HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-05-19 Council MinutesAGENDA
KENAI CITY COUNCIL -REGULAR MEETING
MAY 19, 1999
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)
ITEM C: PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Ordinance No. 1826-99 -- Changing Pay Ranges of the Water and
Sewer Operator I and Water and Sewer Foreman in the Employee
Classification List at KMC 23.50.010(d).
2. Ordinance No. 1827-99 -- Amending KMC 23.55.040 to Increase the
Uniform Allowance for the Fire Department.
3. Resolution No. 99-30 -- Transferring $3,000 in the General Fund for
the Purchase of Library Computers.
4. * 1999-2000 Liquor License Renewal -- Elks Lodge #2425 / Club
ITEM D: COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging
2. Airport Commission
3. Harbor Commission
4. Library Commission
5. Parks 8. Recreation Commission
6. Planning 8v Zoning Commission
7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
a. Beautification Committee
-1-
b. Historic District Board
C. Kenai Visitors & Convention Bureau Board
d. Alaska Municipal League Report
ITEM E. MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of May 5, 1999.
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. 1828-99 -- Adopting the Annual Budget for the Fiscal
Year Commencing July 1, 1999 and Ending June 30, 2000.
4. Discussion -- Snug Harbor Leases
5. Approval -- Alaska Challenger Center Lease
ITEM I. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1.
Mayor
2.
City Manager
3.
Attorney
4.
City Clerk
5.
Finance Director
6.
Public Works
7.
Airport Manager
ITEM J: DISCUSSION
1. Citizens (five minutes)
2. Council
EXECUTIVE SESSION -None Scheduled
� ITEM K• ADJOURNMENT
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KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
MAY 199 1999
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
http: Z Z www. ci. kenai. ak. u s
MAYOR JOHN J. WILLIAMS, PRESIDING
ITEM A: CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at approximately 7:02 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 and
Swarner.
Absent were: Moore, Measles and Bookey.
A- 3 . AGENDA APPROVAL
Mayor Williams requested the following changes to the agenda:
ADD AS: B-1, Persons Scheduled to be Heard -- Vince Wagner regarding
Cunningham Park Improvements.
ADD AS: B-2, Persons Scheduled to be Heard -- Steve Foster regarding
Multi -purpose Facility/ Challenger Site Work Contract.
ADD AS: H-6, Discussion -- Schedule Board of Adjustment Hearing
regarding denial of Conditional Use Permit by the Planning &
Zoning Commission to Beaverloop Partnership, Warren H.
Polsky, Partnership Manager/Appellant.
MOTION:
Councilman Bannock MOVED for approval of the agenda as amended and
Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED.
A-4. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Williams noted there were no changes to the consent agenda.
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KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 19, 1999
PAGE 2
MOTION:
Councilman Bannock MOVED for approval of the consent agenda as presented and
Councilman Frazer SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED.
ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
B-1. Vince Wagner -- Cunningham Park Improvements.
Wagner stated his address to be 4340 Eagle Rock Drive in Kenai. He reported he is a
local school teacher and has lived in Kenai for approximately eight years, his wife has
a dance studio, and in the summer he runs Wagner's Guide Service (a drift boat
guide service) . Wagner stated he was representing himself and other drift boat guide
services who utilize the lower river for their business as well as local people who pull
out drift boats at the Park. He noted, the opinions he would state were his as he had
not had a lot of time to discuss the matter with other guides.
Wagner added, he discovered the improvements being made to Cunningham Park
recently when he and another drift guide service owner wanted to use the area. He
stated the new handicap access precludes him and others from putting their drift
boats in at that location. Wagner stated he appreciated the improvements being
made to the park, but didn't think everyone who uses the park for their services were
aware of the changes being made to the launch. He added, those who use the Park
in their business have effectively been cut off from Eagle Rock down (with exception
to those on Beaver Creek) and would make use of the river from Eagle Rock down,
power boat use only. Wagner noted, he personally purchased a home in the Eagle
Rock area for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the tidewater fishery. The
removal of the original launch has shut his business down and forced him into
another part of the river. Wagner suggested the work stop on the project in order for
he and his associates to present another plan to allow continued use as' a pull-out
only or possibility of paying a fee.
