HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-01-05 Council MinutesAGENDA
KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 5, 2000
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
http: / Z www. ci. kenai. ak. u s
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. Resolution No. 2000-1 -- Transferring $1,875 in the General Fund for
Parks Department Water Service.
2. Resolution No. 2000-2 -- Adopting the City of Kenai, Alaska 2000-2001
Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Priority List for Request of State
Grants.
3. Resolution No. 2000-3 -- Supporting Legislation for Mortgage Loans
Covered Under the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Housing
Assistance Program to be Equal Among All Geographic Areas of Alaska
Within the Specifications of the Funding Program.
4. *Applications for Renewal of Liquor License --
a. Kenai Golf Course Cafe -- Restaurant/Eating Place -Seasonal
b. Fraternal Order of Eagles #3525
ITEM D: COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging
2. Airport Commission
3. Harbor Commission
-1-
4. Library Commission
5. Parks &Recreation Commission
6. Planning &Zoning Commission
7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
a. Beautification Committee
b. Historic District Board
C. Kenai Visitors &Convention Bureau Board
d. Alaska Municipal League Report
ITEM E: MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of December 15, 1999.
ITEM F:
ITEM G:
CORRESPONDENCE
OLD BUSINESS
ITEM H: NEW BUSINESS
1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified
2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500
3. *Ordinance No. 1845-2000 -- Amending KMC 1.05.010 to Delete the
Requirement for the City Manager to Hold Weekly Staff Meetings with
Department Heads.
4. *Ordinance No. 1846-2000 -- Repealing and Eliminating References to
the City Health Department in KMC 1.50.010-020 and 12.05.010.
5. *Ordinance No. 1847-2000 -- Repealing KMC 12.15 Relating to the
City's Inspection and Permitting of Restaurants Within the City.
6. *Ordinance No. 1848-2000 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $4,350 in the General Fund for Investigative
Equipment.
7. Approval -- Lease Agreement Between City of Kenai and the Department
of Health &Social Services for Approximately 1,147 Square Feet of Office
Space Located on the First Floor of the Kenai City Hall Building/
February 1, 2000 Through January 31, 2001/$776.70.
8. Discussion -- Emergency Operations Center/Possible Funding Grant
from Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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a
ITEM I:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
ITEM J:
Discussion -- "Millennium Square" (FAA properties)
ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor
City Manager
Attorney
City Clerk
Finance Director
Public Works Managers
Airport Manager
DISCUSSION
1. Citizens (five minutes)
2. Council
EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled
ITEM K: ADJOURNMENT
-3-
KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 5, 2000
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
http: Z f www.ci.kenai.ak.us
MAYOR JOHN J. WILLIAMS, PRESIDING
ITEM A: CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 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: Bannock, Frazer, Williams, Bookey,
Swarner, Moore and Porter.
A- 3 . AGENDA APPROVAL
Mayor Williams requested the following changes to the agenda:
1
SUBSTITUTE: H-2, Purchase Orders Over $2,500 -- Vendor for catering
employee Appreciation Dinner now included.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of the agenda as amended and
Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED.
A-4. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Williams noted he had 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 -- None.
� ITEM C: PUBLIC HEARINGS
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 2000
PAGE 2
C-1. Resolution No. 2000-1 -- Transferring $1,875 in the General Fund for
Parks Department Water Service.
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2000-1 and Councilwoman
Swarner SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Ross explained the funds being transferred would
pay for January -June water service for watering parks based on the line sizes serving
the various parks. He added, the amount represented one-half of a year's costs. He
also noted the city's restrooms were already being billed to the General Fund, along
with the greenhouse.
Councilman Bannock asked if this represented one-half year of water use, would their
be a $3,750 line item at budget time for the upcoming fiscal year. Ross answered a
line item already was included in the Parks budget for utilities and approximately
$3,750 would be added to it. Bannock asked, how could everything the city have be
watered for $3,700 when the Peninsula Oilers were asked to pay $1,200 for the same
amount of time. Ross stated, he had met with representatives of the Oilers several
times. He added, if the Oilers isolate their restroom from their other watering (now
they have a two-inch line serving everything), their annual bill would be $480. The
restroom could be isolated through a meter and then they would pay on the restroom
only during the months it was in service. Ross added, this was the same as the city's
softball parks which the city pays approximately $1,000 based on line sizes and
charge to the lines. He added, the city was charging itself $480 for its two-inch lines
as well.
