HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-20 Council Minutesr
KENAI CITY COUNCIL -REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 20, 2024-6:00 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
210 FIDALGO AVE., KENAI, AK 99611
MAYOR BRIAN GABRIEL, PRESIDING
MINUTES
A Regular Meeting of the Kenai City Council was held on March 20, 2024, in City Hall Council Chambers,
Kenai, AK. Mayor Gabriel called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Gabriel led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Roll Call
There were pr~sent:
Brian Gabriel, Mayor
Phil Daniel
Alex Douthit
Henry Knackstedt, Vice Mayor
Deborah Sounart
Victoria Askin
James Baisden (remote participation)
A quorum was present.
Also in attendance were:
**Xinlan Tanner, Student Representative
Dave Ross, Acting City Manager
Scott Bloom, City Attorney
David Swarner, Finance Director
Linda Mitchell, Planning Director
Stephanie Randall, Human Resource Director
Katja Wolf, Library Director
Tyler Best, Parks and Recreation Director
Scott Curtin, Public Works Director
Derek Ables, Airport Manager
Shellie Saner, City Clerk
3. Agenda Approval
Mayor Gabriel noted the following additions to the Packet:
Add to item E. 2.
Add to item E. 4.
Add to item G. 1.
City of Kenai Council Meeting
March 20, 2024
Public Hearing -Ordinance No. 3403-2024
• Amendment Memo
Public Hearing • Resolution 2024-09
• Amendment Memo
• Informational Item
Unfinished Business/ Public Hearing -Ordinance 3392-2024
• Amendment Memo -Fill in the blanks
• Amendment Memo -Housekeeping
• Amendment Memo -Planning & Zoning Commission
• Public Comment
Page 1 of 12
Add item P. 1.
MOTION:
Information Items
• Kenai Peninsula Borough, Voter Turnout Working Group -
Prioritized List of Actionable Recommendations
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to approve the agenda and consent agenda with the requested revisions.
Council Member Askin SECONDED the motion.
The items on the Consent Agenda were read into the record.
Mayor Gabriel opened the floor for public comment on consent agenda items; there being no one wishing
to be heard, the public comment period was closed.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
* 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 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS -None.
C. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Central Area Rural Transit System (CARTS) Update and Status Report, CARTS Board of
Directors President Jodi Stuart and Executive Director Jessica Schultz.
Jodi Stuart, CARTS Executive Director provided an overview of the history of CARTS and introduced
Executive Director Schultz. Ms. Schultz summarized CARTS available schedules and services provided;
noted 30% of rides were to Kenai and the importance of using local funding as a matching source to be
eligible for additional Federal funding.
D. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
Tim Navarre addressed the Council in support of CARTS and recommended funding be included in the
upcoming budget for CARTS in an amount similar to past funding from the City.
Tim Dillion addressed the Council in support CARTS and noted that transportation, child care and housing
have a direct impact on the work force.
Samantha Springer, Executive Director of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center addressed
the Council noting it was her 1-year anniversary as the Executive Director.
Marion Nelson, Kenai Fine Art Center Board President addressed the Council regarding the upcoming
Student Art Show; Art Center Workshops; and provided a facility update.
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Ordinance No. 3402-2024 -Accepting and Appropriating a Donation to the Kenai
Community Library for Library Materials, Programming, Furniture and Shelving.
(Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3402-2024. Council Member Askin SECONDED
the motion.
City of Kenai Council Meeting
March 20, 2024
Page 2 of 12
Mayor Gabriel opened the floor for public comment. There being no one wishing to be heard, the public
comment period was closed.
Appreciation was stated for the donors and that materials will be added to the print collection in memory
of Don Weller.
VOTE:
YEA: Askin, Douthit, Baisden, Sounart, Knackstedt, Daniel, Gabriel
NAY: None
**Student Representative Tanner: Yea
MOTION PASSED.
