8-17-10 Borough Assembly Report by Sue McClure
8-17-10 Borough Assembly report
By Sue McClure
We heard two presentations at last night’s meeting. John Torgerson and Tom Sloan presented the “2010 Community Economic Development Strategy and Business Gap Analysis”. I plan to leave a copy of this document at the Seward Library for inspection.
The second presentation was from Ryan Smith, CEO of Central Peninsula Hospital. In addition to the quarterly financial report, he stated that the two remaining options being considered in the hospital’s ownership/governance process are to amend the current lease and operation agreement or a whole hospital joint venture with LHP Hospital Group from Texas. Their decision will be presented to the assembly on September 7.
We acted on two ordinances up for public hearing. Both passed by unanimous consent. One appropriated additional money from departments to supplement the health insurance costs for the borough. The other accepted and appropriated a grant from the US Department of Homeland Security of $100,686 and transferred the 5% local match to the Bear Creek Fire Service Area for training and equipment. Also for Bear Creek, we approved increasing a state-managed equipment grant for ALMR compatible communication equipment.
In other action items, we passed Resolution 2010-076 by an 8-1 vote, which was a laydown resolution introduced by Mayor Carey, Mr. Knopp and myself. This authorized the transfer of unexpended funds totaling $58,530 from the Ninilchik solid waste capital project to the Cooper Landing transfer site bulkhead capital project. This was introduced as a laydown in order to quickly provide the money needed to get the project started before freezing.
Coming up at our next meeting, September 7th: Ordinance 2010-19-06, authorizing the acquisition of three properties adjoining the Central Peninsula Hospital; Ordinance 2010-10-11, accepting and appropriating $5,000,000 from the State to the Road Service Area; and Ordinance 2010-29 authorizing the sale of 14 parcels of borough land.
At the September 21st meeting (to be held in Homer) we will hear Ordinance 2010-31, sponsored by the Mayor and myself, which authorizes acceptance of a late-filed senior citizen exemption for an individual. This was moved on to public hearing by a 7-2 vote.
As always, I can be reached at 224-6784 or suemccl@gmail.com. The borough website is www.borough.kenai.ak.us
8-3-2010 Borough Assembly Report by Sue McClure
8-3-10 Borough Assembly Report
By Sue McClure
We voted to put two measures on the October 5th ballot. One, which was passed unanimously as Ordinance 2010-27, will ask the voters to approve up to $16,866,500 in general obligation bonds, to be used for roof replacements for 11 schools and buildings. There will be a 70% reimbursement from the State. It is estimated that the annual impact on property taxes would be approximately $5.78 per $100,000 of assessed taxable property value if this passes. Seward Elementary School is one of the schools which would receive a new roof if the voters approve this proposition.
The second ballot proposition asks “Shall the Kenai Peninsula Borough adopt a manager plan of government, effective upon certification of the regular October 2011 election, where the chief administrative officer is a manager appointed by the assembly instead of the current form where the elected mayor runs the borough administration?” This was passed by a 6-1 vote as Ordinance 2010-28. I was the lone dissenting vote.
On the Consent Agenda, we passed Resolution 2010-065, authorizing Alaska RoadBuilders, Inc. to do the paving of Stoney Creek Avenue and Bruno Road in the Seward area, in a Capital Improvement Project award.
Ordinances passed on the Consent Agenda of interest to our area included: Ordinance 2010-19-11 which accepted and appropriated $5,000,000 from the State to the Road Service Area for Capital Improvement Projects, including $70,000 for gravel upgrade of Beach Drive at Lowell Point. Also passed on was Ordinance 2010-19-12 which accepts and appropriates a grant from US Homeland Security for $100,686 to the Bear Creek Fire Service Area for training and equipment (this will be up for public hearing on August 17). Ordinance 2010-29 will be up for public hearing on September 7, which will allow the borough to put 14 parcels of borough land up for sale by sealed bid. Ordinance 2009-19-40 which will appropriate supplemental funding to cover health insurance costs in excess of the budgeted amounts, to be heard on August 17, will charge various departments and funds to cover the costs. Locally, Bear Creek Fire will be charged $939, and Seward Bear Creek Flood will be charged $439.
In unfinished business, Resolution 2010-061, the Haggerty Substitute, was unanimously passed, approving a change order to authorize construction of a building at South Peninsula Hospital to house a new MRI, allowing the existing construction contract to include this work.
