Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2021-14KENAI Sponsored by: Administration CITY OF KENAI RESOLUTION NO. 2021 - 14 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, on January 20, 2021, the City Council passed Resolution 2021-02, again extending the Disaster Emergency Declaration to February 28, 2021; and, WHEREAS, on February 17, 2021, the City Council passed Resolution 2021-09, again extending the Disaster Emergency Declaration to March 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, there are public and private facilities that remain closed or only partially opened, and gatherings and other events remain curtailed inorder to prevent thetransmission of COVID- 19; and, WHEREAS, these events continue to have an impact on business, commerce, and the local economy now and likely in the future, as the COVID-19 vaccine continues to become more available, it is still unknown when it will become widely available and impacts from restrictions imposed to reduce transmission will impact the City into spring; and, Resolution No. 2021-14 Page 2 of 2 WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to further extend the Disaster Emergency Declaration emergency issued by the City Manager for 61 days, until May 31, 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 May 31, 2021, or until repealed sooner, the Disaster Emergency Declaration issued by the City Manager on 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 17th day of March, 2021. ATTEST: BRIAN GABRIEL, SR., MAYOR �- k �KENA� 01 nz, CMC, City Cle rc �, j• •S 6 r+ C •t$t {{• "C�el ••• •• �I, -EDN I ev ,:b�aw K E N A City of Kenai 1210 Fidalgo Ave, Kenai, AK 99611-7794 1907.283.75351 www.6nai.city MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Gabriel and Council Members FROM: Paul Ostrander, City Manager DATE: March 5, 2021 SUBJECT: Resolution 2021.14 — 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 February 28, 2021. Based on the continued impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency and uncertainty of federal funding for local governments, an extension until May 30, 2021 is warranted. Extending the emergency declaration will extend: 1. Temporary leave to employees for absences related to COVID-19 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 pertaining 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 issue emergency orders that may be necessary to protect critical functions of the City and protect the health and safety of City employees, although it is unlikely that any future emergency orders will be issued during this Disaster Emergency Declaration. Only four emergency orders have been issued under this authority since March of 2020, and two of those emergency orders were rescinded in December of 2020. Two Ordinances scheduled for introduction at this meeting address amendments to Code to provide a grace period for delinquent water and sewer accounts and virtual participation at Council Meetings in the absence of an emergency declaration. If enacted, these Ordinances would be effective May 7, 2021. Extending the emergency declaration to May 30, 2021 would allow Administration to continue to waive penalties and interest and extend the moratorium on disconnects for water and sewer accounts for residents impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency, and allow continued virtual participation at Council meetings until this legislation is effective. Your consideration is appreciated.