HomeMy WebLinkAbout09092013 City Council Minutes City of Seward, Alaska
City Council Minutes
September 9, 2013
Volume 39, Page 192
CALL TO ORDER
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The September 9, 2013 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at
7:00 p.m. by Mayor David Seaward.
OPENING CEREMONY
Police Chief Tom Clemons led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
David Seaward presiding and
Vanta Shafer Bob Valdatta
Ristine Casagranda Jean Bardarson
Christy Terry* Marianna Keil
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Ron Long, Assistant City Manager
Cheryl Brooking, City Attorney
Brenda Ballou, Acting City Clerk
Absent—None
* Christy Terry arrived at 7:11 p.m.
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR
PUBLIC HEARING
Susan Lang said she lived in Lowell Point and was concerned about the sewage lagoon. Her
concern was that there was a tremendous odor coming from the lagoon that was negatively impacting
both her bed and breakfast business and her campground business,and was causing guests to leave.
She wanted the city to provide information about the maintenance of the lagoon,as well as to pay for
the residents of Lowell Point who had abutting and adjacent wells to have their well water tested for
contamination prior to the start of the 2014 tourist season.
Lynda Paquette was concerned about the sewage lagoon at Lowell Point, and urgently
requested that council hire a consultant to assess the situation and make recommendations. She said
the stench was worsening as the summer progressed,and didn't believe it was related to the weather
temperature. She beseeched council to do whatever they needed to in order to "stop the stench."
Teri Arnold thanked city council for their service and said she was a full-time resident of
Lowell Point. She,too,was concerned with the sewage treatment plant,and had originally suspected
that the stench was caused by the warm summer weather. She said even now the smell was getting
worse and not better. She supported the city in hiring a consultant.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
September 9, 2013 Volume 39, Page 193
Paul Paquette had several suggestions, including having grinders in the toilet lines and
having organic materials available to mix in.He said the sludge would be compostable and would be
potentially available to sell. He also suggested the alternative of covering the lagoon to contain the
odor.
Jim Herbert said invited everyone to the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory
Council(PWSRCAC)annual board meeting in Seward on September 19&20,2013 at AVTEC.He
said there would also be an incident command system test on October 2, 2013 by the PWSRCAC,
and everyone was invited to sign up for that free emergency-preparedness workshop.
Tim McDonald said the sewage problem at Lowell Point was concerning and should be dealt
with soon. He was considering the Sister City program that Seward had with Obihiro, Japan and
suggested that Seward reach out to a bush community in Alaska to develop relationships, perhaps
inviting AVTEC students from various Alaskan communities to come and speak. He was also
concerned, on behalf of Kodiak,that the state ferry Tustumena was still unavailable and suggested
the ferry Susitna be called upon and be put into service.
Ben Pazdernik said he was concerned with coal smoke in his Forest Acres neighborhood for
both the smell and health-related issues. He asked council to perform more research on alternative
heating sources for the community.
Jim Doe ken said he was new to Seward,but had already noticed the smell of burning coal
p � Y g
and was concerned about the health protection for his family. He asked council to actively pursue
alternatives.
Mica Van Buskirk was representing the Seward Site-Based Council and said the group was
concerned about the potential industrial traffic that may be created on Sea Lion Avenue as a result of
the new electric warehouse. She encouraged council to seek an alternate traffic pattern for the electric
vehicles. She added that on the Lowell Point issue, she was concerned about the sewer smell, and
was also concerned about the waterfall and its maintenance.
Brad Snowden thanked the council and city staff for their work. He wanted to see the city
explore options for airport expansion, and requested that a letter be sent to Representative Don
Young asking for his support. He also wanted to purchase the Lowell Creek diversion tunnel
property and take over the maintenance and responsibility for that property.He expressed his concern
that the city had unfairly and selectively enforced property clean-up ordinances against him.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Bardarson/Terry) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
City of Seward, Alaska
City Council Minutes
September 9, 2013
Volume 39, Page 194
Resolution 2013-068, Amending The 2013 Budget To Record Expenditures Of $363,319.84
Paid By The State Of Alaska On Behalf Of The City Toward The City's Public Employees
Retirement System Liability For The Period January Through June, 2013.
Resolution 2013-069, Authorizing The City Manager To Accept Grant Funds From The
Alaska Division Of Homeland Security And Emergency Management In The Amount Of
$7,031.00 For Purchase Of Communications Equipment For An Alternate Emergency
Operations Center At Providence Seward Mountain Haven, And Appropriating Funds.
Resolution 2013-070, Authorizing The City Manager To Apply For An Alaska Energy
Authority ("AEA") Round VII Renewable Energy Fund Grant For Installation Of Heat
Recovery System At The Alaska Sea life Center.
Resolution 2013-071,Amending The 2013 Budget To Record Depreciation Expenses Related
To The Hospital And Long-Term Care Facilities.
