Council enacts three ordinances reallocating capital funds for local projects

The Soldotna City Council unanimously enacted three ordinances by consent during its April 8 meeting.

Ordinance 2026-007: Rezoning (Shields Subdivision) The council adopted Ordinance 2026-007 to rezone Lot 2 of the Shields Subdivision from commercial to rural residential concurrent with a two-lot preliminary plat. City planning staff presented the rezoning rationale: topography and shared driveway access make the lower-intensity rural residential designation more appropriate for Lot 2 and reduce potential impacts near the creek and adjacent rural parcels. Planning staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval. No public testimony was given; the council enacted the ordinance by unanimous consent (6–0).

Ordinance 2026-008: Winter sand cover structure ($235,000 reallocation) Ordinance 2026-008 moves $235,000 previously appropriated in the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex capital fund to the Small Capital Project Fund to enable construction of a winter sand cover structure. Director Cornelis told the council the city stocks a bit more than 4,000 cubic yards of sand, previously covered with tarps, and that freeze–thaw cycles and cost escalation require additional funds to proceed. Cornelis noted the city received a $300,000 state grant in 2023 and that the city solicited design-build proposals; construction negotiations depend on appropriation. The ordinance passed by unanimous consent (6–0).

Ordinance 2026-009: Maintenance shop roof replacement ($900,000 reallocation) Ordinance 2026-009 reallocates $900,000 to fund full replacement of the city maintenance-shop roof. Director Cornelis said the building (constructed in 1980) has active leaks and a compromised envelope; the design is complete and the city advertised for construction bids to avoid another winter with the existing roof. The council enacted the ordinance by unanimous consent (6–0).

Votes and motions Each ordinance was moved and seconded on the record; staff presented brief reports and there were no public comments on these items. The council approved all three ordinances by unanimous consent, recorded as a 6–0 vote in the meeting transcript.

Next steps For the two capital projects, staff said construction procurement will proceed once appropriations are in place; for the rezoning, staff will record required easements and complete plat actions as appropriate.