HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-11-01 Council MinutesAGENDA
RENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
7:00 P.M.
RENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
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.
B. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT (10 Minutes)
1. Linda Zaugg - Department of Corrections/Halfway Houses
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Ordinance No. 1667-95 - Increasing Estimated Revenues
and Appropriations by $1,355 in the Senior Citizens -
Borough Special Revenue F»nd for the Purchase of a
Sound/PA System.
2. Resolution No. 95-64 - Responding to the Alaska
Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and
Gas' Decision of No New Information Regarding Oil and
Gas Lease Sales 67-W2, 74W, 76W and 78W Re -offering,
Cook Inlet.
D. COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging
2. Airport Commission
3. Harbor Commission
4. Library Commission
5. Parks & Recreation Commission
6. Planning & Zoning Commission
7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
E. MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of October 19, 1995.
F.
G. OLD BUSINESS
H. NEW BUSINESS
1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified
2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500
3. Discussion - 1995 Legislative Priorities and Capital
Improvement Projects List.
4. * Liquor License Renewal - Kenai Golf Course Cafe.
5. Approval - Assignment of lease for Lot 9, Block 1, Cook
Inlet Industrial Air Park from Rick Vann Profit Sharing
Trust to Ronald J. Johnson and Charles Grimm.
6. Appointment of new Finance Director and Approval of
moving expenses.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Personnel issues.
1.
Mayor
2.
City Manager
3.
Attorney
4.
City Clerk
5.
Finance Director
6.
Public Works Director
7.
Airport Manager
J.
1. Citizens (five minutes)
2. Council
X.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
ITEM A: CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at approximately 7:01
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, Measles, Bannock, Smalley and Williams.
A-5. AGENDA APPROVAL
Mayor Williams requested the following changes to the agenda:
ADD AS: C-3, 1995 Liquor License Transfer - From Si Cha Sin,
d/b/a Arirang Restaurant to Spencer Han, d/b/a New
Peking (same location).
ADD AS: C-4, Restaurant Designation Application - New Peking -
Restaurant/Eating Place License.
ADD AS: I-1, Mayor's Report - 10/3/95 VFW invitation to attend
Veteran's Day memorial service at Leif Hansen Memorial
Park.
ADD AS: I-1, Mayor's Report - Notice of Governor's Conference
on Youth and Justice.
ADD AS: I-1, Mayor's Report - Kathy Scott & Associates Proposal
regarding Challenger Learning Center.
ADD AS: Information Item No. 13 - TM memorandum -- City of
Kenai's Water Quality and Quantity/Development Program
Status.
ADD AS: Information Item No. 14 - 10/31/95 TM Finance Director
applicant rejection letter and list.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 2
MOTION:
Councilman Smalley MOVED for approval of the amended agenda and
requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the
motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
A-6. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Williams stated he had no changes to the consent agenda.
MOTION:
Councilman Smalley MOVED for approval of the consent agenda as
presented. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT
B-1. Lynda Zaugg - Department of Corrections/Halfway Houses
Lynda Zaugg, Director of Community Corrections discussed the use
of halfway houses throughout the State and gave an overview of
how persons are chosen to be placed in a halfway house. Zaugg
distributed copies of Community Residential Center (CRC), 1996
Standards and Instate Inmate count in_fnrma_tinn to council for
their review. Zaugg briefly reviewed information included in the
handouts.
Zaugg stated the higher percentage of success in people
integrating back into society is when they can be stabilized
within the first six months. Those arrested usually return to
the place of arrest after their sentences are completed. Sex
offenders will not be furloughed to halfway houses. Discussion
continued.
Williams noted that the Department of Corrections has put out
request for proposals (RFP) for other areas in the State except
for Kenai because they are aware of the concerns expressed as to
where one would be placed. Zaugg added, they want to give the
community a chance to find out more information about halfway
houses.
Zaugg added that the chance of a person being furloughed to a
halfway house varies with the individual and the length of the
sentence. When asked about escapes, Zaugg answered there are
always walkaways. If there are problems with a person having
KENAI CITY
NOVEMBER 1,
PAGE 3
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
1995
been furloughed to a halfway house, they are returned to the
institutions. Those persons running halfway houses work closely
with the Department of Corrections.
Jerry Pfaff - Stated he has a facility (North Star Lodge) which,
it has been suggested, could be made into a halfway house. Pfaff
reviewed the benefits of the State using his facility for a
halfway house, i.e. tax income, located outside the city, etc.
Robert Galea - 7229 Foxridge Circle, Anchorage and Director of
Akeela Treatment Center in Anchorage. Galea stated he was
impressed with the open and healthy discussion which was taking
place. Galea also stated he believed a halfway house is needed
in the Kenai area. There will be controversy, but the population
needs the service. Galea added, people will be released from
prison and will come back to this community whether there is a
halfway house or not. The city should take a positive approach.
