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Home My WebLink About2026-04-01 Council MinutesKENAI CITY COUNCIL — REGULAR MEETING APRIL 01, 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 April 1, 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 Lee Frey, Acting City Manager Scott Bloom, City Attorney David Swarner, Finance Director Kevin Buettner, Planning Director (remote participation) Ryan Coleman, Police Sergeant Shellie Saner, City Clerk 3. Agenda and Consent Agenda Approval MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to approve the agenda and consent agenda. Council Member Pettey 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. [Clerk' Note: Mayor Knackstedt presented the Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclamation and the proclamation in recognition of Aiden Cole.] City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 1 of 6 April 01, 2026 B. SCHEDULED ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Public Safety Building / Challenger Center Update, K+A dsignstudios, Principal Architect Chris Parker. Chris Parker, Principal Architect for K+A dsignstudios, provided a presentation outlining facility options for police, fire, and dispatch; options included renovations of the existing public safety building and relocation scenarios to the Challenger Center; current facility conditions, limited space, and major deficiencies were reviewed; conceptional cost estimates for the options were provided. There was discussion regarding cost drivers, site considerations, traffic and safety impacts and projected timelines. C. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS - None. D. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS Doug Hayman, Principal of Connections Homeschool addressed the Council regarding a proposed expansion and consolidation of homeschool services into a unified hybrid program, including integration of Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities and the potential use of the Challenger Center. E. PUBLIC HEARINGS Ordinance No. 3509-2026 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the General Fund - Legislative Department, to Provide Matching Funds for a Grant in the Amount of $10,380 to the Alaska Children's Institute for the Performing Arts DBA Triumvirate Theatre for Parking Lot Paving and Landscaping Improvements. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3509-2026. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion. Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comment. Briar Oden thanked the Council for considering this grant and read a letter of thanks from Triumvirate Theatre President, Joe Rizzo. There being no one else wishing to be heard, the public comment period was closed. VOTE: YEA: Kisena, Sounart, Knackstedt, Daniel, Grieme, Askin, Pettey NAY: None "*Student Representative Bolling: Yea MOTION PASSED. 2. Ordinance No. 3510-2026 - Amending the Official Zoning Map by Rezoning the Property at 10060 Kenai Spur Highway from Conservation to Suburban Residential Zoning District. (Administration) Ordinance No. 3510-2026 (Substitute) - Amending the Official Zoning Map by Rezoning a Portion of the Property at 10060 Kenai Spur Highway from Conservation to Suburban Residential Zoning District. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3510-2026. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 2 of 6 April 01, 2026 Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comment. There being no one wishing to be heard, the public comment period was closed. It was reported that Administration requested postponement to May 6, 2026 to allow time for the Planning and Zoning Commission to review and make recommendation to Council. MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to postpone Ordinance No. 3510-2026 to the May 6, 2026 City Council Meeting. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was on the motion to postpone. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. 3. Resolution No. 2026-17 - Authorizing a Contract Award for the 2026 Water Treatment Pump House Construction. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-17. 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. It was reported four bids were received for construction of a new pump house to include a backup generator and some water mains to help with supply; the project was funded by a $2.7 million of grant funds received from the State, the remaining funds would come from the utility fund. Clarification was provided that the state-wide company awarded had an office on the Kenai Peninsula; and the bids received were very competitive. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. F. MINUTES 1. *Regular Meeting of March 18, 2026. (City Clerk) 2. *Special Meeting of March 25, 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 - Authorizing a Memorandum of Agreement with Greatland Consulting and Training LLC for the use of the Alaska Regional Fire Training Facility. (Administration) Approved by the consent agenda. 3. *Ordinance No. 3511-2026 - Accepting and Appropriating Funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Passed Through the State of Alaska, Department of Education and Early Development, Division of Library, Archives & Museums, for Library Employee Training. (Administration) Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for April 22, 2026. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 3 of 6 April 01, 2026 4. *Ordinance No. 3512-2026 - Amending Kenai Municipal Code Chapter 7.22 Investment of Monies to Broaden the Range of Permitted Investments and Extend the Maturity Profile of the City's Investment Portfolio. (Administration) Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for April 22, 2026. 5. Discussion/Action: Scheduling a Budget Work Session. (Administration) The Budget Work Session was scheduled for May 2, 2026. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Council on Aging Commission No report, next meeting April 9, 2026. 