Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-05-16 Council MinutesAGENDA KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING MAY 16, 2001 7:00 P.M. KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS http: / /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) 1. Monica Heath and Mt. View Third Grade Class -- Presentation of Quilt ITEM C: . PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Ordinance No. 1908-2001 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by $302,000 for Wastewater Planning and Design Including Plant Expansion. 2. Ordinance No. 1909-2001 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by $50,000 in the Water and Sewer Fund and the Gill Street Crossing Capital Project Fund for a New Water Main. 3. Ordinance No. 1910-2001 -- Amending the Definition of Hotel and Adding Definitions for "Lodge" and "Guide Service" in the Kenai Zoning Code (14.20.320). 4. Ordinance No. 1911-2001 -- Amending the Land Use Table to Add "Lodge" and "Guide Service" to the Listed Uses. 5. Ordinance No. 1912-2001 -- Amending KMC 23.50.010 Employee Classifications to Include New Position Titles. 6. Resolution No. 2001-31 -- Awarding the Bid to Tri City's Construction, Inc. for Leif Hansen Memorial Park Sidewalks-2001 for the Total Amount of $14,040. -1- 7 . Resolution No. 2001-32 -- Awarding a Contract for Planning Services for the City of Kenai Comprehensive Plan to Kevin Waring Associates for the Total Not -To -Exceed Amount of $79,748. 8. Resolution No. 2001-33 -- Supporting the Efforts of the Alaska Pork Project, Inc. in Seeking and Acquiring Fund for the Development of a Business Plan. ITEM D: COMMISSION/ OMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Council on Aging 2. Airport Commission 3. Harbor Commission 4. Library Commission 5. Parks 8s Recreation Commission 6. Planning 8. Zoning Commission 7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees a. Beautification Committee b. Kenai Convention & Visitors Bureau Board C. Alaska Municipal League Report 1. *Regular Meeting of May 2, 2001. 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. *Ordinance No. 1913-2001 -- Adopting the Annual Budget for the Fiscal Year Commencing July 1, 2001 and Ending June 30, 2002. 4. Approval -- Special Use Permit/ Kenai Municipal Airport -- ATM Machine/Reean D. Pitts. ITEM I: ADMINISTRATION REPORTS 1. Mayor 2. City Manager 3. Attorney 4. City Clerk -2- 5. Finance Director 6. Public Works Managers 7. Airport Manager ITEM J: DISCUSSION 1. Citizens (live minutes) 2. Council EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled ITEM K: ADJOURNMENT -3- KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING MAY 169 2001 7:00 P.M. KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS http: / Z www.ci.kenai.ak.us MAYOR JOHN J. WILLIAMS, PRESIDING ITEM A: CALL TO ORDER Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at approximately 7:04 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: Moore, Porter, Bannock, Frazer, Williams, Bookey, and Swarner. A-3. AGENDA APPROVAL Mayor Williams requested the following changes to the agenda: ADD TO: ITEM C-8, Resolution No. 2001-33 (Supporting Pork Project, Inc.'s efforts to acquire funding for development of a business Plan) -- Letters of objection from Loni Eggertsen-Goff, Kenai Peninsula Borough Planner and Gerald R. Brookman. MOTION: Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to approve the agenda as amended and Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED, A-4. CONSENT AGENDA There were no changes to the consent agenda. MOTION: Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of the consent agenda as presented and Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS B-1. Monica Heath and Mt. View Third Grade Class -- Presentation of Quilt KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 16, 2001 PAGE 2 The group of students presented a community quilt to the council which was made by their third grade class. It was explained, after deciding to make a quilt, they brainstormed about what was important to their city when determining what they would include in it for squares. They each selected a topic of interest and then researched each topic using books, brochures, pamphlets and interviews. The each wrote a paragraph describing their quilt squares which was presented with the quilt. After acceptance of the quilt by the Mayor and Council, it was agreed the quilt be hung at the Kenai Municipal Airport for the community and many visitors to see. ITEM C: PUBLIC HEARINGS C-1. Ordinance No. 1908-2001 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by $302,000 for Wastewater Planning and Design Including Plant Expansion. MOTION: Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 1908-2001 and Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion. There were no public comments. Public Works Manager Kornelis explained the $302,000 represented funding received through a DEC grant and the city's match. Four proposals were received and the bid award would probably be before council at their June 20 meeting. Williams reported he recently had a discussion with Representative Chenault who stated work had already begun on next year's