NOTE:

This blog is maintained as an effort to coordinate and collocate responding agencies' information for easier public access during events on the Kenai Peninsula. The information here is written and provided by the contributing agencies. NOTE: The blog will be updated as the need arises and may be dormant at times.

Friday, May 29, 2020

05/29/20 Kenai Peninsula Borough SITREP


Situation Report (SITREP) is a daily report that provides decision-makers and readers a quick understanding of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The SITREP provides clear, concise facts and resources.

Today's information is highlighted in red letters.


05/28/20 Kenai Peninsula Borough Opens Most Facilities - Monday June 1st 2020












Reopening Responsibly – Phase 1 Public Access
Effective June 1, 2020 most borough facilities will be open to the public during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (see details by facility or department below). The borough continues to provide general services to the public using online payment options. Individuals are strongly encouraged to schedule appointments to ensure that we properly meet your requests without delay. You can find contact information by department at www.kpb.us or call 907-262-4441 or 800-478-4441 to schedule an appointment.

When entering any borough facility, visitors are asked to adhere to directional signage located on the floors and walls. Wearing a cloth face covering or face mask is recommended as well as practicing physical distancing. Please continue active hygiene actions such as hand washing, limit touching your face or sneezing into your shirt sleeve.

The Central Peninsula Landfill and transfer sites continue to remain open to the public, and transfer sites are now open on Sundays until October 1st during regular hours of operation.

NOTE: Dispatch, Office of Emergency Management and all Fire/EMS maintain operations; however, the public is not allowed to enter these facilities. First responders are following guidance specific to call outs. Nikiski Fire Service Area will continue their potable water service to Nikiski residents with modifications.

Continued Government Business and General Delivery
We continue to ask residents to use the drop box located by the main front doors of the Borough Administrative Building, located in Soldotna, to deposit payments or department-specific documents. You may also consider general mail delivery:
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Attn: Department Name
144 N. Binkley Street
Soldotna AK 99669

Borough Clerk’s Office ~ (907) 714-2160
Assembly meetings and Legislation page is located at https://kpb.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Visit this page to stream the meetings live or to watch the meetings on demand at your convenience. All legislation to be considered by the assembly is linked for reference. Use the eComment link to provide public testimony on items of interest. Currently all meetings are being conducted on the telecommunications platform Zoom. https://zoom.us/j/128871931
The following forms are available online at https://www.kpb.us/assembly-clerk:
Public Records Request
KPB Absentee Ballot Application
Voter Registration and Alaska Absentee Ballot Application

Assessing Administration ~ (907) 714-2230
Assessment Staff remain available to assist the public during normal business hours.  You may reach our office by phone (907) 714-2230 or email assessing@kpb.us.

Parcel Information and exemption applications are available online. Completed forms or supplemental information may also be returned via mail, email to assessing@kpb.us
Assessing website:   https://www.kpb.us/assessing-dept/home
Parcel Information:    http://ak-kenai-assessment.publicaccessnow.com/default.aspx

Appraisal Department ~ (907) 714-2230
The Assessing Department remains available to assist any taxpayers during normal business hours. Staff are continuing canvass work in the Nikiski, Soldotna and Hope areas. You can identify them by their florescent vests, ID and signs on their vehicles. We do not want to alarm the public, but for precautionary measure, our staff may be wearing rubber gloves and/or masks.

At this time, we have put some restrictions in place for our staff. They will not be doing any interior canvass inspections. If a property owner requests an interior, we will make note and contact the owner at a later date. Any property owner that wishes to review file information may do so by visiting the Assessing Department website or calling the Assessing Department. We have also requested the public and staff keep a 6' distance.

Finance Department ~ (907) 714-2170
Staff are available to provide services via phone and email. If additional assistance is required, appointments can be made by contacting the department directly at finance@kpb.us or (907) 714-2170. Please continue to utilize the online payment options for property taxes, special assessments, sales taxes and miscellaneous payments - visit https://www.kpb.us/finance-dept/about-finance.

Note: All credit card or e-check payments made through the Web, Interactive Voice Response Phone System (IVR) or via Credit Card Authorization Form will be assessed a credit card fee by the processing bank.

