HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-03 Council MinutesAGENDA
KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
http: / /wvwv.ci.kenai.ak.us
ITEM A: CALL TO ORDER
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Roll Call
3. OATHS OF OFFICE
4. Agenda Approval
5. Consent Agenda
*All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine and
non -controversial by the council and will be approved by one motion.
There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a council
member so requests, in which case the item will be removed from the
consent agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda as
part of the General Orders.
ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS (10 minutes)
1. Mayor Williams/Larry Semmens -- AML Presentation Preview,
"Strategies for Economic Development for Small Communities.
ITEM C: PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Ordinance No. 1843-99 -- Finding That Certain City -Owned Airport
Land, Described as Lot 1, Spur Subdivision, Senior Citizen Addition, Is
Not Required for a Public Purpose.
2. Resolution No. 99-60 -- Supporting the Development of Natural Gas
Resources in the Wolf Lake Area of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
ITEM D: COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging
2. Airport Commission
3. Harbor Commission
4. Library Commission
5. Parks 8v Recreation Commission
6. Planning &Zoning Commission
7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
a. Beautification Committee
b. Historic District Board
l C. Kenai Visitors &Convention Bureau Board
d. Alaska Municipal League Report
ITEM E: MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of October 20, 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. Approval -- Certification of Local Government Approval for Non -Profit
Organizations/ Kenai- Soldotna Women's Resource & Crisis Center.
4. Approval -- Zecee Crow Lease Rescission
ITEM I: ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1. Mayor
2. City Manager
3. Attorney
4. City Clerk
5. Finance Director
6. Public Works Managers
7. Airport Manager
ITEM J: DISCUSSION
1. Citizens (live minutes)
2. Council
EXECUTIVE SESSION -None Scheduled
KENAI CITY COUNCIL -REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
htt-p://www.cl*.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: Bookey, Swarner, Moore, Bannock
Frazer, and Williams.
A-3, OATHS OF OFFICE
Mayor Williams administered the oath of office to Williams R. Frazer, Linda Swarner
and Duane Bannock. He congratulated them all for their election to council and noted
it was the first time since he was elected mayor that there were four seats up for
election at the same time.
A-4. AGENDA APPROVAL
Mayor Williams requested the following changes to the agenda:
ADD AT: D-3 / D-6, Kathleen Peters' application for appointment to Harbor
or Planning 8v Zoning Commission.
ADD AS: Information Item No. 4 -- 10/27/99 DOT letter regarding Kenai
Spur Highway Unity Trail.
Williams requested council to review the DOT letter and if they had any comments to
pass to DOT, to contact Clerk Freas who would then forward the comments.
Williams noted a memorandum from Borough Clerk Murphy which was on the table
for council's information. He noted the Borough was inviting the council members to
attend their annual dinner after the City's AML Welcome Reception on Sunday night.
Williams also noted a copy of the Juvenile Detention Site Proposal was on the table for
council's review. He noted there were two sites being considered; Kenai and Soldotna.
He added, a public hearing was scheduled for Thursday, November 4 at 7:00 p.m. He
it members end the hearing.
suggested counc me be s attend a g.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
PAGE 2
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of the agenda as amended and
Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED.
A-5. 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
requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
ITEM B. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
B-1, Mayor Williams/Larry Semmens -- AML Presentation Preview,
"Strategies for Economic Development for Small Communities.
Williams reported he would be giving a presentation at the AML Conference regarding
economic development which he and Finance Director Semmens had developed.
Williams requested a break be taken in order to show the presentation for council and
audience. He asked council to make suggestions for additional information after the
showing.
BREAK TAKEN: 7:12 P.M.
BACK TO ORDER: 7:32 P.M.
ITEM C: PUBLIC HEARINGS
C-1. Ordinance No. 1843-99 -- Finding That Certain City -Owned Airport
Land, Described as Lot 1, Spur Subdivision, Senior Citizen Addition, Is
Not Required for a Public Purpose.
MOTION:
Councilman Bookey MOVED for adoption of Ordinance No. 1843-99 and Councilman
Moore SECONDED the motion.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
PAGE 3
There were no public comments. Councilman Bannock reported the Planning 8,
Zoning Commission unanimously approved their resolution which stated the property
was not needed for public use. He added, their major discussion was whether the
matter should have the Parks & Recreation Commission's review and comment prior
to their action.
