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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-17 Council Minutes�j AGENDA KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2003 7:00 P.M. KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS h.tt 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) ITEM C: REPORTS OF KPB ASSEMBLY LEGISLATORS AND COUNCILS ITEM D: PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Resolution No. 2003-55 -- Requesting the Remaining Funds of State of Alaska, Department of Community and Economic Development Grant #8/00-001 be Reappropriated to the City of Kenai Maintenance Shop Site Remediation Project. 2. Resolution No. 2003-56 -- Setting the Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Basin View Subdivision Special Assessment District (Dolchok Lane, Kim-N-Ang Court, and Cub Court) . 3. Resolution No. 2003-57 -- Setting the Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Schooner Circle Special Assessment District. 4. Resolution No. 2003-58 -- Setting the Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Pillars Special Assessment District (Chinook Drive and Sockeye Circle). 5. Resolution No. 2003-59 -- Setting the Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Toyon Way Special Assessment District. 6. Resolution No. 2003-60 -- Transferring $4,000 in the Comprehensive Plan Capital Project Fund for Plan Document Printing. 7. Resolution No. 2003-61 -- Transferring $5,000 in the Multipurpose Facility Capital Project Fund for Construction and Installation of Utilities in the Storage Room. 8. *Liquor License Renewal -- George's Casino Bar -- Beverage Dispensary. ITEM E: COMMISSION/ COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Council on Aging 2. Airport Commission 3. Harbor Commission 4. Library Commission 5. Parks & Recreation Commission 6. Planning 8, Zoning Commission 7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees a. Beautification Committee b. Kenai Convention 8, Visitors Bureau Board C. Alaska Municipal League Report d. Kenai Chamber of Commerce e. Arctic Winter Games ITEM F: MINUTES 1. *Regular Meeting of December 3, 2003. 2. *December 3, 2003 Work Session Notes. ITEM G: CORRESPONDENCE ITEM H: OLD BUSINESS 1. ITEM I: Approval -- Request and Sign Naming Softball Complex in Honor of Steve Shearer. NEW BUSINESS 1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified 2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500 3. Approval -- a. Airport Taxiway Improvements/Access to Lots 6 8s 7, Block 5, General Aviation Apron (Ron's Rent -It Service) b. Consent to Sublease/From Ron Swanson to Federal Express Corporation/Lots 6 8v 7, Block 5, General Aviation Apron 4. Discussion -- Potential Conceptual Drawings for Improvements to the Multipurpose Facility for the Arctic Winter Games. 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 KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2003 7:00 P.M. KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS htt wwvcr.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 : 01 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 V.AT,T, Roll was taken by the City Clerk. Present were: Pat Porter Blaine Gilman Rick Ross John J. Williams, Mayor Jim Bookey, Vice Mayor Linda Swarner 1 Joe Moore A-3, AGENDA APPROVAL Mayor Williams requested the following changes to the agenda: SUBSTITUTE: Item D-1, Resolution No. 2003-55 -- Change in last "whereas" removing "ADEC." MOTION: Council Member Bookey MOVED to approve the agenda as amended and Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED, A-4. MOTION: CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Bookey MOVED to approve the consent agenda as presented and Council Member Swarner SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED, ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS -- None. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2003 PAGE 2 ITEM C: REPORTS OF KPB ASSEMBLY, LEGISLATORS AND COUNCILS -- None. ITEM D: PUBLIC HEARINGS D-1, Resolution No. 2003-55 -- Requesting the Remaining Funds of State of Alaska, Department of Community and Economic Development Grant #8 / 00-001 be Reappropriated to the City of Kenai Maintenance Shop Site Remediation Project. MOTION: Council Member Porter MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2003-55 (the substitute) and Council Member Swarner SECONDED the motion and requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no public or council comments. VOTE: There were no objections. SO ORDERED. D-2, Resolution No. 2003-56 -- Setting the Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Basin View Subdivision Special Assessment District (Dolchok Lane, Kim-N-Ang Court, and Cub Court) . MOTION: Council Member Porter MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2003-56 and Council Member Moore SECONDED the motion. There were no public comments. Clerk Freas reported notices and advertising in the newspaper would take place prior to the meeting of January 21, 