HomeMy WebLinkAbout07092018 City Council Minutes1
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City of Seward, Alaska
July 9, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
City Council Minutes
Volume 39, Page 462
The July 9, 2018 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
by Mayor David Squires.
OPENING CEREMONY
Lt. Doreen Valadez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
David Squires presiding and
Marianna Keil
Sue McClure
Jeremy Horn
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Ron Long, Assistant City Manager
Brenda Ballou, City Clerk
Katie Davies, City Attorney
Absent — None
Ristine Casagranda
Suzanne Towsley
Sharyl Seese
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR
PUBLIC HEARING
Cindy Ecklund wanted to discuss recycling, and was concerned that Seward was the only
city on the peninsula that required mandatory garbage pickup. She thought that if garbage service
was required then perhaps recycling should also be required, or else don't make garbage pickup
mandatory. Ecklund wished to encourage and support recycling efforts; she also wanted to dispel the
rumors that Seward did not have recycling capabilities.
Karin Sturdy reported that revenues throughout the Parks & Recreation Department were
up. She thanked Cody Beck and Dustin Phillips for volunteering to coach the youth soccer league.
The Teen & Youth Center Summer Camp Program had been expanded to accommodate 60 campers
every week.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Keil/Casagranda)
Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Towsley added an item to Other New Business to schedule a work session to discuss the transfer of
the Vigor lease.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
July 9, 2018 Volume 39, Page 463
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Resolution 2018-059, Accepting A Grant In The Amount Of $990.00 From The Alaska
Highway Safety Office For The FFY2018 High Visibility Enforcement — DUI Event During
The Period Of Independence Day (July 1-5, 2018) And Appropriating Funds.
Approval of the June 25, 2018 Regular Meeting Minutes.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Proclamations & Awards — None
Borough Assembly Report. Kenn Carpenter said the borough mayor had vetoed an
additional $625,000 for a counseling program at the school district; Carpenter would be bringing
forward a resolution on July 19, 2018 to take $600,000 from the maintenance budget to cover the
cost of the counselor. As well, there was $206,000 cut from the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing
Council (KPTMC); the assembly had requested documentation from KPTMC to demonstrate their
claim of having a 4:1 rate of return, but the assembly had not yet received anything to support that
claim. Carpenter commended the Seward Chamber of Commerce for the work they did to promote
Seward.
City Manager Report. Assistant City Manager Ron Long reported the following purchase
orders between $10,000 and $50,000 have been approved by the City Manager since the last council
meeting: None.
Administration had received a couple of inquiries about the Air Force Rec Camp property;
currently, the platting of that property was underway. There had been two expressions of interest
from other utilities about Seward's electric utility; Long would keep council informed as discussions
developed. The owner of the boarded up building on Fourth Avenue downtown had been in touch
with administration; he was working on a solution and would stay in touch. Finally, Long reminded
everyone that there were recycling bins located at the South Harbor Uplands.
In response to McClure, Long confirmed again that the overhead electric lines at the lagoon
were not activated, and would be taken down in late August to early September.
Casagranda received a call late last night from a local business owner complaining about the
noise from an adjacent business. The adjacent business had a letter from the city manager exempting
the business from the after-hours noise and activity. In response, Long said, historically, the city
made this accommodation in order to mitigate public safety concerns; specifically, Long said this
was for the cleaning of the Safeway parking lot. In response to Casagranda, Long said there would be
an opportunity for the city to work with Safeway and come up with a less disruptive plan for next
year.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
July 9, 2018 Volume 39, Page 464
Casagranda thanked Parks & Recreation for the information provided during citizen
comments, and said a couple of citizens had asked if that information could be included in the City
Manager Report going forward so as not to restrict citizens' opportunity to speak during a meeting.
City Attorney Report. Katie Davies reported that the firm had worked on the grievance
procedures, public records requests, leases, and had been preparing for next week's work session
about conflicts of interest, ethics, and public records requests. In response to Casagranda, Davies said
the firm had so far spent less than ten hours preparing for the work session, but would be ramping up
over the next week; the work session would be Wednesday, July 18, 2018 starting at 5:30 p.m.
In response to Casagranda, Erchinger said legal fees came from its own budget line item.
Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations
Presentation of the City's Draft 2017 Financial Report by BDO, USA Inc.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ordinances for Public Hearing & Enactment
Ordinance 2018-003, To Revise Seward City Code 3.40, Grievance Procedure.
This ordinance was introduced at the June 25, 2018 meeting. Tonight is the first of two public
hearings scheduled for this ordinance. This ordinance will come back at the July 23, 2018 meeting
for a second public hearing and enactment.
Motion (Keil/Casagranda) Enact Ordinance 2018-003
Long stated there had been no suggested changes received by administration since the
introduction of this ordinance.
Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required bylaw was noted and the public
hearing was opened. No one appeared to address the Council and the public hearing was closed.
Casagranda wished to return to the original concept of having a citizen panel hear grievances,
rather than involve the state Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). Towsley concurred.
Erchinger clarified that the OAH would furnish a hearing officer, and this would not require
the city to hire anyone; she asserted this would enable a more independent third -party review.
