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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-10-21 Council MinutesKENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 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 October 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 Victoria Askin, Vice Mayor Sovala Kisena Bridget Grieme Deborah Sounart Glenese Pettey (remote participation) Phil Daniel A quorum was present. Also in attendance were: **Josh Bolling, Student Representative Terry Eubank, City Manager Scott Bloom, City Attorney David Swarner, Finance Director Kevin Buettner, Planning Director Stephanie Randall, Human Resource Director (remote participation) Lee Frey, Public Works Director Rick Johnson, Airport Manager Jay Teague, Fire Chief Pete Coots, Deputy 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 item H.4. New Business - Action/Approval • Purchase Orders and Purchase Order Amendments Requiring Council Approval in Accordance with KMC 7.15.020. (Administration) 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 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 1 of 8 October 21, 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 1. Local Marketing for Local Businesses, Thomas R. Daly, River Cities Living. Mr. Daily addressed the Council regarding the River Cities Living publication; summarized the type of articles it contained; number of households receiving the publication; and explained the online components of the publication. D. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS - None. E. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. 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. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3546-2026. 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 of the memorandum as attached to Ordinance No. 3546-2026 was provided; difficulties related to conducting City business in a timely manner and meeting publications deadlines were identified; and postings would be on the city website, and on the bulletin boards at City Hall and the City Library. Clarification was provided this would not make any changes to the current requirements for mailing notices to property owners within specific distances; and there was discussion regarding the use of the City social media accounts for additional noticing. MOTION TO AMEND: Vice Mayor Asking MOVED to amend Ordinance No. 3546-2026 as follows: Fifth whereas clause to read, "the Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on October 14, 2026, and recommended the City Council enact this Ordinance; and," Council Member Kisena 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: Askin, Pettey, Kisena, Sounart, Knackstedt, Daniel, Grieme NAY: None **Student Representative Bolling: Yea MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED PASSED. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 2 of 8 October 21, 2026 2. Ordinance No. 3547-2026 - 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. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3547-2026. 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 of the memorandum as attached to Ordinance No. 3547-2026 was provided, the competitive nature of the grant application process, types of equipment and training that would be implemented were overviewed. Appreciation was stated for Deputy Chief Coots and Chief Teague for their work on the grant. VOTE: YEA: Pettey, Kisena, Sounart, Knackstedt, Daniel, Grieme, Askin NAY: None **Student Representative Bolling: Yea MOTION PASSED. 3. Ordinance No. 3548-2026 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the Employee Health Care Fund and Authorizing a Contract for Employee Health Care and Basic Life Insurance and Other Ancillary Policies Effective January 1, 2027. (Administration) 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. 3548-2026. 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 for the second reading of Ordinance No. 3548-2026. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion for second reading. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3548-2026. 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. It was reported that the proposed renewal of employee health and life insurance benefits included a negotiated 29% premium increase; alternative coverage options were explored during renewal process; City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 3 of 8 October 21, 2026 the administration recommended maintaining the current plan structure, employee premium cost share at 13% be kept, and utilizing the Employee Healthcare Fund reserves to help absorb the increase. An overview was provided on the market trends, large claims, prescription costs and the risks associated with joining insurance cooperatives. There was discussion regarding plan affordability for employees; howe the Employee Healthcare Fund was established; and appreciation stated for the efforts of staff and consultants to reduce costs. VOTE: YEA: Kisena, Sounart, Knackstedt, Daniel, Grieme, Askin, Pettey NAY: None **Student Representative Bolling: Pettey MOTION PASSED. 4. Resolution No. 2026-67 - Amending the City's Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees to Add Event Rental Fees for the Challenger Center Building. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-67. 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 of the memorandum as attached to Resolution No. 2026-67 was provided. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. 5. Resolution No. 2026-68 - Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement for Legal Services with Pioneer Law LLC for Legal Assistance with Pore Space Gas Storage Transactions. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-68. 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 Resolution No. 2026-67 was provided. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. F. MINUTES 1. *Regular Meeting of October 7, 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. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 4 of 8 October 21, 2026 2. *Action/Approval - Non -Objection to the Acceptance and Appropriation of a 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 $8,110.82, in accordance with KMC 7.25.030. (Administration) Approved by the consent agenda. 3. *Action/Approval - Special Use Permit to LifeMed Alaska, LLC for Ambulance Warm Storage. (Administration) Approved by the consent agenda. 4. *Action/Approval - Purchase Orders and Purchase Order Amendments Requiring Council Approval in Accordance with KMC 7.15.020. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to approve the Purchase order Amendment and PO Increase for Mission Avenue Mitigation. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion. A summary of the memorandum as provided in the laydown packet was provided; and an overview of the project was reported. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to approve. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. I. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Council on Aging Commission Vice Mayor Askin reported on the October 8, 2026 meeting, next meeting is November 12, 2026. 2. Airport Commission Vice Mayor Askin reported on the October 8, 2026 meeting, next meeting is November 12, 2026. 3. Parks and Recreation Commission Council Member Grieme reported on the October 1, 2026 meeting, next meeting is November 5, 2026. 