Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-07-15 Council Minutesc A G E N D A IrR i REGULAR NESTING, IUrNAI CITY COUYdCIL July 15, 1970, 8:00 P. M. c KENAI LIBRARY YA- f ROLL CALL e B- PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD rX. Public Discussion regarding Recreation Center -2. George Ackerson, , egar ing `Red Cap` Se ice in Airport 0006- MINUTES 1. Regular meeting of July 1, 1970 D- CORRESPONDENCE E- REPORTS City Manager 2. City Attorney 3. Mayor mot, City Clerk Finance Director - Advisory Planning a Zoning Commission ✓!. Borough assemblymen F- OLD BUSINESS kol. Cost of Moving Council Meeting t# Ft. Kenay 2. i 3. G- NEW BUSINESS '�••- 1. Reinstatement of Lease of Lots 9, 10 and 11, Block 2, Cook ' Inlet. -Industrial Air Park. (Joe Ross) 3. 4. K- i PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED TO DE HEARD i 2 i i I i - -_7- --qww MINUTES OF KENAI CITY COUNCIL t+EETING 7/15/70 In the absence of the Mayor and Vice Mayor, the City Clerk called the meeting to order for roll callevft*. Members present: Charles A. Bailie, James Doyle, Mrs. Florine Mc- Collum and Hugh Malone; Members absent - Robert Bielefeld, James Hornaday and Mayor Eugene If. Morin. Councilman Bailie was elected by acclamation as Acting Mayor to chair the meeting. Agenda changes were made by adding B-3, and G-2. B-1: Bailie announced this item and the Clerk introduced a petition from the "Concerned youth of Kenai and the surrounding area" asking for continued opera- tion of the Recreation Center. Vice Mayor Bielefeld arrived at this time and chaired the balance of the meeting. During discussion City Manager Robbins said he had met several times with the Salvation Army's Col. Adams who presented a proposal to operate the Center. Their idea is to keep the Center open for people of all ages; the Sr. Citizens would utilize it from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and the Young People would use it from 3 p.m. on. They would set up an advisory council from a cross-section of the Community. Programs would include aspects in the social, educational, service, cultural and counselling fields. Funding is based on: Community Center Fund Drive $ 18,000 Dues 500 Fraternal Organizations 3,500 City of Kenai 1:22k Total anticipated revenues Expenditures: Professional Salary - Director $ 12,000 Janitorial Services - 3,200 Program - Equipment 50000 Utilities - Maintenance 8 000 Total costs The Administration was of the opinion the e— xp` enai"tures were over -rated. The City paid $3500 for a Director for three months, but they do not think Mtce. -' and Operation of the Center would be so high. Robbins is concerned that the $18,000 from a Community drive would not be met as former efforts along this line netted pledges of only a few hundred dollars. The City has budgeted $2852 for Recreation this fiscal year and is involved,with the Borough, in a Summer Program for Youth activities. Council would like very much to continue the Rec Center Program, but has duties to the citizens to provide services that are mandatory, i.e. fire and police protection, water, sewer, ptc.- The Rec Center was originally ac- quired with the idea the Young People would operate it, under adult supervision, but there were not enough adults interested to assist in this operation. Public meetings have been held in an effort to get the public interested, but these meetings have been poorly attended. The City originally budgeted $16,647 for Recreation, but due to payback on the $1600000 deficit accrued during the past years, and to unforeseen expenses not budgeted, the maximum amount to be used for Recreation would be $8,000 'tho only $2852 was budgeted. The meeting was opened to public discussion: Ed Hollier thinks it's the City's obligation to keep the Rec Hall open. He doesn't know how it can be financed, evidently the townspeople are not int- erested. He suggests raising the taxes and making them all pay on it. He said Kenai Council Minutes 7/15/70 Page two B-1,, Cont'd. the summer program is good, but something is needed for the winter time and the Rec Hall would provide this, "Johnny" Johnson agreed with Hollier that all the people should pay the additional tax. Roger Meeks said a 1/2 mill levy would raise $20,0009 and he thinks this is the best way to go. His taxes would increase by only about $15 a yr. and he is willing to pay this for such a good cause, Bill McKee asked what did it cost to run the Center with a full time Dir- ector? The Salvation Army has budgeted $12,000. James E. Fisher said in 1969 for three months operation we spent about $6,000 for a summer recreation program under the direction of Richard Carignan who used Youth Corps people to assist him. He said the program doesn't have to be centered in the Rec Hall; it could be operated from a school, etc. He hopes the program won't get mired down with only one concept. There are two criteria: 1. Place, 2. Costs for operating. Ken Stock asked for information as to figures, and inquired if the Pro- gram followed the past three months had done any good? Robbins said there were a lot of kids there. Meeks said there are Federal funds available for a Sr. Citizens Program. The Cities of Homer and Seward had received grants which-arw on a 60-40 basis, with local participation providing the 40%. Nels Kjelstad is for a full time utilization of the Center which would include a summer and winter program. The City's new tax structure has saved him money, and he would be willing to be taxed the extra 1/2 mill. There were no