HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-09-01 Council MinutesAGENDA
KENAI CITY COUNCIL -REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
http: Z 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. Ordinance No. 1838-99 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $26,928 in the General Fund for Pass -Through
Grants.
2. Ordinance No. 1839-99 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $450,000 for Design and Engineering of the Airport
Maintenance Facility, Airport Fire Station and Warm Storage Facility.
3. Ordinance No. 1840-99 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $10,000 in the Jet Fuel Facility Capital Project Fund.
4. Resolution No. 99-50 - Urging Timely Reauthorization of the Older
Americans Act.
5. Resolution No. 99 -51 - Awarding the Contract to American
Environmental for Additional Professional Services on the Underground
Storage Tank Removal at the Airport jet Fuel Facility Project for the
Amount of $14,30 1.
-1-
6. Resolution No. 99-52 - Setting the Time and Place for a Public Hearing
on the Crow Court Street Improvement Special Assessment District.
7. Resolution No. 99-53 - Congratulating the Peninsula Oilers Baseball
Club for Their Successful 1999 Season.
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
b. Historic District Board
C. Kenai Visitors & Convention Bureau Board
d. Alaska Municipal League Report
1. *Regular Meeting of August 18, 1999.
ITEM F: CORRESPONDENCE
ITEM G: OLD BUSINESS
1. Discussion - AML Conference Donation
ITEM H: NEW BUSINESS
1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified
2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500
3. *Ordinance No. 1841-99 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $100,000 in the Forest/ Redoubt Water & Sewer
Crossings Capital Project Fund.
-2-
4.
ITEM I:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
ITEM J :
*Ordinance No. 1842-99 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $6,300 in the General Fund for a Public Library
Assistance Grant.
ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor
City Manager
Attorney
City Clerk
Finance Director
Public Works Managers
Airport Manager
DISCUSSION
EXECUTIVE SESSION -Evaluations of City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk (if
time allows).
ITEM K: ADJOURNMENT
-3-
KENAI CITY COUNCIL -REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
http://www.cl*.kenai.ak.us
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: Moore, Bannock, Frazer, Williams,
Bookey and Swarner.
A-3, AGENDA APPROVAL
Mayor Williams requested the following changes to the agenda:
ADD TO: I-4, October 5, 1999 City Election - Election Judge List.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of the agenda with the addition of the
election judge list. 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
j SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 2
C-1. Ordinance No. 1838-99 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $26,928 in the General Fund for Pass -Through
Grants.
MOTION:
Councilman Bannock MOVED for adoption of Ordinance No. 1838-99 and
Councilman Frazer SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Councilman Moore asked if any of the funds would
be used for the Kenai Health Center. City Manager Ross explained, they were bed
count -type pass -through grants for the Peninsula Care Center, Women's Resource 8s
Crisis Center, etc.
VOTE:
Moore:
Yes
Bannock:
Yes
Frazer:
Yes
Williams:
Yes
Bookey:
Yes
Swarner:
Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
C-2, Ordinance No. 1839-99 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $450,00.0 for Design and Engineering of the Airport
Maintenance Facility, Airport Fire Station and Warm Storage Facility.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for adoption of Ordinance No. 1839-99 and
Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Councilman Bookey asked what the timeline was
expected to be for the project. Ross answered he hoped the final design for the airport
ARFF warm storage facility would be ready for FAA in April as they requested. He
added, administration had every reason to believe FAA would push the project and it
may be a project for next year. He noted, both AIP and FAA discretionary funds would
be used as funding sources for the warm storage project. At first review, the estimated
cost for both the airport maintenance/fire station and shop building was $6 million,
which could be high.
Ross added, the shop facility project would depend on the city's lobbying capabilities
because there was no funding source for construction of the project at this time. He
noted, the site for the building was also unknown at this time. Without a funding
source and designated site, the shop facility would go only to preliminary design.
l
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 3
Bookey asked if it was believed an additional $3.5 million would be needed for the
warm storage building. Ross answered, the project was for a combination of two
buildings: warm storage facility and fire station. The preliminary cost estimate
showed the cost could go that high. He added, Public Works Manager La Shot and
Airport Manager Cronkhite met with FAA and the project will be designed to
correspond with what FAA will fund. Ross stated, neither the Airport or General
Funds were in a position to fund the projects. FAA would be funding 93% of the
project.