4. Planning and Zoning Commission Council Member Daniel reported on the October 14, 2026 meeting, next meeting is October 28, 2026. 5. Beautification Commission Council Member Pettey reported on the October 13, 2026 meeting, next meeting January 12, 2027. J. REPORT OF THE MAYOR Mayor Knackstedt reported on the following: • Attending the Pumpkin Festival, noting that during the pumpkin drop he hit the target multiple times. • Reminded everyone it was election season. K. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS 1. City Manager - City Manager Eubank reported on the following: • Staffing and recruitment update. • Currently working on the strategic plan with the contractor University of Kansas. • Airport main runway reopened. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 5 of 8 October 21, 2026 • Aliak Drive storm drain and repaving repairs were complete. • City wide crack sealing is complete. • Wastewater blower replacement work continues. • Design work began on Willow Street, Airport Way, Tinker and Lawton Drive. • Reminder to remove items from roads in preparation for snow. An update on the bluff stabilization wall walk through was provided. 2. City Attorney — No report. 3. City Clerk - City Clerk Saner reported on the following: • Annual Commission recruitment is in progress. • Absentee Voting hours at City Hall. • Deputy Clerk Parks received a reimbursable scholarship for attendance at the Alaska Association Municipal Clerk's conference in Anchorage. L. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Citizen Comments (Public comments limited to (5) minutes per speaker) 2. Council Comments Student Representative Boiling congratulated the Kenai Central High School Football team for taking first in the State Championship. Council Member Grieme reminded everyone to vote; thanked Parks and Recreation for getting the Alaska Flag out for Alaska Day; and thanked staff and volunteers for the Pumpkin Festival. Council Member Kisena noted he was happy to be home after spending a week in Anchorage; reported attending the Pumpkin Festival; and thanked the City for the Multi -Purpose facility. Council Member Daniel reported serving hot cider at the Pumpkin Festival; spending time at the Multi - Purpose facility; and reminded everyone to vote. Council Member Pettey reminded everyone to vote; and thanked Deputy Chief Coots and Chief Teague for applying for the grant. Council Member Sounart noted it was good to be back and thanked Deputy Chief Coots and Chief Teague for applying for the grant. Vice Mayor Askin stated her appreciation for all staff and their work; noted that Social Security representatives would be at the Senior Center; and reminded everyone to vote. M. EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. City Council Discussion and Review of City Clerk's Job Description and Applicant Qualifications for Recruitment Purposes. [AS 44.62.310 (d)(5) Meetings of the Governmental Body when Holding a Meeting Solely to Act Upon Matters of Professional Qualifications.] (Mayor) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to enter into executive session to discuss and review the City Clerk job description and applicant qualifications for recruitment purposes. Pursuant to AS 44.62.310(d)(5) meetings of the governmental body when holding a meeting solely to act upon matters of professional qualifications. The executive session will include Mayor Knackstedt, City Council Members, Attorney City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 6 of 8 October 21, 2026 Bloom. City Clerk Saner and Human Resource Director Randall will be included if requested. Council Member Kisena SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. MOTION: Council Member Grieme MOVED to reconvene into regular session. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. [Clerk's Note: The Council entered into executive session at 7:49 p.m. and reconvened into regular session at 8:34 p.m.] (a) Discussion/Action - Council Action Related to the City Clerk Job Description. MOTION TO AMEND: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to amend the City Clerk Job Description as follows: Essential Duties and Responsibility, responsibility number eight to read, "8. Supervises City elections. Supervises and trains staff in absentee, special needs, and poll voting procedures; candidate filing and qualifications; petition handling; advertisements and notification; recruitment of election officials; ballot preparation, printing, securing and counting process; training of staff and election officials; record keeping systems, audit control, and election returns. [ASSISTS WITH STATE ELECTIONS AND ACTS AS A VOTER REGISTRAR FOR THE STATE OF ALASKA.]" Essential Duties and Responsibilities, responsibility number twelve to read, "12. Administers and maintains the content for the City website pages for the City Clerk's Office and Mayor and Council and City Elections. Works with applicable departments to ensure appropriate archival software is utilized for City Social media. Essential Duties and Responsibilities, responsibility number fifteen to read, "15. Administers permitting and licensing programs for City not administered by other departments." Minimum Qualifications, relocate qualification number eight, to qualification number three to read, "[8] 3. The applicant must possess any combination of training and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential job functions." Minimum Qualifications, delete previously number qualification number three, "[3. BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING DISPLAYING AT LEAST FIVE (5) YEARS OF HIGH LEVEL ADMINISTRATIVE AND/OR MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE REQUIRING INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT AND INITIATIVE, PREFERABLY IN THE AREA OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.]" Desirable Qualifications, insert previously numbered three minimum qualification as desirable qualification number 1 to read, "1. Bachelor's degree in public administration or an equivalent combination of experience and training displaying at least five (5) years of high level administrative and/or management experience requiring independent judgment and initiative, preferably in the area of municipal government.l" Physical Demands, insert a new final sentence to read, "The physical demands described are representative to those required to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodations." Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 7 of 8 October 21, 2026 UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion to amend. VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED. 2. Competing Applications for Gas Storage Space. [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 Kisena SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. MOTION: Council Member Grieme MOVED to reconvene into regular session. Council Member Sounart SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. [Clerk's Note: The Council entered into executive session at 8:37 p.m. and reconvened into regular session at 9:10 p.m.] N. PENDING ITEMS - None. O. ADJOURNMENT P. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None. There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Lcertift he above resents accurate minutes of the Kenai City Council meeting of October 21, 2026. Michelle . Saner, y�-- 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 8 of 8 October 21, 2026