Additionally, we received an update from the Central Peninsula Hospital on their examination of ownership and governance. Currently, they present only two options: amending the current lease and operating agreement with the borough, or a whole hospital joint venture, for which there are five proposers being considered. This will come to the Assembly in September for a decision as to which option to choose, or to make no change to the current ownership/governance for CPH. We heard testimony on this topic at this meeting.
Our next meeting will be August 17th. As always, you can reach me at 224-6784 or suemccl@gmail.com. The website for the Borough is www.borough.kenai.ak.us
7-6-10 Borough Assembly Report by Sue McClure
7-6-2010 Borough Assembly Report
By Sue McClure
We had a fairly short but busy meeting!
In his report, Mayor Carey reported on the progress in planning the ”Summit in Seward” to be held October 8th. This will be a day of presentations and information concerning the topics of navigability, gravel royalties, and flood mitigation in the Seward and Bear Creek areas. I am on the committee for this, and will be reporting more as the date nears.
He also reported that the borough is moving toward a land sale in Hope. We will be meeting on Friday with RuralCap to see if their purchase of 8-10 lots could be arranged, for sale to younger families. Mayor Carey also welcomed Susan Wilcox as his new Chief of Staff.
On the Consent Agenda, we passed a variety of appropriations. We moved two ordinances on for public hearing on August 3: Ordinance 2010-19-06 would authorize the Central Peninsula Hospital to purchase three adjoining properties. Ordinance 2010-28, cosponsored by Mr. Pierce and Mr. Knopp, would provide for a public vote on the question of adopting a manager form of government for the borough at the October 5 election, to be effective after the 2011 election.
Also up for hearing on August 3 is Ordinance 2010-27, which is the general obligation bond issue for re-roofing schools in the district (to include Seward Elementary). As I mentioned in the last report, this would pretty much replace another bond payment that is being retired, and so would not cost the taxpayers very much. Passing this ordinance would authorize the issue to be placed on the October 5 ballot.
Another on-going topic is the possible re-structuring of the ownership and governance of Central Peninsula Hospital. We received a report from the CEO, Ryan Smith, on the progress, and it appears that the Assembly will be making a decision on September 7th on what action to take.
We only meet once in July, so the next meeting date will be the August 3rd. As always, you can reach the borough at www.borough.kenai.ak.us and reach me at suemccl@gmail.com or 224-6784. Enjoy the summer!!
6-22-10 Borough Assembly Report from Sue McClure
6-22-10 Borough Assembly Report
By Sue McClure
We held public hearings on 7 ordinances last night, and one resolution. All of the ordinances passed, except Ordinance 2010-25 regarding deferral of payments on road improvement assessments for economically disadvantaged residents, which was postponed until the 7-6 meeting pending more information. We unanimously passed Ordinance 2010-24 which adopts the City of Homer comprehensive plan, and also passed Ordinance 2010-23 which amends KPB Chapter 21.44 by creating a new local option zone district called R-W, Residential Waterfront.
On the consent agenda, we passed Resolution 2010-058, approving a new cooperative fire suppression agreement and operations plan between the KP Borough on behalf of the Bear Creek Fire Service Area and the Forest Service. We also moved to public hearing on 8-3-10 Ordinance 2010-27, which will provide for a general obligation bond issue on the October 5 ballot for roof replacement on borough school buildings. Seward Elementary School’s roof will be included in this bond.
We spent almost one hour hearing testimony and debating Resolution 2010-057, substitute, co-sponsored by Mayor Carey and myself, which would have authorized Mayor Carey to submit a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in opposition to the Grant Lake/Falls Creek hydroelectric project by Kenai Hydro, LLC and Homer Electric. The resolution substitute failed by a 6-2 vote, with Mr. Haggerty and myself casting the two yes votes.
At our next meeting, on July 6th, there will be public hearings on Ordinance 2010-19-01 which will appropriate $450,000 for costs associated with housing the MRI machine at South Peninsula Hospital, and Ordinance 2010-26, adopting the 2010 update to the KP Borough’s all-hazard mitigation plan. This meeting will be the only one held in July.
I can be reached at 224-6784, or suemccl@gmail.com, and you can see the details of this and other meetings at the borough’s website www.borough.kenai.ak.us.