Council approved the July 22, 2013 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Borough Assembly Report,Sue McClure stated the borough had recorded$2,770,000 for
Public Employees' Retirement System(PERS)liability expenditures. There was also$85,000 being
dedicated to the Seward High School welding shop. Her annual meeting was on September 28,2013
when she would be visiting with each community in her district,along with Representative Chenault
and Senator Giessel. She pointed out that absentee in-person voting would start on Monday,
September 16,2013,and reminded everyone of the four propositions on the ballot.The borough was
having two sealed bid auctions for properties and offered booklets to anyone interested, and on
Tuesday, September 17, 2013 the borough would have their annual meeting in Homer.
City Manager's Report,Assistant City Manager Ron Long stated the following purchase
order had been approved since the last meeting: $22,895.64 for Alaska Bolt&Chain to purchase tire
chains for the Public Works fleet.
The Public Works Department was looking for an Equipment Operator,and had also notified
the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation(ADEC)that the city would not be executing
the $490,000 loan agreement for sludge removal.
In the Finance Department, the Kenai Peninsula Borough reported that taxable sales for
Seward for the second quarter of 2013 were up by 3.91%over the prior year. (First quarter taxable
sales were down by 0.06%.) Overall through June 2013, taxable sales were up 2.74% from prior
year. The Providence Seward Medical Center (PSMC) booked a receivable of approximately
$3,900,000 to account for a portion of the estimated settlement from the State of Alaska for the
period 2011 through July 2013 for Medicaid expenses. The actual receipt of cash from the State of
Alaska for these reprocessed claims was not expected until later this year or early next year,at which
time the city could expect to be reimbursed by PSMC for the$2,300,000 loan the city authorized due
to the delay in payments from the state, plus $300,000 the city fronted to cover the cost of medical
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
September 9, 2013 Volume 39, Page 195
records implementation. When these monies were reimbursed, $300,000 would be returned to the
General Fund,and$2,300,000 would be placed in the Seward Mountain Haven Fund to pay for debt
service costs on the facility.
In the Parks and Recreation Department, an Invitation to Bid was released for washing and
sealing parking lots,and the deadline was 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 23,2013. Preparations
continued for paving the northeast parking and boat launch area,and August campground revenues
were $142,320 (up $14,955 from 2012).
Long reported that there had been a leak in the roof of City Hall since at least June this year,
and it had been impacting the records room,intake area,radio room and the finance area.The Public
Works Department had tried to address the situation,but could not complete the project due to other
demands, so administration hired a contractor over this last weekend. The cost just to stop the
leaking was $5,000, and did not include any repair or remediation work.
In response to Seaward,Long said regular testing was performed at the facility.Public Works
Director W.C. Casey agreed that the sewage lagoon was the worst smelling it had ever been.He said
they were having a difficult time maintaining the appropriate levels of chemicals,the warm days had
caused algae bloom, there had not been enough bugs in the environment to eat the algae, and the
blowers were 30 years old and were not blowing as strongly. Although last year they had had
difficulty maintaining the appropriate levels of dissolved oxygen in order to allow the bugs to thrive,
this year had been even worse.In response to Shafer,Casey said covering the lagoon was possible if
the city was willing to pay for it. Casey said they were aware of some of the issues,but were unsure
that they had discovered all of the issues. He said they were continuing to work with the ADEC and
Michael L. Foster& Associates, Inc. to find a solution.
In response to Terry,Long said he would have Casey,Clemons,Foutz and engineers perform
an on-site analysis of the new Sea Lion Avenue traffic pattern in order to put it to a real-world test,
and potentially make adjustments for safety's sake. Long added that the traffic coming and going
from the new electric warehouse would not be increased, as there would be no additional staff
working from that location than there were currently.
Shafer said she agreed that she personally found the smell of coal disagreeable, but
understood how cost-effective it was for people to use. She asked if there were any regulations or
requirements available that could monitor afterburners. Long said there were no standardized tests
for smell,but there were for particulates, and he suggested that defining particulate levels may be a
good foundation upon which to perform research and devise regulations for the city.
In response to Keil, Long said there was a plan drafted for the boat movement that would
allow for the D Float replacement project. The plan allowed for free haul-outs and/or alternate slip
assignments for regular tenants. It was necessary for the harbor and tenants to remain flexible to
accommodate the situation.
City Clerk's Report,Acting Clerk Brenda Ballou reported on the extent of water damage
in the Transient Vault.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
September 9, 2013 Volume 39, Page 196
City Attorney's Report, Cheryl Brooking reported on the wide variety of activities and
issues she had been assisting the city with for the last month. She said she would be attending the
Annual Lawyers Association Conference in San Francisco later this month.
Mayoral Report, David Seaward thanked everyone for supporting the Sister City
relationship with Obihiro,Japan and for coming out for the 110th Anniversary of Seward's Founder's
Day on August 28, 2013.
Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations - None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ordinances for Public Hearing and Enactment
Ordinance 2013-007, Amending The City Of Seward Code, Section 12.05.021, Adopting The
2012 Edition Of The International Residential Code(IRC),Including Revisions. (Clerk's Note:
In order to satisfy Alaska Statute 29.35.144, this ordinance is required to have a minimum of three
public hearings. The first public hearing was held on May 28, 2013, the second was held on August
12, 2013, and tonight was the third public hearing and possible enactment of this ordinance.)