Mayor Williams related Cunningham Park was never intended to be a boat launch -
type park as the property was willed to the city to be used as a children's park. Over
the years, it developed into a local fishing area and approximately 20 years ago
someone used a bulldozer to punch a hole through the bank to make a launch area
(unbeknown to the city) . Williams continued, the launch was not considered a
legitimate boat launch for many years and that was why the city did not do any
improvements to it over the years. Williams added, in the past years, when the city
tried to make changes and develop a boat ramp, the permitting agencies strongly
denied it. It was suggested at one time, to close the boat launch altogether, but it
was pointed out that if it was closed, permits to reopen it would never be available.
� Williams continued, the Kenai River Sportfishing Association contacted the city and
asked if the city would consider making improvements to the park if they donated the
funds to do the work (restoration of the banks, adding handicap -access, etc.) The
city agreed to the work and the Association donated approximately $144,000 toward
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 19, 1999
PAGE 3
the project. Williams added, it would be very unlikely the launch would ever be a
boat ramp as it would take a lot of public hearings, correspondence, applications,
etc. in order to develop a boat ramp at that park.
Williams stated, he believed the council was aware the improvements would upset
the drift boat fishers. Wagner stated he talked with the permitting agencies and the
design engineer and didn't feel it would be a big change to the design to allow them
to be able to pull their boats out. He added, the city could improve the park, but the
way they pull their boats out and do business, it wouldn't require a lot of change to
make the launch continue to work as a pull-out only (for drift boats, canoes, etc.) .
He added, he would like the project work to stop in order to that the funds available
could be used wisely if and when . the city decides to work with them on the project.
Williams noted, the park work was almost completed and it was designed to stop
p
using the launch as a pullout. Wagner stated, a distinction between a ramp and
pullout was needed; the requirements to pull out a boat were quite a bit different
than what is needed to launch a drift or power boat. He added, he and his associates
were speaking to council during this meeting in order to get something started.
Williams stated he had a discussion with someone who lived in Oregon and the had
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a design for a pull-out which consisted of Teflon -coated slide rails and a hand -
cranked winch. However, to install something of that nature would involve making
applications and he didn't think that process could be completed until next year.
Wagner stated he was not sure those whose business it would impact would know of
the changes to the park until July. He added, his concern was to be able to fish the
lower tide water in the manner he wanted to fish.
City Manager Ross reported the improvements contract gives the contractor the park
until July 1, which was the finish date for the project. He added, whether or not the
design could be reviewed and a cost estimate for a change order to make a minor
change and allow pull-out processed, he did not know. However, the present design
would have to be totally redone to put in a ramp. The suggestion to stop work in
order to do that, was not possible because the contractor would be paid for the work
not done. He added, he believed the city was locked into having the contract
completed. However, if there was a way to accommodate a pullout adjacent to the
walkway, the cost could be reviewed, but council would have to consider the
ramifications and then decide how to operate the park traffic because there was no
room available for pickups and trailers. He added, the public testimony given on this
project was they didn't want to see the public crowded out by pickups and trailers
dropped off. Ross noted, he and Wagner had already discussed that problem, and
felt that could be worked out. However, to stop the present work and try to do
something different, he did not feel was an option.
Wagner asked what would be the next step. Williams noted that during the public
hearing on the park improvements, the neighbors along Beaver Loop stated they did
not want a boat ramp because of the additional vehicles that park along the highway
which is a hazard.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 192 1999
PAGE 4
Councilwoman Swarner asked what was needed for a pullout. Wagner answered, a
pullout would require a truck and a rope which was how it was done at Kasilof as
well as other sites. He noted, he and others he is associated with, do not leave
trailers, but arrange for someone to pick them up. He added, they pull their boats
up over the bank and load them onto the trailer. Swarner asked the impact on the
bank erosion by pulling their boats up over the bank.
