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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-10-07 Council MinutesKENAI CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 7, 2026 – 6:00 P.M. KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 210 FIDALGO AVE., KENAI, AK 99611 MAYOR HENRY H. KNACKSTEDT, PRESIDING City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 1 of 7 October 7, 2026 MINUTES A. CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the Kenai City Council was held on October 7, 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 Sovala Kisena Bridget Grieme Phil Daniel Glenese Pettey (remote participation) A quorum was present. Absent: Deborah Sounart Also in attendance were: **Josh Bolling, Student Representative Terry Eubank, City Manager Scott Bloom, City Attorney David Swarner, Finance Director Kevin Buettner, Planning Director Lee Frey, Public Works Director Rick Johnson, Airport Manager Jay Teague, Fire Chief 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 G.1. Unfinished Business - Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2026-63 • Resolution No. 2026-63 Substitute MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to approve the agenda and consent agenda with the requested revisions. Council Member Kisena SECONDED the motion. The items on the Consent Agenda were read into the record. Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comments 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. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 2 of 7 October 7, 2026 *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 - None. C. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS - None. D. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS - None. E. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Resolution No. 2026-64 - Authorizing the City Manager to Submit an Application to the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Via the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program for Facility Improvements at Old Town Park and Committing Upon Grant Award and Acceptance to Provide a Cash Match Equal to the Grant Award, up to a Maximum of $250,000, to Meet Grant Matching Requirements. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-64. Council Member Grieme 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 Resolution No. 2026-64 was provided; clarification was provided if funding were received and utilized it would permanently incumber the land for that specific use; and approval of this resolution only authorized application, acceptance of funding would be done in the future if awarded. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. 2. Resolution No. 2026-65 - Granting Street Improvement Exceptions to Kenai Municipal Code 14.10.080, Minimum Improvements, for Micah Subdivision Parks Replat Pursuant to Kenai Municipal Code 14.10.090, Variations and Exceptions. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-65. Council Member Kisena SECONDED the motion. Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comments. Zachary Rininger, applicant addressed the Council in support, noting approval of the resolution would provide relief from the Pioneer Road improvement requirements; development and replatting of the property began before the improvement requirements were instituted; the improvement requirements would affect approximately 600 linear feet along the north and east side of his property; the improvement costs were approximately $63,000; he questioned whether the improvements would benefit access to surrounding undeveloped lots; and the improvement requirements would create an additional financial hardship. There being no one else wishing to be heard, the public comment period was closed. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 3 of 7 October 7, 2026 In responses to questions Mr. Rininger clarified that the Glacier Street right-of-way vacation would combine properties he owned; the property is currently accessed by Rainbow Drive; and improvements to Misty Haven would not serve the property as currently developed. A summary overview of the memorandum as attached to Resolution No. 2026-65 was provided. It was clarified that code requirements had not changed; however, the requirements had not consistently been enforced in prior years; the Pioneer Road concept was introduced through new road design standards allowing construction without requiring a property owner to bear the full cost; the staff report as included in the packet was reviewed; and that the Administration did not recommend approval, citing the need for incremental right-of-way dedication and road construction to provide access surrounding undeveloped land. There was Council discussion in support for granting the exception, noting the $60,000 cost to the property owner; poor conditions and potential lack of connectivity to surrounding roads; limited access benefits of the required improvements; the exception was reasonable based on the circumstances and the recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission; the replat would combine two lots into one, rather than create additional lots, traffic or burdens on the City, which distinguished it from future subdivisions that divide larger parcels into smaller ones. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. 3. Resolution No. 2026-66 - Authorizing a Contract Award for the Citywide Paving Design Project. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-66. Council Member Kisena 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 Resolution No. 2026-66 was provided; clarification was provided that a grant application had been submitted for portions of the larger roadway project, with an award decision anticipated between mid-October and early December; and the grant funding would supplement the project and potential sidewalk improvements. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. F. MINUTES 1. *Regular Meeting of September 16, 2026. (City Clerk) 2. *Special Meeting of September 30, 2026. (City Clerk) Approved by the consent agenda. G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Resolution No. 2026-63 - Authorizing a Contract Award for the Kenai Bluff Erosion and Stabilization - Mission Avenue Erosion Control Project. (Administration) [Clerk's Note: At the September 30, 2026 Special Meeting this item was postponed to October 7, 2026.] The motion to enact Resolution No. 2026-63 was on the floor from the September 30, 2026 Special Meeting. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 4 of 7 October 7, 2026 Mayor Knackstedt opened the floor for public comments. There being no one wishing to be heard, the public comment period was closed. MOTION TO AMEND BY SUBSTITUTE: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to amend the Resolution No. 2026-63 by Substitute Resolution No. 2026-63. Council Member Daniel SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend by Substitute. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. A summary overview of the memorandum as attached to Resolution No. 2026-64 was provided. It was clarified that the project was developed in response to significant erosion caused by spring runoff and would primarily involve relocating water service, with additional erosion mitigation measures as feasible; the project was delayed while awaiting engineering design and receiving no responses to the bid solicitation; and a proposal was obtained from Peninsula Construction, with work anticipated to begin as soon as practicable to address the exposed water service before winter. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. H. NEW BUSINESS 1. *Action/Approval - Bills to be Ratified. (Administration) Approved by the consent agenda. 2. *Action/Approval - Non-Objection to the Acceptance and Appropriation of an US Department of Transportation Passed through the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities - Alaska Highway Safety Office (AHSO) Grant in the amount of $2,065.17, in accordance with KMC 7.25.030. (Administration) Approved by the consent agenda. 3. *Action/Approval - Consent for Alaska Rent-A-Car Inc., to Assume Copper River Rentals LLC. Concession Agreement with the City of Kenai. (Administration) Approved by the consent agenda. 4. *Action/Approval - Confirming the Appointment of the Election Precinct Boards for the November 3, 2026 Regular City Election. (Administration) Approved by the consent agenda. 5. *Ordinance No. 3546-2026 - Amending Public Noticing Requirements within Kenai Municipal Code Chapters 14.05 - Planning and Zoning Commission, 14.10 - Subdivision Regulations, 14.20 - Kenai Zoning Code, 21.10 - Leasing and Acquisition Of Airport Reserve Lands, And 22.05 - Disposition of City Lands, to Modernize Public Notification Procedures. (Administrations) Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for October 21, 2026. 6. *Ordinance No. 3546-2026 - Accepting and Appropriating the Award of a US Department of Health and Human Services - Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Rural Health Transformation Program Grant Passed through the State of Alaska Department of Health in the Amount of $435,770 for the Purchase of Emergency Medical Equipment. (Administrations) Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for October 21, 2026. 7. Action/Approval - Authorization to File Motion to Intervene – FERC Project No. P-15423-000, DeepGreen Cook Inlet SPV, LLC. (Administration) City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 5 of 7 October 7, 2026 MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to authorize the filing of a motion to intervene. Council Member Grieme SECONDED the motion. Appreciation was stated for preparation of the motion to intervene. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. I. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Council on Aging Commission No report, next meeting October 8, 2026. 2. Airport Commission No report, next meeting October 8, 2026. 3. Parks and Recreation Commission Council Member Grieme reported on the October 1, 2026 meeting, next meeting November 5, 2026. 4. Planning and Zoning Commission Council Member Daniel reported on the September 23, 2026 work session and meeting, next meeting October 14, 2026. 5. Beautification Commission No report, next meeting October 13, 2026. J. REPORT OF THE MAYOR Mayor Knackstedt reported on the following: • Kenai Fire Department hosted the Alaska Firefighters Conference, organized by Chief Teague. • Attended a gathering to welcome new Airport Manager Rick Johnson. • Thanked City Manager Eubank and staff for working with the State of Alaska for the completion of the Wildwood Drive improvement project. • Kenai Municipal Airport runway reopened following the completion of the rehabilitation project. K. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS 1. City Manager - City Manager Eubank reported on the following: • Staffing and recruitment update: three new employees and nine temporary equipment operators hired for winter airport operations. • Kenai Recreation Center received the Facility of Excellence Award at the Alaska Recreation and Parks Association Conference hosted in Kenai. • Kenai Airport’s main runway reopened. • The City’s Small Community Air Service Development Grant application was unsuccessful; staff to continue working with the Airport Manager and consultant to identify potential next steps. • Updates on road improvements, including the repaving of Wildwood Drive and ongoing storm drainage replacement and repaving preparations on Aliak Drive. • New pavilions were completed at Municipal and Beaver Creek Parks. • Kenai hosted the Alaska Fire Chiefs Conference, with more than 200 fire service personnel attending. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 6 of 7 October 7, 2026 • October is Fire Prevention Month and fire safety education being was provided in Kenai schools. • Plans to expand limited community use of the former Challenger Learning Center facility, with a proposed fee amendment anticipated for the next Council meeting. • Continued coordination with the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District regarding workforce development grant opportunities involving the Challenger Center, with potential legislation anticipated at the next meeting. • The City’s public surplus auction and the availability of surplus computers and monitors. • Upcoming community events, including the Pumpkin Festival, Library Haunted House, and Senior Center trick-or-treating event. 2. City Attorney - No report. 3. City Clerk - City Clerk Saner reported on the following: • Annual Liquor License Renewals and Continuations. • Personnel Board - Arbitration Panel Annual Recruitment. • Absentee voting information. L. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Citizen Comments (Public comments limited to (5) minutes per speaker) Alex Cook, Kenai resident, encouraged the City to consider American with Disabilities Act accessibility when planning road improvements, including ensuring pedestrian and bicycle pathways are accessible to individuals using wheelchairs. 2. Council Comments - None. M. EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. Competing Applications for Gas Storage Space. [Pursuant to AS 44.62.310(c)(1) a Matter of which the Immediate Knowledge may have an Adverse Effect upon the Finance of the City and AS 44.62.310(c)(3) a Matter of which by Law, Municipal Charter, or Ordinance are required to be Confidential.] (Administration) [Clerk’s Note: Vice Mayor Askin declared a possible conflict of interest with the discussion of Gas Storage Space as she was an employee of one of the companies involved. Mayor Knackstedt ruled a conflict did exist and Vice Mayor Askin abstained from participating in the Executive Session and discussion of the subject.] MOTION: Council Member Grieme MOVED to enter into executive session to discuss competing applications for gas storage space which may be a subject that immediate knowledge would clearly have an adverse effect upon the finances of the City and is a matter which by law, municipal charter, or ordinance is required to be confidential. The executive session will include Mayor Knackstedt, City Council Members, Manager Eubank, and Attorney Bloom. Council Member Daniel SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. MOTION: Council Member Grieme MOVED to reconvene into regular session. Council Member Daniel SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection.