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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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