HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01-15 Council MinutesAGENDA
KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2003
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
htt www.ci.kenai.ak.us
ITEM A: CALL TO ORDER
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Roll Call
3. Agenda Approval
4. Consent Agenda
*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.
ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS (10 minutes)
1. Mike Nugent and Lisa Parker, Agrium -- Economic Impacts of Agrium
Kenai Nitrogen Operation
ITEM C: REPORTS OF KPB ASSEMBLY, LEGISLATORS AND COUNCILS
ITEM D:
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Ordinance No. 1985-2003 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $16,895 in the General Fund for a Grant From the Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation.
2. Ordinance No. 1986-2003 -- Increasing Estimated. Revenues and
Appropriations by $28,000 in the Airport Terminal Enterprise Fund.
3. Resolution No. 2003-03 -- Setting the Public Hearing Date on the
Proposed McCollum/Aliak Local Improvement Special Assessment
District.
a. Choice of Method of Assessment
b. Percentage of Assessment
4. Resolution No. 2003-04 -- Declaring the Kenai Coastal Trail and
Erosion Protection Project as the Number One Capital Improvement
Proj ect Request for U.S. Federal Funds.
-1-
5. Resolution No. 2003-05 -- Awarding the Bid to Kenai Chrysler Center
for a Senior Center All -Wheel -Drive Mini -Van for the Total Amount of
$289290.
6. Continuation of Liquor Licenses -- PROTEST
Alaskalanes, Inc.
New Peking
Eaglechief, Inc.
ITEM E: COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging
2. Airport Commission
3. Harbor Commission
4. Library Commission
5. Parks 8, Recreation Commission
6. Planning & Zoning Commission
7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
a. Beautification Committee
b. Kenai Convention & Visitors Bureau Board
C. Alaska Municipal League Report
d. Kenai Chamber of Commerce
ITEM F: MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of January 2, 2003.
ITEM G: CORRESPONDENCE
ITEM H: OLD BUSINESS
1.
ITEM I:
Approval -- Commission/Committee Continuation of Terms
NEW BUSINESS
1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified
2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500
3. *Ordinance No. 1987-2003 -- Amending KMC 23.50.010 to Change the
Range of the Police Trainee While Attending the Public Safety Academy at
Sitka to a Range 2.
4. *Ordinance No. 1988-2003 -- Amending KMC 7.15.050 to Increase the
Purchasing Limit Without Competitive Bidding for Construction or
Maintenance Projects to $20,000.
5. *Ordinance No. 1989-2003 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $1,900,000 in the Wellhouse No. 4 Capital Project
Fund and $950,000 in the Water and Sewer Special Revenue Fund.
-2-
6. *Ordinance No. 1990-2003 -- Amending the Land Use Table in KMC
14.22.010 to Change Day Care Centers From "C" (Conditional Use) to "P"
(Principal Permitted Use) in the CG (General Commercial) , CC (Central
Commercial) and IL (Light Industrial) Zones.
7. Discussion -- Smoking in Restaurants
ITEM J: REPORT OF THE MAYOR
ITEM K: ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1. City Manager
2. Attorney
3. City Clerk
ITEM L: DISCUSSION
1. Citizens (five minutes)
2. Council
EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled
ITEM M: ADJOURNMENT
-3-
KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2003
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
htt www.ci.kenai.ak.us
MAYOR JOHN J. WILLIAMS, PRESIDING
MINUTES
ITEM A: CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at approximately 7:02 p.m. in the Council
Chambers in the Kenai City Hall Building.
A-1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Williams led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A-2. ROLL CALL
Roll was taken by the City Clerk. Present were: Swarner, Moore, Porter, Bannock,
Jackman, Williams, and Bookey.
A-3. AGENDA APPROVAL
Mayor Williams requested the following changes to the agenda:
ADD AS: B-1, John Williams & Tim Navarre -- Arctic Winter Games
ADD TO: E-6, Planning & Zoning Commission Report -- Resignation
of Barbara Nord from the Commission.
SUBSTITUTE: I-2, Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500 -- Addition of
purchase order to Charlotte's Restaurant for $4,305.00.
ADD TO: K-1, City Manager's Report -- 1 / 8 / 03 memorandum
regarding potential projects for legislative funding.