Richard Hultberg -- Noted he was not speaking as the chairperson of the Parks &
Recreation Commission. Hultberg asked if this parcel was the same one previously
leased for a senior citizens -type facility. Williams explained the city had been
approached by a developer about five years prior who wanted to build an assisted
living facility on the property now referred to in the ordinance. The developer was
unable to acquire funding for the facility and the property was returned to the city.
Williams noted the person interested in purchasing the property was in the audience
and asked him what type of building he would be developing.
James V. Zirul, M.D. -- Dr. Zirul explained he wanted to build a new clinic and he
was interested in using the subject property. He added, his initial plan was to build a
clinic of 3,300 to 3,500 square feet with the possibility of expansion in the future. The
expected cost for the building was $500,000.
Williams noted, council needed to consider the tax base development of the property
would bring and asked if the Planning & Zoning Commission had discussed that
concept. Bannock answered no.
Bookey stated he believed the property to be very valuable and didn't think the
assisted living project would ever develop. He added, he believed the council should
go forward with the ordinance and let Zirul develop the property.
Moore asked why it was thought Parks 8v Recreation should comment on the use of
the property. Hultberg stated he was not speaking for the Commission and did not
think the use of the property had anything to do with the Commission. Swarner noted
one of the Beautification Committee members thought the property should be held
from development and used as a park area. Swarner added, she told the Committee
she did not think council would support the purchase of the lot by the General Fund
from the Airport Fund.
Councilman Frazer questioned the viability of developing a park on the property when
Memorial Park was just across the street. Bannock noted the Planning &, Zoning
Commission's debate centered on the fact it was city property and whether the highest
and best use of the property would be gained by keeping it in city ownership or
deciding it was not needed for public use. He added, the Commission did not see a
compelling reason or anything in the near future that would better serve the public
� and recommended it be put into private hands.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
PAGE 4
Ross explained, council first needed to decide whether the property would be needed
for public use. After that determination, the code would be followed as to the public
process involved in the purchase of the property. He noted, the value noted in the
ordinance was the Borough assessed value. An appraisal would be made to determine
the fair market price. He added, after review of the appraisal, Zirul would have the
option of proceeding with his application. At the time of the sale, Zirul would have the
ability to meet or beat the highest bid received.
Bob Peters -- Old Town, Kenai. Peters noted his son, Mathew is a member of the
Parks & Recreation Commission. His son received a letter from the City soliciting a
comment from him as a member of the Commission. Peters added, his son was
reluctant in making a comment, but forwarded one (attached to the ordinance and
included in the packet) . Peters stated his son was concerned whether there would be
land available for public use for the future.
Bannock explained, he requested the Commission receive information on the matter
and be asked for their comments because there would not be a Commission meeting
prior to the council meeting when the ordinance would be at public hearing.
VOTE:
Booke
Yes
Swarner:
Yes
Moore:
Yes
Bannock:
Yes
Frazer:
Yes
Williams:
Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
C-2, Resolution No. 99-60 -- Supporting the Development of Natural Gas
Resources in the Wolf Lake Area of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
MOTION:
Councilman Moore MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 99-60 and Councilwoman
Swarner SECONDED the motion.
Williams explained Marathon Oil Company was in the process of further developing
property in Nikiski and had applied for gas line permits to enhance other lines in the
area. They requested a resolution in support of their efforts from the council.
Because the federal hearing was delayed in regard to the permits, Williams stated, the
resolution's release to the appropriate agencies would be held until after the hearings.
VOTE:
Councilman Bannock requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no objections.
SO ORDERED.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
PAGE 5
ITEM D: COMMISSION/ COMMITTEE REPORTS
D-1. Council on Aging -- Councilwoman Swarner reported a meeting would
be held on November 17, at 10:00 a.m., at the Senior Center. She noted the new
wheelchair van and coordinated transportation were among the topics to be discussed.
D-2. Airport Commission -- Councilman Bannock reported the minutes of
the last Commission meeting were included in the packet.
D-3. Harbor Commission -- Councilman Bookey reported the next meeting
was scheduled for Monday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m.
