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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-15 Council MinutesKENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 15, 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 October 15, 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 **Josh Bolling, Student Representative Terry Eubank, City Manager Scott Bloom, City Attorney David Swarner, Finance Director Kevin Buettner, Planning Director Tyler Best, Parks and Recreation Director Kathy Romain, Senior Services Director Logan Parks, Deputy City Clerk Shellie Saner, City Clerk 3. Certification of the October 7, 2025 Election Results The City Clerk read the results of the October 7, 2025 election as follows: FOR CITY MAYOR, ONE THREE-YEAR TERM Candidates Polls Absentee / Total Votes Questioned KNACKSTEDT, Henry H t k DOUTHIT, Alexander "Alex" 326 52 378 Write -In 5 0 5 City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 1 of 7 October 15, 2025 FOR CITY COUNCIL, TWO THREE-YEAR TERMS Candidates Polls Absentee / Questioned Total Votes ASKIN, Victoria 445 102 547 GRIEME, Bridget 402 71 473 PETTEY, Glenese 334 101 435 Write -In 25 6 31 MOTION: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to certify the results of the October 7, 2025 Election as presented. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. [Clerk's Note: Newly elected Mayor Knackstedt; reelected Council Member Askin and newly elected Council Member Grieme were administered their oath of office for a term beginning on October 20, 2025.] 4. Agenda and Consent Agenda Approval Mayor Gabriel noted the following additions to the Packet: Add to item A. 3. Certifying the October 7, 2025 Election Results • Certification of Results • Unofficial Results • Report of Canvass Add item H. 3. Discussion/Action - City Council Vacancy Remove Item M. 1. Executive Session - Discussion for Airline Operating Agreement with Kenai Aviation (Removed at the request of the Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to approve the agenda and consent agenda with the requested revisions. 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. *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. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 2 of 7 October 15, 2025 D. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS Samantha Springer, Executive Director of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center provided an update on activities, noting they had won the Local Chamber of the Year Award; the fundraising event went well; and they were preparing for the Haunted Chamber. Bob Malloy thanked Mayor Gabriel for his service and shared examples of leadership qualities he appreciated during the Mayor's tenure. E. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Ordinance No. 3487-2025 - Accepting and Appropriating a Donation from Hilcorp Alaska to Assist with the Annual Area -Wide Senior Thanksgiving Dinner. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3487-2025. 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 Hilcorp had been providing these donations since 1976. Appreciation was stated for the generosity of Hilcorp. VOTE: YEA: Kisena, Gabriel, Daniel, Sounart, Knackstedt, Askin, Douthit NAY: None. "Student Representative Bolling: YEA MOTION PASSED 2. Ordinance No. 3488-2025 - Accepting the Donation of a Pavilion from the Kenai Peninsula Soccer Club. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3488-2025. Council Member Askin SECONDED the motion. Mayor Gabriel opened the floor for public comment. Amanda Barber and Jen Wardas provided an overview of the donation to Council on behalf of the Kenai Peninsula Soccer Club. There being no one else wishing to be heard, the public comment period was closed. There was discussion regarding where the pavilion would be located; the benefits to our community when working together; and appreciation was stated for the generous donation. MOTION TO AMEND: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to amend Ordinance No. 3488-2025 as follows: Sixth whereas clause to read, "on October 2, 2025 at the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended that Council accept the donation from KPSC; and," Council Member Askin SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 3 of 7 October 15, 2025 VOTE ON MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED: YEA: Gabriel, Daniel, Sounart, Knackstedt, Askin, Douthit, Kisena NAY: None. "Student Representative Bolling: YEA MAIN MOTION AS AMEDED PASSED. 3. Ordinance No. 3489-2025 - Repealing Kenai Municipal Code 7.15.100 Purchase and Sales -Certain City Officers, to Prohibit Purchases and Sales Transactions of Personal Property to City Officials and Employees. (Legal) MOTION: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3489-2025. 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 the proposed amendment to code would align this section with KMC 1.85.060 and KMC 7.15.100. VOTE: YEA: Daniel, Sounart, Knackstedt, Askin, Douthit, Kisena, Gabriel NAY: None. "Student Representative Bolling: YEA MOTION ENACTED UNANIMOUSLY. 4. Resolution No. 2025-60 - Authorizing a Contract Extension for Employee Health Care Effective January 1, 2026. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2025-60. 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 health plan was performing well; was currently below claim expectations; and a summary overview of the memo as attached to Resolution 2025-60 was provided. Shannon Mahan, Alaska Benefits Leader - Account Executive for IMA Financial Group addressed Council noting, that current trends are typically twelve to eighteen percent; however, since the City plan was performing so well it was brought down quite a bit. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. 5. Resolution No. 2025-61 - Authorizing Participation in the Current Solicitation of the Community Development Block Grant Program to Extend Water, Sewer and a Local Service Road on Sixth Street. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2025-61. 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. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 4 of 7 October 15, 2025 It was reported that Kenai Peninsula Housing (KPHI) is currently constructing additional housing; KPHI was not eligible to serve as the direct grantee, the City would be the primary applicant; and this would benefit the City by providing utility infrastructure to City owned land. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. F. MINUTES 1. *Regular Meeting of October 1, 2025. (City Clerk) G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None. H. NEW BUSINESS 1. *Action/Approval - Bills to be Ratified. (Administration) Approved by the consent agenda. 2. *Ordinance No. 3490-2025 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvement Capital Project Fund, Accepting a Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the Kenai Wastewater Treatment Facility Digester Blowers Upgrade Project and Awarding the Construction Contract for the Project. (Administration) Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for November 5, 2025. 3. Discussion/Action - City Council Vacancy. (City Clerk) It was reported that with the election of Vice Mayor Knackstedt to the position of Mayor, the Council seat currently occupied by Mr. Knackstedt would become vacant on October 20, 2025; the Council could wait until the next meeting to declare the seat vacant or they could declare the seat vacant effective October 20, 2025 and schedule the interviews during this meeting. MOTION: Vice Mayor Knackstedt MOVED to declare the seat vacant effective October 20, 2025. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. Direction was provided to schedule the Council applicant interviews for November 19, 2025 and to bring back an item during the November 5, 2025 meeting for establishing a City Council subcommittee to develop interview questions in accordance with Council Policy 20.220. I. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Council on Aging Commission Vice Mayor Knackstedt reported on October 9, 2025 work session, next meeting November 13, 2025. 2. Airport Commission Council Member Daniel reported on the October 9, 2025 meeting, next meeting November 13, 2025. 3. Harbor Commission No report, next meeting November 10, 2025. 4. Parks and Recreation Commission Council Member Douthit reported on the October 2, 2025 meeting, next meeting November 6, 2025. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 5 of 7 October 15, 2025 5. Planning and Zoning Commission Council Member Askin reported on the October 8, 2025 work session, next meeting October 22, 2025. 6. Beautification Commission No report, next meeting January 13, 2026. J. REPORT OF THE MAYOR Mayor Gabriel reported on the following: • Attending the Pumpkin Festival and hitting the target on the Pumpkin Drop. • Thanked the Kenai Soccer Club for the pavilion donation. • Congratulated the Kenai Chamber for receiving the Chamber of the Year Award. • As his final meeting, he reflected on his fifteen -years of service, expressing his gratitude to Council members, City staff and the Community for supporting him during his two terms as Council member and three terms as Mayor. K. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS 1. City Manager - City Manager Eubank reported on the following: • Provided an update on recruitment for Airport Manager and Chief Animal Control Officer. • Meeting with the consultant on the Street Light Assessment, noting significant progress was being made. • Housing availability and affordability remained a key City priority. • There were estimated 1,500 to 2,000 attendees at the Pumpkin Festival. • Bluff Stabilization Project completion celebration was scheduled for October 29, 2025. • Kenai Library, Haunted House will be open October 24 -31, 2025. • Kenai Senior Center, Halloween Event scheduled for October 31, 2025. • Crowley Fuel announced plans to remove their self-service fuel tank at the airport, and does not intend to replace them. • Thanked Mayor Gabriel for his years of leadership and unwavering support of the City employees and administration. 2. City Attorney - City Attorney Bloom reported on the following: • Congratulated Council Members Askin, Grieme and Mayor Knackstedt on their election. • Thanked Mayor Gabriel and Council Member Douthit for their service. 3. City Clerk - City Clerk Saner reported on the following: • Congratulated Council Members Askin, Grieme and Mayor Knackstedt on their election. • Thanked Mayor Gabriel and Council Member Douthit for their service. L. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Citizen Comments (Public comments limited to (5) minutes per speaker) - None. 2. Council Comments Vice Mayor Knackstedt stated his appreciation for Mayor Gabriel and their years of service working together. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 6 of 7 October 15, 2025 Council Member Kisena congratulated those who were recently elected and those who ran for elected office; thanked Clerks for administering the local elections, Parks and Recreation Department for the Pumpkin Festival and Mayor Gabriel for his service; and noted that he started on this path thanks to Mayor Gabriel appointing him to a Commission. Council Member Daniel thanked Mayor Gabriel for his service and the guidance he has given him; everyone who ran for elected office; Council Member Douthit for his service; and Parks and Recreation for all the work they do. Council Member Askin reported attending the Kenai Chamber of Commerce Fundraiser and the Pumpkin Festival; thanked the voters for their support and Mayor Gabriel for his service. Council Member Sounart thanked Council Member Douthit for his service, Mayor Gabriel for his service, advice and leadership; and congratulated those elected to office. Student Representative Bolling provided an update on Kenai Central High School sports activities; and congratulated those who were elected to office. Council Member Douthit thanked Mayor Gabriel for his service and advice; congratulated those elected to office; commended Parks and Recreation for the Pumpkin Festival; and noted the success of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce fundraiser. M. EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. Discussion for Airline Operating Agreement with Kenai Aviation. Pursuant to AS 44.62.310(c)(1) a Matter of which the Immediate Knowledge may have an Adverse Effect upon the Finance of the City. (Administration) [Clerk's Note: At the request of the Administration, agenda item M. 1. Executive Session - Discussion for Airline Operating Agreement with Kenai Aviation, was removed from the agenda.] N. PENDING ITEMS - None. O. ADJOURNMENT P. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None. There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. I certify the above represents accurate minutes of the Kenai City Council meeting of October 15, 2025. ':bo Michelld M. Saner, 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. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 7 of 7 October 15, 2025