HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-02-20 Council MinutesAGENDA
KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 20, 2002
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
http: Z Z www. ci. kenai. ak. u s
76-:00 P.M. WORK SESSION: PROPOSED LIBRARY EXPANSION
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: PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Ordinance No. 1947-2002 -- Amending KMC 23.55.050 to Make Part -
Time Employees Eligible for Salary Step Increases Based on Longevity
and Satisfactory Performance and Amending the Salary Structure Table
to Delete a Separate Part -Time Hourly Schedule and Incorporate It Into
the Regular Salary Structure Table.
2. Ordinance No. 1948-2002 -- Amending KMC 1.90.030, Changing the
Qualifications for the Beautification Committee, Harbor, Parks and
Recreation, and Library Commissions to Allow Up to Two Members Each
to be Non -Residents of the City of Kenai.
3. Ordinance No. 1949-2002 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $7,500 in the Airport Terminal Enterprise Fund for the
Purchase of a Range for the Airport Terminal Restaurant.
4. Ordinance No. 1950-2002 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $1,290 -in the General Fund Library Department for a
State Grant.
5. Resolution No. 2002-10 -- Supporting the Creation of the Challenger
Learning Center of Alaska Foundation.
ITEM D:
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS
1.
Council on Aging
2.
Airport Commission
3.
Harbor Commission
4.
Library Commission
5.
Parks & Recreation Commission
6.
Planning & Zoning Commission
7.
Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
a. Beautification Committee
b. Kenai Convention 8s Visitors Bureau Board
C. Alaska Municipal League Report
ITEM E:
MINUTES
1.
*Regular Meeting of February 6, 2002.
ITEM F:
CORRESPONDENCE
ITEM G:
OLD BUSINESS
ITEM H:
NEW BUSINESS
1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified
2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500
3. Approval -- Termination of Special Use Permit/ Portion of Tract A,
General Aviation Apron #2 -- Kenai Air Alaska.
4. Approval -- Assignment of Real Estate Lease and Agreement/Tract B,
Kenai Tidelands Survey No. 2 -- Snug Harbor Seafoods, Inc. to U.S.
Small Business Administration.
5. Discussion -- New Well House No. 4/ Site Location
ITEM I: REPORT OF THE MAYOR
ITEM J: ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1.
City Manager
2.
Attorney
3.
City Clerk
ITEM K:
DISCUSSION
1.
Citizens (live minutes)
2.
Council
EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled
ITEM L: ADJOURNMENT
KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 20, 2002
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
http: / /www.ci.kena.i.ak.us
MAYOR JOHN J. WILLIAMS, PRESIDING
ITEM A: CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at approximately 7:24 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 and Williams.
Absent was: Bookey
A- 3 . AGENDA APPROVAL
Mayor Williams requested the following changes to the agenda:
REMOVE: Ordinance No. 1949-2002 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $7,500 in the Airport Terminal Enterprise Fund for the
Purchase of a Range for the Airport Terminal Restaurant.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of the agenda as presented with the
removal of Ordinance No. 1949-2002 and Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion.
There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
A-4. CONSENT AGENDA
Councilwoman Porter requested Item E-1, Minutes of the February 6, 2002 Council
Meeting be removed from the consent agenda for a possible correction.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of the consent agenda as amended and
Councilwoman Porter SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED,
ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS -- None.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2002
PAGE 2
ITEM C: PUBLIC HEARINGS
C-1. Ordinance No. 1947-2002 -- Amending KMC 23.55.050 to Make Part -
Time Employees Eligible for Salary Step Increases Based on Longevity
and Satisfactory Performance and Amending the Salary Structure Table
to Delete a Separate Part -Time Hourly Schedule and Incorporate It Into
the Regular Salary Structure Table.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Porter MOVED for approval of Ordinance No. 1947-2002 and
Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Councilwoman Porter stated her support of the
ordinance because currently, an employee working less than 40 hours a week only
receives a wage increase through increases in cost of living allowances. Councilman
Bannock also stated his support of the ordinance.
It was noted, there were currently eleven city employees who would be affected by the
change and the increase to next year's budget will be approximately $4,000 and
because this rate increase would only be made every two years, the 2003-2004 budget
would not be increased for this item. It was also noted, the wage increase would not
change these employees' eligibility for benefits.
