HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTION 1998-76Suggested by: City Council
CITY OF KENAI
RESOLUTION NO. 98-76
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, SUPPORTING A
JOINT VENTURE EFFORT OF THE CITY OF KENAI AND THE ALASKA DEPARTMENT
OF PARKS & OUTDOOR RECREATION IN DEVELOPING A WAYSIDE PARK AT BIRCH
ISLAND.
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska and the City of Kenai, as owners of that portion of
Section 15 and 16, Township 5 North, Range 11 West, Seward Base and Meridian,
known as Birch Island, are desirous of joining with the Department of Parks & Outdoor
Recreation as a joint venture to develop a wayside park, including turnouts, parking,
rest room facilities, boardwalks, viewing platforms and interpretative signage, all within
the' City of Kenai; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Kenai, its citizens and council, recognize the proposed area of
construction is rich in cultural and architectural history and archeological significance,
having been an historical fishing area for more than 1,000 years; and,
WHEREAS, the same area is potentially rich in anthropological and archeological data
because of the many barabaras located within the area known as Birch Island and can
and should be used by the many students of the schools located, not only in the Kenai
Peninsula Borough, but the rest of the State, as well as an outdoor classroom of
history and culture; and,
WHEREAS, the local Native community whose roots go back more than 1,000 years
have, for many years, used the area as a test and educational fishery for the younger
generations; and,
WHEREAS, in later years, the area has become a fishery for local citizens for several
species of salmon and herring fish; and,
WHEREAS, the entire area offers one of the most aesthetically pleasing views and an
unparalleled panoramic view of Cook Inlet, Mt. Redoubt, Mt. Illiamna, and Mt. Spur, as
well as being recognized as one of the most important flyways and stopovers in the
country for the Arctic Snow Geese during their flight to the Wrangell Islands; and,
WHEREAS, in 1987 the City of Kenai teamed with the Kenai Chamber of Commerce,
State of Alaska, and citizens of the community in a volunteer effort to create the
beginning of a boardwalk and viewing area on the city-held portion of the Kenai River
Flats and has maintained the viewing area continuously since that time.
Resolution No. 98-76
Page 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI,
ALASKA, that the City of Kenai urges the State of Alaska to fund and construct that
portion of the project that lays to the South of the Kenai River Bridge and to the East
and West of Bridge Access Road, to be used for the cultured, historical, and economic
benefit of the citizens of the State of Alaska, the City of Kenai and the entire Kenai
Peninsula area; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Kenai, being part owner of the area
known as Birch Island, upon agreement of both parties to construct the
aforementioned project, will sell to the State of Alaska for One Dollar and XX/100
($1.00) and other good and valuable considerations, any and all right, title, and
interest that it may have in the property known as Birch Island and easements
necessary to maintain the Island and its surrounding property with the understanding
that the long term maintenance of the facility shall be that of the State of Alaska.
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, this 21st day of October,
.~~~ayor
' C. Bo~l~ey~ I~, Council~/ember
d~h Moore, Council Member
H. Raymond Measles, Vice Mayor
~Ia] S. malley, Cq~il M~.~ber
Duane Bannock, Council Member
ATTEST:
Carol L. Freas,'City Clerk