water/sewer project funding requests and suggested the city forward any requests and backup information as soon as possible. VOTE: Moore: Yes Porter: Yes Bannock: Yes Frazer: Yes Williams: Yes Booke Yes Swarner: Yes MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. C-2. Ordinance No. 1909-2001 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by $50,000 in the Water and Sewer Fund and the Gill Street Crossing Capital Project Fund for a New Water Main. MOTION: KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 161 2001 PAGE 3 Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 1909-2001 and Councilman Frazer SECONDED the motion. There were no public comments. Kornelis reported, since the State Department of Transportation (DOT) would be rebuilding the Kenai Spur Highway at Gill Street during the summer, he discussed the possibility of their contractor laying the city's new water main into Redoubt Terrace Subdivision at Gill Street at the city's cost. The DOT agreed to manage the project and is working out the details with the contractor. VOTE: Moore: Yes Porter: Yes Bannock: Yes Frazer: Yes Williams: Yes Booke Yes Swarner: Yes MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. C-3. Ordinance No. 1910-2001 -- Amending the Definition of Hotel and Adding Definitions for "Lodge" and "Guide Service" in the Kenai Zoning Code (14.20.320). MOTION: Councilman Bannock MOVED for adoption of Ordinance No. 1910-2001 and Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion. There were no public comments. Bannock explained the ordinance was driven from conversations and comments received during a recent Board of Adjustment hearing. VOTE: Moore: Yes Porter: Yes Bannock: Yes Frazer: Yes Williams: Yes Booke Yes Swarner: Yes ::::I MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. C-4. Ordinance No. 1911-2001 -- Amending the Land Use Table to Add "Lodge" and "Guide Service" to the Listed Uses. MOTION: Councilman Bannock MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 1911-2001 and Councilwoman j Porter SECONDED the motion. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 16, 2001 PAGE 4 There were no public comments. Bannock explained the ordinance would amend the Land Use Table reflecting the amendments made by Ordinance No. 1910-2001. VOTE: Moore: Yes Porter: Yes Bannock: Yes Frazer: Yes Williams: Yes Bookey: Yes Swarner: Yes MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. C-5. Ordinance No. 1912-2001 -- Amending KMC 23.50.010 Employee Classifications to Include New Position Titles. MOTION: Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to adopt Ordinance No. 1912-2001 and Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion. � There were no public or council comments. VOTE: Moore: Yes Porter: Yes Bannock: Yes Frazer: Yes Williams: Yes Bookey. Yes Swarner: Yes MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. C-6., Resolution No. 2001-31 -- Awarding the Bid to Tri City's Construction, Inc. for Leif Hansen Memorial Park Sidewalks-2001 for the Total Amount of $14,040. MOTION: Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2001-31 and Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion. There were no public or council comments. VOTE: There were no objections. SO ORDERED. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING 1 MAY 16, 2001 PAGE 5 C-7, Resolution No. 2001-32 -- Awarding a Contract for Planning Services for the City of Kenai Comprehensive Plan to Kevin Waring Associates for the Total Not -To -Exceed Amount of $79,748. MOTION: Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2001-32 and requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Councilwoman Porter SECONDED the motion. There were no public comments. Public Works Manager La Shot reported the proposal had been reviewed by a member of the Commission, Ms. Kebschull and himself. It was then reviewed and approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Because he had not been able to review the proposal prior to the meeting, and because the compilation of the Plan would be time-consuming and very important to the city, Williams requested the action be postponed until after the meeting break. This would allow him and any other council members to review the proposal. There were no objections to setting the action aside. C-8. Resolution No. 2001-33 -- Supporting the Efforts of the Alaska Pork Project, Inc. in Seeking and Acquiring Fund for the Development of a Business Plan. MOTION: Councilwoman Porter MOVED to approve Resolution No. 2001-33 and Councilman Frazer SECONDED the motion. Phil North -- Resides at 3810 Wildrose Avenue, Kenai. North recommended the resolution not be passed in order more information be acquired and reviewed by administration and council in regard to air quality and water pollution concerns. He also suggested city staff would have time to research the company and their record in regard to environmental compliance and any problems they've had in that area. He suggested contacting EPA in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and the Carolinas. North noted, it was important to have a business plan and agreed, requesting funds in order to develop a business plan was not an