2. Ordinance No. 3403-2024 -Amending Sections of Kenai Municipal Code Chapters 21.10
-Leasing and Acquisition of Airport Reserve Lands, and 22.05 -Disposition of City Lands,
to Extend the Time Allowed for Private Development on City Leased Lots and Requiring
Certain Financial Assurances Prior to Lease Execution. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3403-2024. Council Member Daniel
SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened the floor for public comment.
Richard Page, SOARS International Ministries Director addressed the Council regarding the negative
effect of the ordinance to organizations who operate on grants related to the requirement to show financial
resources; prior to COVID the project was originally a 3.5-million-dollar project and now a 14-million-
dollar project; current challenges getting materials; project plans were complete; and losing the lease at
this time would be a significant loss of improvements to SOARS.
There being no one else wishing to be heard, the public comment period was closed.
It was reported that prior to 2018 the City owned improvements on lease lots; due to lack of lease activity
code was changed so that the lessee would own the improvements, since that change lease activity has
increased; the City recognized current challenges causing the need for additional time; the ordinance
would increase the time to complete construction from two-years to three-years and it also increased the
extension option from one, one-year extension to two, one-year extensions.
It was additionally reported that three current lease holders affected by this ordinance have exhausted
the lease extension options and would be required to reapply; a non-code ordinance would be the only
way to extend the current leases, which was not recommended as the lease holders would be in the
exact same position in one-year.
There was general consensus that the administration should work closely with the current lease holders
through the reapplication process.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to amend Ordinance No. 3403-2024 as follows:
Sixth whereas clause to read, "at its regular meeting on March 14, 2024 the Airport Commission
recommended the City Council approve this Ordinance."
Council Member Askin SECONDED the motion.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to amend Resolution No. 3403-2024 to remove the word "reasonable"
as follows:
City of Kenai Council Meeting
March 20, 2024
Page 3 of 12
Section 1, KMC 21.10.040, paragraph (b), subparagraph (5) to read, "Evidence showing the
applicant has [REASONABLE] financial resources to complete the proposed improvement, such as
a liquidity verification letter or other document from a financial institution. This information may be
provided separately from other application material and will be kept confidentially by City
administration as allowed by law."
Section 2, KMC 21.10.060, paragraph (b) to read, "Based on the initial review and staff
recommendation for action, if the City Manager determines the application is complete and the
applicant has [REASONABLE] financial means to complete the proposed improvements, the
application shall be referred to the Airport Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission
for review and comment, together with the City Manager's recommendation for approval or
rejection. For protection of private financial information, documentation showing the applicant has
[REASONABLE] financial resources to complete the proposed improvement will be redacted or
withheld from the application when published and provided to the Airport, Planning Commission
and City Council."
Section 3, KMC 21.10.070, paragraph (a) to read, "A request from an existing lessee for a lease
amendment, extension or renewal of the lease must be submitted to the City on an application
form provided by the City. Applications must be complete and dated on receipt and payment of
the nonrefundable application fee as set forth in the City's schedule of fees adopted by the City
Council. All applications proposing new improvements must include evidence showing the
applicant has [REASONABLE] financial resources to complete the proposed improvement, such as
a liquidity verification letter or other document from a financial institution. This information may be
provided separately from other application material and will be kept confidentially by City
administration as allowed by law."
Section 5, KMC 22.05.025, paragraph (b), subparagraph (4) to read, "Evidence showing the
applicant has [REASONABLE] financial resources to complete the proposed improvement, such as
a liquidity verification letter or other document from a financial institution. This information may be
provided separately from other application · material and will be kept confidentially by City
administration as allowed by law."
Section 6, KMC 22.05.040, paragraph (b) to read, "Based on the initial review, if the City Manager
determines the application is complete and the applicant has [REASONABLE] financial means to
complete the proposed improvements, the application shall be referred to the Planning and
Zoning Commission and any other applicable commissions for review and comment, together
with the City Manager's recommendation for approval or rejection. The recommendation may
include a recommendation for a subdivision to reduce or enlarge a parcel to meet the intended
development or use. For protection of private financial information, documentation showing the
applicant has [REASONABLE] financial resources to complete the proposed improvement will be
redacted or withheld from the application when published and provided to the Planning
Commission, other applicable commission and City Council."