D-4. Library Commission -- Councilman Moore reported the Commission met
on the prior evening. He reminded council and audience of the Friends of the Library
Book Sale scheduled for the week. He also reported a storage area at the Senior
Center was found for the Peninsula Clarion collection. The Commission, when noting
the Clarions would be stored out of the library building, there was obsolete equipment
being stored in the library building. The Commission asked if they could offer these
items for sale instead of holding them for a future auction.
Moore noted the Library's annual holiday party had been scheduled for December 9
and a children's holiday party was scheduled for December 5.
MOTION:
Councilman Moore MOVED to donate $500 for the Library Open House to be held on
December 9. Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion and requested
UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
Moore also reported the Commission's student liaison developed a school survey
regarding students' use of the library. The survey, he noted, would be distributed to
the local schools.
D-5. Parks & Recreation Commission -- Councilman Frazer reported the
next meeting was scheduled for November 4 at 7:00 p.m. and would be held in council
chambers.
D-6. Planning & Zoning Commission -- Councilman Bannock reported there
was no business on the agenda and there was no quorum for the meeting.
D-7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
D-7a. Beautification Committee -- Swarner reported the next meeting would
be held on November 9, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
PAGE 6
D-7b. Historic District Board -- Moore reported the next meeting was
scheduled for December 20. He noted, he hoped to hear responses from council in
time for the meeting in regard to the Board's suggestion of the purchase of the old Fish
& Wildlife property from whomever purchased the property from the Kenai Natives
Association (KNA) and the development of a video of Old Town by high school
students. He noted, the suggestion was the schools produce the videos at their own
cost, but a prize of $1,000 would be donated by the city.
Williams requested Diana Zirul, a past director of the KNA, to speak to the question
regarding the purchase of the Old Town property. Zirul noted, KNA acquired the
property through a land exchange with the federal government and she was unaware
of any sale of the property.
Williams noted, it took years for KNA to acquire the property from the federal
government and he was also unaware of their desire to sell it. Bookey stated he did
some research on the subject and found the property was still owned by KNA.
Williams noted there were three lots for. sale in Old Town in that general vicinity. He
suggested those could be investigated if the city wants to acquire additional property.
Bookey stated he believed the land in Old Town should stay in private hands. He
added, if the Historic District Board wanted to purchase property in Old Town, they
should investigate a way to raise funds in order to make the purchase.
Moore asked if council was interested in the video development proposal. Williams
stated he believed it was a good idea, but the prize money would have to be discussed.
He suggested including the item on the next meeting agenda and request Board
members to attend and address the proposed project. Swarner suggested the matter
be held to the December 1 meeting since Government Day was scheduled for the next
council meeting. There were no objections.
D-?c. Kenai Visitors & Convention Bureau Board -- Bookey noted minutes of
the Board's last two meetings were included in the packet for council review.
D-7d. Alaska Municipal League Report -- Williams reported the conference
preparations were coming along.
Williams referred to applications for possible appointment to the Harbor and Planning
& Zoning Commissions from Katie Peters and Amy Jackman, which were included in
the packet (Peters' application was added to the agenda at the beginning of the
meeting). Williams stated he would support the appointment of Jackman to the
Planning 8s Zoning Commission as the Commission needed new blood and Jackman
stated her interest in doing the work and serving.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
PAGE 7
It was noted Jackman was in the audience. Councilman Moore asked Jackman how
she would have handled the question of city property not needed for public use
discussed in Ordinance No. 1843-99. Jackman answered, she thought that if the city
did not think there was a need for the property for public use, it should be sold.
Bookey noted there was another application that came before council for review from
Don Gough who also ran for council in the last election. He added, it was his
understanding no appointments would be made until the full council was seated.
Williams noted, he was informed another seat may be available in the near future.
Frazer stated he didn't have a problem in making an appointment at this time. Moore
stated he agreed with Bookey.
Williams appointed Amy Jackman to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Jackman
thanked council for the appointment. Williams stated Gough's application would be
held for consideration at a future date.
Williams noted Katie Peters' application for appointment to the Harbor Commission. It
was noted Peters was a junior at KCHS and under the age of 18. Moore noted council
had decided that if a position was open and an application was available, a person
under age 18 could be considered.
Williams appointed Katie Peters to the Harbor Commission.
ITEM E: MINUTES
E-1, Regular Meeting of October 20, 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:
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
PAGE 8
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to pay the bills over $2,500 and Councilman Frazer
SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
H-2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of the purchase orders exceeding $2,500
and Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED.
