HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2011-21KENAI, SKIT
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, IN SUPPORT OF
THE CITY OF KENAI'S 2011 ALL AMERICA CITY AWARD APPLICATION AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT THE 201 ALL AMERICA CITY
AWARD ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF KENAI.
WHEREAS; the All- America City Award recognizes cities on the basis of their
community improvement successes and is given to communities that cooperatively
tackle challenges and achieve results; and,
WHEREAS, individuals and businesses looking to relocate seek out All- America City
winners and finalists, recognizing they are good places in which to live and work; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Kenai received the designation as an "All- America City" in
1992; and,
WHEREAS, it is the City's intent to again vie for this distinguished award; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Kenai All America City Working Group has drafted the attached
2011 All- America City Award application for the City of Kenai.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI,
ALASKA, supports the City of Kenai's 2011 A11- America City Award application and
authorizes the City Manager to submit the 2011 All America City Award application on
behalf of the City of Kenai.
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, this second day of
March, 2011.
ATTEST:
Carol L. Freas, City Clerk
CITY OF KENAI
RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -21
Suggested by: Administration
PAT PORTER, MAYOR
the c #of
KENAA� SKA
MEMO:
Attachment
Village with a Past, Cc with a Future /1
210 Fidalgo Avenue, Kenai, Alaska 99611 -7794
Telephone: 907 283 -7535 FAX: 907 283 -3014 1 1111'
1992
TO: City Council
FROM: Rick Koch, City Manager
DATE: February 23, 2011
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2011 -21
City of Kenai 2011 AII- America City Award Application
The purpose of this correspondence is to recommend approval of Resolution No. 2011-
21, supporting the City of Kenai 2011 AII- America City Award Application.
Completed applications for the 2011 Award must be filed with the National Civic League
by March 14, 2011. Finalists will be announced the first week of April. Finalists will be
required to travel to the AII- America City Awards Competition in Kansas City, Missouri
June 15 -17, 2011 where they will make presentations in front of a panel of Jury
members.
The All- America City Working Group is comprised of 14 members who committed to
work over the past 12 months on the attached application for Kenai to receive the 2011
AII- America City Award. The original list of projects to be considered included over 50
projects, and the Working Group worked diligently in narrowing the projects down to the
three that would be included in the application. This process required research
application of the AII- America City Award criteria as well as invaluable information
provided by Mary Jo Joiner and Christine Cunningham from the 2010 AII- America City
Awards competition which they attended in 2010.
Phone (business /day):
Fax (business /day):
(907) 283 -8223
(907) 283 -3014
All-America City
1 1 1 1
2011 AII- America City Award Application
Application Due: Monday, March 14, 2011
Competition: June 15 -17, 2011, Kansas City, Missouri
The All- America City Award
The National Civic League invites you to apply for America's oldest and most prestigious community recognition
award, now in its 62nd year. The Ali America City Award is given to ten communities each year for outstanding
civic accomplishments. To win, each community must demonstrate innovation, inclusiveness, civic engagement,
and cross sector collaboration by describing successful efforts to address pressing local challenges.