Bannock stated he was not comfortable with the comparison and would not support
the resolution as he felt it was "voodoo economics" by moving money from one fund to
another. He added, he understood the perceived benefit, but not the real benefit in
charging one fund to offset another fund unless as a result of the money going into the
Water/Sewer Fund, an equal decrease would be shared among the 3,500 users.
Williams stated he voiced his opinion earlier that he hoped there would be a way the
Oilers issue ,could be worked out without having to charge them. He added, he didn't
realize funds would be transferred to pay for city park utilities which, in forty years of
operation, had not been done. Williams asked if an amended contract could be drawn
up between the Oilers with the city precluding their need to pay for water. Ross
answered their contract could be amended so that the city is the landlord and provide
the lessee with utilities. He added, for budgeting purposes, there would still be a
charge to it which would probably show up in the Parks Department utilities. Ross
continued, all that would be done would be an increase to that line item to transfer
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
} JANUARY 5, 2000
PAGE 3
the funds. If as a matter of policy, council determined that was how it should be
handled, they would install a meter in the spring on the Oilers restroom in order to
isolate the system and bill accordingly.
Williams asked why the city would bill itself, even though he understood the difference
between the two funds, and why start now after 40 years not billing itself. Ross
answered, he didn't know why it had not been billed before. He noted, the city charges
itself for the restrooms at its parks, the greenhouse, etc. The city pays the
Water/ Sewer Fund approximately $35,000-$40,000 for water/ sewer services. He
added, $1, 000 could be isolated out here and there and say it would make no
difference to the ratepayer, but looking at all the funds paying for water/ sewer
services and say government shouldn't pay for services to the other fund because it's a
transfer, would raise the water/ sewer bill rate more significantly.
Bookey stated he didn't want that to happen because it would put an unfair burden
on the people using the water/ sewer services. Williams asked of what law or
accounting procedure had the city been in violation over the last 40 years. Semmens
answered, the accounting procedure was that each individual fund was a separate
entity of itself. He added, it was separate people, separate revenue sources, and
separate services being provided. In review of the question, he wondered why the city
would pay for the restrooms and not for the water, etc.
Williams stated he thought one of the reasons the city had greenstrips and parks was
to have a cleaner community. He added, he asked council to table C-1 until they
decide to bring it back, and at the sane time develop a new lease for the Oilers Park to
see how it would apply to the resolution. Bookey stated, these were two different
issues. He noted, in earlier conversations with the Oilers, he said an agreement could
be made between them and the city. However, this was a different issue, bringing the
procedures up-to-date with the ordinance. He added, the city had paid water/ sewer
bills over the last 40 years (parks, airport, fire station, city hall, etc.) , however this was
a glitch found that needed to be managed. Bookey stated he did not want the matter
tabled. He added, the Oilers could come back to council for further discussion on
their issue, but this was a separate issue.
Councilman Frazer stated he felt the issue came to attention over the Oilers Park, i.e.
transferring funds since it was found the Oilers had not been charged for the
water/ sewer use at their Park. He asked if the Water/ Sewer Fund was reimbursed
from another fund for the water used at the soccer fields and Middle School property.
Councilwoman Swarner stated she would not support tabling the resolution as she felt
the Water/Sewer Fund was a standalone entity and the city needed to pay for the
services. Porter stated she was not in favor of tabling the resolution. She added, the
Oilers was a private entity and the city was public. All the other departments had
been paying and though it came to light over the Oilers issue, it was a mistake and
was before council for correction.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
} JANUARY 5, 2000
PAGE 4
Bannock asked if the Water/ Sewer Fund was projected to balance for Fiscal Year
2000. Ross answered no as there would be a deficit. He added, within that budget
there was a contingency budgeted and if it were spent, it would result in the deficit.
Ross added the deficit was not significant. Bannock asked from where the deficit
would come and Ross answered, from the Water/Sewer Fund. He added, it had its
own fund balance that it carried.
