HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-18 Council MinutesKENAI CITY COUNCIL — REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 18, 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 18, 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
Phil Daniel
Victoria Askin
A quorum was present.
Absent:
Alex Douthit
Also in attendance were:
Henry Knackstedt, Vice Mayor
Deborah Sounart (remote participation)
Sovala Kisena
**Xiling Tanner, Student Representative
Terry Eubank, City Manager
Scott Bloom, City Attorney (remote participation)
David Swarner, Finance Director
Kevin Buettner, Planning Director (remote participation)
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 item *H. 9. Consent Agenda - New Business - Ordinance for Introduction.
• Ordinance No. 3480-2025 - Retroactively Amending the Fiscal Year
2026 Salary Schedule for Temporary Employees Included in the
"Annual Budget for the City of Kenai, Alaska July 1, 2025 - June 30,
2026".
• Ordinance No. 3480-2025 Memo
• Amended Temporary Employee Pay Scale - Exhibit 1
Add item H. 10. New Business - Action Approval - Request for Special Meeting to
Authorize Binding of City Insurances.
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MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to approve the agenda and consent agenda with the requested revisions.
Council Member Daniel 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.
[Mayor Gabriel Presented Charlie Stephens a plaque in recognition of his 14-years of service on the City of Kenai
Parks and Recreation Commission.]
B. SCHEDULED ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS - None.
C. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bronze Bear Project, Mary Bondurant and Christine Cunningham.
Ms. Bondurant and Ms. Cunningham addressed the Council regarding the Bronze Bear Project, noting
the program was introduced nearly two years ago; the project has grown into collaborative community
project; the design was of a mother bear and two cubs; and over half of the funding goal had been met,
with approximately $60,000 still needed.
There was discussion regarding options for making donations; levels of sponsorship; the benefits to a
community driven project like this; the goal was to stay on track for a Fall 2025 installation; and the
miniature sculpture was on display at the Kenai Visitor and Cultural Center.
2. 2025 March for Meals Event, Jerry Nassen, Vice President for Kenai Senior Connection, Inc.
Mr. Nassen, President for Kenai Senior Connection, Inc., thanked Council for their support and
attendance at the fundraiser; presented a $120,000 check to the Kenai Senior Center from the proceeds
of the 2025 March for meals event and the endowment; noting the event raised approximately $70,000
with the remaining funds were coming from the Senior Connection's endowment fund.
D. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. 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)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3476-2025. 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.
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It was reported that any absence resulted in mandatory overtime; the recent addition of three new
firefighters would address the minimum staffing levels; and one of the three new positions had been filled
with recruitment for the remaining two ongoing.
VOTE:
YEA: Kisena, Gabriel, Daniel, Sounart, Knackstedt, Askin
NAY: None
ABSENT: Douthit
"Student Representative Tanner: Yea
MOTION PASSED.
2. 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)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3477-2025. 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.
VOTE:
YEA: Kisena, Gabriel, Daniel, Sounart, Knackstedt, Askin
NAY: None
ABSENT: Douthit
"Student Representative Tanner: Yea
MOTION PASSED.
3. 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)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3478-2025. Council Member Askin SECONDED
the motion.
Mayor Gabriel opened the floor for public comment.
Samantha Springer, Executive Director of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
addressed the Council in support of the Ordinance, noting her observance of dangerous driving behavior
through the Chamber parking lot; the current traffic barricade has reduced speeds; the speed bumps
installed will slow vehicles down; and the problem was a safety concern for staff, visitors and children
using the outdoor space.
Alex Koch addressed the Council in support of the Ordinance, noting he had seen similar behavior at
other intersections.
There being no one else wishing to be heard, the public comment period was closed.
There was discussion regarding that like any other infraction an officer has to witness it to enforce it; and
there is nothing currently in regulations to prevent this type of behavior.
VOTE:
YEA: Gabriel, Daniel, Sounart, Knackstedt, Askin, Kisena
NAY: None
ABSENT: Douthit
"Student Representative Tanner: Yea
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MOTION PASSED.
4. Resolution No. 2025-41 - Approving the Sixth Amendment to the Airline Operating
Agreement and Terminal Area Lease and Authorizing the City to Execute the Amended
Agreement. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2025-41. 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 the City held a formal consultation with all participating airlines; and the rates were
adjusted seasonally.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: Motion APPROVED; without objection.
5. Resolution No. 2025-42 - Authorizing a Contract Award for the Community Wildfire
Protection Plan Phase Three. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2025-42. 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 the mitigation would be on the east side of the Kenai Airport, primarily along Marathon
Road; and total acreage is 128.35 acres.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: Motion APPROVED; without objection.
6. Resolution No. 2025-43 - Authorizing a Contract Award for the Dipnet Dumpsters and
Portalets for Fiscal Year 2026. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2025-43. 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 the cost had increased since last year.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: Motion APPROVED; without objection.
F. MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of June 4, 2025. (City Clerk)
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None.
H. NEW BUSINESS
1. *Action/Approval - Bills to be Ratified. (Administration)
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Approved by the consent agenda.
2. *Action/Approval - Non -Objection to the Ownership Transfer of a Golf Course Liquor License
from Griffin Golf LLC. DBA: Kenai Golf Course to KNC Golf Inc. DBA: Kenai Golf Course - License
No. 5788. (City Clerk)
Approved by the consent agenda.
3. *Action/Approval - Special Use Permit to Crowley Fuels, LLC for Use of 35,000 Square Feet of
Apron Space for Aviation Fueling. (Administration)
Approved by the consent agenda.