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED to approve the agenda as amended and Councilwoman
Swarner SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
A-4, CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED to approve the consent agenda as presented and
Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED,
ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
B-1. John Williams -- Arctic Winter Games
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2003
PAGE 2
Williams stepped down from the dais to speak to this item. He reviewed a program to be given
to the site selection committee for the 2006 Arctic Winter Games who would be visiting the
Kenai Peninsula on January 17, 2003. He noted the Committee would be visiting facilities in
the Kenai/ Soldotna areas where many of the athletic venues would take place.
Williams also noted, the cost for holding the Games on the Peninsula had been estimated at $4
million. Williams encouraged council and members of the public to show their enthusiasm for
the Games to be held in the Peninsula by attending the morning program at Kenai Central
High School on Friday and the reception to be held in the evening at the Visitors Center.
B-2, Mike Nugent and Lisa Parker, Agrium -- Economic Impacts of Agrium
Kenai Nitrogen Operation
Nugent reviewed the Kenai economic impact to the community through the Kenai
nitrogen operations with employment; payroll; goods and services; taxes and fees; and
charitable contributions. He also noted the importance of future gas supply in Cook
Inlet and the change in how fixed value of gas is defined.
Nugent noted it will take two to three years for their plant to get back to full
employment. During that time they will be investigating their structure and make
adjustments to remain competitive. The City of Kenai may help them by supporting,
through the Legislature, the development of natural gas reserves.
Williams reminded council he will meet with representatives of the U.S. Mineral
Management Service on Friday January 24 and the Service will conduct a public
hearing on January 25 at the Kenai Merit Inn.
BREAK TAKEN: 7:5 5 P.M.
BACK TO ORDER: 8:05 P.M.
ITEM C: REPORTS OF KPB ASSEMBLY, LEGISLATORS AND COUNCILS
Assemblywoman Glick reviewed actions taken by the Assembly and items of interest:
• Protesting the continuing operation of several liquor licenses for
businesses situated in the City of Kenai.
• Appropriated funding for the first phase of the North Road Extension
Project.
• They are compiling a federal funds priority list and requested the city's
resolution with no more than two or three pages of back-up material. They are
considering not including requests from non -profits.
• Consideration is being given to making some changes in the school
system due to declining enrollment and funding, i.e. maybe closing some schools;
combining programs and creating magnet schools; request the Borough to take on
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2003
PAGE 3
borough -wide park and recreation powers; request cities to take over recreational
activities currently carried by the school system; contract janitorial and other services
share principals; close the media center; increase user fees, etc.
• Mayor Bagley is proposing the development of a borough information
office for taking part in teleconferences. With the Legislative Information Office in
Kenai, Glick stated she did not feel placing one at the borough building was necessary.
Porter asked if the Assembly had discussed changing the current formula for taxing
airplanes in the Borough. Glick stated she was not aware of any further action but
would investigate the issue and report back.
ITEM D: PUBLIC HEARINGS
D-1. Ordinance No. 1985-2003 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $16,895 in the General Fund for a Grant From the Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation.
MOTION:
Councilman Moore MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 1985-2003 and Councilwoman
Swarner SECONDED the motion.
There were no public or council comments.
VOTE:
Swarner
Yes
Moore
Yes
Porter
Yes
Bannock
Yes
Jackman
Yes
Williams
Yes
Bookey
Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
D-2. Ordinance No. 1986-2003 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $28,000 in the Airport Terminal Enterprise Fund.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Jackman MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 1986-2003 and Councilman
Bannock SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Councilman Bannock noted he spoke with a
representative of ERA Aviation recently and they were excited about the acquisition
j and added, he would support the ordinance.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
l JANUARY 15 2003
PAGE 4
VOTE:
Swarner
Yes
Moore
Yes
Porter
Yes
Bannock
Yes
Jackman
Yes
Williams
Yes
Bookey
Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
D-3. Resolution No. 2003-03 -- Setting the Public Hearing Date on the
Proposed McCollum/Aliak Local Improvement Special Assessment
District.
a. Choice of Method of Assessment
b. Percentage of Assessment
MOTION:
Councilman Bannock MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2003-03 and requested
UNANIMOUS CONSENT, Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion.
Eric Wilcox, McCollum Drive -- Wilcox reported he initiated the petition and carried
it to his neighbors and spoke to them about forming the LID to have their roads paved.
Because he represented the cost as a 75/25 split at the time he spoke to his
neighbors, he requested the split of the cost remain the same. He also stated, he did
not believe he would have garnered as many signatures if the split would have been
50 / 50 .
