HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2026-06-00010
Sponsored by: Askin, Sounart, Daniel, Kisena,
�. Grieme, Pettey, Knackstedt
KENAI
CITY OF KENAI
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-06
A RESOLUTION SCHEDULING A SPECIAL ELECTION FOR APRIL 14, 20261 FOR THE PURPOSE
OF PROVIDING FOR SUBMISSION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY THE QUESTION(S)
OF AMENDING KENAI MUNICIPAL CHARTER, SECTION 10-1 ANNUAL ELECTION - TIME.
WHEREAS, at the October 7, 2025 Municipal Election, Borough Voters approved Kenai Peninsula
Borough (KPB) Citizens Initiative Proposition No. 5; and,
WHEREAS, KPB Proposition No. 5 moved the annual Borough election date from October to November
to coincide with State and Federal annual election date in an effort to increase Borough voter turnout;
and,
WHEREAS, although Proposition No. 5 did not alter the City of Kenai's election schedule, it was
supported by 66.5% of the City voters who participated in the Borough election; and,
WHEREAS, prior to the passage of Proposition No. 5, the annual elections of the Borough and City were
held concurrently under a mutual aid agreement; and,
WHEREAS, conducting the City election concurrently with the Borough provides significant election cost
savings and election results from the October 7, 2025 show City Residents were interested in at least
moving the annual election date of the Borough to coincide with the State of Alaska annual election date
to increase voter turnout; and,
WHEREAS, scheduling a special election prior to the next annual election of the City is the only way to
allow City voters to vote on whether they would like the City's annual elections to be aligned with the
annual election of the Kenai Peninsula Borough and State of Alaska.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA:
Section 1. That the Kenai City Council hereby declares April 14, 2026 as the Special Election date
for the purpose of providing for submission to the qualified voters of the City of Kenai the question(s) of
amending Kenai Municipal Charter, Section 10-1 Annual Election - Time.
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Section 2. That this Resolution takes effect immediately upon passage.
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, THIS,2'1j' DAY OF
,JAIVA ,;-2026.
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City of Kenai 1210 Fidalgo Ave, Kenai, AK 99611-7794 1907.283.75351 www.kenaixity
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Knackstedt and Council Members
FROM: Shellie Saner, City Clerk
DATE: January 13, 2026
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2026-06 - Scheduling a Special Election for April 14, 20267
for the Purpose of Providing for Submission to the Qualified Voters of the City
the Question(s) of Amending Kenai Municipal Charter, Section 10-1 Annual
Election - Time.
At the October 7, 2025 Municipal Election, voters of the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) approved
Citizens Initiative Proposition No. 5, which moved the annual Borough election date from October
to November in order to coincide with the annual State and Federal election.
Although KPB Proposition No. 5 did not alter the City of Kenai's election schedule, the initiative
was supported by 66.5% of the City voters who participated in the Borough election.
Prior to passage of the proposition the annual elections of the City and Borough were conducted
concurrently under a mutual aid agreement, which provided significant cost savings for the City.
During the December 3, 2025 City Council work session, the Council was presented with the
above information, a summary of the election results from October 7, 2025 within the City
precincts and three possible options moving forward with City elections.
The City Council at the December 3, 2025 work session provided general direction to bring
forward the legislation necessary to schedule a Special Election.