Surprise 80th Birthday Party for Sanna LeVan
We’re having a surprise birthday get-together at the Branson Pavilion at 2 PM, Monday June 21st for my Mom, Sanna LeVan. 80 years ago, June 21st she was born here in Seward and this is an opportunity to celebrate—bring some cookies to share, or just come by and have cake and ice cream with her friends. We plan to gather just before 2 PM to really surprise her when she arrives!
6-8-2010 Borough Assembly Report by Sue McClure
6-8-10 Borough Assembly Report
By Sue McClure
The bulk of the nearly 5-hour meeting was spent finalizing the 2010-2011 budget and setting the mill rate. After lengthy negotiations, a budget was passed which, including the previous cut from the School District budget, trimmed over 2 million dollars from the Mayor’s budget. The big cuts were $51,000 from EDD, $650,000 from the Kachemak Emergency Service Area for a fire truck, and the elimination of two ½ time positions. This was Ordinance 2010-19, if you would like to see it in the minutes, and was passed by a 7-2 vote with Mr. Fischer and Mr. Knopp casting the no votes. For the borough-wide mill rate, the Mayor’s proposed 4.16 mill rate was raised to 4.50 mills by a 7-2 vote, with Mr. Fischer and Mr. Knopp voting no. This was Resolution 2010-048, and in it the mill rates for the Service Areas were not changed from the original resolution.
In his report, Mayor Carey announced the awarding of the contract for the Seward Elementary School’s flooring replacement to Floor-Ever, Inc.
Other ordinances up for public hearing included unanimous approval of the appropriating of $119,100 to pay for the installation work on the smart boards throughout the schools. We also approved Ordinance 2010-21 which amends KPB Chapter 21.18 regarding prohibited uses in anadromous stream habitats, by a 6-3 vote, while postponing a portion for further consideration by the staff and planning commissions.
At the June 22 meeting, we have 6 ordinances up for public hearing, including Ordinance 2010-24 adopting the City of Homer’s comprehensive plan. The Mayor also announced that a resolution regarding the Grant Lake Hydro project would be presented.
As usual, the entire agenda and soon the minutes of this meeting will be available at the borough’s website www.borough.kenai.ak.us, and I can be reached at 224-6784 or suemccl@gmail.com.
Enjoy the sun!!
5-18-10 Borough Assembly Report from Sue McClure
5-18-2010 Borough Assembly Report
By Sue McClure
We had two full days of business this week, starting with Monday’s budget presentations. We heard presentations of the highlights and budget requests from a total of 30 departments, service areas, senior groups, and others that receive borough funding. A good way to learn about the business of the borough!
We passed, after testimony from 9 members of the public and much discussion, Resolution 2010-043, sponsored by Mr. Smith and Mayor Carey, which added an additional $2,000,000 to school district funding for the upcoming fiscal year. This was passed by a 5-4 vote, with Mr. Smalley, Mr. Smith, Mr. Sprague, Mr. Haggerty, and myself casting the yes votes.
We also passed Ordinance 2009-19-31, appropriating $77,950.78 in supplemental funding to begin Phase II of the mine engineering and management plan for the Seward quarry (the one out past the landfill). These 30 acres of land is in transition to the borough from DNR, and the borough currently has management authority for it.
In his report, Mayor Carey spoke of a proposed bond issue for the October ballot, which would ask for $13.4 million for roof replacements at 10 schools, including Seward Elementary, and Seward High School’s auditorium. With the retirement of another bond payment, and federal interest assistance, this would end up costing the borough less than $52,000 per year.
We passed many other resolutions which can be seen on the borough website www.borough.kenai.ak.us
Legislation up for public hearing at our next meeting on June 8th includes Ordinance 2010-19, which is the fiscal year 2010-2011 borough budget and Ordinance 2010-20, which was postponed by a 5-4 vote, which amends KPB Chapter 21.18 regarding uses within the 50-foot anadromous stream habitat protection district.
We also moved ahead, via the consent agenda, 6 ordinances for public hearing at the June 22nd meeting.
As always, thank you for allowing me to represent the East Peninsula. I can be reached at 224-6784, and suemccl@gmail.com.
5-4-2010 Borough Assembly Report from Sue McClure
5-4-2010 Borough Assembly Meeting Report
By Sue McClure
The Assembly met in Seward, and it was sunny and warm all day! We began the day with budget presentations from the Seward Senior Center, Seward Bear Creek Flood Service Area, Lowell Point Emergency Services, Cooper Landing Seniors, and the Bear Creek Fire Service Area. Budget presentations will continue in Soldotna on May 17th.
