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Home My WebLink AboutResolution No. 2024-417'.., KENAI CITY OF KENAI RESOLUTION NO. 2024-41 Sponsored by: Administration A RESOLUTION ADOPTING JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-002 OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH AND THE COUNCILS OF THE CITY OF HOMER, KACHEMAK, KENAI, SEWARD, SELDOVIA, AND SOLDOTNA, SUPPORTING THE KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT'S REQUEST THAT THE 2026 AND 2027 COOK INLET FINFISH MEETINGS BE HELD IN SOLDOTNA, ALASKA TO PROVIDE RESOURCE STAKEHOLDERS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE PRESENT AT PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS AFFECTING THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR RESOURCES. WHEREAS, the functions of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commissioner are to manage, protect, maintain, improve, and extend the fish, game, and aquatic plant resources of the state in the interest of the economy and general well-being of the state; and, WHEREAS, the Alaska State Legislature created the seven -member Fisheries Board in 1975 with the purpose of conservation and development of fisheries and wildlife resources; and, WHEREAS, the regulatory authority must work alongside all stakeholders, including industry leaders and local, tribal, and borough organizations, to protect the Kenai Peninsula's natural resources, communicate regulatory needs, and receive critical stakeholder engagement to find best -suited options for the highest economic returns on investment revolving around the Upper Cook Inlet Salmon system; and, WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula waterways of the Kenai, Kasilof, and Susitna Rivers and Fish Creek are the entry points to significant sockeye salmon systems in Upper Cook Inlet; and, WHEREAS, the Kenai River and its lakes are the primary sockeye salmon -producing systems in the Cook Inlet; and, WHEREAS, personal use salmon fisheries are essential to the people of the Kenai Peninsula; and, WHEREAS, salmon sport fisheries are essential to the Kenai Peninsula economy; and, WHEREAS, subsistence salmon fisheries are essential for all Kenai Peninsula communities; and, WHEREAS, all users of salmon are dependent on an abundance of salmon; and, WHEREAS, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, more than 1,300 drift and set gillnet limited entry fishing permits have been for the Upper Cook Inlet area, contributing about 10% of salmon permits issued statewide; and, WHEREAS, the Alaska Board of Fish Upper Cook Inlet Finfish Regulatory Meetings provide critical resource updates, including research presentations and staff reports, provide a platform for public testimony, create and or update industry regulations, deliberations from committee members to increase rates of salmon returns, and outline management plans; and, WHEREAS, Joint Resolution No. 2024-002 supports the efforts of the Kenai Economic Development District's Request that the 2026 and 2027 Cook Inlet Finfish meetings be held in Soldotna, Alaska, to provide resource stakeholders with the opportunity to be present at Public Discussions Affecting the management of their resources. New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] Resolution No. 2024-41 Page 2 of 2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA: Section 1. That the Kenai City Council adopts and hereby authorizes the Mayor of the City of Kenai to sign Joint Resolution 2024-002. Section 2. That this Resolution takes effect immediately upon passage. PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, THIS 4T" DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2024. Brian Gabriel Sr., Mayor ATTES Michell ..M_ S-` a r MMC, City Clerk New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 7/ K�NAI City of Kenai 1 210 Fidalgo Ave, Kenai, AK 99611-7794 1 907.283.75351 www1enaixity MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Gabriel and Council Members FROM: Terry Eubank, City Manager DATE: August 27, 2024 SUBJECT: Resolution 2024-41 -A Resolution Adopting Joint Resolution No. 2024-002 Of The Assembly Of The Kenai Peninsula Borough And The Councils Of The City Of Homer, Kachemak, Kenai, Seward, Seldovia, And Soldotna, Supporting The Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District's Request That The 2026 And 2027 Cook Inlet Finfish Meetings Be Held