2004 as directed by code for all the new assessment districts. The most recent property ownership will be used as well. VOTE: There were no objections. SO ORDERED, D-3. Resolution No. 2003-57 -- Setting the Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Schooner Circle Special Assessment District. MOTION: KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2003 PAGE 3 Council Member Bookey MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2003-57 and Council Member Swarner SECONDED the motion and requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no public or council comments. Public Works Manager Kornelis noted this was the assessment district in which the property owners discussed and agreed on a method of assessing the properties and dividing the cost for the corner lot. VOTE: There were no objections. SO ORDERED. D-4. Resolution No. 2003-58 -- Setting the Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Pillars Special Assessment District (Chinook Drive and Sockeye Circle). MOTION: 1 Council Member Porter MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2003-58 and Council � Member Bookey SECONDED the motion. Council Member Moore requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no public or council comments. VOTE: There were no objections. SO ORDERED, D-5. Resolution No. 2003-59 -- Setting the Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Toyon Way Special Assessment District. MOTION: Council Member Bookey MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2003-59 and Council Member Swarner SECONDED the motion. There were no public or council comments. VOTE: There were no objections. SO ORDERED, D-6, Resolution No. 2003-60 -- Transferring $4,000 in the Comprehensive Plan Capital Project Fund for Plan Document Printing. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2003 PAGE 4 MOTION: Council Member Bookey MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2003-60 and Council Member Swarner SECONDED the motion and requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. VOTE: There were no objections. SO ORDERED, D-?, Resolution No. 2003-61 -- Transferring $5,000 in the Multipurpose Facility Capital Proj ect Fund for Construction and Installation of Utilities in the Storage Room. MOTION: Council Member Moore MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2003-61 and Council Member Swarner SECONDED the motion. There were no public comments. Parks & Recreation Director Frates reported a party is interested in renting space at the facility for his skate -sharpening business. The construction work would include building a wall and adding some electrical outlets and plumbing. Frates explained he believed the addition of these amenities would be a good marketing tool; the lease would be for six months; he compared rental costs for space and has suggested $1.00 per square foot ($240/month), which is comparable to other space rent costs; the renovation work would become property of the city; the adding of the wall and electrical outlets would be done in-house and the plumbing would be contracted out; and he hoped the work to be completed before the second week in January. Council Member Porter asked if the matter had been taken to the Parks & Recreation Commission and Frates answered no because the Commission would not meet again until January 8 and it was hoped the work would be completed around that time. Council Member Gilman suggested the rental price be raised in order to pay for the cost of the improvements over a three-year period. Council Member Ross stated his support of the resolution as he felt the improvements would enhance the facility and would be of use for any vendor in that area. Council Member Moore asked the hours of operation for the vendor and Frates noted, the vendor had not yet submitted a proposal. VOTE: Porter No Gilman Yes Ross Yes Williams 1 Yes I Bookey Yes Swarner Yes KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2003 PAGE 5 Moore I Yes MOTION PASSED. D-8, Liquor License Renewal -- George's Casino Bar -- Beverage Dispensary. Approved by consent agenda. ITEM E: COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS E-1. Council on Aging -- The next meeting will be held on January 8, 2004 (moved to this date due to the normal date being a holiday). E-2. Airport Commission -- Council Member Moore reported a meeting was held on Thursday, December 11 and the main discussion was the Borough's ordinance to charge a flat tax on personal aircraft of $75.00/engine. He noted, the Commission consensus was the city should be on the same playing field as the Borough and council should discuss the matter to determine whether they will support the Borough's ordinance. Doug Haralson, P.O. Box 2881, Kenai. Haralson reported he discussed the issue with the city attorney and passed on the recommendations of the Commission, i.e. for the flat tax to benefit the City of Kenai as well as other Borough municipalities and would like the flat tax collected through