We started off the meeting with Kyle Schneider singing The Alaska Flag Song, in honor of Seward, home of Alaska’s flag.
We passed many resolutions on the consent agenda, including Resolution 2010-038, authorizing the administration and the SBCFSA to develop a flood risk assessment study plan with the US Army Corps of Engineers within the Seward-Bear Creek Flood Service Area.
Legislation due to be heard at our May 18 meeting includes:
Ordinance 2009-19-31, appropriating $77,950.78 to initiate phase II of the mine engineering and management plan fro the Seward quarry
Ordinance 2010-21, amending KPB Chapter 21.18 regarding uses in the anadromous stream habitat protection district
Ordinance 2010-19 which is essentially the budget for fiscal year 2010-2011, which will have public hearings also on June 8.
We unanimously passed Ordinance 2010-17, which extends the sunset date of Ordinance 2009-09 until March 4, 2011, thereby maintaining the Seward Mapped Flood Data Area and the additional regulations for construction in these areas.
We passed by an 8-1 vote Ordinance 2010-18, which authorizes a subsurface oil and gas lease to Marathon in the Ninilchik area. This was the first of its kind for the borough.
In Unfinished Business, Mr. Smalley filed a notice to rescind action on Resolution 2010-30, the Smith, Superman substitute. This is the ordinance that removed $4 million from the School District budget at the last meeting. Although the motion to rescind was voted down 6-3 (with myself, Mr. Smalley and Mr. Sprague casting the yes votes), we did vote to allow public testimony, and heard from 11 persons, all of whom spoke in favor of restoring funds to the budget for the School District.
A final action was to approve Resolution 2010-033, after some amendments. This is now titled “Supporting the Homer Soil and Water Conservation District Grant Application to the EPA.” This was sponsored Mr. Haggerty, Mr. Smith and myself, and is in support of a grant application to begin wetland functional assessments for Kenai Peninsula wetlands, including the areas around Seward.
Our next meeting will be on May 18, in Soldotna. I can be reached at 224-6784 and suemccl@gmail.com. The borough website is www.borough.kenai.ak.us. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you!!
4-20 Borough Assembly Report
4-20-2010 Borough Assembly Meeting Report
By Sue McClure
We held our second meeting in April last night. We heard presentations of the quarterly report from the Central Peninsula Hospital, and an informational presentation from Dale Lawyer, requesting reinstatement of Ares, a search and rescue dog. The dog was present at the meeting.
In his report, Mayor Carey announced that a Seward Summit is being planned for early October, to call in the Governor and others to address issues of navigability and flooding in the Seward area. I will give more information on this as the date approaches.
We discussed and passed by a 6-3 vote, Ordinance 2010-10, enacting KPB Chapter 2.90, a Code of Ethics for the assembly and employees.
Ordinance 2010-07, which was brought back for a reconsideration vote by Mr. Superman from the last meeting, was reconsidered, and then passed by a vote of 5 to 3. This ordinance amends KPB 4.30.060 to prohibit a person from serving simultaneously as a member of the assembly and a member of a city council or as a mayor of a city within the Borough.
On the consent agenda, Ordinance 2009-19-31, appropriating $77,950.78 in supplemental funding to initiate Phase II of the mine engineering and management plan for the Seward quarry was passed on for hearing on May 18th. Resolution 2010-032, approving a new collective bargaining agreement for borough employees was also passed on the consent agenda, and Ordinance 2010-21, amending KPB Chapter 21.18, in the ongoing revisions of that code dealing with anadromous stream habitats, was passed on for hearing on May 18th.
Resolution 2010-030, determining the amount to be provided from local sources for school funding during fiscal year 2011, was passed as a substitute resolution submitted by Mr. Smith and Mr. Superman, by a 6 to 3 vote. This substitute proposes that the amount for school funding to come from local sources be set at $41,251,125, which is $4 million less than the amount asked for by the school district. It was pointed out that this funding amount could be increased before the final budget is passed.