Bannock stated he would support the resolution if it could be shown to him there
would be a readjustment from the transfer from one fund to the other. He stated, in
summary, he understood that administration didn't want to overcharge a user paying
$42.00 a month for water/ sewer for something for which the entire population of the
city was receiving a benefit. He asked if there would be an equal offset to a user's
water bill. Ross stated, the city does not try to make an adjustment in the water bill
based on new houses coming on line, a business burning down, etc. He added, to try
to adjust a fee schedule based on $3,700 in income would not work.
Bannock stated, the core argument was the patented unfairness of the 3,500 users
paying for something from which 7,000 receive benefit. He added, he believed
administration's argument was poorly based if it was going to leverage the General
Fund in principle, against the Water/ Sewer Fund, but as a one-way leverage. Ross
stated if that comment was extended and it was decided government wouldn't need to
pay for water/ sewer service, it would distribute a $40,000 difference.
Ross continued, the ordinance states if you are hooked up to the system, you will
receive a water/ sewer bill. By oversight, which Bannock pointed out, the city had not
been paying for the watering of its fields. The resolution addressed that issue. It did
not address the Oiler issue and they would receive a bill. If council then chooses to
amend the Oilers' lease and have the landlord pay the water/ sewer costs, it was a
separate issue.
Bannock stated, simply put there could be a greater problem. He added, the problem
of not paying water/ sewer charges over the last 40 years or in the next 40 years
probably would not be able to be solved by the resolution. Until a grip could be placed
on the entire issue, he would not support the resolution.
MOTION:
Councilman Bannock MOVED to table Resolution No. 2000-1 and Councilman Frazer
SECONDED the motion. There were objections from four council members and the
motion failed.
Councilman Bookey called for the question on the original motion.
VOTE ON THE ORIGINAL MOTION:
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 2000
PAGE 5
Bannock:
No
Frazer:
No
Williams:
No
Bookey:
Yes
Swarner:
Yes
Moore:
Yes
Porter:
Yes
MOTION PASSED.
C-2. Resolution No. 2000-2 -- Adopting the City of Kenai, Alaska 2000-2001
Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Priority List for Request of State
Grants.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Porter MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2000-2 and
Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion and requested UNANIMOUS
CONSENT.
There were no public comments. Swarner suggested removal of "Remodel City Hall"
from the list because if the state was in financial straights, she didn't think it was
appropriate to request funds to remodel the building. Ross explained, the list from
last year was used and the only change was placing the water/ sewer projects at the
top of the list. He noted, extra points would be received from DEC if those projects
were given the highest priority.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to delete Remodel of City Hall from the list and
Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion.
Bookey asked if taking the item from the list would make a difference. Ross answered,
no. He noted, the list had to be forwarded to the Borough the next day.
VOTE ON AMENDMENT:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
VOTE ON MAIN AMENDED MOTION:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
C-3. Resolution No. 2000-3 -- Supporting Legislation for Mortgage Loans
Covered Under the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Housing
Assistance Program to be Equal Among All Geographic Areas of Alaska
Within the Specifications of the Funding Program.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
I JANUARY 5, 2000
PAGE 6
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 200-3 and Councilman
Moore SECONDED the motion.
Williams stated he would open the floor to public hearing, but would ask council to
table the resolution until the January 19, 2000 meeting. He noted, he spoke with the
director of the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation who was unable to attend this
meeting, but would like to speak to council on the matter at the January 19 meeting.
Williams added, he believed the director would have some suggestions for wording in
the resolution, especially about the differential rate. He noted, additional public
comments would be taken at the January 19 meeting.
Jill Lipka -- 1802 Miranda, Kenai. Lipka explained, when she and her family were
buying their home in October, they looked both inside and outside the city. They
chose a home inside the city, although their house payment was approximately $91 a
month higher because of the 1% interest rate differential. She added, over the life of
the loan, the difference was about $32,000. Lipka added, the one percent was very
important.
Swarner requested Lipka to speak to the resolution at the next council meeting when
the director was present. She noted, in her discussion with the director, he stated the
one percent was not an issue. Lipka stated the one percent was a huge factor and a
great deal of money to some. She asked why the different rate was established.
Williams reviewed the wording of the bills and minutes of the legislative committee and
suggested it could have been because no one objected on the committee level.
Williams added, he believed the council was on the right track to say the one percent
difference in interest rate was unfair.
MOTION TO TABLE:
Councilwoman Porter MOVED to table the resolution until the next council meeting
and Councilman Frazer SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED.
C-4. Applications for Renewal of Liquor License --
C-4-a. Kenai Golf Course Cafe -- Restaurant/ Eating Place - Seasonal
C-4-b. Fraternal Order of Eagles #3525
Approved by consent agenda.
BREAK TAKEN: 7:44 P.M.
BACK TO ORDER: 8:05 P.M.
� (During the break, council reviewed a video submitted by McMurren 8v Goodman, Inc.
about Peak Oilfield Service. The submission was to inform council of McMurren &
- KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 2000
PAGE 7
Goodman's expertise in developing videos. Williams noted, the video was submitted in
regard to the possibility of the city updating and developing a new city video. He
added, any other company wanting videos reviewed would be given the same
opportunity.)
ITEM D: COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS
D-1. Council on Aging -- No report.
D-2. Airport Commission -- Councilman Frazer reported the next meeting
was scheduled for January 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the council chambers.
D-3. Harbor Commission -- Councilman Bookey reported the next meeting
would be held on Monday, January 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the council chambers.
D-4. Library Commission -- Councilman Moore reported a brief meeting was
held on January 4 at which it was reported the Library Open House was a success
and a report on the school library survey was given. He noted, good responses were
being received. Moore also reported Bob Peters and Lorene Forbes were elected chair
and vice chair.
D-5. Parks & Recreation Commission -- Councilman Frazer reported the
next meeting was scheduled for January 6 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers.
Williams questioned why the Parks &. Recreation Department was advertising for part-
time summer hires in January. Ross explained, the summer -hire positions were
advertised during the holidays to allow college and high school students to apply.
D-6. Planning & Zoning Commission -- Councilman Bannock reported no
meeting had been held since council's last meeting. He noted, the next meeting was
scheduled for January 12 and the Commission would be reviewing suggested changes
to the code which were referred to them by council.
D-7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
D-7a. Beautification Committee -- Swarner reported the next meeting would
be held January 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers.
D-7b. Historic District Board -- Moore reported the next meeting was
scheduled for January 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the council chambers.
D-7c. Kenai Visitors & Convention Bureau Board -- Bookey reported a
meeting was held on December 16 at which a new employee handbook was approved.
He noted, the handbook was much like the city's and he was disappointed with what
was done because he believed it would put their budgets in a position where there
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 2000
PAGE 8
could be problems in the future. Bookey also reported an election for new members of
the board was held. The new members were Joe Arness, Dan Van Zee, and Rebecca
Cronkhite (Kenai Airport Manager) .
D-7d. Alaska Municipal League Report -- Williams reported he would be
attending meetings of the Alaska Conference of Mayors and the AML Legislative
Committee during the week of January 24.
TTFM F- MTNTTTrq
E-1, Regular Meeting of December 15, 1999.
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
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:
Councilman Bookey MOVED to approve the Substitute Purchase Orders Exceeding
$2,500 and Councilwoman Porter SECONDED the motion. There were no objections.
SO ORDERED.
H-3, Ordinance No. 1845-2000 -- Amending KMC 1.05.010 to Delete the
Requirement for the City Manager to Hold Weekly Staff Meetings with
Department Heads.
Introduced by consent agenda.
H-4. Ordinance No. 1846-2000 -- Repealing and Eliminating References to
the City Health Department in KMC 1.50.010-020 and 12.05.010.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 2000
PAGE 9
Introduced by consent agenda.
H-5. Ordinance No. 1847-2000 -- Repealing KMC 12.15 Relating to the City's
Inspection and Permitting of Restaurants Within the City.
Introduced by consent agenda.
H-6. Ordinance No. 1848-2000 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $4,350 in the General Fund for Investigative
Equipment.
Introduced by consent agenda.