environmental issue. However, he believed it important to put environmental issues on the table for both the area where the farms may be placed as well as the company. Ansel Johnson -- Funny River Road. Johnson explained, when he retired, he lived in South Dakota for some time. During that time, hog farms moved into the farming areas from eastern states. He noted the potency of hog urine and fecal waste and reported, during recent rainy summers and flooding, there were many problems with the waste from the hog farm operations polluting the watersheds, which brought KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 16 2001 PAGE 6 damage to the fish population, etc. Johnson stated he believed disposing of the waste would be a huge problem in Alaska. Dick Metteer -- Alaska Pork Project, Inc. Reported he had been in touch with the EPA in Seattle and in Anchorage and had discussed their proposal with the DEC. He noted, he believed this industry could be done and done properly to accommodate environmental requirements. He noted hog waste could be developed into fertilizer and explained, each farm unit could have its own waste water treatment plant to separate the liquid and solid wastes. The solid waste would then be mixed with wood chips or peat and developed into an odorless fertilizer. Metteer also explained like operations in Europe have air quality systems which eliminate odors to the environment. Metteer was asked if he had been before other local councils and the Borough Assembly. He noted he had visited several areas in the state including North Pole, and Delta and would be attending a Valdez council meeting on May 21, however he had not yet discussed the project with the cities of Homer, Seward, or Soldotna. Council's discussion followed in which the merits of a resolution versus a letter of support were discussed and whether enough information was available for them to go forward with a resolution. Because it was doubtful the resolution would pass as it was written, it was suggested the resolution be amended to authorize a letter of support be written by the mayor. MOTION TO AMEND: Councilman Bookey MOVED to amend the resolution to authorize the mayor to write a letter of support instead of the resolution and Councilman Frazer SECONDED the motion. VOTE: Moore: Yes Porter: Yes Bannock: No Frazer: Yes Williams: Yes Booke Yes Swarner: No MOTION PASSED. VOTE ON AMENDED MAIN MOTION: Williams: Yes Booke Yes Swarner: Yes Moore: Yes Porter: Yes Bannock: Yes Frazer: No KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 16, 2001 PAGE 7 MOTION PASSED. BREAK TAKEN: 8:10 P.M. BACK TO ORDER: 8:26 P.M. ITEM D: COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS D-1. Council on Aging -- No report. D-2. Airport Commission -- Swarner reported the Commission met on May 10. The carpet and tile project was ongoing. She referred to a letter included in the packet written in support of the FAA's placement of a radar system at the airport. Swarner noted, the Commission approved the letter and requested council authorize the mayor to sign it. There were no objections. Airport Manager Cronkhite reported she had received notice from the Collings Foundation (B- 17 and B-24) that they planned to be in Kenai from July 3-5, 2001. She reported a "Wings of Freedom" committee of airport businesses, Civil Air Patrol representatives, and people from the public was being formed to plan a program around their being in Kenai. Henry Knackstedt will represent the Civil Air Patrol and would be chairing the committee. They will also be coordinating with the Chamber of Commerce in regard to the Fourth of July celebration and contacting the local veteran groups and urge their participation. Williams requested Cronkhite attend the Challenger's strategy meeting on May 18 to give a report and to contact the Kenai Sport Fishing Association as the Kenai Classic would be taking place during the same time and some of their participants may be interested in the event as well. Cronkhite reported the State Forestry would also be setting up a static display. Cronkhite also reported the Commission would be working with the Soldotna Airport Commission in holding a light air show and poker run on July 28 and requested permission for the Kenai Commission to attend Soldotna's May 31 st meeting to aid in the planning. There were no objections. D-3. Harbor Commission -- Bookey reported there was no quorum for their May 7, 2001 meeting. D-4. Library Commission -- Library Director Jankowska reported a special meeting was held on May 10 and the Commission discussed the possibility of enlarging the library and concentrated on a new addition instead of remodeling. Lots of ideas were exchanged and the Commission requested a sketch of the floor plan from La Shot to help envision the space that would be added. Their next meeting will be held on June 5 and they will continue the discussion. D-5. Parks 8s Recreation Commission -- Frazer reported the minutes were included in the packet. The discussion was dominated by the placement of a KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING 1 MAY 16, 2001 PAGE 8 skateboard park, the costs entailed, and whether the development could be done