Votes at a glance: Kenai City Council enacts Harbor Commission sunset, Beaver Loop sale and several funding items

The Kenai City Council approved a string of ordinances, resolutions and an appointment during its Feb. 4, 2026 meeting. Here are the actions taken, the votes recorded and key details.

Ordinance 3520-26 — Sunset Harbor Commission: Council enacted an ordinance to sunset the Harbor Commission and amend related sections of the Kenai Municipal Code. The motion passed on roll call with seven yes votes and no recorded dissent. Councilmembers thanked current Harbor commissioners for their service.

Ordinance 3501-26 (as amended) — Beaver Loop parcels sale for gravel extraction: Council declared four city-owned parcels in the Beaver Loop area not needed for public use and authorized sale by sealed bid. Two council amendments were approved by unanimous consent: fixing a "whereas" language to read "enactment" and adding a clause stating the city's intent that the parcels be offered exclusively to facilitate gravel extraction, subject to all applicable zoning and permitting requirements. Staff confirmed each parcel has legal access; the ordinance as amended was enacted by a 7-0 roll call.

Ordinance 3502-26 — Reimburse firefighter Gary Martin for paramedic internship leave: Council authorized the city manager to reimburse annual leave used by firefighter Gary Martin while attending a paramedic internship program. Council discussed whether an administrative code change could streamline future reimbursements; the ordinance passed by roll call (7-0).

Ordinance 3503-26 — Water & Sewer Capital Project Fund and State Revolving Fund loan (pump house): Council approved an increase to estimated revenues and appropriations and accepted additional funding from the State Revolving Fund for a water treatment pump house project. City staff (Mr. Frey) said the city originally received a $1,200,000 award, subsequently applied for additional funding and received an extra $1,500,000 to complete the project; the total project funding tied to SRF awards discussed at the meeting equaled $2,700,000 in appropriated loans/grants. The project includes construction of a new pump house, backup generator, activation of an existing 16" water main to reduce a bottleneck, and additive alternates for gate controls and pressure tanks. Council clarified the SRF assistance is forgivable provided the city complies with program terms; outside bond counsel advised the city is not incurring long-term debt that would trigger additional voter requirements. The ordinance passed 7-0.

Resolution 2026-10 — Equipment replacement fund purchase: Council authorized use of the equipment replacement fund to purchase a Trackless MT7 with snowblower attachment; staff estimated about a six-month lead time once the contract is approved. The resolution was adopted by unanimous consent.

Resolution 2026-11 — Investment and allocation plan for permanent funds: Council adopted the investment and allocation plan and benchmarks for the permanent funds for calendar year 2026 (see separate article on APCM's presentation). The resolution was adopted by unanimous consent.

Appointment confirmation: Scott Bremer to the Airport Commission: The mayor's nomination to fill a partial term on the Airport Commission was confirmed by the council with no recorded objections.

Votes and tallies: Where roll-call tallies were recorded during the meeting, the council recorded seven yes votes and no no/abstain votes for the enacted ordinances and confirmations described above.

What this means: The Beaver Loop parcels are now authorized for sale with a stated intent that successful bidders may use the sites for gravel extraction, but all permits and zoning requirements must be met before material extraction begins. The approved SRF funds and scope of the pump house project move that capital work toward a bid release and construction schedule; staff expects bidding to begin imminently and construction activity to follow the state's combined bidding plans.

Council set an APCM work session for April 1 to discuss potential amendments to investment rules; the meeting concluded by entering executive session to discuss a proposed gas storage facility and noting a councilmember's conflict of interest.