Council noted, it was their intent, even when recently changing the split, to offer the
75 / 25 split for already initiated LIDs. City Manager Snow explained both splits were
included with the council's information as there was a question of whether the
wording of the recent change in policy would include this LID. Snow added,
information for both a linear and square foot method of assessment were included and
requested input from council.
Bookey asked if there would be funds to complete the project with a 75 / 25 split and
Snow answered there were not sufficient funds at this time; the funds were expected
to be in -hand through grant funding from the state. She noted, however, the project
would hinge on whether funds were received and the resolution at the public hearing
would refer to those conditions.
Discussion followed regarding the linear and square foot methods of assessment.
Snow noted, both methods had been used in the past, and because the lots are
irregularly shaped, the linear method would give a fairer assessment. Public Works
Manager Kornelis noted the code states the square foot method is to be used unless
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2003
PAGE 5
the council requests a different method. He added, there would be inequities for some
property owners in using either of the methods.
Councilwomen Porter and Swarner stated their support of using the square foot
method and Porter added, property owners can speak to the method at the public
hearing. Bookey stated he would support the square foot method.
Williams suggested two resolutions be brought to council, i.e. one using the square
foot methodology and one the linear foot. Bannock agreed the method could be
debated at the public hearing and a decision made at that time.
VOTE:
Councilwoman Swarner requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no objections.
SO ORDERED,
D-4. Resolution No. 2003-04 -- Declaring the Kenai Coastal Trail and
Erosion Protection Project as the Number One Capital Improvement
Project Request for U.S. Federal Funds.
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2003-04 and
Councilwoman Porter SECONDED the motion.
There were no public or council comments.
VOTE:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED,
D-5. Resolution No. 2003-05 -- Awarding the Bid to Kenai Chrysler Center
for a Senior Center All -Wheel -Drive Mini -Van for the Total Amount of
$281290.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2003-05 and
Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Councilman Bannock stated a conflict of interest
and requested to be excused from the vote. Williams had no objection.
VOTE:
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2003
PAGE 6
Swarner
Yes
Moore
Yes
Porter
Yes
Bannock
Abstain
Jackman
Yes
Williams
Yes
Booke
Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
D-6. Continuation of Liquor Licenses -- PROTEST
Alaskalanes, Inc.
New Peking
Eaglechief, Inc.
Clerk Freas reported the following:
• The statutes allow municipalities to protest the continued operation of
biennial liquor licenses.
• The three liquor licenses were owing in various amounts to both the
borough and the city, i.e. Alaskalanes, Inc. sales/property tax; Eaglechief, Inc. sales,
personal property taxes and lease payments; New Peking sales tax (though these were
expected to be paid prior to the Borough's deadline) .
• Kenai Municipal Code requires the council to protest if all obligations to
the city/ borough are not brought current.
Freas requested council to direct letters of protest for the continued operation of the
liquor licenses by January 30, 2003 if the accounts are not brought current.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Porter MOVED to instruct the City Clerk to write letters of protest of
the continued operation of the liquor licenses by January 30, 2003 if the amounts are
not brought current and Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion. There were
no objections. SO ORDERED.
ITEM E: COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS
E-1. Council on Aging -- Swarner reported the minutes of the January
meeting were included in the packet. She also reported the Senior Connection met
and discussed the proposed assisted living facility and was well attended. Another
meeting will be held in February. She added, some of those attending asked why the
facility would not be built adjacent or added on to the Senior Center and why the city
did not want to run it. Williams requested Attorney Gilman be kept informed of the
progress in regard to the property. City Manager Snow reported she would be meeting
with the borough mayor about the property in the near future. Councilwoman Porter
f
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2003
PAGE 7
stated, the Connection's main focus is to find a project manager and after the position
is filled, the project should move forward.
E-2. Airport Commission -- Jackman noted the minutes of the January 9
meeting were included in the packet. She reviewed the minutes and reported the
following actions of the Commission:
• Discussed the proposed layout and received comments from ERA
employees who are unhappy with the distance their new parking area would be from
the terminal in relation to safety. Airport Manager Cronkhite noted, she would be
working with the security company prior to the change being made and they will be
working with ERA to find a compromise.