Section 7, KMC 22.05.045, paragraph (a) to read, "A request from an existing lessee for a lease
amendment, assignment, extension or renewal of the lease must be submitted to the City
Manager or designee on an application form provided by the City. Applications must be complete
and dated on receipt and include payment of the nonrefundable application fee and applicable
deposit as set forth in the City's schedule of fees adopted by the City Council. All applications
proposing new improvements must include evidence showing the applicant has [REASONABLE]
financial resources to complete the proposed improvement, such as a liquidity verification letter
or other document from a financial institution. This information may be provided separately from
other application material and will be kept confidentially by City administration as allowed by law.
Construction must be completed within 3 years except in special circumstances that require a
longer period of time and which must be approved by the City Council;"
Council Member Askin SECONDED the motion.
City of Kenai Council Meeting
March 20, 2024
Page 4of 12
It was reported that a current lessee suggested that inclusion of the word "reasonable" added
unnecessary ambiguity and subjectivity to the standard.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to amend Ordinance No. 3403-2024 as follows:
Section 4, KMC 21.010.080, paragraph (g), subparagraph (5) to read, "If the lessee shows good
cause to the City Council, and evidence of progress towards completion of the proposed
improvements, including but not limited to a building permit, invoices for site specific building
materials, or third party contracts for construction, as well as updated financial information as
required in KMC 21.10.040(b )(5) and the City Council determines the action is in the best interest
of the City, the City Council may grant an extension of the time .,initially not to exceed 12 months
to complete permanent improvements by resolution that is sufficient to allow for the completion of
the permanent improvements or for submission of documentation that the permanent
improvements have been completed. A final twelve-month extension may be granted by separate
resolution of Council if the lessee meets the same criteria for the first twelve-month extension and
provides a performance bond, deposit, personal guarantee or other security interest sufficient to
satisfy the Council that the im provements will be com pleted [COVER THE REMAINED OF THE
UNFINISHED WORK ON THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS] and Council determines the final extension
is in the best interest of the City.
Council Member Douthit SECONDED the motion.
It was reported that this amendment and the next would allow for greater flexibility when there was a
need to find a solution for completion of a project.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to amend Ordinance No. 3403-2024 as follows:
Section 8, KMC 22.05.055, paragraph (f) to read, "If the lessee shows good cause and evidence
of progress towards completion of the proposed improvements, including but not limited to
building permits, invoices for site specific building materials, or third party contracts for
construction, as well as updated financial information as required in KMC 22.05.25(b)(4) and the
City Council determines the action is in the best interest of the City, the City Council may grant
an extension of the time initially not to exceed 12 months to complete permanent improvements
by resolution that is sufficient to allow for the completion of the permanent improvements or for
submission of documentation that the permanent improvements have been completed. A final
twelve-month extension may be granted by separate resolution of Council if the lessee meets the
same criteria for the first twelve-month extension and provides a performance bond, deposit,
personal guarantee or other security interest sufficient to satisfy the Council that the
im provements will be com pleted [COVER THE REMAINED OF THE UNFINISHED WORK ON THE
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS] and Council determines the final extension is in the best interest of
the City.
Council Member Askin SECONDED the motion.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend .
VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
City of Kenai Council Meeting
March 20, 2024
Page 5 of 12
VOTE ON MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED:
YEA: Douthit, Baisden, Sounart, Knackstedt, Daniel, Gabriel, Askin
NAY: None
**Student Representative Tanner: Yea
MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED PASSED.
3. Resolution No. 2024-08 -Awarding a Contract to Provide Health and Life Insurance
Consulting Services. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No . 2024-08. Council Member Sounart SECONDED
the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened the floor for public comment. There being no one wishing to be heard, the public
comment period was closed .
