HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-05-21 Council MinutesITEM A:
AGENDA
KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
MAY 21, 2003
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
htt www.ci.kenai.ak.us
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. Mt. View School/Fourth Grade Class -- Presentation of Class Project
Video.
ITEM C: REPORTS OF KPB ASSEMBLY LEGISLATORS AND COUNCILS
ITEM D: PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Resolution No. 2003-27 -- Awarding aOne-Season Lease (June 1, 2003
to September 30, 2003) of Kenai Dock Stations No. 2 8s 3 to R 8v J
Seafood for the Seasonal Base Bid of $21,000 Plus $0.03/Lb. Over
7001000 Lbs.
2. Resolution No. 2003-28 -- Designating Legal Administrative Assistant
Sheryl Padilla as Deputy City Clerk.
ITEM E: COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging
2. Airport Commission
3. Harbor Commission
4. Library Commission
5. Parks 8a 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 May 7, 2003.
ITEM G: CORRESPONDENCE
ITEM H: OLD BUSINESS
ITEM I: NEW BUSINESS
1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified
2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500
3. *Ordinance No. 2005-2003 -- Adopting the Annual Budget for the Fiscal
Year Commencing July 1, 2003 and Ending June 30, 2004.
4. *Ordinance No. 2006-2003 -- Amending the Official City Of Kenai
Zoning Map to Change the Zoning District of Those Certain Lands Listed
on Attachment A to "Education Zone."
5. Approval -- Assignment to Lease/Kenai Municipal Airport, Space #9,
Terminal Building -- Dorothy A. Fischer, Inc., d/b/a Alaska's Best Travel
and Dorothy A. Fischer, Individually; and Alaska's Best Travel and
Tours, Inc., d/ b / a Alaska's Best Travel and Dorothy A. Fischer,
Individually.
6. Approval -- Kenai Recreation Center Partnering Agreement Between the
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula and the City of Kenai.
7. Approval -- Proposed Meeting Schedules for City Commissions,
Committees, Boards and Council on Aging
8. Approval -- Council on Aging By -Law Amendment
ITEM J: REPORT OF THE MAYOR
ITEM K: ADMINISTR.ATION 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
KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
MAY 21v 2003
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
htt vw. w.ci.kenai.ak.us
MAYOR JOHN J. WILLIAMS, PRESIDING
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: Porter, Osborne, Jackman, Williams,
Bookey and Moore.
Absent was: Swarner
A-3, AGENDA APPROVAL
� Mayor Williams requested the following changes to the agenda:
REPLACE: I-7, Kenai City Council Policy for Commission, Committee, Board and
Council on Aging Meetings and Work Sessions.
ADD TO: Item K-1, Kenai Police Department monthly report.
ADD TO: Information Item No. 3 -- Additional letters from KCHS students
regarding Recreation Center/ Boys 8. Girls Club Agreement.
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED to approve the agenda as amended and Councilman
Moore SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED,
A-4. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED for approval of the consent agenda as presented and
Councilman Osborne SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED.
ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 21, 2003
PAGE 2
B-1. Mt. View School/Fourth Grade Class -- Presentation of Class Project
Video.
Mayor Williams explained Mr. and Mrs. Wensley's fourth grade class from Mt. View
Elementary were present to show a video, which was a class project. Prior to the video
presentation, Mayor Williams read a proclamation in honor of Mr. Wensley's receiving
the 2003 BP Teach of the Year Award. Immediately following, Larry Dean Tunseth
introduced the video, "A Kid's Guide to Kenai."
ITEM C: REPORTS OF KPB ASSEMBLY, LEGISLATORS AND COUNCILS
Assembly Member Glick reported on actions taken at the May 20, 2003 Assembly
meeting, including, a meeting was held recently at which the Sky View High School
students gave their birding trail presentation and the issue was discussed further with
representatives from the Kenai Chamber, Kenai Peninsula Marketing Tourism Council,
City of Kenai, Fish & Game, Borough Assembly, etc. They will be requesting a
commitment from the City of Kenai to utilize some city property in the effort; a Fish 8�
Game representative will be speaking at the Eagles Club regarding care of property,
etc. to discourage bears from being a nuisance around inhabited areas; a resolution
was introduced supporting procurement of federal grants relating to the Traumatic
Brain Injury Act; a resolution to exempt fuel from sales tax was considered and failed;
code language relating to mill levy in service areas as approved; the first hearing on
the Borough's proposed budget was held and the next hearing will be at their June 3
meeting; a resolution regarding the Antiterrorism Act was adopted unanimously; and
advised she had a draft resolution prepared relating to the University of Alaska taking
over the Challenger Program for financial assistance and requested Williams' guidance
as to when it would appropriate to bring it forward.