Hal Borg -- Borg stated he had used the boat ramp for 20 years and they use it for
pulling in their boat after fishing; they bring their truck down to the ramp and skid it
up. He added, what was needed was a piece of ground with a six to eight foot cut in
the bank. Borg added, he believed in the last 20 years from pulling his boat in and
out, there may have been six inches of bank erosion from that action. He noted, they
use a product that coats the bottom of their boats to glide the boat over the top of the
rocks. He noted, the erosion which had taken place was due to the peat washing
away from vehicles parking on the end of the bluff and wave action from the power
boats.
Williams stated, the possibility of adding another pullout in the park existed only if it
could be permitted and that would take time to do and wouldn't get done this year.
He noted, a compromise would have to be made between the drifters and the
adjacent property owners. Williams added, the present contract could not be
stopped and the city was unable to consider a ramp due to the permitting required.
He suggested Wagner's group discuss the matter with the Kenai Sportfishing
Association who funded the present project. Borg stated the Association didn't
represent his group because they were not compatible, noting the Association did not
use the ramp.
Borg stated he and his group would be willing to help do the work required to ease
the financial burden on the city if they were given permission to do the work.
Williams stated, the city would investigate whether there was something that could
be done to accommodate their boats, questioning the permitting agencies as well.
Bannock asked if a seven foot wide slot was developed, what would prevent someone
with an 18' riverboat from using the same area. Borg suggested a sign be placed
stating "no vehicles beyond this point due to bank erosion, etc." From the audience,
Wagner suggested Teflon -coated rails could be placed to be habitat friendly.
Swarner asked if the drifters were organized. Answer was not officially. Swarner
asked, if they had an organization, how much funding would they be willing to put
toward the participation of developing the additional pullout. She added, she was
sorry they were not aware of the discussions which were held on the improvements,
but the meetings were advertised in the newspaper and on the Internet. Borg stated,
they probably didn't realize their skid trail would be removed.
Frazer noted a motored boat pullout would require a ramp to back a trailer down to
pull out the boat. Borg answered yes and added, he would promote a no motored
vehicle area. He added, the pullout wouldn't require skids, etc.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 19, 1999
PAGE 5
Ross suggested the group meet with Kornelis and the design engineer to see what
would be possible designs for a pullout that would be something to bring back to
present to the public and council. He added, for their client purposes, the month of
June was not available to them in regard to using the park. Williams suggested the
drifters consider using the city dock and the city could consider giving access to the
dock at no cost. It was noted there was a $7.00 fee at the dock, for both launch or
retrieval. Ross noted, a drift boat trying to use the city dock probably would not be
workable due to wind and commercial fishers. Borg agreed.
Wagner stated he spoke with a representative from State Parks who suggested they
may be able to use the Warren Ames Park as a pull out. Williams noted, that would
be strictly up to State Parks as it is their property. Borg stated he liked the
suggestion of their getting together with the contractor. Ross corrected him stating,
he suggested the drift group meet with the design engineer and Kornelis to see what
modifications could be made in the future, after the present project was completed.
B-2. Steve Foster -- Multi -purpose Facility/ Challenger Site Work Contract.
Not present.
ITEM C: PUBLIC HEARINGS
C-1. Ordinance No. 1826-99 -- Changing Pay Ranges of the Water and
Sewer Operator I and Water and Sewer Foreman in the Employee
Classification List at KMC 23.50.010(d).
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for adoption of Ordinance No. 1826-99 and
Councilman Frazer SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Ross explained, the change would make the pay
ranges of the water and sewer distribution people the same as the water and sewer
treatment plant workers. He noted, the positions are cross -trained as STP Operators
and are required to have the same certifications and should be paid at the same
level.
VOTE:
Moore: Absent
Frazer: Yes
Swarner: Yes
Measles: Absent
Williams: Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Bannock: Yes
Bookey: Absent
C-2. Ordinance No. 1827-99 -- Amending KMC 23.55.040 to Increase the
Uniform Allowance for the Fire Department.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 19, 1999
PAGE 6
MOTION:
Councilman Frazer MOVED for adoption of Ordinance No. 1827-99 and
Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Ross noted, the NFPA requires this type of wash
and wear uniform which are more costly and higher maintenance than the previous
type of uniform.
