Described as a popular spot for professional and amateur photographers, the Kenai Beautification Committee last night petitioned the Council for a gazebo in the Lawton wildflower field.
The vote failed 4-3, with Councilors Knackstedt, Navarre, and Mayor Porter in favor.
Councilor Ryan Marquis said there’s a time and place to discuss the proposal…
Cm. Marquis: “The main reason I voted against purchasing out of the fund balance is that I believe that when the City is going to make a purchase it needs to be properly budgeted in the budget process and this was a year that we raised the mill rate, we raised the taxes on the citizens and we did that when we were talking about doing maintenance and maintaining public services for our residents and I don’t think what we had in mind at that time was adding decorations to the City. A gazebo might look great in that field of flowers, but I don’t think it’s something that needs to be done outside of the budget.”
The Beautification Committee had proposed a $20,000 facelift, installing a 12’x12′ log gazebo and wood chip paths. Other possible improvements included a post and rope fence around the field and signage.
Councilor Terry Bookey expressed concerns with appropriating money without the item going through the City’s budget process, especially in a year when the Council already raised the mil rate.
Councilor Bob Molloy agreed that the park was appreciated for its low-key design and felt that any discussions about improvements should wait to go through the budget process.