VOTE:
Moore:
Yes
Bannock:
Yes
Frazer:
Yes
Williams:
Yes
Bookey:Yes
Swarner:
Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
C-3. Ordinance No. 1840-99 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $10,000 in the Jet Fuel Facility Capital Project Fund.
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED for adoption of Ordinance No. 1840-99 and Councilman
Moore SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Williams noted this project was brought on by the
ADEC and EPA. Bookey stated he had reservations about this project for a long time
(as well as former Councilman Measles) . He added, he was concerned that if the
project is started, it would turn into something very extensive. He asked for Ross'
comments.
Ross noted when he was hired as the interim city manager three years prior, this
matter was already being discussed. Ross explained, the tanks needed to be pulled
because of the law and they would have needed to be pulled at some point. He added,
he had attended several meetings with the DEC over the last two years. A proposal is
being compiled that would allow for the following:
1. Hydro -punching to ensure there is no free-floating material. If there is
free-floating material, it will need to be removed to ensure it won't migrate to the
terminal, cause fumes, etc. He added, he didn't think this would be an issue.
2. Determine what is left in the soils. He noted, administration's opinion
was that once that answer is known, a waiver would be requested and debated to
acquire.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 4
3. Desire to deal with the soils at the shop. He noted, he believed the city
was very close to not having to burn the soils (with several more months of natural
aeration, etc.).
Ross continued, administration's position was the piping would not be removed; the
piping will be abandoned in place when the project is completed; if there are issues
below the tarmac, the city will have an obligation to see what is there. He added,
without free-floating material, the city will resist any clean-up under the tarmac. If
there is free-floating material and depending on the quantity, the city may not have an
option.
Bookey asked what made Ross believe there was no free-floating material. Ross
answered, the type of line it was; the fact that some of the test wells (though not
downstream of the bulk of the plume) didn't show any contamination at the level that
would lead them to believe there was; and it was not a pressured line, except for in
immediate use to fill planes. Ross added, if free-floating material was found, it should
be removed.
Bookey reminded council that was what was suggested with the court house project.
Ross noted, under the current rules, he believed the court house decontamination
efforts would have been considered overkill.
Ross stated, over the years the city has debated with DEC over different matters and
where the city has thought it has been justifiably right, it has said "no." In this case, a
determination of free-floating material has to be made and the hydro -punching
method will be used to make that determination. Other down -gradient wells were
being established to make sure no other material was moving. If there is, the city will
state no -harm, no -foul, because it is under an airport. Also, the final soils testing is
being done in order that a $30,000-$40,000 burn is not needed and maybe a local
remediation might be done through farming dispersal, etc. on city soils.
Moore asked if there were two different standards and explained, the city just passed a
conditional use permit for a piece of property on Beaver Loop that had equipment with
fuel tanks and oil stored on the property, but the council decided it was not a concern.
However, the council may be putting itself to a higher standard than that of the
general public. Ross answered, he didn't believe the city was to a higher standard
than the general public in the sense that the matter started as a tank removal
program and a tank which had contamination in and around it. He added, it was not
different than a local gas station having to remove their underground tanks. Ross
continued, if the tanks had been removed ten years ago when the rules were different,
the problem wouldn't be before council at this time. Having two 10,000 tanks and
contamination in and around them, whether private or public, would be having the
same concerns at this time.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 5
VOTE:
Moore:
Yes
Bannock:
Yes
Frazer:
Yes
Williams:
Yes
Booke
Yes
Swarner:
Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
C-4, Resolution No. 99-50 - Urging Timely Reauthorization of the Older
Americans Act.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for adoption of Resolution No. 99-50 and Councilman
Bookey SECONDED the motion.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to add the word "meeting" after August 26, 1999 in
the fourth whereas and requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Councilman Moore
SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
There were no public or council comments.