Senator Judy Salo - Salo stated she and Representative Navarre's
office have discussed halfway houses with the Department of
Corrections. Both were concerned with the last discussions of
placement of a halfway house in Kenai as there was little
opportunity for the public to speak to it. There were many
complaints. Salo added, she hoped that this was a preliminary
discussion and there w211 he ample time to plane a halfway house
the right way, allowing people time to discuss the matter. Hers
and Navarre's office will help. She believes the Department of
Corrections is being responsive to Kenai's concerns.
Salo added, she believed the location of the house is important
and does not think placement of it should be rushed. That will
be their stance from their offices.
Williams stated this discussion was a major exploratory
discussion with the understanding that no decision would be made.
The concept will be investigated and examined as to where the
discussion should progress. Smalley asked if the RFP would come
from the State. Williams answered yes, not the city. The city
would not be involved in an RFP. The city will be waiting to see
what Corrections will want to do next.
Swarner suggested discussion with the Borough Planning & zoning
Commission and information to the public be made prior to the
putting out of an RFP. Williams stated he believed Corrections
understood that. Council would not second guess what the borough
may say, as far as their zoning laws, etc. Williams added that
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 4
the City Attorney had elected not to investigate financing
(discussed in a previous meeting) until council decides it is
needed.
ITEM C: PUBLIC HEARINGS
C-1. Ordinance No. 1667-95 - Increasing Estimated Revenues
and Appropriations by $1,355 in the Senior Citizens -
Borough Special Revenue Fund for the Purchase of a
Sound/PA System.
MOTION:
Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of Ordinance No. 1667-95
and Councilman Measles SECONDED the motion.
Acting Finance Director Feltman requested the amount in the
ordinance be amended to $1,855, an increase of $500. Feltman
explained an additional donation was received. It was the
request of the donor that the money be used for the purchase of
the sound/public address system.
IN010*CS) Z a 01W.11141:4 I&M
Councilman Smalley MOVED to amend the amount in Ordinance No.
1667-95 to $1,855. Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion.
There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
There were no public or council comments.
VOTE ON AMENDED MAIN MOTION:
Bookey: Yes Swarner: Yes Moore: Yes
Measles: Yes Bannock: Yes Smalley: Yes
Williams: Yes
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
C-2. Resolution No. 95-64 - Responding to the Alaska
Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and
Gas' Decision of No New Information Regarding Oil and
Gas Lease Sales 67-W2, 74W, 76W and 78W Re -offering,
Cook Inlet.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 5
MOTION:
Councilman Measles MOVED for adoption of Resolution No. 95-64 and
Councilman Smalley SECONDED the motion.
There were no public comments. Councilman Moore requested an
explanation of the purpose of the resolution. Williams explained
the purpose of the resolution was to show support by the city for
the oil and gas lease sales to proceed. An identical resolution
was also passed by the Borough.
VOTE:
Councilman Measles requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. There were no
objections. SO ORDERED.
C-3. 1995 Liquor License Transfer - From Si Cha Sin, d/b/a
Arirang Restaurant to Spencer Han, d/b/a New Peking
(same location).
Clerk Freas explained the liquor license transfer has been
requested. All Borough taxes are current, as well as city water
and sewer charges. An amount was still owed on an escrow payment
of approximately $650. Freas requested a motion of non -objection
tC the t,... fer of the liquor license contingent tii on the account
r
becoming current. When asked why the city would be concerned
with a late escrow payment, Attorney Graves explained the escrow
agreement was with the city.
MOTION:
Councilman Measles MOVED for approval of the liquor license
transfer from Arirang Restaurant to the New Peking upon the
monies owed for the land payment being brought current.
Councilman Smalley SECONDED the motion. There were no
objections. SO ORDERED.
C-4. Restaurant Designation Application - New Peking -
Restaurant/Eating Place License.
Clerk Freas requested a similar motion for the approval of the
Restaurant Designation Application as it was based on the
transfer of the liquor license and the ability of the restaurant
to serve liquor.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 6
MOTION:
Councilman Smalley MOVED for approval of the restaurant
Designation Application based on when they are current on all of
their payments. Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion. There
were no objections. SO ORDERED.
BREAK TAKEN: 7:55 p.m.
BACK TO ORDER: 8:13 p.m.
ITEM D: COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS
D-1. Council on Aging
Councilwoman Swarner reminded council and people present of the
pie sale at the Senior Center. The sale was a money -making
project and urged people to take advantage of the opportunity.
D-2. Airport Commission
Councilman Measles reported there was no meeting due to a lack of
quorum. The next meeting is scheduled for November 9. The
Commission is short one member. Measles added he would not be
able to attend the November 9 m"oeting.
