HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2025-17KENAI
CITY OF KENAI
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-17
Sponsored by: Administration
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO RENEW THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING FOR THE KENAI WATERSHED FORUM KENAI RIVER WATER QUALITY
MONITORING PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the Kenai Watershed Forum has conducted baseline water quality monitoring beginning in
2000; and,
WHEREAS, the data collected and analysis performed have resulted in science -based decision -making
affecting the Kenai River; and,
WHEREAS, the City entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kenai Watershed Forum on
June 6, 2015 through December 31, 2019, at which time the City continued to contribute financially to
the project through special project grants; and,
WHEREAS, continued collection of baseline monitoring data is important and necessary to safeguard
the health of the Kenai River and is in the best interests of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA:
Section 1. That the City Manager is authorized to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
for the Kenai Watershed Forum Kenai River Water Quality Monitoring Program.
Section 2. That this Resolution takes effect immediately upon passage.
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, THIS 5T" DAY OF MARCH, 2025.
Brian Gabriel Sr., Mayor
ATTEST.
1
vi�
e le . Sa , �M, City Clerk
New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
T� K F N A I
City of Kenai 1 210 Ficlalgo Ave, Kenai, AK 99611-7794 1907.283.7535 1 wwwl<enaixity
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Gabriel and Council Members
FROM: Terry Eubank, City Manager
DATE: February 20, 2025
SUBJECT: Resolution 2025-17 - Authorizing the City Manager to Renew the
Memorandum of Understanding for the Kenai Watershed Forum Kenai
River Water Quality Monitoring Program.
The Kenai Watershed Forum has been conducting baseline water quality monitoring on the Kenai
River since 2000, providing critical data that has informed science -based decision -making to
protect this important resource. The proposed resolution authorizing the City Manager to renew
the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this program reaffirms the City's commitment to
safeguarding the health of the Kenai River.
Historically, the City of Kenai has supported this project with an annual contribution of $5,000.
However, last year, that amount was reduced to $1,500, with the City also offering the use of the
City's Water & Sewer Lab for sample testing if needed. It is important to note that not all parties
to the MOU provide direct financial contributions to the project, making continued support from
the City of Kenai all the more valuable in sustaining long-term monitoring efforts.
The ongoing collection of baseline data remains essential to ensuring the health of the Kenai
River and the long-term well-being of our community. The Kenai Watershed Forum has also
shared a short video explaining the significance of this project, which can be viewed at the
following link: hftps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHYwOc-CHHc
Your consideration is appreciated.
K E N A I
WATERSHED
FORUM
44129 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 1 Phone (907) 260 — 5449 1 www.kenaiwatershed.org
Working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula
Memo: Kenai River Water Quality Monitoring Memorandum of Understanding
Brian Gabriel
Mayor's Office, City of Kenai
210 Fidalgo Ave.
Kenai, AK 99611
February 7, 2025
Dear Mayor Gabriel,
The Kenai River Baseline Water Quality Monitoring program is one of Alaska's longest -running
and most robust efforts to assess water quality in the state. Since the year 2000 the program
has partnered with over a dozen government, tribal, private, and non -governmental
organizations. Results have provided critical data for management decisions at the local level
that help keep the Kenai River thriving and accessible.
The project's Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) document outlines the roles of partnering
organizations, and is due for renewal. We are requesting a renewal signature from your office
as confirmation of continued support for this project. The MOU is a non -binding document and
does not legally commit any entities or individuals to financial support or management actions.
We are eager to share more about the project with your office and look forward to speaking
with you. Additional details and resources are linked on the project , as well as in the
Project Status Summary attached here.
