HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-04 Council MinutesKENAI CITY COUNCIL— REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 4, 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 November 4, 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
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
Teea Winger
Robert Peterkin
Mayor Gabriel noted the following revisions to the agenda and packet:
Add to item D.2 Resolution No. 2020-83
• District Map
Add to item G.7 Response to COVID-19
• CARES Act Relief and Recovery Grant Program
Expenditures and Available Balances
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Molloy MOVED to approve the agenda with the requested additions and requested
UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Council Member Knackstedt SECONDED the motion.
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VOTE: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
4. Oath of Office
Mayor Gabriel administered the Oath of Office to Council Members Knackstedt and Winger.
5. Election of Vice Mayor
Council Member Knackstedt nominated Bob Molloy as Vice Mayor.
There being no other nominations from the floor, Bob Molloy was elected as Vice Mayor.
6. 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 council member 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
Tim Dillon, Executive Director of the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District (KPEDD),
provided information on the status of CARES Act funds distributed to small businesses on the
Kenai Peninsula. Totals exceeding $39 million, and he anticipated reaching $44-46 million. He
advised sending people to KPEDD whose CARES application has been denied, because they are
able to help with the appeal process and have had a success rate of approximately 85% for the
appeals they have assisted with.
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. Resolution No. 2020-88 - Amending the City's Grant Disbursement Program
Utilizing Funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES)
Act to Provide a Grant For The Challenger Learning Center Of Alaska For The
Provision Of Educational Services. (Administration)
[Clerk's Note: This item was moved to this point in the meeting at approval of the agenda.]
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MOTION
Council Member Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2020-88 and Council Member
Glendening SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened for public hearing.
Marnie Olcott, CEO of the Challenger Learning Center of Alaska, explained the purpose of the
Challenger Center and described the types of programs they typically provide to students and
other organizations. She discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a major loss of
revenue, as it has severely impacted their ability to offer hands-on trainings. She explained how
the Center has adapted by creating new virtual training programs, one of which received a national
award for its innovation. Further clarification was also provided regarding the Challenger Center's
current sources of revenue, as well what could be accomplished with the additional funds.
Tim Dillon, Executive Director of the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District and Vice
President of the Challenger Center's Board of Directors, expressed his admiration of Marnie
Olcott's leadership.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. Ordinance No. 3165-2020 - Accepting and Appropriating a Grant From the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security Passed Through the State of Alaska Department
of Military and Veterans' Affairs to Update the City's Emergency Operations Plan.
(Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Molloy MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3165-2020 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 on what will be changed in the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). City
Manager Ostrander explained that when the COVID-19 pandemic began, the current version of
the EOP was inadequate in providing guidance, and the City was forced to improvise strategies
for managing the situation. He explained the EOP is badly in need of an update, as the current
version was produced in 2007. Funds from this grant would go towards hiring a consultant to
assist with the update, and it was requested that we consider asking the borough's Office of
Emergency Management for assistance as well.
VOTE:
YEA: Knackstedt, Pettey, Winger, Gabriel, Molloy, Peterkin, Glendening
NAY:
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MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Resolution No. 2020-83 - Approving an Auto Aid Agreement and Supporting
Operational Plan with Kenai Peninsula Borough for Exchange of Personnel and
Equipment Response to Structure Fires. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Molloy MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2020-83 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.
City Manager Ostrander explained the updates to the Auto Aid Agreement between the City of
Kenai Fire Department and the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Central Emergency Service Area and
Nikiski Fire Service Area. The agreement includes updated personnel and equipment, and some
small changes to the response areas.
VOTE:
YEA: Knackstedt, Pettey, Winger, Gabriel, Molloy, Peterkin, Glendening
NAY:
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Resolution No. 2020-84 - Authorizing the Award of a Facility Management Services
Agreement for the Kenai Multi -Purpose Facility. (Administration)
MOTION:
Council Member Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2020-84 and Vice Mayor Molloy
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 that Redline Sports would be managing the facility, and this resolution
does not establish the fee schedule.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
4. Resolution No. 2020-85 - Establishing Dates for Regular Meetings of the City
Council for 2021. (City Clerk)
MOTION:
Council Member Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2020-85 and Council Member
Glendening 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.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
5. Resolution No. 2020-86 - Authorizing a Budget Transfer in the Senior Citizen Fund
Home Meals Department. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Molloy MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2020-86 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.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
6. Resolution No. 2020-87 - Authorizing the Purchase of Real Property Described as
Tract A, Block 18, Original Townsite of Kenai Bluff Replat for the Public Purpose of
Including the Property in the Kenai Bluff Bank Stabilization Project and Determining
that Public Interest Will Not be Served by an Appraisal. (Administration)
MOTION:
Council Member Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2020-87 and Vice Mayor Molloy
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 that this purchase would get the City of Kenai closer to the acquisition of necessary
properties for the Bluff Stabilization project, and would be a big step towards getting it finalized.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
E. MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of October 21, 2020. (City Clerk)
Approved by the consent agenda.
