HomeMy WebLinkAbout05052021 PACAB Packet
Port and Commerce Advisory Board
Agenda Packet
Photo credit: Josh Estes
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
City Council ChambersBeginning at 12:00 p.m.
PUBLIC NOTICE
TEMPORARY PROCESS FOR
CITIZEN COMMENTSAT MAY 5, 2021
PORT & COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
Port and Commerce Advisory Boardwill hold a VirtualRegularMeeting on Wednesday, May 5, 2021at 12:00 p.m.
Because the City of Seward is currently experiencing a declared publichealth emergencydue to Coronavirus Disease
2019 (COVID-19), alternate methods forproviding Citizen Comments have been created. You can attend the meeting
virtually using the methods below, or you can attend in person.
How To VirtuallyAttend The Meeting
1.The meeting will be Live Streamed on the city’s YouTube page. Log onto YouTube and type “City of Seward
Alaska” into the search bar.
2.Listen on the radio. Tune to KIBH-FM 91.7
3.Watch on television. Tune into GCI Cable Channel 9.
How To Submit Your CITIZEN COMMENTS
1.Email your writtenCitizen Commentsto jstallard@cityofseward.netno later than 5:00 p.m.on Tuesday, May
4, 2021. Identify whether you want your comments READ ALOUD at the meeting or EMAILED to PACAB
upon receipt. Comments requested to be read aloudwill be delivered verballyto PACABby the City Clerkat the
appropriate time duringthe meeting.
2.If you wish to be calledonthe telephoneduring the meeting to provide your commentstelephonically, send an
, including your
email request tothe City Clerk along with your contact information to jstallard@cityofseward.net
full name and the telephone number you wish to have called. The clerk must receive your request no later than
5:00 p.m.on Tuesday,May 4, 2021.Identify whether you wish to be called during the FIRST or SECOND citizen
comment period. If you wish to be contacted for the first Citizen Comment period, please be prepared to answer
your phonestarting at 12:00 p.m. If you wish to be contacted for the second Citizen Comment period, there is no
estimate of time to expect the call.
All Citizen Comments will be timed and limited to three minutes (first period) or five minutes (second period).The
telephone number will be called ONE time; if there is no answer, the clerk will move on to the next citizen.
Thank You For Your Cooperation!
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The City of Seward, Alaska
SEWARD PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
May 5, 2021 12:00p.m.Council Chambers
Laura Schneider
1.CALL TOORDER
Chair
Term Expires July, 2023
2.PLEDGE OFALLEGIANCE
Bruce Jaffa
3.ROLLCALL
Vice Chair
Term Expires July, 2021
4.CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS
SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Carl Hughes
Board Member
5.APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Term Expires July, 2023
6.SPECIALORDERS,PRESENTATIONSANDREPORTS
Colby Lawrence
Board Member
A.Proclamations and Awards – None
Term Expires July, 2022
B.Alaska Railroad Report…………………………………….Pg. 4
C.ChamberofCommerce Report……………………………..Pg. 5
Lynda Paquette
D.HarbormasterReport………………………………………..Pg. 9
Board Member
E.Other Reports and Announcements – None
Term Expires July, 2021
F.Presentations – None
Erin Lemas
Board Member
Term Expires July,2021
Benjamin Smith
Board Member
Term Expires July, 2022
Stephen Sowell
Assistant City Manager
Norm Regis
Harbormaster
Jessica Stallard
Deputy City Clerk
City of Seward, Alaska Port & Commerce
Advisory BoardAgenda
May 5, 2021
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7.NEW BUSINESS
A.Other New Business Items
*1. Approve theApril 7, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes……………………………….Pg. 10
2.Update on progress of the interconnect policy and installations of demo
systems highlighting renewable & alternative energy systems……………………….........Pg. 15
3. Set goalsforthesecond half ofyear2021……………………………………………Pg. 18
4.Discuss HappyYouthPrograms & Educational Resources (HYPER)……………….Pg. 19
8.INFORMATIONAL ITEMSAND REPORTS\[NoAction Required\]
A.Port & Commerce Advisory Board Priorities (as approved by City Council).............Pg. 37
B.Port&CommerceAdvisory Board 2021 Goals Calendar.