Community Information
Community name and state: City of Kenai, Alaska
Your community is applying as a:
Neighborhood Village Town X City County Region
If applying as a region, name participating communities: N/A
If applying as a neighborhood, name city: N/A
Has your community applied before? OYes [No If Yes, which years: 1992
Has your community been a Finalist before? ❑x Yes ONO If Yes, which years: 1992
Has your community been an All-America City before? Fa Yes ❑No If Yes, which years: 1992
Contact Information
All-America City Award contact (primary contact person available throughout entire competition and for
follow -up):
Name: Christine Cunningham Title: Assistant to City Manager
Organization /Government: City of Kenai
Address: 210 Fidalgo Avenue City, State, Zip Kenai, AK 99611
Mobile Phone: (907) 398 0190
E mail Address: ccunnin?ham(c�ci.kenai.ak.us
List the 3 individuals who most actively participated in filling out this All- America City Award application
(add additional lines if needed): (Provide name and title, organization/government, phone number e-
mail address)
1. Rick Koch, City Manager, City of Kenai, 907) 283 -82 rkoch(a ci.kenai.ak.us
2. Christine Cunningham, Assist. to City Manager, City of Kenai, (907) 283 -8223, (see above)
3. Mary Jo Joiner, Library Director, City of Kenai, (907) 283 -4400, mjoiner(c>),ci.kenai.ak.us
POPULATION BREAKDOWN BY AGE GROUP (percentages, if available):
19 years old and under 35.3
20 -24 5.1
25 -44 31.4
45 -64 21.8
65 and over 6.4
Source /Date: U.S. Census Bureau/ 2000
PERCENTAGE OF HOME OWNERSHIP: 60.4
Source /Date: U.S. Census Bureau/ 2000
WORKFORCE DISTRIBUTION Name the three largest employment sectors in your community and provide the
percentage of total employed in each:
Government 21
Trade Transportation Utilities 37
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 12
Source /Date: Kenai Peninsula Borough/ Alaska Department of Workforce Development/ 2007
MAP Please attach a state map (8.5" x 11 with your community clearly marked.
ALL AMERICA CITY AWARDS CRITERIA
Resource: NCL's Civic Index. Ask for a free copy!
Civic Engagement and Collaboration: comprehensive citizen /resident engagement and collaboration
across jurisdictional boundaries among the public, private and nonprofit sectors and key constituencies
Inclusiveness: recognition and involvement of diverse segments and perspectives (ethnic, racial, socio-
economic, age, sexual orientation, gender expression, people with disabilities, and others) in community
decision making
Innovation: creative use and leveraging of community resources
Impact: demonstrable significant and measurable achievements in the past 5 years (for example dollars
raised, jobs created or lives impacted), particularly in projects that address the community's greatest
challenges (see Part ll, below)
PART I: TELL YOUR COMMUNITY'S STORY
A. Tell us your story. Utilizing the awards criteria (above) describe how your community addresses its
pressing challenges and plans for its future. How are citizens /residents involved in planning and
implementation? What are instances of cross sector collaboration among the neighborhoods,
government, businesses, and nonprofit organizations engaged in these efforts? What is your community's
vision? Include real examples of how your community has demonstrated its strengths, innovations, and
faced its challenges. (1,000 word maximum),
"Yaghanen," meaning the "Good Place," is the Athabascan name for our area, where the Dena'ina
Athabascan Indians settled some 3,000 years ago. Today, the City of Kenai numbering 7,115 people is a
thriving community that recognizes the interconnectedness of its economic, environmental, and social
challenges. Once deemed the "Oil Capital of Alaska" and home to the world famous Kenai River, ours
is an area blessed with exceptional fishing, wildlife and abundant natural resources. What once was a
and took the lead in the construction by volunteering welders and materials for building the
structure. A community member did the design work, a freight carrier donated the shipping and
the wording on the plaque was provided by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe. Officer John Watson, a
Kenai Police Officer, who gave his Life in the line of duty five years ago Christmas Eve had
always envisioned a town clock, and part of his memorial fund was dedicated to funding the
clock project. This spirit of support is what truly makes the clock our town center.
In 2009, city leaders observed tension between a growing environmental component in our community
and the long- standing oil gas industry. There were few opinions in the middle, and most were highly
polarized. Our city government engaged consultants to come to town to conduct an open forum /town
meeting to help plan for the future, as well as to train all the city department heads and community
leaders to facilitate deliberative discourse, thoughtful engagement, and creative problem solving. The
organized and structured process of the open forum assured each participant had the opportunity to be
heard and many divergent groups were brought together to answer our most pressing question with
regard to our goal of becoming a sustainable community which encourages responsible resource
development. The all day training followed by a full day public session will also form the basis of our
upcoming comprehensive plan.