Our next meeting is scheduled for May 4th in Seward, at 7 PM. At that meeting, we will hold public hearings on the following ordinances:
Ordinance 2010-15, amending KPB 5.04.110, to increase the amount the Assembly may spend on capital improvement projects without voter approval to account for increasing construction costs
Ordinance 2010-16, amending some sections of KPB 21.18
Ordinance 2010-17, extending the sunset provision of Ordinance 2009-09 for a year—this involves the Seward flood hazard areas
Ordinance 2010-18, authorizing a subsurface oil and gas lease to Marathon in the Ninilchik area
The minutes of this meeting will be on the borough website soon: www.borough.kenai.ak.us. I can be reached at 224-6784 or suemccl@gmail.com
4-6-10 Borough Assembly meeting report
Borough Assembly Report, 4-6-10, from Sue McClure
I’m back from a long and full Assembly day. We began with a two-hour joint work session with the School Board, discussing the school district budget.
Items of interest to “our side” include:
At the regular meeting, we passed Resolution 2010-025, which approves the unincorporated communities that can participate in the FY 2011 State Community Revenue Sharing Program. In our area, the borough seeking nonprofit entities that might reside in Crown Point and in Primrose—if so, those communities might qualify. Please let me know if anyone knows of one.
We passed several resolutions authorizing capital improvement project cost allocations and awards of contracts for roads, one of which was for Wolf Trail Circle, awarded to Metco.
We moved on for public hearing on May 4th (in Seward), Ordinance 2010-17 that would extend the sunset of 2009-09 until March of 2011. This was the ordinance that regulated building in the flood hazard areas around Seward. (Please note that the minutes of the March 16th Flood Plain Task Force meeting are now on the Borough’s website)
Ordinance 2010-10 which would enact a code of ethics for the assembly will have a final hearing on 4-20.
The ordinances with public hearings included:
Ordinance 2010-07, which would amend the code to prohibit a person from serving on a city council and also on the borough assembly, failed by a 4-4 vote. Later, Mr. Superman moved to reconsider.
Ordinance 2010-13, sponsored by the Mayor and myself, amending the 2005 Kenai Peninsula Borough Comprehensive Plan by adopting the Cooper Landing Walkable Community project passed by a 5-4 vote. We had a lot of public input on this one.
Ordinance 2010-15, which would amend code to increase the amount that the assembly may spend on capital improvement projects without voter approval, was postponed until the 5-4 meeting.
In the Mayor’s report:
A contract for a 3,000-gallon tanker/tender for the Bear Creek Fire Service Area was awarded.
We got an update on the railroad car project for the bridges at Gray Cliffs and Moose Point. The working group is moving ahead, and the cost for the cars is $4700 for all three.
As always, it is an honor to be able to represent you on the Assembly. You can reach me at 224-6784, or suemccl@gmail.com. The minutes of the meeting will be up on the borough website soon: www.borough.kenai.ak.us
Rehearsal Reminder
Just a reminder, the rehearsals for the Massed Choir for the Easter Sunrise Service begin this Saturday, the 20th at 3 PM at the Methodist Church. For the recorded parts and full rehearsal schedule (only 4 rehearsals total), go to www.sewardumc.com or call Sue at 224-6784. See you there!!
Rehearsals Begin for Easter Sunrise Service Choir
Rehearsals will begin this coming Saturday for the “massed” choir for the annual Easter Sunrise Service, to be held at 7 AM on Easter, April 4th, at the Sealife Center. I have chosen two great songs and have recorded the individual parts and the piano part at www.sewardumc.com and have posted the rehearsal schedule. Go to “community links” and you will find it in “massed choir news”. The first rehearsal will be Saturday March 20th at 3 PM at the United Methodist Church, and you can obtain the music then, or call Sue McClure at 224-6784 and I will get copies to you. I anticipate this to be even more fun than previous Easter or Christmas choirs!
3-2-10 Borough Assembly Report
Borough Assembly Report 3-2-10
From Sue McClure
I’m back from yet another very short assembly meeting!! The day began early, with a 3- hour presentation at the Central Peninsula Hospital by a consultant discussing the need for change within our hospital system on the Peninsula. During the afternoon committee meetings we heard a presentation by the Road Service Area, on procedures for determining priorities of capital improvement projects.
At the regular meeting, we passed on the consent agenda Ordinance 2010-11, sponsored by myself, which extends the sunset date of Ordinance 2009-09 (the ordinance which created the flood hazard district within the Seward-Bear Creek Flood Service Area) until May 4, 2010. This is to allow for a final meeting of the Flood Plain Task Force, and input from the Flood Board and the public. Also passed on the consent agenda was Resolution 2010-16, sponsored by the Mayor and myself, which authorizes $84,590 of unexpended funds from the Seward Bear Creek Flood Service Area to be used with a $60,000 grant to upgrade inadequate culverts under Salmon Creek Road. We also passed on the consent agenda Resolution 2010-017, sponsored by Mr. Superman and the Mayor, which authorizes the purchase and delivery of three used flatbed railroad cars from the Alaska Railroad Corporation to be used as bridges over creeks to provide access to the Gray Cliff and Moose Point subdivisions, north of Captain Cook. The amount per car is not to exceed $4000. Mr. Superman plans to form a working group to continue this project planning.