In Soldotna, Alaska To Provide Resource Stakeholders With The Opportunity To Be Present At Public Discussions Affecting The Management Of Their Resources This memorandum supports the proposed resolution in support of a Joint Resolution, which advocates for holding the 2026 and 2027 Alaska Board of Fisheries Upper Cook Inlet Finfish Regulatory Meetings in Soldotna, Alaska. This initiative, with its potential to significantly impact Kenai residents and the greater community, ensures that local stakeholders have direct access to vital discussions and decisions affecting our salmon resources. The Kenai and Kasilof rivers are key to the Upper Cook Inlet salmon system, supporting fisheries that are essential to Kenai's economy and community, including personal use, sport, subsistence, and commercial fisheries. Given the importance of these resources, it is concerning that the last meeting held on the Kenai Peninsula was in 1999, with meetings held in Anchorage instead. This location creates a significant burden for Kenai residents, hindering public participation due to the cost and effort required to attend multi -day meetings in Anchorage. It is crucial that our residents have reasonable access to public meetings on issues impacting their economy, livelihood, and lifestyle. Holding these meetings on the Kenai Peninsula would allow the Alaska Board of Fisheries to engage directly with local stakeholders, including industry leaders, tribal organizations, and local representatives. This would ensure that resource management is informed, balanced, and reflective of diverse community needs. Supporting this Joint Resolution proposed by the Kenai Economic Development District is a strategic step toward ensuring effective and sustainable management of the Kenai Peninsula's fishery resources. By bringing the meetings to Soldotna, the City will empower local stakeholders, enhance community involvement, and support the long-term health of our salmon fisheries. This resolution takes a proactive approach to resource management that is in the best interests of the Kenai's economy, culture, and environment. Your consideration is appreciated. Page 2 of 2 (I The City of Kenai I wwwkenai.city KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH CITY OF KACHEMAK CITY OF KENAI CITY OF HOMER CITY OF SELDOVIA CITY OF SEWARD CITY OF SOLDOTNA JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-002 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH AND THE COUNCILS OF THE CITIES OF HOMER, KACHEMAK, KENAI, SEWARD, SELDOVIA, AND SOLDOTNA, SUPPORTING THE KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT'S REQUEST THAT THE 2026 AND 2027 COOK INLET FINFISH MEETINGS BE HELD IN SOLDOTNA, ALASKA, AND ROTATED THEREAFTER AMONG THE THREE PRIMARY AFFECTED BOROUGHS (ANCHORAGE, MATSU AND KENAI PENINSULA) TO PROVIDE RESOURCE STAKEHOLDERS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE PRESENT AT PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS AFFECTING THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR RESOURCES WHEREAS, the functions of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commissioner are to manage, protect, maintain, improve, and extend the fish, game, and aquatic plant resources of the state in the interest of the economy and general well-being of the state; and, WHEREAS, the Alaska State Legislature created the seven -member Fisheries Board in 1975 with the purpose of conservation and development of fisheries and wildlife resources; and, WHEREAS, the regulatory authority must work alongside all stakeholders, including industry leaders and local, tribal, and borough organizations, to protect the Kenai Peninsula's natural resources, communicate regulatory needs, and receive critical stakeholder engagement to find best -suited options for the highest economic returns on investment revolving around the Upper Cook Inlet Salmon system; and, WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula waterways of the Kenai, Kasilof, and Susitna Rivers and Fish Creek are the entry points to significant sockeye salmon systems in Upper Cook Inlet; and, WHEREAS, the Kenai River and its lakes are the primary sockeye salmon -producing systems in the Cook Inlet; and, WHEREAS, personal -use salmon fisheries are essential to the people of the Kenai Peninsula; and WHEREAS, salmon sport fisheries are essential to the Kenai Peninsula economy; and WHEREAS, subsistence