Soldotna: 9-23-2026 City Council Meetings

Agenda or consent agenda.

Will the clerk please read the consent agenda?

September 9, 2026 City Council meeting minutes. Ordinance 2026-022, accepting grant funds from the State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development and increasing estimated revenues and appropriations by $1,250 in the general fund to attend the Association of Small Rural Libraries annual conference. Sponsored by the City Manager. Public hearing on October 14th. Resolution 2026-028, commending Bill and Elaine Howell for their dedicated leadership of the Soldotna Saturday Farmers Market and wishing them well upon their retirement.

Sponsored by the Mayor and Vice Mayor Parker. Resolution 2026-029, in memoriam honoring former Soldotna Mayor and Alaska State Representative Ken Lancaster. Sponsored by the Mayor. Action Memorandum 2026-022, confirming the City of Soldotna student representative appointment, and that is sponsored by the clerk. That is your consent agenda.

Thank you. Are there any public comments on any of the items just read by the clerk? Anybody want to comment anything on the consent agenda? And we have no previous signups. Okay, moving on.

Uh, having no one wishing to speak, the approved agenda, consent agenda is back before the council. Any objections to approving the agenda or consent agenda? Seeing and hearing none, the agenda and consent agenda are approved by unanimous consent. Uh, next item, City Clerk Blankenship will now give the newly appointed student representative Kate Cox her oath of office.

I, Keshia Nee. I, Kate Cox. Do solemnly affirm. Do solemnly affirm. That I will faithfully.

That I will faithfully. And impartially. And impartially. Perform and discharge my duties. Perform and discharge my duties.

As Soldotna City Council Student Representative— as Soldotna's student council representative—. By representing Soldotna High School—. By representing Soldotna High School—. And providing information and viewpoints— and providing information and viewpoints to the Soldotna City Council— to the Soldotna City Council on city issues affecting the students of Soldotna—. On city issues affecting the students of Soldotna.

Congratulations! Thank you. Thank you.

Next item I'm going to do is the Resolution 2026-028, and it's the Mr. and Mrs. Howell could step forward up here.

A resolution commending Bill and Elaine Howell for their dedicated leadership of the Soldotna Saturday Farmers Market. And wishing them well upon their retirement. I've tried retirement a few times and it doesn't work, so good luck to you. Whereas the Saldatna Saturday Farmers Market was established in 1995 and is recognized as the oldest farmer market on the Central Kenai Peninsula, and whereas the market has provided residents and visitors with regular access to Alaskan-grown produce, plants, eggs, honey, and locally produced foods, handcrafted goods, and other Alaska-made products. And whereas Bill and Elaine Howell became vendors at the Soldotna Saturday Farmers Market in 2016, offering local-made products through their business Crafted on the Kenai.

And whereas following the retirement of market founder Clayton Hillhouse, Bill and Elaine assumed responsibility for managing the Saturday— Soldotna Saturday Farmers Market in 2018. And whereas, through their dependable leadership and personal commitment, Bill and Elaine coordinated market operations, supported participating farmers, producers, producers, artisans, and vendors, and helped maintain a welcoming community gathering place. And whereas, the success of a community farmers market depends upon considerable behind-the-scenes planning, communications, organization, and service, all of which Bill and Elaine provided previous— generously during their tenure as market managers. Whereas Bill and Elaine's retirement marks the conclusion of an important chapter in the history of Sultana Saturday Farmers Market and provides an opportunity for the community to recognize their meaningful contributions. Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Soldotna, Alaska, the Soldotna City Council commends Bill and Elaine Howell for their dedicated leadership and service to the Soldotna Saturday Farmers Market and expresses its sincere appreciation for the positive and lasting contribution they have made to the Soldotna community.

Section 2: The Soldotna City Council extends its best wishes to Bill and Elaine for a happy and fulfilling retirement, and for continued success in all their future endeavors. And this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption. And I understand you're going to do some follow-up work on a book, some books you've written. I'm—. That's the plan for next year.

Good luck to you. Congratulations.

I'm sure somebody over here wants to get a picture. Oh, there she is.

Put the microphone down and take that picture again.

I want you to know that the market is in your hands. We're leaving the market in your hands. Yep, good. Thank you very much. Take care.

