HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-05 Council MinutesKENAI CITY COUNCIL — REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 5, 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 August 5, 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 Victoria Askin, Vice Mayor (remote participation)
Sovala Kisena Bridget Grieme
Phil Daniel Deborah Sounart (remote participation)
A quorum was present.
Absent:
Glenese Pettey
Also in attendance were:
**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
Ryan Coleman, Police Chief
Shellie Saner, City Clerk
3. Agenda and Consent Agenda Approval
Mayor Knackstedt noted the following additions to the Packet:
Add to item E. 1. Public Hearing - Ordinance No. 3534-2026
• Amendment Memorandum
Add to item E. 3. Public Hearing - Ordinance No. 3536-2026
• Amendment Memorandum
Add to item H. 6. New Business - Ordinance No. 3541-2026
• Request to Remove from the Agenda Memorandum
MOTION:
Council Member Daniel MOVED to approve the agenda and consent agenda with the requested
revisions. Council Member Grieme SECONDED the motion.
The items on the Consent Agenda were read into the record.
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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 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. Oath of Office - Ryan Coleman, Chief of Police
Mayor Knackstedt administered the Oath of Office to Police Chief Ryan Coleman.
C. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. 2026 Housing Assessment Report, Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District
Economist, Andy Wink.
Mr. Wink provided a presentation summarizing the findings of the recent Kenai Peninsula Housing
Assessment Report, noting the City of Kenai population growing in 2025 ranked second among the Kenai
Peninsula Borough's ten largest communities; he highlighted the demographic and economic trends
affecting the local housing market; reviewed housing market conditions and home prices; and referenced
lessons learned from other communities related to large energy projects and affordable housing
strategies.
D. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
James Baisden addressed the Council regarding assessments of residential property and the increase in
residential property taxes; he requested the Council consider residential property tax exemptions or other
measures to lessen the impact of escalating property tax on homeowners; and noted concerns on the
financial burden to seniors, disabled veterans and young homeowners and renters.
City Council members thanked Mr. Baisden for the information and materials provided and his continued
community involvement.
Duane Bannock addressed the Council in support of Mr. Baisden's comments; and urged the Council to
address residential property taxes through Council action.
James Harpring addressed the Council in support of Mr. Baisden's comments; recommended consideration
for an outside consultant who could offer unbiased analysis and additional options.
A City Council work session to discuss residential property tax exemptions was scheduled for August 19,
2026, at 4:00 p.m.
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Ordinance No. 3534-2026 - Amending Kenai Municipal Code 7.25.030 - Unbudgeted
Appropriations, to Allow the City Manager to Appropriate Donations and Grants Under Ten
Thousand Dollars. (Askin, Grieme)
MOTION:
Council Member Daniel MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3534-2026. Council Member Grieme
SECONDED the motion.
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Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comments. There being no one wishing to be heard, the
public_ comment period was closed.
It was reported the intent of the ordinance was to streamline the process of accepting donations and
grants by reducing the amount of Council and staff time required for routine approval items.
There was discussion regarding maintaining a process that kept the Council and public informed about
donations and grants received; and procedures moving forward were discussed.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Council Member Daniel MOVED to amend the Ordinance No. 3534-2026 as follows:
Title to read, "An Ordinance Amending Kenai Municipal Code 7.25.030 - Unbudgeted Appropriations,
to Allow the City Manager to Appropriate Donations and Grants [UNDER] of Ten Thousand Dollars or
Less."
Third whereas clause to read, "amending KMC 7.25.030 to allow the City Manager to appropriate
grants and donations [UNDER] of $10,000 or less will reduce administrative effort in legislative
preparation, streamline council meetings, and allow for greater efficiency in appropriating grants and
donations by eliminating the typical two meeting ordinance process; and,"
Section 1., to read, "For any expenditures not provided an authorization in the budget for the fiscal
year, except as provided below, the Council shall authorize such expenditures by ordinance, making
the required appropriation. For donations and grants to the City or any of its departments [UNDER]
of ten thousand dollars or less, the Council conditionally delegates its appropriation authority to the
City Manager, who will report all such intended appropriations to the Council at a Council Meeting,
prior to the appropriation being made, at which time any Council Member may object to the intended
appropriation by the City Manager, and the appropriation will be brought to the Council at a future
meeting by Ordinance. If no objection is received when presented to the Council, the City Manager
may make the appropriation."