Williams reported he discussed the possibility of placing an
aircraft fire training center in Kenai with City Manager
Manninen, Airport Manager Ernst, Fire Chief Burnett and a
representative from Symtron Systems, Inc. There again is
interest in developing such a center in conjunction with the Fire
Training Center. Approximate cost for the building of the school
is $6 million.
D-3. Harbor Commission
Councilman Bookey reported the next meeting was scheduled for
Monday, November 6.
D-4. Library Commission
Councilman Moore reported the commission did not meet.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 7
D-5. Parks & Recreation Commission
Councilman Bannock reported the next meeting was scheduled for
October 20.
D-6. Planning & Zoning Commission
Councilman Smalley reported the minutes of the last meeting of
the Planning & Zoning Commission were included in the packet.
Smalley reviewed the minutes with Council. A short discussion
followed regarding the proposed lease of the Daubenspeck property
for the development of senior condominiums (Continuum
Corporation). Smalley reported the Commission stated they would
prefer a larger commercial area along the Bridge Access Road, but
because there was not sufficient space, they recommended not to
have a commercial zone there at all. They also recommended the
applicant develop the whole piece of property. The Commission
was concerned about access and egress of the condominium
development and possible isolation of the Church reserved
property on the back side.
Smalley also reported one of the commissioners was disappointed
Council did not approve the travel of Mr. Glick to AML. The
commissioner stated she believed it would have been important and
of hcncfit to the Commission..
Smalley added, one of the commission members has been absent many
times and should be replaced.
Williams remarked that it should be explained to the commissioner
that there has not been a time when the city has paid for a
board, committee or commission member has attended AML. AML is a
conference for elected officials. Smalley stated he gave that
information to the member. Smalley added, there have been
commission members attend in the past, but it was at their own
cost.
Bookey stated his concern of the remark made by Commissioner
Glick that he would attend anyway and not carry the agenda of the
City to the meeting. It would be inappropriate for Glick to
represent the City's agenda.
D-7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
Beautification Committee - Swarner reported the greenhouse
construction had begun.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 8
Historic District Board - Councilman Moore reported there
was no meeting due to a lack of quorum. However, they informally
discussed with him what the Board was involved in and brought him
up to date with current projects.
Williams referred to the request to change the date of the
Board's next meeting. Clerk Freas explained the regular meeting
date is the fourth Tuesday in the month. The Board had days
confused (according to the memorandum included in the packet).
After discovery of the mix-up of days, City Engineer La Shot
requested the meeting still be changed to the 20th so they would
have additional time in which to work on the grant application
for the sign project. Council had no objection to the changing
of the meeting date for November.
ITEM E• MINUTES
E-1. Regular Meeting of October 19, 1995.
Approved by consent agenda.
ITEM F•
None.
ITEM G: OLD BUSINESS
None.
ITEM H: NEW BUSINESS
H-1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified
MOTION:
Councilman Smalley MOVED to pay the bills and Councilman Measles
SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. 80 ORDERED.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 9
H-2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500
MOTION:
Councilman Bannock MOVED for approval of the purchase orders
exceeding $2,500 and Councilman Smalley SECONDED the motion.
Williams asked if the street lights had been installed. Measles
noted Council was just approving the purchase order. Kornelis
stated he just received a quote from HEA for the ten lights
approved by budget. Bannock asked if they were the ten sites
approved by Council at budget time. Kornelis answered yes and
added he would forward a list of the sites to Councilman Moore
for his review. Kornelis added, they may be able to get 15
lights placed for the $30,000. Three of the lights requested for
Inlet Woods may have to wait because they are metal posts and
there may be an ordering problem with those.
VOTE:
There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
H-3. Discussion - 1995 Legislative Priorities and Capital
Improvement Projects List.
Williams referred to the letter from the Kenai Peninsula Borough
requesting the city's list of capital improvement projects for
1995-1996. Williams requested remarks from City Manager
Manninen.
Manninen explained this was the annual legislative priority
improvements list that the Borough puts out. Their deadline for
having the city's capital improvement projects in with their list
is December 12, 1995. If council wishes to change anything that
the information needs to be sent to them by December 12 and if
not, he will take the existing priorities that have been listed
and use those.
Williams asked if the water well was still at the top. Manninen
stated yes. Kornelis referred to last year's list. Williams
asked where the animal control shelter was listed. Kornelis
stated the list had the water well first, community road
development second ($2.4 million), satellite fire station at
Beaver Creek ($800,000), Animal Control Shelter ($600,000) and
sewer system improvements ($5 million). Under economic
development and tourism, the previous list included marine
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 10
industrial development ($1 million), library addition ($1
million) and ADA compliance to public facilities ($1 million).