H-3. Approval -- Certification of Local Government Approval for Non -Profit
Organizations/ Kenai- Soldotna Women's Resource & Crisis Center.
Ross referred to the letter of request included in the packet and explained the WRCC
was applying for a grant. He added, council would not normally see these requests,
however this one required the city to approve the grant. He noted, although the grant
had not been finalized, he was requesting council's approval so that when the grant
was ready, he would have the authorization to sign the certification statement. Ross
added, he requested a synopsis of the grant request which was included in the WRCC
cover letter.
Swarner explained she was employed by the WRCC, but did not think any of the funds
from the grant would be used toward her salary. Moore asked if the procedure would
incur difficulties in the city's audit if the WRCC was not in compliance with the grant.
Finance Director Semmens answered, he did not think so as the city was only stating
they liked the project. Swarner noted WRCC had received like grants in previous
years.
Williams suggested council approve the certification. There were no objections from
council.
H-4. Approval -- Zecee Crow Lease Rescission
City Attorney Graves explained Crow was behind in the lease payments and wanted to
enter into a lease payment plan. He noted, the issue for council was whether they
wanted to consider someone current in a lease if they were current in a lease payment
plan. He added, council had not dealt with this question before and asked if they
want to rescind the lease.
Bookey asked if this was allowed for liquor license renewals/transfers and Graves
answered yes. Bookey suggested the city should take the property back and start
over. Moore asked if Crow had vacated the property and Graves explained, nothing
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
PAGE 9
had been done with the property and Crow had no plan to do anything with the
property.
Frazer stated he was familiar with the matter and urged council to rescind the lease as
outlined in Graves' memorandum included in the packet.
MOTION:
Councilman Frazer MOVED to approve the termination of the Zecee Crow lease as
outlined by the city attorney and Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion. There
were no objections. SO ORDERED.
ITEM I:
I-1. Mayor
ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
a. Village of Lights -- Williams thanked staff who placed the lights on the
buildings, at the parks, etc. for the Village of Lights celebration.
b. AML Conference -- Williams requested as many council members as
possible attend the awards banquet on Monday. He thanked the senior citizens,
ARFF, airport, finance, fire department staffs who helped in preparation for the
conference.
C. Juvenile Detention Facility -- Williams noted a public hearing would be
held on the site for the facility at the Borough building on Thursday evening. He
urged council's participation.
d. Economic Development District -- Williams reported the EDD was
considering two applicants for the EDD director position. He noted both applicants
were very well-equipped in background and education. He added, they would be
interviewing for the position in the next several days.
I-2. City Manager
a. Kenai Municipal Code Update -- Ross reported he had received most of
the suggested changes to the code from department heads. He, City Attorney Graves
and the department head involved would be reviewing the submittals during the next
week. Ross added, he hoped to have some of the suggestions to council at the
December 1 council meeting. He noted, some of the changes would first be reviewed
and considered by the Planning 8s Zoning Commission. Ross added, the process
would be ongoing through the winter months.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
PAGE 10
b. Kenai River Special Management Area Board -- Ross reported the final
plan had been published and he was surprised and pleased to see the city's suggested
language changes were included in the document. He noted, the Board wanted the
cities to approve the document, however he believed council should not do this
because there were items included in the document that affected areas over which the
City of Kenai had no jurisdiction. He recommended council address the parts of the
document that affect the city when they review the Comprehensive Plan. Ross added,
that would be the position he would take with the Board unless council objected. He
noted, the Comprehensive Plan would be reviewed next winter. There were no
objections.
C. Juvenile Detention Facility -- Ross reported the state was looking for a
site for the facility and council expressed an interest several years ago. Since then,
the state decided they wanted ten acres for the facility and room to expand which
narrowed the city's available property to that along Marathon Road. He noted, as
previously mentioned by the Mayor, a public hearing would be held at the Borough
building on Thursday evening. Ross stated, at the hearing, the State wanted
testimony from neighbors who might be concerned about the site selected, including
elected officials. He added, Lt. Kohler was representing the city on the selection
committee.