Thank you for your support and consideration. Sincerely,
Benjamin Meyer
Research Coordinator
Kenai Watershed Forum
ben Ca) kenaiwatershed.o
(907) 232-0280
Trent Dodson
Executive Director
Kenai Watershed Forum
executivedirector@kenaiwatershed.org
(907) 260-5449 ext. 1206
KENAI
WATERSHED
FORUM
44129 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 1 Phone (907) 260 — 5449 1 www.kenaiwatershed.or�
Working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Kenai River Baseline Water Quality Monitoring
2025 Renewal
Table of Contents
Memo: 2025 Memorandum of Understanding........................................................................................1
Document A: Project Status Summary ......................................................................................................3
Document B: Signatories for the 2015 MOU............................................................................................ 5
Document C: 2025 Memorandum of Understanding...............................................................................7
Document D: Signature Page..................................................................................................................11
References..............................................................................................................................................12
The Kenai River flows from Skilak Lake. Photo Credit: Ian Reid
Learn more at ittps://www.kenaiwatershed.orglkenai-river-baseline-water-Quality-monitoringl
KENAI
WATERSHED
FORUM
44129 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 1 Phone (907) 260 — 5449 1 www.kenaiwatershed.org
Working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula
Document A: Project Status Summary
January 2025
The Kenai River Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Project — 24 years of
Community Driven Research
Introduction
The Kenai River in southcentral Alaska is among the worlds
most famed, supporting diverse fisheries and industries and
the people who rely on them. Since the year 2000 Kenai
Watershed Forum has coordinated the efforts of government,
tribal, private, and nonprofit partners to monitor water quality
trends throughout the river as specified in the Alaska
Department of Natural Resources' 1997 Kenai River Special
Management Area Comprehensive Management Pi . The
twenty-four year continuous effort has produced a long and
robust water quality dataset that is applied to identify and
address critical local water management issues. The program
serves as a remarkable example of how community
partnerships can generate outsized impact.
�n
Map of the Kenai River watershed in southcentral Alaska (
Twice annually, the program measures
water quality at twenty-two sites
throughout the Kenai River and its
tributaries. The project surveys for a
diverse list of substances including
bacteria, metals, nutrients, fuels, and
more. All results are published in the
public domain and are assessed against
state and federal water quality standards.
Comprehensive reports have been
published in 2007 and 2016, with another
planned for analysis in 2025. Visit the
roi-i for details and additional
resources.
nk for an online interactive version of th
1 https:Z/www.kenaiwatershed.ora/kenai-river-baseline-water-quality-monitoring)
3
.-� KENAI
WATERSHED
FORUM
44129 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 1 Phone (907) 260 — 5449 1 www.kenaiwatershed.or
Working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula
Inflation Has Reduced Prolect Purchasing Power
As of January 2025, annual project income no longer supports base level
expenses. We are tasked with reducing some monitoring and analysis efforts
unless income levels increase.
Over fifteen organizations support monitoring work each year with in -kind and/or
financial backing. While the overall level of annual financial contribution has remained
relatively steady, a 56% rise in inflation of the US dollar since 2005 has lessened the
purchasing power of resources available to the project. In 2022, a one-time contribution
of EPA pass -through funds from Kenaitze Indian Tribe allowed the project to continue
as planned through 2024, but future years will need to identify additional funds to
continue providing the same level of service. Access additional project financial details
at ittps:Hkenai-watershed-forum.github.io/kenai-river-wgx/fiin
Inflation Adjusted Project Income 2005-2023
$20,000
$15,000
$10.000
$5,000
Organization
Alaska Wiidland Adventures
Anatytica (Discount)
City of Kenai
Cook Inlet Aquaculture
DNR State Parks
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Kenai Penisula Borough
Kenai River Sportfishing Assoc
Kenaitze
rSalametof
US Forest Service
a
$0-
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Inflation -adjusted financial contribution to the Kenai River Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Project 2005 - 2023.
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KENAI
WATERSHED
FORUM
44129 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 1 Phone (907) 260 — 5449 1 www.kenaiwatershed.or
Working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula
Sustaining Future Project Activities
Kenai Watershed Forum is actively pursuing funding from new public and private
sources to support this work, including the U.S. Bureau of Restoration, the
ConocoPhillips Community Grants program, and others. However, annual support from
existing long-term local partners remains the most viable way to secure this project into
the future.
As your organization considers renewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU),
the level of financial support required to sustain the work will be part of the discussion.
Note that the MOU does not contractually commit any organization to specific financial
support.
