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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2016-012 Sponsored by: Hunt CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA RESOLUTION 2016-012 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AMENDING THE CITY OF SEWARD'S CALENDAR YEAR 2016 STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES WHEREAS, the City annually compiles a list of projects or issues that are identified as top legislative priorities; and WHEREAS, the list of projects are compiled and distributed to the State of Alaska Legislature, Kenai Peninsula Borough, and City of Seward lobbyists; and WHEREAS, this resolution validates projects, prioritizes needs, and focuses the efforts of City Administration in its lobbying efforts; and WHEREAS,the passage of this resolution occurs through a public process; and WHEREAS, all projects on this list are consistent with the City Comprehensive and Strategic Plans; and WHEREAS, this resolution is an amendment of the City of Seward 2016 State Legislative Priorities established in Resolution 2015-104. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA,that: Section 1. This list of City projects is hereby declared to be the official state priority list for the City of Seward for calendar year 2016. 1. BENEFICIAL LEGISLATION A. Legislative support for maintaining the current level of State contributions into the PERS/TRS retirement system on behalf of local governments, and for not extending the amortization period, in order to offset unfunded retirement system liabilities and to make future contribution rates more affordable for the state and local governments. B. Support for continuing Medicaid programs and capital cost reimbursement at not less than current year funding levels. C. Legislative support for continuing Alaska Energy Authority programs that promote energy efficiency and conservation to help mitigate the costs of heating homes and businesses not served by natural gas. D. Legislative support for feasibility analyses considering pipeline or multi-modal CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2016-012 delivery methods of making natural gas available to communities not currently along a pipeline corridor, and using Seward's road/rail/barge connections as demonstration projects. E. Legislative support for matching City funds towards the non-Federal 50% cost share of the US Army Corps of Engineers study required to address the Lowell Canyon Diversion Tunnel hazard. F. Continued support for the State Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Municipal Harbors Grant Program. G. Extending the December 31, 2017 sunset date for the Education Tax Credit program which enables qualifying taxpayers to make charitable contributions to educational facilities and programs such as the Alaska SeaLife Center, and receive credits against state business taxes in return. 2. CAPITAL PROJECTS Recognizing the current government sector fiscal reality and its potential private sector economic impacts, the City of Seward limits its capital improvement project requests to those where the State's participation would leverage other significant funding, complete projects already underway, address projects of immediate life and safety, and enable projects that could be eligible under a statewide bond package if the State pursues and the voters approve such a plan. A. $8 million to design and rebuild the electric transmission line for the Seward Highway to the Seward Marine Industrial Facility and upgrade the Spring Creek substation by securing an alternative feed transformer to add capacity and reduce system outages, and provide continuous service during maintenance periods. B. $500,000 for systems maintenance and repairs at the Alaska SeaLife Center. C. .. . - - - •- -, . _ . .- . - - - - . . Shipyafch$1,241,250 for Seward Shipyard Environmental Discharge Controls. D. $500,000 for a hull wash water collection and treatment system at the 50-ton Travelift. E. $1.5 million for storm water discharge infrastructure and security fencing at the Seward Marine Industrial Facility. F. $2 million to expand the Seward Medical Center, move the CT scanner into the facility, and provide space for primary health care (City provides $500 annually towards capital improvements). CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2016-012 3. CRUISE PASSENGER VESSEL TAX REGIONAL IMPACT FUND OR CRUISE SHIP GAMBLING TAX A. Appropriating funding for the Alaska Railroad Corporation Seward Marine Terminal Expansion project supporting both passenger and freight activities. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 8th day of February, 2016. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA i 4ZI,,/,04/ y✓ can Bardarson, Mayor AYES: Keil, Squires, Butts, McClure, Altermatt, Bardarson NOES: None ABSENT: Casagranda ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: Johanna K' ity Clerk, CMC (City Seal) .•y pF SE's,=,'• A., C:■`y` c'P©tz4 ff41 a 4 T r • �� - s • a, 111 a 3 O �a:asess.ssa' Council Agenda Statement t,of set. Meeting Date: February 08, 2016 0, ' ��►o Through: City Manager Jim Hunt '�tASr�o Agenda Item: Amending 2016 Calendar Year City & State Legislative Priorities BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: On November 9, 2015, City Council approved Resolutions 2015-105 and 2015-104, which established the City of Seward's 2016 City & State Legislative Priorities. After passage of this resolution and later discussion with Vigor Alaska, operators of the city-owned shipyard, administration recommends that section A-5 of the City's Legislative Priorities and section 2-C of the State Legislative Priorities be amended to read$1,241,250 for Seward Shipyard Environmental Discharge Controls. This award would purchase and install a surface preparation and coatings enclosure over the existing open air sandblasting berth, to help control fugitive dust emissions that may emanate from sandblast and paint operations on marine vessels. The City annually compiles a list of projects and legislation for consideration as our City& State legislative priorities. After validation of the list through a public process, and approval by the City Council,the list is given to the Governor's Office,our legislators,the Kenai Peninsula Borough(for inclusion in their legislative package), and our lobbyist. These priorities focus the efforts of Administration and the City Council in our lobbying efforts as we seek funding or other resolutions through State government. Frequently,the list of projects and legislation is updated at the beginning of the legislative session. RECOMMENDATION: City Council update the 2016 City&State Legislative Priorities lists by amending Resolution 2015- 105 section A-5 and Resolution 2015-104 section 2-C to read $1,241,250 for Seward Shipyard Environmental Discharge Controls. CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No N/A 1. Comprehensive Plan: Sections 1.3, 3.7.3.1 and 3.7.3.2 X 2. Strategic Plan (document source here): X 3. Other(list): X FISCAL NOTE: Approved by Finance Department: Of(F-►r f._ ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes No X RECOMMENDATION: 6`' �,'J `� Council discuss and vote on Resolution 201 & Resolution 2016-, amending the City of Seward's 2016 Calendar Year City Priorities. ,