HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-01-04 Council Minutes - Work SessionL
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
JANUARY 4, 2002
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
8:00 A.M.
Council Present: Williams, Bookey, Swarner, Porter and Jackman
Staff Present: Freas and Snow
Others Present: Senator Torgerson, Representatives Lancaster and Chenault
The purpose of the work session was to meet with area legislators to discuss the
upcoming legislative session. The Legislators were asked what matters they expected
would be discussed during the session. On the Senate side, they were:
• State shortfall
• Airport security, highways, Yukon Bridge on Dalton Highway
• Using GO bonds for a school package
• Reapportionment and the election in the mix will make more pressures
for legislators to make decisions.
• Federal projects for the Peninsula are down from two years ago. The
next big project will be the road reconstruction around Cooper Landing. Work is still
continuing on the Seward reconstruction and small secondary roads, i.e. North Road
expansion.
On the House side, they were:
• Homeland security
• State budget
• Fiscal plan, though it was thought not much action would take place due
to reapportionment and election. They will need to be careful not to blame everything
on9/11.
• Not much will happen in regard to the fiscal gap, but a lot of research
and study will take place. The key to success will be having triggers written into the
budget so that each year they move closer to resolving the problem.
City/Council concerns were discussed as follows:
• There's not anything overwhelming the city is promoting other than what
is included in AML's program.
• The city's request list was forwarded and bluff erosion and water well
issues are the first priority. It was noted the city was having some problems with the
permitting agencies. An intergovernmental agency meeting will be held to review each
concern individually. There is hope some of the concerns will be dismissed
summarily. However, it may come to a point when the Legislators will be called on for
support and to put pressure on the agencies.
• An assisted living facility in Kenai is very important to area seniors. It
was suggested contact be made with Alaska Finance Corporation, although they will
require a feasibility study and application. It was noted, the city needed to decide
their position in regard to responsibilities in constructing, administering, etc.
Partnering with private groups was suggested.
• Bluff erosion project
KENAI COUNCIL WORK SESSION
JANUARY 4, 2002
PAGE 2
• Southside of the river concerns.
• The Challenger Board has requested legislation to set up a foundation for
the center (Chenault to handle it on the House side and Torgerson on the Senate side)
• _ Gas line project -- keep watching (current definition will cut the Kenai
area out of it) .
The work session adjourned at approximately 9:15 a.m.
Minutes transcribed and prepared by:
Carol L. Freas, City Clerk