F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
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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 a Marijuana Retail License and
a Standard Marijuana Cultivation Facility for Majestic Gardens, LLC. (City Clerk)
Approved by the consent agenda.
4. *Ordinance No. 3166-2020 - Increasing Estimated Revenues And Appropriations in
the Airport Special Revenue and Airport Improvements Capital Project Funds and
Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement to Develop Condition Assessments
for the Airfield Drainage Safety Area and Asphalt Runway Areas of the Kenai
Municipal Airport. (Administration)
Introduced by the Consent Agenda and Public Hearing set for November 18.
5. Action/Approval - Mayoral Nominations of Council Liaisons for Appointment to
Committees and Commissions. (Mayor Gabriel)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Molloy MOVED to confirm the appointments of Council Liaisons to Committees and
Commissions, and Council Member Knackstedt SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS
CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
6. Action/Approval -Special Use Permit to RAVN Alaska for Warm Storage of the De -
Icing Truck. (Administration)
MOTION:
Council Member Knackstedt MOVED to approve the Special Use Permit, and Vice Mayor Molloy
SECONDED the motion.
Clarification was provided that, because the facility is located on airport property, the permit will go
directly into the airport fund.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
7. Discussion -Response to COVID-19. (Administration)
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Summary of current status and future projection of CARES Act funding is discussed, looking at the
excess and deficits within individual accounts. Administration predicts that all funds available to
the City of Kenai with be utilized by the end of the year, as will the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
It was noted that, while many annual activities held by the City of Kenai have been impacted by
the COVID-19 crisis, Administration has been working with the Chamber of Commerce to organize
a COVID-safe Christmas Comes to Kenai event. A meeting with the Chamber of Commerce will
be held to discuss if and how a modified plan for the bonfire and parade could be implemented.
MOTION:
Council Member Glendening MOVED to transfer $1,500 from the Legislative Travel account to the
Legislative Grants to Other Agencies account to be added to the Kenai Chamber of Commerce
Holiday Fireworks donation and a total of $5,000 provided to the Kenai Chamber of Commerce for
the annual Holiday Fireworks, and requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Vice Mayor Molloy
SECONDED the motion.
VOTE: There being no objections, SO ORDERED.
Further discussion included current case numbers and rates both locally and statewide. Additional
topics included: how current numbers reflect all positive cases, both symptomatic and
asymptomatic; how many local parents are expressing their desire for schools to re -open; a
comparison with the alternative reopening approach taken by the Washington State school
attended by Council Member Glendening's grandson; the toll that the COVID-19 crisis has taken
on the health of children, including a rise in suicide rate; and the actions that the City Council has
taken to promote COVID-19 safety, such as providing funds for outdoor tents for socially -distant
school lunches and events, as well as mental health resources.
H. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council on Aging —An overview was provided of the programs currently implemented
by the Kenai Senior Center, including: home delivery for meals, shopping,
prescriptions, and low-income food boxes; information on current State of Alaska
COVID-19 benefits, as well as known scams involving the current crisis; a phone -
buddy program utilizing Senior Center volunteers for socialization; and a drive thru
flu shot clinic. It was also reported that the new doorway to the computer lab and
new cabinets in game room have been finished. Next meeting November 12.
2. Airport Commission — No report; next meeting November 12.
3. Harbor Commission — No report; next meeting November 9.
4. Parks and Recreation Commission — Vice Mayor Molloy expressed his appreciation
for the time he spent serving as liaison to this Commission. It was also reported that
administration is negotiating with state on allowing the use of funds for campgrounds
at the personal use fishery beach site. Next meeting November 5.
