Commission recommends city manager be authorized to contract with Debbie's Food Services LLC for Kenai airport restaurant concession

The Kenai Airport Commission on Jan. 9 recommended that the Kenai City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a restaurant concession agreement at Kenai Municipal Airport with Debbie's Food Services LLC.

Staff reported that two proposals were received; proposals were scored on qualifications, management plan, DBE certification and percentage of gross sales. Debbie's Food Services LLC received the higher score (reported in the transcript as “312 points”) and proposed to pay 12% of gross sales. Consolidated Development and Management received a lower score (reported as “240 points” in the transcript). The commission moved and seconded a recommendation to council; the motion passed by unanimous consent.

Staff described a maintenance fee charged to the city to upkeep equipment and noted a separate contractual provision intended to ensure vendors meet required hours. The transcript indicates a $200-per-week shortfall provision (described as $800 in a month if the vendor failed to meet required hours) and a start target of early April. The transcript does not specify the monthly maintenance-fee amount in dollars; it refers to “a thousand dollars” without a clear unit or whether that is a monthly or annual amount.

Commission discussion touched on operating hours and the potential for sit-down service to accommodate walk-in customers as well as travelers. Staff and commissioners expressed a desire to have the concession begin service in early April, even if startup slips by a short period.

Because the commission’s action was a recommendation, the contract requires council approval and execution by the city manager before it is effective.