Bannock stated he thought the list would only have one item on it
this year. Williams stated that a list is published every year.
A letter has been sent to the Governor and legislators that the
first priority is $1 million for the water well. In the past,
the list is like a road map showing what the city is trying to
accomplish with future priorities. Williams stated he was
concerned with the position of the fire station and the animal
control shelter. He is waiting to see what is received for
funding of the water well. If it is funded, he will ask council
to go to the General Fund for monies to complete bid -ready
documents for the shelter. Then he will go to the Borough and
seek assistance in funding. If the city is successful in
receiving funding for the water well, he would then like the city
to build the shelter with General Fund money next year.
Kornelis approximated cost for bid -ready documents to be $60,000
which includes inspection costs. Williams stated he would like
to discuss having the bid documents completed after the first of
the year.
Councilman Smalley stated he did not disagree, but the position
of the prnjeats nn the dnn»mant doesnit a_ff—t what the council
would choose to do in regard to funding the structure. Williams
agreed, adding the list was a guideline. Williams added, one of
the promises made to the legislators was that if funding was
received for the water well, the city would pay for the
development of the shelter.
Council consensus was to leave the list as it is. Kornelis
stated he would place a copy of the list in the packet for the
next meeting.
H-4. Liquor License Renewal - Kenai Golf Course Cafe.
Approved by consent agenda.
H-5. Approval - Assignment of lease for Lot 9, Block 1, Cook
Inlet Industrial Air Park from Rick Vann Profit Sharing
Trust to Ronald J. Johnson and Charles Grimm.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 11
Councilman Smalley MOVED for approval of the assignment of lease
for Lot 9, Block 1, Cook Inlet Industrial Air Park from Rick Vann
Profit Sharing Trust to Ronald J. Johnson and Charles Grimm.
Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion.
Attorney Graves reported he had no objections or concerns in
regard to the assignment.
9103144
There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
H-6. Appointment of New Finance Director and Approval of
Moving Expenses.
Manninen referred to his memorandum included in the packet. He
spoke with the Acting Finance Director regarding the budgeting
amounts and was told the amounts are there for up to $10,000 if
council wants to approve per the ordinance that is cited in his
memorandum. With council approval, he will prepare a resolution
for action at the next council meeting.
.Manninen added, basically, Mr. Sweeney is the present finance
director for the city of Sitka. He came highly recommended. He
had a team of people interview him, including Robin Feltman, the
auditor Bill Coghill and himself. He checked on references
personally at the city and borough of Sitka and he is the person
he is recommending in that he was the number one applicant, the
one he went after and his conditions for coming to Kenai
(included in the packet) and he is very excited about the
challenge and opportunity to come to Kenai. Manninen added, he
believes Sweeney is bringing the right skills in areas that the
city may need. He has a double major he got within the last
seven years in MIS computer work and accounting. He has also
been the finance director at Sitka for the past three years.
Manninen requested action from council to ratify the moving
expenses and to direct staff to make the appropriate resolution
changes and submit them to council for the next meeting.
Manninen added, if council wished to ratify the hiring that would
be acceptable too. Manninen asked if council had any questions.
Councilman Moore asked how big a budget Mr. Sweeney worked within
Sitka. Manninen answered the budget was combined city and
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 12
borough. It was substantially larger than the city's, but he did
not recall how much it was. It was a matter of factor of two or
three times what the city budget is. The bottom line is if you
know how to do a budget the city's size or if double the city's
size, it's a matter of how well do you take care of investing
$40-60 million (the case there) and doing it well. If you can't
do $1 million well, you're not going to do $30 million well.
Moore asked what type of investing had Mr. Sweeney been involved
in. Manninen stated that was part of their extensive interview
questions. He has a very conservative philosophy. Something
that will fit within the requirements of the Kenai code.
Manninen stated he was not sure if Sweeney had seen the Kenai_
code when they talked, but later while he was in Sitka, he talked
in detail with him. His philosophy is very consistent with Mr.
Brown's and the council's about the protection of the principle
and the safety of the corpus of the investment and not getting
into the fancy things that only the people try to sell you out of
Anchorage or somewhere else and call them derivatives or call
them CMO's or call them something real fancy but somebody else is
making the money and you're taking the risk, he is very
conservative that way and that's the way we like it.
Smalley asked if the city had paid moving expenses for other city
rlapartmant ha ds moving to the city. Swarner stated sale did not
know and deferred to Councilman Measles. Measles stated in a
round -about way it has. Technically moving expenses are not paid
when relocating an employee from out of state. In -state moves
are different. Other than city manager, he was not aware of
anyone hired other than locally for department head positions
since he has been on the council.
