HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-04 Council MinutesKENAI CITY COUNCIL — REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 4, 2025 — 6:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
210 FIDALGO AVE., KENAI, AK 99611
MAYOR BRIAN GABRIEL, PRESIDING
MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Kenai City Council was held on June 4, 2025, 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 present
Brian Gabriel, Mayor Henry Knackstedt, Vice Mayor
Phil Daniel Deborah Sounart (remote attendance)
Alex Douthit Victoria Askin
Sovala Kisena
A quorum was present.
Also in attendance were:
Terry Eubank, City Manager
Scott Bloom, City Attorney
David Swarner, Finance Director
Kevin Buettner, Planning Director
Tyler Best, Parks and Recreation Director
Lee Frey, Public Works Director
Derek Ables, Airport Manager
Dave Ross, Police Chief
Shellie Saner, City Clerk
3. Agenda and Consent Agenda Approval
Mayor Gabriel noted the following additions to the Packet:
Add to item E. 1. Public Hearing - Ordinance No. 3471-2025
• Informational Memo
Add to item E. 8. Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2025-37
• Memo
• Map
MOTION:
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.
Beth Odom, Kenai Resident addressed the Council in opposition to Ordinance No. 3478-2025.
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There being no one else wishing to comment, 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 - None.
D. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
Patty See, Kenai Resident addressed the Council noting the City was doing a wonderful job; the Airport
Landscaping is beautiful; removal of the beetle kill is making the community safer; requested the City
look into long-term permanent artwork for light posts; and she noted concerns with the condition of the
paved trails along the Kenai Spur Highway.
Beth Odom, Kenai Resident addressed the Council with concerns regarding when the water bottle filling
station will be installed at the Rec Center; and the condition of the Field of Flowers.
Samantha Springer, Executive Director of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center addressed
the Council regarding the upcoming Lemonade Day; First Friday; coordination with the Library for a
Cultural Story Time; preparations for the upcoming 41h of July Parade; and Aleutian Airways Grand
Opening at the Kenai Airport.
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Ordinance No. 3471-2025 -Adopting the Annual Budget, Salary Schedule and Employee
Classification Plan for the Fiscal Year Commencing July 1, 2025 and Ending June 30,
2026 and Committing $2,850,457 of General Fund, Fund Balance for Future Capital
Improvements. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3471-2025. 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.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Council Member Kisena MOVED to amend the Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Budget Document as follows:
Amend the position title from Administrative Assistant II,
locations:
General Fund - City Clerk, page 72
Organizational Chart
Staffing Table
Average Overtime Table
Authorized Personnel Staffing Table, page 333
Department: City Clerk
Organization Chart, page 338
to Administrative Assistant III in the following
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Department: City Clerk
Amend the position grade from 14 to 15 in the following locations:
General Fund - City Clerk, page 72
Staffing Table, Proposed FY26-Grade Column and Projected FY27-Grade Column.
Authorized Personnel Staffing Table, page 333
Department: City Clerk, FY2026-Grade Column.
Vice Mayor Knackstedt SECONDED the motion.
It was reported that this would expand the responsibilities of the Deputy Clerk as the lead for City Records
Management Program, aligns the position with similar Administrative Assistant III positions; and allows
for recruitment and retention of qualified candidates.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to amend the Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Budget Document as follows:
General Fund - Legislative, page 83
Increase the Grants to Agencies section by an additional $500; and,
General Fund - Legislative, page 84
Add Industry Appreciation Day to the 5047 Grants to Agencies list for $500.
For an overall increase of $500 to the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Budget Document.
Council Member Askin SECONDED the motion.
It was reported that this item was removed as a result of the Budget Work Session; the event added
value to our community and this amendment put the funding back into the budget.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Council Member Douthit MOVED to amend the Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Budget Document as follows:
General Fund - Legislative, page 83
Increase the Grants to Agencies section from $500 to $1,000; and,
General Fund - Legislative, page 84
Increase Bridges Community Resource Network in the 5047 Grants to Agencies list from $500 to
$1,000.
For an overall increase of $500 to the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Budget Document.
Council Member Daniel SECONDED the motion.
There was discussion regarding the huge impact on our community from Project Homeless Connect;
Bridges Community Resources did not request the increase, the amendment was brought forward to
acknowledge the great work they do here.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Council Member Douthit MOVED to amend the Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Budget Document as follows:
General Fund - Legislative, page 83
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Increase the Grants to Agencies section by an additional $2,500; and,
General Fund - Legislative, page 84
Add Child Advocacy Center to the 5047 Grants to Agencies list for $2,500.