Planning Department ~ (907) 714-2200
As of the date of this notice, Planning Commissioners will participate via teleconference or video conference. All comments must be submitted in writing to planning@kpb.us. Currently it is anticipated that participation and testimony will occur by phone only. Any changes to the meeting schedule or how testimony can be accepted can be found on the Planning Department website https://www.kpb.us/planning-dept/planning-home or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Kenai.Peninsula.Borough/

Human Resources Department ~ (907) 714-2130
HR will continue to be available for all services via phone or email for all of our internal or external customers. Modified New Hire Orientations will be conducted by combining online resources and in person using social distancing. Masks will be available for the public on entrance to our building. Risk department, compensation and safety concerns will continue to be addressed using social distancing. 

North Peninsula Recreation Service Area ~ (907) 776-8800
The North Peninsula Recreation Service Area is pleased to announce the “phased re-opening plan” for facilities starting June 1, 2020.
•  Nikiski Community Recreation Center is scheduled open Monday through Friday, 10am-4pm
o Reservations only. No walk-ins.
o Full Swing Golf
o Spin Bikes
o Hall Walking
o Limited Facility Rentals
o Outdoor Recreation Classes & Activities

•  Nikiski Pool is scheduled open Tuesday through Friday, 7am-6pm
o Reservations only. No walk-ins.
o Public Showers- 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm
o Lap Swim/Lap Walk- Tuesday through Friday, 9am-4pm
o Deep Water Exercise- Tuesday & Thursday 9am-4pm and Wednesday & Friday 2pm-4pm
o Alaska Aquatic Therapy- Wednesday and Friday, 8am-1pm

•  Fitness Room (at Nikiski Pool) is scheduled open Tuesday through Friday, 7am-6pm

•  Parks, trails, playgrounds, skate park and disc golf course are open

NPRSA facilities will be working under a mitigation plan that prioritizes the health of the public and employees. Public is strongly encouraged to wear a face mask or cloth covering while entering and exiting facilities, use hand washing and hand sanitizer, and to practice physical distancing.
Please adhere to directional signage as there will be limited access throughout the buildings.

More details will be provided at www.northpenrec.com and the NPRSA’s Facebook page. Thank you for your patience.

Seward- Bear Creek Flood Service Area ~ (907) 224-3340
SBCFSA Staff are available to assist the public via phone or email during normal business hours 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday.  You may reach our office by phone (907) 224-3340 or email hcinereski@kpb.us during normal business hours. Residents can visit the office for assistance by appointment 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday.  All visitors to Sea View Plaza must wash their hands and wear face coverings.

SBCFSA Board members will participate in regular meetings and work sessions via teleconference or video conference. All comments must be submitted in writing to hcinereski@kpb.us by 3:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Meetings are held the first and third Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. Currently, participation and public comment will occur by phone only. Meeting information can be viewed on the website at https://www.kpb.us/service-areas/sbcfsa/sbcfsa-meetings.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

05/26/20 Kenai Peninsula Borough SITREP




Situation Report (SITREP) is a daily report that provides decision-makers and readers a quick understanding of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The SITREP provides clear, concise facts and resources.


Today's information is highlighted in red letters.


Friday, May 22, 2020

05/22/20 Kenai Peninsula Borough SITREP


Situation Report (SITREP) is a daily report that provides decision-makers and readers a quick understanding of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The SITREP provides clear, concise facts and resources.

Today's information is highlighted in red letters.


Thursday, May 21, 2020

05/19/20 Kenai Peninsula Borough SITREP


Situation Report (SITREP) is a daily report that provides decision-makers and readers a quick understanding of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The SITREP provides clear, concise facts and resources.

Today's information is highlighted in red letters.

Friday, May 15, 2020

05/15/20 Need a Place to Take Downed Trees and Woody Slash?

Remember, there’s no debris burning on the K-Pen. The Kenai Peninsula Borough, Solid Waste Department accepts wood, brush and land clearing debris at four designated locations at no charge to residents.

SITE LOCATIONS INCLUDE: Central Peninsula Landfill (south of Soldotna), Seward Transfer Station, Homer Transfer Station and Cooper Landing Community Slash Site. Here’s a quick checklist to keep it real when offloading:


  1. There are no fees associated with tree/brush disposal at our sites; however, grass and leaves are not to be comingled with the tree/brush. Look for directional signs for separate disposal areas to prevent comingling.
  2. Trees and brush shall not be brought in with other waste.  Brush shall be kept free of trash, bags, dirt, lumber, nails, etc. Keep it woody and keep it separate please.
  3. Logs must be less than 8' in length if over 4" in diameter, or less than 4' in length if over 12" in diameter.
  4. Place loads as close as possible to main pile as possible. Space is limited.
  5. Smoking is strictly PROHIBITED at any solid waste transfer site.

For the COOPER LANDING COMMUNITY SLASH SITE operated by KPB Land Management (located 2.5 miles down Snug Harbor Road on the south side): Tree parts, leaves and grass only, no solid waste shall enter this site. No commercial use except by special permit.

For more information, visit

05/15/20 Flyover Friday over the Kenai Peninsula

Thank you Joint Base Elemendorf Richardson for an impressive display of our military air capabilities and support of the COVID-19 frontline responders here on the Kenai Peninsula. It was a very inspiring tribute to our frontline responders. Thanks to all of you and your efforts through this very taxing time. This respond continues to remind us all how much our communities do help each other in time of need.

Here are a few photos of today’s flyover; more are posted onto our borough Facebook pages @KPBalerts and @Kenai.Peninsula.Borough.  Folks, please tag your photos with @JBERAK to show your support of today's #Flyover Friday.

 

 





05/15/20 Kenai Peninsula Borough SITREP



Situation Report (SITREP) is a daily report that provides decision-makers and readers a quick understanding of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The SITREP provides clear, concise facts and resources.


Today's information is highlighted in red letters.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

05/14/20 F-22 Flyover Times and Flight Patterns over K-Pen Friday May 15th

Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson (JBER): The F-22 Raptors are scheduled to fly over the Kenai Peninsula in honor of frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers Friday May 15, 2020. The attached map indicates the estimated flyover pattern and estimated times for Seward (1:55PM), Homer (2:11PM), Soldotna (2:27PM), Kenai (2:29PM), Nikiski (2:30PM) and Sterling (2:33PM). What a great tribute!

Do you plan to take photos or wave the flag as the pilots pass by your area? Please email photos of the flyover event to Brenda Ahlberg at bahlberg@kpb.us. Be sure to name the photo location. Photos of individuals showing their support of the flyover are also welcome (provide a descriptive sentence of what’s going on in the photo). The photos will be gathered and posted onto the borough’s social media sites as well as shared with the JBER public affairs officer.


Wednesday, May 13, 2020

05/13/20 The Borough Prepares for Phased Reopening of Facilities June 1st


All borough facilities are currently closed to the public while retrofits, such as directional signage and sneeze guards are being installed to ensure safe interaction with the public. The borough's "Phased Reopening Plan" starts June 1, 2020 with public hours of operation scheduled from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Visitors will be asked to wear a face mask or cloth covering before entering any borough facility, to use hand sanitizer and to practice physical distancing. Please adhere to directional signage as there will be limited access throughout the buildings. 

Meanwhile, employees continue to provide general services to the public using online payment options and scheduling individual appointments. Please consider using online payment options instead of coming into the Borough Administrative Building. You can find contact information and online service options at www.kpb.us or call 907-262-4441 (local) 800-478-4441 (toll free).

Approximately 80% of all borough employees continue to report to their physical work location, practicing the recommended guidance to ensure workplace safety. Employees that can telework from home continue to do so.

The Central Peninsula Landfill and transfer sites remain open to the public, and most transfer sites are now open on Sundays until October 1st. The Dispatch Center, Office of Emergency Management and all Fire/EMS continue to maintain operations; however, the public is not allowed to enter these facilities. First responders are following the current CDC guidance specific to personal protective equipment during call outs.

More details will be provided at www.kpboem.com and the borough's Facebook page @Kenai.Peninsula.Borough as reopening expands to specific departments and service areas. Thank you for your patience.