H-7. Approval -- Lease Agreement Between City of Kenai and the Department
of Health Social Services for Approximately 1,147 Square Feet of Office
Space Located on the First Floor of the Kenai City Hall Building/
February 1, 2000 Through January 31, 2001 / $776.70 .
Ross referred to the information included in the packet and noted, the city would be
working with Health 8. Social Services on an annual basis until the new health facility
was on line. He added, this lease would cover until they move out of the city hall
building.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to approve the City of Kenai entering into a new
agreement for the period February 1, 2000 through January 31, 2001 at the current
rate of $776.70 a month. Councilman Bannock SECONDED the motion. There were
no objections. SO ORDERED,
H-8. Discussion -- Emergency Operations Center/Possible Funding Grant
from Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Ross referred to the information included in the packet. He explained, when FEMA
Director James Lee Witt was in Kenai in July, he toured the ARFF and discussed its
use as an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and potential training site. He
requested a letter be forwarded to him with letters of support if the city was interested
in pursuing the potential use of the facility. Ross noted, the draft letter and letters of
support were included in the packet and they would be forwarded to Witt to see what
he may have in mind, what level of funding may be available and what local in -kind
funding would be required.
Swarner asked why the letter had not been forwarded earlier and Ross explained the
Fire Department personnel had been gathering accurate cost information of what
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 2000
PAGE 10
would be needed to fully equip the facility and letters of support. Williams added,
Witt's budget preparation for the next fiscal year was just beginning and he believed
forwarding the information now was good timing.
Council had no objections to sending the letters.
H-9. Discussion -- "Millennium Square" (FAA properties)
Williams referred to the copy of the new plat of FAA/ City properties along the bluff.
He noted, the 20-acre tract of land was the most valuable piece of property left in the
city and suggested a plan be developed to define how the property will be used. He
suggested the name for the property could be "Millennium Square." Williams
suggested some interest had been stated to place a hotel/ convention center there, as
well as a Little Theatre. He also suggested smaller lots could be planned for
individual businesses.
Williams requested a joint meeting be held between the council, Planning & Zoning
Commission, Kenai Chamber, and KVCC to develop a list of suggested uses for the
property. He suggested some costs may be involved in developing the plan for the
property and that grant monies may be available. Williams added, he believed the
time was right to plan the property use and council should move ahead with the
program.
Bookey stated he didn't object to developing a plan but would object to subdividing the
property. He added, he agreed it was the last major parcel of property in the city and
major input from the community should be gathered for its development and believed
it would take some time to create the plan.
Williams agreed the property wouldn't be subdivided at this time. He noted, there
were concerns about contamination and the issue of cost for clean-up was still being
studied. He suggested the plan could be drafted but not recorded until it was seen
what interest would be received from those considering purchase of portions of the
property for development.
It was noted one piece of the property was owned by the Orthodox Church and the
other was still owned by the FAA. Ross added, the FAA property was in the process of
being transferred to the city and at this time the property was in three specific parcels.
There were no objections from council to begin measures to plan the future use of the
properties.
ITEM I: ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
I-1. Mayor
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 2000
PAGE 11
a. Juvenile Detention Center -- Williams noted a letter from the HSS
Division of Juvenile Justice was included in the packet. The letter referred to his
letter sent upon the notification that Kenai was chosen as the site for the new Juvenile
Youth Detention Facility.
b. AML/JIA Insurance Donation -- Williams referred to a letter received
from AML/JIA to the Kenai Fire Training Center, forwarding a check for $5,000 to be
used toward training and enrollment costs for continuing education of municipal fire
fighters around the state.
c. Economic Development District -- Williams reported it appeared
another candidate for the director position of the EDD had been found and he hoped it
would work out.
d. Gas Pipeline Project -- Williams reported he attended another meeting
in regard to the project. Preliminary guidelines under which they would operate were
worked out. Administration was directed to begin developing the Power Point
presentation to be used. He added, he believed a hard -copy log would be developed as
presentations are made, as well as brochures and CD roms. Williams noted, their
deadline for development of the presentation was in time for the oil and gas
construction conference in Anchorage, February 15 and 16. He added, at the
conference, the presentation would be made and a round -table discussion would
follow.