Glick also noted, the authorizing the Kenai Peninsula Mayor to sign the Arctic Winter
Games agreement, which had been postponed from an April meeting, was discussed in
length. She noted, none of the speakers were opposed to holding the Games on the
Peninsula, but were very concerned about the accountability and process of funding
the Games. Glick added, it is the responsibility of the Assembly to set the policy of
where and how Borough monies are to be spent. When questioned as to the
accountability, etc. the Borough Mayor stated it was being done as an economic
development project through the Mayor's office and did not need to comply with the
usual economic development ordinance. After some discussion, the resolution was
amended to require the make up of the host committee's board of directors to include
specific entities, including the borough municipalities' mayors, superintendent of
schools, Kenaitze Indian Tribe, executive director, etc. The Committee will include
approximately 20-25 people.
Williams noted SB 183 could be dangerous to municipalities as it will amend Title 29
to expand powers of boroughs to allow them to create areawide economic development
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 21, 2003
PAGE 3
projects in the borough, whether or not they are on property inside a city limit. He
stated his concern with this bill in regard to the Games as well.
Porter referred to a letter included in the packet regarding spruce bark beetle
abatement to properties within the city. She noted, at this time, there is help for
property owners outside of the City of Kenai, etc., but not for property owners within
the city limits. A brief discussion took placed and Glick noted, the Assembly had
approved a resolution to extend removal of trees. Fire Chief Walden reported there
was funding last year to clear hazard trees, but the trees have to be within 100 feet of
a borough maintained road. Walden was asked to keep in contact with
Assemblywoman Glick in regard to the program process for Kenai.
ITEM D: PUBLIC HEARINGS
D-14, Resolution No. 2003-27 -- Awarding a One -Season Lease (June 1, 2003
to September 30, 2003) of Kenai Dock Stations No. 2 & 3 to R & J
Seafood for the Seasonal Base Bid of $21,000 Plus $0.03/Lb. Over
700,000 Lbs.
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2003-27 and
Councilwoman Porter SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Bookey noted the matter was reviewed by the Harbor
Commission and a lot of discussion took place on the issue. It was explained, bids
were requested and none were received; R80 Seafood's representative presented
several scenarios for a lease agreement; and, the Commission recommended he
negotiate with the city manager as allowed by the Municipal Code.
Bookey noted, the R& J Seafoods bid was $21,000 and below the minimum bid of
$232000. R8.J requested a reduction in the bid in exchange for them mowing the
lawns and cleaning the restrooms, normally done by a dock employee. Bookey stated
his concern with giving the responsibility of the cleaning and mowing to a contractor
as when the fish are in, there is much more activity at the dock and is when the
cleaning will need to be done the most.
Public Works Manager Kornelis explained the contractor would have time for
cleaning/mowing while waiting for boats to come. City Manager Snow stated the
contractor felt they could do the work as the city requests. Kornelis added, a rough
estimate of $2,500 for cleaning the restrooms was figured and administration felt that
was a fair exchange. It was noted the city would be monitoring the work carefully.
VOTE:
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 212 2003
PAGE 4
Porter
Yes
Osborne
Yes
Jackman
Yes
Williams
Yes
Bookey
Yes
Swarner
Absent
Moore
Yes I
_T
I I
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
D-2. Resolution No. 2003-28 -- Designating Legal Administrative Assistant
Sheryl Padilla as Deputy City Clerk.
VOTE:
Councilwoman Porter MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2003-28 and
Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Williams stated the change in assignment is due to a
cost-cutting measure cutting the 20-hour assistant from the Clerk's budget.
