HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-09-02 Council MinutesI
AcPIT DA
RIVULAR PEETIIJG, 1;E?ail CITY COUNCIL
September 2, 1970, 8!.00 P. 1+.
A - ✓ ROLL CALL
B - PERSONS PREsnTT SWEDULLD TO BE I:LARD
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James England petition for Homer Electric Power.
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C : MINUTES:
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Regular Meeting, August 19, 1970
,,._ D : correspondence-
s: REPORTS
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City Manager
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City Attorney
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Mayor
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City Clerk
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Finance Director
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Advisory Planning & Zoning Commission
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Borough Assemblymen
F: OLD BUSINESS
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Laws and Sy -Laws, Kenai Action Council, Inc. nM rD
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Municipal Project Priorities
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Wien Consolidated Airlines, Lease in Terminal Building
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Budget Dent A. Car, Lease in Terminal Building
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North Air, Inc., Lease in Terminal Building
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O NEW BUSINESS.
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Resolution No. 70-16, Amending Resolution tic. 66-39, re-
ga'rding rental rates in Kenai Municipal Terminal Building
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H • PERSONS PRESENT VOT SCHEDULED TO BE ITI•ARD ,
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KENAI CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 2 SEPTEWER, 1970
Roll Call: t-lembers present - Charles A. Bailie, Robert Bielefeld, ,lames Doyle,
James Hornaday, Hugh Malone and Mayor Eugene ii. Morin; Members absent. -Mrs.
Florine.McCollum.
B-1: James England presented a petition to the Council, saving there were 400
signatures which include 93% of the business people of Kenai. The petition
asks citizens be given the right to connect with HEA power,if that is available,
and if they desire to do so. They request this because, in their opinion, KCL
power is not adequate or reliable. The petition asks, in the event customers
are not allowed to connect to HEA, then Kenai City Light shall assume the cost
of damages due to outages and low voltage. England said the City had made no
improvements to the system for years. At the last Council meeting, the perm+s-
sible power factor was stated to be 80; the power factor on KCL lines is now
78.3;. but the contract with CUL requires it to be above 90. This low power
factor, along with the fact it is 1800 out of phase, costs the City $130,000.00.
Council had no comment concerning the petition. City Manager Robbins
said all parties are working toward the same end - i.e., reliable and firm
r: power at•a reasonable cost. He said England's proposals are being considered.
Robbins can have Mr. Rhodes, of HEA, at the next meeting if Council desires it.
Hornaday said nothing could be done until the Court case is settled as
a reduction in the number of customers on KCL might subject the City to further
litigation.
England then asked if new customers could sign up with HEA, but no answer
was given. He also asked why the system was not being improved.
The Mayor said he thought it was being improved - that the City had spent
enough money on engineering studies and materials for the purpose of improvements.
EnglA said he would put up a $15,000 performance bond to reduce the line
loss from this month's 28% to 13%. He would do this for 1/2 the money saved
Council did not comment on this offer.
Agenda changes were made by adding G-2, Ord. amending the traffic Code. �P-
B-2; Robbins said he had asked Ken Scalf, electrician, to say a few words to
T Council.
Scalf said he had been electrical inspector in the Northwest for many
years. He said there are many ways to correct KCL's problems: 1. Have an
inter -tie with HEA, 2. Insist that CUL rebuild its generators and install ad-
ditional generation, 3. Buy out CUL.
He says Kenai has one of the nicest set ups he's seen. He got power
from KCL at no cost to himself. If he had bought power from HEA. he would have
had to pay $150 for a pole and make a ,year's prepayments for energy. A system
cannot progress as KCL has under that kind of an arrangement. He thinks the
City should listen to HEA. The City is losing money if the power factor is off.
Council had no comment. The Clerk said the Kenai Codp orovided the same
sort of pre payments for line extensions according to the feet -extended. but the
City has not always enforced this provision of the Code, and has assumed the
cost of extensions itself.
C: Minutes of the meeting of 19 August, 1970 were approved.
D: Correspondence was handled under other items.
E-1: TheCity Manager reported:
1. The tree cruncher will not be used on lands other than the moose range for
a year. After that time it may be possible to lease the rig for use in areas
in the City.
Kenai Council Minutes 9/2/70 Page two
E-19 Cont'd.
2. Street safety signs have been installed, replacing some of those vandalized,
and providing new ones in some areas. The streets are looking better now and
the crew is continuing to up -grade them.
3. Letters have been sent to International carriers pointing out Kenai has one
of the best airports in the world and urging them to consider Kenai as a part.
of their routing. Letters were also sent to the Congressional Delegation and
the Chamber of Commerce. The latter is adopting a resolution urging promotion
of the Airport.
4. The fire rating inspector will be in Kenai next week to look over our new
facilities. We hope to reduce our rating from an 8 to a 7 which would mean a
savinof $55,125 to those paying fire insurance. A reduction to a 6 would
save 1109,925. The City's objective is to reach a 5 - the same as Seward and
Wildwood.
5. Stan McLane, working on the City's St. Naming and House numbering system,
hopes to use the Borough's topographic maps in platting ours. The last hear-
ing of the Planning Commission on this had only one person to be heard. An-
other hearing will be held 9 Sept. Robbins urges the public attend -as a plan
and plats will be presented for discussion.
