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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10272014 City Council Minutes City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes October 27,2014 Volume 39, Page 426 CALL TO ORDER The October 27,2014 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Jean Bardarson. OPENING CEREMONY Lt. Doreen Valadez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. SWEAR IN NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS City Clerk Johanna Kinney swore in newly elected Council Members Marianna Keil,Dale Butts, Ristine Casagranda, and Iris Darling. ROLL CALL There were present: Jean Bardarson presiding and Marianna Keil Ristine Casagranda Christy Terry Dale Butts Iris Darling comprising a quorum of the Council; and • Jim Hunt, City Manager Johanna Kinney, City Clerk Brenda Ballou, Deputy City Clerk Absent—Squires CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR • PUBLIC HEARING—None APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Keil/Casagranda) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Terry added ann item to schedule a work schedule to discuss the mid-cycle budget amendments. Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approval of the September 8,2014 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Cancel the November 24,2014 City Council Meeting. City ofSeward,Alaska City Council Minutes October 27, 2014 Volume 39, Page 427 Non-objection to the new liquor license application for Zudy's Café. SPECIAL ORDERS,PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Proclamations & Awards Certificate of Appreciation for Seward Music &Arts Festival Organizers. Certificate of Appreciation for the Resurrection Bay Historical Society. Chamber of Commerce Report. Cindy Clock congratulated all returning City Council Members and thanked them for their dedication and service. The Alaska State Chamber of Commerce chose two priorities for 2015: to continue making workers compensation reform a priority, and to support a reduction in state spending to sustainable levels of$5 billion or less. Further,the state chamber decided to oppose any further federal land withdrawals in Alaska,other restrictive land management designations,and preemptive actions by regulatory agencies.The state chamber would support oil and gas exploration and development in Alaska's federal areas,including the Outer Continental Shelf(OCS),National Petroleum Reserve Alaska(NPRA)Cook Inlet,and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge(ANWR).The 2014 Chamber of the Year was awarded to Wasilla. The Seward Economic Growth Plan (SEGP) Alternative Energy Group was hosting a community demonstration on November 15,2014 from 12:00—5:00 p.m.at AVTEC.There would be art contests for students. The event was being coordinated by the chamber's marketing person, Yvette Galbraith. Declarations of Candidacy for the Chamber Board were due by October 31, 2014. Community awards nomination applications were available for Business Person of the Year,Person of the Year, and Business Site Improvement. Clock was looking forward to 88th running of the Mount Marathon Race in July, 2015. City Manager's Report.City Manager Jim Hunt introduced two new employees:Valarie Kingsland, Seward Community Library Museum Director, and Rick Wise, Project Manager. The following purchase order between $10,000 and $50,000 was approved by the City Manager since the last council meeting: $11,890 to Gexpro for downtown lighting and repair parts. Change Order # 1 was issued for $62,500.00 to Orion Marine Contractors, Inc. for the breakwater/Seward Marine Industrial Center(SMIC)project, with no time extension. On October 20, 2014 the City Clerk's office mailed out courtesy letters to business owners for business license renewals for 2015. The process for renewing a business license has been streamlined to make it easy for business owners:most renewals could be handled via phone call and information could be updated and payments made over the phone by calling the clerk's office. The Pumpkin Prowl and Family Masquerade Ball took place on October 25,2014.Thanks to the volunteers and sponsors for helping make this event possible.The Halloween Carnival would be City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes October 27, 2014 Volume 39, Page 428 October 31, 2014 at the Dale Lindsey Terminal. Campground staff attended a brief introductory course at the University of Alaska Anchorage on the use of pneumatic tools to improve tree health throughout the waterfront campgrounds. Staff was compiling campground data and should have a full end-of-season report by the next council meeting. In the Harbor, the NE Fish Cleaning Station project was advertised for construction contractors and a bid opening date was set for December 2, 2014. A letter was being sent to city lessees advising them of the upcoming appraisal process.The Harbormaster would be attending Fish Expo in Seattle from November 19-21,2014.Harbor slip renewals would be happening next month, and the wait list renewal date was November 1,2014.Raibow Fiberglass hired a surveyor to re-plat the two parcels under their short term lease; the deals were about to expire and would need to be renewed. Alaska Logistics indicated they wanted to renew their long term lease. Following the Electric Rate Study work session, staff was working with Mike Hubbard of Financial Engineering Co. to bring forward recommendations to council. In Public Works,the laydown yard at Lowell Point had been fenced and was ready for sludge removal. Administration expected to receive the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) from the Alaska Department of Transportation(DOT)in November so the paving project could move forward throughout the city.Administration would be working with AVTEC to address the back-up generator located at AVTEC, and to elevate the status of utilities in case of emergency. Lowell Point Road was technically an easement, not a road. The City Manager's nuisance abatement program was wrapping up,and approximately 18 vehicles had been removed from town. Hunt showed council a ballast from one of the