VOTE:
Councilman Bookey requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no objections.
SO ORDERED,
ITEM E: COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
E-1. Council on Aging -- Senior Director Craig reported the minutes of the
May 8 meeting were included in the packet. She noted an application was also
included in the packet for consideration to fill the vacant seat on the council; the
applicant, Donna Higley, is currently a member of the Harbor Commission; and,
Higley is interested in serving on both groups. Williams recommended appointment of
Donna Higley to the Council on Aging and there were no objections from Council.
E-2. Airport Commission -- Councilwoman Jackman reported the minutes of
the May 8 meeting were included in the packet. She noted the following:
• Public comment was taken on airport noise and some discussion
indicated noise abatement is hard to enforce because the city has no control over the
air space.
• Handouts were distributed relating to the proposed parking lot system
and sidewalk improvements.
• The new meeting schedule was discussed and some concern was
expressed to limiting commissions/committees to six meetings a year may keep them
from attending to business and requested to review their work load from the last 12
months and make a recommendation to council for their meeting schedule to council.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 21, 2003
PAGE 5
A brief discussion took place in which Bookey stated he believed a good job was done
in putting together the new schedule and the Harbor Commission was comfortable
with it and are aware a special meeting can be called if something arises needing
immediate attention. He added, he was hesitant to have commissions pick and choose
when they want to meet. Clerk Freas requested council, in their consideration of the
schedule later on the agenda, to keep the schedule as simple as possible and
remember the commissions/committees are serving the public and therefore
consistency and simplicity of schedules will be best. Williams noted the new schedule
was part of the cost-cutting process the city is going through.
Bookey asked for an update in regard to the new sign for Triangle Park. Snow
reported the purchase order had been removed from the list at the May 7 council
meeting in order for the matter to be reviewed further. After discussing the issue with
the Airport Manager and local sign shop representative, it was decided to go through a
bidding process at another time. She noted, the sign came with the submitted
landscaping design and due to time constraints, she planned to have the sign bid next
season.
Discussion followed and Bookey stated he did not want to delay the issue and wanted
the sign purchased as soon as possible in this fiscal year. Porter, referring to the
Airport Manager's report, stated it seemed the issue was getting cumbersome and the
cost would be below the $10,000 limit requiring a bid. She suggested a one -page bid
proposal.
E-3. Harbor Commission -- Bookey reported the Commission met on May 12
and discussed the following:
• RW Seafoods proposal for lease of the dock facility.
• The new meeting schedule.
Williams reported he would be meeting with Congressman Young on May 28 at 2:30
p.m. at the Congressional Office. He requested Bookey, Snow and Kornelis to attend.
The primary discussion will be the bluff erosion/coastal trail project.
E-4. Library Commission -- Councilman Moore reported the minutes of the
May 6 meeting were included in the packet. The Commission discussed and had some
concerns with the new meeting schedule. They also discussed the Friends of the
Library book sale to take place June 12-14.
E-5. Parks & Recreation Commission -- Councilwoman Porter reported the
minutes of the May 1 meeting and May 15 special meeting were included in the
packet. The Commission suggested their meeting dates begin in February. Porter also
noted, at their special meeting, the Commission recommended the Recreation Center
program stay the same as it is currently.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 212 2003
PAGE 6
E-64, Planning Sa Zoning Commission -- Councilman Osborne reported the
minutes of the May 14 meeting were included in the packet. He noted:
• The Commission approved a conditional use and variance permit and an
application to modify a conditional use permit.
• The Commission reviewed the Education Zone properties and set the
areas to be within the zone.
Moore asked if the skateboard park were situated by the ice rink would it be out of
compliance and would a conditional use permit be required. Attorney Graves stated
he would research the question and report back.
Williams noted there were two vacancies on the Commission and noted applications
were included in the packet. Bookey requested one seat be appointed and hold the
other until the next meeting. Williams agreed and recommended John Hammelman
for appointment due to his vast experience from his years on the Borough Planning
Commission. There were no objections.
E-7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
E-7a. Beautification Committee -- Parks & Recreation Director Frates
reported a meeting was held on May 13 and the minutes were included in the packet.