Manninen stated he believed the city was involved with Jack La
Shot's move and moving expenses. He was told that. He did not
check the numbers. That was what he was told. Manninen asked
Feltman if she was aware of the city paying any moving expenses
for anyone to move to Kenai from out-of-state or in -state.
Feltman stated she was not aware of any hires other than local
ones.
MOTION:
Councilman Measles MOVED to approve the moving expenses for the
finance director in an amount not to exceed $10,000 and
Councilman Bannock SECONDED the motion.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 13
Councilman Bookey referred to Manninen's statement that Sweeney
had three years of experience with the city of Sitka and asked if
he was aware of previous records of longevity. Manninen answered
Sweeney had 13 years in the US Army. He retired early as a Major
and then went to school to do his master's work at the University
of Indiana (one of the top 20 schools in the country). Sweeney
comes well -recommended.
Bookey asked how much money was appropriated for Manninen's move.
Williams stated it was a signing bonus instead of moving
expenses. Moore stated that it was not uncommon to pay moving
expenses in different organizations and there is a provision in
the code that would require Sweeney to pay the money back if he
would not last a certain amount of time.
Manninen stated he will have to sign a two-year transportation
agreement and part of the memo distributed to council indicates
Attorney Graves will draw that up. Sweeney understands it and
has read it and has no problem with that on his part.
VOTE:
Councilman Bookey called for the question. There were no
objections. SO ORDERED,
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None held.
ITEM I: ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
I-1. Mayor
a. Veteran's Day Service - Williams referred to the
invitation to council to attend the VFW Veterans' Day Service on
November 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Leif Hansen Memorial Park.
b. Method for Accounting of Equipment Reserves - Williams
stated he wanted to discuss a method of accounting for equipment
reserves with council and pass it on to the new finance director.
Williams reminded council set a reserve fund up some years back
and then funded it over the years until it leveled at $1 million.
Since then council has spent from that reserve. Feltman stated
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 14
this year a lot of the money was being used and then every year
more money is placed into the reserve. This year, all of the
money was used. $300,000 is placed into the fund each year.
Williams stated he would like council to consider rearranging the
way the fund is structured and used. Williams suggested the fund
be set up like a permanent account. Interest would accumulate
within the account as well. Monies from the sale of equipment
would be deposited into the account and maybe give strong
consideration to setting an accounting principle where each
department budgets the value of the equipment purchased into
their annual budget. This would allow for the account to be paid
back for the equipment purchased from it. It would be an
operating account regenerated from the individual department
budgets. (If a pick-up truck is purchased for $20,000 and
expected to be carried for five years, the department purchasing
the truck would pay $4,000 a year from its budget back into the
heavy equipment account.) By doing this, council would have a
fair idea of the amount of money needed each year to replenish
the reserve.
Williams stated he did not think council would be disciplined
enough to place another $700,000 into the account in order to get
it back to $1 million. He added, if it is rearranged to where
each department is paying for the equipment the nest egg will
always be there.
Moore asked if equipment is now replaced out of the General Fund.
Williams explained that council set up the fund and the balance
reached $1 million. For many years no equipment was purchased.
This year there was a real need to replace a lot of equipment.
Over $700,000 was spent out of the fund. The balance is at
approximately $300,000. Williams added, he thought if each
department disciplined itself to put their share of the money
back, somewhat like leasing their equipment, it would bring the
fund balance back up.
Measles stated he did not have a problem with the idea. One of
the things done was that council got away from their original
definition of "heavy equipment" and other items, like pick-ups
and automobiles were paid for with that fund. This was not the
original intent. The original intent was for purchasing graders,
snow plows, fire engines, etc. The council re -defined the intent
somewhere through the budgeting process. A lot of vehicles were
purchased last year.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 15
Bannock stated his concern that the city does not have a schedule
for purchase of equipment. Bannock referred to HEA's replacement
schedule for all their equipment. He would like the city to have
a similar long-range plan. The plan could tell what vehicles are
to be replaced when, etc. Williams noted that Administration was
requested to set up a plan for replacement. Williams added, he
was really looking at the mechanics of how to continue to take
care of the reserve fund program. Williams continued that if the
city were to get into a disciplined program of creating a fund
that acts somewhat as a leasing agent to itself and every
department buys its own vehicles on a yearly basis by placing so
much of its budget into the fund, it can be done. This would
save the council the need to place additional funds in the
reserve fund each year or having to support the fund by putting
replacement costs in it.
Councilman Measles stated the replacing of the money would still
be done through the General Fund by a line item on the budget.