the borough and passed through to the cities. Haralson noted he attended the December 16 Borough Assembly meeting at which the first reading of the ordinance was held. Haralson reported he testified relating to the ordinance as did one other person, who spoke against the ordinance. Haralson stated he reported the discussion of the Commission. Attorney Graves reported, in order for a tax to be collected by the Borough it would have to be spent non-areawide. To collect the tax for the city, the Borough would have to do a non-areawide tax and the cities a $75 flat tax and the Borough could then collect and distribute the funds to the cities. In his discussions, Graves stated the Borough Attorney felt it would be hard to amend the ordinance to make it work in the period of time left until the final hearing. A lengthy discussion followed in which Porter stated she felt it was an issue needing addressed. Ross stated he hoped the City of Kenai would work with the borough representatives to encourage Graves' suggestion. Airport Manager Cronkhite noted, it was the Commission's understanding the Borough has suggested this tax in order to compete with Anchorage and the Mat -Su Borough as they have a flat tax, however the Commission felt the ordinance did not do that. Bookey stated his concern there will be other citizens asking for changes in personal property taxes for other types of � KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2003 PAGE 6 equipment as has been done for the boats and now aircraft -- these changes will diminish tax revenue to the city. Gilman suggested council discuss in depth tax situations in the city prior to the next budget preparation work sessions. It was consensus of council to have Council Members Ross and Moore, alongwith City Y Manager Snow and Airport Manager Cronkhite discuss the matter with Assembly Members Chay, Glick and Superman. It was also suggested Haralson be included in the discussions if available. Haralson noted an amendment was made to the timeline and a second public hearing g will be held on the ordinance in January by the Assembly. He also noted the ordinance was amended to change the date to begin the flat tax from January, 2004 to January, 2005. Williams noted applications for appointment to the Airport Commission were included in the packet. It was noted, the seat available is for a lessee. It was also noted, due to a change in the property wanting to be leased by John Parker for development of hangars, he was technically not a lessee of the airport. Williams stated he would delay the appointment. E-3. Harbor Commission -- No report. E-4. Library Commission -- No report. E-5. Parks & Recreation Commission -- The next meeting will be held on January 8 (changed from regular schedule due to holiday) . E-6. Planning & Zoning Commission -- Council Member Ross reviewed actions taken by the Commission at their December 10 meeting, i.e. a conditional use permit was approved for a day care and the Commission reviewed the adult proposed entertainment ordinance and requested a work session with the city attorney. E-?. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees E-?a. Beautification Committee -- No report. E-?b. Kenai Convention & Visitors Bureau Board -- Fred Braun, KCVB President reported Michelle Glass, from the Haines Visitors Bureau was selected to fill the KCVB Executive Director position. She will begin work in February and until then Diana McKierney will be the Interim Director. E-7c. Alaska Municipal League Report -- Williams reported he spoke with � representatives from AML while in Juneau on December 4. He suggested the KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2003 PAGE 7 Legislative Committee and Alaska Conference of Mayors hold their August meeting in Kenai. A written proposal is required and he asked if council had any objections to his submitting a written proposal. Council had no objections. E-7d. Kenai Chamber of Commerce -- No report. E-7e. Arctic Winter Games -- Moore reported the annual meeting was held December 11 and at the meeting an election of officers was held (the same officers were elected) and they approved the list of those persons who will travel to Wood Buffalo (including Council Member Bookey) . Moore also reported a presentation was made at the day's noon Chamber luncheon by ERA Aviation, Inc. who donated $100,000 in airfare and in -kind donations for the Games. BREAK TAKEN: 8:10 P.M. BACK TO ORDER: 8:20 P.M. ITEM F: MINUTES 1 F-1 • Regular Meeting of December 3, 2003 -- Approved by consent agenda. l g F-2. December 3, 2003 Work Session Notes -- Approved by consent agenda. ITEM G: CORRESPONDENCE -- None. ITEM H. OLD BUSINESS H-1. Approval -- Request and Sign Naming Softball Complex in Honor of Steve Shearer. MOTION: Council Member Bookey MOVED to approve the request and sign naming the softball complex in honor of Steve Shearer. Council Member Moore SECONDED the motion. Bookey stated he still supported the request; noted the issue was held over to receive public comments; he received no comments and felt they needed to move ahead. Moore and Swarner also reported they received no comments. VOTE: Council Member Gilman requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no objections. SO ORDERED, ITEM I: NEW BUSINESS l KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2003 PAGE 8 I.1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified MOTION: Council Member Bookey MOVED to pay the bills and Council Member Swarner SECONDED the motion and requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no objections. SO ORDERED, I-2, Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500 MOTION: Council Member Bookey MOVED to approve the purchase orders exceeding $2,500 and Council Member Swarner SECONDED the motion and requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Porter questioned the purchase order for survey work and City Manager Snow 1 explained they had received a letter of interest from Aspirations, Inc. to purchase � property from the city for a site on which they want to build a residential treatment center. Because a down payment was received the code requires a survey be completed. Swarner questioned the purchase order to Wade's Plumbing and Public Works Manager La Shot explained three proposals were sought of which one company was p Y too busy and the other's proposal was much higher than the one for which the purchase order was prepared. VOTE: There were There were no objections. SO ORDERED, I-3. Approval -- I-3a. Airport Taxiway Improvements/Access to Lots 6 & 7, Bloch 5, General Aviation Apron (Ron's Rent -It Service) City Manager Snow explained a request to sublease Lots 6 and 7, Block 5, General Aviation Apron to Federal Express Corporation had been received and referred to a memorandum included in the packet from Airport Manager Cronkhite. The memo indicated the success of the sublease was dependent on aircraft access to the subject lots and when Taxiway H was constructed, the lots facing Willow Street, with the exception of Kenai Aviation, did not have an aviation use and the taxiway was constructed with a ditch separating it and the lots facing Willow Street. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2003 PAGE 9 It was also noted, Federal Express was requiring paving access from the taxiway to the building in order for them to sublease the property and an appropriation will be needed from the Airport Fund to do the paving in Spring, 2004. Moore reported the Airport Commission discussed the issue and recommended the matter be brought forward to council for consideration and approval. MOTION: Council Member Moore MOVED to make the improvements as proposed in the information included in the packet marked I-3a and Council Member Swarner SECONDED the motion. Williams noted there are non -aviation oriented business leases for properties adjacent to the runway and asked if this will be able to continue when lease terms come up for renewal. Airport Manager Cronkhite reported administration has discussed the matter with FAA and when the leases come up for renewal they will be reviewing them. Additionally, administration has discussed the matter with the lessees and indicated FAA is reviewing the issue closely. She also noted other properties b this property p p Y p p Y are being considered for lease by two groups. Cronkhite added, Wince-Corthell- Bryson was previously approved by council and the FAA to do the design, consultation, and prepare bid documents for airport projects. Exploration of whether grant funds are available for the paving will take place. VOTE: Council Member Moore requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no objections. SO ORDERED, I-3b. Consent to Sublease/From Ron Swanson to Federal Express Corporation/Lots 6 & 7, Block 5, General Aviation Apron MOTION: Council Member Ross MOVED for approval of the Consent to Sublease/From Ron Swanson to Federal Express Corporation/Lots 6 &, 7, Block 5, General Aviation Apron. Council Member Porter SECONDED the motion and requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. I-4, Discussion -- Potential Conceptual Drawings for Improvements to the Multipurpose Facility for the Arctic Winter Games. Moore reported a discussion took place at the last council meeting g relatin to plans for the multipurpose facility for adding dressing rooms, showers, etc. for the 2006 Arctic KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING J DECEMBER 17, 2003 PAGE 10 Winter Games (AWG). He added, he spoke with Mayor Bagley and he told him the AWG had no plans to do anything to the rink the city doesn't want. Gilman stated he had discussed the matter with Bagley as well and learned the architect was not requested to do any design work and that he volunteered to do it on his own time and the committee was not trying to interfere with the city's plans. A discussion followed in which the following comments/ suggestions were made: • Council/administration will need to endeavor to acquire federal funds for adding amenities to the facility. • Because there are constituents in the community who oppose the idea of closing in the facility and it not being available for public use, there is a need to meet with those constituents and discuss the issue (members of the LLC, the hockey association, and other interested parties) . • It is not known whether the proposed bleacher area would be heated. • Because March, 2006 is not far off, it is important for council to decide what changes, if any, they want to make to the facility. • Any discussions should stress fiscal consideration and the need to acquire grants or federal funds. • Prioritize the desires/plans for the rink; request the Parks 8v Recreation Commission to discuss the issue and make recommendations of prioritizations. • Discuss plans for use of the rink with the Games committee and their new executive director, as well as the architect. ITEM J: REPORT OF THE MAYOR -- Mayor Williams reported the following: • A presentation was made at the Chamber luncheon by Mat -Su Manager John Duffy relating to the proposed high-speed ferry system. During the presentation, it was noted the ferry could be ready within 18 months and the ferry will be built in Ketchikan. Williams noted he discussed the ferry system with Mayor Bagley and he agreed to expand the environmental impact statement to Pt. Possession. Williams requested council's approval to draft a resolution for the January 7 meeting relating to the ferry system to support the concept of the Tri-Borough Transportation Authority (Mat -Su, Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula Borough); support the concept of the ferry transportation system to be used on the Cook Inlet; and, support of constructing a road from Captain Cook to Point Possession. The resolution would then be forwarded to John Duffy, the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Senators Stevens and a meeting set up with Senator Stevens and Representative Young to discuss the issue further. Council consensus was for the resolution to be written and submitted for l consideration at the January 7 council meeting. • Reported on the progress of the Omnibus bill through Congress. ' KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2003 PAGE 11 ITEM K: ADMINISTR.ATION REPORTS K-1. City Manager -- City Manager Snow reported the following: • The reports of department heads were included in the packet. • Recently council approved a ten-year lease with the Division of Forestry. Since then Forestry had received an engineer's estimate for the costs and engineering for the improvements they plan to make to the property and found them to be higher than initially expected. Because of the higher costs, it would change the proposed term of the lease from ten years to 18 years. • The City has been awaiting a letter from the FAA saying no further environmental remediation on the former FAA antenna farm will be needed and noting Public Works Manager La Shot's report, letters have been released and will be included in the final environmental audit for the property. The next step will be a land transfer and that is expected in February. Porter referred to Frates' report and his contacts with the Kenaitze Indian Tribe relating to Municipal Park. Frates stated he wanted to find out the Tribe's willingness, due to the history of the park property, to be involved in the upgrade of the park. He reported the Tribe was receptive but have made no commitments. Snow added, the Tribe had previously indicated there are grants available to them that could be used for the upgrade of the park. Frates also reported on the progress of developing a partnership with the Borough to enhance the current trails in the city and/or add to those trails for use by the schools for track competitions, etc. He noted he had discussed the issue with a Borough representative who stated it is relatively easy to get a trail easement which could link up with the East End trails. Work is continuing on the issue. Bookey referred to Finance Director Semmens' report relating to his discussions with Alaska Communication Systems (ACS). Bookey stated administration should remember ACS is the city's highest property taxpayer and is a corporate sponsor of many activities. Swarner stated she would like administration to contact the vendors and request price information for three -five years for budget discussions. She also noted a "To Do List" had been provided in the packets at one time and stated she would like to have that information included again as a reminder for council and administration. MOTION: Council Member Swarner MOVED to direct Administration to do the list and Council Member Moore SECONDED the motion. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2003 PAGE 12 City Clerk Freas reported the list was something she used to include in the packet because it was done prior to her appointment. However, she had discontinued providing the list several years prior because all the departments are represented at council meetings, as well as the meetings being attended by the city manager. Ross stated he felt the instruction to department heads should come from the city manager through consensus of council relating to directives. Snow noted, that many times council makes comments at the end of the meeting, and often times requests require a lot of further investigation, etc. She added, she has no objection in following through with issues when council gives actual direction through motions or noted consensus. It was decided the issue could be discussed further at the council/staff meeting scheduled for January 21, 2004. ACTION: Council Member Swarner with the approval of Council Member Moore, removed her motion from the floor. } K-2. Attorney -- Attorney Graves reported there had been some problems with the website in which the software cannot update the information. It has been acknowledged by Alaska Communication System that it is their problem and they are working on finding a solution to the problem. K-3. City Clerk -- No report ITEM L: DISCUSSION L-1. Citizens -- None. L-2. Council Bookey -- Noted the city crews were plowing the Spur Highway sidewalks and asked if the city and state had come to some agreement with the issue. Public Works Manager Kornelis stated the city had done the work on its own. Swarner -- Noted the Foraker Group was offering a grant workshop in January in Kenai; asked council to consider development of a policy relating to naming parks or facilities in remembrance of people; and invited those attending to a holiday open house at her home. Snow reminded council they had already requested administration to develop a policy for naming parks, etc. and reported a policy had been drafted and would come before council in the near future. � KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2003 PAGE 13 Moore -- • Thanked administration for having the Inlet Woods street lights repaired. • Noted he was aware there will be a meeting between HEA and administration and requested a report back to council. • Noted he was aware of several property owners on Redoubt and Forest Drive who had built fences to block snow machines from traveling in their area and Kornelis reported he had written letters to the property owners to this regard. Police Chief Kopp also reported the department was pursuing those snow machine drivers who were riding in illegal areas. • Noted a letter to the editor regarding snow removal from sidewalks and asked if administration calls the citizens who comment in this way to explain reasons for the city's actions, etc. Kornelis reported calls are returned if a person calls the city and asks for explanations, etc. Gilman -- Noted the following: • He attended the Borough Assembly meeting and was very disappointed the resolution encouraging the buy-back of gas leases in Homer was passed. He added, he felt the Assembly's action sends a mixed message to industry and felt the city should take a stand on the issue. He suggested council, through the mayor, write a letter to the Assembly stating the City of Kenai does not favor the buy-back of the leases. • Suggested the council be cognizant of the borough ordinance to hold a special election relating to co -curricular activity funding for Peninsula schools. Council briefly discussed the buy-back issue and the consensus was to hold off on any comments until more information was received. Ross -- Stated he would not be attending the January 21, 2003 council meeting. Williams -- • Noted a public notice he received for the "Happy Valley Extension to the Kenai Kachemak Pipeline Right-of-way Lease" and asked if council wanted him to write a letter of support. Council requested a letter of support be written. • Reported he had been informed the KCHS graduation is planned to be held at the Soldotna Sports Arena. • Asked council and administration to estimate the cost to complete Swires Road to Lawton Drive, including paving, and added, the road would be an alternate route to the city if an accident blocked the Spur Highway, would be an alternate route to the golf course, and would give access to developing subdivisions. He asked for the estimate to be available for budget discussions. Ross noted, he spoke with the Borough when the well was being dug in that area. Because the road would greatly improve and enhance the properties there, he suggested administration discuss the issue with the Borough prior to budget work g p g sessions. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2003 PAGE 14 Noted the amount of new hotels being built in Anchorage and stated he believed the intention is to turn Anchorage into a convention city. He added, those attending conventions will want to visit other areas of the state as well. EXECUTIVE S.ES�SION -- None Scheduled ITEM M: ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:04 p.m. Minutes transcribed and prepared by: Carol L. Freas, City Clerk APPROVED BY C0� I CK /� 1E LERK