KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
It was all business during the Kodiak City Council’s last meeting for more than a month. The council breezed through a dense agenda last night with little discussion or public comment.
One item that did generate some dialogue was an ordinance that would create hours of operation for the city’s various parks, including Baranof and East Addition. The hope is that park hours will deter vandalism and help preserve the areas.
The ordinance included winter and summer hours, with summer starting May1 and running through August 30. During those months the parks would be opened from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. The winter season would encompass September 1 through April 30 and operate from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Natasha Hayden chairs the parks and recreation advisory board and suggested the council amend those months and times.
“We would like to urge you, respectively request that you consider summer hours to go from April 1 to the end of September, September 30, and extend the open hours to midnight during that time. We believe that with long daylight time for the part of the year we have that our city parks and facilities should be legally available and accessible to the residents of our community.”
During council discussion Councilman Terry Haines asked how Hayden’s suggested hours could be included and City Clerk Debra Marlar helped clarify the process.
“The council is free to make an amendment at this time if you desire. You could also make it during the second reading and if you decided to wait until the second reading you could consult with staff and we could help you frame that motion, unless you know exactly how you would like to amend it. Waiting until the second reading would also give the council another opportunity to informally discuss it with perhaps members of the parks and rec board and the city manager.”
No motions to amend the ordinance were made during last night’s meeting and it unanimously passed the council. The ordinance to create park hours will now move on to a second reading and public hearing at the city’s next regular meeting.
During last night’s meeting the city also unanimously approved a professional services contract with CH2M HILL for composting design, as well as the animal control contract with the Kodiak Island Borough.
The city won’t hold another meeting until December 12. Scheduling conflicts forced the city to cancel all of its November meetings, but allow the city manager to call a special meeting if needed.