VOTE:
Bookey
Absent
Swarner
Yes
Moore
Yes
Porter
Yes
Bannock
Yes
Jackman
Yes
Williams
Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
C-2. Ordinance No. 1948-2002 -- Amending KMC 1.90.030, Changing the
Qualifications for the Beautification Committee, Harbor, Parks and
Recreation, and Library Commissions to Allow Up to Two Members Each
to be Non -Residents of the City of Kenai.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of Ordinance No. 1948-02 and
Councilwoman Jackman SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Jackman stated her support of the ordinance
because it would open opportunities for others to serve the city.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2002
PAGE 3
VOTE:
Bookey
Absent
Swarner
Yes
Moore
Yes
Porter
Yes
Bannock
Yes
Jackman
Yes
Williams
Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
C-3. Ordinance No. 1949-2002 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $7,500 in the Airport Terminal Enterprise Fund for the
Purchase of a Range for the Airport Terminal Restaurant.
Removed at agenda approval.
C-4. Ordinance No. 1950-2002 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $1,290 in the General Fund Library Department for a
State Grant.
MOTION:
Councilman Moore MOVED for the approval of Ordinance No. 1950-2002 and
Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion.
There were no public or council comments.
VOTE:
Bookey
Absent
Swarner
Yes
Moore
Yes
Porter
Yes
Bannock
Yes
Jackman
Yes
Williams
Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
C-5. Resolution No. 2002-10 -- Supporting the Creation of the Challenger
Learning Center of Alaska Foundation.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2002-10 and requested
UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Councilwoman Porter SECONDED the motion.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2002
PAGE 4
There were no public comments. Williams explained the resolution supported the
creation of the foundation which HB488 would assist in setting up. He noted, the bill
was now going through committee review.
VOTE:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED,
ITEM D: COMMISSION/ COMMITTEE REPORTS
D-1. Council on Aging -- Swarner reported a meeting was held on February 7
at which time the membership unanimously passed a motion requesting the city
council to support the development of an assisted living facility in Kenai. She noted,
the membership would be attending a future council meeting to solicit support from
the council.
D-2. Airport Commission -- Jackman reported the regular meeting was
scheduled for February 14, however due to a lack of quorum, the meeting was
cancelled.
D-3. Harbor Commission -- Public Works Manager Kornelis reported the
Commission's February meeting had been cancelled by council.
D-4. Library Commission -- Moore reported the next meeting would be held
on March 5.
D-5. Parks & Recreation Commission -- Porter reported a meeting was held
on February 7 at which time the Commission discussed at length the possible
development of Section 36 into a BMX, Soccer, softball, etc. complex. She added, the
Commission is in support of this development and the matter would be brought to
council for consideration in the future.
Porter also reported the Commission also discussed street banners and the
preliminary plans to place a bridge at .the end of East End Trail. She added, the
supplies for the bridge would be purchased by the city and the bridge constructed by
volunteers. She noted, the project was in a preliminary stage.
City Manager Snow referred to letters included in the packet from the Skyview High
School and Kenai Central High School requesting the use of the Recreation Center for
after -graduation parties and to waive the user fee. Snow also noted another request
had been received from the KCHS prom committee requesting use of the facilities for
an after -prom party as well. As done in the past, Snow requested council's approval of
the fee waiver. Council had no objections.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2002
PAGE 5
Porter suggested that unless it is a new group or a specific concern to approve the fee
waiver, administration allow the fee waiver. It was also suggested that if there's a date
conflict, city facilities have first priority. There were no objections from council.
In regard to the development of Section 36, Williams asked if Mr. Petroze had
contacted him in regard to use of other properties in the area for a BMX/motocross
development. Frates noted he had requested Petroze to discuss the matter with the
Commission. He added, properties Petroze stated interest in are by the circle track
and those properties are either State or borough properties. Frates also noted, placing
a motocross in the Section 36 area could be a noise problem with the residents in that
area.
Referring to the minutes, questions arose regarding the discussion about the Boys &
Girls Club sharing programs with the Recreation Center. Frates explained, the Boys 8v
Girls Club cancelled their summer program last year because of the duplication of
programs and because the city had staff to handle the program. He added, he heard
the Club is interested in combining the two teen programs so not to duplicate services,
but he had not yet been contacted directly by the Club to discuss the matter further.