We look forward to discussing this work further with your office and are eager to share
the next comprehensive report. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Further Reading and Links
• Updating Boat Motors Reduces Hydrocarbon Pollution (EPA, 2011)
o https:Hl9ianuarv2Ol7snar)shot.eoa.Qov/sites/production/files/2015-
10/documents/ak kenai.pdf
• Kenai River Comprehensive Management Plan (AKDNR, 1997)
o https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/plans/krsmapin/kenrvt)ln.htm
• Kenai River Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Project — Homepage (KWF, 2024)
o : )s://www.kenaiwatershed.org/kenai-river-baseline-water.,-, 'itv-monitoring/
• Kenai River Baseline Water Quality Monitoring — Presentation to International River
Symposium (KWF, 2022)
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znROWo6MfAy
Document B: Signatories for the 2015 Kenai River Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Project
Memorandum of Understanding2
• Commissioner, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
2 View at https://bit.ly/kwf mou 2015
KENAI
WATERSHED
FORUM
44129 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 1 Phone (907) 260 — 5449 1 www.kenaiwatershed.or_g
Working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula
• Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
• Commissioner, Alaska Department of Natural Resources
• Principal, Analytica, Inc.
• Mayor, City of Kenai
• Mayor, City of Soldotna
• Executive Director, Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association
• Mayor, Kenai Peninsula Borough
• Executive Director, Kenaitze Indian Tribe
• Executive Director, Kenai Watershed Forum
• Alaska Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Forest Supervisor, Chugach National Forest
N.
KENAI
WATERSHED
FORUM
44129 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 Phone (907) 260 — 5449 1 vww.kenaiwatershed.or
Working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula
Document C: 2025 Memorandum of Understanding
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
JANUARY 2025
BETWEEN
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
AND
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
AND
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
AND
SGS LABORATORIES, INC.
AND
CITY OF KENAI
AND
CITY OF SOLDOTNA
AND
COOK INLET AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION
AND
THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH
AND
THE KENAITZE INDIAN TRIBE
AND
SALAMATOF TRIBE
AND
TYONEK TRIBAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT
AND
KENAI WATERSHED FORUM
AND
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, ALASKA REGION
AND
U.S. FOREST SERVICE, CHUGACH NATIONAL FOREST
AND
TROUT UNLIMITED ALASKA
AND
DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE
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,.� KENAI
L WATERSHED
7 FORUM
44129 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 1 Phone (907) 260 — 5449 1 www.kenaiwatershed.orp
Working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula
This Memorandum of Understanding between the above -listed parties, hereinafter referred to
as Agencies/Organizations, reflects the general policy guidelines within which the Agencies/
Organizations agree to operate in relation to the "Kenai River Watershed Water Qual
Monitoring Program", hereinafter referred to as the WQ Program.
WHEREAS, Water quality monitoring was identified in the "Kenai River Comprehensive
Management Plan"' adopted December 1997 as an important component to the management
of the Kenai River and its health, and
WHEREAS, The goal of the 1998 Framework for Water Quality Monitoring of the Kenai River is
to provide a water quality monitoring strategy to ensure the environmental integrity of the
Kenai River Watershed, and
WHEREAS, Water quality monitoring began in 2000, resulting in data being collected under the
WQ Program for 24 years, and
WHEREAS, The water quality data collected under this program has been used to establish
baseline conditions, conduct ongoing water quality trend analysis for numerous streams in the
Kenai River Watershed and to prepare two water quality reports (years 2007 and 2016)
summarizing all data, trends and management implication s3-5, and
WHEREAS, The data from this program have been used to identify problems in the Kenai River
which have been addressed and resolved, maintaining the health and integrity of the Kenai
River, and
WHEREAS, Water quality data from this program have been collected under Quality Assurance
Project Plan plans approved by Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, and
WHEREAS, The data collected under this project are in the public domain and available to the
public, which fosters agency and community understanding of the current and future
conditions of the Kenai River, and
WHEREAS, Local, State, and Federal Agencies, and non -governmental organizations party to this
Memorandum of Understanding recognize the Kenai River to be important to the human and
ecological community of the central Kenai Peninsula, and
WHEREAS, There is a benefit to collecting water quality information for improving the
understanding of the Kenai River Watershed, and
8
;.., KENAI
WATERSHED
FORUM
44129 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 1 Phone (907) 260 — 5449 1 www.kenaiwatershed.or�
Working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula
WHEREAS, There are benefits in coordinating efforts for the planning, collection, analysis,
management and presentation of water quality data, and
WHEREAS, The previous Memorandum of Understanding for the Kenai River Water Quality
Monitoring Program signed in 2015 has expired.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PARTIES DO HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
1. To work cooperatively to facilitate a long-term Water Quality Monitoring Program for
the Kenai River Watershed.