VOTE:
Moore: Absent
Frazer: Yes
Swarner: Yes
Measles: Absent
Williams: Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Bannock: Yes
Bookey: Absent
C-3, Resolution No. 99-30 -- Transferring $3,000 in the General Fund for
the Purchase of Library Computers.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 99-30 and requested
UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Councilman Frazer SECONDED the motion.
There were no public or council comments.
VOTE:
There were no objections to the request for unanimous consent. SO ORDERED.
C-4. 1999-2000 Liquor License Renewal -- Elks Lodge #2425/Club
Approved by consent agenda.
ITEM D: COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
D-1. Council on Aging -- No report.
D-2. Airport Commission -- Councilman Bannock reported the
Commission met on Thursday, May 13. He noted, they approved recommendations
for Special Use Permits for the travel agency space and long-distance card dispensing
machine.
D-3. Harbor Commission -- Public Works Manager Kornelis reported he did
not attend the meeting, but spoke with Chairman Jahrig as to actions taken at the
meeting. He noted, the minutes of the meeting were included in the packet.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 19, 1999
PAGE 7
Williams noted the discussion of the Nottingham, Petratrovich & Drage proposal for
further funding to complete the engineering study on the bluff erosion project. He
suggested strongly the funds be appropriated for the work so the plans will be
available if a source for funding is found. Ross reported the discussion would be
before council at their next meeting.
D-4. Library Commission -- Librarian Jankowska reported the Commission
met on May 4 when she was introduced to the commission members. During the
meeting the Friends of the Library announced they would hold another book sale the
first weekend in June; a copy of the patron survey was distributed; and the members
agreed to protect the Sunday openings and not push for the hire of a fund raiser
consultant in the budget.
D-5. Parks & Recreation Commission -- Councilman Frazer reported the
meeting minutes were included in the packet. He noted the high point of the meeting
was a slide presentation of the condition and maintenance needs for the city parks.
He added, the presentation and discussion were greatly appreciated.
D-6. Planning & Zoning Commission -- Councilman Bannock reported the
minutes of the last two Commission meetings were included in the packet. He noted,
he reported on the April 28 meeting during a previous meeting and at the May 12
meeting the Commission discussed the council's suggested changes to the variance
and encroachment ordinances (placing the responsibility on the applicant to secure
non -objections from neighboring property owners) . The motion to approve the
changes failed unanimously. Bannock noted the Commission felt if wording was to
be inserted to allow for administrative approval of these type of minor variances and
encroachments, administration should be able to make the decision. Bannock
added, he would support the ordinance as originally presented to the Commission.
Bannock added, he felt council had some concerns that administration would make
decisions on these minor requests that would be disastrous to the neighbors. He
noted, he was confident the employees and the process would not allow that to
happen. Bannock added, the applicant or neighbors would still maintain the right of
appeal and it would also save the applicant the $100 application fee.
When asked why the ordinances were not included on this agenda for council
consideration, Attorney Graves explained they were not included due to the action
taken by the Commission. He added, administration was waiting for direction from
council in regard to the ordinances. Council requested the ordinances be brought
forward on the June 16 meeting agenda in their original form. Graves suggested
copies of the ordinances with the suggested changes inserted be included as well.
D-7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
D-7a. Beautification Committee -- Swarner reported the minutes of the last
meeting were included in the packet. She noted, during the meeting the Committee
developed a weeding and planting schedule and invited people to volunteer.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 19, 1999
PAGE 8
Parks & Recreation Director Frates was asked when the grass would be seeded in the
Erik Hansen Park. Frates replied, the hydro -seeding would probably take place in
the second week of June.
D-7b, Historic District Board -- No report.
D-7c. Kenai Visitors & Convention Bureau Board -- No report.
D-7d. Alaska Municipal League Report-- Williams reported the closure of the
Legislature was coming and there was still no agreement on the capital budget. He
noted, funds had been included for the maintenance facility design and engineering,
however it was not known if they would remain. He noted, the municipal assistance
and revenue sharing was funded at 2 / 3 .