Motion to Postpone (Casagranda/Towsley)
Postpone the enactment of Ordinance 2018-
003 to the July 23, 2018 meeting.
Motion to Postpone Approved Unanimous
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
July 9, 2018 Volume 39, Page 465
Ordinance 2018-004, Amending Portions Of Seward City Code 15.10.140 Definitions;
15.10.215 Parking; 15.10.220 Development Requirements; 15.10.220 Development
Requirements Table; And 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed Table.
Motion (Keil/Casagranda) Enact Ordinance 2018-004
City Planner Jackie Wilde said there had been six work sessions held by the Planning &
Zoning Commission to review development requirements, particularly with regards to small square
footage living spaces, defining and adding studio apartments, addressing set -backs, and promoting
open space. Wilde added that these changes would support more high -density housing options in the
future.
Notice of the public hearing beingposted and published as required by law was noted and the public
hearing was opened.
Tom Tougas asked council to consider increasing the square footage in the definition of a
Studio Apartment from 350 square feet to 500 square feet.
No one else appeared to address the Council and the public hearing was closed.
Motion to Amend (Casagranda/Towsley) Amend Ordinance 2018-004 in the definition
of "Studio Apartment" by striking the
words, "...less than 350 square feet..." and
replacing it with, "...less than 500 square
feet..."
Wilde said the 350 square foot definition came from multiple discussions with the building
and fire departments, but she didn't see a reason why it couldn't be increased.
Motion To Amend Passed Unanimous
Main Motion Passed Unanimous
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Resolutions
Resolution 2018-034, Authorizing A Cost Of Living Increase Of 2.1% For 2018 And A
Separate 2.1% For 2019 For All Non-IBEW Employees With The Exception Of The City
Manager And City Clerk, And Appropriating Funds.
The original motion was made by Casagranda and seconded by McClure on April 9, 2018, and then
postponed to tonight's meeting. There were no amendments made to the resolution, and the main
motion is now back on the floor.
Motion to Amend (Casagranda/Towsley) Amend the title of Resolution 2018-034 by
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City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
July 9, 2018 Volume 39, Page 466
adding the words, "and any employees who
received external equity in the past two
years," after the words, "...and city
clerk..."
In response to McClure, Erchinger explained the difference between internal equity and
external equity: internal equity was a valuation based on job description factors, and external equity
was a valuation based on the comparison of positions inside the city with positions outside of the
city.
Erchinger went on to say that there were some positions in the budget that were noted with
asterisks, which indicated that those positions were eligible for external equity or for specific pay
changes for temporarily -added responsibilities.
McClure would not support this amendment because she thought it would be unfair. In
response to Seese, Erchinger said the temporary pay change was only in effect for as long as the
additional responsibilities were assigned, and then the employee went back to their regular rate of
pay. In response to Casagranda, Erchinger confirmed that external equity was approved by the city
manager. Erchinger confirmed that the COLA proposed in tonight's resolution would increase the
rates of pay permanently and would not be a one-time "bonus." Squires expressed concern about
excluding certain employees from this COLA.
Motion to Postpone (Casagranda/Towsley)
Motion to Postpone Withdrawn
Postpone Resolution 2018-034 to the July 23,
2018 meeting.
In response to Keil, Erchinger said this resolution would exclude every contract employee,
including the city manager, city clerk, and all IBEW members.
Motion to Postpone (Casagranda/Towsley)
Motion to Postpone Passed
NEW BUSINESS
Resolutions
Postpone Resolution 2018-034 to the July 23,
2018 meeting.
Yes: Seese, Towsley, Casagranda, Horn,
McClure
No: Keil, Squires
Resolution 2018-058, Authorizing $1,300,000 In Funding For Hospital Building Modifications
And Purchase Of Replacement CT Scanner And Lab Equipment Which Has Reached The
End Of Useful Life, And Appropriating Funds.
Motion (Keil/Casagranda) Approve Resolution 2018-058
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
July 9, 2018 Volume 39, Page 467
Long said this was a classic rent -versus -own argument for a critical piece of hospital
equipment. Erchinger said this was a concern for patient safety and comfort. The CT scanner saw
approximately 350 patients each year. The CT scanner failed in February 2018; the rent cost $23,000
per month, or $280,000 per year, for the temporary unit. The old unit was a 16-slice unit and the new
one would be a 32-slice unit, which would also expose patients to less radiation. Erchinger explained
that this resolution proposed purchasing a new CT scanner, as well as making some alterations to the
building to allow the equipment to be housed indoors, improve lab standards, and upgrade heating,
cooling, and plumbing.
McClure reminded everyone that she had recently sponsored a resolution to support a new
CT scanner.
Council suspended the rules to speak with Kimberly Strehlow.
Kimberly Strehlow was the Radiology Supervisor at Providence Seward Medical & Care
Center, and said there would be no lack of services offered during the construction period. The
hospital would be able to maintain x-ray and ultrasound services, as well as CT scans and lab
services, throughout the construction process.