Ross noted, a copy of the site selection document was distributed to council. for their
review and indicated the discussion of the Marathon Road site was included on Page
9. He also stated it was unknown at this time whether funding would be available for
the facility. Ross added, if the city's ten acres was chosen as the site, the General
Fund would have to purchase the property from the Airport Fund.
d. Airport Car Rental Leases RFP -- Ross noted the draft RFP was
included in the packet as Information Item No. 1. He explained, currently there were
three car rental agency lessees in the airport terminal. In the past, the Airport
Commission recommended not going beyond three vendors. He added, five spaces
were going to be for a five-year lease period. Because of the need to bid on the amount
of rentals based on enplanements, the bidders needed to have some idea if they would
be bidding against five or more, etc. Ross stated they checked at other airports for the
number of spaces being leased. Airport Manager Cronkhite noted they learned the
philosophy was to have fewer spaces than interested vendors. She added, to their
knowledge, enough spaces were being offered to satisfy all the interested parties.
Williams asked if "enough spaces" meant five or the three, plus the small booth,
currently being used. Cronkhite answered, there was a potential for five bidders and
they were offering five spaces. This was based on contacts made to them. Ross
added, the bidders would be expected to bid an annual minimum and the high -bid
minimum would be how the slots are selected. The revenues would still be based on
space rent plus ten percent gross. The lessees would be paying a monthly space rent,
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
PAGE 11
plus 1 / 12 of the annual minimum or ten percent of the gross, whichever was higher.
Once a vendor reaches the annual minimum, then it would be ten percent of the gross
for the remainder of the year. Ross noted, that was an attempt to not end up with the
lessee paying more than ten percent because the minimum could be beyond that for
some of the slow months in the winter.
Ross added, the advertising document would state that if a vendor leaves because of
lack of business (which has happened in the past), the city would not necessarily
automatically fill the space. Administration would make a recommendation and the
Airport Commission and council would then address the matter. He added, if a
vendor left due to lack of revenues, there could be discussion by council to cut the
rate, expand the vacant spaces, etc. He noted, the city was also in business and rate -
cutting was detrimental to revenue received by the airport. He noted, the options of
cutting the rate or filling any returned spaces were included in the document. Ross
stated they hoped to have an opening in February.
Bookey asked if there was a preference to the existing lessees as to location. Ross
answered, the bidders would bid a minimum guarantee. The high minimum bidder
would select their spot. The current lessees could be moving to another space.
Bannock stated he appreciated the document being included in the packet and noted
he had some requests. He noted some changes had been made between when the
Airport Commission reviewed the document and this council meeting. One of the
matters that arose from the Commission's discussion had already been changed in the
document. Referring to Page 2, Section "Or" (b) and (c) and 1-4, he noted the
document discussed for what the city would be collecting the ten percent. He referred
to (4) which read, "Sales or fees for automobile liability insurance and personal
accident insurance." Bannock stated he believed that item should not be included
with those items the city would collect a commission. He suggested (4) be placed at (d)
"No deductions from gross sales, other than those specifically identified below shall be
allowed:"
Ross stated Bannock was correct in that some of the items were changed after the
Commission's review and because of their input. He noted the "lost damage and
waiver insurance" was moved to where it would not be considered as part of the gross.
As a result of that, Cronkhite reviewed what other Alaska airports were doing.
Bannock asked for Councilman Frazer's comments as he was a member of the
insurance profession. Frazer noted he was not sure how public entities were involved
in this, but to share in insurance commissions, earnings, etc. would not be allowed
without the person receiving the commission having a license to sell insurance. He
suggested this be investigated prior to including it in the lease.
Ross noted, the city would be taking ten percent of the gross revenues as a portion of
rent and was not putting itself in the insurance business. He noted, this was not new
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
PAGE 12
to the document as it had been done the same in the past ten years or more. He
added, the city considers the insurance as part of gross and was done elsewhere.
Williams noted, as a municipality didn't have to adhere to the rules and regulations of
the state regarding various businesses, i.e. real estate, because the law allows the
city's attorney to do the work. In the matter of insurance, he believed it would be seen
that the city was not selling insurance and because under Title 29 it was allowed.
Cronkhite reported they reviewed contracts nationwide within the industry. She
added, they coordinated extensively with the current car rental agencies in the
terminal and made many changes in the document based on those conversations.