Williams asked, if they have the staff to handle the programs, could the city partner
with the Club in order to save city funds. Porter suggested a joint work session with
council, the Commission, and Boys 8v Girls Club representatives to discuss the matter
further. Williams suggested the Commission and Club discuss the matter first and
then, if needed, meet with council.
Swarner noted, a program for collaborators was being developed in regard to the
"Caring for the Kenai" competition and suggested the city offer a prize of a $50
Recreation Department certificate (to be used however the winner wants to use it) for
the winning entry on Riverbank Erosion with a focus on the mouth of the Kenai River.
Due to the lateness of developing this topic, there may not be any entries on this topic
this year, but may be for next year. Council had no obj ections.
D-6. Planning & Zoning Commission -- Bannock reported the unapproved
minutes of the February 13 meeting were included in the packet. He noted, two home
occupation permits and a conditional use permit were approved. After the meeting,
the Commission met in a work session to continue their work with the updating of the
Comprehensive Plan. Bannock noted, they were progressing and should have another
work session in approximately three weeks. There was a lot of discussion regarding
the potential zoning and impacts along the Spur Highway. Bannock also reported
another all -day session with the consultant was being planned for March 23 and
would be held at the Kenai Senior Center.
It was noted, Dustin Aaronson's resignation from the Commission was included in the
packet along with other applications on file. Williams offered Larry Tunseth for
appointment to the Commission. There were no objections from council.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2002
PAGE 6
D-7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
D-7a. Beautification Committee -- Swarner reported the unapproved minutes
of the February 12 Committee meeting were included in the packet. She noted,
lengthy discussion was held regarding street banners and summer plantings for the
circle planters. Swarner added, several banner designs were chosen and council
would receive more information during the budget discussions.
Porter asked if there was an opening on the Committee and Swarner explained Judy
Buffington had verbally resigned. She added, she would like to wait on appointing a
replacement until an application is received from a person who has been very active
with the Committee and the beautification program as a member of the public, but
lives outside the city limits.
Williams noted the Harbor Commission was a member short as well and noted several
applications had been received for that position, including one from Jay Barrett.
Swarner requested an appointment be held until the March 6 council meeting when
Councilman Bookey would be in attendance.
D-7b. Kenai Convention & Visitors Bureau Board -- Swarner reported the
following items:
• The Center was planning for their tenth anniversary celebration which
would take place this year.
• Two of the major sponsors for the summer art show at the Center are
Phillips Petroleum and ERA Aviation.
• Currently there is a quilt show at the Center.
• A photography show will be held from March 13 through April 4.
• The Center is participating in the "First Thursday" program and short
films about Alaska will be shown March 5-7.
D-7c. Alaska Municipal League Report -- Williams referred to a copy of HB20
regarding the establishment of a "municipal dividend fund" which was distributed to
council prior to the meeting. He noted he had discussed the bill with the director of
AML and suggested a resolution of support be included in the next council meeting
packet. Council had no objections.
Williams also reported he would travel to Juneau from March 18-21 to discuss HB20
as well as other issues with legislators.
ITEM E: MINUTES
E-1. Regular Meeting of February 6, 2002.
Councilwoman Porter requested the minutes be removed from the consent agenda and
explained she questioned a statement in them at pages 14 and 15 in regard to Fire
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2002
PAGE 7
Department employees becoming instructors at the fire training facility. Clerk Freas
suggested a verbatim be prepared in order to insure the minutes were correct.
Council had no objection.
ITEM F: CORRESPONDENCE -- None.
ITEM G: OLD BUSINESS -- None.
ITEM H: NEW BUSINESS
H-1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to pay the bills and Councilman Moore SECONDED
the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
H-2, Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of the purchase orders exceeding $2,500
and requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Councilwoman Porter SECONDED the
motion.
Williams questioned the purchase of icing fluid and Airport Manager Cronkhite
explained it is sprayed on the sand used on the airport runways and taxiways,
providing better traction.
Williams questioned the cost for the new hot water heater at the Senior Center and
Public Works Manager La Shot explained, the item was 20 years old and needed
replacing and the other quote received was higher.