In recent years our relationship with our natural resources has demonstrated an understanding of the
value this "Good Place" has to its diverse residents. As fear has changed into understanding, we have
emerged from a community focused on keeping pace with growth to one that is focused on sustainability
and good stewardship.
B. How does your community embrace diversity and demonstrate inclusiveness (involvement of diverse
segments and perspectives ethnic, racial, socio- economic, age, sexual orientation, gender expression,
people with disabilities, and others in community decision- making). (400 words maximum)
*In 2011, National Civic League will be presenting the first All- America City Diversity Award that recognizes an AAC
Finalist for extraordinary and innovative success in advancing diversity and inclusiveness in their community. We
thank the Gay Lesbian Fund for Colorado for providing support to establish the All- America City Diversity Award.
Residents and visitors alike are attracted to the abundant resources of our area. Each group brings with it
a contribution to the diverse community in which we live today. Despite the modern appearance of
Kenai, we have a rich history as well as what has been termed a "forgotten past." The struggle in our
community to reflect, sustain, celebrate and share the attributes of our residents comes from the strength
of their individual characters.
Growth has come to us in waves. Our town clock bears a plaque reminding us of our beginnings: "Just
as the waves and tides of Cook Inlet bring the salmon back to the River, so have they brought people to
her banks." Since the arrival of the Dena'ina people, Kenai has seen waves of Russian traders, American
pioneers, cannery operators, Scandinavian fishermen, big -game hunters, U.S. soldiers, oil field workers
and most recently, a growing number of seniors looking to make our community their home.
Each wave brought forth the people who live here as well as challenges and opportunities to balance
stewardship with responsible development. Recognizing that our economy is tied to our resources, we
balance and partner as industry, as people, as politicians. Some projects which honor our diverse culture
as well as our diverse environment and highlight Kenai's ability to embrace diversity and demonstrate
inclusiveness are:
PART III: DESCRIBE THREE COMMUNITY- DRIVEN PROJECTS
Describe your three best collaborative community projects that have resulted in a significant local impact within the
past five years. Ideally, the first two projects should be drawn directly from the two community challenges stated
above. The second project may address sustainabililty (environmental, social, economic, or financial). The third
project should benefit youth and children. Tell us how each of these projects promote civic
engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness, innovation, and impact (See criteria above and
consult NCL's Civic Index available at no cost to finalists.)
PROJECT ONE (Challenge #1)
A. Provide the project name and description of its qualitative and quantitative impacts in the past five years.
(1,000 word maximum)
The Kenai River Working Group Protecting the Health of the Kenai River
In 2007, the City of Kenai received warnings from a local non -profit organization, the Kenai Watershed
Forum, about an impending classification of the Kenai River as an impaired water body. In response,
the city immediately formulated an ambitious plan to clean up the pollution. We created a task force
made up of other govemment agencies, businesses and nonprofit organizations to address means and
methods designed to curtail hydrocarbon pollution on the Kenai River.
As expected, in 2008 the Kenai River was designated as a Category 5, or impaired water body by the
State of Alaska in accordance with §303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act. Our city took the lead in
forming the Kenai River Working Group (KRWG) to address the issue of water pollution. Tasked
with finding agreement amongst diverse user groups, including commercial, sport, personal use and
subsistence fisheries, the KRWG united surrounding communities in an effort to protect the health of the
Kenai River.
The result was a joint resolution of the City of Soldotna, City of Kenai and Kenai Peninsula Borough
that the State adopt a regulation change which would ban older more polluting 2- stroke motors from
being used on the Kenai River, thereby reducing hydrocarbon discharge into the river. Based on the
support of the communities surrounding the river, the regulation was adopted by the State and led to the
Kenai River being removed from the impaired water body list in a single cycle. This joint resolution was
the first such resolution among all three local governments with shared jurisdiction along the Kenai
River. The City of Kenai is proud to have initiated and led this effort.