for this summer. He noted, the Commission's motion for the council to appropriate $32,000 for the cost of the park was passed unanimously. Ross reported an ordinance to appropriate funds for the multipurpose facility refrigeration costs would be on the consent agenda at the council's June 6 meeting and funds would be included in the appropriation for the park. The turnaround time for ordering and receiving the props was discussed and it was reported they could be received between two and five weeks, depending on the company's production schedule. Concern was voiced the summer would be gone before the park was developed and it was questioned whether the ordinance should be introduced and passed at the same meeting. Ross explained, the bid documents could be prepared prior to the June 6 meeting in order to be advertised immediately after passage of the ordinance on June 20. He added, it wouldn't take all summer to set up the park as the space had been identified, the pavement is ready and only the props and fencing would need to be put in place. It was decided the ordinance would take its normal path. D-6. Planning & Zoning Commission - Bannock reported the May 23 meeting would be held at the Kenai Senior Center in order to accommodate the city manager interview to be held in the council chambers. Porter reported two items were introduced to add mechanisms for policing conditional use permits and bed and breakfast operations. The Commission agreed the items should come forward for public hearing at their next meeting. During council's discussion, concerns were expressed that implementation of the ordinances could be costly if not monetarily, then in time. Porter explained she spoke with Ms. Kebschull who would handle the implementation and she felt it would be helpful in tracking the permits. La Shot noted it was suggested the annual report be required on the same date for all the permits instead of on anniversary dates. D-7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees D-7a. Beautification Committee - Swarner reported the minutes of the May 8 meeting were included in the packet. She noted the volunteers had started cleaning out the flowerbeds and planting would start next week. She urged those interested in volunteering to contact the Parks &, Recreation Department. Bookey referred to the minutes and questioned the account that planting would begin by June 12. He noted it was his memory the planting would be completed by June 1 and council had approved additional funding in order to insure the plants would be in much earlier than last year's plantings. Parks & Recreation Director Frates explained the Committee had a long discussion about who and when the planting would be done and in trying to coordinate volunteers. He noted the planting could be moved up if done in-house and he believed it could be completed before June 12. Frates reported KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 16, 2001 PAGE 9 there were approximately 2,000 plants in the greenhouse ready for planting and the majority of them were in bloom. The resignation of Karolee Hansen from the Committee was noted. Swarner reported there were no applications on file and it was suggested that opening, as well as one on the Harbor Commission be advertised. D-7b. Kenai Convention & Visitors Bureau Board - Bookey reported the Board met on May 10 at which it was decided to become a marketing member with the Alaska Marketing Tourism Council which would be more costly for the Center, but would be more beneficial in advertising and other activities. Bookey also noted the "2001: A Fish Odyssey" opening reception was a huge success with an estimated 700 people attending. D-7c. Alaska Municipal League Report - Williams referred to a summary memorandum from AML which was included in the packet. It was also reported $350,000 was included in the Capital budget for purchase of property along the Kenai River in the city for development of a boat launch, however it was not definite that amount entailed the total cost of the property. ITEM C-7, CONTINUED: There were no public comments. Williams noted the background information in the proposal noted participation in a wide range of projects in Alaska, both large and small areas. He also reported the proposer planned making 27 individual trips to Kenai and would be advertising meetings with the public in order to encourage more participation. VOTE: There were no objections. SO ORDERED. ITEM E: MINUTES E-1. Regular Meeting of May 2, 2001 - Approved by consent agenda. ITEM F: CORRESPONDENCE - None. ITEM G: OLD BUSINESS - None. ITEM H: NEW BUSINESS H-1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified \ KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 16, 2001 PAGE 10 MOTION: Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to pay the bills and Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. H-2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500 MOTION: Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to approve the purchase orders exceeding $2,500 and Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. H-3., Ordinance No. 1913-2001 -- Adopting the Annual Budget for the Fiscal Year Commencing July 