Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-11-19 Council Minutes - Work SessionIMAI CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSIC NOVEMBER 19, 1997 6:00 P.M. IMAI CITYCOUNCIL C SERS COUNCIL PRESENT: Williams, Smalley, Bannock, Swarner, Measles, Bookey, Moore. STAFF PRESENT: Freas, Graves, Kornelis, Frates, Springer. OTHERS PRESENT: David Lucas (Peninsula Clarion), Ethel Clausen, Jerry Ward and Gwen Hinkle (Ward aide). Williams noted the purpose of the work session was to review the City's Capital Improvement Project list with area legislators. Williams reported, Representative Hodgins was unable to attend the meeting as he was in Anchorage. Representative Davis and Senator Torgerson were invited, but were involved with the Finance Committee meeting held in Soldotna this evening. Williams noted, Senator Ward and his aide, Gwen Hinkle were present. A copy of Resolution No. 97-75 was distributed to Ward and council members for reference. Ward stated he appreciated the opportunity to meet with council. He added, he felt there would be more of an opportunity this year for capital projects in areas he represents and that he will be glad to cooperate with council. s Sewer Treatment Plant - 700.000 Williams referred to the list of capital projects and explained the Sewer Treatment Plan needed to get underumy. The City was requesting funding to pay for the design of the addition (at this time) which was planned to begin construction in 2000. He estimated the project would cost $7 million. Rods, $2,500__ 000 Williams noted, the road funding request was to be used for quick maintenance of existing roads. He added, the city would take any money the Legislature would give for the upkeep of the city's roads. ,. Maine e_n_arge _sh2a - Desism - $2_10,000_ Williams explained, the request relating to the maintenance Qhop was to fund design work. He added, he had the opportunity to take Senator Ward on a tour of the city shops and airport during the day to show Ward what the city was up against. in regard to the maintenance of city vehicles and fire equipment and their relationship with the airport. He explained, the reason the city was asking for state. funds for the design of the building was because the airport is a regional airport, but owned and operated by: the City of Kenai for the use of thousands of tourists and residents. He added, the city seldom gets money from the state and hopes the state will fund the design work for the building. I t . COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOTES NOVEMBER 19, 1997 PAGE 2 Dip�et Fie -hell ft9 „ s - 0.000 Williams explained the dip net requests were included on the list due to the increased use of city facilities and beaches during the dip net season and caused by the state's reallocation of fish. City Manager Ross explained, the South Spruce Street parking project may qualify for Exxon funding. Representative Hodgins has indicated an interest in supporting this project. This project is ready to present to Exxon for funding. Some Exxon funding had been used for dune protection, new stairway, etc. Ross added, the dock projects (dock area paving, new launch ramp and new dock access road) may not be eligible for Exxon funding, however the area has been impacted by the dip netting season as well. He noted, the South Spruce parking costs were estimated at $155,000 (of the $700,000). Having available parking is the primary concern for those taking advantage of the fishery. Additional parking will eliminate much of the congestion and parking problems now encountered and attributed to the fishery, as well as environmental concerns. Ross explained, the possibility of receiving the funds could be increased with Ward's support. Ross explained there is another major project in regard to access of the River on the . south side of the river (which is not included on the CIP list). He explained, better access to the south side of the river would alleviate a lot of the pressure on the north side and will protect the dunes on the south side of the river as well. A plan is being re -worked to be submitted to Exxon for funding. He added, the city would be needing Ward's support of that project as well. Ward noted, he would like more information on the south side project as he had received a number of calls in regard to the access problems felt by the property owners in that area. Ross noted, the city's initial -plan had been rejected by Exxon for habitat reasons. It is being re -designed and hope to have it before council for their review by the first of the year. After council's review, the project will be re -submitted. Ward's support of the project will be needed. Williams noted, the dip netting problems were brought about by conditions outside of the city's authority and ability with which to cope. He added, the new launch ramp and dock access road funding request were also brought about by the same problem. He explained, the present road is approximately one-half mile long and is an unimproved gravel road. The line of vehicles waiting to put in and take out boats is a safety hazard. Ward asked what were the city's environmental concerns in relation to city projects. Ross answered, improved structured parking on South Spruce Street would help keep people from misusing the road and getting into the wetland area. GeneALComments I Questions Sewer Treatment Plant Upgrade - Ward asked if the STP had been designed for • existing or future growth. Kornelis answered the city received a DEC grant to enlarge . COUNCIL WORK 8E3310N NOTES NOVEMBER 19, 1997 PAGE 3 the plant a few years ago. At this time, the city is in compliance with the state, however the plant would be reaching its peak in five years. Williams noted, the city had more stringent requirements than Anchorage and other areas of the state, Forest Drive/Redoubt Avenue vpgmde - Ross noted, the city has been on the state's list for the upgrade of Forest Drive and Redoubt Avenue. He added, the city will. take over the maintenance of the roads when they are brought up to standards. The engineering is to be done this year, however the project has been delayed again. He requested Ward check whether the money is available for the project if the project is engineered and ready to proceed. Ward stated, he talked about the project with the Borough last year. He thought this year there would be more control of where the money is to go. He agreed, the project needed to get done. Ward added, he would do what is right and he and Hodgins will promote it. Ward commented the most important item he sees coming before the Legislature this session is the School Formula Foundation Program. AML and others have taken the • position more funding is needed for education. The present formula is not etched in concrete and can be changed to be a fairer system, however he expected there will be a bloody battle. Ward also noted the federal government won't take over management of the state's fish and game program. He won't vote to change the State Constitution. C. Ward added, he will be watching what happens with the ISTEA program funding. He noted, the State is in a very good po�ition' with Senator Stevens' in place and the state is in very good position for help with the improvement of its road- system -and trails. Ward added, the school formula funding should be on a per pupil basis with area cost differentials and comparable education costs. Ward finished by stating education and public safety are the most important concerns which have been voiced to him from the public. ADJOURNMENT: The work session adjourned at approximately 6:40 p.m. Notes transcribed and prepared by: Carol L. Freas, City Clerk