City of Kenai

Efforts to bring the three bronze bears to Kenai started two years ago. The installation had an estimated cost of around $200,000. But Bondurant said Thursday the actual cost came in under budget – around $172,000.

The roughly 5,000-foot rock berm along the north shore of the Kenai River parallels the bluff, which loses about three feet a year due to erosion.

Every council member, some city staff and attendees thanked outgoing Mayor Brian Gabriel for his contributions to the city.

The bears are scheduled to arrive in Kenai from Utah next month, in time for an unveiling at the end of October.

Now, students may apply to serve on the council or a commission even if they don’t live in the city of Kenai. But they must go to school in Kenai. The city will now also consider sophomores, in addition to juniors and seniors.

Both contracts include creating an inventory of existing infrastructure and development of a plan for maintenance and rehabilitation.

The sponsor said renaming it “Kenai Beach Street” would have acted as built-in wayfinding for locals and visitors.

The ordinance passed unanimously, and takes effect July 18.

City officials say a fine would discourage cut-throughs and reduce the possibility of car accidents.

The first barge of rocks will arrive in Kenai on May 16 from Sand Point, in the Aleutians.