VOTE ON MAIN AMENDED MOTION:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
C-54, Resolution No. 99 -51 - Awarding the Contract to American
Environmental for Additional Professional Services on the Underground
Storage Tank Removal at the Airport Jet Fuel Facility Project for the
Amount of $14,301.
MOTION:
Councilman Moore MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 99-51 and Councilman
Frazer SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Bannock asked if there was any work not performed
by Kent & Sullivan and if the contract with Kent & Sullivan had expired. Ross
answered, yes, the contract had expired and the city requested they do some
additional work for the city on a purchase order in their last DEC meetings.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 6
Moore asked why it was important to the resolution to contain that information with
respect to Pete Campbell's non -association with Kent & Sullivan. He asked if
Campbell was bring work or data with him that would be useful in his additional
services to the city. Ross answered yes. He explained, Kent 8. Sullivan was
Campbell's former employer and he had worked on the project during the first contract
and would be continuing the same work under his own business in this portion of the
work.
Bookey asked why the city was now switching to American Environmental if Kent 8v
Sullivan was the company the city first contracted. Bookey asked if the city was
dissatisfied with Kent 8v Sullivan. Public Works Manager La Shot answered, it was
because Campbell performed all the work for Kent &Sullivan and Kent &Sullivan
agreed to transfer their records to Pete Campbell and suggested the city switch the
work to Campbell.
Bookey noted the original ordinance was for $10,000 and the resolution was for
$14,301. Ross explained, there were funds remaining in the first project that could be
used toward this portion of the work.
VOTE:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED,
C-6, Resolution No. 99 -52 - Setting the Time and Place for a Public Hearing
on the Crow Court Street Improvement Special Assessment District.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 99-52 and requested
UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion.
There were no public or council comments.
VOTE:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
C-7. Resolution No. 99-53 - Congratulating the Peninsula Oilers Baseball
Club for Their Successful 1999 Season.
MOTION:
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 7
Councilman Bannock MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 99-53 and
Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion.
There were no public or council comments.
VOTE:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
ITEM D: COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
D-1. Council on Aging - Swarner reported a meeting was held on August 26,
1999 and the unapproved minutes of the meeting were included in the packet.
Williams noted the minutes stated the new Senior Center van was on its way. Moore
noted the minutes stated a city shop employee had to travel to Seattle to inspect the
vehicle and asked if this was necessary.
La Shot answered, the company was told to send the vehicle to the city and meet the
specifications. He noted, the company did request someone travel to Seattle to inspect
the vehicle, however that was not in the plan. La Shot added, no one would be
traveling to Seattle unless the company paid for the travel costs.
D-2. Airport Commission -Bannock reported the minutes of the last meeting
were included in the packet (which he reported on at the August 18 council meeting).
D-3. Harbor Commission - Bookey reported the next meeting was scheduled
for September 13 (moved from September 6 because of the Labor Day holiday).
Williams noted he attended the public meeting held on August 24 in regard to the
Coastal Trail/Bluff Restoration project and was very encouraged as there were very
few negative comments. He added, he was disappointed there were not more people
attending since over 100 notices of the hearing were mailed out. Williams added, he
spoke about the project at the Chamber luncheon and suggested people contact the
City Clerk to have their name added to the notice list.
D-4. Library Commission - Moore reported the next meeting would be held
on September 7 and a "Meet the Librarian" night was planned for September 16 from
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
D-5. Parks & Recreation Commission - Frazer reported the next meeting
was scheduled for September 2, 1999, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the council
chambers. Williams reported he was asked by the director of the Boys & Girls Club if
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 8
it would be possible for them to use the BOR property for an extra soccer Feld. He
suggested she contact the Parks 8s Recreation Director and/or the city manager.
D-6. Planning & Zoning Commission - Bannock reported the minutes of the
last meeting were included in the packet. He noted two landscape site plans were
approved at the meeting.
