Kenai's city council approved work on local improvement projects at its Wednesday meeting. The council unanimously agreed to fund landscape work at Leif Hansen Memorial Park, Waste Water Treatment Plant needs, and upgrades to the audio system in council chambers. The council's resolution awarded a $18,498 to low-bidder B&B Landscaping to renovate the Leif Hansen Memorial Park's flag pole flower bed. According to a memo from Parks and Recreation Director Bob Frates, the improvements will include reshaping and designing the bed and new planting.

Kenai's city council will hold a work session Wednesday on the merger between the Kenai Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Kenai Chamber of Commerce.

A merger between the Kenai Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Kenai Chamber of Commerce is under way. Brendyn Shiflea, president of the new organization, said the new entity is the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. The former Kenai Chamber of Commerce is changing its name to represent both organizations. The Kenai Visitors Bureau has filed paperwork with the state of Alaska to legally dissolve. Once the dissolution is approved, its assets will be transferred to the new Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, Shiflea said.

Kenai's council agreed to purchase new dump trucks and hire a contractor for the Kenai boating facility at its Wednesday meeting. The council unanimously agreed to award low-bidder American Marine Corporation a contract for work at the boating facility. The $64,851.52 contract is for cathodic protection and repair of a piling, according to Rick Koch, Kenai's city manager. The cathodic work will be done on a dock and on a gangway. That work involves replacing a section of pipe, filling it with concrete and adding protection from corrosion.

Kenai's city council addressed two ongoing issues at its Wednesday meeting - trees near the airport and management of the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center. The KVCC will now be operated by the newly formed Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, which was created by the merger of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and the Kenai Convention and Visitors Bureau. The KCVB formerly operated the KVCC for the city, with the city paying the KCVB and taking care of most building maintenance issues.

Business workshops slated

Elementary basketball camp on tap

Chambers schedule meetings

Gathering set for retiring Postmaster

Softball season just around the corner