1, 2001 and Ending June 30, 2002. Introduced by consent agenda. H-4. Approval -- Special Use Permit/Kenai Municipal Airport -- ATM Machine/Reean D. Pitts. Swarner reported the Airport Commission recommended the continuation of the permit. It was also noted administration had no objections. MOTION: Councilwoman Swarner to approve the Special Use Permit for the ATM Machine at the Kenai Municipal Airport with Reean D. Pitts to expire June 30, 2002. Councilwoman Porter SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED, ITEM I: ADMINISTRATION REPORTS I-1. Mayor - Williams reported on the following items: • Would be attending the Gas Pipeline Task Force meeting to be held at the Merit Inn May 17. • Interest in bringing the Arctic Winter Games to the Kenai Peninsula in 2006 would be discussed at a meeting on May 30. It would be a major event and could have funding available to be used to complete the multipurpose facility. Williams requested permission to investigate the possibility of acquiring funding. Bookey stated he would not object to seeking outside funding to complete the building, but would object to putting any more city funding into enlarging, etc. the facility. • A private citizen was working to block the building of a private prison on the Peninsula. Williams stated he was waiting to see what the reaction of the Governor would be. \ KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 16, 2001 PAGE 11 • Planned to present the city's 2001-2002 budget at the June 6 Chamber luncheon. • The Central Peninsula Hospital will be conducting a study of future needs and have engaged a facilitator to do it. • One of the suggested reapportionment plans is to have Kenai and Soldotna share a representative and the senate district would include Sitka. He urged council and others to send their opinions to the Reapportionment Board. He added, maps were available for review at the Legislative Information Office. • A recent discussion with Bernie Richert at the EDA revealed he would be interested in working with the Visitors Center in seeking funding for a $ 1 million expansion. He noted, the Visitors Center would be responsible to finding half of the funding as their match. He suggested the Center organize a committee to investigate the possibilities. • Received complaints in regard to the workings of the 911 system in that people called 911 after observing an accident and they were either cut off or referred to the Kenai Police Department. Ross requested additional information be given to the Department in order for the calls to be tracked. I-2, City Manager - Ross reported the following: • A luncheon for Kellie Kelso would be held May 17 at the Senior Center. He noted, Kelso would be on vacation for several weeks and then return to train Rachel Craig who would was hired as the new director. Ross thanked Kelso for her help in handling the background checks, review of resumes, etc. in preparation of the ire. • Interviews for the city manager candidates were scheduled for May 23 and 25. He noted the candidates would be met at the airport, given relocation packets, and department reports. During the day they would be visiting department heads and looking at city facilities prior to the evening interviews. • Referred to the budget memorandum included in the packet which was held to see if the projected interest rates suitable. • Referred to handouts from the Unity Trail public hearing held May 15 and noted the preferred route was to place the trail on the westerly side of the road and crossing under the bridge, join with Kalifornsky Beach Road and was proposed by the engineer (named "detached pathway"). He noted there were some agencies who believed it would be better for protecting the migratory birds and wetlands if the trail was placed closer to the shoulder of the road. He noted, the city's position has been the trail must be separated from the traveling roadway. The "proposed attached pathway" depicted in the information is the city's and engineer's compromise to best address wetland and bird issues. The city does not want the pathway on the shoulder of the road. Ross encouraged council members and public to fill out comment sheets and forward them to the engineer. He also requested council familiarize themselves with the design KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 16, 2001 PAGE 12 and added, the city must insist this will be the last compromise to how close the pathway should be to the road. • Will be in Anchorage May 18 to meet with the State to discuss the pathway project and others. He will express to them how critical the pathway issue is and urge them to support the city's position if they want the city's cooperation on other issues. I-3. Attorney - No report. I-4. City Clerk - Clerk Freas reported she would be out-of-town from May 18-June 5. I-5. Finance Director - No report. I-6. Public Works Managers - Korn el i s • Reported the Mission Street, Cook, and Uplands project is out to bid with the bid opening scheduled for June 12. • The curbs and gutters are almost completed in the Forest Drive/Redoubt project and the sidewalks will be placed next. • A request was made to the State that the existing asphalt east