4. *Action/Approval - Special Use Permit to Everts Air Fuel, Inc. for Use of 30,000 Square Feet of
Apron Space for Aircraft Loading and Parking. (Administration)
Approved by the consent agenda.
5. *Action/Approval - Special Use Permit to United Parcel Services Co., for Use of 4,000 Square
Feet of Apron Space for Aircraft Loading and Parking. (Administration)
Approved by the consent agenda.
6. *Action/Approval - Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan. (City Clerk)
Approved by the consent agenda.
7. *Action/Approval - Beautification Commission Work Plan. (City Clerk)
Approved by the consent agenda.
8. *Ordinance No. 3479-2025 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the Airport
Improvements Capital Project Fund, Accepting a Grant from the Federal Aviation Administration
and Awarding a Professional Services Agreement for the Kenai Municipal Airport Master Plan.
(Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for July 2, 2025.
9. *Ordinance No. 3480-2025 - Retroactively Amending the Fiscal Year 2026 Salary Schedule for
Temporary Employees Included in the "Annual Budget for the City of Kenai, Alaska July 1, 2025
- June 30, 2026". (Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for July 2, 2025.
10. Action/Approval - Request for a Special Meeting to Authorize Binding of Insurance Coverage.
(Administration)
A Special Meeting was scheduled for June 30, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging Commission
Vice Mayor Knackstedt reported on the June 12, 2025 meeting, next meeting July 10, 2025.
2. Airport Commission
Council Member Daniel reported on the June 12, 2025 meeting, next meeting July 10, 2025.
3. Harbor Commission
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Council Member Knackstedt reported on the June 9, 2025 Work Session - Tour, next meeting August 11,
2025.
4. Parks and Recreation Commission
No report, next meeting August 7, 2025.
5. Planning and Zoning Commission
No report, next meeting June 25, 2025.
6. Beautification Commission
No report, next meeting September 9, 2025.
I REPORT OF THE MAYOR
Mayor Gabriel reported on the following:
• Participating in the Aleutian Airways inaugural flight ribbon cutting and touring the aircraft.
• Attending the Aspen Creek addition grand opening.
• Visited lemonade stand in Kenai during Lemonade Day.
• Attending the Air Fair.
• Representing the City on Friday in the Boys and Girls Club golf tournament.
K. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1. City Manager - City Manager Eubank reported on the following:
• Welcomed new Senior Center driver Mark Fitt and new Utility Operator Branden Skinner.
• Provided an update on current recruitment.
• Reported there 21 booths participated in the Air Fair and on the same day the Animal Fair
took place, both events were successful.
• Meeting with Army Corps of Engineers regarding structure safety for properties affected with
bluff erosion.
• Live Saver awards were presented to Dispatchers Gabriel Boyle and Stacey Day, Fire
Department Abe Porter, Jesse Tauriainen, Brenden Alberts, Ruth Nelson, Omar Thompson
and Captain Horton.
• Would be bringing forward an item for Council action regarding appointing a Liaison for the
memorandum of understandings with Kenaitze and Salamatof.
2. City Attorney - City Attorney Bloom reported on the following:
• He was in Boise with the Kenai Kicks soccer team participating in the Western Regional
Finals; the first team to be here in a least a decade from Kenai; and noted he was really proud
of the girls.
3. City Clerk - City Clerk Saner reported on the following:
• The first annual report on marijuana license renewals was included in the packet; upon
notification of a renewal if the City found no grounds to protest, a letter of non -objection would
be issued administratively.
L. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Citizen Comments (Public comments limited to (5) minutes per speaker)
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Samantha Springer reported that Peggy Arness's 1001h Birthday Celebration would be held on July 14,
2025 at the Kenai Visitor Center; the upcoming Independence Day celebration was two weeks away; and
working with the Parks and Recreation Department on a route for the upcoming summer solstice run.
2. Council Comments
Vice Mayor Knackstedt reported attending the ribbon cutting for Aleutian Airlines, commenting on the
features and functionality of the aircraft; and attending the Kenai Air Fair.
Council Member Kisena thanked Vice Mayor Knackstedt for filling in at the Harbor Commission Tour;
thanked Director Best for responding over the weekend to help coordinate logistics for a Kenai Central
High School championship game; wished the Kenai Kicks luck; attending a pop-up art sale at Kenai Art
Center, noting the talent of local artist; and thanked local contractors for restoring the areas after gas line
repairs.
Council Member Daniel reported helping his daughter with her Lemonade stand on Lemonade Day,
noting the impressive number of stands; said his wife attended the Air Fair and really enjoyed it; and
encouraged everyone to enjoy the nice weather.
Council Member Askin said she found the Air Fair impressive; noted her admiration for the Aleutian
Airlines airplane; and thanked the Police and Fire Departments for always being there when needed.
Student Representative Tanner noted there were no updates for Kenai Alternative High School or
Connections; and provided an update on Kenai Central High School sports schedules.
Council Member Sounart wished the team representing the City in the Boys and Girls Club golf
tournament luck; said she was looking forward to coming home soon; thanked Senior Connections for
the generous donation; and noted her appreciation to Charlie Stephens for his service to the Parks and
Recreation Commission.
M. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None.
N. PENDING ITEMS
Resolution No. 2025-38 - Renaming South Spruce Street to Kenai Beach Street. (Knackstedt)
[On June 4, 2025 this item was referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission's June 25, 2025
meeting, and postponed to the July 2, 2025 City Council Meeting.]
O. ADJOURNMENT
P. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None.
There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
I certify the bo represents accurate minutes of the Kenai City Council meeting of June 18, 2025.
Ic ell ne , 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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