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
4. Resolution No. 2024-09 -Awarding a Contract for Kenai Visitor and Cultural Center
Facility Management Services. (Administration)
[Clerk's Note: Council Member Douthit declared a possible conflict with Resolution No . 2024-09 as he is the Vice
President of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center Board of Directors. Mayor Gabriel ruled a conflict
did exist and Council Member Douthit abstained from discussion and voting on the resolution.]
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2024-09. Council Member Sounart SECONDED
the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened the floor for public comment. There being no one wishing to be heard, the public
comment period was closed .
There was discussion regarding the proposed amendment which would include a new permanent position
dedicated to the cultural center; the position would manage artifacts, rotate displays and improve the
appeal to visitors.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to amend Resolution No. 2024-09 as follows:
Section 1 to read, "That the contract to provide Kenai [TOURISM AND MARKETING] Visitor and
Cultural Center Facility Manag ement Services is awarded to the Kenai Chamber of Commerce
and Visitor Center for the total amount of $145,200 annually for a period of three years, beginning
July 1, 2024."
Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND: Motion APPROVED, without objection.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to amend Resolution No. 2024-09 as follows:
Section 1 to read, "That the contract to provide Kenai Visitor and Cultural Center Facility
Management Services is awarded to the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center for the
total amount of [$145,2001 $152,480, to include a new cultural center coordinator , annually for a
period of three years, beginning July 1, 2024."
City of Kenai Council Meeting
March 20, 2024
Page 6 of 12
Council Member Askin SECONDED the motion.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND: Motion APPROVED, without objection.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the main motion as amended.
VOTE ON MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED: Main motion as amended APPROVED, without objection.
5. Resolution No. 2024-10 -Awarding a Contract for City of Kenai Tourism and Marketing
Services. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2024-10. Council Member Daniel SECONDED
the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened the floor for public comment. There being no one wishing to be heard, the public
comment period was closed.
It was reported that the provider had a local office and provides similar services to other municipalities.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
6. Resolution No. 2024-11 -Approving the Use of the Fleet Replacement Fund for the
Purchase of One Ford Police Interceptor Utilizing the State of Alaska Equipment Fleet
Contract. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2024-11. Council Member Askin SECONDED
the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened the floor for public comment. There being no one wishing to be heard, the public
comment period was closed.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
7. Resolution No. 2024-12 -Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Bar and Lounge
Concession Agreement for the Kenai Municipal Airport. (Administration)
MOTION:
Council Member Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2024-12. Vice Mayor Knackstedt SECONDED
the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened the floor for public comment. There being no one wishing to be heard, the public
comment period was closed.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
F. MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of March 6, 2024. (City Clerk)
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
City of Kenai Council Meeting
March 20, 2024
Page 7 of 12
1. Ordinance No. 3392-2024 -Amending the Kenai Zoning Code to Add a New Zoning District,
Working Waterfront (WW) and Amending the Official Zoning Map for Certain Parcels from Heavy
Industrial (IH) to Working Waterfront (WW) or Conservation (C) Zoning District. (Knackstedt)
[Clerk's Note: The motion to enact Ordinance 3392-2024 was on the floor from the February 21, 2024 City Council
Meeting.]
Mayor Gabriel opened the floor for public comment.
Matthew Moffis thanked the Council and staff for bringing this forward.
There being no one else wishing to be heard, the public comment period was closed.