9.CITIZEN COMMENTS\[There is no sign in for this comment period.Timeislimitedtofive(5)
minutes per speaker.\]
10.BOARDAND ADMINISTRATIONCOMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
11.ADJOURNMENT
City of Seward, Alaska Port & Commerce
Advisory BoardAgenda
May 5, 2021
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Chamber of Commerce – Executive Director Report
April 26, 2020 Board Meeting
(report submitted April 20)
Forecast Update:We are hearing from member businesses that excursions and independent
lodging providers are way up. Hotels are starting to go up but bookings are still low in some areas
around the state (based on Aspen Hotels – mid level hotel chain) We know that the carrying capacity
of the airlines is less than 80% of 2019 levels so that may play a limiting factor with Canada likely
being closed to RV traffic again this summer. I believe we will have the strongest independent
traveler summer we have had but will end up being between 70-80% of 2019 levels of overall traveler
levels.
Member Call – Worker issues:We will be doing an upcoming membership call so that we can hear
from members on worker shortages, housing shortages, J-1 issues, etc. so that we can understand
the issue and hopefully find some solutions. Look for that in the first or second week of May.
Visitor Services: The visitor Center is currently open during the week from 10am – 4pm Monday –
Friday and closed on the weekends. We will be expanding the hours in the day in and open on
weekends in May as demand goes up. We are seeing more visitors come through the doors and
increasing amounts of visitor guide requests and phone inquiries. We will be opening the Derby
Booth as a secondary visitor center this summer.
Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute:The staff went on a tour to Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute a couple
weeks back. They are rebranding as being a shellfish hatchery is only a small portion of what they
do. They are doing a lot of research and work on Ocean Acidification (specific application), fisheries
research, kelp farming and experimentation. It was a really fascinating tour and some of the stuff
they are doing isn’t being done anywhere else in the world. We are working with them with some of
their rebranding pieces and helping them get the word out about what they do.
AEV Charging Stations:I have been working with Rob Montgomery and the group that is managing
the distribution of the VW Funds that are distributing grants to install AEV Charging Stations. We
have picked a place at the visitor center to install them. There will be one high speed and one level 2
station. We are hoping to have this project done this summer. Update: We have submitted our
paperwork to AEA for the grant and are in the process of identifying a vendor.
Small Business Development Position: Update: We are getting close to havinga co-managed job
description. We are working on the contract language and getting some clarifications on scope
before getting a final draft for approval. I’m hoping we’ll be able to have this posted in early May and
hired in June.
Seward Music and Arts Festival: We are working with SMAF organizers reimagine their planso
that they can hold this year’s event. They are looking at something similar to a shop small weekend
where artists can be in local businessesbut also include a street closure with events, food trucks, etc.
as well as having a main concern tent downtown somewhere, which would close at 10pm and then
local venues can host music from 10pm on. Look for more information from SMAC and SMAF soon!
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Community Awards: Thank you to everyone who nominated and voted in the Community Awards.
We had a great evening with the following winners:
Business Site Improvement: Elle Zernia – Mermaid Grotto and Cafe
Business Person of the Year: Christy Terry
Service to the Community Award: Lori Landstrom
Board of Directors Award: Seward Community Health Center
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Website Progress.The website will be going public on May 11. There will be a version available
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on April 26for the staff to review and make adjustments. We are really excited forthis!
KPTMC (Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council) Board Update: The Executive Director has
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resigned as of April 30. The Executive Board (Shanon Davis, Dale Bagley, and Carol Fraser) and
Assembly Member (Lane Chesley) met with the mayor and Borough administration in developing
plans to move forward.
Halibut Tournament: scheduled for June 15-30.We are working on the planning pieces with Elle
Zernia.
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4of July: Vendor Applications are opening soon. We have another 4of July Committee meeting
this week. Planning is going forward – permits, insurance, port-a-potties, garbage, recycling, etc.We
are planning our traditional pieces and introducing some new ones as well. More information on this
soon.
MMR: Planningin progress. A crew went up on the mountain this last weekend and did some tree /
debris clearing that came down in the fall / winter.
Silver Salmon Derby: Committee is meeting and working on the planning for this year’s Derby
scheduled from August 14-22.
Calendar of Upcoming Events:
Busy working on Events for the Summer – on our own and helping support those that we partner with.
Mermaid Festival – Weekend of May 15th
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Combat Fishing Tournament – May 26
Halibut Tournament – June 15-30
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Fourth of July Weekend – July 2 – 5
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MMR – July 7
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Salmon Derby – August 14-22
SMAF – September – new format this year – September 24, 25
Reports from the Staff:
MEMBERSHIP REPORT:
Total Active Members: 365
Dropped: 1
New: 6
Rejoined: 3
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Simpleview CRM/CMS
o Supporting transition of content, listings and brand collateral to new platform
o Bringing annual applications and processes online (ad sales, vendors, sponsors)
2021 July 4th Festival
o Event coordination & planning support
2021 Community Awards
o Event coordination & planning support
o Like, Share, mark yourself as attending the FB livestream event!