Moved through to public hearing on 4/6/10 was Ordinance 2010-13, which would amend the 2005 Kenai Peninsula Borough Comprehensive Plan by adopting the Cooper Landing Walkable Community Project into Chapter 4. The Mayor and myself sponsor this ordinance.
Also on the agenda for the April 6th meeting, which is our next regular meeting:
Ordinance 2010-10, enacting a Code of Ethics, sponsored by Mr. Sprague, and Ordinance 2010-12, amending KPB Chapter 21.18, repealing and reenacting certain floodplain provisions and clarifying application of the ordinance on sloped riverbanks, sponsored by the Mayor. We will also have a public hearing on Ordinance 2010-14, which repeals KPB 21.18.070 and enacts KPB 21.18.071, providing for staff-level permits for certain activities within the anadromous stream habitat protection district.
The final meeting of the Flood Plain Task Force will be held at Seward’s council chambers on Wednesday March 10th at 6 PM. This meeting is open to the public for comment, and the intent is to summarize the results of actions of this group, to make recommendations on the sunset of Ordinance 2009-09, and to dissolve the group.
I can be reached at 224-6784 or at suemccl@gmail.com. The entire meeting agenda can be viewed at www.borough.kenai.ak.us.
2-16-10 Borough Assembly Report
Borough Assembly Report from the 2-16-10 Meeting
From Sue McClure
It was a long and busy day Tuesday, beginning with a joint budget work session with the School District. This is the first of two joint work sessions, in preparation for the upcoming budget discussions.
During the afternoon’s committee meetings, we heard reports on the Borough’s investment portfolio, from John Mohorcich on the work on KPB 21.18, a report from the KPB assessor on security measures in their department, and a report on the recent Alaska Municipal League trip to Juneau.
At the meeting, we were presented with the quarterly report from the KPB School District. Superintendent Atwater stated that the Cooper Landing School has been changed to K-12, and will remain open if there are 10 or more students attending in April.
In the Mayor’s report there was an update on the Hope land sale. Currently the Land Management division is soliciting qualified appraisers for another independent appraisal, as a response to voiced concerns over the previous appraisal. After these results are in, they anticipate a land sale to be packaged for next fall.
The ordinances up for public hearing included:
Ordinance 2009-19-26 which accepted and appropriated a $250,000 grant from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to conduct a Cook Inlet
marine vessel traffic risk assessment study was passed 5-3.
Ordinance 2009-19-27, appropriating $345,747.50 for Seward and $2,897.50 for Homer in Cruise Ship Passenger taxes was unanimously approved.
Ordinance 2010-01, as finally amended, conveyed 10 acres of land in Soldotna to the City of Soldotna for $2, for their cemetery. This will be built and maintained at City expense, but will be available to all Borough residents. This was passed by a 6-2 vote.
Ordinance 2010-07, which would amend KPB 4.30.060 to prohibit a person from serving simultaneously as a member of a City Council within the Borough and on the Borough Assembly, was postponed until the 4/6/10 meeting.
In new business, Resolution 2010-013, sponsored by Mr. Haggerty, supporting the formation of a statewide invasive species advisory council was approved on the consent agenda.
Ordinance 2010-11, sponsored by myself, extending for 6 weeks the sunset date of Ordinance 2009-09, to allow time for the Flood Plain Task Force to meet and for input on 2009-09, was set for hearing on 3/2/10.
The entire agenda, and soon the minutes, will be available on the Borough’s website: www.borough.kenai.ak.us. You can contact me at 224-6784 or at suemccl@gmail.com.
Once again, thank you for allowing me to represent the Eastern Peninsula!!
2-02-10 Borough Assembly Report
Borough Assembly Meeting Report from 2-02-10
Sue McClure
I’m back from another meeting in Soldotna. On the way I spoke with folks in Cooper Landing and was able give them the good news that the State will keep their school open this coming year, and that the KPB School Board as decided to reconfigure it to a K-12 arrangement.