Next resolution, if the Lancaster family could come up here.

Looks like we have a few of them here.

Okay, this is a resolution, 2026-029. Resolution in memory of honoring former Soldotna mayor and Alaska state representative Ken Lancaster.

Whereas Ken Lancaster, a respected community leader and dedicated public service, recently passed away at the age of 83. And whereas Ken was born in Anchorage on August 13, 1943, and moved to Soldotna in 1962, and devoted much of his life to serving the community and state he called home. And whereas Ken began his service to the city of Soldotna as a member of the Soldotna City Council from 1989 to 1993, including service as vice mayor. And whereas Ken was elected mayor in 1993 and served the city of Soldotna in that role until his resignation in 2000, providing steady leadership during an important period of growth and development in the community. And whereas Ken's commitment to municipal government extended beyond Soldotna through his involvement with the Alaska Municipal League, where he served as president and advocated for municipalities throughout the state.

And whereas in 2000, Ken was elected to represent District 8 in the Alaska House of Representatives and served during the 22nd Alaska State Legislature, bringing his experience in local government and his understanding of the Kenai Peninsula to the state level. And whereas, during his legislative service, Ken was a member of the House Finance Committee and chaired finance subcommittees, continuing his thoughtful stewardship of public resources and his advocacy on behalf of the communities he represented. And whereas Ken also contributed his time and leadership to numerous community and regional organizations, including the Salatna Chamber of Commerce, Salatna Senior Center, and the Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board; and whereas throughout his years of service, Ken demonstrated a deep commitment to Salatna, the Kenai Peninsula, and the State of Alaska, earning the regard— earning the respect of colleagues, constituents and community members. Whereas Ken Lancaster's legacy is reflected in the community he helped shape, the institutions he strengthened, and the many lives touched by his leadership, friendship, and public service. And whereas the City of Sultana joins Ken's family, friends, and the greater community in mourning his passing and expressing gratitude for his many years of dedicated service.

Now, therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Soldotna, Section 1: The Soldotna City Council honors the life and legacy of former Mayor and State Representative Ken Lancaster and recognizes his lasting contribution to the City of Soldotna, the Kenai Peninsula, and the State of Alaska. The Mayor and City Council extend their sincere condolences to Ken's family and loved ones and hope they find comfort knowing that his many years of public service will be remembered with gratitude and respect. A copy of this resolution shall be presented to the family of Ken Lancaster as an expression of the city's appreciation and sympathy. And this becomes effective today. Thank you.

And sorry, oops.

The next item on the agenda is public comments and presentations. Are there any members of the public who would like to speak on any item not appearing on the agenda?

Seeing and hearing none, we'll move on to the next agenda item, which is Assembly and Legislative Report. Are there any representatives from the borough and/or the state legislature that would like to address the council?

Thank you.

Thank you.

Seeing and hearing none, we'll move on to the next agenda item, which is new business, and we got all that covered under the Um, consent agenda. Next item, number 7, mayor and council reports. Mayor's report and proclamation. Is there someone here from the Lee Shore, or— oh, okay.

This is a proclamation. Whereas domestic violence, once a secret kept among families, is now recognized as a serious crime in the State of Alaska, and whereas domestic violence has severe consequences for survivors, their children, and families and has long-lasting impacts on their quality of life. And whereas, stopping this cycle of violence requires not only the resolve and courage of survivors, but also support and involvement from all of us. And whereas, enhanced education, prevention, and intervention, intervention help increase public awareness of the severity and extent of domestic violence. And whereas, Domestic violence in the home is a problem that affects every socio— socioeconomic level in our society, occurring in wealthy and disadvantaged neighborhoods, and includes the employed and unemployed.

And whereas domestic violence is generally learned and passed down from one generation to another, whereas during the month of October, local, state, and national domestic violence agencies will sponsor events to help us focus public attention on the problems of domestic violence. Now, therefore, I, Paul J. Whitney, Mayor of the City of Soldotna, do hereby proclaim October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Soldotna and encourage all citizens to dedicate themselves to learning about how to reduce domestic violence and further encourage everyone to support domestic violence programs in our community, including Leashore Center and Haven House. Uh, dated this 23rd day of September, 2026.