Supporting Team/Director/Board w/
o Bylawsand member code of conduct review/development
o Transition/goal setting/planning for membership coordinator position into 2021
o Onboarding new staff
Engaging partners for 2020-memberprogramming, including
o Simpleview - New site launch/Member listing webinars (April/May)
o AK SBDC - 4-part online class pack - will be available to members (September 2021)
ommunications Report
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o Social Media - see some fun trends below!
o Website Redesign
CMS content sent to Simpleview for layout on the new website!
Teamwide training on CMS management set for late April/
Tentative launch date for May 11 - two weeks of Web Review from April 26 to
May 11 will be heavy lift
o Marketing
Starting to utilize social media marketing again, with some success
Anxiously awaiting the next issue of Edible Alaska for our spread!
Mapping out different marketing strategies/plans going into the summer, with
focuses on different aspects of Seward to focus on (i.e. birding, maritime, etc.)
Crowdriff has been a useful resource as we’re receiving more requests for media
o Visitor Guide/Leads
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Submitted 450 organic requests for mailers and 6 boxes to Fairbanks - receiving
compliments left and right from other Alaska DMOs!
PROMOTIONS/PROGRAMS REPORT:
2021 Community Awards
o Graphics/social media support
Professional Development
o CRM training sessions
o Active Campaign training webinars
Nonprofit support
o HYPER - Happy Youth Programs & Education Resources
Member programming
o Member Listing Webinar Series
Other
o Working with Aisha, taking over Chamber E-news & processing new member
applications
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PACABHARBOR
1.The boat lifts have picked up in the last few weeks vessels being placed into the water for the
season.
2.The water in the harbor will start being turned on this week.
3.We are still working with the public with COVID protocol in mind while continuing to do
boat lifts and public contact in the Seward Harbor office.
4.We are continuing to clean up the last 2 lots at SMIC, this could take some time but we are
making headway, this will pick up as the summer season approaches.
5.The harbor crew has been working at trying to keep up with the snow/ice melting going on at
throughout the harbor and has been picking up dirt.
6.The harbor has done many 330 ton boat lifts this week.
7.The fish cleaning stations will be opened as soon as we turn on the water.
8.The harbor office is short one office staff.
9.The Harbor has upgraded to the new software and are still working through some minor
issues.
10.The harbor office will be closed on Sundays, any phone messages received on Sundays are
being monitored and responded to by the Sunday harbor crew.
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11.The harbor office will open up seven days a week starting May 9.
12.Continuing to have meeting concerning the North East harbor launch ramp, we are at 75%
design still waiting on the State to appropriate the money that AD&G has received from the
feds.
13.A sharps collection bin has been installed near the harbor restrooms.
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City of Seward, AlaskaPort and Commerce Advisory BoardMeeting Minutes
April 7, 2021Volume 4, Page
CALL TO ORDER
The April 7, 2021regularmeeting of the Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called
to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Schneider.
OPENING CEREMONY
Harbormaster Norm Regisledthe Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Laura Schneider,presiding (via Zoom) and
Bruce Jaffa(via Zoom)Carl Hughes(via Zoom)
Colby Lawrence(via Zoom; arrived 12:16 p.m.)
Lynda PaquetteErin Lemas(via Zoom)
Benjamin Smith
comprisinga quorum of the Board; and
Norm Regis,Harbormaster/Acting City Manager
Brenda Ballou, City Clerk
Excused Smith
AbsentNone
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED
FOR PUBLIC HEARINGNone
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Hughes/Paquette)Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approve the March3, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Proclamations & AwardsNone
Alaska Railroad Report. Port Manager Christy Terryreported the railroad and terminal
were gearing up for a busy timejuggling barges andthere was a lot of activity expected in the next
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City of Seward, AlaskaPort and Commerce Advisory BoardMeeting Minutes
April 7, 2021Volume 4, Page
couple of weeks. She reminded everyone that the railroad followed toCDC guidelines. The
successful proposer for the new cruise ship terminal project would be announced soon. There was
one cruise ship that would dock in the southeast in May, andthey would dock in Seward. The CDC
hadprovided feedback to the cruise lines that were onerous and strict. The railroad was standing
by on updates onagreements from CLIAfor cruise ships. The Coastal Classic passenger train
would run to Seward from May 29 through September 6, 2021.
Jaffa wished to confirm with Terry that the railroad board was involved in these issues;
Terry confirmed and said she was in touch continually with railroadupper management.
Schneider notes that retail was not an authorized use inanIndustrial(I) zoned area, and
wondered what the impact would be for the new cruise ship terminal. Terry saidshe was keeping
an eye on the plansfor the new terminal.