2. Airport Commission No report, next meeting April 9, 2026. 3. Parks and Recreation Commission No report, next meeting April 2, 2026. 4. Planning and Zoning Commission Council Member Kisena reported on the March 25, 2026 meeting, next meeting April 29, 2026. 5. Beautification Commission No report, next meeting April 14, 2026. J. REPORT OF THE MAYOR 1. Mayor Proclamation - Declaring April 2026 as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month". 2. Mayor Proclamation - In recognition of Aidan Cole as the 2026 Alaska State Spelling Bee Champion. Mayor Knackstedt reported on the following: • Provided an update on interest and directions to explore options to keep local pools open. • Attending the March 26, 2026 "March for Meals" fundraiser at the Senior Center and recognized staff and volunteers for their efforts. • Attending the Hospice of the Central Peninsula fundraiser on March 27, 2026. • Thanked the Administration for the draft City of Kenai Street Design, noting initial review was positive. • Announced participation with the City Clerk on April 8, 2026 during the Sound Off program to discuss the upcoming Special Election. • Reminded everyone the April 15, 2026 regular meeting was rescheduled to April 22, 2026. K. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS 1. City Manager - Acting City Manager Frey reported on the following: • Staffing update: Kurt Brower, Lead Equipment Operator would be retiring after 11-years of service; new Police Despatcher Gracie Davis would begin in April; ongoing recruitment for police officer, part time janitor, and seasonal positions. • Second grant application to support direct flight services between Kenai Peninsula and Seattle were underway. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 4 of 6 April 01, 2026 • Street design standards have been released and are available on the City website; an open house would be held on April 13, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; and may be scheduled for Council adoption following public input. • Increased instances of frozen water services and encouraged residents to keep a steady trickle to prevent freezing. • Hydrant flushing would begin in April and advised residents to run water until clear if discoloration occurs during hydrant flushing. • State of the City was scheduled for April 15, 2026 during the Chamber Luncheon. • Annual City of Kenai Community Egg hunt was scheduled for April 4, 2026. 2. City Attorney - No report. 3. City Clerk - City Clerk Saner reported on the following: • Absentee Voting Office hours; and the location and hours of the Polling locations for the Special Election. L. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Citizen Comments (Public comments limited to (5) minutes per speaker) Danielle Lopez, Cultural Center Coordinator for the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center provided an update on current activities at the Chamber. 2. Council Comments Student Representative Bolling congratulated Bradley Morrison on his first -place win during the Skills USA - Welding; the boys and girls basketball teams on their strong performances at the 3A State tournament; the Kenai Central High School cheerleading team for their performance and placement in overall State; and Aiden Cole as the winner of the Alaska State Spelling Bee Champion. Council Member Pettey congratulated Aiden Cole. Council Member Daniel reminded everyone of the importance of voting in the upcoming Special Election. Vice Mayor Askin noted the improved weather; reported attending the Meals on Wheels fundraiser and the Hospice Fundraiser; and congratulated the local students on their achievements. Council Member Grieme reminded everyone the importance of voting in the upcoming Special Election and reviewing the issues prior to voting. Council Member Kisena congratulated the local students on their achievements; the 12U KPHA Girls team for becoming the first all -girl team to win the co-ed State Tournament; and he congratulated the 12U KPHA Girls team coaches, noting that three of the four coaches were women. Council Member Sounart reported attending the Employee Appreciation Dinner, noting she enjoyed it very much; and she reminded everyone of the importance of participating in local elections. M. EXECUTIVE SESSION Review and Discussion of the City Attorney's Evaluation Which May be a Subject that Tends to Prejudice the Reputation and Character of the City Attorney [AS 44.62.310(C)(2)]. 2. Review and Discussion of the City Manager's Evaluation Which May be a Subject that Tends to Prejudice the Reputation and Character of the City Manager [AS 44.62.310(C)(2)]. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 5 of 6 April 01, 2026 3. Review and Discussion of the City Clerk's Evaluation Which May be a Subject that Tends to Prejudice the Reputation and Character of the City Clerk [AS 44.62.310(C)(2)]. MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to enter into executive session to review and discuss the annual evaluation of the City Attorney, City Manager and City Clerk, which may be a subject that tends to prejudice the reputation and character of the City Attorney, City Manager and City Clerk. [AS 44.62.310(C)(2)]. Mr. Bloom, Mr. Eubank and Ms. Saner have elected to have the discussion take place in executive session. The Executive Session will include Mayor Gabriel and City Council Members. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to reconvene into regular session. Council Member Grieme SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. [Clerk's Note: The Council entered into executive session at 7:16 p.m. and reconvened into regular session at 8:45 P.M.] N. PENDING ITEMS - None. O. ADJOURNMENT P. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS David Martin - Kenai Area Pools There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. I certify the o represents accurate minutes of the Kenai City Council meeting of April 1, 2026. Ic elle a er, MC 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 6 of 6 April 01, 2026