VOTE:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED,
H-3. Approval -- Termination of Special Use Permit/ Portion of Tract A,
General Aviation Apron #2 -- Kenai Air Alaska.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to approve the termination of the Special Use Permit
with Kenai Air Alaska and Craig Loftstedt, effective February 12, 2002 and
Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2002
PAGE 8
Airport Manager Cronkhite explained the company had gone out of business several
months prior and due to an oversight, the permit had not been terminated.
VOTE:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED,
H-4. Approval -- Assignment of Real Estate Lease and Agreement/Tract B,
Kenai Tidelands Survey No. 2 -- Snug Harbor Seafoods, Inc. to U.S.
Small Business Administration.
City Attorney Graves explained he had been working with Snug Harbor Seafoods and
the Borough. He reported Snug Harbor had overdue property taxes of approximately
$27,000, however that amount included properties outside the city and no breakdown
of what was the actual property taxes for city properties was available.
Graves continued, because it has been a long-standing policy of the city that tax
payments must be current prior to any approvals on assignments, leases, etc., it was
administration's suggestion the approval of the assignment be approved contingent
upon payment of the tax obligations for the properties located inside the city which
would be consistent with council's policy. Graves indicated he spoke with Paul Dale
(President, Snug Harbor Seafoods) and learned Dale wanted council to consider
changing the policy and Graves explained that was Dale's right to request the policy
change and would be council's prerogative to change or not change the policy. Graves
added, Dale needed the assignment in order to get a loan from the Small Business
Administration (SBA) and needed the loan to pay the taxes.
Paul Dale -- Dale explained their season begins March 15 and they had been working
on securing the SBA loan for over a year. He referred to a letter he submitted with his
request (council had no copy) that explained the loan would allow them to pay the
taxes as soon as the loan would close, which he estimated would be two to three
weeks from approval by council. He added, the Borough was not as concerned about
getting paid from the proceeds of the loan without a formal agreement, i.e. Confession
of Judgment. Dale noted, he believed the cost to the city was roughly $5,000 to
$10,000. Williams stated he had been working with Dale to get the loan and stated
the loan would be substantially more than what would be needed to cover the
outstanding debts, including the taxes. Williams suggested, because of the
circumstances, he requested council to waive the former policy, for this case, and
expedite the approval of the assignment as quickly as possible in order to allow Dale to
receive the maximum benefits of the loan. He added, each day the debts are not paid,
penalties and interest are added.
Porter clarified, this was an unwritten policy and council could make determinations
on a case -by -case basis. Dale requested council consider his request as an exception
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2002
PAGE 9
to the policy. He added, he would pay the taxes as soon as they are funded and if they
had to do something in addition, they would.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Porter MOVED to approve the assignment of the real estate lease and
agreement for the property in question for Snug Harbor Seafoods. Councilman
Bannock SECONDED the motion.
Swarner stated she saw this request as a one-time situation for her and hoped the
loan would be secured.
VOTE:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED,
H-5. Discussion -- New Well House No. 4/Site Location
Williams referred to information included in the packet and noted, because it was a
sensitive matter, he requested a motion to move to executive session.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for the council to go into executive session to discuss
financial matters and requested the City Attorney, City Attorney, Public Works
Manager and Finance Director to attend the session as well.
Bannock requested to hold the executive session after the completion of the reports on
the agenda. There were no obj ections from council.
VOTE:
Councilwoman Porter SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED.
Williams stated the executive session would be delayed until after Item K-2.
ITEM I: REPORT OF THE MAYOR -- Williams reported the following
items:
• He represented the city during President Bush's visit to Anchorage on
Saturday, February 16.
• He will be traveling to Juneau in March as reported earlier in the
meeting.
• Referring to information included in the packet, he noted a request from
the City of Seward for a resolution in support of their request for the State of Alaska to
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2002
PAGE 10
recognize and acquire the historic Jesse Lee Home in Seward. Williams added, if
council had no objection, a resolution of support would be prepared for the March 6
meeting. No objections were stated.
• Referred to the Peratrovich, Nottingham & Drage report of the agency
meeting regarding the coastal trail project and urged council to review it.