salmon fisheries are essential for all Kenai Peninsula communities; and WHEREAS, all users of salmon are dependent on an abundance of salmon; and WHEREAS, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, more than 1,300 drift and set gillnet limited -entry fishing permits have been issued for the Upper Cook Inlet area, contributing about 10% of salmon permits issued statewide; and WHEREAS, the Alaska Board of Fish Upper Cook Inlet Finfish Regulatory Meetings provide critical resource updates, including research presentations and staff reports; provide a platform for public testimony; create and/or update industry regulations; facilitate deliberations from committee members to ensure sustainable salmon returns; and outline management plans; and WHEREAS, Joint Resolution No. 2024-002 supports the efforts of the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District's Request that the 2026 and 2027 Cook Inlet Finfish meetings be held in Soldotna, Alaska, to provide resource stakeholders with the opportunity to be present at public discussions affecting the management of their resources; Joint Resolution No. 2024-002 Page 2 of 4 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH AND THE COUNCILS OF THE CITIES OF HOMER, KACHEMAK, KENAI, SEWARD, SELDOVIA, AND SOLDOTNA: Section 1. That the Kenai Peninsula Borough and the Cities of Homer, Kachemak, Kenai, Seward, Seldovia, and Soldotna, respectively, formally request that the 2026-2027 Upper Cook Inlet Finfish Regulatory Meetings be held in Soldotna, Alaska, and Rotated Thereafter Among the Three Primary Affected Boroughs (Anchorage, Mat -Su and Kenai Peninsula) to provide an opportunity for local stakeholders to attend and provide public testimony regarding the management of the salmon system. Section 2. That this resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption by the City Councils of the Cities of Homer, Kachemak, Kenai, Seward, Seldovia, and Soldotna, and the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly. PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, THIS eH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2024. r.� y+�CENA/ Brian Gabriel Sr., Mayor ATTEST:•.•••~'•''•%ql_ Michelle M. Saner; MMC, City Clerk ED PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLDOTNA, ALASKA, THIS XXND DAY OF XXXX, 2024. Paul J. Whitney, Mayor ATTEST: Johni Blankenship, MMC, City Clerk PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, THIS XXND DAY OF XXXX, 2024. Sue McClure, Mayor ATTEST: Kris Peck, City Clerk Joint Resolution No. 2024-002 Page 3 of 4 PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOMER, ALASKA, THIS XXND DAY OF XXXX, 2024. Ken Castner, Mayor ATTEST: Melissa Jacobsen, MMC, City Clerk PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SELDOVIA, ALASKA, THIS XXND DAY OF XXXX, 2024. Jeremiah Campbell, Mayor ATTEST: Liz Diament, City Clerk PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KACHEMAK, ALASKA, THIS XXND DAY OF XXXX, 2024. Bill Fry, Mayor ATTEST: Laurie Wallace, City Clerk Joint Resolution No. 2024-002 Page 4 of 4 PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH, ALASKA, THIS XXND DAY OF XXXX, 2024. Brent Johnson, Assembly President Peter A. Micciche, KPB Mayor ATTEST: Michele Turner, CIVIC, Borough Clerk dp ,DUX--'2024 r a�. 1 2026-2027 Upper Cook Inlet Finfish Regulatory Meeting Location Proposal Prepared for Art Nelson, Executive Director Alaska Board of Fisheries PRESENTED BY: Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District Kenai Peninsula Borough City of Kenai Kenai Chamber of Commerce - - City of Soldotna Jl� E.,.�, Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Table Of Contents Proposal Overview Stakeholders Regional Significance Event Facility Lodging Transportation Dining Contact Information T 1= MEETING LOCATION PROPOSAL 2026-2027 Upper Cook Inlet Finfish Meetings The Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District supports and advocates for public engagement processes and opportunities for our stakeholders and communities. We formally and respectfully request the Alaska Fish and Game Board of Fish to hold the Upper Cook Inlet Finfish Regulatory meetings for 2026-2027 on the Kenai Peninsula, specifically in Soldotna. This proposal request will outline the history, accommodation, logistic resources, and outlay of permit holders and business operators, as well as resolutions