I was appointed and confirmed by the Assembly as Chair of the Flood Plain Task Force, with the task of arranging and chairing a final, summary, meeting of the group in March. Mr. Pierce will serve as vice-chair.
We received the 2009 population figures for the Kenai Peninsula Borough from the State, showing 53,578 residents.
We had the first of two public hearings on Ordinance 2010-01, conveying 10 acres of borough land to the City of Soldotna, to be designed, built, and maintained by Soldotna as a City of Soldotna cemetery, available to all Borough residents. After some discussion, the price is still at $55,000 for the land. The second and final public hearing will be on 2/16/10.
We unanimously passed Ordinance 2010-06, amending KPB 5.28 to require sole source purchases costing more than $20,000 to first be approved by the assembly by resolution.
We confirmed Michael Cooney to fill Seat F on the KPB Moose Pass Advisory Planning Commission.
Upcoming items up for final public hearing at our next meeting on 2/16/10:
Ordinance 2009-19-27 which would appropriate cruise ship passenger tax money from FY 2009 to the City of Seward ($345,747.50) and the City of Homer ($2,897.50).
Ordinance 2009-52, allowing service area board members to be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Assembly when vacancies occur between elections.
Ordinance 2010-01, conveying the 10 acres of borough land to the City of Soldotna for their cemetery.
Ordinance 2010-07 which would amend KPB 4.30.060 to prohibit a person from serving simultaneously as a member of the Borough Assembly and a member of a City Council within the borough.
To view the rest of the agenda, go to www.borough.kenai.ak.us. As always, I can be reached at 224-6784, emailed at suemccl@gmail.com,
1-19-10 Borough Assembly Report
1-19-10 Borough Assembly Report from Sue McClure
The meeting was over by 8:30 PM , in case you tuned in after that and thought it wasn’t being broadcast!! We had no public hearing items, so dealt with committee reports and the like. We heard the quarterly report from the Central Peninsula Hospital, and a very nice presentation by a Nikiski high school student on the need for bus stop street lights in that community (which she will present in Juneau!)
We passed, via the consent agenda, a variety of items including a resolution allocating 2 million dollars in of Recovery Zone bond money to the City of Kenai for their library expansion project. This is a loan for which the federal government pays 45% of the interest.
We set for public hearing on 2/16/10 Ordinance 2009-19-27 which appropriates the Borough’s portion of the FY 2009 cruise ship head tax proceeds and allocates them to Seward ($345,747.50) and Homer ($2,897.50) which is proportional to the number of passengers in each port. Also up for public hearing on 2/16/10 is Ordinance 2010-07 which would amend KPB 4.30.060 to prohibit a person from serving simultaneously as a member of the Borough Assembly and a member of a City Council within the Borough. This would take effect after the current member in such a position is out of the position. Ordinance 2009-52 is still up for hearing on 2/16, which would allow board members to be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Assembly for vacancies outside of an election cycle. If our local service area boards have not sent in their approval or disapproval of this to the borough clerk, they should soon!
Items up for public hearing on 2/2/10 (our next meeting) include Ordinance 2010-01 which would authorize conveyance of 10 acres of borough land to the City of Soldotna for a city cemetery.
As always, the minutes of this meeting and the agenda for the following will be available at the Borough’s website: www.borough.kenai.ak.us. I am reachable at 224-6784 or at suemccl@gmail.com. I have been appreciating the questions and comments that have been coming in!!!
Report from Borough Assembly
1-5-10 meeting
From Sue McClure
I’m back from a long and interesting day/night at the Borough Assembly. Among the highlights, include:
A resolution commending the contributions and life of Tito Kagimoto of Hope, sponsored by the Mayor and myself, issued on his passing.
A report by Mayor Carey on the formation of a task force for the North Road Winter Road Access—referring to the area north of Captain Cook State Park, which is of interest to various folks in our district. The Mayor has formed a task force, headed by Tim O’Brian, whose primary focus is to get a winter access road to the area, with discussions regarding obtaining railroad cars to use for crossing the remaining two creeks in the area.
The formation of a Working Group to review the Kenai River Habitat Protection Ordinance (21.18) which includes residents, borough staff, planning commissioners, and from the Assembly Bill Smith and myself.
Ordinance 2101-002 was approved by a 6-3 vote (the No votes were Smith, Haggerty and myself). This rescinded Resolution 2009-085, which, when passed last September, made the KP Borough a signatory to the Alaska Coastal Communities Global Climate Change Compact.