Council went back on the rules.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Resolution 2018-060, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Contract With Jaffa
Construction For The Repair And Refurbishment Of The Lowell Canyon 400,000 Gallon
Water Storage Tank In An Amount Not To Exceed $548,376.00 And Appropriating Funds.
Motion (Keil/Casagranda) Approve Resolution 2018-060
Public Works Director Doug Schoessler said a 2011 study required repairs on this water
storage tank, but the project was only coming to fruition now due to other demands that took priority.
In response to Squires, Schoessler confirmed the 400,000-gallon tank would be out of service
during the project, but there was a second, smaller 200,000-gallon tank that would remain
operational throughout the project.
Motion to Amend (Casagranda/Keil) Amend Resolution 2018-060 in Section 3 by
striking the words, "...general funds..."
and replacing them with, "...water fund..."
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
In response to Seese, Schoessler said there was no contingency built into this contract; Long
clarified that this had been a hard money bid, and so contingency was not a factor.
Main Motion Passed Unanimous
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
July 9, 2018 Volume 39, Page 468
Council recessed at 8:37 p.m.
Council resumed at 8:42 p.m.
Other New Business
Discuss progress on organization chart updates. (Towsley)
Long provided council with a laydown called "City of Seward Staffing* Chart". Erchinger
said this chart reflected all full-time and part-time employees, and did not include seasonal
employees. In response to Casagranda, Erchinger said this particular organization chart could be
included in the budget, but would likely not be included in the CAFR due to federal reporting
restrictions.
Discuss ballot initiative to form an area -wide utility board, and direct the city attorney and
administration to prepare the ballot initiative. (Towsley)
Towsley wished to bring this topic up for discussion, as she was trying to respond to citizen
concerns about escalating electric rates.
Keil thought the intention was good, but was concerned with legal ramifications; she
suggested having the city attorney take a look at the situation. Davies agreed with the
recommendation for having the city attorney's office look into it. McClure, Horn, and Seese
concurred.
Council directed the city attorney to research the legalities of this issue, and various options for
regulatory versus advisory, city authority, owners versus customers, etc. then bring it back to council.
Council would discuss scheduling a work session on this topic at the July 23, 2018 meeting.
Schedule a work session to discuss the current status and renewal of the Health Resources and
Services Administration (HRSA) Grant for the Seward Community Health Center. (Squires)
Council scheduled a work session on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.
Schedule a work session to discuss the transfer of the Vigor lease.
Council scheduled a work session on Monday, July 23, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
Clerk's Report on Public Records Requests for June, 2018.
On -Going City Projects and Goals.
City of Seward Financial Reports through January — April, 2018.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
July 9, 2018 Volume 39, Page 469
Towsley thanked administration for the organization chart, and Public Works for installing
Lowell Point Road signage. There was a citizen contingency from the Nash Road area that was
interested in reducing the speed limit to 45 miles per hour on that road. Towsley had also received a
call from the concerned business owner about the after-hours noise complaint.
McClure thanked city workers and Police Department for making the Fourth of July safe and
fun. McClure also received the noise complaint phone call. McClure suggested the roof of the
refurbished water tower at Lowell Canyon could be decorated so that the drone coverage of the Mt.
Marathon Race could pick it up.
Casagranda said it was a great Fourth of July.
Seese thanked Erchinger for the city financial reports, and Ecklund for her comments about
recycling. She also thanked Schoessler for fixing the signs at the jeep trail.
Squires enjoyed the Fourth of July, and commended the city employees and chamber
volunteers for doing a great job. He thought there may be an opportunity to work with the garbage
contractor to collect recyclables.
Long commended Police Officer Morgan Woodard for saving a life this week.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Cindy Ecklund followed up on her earlier comments by saying that during tonight's meeting
by saying she left the meeting and drove out to the South Harbor Uplands to check what recyclables
were accepted there: glass, cardboard, aluminum, and newspaper. At the transfer facility they
collected glass, plastic #1, plastic #2, aluminum, mixed paper, and flattened cardboard. Ecklund
reminded everyone that keeping recyclables clean and not contaminated was critical.
Craig Ambrosiani thanked council for approving the funding for the CT scanner.
Ambrosiani stated that the Seward Community Health Center (SCHC) began the process of setting
aside funds for capital improvements last year, but based on the discussions tonight, he was confused
about whether that funding would remain intact. He also wondered whether the SCHC's future
funding would still be available.
Patrick Messmer said the APEA union election had taken place: Patrick Messmer was
president, Kyle Campbell was vice president, and Mikael Kinney was secretary/treasurer.
COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS
Keil commented that the garbage contract was in place by a vote of the public.
Erchinger responded to the inquiry about the capital budget for the SCHC: to the extent that
the city was financially able to honor the agreement to contribute to the SCHC's facility expansion, it
would be great. There had been some fairly significant events since that original commitment was
made, however, that may impact future funding, including tonight's discussion, the impact of the
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City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
July 9, 2018 Volume 39, Page 470
opening of a 120-bed long-term care facility in the Mat -Su Valley, and the opening of another private
facility elsewhere. Erchinger said the most important responsibility was that 1% of sales tax was
pledged to repay the bonds on the long-term care facility, which would be required through 2034.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:32 p.m.
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