6. Rights -of -way on the old Beaver Loop Road have been granted to the orig-
inal owners of the land and the State Dept. of Hwys. has now posted the old
road as closed.
7. Bid opening for moving well -house #2 revealed the following bids:
Trowbridge Steel Tank Co. $ 119000.00
Kobuk Entineering and Contractors
Service Inc. 17,913.00
Doyle's Excavating 10,400.00
Bill Quandt 159000.00
Alaskan Enterprises 12,803.00
Haller Construction 140800.00
Robbins recommended the low bidder be granted the contract.
Bielefeld moved, Malone seconded, to accept the low bid of Doyle Excav-
ating provided there's a performance bond in the amount of the value of the
equipment being moved. Doyle said he will furnish a performance bond. Motion
passed unanimously by roll call vote.
M. J. Crotty, Construction Supt. for Kobuk Engineering and Contractors
Service, Inc., said generally a bid bond is required to accompany a bid. The
City's specs did not call for a bid bond or for a performance bond. As there
are often liabilities after a job is completed, the City should also consider
requiring a lien bond from the contractor.
Massey said the invitation was for quotes, not bids. 'After a contractor
is chosen, he puts up a performance bond. He did not think a lien bond was
necessary as the contractor is a responsible, reliable party and requiring a
lien bond would put an undue strain on the bidders.
E-2: Atty. James E. Fisher reported:
_. 1. At the request of the City Mgr. he was submitting a draft of an ordinance
up -dating the City's traffic Code. This practically changes the entire 1963
Code, and adopt portions of the Administrative Code.
Bailie moved, Doyle seconded, to declare an emergency re Ord. #185.
Motion carried unanimously. There were no comments at the public hearing.
Malone moved, Bielefeld seconded, to adopt Ord. #185, amending the Kenai
Traffic Code. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Police Chief Heffner said this change had been requested by the local
Judge who threatened to throw out the Kenai Code because of its obsolescence.
The Mayor said there should be public education and information on some
Of the rules. Especially anything having to do with road closures.
Kenai City Council Minutes 9/2/70 Page three
E-20 ), Cont'd.
Loretta Knackstedt asked how the fine schedule was determined. Fisher
said the State's schedule was used to avoid confusion.
2. The new lease forms stabilize rents for 5 years; provide for insurance re-
quirments; provides a charge for utilities to be metered; makes provisinnq
for alterations in the Terminal Bldg.
The resolution regarding rates in the Term. Bldg. provide for administra-
tive action on individual leases which will be judged on its own merit.
Robbins said the three leases - i.e. to Wien, North Air and Budget Rent -
a -Car provides $1411.00 a month as against the old charge of $1395.24.
E-3: Mayor Morin reported:
1. He will attend a meeting tomorrow night of the AARP (American Association
of Retired Persons) to discuss appointment of a Committe to work on guide lines
and legislation which would benefit retired citizens. Committees all over the
Nation are working on this and eventually the State and Federal Governments
will compile a study making recommendations, etc. A tor. Pratt, from Calif.,
will also be present to further explain the program.
2. The lease and road r.o.w. has been obtained for the Rifle Range, and the
City will continue to work with the Snow Shoe Gun Club for development of this
recreation area.
3. He met with Bob Wells of E.D.A. and took him over the River area between In-
let Dock and the Park. This relates to the City's Harbor project.
E-4: Answering the Mayor's question, The Clerk reported electric rates in the
Terminal Bldg. had been reduced by the City's adoption of a Municipal Rate
which helped alleviate the exhorbitant power bills.
E-5: Finance Officer Ray Burt reported:
1. The City has paid its debt to developers of subdivisions for electrical
installations in the amount of $195,946.63. Bond money was used for this.
The balance of $40,000 is in the KCL construction fund.
2. The City has received 50% of the State's revenue sharing funding for Kenai
in the amount of $72,200.00. Strandberg says the program is fully funded.
3. The auditors should be out of here in 3 days. They have not changed their
target date for completion.
It is time to consider hiring auditors for the 1970-71 audit and Burt
hopes to have this on the agenda at the next meeting.
4. He hopes to bring a proposal to Council for buying an off -set press and
plate maker to take care of the City's copying needs. A better quality printing
can be had at a much cheaper rate.
6. Further study on billing machines reveals the IBM and Mag Strip would be
too costly at this time, so the City will stick with the Burroughs machine.
Replying to Councils' questions, Burt said he hoped the audit presentation
can be made at the last meeting in September. He will prepare quarterly reports
with an analysis and will show percentage completion of any given item or project.
E-6: Fisher reported for the Planning & Zoning Commission:
1. Due to poor attendance, the hearing on St. Naming and House Numbering has
been re -scheduled for 9/9/70.
Robbins said the Armory site and bldg. has been approved by the State
and ndi must go through Congress.
The Planning Commission is trying to preserve the old names of streets
and make changes as little as possible and yet present a systematic plan.
The Borough Planning Commission wants comments from the City concerning
the Boro Zoning Ordinance. The Kenai Commission will have a recommendation at
the next meeting.