For an overall increase of $2,500 to the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Budget Document.
Council Member Daniel SECONDED the motion.
It was reported that initially this was to assist with the federal funding deficit; the Alaska Legislature has
since approved State funding to assist with the deficit; funding from the City could be used as a local
match for grant applications; they had originally asked for more; and the agency worked in our community
helping children.
There was discussion regarding the agency having received State funding since their presentation;
having more information from the agency would help in this decision making process; and questions
arose regarding the location of their main office and where they operate here in the City.
(Clerk's Note: The motion to amend was withdrawn with the consent of the second. (KMC 1.15.060(g)]
MOTION TO AMEND:
Council Member Kisena MOVED to amend the Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Budget Document as follows:
General Fund - Legislative, page 83
Increase the Grants to Agencies section from $2,500 to $5,000; and,
General Fund - Legislative, page 84
Increase Kenai Watershed Forum in the 5047 Grants to Agencies list from $2,500 to $5,000.
For an overall increase of $2,500 to the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Budget Document.
Vice Mayor Knackstedt SECONDED the motion.
It was reported the amendment was proposed to acknowledge the services that Kenai Watershed Forum
provided to our community through the work they do; their agency does a number of tests along the Kenai
River; and earlier this year they provided multiple detailed presentations on their work.
There was discussion regarding the agency using the City's Lab for testing as an in -kind donation; this
increase would be $3,500 increase from the previous years funding.
VOTE ON THE MOTION TO AMEND:
YEA: Kisena
NAY: Sounart, Knackstedt, Askin, Douthit, Gabriel, Daniel
MOTION TO AMEND FAILED.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Council Member Askin MOVED to amend Ordinance No. 3471-2025:
Title to read, "An Ordinance Adopting the Annual Budget, Salary Schedule and Employee
Classification Plan for the Fiscal Year Commencing July 1, 2025 and Ending June 30, 2026 and
Committing $[2,850,457] 2,848,077 of General Fund, Fund Balance for Future Capital
Improvements."
Sixth whereas clause to read, "in recognition of deferred and ongoing maintenance needs of City
facilities and in support of the City's Fiscal Year 2026 — 2030 Capital Improvement Plan (The Plan),
Council commits $[2,850,457] 2,848,077 towards funding of The Plan for fiscal years 2026-2030."
Section 2 to read, "The following sums of money are hereby appropriated for the operations of the
City of Kenai for the fiscal year commencing on the first day of July, 2025, and ending the 30th day
of June, 2026, to be expended consistent with and subject to the restrictions, procedures, and
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purposes set forth in the Code of the City of Kenai and to be expended substantially by line item in
the manner shown in the budget adopted by Section 1 hereof:
General Fund $[22,494,988] 22,495,988
Enterprise Fund
Congregate Housing Fund 751,454
Internal Service Funds:
Equipment Replacement Fund 276,969
Fleet Replacement Fund 102,267
Employee Health Care Fund 3,157,196
Total Internal Service Funds 3,536,432
Special Revenue Funds
Personal Use Fishery Fund
555,396
Water & Sewer Fund
3,444,818
Airport Fund
4,993,258
Senior Citizen Fund
1,117,500
Total Special Revenue Funds
10,110,972
Permanent Funds:
Airport Land Sale Permanent Fund
1,099,774
General Land Sale Permanent Fund
159,045
Total Permanent Revenue Funds
1,258,819
Capital Project Funds:
Park Improvement
120,000
Flight Service Station Improvement
400,000
City Hall Improvement
75,000
Municipal Roadway Improvement
1,400,000
Congregate Housing Improvement
100,000
Airport Improvement
1,265,100
Water & Sewer Improvement
450,000
Waste Water Treatment Plant Equipment
50,000
Total Capital Project Funds
3,860,100
Debt Service Fund — Library Expansion Bonds 130,625
Total All Funds $[42,143,390] 42,144,390
Section 3 to read, "Council hereby commits $[2,850,457] 2,848,077 of Unassigned General Fund, Fund
Balance for future renovations and improvements to City facilities."
Vice Mayor Knackstedt SECONDED the motion.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
VOTE ON MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED:
YEA: Knackstedt, Askin, Douthit, Kisena, Gabriel, Daniel, Sounart
NAY: None
MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED PASSED.
2. Ordinance No. 3472-2025 - Accepting and Appropriating Grant Funds from the Alaska
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area for Drug Investigation Overtime Expenditures.
