Commission recommends accepting bear donations and extends airport security contract

The Kenai Municipal Airport Commission recommended City Council accept a donation of a taxidermy polar bear and brown bear and recommended approval of a one-year extension to the airport’s security guard contract during its Feb. 13 meeting.

Donation: Staff reported the polar bear and brown bear had been on display under a 10-year lease since about 2014 and that the Warren E. Johnson Estate offered to donate the specimens to the airport. Staff estimated the polar bear’s approximate value at $25,000 and the brown bear’s at $15,000 and asked the commission to recommend acceptance of the donation for display in the Kenai Municipal Airport terminal. A commissioner said they had known the bears “since I was a kid” and expressed strong support. The commission approved the recommendation by unanimous consent.

Security contract extension: The commission also recommended that City Council approve the first one-year extension to an agreement with Guardian Security Services for security guard services. Staff said the original agreement began Feb. 29 of the prior year and allowed four one-year renewals; the extension was requested under the same terms and conditions. Staff reported they were satisfied with the contractor’s nightly reports and work. The commission recommended the extension by unanimous consent.

Why it matters: Accepting the donated mounts formalizes ownership and removes ongoing lease uncertainty for long-displayed terminal exhibits. Extending the security contract continues existing nightly security coverage and preserves continuity while the city retains the option to re-solicit later.

What’s next: Both recommendations will go to the City Council for final approval. Staff provided estimated values for the donated specimens and noted the security contract extension follows previously approved renewal terms.