The Committee discussed the volunteer planting day scheduled for May 31 and the
annual cemetery clean-up scheduled for Saturday, May 24.
The application of Colleen Canady for appointment to the Committee was noted and
Williams recommended her appointment. There were no objections.
E-7b. Kenai Convention & Visitors Bureau Board -- Executive Director Ricky
Gease reported activities at the Center, including the following:
• The opening reception for the 2003 Wildlife art show was very successful.
• The art show and invitation for visiting the Peninsula would be
advertised three times during the summer on the television program "Exploring
Alaska"
• The ATIA grant for $4 million was expected to be eliminated from the
state budget which will leave Alaska without a tourism marking program. He also
noted other programs expected to lose funding.
• Assemblywoman Glick has indicated she will go forward with an area -
wide bed tax proposal to be placed on the fall ballot.
• He expects to be appointed to the Arctic Winter Games Committee and
encouraged others to volunteer.
• He expects the travel season to be flat or down from indications he has
received.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 212 2003
PAGE 7
• He suggested the Board and Council meet once a year to discuss issues
of mutual interest.
• He urged the City to track the area -wide bed tax and make sure the
funds are distributed fairly. Williams stated he supported an area -wide bed tax as a
way to support the visitor industry on the Peninsula and hoped others would support
it if it comes up on the ballot. Bookey stated he also supported an area -wide bed tax
but has some concern of the fair distribution of funds as well.
Assemblywoman Glick noted she has discussed the bed tax issue with Gease and
others and said she would promote the placement on the fall ballot. However, she had
some concern if the borough could collect it and separate it from other taxes and will
be investigating that issue further. She will attempt to get the issue on the June 20
assembly agenda for discussion.
Bookey stated he would like to schedule a work session with the Board as soon as
possible. A work session was scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on June 18 immediately prior to
the council meeting.
E-7c. Alaska Municipal League Report -- Williams reviewed actions taken by
the Legislature and noted areas of funding which the Governor was reviewing and
considering cutting. Discussion followed regarding what council would need to do if
municipal assistance is cut and it was suggested they could either take from savings
or amend the FY04 budget, which would be considered for approval prior to the
Governor's signing the state budget. Finance Director Semmens stated, by the time
the Governor would be making his adjustments to the state budget, it would be too
late to adjust the city's sales or mill tax rates. Williams suggested, if the assistance is
cut, the city should seriously consider a hiring freeze as well as a hiring replacement
freeze. Bookey stated his agreement with a hiring freeze, but not a replacement hiring
freeze as some positions must be filled. He added, he felt the budget would have to be
amended.
An update on the proposed Kenai boat ramp was given, noting a letter was received
from Senator Wagoner stating the funds appropriated for the ramp were being
considered for reappropriation and used for placement of a ramp in Kasilof. The City
responded to the Senator noting the city's objection to the reappropriation and stated
other uses for the funding, i.e. roadway work to the dock, etc.
E-7d. Kenai Chamber of Commerce -- KCVB Director Gease reported a new
interim director had been appointed; the next July 4 planning meeting will be held on
June 6; and, the Chamber will be going forward with the "Hooked on Kenai" map and
hope to have it available by the second week of June.
� ITEM F• MINUTES
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 21, 2003
PAGE 8
F-1. Regular Meeting of May ?, 2003 -- Approved by consent agenda.
ITEM G: CORRESPONDENCE -- None.
ITEM H: OLD BUSINESS -- None.
BREAK TAKEN: 9:15 P.M.
BACK TO ORDER: 9:35 P.M.
ITEM I: NEW BUSINESS
Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED to pay the bills and Councilwoman Porter SECONDED
the emotion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
I-2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED to approve the purchase orders exceeding $2,500 and
Councilwoman Jackman SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED.
I-3. Ordinance No. 2005-2003 -- Adopting the Annual Budget for the Fiscal
Year Commencing July 1, 2003 and Ending June 30, 2004.
Introduced by consent agenda.
I-4. Ordinance No. 2006-2003 -- Amending the Official City Of Kenai Zoning
Map to Change the Zoning District of Those Certain Lands Listed on
Attachment A to "Education Zone."