from our municipalities and borough communicating the need for the meeting to be held in Soldotna. As the Board of Fish makes decisions on fish allocation and management for the commercial and sportfishing industries in the region, it is vital to hold the meeting where the stakeholders, business owners, and waters are. For context, it has been over a decade since the Board of Fish has held any public meetings in this region; the last regular Upper Cook Inlet Finfish meeting was in 1999 with in -person BOF work sessions in 2016 and an Upper Cook Inlet Task Force meeting in 2013. KPEDD respectfully requests the Board of Fish to see this as an opportunity to re-engage and re-establish connections through this public process to proceed with its work to make sound judgments and well- informed decisions and develop comprehensive policy with viewpoints and local perspectives considered. Director Cassidi Cameron Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District PROPOSAL SPONSORED BY SULa sa Mayor Peter Micciche Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Brian Gabriel �► , City of Kenai Mayor Paul Whitney City of Soldotna moll J . Director Samantha Springer 1► Kenai Chamber of Commerce Director Maddy Olsen rX Soldotna Chamber of Commerce UPPER COOK INLET PROPOSAL I PAGE 1 Cook Inlet Stakeholders INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES AFFECTED BY MEETING DECISIONS Finfish Guides & Charters 197 Drift Gillnets 356 Set Gillnets 672 Purse Seine 68 Total 1,293 85% of active set net permits and 75% of active drift gillnet permits are owned by Alaska residents. Regional stakeholders require reasonable access to the Upper Cook Inlet Finfish (UCI) Regulatory Meetings, as they are directly affected by decisions made by the Board of Fish. Holding the two -week Board of Fish UCI meetings solely in Anchorage leads to disproportionate representation of special -interest groups that have the resources to attend the meetings and underrepresentation of individual residents of the Kenai Peninsula. Government officials and representatives of these groups have the ability to travel to the Peninsula for meetings as their costs are borne by the organization rather than the individual. The fluidity of these meetings also makes it difficult for residents to make adequate travel accommodations to provide public testimony. The Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District will act as a point of contact, in partnership with the Kenai Peninsula Borough and regional municipalities, to assist in identifying resources and cost savings for the State. KPEDD will strive to ensure that logistical considerations, adequate public facilities, transportation, lodging and experience are met with the upmost care. UPPER COOK INLET PROPOSAL I PAGE 2 Upper Cook Inlet REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE . The Kenai Peninsula waterways of the Kenai, Kasilof, and Susitna Rivers, and Fish Creek are the entry points to major sockeye salmon systems in Upper Cook Inlet . The Kenai River and its lakes are the primary sockeye salmon producing systems in the Cook Inlet . The Kasilof River and Tustumena Lake is the second -most (sometimes the third -most) productive sockeye salmon producing system in Cook Inlet . Commercial, sport, subsistence and personal use fisheries are essential to the Kenai Peninsula Economy . The value and economic impact goes for beyond the number of permit holders in the region Commercial fisheries land a combined average of 31.3 million pounds of salmon annually, valued on average at 50.1 million USD annually The regulatory authority must work alongside industry to protect the Kenai Peninsula's natural resources, communicate on regulatory needs, and receive necessary stakeholder engagement to find best -suited options for the highest economic returns on investment revolving around the Upper Cook Inlet Salmon system. Holding the 2026 and 2027 Upper Cook Inlet Finfish Regulatory Meetings in Soldotna would provide resource stakeholders with the opportunity to be present at public discussions affecting the management of their resources. UPPER COOK INLET PROPOSAL I PAGE 3 SOLDOTNA FIELD HOUSE SIZE • NEWLY BUILT 40,500 SQ FT MULTI -PURPOSE FACILITY • 215' X 115' MEETING AREA WITH REMOVABLE TURF SYSTEM • DIVIDER CURTAINS ALLOWING FOR MULTIPLE MEETING SPACES ACCOMMODATIONS • AUDIO AND VISUAL EQUIPMENT TO SUPPORT MEETINGS