• A lengthy discussion took place in regard to off -site car rentals. Because
there were two commissioners absent and one abstaining, a motion to recommend
changing the draft ordinance to charge off -site rental companies a seven percent fee
instead of ten percent failed. Direction was requested from council. Williams
requested discussion be held on the issue until administration can review it , and
develop a plan that will be fair to all. Council consensus was for Administration to
develop a plan, allow council to review it, and then it will go back to the Commission
for their review. It was noted, the ultimate decision on the matter lies with the
council. Bookey noted, if the matter would be reviewed again, he wanted to look at it
across the board, on -site, off -site, etc. He added, he did not want items forwarded to
the Commission to be returned to council and back again because of quorum
problems; actions taken should be final.
• There have been a number of meetings missed by Commissioner Kleidon.
Council requested a letter be sent to Kleidon as to her intentions.
* The new artwork from the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge should be
placed in the terminal by March 1. Cronkhite will check with the owners of the panels
being replaced and ask whether they can be kept and placed in another area of the
terminal building.
E-3. Harbor Commission -- Bookey reported the minutes of the January 6
meeting were included in the packet. An election of officers was held and
Commissioner Thompson and Commissioner Eldridge were re-elected as Chair and
Vice -Chair. The Commission also received a brief update of the coast trail project.
E-4. Library Commission -- Moore reported the minutes of the January 7
meeting were included in the packet. The Commission tabled the election of officers
until their February meeting when a full Commission would be attending. He also
reported a visioning session will be held immediately following their February 4
meeting with Phil North moderating it. Moore invited council to attend the session.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2003
PAGE 8
E-5. Parks & Recreation Commission -- Porter reported the minutes from
the January 2 meeting were included in the packet. She reviewed the minutes, noting
the following:
• The Commission discussed the possibility of using Section 36 properties
for the proposed sports complex and suggested Attorney Graves attend their next
meeting to discuss it with them.
• Discussed the possibility of purchasing additional skateboard park
equipment with Daubenspeck funds.
• Reviewed the foreclosed properties list and found none to be needed for
public use.
• Reviewed a concept for updating the Airport Triangle Park and requested
an explanation from the Airport Manager as to why the work is going to be done.
E-6. Planning & Zoning Commission -- Bannock reviewed the minutes of the
January 8 meeting and noted the following:
• Ron Goecke and Phil Bryson were reelected as Chair and Vice -Chair.
• A preliminary plat was approved for Lot 12A of Tide View Heights
subdivision (Swires Road) .
• A public hearing was held on a resolution to amend the Land Use Table
to change day care centers from a conditional use to a principal permitted use in the
General Commercial, Central Commercial and Light Industrial zones.
• A short discussion was held in regard to council's conversation related to
certified mailing of public notices. The Commission continues to feel certified mailing
is unnecessary.
• Commissioner Nord will be attending her last meeting on January 15.
Clerk Freas was requested to write a thank you letter to Nord and indicate council's
interest in her reapplying for appointment in the future.
E-7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
E-7a. Beautification Committee -- Swarner reported a meeting was held on
January 14 at which Marilyn Dimmick and Helen Brown were reelected as Chair and
Vice -Chair of the Committee. They also discussed flower beds and chose designs for
additional banners. Moore suggested some of the banners have ravens in reference to
the Arctic Winter Games mascot. Williams also suggested raven designs be added to
city street signs. Parks & Recreation Department Director Frates reported he was
informed the Games Committee would purchase several banners to be placed
throughout the city.
E-7b. Kenai Convention & Visitors Bureau Board -- A written report was
included in the packet.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2003
PAGE 9
E-7c. Alaska Municipal League Report -- Williams reported the Alaska
Conference of Mayors would be meeting in Juneau in February and he planned to
attend.
Swarner reported she was appointed as the chair of the AML Land -Use Resources and.
Economic Development Committee. Teleconferences are planned to discuss goals and
priorities, etc. She noted, a sample resolution supporting homeland security has been
forwarded and asked if council wanted a resolution in support brought forward at
their next meeting. Williams asked if any funding for homeland security efforts had
been received. Chief Kopp reported no equipment had been received, but it is
expected to be sent. They have been receiving good training, however. Williams
requested Snow to prepare a report of what is taking place locally, what our position
is, what the direction is being taken, etc. and include it with the resolution when it
comes before the council.
Swarner added, in reference to the letter she received, it would be best to have the
resolution to council in February. Williams suggested a letter of support be sent first
and then the resolution be brought forward after administration has time to
investigate.
The next AML Legislative Committee meeting will be held in April. Williams invited
other council members to attend.