#KenaiPeninsula #Alaska #COVID19 #InThisTogether #ReopenResponsibly

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

05/12/20 Morel Mushroom Hunting After Swan Lake Fire

Click HERE to play the video
U.S. Forest Service personnel Kate Mohatt, Chugach National Forest Ecologist and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Ranger Leah Eskelin share resources on area safety and morel mushroom hunting after the Swan Lake Fire. This virtual event is hosted with the assistance from Brenda Ahlberg, Kenai Peninsula Borough Information Officer. The following links are referenced in the presentation:



References and Resources:

·   Swan Lake Fire Inciweb for map: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6387/                                
·   Swan Lake Fire StoryMap: https://arcg.is/0XaaT1
·   Bear Awareness Brochure: https://bit.ly/3fqG0Ct
·   Quick morel identification guide: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd737152.pdf
·   Harvesting Morels after wildfire in Alaska: https://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/pubs/pnw_rn546.pdf
·   Mushrooms of the National Forests of Alaska: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5414170.pdf
·   Swan Lake Fire Burn Morels iNaturalist Project: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/swan-lake-fire-burn-morels
·   Kenai National Wildlife Refuge After the Fire Safety: https://www.fws.gov/nwrs/threecolumn.aspx?id=6442463004


05/12/20 Kenai Peninsula Borough SITREP



Situation Report (SITREP) is a daily report that provides decision-makers and readers a quick understanding of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The SITREP provides clear, concise facts and resources.

Today's information is highlighted in red letters.

05/12/20 Borough Solid Waste Transfer Sites to Open Sundays

KPB Solid Waste facilities will be open Sundays starting May 17, 2020. For more information contact the KPB Solid Waste Department at (907) 262-9667 or check our webpage at https://www.kpb.us/swd-waste/about-solidwaste


Sunday, May 10, 2020

05/10/20 How to Safely Gather Morels - Join Us Tuesday May 12th at 7PM

Join U.S. Forest Service mushroom expert Kate Mohatt and Refuge Ranger Leah Eskelin for this program all about morel mushroom hunting after the Swan Lake Fire. This is a virtual event hosted on the Kenai Peninsula Office of Emergency Management Facebook page @KPBalerts https://www.facebook.com/KPBAlerts/


Saturday, May 9, 2020

05/11/20 Impact of Phase 2 on Seward City Council Meetings

Hello Citizens,
Since the Governor's Phase 2 of the Re-Open Plan went into effect today, there have been some inquiries about whether the city council meetings will resume their normal fashion and allow members of the public to be in the audience. Unfortunately, circumstances still prohibit this from happening because a 6 foot distance is required between non-household members; this inherently prohibits the number of audience participants that can be in the room. For the time being, we will continue the process outlined below for anyone wishing to submit Citizen Comments or Public Hearing Testimony. Thank you for your understanding – stay well, Seward!

TEMPORARY PROCESS FOR CITIZEN COMMENTS & PUBLIC HEARING TESTIMONY
AT MAY 11, 2020 SEWARD CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The Seward City Council will hold a Virtual Regular Meeting on Monday, May 11, 2020. Because the City of Seward is currently experiencing a declared public health emergency due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), alternate methods for providing Citizen Comments and Public Hearing Testimony have been created:

How To Virtually Attend The Meeting 

1.      The meeting will be Live Streamed on the city's YouTube page. Log onto YouTube and type "City of Seward Alaska" into the search bar.

2.      Listen on the radio. Tune to KIBH-FM 91.7
3.      Watch on television. Tune into GCI Cable Channel 9.
How To Submit Your CITIZEN COMMENTS
1.      Email your written Citizen Comments to clerk@cityofseward.net no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2020.
·         Identify whether you want your comments READ ALOUD at the meeting or EMAILED to council upon receipt.
·         Comments requested to be read aloud will be delivered verbally to council by the City Clerk at the appropriate time during the meeting.
·         In response to your email, you should expect to receive a verification email from the clerk – if you do not receive this email, please call the clerk at 224-4045.
2.      If you wish to be called on the telephone during the meeting to provide your comments telephonically, send an email request to the City Clerk along with your contact information to clerk@cityofseward.net, including your full name and the telephone number you wish to have called.
·         The clerk must receive your request   no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 11, 2020.
·         Identify whether you wish to be called during the FIRST or SECOND citizen comment period.
·         If you wish to be contacted for the first Citizen Comment period, please be prepared to answer your phone starting at 7:00 p.m.
·         If you wish to be contacted for the second Citizen Comment period, there is no estimate of time to expect the call. In response to your email, you should expect to receive a verification email from the clerk – if you do not receive this email, please call the clerk at 224-4045.
·         All Citizen Comments will be timed and limited to three minutes (first period) or five minutes (second period). The telephone number will be called ONE time; if there is no answer, the clerk will move on to the next citizen.

