City Council - Regular Meeting

KENAI CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR MEETING APRIL 22, 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 22, 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 Phil Daniel (remote attendance) Bridget Grieme Glenese Pettey (remote attendance) 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 Katja Wolf, Library Director Tyler Best, Parks and Recreation Director Lee Frey, Public Works Director Kathy Romain, Senior Services Director Jay Teague, Fire Chief Ryan Coleman, Police Sergeant Dave Ross, Police Chief Shellie Saner, City Clerk Logan Parks, Deputy City Clerk 3. Certification of the April 14, 2026 Special Election Results The April 14, 2026 Special Election results were presented as follows: PROPOSITION NO. 2026-A Amending the Annual Date of the City of Kenai’s General Election to Match the Kenai Peninsula Borough Annual Election Date, which was Recently Aligned with the Date of the State of Alaska Annual Election. Absentee / Proposition No. 2026-A Polls Total Votes Questioned YES 169 80 249 NO 20 3 23 City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 1 of 11 April 22, 2026  PROPOSITION NO. 2026-B Setting the Fixed Date for the Annual City General Election in 2026, Removing the Fixed Election Date beginning in 2027 and Authorizing the Annual General Election Date to be Set by Municipal Ordinance thereafter. Absentee / Proposition No. 2026-B Polls Total Votes Questioned YES 151 75 226 NO 37 5 42 MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to certify the results of the April 14, 2026 Special Election as presented. Council Member Kisena SECONDED the motion. VOTE: YEA: Knackstedt, Daniel, Grieme, Askin, Pettey, Kisena NAY: None ABSENT: Sounart MOTION PASSED. 4. Agenda and Consent Agenda Approval Mayor Knackstedt noted the following additions to the Packet: Add to item A.3. Certifying the April 14, 2026 Special Election Results • Certification of Results • Unofficial Results • Report of Canvass 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 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. [Mayor Knackstedt presented the Kenai Peninsula Hockey Association, Ice Hawks 12U Girls Hockey Team with a Proclamation of Recongition.] B. SCHEDULED ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS C. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Request for Consideration of Challenger Center for Homeschool / Career Technical Education (CTE), Doug Hayman, Principal of Connections Homeschool. Doug Hayman, Principal of Connections Homeschool provided a presentation to Council regarding the Homeschool programs, noting the Challenger Center could be utilized as a home base for Connections. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 2 of 11 April 22, 2026  He described the need for a centralized facility and conceptual uses; outlined benefits such as increased capacity, efficiency, and accessibility; and requested consideration be given for leasing the facility. There was discussion regarding the long-term suitability of the Challenger Center to meet the current and future needs of Connections programs. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS The following individuals addressed the City Council regarding the importance of local swimming pools and in support of the City working with local groups to save the Kenai Central High School swimming pool. William Hubler Annabel Price Abigail Price Dan Castimore Sherry Powell addressed the Council with concerns regarding activities on Kiana Lane, noting previously reported activities had resumed related to increased traffic, property disrepair and public safety concerns; and she acknowledged law enforcement response. D. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. 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) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3511-2026. Council Member Grieme 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. VOTE: YEA: Daniel, Grieme, Askin, Pettey, Kisena, Knackstedt NAY: None ABSENT: Sounart MOTION PASSED. 2. 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) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to enact Ordinance No. 3512-2026. Council Member Pettey 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. VOTE: YEA: Grieme, Askin, Pettey, Kisena, Knackstedt, Daniel NAY: None ABSENT: Sounart MOTION PASSED. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 3 of 11 April 22, 2026  3. Resolution No. 2026-18 - Accepting a Site-Specific Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan for the Kenai Senior Center and Incorporating These Plans into the City of Kenai Emergency Operations Plan. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-18. Council Member Grieme 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. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. 