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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-04 Council MinutesKENAI CITY COUNCIL — REGULAR MEETING MARCH 04, 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 March 4, 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 Ryan Grimm, Police Sergeant Katja Wolf, Library Director Lee Frey, Public Works Director Mary Bondurant, Interim Airport Manager Shellie Saner, City Clerk 3. Agenda and Consent Agenda Approval MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to approve the agenda and consent agenda. Council Member Sounart 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. *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. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 1 of 8 March 4, 2026 B. SCHEDULED ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 1. Street Condition Assessment, Tyler Rossow, PE and Daniel Dahms, PE with TR Consulting Services. Tyler Rossow, PE and Daniel Dahms, PE, with TR Consulting Services, provided an overview of the Street Condition Assessment; the methodology used to establish a pavement database; miles of roadway; inspected PCI score calculations; and development of five-year maintenance scenarios. There was discussion regarding average PCI scores; budget scenarios to eliminate backlog and perform safety improvements; and the recommendation to continue inspections every three to five years. C. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS - None. D. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS Kate Bay addressed the Council recommending policy to limit the use of City property for federal immigration enforcement. E. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Ordinance No. 3505-2026 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the General Fund — Buildings Department Computer Software, for the Purchase of Permitting Software. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3505-2026. Council Member Daniel 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 regarding the intended use of the software; the benefits included increased public accessibility; streamlined internal communications between departments; and implementation could take six months. VOTE: YEA: Sounart, Knackstedt, Daniel, Grieme, Askin, Pettey, Kisena NAY: None "Student Representative Bolling: YEA MOTION PASSED. 2. Ordinance No. 3506-2026 - Accepting and Appropriating a Grant from the American Library Association for the Kenai Community Library's Participation in the Digital Pathways: Online Health Literacy Programming for Adults Initiative. (Administration) [KMC 1.15.070(d)] 1. Motion for Introduction 2. Motion for Second Reading (Requires a Unanimous Vote) 3. Motion for Enactment (Requires Five Affirmative Votes) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to introduce Ordinance No. 3506-2026. Council Member Grieme SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to introduce. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 2 of 8 March 4, 2026 MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to conduct the second reading on Ordinance No. 3506-2026. Council Member Kisena SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to conduct the second reading. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3506-2026. 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. Clarification was provided regarding the intended use of the funds and that no personal health information would be collected. Appreciation was stated for Library staff securing grant funding. VOTE: YEA: Knackstedt, Daniel, Grieme, Askin, Pettey, Kisena, Sounart NAY: None "Student Representative Bolling: YEA MOTION PASSED. 3. Ordinance No. 3507-2026 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations for Consulting Services to Evaluate Natural Gas Storage Opportunities on Kenai Municipal Airport Lands. (Administration) [KMC 1. 95.070(d)] 1. Motion for Introduction 2. Motion for Second Reading (Requires a Unanimous Vote) 3. Motion for Enactment (Requires Five Affirmative Votes) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to introduce Ordinance No. 3507-2026. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to introduce. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to conduct the second reading on Ordinance No. 3507-2026. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to conduct the second reading. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3507-2026. 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. Clarification was provided that two applications were received; funds would be utilized to retain a consultant with expertise in petroleum and who could assist with negotiations; and consultant costs could exceed the initial funded amount. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 3 of 8 March 4, 2026 VOTE: YEA: Daniel, Grieme, Askin, Pettey, Kisena, Sounart, Knackstedt NAY: None **Student Representative Bolling: YEA MOTION PASSED. 4. Resolution No. 2026-14 - Amending the City's Schedule of Rates, Charges and Fees to Allow for Reduced or Eliminated Plan Review Fees for Successive Identical Structures. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-14. 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 discussion in support of the amendment, noting it could encourage development within the City, which would assist with the local housing needs. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. MOTION PASSED. F. MINUTES 1. *Regular Meeting of February 18, 2026. (City Clerk) Approved by the consent agenda. G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None. H. NEW BUSINESS 1. *Action/Approval - Bills to be Ratified. (Administration) Approved by the consent agenda. 2. *Action/Approval - Special Use Permit to Rainbow River Lodge Aviation, LLC for Aviation Related Activities at Kenai Municipal Airport. (Administration)Approved by the consent agenda. Approved by the consent agenda. 3. *Action/Approval -Approving the Grant of a Temporary Easement to the State of Alaska for the Bridge Access Road Pavement Preservation Project. (Administration) Approved by the consent agenda. 4. *Action/Approval - Confirmation of Mayor Nomination for a Partial Term Appointment of Caroline Karpik as Student Representative to the Council on Aging Commission. (Knackstedt Approved by the consent agenda. 5. *Action/Approval - Non -Objection to the Transfer of Ownership of a Retail Marijuana Store from Transferor Cook Inlet Cannabis Co, LLC, to Transferee Straight Street Investments, LLC DBA East RIP - License No. 13382. Approved by the consent agenda. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 4 of 8 March 4, 2026 6. *Ordinance No. 3508-2026 - Accepting and Appropriating Donations to the Kenai Community Library for Library Materials, Equipment, and Programming. (Administration) Approved by the consent agenda. 7. Action/Approval - Workplan 2026 Airport Commission. (Airport Commission) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to approve the 2026 Airport Commission Workplan. 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. 