The Kenai Borough Assembly has postponed an ordinance to amend the Resilience and Security Advisory Commission (RSAC). Ordinance 2020-25 established the KPB’s RSAC. The proposed amendment to the ordinance aims to enhance the RSAC’s effectiveness by shifting coordination from the Planning Department to the Mayor’s Office, allowing for broader collaboration on areawide issues.
RSAC was established to promote sustainability and economic security. Since its creation, RSAC has held monthly meetings and formed subcommittees without significant expenditures.
Assembly Member Willy Dunne mentioned the motion to postpone the decision, enabling the Mayor’s office to oversee the RSAC.
He said there was a fair bit of discussion about potential amendments and that they also received additional information that Dunne had not known before about some of the potential legal problems with some of the duties of the RSAC that were in the original enabling legislation from five years ago.
“I think that I would like some additional time to work with the legal department and to work with Mr. Cox on maybe solidifying some of these proposed amendments, so I would move to postpone ordinance 2025-04 until our next regular meeting on April 1st.” Assembly Member Dunne said.
The RSAC will continue advising the administration and assembly on sustainability solutions to improve economic security, safety, and well-being for current and future generations. Its scope includes initiatives like waste diversion, energy efficiency, local clean energy, hazard mitigation, food security, and sustainable resource initiatives.
Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche stated it won’t stop the Mayor’s office from working with RSAC on the solid waste project. “It would stop us from moving forward on any forward motion with the actual committee, but it doesn’t stop us from those two members participating in that exercise.”
The RSAC will work with communities and various sectors to develop strategic plans, evaluate energy systems, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and monitor progress toward sustainability goals. The RSAC’s mission is to guide KBB’s long-term adaptation to environmental changes and promote sustainable development