other speakers and the public hearing was closed. In Council discussion, Bailie said it would not be practical to levy an additional tax now. Bills have already been mailed. Some people have already paid their taxes, and would not appreciate getting a bill for an additional levy. The Borough has not authority to participate. Bielefeld suggested different organizations in town might take it for a month at a time. Taking turns might make it easier. Doyle said the Elks Club was going to have to move due to the new High- way construction and the City might exchange space for their consenting to run ` the Center. Some organization should take it by the horns and do it. C-7_ ) McCollum thinks the Salvation Army is the one to do the job. Bielefield says the City pays the heat and tights, someone else should run it. Malone thinks the City should operate the Center, but we don't have the money, and we shouldn't have to borrow funds for such a project. Other things are absolutely mandatory to be done, and we should not create more of a deficit to run the Center. The Salvation Army could go ahead and try, but Community response is dismal. B-2: Ackerson was not present to discuss red caps at the airport. B-3: Loren Whittington informed Council he had received a letter from the State Dept. of Health that his trailer Court must be connected to the City system -,as the sewerage from the Court is creating a health hazard. He had hired an engineer to design a hook up, but the Health Dept. had turned down the plan as it,did not meet their specifications. Whittington asked the City if he should be governed by the State requirements or that of the Boro which says the Alaska Plumbing Code is to be followed. He says he is already pay- ing assessments on L. 33, Sec. 6. T5N, R11W, S.M. on the West boundary, but running the line along the South boundary will entail additional assessments, Kenai Council Minutes 7/15/70 Page three 8-3, Contd. which, in his estimation, are excessive. He wants to put in a 6" line, but the State Engineer in Juneau says it must be an 8" line. Kjelstad presented the design to Council explaining their plan and asked what proportion of the new line would Whittington have to pay for sewer. Massey explained the City is governed by the Ordinance just recently passed providing for just this sort of situation. The property ovmer putting in the new line must pay for the entire line, but can be reimbursed when new users come on the line. The fourplex known as the Lee Apartments is required to hook on and should be hooked up this summerg but legally, he has a year to accomplish this connection. Another route for Whittington is to wait for the City to form an assessment district, hold hearings and pass an ordinance forming a district. This will take time, and the State will have his Court closed before it can be done. The City's proposal was for assessments amounting to $6,082.97 with a 20% down payment, the balance of $4,866.389 plus interest, to be paid off in an eight year period. This coincides with adjacent assessments, plus the 14 override as provided for by ordinance. Massey's alternate proposal is for Whittington to pay the City to put in the line at a cost plus 10A basis. The City has the pipe and could do the job before his crew starts on the artesian project. The fire water re- servoir is 99% complete and is awaiting electric hook up. Fisher warned against the City getting involved between a private in- dividual and State requirements. The City cannot lower the standards set up by the State, and cannot be in a position of being in the middle of these differences. The City must be careful in not countenancing a standard lower than what is acceptable to the State. Highland Trailer Court is a good ex- ample of what happens when standards and inspections are slighted. Shutting down a Trailer Court involves a large group of people and can be done over- night. In Kodiak, the authorities gave a trailer court owner 8 hours to evacuate his trailer park. Whittington said he would see what he can come up with. Council said the City will do whatever is legally possible. Minutes of the last meeting (7/l/70 were corrected: Item G-2, P. 5, "3,000" yds. of gravel changed to 710.00. D: Correspondence handled in individual reports. E-1: The City Manager reported: 1. In response to complaints from the City, North Air will present a written proposal for acquiring additional space for handling freight storage in the terminal building. 2. CUL is in financial difficulty and has technical and mechanical problems which preclude their furnishing the City with the power we will require next winter. Robbins has asked the Public Service Commission to assure the City's having rditabie power for the coming year. He also:asked Council's permission to pursue the matter, using legal force if necessary. Atty. Fisher said the City could enter a specific performance lawsuit (combined with a declaratory action) demanding adequate pndi,reliable power, demanding metering off the bus bar at the CUL plant, and demanding a reform of the contract or declare it to be breached. The rates.wdrechanged, at a cost of $75,000 to the City for two years, and the contract does not support this amendment. Outages and inability to supply Wildwood is, in itself, suf- Kenai Council Minutes 7/15/70 Page four E-1-2, Cont'd. ficient cause for termination of the contract. If such action is accomplished, the City should be prepared for: Receivership of CUL; Bankruptcy of CUL; and avoidance of being drawn into