Chamber of Commerce Report.Jason Bicklingstated the Electric Vehicle (EV)
charging station was moving along; he would havea meeting with the vendor next week, and
would be accompanied by the citys Electric Manager Rob Montgomery. Regarding thesolar panel
project, Bicklingwas working on developing a presentation for the community to learn more about
it. The chamber awards event would be coming soon;nominations were being posted on the
Facebook page, and the event would be held virtually this year. The chambersnew
website would launch on May 11, 2021.
Lawrence arrived at 12:16 p.m.
Harbormaster Report.Harbormaster Norm Regissaid the water would be turned on
soon;ship lift activity was picking up. Melody Moline would retire at the end of April; there would
be aparty for her on April 24 at the American Legion. In a few weeks, the harbor office would be
opened seven days a week.
Schneider wondered what the outcome was for the Northeastlaunch ramp public comments
period. Regis said it was decided that the fish cleaning station would be put in alocation by itself.
Other Reports and AnnouncementsNone
Presentations
Happy Youth Programs & Educational Resources (HYPER) presentation by Casie
Warner.
UNFINISHED BUSINESSNone
NEW BUSINESS
Resolutions
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City of Seward, AlaskaPort and Commerce Advisory BoardMeeting Minutes
April 7, 2021Volume 4, Page
Resolution 2021-002,Recommending That City Council Amend The Port & Harbor
Tariff Regulations To Increase Vessel Storage Rates In The Seward Marine
Industrial Center (SMIC) Yard, Effective January 1, 2022.
Motion (Jaffa/Hughes)Approve Resolution 2021-022
Regis said this was the outcome of the work session PACABhad; raising the priceswould
hopefully deter from long-term boat storage in the yard, and instead allow for working boats to
use the space. Regis hoped to have this resolution approvedby councilin time for the upcoming
budget cycle.
Jaffa had beenat the harbor yesterday, and said it looked vibrant with commercial and
scare any boat owners away.
Motion to Amend (Paquette/Schneider)Amend Resolution2021-002in Section 1
by adding the word continuousso it
reads: The Port and Commece Advisory
Board recommends the Seward City
Council enact the following rates for
continuousvessel storage in the SMIC
yard as follows
Schneider wished to make it clear that the rates increased year over year for vessels that
never left the yard.
Motion to Amend PassedUnanimous
Motion PassedUnanimous
Other New Business Items
Lemas left the meeting at 1:00 p.m.
Review & provide recommendation to Council on vessel property tax.
Schneidersaid PACABhad reviewed this last year, but had decided to notmakea
positionhad changed since then.There
was no response form the board, and Schneider took that to mean they wished to make no changes
at this time.
Regis thought this might not be the right time to address this issue. That harbor was full at
this time. He wondered if this couldcome back for discussion in the fall.
Paquette wondered if there was data available from other communitiesregarding tax rates.
Regis said he had someinformation, andithad beenprovided to PACABlast year.
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City of Seward, AlaskaPort and Commerce Advisory BoardMeeting Minutes
April 7, 2021Volume 4, Page
Jaffa thought the new city manager should be giventhe chance to weigh in, so he was in
favor of waiting untilthefall. Paquette concurred.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
Port & Commerce Advisory Board Priorities (as approved by City Council).
Port & Commerce Advisory Board 2021 Goals Calendar.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Tony Baclaanthanked Casie Warner for theHYPER presentation. He was excited that
PACABwould be looking at this issue. He had attended seminars about early childhood education,
and strongly believed that early childhood education was critical in order tomitigatemental health
and substance abuse issues. The community of Sewardwould continue to grow, and theissue of
childcareneeded to be solved.
BOARDAND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
Paquettethanked everyone for the meeting, and Warner for the presentation. She had
attended a meeting about electric rates withtheelectric department, and she thought it was time
for the city to stop kicking the can down the road and tostart working through some of the difficult
issues it had, like childcare and electric rates. There were some difficult conversationsthat needed
to be had.
Registhanked Warner forthe presentation, and hoped there was a way to make it work.
Lawrencewas excited about addressing the childcare issuebecause the community really
needed it. He hoped the city would help get this private enterprise up and running. He thought the
harbor tariff for storage rates was good to haveaccomplished.
Hughesthanked Warner for the presentation; he have predicted the issues that
PACABwould contemplate.
Jaffathanked the board for their work. He recalled the positive impact that early childcare
had on his own children, and understood how important the issue was.
Schneiderwondered when the board would wish to return to having meetingsin person.
She suggested thsatPACABZoomor not; she planned to
be in person at the Maymeeting. Schneiderunderstood how critical early childcare wason the
development of individuals, and how properchildcare could result in productive adults who were
free from substance abuse.