Williams reported they were working closely with the BP/ARCO, Phillips Petroleum,
Marathon Oil, Foothills Pipeline and Marabini. He noted, the other group vying for the
pipeline owned no gas, owned no ships, had no experience, had no clients to
purchase, etc. The Peninsula's involvement included the ownership of gas, ships,
experience, LNG facilities, pipelines and were experienced in marketing the Southeast
Asia market.
Williams also reported there could be two projects developed with a spur going
through Canada, tying into the Trans -Canada line and delivering gas to Chicago. He
added, they had been assured that should that proceed, there would be room for both
projects. As a side note, they discussed a separate program called the GTL project in
which gas molecules are rearranged and made into white crude is then transported as
a liquid. He added, BP planned to put a pilot plant on the North Slope, producing
about 300 barrels a day of GTLs. The pipeline group suggested to BP the pilot plant
be placed in Nikiski since they were assuming all of the responsibility of ARCOs
holdings in the Inlet. Reasons to put it in this area would be it wouldn't be as
expensive to run as it would be in Prudhoe Bay and because sufficient gas supplies
would be available to feed a pilot plant. He noted, having the pilot plant in Nikiski
would give BP another reason to have a presence in the community and desire to bring
the pipeline to Nikiski.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 2000
PAGE 12
Williams reported, decisions would be made in August or September as to whether to
put another $20 million into the project for studies. He noted, there would be a lot of
adverse comments about permitting, i.e. the other group doesn't have permits and
cost of permitting in Nikiski would be as viable as the cost of permitting for the other
group, and the distance from Prudhoe Bay and Kenai or Valdez were comparable.
e. Time Capsules -- Williams referred to a conversation he had recently
regarding time capsules and what he would put in one. He asked council if they
would be interested in putting together a time capsule that could be opened in 50
years. A general discussion followed. It was decided council, employees and citizens,
could bring some ideas to the next council meeting of what could be placed in a time
capsule.
I-2. City Manager
a. Kenai Coastal Trail/Bluff Erosion Project -- Ross reported he would
not be attending the workshop scheduled for January 11 due to a strategic planning
committee meeting for the hospital regarding the new health center.
b. Inlet Woods -- Ross reported, information would be forwarded to the
Planning & Zoning Commission to consider whether the lots were needed for public
purpose, as well as the Parks & Recreation Commission as there could be area for a
park. He noted, after those considerations were made, the question would come to
council, with a recommendation from administration as to how to dispose of the lots.
He added, the direction now being considered would be to get an appraisal of selective
lots which would get a maximum return, protect the values of current homeowners in
the subdivision, and not flood the market with cheap lots and hurt the market. Ross
added, administration was considering using the same process as used in the sale of
lots previously, i.e. going to public sale of lots with public utilities and sell those that
do not sell at the initial sale, over the years at their appraised value. He noted, a plan
had not been formulated for the sale of the lots in the back of the subdivision that did
not have full utilities. He added, those could be more amenable by going out to a
developer.
Porter asked if the covenants now in place in that subdivision would continue to be in
place. Ross answered yes. He added, it was administration's intention to carry the
current covenants over as part of the sale.
Ross explained, in checking with Attorney Graves, they agreed the Inlet Woods lots
were not a part of the lands of the city and the revenues generated from the sale would
not have to go to the Land Trust System. He added, because the General Fund
supported the Inlet Woods situation for the past ten years, revenues received would be
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
1 JANUARY 5, 2000
PAGE 13
recorded as revenues in the year received to assist the General Fund taxpayers. Ross
noted, the issue was the settlement of a lawsuit and that would be how the revenues
would be handled.
c. Y2K Issue -- Ross reported there were no problems other than a small
problem with the ambulance report software.
Swarner noted she saw the Coastal Trail workshop advertisement in the paper and
asked if postcard notices had been mailed and/or received. Public Works Manager
Kornelis reported he spoke with the engineer and was told 240 postcards had been
sent out on January 3. He noted, the city sent notices to the property owners north of
the mouth of the river. One was sent to the city and it was received. Swarner stated,
radio public service announcements should start immediately.
I-3, Attorney -- No report.
I-4. City Clerk -- No report.
