HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-21 Council MinutesKENAI CITY COUNCIL — REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2026 — 6:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
210 FIDALGO AVE., KENAI, AK 99611
MAYOR HENRY H. KNACKSTEDT, PRESIDING
MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Kenai City Council was held on January 21, 2026, in City Hall Council
Chambers, Kenai, AK. Mayor Knackstedt called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Knackstedt led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Roll Call
There were present:
Henry Knackstedt, Mayor
Sovala Kisena
Deborah Sounart
Phil Daniel
A quorum was present.
Also in attendance were:
Victoria Askin, Vice Mayor
Bridget Grieme
Glenese Pettey
**Josh Bolling, Student Representative
Terry Eubank, City Manager
Scott Bloom, City Attorney
David Swarner, Finance Director
Kevin Buettner, Planning Director (remote participation)
Lee Frey, Public Works Director
Mary Bondurant, Interim Airport Manager
Dave Ross, Police Chief
Ryan Coleman, Police Sergeant
Shellie Saner, City Clerk
3. Agenda and Consent Agenda Approval
Mayor Knackstedt noted the following additions to the Packet:
Add to item E. 10. Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2026-09
• Amendment Memo
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Askin 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 Knackstedt 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.
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*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
1. Kenai Municipal Airport Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) Application,
Jack Penning, Managing Partner, Volaire Aviation Consulting.
Mr. Penning provided an update on the air service development efforts for Kenai Municipal Airport,
including an analysis of current passenger demand, seat capacity, fare levels and industry conditions;
information provided showed a long-term decline in available seats and daily departures. He provided an
overview of changes in local air services; national and regional trends affecting small and regional
airports, including aircraft shortage, airline consolidation, a shift toward larger aircrafts and higher yield
markets; summarized air service development strategies; the use of the Small Community Air Service
Development Grant program; airport fee waivers and marketing partnerships with surrounding
communities.
C. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
D. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Ordinance No. 3496-2026 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the
General Fund to Provide Supplemental Funding for Election Costs in Excess of Budgeted
Amounts for the Purpose of Conducting a Special Election. (City Clerk)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3498-2026. Council Member Sounart SECONDED
the motion.
Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comment. There being no one wishing to be heard, the
public comment period was closed.
VOTE:
YEA: Askin, Pettey, Kisena, Sounart, Knackstedt, Daniel, Grieme
NAY: None
**Student Representative Bolling: Yea
MOTION PASSED.
2. Ordinance No. 3499-2026 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by
$6,500 in the General Fund for Expenditures Which Could Influence the Outcome of the
City of Kenai Ballot Proposition No. 2026-A at the April 14, 2026 Special Election. (City
Clerk)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3499-2026. Council Member Sounart SECONDED
the motion.
Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comment. There being no one wishing to be heard, the
public comment period was closed.
VOTE:
YEA: Pettey, Kisena, Sounart, Knackstedt, Daniel, Grieme, Askin
NAY: None
**Student Representative Bolling: Yea
MOTION PASSED.
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3. Resolution No. 2026-02 - Adopting the City's Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years
2027-2031. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-02. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the
motion.
Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comment. 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.
4. Resolution No. 2026-03 - Adopting Goals to Guide the Preparation of the Fiscal Year
2027 Annual Budget. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-03. Council Member Grieme SECONDED the
motion.
Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comment. 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.
5. Resolution No. 2026-04 - Authorizing a Budget Transfer Within the Kenai Recreation
Center Improvements Capital Project Fund. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-04. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the
motion.
Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comment. There being no one wishing to be heard, the
public comment period was closed.
A summary overview of the memo as attached to Resolution No. 2026-04 was provided. There was
discussion regarding existing projects in the Capital Improvement Plan; funding opportunities; and the
need for a drop curtain.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
6. Resolution No. 2026-05 - Declaring a 20-Foot Pedestrian Easement on Lot 48, Shoreline
Heights 2023 Addition (Plat KN 2024-83), and as Set Forth on the Attached Exhibit "A" is
Not Needed for a Public Purpose and Consenting to Vacation of The Easement.
(Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-05. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the
motion.
Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comment. There being no one wishing to be heard, the
public comment period was closed.
A summary overview of the memo as attached to Resolution No. 2026-05 was provided.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
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7. Resolution No. 2026-06 - Scheduling a Special Election for April 14, 2026, 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. (Askin, Sounart,
Daniel, Kisena, Grieme, Pettey, Knackstedt)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-06. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the
motion.
Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comment. There being no one wishing to be heard, the
public comment period was closed.
An overview of tasks between now and the Special Election was provided.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
8. Resolution No. 2026-07 - Providing for Submission to the Qualified Voters of the City of
Kenai, at the Special Election to be Held on April 14, 2026, the Question of Amending
Kenai Municipal Charter, Section 10-1 Annual Election - Times, to Provide that the Annual
Date of the City's General Election is Aligned with the Current Annual Election Date of the
Kenai Peninsula Borough. (Askin, Sounart, Daniel, Kisena, Grieme, Pettey, Knackstedt)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-07. Council Member Grieme SECONDED the
motion.