Williams also noted the Capital Matching Program now required a preventative
maintenance plan be included with applications for capital funding, including costs
for employee training, etc. Ross reported the affidavit had been received, filled out
and submitted. He added, the city met with the criteria of the statute.
ITEM E: MINUTES
E-1. Regular Meeting of May 5, 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 Frazer SECONDED
the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
H-2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500
MOTION:
Councilman Frazer MOVED for approval of the purchase orders exceeding $2,500
and Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 19, 1999
PAGE 9
H-3. Ordinance No. 1828-99 -- Adopting the Annual Budget for the Fiscal
Year Commencing July 1, 1999 and Ending June 30, 2000.
Introduced by consent agenda.
H-4. Discussion -- Snug Harbor Leases
Ross referred to his memorandum included in the packet. He noted, the lease
contract allowed for termination of the lease upon mutual consent. He noted,
administration was requesting to have the ability to terminate the lease. Ross
reported, the lessee was trying to negotiate the use of one of the processing plants
which had been closed.
Ross added, if council approved the termination of the leases, he expected to have
the crane lease re -bid in approximately two weeks. He requested authority to work
with Snug Harbor Seafoods to operate one of the processing plants through the
termination of the leases. He noted, having the processing plant working would also
be advantageous to the city.
MOTION.
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED approval of the city manager's recommendations.
Councilman Frazer SECONDED the motion.
Frazer noted he had a business relationship with the lessee, but had no direct
financial benefit from that relationship. He asked Attorney Graves if that presented a
conflict. Graves answered, since there was no financial benefit (to Frazer) , there
would not be a conflict. Frazer noted, he discussed the matter with one of the people
involved and from that conversation felt their operation of the processing plant would
be much more positive for the city than the lease at the dock.
VOTE:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
H-5. Approval -- Alaska Challenger Center Lease
Attorney Graves stated the lease was worked out with Challenger and had been
approved by the Challenger Board of Directors. Ross noted, the lease was basically
standard. The only divergence was agreeing to maintain the grounds and parking
lot, which the city had planned to do anyway. He added, the grounds maintenance
was included in the Memorandum of Understanding and discussed with council
during approval of that Memorandum.
Swarner noted, with this additional responsibility for the Parks & Recreation
Department, increased funding should be considered for additional summer crew in
the next budget.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 19, 1999
PAGE 10
MOTION:
Councilman Bannock MOVED for approval of the lease between the Alaska
Challenger Center and the City of Kenai. Councilman Frazer SECONDED the
motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
Williams asked if questions of whether the city could use people needing to do
community service for some of the city's grounds maintenance work. Swarner noted
people doing community service had been used at the Recreation Center in the past
and also helped in developing the flower beds. She added, sometimes their time
available does not work with the city and volunteers' schedules and they normally
need to have some direction. Frazer stated the city should probably have a
volunteer endorsement on their Workers' Compensation policy. Williams asked if
incarcerated people could be used for this type of work. Graves stated he did not
think the State had changed their policy that the city was responsible to cover the
workers with its workers' compensation policy. The city believes it is the State's
responsibility.
H-6. Discussion -- Schedule Board of Adjustment Hearing Regarding Denial
of Conditional Use Permit by the Planning & Zoning Commission to
Beaverloop Partnership, Warren H. Polsky, Partnership
Manager/Appellant.
Council set the Board of Adjustment hearing for 7:00 p.m., June 16, 1999, in the
council chambers, immediately prior to the regular council meeting.
ITEM I:
I-1 o Mayor
ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
a. Kenai Peninsula Coalition/Port of Entry -- Williams reported he
attended the Kenai Peninsula Coalition Meeting on May 11 at which there were
representatives from Kenai, Soldotna, Seward, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly,
and Homer. The group viewed a video regarding the advantages of having a Port of
Entry/ Foreign Trade Zone and received a binder of information which consisted of
correspondence, etc. from other Peninsula municipalities.