AND LARGE EVENTS • COMMERCIAL KITCHEN ACCESS FOR FOOD SERVICE • SMALL MULTI -PURPOSE ROOM PLUS ADDITIONAL CONFERENCE ROOMS AT THE SOLDOTNA REGIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX FOR BREAKOUT SESSIONS • HIGH SPEED WIFI LOCATION • CENTRALLY LOCATED ON THE KENAI PENINSULA, EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY ROAD AND AIR, WITH MANY AMENITIES AND LODGING OPTIONS NEARBY UPPER COOK INLET PROPOSAL I PAGE 4 w Lodging The newly remodeled Aspen Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Soldotna, less than five minutes from the Soldotna Field House. The Aspen also offers block rates for local event attendees. There are also 3 other lodging options in Soldotna and 6 in Kenai providing accommodations for out-of-town meeting attendees. ASPEN HOTEL - SOLDOTNA https:Haspenhotelsak.com/soldotna/ Phone:.(907) 260-7736 Address: 326 Binkley Cir, Soldotna, AK 99669 ALASKA ANGLERS INN - SOLDOTNA https://www.anglersinnalaska.com/ Phone:(907) 420-0500 Address: 44715 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 SOLDOTNA INN - SOLDOTNA https://www.soldotnainn.com/ Phone:(907) 262-9169 Address: 35041 Kenai Spur Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 SM-DOTNA INN - SOLDOTNA https://www.soldotnainn.com/ Phone:(907) 262-9169 Address: 35041 Kenai Spur Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 UPPER COOK INLET PROPOSAL • T E L � s •� - _ ate` � � :��-rx ; _ y� �+ �,�r ,, ';�.;. • i • ,r L. ; ,'fir• Ri •,� _ � i Y • '•' - - i �• mil/ 0 - Lodging Kenai also offers numerous lodging options, and is less than 15 minutes from the Soldotna event center. A few hotel options include: ASPEN HOTEL - KENAI 1 https:Haspenhotelsak.com/kenai/ Phone:.(907) 283-2272 Address: 10431 Kenai Spur Hwy, Kenai, AK 99611 QUALITY INN - KENAI https://www.choicehotels.com/alaska/kenai/quality-inn Phone: (907) 283-6060 Address: 10352 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, AK, 99611 KENAI AIRPORT HOTEL - KENAI https://www.kenoiairporthotels.com/ Phone:.(907) 283-1577 Address: 230 N Willow St, Kenai, AK 99611 UPTOWN MOTEL. - KENAI http://www.uptownmotel.com/ Phone:.(907) 283-3660 Address: 47 Spur View Dr, Kenai, AK 99611 1 UPPER COOK INLET PROPOSAL I Transportation Flights operate daily between Anchorage and Kenai through Kenai Aviation and grant Airlines. There are two car rental centers located in the Kenai Airport, Budget and Avis, for local travel to and from the event. Alaska Bus Company provides shuttle services to and from Anchorage, and Alaska Cab offers shuttle services between and around both Kenai and Soldotna. KENAI AVIATION -15 FLIGHTS FROM ANCHORAGE TO KENAI DAIL'� https://www.kenoiaviation.com/ Phone:.(888) 505-3624 GRANT AVIATION - 30 FLIGHTS FROM ANCHORAGE TO KENAI DAILY https://www.flygrant.com/ Phone:888-359-4726 BUDGET CAR RENTAL - KENAI https://www.budget.com/en/locations/us/ok/kenai/ena Phone:(907) 283-4506 Address: 305 N Willow St Ste 116, Kenai, AK 99611 AVIS CAR RENTAL - KENAI https://www.avis.com/en/locations/us/ok/kenai/ena Phone:.(907) 283-7900 Address: 305 N Willow St, Kenai, AK 99611 AK BUS COMPANY - DAILY SHUTTLE BETWEEN ANCHORAGE AND KENAI https://www.alaskabuscompany.com/ Phone:(907)299-6806 UPPER COOK INLET PROPOSAL -- k There are more than twenty-five restaurants in and near Soldotna, offering a wide range of local favorites. Fine dining options include Addie Camp, the Flats, and Mykel's. Soldotna also offers casual dining and fast food options for attendees. ADDLE CAMP https://www.whistlehillsoldotno.com/ Phone:.(907) 262-2334 43540 Whistle Hill Loop, Soldotna, AK 99669 THE FLATS https://theflatsbistro.com/ Phone:.(907) 335-1010 39847 Kalifornsky Beach Rd, Kenai, AK 99611 MYKEL'S https://www.mykels.com/ Phone:.(907) 262-4305 Address: 35041 Kenai Spur Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 ST. ELIAS PREWING https://www.steliasbrewingco.com/ Phone:.(907) 260-7837 Address:434 Sharkathmi Ave, Soldotna, AK 99669 ODIES https://odiesdeli.com/ Phone:.(907) 260-9000 44315 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 UPPER COOK INLET PROPOSAL I 1 1 1 KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT m-.j WERE 0pN W�"iMLd, I,.-P%I- W�l� [\:\I I'I \I\till 1 i f l> t Ii1I<: -' '�. 11 tll! .\1_I '\IL\! I)ItiIHII I PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS CASSIDI CAMERON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CASSIDI KPEDD.ORG (907)519-8637 1