HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2021-02KENAI
Sponsored by: Administration
CITY OF KENAI
RESOLUTION NO. 2021 - 02
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, FURTHER
EXTENDING THE DISASTER EMERGENCY DECLARATION FOR THE CITY OF KENAI MADE
ON MARCH 18, 2020 IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 HEALTH EMERGENCY.
WHEREAS, pursuant to AS 26.23.140 the City Manager, as the principal executive officer of the
City, issued a Disaster Emergency Declaration on March 18, 2020 for a period not to exceed
seven days in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency; and,
WHEREAS, that same day, the City Council extended the Disaster Emergency Declaration for 90
days, which expired on June 16, 2020; and,
WHEREAS, on June 3, 2020, the City Council passed Resolution 2020-40, extending the Disaster
Emergency Declaration for 90 days, with an expiration date of September 15, 2020; and,
WHEREAS, on September 2, 2020, the City Council passed Resolution 2020-73, again extending
the Disaster Emergency Declaration to December 31, 2020; and,
WHEREAS, on December 16, 2020, the City Council passed Resolution 2020-96, again
extending the Disaster Emergency Declaration to January 31, 2021; and,
WHEREAS, while the City, State and Nation move towards reopening business and resuming
certain activities the City Council expects that the continued impact of COVID-19, including
public health risks, restrictions on travel, and economic impacts will be of a severity and
magnitude that is beyond the authority and capacity of the City to provide an effective response
without assistance; and,
WHEREAS, many public and private facilities remain closed or only partially opened, gatherings
and other events remain cancelled or postponed in order to prevent the transmission of COVID-
19; and,
WHEREAS, these events continue to have a significant impact on business, commerce, and the
local economy now and likely in the future, as the COVID-19 vaccine is limited at this time and it
is not yet known when it will become widely available and impacts from restrictions imposed to
reduce transmission will impact the City through the winter; and,
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to further extend the Disaster Emergency
Declaration emergency issued by the City Manager for 28 days, until February 28, 2021.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA:
Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Kenai further extends, until February 28, 2021,
or until repealed sooner, the Disaster Emergency Declaration issued by the City Manager on
Resolution No. 2021-02
Page 2 of 2
March 18, 2020 pursuant to AS 26.23.140, and subsequently previously extended by this Council,
due to the current and expected imminent impacts of the COVID-19 health emergency.
Section 2. That the City requests that the State of Alaska provide disaster assistance to the
City by making available resources as needed in the ongoing response and recovery from the
current and potential impacts of this health emergency, to provide individual assistance for
affected businesses and individuals, and to provide technical expertise and guidance, to help
the City in its response and recovery from this event.
Section 3. That the City additionally requests assistance from federal agencies where state
capability is not adequate.
Section 4. That a copy of this declaration will be promptly filed with the Alaska Division of
Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Section 5. That this resolution takes effect immediately upon passage.
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, this 201" day of January, 2021.
ATTEST:
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Jamie Heinz, MC, City Clerk
BRIAN GABRIEL, SR., MAYOR
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K I N A I
City of Kenai 1 210 Rdalgo Ave, Kenai, AK 99611-7794 1907.283.7535 1 www.6nai.city
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Gabriel and Council Members
FROM: Paul Ostrander, City Manager
DATE: January 12, 2021
SUBJECT: Resolution 2021-02 — Extending the Disaster Emergency Declaration
The Disaster Emergency Declaration issued on March 18, 2020 and extended by the City Council,
is set to expire on January 31, 2021. Based on the continued impact of the COVID-19 public
health emergency, an extension until February 28, 2021 is warranted.
Extending the emergency declaration will extend:
1. Temporary leave to employees to address COVID-19 related illness, emergency closures
of facilities, and transmission reduction.
2. City Moratorium on penalty and interest for water and sewer accounts.
3. City Moratorium on water and sewer disconnect for non-payment.
An extension of the Disaster Emergency Declaration will also allow the Mayor or other current
Presiding Officer authority to waive certain provisions of Code related to scheduling,
teleconference participation, public participation, and other related provisions of code related to
meetings of the Council and other advisory and adjudicatory bodies, if deemed necessary.
An extension will additionally provide to the City Manager the authority to take emergency actions
that may be necessary to protect critical functions of the City and protect the health and safety of
City employees and the public. These include alternative scheduling for Police Officers and Public
Safety Dispatchers and planning for coverage during COVID-19 related absences.
As Administration looks toward the recovery aspect of this public health emergency, we look
forward to taking actions to resume regular operations and services and support the restoration
of businesses and the community while balancing the need to return to normalcy with the health
and safety of City employees and the public.
Your consideration is appreciated