D-7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
D-7-a. Beautification Committee - Swarner reported the next meeting was
scheduled for September 14.
D-7-b. Historic District Board - Moore referred to a memorandum included in
the packet which noted the October 18 Board meeting would fall on Alaska Day, which
is a city holiday. Staff suggested the meeting be moved to October 19. There were no
objections from council to move the meeting date to October 19.
D-7-c. Kenai Visitors & Convention Bureau Board - Bookey reported he was
told a meeting was scheduled for September 20.
D-7-d. Alaska Municipal League Report - Williams reported he attended the
joint meeting of the AML Board of Directors and Alaska Conference of Mayors on
August 30 and 31. He noted, there was a great deal of debate regarding the
Permanent Fund question to be asked on the State's September 14, 1999 Special
Election ballot and whether the ACOM's taking a position on the matter was
representing the members' individual opinion or their councils and constituents.
Williams reported the ACOM voted to support the "yes" vote, but it was decided their
votes were individually made and would not represent the wishes of the whole.
Williams stated he voted in favor of the "yes" vote because it was unknown what the
"no" vote would mean.
Williams also reported the ACOM was very concerned about the possibility of the
initiating a state sales tax because if the legislation is not written correctly, it could
cause a major source of funding to be cut from the municipalities' income. He noted
the group decided if AML or ACOM put forth any lobbying effort, they will all be
requesting funding from their councils and will register with the APOC.
Williams reported he also attended a meeting in regard to the gas pipeline proposal.
He noted, since last year the member groups of the gas committee had moved rapidly
forward in forming a committee and electing to put in $100,000 to create a port
authority. This will be the financing arm for revenue bonds to be used for the building
of the pipeline to Valdez. He noted, there were many who believe the Cook Inlet
should be given a closer look and that if a pipeline is built, a spur line should be built
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 9
to funnel the gas to Anchorage. This suggestion met with some contention. Williams
added, another report will be coming out and the ACOM will wait to support the
project until after reviewing the report. He added, the problem was that the formation
of a port authority will be voted on in Valdez and the North Slope Borough on October
5, 1999. If the question passes, they will be ready to go forward with the project on
October 6. Williams stated, if the project goes forward and no spur line is built to
Anchorage or Nikiski, this area could wind up with a shortage of gas in the next 14
years.
BREAK TAKEN: 7:52 P.M.
BACK TO ORDER: 8:09 P.M.
ITEM E! MINUTES
E-1, Regular Meeting of August 18, 1999.
Approved by consent agenda.
ITEM F: CORRESPONDENCE - None.
ITEM G: OLD BUSINESS
G-1. Discussion - AML Conference Donation
Williams referred to a memorandum included in the packet and submitted by the City
Clerk. He reminded council, at their last meeting, there were some questions of what
the $2,000 donation he requested be made toward the conference costs would be
used. He noted, the memorandum discussed some of the expected costs and
suggested the funds could be taken from the Legislative Professional Services budget
because AML has done much of the city's lobbying for the past several years.
Williams noted the City of Soldotna was donating the use of the Sports Center
(estimated cost of $16,000), plus ice removal and would be holding a reception. The
Borough was donating $5,000 and holding a reception. Williams also reported the
same amount of hotels and motels were being used in both Soldotna and Kenai and
some of the meetings would be held in Kenai.
Swarner asked where the remainder of the funds were coming from for the conference
costs. Williams suggested booth rentals would cover some of the costs and AML would
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 10
probably absorb some of the costs. Moore asked the cost of compensation for the
conference coordinator. Williams answered, he did not have that information, however
a facilitator was needed.
Moore stated he would support the donation of $2,000 as he believed the conference
would be very valuable for the city to see what a facility like the Sports Center can do
for the community since an ice rink is now being built in Kenai. Also, because the
hotel/motel use will also be good for the community. Bookey stated he would also
support the donation.
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED to approve the $2,000 donation toward to the costs
involved with the AML Conference being held in Kenai and Soldotna in November.
Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion.
VOTE:
Moore:
Yes
Bannock:
No
Frazer:
Yes
Williams:
Yes
Bookey:
Yes
Swarner:
Yes
MOTION PASSED.
ITEM H: NEW BUSINESS
H-1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to pay the bills and requested UNANIMOUS
CONSENT. 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 declared she was an employee of the Women's Resource & Crisis Center.
Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 11
Williams noted Swarner's declaration and noted the items to which she was referring
on the list were pass -through grants and were being made through the city for the
good of the community. Williams requested Swarner vote on the matter.
VOTE:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
H-3, Ordinance No. 1841-99 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $100,000 in the Forest/Redoubt Water & Sewer
Crossings Capital Project Fund.
Introduced by consent agenda.
H-4. Ordinance No. 1842-99 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $6,300 in the General Fund for a Public Library
Assistance Grant.
Introduced by consent agenda.
ITEM I:
I-1. Mayor
ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
a. Challenger Project - Williams referred to information included in the
packet regarding a group of NASA officials who came to Kenai on August 27 to visit the
Challenger project site. Williams noted those visiting were the NASA Administrator,
Deputy Administrator, Legislative Affairs Director, Governmental Affairs Director,
Astronaut Bonnie Dunbar and others.
Williams reported that during their discussions it was mentioned the Alaska
Challenger project wanted to include a memorial in the facility to Astronaut Pete
Conrad, who had been a member of the Board of Governors. The NASA Administrator
made immediate arrangements for a display from the Smithsonian Museum to be
housed at the Kenai facility, as well as assigning a liaison between NASA and the
Kenai Challenger Facility.
b. Economic Development District - Williams referred to a letter included
in the packet noting the need for an appointee to the EDD Board of Directors to
represent the city. He noted, Jim Elson had been the city's representative, but
resigned that position to take the Interim Director's position at EDD.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 12
Williams asked whether council wanted to make an appointment from the council or
from the general public. Also, whether the appointment should be made before the
October election or after. Williams noted Councilman Frazer had indicated interest in
the appointment. He added, since taxes from city residents go to the operation of the
EDD, he believed a city council member should be one of the city's representatives to
the board.
Swarner stated her support to appoint a council member at this time if there was
interest in the appointment. Frazer stated he thought it may be better to wait until
after the October 5, 1999 election. Bookey asked if there was anyone interested from
the private sector. Williams answered he had talked to several people, but there was
no definite answer.
It was decided to delay the appointment but request EDD to send Councilman Frazer
a packet of the Board's next meeting.
C. Daubenspeck/ FAA Properties - Williams requested administration to
proceed as soon as possible to determine ownership and restrictions of these
properties in order to offer the property to the general public. He noted, he was aware
there was a lot of red tape in this regard, but didn't want the project delayed. Williams
stated he would like to have the questions cleared up within six months to a year.
Bookey stated he agreed, but realistically thought it would be a year. Ross agreed.
Williams noted, the issue of where and who builds the next hotel in the area is
immediate and they don't want to delay building any longer than possible. He added,
he thought it was important to invest a great deal of time into the project because of
its return to the city. Bookey stated he thought that was a good plan, but didn't want
to think unrealistically the questions would be solved within six to nine months. He
noted, the BOR questions on the golf course took a long time and thought this
property would be more complicated.
Ross reported a use proposal of the Daubenspeck property would be presented to
council at their September 15, 1999 meeting. The report would propose testing be
done on that property as well. That work would be able to be done quickly. He added,
he believed a yes or no answer would be had within a year in regard to the FAA
property. Ross continued, he believed the FAA parcel turnover would be done within
the next six months, however it was unknown how fast FAA would move on the matter
after they completed their cleanup of the property.
Ross stated, there were some options in regard to the BOR property and how to
expedite the process which he would discuss with council at that time. He explained,
during the process of the golf course/BOR lots, the city went directly to the Secretary
Of Interior and Congressman Young's office. He added, the city will have to work
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 13
within the existing law because Congress would not be changing the law or if they do,
it would be a long process. Ross continued, in spite of all the work done in contacting
Mental Health, the Borough, etc., it was Commissioner Shively's stepping forward and
stating he would substitute State land for the city property that cleared the way.