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City of Seward, AlaskaPort and Commerce Advisory BoardMeeting Minutes
April 7, 2021Volume 4, Page
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:22p.m.
________________________________________________________________________
Brenda J. Ballou, MMCLaura Schneider
City ClerkChair
(City Seal)
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020
ouncil on vessel property tax
c
GOALS CALENDAR
nfrastructure
2021
Port & Commerce Advisory Board
wastewater i
/
for SMIC Overlay & Historic Preservation Commission for Historic Overlay
wastewater infrastructure
/
Renewable Energy presentation related to energy education and promoting energy alternatives
direction on water
TOPICSApprove PACAB PrioritiesUpdate on progress of Heat Pump Rebates Discuss economic development and recovery from pandemicSMIC Overlay Alaska Review Harbor Tariff (specifically pricing
at SMIC & annual increases)PACAB PrioritiesGetSMIC Zoning Overlay DistrictUpdate Seward Boat Harbor PlanReview & provide recommendation to Approve resolution to increase SMIC boat storage
ratesDiscuss waterProvide input on CIPUpdate on progress of the interconnect policy and installations of demo systems highlighting renewable & alternative energy systemsSet goals calendar
for the second half of year 2Evaluate Blue Pipeline InitiativeUpdate Seward Boat Harbor Plan
WSWSWSWSWSWSWSWS
HiatusHiatusHiatus
w/P&Z
MeetingMeetingMeetingMeetingMeetingMeetingMeetingMeeting
Joint WS Joint WS
w/council
– plan joint work session with P&Z
July
Aug
Junectober
Oct 6
Feb 3
Apr 7
Dec 1
Mar 3Mar 8
Nov 3
Sept 1
May 5
Oct 20
DATEFeb 17
Apr 21
Dec 15
Mar 16Mar 17
Nov 17
Sept 15
May 19
O
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From:Casie Warner
To:Brenda Ballou
Subject:HYPER Documents
Date:Wednesday, April 07, 2021 2:19:06 PM
Attachments:Letters of Support.pdf
Support Letter 2.pdf
Support Letter 3.pdf
Letter of Support 4.pdf
ECE Data 1.pdf
ECE Data 2.pdf
External Email: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless
you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Brenda,
BelowIhaveattachedourlettersofsupportandthedatafromourEarlyChildhoodEducation
CommunitySurvey2020.Wearejustnowwrappingupour2021surveyandonceIhavethe
datafromthatIwillbesuretoshare.
PleaseletmeknowifthereisanyotherinformationthatPACABwouldlikefromusorifthey
haveanyquestionspleaseletthemknowtoreachout.
Thankyouforallyourhelpandsupportwhilenavigatingthisprocess.
Casie Warner Bloom Director
907-491-0544 (Cell)
Po Box 482
Seward, AK 99664
bloom.sewardak@gmail.com
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TheSeward City Council hereby approves the following list of Priorities and Goals for the
Port and Commerce Advisory Board from February 2021 through February 2022:
PRIORITIES
Support harbor operations and harbor users
Help lead Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC) development
Advise and support the Seward Chamber of Commerce in their marketing role for the city
Explore and promote energy alternatives and community sustainability practices
Support actions and legislation that promote the viability of all businesses
Promote quality of life for Seward residents
SHORT TERM GOALS
Prioritize City, State, and Federal Priorities for port and commerce initiatives
Review the vessel property tax and provide recommendation to Council
Review the Harbor Tariff
Promote energy education and communication between the City and its residents
Track and evaluate the progress of the Interconnect Policy, Heat Pump Rebate and other
energy related issues.
Hold another joint work session with the Planning & Zoning Commission about a SMIC
overlay
Review the SMIC Development Plan
Track progress and make recommendations related to the ongoing development at SMIC
Update Seward Boat Harbor Plan
Provide input on the Capital Improvement Plan
Submit a Climate Action Plan to Council for adoption
Monitor and provide recommendations to Council regarding all fisheries issues impacting
our community
Send a board member to the Alaska Municipal League Conference
Discuss water and wastewater infrastructure and its ability to support economic growth, and
evaluate environmental impacts
Support and work with the City of Seward Utility and its customers to develop pre-approved
grid tie designs and net metering agreement
Participate in Joint Work Session with Historic Preservation Commission on Downtown
Historic Overlay District
LONG TERM GOALS
Update SMIC Development Plan (target completion 2022)
Encourage the City to install demo systems highlighting renewable & alternative energy
sources for the public awareness (target completion, first install by 2022)
Promote open air venues for public gatherings
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