Williams noted, the group also discussed a proposed contract to develop the
necessary paperwork and applications with Attorney Vern Chase who had extensive
experience in these matters. Williams reported Chase's fee for his work would be
$33,000. Originally it was thought these costs would be divided among the Borough
and Peninsula municipalities involved in the application. However, since the
meeting, Mayor Navarre stated his belief the responsibility for preparing the
application lay with the Borough and the Borough would pay for the application
costs.
The secondary issue, Williams noted, would be the maintenance of the Port of Entry
office after it is established. The first year's fee would be $100,000 and $75,000 a
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 19, 1999
PAGE 11
year thereafter. He noted, this yearly charge would be for office space for the
Customs official which could be offset by fees collected by Customs for the Port of
Entry.
Williams stated, he wanted council to be aware the effort to acquire a Port of
Entry/ Free Trade Zone for the Peninsula was moving forward and the process for
making application could take 22 to 24 months. Williams also reported that during
the meeting, it was discussed where the Port of Entry office should be situated and
there was a lot of support to place the office at the Kenai Municipal Airport. He
added, it would be his intention to pursue that suggestion.
I-2. City Manager
a. Alaska Fire Chiefs Association -- Ross reported Williams approached
him about a funding source for sponsoring the Fire Chiefs Association Conference to
be held in Kenai later in the year in conjunction with PRISM/ARFF. He noted, new
airport brochures were being developed and avenues of marketing the airport were
being explored. The marketing of the airport should include marketing
PRISM /ARFF. A portion of the airport advertising budget may be used for the Fire
Chiefs Association's marking of the ARFF/ PRISM to other fire departments. Ross
added, he suggested the parties doing the marketing of the Conference should
contact the Acting Airport Manager to discuss advertising possibilities on behalf of
the ARFF.
b. Old FAA Site -- Ross reported he had been working with FAA on the
removal of the facilities at the site. It is believed a major underground concrete
structure was situated on the property and was used for anchoring the tower. To
date, FAA agreed to removing everything in the way of concrete structure up to four
feet below the surface. Anything below that, the city engineer felt would not hurt
future development of the area. Ross added, unless council objects, he would give
permission for FAA to abandon the underground utilities cables and remove any
concrete structure up to four feet below ground.
Williams stated he had no obj ection to the utility cable abandonment, but was
concerned the depth of removal of the concrete structure was not deep enough. Ross
stated, the anchors of which they were aware, were set in a culvert of 24 x 30" and
would be removed to four feet. City Engineer La Shot added, they believed the
columns were tied into a mass of concrete deeper into the ground. He added, FAA
could be asked to locate their specific location as they could cause a problem in a
basement construction. Williams asked if the underground room was also made of
concrete. La Shot stated he was not aware of an underground vault, although there
was a vault in one of the other buildings. He added, their removal of four feet down
could be a problem for basement development.
Williams requested Ross to ask FAA if there is any known underground chamber on
the site. Ross asked La Shot if the concrete structure believed to be tied to the cones
was 15 feet down. La Shot answered, yes and that would make each culvert full of
concrete to weigh about three tons, plus the mass of concrete that may tie them
together. Ross stated, if the mass of concrete was 15 feet down, FAA would not want
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 19, 1999
PAGE 12
to remove it. The question would be how much longer the city would want to delay
the transfer of the land in order to have the mass of concrete removed. Williams
noted, it would take as long to remove the concrete whether it was four feet or 15
feet.
Ross asked La Shot if he thought FAA would be amenable to removing the concrete
to eight feet down. La Shot answered, he didn't think they would have a problem
with that as they didn't have a problem in removing the concrete pilasters within a
certain distance from the surface. They just didn't want to remove a huge mass of
concrete. He added, FAA told him they would have to remove all the other
foundations on the property anyway, but they would be a different problem because
they had re -bar in them.
Williams explained, the site was called a "hardened site" because they didn't want the
antennas blown over by the wind or a bomb and that was why there had been a
question over the years about whether there was an underground chamber where the
transmitters and repeaters may have been located. He added, they wanted to be sure
that items known to be buried on the property are properly taken care of before the
site is transferred.