Introduced by consent agenda.
I-5. Approval -- Assignment to Lease/ Kenai Municipal Airport, Space #9,
Terminal Building -- Dorothy A. Fischer, Inc., d/b/a Alaska's Best Travel
and Dorothy A. Fischer, Individually; and Alaska's Best Travel and
Tours, Inc., d/ b / a Alaska's Best Travel and Dorothy A. Fischer,
Individually.
MOTION:
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 212 2003
PAGE 9
Councilman Bookey MOVED for approval of the Assignment to Lease/Kenai Municipal
Airport, Space #9, Terminal Building -- Dorothy A. Fischer, Inc., d/b/a Alaska's Best
Travel and Dorothy A. Fischer, Individually; and Alaska's Best Travel and Tours, Inc.,
d/b/a Alaska's Best Travel and Dorothy A. Fischer, Individually. Councilwoman
Jackman SECONDED the motion.
Attorney Graves reported Fischer had changed the name of her corporation and wants
the lease to reflect the change. Administration had no objections. It was also noted,
this change would give Fischer the ability to issue her own tickets.
VOTE:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
I-6. Approval -- Kenai Recreation Center Partnering Agreement Between the
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula and the City of Kenai.
Williams stated council would not take public comment as there had been
opportunities during other work sessions and meetings and many comments were
heard.
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED for approval of the Kenai Recreation Center Partnering
Agreement Between the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula and the City of
Kenai. Councilwoman Jackman SECONDED the motion.
Porter read a prepared statement noting her effort to investigate the issue through
daily visits to the Recreation Center and Teen Center in order to make an informed
vote; talk with users of the facility and hear their concerns and discuss the agreement
to hopefully allay their fears; investigate other teen programs nationwide via the
Internet, visited the Mt. View Boys & Girls Club in Anchorage; and reviewed the
financial costs for continuing the current program versus the partnering agreement.
She noted, the city was making cuts in other programs, i.e. dust control, workforce
reductions at the Library and City Clerk's office; no new street lights, and especially,
the denial of a cost of living raise to the city employees for the past five years, etc.
Porter added, the agreement with the Club would change management only, not the
services; there are safeguards built into the agreement to assure compliance; the
partnership will make available new grant opportunities and expanded programs for
teens and adults; the Clubs have an excellent reputation in the community and want
to maintain that standing. She thanked those who had attended meetings and
expressed their views; the city cannot continue to operate the same programs without
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 212 2003
PAGE 10
additional funds from the fund balance or a reduction of services; and, the city and its
residents have everything to gain through the partnership.
Bookey agreed with Porter's comments and stated he would support the approval of
the partnership and added, he believed this would be the most prudent thing the city
can do for adults and teens.
Moore stated the council had requested the administration to "think outside the box"
and they did; there would be no loss of the adult basketball program; the program
excluded young children; he liked the option with the Club and thinks the city and its
residents will benefit from the agreement; the contract is for three years; the contract
will not continue without the city's financial support. Moore stated he would support
the approval of the agreement.
Councilman Osborne stated he supports the Club and their efforts; made many trips
to the Recreation Center and observed firemen using the weight room, young adults
playing basketball, etc. He believes it would be in the best interest to leave the facility
as it is currently operated and would oppose the partnership agreement.
Councilwoman Jackman stated she had received many written comments and calls
objecting to the partnership agreement and she has in the past supported the Club
and will continue to for their successful programs. Jackman added, because of the
public outcry, she would not support the agreement. She continued, she would rather
wait for a year and give the employees a chance to develop the program or go out to
bid.
Williams commented there were many changes being made and will continue to be
made; there were complaints from citizens when the Recreation Center was going to be
built; he believes this will be a change for the better for the community and would
support the approval of the agreement; and, suggested the matter be reviewed in a
year.
VOTE:
Porter
Yes
Osborne
No
Jackman
No
Williams
Yes
Bookey
Yes
Swarner
Absent
Moore
Yes
MOTION PASSED,
I-7, Approval -- Proposed Meeting Schedules for City Commissions,
Committees, Boards and Council on Aging
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
`} MAY 21, 2003
PAGE 11
Comments were received from council members in regard to the different
commissions/ committees and boards in response to the new meeting schedule.