2. To support the collection and analysis of water samples for the Kenai River Watershed
Water Quality sampling effort through funding, in -kind services or other mechanisms to
the degree allowed by normal planning and budget constraints and to the extent
allowable by applicable laws, regulations and policies.
3. Public access to Memorandum of Understanding must not be limited, except when such
records must be kept confidential and would have been exempted from disclosure
pursuant to Freedom of Information regulations (5 U.S.C. 552).
4. Modifications within the scope of this Memorandum of Understanding must be made by
mutual consent of the parties, by the issuance of a written modification signed and
dated by all properly authorized, signatory officials, prior to any changes being
performed. Requests for the modification should be made, in writing, at least 30 days
prior to implementation of the requested change.
5. Any of the parties, in writing, may terminate this Memorandum of Understanding in
whole, or in part, at any time before the date of expiration.
6. The parties to this Memorandum of Understanding agree to be responsible for damages
to their own property and injuries to their own employees/volunteers, except for
damage/injuries resulting from the fault or negligence of the other party. Any claim for
damage to property or persons made against the Government will be pursued in
accordance with the provision of the Federal Tort Claims Act.
7. No member of, or Delegate to, Congress shall be admitted to any share or part of this
Memorandum of Understanding, or any benefits that may arise there from; but this
provision shall not be construed to extend to this agreement if made a corporation for
its general benefit.
8. To acknowledge that this Memorandum of Understanding does not:
a. Limit agencies, local governments, tribes or organizations in the collection or use
of data for purposes other than that of the cooperative effort;
b. Authorize any of the parties to obligate or transfer funds. Specific projects or
activities that involve the transfer of funds, services, or property among the
parties require execution of separate agreements and are contingent upon the
availability of appropriated funds.
�J
KENAI
WATERSHED
FORUM
44129 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 1 Phone (907) 260 — 5449 1 www.kenaiwatershed.org
Working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula
c. Intend to conflict with federal, state, or local laws or regulations, with an
understanding if there are conflicts, this agreement will be amended at the first
opportunity to bring it into conformance with applicable laws or regulations; and
d. Intend to enlarge or diminish the responsibilities or statutory authority of any of
the signatories or any other party over the management of water or its
resources within the Kenai River drainage.
This Memorandum of Understanding will be effective through December 31st, 2030, at which
time all parties will reevaluate the need and desire to enter into any subsequent understanding.
Once all parties have signed and returned the Memorandum of Understanding, each party will
receive a copy of the signatory pages.
By signature below, each party certifies that the individual listed in the individual parties is
authorized to act in their respective areas for matters related to this Memorandum of
Understanding. In witness whereof, the parties hereto have executed this Memorandum of
Understanding as of the last date written below.
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KENAI
WATERSHED
FORUM
44129 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 1 Phone (907) 260 — 5449 1 www.kenaiwatershed.or�
Working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula
Document D: Signature Page
See separate attached document in email.
11
KENAI
WATERSHED
FORUM
44129 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669 1 Phone (907) 260 —5449 1 www.kenaiwatershed.orp,
Working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula
References
1. AKDNR. Kenai River Comprehensive Management Plan. ,ittps:!1www.kenaifishpartnership.orp,iwp-
itluploads 2021110/krsma 1997 editable sm.pdf (1997).
2. The Nature Conservancy of Alaska. 1998 Framework for Water Quality Monitoring of the Kenai
River. https://www.kenaiwatershed.orgiwp-content/uploads/2024i09i1998-Framework-for
Water-Quality-Monitoring-of-the-Kenai-River-.pdf (1998).
3. Guerron Orejuela, E. Water Quality Assessment of the Kenai River Watershed from July 2000 to July
2014. https: dec.alaska.gov/media!16756/kenai-river-baseline-monitoring-report-final-
zncuappendix.pdf (2016).
4. McCard, J. J. Water Quality Assessment of the Kenai River Watershed from July 2000 to July 2006.
https://www.kena iwatershed.orp,iwp-content) uploadsi 2024i09i Water-Quality-Assessment-of-the-
Kenai-River-Watershed-from-July-2000-to-July-2006.pdf (2007).
5. KWF. Kenai River Baseline Water Quality Monitoring. https://www.kenaiwatershed.org/kenai-river-
baseline-water-ouality-monitoring; (2024).
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