HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-12-15 Council Minutes - Work SessionKENAI CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
DECEMBER 15, 2004
6:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MAYOR PAT PORTER, PRESIDING
NOTES
Council Present: L. Swarner, P. Porter, C. Massie, R. Ross, B. Gilman
Staff Present: C. Freas, L. Snow, C. Graves, S. Walden, J. La Shot, F.
Macvie, L. Semmens, and K. Kornelis
Legislators Present: Senator T. Wagoner, Representative M. Chenault, and
Representative -Elect K. Olson.
Mayor Porter opened the work session at approximately 6:00 p.m. and noted a copy of
Resolution No. 2004-60, adopting the city's 2005-2006 capital improvement project
list was before them. She noted, the list was developed during a recent work session.
She requested guidance from the legislators as to how much money they believe will
be available for funding capital projects due to the state's surplus funds from oil price
increases.
A general discussion followed in which comments included:
• Wagoner stated he would like one-time funding items like PERS/TERS to
be funded first and he wants to target education issues as well.
• As funds become available, Wagoner believed they would probably focus
on road projects.
• The Agrium issue is market driven and additional gas will need to be
committed.
0 Chenault requested back-up information on projects (one page for each
project) be provided to them for a quick reference when funding availabilities are
known (probably in April) .
• Wagoner stated he suggested Mayor Bagley make a request to the
governor for Arctic Winter Games funding as he did not want to include it on his list of
requests if the Governor will be cutting it out. He wants to include only projects that
have a good chance of being funded.
• The city's list should include smaller -cost projects as well as larger ones.
The smaller costing projects may have a better chance of being funded.
• Note if a project can be done in steps.
Porter referred to a copy of a letter to Commissioner Matiashowski, Department of
Administration, regarding HB 242, PERS Employment Waiver, written by six city
employees who chose to participate in the PERS waiver program after the city received
and employees received assurances the program would continue. Finance Director
Semmens reviewed the letter with the legislators and council and discussed a
proposed bonding remedy. Semmens noted, it is a big issue and there will be
ramifications if the Legislature doesn't fix the problem. Semmens was requested to
forward a copy of the letter the city received stated the assurances of the program's
KENAI CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
DECEMBER 15 2004
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continuance to the legislators. Ross requested the Legislature review the issue and
make it actuarially sound.
Public Works Kornelis reviewed the water quality and tank concerns, noting the city
had submitted applications for DEC funding.
Wagoner stated he would also be supporting and advocating the upgrading of the
highway between Soldotna and Kenai be reviewed by DOT. Kornelis requested
consideration of upgrading Wildwood Road by the state as it is the main access road to
the prison, though it is used by residents living in the adjacent city subdivision.
The work session adjourned at approximately 6:50 p.m.
Notes prepared by:
Carol L. Freas, 6ity Clerk