any kind of workings as a supplier of power. Also, the City should be prepared for a possible disruption of power. If this is to happen, 'though the City would take every means to see that it doesn't, now is the time, in the summer months, and not in the dead of winter. There is always a chance to negotiate short of termination of contract. Robbins says law suit or no law suit, they cannot terminate power, but Fisher said the organization might fall. City Treasurer Ray Burt says the City doesn't care who operates the generation - we want adequate power. The Court would be asked to resolve the contract, then the City would move on to the next step. Doyle asked if the City could buy from HEA; under certain conditions this can be done. Malone asked if the City had enough documentation to prove they have not performed. The Wildwood schedule alone is enough for this, plus the City's schedule of outages. Fisher said the Court would be asked to expedite its decision and thinks 2 or 3 weeks would see the beginning of the end to the matter. Initiation of the action should start negotiations and replanning on the part of CUL. Malone moved, Doyle seconded, to direct the City Manager to take whatever action is required for specific performance to supply electricity , including initiation of a law suit or other reasonable actions. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. E-1-3: The City Mgr. continued his report: 3. A letter was received from Adams, Corthell, Lee, Wince and Associates sug- gesting consideration be given to acquiring a surplus water storage tank from Elmandorf at a cost of $2259000. Robbins said he did not recommend such an acquisition at this time as it would be 2 or 3 years before we need it and we are in no position to finance the undertaking. We will put the line into Wild - wood when we can, and buy a tank when, and if we can. We have no request, or agreement, with Wildwood for water at this time, 'though it will be a project for the future. Malone asked why the lines at the pump house were not activated. The KCL crew was called out on an emergency. Malone also asked what was the actual schedule to hook up to the City system on the Beaver Creek artesian Project? Massey will work out a schedule after the work has started. The Attorney reported: 1. He has had a series of City trials the past weeks. 2. The City will have to revise its Code with respect to traffic rules. We will adopt the Revised Rules of the Road as recommended by our Police. Malone asked if there would be any advantage to getting a monthly re- port of his activities? Fisher said he would be glad to get out such a report, but wasn't sure of the advantages. E-3: There was no report from the Mayor, due ;,o his absence. E-4: The City Clerk reported: 1. A reminder to Council and those present.of the public hearing on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Zoning Ordinance at Ft. Kenay, 16 July, at 7:00 p.m. 2. In answer to Council's query concerning polling places chosen by the Boro and State,a memo had been directed to Council which is included in these minutes. The Clerk asked direction from Council as to furnishing booths for Kenai Council Minutes 7/15/70 Page five E-4: Cont'd. the Boro and State elections coming up. Council agreed our crews need not be used to set up the elections. The City will try to acquire new booths either on its own, or working with the Boro and State. E-5: City -Treasurer, Ray Burt, had no report this time. Malone asked when a financial report for Fiscal 70 would be ready. Burt said he could have it by next meeting. E-6: There was no report from Planning and Zoning as they had no quorum at the last meeting. E-7: Assemblyman Malone reported on the last Borough meeting: 1. Ord. 70-1, Boro Zoning Ordinance was distributed to the Assembly just for study. Public hearings are being held all over the Peninsula to get the public's opinion. Malone says the important part is the map.. 2. The contract for construction of the Kenai Jr. High School was awarded in the amount of $90739700. The pool had to be eliminated. but will be put in if the bond issues pass. The cost of pool is $635,000. The architect's estimated - bid was 1 million dollars under the low bid. 3. The bond brochure outlining the school planning and construction program was approved. 4. Theyhope to start the hot lunch program next Fall. 5. Change orders for Homer and Seward schools were approved. 6. Ten thousand dollars was allotted for advance planning on a Capital Im- provements Program. Bailie asked why bother with voting on bonds? The People voted a 1.5 mill levy for a Hospital and the Boro levied a 1.9. He said the Borough deosn't stick to its goals. Malone said that's one of the faults with not having a Capital Improve- ments Program. Estimates are always too low, sometimes by 100%. He thinks the Boro should not do so much construction work as they have out of current revenues. F-1: George Jaynes reported on costs of moving Council Chambers to Ft. Kenay: There were four principal objections: 1. Noise from the heating fan, 2. Poor _ lighting, 3. Poor ventilation and 4. Inadequate parking space. 1. A new heating system would cost about $2500. Conversation with KUSKO's Mgr. reveals the City could buy a small heater for use during Council meetings at a cost of $200. 2. Replacing lights would cost about $200. 3. A ventilation fan costs bout $80. 