The money would still come from the same place. Measles added,
he would like to go back to the original intent and pull
automobiles and pick-ups out of fund. Each department would have
to justify within their own department budget the purchase of a
new vehicle. A cut-off of anything larger than a one ton would
fall into the heavy equipment category. Smaller would be
justified as a line -item Purchase in the budget
Williams agreed that the individual departments be made
responsible for each item. Knowing that the equipment will need
replacing and each department needing to replace vehicles would
be banking so much each year to purchase the new vehicle.
Measles stated he would have to give the idea more consideration.
Manninen stated he thought the city could set up, with a lot of
effort, a program to schedule and fund, rent or lease -back
equipment to the General Fund on an hourly basis. It would give
some way to calculate the use of equipment which is depreciated
annually or have actual hours. Some way to document it in
industry, department, water and sewer, etc. where you have the
vehicles. You don't depreciate them out on every hour in the
year but on actual use of the vehicle and charge it to an
account, water, sewer, etc. and set it aside in the equipment
replacement reserve. That is something the department heads
should be talking to the finance director and should be putting
together some type of equipment replacement schedule so that
every department would be effectively renting use of their
equipment to that equipment fund, city wide. In theory it sounds
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 16
easy, but it would complicated. He would like to get the new
finance person involved in it if it is something council wants to
do. The bottom line is that it must be charged off somewhere,
either an enterprise fund, water and sewer, or the general fund.
Now it is simple and straight forward, i.e. taking $300,000 out
of the General Fund and come up with a list and draw the
priorities and buy what is urgent and needs replacing. A lot of
work and effort can be gone through to say a certain piece of
equipment has so many hours, which may not mean anything because
in the end it may be decided not to replace that equipment anyway
no matter how much money it earned for the department from its
use (snowplowing, water department work, etc.), but that $300,000
would be taken from the General Fund and distributed for
something different. The flexibility would still be needed at
council level making policy when the budget is adopted no matter
how much detail you get. If council wants the detail, a plan can
be developed to get it on rental hours, cost of projects, etc. A
policy decision is needed on how much monies is going to be
spent.
Williams stated he did not think a lot of detail would be needed.
His concern is that there was $1 million and now there is
$300,000. $700,000 was spent and it was not replaced. It will
be a long time before it is replaced. The reason for the use of
the money was because a lot of equipment was bought at one time.
Williams again reviewed his plan, using a five-year replacement
plan. This would save on maintenance, etc. and then get rid of
it. With a replacement schedule this can be done. This would
not be useful for graders and fire trucks because of the
longevity of their life.
Bookey stated it was not administration's problem, it was the
council's decision to purchase the vehicles, etc. He agreed with
Measles that his suggestion may make it more complicated than
what is needed. Council needs to show restraint. Also, the
purchases of pick-ups and cars should not be from the heavy
equipment reserve. Bookey added, he felt then the fund could
stay and maintain as planned. Council let the expenditures from
the reserve fund get away instead of saying the purchase needed
to come out of the individual department's budget.
Kornelis stated he does have an equipment replacement schedule
and has purchased pick-ups, etc. based on that schedule.
However, the money was not there in years past. The money going
into operating budgets for that equipment comes from the fund and
goes into the machinery and equipment fund. The money would
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 17
still come from the General Fund. Williams agreed and added, it
would give each department incentive to watch and control their
budget better.
Williams stated he would provide a documented plan at a later
date. Bookey added he did not think the equipment fund budget
was as depleted as it looked because a grader was purchased this
year when it was not needed because it was a good price and
luckily the city had the funds.
C. Continuum Corporation - Williams reported he spoke with
John Verdugo of the Continuum Corporation in regard to the
proposed development of senior condominiums. Williams added, he
was glad to see the Planning & Zoning Commission came to a
decision on the commercial property on that side of the highway.
Williams added, he thought council could agree that commercial
development on that side of the highway was not that important.
Williams urged administration to continue working closely with
the Corporation on that project.
Smalley stated Planning & Zoning didn't say that commercial
development along that corridor was not important. They believe
it is very important. They would like to see more land
available. However, if more land is not available, then
Continuum Corporation should utilize the whole space. Plannina &
Zoning does perceive commercial development as important.
Williams stated he understood the minutes to say the Commission
perceived it to be that way and had then come to an understanding
that it was not what was asked. Williams added, he disagreed
with Planning & Zoning in that they should not be concerned about
more commercial development along that property. Smalley stated
the Comprehensive Plan shows it.