There was discussion thanking the Planning and Zoning Commission for their work and
recommendations.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to amend Ordinance No. 3392-2024 as follows:
Ninth whereas clause to read, "the Harbor Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission
held a joint work session on Februa ry 12 , 2024 to discuss the proposed ordinance to create a
waterfront zoning district and amend the Comprehensive Plan; and,"
Tenth whereas clause to read, "the Planning and Zoning Commission at its regularly scheduled
meeting of Februa ry 14, 2024 recommended app roval with amendments on amending the Kenai
Municipal Code (KMC) to add a new zoning district and rezone the waterfront area; and,"
Eleventh whereas clause to read, "the Harbor Commission at its regularly scheduled meeting of
Februa ry 12, 2024 recommended approval on amending the KMC to add a new zoning district
and rezone the waterfront area; and,"
Insert a new twelfth whereas clause to read, "at its meeting on Februa ry 21 , 2024 . Ci ty Council
postponed the public hearin g to March 20 , 2024 and scheduled a joint work session with Planning
and Zonin g Commission on March 20, 2024 before the re gular meeting; and ,"
Council Member Douthit SECONDED the motion.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to amend Ordinance No. 3392-2024 as follows:
Section 3, KMC 14.22.010 Land Use Table for Residential -Townhouses; Commercial -
Automotive Service Stations; and Industrial -Automotive Repair under the Waterfront (WW)
zoning district by deleting the reference to footnote 32.
LAND USES WW
RESIDENTIAL
Townhouses 4 Cl32J
COMMERCIAL
Automotive Service Stations Cl32J
INDUSTRIAL
Automotive Re pair Cl32]
Council Member Askin SECONDED the motion.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
City of Kenai Council Meeting
March 20, 2024
Page 8 of 12
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MOTION TO AMEND:
Council Member Douthit MOVED to amend Ordinance No. 3392-2024 as follows:
Section 3, KMC 14.22.010 Land Use Table by inserting a new footnote 33 to read, "Commercial
or industrial which falls under the landscaping/site plans requirements of KMC Chapter 14.25 shall
include any secondary uses in the landscaping and site plans."
Section 3, KMC 14.22.010 Land Use Table for Residential -One-Family Dwelling under the
Working Waterfront (WW) zoning district by, adding S for Secondary Use with reference to
footnote 33.
LAND USES WW
RESIDENTIAL
One-Family Dwelling S33/C
Council Member Askin SECONDED the motion.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to amend Ordinance No. 3392-2024 as follows:
Section 3, KMC 14.22.0_10 Land Use Table for Miscellaneous -Bed and Breakfast under the
Working Waterfront (WW) zoning district by, deleting P for Principal Permitted Use and inserting
C for Conditional Use.
LAND USES WW
Miscellaneous
Bed and Breakfast [P] C
Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to amend Ordinance No. 3392-2024 as follows:
Section 3, KMC 14.22.010 Land Use Table for Public/Institutional -Hospitals under the Working
Waterfront (WW) zoning district, by deleting P for Principal Permitted Use and inserting C for
Conditional Use.
LAND USES WW
PUBLIC/INSTITUTIONAL
Hospitals* [P] C
Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND: There being no objectior:,; SO ORDERED.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Council Member Daniel MOVED to amend Ordinance No. 3392-2024 as follows:
Section 3, KMC 14.22.010 Land Use Table for Miscellaneous -Day Care Centers under the
Working Waterfront (WW) zoning district, by deleting P for Principal Permitted Use and inserting
C for Conditional Use.
City of Kenai Council Meeting
March 20, 2024
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LAND USES WW
Miscellaneous
Day Care Centers 12 [P] C
Council Member Douthit SECONDED the motion.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
VOTE ON MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED:
YEA: Sounart, Knackstedt, Daniel, Gabriel, Askin, Douthit, Baisden
NAY: None
**Student Representative Tanner: Yea
MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED PASSED.
H. NEW BUSINESS
1. *Action/Approval -Bills to be Ratified. (Administration)·
Approved by the consent agenda.
2. *Action/Approval -Purchase Orders and Purchase Order Amendments Requiring Council
Approval in Accordance with KMC 7.15.020. (Administration)
Approved by the consent agenda.
3. *Action/Approval -Special Use Permit to the Alaska Youth Soccer Association for RV Parking
at the Multi-Purpose Facility Parking Lot. (Administration)
Approved by the consent agenda.
4. *Action/Approval -Special Use Permit to the Alaska Youth Soccer Association for RV Parking
at the Kenai Sports Complex Parking Lot. (Administration)
Approved by the consent agenda.