4. Resolution No. 2026-19 - Authorizing a Contract Award for External Financial Audit Services. (Administration) [Clerk’s Note: Mayor Knackstedt passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Askin and declared a conflict with Resolution 2026-19 as he was a participant in the External Auditor Evaluation Committee; Council Member Daniel also declared a conflict with Resolution 2026-19 as he was a participant on the External Auditor Evaluation Committee. Vice Mayor asking ruled a conflict did exist, Mayor Knackstedt and Council Member Daniel abstained from discussion and voting on Resolution 2026-19.] MOTION: Council Member Kisena MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-19. Council Member Grieme SECONDED the motion. Vice Mayor Askin opened the floor for public comment. There being no one wishing to be heard, the public comment period was closed. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. [Clerk’s Note: Vice Mayor Askin returned the gavel to Mayor Knackstedt.] 5. Resolution No. 2026-20 - Authorizing a Contract Award for the 2026 Kenai City Dock Lease. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-20. Council Member Grieme 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 that E & E Foods (Pacific Star) was the Lessee. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. 6. Resolution No. 2026-21 - Approving a Lease Form for Leasing of Tidelands for Shore Fisheries and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Shore Fishery Lease with Nathan Scow for the Property Described as Tracts A & B, City of Kenai Shore Fishery No. 1. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-21. Council Member Kisena SECONDED the motion. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 4 of 11 April 22, 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 Resolution 2026-21 through 2026-27 were all the same, with the exception of the lease; these were 10-year shore fishery leases for commercial fishing activities; and all existing leaseholders were requesting new 10-year leases. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. 7. Resolution No. 2026-22 - Approving a Lease Form for Leasing of Tidelands for Shore Fisheries and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Shore Fishery Lease with Tide Chaser Fishery, LLC for the Property Described as City of Kenai Shore Fishery No. 2. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-22. Council Member Kisena 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. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. 8. Resolution No. 2026-23 - Approving a Lease Form for Leasing of Tidelands for Shore Fisheries and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Shore Fishery Lease with Brian Scow for the Property Described as Tract One (1), Shore Fishery Plat No. 71. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-23. Council Member Grieme 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. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. 9. Resolution No. 2026-24 - Approving a Lease Form for Leasing of Tidelands for Shore Fisheries and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Shore Fishery Lease with Nancy Hillman-Scow for the Property Described as Tract Two (2), Shore Fishery Plat No. 71. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-24. Council Member Kisena 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. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 5 of 11 April 22, 2026  10. Resolution No. 2026-25 - Approving a Lease Form for Leasing of Tidelands for Shore Fisheries and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Shore Fishery Lease with Kenai Salmon Company, Inc. for the Property Described as Tracts Three (3), Four (4), Five (5), and Six (6), Shore Fishery Plat No. 71. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-25. Council Member Grieme 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. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. 11. Resolution No. 2026-26 - Approving a Lease Form for Leasing of Tidelands for Shore Fisheries and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Shore Fishery Lease with Aurora Holdings and Investments, LLC for the Property Described as Tract Seven (7), Shore Fishery Plat No. 71. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-26. Council Member Kisena 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. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. 12. Resolution No. 2026-27 - Approving a Lease Form for Leasing of Tidelands for Shore Fisheries and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Shore Fishery Lease with Laura Maccabee for the Property Described as a 3.29-acre portion of Tidelands Survey No. 272 within Section Thirty-Five (35), Township 5 North, Range 12 West. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-27. Council Member Grieme 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. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. 