Williams added he did not think that area was conducive to
commercial development with the changes in the highway, grade,
etc.
d. State Parks - Williams reported he met with the new
director of State Parks while in Anchorage. They discussed the
boardwalk project and the director thought it worthwhile and will
review the plan. He also discussed the golf course property. It
appears to be very positive as far as the city regaining control
of the property in order to develop it. That information has
been sent to the federal government to review and an answer
should come back in the near future.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 18
e. Challenger Learning Center - Williams reported he met
with Mr. Ladner of the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation
in regard to preparation of the feasibility study discussed at
the last council meeting. Williams added, he also met with EDD
in regard to preparation of the feasibility study. Because of
time constraints, EDD would not be able to do the study. He
thought it may be advantageous to go to a private contractor to
have the study completed. He spoke with Kathy Scott of Kathy
Scott & Associates. She prepared the proposal which was
distributed to council at the beginning of the meeting.
Williams also reported he met with School District
representatives Bromenshenckel and Dalgren, Dennis and Ginger
Steffy, etc. in regard to setting up a steering committee.
Others proposed for placement on the committee would be Kim Booth
and Suzanne Little and two past employees of NASA. There seems
to be a lot of enthusiasm for the project.
Williams requested council approval of the Scott proposal. Cost
to be a not -to -exceed amount of $10,000. Council briefly
reviewed the proposal. Measles noted council had requested the
study be completed and ready to present by mid -December. The
proposal suggested January or February. Williams explained that
because EDD did not begin the work, and it was now two weeks
later, he requested a proposal for Po-tent-tal funders be
presentable by January 1. Williams added, the completed
feasibility report would come later on. He spoke with some of
the city's legislators and they thought it would be good to have
it in January and which will give them time to put it on their
agenda at the beginning of the session. Before the capital
budgets are arranged, the final study will be to them.
Williams explained Scott was willing and planning a trip to the
Challenger Learning Center in Seattle. Dennis Steffy plans on
going also, but on his budget. Williams asked if another council
member would like to act as a liaison to the steering committee
and go through the Center as well.
Councilman Smalley asked from where the $10,000 would come.
Williams stated council decided at the last meeting that it would
be appropriated from the money coming from the dissolutionment of
the Kenai Development Corporation. However, it was reported by
the City Attorney it could not be taken from that money because
that money must be placed in the Airport Fund. Smalley noted, no
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 19
formal action was taken at the last meeting to appropriate
funding for the study. Measles stated a resolution would have to
be passed to appropriate the money.
Williams stated he would ask Scott to begin immediately if
council approved the concept. The resolution could be brought
forward for approval at the next council meeting.
Swarner asked what happened with Steadman (EDD) calling the
Department of Commerce & Economic Development. Manninen answered
that he was told they would not be funding or matching any funds
for a grant for this project. They said they felt uncomfortable
doing it. Manninen added, he felt uncomfortable about having EDD
asking for the money. He didn't think that was what the city was
asking for. He thought the city was asking for a product. That
was his frustration and he told that to Steadman. He will tell
it to him at the board meeting tomorrow. This or another
consultant was really the only way to go and he was really
disappointed with the EDD on this one. Not with the staff, but
that they didn't get the direction from the people leading to do
the work and he will talk with the board members and make sure
that someone has the authority to do it or that they aren't tied
up in other things or doing things for other cities that he
doesn't think and the rest of the board hasn't voted on as being
a high priority item. Doing stuff for Seward for listing
property for sale and thinking that is a big priority project
when nobody voted on it on the board level and saying that they
can't delegate any time or any staff time for doing this which he
thought was a higher priority for both EDD and definitely a
higher priority for the city.
Williams stated he had spent the last two weeks trying to get a
study started. He was uncomfortable with turning the project
over to EDD and thought, through the discussions at the last
council meeting, that he could move on with it.
Measles stated he assumed there would be a resolution in the
packet for consideration at this meeting in order to get the
project started. Even if council would give an indication they
are willing to spend the $10,000, no funds could be spent until
the resolution is passed and according to the agreement, $2,500
is payable upon signing of the contract. The contract won't be
signed and nothing will be done until after the next council
meeting. Williams agreed and if council was willing to entertain
a resolution toward the proposal, they should request a
resolution be prepared for the next meeting.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 20
Acting Finance Director Feltman questioned making payments in
steps. Adding, progress payments have been made, but usually
payment is only made when there is something in hand. Measles
stated he did not have a problem with the proposal, but there
appeared to be a conflict between the compensation paragraph and
the payment provision paragraph of the contract. If it's based
on an hourly rate of $55/hour, it should be billed on an hourly
rate at regular intervals rather than in lump sums.
Measles added, the $10,000 is a not -to -exceed amount, but when
adding the payments together, it totals $10,000. Smalley
suggested the Compensation paragraph be better defined with
regard to support staffing. Williams stated it would basically
entail postage for mailings and copying costs.
