HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2017-081Sponsored by: Hunt
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2017-081
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AMENDING THE CITY OF SEWARD'S CALENDAR YEAR
2018 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.
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 2018:
A. BENEFICIAL LEGISLATION
1. 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.
2. Support for continuing Medicaid programs and capital cost reimbursement at not less
than current year funding levels.
3. Legislative support for continuing Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) programs that
promote energy efficiency and conservation to help mitigate the costs of heating
homes and businesses not served by natural gas.
4. Legislative support for feasibility analyses considering pipeline or multi -modal
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
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2017-081
projects.
5. Legislative support for matching City funds towards the non -Federal 50% cost share
of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study required to address the Lowell Canyon
Diversion Tunnel hazard.
6. Continued support for the State Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Municipal Harbors Grant Program.
B. CAPITAL PROJECTS
Recognizing the current government sector fiscal reality and its potential private sector economic
impacts, the City of Seward is limiting 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.
1. $8 million to design and rebuild the electric transmission line from the Seward
Highway to the Seward Marine Industrial Center 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.
2. $12 million to upgrade transmission conductors and substation transformers to
improve the system's capacity to 115kV over existing 69 kV capacity. This would
help unify the transmission system for the entire community and expand the system's
capabilities, allowing higher capacity projects into the future.
3. $500,000 for systems maintenance and repairs at the Alaska SeaLife Center.
4. $500,000 for a hull wash water collection and treatment system at the 50-Ton
Travelift.
5. $2 million to expand the Providence Seward Medical Center, move the CT scanner
into the facility, and provide space for primary health care (City provides $500,000
annually towards capital improvements).
6. $1,241,250 for Seward Shipyard Environmental Discharge Controls.
C. CRUISE PASSENGER VESSEL TAX REGIONAL IMPACT FUND OR CRUISE
SHIP GAMBLING TAX
1. Appropriating funding for the Alaska Railroad Corporation Seward Marine Terminal
Expansion project supporting both passenger and freight activities.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2017-081
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
11 `" day of December, 2017.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
"Squires,
Daor
AYES:
Casagranda, Keil, McClure, Slater, Towsley, Horn, Squires
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
ATTEST:
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1
Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: November 27, 2017
To: City Council
Through: Jim Hunt, City Manager
Agenda Item: Calendar Year 2018 City, State and Federal Priorities
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
The City annually compiles a list of projects or issues that we identify as our top City, State and
Federal legislative priorities. The list of projects is compiled into a package that is distributed to the
Governor's Office, our legislators, the Kenai Peninsula Borough (for inclusion in their legislative
package), and our lobbyist. The list validates projects and greatly focuses the efforts of the
Administration in our lobbying effort as we seek funding or other resolutions both through the State
of Alaska and Federal sources. This year the three lists include projects that are in the planning
phase and/or may qualify for grants in addition to some projects with which Council is familiar. In
order to quality for most grants, the City must include these projects on the City priority list.
INTENT:
This list of priorities focuses the efforts of Administration in lobbying efforts to obtain
appropriations, grants, and legislation from the State and Federal sources to improve the City of
Seward. To qualify for most appropriations and grants Seward's City, State and Federal priorities
lists must be approved in a public process by the City Council.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST:
1. Comprehensive Plan Sections 3.1 Economic Development
2. Strategic Plan Entirety
3. Other (list):
Yes
No
N/A
X
X
X
FISCAL NOTE: N/A
Approved by Finance Department:
ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes No X Not Applicable X
RECOMMENDATION:
Council approve Resolutions 2017-0 80, 2017-0 81, and 2017-0 82, approving the City of
Seward's Calendar Year 2017 City, State and Federal Priorities.