And I think she's going to try taking another picture.

Thank you. Thank you.

I don't really have anything more to report other than the fact that I think we're getting to this time of year where things are getting a little frosty and cool, and, um, we've had some good weather here and beautiful sunny and nice walking weather. Next item on the agenda is council reports on boards and commission and the September 17th, 2026 Airport Commission meeting. Vice Mayor Parker. Thank you, Mayor Whitney. Um, I attended the Airport Commission meeting and Since there was no quorum, there was no meeting.

That's my report. That was a quick report. Next item, uh, City Manager's report. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just have one item, um, other than the packet— excuse me, the report included in the packet.

Any questions you may have of that, I can answer. Um, I just want to thank you again for the work session that we held earlier, and as Director Mitchell stated, there will be more. Our intention is to continue the communication regarding— it kind of started with questions regarding housing, but our zoning code overall and changes that we may need to make or desire to make, or may not desire to make, but to have this open conversation. We're also hoping through that, as Council Member Wackler indicated, that more information gets out to the public about zones and what's permitted in certain zones. That's all I have.

Thank you. Any questions for the city manager? Seeing none, we'll move on to the next agenda item, which is public comments. Are there any members from the public would like to speak on any item? Anyone here in the audience wishing to speak on any item?

Seeing none, we'll move on to the next agenda item, which is council comments, and we'll start out with Mr. Nelson. Thank you, Mayor Whitney. I just wanted to say I appreciate the resolutions tonight, especially that, uh, for former Mayor Land Caster. I think that when he was mayor was when I was first exposed to the city of Salina through some projects with him, and, uh, probably my first council meeting too. So do have memories of that and certainly want to express my sympathies to the family.

That's all I've got. Thank you. Vice Mayor Parker.

Thank you, Mayor Whitney. Um, I too was glad that the Lancaster family was able to be here this evening, and I was able to share some stories going back over the many, many years that my husband and I knew, knew Ken and his family. And my nephew worked for Ken when he was a legislator in Juneau, and he now lives in Dinana and looks forward to potentially attending the memorial service. Which Paula said will be the 10th of October at 2 o'clock at the Svatna Church of God, and that the— his obituary will be in this Friday's Clarion. So that information will be in there then.

Um, I am glad to see Katie Cox and welcome, um, as the student representative On city council, and over the years that we've had a student representative, we have actually learned very valuable information from our student representative. So thank you for coming forth, and I look forward to engaging with you in the next year.

Mr. Carey? No comment, thank you. Ms. Wackler? No comment. Mr. Chilson, uh, just, uh, extending also an additional welcome to Kate Cox to our student council position and looking forward to working with you as well.

No comment other than that. Miss Hutchings, well, I would like to wait— uh, welcome Katie as well, and I think it's kind of like a family affair, isn't it? And no other comments, thank you. And it looks like Mom's out there grading papers.

Okay, next item. Um, I'm sorry. Oh yes, Miss Cox, any comments?

No comment. Okay.

Oh, actually I do have a comment. I wanted— I want to tell some of I wanted to say some stuff about So High. Actually, I first want to start off about saying thank you for this amazing opportunity and allowing me to be the student representative. We have had a busy start to the year with all things sports and homecoming. All of our teams have been doing great so far.

Last weekend, our volleyball team won against Kodiak, our football team won against Eagle River, and our cross country team had their bro meet at our home trails. And the girls took first place and the boys took second. Our swim— our swimming and diving team is now combined with Kenai this year due to pool closure, but they have been dominating. And homecoming was this past weekend and it was wildly successful. All the homecoming activities were very fun.

We got a lot of good feedback from the dance. Some upcoming events are October 8th, it— there's the fall concert. And this weekend at Sultashi is the cross-country running regions, and then our football and volleyball teams are both traveling.

Thank you for your report. Next item is, um, executive session, and we have no need for an executive session tonight. Uh, next item, pending legislation, that is Ordinance 2026-021, which will be back on the agenda on October 28th. Meeting announcements: October 1st, 2026, Park and Recreation Advisory Board at 5:30 PM. October 7th, 2026, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting at 5:30 PM.

And October 14th, 2026, City Council meeting at 6 PM. Having nothing further on our agenda, we are adjourned.