Ross stated he didn't want to encourage council that a solution would be found in less
than one year. Williams asked if part of the plan to expedite could include setting
aside the questioned three and one-half acres as not available at this time, and
include seven to 18 acres as available (depending on how much property is held back
for the Coastal Trail/Bluff Restoration project). He added, if a parcel of property could
be put aside to accommodate a hotel/ convention center, progress toward the RFP
could be fairly quick.
Ross noted, if the BOR tract was left out, the council proceeds with a use plan for the
Daubenspeck property, testing is done and there is no contamination for which the
city will want to hold FAA responsible or that could cross over to the FAA tract, he
believed it could be said the FAA tract is available within the next year (if ownership is
received from FAA) . Ross asked La Shot if that was possible and he answered yes.
Ross added, he didn't anticipate the FAA tract ownership would be in hand much less
than one year. The BOR property, depending on the solution, could be completed
within the year. Ross noted, however, there are complications on that property.
Williams stated, he thought the BOR property could be reserved as there was nothing
to prevent a private corporation to occupy it if it was used for a recreational purpose.
Ross stated, the property would have to be used for the same purpose (a football field),
unless the city would change the present use with the BOR. Until the present use is
changed, there will be complications.
Williams asked if there was a specific reason why the city should wait until spring to
do the testing on the FAA property. Ross asked La Shot if the testing could be done
this fall. La Shot answered, he thought it would be a push to get someone under
contract, but it could be possible. Williams asked for a suggested plan for doing the
testing by the next meeting (contacting contractors as to their availability) . Ross
noted, that information would be included in the plan to be brought to council at the
September 15 meeting. Williams asked if that information would include whether the
contractor would be available to do the testing this year instead of the spring. La Shot
stated he would be able to give information as to how fast a contract could be
processed.
Bookey asked, in generalities, what type of exploratory testing would be done. Ross
answered, a lot of that would be determined based on how the council proposes to use
the Daubenspeck property. If council agrees the property could be used in a way that
old burial would not need to be removed, the testing would then be looking at what is
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 14
there that has gone out from old burial. He added, it was unknown what would be
found and was a "Pandora's Box." However, it was something some council in the
future would have to investigate. While FAA was still in the area and could be tied to
the operation of it and current in everyone's mind, he thought it was probably the time
to make the investigation. Ross continued, it could be a matter of some wells which
would not be a problem, or it could go beyond that.
Williams agreed someone would have to address the subject and preferred it be
addressed now before time gets away. Bookey stated, he agreed with that and didn't
have the reservations on this project as he did with the airport. He added, he believed
this would be a viable project that would be a major benefit to the city through tax
base, employment, etc. Bookey added, he agreed with Ross that as long as FAA was
involved in the project, now was the time to find out what is there, etc.
Williams stated the matter would be addressed when the plan comes forward.
I-2. City Manager
a. Kenai Health Facility Project - Ross reported he recently met with
Borough Mayor Navarre regarding the health facility project. The project is
progressing to design. Navarre stated to him that when they make a final request for
the property (being donated by the city), they may also request a first right of refusal
for whole or part of the property directly behind the donated property for possibility of
need for future expansion. He continued, the city has ownership of the property and
FAA has right of use of the property because of instrumentation on situated on the
property. Ross reported he told Navarre any right of refusal would be at fair market
value and Navarre agreed. If the request is made, the city attorney could speak to
whether another council would be bound to an agreement this council may make in
this regard.
b. Free Trade Zone - Ross noted the Peninsula Coalition discussed this
matter and began the effort to pursue making application. He reported Mayor Navarre
agreed the Borough should prepare and submit the application, picking up 50% of the
non -recurring and recurring costs. The Coalition will have to decide how they will
allocate the remaining costs and determine the cost benefit of acquiring a Free Trade
Zone.