ITEM J: ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
J-11 City Manager -- City Manager Snow reported the following:
• Referred to Peratrovich, Nottingham 8, Drage (PND) letter regarding the
February 12 agency meeting. She noted highlights of the meeting were new drawings
prepared by PND with the updated design information (bringing the project closer to
the bluff) and that the approach presented to council by PND and at the agency
meeting, were agreed to by the agencies present. Snow added, PND would now
prepare written responses to the agencies and conduct a literature review to help
define the project area and the rest of the studies. Another meeting will be set in the
near future and council will be notified.
• Reminded council, administration was now reviewing budgets and
preparing it for council review and she welcomed comments from council.
• Reports from department heads were included in the packet.
Bannock thanked administration for the reports and stated they were what he had in
mind. He noted the snow removal discussion in Kornelis' report and requested
impacts to the city's budget if this type of program were adopted be prepared and
presented during budget discussions.
Swarner asked, for the $7,000 discussed in the report, how many miles of the Spur
Highway would be covered. Kornelis answered, it would include anywhere there are
businesses along the road, i.e. Frontage Road, Arby's, Katmai, etc. Swarner reported a
conversation she had with a Kenai Central High School student who has to walk along
the highway to get to the school. The student called the Department of Transportation
requesting an area be cleared along the highway for pedestrian use and was told she
should get a ride to the school. Swarner asked if the $7,000 discussed would include
clearing off to the Middle School from the downtown area. Kornelis answered no, the
clearing would only be in the downtown area where there are sidewalks, in front of
businesses and would probably end at McDonald's on one side and Pizza Hut on the
other. Swarner requested an estimate that would clear snow, on at least one side of
the highway, from the Middle School to the downtown area.
Swarner referred to the Airport Manager's Report regarding the visit to Kenai from the
Marketing Manager of Frontier Flying Service with whom she also met. She explained,
Frontier had applied for a loan that would allow them to purchase an airplane which
could allow them to expand service to Kenai.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2002
PAGE 11
J-2. Attorney -- Attorney Graves reported a resolution would be included in
the next council meeting packet to transfer $3,500 in his department to cover salary
for a temporary code enforcement officer up to the next budget year as a part of a pilot
program.
J-3. City Clerk -- City Clerk Freas referred to letters included in the packet
from the Kenai Alternative High School requesting a donation toward their graduation
celebration and the Kenai River Festival requesting a donation toward their 2002
event. She noted $300 had been included in the Legislative budget for both events
and if there were no objections, she would request the funds be forwarded. There were
no objections.
ITEM K: DISCUSSION
K-1. Citizens -- No comments.
K-2. Council --
Bookey -- Absent
Swarner -- No comments.
Moore -- No comments.
Porter -- Asked Kornelis if the Borough would be continuing their summer junk
vehicle, etc. program. Kornelis explained he did discuss the matter and found they
were not interested in continuing the program as it was very costly and problems with
vandalism. However, they did offer to waive the disposal fees for the city if the vehicles
are taken to the landfill and not require the fluids be emptied from vehicles the city
might deposit at the landfill. He added, the city would have to hold the vehicles and
make the deposit at one time.
EXECUTIVE SESSION --
At approximately 8:45 p.m. the Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Finance
Director, and Public Works Director convened into executive session.
BACK TO ORDER: 9 :3 7 Pome
Councilwoman Swarner reported that during the executive session council gave
direction to administration to negotiate a purchase option agreement for Wellhouse
No. 4.
Williams asked for further comments of council. Porter requested additional snow
removal at street corners in neighborhoods to allow better visibility.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2002
PAGE 12
ITEM L: ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:49 p.m.
Minutes transcribed and prepared by:
—.1-e Z�;yo- --�
Carol L. Freas, City Clerk
By C. mmor-24
Council Meeting of February 6, 2002
Verbatim of Item K-2, Council Comments, beginning with Councilwoman
Swarner (verbatim requested at February 20, 2002 council meeting).
Williams: Councilwoman Swarner.
Swarner: A couple things, I guess. First of all, your comment regarding the
employees of the Fire Department serving as instructors and it's a good way to learn
more as instructors -- I partially agree and I don't, you know, I think that you're one of
the finest examples, but I had an instructor last semester that I think was an
instructor because he couldn't make it in the private world as a marketer. So, I guess
I don't completely go along with that philosophy. But, I would like to see that brought
back as a budgetary item because, maybe I misunderstood you, if you're doing it...if
they're being used as instructors on their, on the time that they normally would be
working for us ... oh, you would be doing it on their off -time? Okay, well I guess...
