Kenai City Council enacts airport master plan funding, salary changes and several contracts; street‑name change postponed

The Kenai City Council on July 2 adopted several ordinances and resolutions affecting airport planning, city staffing and public‑works contracts and approved lease terms for airport reserve land. The council also voted to postpone indefinitely a proposed renaming of South Spruce Street to Kenai Beach Street after public comment from agencies and local organizations.

Major actions at a glance

• Airport Master Plan (Ordinance 34-79-2025): The council enacted Ordinance 34‑79‑2025 to increase estimated revenues and appropriations in the Airport Improvements Capital Project Fund, accept a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant and award a professional services agreement for phase 2 of the Kenai Municipal Airport Master Plan. Vice Mayor Knackstedt moved the ordinance; the council approved it on a roll call with seven yes votes (Council members Askin, Douthit, Casena, Daniel, Sonart; Mayor Gabriel; Vice Mayor Knackstedt). City staff said the combined cost for phases 1 and 2 is about $1,750,000; staff emphasized the master plan is required to secure FAA capital funding for large projects such as a planned main taxiway reconstruction estimated at $20–$30 million.

• Temporary employee salary schedule amendment (Ordinance 34-80-2025): The council retroactively amended the FY26 salary schedule for temporary employees (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026). The ordinance was moved by the vice mayor and enacted on a 7‑0 roll call.

• Airport reserve land lease (Resolution 2025‑45): The council authorized the city manager to execute a new 45‑year lease of airport reserve lands to Schilling Reynolds LLC for Lot 3, Block 2, General Aviation Apron Subdivision No. 1. Staff explained the 45‑year…