E-7d. Kenai Chamber of Commerce -- Cherie Brewer reported the Chamber
Board was refocusing their efforts, emphasizing mentoring, weekly forums,
communication, fundraising and would no longer be leading the city clean-up or the
Fourth of July celebration, and suggest the responsibility fall to the city and other
service organizations. She also noted, the "Christmas Comes to Kenai" fireworks
display will be changed back to the ball fields.
ITEM F: MINUTES
F-11 Regular Meeting of January 2, 2003 -- Approved by consent agenda.
ITEM G: CORRESPONDENCE -- None
ITEM H: OLD BUSINESS
H-1. Approval -- Commission/Committee Continuation of Terms
There were no objections in renewing the terms of the list of commission/committee
members included in the packet. Letters noting the renewals were requested to be
mailed to the individuals.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2003
PAGE 10
ITEM I: NEW BUSINESS
I-1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED to pay the bills and Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED
the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
I-2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED to approve the substitute list of purchase orders
exceeding $2,500 and Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion and requested
UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no objections. SO ORDERED,
I-3. Ordinance No. 1987-2003 -- Amending KMC 23.50.010 to Change the
Range of the Police Trainee While Attending the Public Safety Academy at
Sitka to a Range 2.
Introduced by consent agenda.
I-4. Ordinance No. 1988-2003 -- Amending KMC 7.15.050 to Increase the
Purchasing Limit Without Competitive Bidding for Construction or
Maintenance Projects to $20,000.
Introduced by consent agenda.
I-5. Ordinance No. 1989-2003 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $1,900,000 in the Wellhouse No. 4 Capital Project
Fund and $950,000 in the Water and Sewer Special Revenue Fund.
Introduced by consent agenda.
I-6. Ordinance No. 1990-2003 -- Amending the Land Use Table in KMC
14.22.010 to Change Day Care Centers From "C" (Conditional Use) to "P"
(Principal Permitted Use) in the CG (General Commercial), CC (Central
Commercial) and IL (Light Industrial) Zones.
Introduced by consent agenda.
I-?. Discussion -- Smoking in Restaurants
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2003
PAGE 11
Councilwoman Porter noted she had received a number of comments from
constituents in regard to the issue and asked if council would want to discuss the
matter through an ordinance public hearing. Council comments included:
• Bookey stated he had not received any calls regarding the issue and
didn't want council to make the decision of whether smoking should be allowed or not
in restaurants. He added, people have a choice in which restaurant they want to use
and the owners have the decision of whether or not to allow smoking.
• Swarner stated she had received calls about the issue and they were not
only residents of Kenai, but others who eat in the establishments. She added, she
would like to discuss the issue.
• Moore stated he shared Bookey's thoughts and had not received any
comments from anyone on the issue. He added, he would not object to discussing the
issue if it would come before council as an ordinance.
• Porter stated she would support an ordinance being brought forward.
She added, she requested Attorney Graves to research other options, i.e. placing a
question on the ballot for an advisory vote.
• Bannock stated he believed the business owners have the right to run
their business as they desire. He added, he would be highly reluctant to invoke any
new rules on businesses, however he would not object to holding a public hearing.
• Jackman stated she had one person discuss the issue with her. She also
spoke with business owners and their views were divided. Jackman added, she
personally felt such a restriction would be an impact to the businesses and didn't
want to impose additional rules on them, however she would like the issue to come
back to council. She added, she would not want to limit smoking in bars.
Attorney Graves reported the Charter reserves the right to the voters to put this type of
question on a ballot and it was petitioned by the voters to place a question on the
ballot, it could be an advisory vote; then council could determine whether to bring the
issue back as an ordinance.
Council consensus was to bring the matter forward as a public hearing, without an
ordinance, at the February 5, 2003 council meeting.
ITEM J: REPORT OF THE MAYOR -- Mayor Williams reported the
following:
• Reminded council of the joint work session with the Soldotna City
Council at 6:00 p.m. on January 20.
• Noted the Employee Appreciation Dinner was scheduled for February 1
and Councilwoman Porter stated she would contact the council regarding greeting and
donation of door prizes.
• The letter to the Division of Elections has been sent.
• He attended the Work Force Seminar at Job Service and found it very
informative.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2003
PAGE 12
• Contacted Fred Meyer, Wal-Mart and Home Depot and all were aware of
the Kmart closing and are reviewing information sent by city in the past.
A brief discussion took place in regard to the Kmart closing. Williams noted
comments he received from residents indicating a preference for a Wal-Mart. He
informed those attending of the Wal-Mart website where one can send a message and
request a store be placed in their community. He added, it had been suggested to him
several city representatives travel to Arkansas to speak with Wal-Mart representatives.