5. *Ordinance No. 3404-2023 -Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the Airport
Fund to Provide Supplemental Funding for 100 Low Lead Float Plane Basin Fuel. (Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for April 3, 2024.
6. *Ordinance No. 3405-2023 -Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the
Congregate Housing Fund for Costs Above Budgeted Amounts. (Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for April 3, 2024.
7. *Ordinance No. 3406-2023 -Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the Airport
Special Revenue and Airport Improvement Capital Project Funds and Authorizing a Final
Adjusting Contract Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with HDL Engineering
for Construction Administration Services for the 2020 Kenai Municipal Airport Sand Storage
Facility Project. (Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for April 3, 2024.
8. Discussion -Scheduling Council Employee Evaluations (Mayor Gabriel)
Special City Council meetings were scheduled for April 17, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. and April 18, 2024 at 5:30
p.m. for Council Employee Evaluations in the Kenai City Council Chambers.
City of Kenai Council Meeting
March 20, 2024 •
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I. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging
No report, next meeting April 11, 2024.
2. Airport Commission
Vice Mayor Knackstedt reported on the March 14, 2024 Work Session, next meeting April 11, 2024.
3. Harbor Commission
Council Member Askin on the March 11, 2024 Work Session, next meeting April 8, 2024.
4. Parks and Recreation Commission
Council Member Sounart on the March 7, 2024 Work Session, next meeting April 4, 2024.
5. Planning and Zoning Commission
Council Member Askin reported on the March 13, 2024 Meeting, next meeting cancelled.
6. Beautification Committee
No report, next meeting April 9, 2024.
J. REPORT OF THE MAYOR
Mayor Gabriel reminded everyone about the upcoming Senior Connections Pie Auction fund raiser .
K. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1. City Manager -Acting City Manager Ross reported on the following:
• Employee Appreciation Event scheduled for April 26, 2024.
• State of the City Presentation scheduled for April 17, 2024 at the Kenai Chamber of
Commerce, Business Luncheon.
• City Manager to attend the Alaska Infrastructure Development Symposium.
• Current Recruitments for Public Safety Dispatcher, summer positions including Temporary
Enforcement Officer's, Parks & Recreation and Public Use Fishery positions.
2. City Attorney, no report.
3. City Clerk -City Clerk Saner reported on the following:
• Final report from the KPB Voter Turnout Working Group was included in the laydown as an
informational item.
L. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Citizen Comments (Public comments limited to (5) minutes per speaker)
Samantha Springer, Executive Director of Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center reported to
Council that the Visitor Guide had been updated and was at the printers.
2. Council Comments
Council Member Baisden reported that the Kenai Central High School Cheer Team captured their fourth
straight State Championship.
City of Kenai Council Meeting
March 20, 2024
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Student Representative Tanner reported on activities at Connections, Kenai Alternative and Kenai
Central High School; Connections participation in SkillsUSA; provided a sports update and noted she
was the recipient of the Carson Scholarship.
Council Member Sounart wished everyone a happy spring.
Council Member Askin congratulated Student Representative Tanner for receiving the Carson
Scholarship.
Council Member Douthit reminded everyone about the upcoming Senior Connection, Pie Auction
fund raiser.
Council Member Knackstedt reported that the members of the Airport Commission noted the good
conditions at the Airport over the winter.
M. EXECUTIVE SESSION -None.
N. PENDING ITEMS -None.
0. ADJOURNMENT
P. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. Kenai Peninsula Borough, Voter Turnout Working Group -Prioritized List of Actionable
Recommendations.
There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
represents accurate minutes of the Kenai City Council meeting of March 20, 2024.
** The student representative may cast advisory votes on all matters except those subject to executive
session discussion. Advisory votes shall be cast in the rotation of the official council vote and shall not
affect the outcome of the official council vote. Advisory votes shall be recorded in the minutes. A student
representative may not move or second items during a council meeting.
City of Kenai Council Meeting
March 20, 2024
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