8. Discussion/Action -Alaska Children's Institute for the Performing Arts dba Triumvirate Theater Parking and Landscaping Matching Grant Request. (Administration) Joe Rizzo, Executive Director for Triumvirate Theater, addressed the Council noting the if approved the funding would be used as a match needed to secure a Block Foundation grant; he highlighted the development status of the performing arts facility; and the importance of long-term stability. Students participating in the program addressed the Council regarding the importance of the theater in our community. MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to direct the Administration to prepare an Ordinance to provide supplemental funding for a matching grant in the amount of $10,380 to the Alaska Children's Institute for the Performing Arts DAB Triumvirate Theater for parking lot paving and landscaping at its newly constructed theater. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion. Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comment. Mr. Rizzo provided clarification regarding the cost estimate; project timing; other funding sources explored; and a parking lot expansion to improve vehicle access. There being no one else wishing to be heard, the public comment period was closed. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. 9. Discussion/Action - Inviting Council Participation in External Auditor Evaluation Committee. (Administration) Clarification was provided regarding the process; the Auditors worked for the City Council; and the benefits of having Council members involved in the process. MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to appoint Council Member Daniel and Mayor Knackstedt to the City's Request for Proposal (RFP) for External Financial Audit Services evaluation committee to select the City's external, independent auditor for fiscal years 2026 — 2028 with the option to extend my mutual consent for fiscal years 2029 and 2030. Council Member Pettey SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 5 of 8 March 4, 2026 10. Discussion/Action - Rescheduling the April 15, 2026 City Council Meeting. (Knackstedt) Clarification was provided that moving the April 15, 2026 meeting to April 16, 2026 would allow the Council to certify the Special Election results the day following canvass; and the proposed change would not conflict with the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting schedule. MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to reschedule the April 15, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting to April 22, 2026. 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. 11. Discussion - Scheduling Council Employee Evaluations. (Knackstedt) Special Meetings were scheduled for March 25, 2026 at 5 p.m. and April 8, 2026 at 5 p.m. I. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Council on Aging Commission No report, next work session March 12, 2026. 2. Airport Commission No report, next meeting March 12, 2026. 3. Parks and Recreation Commission Last meeting cancelled, next meeting is April 2, 2026. 4. Planning and Zoning Commission Council Member Daniel reported on the February 25, 2026 meeting; next meeting March 11, 2026. 5. Beautification Commission No report, next meeting April 14, 2026. J. REPORT OF THE MAYOR Mayor Knackstedt reported on the following: • Thanked Vice Mayor Askin for presiding over Council meetings while he was on vacation. • Attended a Chamber luncheon where Borough Mayor Micciche gave an update. • Discussed the City's participation in the Chamber's Job Shadow Day. K. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS 1. City Manager - City Manager Eubank reported on the following: • Airport recruitment update; second interviews were underway with three candidates. • Dispatcher Stephanie Seierup resigned after five years of service, recruitment was underway to fill the vacancy. • Anticipated request from the Fire Department to fill one vacant firefighter position; strong applicant pool reported. • Attended the Kenai Chamber Small Business Symposium and thanked the Chamber for hosting the event. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 6 of 8 March 4, 2026 • Shared the 2026 Kenai Peninsula Economic District Housing Assessment highlighting housing conditions across peninsula communities. • Sealed land auction underway for four Beaver Loop parcels intended for gravel extractions; bid close Friday at 2:00 p.m. • Received a letter of interest from the Kenai Peninsula Borough regarding the Challenger Learning Center; the City is evaluating potential municipal uses for the facility. • Brief low water pressure incident occurred due to equipment failure diverting approximately 1,000 gallons per minute to the reservoir; staff restored pressure quickly. • Employee Appreciation Event scheduled with more than 150 RSVPs. • Attended Police Department all -department training and met with police and dispatch staff; noted positive morale within public safety departments. • Wildwood Drive repaving project update; DOT requested minor plan revisions and a right-of- way authorization agreement; staff reviewing the agreement with plans to bring it to Council. 2. City Attorney - No report. 3. City Clerk - City Clerk Saner reported on the following: • Preparations for the upcoming Special Election flyer distributions. • Recruitment of election board members; finalized April 9, 2026. • Logic and Accuracy testing of ballots and equipment scheduled for March 10, 2026. • Financial disclosures due April 15th L. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Citizen Comments (Public comments limited to (5) minutes per speaker) Wade Davis addressed the Council and thanked the Mayor, Council, and City staff for the opportunity to participate in the Airport Manager interview process; noted the positive impressions and welcoming nature of Kenai residents. Tim Navarre addressed the Council with concerns about a recent police interaction involving a homeless individual he had been assisting; City Attorney Bloom stated he would look into the mater and ensure someone follow up with Mr. Navarre. 2. Council Comments Student Representative Bolling provided an update on winter activities at Kenai Central High School, noting the Nordic Ski Team placed first in state; the theater department had successful showings of The Addams Family; thanked the Kenai Chamber of Commerce for their involvement in the job shadow event; congratulated Caroline Karpik on her appointment to the Council on Aging Commission. Council Member Kisena congratulated Caroline Karpik on her Council on Aging appointment; and reported attending the Alaska Public Risk Alliance Public Entity Risk Management Seminar. Council Member Pettey noted the investment in Triumvirate Theater would benefit the community and local youth; and thanked the Council for their work. Council Member Daniel thanked the Finance Department and City Manager for the annual Financial Report, noting it makes it easier to understand the finances of the City; and thanked Public Works for their fast response time to fix the water pressure. Council Member Sounart was excited for the Employee Appreciation dinner and wished everyone a happy Spring Break. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 7 of 8 March 4, 2026 Vice Mayor Askin congratulated the ski team and thanked the staff for their hard work. Council Member Grieme reported participated in Love of Reading Day at Mountainview Elementary; noted she was excited for the Employee Appreciation event; congratulated Kenai Middle School wrestlers; and was excited for KCHS South Central Basketball Conference. 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 8:41 p.m. I certify the aboJ represents accurate minutes of the Kenai City Council meeting of March 4, 2026. is elle er, M 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 March 4, 2026 Page 8 of 8