Kenai Council Minutes 9/2/70 Page four
E-6, Cont'd.
Loretta Knackstedt suggested the City contact Tillion and Palmer and
get their opinions on the Boro Zoning, and specifically ask them what the in-
tent of the law is - i.e. should the Doro completely take over planning?
E-7: Malone reported on the Kenai Peninsula Borough meeting of 8/26/70:
1. A motion to send a letter of intent to the State that the Boro would pro-
vide the extra $316,000 plus for school expenses was turned down by a vote of
8to7.
Hornaday reported on the Boro meeting of 9/l/70.
1. This motion was rescinded, and after a public hearing, the Assembly voted
10 to 5 to provide the funds to the School District. The Atty. ruled a motion
to rescind is a continuation of consideration of the item. The existing Boro
Ord. saving a motion cannot be rescinded for 60 days was therefor overruled.
The Boro will take the $316,000 from unappropriated funds and from the
reserve for tax disputes.
2. The Air pollution Ord. was passed.
3. A bond issue for 3 1/2 million dollars for school construction will be on
the ballot at the Boro election on 6 October. The School Administration and
Board will help bring information to the public as to just what the money will
be used for and where.
4. Election judges were appointed.
5. Play grounds for the seward school were approved.
Malone said he had talked with the Boro Planning staff over the avail-
ability of funds from H.E.D. for establishing Historical Land Marks in the
Peninsula. It is hoped some money can be obtained for the Russian Church in
Kenai as it has already been declared a Landmark. A plan for development must
be presented to get the funds.
Knackstedt suggested the City Police and Fire Depts. should carefully
study the Comprehensive Plan for the Boro as it seriously affects their acti-
vities. Robbins said they had attended a Boro meeting on this several months
ago.
Morin said he had forgotten to report an incident on his trip Outside: His
plane was forced to land at Boeing Field as the lights were out at Sea-Tac
and their auxiliary system was not in operation.
Bruce Massey, US Supt., presented a graph showing completion of engineering
and survey on the water line project as well as clearing, well drilling and
developing. The balance of the work is about 25% complete, but they are well
on the way, and hope to be on the line by 31 October.
Massey said he would like to buy a hydro -crane for $7,000 at 1/3 down
and the balance at $260 a month. Two or three weeks time can be saved with
this equipment and the City -could use it almost constantly later on,
After some discussion Council said use it on this project if it can be
leased, but consider buying in the Spring. Council appreciated the graphic report.
F-1: Ron Combs, reporting for the Kenai Action Council, said they had struck
a snag in the requirements necessary for a non-profit corporation's activities.
He and the City Mgr. will continue to work for fruition of their plans to op-
erate a Recreation Program. He will also furnish the City with their Articles
of Incorporation.
Malone said the Planning Commission should have maps at their meetings and all
available information on their agenda subjects.
k - - L,
Kenai Council Minutes 9/2/70 Page five
F-2: Morin said of the 7 items given priority, two have been completed or
are in the mill: i.e. the rifle range and the street naming plan.
3. The planning Commission had recommended 4th Ave. be completed across
the gulley, but nothing further had been done.
4. A new site for a cemetery should be found as planes over the air-
port are disturbing during funerals. florin suggested the Planning Commission
should take this under consideration.
5. Street surfacing should be accomplished connecting Lawton Drive to
the High School. Bielefeld said this was left unfinished on purpose as they
didn't want through traffic here.
6. Morin suggested a new site be found for the fire fighting school as
smoke and dust from the helicopters create a hazard for highway traffic.
Doyle said the State wants to establish a fire fighting training area
here which would require 12 to 15 acres. The old gravel pit on the road to
the TACAN site was suggested as a possibility.
7. Sewage treatment facilities should be considered. There's bond
money for this. Burt says about $130,000.
Other suggestions for municipal priorities are: a boat landing and
launching site. Maintaining the City dock - it's rapidly eroding away.
Robbins said the City cannot consider renting the old Post Office Bldg.
as City Hall as long as there's idle space in the Terminal Bldg.
It was agreed the cemetery should get top priority.
F-3: After some discussion on terminal bldg. leases for Wien Consolidated,
North Air and Budget Rent -a -Car, Bielefeld moved, Malone seconded, to table
action until a study session can be held. The Motion carried unanimously with
Bailie dissenting.
Council will meet Friday, 4 Sept. at 7:30 in the City Mgr.'s office
to discuss these leases. The City Mgr. was asked to come up with figures on
increases in rates at other airports so comparisons can be made.
G-1: The Mayor presented Res. 70-16, providing that rental rates in the Ter-
minal Bldg. set forth in leases shall be administratively negotiated.
Malone said we still need basic rates to go by as a guld? line, but
. moved to adopt Res. 70-16. Bielefeld seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Malone asked what happened to the Commission to study Charter revisions. Robbins
said it was hard to get people to work on this at this time, but he had not
given up the idea.
Hornaday said he had heard Kenai was 5th largest City in Alaska now, and asked
j the City Mgr. to confirm these figures.
Meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. Frances Torkilsen
City Clerk
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