of Forest Drive be replaced as a large amount of the asphalt had been removed for placement of manholes, etc. and told them the condition of the road was unacceptable. He also requested a quote to increase the width of the road to 24 feet.. • The downtown Spur Highway project had been started and the signal interconnect was placed. Work on the Gill Street crossing would begin next week. • It was reported during the Unity Trail hearing that the project was to go to bid on June 1, however the Internet information stated it would be later. They have received the permits. • The North Kenai Spur project will go to bid June 2, 2001. • The junk car roundup was in progress and the city crews had identified 33 vehicles to take to the transfer site. T,a qh nt-- • June 13 is the bid date for the refrigeration project. • A new AIH building project will begin soon which had a previously approved site plan. The project site is on Bridge Access and clearing will begin soon. A large amount of trees will be cut down to accommodate the building site. Williams reported a ribbon -cutting for the new Public Health Center was being planned for September. I-7. Airport Manager - Airport Manager Cronkhite reported: KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 162 2001 PAGE 13 • It was hoped the carpet and tile project in the terminal would be completed soon. The furniture was expected to be received and placed in the near future and a ribbon -cutting reception was planned for the last week of the month. • New lighting will be installed at the terminal and would enhance the look of the building as well as save on electricity usage. She thanked La Shot and Building Official Springer for their help. Williams requested ERA representative Paul Landis be invited to the reception. ITEM J: DISCUSSION J-1. Citizens Kathleen Graves - Trails Coordinator for the Kenai Peninsula Borough and city resident. Graves reported she attended the Unity Trail hearing and expressed her concerns the construction of the trail from the Spur to Kalifornsky Beach Road and specifically from the dock road to the bridge was being threatened. She urged immediate, strong public support of the project to keep it funded. Graves added, in speaking with the Department of Transportation, she was told that if support is not expressed, funding could be removed as they have other places to spend their money without the hassle. Graves reported the Corps, Fish & Wildlife, and Alaska Fish & Game had not yet taken a position on the project and the attacks of the project were being made to the basic purpose and need of the trail. Graves urged comments be forwarded to the engineer and said she would suggest the Borough's resolution of support be refreshed and other letters of support, etc. be encouraged from other potential users as the process was now political and how popular the project is. Bookey stated he agreed with Graves' comments and thought there are things that can be done. He suggested getting current resolutions of support from the Chamber, Visitors Center, Boys & Girls Club, etc. Williams suggested contacting the local schools as they were very supportive of the Birch Island project and it would be connected to the pathway. Graves explained another alternative for the trail design was to bring the trail to the viewing area and stopping it and from the Kalifornsky Beach side, stop it at the turnaround area in an effort to protect critical habit for declining numbers of migratory birds. She noted there was no scientific basis to pin the decrease of migratory birds in the area to the trail as the decline has been over the years and there is no trail there now. Graves noted her great concern as adults and children will want to continue on the trail and will take the chance of crossing the bridge which is and will be extremely dangerous and an unacceptable public safety hazard. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 16, 2001 PAGE 14 J-2. Council Bookey - Requested the blue tarps be removed from the multipurpose facility and replaced with more esthetically pleasing ones when needed in the winter. Swarner - • Suggested requesting the EDD prepare a resolution as well. • Noted she would be attending the Alaska Small Business Conference for the city May 17-18. • Requested administration to investigate whether an Itinerant Merchant license is required for the amusement rides currently in business in the Kmart parking lot. • Suggested comment forms in regard to the Unity Trail to the Saturday clean-up. Moore - Congratulated Cronkhite in scheduling the Wings of Freedom air show. Cronkhite noted raffle tickets would be sold for rides on the planes like was done last summer. Porter - Reported the Senior Center would be holding a garage sale over the weekend and invited people to bring items to add to the sale. Bannock -Stated his concern of the costs involved in developing bike paths compared to amounts offered for water/sewer projects. Frazer - No comments. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled ITEM K: ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at approximated 10: 03 p.m. Minutes transcribed and prepared by: APVED BY (Oleoh Carol L. Freas, City Clerk "Im CLAW