Mayor Knackstedt 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 Special Election was required due to the date of the City's election
being established in Charter; the City of Soldotna was able to move their election to align with the Kenai
Peninsula Borough (KPB) because their election date is established in code; holding City elections
separately from KPB would increase the cost of City elections.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
9. Resolution No. 2026-08 - Providing for Submission to the Qualified Voters of the City of
Kenai, at the Special Election to be Held on April 14, 2026, the Question of Amending
Kenai Municipal Charter, Section 10-1 Annual Election - Times, to Set the Fixed Date of
the City's Annual General Election in 2026 and Thereafter Remove the Fixed Date of the
City's Annual General Election and Authorize the City Council to Establish the Annual
General Election Date by Ordinance. (Askin, Sounart, Daniel, Kisena, Grieme, Pettey,
Knackstedt)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-08. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the
motion.
Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comment. There being no one wishing to be heard, the
public comment period was closed.
There was Council discussion in support of the two questions being separate; clarification was provided
that the first question would align the City election with the KPB election and the second question would
align the City election with the KPB for 2026 and allow the Council by ordinance to establish future
election dates in municipal code.
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UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
10. Resolution No. 2026-09 - Authorizing a Contract for Design of a New Approach
Procedure for the Temporary Runway to be Used During the Main Runway Rehabilitation
Project. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-09. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the
motion.
Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comment.
Travis Penrod addressed the Council with concerns regarding the temporary loss of instrument approach
during the runway rehabilitation project; the importance of maintaining safe airport access; and general
questions related completion of the new approach prior to the start of the runway rehabilitation project.
Alex Agosti addressed the Council with concerns regarding the temporary loss of instrument approach,
provided an overview of past weather patterns and the critical need for instrument approaches; and
highlighted the potential operational, economic and public safety impacts if there were delays in
implementing the new approach.
Garret Block address the Council with concerns regarding the temporary loss of instrument approach,
noting the importance of aligning the project timeline with the summer flight schedule; and summarizing
the potential disruptions to flights operations and passenger access if the new approach is delayed.
There being no one else wishing to be heard, the public comment period was closed.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to amend Resolution No. 2026-09 and the attached memo as follows:
Delete the seventh whereas clause to read "[IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY TO CONTRACT
WITH IN THE AMOUNT OF $ TO DESIGN A NEW APPROACH PROCEDURE FOR THE TEMPORARY
RUNWAY.]"
Insert a new seventh whereas clause to read, "it is in the best interest of the City to contract with
Huqhes Aerospace Corporation in the amount of $43,850 to design a new approach procedure for
the temporary runway as this cost is fair and reasonable based on comparison of the two quotes."
Section 1 to read, "That the City Manager is authorized to execute a contract with Hughes Aerospace
Corporation in the amount of $43,850 for the design of a new approach procedure for the temporary
runway utilizing Airport Improvement Capital Project Funds."
Attached Memo, first paragraph to read, "This memo requests Council's approval to contract with
Hughes Aerospace Corporation in the amount of $43,850 for the design of new flight procedures for
the temporary runway during the Runway Rehabilitation Project occurring this summer."
Attached Memo, seventh paragraph to read, "The Public Works Department recommends contracting
with Hughes Aerospace Corporation in the amount of $43,850 for design of new flight procedures for
the temporary runway during the Runway Rehabilitation Project."
Council Member Grieme SECONDED the motion amend.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
Clarification was provided that in 2008 a sidestep approach was authorized by the FAA, allowing aircraft
to transition from runway to taxiway; however, this was no longer allowed by the FAA. He further
confirmed that staff would monitor the contractor to ensure the approaches are produced on time; and
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noted the potential government shutdown affecting the FAA could delay the project, which was beyond
local control.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the main motion as amended.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
F. MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of January 7, 2026. (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. *Ordinance No. 3500-2026 - Sunsetting the Harbor Commission, Amending Kenai Municipal
Code 1.90.010 - General Standards for Standing Advisory Commissions, Repealing Kenai
Municipal Code 1.95.040 - Harbor Commission, Repealing Kenai Municipal Code 11.20 - Leasing
of Tidelands, Amending Kenai Municipal Code 14.05.010 - Duties and Powers, Enacting Kenai
Municipal Code 22.05.016 - Tidelands Available for Leasing, Enacting Kenai Municipal Code
Chapter 22.10 - Tideland Leases for Shore Fisheries, and Amending Council Policy 20.020 to
Reflect the Sunsetting of The Harbor Commission. (Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for February 04, 2026.
4. *Ordinance No. 3501-2026 - Determining Four City -Owned Properties in the Beaver Loop Area
are Not Needed for a Public Purpose and Authorizing Sale by Public Sealed Bid Auction.
(Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for February 04, 2026.
5. *Ordinance No. 3502-2026 - Authorizing the City Manager to Reimburse Annual Leave Used by
Firefighter Garrick Martin for Attending a Paramedic Internship Program. (Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for February 04, 2026.
6. *Ordinance No. 3503-2026 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the Water &
Sewer Capital Project Fund and Accepting a Loan from the State Revolving Fund Program for
the Water Treatment Pumphouse Project. (Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for February 04, 2026.
