The Kenai City Council voted on a resolution Wednesday to further extend the disaster emergency declaration for the City of Kenai to the end of May, which would be 61 days. Resolution 2021-14 states that extending the emergency declaration to the end of May would allow the city administration to continue to waive penalties and interest and extend the moratorium on disconnects for water and sewer accounts for residents impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency as well as allow continued virtual participation at Council meetings until the legislation is effective.
Councilwoman Teea Winger, “I know, at the previous meeting, I stated that this would be the last time I would be extending the emergency declaration. Upon talking with some of our Senators and our house representatives, I would be inclined to extending this to May 31st because, at that time, we would see school out of session, we’ll have more people vaccinated at that point, but as of May 31st I will not be voting to extend this again.”
Kenai says that while the City, State and Nation move towards reopening businesses and resuming activities, Council expects the continued impacts of COVID-19, including the public health risks, restrictions on travel, and economic impacts will be of a severity and magnitude that they say is beyond the authority and capacity of the City to provide an effective response without assistance.
There are public and private facilities that remain closed or partially opened and gatherings and other events remain curtailed in order to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. City Council states that these events will continue to have an impact on business, commerce and the local economy into the future.