(Administration)
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MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3472-2025. 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.
VOTE:
YEA: Askin, Douthit, Kisena, Gabriel, Daniel, Sounart, Knackstedt
NAY: None
MOTION PASSED.
3. Ordinance No. 3473-2025 - Accepting and Appropriating a Grant Received Through the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to the Kenai Animal Shelter for
Attendance at the Alaska Animal Control Association 2025 Training Conference.
(Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3473-2025. 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.
VOTE:
YEA: Douthit, Kisena, Gabriel, Daniel, Sounart, Knackstedt, Askin
NAY: None
MOTION PASSED.
4. Ordinance No. 3474-2025 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriation in the
Wastewater, Water & Sewer, and Municipal Roadway Improvements Capital Project
Funds to Transfer Residual Balance from Completed Projects Back to their Original
Funding Sources. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3474-2025. 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.
It was reported that this represents unspent fund from Capital Projects and returns those funds to their
original funding source.
VOTE:
YEA: Kisena, Gabriel, Daniel, Sounart, Knackstedt, Askin, Douthit
NAY: None
MOTION PASSED.
5. Ordinance No. 3475-2025 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the
General Fund — Legislative Department and Increasing the Purchase Order Amount to
BDO USA, P.C. for the FY2024 and FY2025 Financial Audits. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3475-2025. Council Member Akin SECONDED
the motion.
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Mayor Gabriel opened the floor for public comment. There being no one wishing to be heard, the public
comment period was closed.
VOTE:
YEA: Gabriel, Daniel, Sounart, Knackstedt, Askin, Douthit, Kisena
NAY: None
MOTION PASSED.
6. Resolution No. 2025-35 - Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City
of Kenai and the Salamatof Tribe to Recognize Areas of Mutual Concern and Support,
establish a Framework for Cooperative Relationships, and Promote Government -to -
Government Communication for the Benefit of the Community of Kenai as a Whole.
(Daniel)
MOTION:
Council Member Daniel MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2025-35. 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.
It was reported that this and the next resolution would establish a collaborative framework and formal
relationship with the tribes; and provided opportunities to work mutually on projects that are concerns to
both the City and Tribe.
There was discussion in support and appreciation stated for Council Member Daniel for bringing the
Resolution forward.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
7. Resolution No. 2025-36 - Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City
of Kenai and the Kenaitze Indian Tribe to Recognize Areas of Mutual Concern and
Support, establish a Framework for Cooperative Relationships, and Promote
Government -to -Government Communication for the Benefit of the Community of Kenai as
a Whole. (Daniel)
MOTION:
Council Member Daniel MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2025-36. 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.
It was reported this was very similar to the previous Resolution and provided framework for the existing
relationship with Kenaitze.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
8. Resolution No. 2025-37 - Approving a Limited Road Maintenance Agreement Between
the City of Kenai and the Kenaitze Indian Tribe. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2025-37. Council Member Askin SECONDED
the motion.
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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 Tribe plans to develop the parcel for senior housing; they will build the road to
City standards; the Tribe will be responsible for keeping the road clear for maintenance; the City will
review and approve engineering plans before construction begins; and the Tribe will provide easements
for water and sewer utilities.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
9. Resolution No. 2025-38 - Renaming South Spruce Street to Kenai Beach Street.
(Knackstedt)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2025-38. 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.
It was reported that this was brought forward to provide clarity to residents and visitors; addresses the
informal reference to the as "road to the beach"; and would reduce confusion.
There was discussion regarding property owners having to update their mailing addresses, signage and
business materials.
MOTION TO REFER AND POSTPONE:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to refer Resolution No. 2025-38 to the June 25, 2025 Planning and
Zoning Commission meeting for recommendation, and postpone Resolution No. 2025-38 to the July 2,
2025 City Council Meeting. Council Member Askin SECONDED the motion.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to refer and postpone.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
10. Resolution No. 2025-39 - Fixing the Rate of Levy of Property Tax for the Fiscal Year
Commencing July 1, 2025 and Ending June 30, 2026. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2025-39. 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.
Appreciation was stated for the ability to bring forward a level property rate.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
11. Resolution No. 2025-40 - Amending the Comprehensive Schedule of Rates, Charges
and Fees to Incorporate Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Changes to Include Adjusting Airport
Fees, Animal Control Fees, Library Fees, Multipurpose Facility Fees, Building Permit Fees
and Adjusting the Monthly Rental Rates for Vintage Pointe. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2025-40. Council Member Askin SECONDED
the motion.