The Kenai River is a world -class commercial, sport, personal -use and educational fisheries resource
supporting sustainable economic development and a spectacular natural wonder. The City of Kenai
occupies a unique position in that four distinctly different fisheries take place within the City's
boundaries. The KRWG worked with unprecedented speed and determination to bring three of the
following groups affected by the change together to restore the river to health:
Sport Fishing
During the summer months, sport fishermen from around the world arrive in Kenai to fish the
river's world class waters. In recent years, more than 700 outboard motorboats have been
documented to be in operation at the same time within a single mile of the Kenai River.
However, excessive amounts of gasoline emitted by older, inefficient two- stroke outboards were
polluting our river's waters. The KRWG worked with owners of 2 -stoke motors, who would be
The KRWG recognized that, rather than debate the problem, the Group needed to recommend a solution
that would be acceptable to all user groups. The result was a joint resolution of the communities
surrounding the river that the State adopt a regulation change which would ban 2- stroke motors from
being used on the Kenai River, thereby reducing hydrocarbon discharge into the River.
A key part of the project was the Kenai River Motor Buy Back Program that offered a cash incentive to
replace older outboards with newer, more efficient models that would meet EPA standards. The program
resulted in the replacement of 200 outboards in a single year.
In July 26, 2010, the status of the Kenai River was changed to a Category 2, or a "water that attains its
designated uses." In most cases, when an impaired water body listing is made, it takes many years if
not decades to identify, correct and prove the problem has been fixed. Our community takes great pride
in having accomplished this feat in just two years.
Provide the name of the primary contact for the project. Name title, organization, address, telephone, and e-mail address. (This person
may be contacted to verify information.)
Rick Koch, City Manager
City of Kenai
210 Fidalgo Avenue
Kenai, AK 99611
(907) 283-8223
rkoch (n,ci..kenai.ak.us
PROJECT TWO (Challenge #2 May address sustainability issues)
A. Provide the project name and description of its qualitative and quantitative impacts in the past five years. It
may be a sustainable project (in the areas of environmental, social, economic, or financial). (1,000 word
maximum)
Wildlife Conservation Community Program
For many people, wildlife is synonymous with Alaska. In Kenai, we have a history of living among
bears. Within our city limits there are often documented sightings of bears each year in several
residential areas. Hundreds of calls to our police department and other agencies conceming negative
human/bear interactions occur primarily between early March and late October, but may occur at any
time of the year. A highly successful Bear -Safe Neighborhood pilot project was initiated within the
City of Kenai which expanded to a city -wide effort called the Wildlife Conservation Community
Program, making the City of Kenai a model for other communities.
The Bear -Safe Neighborhood pilot project was organized by the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game's Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Audubon, Waste Management, Inc. and the City
of Kenai with the program's main emphasis on reducing bear problems due to improper waste storage
and other human- caused attractants in two subdivisions within the city. Property owners were provided
free garbage pickup for two years if they agreed to use bear- resistant garbage containers supplied to
them.
During those two years, there were no reported negative interactions with bears in an area that had been
formerly plagued with many problems. Because of the pilot project's success, our city goverrunent was
approached by the Alaska Department of Fish Game and asked to consider expanding the effort to
include the entire municipal boundary. The city council agreed to further develop a partnership with the
interest in a borough -wide project which would include the entire Kenai Peninsula Borough, which lies
south of Anchorage. The borough has a 2006 population estimate of 52,304 and encompasses 25,600
square miles of which 15,700 square miles are land.
If the long term goals of the WCCP continue to be embraced by residents and visitors of our community,
the future of Kenai Peninsula brown hears will be ensured well into the future and will show visitors
to Alaska that Alaskans know how to live alongside wildlife responsibly.
B. Provide a summary of the second project which we may use to promote your community. (250 words
maximum)
The Wildlife Conservation Community Program (WCCP) is a community -based cooperative effort
involving municipal, state and federal agencies, businesses, non profits and the citizens of Kenai to
foster better stewardship of our wildlife resources within the city and create safer neighborhoods for
people and a population of brown bears that have been habituated to human generated attractants in
residential areas.
The goal's of the WCCP were accomplished through a community driven effort by private landowners,
the City of Kenai and program partners to install and maintain bear- resistant garbage containers and
reduce the availability of other human- caused bear attractants to help to minimize this major source of
brown bear "Defense of Life and Property" (DLP) mortality. The resulting effect is safer neighborhoods
for people and bears; less agency time spent dealing with bears in neighborhoods and better stewardship
of our public trust wildlife resources
Through the WCCP, bear- resistant residential garbage containers were made available to the city
residents at a reduced cost and were also placed in city parks. Newsprint versions of `Living in Harmony
with Beat-s" were mailed to every resident within the municipal boundaries based on the belief that a
well informed public is one of the most important ingredients for conserving brown bears. Volunteers
from non profit agencies as well as state and local enforcement agencies went door to door handing out
information on the WCCP, answering questions and assuring that residents understood that equipment
was being made available.
Provide name of the primary contact for the project. Name title, organization, address, telephone, and
e -mail address. (This person may be contacted to verify information.)
Gus Sandahl, Police Chief
City of Kenai Police Department
107 South Willow Street
Kenai, AK 99611
(907) 283-7879
gsandahlnci.kenai.ak.us
PROJECT THREE (Benefit Youth and Children)
A. Provide the project name and description of its qualitative and quantitative impacts on youth in the past five
years. This project may address issues such as literacy, community service, health, recreation, or other youth
related issues. Projects in which youth are the drivers of innovation and change are valued. Also, consider
spotlighting involvement of underserved youth.(1,000 word maximum)
Underserved Youth Projects
CFK has been a successful model for reaching underserved youth in minority and Alaska Native
populations of Kenai. In 2010 three struggling, underprivileged teenagers who got involved with
the CFK contest, gained the self confidence that they needed to be successful. The school
administration didn't think these kids would even graduate, but the students didn't give up
because they discovered, through the CFK experience how to apply what they learned about
vertical wind generators. Last spring the one senior who wasn't expected to graduate received his
diploma.
An interactive CFK computer program has been distributed to U. S. schools and homes that allows
students to explore the physics, biology, and chemistry of the life of a watershed. Elementary school
disaster preparedness books were published, and an internationally distributed song about environmental
awareness helped promote health fairs in Russia.
CFK spreads its message to a larger segment of the population than just students and teachers. The
program's main message We are all environmental decision makers" reaches parents and the
community at large. Parents l..eam about CFK when students discuss and work on their projects at home.
Local media assist in getting the message out to the public. Industry, government, educators, regulators,
and private citizens collaborate to promote both educational and environmental innovations.
The benefits of CFK to the community's youth, families, and businesses have resulted in numerous
national awards and citations:
CFK received Legislative citations from local and state government for creating a model
school/business partnership.
The American Diabetes Association chose CFK to receive their "Leaders in Innovation" Award
in education.
The Kenai Peninsula School District has included the CFK program as part of their Science and
Language Arts Curriculum for grades 9 -12.
The Pledge Promise environmental awards, sponsored by Sea World and Busch Gardens, has
recognized the Kenai Peninsula School District, CFK, and Unocal for their contribution in
providing creative stewardship over the planet's natural resources.
CFK has been included as part of Alaska's Promise for Youth book, part of America's Promise
2000. Headed by General Colin Powell, it is an effort to reach 2 million young people with an
opportunity to give back to America through their own services.
Four CFK winners have received EPA Presidential Environmental Youth Awards for Region 10
in the past six years and honored personally by the President of the United States.
One CFK student project received a $75,000 grant from Alaska Science and Technology to
build an innovative green house business which produces herbs and vegetables ten months out of
the year.
ABC's Good Morning America has featured CFK on one of its segments.
Later this year, Caring for the Kenai will be introduced as a national program to be available to all
students in every school district across the United States.