13. Resolution No. 2026-28 - Approving an Auto Aid Agreement and Supporting Operational Plan with the Kenai Peninsula Borough for Exchange of Personnel and Equipment Response to Structure Fires. (Administration) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2026-28. Council Member Kisena 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 this would execute a new auto aid agreement with neighboring fire departments; increased the minimum responding crew size when personnel were available; and benefits include City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 6 of 11 April 22, 2026  additional personnel during structure fires, improved coordination with neighboring departments and a positive impact on the City’s ISO rating. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. E. MINUTES 1. *Regular Meeting of April 1, 2026. (City Clerk) Approved by the consent agenda. 2. *Special Meeting of April 8, 2026. (City Clerk) Approved by the consent agenda. F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None. G. NEW BUSINESS 1. *Action/Approval - Bills to be Ratified. (Administration) Approved by the consent agenda. 2. *Action/Approval - Non-Objection to the Transfer of Ownership of a Marijuana Product Manufacturing Facility License from Transferor Herban Extracts, LLC to Transferee Lady Gray, LLC. DBA Herban Extracts - License No. 14432. (City Clerk) Approved by the consent agenda. 3. *Action/Approval - Special Use Permit to NILCHIL Solutions, Inc. for an Off-Premise Sign on City-Owned Property Described as Tract B, Gusty Subdivision Addition No. 2, Located at 11631 Kenai Spur Highway. (Administration)) Approved by the consent agenda. 4. *Ordinance No. 3513-2026 - Amending Kenai Municipal Code Chapter 7.15 - Purchases and Sales, to Remove Requirements to Publish Advertisements in Newspapers. (Administration) Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for May 6, 2026. 5. *Ordinance No. 3514-2026 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the General Fund and Airport Fund and Awarding a Contract for Purchase of Firefighting Foam. (Administration) Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for May 6, 2026. 6. *Ordinance No. 3515-2026 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriation in the Airport Snow Removal Equipment Capital Project Fund to Transfer Residual Balance from a Completed Project Back to the Original Funding Source. (Administration) Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for May 6, 2026. 7. *Ordinance No. 3516-2026 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the General Fund - Fire Department for Overtime Costs in Excess of Budgeted Amounts. (Administration) Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for May 6, 2026. 8. *Ordinance No. 3517-2026 - Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations in the General Fund and Authorizing a Consulting Agreement to Evaluate Natural Gas Storage Opportunities on Kenai Municipal Airport Lands. (Administration City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 7 of 11 April 22, 2026  Introduced by the consent agenda and Public Hearing set for May 6, 2026. 9. Action/Approval - Parks and Recreation Commission 2026 Work Plan. (Parks and Recreation Commission) MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to approve the Parks and Recreation Commission 2026 Work Plan. Council Member Grieme SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. 10. Discussion - Kenai Central High School Pool Operations and Coordination. (Administration) It was reported that the Administration had participated in regional discussions with the Kenai Peninsula Borough and community stakeholders; a proposal was coming from a local swim organization, which may request City participation; and clarification was provided that the higher maintenance cost provided was related to recent major capital improvements. There was discussion regarding maintaining pool operations; identifying key stakeholders; partnership models; cost discrepancies and financial feasibility concerns; the executive session was to address negotiation strategies related to City involvement. 11. Discussion - Candidate Filing Period. (City Clerk) There was discussion regarding required amendments to Kenai Municipal Code based on Propositions No. 2026-A and 2026-B being approved by the voters; and direction was requested from Council for changes to the candidate filing period. General direction was provided to allow time for a candidate withdrawal period. H. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Council on Aging Commission Vice Mayor Askin reported on the April 9, 2026 meeting; next meeting May 14, 2026. 2. Airport Commission No report, next meeting May 14, 2026. 3. Parks and Recreation Commission Council Member Grieme reported on the April 2, 2026 meeting; next meeting May 7, 2026. 4. Planning and Zoning Commission No report, next meeting April 29, 2026. 5. Beautification Commission Council Member Pettey reported on the April 14, 2026 meeting; next meeting May 12, 2026. I. REPORT OF THE MAYOR 1. Proclamation - In Recognition of Kenai Peninsula Hockey Association (KPHA) Ice Hawks 12U Girls Hockey Team. Mayor Knackstedt thanked the Clerk’s Office for the Special Election and reported on the following: • Attending the Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council Meeting; Kenai Historical Society Meeting; and the Kenai Chronicles. • Presenting the State of the City with City Manager Eubank. City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 8 of 11 April 22, 2026 J. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS 1. City Manager - City Manager Eubank reported on the following: • Police Chief Dave Ross has given his notice of retirement after 25 years of service. • Welcomed Wendi Greenhalgh, new part-time administrative assistant for the Police Department; and Robert Flake was promoted to Lead Equipment Operator. • Current Recruitment: Police Chief, Police Officer, Equipment Operator, Dispatcher, Recreation Center staff, and seasonal employees. • Extended a new job offer for Airport Manager. • Senior Center Director Kathy Romain was appointed to the Alaska Commission on Aging. • Executed a memorandum of agreement with the State for the Wildwood Drive reconstruction. • Attended the Northwest Manager conference in Sitka. • Presented the annual State of the City report, recognizing the contributions of Christine Cunningham to the report. • Ongoing discussions with the community for pool operations. • Providing testimony before the Senate Resources Committee on SB280. • Draft Budget was released. • Road design standards development, including public outreach. • Provided details regarding the upcoming Clean-Up Day event. 2. City Attorney - No report. 3. City Clerk - City Clerk Saner reported on the following: • April 14, 2026 Special Election was conducted for roughly $7,000 under the budgeted amount. K. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Citizen Comments (Public comments limited to (5) minutes per speaker) - None. 2. Council Comments Council Member Daniel thanked the Clerk’s Office for the Special Election; and noted he was looking forward to future conversations on the pool and Challenger Center. Council Member Grieme noted her disappointment in the low voter turnout; provided additional details on Clean-Up day; and thanked all who participated in the meeting. Council Member Pettey thanked everyone for their efforts and all who participated in the meeting. Council Member Askin reported attending the Historical Society meeting and the State of the City; noted her disappointment in the low voter turnout; and thanked all who participated in the meeting. Council Member Kisena congratulated Chief Ross; congratulated the KPHA Ice Hawks team, noting he was proud of their efforts; stated his appreciation for the presentation provided by Doug Hayman; and those who provided testimony on the pool; and thanked Public Works Director Frey for all he does. L. 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) City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 9 of 11 April 22, 2026  [Clerk’s Note: Vice Mayor Askin recused herself from the Executive Session as she was employed by one of the applicants.] MOTION: Council Member Kisena MOVED to enter into executive session to discuss competing applications for gas storage space. Pursuant to AS 44.62.310(c)(1) a matter which the immediate knowledge would clearly have an adverse effect upon the finance of the City and AS 44.62.310(c)(3) a matter which by law, municipal charter, or ordinance is required to be confidential. The executive session will include Mayor Knackstedt, City Council Members, City Manager Eubank and City Attorney Bloom. Council Member Grieme SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. MOTION: Council Member Kisena MOVED to reconvene into regular session. Council Member Grieme SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. [Clerk’s Note: The Council entered into executive session at 7:52 p.m. and reconvened into regular session at 8:48 p.m.] 2. Kenai Central High School Pool Negotiations. 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. (Administration) [Clerk’s Note: Council Member Kisena recused himself from the Executive Session as he was employed by one of the parties who may participate in negotiations.] MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to enter into executive session to discuss Kenai Central High School Pool Negotiations. Pursuant to AS 44.62.310(c)(1) a matter which the immediate knowledge would clearly have an adverse effect upon the finance of the City. The executive session will include Mayor Knackstedt, City Council Members, City Manager Eubank and City Attorney Bloom. Council Member Grieme SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested on the motion. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. MOTION: Vice Mayor Askin MOVED to reconvene into regular session. Council Member Grieme SECONDED the motion. UNANIMOUS CONSENT was requested. VOTE: Motion APPROVED, without objection. [Clerk’s Note: The Council entered into executive session at 8:50 p.m. and reconvened into regular session at 9:26 p.m.] M. PENDING ITEMS City of Kenai Council Meeting Page 10 of 11 April 22, 2026