I-5, Finance Director -- No report. Williams noted he received a mill rate
comparison from Finance Director Semmens. He added, he wanted the information
available for the banking and real estate community. Williams added, the upcoming
proposition on the state ballot would be asking for the mill rate to be capped at ten.
Several points being argued in that regard was whether the cost of bonding would be
included in the cap. He continued, the cap would severely interfere with some
communities.
Williams reported, in his review of the legislation creating the funding authority for the
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, he found information which allowed the
corporation to issue bonds not to exceed $30 million to fund senior housing loans. He
added, this opened up a possible funding source for an addition to the city's senior
housing. He noted plans were already drawn. Williams requested Semmens and Ross
to investigate the issue more, checking out the amortization schedule based on the
interest rate they would allow, determine whether it would be feasible to add 20 units
to the current project, and what the city's obligations would be.
It was noted there were several vacancies at the housing project and authorization had
been requested to advertise the vacancies in the paper because those on the waiting
list were not filling the vacancies. Williams noted, he was aware there was a large
amount of vacancies in the rental community, but it was something to look toward for
the future. Ross agreed it may not be the best time to make an effort to increase the
number of housing with the high occupancy rates for rentals in the area.
Williams explained the reason he brought it up was that in the past the city had been
told it could not support the amortization of a loan and cash would be needed to build
an addition. He added, he wanted to find out what the interest rate would be and if
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 2000
PAGE 14
the city was yet in a position to support the amortization of a long-term loan. Porter
noted, there could be something attached to the funding available that would allow
some of the units to be assisted living which was very much needed in the community
and that need would not go away. She added, investigation of the possibilities was an
excellent idea.
I-6, Public Works Managers -- No reports.
I-7, Airport Manager -- No report. Bookey explained he had a constituent
come to him upset because he thought there was a new three percent tax placed on
airplanes parked at the airport. He added, he told the person that was not so, but the
person was referring to the personal property tax on airplanes which was not being
charged in other areas of the borough. The person told him approximately 15
airplanes left their tie -downs at the airport. Bookey asked if that was accurate.
Airport Manager Cronkhite explained there had been approximately five or six tenants
complain. In reviewing the records, it was found four tenants who stated they left
because of the tax and two of those returned. She added, administration believed
there were approximately four or five who pulled out of their tie -down spaces. No new
tax was added.
Ross reported there had been an ad in the newspaper of someone who was concerned
there was a three percent tax and some thought it was a new tax and others thought it
was a current tax. He noted, they were really paying 3 / 10 of a percent. Ross added,
there are those who move their planes off the airport during the winter due to the
wind. Another moved his plane, but brought it back again because of security
availability.
ITEM J: DISCUSSION
J-11 Citizens -- None.
J-2, Council
Bookey -- Reported he visited the multi -purpose facility late one night and was
concerned all the lights were on in the facility and no one was there. He asked if there
was some plan to modify the lighting with a motion sensor, so all the lights wouldn't
be on when the facility was not being used. Public Works Manager La Shot explained
they were investigating that issue and a purchase order. approved earlier would place
two photocell night lights at the facility. Bookey stated the rink looked nice and the
ice looked good. Williams noted the other warm-up shed was ready to place at the
facility as well.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 2000
PAGE 15
Swarner -- Reported she also visited the rink when all the lights were on and
the ice looked good. It was also reported the ice had been marked.
Swarner requested plants be sent to the area legislators in Juneau for the beginning of
the session. There were no objections.
Moore -- No report.
Porter -- Reported she had been attending the Employee Appreciation Dinner
Committee planning sessions. She noted the committee members had some concerns
they needed addressed by council. She distributed a flyer to the council members
addressing the issues and asked if there were questions to see her or the Clerk.
Porter also noted that traditionally council had approved a door prize giving a day off
with pay compliments of the city. She requested council to approve the prize if they
had no obj ections.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to approve a day off with pay as a door prize for the
Employee Appreciation Dinner and requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Councilman
Moore SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
Bannock -- Thanked the road crews for the last several weeks' work as they did
an outstanding job in removing the large amount of snow.
Frazer -- No comments.
EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled
ITEM K: ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9 :10 p.m.
Minutes transcribed and prepared by:
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Carol L. Freas, City Clerk
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