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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 this was a final step in the budget process and incorporated changes in the fee
schedule.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
F. MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of May 21, 2025. (City Clerk)
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None.
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 Empire Airlines, Inc. for Use of 11,250 Square Feet of
Apron Space at the Kenai Municipal Airport for Aircraft Parking. (Administration)
Approved by the consent agenda.
4. *Action/Approval - First Amendment to the Agreement with Tyler Distributing Company, Inc. for
ATM Services at the Kenai Municipal Airport Terminal. (Administration)
Approved by the consent agenda.
5. *Ordinance No. 3476-2025 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the General
Fund - Fire Department Personnel Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 for Unanticipated Overtime Costs
Resulting from Vacancies and Retirements. (Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for June 18, 2025.
6. *Ordinance No. 3477-2025 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the General
Fund - Police Department and Accepting Grants from the United States Department of Justice
and Alaska Municipal League Joint Insurance Association for the Purchase of a Ballistic Vest.
(Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for June 18, 2025.
7. *Ordinance No. 3478-2025 - Enacting Kenai Municipal Code Section 13.30.070 - Travel Through
Private or Public Property, and Incorporating a Fine into Kenai Municipal Code 13.10.015 - Minor
Offense Fine Schedule. (Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for June 18, 2025.
COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging Commission
No report, next meeting June 12, 2025.
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2. Airport Commission
No report, next meeting June 12, 2025.
3. Harbor Commission
No report, next meeting June 9, 2025.
4. Parks and Recreation Commission
No report, next meeting June 5, 2025.
5. Planning and Zoning Commission
Council Member Askin reported on the May 28, 2025 meeting, next meeting June 25, 2025.
6. Beautification Commission
No report, next meeting September 9, 2025.
J. REPORT OF THE MAYOR
Mayor Gabriel thanked Vice Mayor Knackstedt for filling in and reported on the following:
• Viewing the ongoing Bluff Stabilization Project.
• Congratulated the Kenai Central High School Girls Soccer Team for winning State.
• Attending the Kite Festival.
K. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1. City Manager - City Manager Eubank reported on the following:
• Congratulated Police Officer, Luke Michaels for graduating from the Trooper Academy.
• Currently recruiting for a police officer, animal control officer, administrative assistant in the
Planning Department and Parks and Recreation attendants.
• Congratulated Director Best and the Parks staff for a successful Kite Festival and Plant Day.
• Bluff Project update included plans to create a time-lapse video using drone footage of the
project.
• Upcoming site visit with the Army Corps of Engineers on the Bluff Project.
2. City Attorney - No Report.
3. City Clerk - Update on Business Licensing.
L. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Citizen Comments (Public comments limited to (5) minutes per speaker)
Marion Nelson, Board Member for the Kenai Art Center addressed the Council regarding the upcoming
show, "Clay on Display"
2. Council Comments
Vice Mayor Knackstedt expressed his appreciation for the regular F-22 flyovers; reported attending the
community Memorial Day events and Kite Festival; and thanked the Parks & Recreation Department for
placing American Flags along the road.
Council Member Kisena thanked Director Best and staff for the Kite Festival, noting the positive feedback
he heard; and encouraged residents to explore the Kenai trail systems.
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Council Member Daniel thanked the Administration for their work on the Memorandum of Understandings
with the Tribes; reported attending the Mountain View last day of school barbeque; and noted he was
looking forward to Lemonade Day and the Air Fair.
Council Member Askin congratulated new Police Officer, Luke Michaels; thanked Director Best and staff
for the amazing work they do; noted it was interesting to watch the activity on the Bluff Stabilization
Project; and thanked the Administration for the budget process.
Council Member Sounart thanked the Administration for the budget process; Director Best and staff for
the Kite Festival; noted watching the Bluff Stabilization Project activity; and wished everyone a happy
summer.
Council Member Douthit stated he had been touring trade schools with his son, and missing out on some
of the local activities; noted he was looking forward to the results of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan;
and thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for the hard work they do.
M. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None.
N. PENDING ITEMS - None.
O. ADJOURNMENT
P. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None.
There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
I certif the ove epresents accurate minutes of the Kenai City Council meeting of June 4, 2025.
Michelle MMC
City Clerk
** The student representative may cast advisory votes on all matters except those subject to executive
session discussion. Advisory votes will not affect the outcome of the official council vote. Advisory votes
will be recorded in the minutes. A student representative may not move or second items during a council
meeting.
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