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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-02 Council MinutesKENAI CITY COUNCIL — REGULAR MEETING JULY 2, 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 July 2, 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 Alex Douthit Sovala Kisena A quorum was present. Also in attendance were: Henry Knackstedt, Vice Mayor Deborah Sounart Victoria Askin **Xiling Tanner, Student Representative Terry Eubank, City Manager Scott Bloom, City Attorney Derek Ables, Airport Manager Kevin Buettner, Planning Director Jessica See, Planning Technician Tyler Best, Parks and Recreation Director Lee Frey, Public Works Director Dave Ross, Police Chief Shellie Saner, City Clerk 3. Agenda and Consent Agenda Approval MOTION: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to approve the agenda and consent. Council Member Sounart 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. *Ali 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. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 1 of 7 July 2, 2025 B. SCHEDULED ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS - None. C. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS - None. D. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS - None. In response to the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District indicating they would only fund the swimming pools for one more year; the following people addressed the Council in support of the City taking operating and financial responsibility for the swimming pool located in Kenai Central High School: Sara Castimore Dan Castimore Abigail Price Michael Christian E. PUBLIC HEARINGS William Hubber Emma Castimore Annie Price 1. 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) MOTION: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3479-2025. 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. It was reported that this was phase two, which would build on phase one by developing a comprehensive implementation plan. VOTE: YEA: Askin, Douthit, Kisena, Gabriel, Daniel, Sounart, Knackstedt NAY: None **Student Representative Tanner: Yea MOTION PASSED. 2. 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) MOTION: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3480-2025. 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: Douthit, Kisena, Gabriel, Daniel, Sounart, Knackstedt, Askin NAY: None **Student Representative Tanner: Yea MOTION PASSED. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 2 of 7 July 2, 2025 3. Resolution No. 2025-45 - Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Lease of Airport Reserve Lands Between the City of Kenai and Schilling Rentals, LLC., for Lot 3, Block 2, General Aviation Apron Subdivision No. 1. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2025-45. 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 the existing lease termed out; the applicant reapplied for a new 45-year lease under current terms. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. 4. Resolution No. 2025-46 - Authorizing a Contract Award for the 2025 Street Lights Repair and Maintenance with Utility Locates Contract. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2025-46. 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. Clarification was provided that the contract included provisions for minor and major repairs; and it was reported that capital funding was reserved for future repairs pending the results of the streetlight assessment project currently out for bid. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. 5. Resolution No. 2025-47 - Authorizing a Contract Award for the 2025 Trading Bay Road Sewer Insulation Project. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2025-47. 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 this would include removal and replacement of asphalt and concrete, dirt work and installation of insulation. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. F. MINUTES 1. *Regular Meeting of June 18, 2025. (City Clerk) G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 3 of 7 July 2, 2025 1. 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.] [Clerk's Note: The motion to adopt Resolution 2025-38 was on the floor from the June 4, 2025 City Council Meeting.] Mayor Gabriel opened the floor for public comment. Cheri Smith, Executive Director of the LeeShore Center addressed the Council in opposition to Resolution No. 2025-38, noting renaming the street would have a negative impact on a non-profit organization operating on grant funds, with limited staffing available to update the information and having to notify all granting agencies of the change. In response to questions Ms. Smith clarified a change of address would be labor-intensive updating grant information, articles of incorporation, literature, and posters. Samantha Springer, Executive Director of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center noted that the Visitor Center staff provides directions to the beach frequently without any issues; and hearing comments from members of the public that a State directional sign could solve the issue. There being no one else wishing to be heard, the public comment period was closed. MOTION TO AMEND: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to amend the Resolution No. 2025-38 as follows: The eight whereas clause to read, "the Planning and Zoning Commission during their June 25, 2025 regular meeting failed to recommend Council adopt this resolution renaming South Spruce Street to Kenai Beach Street; and," Council Member Askin SECONDED the motion. 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 Resolution No. 2025-38 as follows: Section 2, to read, "That this Resolution shall take[S] effect [IMMEDIATELY UPON PASSAGE] 30 days after adoption." Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. There was discussion recognizing the benefits of road names being associated with their destination; and if it weren't for the burden to the businesses located on the street the change would be a good idea. MOTION: Council Member Askin MOVED to postpone Resolution No. 2025-38 indefinitely. Vice Mayor Knackstedt SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to postpone indefinitely. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. H. NEW BUSINESS 1. *Action/Approval - Bills to be Ratified. (Administration) City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 4 of 7 July 2, 2025 Approved by the consent agenda. 2. *Action/Approval - Approving Official Bond Amounts for City Manager, City Clerk and Finance Director. (Administration) Approved by the consent agenda. 3. *Action/Approval - Special Use Permit for Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center for the Moosemeat John Cabin. (Administration) Approved by the consent agenda. 4. Action/Approval - Recommending Diane Fikes for Appointment to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission. (City Clerk) MOTION: Council Member Douthit MOVED to recommend Diane Fikes for Appointment to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission. Council Member Askin SECONDED the motion. Clarification was provided on the appointment process for the City of Kenai Representative to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. 5. Action/Approval - Discussion and Appointment of Municipal Liaison Officer Pursuant to Tribal Memoranda of Understanding. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to appoint City Manager Eubank as the Municipal Liaison Officer. Council Member Daniel SECONDED the motion. It was reported that the City Liaison would meet with Tribal representatives to develop a regular Liaison meeting schedule; and a quarterly meeting was anticipated. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. I. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Council on Aging Commission No report, next meeting July 10, 2025. 2. Airport Commission No report, next meeting July 10, 2025. 3. Harbor Commission No report, next meeting August 11, 2025. 4. Parks and Recreation Commission No report, next meeting August 7, 2025. 5. Planning and Zoning Commission Council Member Askin reported on the June 25, 2025 meeting, next meeting July 23, 2025. 6. Beautification Commission No report, next September 9, 2025. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 5 of 7 July 2, 2025 J. REPORT OF THE MAYOR Mayor Gabriel reported on the following: • The Boys and Girls Club, Annual Golf Tournament was a lot of fun. • Reminded everyone of the upcoming Fourth of July Parade. • Thanked the Administration for all they do for the Dip Net Fishery. K. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS 1. City Manager - City Manager Eubank reported on the following: • Planning Director Buettner was elected President of the Board of Directors for the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District. • Resignations were received from Airport Manager Ables, Building Official Fischer and Chief Animal Control Officer Scherma. • New Hires include Fire Fighter Ben Johnston and Planning Technician Jessica See. • Last Month Parks and Recreation Director Best was contacted by the School District to explore whether the City might assume operations of the KCHS pool. Director Best requested a formal written proposal outlining the request for the Administration to review and present to Council for consideration. • Bluff Stabilization Update: The project is estimated at approximately 31-percent complete according to the contractor. The City is working with the design engineer to review the revised project alignment that is impacting the City's future maintenance of the structure. • He wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July. 2. City Attorney - No report. 3. City Clerk - City Clerk Saner reported on the following: • Candidate filing packets would be available mid -July. L. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Citizen Comments (Public comments limited to (5) minutes per speaker) Samantha Springer, Executive Director of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center reminded everyone about the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations and the 100t" Birthday Party celebration for Peggy Arness. 2. Council Comments Vice Mayor Knackstedt wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July. Council Member Kisena thanked Derek Ables, Joe Fischer and Julie Scherma for their service to the City; he congratulated Kenai Miners, Krusty Krabs and Fiery Flamingos softball teams; thanked all the individuals who came and participated in the meeting; and noted he was looking forward to the Fourth of July festivities. Council Member Daniel wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July. Council Member Askin welcomed Planning Technician Jessica See and congratulated Planning Director Buettner on his election. Council Member Sounart wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 6 of 7 July 2, 2025 Student Representative Tanner provided an update on Kenai Central High School sports and wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July. Council Member Douthit wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July. M. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None. N. PENDING ITEMS O. ADJOURNMENT P. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None. There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m. cerWthe a ove presents accurate minutes of the Kenai City Council meeting of July 2, 2025. "Michelle. C 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. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 7 of 7 July 2, 2025