HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-01-03 Council Minutes - Work SessionKENAI CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
JANUARY 3, 2001
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
6:00 P.M.
MAYOR JOHN J. WILLIAMS, PRESIDING
Council Present: Bookey, Frazer, Moore, Bannock, Porter, Williams
Council Absent: Swarner
Staff Present: Freas, Frates, La Shot, Kornelis, Graves and Ross
Others Present: Betsy Arbelovsky, Economic Development District, Kathy Tarr,
KCVB
A draft agenda, prepared by Betsy Arbelovsky of the Economic Development District
was distributed for council review. Discussion followed wherein disappointment was
offered that the agenda did not include many of the items council had requested:
• comments from a banker
• comments from a builder (why do they choose building outside the city,
what would encourage them to build in the city, is there a lack of affordable property
available, etc.)
• comments from more than real estate person (what they see as
encouragement/discouragement for location of businesses, should conservation -zoned
city property be opened for development, etc.)
• comments from small business representatives who moved their
business out of the city (why, what would have encouraged them to stay in the city,
etc.)
Other comments included:
• go forward with hearing from Native association representatives in regard
to projects they may be planning to develop, etc.
• a desire to lengthen time allotment to speak to land use in order to allow
for the banker, real estate personnel, builder, etc. to offer comments;
• hear an overview from the airport manager, but also hear comments from
airport businesses as to what would enhance the airport to bring more businesses to
the airport which would increase the city's revenue, i.e. build a hangar, etc.
Williams requested additions be made to Finance Director Semmens' December 8
presentation showing sales tax and growth in the area as he believed there would be a
number of the public attending and the information would give them background to
indicate why council had their concerns and why they were investigating possibilities.
Williams also requested three color maps be prepared and displayed indicating all the
vacant properties other than residential in the city; all private -sector available lands
other than residential; and all residential lands owned by the city.
Caution was suggested in opening discussion on zoning changes as the
Comprehensive Plan update work would begin at which time there would be time
available for public comments and discussion in regard to rezoning. Comments to
KENAI COUNCIL WORK SESSION
JANUARY 3, 2001
PAGE 2
that regard were that some general ideas as to whether Spur Highway properties
should be opened for development should be briefly discussed with realtors and then
it could be discussed further during the Comprehensive Plan update process.
Suggested changes to the agenda were:
9:00 a.m. Welcoming comments (Williams)
9:30-9:50 Kenai Natives Association and Salamatof Native Association
representatives' comments.
9-:50 Break
10:00-12:00 p.m. Discuss land use with comments from Fred Braun, Dave Feeken,
Clint Hall, local bank manager, Dan Green, Bob Martin (Carr-
Gottstein Properties suggested) . Comments from someone in the
retail industry (Doug Jung suggested).
Noon - 1:00 p.m. Dennis Brandon (GIRT) -- discuss what CIRI looks for in a
community when building a hotel.
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Discuss transportation.
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Discuss medical services.
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Kathy Tarr -- discuss finding and developing Kenai's niche in
regard to tourism, arts, etc.
Wrap-up comments.
"Taste of Kenai" (proposed -- Arbelovsky will develop with local
restaurant owners who would provide some of their specialty foods
and sell coupons for dinners, etc.
Williams commented he would like a sales brochure developed on the FAA properties
to distribute to developers, etc. (prior to the Comprehensive Plan update) for when the
property is transferred to the city. Discussion followed regarding the need for the
property to be replatted and it was suggested it be replatted as one large piece of
property and then replatted to suit developers. Also, a development plan be required
before selling the property and when a legitimate development plan is offered, a lease
option be given until after the property is developed to insure it will be developed in a
specified amount of time and then sell the property.
KENAI COUNCIL WORK SESSION
JANUARY 3, 2001
PAGE 3
Arbelovsky also stated the lunch will be arranged with a Kenai caterer. Arbelovsky
noted she was attempting to find sponsors to cover the cost of the lunch and if not
enough funds were received, the attendees may need to pay a small amount for the
lunch. Council agreed that if a portion of the lunch cost is covered by a sponsor, the
city would pay for any remaining costs. If no sponsor is found, the city will pay for the
whole cost of the lunch. Arbelovsky also indicated someone local would open the
forum with the National Anthem.
Council decided to hold another work session at 6:00 p.m., prior to the January 17
meeting to review the agenda and make other plans if necessary. Arbelovsky is to
forward the amended agenda to council prior to the work session.
Because the council's staff meeting was scheduled for January 17, it was rescheduled
for February 7 at 6:00 p.m.
The work session ended at 7:05 p.m.
Notes prepared by:
Carol L. Freas, City Clerk