Requests for changes to the schedule were:
• Parks & Recreation Commission requested their meetings start in
January -- no objections.
• Library Commission requested initially to continue holding their
meetings at the Library and begin at 6:00 p.m. However, for the good of the whole,
they will hold their meetings in the council chambers, beginning at 7:00 p.m., but
requested they begin in February -- no objections.
• Beautification Committee requested their meetings be held in February,
March, April, May and June. If a follow-up meeting is required in the fall, a special
meeting can be requested -- no objections.
There were no objections to the new meeting schedule with the above -listed changes.
I-8. Approval -- Council on Aging By -Law Amendment
Clerk Freas reviewed the changes to be made to the by-laws.
MOTION:
Councilman Moore MOVED to approve the amendments to the Council on Aging By -
Laws and Councilwoman Jackman SECONDED the motion.
VOTE:
Porter
Yes
Osborne
Yes
Jackman
Yes
Williams
Yes
Booke
Yes
Swarner
Absent
Moore
Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM J: REPORT OF THE MAYOR -- Williams noted the following:
• An invitation to the AML Conference to be held in Nome form November
10-15 was included in the packet.
• Would like to move ahead with the previous suggestion to request
additional property for the cemetery from the FAA. Administration has discussed the
matter of putting in a water well and power. He suggested an additional entryway into
the property; build a storage shed for equipment, etc.; use of burial vaults in the
proposed new area, etc. Bookey stated he agreed, but noted the well would have to be
"non -potable" as an early agreement with FAA requires it.
1
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 212 2003
PAGE 12
Discussion continued regarding problems with vandalism in the area; placement of
additional lighting and security cameras in the area to help circumvent the vandalism
problems; placing a sign on the fence noting the area is monitored, etc. Police Chief
Kopp noted the Department had taken a photo journal of the area and has made some
practical recommendations for better sight into the cemetery including trimming
undergrowth of trees, repairing fence, heightening the fence in some areas, lighting,
etc.
City Manager Snow stated she had discussed the matter with the Airport Manager and
learned two security cameras would be placed in the area and signage.
• He and Councilman Osborne attended the EDD meeting in Homer and
visited the new Oceans and Islands Center. He added, a triangle education tour is
being developed between the Challenger Center, the Oceans & Islands Center, and the
Seward Sealife Center as funds are available for such a program.
• He had a telephone conversation with a Wall -Mart representative who
indicated the company was not planning to develop any stores on the Peninsula.
• Has been investigating the possibility of developing a resolution to
encourage the State to feed fish to its prisoners which would aid in enhancing the
fishing industry.
Snow noted she received a copy of the bill in regard to the reappropriation of funding
for a boat ramp in Kasilof. She and Public Works Director Kornelis worked with
Representative Wolf to circumvent that reappropriation and to use it for other
concerns at the dock since the boat ramp was put on hold.
ITEM K: ADMINISTR.ATION REPORTS
K-1. City Manager -- Snow reported the following:
• The advertising period for the VISTA Volunteer had closed and she
received eight applications. She has reviewed, ranked, and identified the top four
applicants and has been conducting telephone interviews and checking references.
Williams requested the applications be forwarded on to the Challenger for review after
she has made her choice.
• Parks Director Frates is working with the Kenai Peninsula Hockey
Association in developing a summer youth hockey camp and a standardized facility
use agreement is being developed for this purpose.
• Noted the department head reports were included in the packet.
In referring to the Finance Department report, discussion followed regarding the
proposed purchase of a new server, software, etc. for the city. Concerns were voiced of
the cost and what the budget will be in a year. Finance Director Semmens reported
the reasons for the purchase, mainly the present system will no pp
longer be supported
g
j
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 21, 2003
PAGE 13
by the manufacturer and reviewed his efforts to find the best price and best solution to
the problem. He noted, funds would be used from the current year's contingency
budget. It was also suggested portions of the funds be taken from the enterprise
funds as the equipment is used to support them as well.
Porter thanked the Street Department for cleaning the sidewalks and requested the
handicap entrances to the sidewalks be swept out as well.