MOTION:
Councilman Measles MOVED to have Administration prepare a
resolution necessary to fund the project for the next council
meeting and have the City Attorney and Administration review the
agreement, and if necessary, rewrite it to make it fit normal
city practices for contracts and meet with Ms. Scott to get a
final version of the contract with the resolution for
consideration at the next meeting. Councilman Smalley SECONDED
the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED•
e. Anchorage Governor's Office - Williams reported he
visited the Governor's Anchorage office and renewed some
acquaintances there with staff, etc.
f. Legislative Lunch - Williams also reported that while
he was in Anchorage, he visited with Senators Pearce and Leman
and Representatives Masek and Green during lunch, along with a
delegation from Sakhalin Island. They discussed a bit of city
business.
g. Russian Delegations - Williams reported he visited with
two Russian delegations. One took classes at the Fire Training
School. It was very well received. Williams stated he
anticipates there will be more training of Russian groups in the
future. He also attended a Sakhalin/Alaska Working Group which
had been set up by Governor Hickel and continued by Governor
Knowles. Approximately 40 people attended. There were
subcommittees assigned for transportation, training, cultural
events, etc.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 21
I-2. City Manager
a. FEMA Reimbursement - Manninen reported he and
department heads met with FEMA personnel last week regarding
reimbursement of funds due to the recent flood. Reimbursements
were: Fire Department removing debris from the dock area,
$14,688.19; storm drainage repairs and replacement, personnel and
equipment, $29,642; and beluga parking area, $13,050. A total
reimbursable costs from either the Borough Director or FEMA
indirectly $57,380.19.
b. Job Descriptions - Manninen reported on the progress of
the job description study which council directed staff to work
on. The work group will be starting the interview process. They
will begin this week. Based on the number of people to talk to,
they will need to move the schedule to mid January. If that
changes he will advise council.
C. AML - Manninen reported he spoke with Kevin Ritchie of
AML. Ritchie will be asking Manninen to serve as a Legislative
Committee Co -Chair. Manninen asked if council wanted him to
serve in that position during the next legislative session.
Smalley stated he thought it a good idea for him to serve in that
capacity.
I-3. Attorney
No report.
I-4. City Clerk
No report.
I-5. Finance Director
Acting Finance Director Feltman stated she would continue in the
"acting" position until December 4 when the new Finance Director
would start. She thanked council and department heads for their
support.
1-6. Public Works Director
No report.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 22
I-7. Airport Manager
Airport Manager Ernst reported he will travel to Anchorage on
November 7 and 8 to attend a conference with DOT and FAA. They
will be discussing PFC possibilities and whether they would be
the appropriate thing to do in Kenai. While there, he will also
talk with FAA personnel and the State about an aircraft fire
training facility.
ITEM J: DISCUSSION
J-1. Citizens
None.
J-2. Council
Bookey - Asked how much money was made at the auction.
Feltman answered approximately $40,000.
Swarner - a. Noted that some of the signs at the airport
advertised businesses no longer in business and that maybe they
should be changed in order to be current. Ernst explained the
city A --id not Pax fnr the restaurant This particular Sign
l r...l iy^^^. ai p' g
advertises the restaurant as well asthebar and was purchased by
the bar owner. It is not a kiosk sign.
b. Swarner also noted the amount of cigarette butts on the
sidewalk in front of the airport terminal. Ernst stated he would
have the cleaners remove them and would speak with the taxi
drivers and ask them not to dump their ashtrays on the ground.
Ernst added, it is an ongoing problem.
C. Swarner reported the street light at Paula and Lawton
was in need of repair and requested Kornelis to make sure it was
on the repair list.
d. Swarner reported she would travel to Valdez to attend
the AML Conference.
Moore - a. Moore asked if council was interested in
discussing the bed tax issue again. He explained, he has been
approached by business owners who would like the matter discussed
again. Smalley suggested a work session in January would be a
good time to discuss the matter.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
PAGE 23
b. Moore reported the street light in front of 1006 Inlet
Woods was needing repair.
Measles - No report.
Bannock - Referred back to the discussion about the
equipment reserve. Bannock asked Kornelis if he had another
comment to make. Kornelis stated he wanted to report the road
grader should be arriving soon with the forks. Kornelis added,
he also has a six -year capital improvement equipment list which
he refers to in budgeting for equipment. The grader was on the
list for next year, but because they could get a good price,
council purchased it this year.
Smalley - Smalley requested Kornelis talk with DOT in regard
to the signs at Tinker. There are two signs and are confusing to
a driver who wants to turn down Tinker to the Middle School.
Also the road sign at Linwood is far back from the next turn.
Smalley suggested the sign be moved out to the stop sign.
Williams suggested the transition area by Tern Street be moved
further down as there is a large amount of traffic using that
intersection. It makes it rather dangerous. Swarner suggested
more gravel be added there as well.
ITEM K•
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:45 p.m.
Minutes transcribed and submitted by:
Carol L. Fr as, City Clerk