Ross asked council if they wanted the amount of concrete removal to be down four
feet or eight feet on the anchoring device. Williams answered no. Frazer stated, he
believed the FAA would be more financially able to remove the items to the city's
satisfaction rather than turning the property over to the city and the city remove
them. He added, he didn't know what the proper depth was, but whatever is
appropriate should be handled by the FAA. Williams agreed, but didn't think eight
feet was a proper depth either because if a large structure were to be built there a it
wouldn't be deep enough for a basement or sub -basement. He added, the matter
had been going on for approximately 15 years and it only now progressed to the point
of them transferring the property.
Swarner asked if a basement were to be put in a building, how far down would the
basement need to be placed. La Shot answered, probably ten feet. Swarner stated
she thought they should remove to ten feet. Williams stated he believed ten feet
would be cutting it thin. La Shot stated, he was considering the location of the tower
and where a building might be placed toward the bluff.
Frates asked how much depth would be needed for a four-story apartment building
to be placed there. La Shot answered, ten feet may be thing, but he wasn't sure that
type of building would be put in that location. He added, the congregate housing
structure was probably as close as any building should be placed in that area. La
Shot stated, the foundation is closer to the bluff.
Williams requested Ross to correspond with the FAA and see how far they would be
willing to go. There were no objections or further comments from council.
I-3. Attorney -- No report.
I-4. City Clerk -- No report.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 1911999
PAGE 13
Finance Director -- No report.
I-6. Public works -- Kornelis reported the following:
a. Crow Court -- A plan review was held for the property owners of Crow
Court on May 13; the RFP was being advertised; the bid opening was
scheduled for June 9.
b. wellhouse / Pumphouse Modification and SCADA -- The pre -bid was
scheduled for May 26 and the bid opening for June 9.
c. STP Expansion/South Spruce Parking -- The project was 75%
complete.
d. wellhouse No. 3 -- Was back on line and the rehabilitation was
successful. Also, the well was back to 900 gpm with only 183' draw
down.
I-7. Airport Manager -- No report.
ITEM J: DISCUSSION
J-1. Citizens -- None.
J-2. Council
Bookey -- Absent
Swarner -- Reported she did a work -related ride -along with Officer Langseth
and recommended all council members do it as well. She noted, it was very
interesting and enlightening to learn what goes on during the afternoons on city
streets.
Swarner also reported the street banners were being placed and looked very good.
Swarner reported she had been asked the procedure for people who have sustained
lawn damage from city snowplows. Ross answered, those persons should report the
problem to Public Works. He noted, Public Works places top soil and the Parks &
Recreation Department seeds those areas. Swarner noted she had a constituent who
put up a retaining wall which also sustained damage. Ross noted, no structures
placed in the city right-of-way would be repaired.
It was noted a new reporter from the Peninsula Clarion was in the audience.
Reporter Charles Adamson introduced Carey Restino and stated she would be taking
over the Clarion's attendance at the council meetings, etc. He would be leaving the
state.
Moore -- Absent
Measles -- Absent
Bannock -- No comments.
Frazer -- Stated he believed the wellbeing of small communities was tied to
businesses. He noted, a new business opened by his office and a new car wash was
being built along the highway. He added, he believed this a positive note for tough
budget times.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 19, 1999
PAGE 14
Williams -- Reported he had a discussion with Dr. Hansen who sustained
damage to his lawn. Hansen has requested a meeting be held with Ross, his
neighbors and council. Williams asked if council wanted to meet with them or have
him continue speaking to Ross. Swarner stated she would recommend they continue
discussions through Ross. There were no other comments.
Williams also noted Information Item No. 4 discussed the upcoming presentation of a
Wastewater Plant Award which would take place in June. He stated it was a
significant award and requested other state and federal agency representatives be
invited to attend the presentation of the award. Kornelis stated he would make the
necessary arrangements. Williams added, he believed the award was indicative of
the type of employees the city has and the hard work and efforts of the city
employees. Ross agreed, stating an excellent job was being done by the employees at
the plant as well as Kornelis' efforts in managing the program.
EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled
ITEM K: ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8 : 50 p.m.
Minutes transcribed and prepared by:
Carol L. Freas, City Clerk