7. Action/Approval - Confirmation of Mayoral Nomination for a Partial Term Appointment of Autumn
Carlson to the Beautification Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
(Knackstedt)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to confirm the appointment of Autumn Carlson to the Beautification
Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the
motion.
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UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
8. Action/Approval - Authorizing the Use of City Facility People Counter Cameras for Operational
and Safety Purposes. (Administration)
MOTION:
Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to authorize the use of City Facility People Counter Cameras for operational
and safety purposes. Council Member Daniel SECONDED the motion.
It was reported the cameras were installed during the COVID-19 pandemic for the purpose of counting
individuals coming into and leaving facilities; Council previously restricted the camera use to counting
people only and Council approval was required to expand camera use; and there were licensing
requirements associated with the expanded use.
Clarification was provided that staff had created a camera policy which was reviewed by IT, legal and
department heads; the cameras would be city hosted, not web based; the cameras could be used in
cases of employee discipline; access would be limited to facility manager or Human Resources if
applicable, and any public information request would be reviewed by legal.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
9. Discussion - International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) Proposed Fishery Regulations
Reducing Sport Caught Halibut in Alaska from Two (2) Fish to One (1) Fish a Day. (Grieme, Askin)
There was discussion regarding the recent IPHC meeting; the impact on residents who rely on halibut;
the importance of science based decisions, noting the proposal lacked scientific support; and the
authority of IPHC to do this was questioned.
I. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging Commission
Vice Mayor Askin reported on the January 8, 2026 meeting, next meeting February 12, 2026.
2. Airport Commission
Vice Mayor Askin reported on the January 8, 2026 meeting, next meeting February 12, 2026.
3. Harbor Commission
No report.
4. Parks and Recreation Commission
No report, next meeting February 5, 2026.
5. Planning and Zoning Commission
Council Member Kisena reported on the January 14, 2026 meeting, next meeting January 28, 2026.
6. Beautification Commission
Council Member Grieme reported there was no quorum present.
J. REPORT OF THE MAYOR
Mayor Knackstedt reported on the following:
• Meeting with the Salamatof Tribal Council.
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• Thanked the Fire Department for their response to the Cannery Lodge Fire; the Streets
Department for maintaining roads considering the recent conditions; and the Clerk for delivering
the Special Election legislation.
K. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1. City Manager - City Manager Eubank reported on the following:
• Staffing update: Chandra Mayeux new Building Official starts the first week of February; three
conditional offers were made for two utility operator positions and one janitor position; active
recruitment for Airport Manager, Firefighter, part time Senior Center driver and additional
janitor positions.
• Recognized Officer of the Year Chad Larson and Dispatcher of the Year Jen Savely.
• Attending a housing briefing organized by Senator Sullivan.
• Staff review of multiple lease and purchase applications for potential city developments.
• Planning Director Buettner is scheduled to present at the Kenai Chamber Business
Symposium on February 18, 2026.
• Received and approved architects quote to analyze the Challenger Center as a potential
public safety solution; pending the analysis the Request for Interest has not been released.
• The Fire Department coordinated with the Streets department for water supply, sand trucks
and apparatus movement during the Cannery Lodge fire.
• Streets and Airport staff were busy maintaining roads and runway conditions during the sever
weather events.
2. City Attorney - No report.
3. City Clerk - No report.
L. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Citizen Comments (Public comments limited to (5) minutes per speaker)
2. Council Comments
Student Representative Bolling thanked Council Member Grieme for visiting the leadership class; stated
because of her visit multiple students have expressed interest in serving on commissions; and provided
an update on high school sport activities.
Council Member Grieme stated her appreciation for the ability to attend the Salamatof Tribal Council work
session remotely; she was looking forward to this weekend's basketball tournament; and she enjoyed
her time with the KCHS leadership class.
Council Member Kisena stated he was sorry he missed the work session with Salamatof Tribal Council;
he attended the Voyager Cup tournament last week to cheer for the KPHA 12U Girls Hockey Team, who
took third place; stated his appreciation for the road conditions in Kenai; and noted he looked forward to
being able to fly directly to Seattle from Kenai in the future.
Council Member Pettey thanked Council Member Grieme for filling in for her at the Beautification
Commission meeting; the Clerk for the election legislation; and restated the importance to our community
for the implementation of approaches to the airport.
Council Member Sounart thanked the Streets Department for keeping up with the roads; the Clerk for the
election legislation; Vice Mayor Askin for filling in at the Airport Commission meeting; and noted the
positive outcome from the joint work session with the Salamatof Tribal Council.
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Vice Mayor Askin noted the quality of roads in Kenai compared to the conditions in Anchorage; noted the
cooperative efforts from the joint work session with the Salamatof Tribal Council; congratulated Officer
Larson and Dispatcher Savely; thanked the Administration and Airport Manager for their work on the
approach; and thanked the Clerk for the election legislation.
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 8:08 p.m.
certffvAhe abov repre ents accurate minutes of the Kenai City Council meeting of January 21, 2026.
Michelle ner, 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.
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