5. Planning and Zoning Commission — It was reported that a plat approval for Kenai
Bluff Stabilization Subdivision was recommended. Next meeting November 18.
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Beautification Committee — It was reported that their next meeting will be a joint
meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission. Thanks was given for being
able to serve on the committee for the past year.
Mini -Grant Steering Committee — No report.
REPORT OF THE MAYOR
Mayor Gabriel reported on the following:
• Discussion regarding a sub -committee being formed with Council Members and
the Director of Finance to consider an RFP process and subsequent proposals
received for the annual audit;
• Commended everyone who ran for State office during the general election,
noting that Representative Gillam will be the new Representative for the
Kenai/Soldotna area, as well as apparent victories for Senator Sullivan and
Representative Young;
• Reported he will be attending the virtual Alaska Conference of Mayors next
week, and will present his report from that conference during the first Council
meeting of December;
• Recognized Veterans Day and thanked our service members for what they have
done to serve our country.
J. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
City Manager - City Manager P. Ostrander reported on the following:
• New Planning Director Ryan Foster has been hired and will start in December;
• Tree removal permit has been developed by Administration for people who are
requesting the removal of trees off of City property. Clarification is provided that
there is no cost for the permit, and trees collected will be for personal use only
and not for sale.
• Meeting scheduled Friday, November 6 to discuss the next steps on the Bluff
Project;
• Update on bike path from Beaver Loop to Kenai: still working on agreement. The
grant agreement needs to be modified to provide for some flexibility and get more
involvement in the project. Recruitment is underway to bring a new grant writer
on board, with preference for a local candidate. Will provide more detailed report
in the future;
• Airport ribbon -cutting ceremony is being postponed indefinitely due to an uptick
in COVID-19 cases;
• Reported on a fire that started in the Airport caf6 kitchen during previous week.
Their sprinkler system extinguished the fire, and the outstanding response of the
fire department, who helped in the cleanup efforts, ensured that there was no
damage.
2. City Attorney — No report
3. City Clerk — City Clerk J. Heinz reported on the following:
• Reported on assisting the State during the general election, including
redistribution of PPE. Reported that approximately 120,000 absentee ballots
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have yet to be counted. Clarification was provided on the type of ballot -counting
equipment that was used.
Recruitment for commission and committee members is ongoing.
K. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Citizens Comments (Public comment limited to five (5) minutes per speaker) -None
2. Council Comments
Council Member Pettey thanked her fellow citizens for voting during the general election, and our
veterans for serving our country. Expressed gratitude for her time spend serving on the
Beautification Committee and is looking forward to working with the Council on Aging.
Council Member Peterkin is looking forward to working on the Beautification committee, and
expressed his support for Vice Mayor Bob Molloy in his new position as Council Liaison for the
Harbor Commission.
Council Member Glendening congratulated Council Members Winger and Knackstedt, and
thanked administration for their update and projections of CARES Act funding. Recognized the
cultural and historical importance of the Russian Orthodox Sacred Sites and reconfirmed his
support for the decision to contribute to their refurbishment with a fund from the City of Kenai, as
provided in informational items in the packet. Expressed that he was moved by the letter from the
young writer provided in informational items of the packet and is impressed by the initiative. Is
looking forward to working with the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Vice Mayor Molloy expressed his appreciation for being reelected to his position. Expressed
gratitude for all the work done on the Harbor Commission by Council Members Peterkin and
Glendening. Congratulated Council Members Winger and Knackstedt, and recognized City
employees for adapting to new COVID-19 procedures quickly and with ease. Thanked our
Veterans for serving our country.
Council Member Knackstedt congratulated Council Member Winger and Vice Mayor Molloy on
election to their positions.
Council Member Winger congratulated Council Member Knackstedt on his reelection. Expressed
gratitude to the community for electing her to be a voice for their City, for Veterans who have
served our country, and our first responders for keeping our community safe. Is very excited to
participate in the upcoming Christmas Comes to Kenai events. Encouraged the Council and
community to support the Boys and Girls Club as they hold their annual fundraising gala virtually
this year.
L. EXECUTIVE SESSION — None
M. PENDING ITEMS — None.
N. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m
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I certify the above represents accurate minutes of the Kenai City Council meeting of November 4,
2020.
Ja ie Heinz, CMC
Ci Clerk
KENAi
e° ph/
A'A J
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