Cronkhite added, the document was not changed from the previous contract and the
current lessees pay a ten percent commission on insurance sales. She noted, they
had questioned the loss/damage waiver and it was moved to "no deductions..." as it
was not considered a profitable insurance sale that didn't qualify.
Cronkhite continued, the loss/damage waiver placement in the contract varied
throughout the state and nationally, however it was very common and accepted by
airport commissions, municipalities and other entities running airports as a business.
Bannock noted he still believed it should be removed.
Bannock also referred to page 3, Section 5, Revenue Diversion. He noted, the
paragraph had been changed substantially since the Commission review. He noted,
he believed it an "anti -cheating" paragraph, i.e. if an organization was a
"concessionaire in the airport while at the same time established, owned or operated
another rental business within five miles of the airport, it agreed to make all books,
records, and other pertinent documents available, etc." He asked, what was the
standard and what would be looked at and how could it be determined what diversion
was or was not, i.e. if the car rental company at the airport also was affiliated with a
car rental agency within a five -mile radius of it, what, in the event of an audit, could
the city use to establish that rental business had been diverted from the airport to the
off -site location to escape the ten percent commission. Ross stated administration
struggled with the same question and was aware that it is known when it is seen, but
sometimes hard to describe. He noted, the easiest would be if there was a
concessionaire at the airport who was running a van, picking up people and taking
them to the off -premises location to rent cars. He added, a tape recording could be
attached to their 800 number, etc. In investigating this item, Ross noted, Cronkhite
spoke with representatives from other airports and learned this was an evolving area
in which all the criteria, problems, and loopholes had not yet been developed. The
best advice that was given was to stay with this statement (from the FAA guidelines)
and if it is thought it is taking place, let people know it is believed it is happening and
be ready to look at all the new an innovative ways it could happen.
Cronkhite added, this wording was much the same as the FAA Revenue Diversion
paragraph, however, they did not define it or give examples. Bannock stated he
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
PAGE 13
appreciated the work involved in trying to define the paragraph, but it created a bit of
"gray area" for interpretation.
Bannock referred to page 1, paragraph A, Purpose. He stated he absolutely despised
the idea of the city limiting the number of car rental lessees and would not support
that type of a program. He added, he thought council had reviewed the matter some
time prior and believed the council made the decision that it would not limit the
number of potential clients that would come to. the airport to "sell their wares."
Bannock noted, he appreciated the architecture of the building and that it was
structured for five lessees. Ross noted, administration had struggled with this item as
well, but the terminal was designed for five lessees. He added, it was not an attempt
to be anti -competitive. A proposal would be developed during the year for access
charges to allow other organizations to come in and compete in the airport business
through transporting to off -premises businesses. Ross noted, the lease comes open
every five years and based on demand, the council could say there would be six spaces
available. Ross stated, he believed five spaces was a reasonable number and that a
bidder would be able to know how to bid. If the number was unlimited, it would be
very hard for a bidder to figure out what a minimum bid would be over the next five
years or whether they could determine if their business could survive. Ross
recommended the five -space structuring remain.
V.
Juvenile Detention Facility -- Swarner referred back to the juvenile detention
facility discussion and noted she would not be able to attend the public hearing. She
asked that whoever attended, they should stress the airport was open 24 hours a day
and the proposed site was close to the airport. Ross noted, they had heard from
administration and were now wanting to hear from the public,. council, etc. It was
determined Mayor Williams would be attending the hearing and would mention
Swarner's comment.
Car Rental Document -- Williams asked if the little space at the end of the
counters would be included in the bidding. Airport Manager Cronkhite answered, they
intended to lease the spaces as they were originally designed, i.e. five spaces. She
added, the booth was normally used for other purposes. They wanted to have council
be aware the language in the contract limited the spaces to five. Williams noted that if
a convention center/hotel is built, additional spaces may be needed and the terminal
may need to be reconfigured. He agreed with the document as it was presented.
Bannock explained he agreed with the logic administration used in developing the
RFP, however he asked how many airlines the terminal was configured for at present.
Williams answered, any number; even ten if they offered the funding. Bannock noted,
the airlines could not be limited and added, if there was a market, the city would make
space available for the market. He suggested council use the same mentality in
considering restaurant, car rental, gift shop businesses, etc. Williams noted, if ten
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
PAGE 14
airlines wanted space in the terminal, the carriers would have a tremendous input as
to who builds what, how it's built, etc. He added, that was not the case with car rental
agencies.