Council Member Kisena SECONDED the motion.
There was discussion regarding the proposed amendment.
VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND:
YEA: Daniel, Kisena, Knackstedt
NAY: Grieme, Askin, Sounart
ABSENT: Pettey
MOTION TO AMEND FAILED TO PASS.
VOTE ON MAIN MOTION:
YEA: Grieme, Askin, Kisena, Sounart, Knackstedt, Daniel
NAY: None
ABSENT: Pettey
"Student Representative Bolling: Yea
MAIN MOTION PASSED.
[Clerk's Note: Council Member Sounart arrived in Council Chambers at 646 p.m.]
2. Ordinance No. 3535-2026 - Removing Public Purpose Designations on Kenai Peninsula
Borough Parcel Numbers 04711308, 04711309, 04711310, 04711311, 04711312, and
04108003, to Accommodate Disposal Recommendations in the City of Kenai Land
Management Plan. (Administration)
MOTION:
Council Member Daniel MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3535-2026. Council Member Kisena
SECONDED the motion.
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Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comments. There being no one wishing to be heard, the
public comment period was closed.
A summary overview of the memorandum as attached to Ordinance No. 3535-2026 was provided; and
clarification was provided regarding types of buildings allowed the Central Commercial Zoning District.
VOTE:
YEA: Askin, Kisena, Sounart, Knackstedt, Daniel, Grieme
NAY: None
ABSENT: Pettey
**Student Representative Bolling: Yea
MOTION PASSED.
3. Ordinance No. 3536-2026 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the
Municipal Roadway Improvement Capital Fund for the Partial Construction of Water,
Sewer and Sixth Street, accepting a US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Community Development Block Grant Passed Through the State of Alaska Department of
Commerce, Community, and Economic Development and Accepting Funding from the
Kenai Peninsula Housing 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)
It
MOTION:
Council Member Daniel MOVED to introduce Ordinance No. 3536-2026. Council Member Sounart
SECONDED the motion.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to introduce.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
MOTION:
Council Member Daniel MOVED to conduct the second reading on Ordinance No. 3536-2026. 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:
Council Member Daniel MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3536-2026. Council Member Sounart
SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comments. There being no one wishing to be heard, the
public comment period was closed.
A summary overview of the memorandum as attached to Ordinance No. 3536-2026 was provided.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Council Member Daniel MOVED to amend Ordinance No. 3536-2026 as follows:
Section 3., to read, "That estimated revenues and appropriations be increased as follows:
Municipal Roadway Improvement Capital Project Fund:
Increase Estimated Revenues:
Federal Grant $525,000
Donation 250,000
$[725,000] 775,000
Increase Appropriations —
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Sixth Street Improvements - Construction $[725,000] 775,000
Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
VOTE ON MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED:
YEA: Kisena, Sounart, Knackstedt, Daniel, Grieme, Askin
NAY: None
ABSENT: Pettey
**Student Representative Bolling: Yea
MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED PASSED.
4. Resolution No. 2026-54 - Authorizing a Contract to Purchase Computer Equipment.
(Administration)
MOTION:
Council Member Daniel MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-54. Council Member Sounart SECONDED
the motion.
Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comments. 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.
F. MINUTES
1. *Regular Meeting of July 8, 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. *Ordinance No. 3537-2026 - Increasing Estimated Fiscal Year 2026 Revenues and
Appropriations in the General Fund - Police Department and Accepting a Grant from the US
Department of Transportation Passed Through the State of Alaska Department of Transportation
and Public Facilities for Traffic Enforcement Overtime Expenditures. (Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for August 19, 2026.
3. *Ordinance No. 3538-2026 - Increasing Estimated Fiscal Year 2026 Revenues and
Appropriations in the General Fund - Police Department and Accepting a Grant from the Alaska
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area for Drug Investigation Overtime Expenditures.
(Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for August 19, 2026.
4. *Ordinance No. 3539-2026 - Amending Kenai Municipal Code Section 14.20.030 - Establishment
of Zones and Official Map to Add Airport Light Industrial. (Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for August 19, 2026.
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5. *Ordinance No. 3540-2026 - Accepting and Appropriating a Gift Distribution from Meals on
Wheels of America to the Kenai Senior Center. (Administration)
Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for August 19, 2026.
6. *Ordinance No. 3541-2026 - Amending the Official Zoning Map by Rezoning of Parcels
04923002, 04923003, and 04923004 with Physical Addresses of 5940 & 5968 Kenai Spur
Highway and 220 N. Fern Street, from Limited Commercial (LC) to Rural Residential (RR).
(Administration)
[Clerk's Note: Ordinance No. 3541-2026 was removed from the agenda during the approval of the
agenda.]
I. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging Commission
Vice Mayor Askin reported on the July 9, 2026 meeting; next meeting is September 10, 2026.
2. Airport Commission
No report, the next meeting is canceled.
3. Parks and Recreation Commission
No report, a Work Session - Tour is scheduled for August 27, 2026.
4. Planning and Zoning Commission
No report, the next meeting is August 12, 2026.
5. Beautification Commission
No report, a Work Session - Tour is scheduled for August 11, 2026.
J. REPORT OF THE MAYOR
Mayor Knackstedt reported on the following:
• Welcomed Ryan Coleman as the new Chief of Police.
• Participating by grilling hot dogs the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank community food drive event at
the Kenai Oilers baseball game.
• Noted the economical challenges affecting commercial fisherman due to the poor salmon run.
K. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1. City Manager - City Manager Eubank reported on the following:
• Staffing update: Airport Manager Rick Johnson will Start September 14; welcomed new staff
members Peter Raypold Controller, Seth Ballantyne Police Officer and John Burton as Utility
Operator; promotion of Justin Wik to Lead Utility Operator; and listed vacant positions.
• Request for Proposal was issued for the City's first five-year strategic plan.
• Meetings attended:
o Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to discuss housing development opportunities
o Statewide scenario planning evaluation discussion included Kenai Municipal Airport as a
potential forward location.
o Kenai Peninsula Borough School District to discuss a funding request related to operation
of Kenai Central High School pool.
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• City is eligible for a 1.46 million from the Alaska Drinking Water Fund, this would be a 100
percent forgivable loan.
• Personal Use Fisher concluded on July 31, revenues were expected to be within one to two
percent of budget.
• Recognized the Salmon Frenzy volunteers and the Kenai Central High School Ski Team for
their assistance with traffic control and cleanup.
• Summer reading program was successful.
• Upcoming events: City online surplus auction and Kenai area wide Old Timers Luncheon
hosted by the Kenai Senior Center.
2. City Attorney - No report.
3. City Clerk - City Clerk Saner reported on the following:
• Upcoming election deadlines; candidate packets for City Offices were available; and absentee
voting in the Primary was being held at the Kenai Mall.
• Leif Hansen memorial walkway maps have been added to the Leif Hansen Memorial Park
webpage.
L. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Citizen Comments (Public comments limited to (5) minutes per speaker)
2. Council Comments
Student Representative Bolling congratulated Chief Coleman and reminded everyone that school starts
on August 19, 2026.
Council Member Daniel congratulated Chief Coleman and stated his appreciation for Mr. Baisden and
Bannock for bringing the personal property tax exemption matter to the Council.
Council Member Sounart congratulated Chief Coleman and thanked Mr. Baisden and Bannock.
Vice Mayor Askin congratulated Chief Coleman and thanked Mr. Baisden and Bannock.
Council Member Grieme congratulated Chief Coleman and thanked his family for supporting him in his
career; reminded everyone the summer reading program is ending; and noted attending the Kenai,
Soldotna and Nikiski parades.
Council Member Kisena congratulated Chief Coleman and stated it was nice to be back.
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 7:26 p.m.
e above represents accurate minutes of the Kenai City Council meeting of August 5, 2026.
Michelle M--Safe
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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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