B. Provide a summary of the third project which we may use to promote your community. (250 words maximum)
Caring for the Kenai (CFK) is an environmental awareness contest that has on -going and unique
partnerships between industry, government, educators, students, and nonprofit organizations, where high
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KENA ALASKA
MEMO:
"Village with a Past, CI with a Future
210 FideIgo Avenue, Kenai, Alaska 99611 -7794
Telephone: 907 283 -7535 FAX: 907 283 -3014 1 1111!
TO: City Council
FROM: Christine Cunningham, Assistant to City Manage G'
DATE: February 28, 2011
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2011 -21
AII- America City Award Application Correction
It has been brought to my attention that there is in an error in the All-America City
Application submitted as an attachment to Resolution No. 2011 -21 as submitted
for the March 2 Council Meeting. Below is a summary of the corrected text in
legislative format:
"Officer John Watson, a Kenai Police Officer, who gave his life in the line
of duty [FIVE] eight years ago Christmas [EVE] Day had always
envisioned a town clock, and part of his memorial fund was dedicated to
funding the clock project..."
Attached is the corrected page from the AII- America City Application for insertion
into the March 2 Council Packet. Please remove page 22 and replace it with the
attached page.
1992
and took the lead in the construction by volunteering welders and materials for building the
structure. A community member did the design work, a freight carrier donated the shipping and
the wording on the plaque was provided by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe. Officer John Watson, a
Kenai Police Officer, who gave his life in the line of duty eight years ago Christmas Day had
always envisioned a town clock, and part of his memorial fund was dedicated to funding the
clock project. This spirit of support is what truly makes the clock our town center.
In 2009, city leaders observed tension between a growing environmental component in our community
and the long- standing oil gas industry. There were few opinions in the middle, and most were highly
polarized. Our city government engaged consultants to come to town to conduct an open forum/town
meeting to help plan for the future, as well as to train all the city department heads and community
leaders to facilitate deliberative discourse, thoughtful engagement, and creative problem solving. The
organized and structured process of the open forum assured each participant had the opportunity to be
heard and many divergent groups were brought together to answer our most pressing question with
regard to our goal of becoming a sustainable community which encourages responsible resource
development. The all day training followed by a full day public session will also form the basis of our
upcoming comprehensive plan.
In recent years our relationship with our natural resources has demonstrated an understanding of the
value this "Good Place" has to its diverse residents. As fear has changed into understanding, we have
emerged from a community focused on keeping pace with growth to one that is focused on sustainability
and good stewardship.
B. How does your community embrace diversity and demonstrate inclusiveness (involvement of diverse
segments and perspectives ethnic, racial, socio- economic, age, sexual orientation, gender expression,
people with disabilities, and others in community decision making). (400 words maximum)
*In 2011, National Civic League will be presenting the first All America City Diversity Award that recognizes an AAC
Finalist for extraordinary and innovative success in advancing diversity and inclusiveness in their community. We
thank the Gay Lesbian Fund for Colorado for providing support to establish the All America City Diversity Award.
Residents and visitors alike are attracted to the abundant resources of our area. Each group brings with it
a contribution to the diverse community in which we live today. Despite the modern appearance of
Kenai, we have a rich history as well as what has been termed a "forgotten past." The struggle in our
community to reflect, sustain, celebrate and share the attributes of our residents comes from the strength
of their individual characters.
Growth has come to us in waves. Our town clock bears a plaque reminding us of our beginnings: "Just
as the waves and tides of Cook Inlet bring the salmon back to the River, so have they brought people to
her banks." Since the arrival of the Dena'ina people, Kenai has seen waves of Russian traders, American
pioneers, cannery operators, Scandinavian fishermen, big -game hunters, U.S. soldiers, oil field workers
and most recently, a growing number of seniors looking to make our community their home.
Each wave brought forth the people who live here as well as challenges and opportunities to balance
stewardship with responsible development. Recognizing that our economy is tied to our resources, we
balance and partner as industry, as people, as politicians. Some projects which honor our diverse culture
as well as our diverse environment and highlight Kenai's ability to embrace diversity and demonstrate
inclusiveness are: