in attendance were:
Paul Ostrander, City Manager
Scott Bloom, City Attorney
Jamie Heinz, City Clerk
3. Agenda Approval
Robert Molloy
Tim Navarre (telephonic)
Robert Peterkin (telephonic)
Mayor Gabriel noted the following revisions to the agenda and packet:
Add item G.10. Action/Approval — Support the City Manager's
to be taken up first Emergency Disaster Declaration.
after Unscheduled Emergency Declaration
Public Comment
Add item D.6. Resolution No. 2020-15 — Extending the Disaster
to be taken up second Emergency Declaration for the City of Kenai Made on
after Unscheduled March 18, 2020 in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Public Comment
Add item G.11. Ordinance No. 31142020 — Authorizing the Suspension
to be taken up third and Modification of Various Sections of Kenai Municipal
after Unscheduled Code Regarding Council Meetings and Other Public
Public Comment Meetings and Participation in Order to Protect the Health
Safety and Welfare of Our City and Declaring an
Emergency.
• Ordinance No. 3114-2020
• Supporting Memo
Add item D.7. Resolution No. 2020-16 — Supporting the Appointment
to be taken up in of Robert Ruffner to the Alaska Board of Fisheries
normal order of Resolution No. 2020-16
business Supporting Memo
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Molloy MOVED to approve the agenda with the requested additions to the agenda
and packet. Council Member Knackstedt SECONDED the motion and requested UNANIMOUS
CONSENT.
VOTE: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
4. Consent Agenda
MOTION:
Council Member Knackstedt MOVED to approve the consent agenda and requested
UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Vice Mayor Molloy SECONDED the motion.
The items on the Consent Agenda were read into the record.
Mayor Gabriel opened the floor for public comment; there being no one wishing to be heard, the
public comment period was closed.
VOTE: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
*All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine and non -controversial
by the council and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate
discussion of these items unless a councilmember so requests, in which case the item
will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in its normal sequence on
the agenda as part of the General Orders.
B. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
C. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS — None.
GA 0. Action/Approval — Support the City Manager's Emergency Disaster Declaration.
(City Manager)
[Clerk's Note: This item was added during approval of the agenda.]
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MOTION:
Vice Mayor Molloy MOVED to support the City Manager's Emergency Disaster Declaration and
Council Member Knackstedt SECONDED the motion.
It was noted the City Manager had the authority to declare a disaster emergency and that
declaration was valid for seven days, unless an extension was approved by Council. This
emergency declaration would provide an opportunity for federal and state assistance and would
be the mechanism that kicked off the City of Kenai Emergency Operations Plan.
VOTE:
YEA: Glendening, Gabriel, Peterkin, Pettey, Navarre, Knackstedt, Molloy
NAY:
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Resolution No. 2020-15 —Extending the Disaster Emergency Declaration for the City
of Kenai made on March 18, 2020 in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. (City
Manager)
[Clerk's Note: This item was added during approval of the agenda.]
MOTION:
Council Member Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2020-15 and Council Member
Glendening SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened for public hearing; there being no one wishing to be heard, the public
hearing was closed.
It was noted the City Manager had the authority to issue an emergency declaration for seven days
and because the Council was meeting so soon, it was decided to issue the declaration in concert
so the declaration could be extended by Council.
VOTE:
YEA: Glendening, Gabriel, Peterkin, Pettey, Navarre, Knackstedt, Molloy
NAY:
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Ordinance No. 3114-2020 —Authorizing the Suspension and Modification of Various
Sections of Kenai Municipal Code Regarding Council Meetings and Other Public
Meetings and Participation in order to Protect the Health Safety and Welfare of Our
City and Declaring and Emergency. (Legal)
1. Motion for Introduction
2. Motion for Second Reading (Requires a Unanimous Vote)
3. Motion for Adoption (Requires Five Affirmative Votes)
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[Clerk's Note: This item was added during approval of the agenda.]
MOTION FOR INTRODUCTION:
Vice Mayor Molloy MOVED to introduce Ordinance No. 3114-2020 and Council Member Navarre
SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened for public hearing; there being no one wishing to be heard, the public
hearing was closed.
VOTE ON INTRODUCTION:
YEA: Glendening, Pettey, Molloy, Navarre, Knackstedt, Gabriel, Peterkin
NAY:
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOTION FOR SECOND READING:
Vice Mayor Molloy MOVED to hold the second reading on Ordinance No. 3114-2020 and Council
Member Glendening SECONDED the motion.
VOTE ON SECOND READING:
YEA: Pettey, Molloy, Navarre, Knackstedt, Gabriel, Peterkin, Glendening
NAY:
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOTION FOR ENACTMENT:
Vice Mayor Molloy MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3114-2020 and Council Member Glendening
SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened for public hearing; there being no one wishing to be heard, the public
hearing was closed.
It was clarified that this would relax the regulations regarding the in-person meeting requirements,
allowing flexibility with City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission meetings to be
done virtually and telephonically during this time, to slow the spread of COVID-19.
VOTE ON MOTION TO ENACT:
YEA: Molloy, Navarre, Knackstedt, Gabriel, Peterkin, Glendening, Pettey
NAY:
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Ordinance No. 3106-2020 -Amending Title 11 - Harbor and Harbor Facilities, to
Remove Provisions that are No Longer Historically Relevant, Recognize Changes to
Other Chapters of City Code That Now Provide for Lease and Sale of Harbor Lands
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and Provide the Harbor Commission a Platform to Move Forward. (Council Members
Peterkin and Glendening)
MOTION:
Council Member Glendening MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3106-2020 and Council Member
Knackstedt SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened for public hearing; there being no one wishing to be heard, the public
hearing was closed.
It was noted the Harbor Commission had made efforts to recommend amendments to Title 11,
that previous amendments to Title 22 affected Title 11, and some provisions that were time -based
in nature were removed.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Council Member Glendening MOVED to amend the last whereas clause to indicate in the blanks
that the Harbor Commission considered the ordinance on March 9, 2020 and recommended
passage. Vice Mayor Molloy SECONDED the motion and requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
VOTE ON THE AMENDMENT: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
It was noted this approach would allow synchronization between Title 11 and Title 22 regarding
land management in the City. The work of the sub -committee and Harbor Commission was
recognized and appreciated. Staff and Council Members Glendening and Peterkin were thanked
for their work on the ordinance.
It was noted some parts of the code were outdated and the Harbor Commission has wanted this
code to be changed for many years and with the amendment of Title 22, it was a suitable time to
do so.
A history of the plat was provided.
VOTE ON THE MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED:
YEA: Glendening, Gabriel, Peterkin, Pettey, Navarre, Knackstedt, Molloy
NAY:
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Ordinance No. 3110-2020 - Amending Kenai Municipal Code Section 23.55.030 -
Qualification Pay, to Add Additional Qualification Pay Items to the List of Those for
Which Employees Continue to Receive While on Annual Leave or When Receiving
Holiday Pay. (Administration)
MOTION:
Council Member Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3110-2020 and Vice Mayor Molloy
SECONDED the motion.
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Mayor Gabriel opened for public hearing; there being no one wishing to be heard, the public
hearing was closed.
Clarification was provided the ordinance was housekeeping after Ordinance 3098-2019 was
passed as it was discovered leave calculations should be accrued at the same rate.
VOTE:
YEA: Glendening, Gabriel, Peterkin, Pettey, Navarre, Knackstedt, Molloy
NAY:
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Ordinance No. 3111-2020 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in
the Terminal Improvements Capital Fund, and Authorizing an Increase to the
Construction Purchase Order to Blazy Construction, Inc. (Administration)
MOTION:
Council Member Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3111-2020 and Council Member
Glendening SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened for public hearing; there being no one wishing to be heard, the public
hearing was closed.
Clarification was provided administration was hopeful that the boiler replacement could be
covered with the existing contingency as well as the furniture for the terminal. City contingency
left in the project would be $369,354.71 of the $500,000 contingency funds Council authorized.
This Ordinance would be an appropriation of FAA grant funds to support the change orders.
VOTE:
YEA: Gabriel, Peterkin, Glendening, Pettey, Molloy, Navarre, Knackstedt
NAY:
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Ordinance No. 3112-2020 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in
the Airport Improvements Capital Fund, and Authorizing an Increase to the
Construction Purchase Order to Kirila Fire, Inc. (Administration)
MOTION:
Council Member Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3112-2020 and Council Member
Glendening SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened for public hearing; there being no one wishing to be heard, the public
hearing was closed.
Staff was thanked for management of the project.
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VOTE:
YEA: Glendening, Gabriel, Peterkin, Pettey, Navarre, Knackstedt, Molloy
NAY:
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Resolution No. 2020-14 - Approving the Execution of a Lease of Airport Reserve
Lands Using the Standard Lease Form Between the City of Kenai and Schilling
Rentals, LLC for Lot 5A, Block 1, FBO Subdivision 2018 Replat. (Administration)
MOTION:
Council Member Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2020-14 and Council Member
Glendening SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened for public hearing; there being no one wishing to be heard, the public
hearing was closed.
Appreciation was expressed for the investment in the City.
VOTE:
YEA: Glendening, Gabriel, Peterkin, Pettey, Navarre, Knackstedt, Molloy
NAY:
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Resolution No. 2020-16 -Supporting the Appointment of Robert Ruffner to the Alaska
Board of Fisheries. (Mayor Gabriel)
[Clerk's Note: This item was added during approval of the agenda.]
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Molloy MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2020-16 and Council Member Glendening
SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened for public hearing; there being no one wishing to be heard, the public
hearing was closed.
It was noted correspondence was received after the packet was produced that Mr. Ruffner was
reapplying to the Board of Fisheries. Mr. Ruffner's qualifications and values were discussed.
The Mayor was thanked for bringing the Resolution forward.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Council Member Knackstedt MOVED to amend by adding a new fourth whereas clause to read,
"the Kenai Peninsula and particularly the Kenai River receives the majority of fishing pressure in
City of Kenai Council Meeting
March 18, 2020
South Central Alaska, necessitating the need for a Board of Fish Representative from that area;
and," and Vice Mayor Molloy SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE ON THE AMENDMENT: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Council Member Knackstedt MOVED to amend by inserting a new fifth whereas clause to read,
"the Board of Fish does not currently have a member from that area; and," and Vice Mayor Molloy
SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE ON THE AMENDMENT: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the main motion.
VOTE ON THE MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
E. MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of March 4, 2020. (City Clerk)
Approved by the consent agenda.
F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS — None.
G. NEW BUSINESS
1. *Action/Approval — Bills to be Ratified. (Administration)
Approved by the consent agenda.
2. *Action/Approval - Purchase Orders Over $15,000. (Administration)
Approved by the consent agenda.
3. *Action/Approval - Non -Objection to the Renewal of the Liquor License for American
Legion Post #20. (City Clerk)
Approved by the consent agenda.
4. *Ordinance No. 3113-2020 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in
the Terminal Improvements Capital Fund, and Authorizing an Increase to the Design
Agreement with Wince Corthell Bryson. (Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and public hearing set for April 1, 2020.
5. Action/Approval - Special Use Permit to State of Alaska Department of Natural
Resources - Forestry Division, for Aircraft Loading and Parking. (Administration)
MOTION:
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Council Member Knackstedt MOVED to approve the Special Use Permit to State of Alaska
Department of Natural Resources — Forestry Division, for Aircraft Loading and Parking. Vice
Mayor Molloy SECONDED the motion and requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
VOTE: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
6. Action/Approval - Adopt a New City Logo. (City Manager)
MOTION:
Council Member Knackstedt MOVED to adopt a new City logo and Vice Mayor Molloy
SECONDED the motion.
Clarification was provided there were other logos provided by the marketing firm, Divining Point
through the development process; however, the presented logo was the only one provided in the
final delivery.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
Discussion - Set Dates for Council Employee Evaluations. (Mayor Gabriel)
It was decided the City Manager's evaluation would be an Executive Session on April 15 and the
Clerk's and Attorney's evaluations would be a Special Meeting on April 16 at 5pm
8. Discussion - Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council Student
Representative Policies. (Vice Mayor Molloy)
It was noted the change would open the pool of applicants for student representatives and,
dependent on the outcome of the formal change to the Parks and Recreation Student
Representative Policy, it might be considered to change the City Council Student Representative
policy.
There was general support for a resolution amending the policy being brought forth. It was
suggested the representative should be from a larger school that is selected from the body of
students.
9. Discussion - Public Official Financial Disclosure Statements. (Vice Mayor Molloy)
There was general support for a resolution amending the statement. It was suggested that going
through the form annually made one think about each item critically. It was also suggested the
form could be required at nomination for election to ensure proper updating.
H. COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging —The regular meeting of Marchand the March for Meals event were
canceled; next meeting April 9.
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2. Airport Commission — Met on March 12 and recommended lease to Schillings Rental,
LLC; also briefed by the Airport Manager on the Coronavirus. Next meeting April 9.
3. Harbor Commission — Met on March 9 and recommended approval of Title 11
Ordinance; also discussed the cranes and operating lease at the City Dock. Next
meeting April 6.
4. Parks and Recreation Commission — No report; next meeting April 2.
5. Planning and Zoning Commission — It was reported that at their March 11 meeting the
Commission recommended approving the lease to Schillings Rental, LLC and
approval of Title 11 Ordinance; next meeting April 8.
6. Beautification Committee — No report; next meeting April 14.
7. Mini -Grant Steering Committee — No report.
I. REPORT OF THE MAYOR
Mayor Gabriel reported on the following:
• Attended budget presentation at the Senior Center; and
• Noted the major impacts caused by COVID-19; encouraged following best
practices from CDC and the state to prevent inundating the healthcare facilities.
J. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1. City Manager— City Manager P. Ostrander reported on the following:
• Presented the State of the City address with Mayor Gabriel and the Invest in Kenai
event at the Senior Center;
• Preparations and actions taken in response to COVID-19; and
• The Federal Office of Management and Budget signed off on the Bluff Erosion
Project and sent it back to the Corps of Engineers; the Federal delegation was
engaged.
2. City Attorney — City Attorney S. Bloom noted that decisions would likely have to be
made outside of City code as decisions needed to be made quickly in response to
COVID-19 and necessary adjustments would be made at a later date. It was assured
that the City Manager would continue to keep Council updated.
3. City Clerk — City Clerk J. Heinz noted she was keeping informed on bills moving
through the legislature affecting elections and also that the Public Official Financial
Disclosure forms would be sent out soon. She added the findings of a feasibility study
on elections by mail would be presented to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly
on May 5 and she would provide an update to Council.
K. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Citizens Comments (Public comment limited to five (5) minutes per speaker) -None.
2. Council Comments
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Council Member Navarre thanked City administration, staff and residents for reacting favorably in
the COVID-19 pandemic, recommending putting a more positive perspective when talking to
youth about it.
Council Member Peterkin echoed Navarre; keep things in perspective and accept stepping back
and staying home.
Council Member Pettey encouraged all to be safe, calm, and thankful for all the plans put in place;
all would be in her thoughts and prayers.
Council Member Glendening noted history showed something positive, when times are
challenging, the best in people come out. He added the Borough ordinance regarding gated
subdivisions was postponed as the Assembly was asking for a legislative intent statement.
Vice Mayor Molloy commended the City Manager and Incident Management Team for developing
policies related to pandemic and also the supporting legislative body; noted the good attitudes
people had to the quick adjustments; need for public health to ensure economic future; and
appreciated that the public was responding well.
Council Member Knackstedt noted the country has been through difficult times in the past; at this
point public knows what to do — keeping mindful and doing what is necessary to do to get through
and then there will be optimism and more investment in the City.
L. EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Discussion of Facility Management Agreement for the Kenai Visitor and Cultural
Center, pursuant to AS 44.32.310(c)(1)(3) a matter of which the immediate
knowledge may have an adverse effect upon the finances of the City, and a matter
by which law, municipal charter, or ordinance are required to be confidential.
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Molloy MOVED to enter into executive session to discuss the Facility Management
Agreement for the Kenai Visitor and Cultural Center pursuant to AS 44.32.310(c)(1)(3) is a matter
of which the immediate knowledge may have an adverse effect upon the finances of the City, and
a matter by which law, municipal charter, or ordinance are required to be confidential and
requested the presence, as needed, of the City Manager and the City Attorney. Council Member
Knackstedt SECONDED the motion.
VOTE:
YEA: Gabriel, Peterkin, Glendening, Pettey, Molloy, Navarre, Knackstedt
NAY:
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Council reconvened in open session and it was noted for the record that Council met in Executive
Session and reviewed and discussed the Visitor and Cultural Center Management Agreement
and provided the City Manager direction.
M. PENDING ITEMS — None.
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N. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
I certify the above represents accurate minutes of the Kenai City Council meeting of March 18,
2020.
Clerk
53
KEMgi
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