C. Drift Boat Launch/Cunningham Park -Ross referred to
correspondence included in the packet from the Kenai River Sportfishing Association
and his response. Ross reported, city administration agreed with the Harbor
Commission regarding Cunningham Park's capabilities and concerns that proceeding
with adding a drift boat launch at the Park would end up with the same parking and
1 user problems just eliminated by the upgrade of the Park.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 15
d. Borough Animal Control Ordinance - Ross referred to his
memorandum and attached Borough Animal Control Ordinance which was included in
the packet. Ross reported, administration and Animal Control Officers reviewed the
draft ordinance and offered some amendments to the language. He added, the City's
decision to participate would depend on the contract offered from the Borough and the
Council's consideration of the contract. Ross stated, at this time he saw no reason to
oppose the language.
Williams asked if the $25,000 would be sufficient for the city to take on the
responsibility of the contract. He added, he believed Ross would inform council of his
view of the work and responsibilities involved. Ross noted that based on the
ordinance, the animal control officers would respond to dog bite/Trooper-on-scene
violations only. He added, he didn't anticipate the Assembly would expand the
ordinance from its present form.
I-3. Attorney - Attorney Graves reported he would be out of the office on
September 2 and 3, 1999.
I-4, City Clerk - Clerk Freas referred to the memorandum and list of persons
agreeing to work as election board members for the October 5, 1999 City of
Kenai/ Kenai Peninsula Borough election. Freas noted the Kenai Municipal Code
requires council to approve the list of workers. Council had no objections to the list of
election board members.
I-5. Finance Director -Finance Director Semmens referred to Item H-1,
Investments and noted those listed had maturity levels longer than the two years
(taking advantage of the recent change in allowed maturity levels). He noted the
interest rates were substantially higher and added, he believed the change would work
very well for the city.
I-6. Public Works Managers - Public Works Manager La Shot reported the
GIS System was functioning and a demonstration of the system could be presented at
a future council meeting if council desired. He explained, with the system, a parcel of
property within the city could be pulled up and with it tax information, water/ sewer
hook-ups, building permit activity, etc. can be reviewed.
Swarner asked if the system could indicate whether the laundromat behind Spenard
Builders was hooked up to city water and sewer. La Shot answered he would check.
Williams asked if the GPS System would replace the Omni Transmitters which
currently were situated on the property for which the Borough would like the first
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 16
right of refusal in regard to the health center project. Airport Manager Cronkhite
answered, she would check with FAA and report back to council.
I-7, Airport Manager - No report.
ITEM J:
DISCUSSION
J-11 Citizens - None.
J-2, Council
Bookey - No comments.
Swarner - Reported the Women's Resource & Crisis Center run on August 14
was very successful.
Moore - Inquired on the progress of upgrading of the Little League Fields.
Parks & Recreation Director Frates reported the sod was removed on both of the fields
for the warning tracks and the pile of dirt on Field # 1 needed to be leveled out and the
dirt used on Field #2. The Senior League Field work was complete and the only work
needing to be completed may be the Senior Girls Field, and that may be done in the
spring.
Moore asked if the city's plan in regard to the FAA/ Daubenspeck property use include
review by the Historic District Board. He noted, there was a burial site on the property
which should be addressed with the Native associations and Historic District Board.
He added, he believed the burial site could be a very emotional cog in the wheel. Ross
reported, the burial site and the Russian Mission property had been located on the
plat. He added, those sites had been considered.
Bannock - No comments.
Frazer - No comments.
Williams - No comments.
EXECUTIVE SESSION -Evaluations of City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk (if
time allows) .
Postponed to September 15, 1999 (City Clerk and City Attorney) and October 6, 1999
(City Manager).
� KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 1999
PAGE 17
ITEM K: ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:57 p.m.
Minutes transcribed and prepared by:
el" �, 'Y' M ,�, Tr
Carol L. Frea ,City Clerk
tPr'RC9VED BY COUNCIL
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DATE iCJ�W CLEPX