4. Parking might be solved by renting the vacant lot across the street from the Church. Total cost, including the men's labor would be about $900. Bielefeld said the lighting should be fized, but he would not want to get into another agreement with the Church. from? Malone said the lighting should be changed, but where is the money coming Doyle and Bailie thought no decision should be made now. G-1: Joe Ross was not present to discuss reinstatement of his terminated lease in Cook Inlet Industrial Airpark. His atty. had called late this evenigg asking discussion on this to be postponed. Council agreed to table the item. ,n� The Atty. said the City should do something about the re -bar sticking up from the foundation. The Administration will look into this. The Clerk reported the Building Inspector has said the foundation was Kenai Council Minutes 7/15/70 Page six G-1, Cont'd. cracked and had heaved from freezing and thawing action, and would have to be re -built, or completely replaced. Meanwhile, the lot is available for leasing at any time. G-2: Following the recommendation of the City Manager, McCollum moved, Doyle seconded, to appoint Ray Burt Acting City Manager in the absence of the City Mgr. Motion carried unanimously. Doyle said the new crash truck for the Airport is almost ready. He and Wisecarver will go out the first wdek"in-August to train. They haven't decided yet how the truck will be delivered to Kenai, but it will be insured when it leaves the factory. Doyle asked why the bid specs for hooking up the artesian water called for a hydraulic backhoe instead of a cable machine? Massey said this had been changed by Addendum No. 1 against his better judgment. The old timers around here say a cable rig is just as good as a hydraulic one, but he doesn't think it is. One of the best criteria on these two lines of thinking is the fact that no one sells cable rigs anymore. All contractors buying new equipment WANT the hydraulic machines. He changed the specs because of the pressure put on him, but is disturbed about it, as the same thing might happen when they get into the job. What happens if a similar incident arises after start of construction? In addition, if the wrong man gets the contract and is careless with his rig, some of our men can get hurt, and the job can be jeopardized, and the City's equipment can be dam- aged. He doesn't anticipate any problem, but he will have to consider this factor when he makes a recommendation for bid award. In the type of ground we will be working in, the backhoe will have to pick up the pipe and hold it suspended over the crews heads before putting it in place. The machine cannot get ahead of the crew, but must work right alongside them, and the men must work directly under the bucket. A cable rig has no means of dumping excess water, and can not be manipulated as readily as a hudraulic rig. He thinks it's more honest to ask for the best in the beginning than to maybe have to award the bid to the contractor bidding higher than the low bidder, on account of safe equipment. Jaynes said if hydraulice machines had not been used on the last jobs we probably could not have gotten the job done. This one feature can make the difference between whether or not a job gets done. Bielefeld said no Councilman should get onto a City employee, but should work with the City Manager. Malone said in this case, the City Mgr. was contacted first and he agrees this is the way it should be done. Robbins said he read the specs before they were published and had approved them, but maybe he should have come to Council for review first. We are on a split second timing schedule, and he didn't want to delay the Project. Malone said the Boro specs are submitted to advisory committees, or those having to do with the subject matter, and generally the Assembly goes on the recommendation of this committee. McCollum asked for an executive session. Meeting adjourned, IOX25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ��J cxazde� Frances Torkilsen City Clerk CITY OF KENAI P. O. coax 580 - KENAI, AIASKA - PHONE 2e3.7535 to, Kenai City Council and City Mgr. FROM, City Clerk, Frances Torkil I called Mrs. Octavia Hanson today and asked how the polling places were established. She said she and Frances Brymer were in Kenai and looked over the Recreation Center, but was told the future of the Gnt*r-was'in'doubt, so had settled an the Mall since there is room for all three pre ct�-AAere, and there is plenty of parking space. I told here Council wat" ingg.to establi'ls the Recreation Center as the polling place and it was confusing t� thW citi ns to havd,the places changed. I asked her if it was too late to chanWt';e. loco She WO the location for the State pri- mary could be changed. but @oro is sed_1:8 pse the same place the State does, and it was too late to makes"hh8'chW.- rn . Bdiw'election. She also said the parking facilities at the ter were platvery .good I assured her the Ci would c6> inre to take care of the heat , lights, etc. at the Center and Council did t M U A appropriate place for the polls. Nevertheless, it appea .099160 will not be changed for Boro or State elections - at least this �t4sSN'there could be as many as 900 people voting in the Primary, and the Gn 1''� wing was not adequate. I also asked her about booths for the City, Boro and State elections. She 4� knew. she could not handle more booths in time for the Boro election and was in doubt Ltgt2 PrjmaI Luagest. the C1tv cease to worry about providing booths for either e e concentrate on providing them for City election next May?? , 21 f V I� a� .............. `4 ,,... I ak� ` I �hA 712 f,401"111 Q 1