In response to Terry, Building Inspector Stefan Nilsson said specifications for heating
systems were addressed in the International Mechanical Code (IMC).
Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public
hearing was opened. No one appeared to address the Council and the public hearing was closed.
Shafer was hesitant to include the sprinkler provision until or unless the State of Alaska
decided to adopt it first.
Motion to Amend (Shafer/Bardarson) Amend Ordinance 2013-007 to remove
Section R313.2 in its entirety.
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
Motion to Amend (Terry/Bardarson) Amend Ordinance 2013-007 to strike Section
17 in the body of the Ordinance.
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
Motion to Amend (Bardarson/Keil) Amend Ordinance 2013-007 by adopting the
laydown language in its entirety as follows:
1) In Section R401.2 Requirements, add a
new exception#1,"Wood foundations shall
have a minimum 16-inch x 10-inch
reinforced concrete footing."
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
September 9, 2013 Volume 39, Page 197
2) In Section R402.1 Wood foundations,
add a new subsection to read:
"R402.1.3 Restraint for wood foundations.
Basement. A 4-inch thick concrete slab
poured against the studs.If a wooden screed
is used, it shall be pressure treated Douglas
for or hem fir.
Crawlspace. Option 1. A minimum 5-inch
wide by 4-inch deep concrete curb poured
against the inside face of the studs. The
kicker shall be reinforced with a continuous
horizontal No. 3 reinforcing bar. If the
kicker is not poured with the continuous
concrete footing, it may be poured later
provided vertical #3 reinforcing bars x 10
inches long shall be cast into the footing at 2
feet on center. They shall extend 2 inches
above the top of the footing. The continuous
bar #3 shall be secured to the vertical #3
bars. Option 2. Installation of preservative
treated 4"x 4"s with a minimum %"x 12"
galvanized anchor bolts at 24"O.C.installed
in footing against the inside face of the studs
along the entire perimeter. Exception. The
above need not apply if a suitable alternative
design is prepared by an engineer registered
in the State of Alaska and is approved by the
Building Official."
3) In Section R403.2 Footings for wood
foundations, strike the entire paragraph
and replace it with, "Footings for wood
foundations shall be in accordance with
Section R401.2 Requirements."
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
Motion to Amend (Casagranda/Keil) Amend Ordinance 2013-007 by adding the
sentence, "See Section R105.2 for Work
Exempt from Permit"to Section 1,Letter C.
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous Consent
Main Motion Back On The Floor Enact Ordinance 2013-007
Main Motion Passed Unanimous
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
September 9, 2013 Volume 39, Page 198
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 2013-072,,Authorizing The City Manager To Purchase A 2013 International Dump
Truck For An Amount Not To Exceed $116,000.
Motion (Keil/Terry) Approve Resolution 2013-072
Motion to Amend (Terry/Keil) Amend Resolution 2013-072 by adding a new
Section 2 to read: "The City Council
hereby finds that it is in the public interest
to waive the competitive procurement
requirements, in accordance with the
provisions of Seward City Code Section
6.10.120(B) Exemptions from Competitive
Procurement Procedures, which expressly
authorizes the city to utilize competitive
bids obtained by other governmental units.
This purchase utilizes State Contract
Award no. CA1793-13, Bid no. 1793." and
shift the remaining section down to #3.
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous Consent
Main Motion Passed Unanimous
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
Report on Japanese Delegation Visit from Temporary Deputy City Clerk Jean Lewis.
Mural Society Schedule for upcoming trip to Obihiro, Japan to paint and install "Friendship Across
Water" Mural at Obihiro Zoo.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Keil thanked everyone for a successful Founder's Day celebration.
Valdatta thanked the city staff for getting Channel 3 back on the air.
Terry thanked Public Works for their work on the sewage lagoon,and the Fire Department
and Building Inspector for their work on the International Residential Code.
Seaward thanked the community and encouraged everyone to reach out and ask for help if
they needed assistance during the rainy season.
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CITIZEN COMMENTS
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City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
September 9, 2013 Volume 39, Page 199
Tim McDonald sympathized with the residents of Lowell Point and said the sewage in the
lagoon was not entirely organic because it included disinfectants and deodorizers. He was also ...i
concerned about the condition of the public boat launch ramps at the harbor because they were filled
with pot holes.
COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS
Casagranda thanked everyone for coming to the meeting tonight.
Valdatta supported the suggestion to send a letter to Representative Don Young regarding
the airport.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion (Bardarson/Shafer) Go into Executive Session to discuss
reaching a potential agreement with the
International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers Local #1547 (IBEW).
Motion Passed Unanimous
Council directed City Attorney Cheryl Brooking, Assistant City Manager Ron Long, and Utilities
Director John Foutz to stay for the Executive Session.
Council recessed at 8:56 p.m.
Council went into executive session at 9:00 p.m.
Came came out of executive session at 9:29 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:29 p.m.
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