Ordinance 2009-50 was unanimously defeated. It would have required retail and wholesale sellers of liquid petroleum products to file an annual report on volumes sold in 2009.
Ordinance 2009-52, amending Title 16 Service Areas to allow for board members to be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Assembly when mid-term vacancies occur was postponed until the 2/16 meeting. Part of the reason was for the Assembly to receive the information on votes on this issue from the various service area boards. All boards in my area should forward that information to the Borough Clerk!!
We approved Resolution 2010-005 which will request NOAA to hold a public hearing in the Borough and also to extend the public comment period for the proposed formation of the Cook Inlet beluga whale critical habitat area.
Other issues were addressed, and all meeting information should be available at the borough website: www.borough,kenai.ak.us
You can reach me at 224-6784, or at suemccl@gmail.com for more information on any or all of the actions at this meeting. I plan to issue an update prior to the 1/19 meeting alerting you of any issues of importance to our “side” of the borough!!
Borough Assembly Report
From Sue McClure
I’m back from the 11-10 Assembly meeting. Among items of local interest:
We heard the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Quarterly report, presented by the School Board President and the Superintendent. Enrollment is only 25 students less than last year, which is less of a decline than in previous years. It should be noted that one of the 4 schools indicated to have the most enrollment decline is Seward High. Their plan is to roll forward the existing levels of service to next year. An informational meeting on the next budget is scheduled for January 7th, at 5:30, at Seward High.
It was decided that Capital Improvement Project requests must be submitted on the correct Borough forms, not to exceed the two-page limit. Those who submitted requests that did not comply will be asked to re-submit.
The contract for Operations & Maintenance of the Seward Transfer Facility was awarded to APESA, LLC or Alaska Waste.
Ordinance 2009-19-14 was passed, which accepts and appropriates $1,660,375 from Alaska DNR, Division of Forestry, for the hazardous fuels mitigation program (related to beetle kill.)
Ordinance 2009-50 was introduced and scheduled for a 12/1/09 hearing. This would require retail sellers of liquid petroleum products to file monthly reports to the Borough stating quantities of such products sold. The purpose is data gathering for use in possible taxation modifications.
Ordinance 2009-52 was introduced and scheduled for a 1/5/10 hearing. This would allow appointment of service area board members by the Borough Mayor and confirmation by the Borough Assembly when mid-election cycle vacancies occur.
The entire agenda and minutes can be read at www.borough.kenai.ak.us. I’m here to represent you!!
First rehearsal for December 6th Christmas service
Singers–a reminder–the first rehearsal for the Massed Choir for the December 6th Seward community Christmas service will be held this Saturday, November 14th, at 2 PM at the United Methodist Church. The recorded parts and rehearsal schedule are available at www.sewardumc.com or you can call Sue McClure at 224-6784 with questions, or just come to the rehearsal Saturday!!!
Borough Assembly Report from Sue McClure
I’m back from the 11-10 Assembly meeting. Among items of local interest:
We heard the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Quarterly report, presented by the School Board President and the Superintendent. Enrollment is only 25 students less than last year, which is less of a decline than in previous years. It should be noted that one of the 4 schools indicated to have the most enrollment decline is Seward High. Their plan is to roll forward the existing levels of service to next year. An informational meeting on the next budget is scheduled for January 7th, at 5:30, at Seward High.
It was decided that Capital Improvement Project requests must be submitted on the correct Borough forms, not to exceed the two-page limit. Those who submitted requests that did not comply will be asked to re-submit.
The contract for Operations & Maintenance of the Seward Transfer Facility was awarded to APESA, LLC or Alaska Waste.
Ordinance 2009-19-14 was passed, which accepts and appropriates $1,660,375 from Alaska DNR, Division of Forestry, for the hazardous fuels mitigation program (related to beetle kill.)
Ordinance 2009-50 was introduced and scheduled for a 12/1/09 hearing. This would require retail sellers of liquid petroleum products to file monthly reports to the Borough stating quantities of such products sold. The purpose is data gathering for use in possible taxation modifications.
Ordinance 2009-52 was introduced and scheduled for a 1/5/10 hearing. This would allow appointment of service area board members by the Borough Mayor and confirmation by the Borough Assembly when mid-election cycle vacancies occur.
The entire agenda and minutes can be viewed at www.borough.kenai.ak.us. I’m here to represent you!!
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