Williams: If a fireman can work as a bartender in his off -time or if a fireman can work
as a Amway salesman on his off -time, or if a fireman can work as a computer chip
designer on his off -time, why shouldn't a fireman, if, you know...
Swarner: Do we have restrictions right now that I'm not aware of on what they can
do?
Williams: ....capable of ah, working as a certified instructor if he's certified. My point
is that I think it would be fantastic if every one of our firemen, who wanted to, who
wished to, would be able, or could be able and are allowed the opportunity to become
a certified instructor, capable of utilizing their talents as they saw fit, when they saw
fit, when not on duty as a member of the Kenai Fire Department.
Swarner: Okay, so, okay, then I misunderstood you.
Walden: That is the situation now...
Williams: I don't plan on paying them for it, so, yeah.
Walden: The situation, the situation exists that way now. It is elective for them, I
don't force them to become instructors, but they also have to decide to on their own
and...
Williams: I think we ought to encourage them, you know.
Walden: I, I agree and when they become instructors though, understand it would be
at city expense and it would still be an elective on the employee's part on whether or
not they want to spend their day off over at the training center ...inaudible due to
overlaying of voices...
Williams: Absolutely, absolutely.
Jackman: Right, but would that not have been for the city, if they chose to further
their education.
Walden: If they chose to, but that, that option is available to them now. It's
not...inaudible due to overlaying of voices...
Williams: Am I, am I correct, and I don't want to open any old wounds, but am I not
correct in the fact that on occasion, there have been those who have been asked to not
involve themselves in the fire, in the training center, maybe as ex -employees, not as
employees, but as ex -employees, and I'm, you know, I'm even wondering if that's even
legal. And, are there, are there any firemen that we have now, who have been refused
the opportunity to become instructors?
Walden: No, there have been personnel issues which have resulted in the person
electing not to be asked to go back to work in a certain place.
Williams: Is that one of those kinds of situations that would have required a walled -in
cubical here to discuss?
Walden: No. It was a personnel issue that was dealt with many, many, many months
ago and I can truly tell you that, that person's performance has drastically improved
and they have found other things to do on their days off that they have elected not to
go back to PRISM at this time and do other jobs like that.
Williams: Okay.
END OF DISCUSSION. HOWEVER, DISCUSSION CONTINUED WITH JACKMAN AND
PORTER A FEW MINUTES LATER IN THE MEETING.
Jackman: I have just two comments or questions.
Williams: Any sub -comments to each of the....
Jackman: There are, there are (laughter) ...One is to our Fire Chief and that would be,
is there anyway that maybe, do your employees work on merit, on a merit system or
anything? I'm just trying to think of ways that maybe we can encourage them to
participate more with the PRISM training system, that, I mean, just a friendly way, or
if we can reward them in some way. Maybe something that you already have in place,
but...
Walden:. We do have employees, in fact one of them you just questioned me about,
that do contract work for other companies out of PRISM, but don't work for PRISM.
So they, there are guys over there performing training, but they're contracted to a
company that's not related to PRISM to do the training and they're accomplishing the
same thing.
Jackman: They're subcontracting to...
Walden: ...to a major industry, but that's not related specifically to PRISM, but they
operate out of PRISM. So, I, I guess I was kind of taken aback tonight about some of
this stuff. We do encourage our people to take an active role in that training facility,
whether it's, we demonstrate equipment for the, for classes that come through there.
You know, a lot of departments will never have a ladder truck. We do, so we'll go over
and demonstrate how that's used because that's one of the standards they have to
understand. We have special equipment for the airport, piercing nozzles and such,
that we get to demonstrate that normally wouldn't be available. So, we participate a
lot that way.
Jackman: Okay.
Williams: Councilwoman Porter.
Porter: ...for clarification then, it's, it's your opinion that any firefighter whose
trained to teach, can go to PRISM and teach.
Walden: Yeah, that's the way it has `been since day one.
Porter: Thank you.
END OF DISCUSSION OF TOPIC.
Verbatim transcribed and prepared by:
Carol L. Freas, City Clerk
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