downtown decorative lights, and said they were antiquated. Hunt said he would seek grant funding to convert the light bulbs in the decorative fixtures to LED for greater energy efficiency. In the meantime, replacement ballasts had just been ordered and were due to arrive at the end of November. In response to Darling,Hunt said he would be happy to work with the downtown business owners on the long-term conversion plan of the decorative lights. Assistant City Manager Ron Long said there were some "bugs" found in the mid-term budget report numbers that were produced last week, and administration wanted to wait for the corrected reports; council could expect to receive them by end of next week. Rick Wise would be assuming the project management for the electric warehouse project. Long would be meeting with AIDEA tomorrow to finalize the Business Infrastructure Development Plan,arrange stakeholder and public meetings, and prepare cost and rate projections among other things. Keil requested administration report back on emergency shelter usage in recent past years. Casagranda asked administration to reach out to the residents of Lowell Point,or determine a citizen point-of-contact, and be proactive with monitoring how things were going for the citizens regarding the condition of the Lowell Point Sewage Lagoon. Hunt said he would see to that. Bardarson asked for confirmation that the replacement ballasts would arrive by Thanksgiving. Utility Manager John Foutz said he had spoken with the vendor today and could City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes October 27, 2014 Volume 39, Page 429 expect to receive the ballasts approximately four weeks from today. In response to Darling, Foutz said there were some extra globes on hand that could be used to replace broken or missing globes. In response to Butts, Long said the title transfer for the property at the former Jesse Lee Home had not yet taken place,but the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home were seeking permission from administration to move ahead with the installation of security measures. Casagranda said she had been getting a lot of feedback from citizens about the nuisance abatement actions the administration had been taking.Although she wanted to see the enforcement handled fairly and equally,she could see a marked difference in the cleanliness of her neighborhood. Regarding Change Order#1,Darling asked if the amount represented the 10%contingency cost. Long said it was not directly related to the contingency, but that it was an unforeseeable cost necessary to provide storage for excess rock. Other Reports,Announcements and Presentations Presentation by Elliot Jackson on an ice skating rink in Seward. PUBLIC HEARINGS Terry declared she worked for the Alaska Railroad, but did not feel that she had a potential conflict of interest because she had no financial interest in this matter and had not been involved in any negotiations on behalf of the railroad. Mayor Bardarson ruled no conflict existed. Resolution 2014-086, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Two Lease And Sale Agreements With The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC)For An Exchange Of Uplands Along Fourth Avenue And Tidelands Containing The Small Boat Harbor East Breakwater. Motion (Keil/Darling) Approve Resolution 2014-086 Long said this agreement would be a 35 year commitment with a 35 year extension option, would result in the property being replatted,and would allow for the future commercial development of that area. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened Tom Tougas said this exchange would lead to major investments and increased sales tax revenues.Tougas encouraged council to pass this resolution because it would benefit the city overall. No one else appeared to address the Council and the public hearing was closed In response to Terry, Long said the Finance Director had signed off on this resolution, although that was not reflected in the packet. City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes October 27, 2014 Volume 39, Page 430 Motion Passed Unanimous UNFINISHED BUSINESS—None NEW BUSINESS Terry declared she worked for the Alaska Railroad, but did not feel that she had a potential conflict of interest because she had no financial interest in this matter.Mayor Bardarson ruled no conflict existed. Resolution 2014-087,Approving The City Of Seward's Calendar Year 2015 City Legislative Priorities. (Clerk's Note: There are substitute versions for council consideration included in the agenda packet) Motion (Terry/Casagranda) Approve Resolution 2014-087 Long said administration provided a substitute (laydown) which was a longer, more comprehensive version of the city priority list so that council had the most comprehensive list as possible to consider for approval. Long recommended council approve the laydown version. Motion to Amend (Terry/Keil) Amend Resolution 2014-087 by adopting the substitute (laydown)version. Motion To Amend Passed Unanimous Motion to Amend (Terry/Keil) Amend Resolution 2014-087 by adding Section F called Beneficial Legislation and adding: "Feasibility study for providing liquid natural gas to the Seward Region that includes road/rail/barge options". Motion To Amend Passed Unanimous Motion To Amend (Darling/Terry) Amend Resolution 2014-087 by adding a new item under Beneficial Legislation: "Restoration of the Jesse Lee Home for the purposes of the Balto School". Motion To Amend Passed Yes: Darling, Terry, Casagranda, Butts, Bardarson No: Keil Motion To Amend (Terry/Casagranda) Amend Resolution 2014-087 by striking#2 under Port And Harbor Industrial Area and adding a new item: "$2.25 million for the installation of a hull wash water City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes October 27, 2014 Volume 39, Page 431 treatment protection system adjacent to shiplift". Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous Casagranda was concerned that sludge sample test results from the Lowell Point Sewage Lagoon had not been provided, and that the scope of that project and its future financial impact, remained unknown. Administration confirmed that any new priority that developed in the future would come back to council;Long was comfortable with the current projected scope of the sewage lagoon dredging project. Main Motion Passed Unanimous Resolution 2014-088,Establishing The City Of Seward's Calendar Year 2015 State Legislative Priorities. (Clerk's Note: There are substitute versions for council consideration included in the agenda packet) Motion (Terry/Keil) Approve Resolution 2014-088 Motion To Amend (Terry/Casagranda) Amend Resolution 2014-088 by striking#2 under Port And Harbor Industrial Area and adding: "$2.25 million for the installation of a hull wash water treatment protection system adjacent to shiplift". Motion To Amend Passed Unanimous Motion To Amend (Butts/Casagranda) Amend Resolution 2014-088 by striking Capital Projects #9 "$250,000 for the design and engineering of a new fire station" and replacing it with "$6 million for the replacement of the Seward fire station". In response to Keil, administration said there was only a ballpark estimate available at this point, and suggested council approve $250,000 for the design and engineering of new fire station. Motion To Amend Failed Yes: Butts No: Terry, Darling, Keil, Casagranda, Bardarson Motion To Amend (Casagranda/Terry) Amend Resolution 2014-088 by adding a new Capital Projects #2: "$3.2 million to construct a bypass lagoon and to dredge and dispose of sludge in the sewage lagoon serving the State Department of Corrections Spring. Creek Facility", and City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes October 27, 2014 Volume 39, Page 432 moving down and renumbering all other items. Motion To Amend Passed Unanimous Motion To Amend (Keil/Terry) Amend Resolution 2014-088 under Capital Projects #6 by striking the words "Providence"and"Hospital"and"Clinic" so that it reads "Seward Medical Center". Motion To Amend Passed Unanimous Motion To Amend (Casagranda/Terry) Amend Resolution 2014-088 by adding a new Capital Projects #12: "$250,000 for initial design and engineering of a new 180 foot x 80 foot metal building to replace and relocate our existing Public Works shop, and the city will provide land for the new building". Motion To Amend Passed Unanimous Main Motion Passed Unanimous Resolution 2014-089, Establishing The City Of Seward's Calendar Year 2015 Federal Legislative Priorities. Motion (Terry/Darling) Approve Resolution 2014-089 Motion To Amend (Terry/Casagranda) Amend Resolution 2014-089 by switching the order of #1 and #2 under Section B Authorizations. Motion To Amend Passed Unanimous Main Motion Passed Unanimous Resolution 2014-090, Rescinding Resolution 2014-077 And Authorizing The Purchase Of A Previously Owned 2012 Dodge Durango As A Replacement Electric Department Vehicle For An Amount Not To Exceed $21,000 And Appropriating Funds. Motion (Terry/Casagranda) Approve Resolution 2014-090 Electric Manager John Foutz said the vehicle that was previously approved under Resolution 2014-077 was no longer available,even though it was on the state procurement list,so a comparable vehicle had been found through a local vendor. City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes October 27, 2014 Volume 39, Page 433 Motion Passed Unanimous Other New Business Items Nominate, elect, and swear-in a council member as Vice-Mayor. The floor was opened by the presiding officer for nominations. A nomination was made to select Marianna Keil as Vice Mayor. Nomination for Marianna Keil(Terry/Casagranda) No other nominations were made and nominations were closed. Appoint Marianna Keil as Vice Mayor Unanimous Consent City Clerk Johanna Kinney swore in Marianna Keil as Vice Mayor. Mayor appoint a Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District Representative. Mayor Bardarson appointed Dale Butts to be the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District (KPEDD)representative for 2015. Direct individual Boards&Commissions to give periodic reports to the City Council.With the unanimous consent of council,Mayor Bardarson directed individual Boards&Commissions to file semi-annual reports to the City Council,targeting March and September. Schedule a work session to review and discuss the mid-cycle budget amendments. Council scheduled a work session on November 5, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Extra Mile Proclamation. COUNCIL COMMENTS Keil thanked council for their support of her as Vice Mayor. She thanked Resurrection Bay Historical Society and Seward Music and Arts Festival volunteers for all their hard work, and she was looking forward to the Halloween Carnival. Terry thanked the downtown business association for hosting a daytime trick-or-treat event on Friday afternoon. She congratulated everyone on their re-election,and thanked those who served in additional roles on council. Butts thanked council for their support of him as the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District representative. He congratulated everyone on their election. The Angel Tree program would be coming as the holidays approached. City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes October 27, 2014 Volume 39, Page 434 Casagranda thanked the Alternative Energy Group for their inspiring presentation. She thanked all volunteers throughout the community. Darling congratulated everyone for being re-elected. She encouraged everyone to bring their children downtown for the Friday afternoon trick-or-treating event. She encouraged everyone in the public to get involved, and to continue to let council know what they wanted. Hunt thanked Long and Utilities Department Executive Assistance Rebekah Ivy for their research and work on the holiday lighting project. Bardarson thanked Mike Insalaco for leading the Alternative Energy Group. Kinney encouraged the public to vote on November 4, 2014. CITIZEN COMMENTS—None COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS—None ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:32 p.m. °` �% le 1./1.0/A.Ll J anna Kinney, CMC ean Ba4arson ty Clerk Mayor (City Seal) 000s'03aooaTe OF S aipad0� @®��meu®oaaooe„ 4�� � cp e abS" FC✓> 1 m Qpior e6 m° m EARL� pu V,tn ia_t%