Bannock stated, with the draft document, it needed to be asked if the city limits
enterprise. He added, the document says "yes," enterprise would be limited in regard
to car rental agencies. Bannock asked council to treat the rental of the spaces as if
they were airlines. Cronkhite noted, free enterprise would not be limited with the
document. The bidders were being given a set time on which to bid. She added, they
could not ask for competitive bids as it was necessary to let the bidders know on what
they were bidding. (Cronkhite also noted this was the first time the spaces were being
let through a competitive bid. This was because there was now demand to do so.) She
added, she could not tell the bidders to make a five-year financial commitment to
whatever the city wanted to do; they needed to know on what they were bidding.
Cronkhite added, they were not limiting spaces for the future, etc. It was only for the
life of the contract (five years) .
I-3. Attorney -- Graves reported he would be attending Alaska Municipal
Attorneys meetings on Friday and Saturday and would join the Borough Attorney in a
presentation regarding municipal protests of liquor licenses for non-payment of off -site
taxes. He explained, the city and borough had been dealing with this matter for some
time.
I-4. City Clerk -- No report.
I-5, Finance Director -- No report.
I-6, Public Works Managers
Kornelis
a. Forest Drive Upgrade Project -- Kornelis reported he inquired about the
bid opening for the Forest Drive upgrade and learned the state was still working on the
utility agreements. The project would be going to bid in the spring.
b. Street Light Placement'— Kornelis noted the street light for East Aliak
(requested several weeks prior) had been installed and it cost $25 because there was a
secondary power and pole available.
Bookey noted he read where the Forest Drive project was to go to bid on November 20.
Kornelis stated he spoke with the project manager and was who told him they were
still working on the utility agreement with Enstar. Bookey noted he had seen the
advertisement in the Alaska Journal of Commerce.
La Shot -- No report.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 1999
PAGE 15
I-7, Airport Manager -- Airport Manager Cronkhite reported the banner was
purchased and would be hung in the airport terminal to welcome AML Conference
attendees. A welcome table would also be placed where information would be
disseminated. It was noted, the table would be staffed by volunteering senior citizens.
ITEM J: DISCUSSION
J-10 Citizens
Bob Peters -- Referring to the car rental lease areas, Peters asked if the current
lessees pay more for the 11/2 spaces rented. Ross answered, approximately one year
prior, two of the operators asked to increase their spaces into vacant spaces and
council approved. The lessees agreed to pay the additional space floor rental fee and
continued their ten percent. Those lessees would be giving up the extra space.
J-2. Council
Bookey -- No comments.
Swarner -- Noted the council chamber was cold during the meeting. Swarner
also noted the Senior Center directional sign which was situated at the Leif Hansen
Park was down. Swarner also thanked Bob Peters for his children's willingness to
serve the city.
Moore -- No comments.
Bannock
a. Challenger Board Renewals -- Noted he would not be in attendance at
the November 17 council meeting. He requested council make renewal assignments
for himself and Williams as Challenger board members at the November 17 meeting.
b. AML Presentation -- Bannock referred to the presentation Williams and
Semmens made at the beginning of the meeting and suggested the planned new
maintenance facility should be added at "Planned Future Developments."
C. Peninsula Oilers Water/ Sewer Issue -- Bannock noted approximately
three meetings prior, Ross brought the water/ sewer issue at Oilers Park to the
council. Bannock asked for an update to the issue. Ross noted, discussions had been
held with Mike Baxter, Director of the Peninsula Oilers and he told him the city would
be seeking a regulation change to better fit outdoor recreational parks that have
primary summer uses and very little use of a sewer system. Ross added, the proposed
regulation would be drafted and probably come before council at their November 17
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
� NOVEMBER 3, 1999
PAGE 16
meeting. He noted, the regulation would require these types of facilities to have a two-
inch line during the summer and it would also establish a year-round rate.
Bannock requested the matter be held until the December 1 meeting since he would
not be present at the November 17 meeting. Ross stated administration had no
objection to hold the item to the December 1 meeting.
Frazer -- No comments.
EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled
ITEM K: ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adj ourned at approximately 9 :11 p . m.
Minutes transcribed and prepared by:
'APPROVED BY F
Carol L. Freas, City Clerk