Moore complimented Frates on the greenstrips and ballfields looking so good. Frates
stated information about how and what to do with dandelions would be made
available to the public.
Moore requested the electricity use and costs be monitored at the ice rink while there
is no ice. Frates reported, HEA would be investigating the high cost in October.
K-2. Attorney -- Attorney Graves reported he attended the bird trail meetings
and discussed the Brown Field information with the group. He also reported a letter
was received from the court system indicating they would be increasing their fee for
processing traffic tickets and noting the city could take over the responsibility. Graves
added he investigated the issue and estimated the city could save approximately
$10,000 in taking it over. He requested permission from council to investigate the
operation further. Council had no objections.
K-3. City Clerk -- Clerk Freas referred to an application included in the
packet from Jon Walters for appointment to the Personnel Arbitration Board. She
noted, the Board has one vacancy. Williams recommended the appointment and
council had no objections.
ITEM L.
DISCUSSION
L-1. Citizens
Barry Eldridge, 2679 Bowpicker Lane -- Stated he attended a number of the
council's budget work sessions and noted the borough's desire to return tax monies to
the taxpayers. He suggested enlarging the city's limits by annexing several areas, i.e.
Ciechanski Road, several miles past Wildwood on the North Road, and Strawberry
Road. He added, there would be some expenses due to additional road maintenance,
etc., but additional revenues would be available. Williams noted services would need
to be offered and stated some concerns as upgrading and maintaining roads, etc. and
suggested a cost benefit analysis would be needed before going further. Bookey stated
he didn't believe the assessed value of the properties would be cost effective and didn't
want administration to investigate the matter further due to budget constraints.
Attorney Graves briefly reviewed the annexation process. It was also noted by EDD
Director Jim Carter, grant funds might be available for a cost study.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 212 2003
PAGE 14
Jim Carter, P.O. Box 70, Kenai -- Reviewed efforts the EDD is making to
formulate economic development for at least 500 jobs, including a "People Mover" to
serve South Kachemak By to Soldotna, Seward, Kenai, Anchorage, etc.
• Reported the Borough Mayor proposed to cut them from the Borough's
budget.
• EDD has gathered a lot of support for developing a Rural Development
Education Center at Kenai Peninsula College,, including dorms. They are continuing
to work on this.
Discussion followed regarding the proposed loss of Borough funding for the EDD,
including a historical overview of the organization and their successes. The increase
in the Borough's economic development department was also noted. Carter stated
their organization has tried to partner with the Borough's office, but that has been
difficult. They plan to visit with other municipalities on the Peninsula to emphasize
they are working, open for business, and have the capacity.
Roger Shannon, 11823 Kenai Spur Highway -- Shannon noted general
comments including an update on the Patriot Act in the Legislature; noise complaints
in regard to the airport; agreeing with Eldridge's idea for expanding the city's
boundaries; agreed with concerns stated regarding the purchase of a new server,
software, etc.; felt the EDD program seemed valuable; home -rule city definition; and
the Arctic Winter Games.
L-2, Council
Bookey -- No comments.
Moore -- Requested Councilman Osborne's contact information, etc. be
included on the city's website.
Porter -- • Talked with Senator Wagoner regarding the AHFC interest rate and
he will be meeting with Soldotna and Kenai representatives in this regard upon his
return after session.
• Noted she had been asked whether the commission/ committee reports
could be moved toward the end of the meeting. A brief discussion took place and it
was suggested recommendations and comments made during commission/committee
meetings and included in the minutes are often important to hear prior to business
items on the council's agenda, among other ideas.
• Suggested clearing of brush and undercutting trees at the multipurpose
center could help in securing the facility.
Osborne -- No comments.
Jackman -- No comments.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 21 2003
PAGE 15
Williams -- Reported former Anchorage Assemblyman Joe Murdy who has been
his good friend and the City of Kenai's friend for many years had been hospitalized.
EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled
ITEM M:
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at approximately 11: 36 p.m.
Minutes transcribed and prepared by:
Carol L. Freas, City Clerk
A PPROVED BY COUNCIL
ew;2�4LP&,
DATI CLERK