Bookey stated he believed there was plenty of time and a trip was not necessary at this
moment. It was also noted, who owns the Kmart building would have a bearing on
how fast a new business is able to move into it.
ITEM K: ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
K-1. City Manager -- City Manager Snow reported the following:
• Due to lawbreaking incidences at the airport terminal, it will be closed
from 1:30 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. Airport Manager Cronkhite has met with the security
people and because there is not enough funding to have several people in the terminal
at one time, it is difficult to keep the doors open and be able to watch the whole
building at one time. Federal funding has been approved for the purchase of security
cameras and the security person will remain in the building during the closure times,
but the doors will be locked. Both Chief Kopp and ERA Aviation were involved in the
discussions and are in full support. If people are needing to wait in the terminal for a
late plane, etc., the guard will work with ERA to accommodate the activity.
• She met with Public Works Managers La Shot and Kornelis to discuss
the implementation of a 4/ 10 work schedule for their crews on a trial basis. The
change in schedule will not be offered to the City Hall Public Works employees at this
time. She will report back to council as to how the new schedule is working and
whether it will be continued or not.
• Referring to comments Senator -Elect Wagoner made during a recent
work session regarding inclusion of smaller capital projects on the city's capital
improvement project list, La Shot suggested upgrading the cabling/wiring in city
buildings at certified level and environmental work in the shop yard. She asked if
council wanted a resolution brought forward to add the projects to the list.
• The Administrative reports were included in the packet for council review
and questions.
Snow was asked to ask other departments whether there were other projects to be
added and to bring forward a resolution to add the projects, along with the library
expansion being added to the list.
Referring to the upcoming budget hearings, Bannock asked the progress of the Boys &
Girls Club involvement of the city's recreation programs. Snow reported she had been
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2003
PAGE 13
meeting with the Club representatives about merging the teen programs. Because the
Club had not replaced their teen coordinator, there had been a delay. However, a new
hire was made and the discussions would be continuing.
Snow added, in her discussions, the Club's Executive Director has requested copies of
grants, etc. relating to the development of the Center's programs and they talked
about the establishment of an advisory group in Kenai. The Club will be contacting
Councilwoman Porter in this regard. Snow noted, she believed they were making
progress with the relationship and asked council to pass on items of interest to her.
Bannock asked if the 2003 / 04 General Fund budget would show any cost savings
through the city working with the Club to take on responsibilities. Snow answered,
administration is working toward that end, however savings would not be seen until
the next budget. Parks 8, Recreation Director Frates noted, a difference would be seen
in this new budget in regard to the operation of the summer youth program.
K-2. Attorney -- Attorney Graves reported the following:
• He, Finance, and the Fire Department were working toward being Health
Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPPA) compliant.
• He will be in Anchorage on January 27 and 28 to attend a seminar and
will be taking leave from January 29 to February 5 (will be in attendance at the
February 5 council meeting) .
K-3. City Clerk -- Clerk Freas reminded council to R.S.V.P. for the employee
appreciation dinner and Monday's work session.
ITEM L: DISCUSSION
L-1, Citizens
Micah Johnson, 51835 Pioneer Street Nikiski -- In regard to Wal-Mart
encouragement, Johnson stated council may need to be more reserved before giving
full endorsement because many of the Wal-Mart stores have a full grocery store
included and he wouldn't want to displace other grocery stores in Kenai. He also
suggested council may want legal problems Wal-Mart has been involved in researched
as well.
Johnson also noted smoking is not healthful for children and elderly people and
thought should be given to air exchanger rates, dividers, etc.
Porter noted it was not the city's choice of who will take over the Kmart property,
though the city was actively alerting companies of the current status of the property.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2003
PAGE 14
L-2, Council
Bookey -- No comments.
Swarner -- No comments.
Moore -- Reminded council of the library's visioning session to be held on
February 4 in the council chambers.
Porter -- No comments.
Bannock -- Thanked council, administration and public for their offerings of
sympathy and kindness to him and his family at the recent death of his father.
Jackman -- No comments.
Williams -- Noted the article included as Information Item No. 5 entitled,
World's Best Tool Store in which the Kenai AIH Hardware Store was featured.
EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled
ITEM M:
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30 p.m.
Minutes transcribed and prepared by:
Carol L. Freas, City Clerk
APPROVED BY COS N""N's
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