How To Submit Your PUBLIC HEARING TESTIMONY
1.      Email your written Public Hearing Testimony to clerk@cityofseward.net no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2020.
·         Testimony will be read aloud to council by the City Clerk at the appropriate time during the meeting.
·         In response to your email, you should expect to receive a verification email from the clerk – if you do not receive this email, please call the clerk at 224-4045.
2.      If you wish to be called on the telephone during the meeting to provide your testimony telephonically, send an email request to the City Clerk along with your contact information to clerk@cityofseward.net, including your full name and the telephone number you wish to have called.
·         The clerk must receive your request no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 11, 2020.
·         There is no estimate of time to expect the call.
·         In response to your email, you should expect to receive a verification email from the clerk – if you do not receive this email, please call the clerk at 224-4045.
All Public Hearing Testimony will be timed and limited to five minutes. The telephone number will be called ONE time; if there is no answer, the clerk will move on to the next citizen.



Friday, May 8, 2020

05/08/20 Kenai Peninsula Borough SITREP



Situation Report (SITREP) is a daily report that provides decision-makers and readers a quick understanding of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The SITREP provides clear, concise facts and resources.


Today's information is highlighted in red letters.

05/08/20 F-22 Raptors to Flyover the Kenai Peninsula May 15, 2020

Please share: Aircraft from U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard units in Alaska will honor frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with flights over the Kenai Peninsula May 15th. I will provide additional details on times and confirmed flight pattern over the peninsula next week. Mayor Pierce has requested consideration to fly over Nikiski and the western side of the peninsula as they return to Anchorage; however, that is not confirmed as of today.

What we know: On May 15th from late morning through early afternoon, four F-22 Raptors will conduct flyovers in Eagle River, Whittier, Seward, Homer, Soldotna, Kenai, Sterling, Girdwood, and Anchorage. 

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Facebook page: @JBERAK
https://www.facebook.com/JBERAK/photos/pcb.2892103254176592/2892100290843555/?type=3&theater

CLICK HERE for a printable version of the Official Joint Press Release.


05/08/20 Forestry Reminds All of Us to Be Firewise

With the snow melted and temperatures heating up, now is the perfect time to take steps to Firewise your home from wildfires. Here's a video produced by the Alaska Division of Forestry that shows you some simple things you can do around your house in the course of a weekend to make it more resistant to wildfires. We'd like to thank the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Department of Health and Social Services for their help in making the video.
CLICK HERE TO PLAY THE VIDEO

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

05/06/20 Anchor Point Resident's Demise Included Positive COVID-19 Test


The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) confirmed the first death related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) within the Kenai Peninsula Borough. The Anchor Point resident who passed away had pre-existing underlying health conditions and tested positive for COVID-19 upon admittance to South Peninsula Hospital last week. This joint announcement will be included in the case count provided by DHSS on Wednesday May 06, 2020.

In a statement provided by Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce, “I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends as they grieve the passing of their loved one. The loss experienced in Anchor Point is certainly a somber reminder that we must continue to practice the safeguards against spreading this disease.”

The patient was originally transported to the hospital by Anchor Point Fire & Emergency Services. Emergency personnel responded wearing the recommended personal protective equipment and adhered to protocols, ensuring proper decontamination of equipment and apparatus.

Public Health officials have contacted individuals that may have been exposed to the disease to offer instructions for preventing the spread of disease, including quarantine and getting tested if any COVID-19 symptoms present. Public Health Nurses will continue to follow up with contacts to monitor their condition.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough and City of Homer Unified Command partners are committed to keeping area residents informed about the importance of community preventative measures and the availability of local resources as together we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Borough-wide information can be found at covid19.kpb.us. City of Homer information is available at cityofhomer-ak.gov/covid19 or by calling the city’s information line at 435-3197, which is staffed Monday - Friday from 8am-5pm. Visit covid19.alaska.gov for statewide COVID-19 prevention mandates and case data.

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