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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05062009 PACAB PacketPort and Commerce Advisory Board Regular Meeting May 6, 2009 Regular Meeting Ciry Council Chambers Beginning at 12:00 pm SEWARD PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD Regular Meetin May 6, 2009 NOON COUNCIL CHAMBERS Kon Long, Chair Board Member Term Expires 2011 Theresa Butts, Vice Chair Board Member Term Expires 2009 Deborah Altermatt Board Member "Perm Expires 2010 Daniel Oliver Board Member Term Expires 20 ] 0 Vacant Board Member Term Expires 2009 DarrylSchaefermeyer Board Member Term Expires 2009 Paul Tougas Board Member Term Expires 2011 Phillip Oates City Manager Kari Anderson Harbor Master Anne Bailey Executive Liaison City of Seward, Alaska May h, zoo9 1. 2. 3. 4. CALL TO ORllER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS A. ARRC Representative Louis Bencardino B. Chamber Report Laura Cloward Executive Director C. Harbormaster Report - Kari Anderson D. Community Development Report- Christy Terry 5. Citizens' comments on any subject except those items scheduled for public hearing. [Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak Time is limited to 2 minutes per speaker and 30 minutes total time for this agenda item.J 6. Approval of agenda and consent agenda [Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk (*). Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a Board Member so requests. In the event of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda. J PACAB Agenda Page 1 1 Sponsored by: PACAB CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD RESOLUTION 2009-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE SEWARD PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD (PACAB) RECOMMENDING COUNCIL APPROVAL OF PACAB PRIORITIES FROM APRIL 2009 TO APRIL 2010 WHEREAS, PACAB's responsibilities are listed in SCC§ 2.30.325 Powers and Duties; and WHEREAS, at the April 1, 2009 meeting PACAB discussed and reviewed their Priorities List; and WHEREAS, Council and PACAB held a April 8, 2009 joint work session to review and update the current Priorities List. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Port and Commerce Advisory Board that: Section 1. The following List of Priorities through March 2010 is hereby approved by the Board and recommended to Council for their approval: PRIORITIES ]) South Harbor Uplands -continue assisting Council with recommendations for development 2) SCC § Chapter 7.10 Harbor and Port Facilities and the Port and Harbor Tariff Regulations -Rewrite and update for Council approval 3) 1993 Small Boat Harbor Management Plan -Rewrite and update (begin Fall 2009) for Council approval 4) Seward Energy Options -explore 5) 2010/2011 Small Boat Harbor and Seward Marine Industrial Center Budgets -review and provide recommendations 6) AARV -explore and recommend City of Seward support 7) Lease vs Sale Policies -provide recommendations 8) Expand Port Activity -explore Section 2. 'Phis resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. 3 Sponsored by : Administration CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD RESOLUTION 2009-OS A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION THAT THE STATE OF ALASKA REVOKE ITS MARCH 20, 2006 NAVIGABILITY DETERMINATION AS TO SALMON CREEK, FOURTH OF JULY CREEK AND SAWMILL CREEK, ALL LOCATED IN THE VICINITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA WHEREAS, the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources has changed positions on the issue of navigability on several occasions; and WHEREAS, the Seward Bear Creek Flood service area, the Kenai Peninsula Borough and the City of Seward are working to lessen impacts to flooding in the Seward area; and WHEREAS, the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) charges a royalty fee on all gravel materials removed from these areas; and WHEREAS, this royalty fee makes flood control projects more expensive and cost prohibitive; and WHEREAS, the Bureau of Land Management recommends that all water bodies, with the exception of Bear Lake, be considered administratively non-navigable in T.1N R. lE, T. 1N R. l W. T.2N R. I W, T.1 SR. 1 W, T. 1 S R.1 E; and WHEREAS, Alaska DNR policy interprets the Daniel Ball test as requiring the water body to be usable as a highway for the transportation of people or goods; and WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Flood Plain Task Force voted unanimously on April 1, 2009 in support of the State of Alaska revoking the navigability determination on Salmon Creek, Fourth of July Creek and Sawmill Creek. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARll: Section 1. Recommends Council support the State of Alaska's revoking its March 20, 2006 navigability determination as to Salmon Creek, Fourth of July Creek and Sawmill Creek, all located in the vicinity of Seward, Alaska. Section 2. That Salmon Creek, Fourth of July Creek and Sawmill Creek are not navigable, as defined by and in to the Daniel Ball test, best survey practices, and are not subject to the submerged land act, which, according to State of Alaska policy on Navigability, on the website http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/nav/nav~olicy.htm, is the accepted and correct standard for determining navigability. Section 3. The March 20, 2006 Determination of Navigability refers to extreme gradients as conclusive evidence ofnon-navigability on Spruce Creek. However, all of the creeks 5 KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH FLOOD PLAIN TASK FORCE RESOLUTION 2009-O1 A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE THAT THE STATE OF ALASKA REVOKE ITS MARCH 20, 2006 NAVIGABILITY DETERMINATION AS TO SALMON CREEK, FOURTH OF JULY CREEK AND SAWMILL CREEK, ALL LOCATED IN THE V[CINITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA WHEREAS, The State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources has changed positions on the issue of navigability on several occasions; and WHEREAS, The Seward Bear Creek Flood service area and the Kenai Peninsula Borough are working to lessen impacts to flooding in the Seward area; and WHEREAS, The State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) charges a [Levy] royalty fee on all gravel materials removed from these areas; and WHEREAS, This [LEVY] royalty fee makes flood control projects more expensive and cost prohibitive; and WHEREAS, The Bureau of Land Management recommends that all water bodies, with the exception of Bear Lake, be considered administratively non-navigable in T.1N R. lE, T. ]N R. 1W, T.2N R.1 W, T.1SR. 1W, T. 1S R.IE. WHEREAS, Alaska DNR policy interprets the Daniel Ball test as requiring the water body to be usable as a highway for the transportation of people or goods. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH FLOOD PLAIN TASK FORCE: SECTION 1. That Salmon Creek, Fourth of July Creek and Sawmill Creek are not navigable, as defined by and in to the Daniel Ball test [nxD]l best survey practices, and are not subject to the submerged land act, which, according to State of Alaska policy on Navigability, on the website http://dnr.alaska.goy/mlw/nay/nav~olicy.htm, is the accepted and correct standard for determining navigability. SECTION 2. The March 20, 2006 Determination of Navigability refers to extreme gradients as conclusive evidence ofnon-navigability on Spruce Creek. However, all of the creeks listed as navigable in the 2006 determination contain reaches of these same "extreme" gradients as expressed in percent slope derived from LIDAR dataset 2006 and pertinent cross sections. SECTION 3 The Kenai Peninsula Borough Task force requests that other concerned local boards and commissions pass similar declarations in support of this resolution ADOPTED BY THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH FLOOD PLAIN TASK FORCE ON THIS 1ST DAY OF APRIL 2009. 7 The above-mentioned website also indicates on page 3, paragaphs 6 and 7, that Alaska policy interprets the Daniel Ball test as requiring the water body to be usable as a highway for the transportation of people or goods. Additional elaboration is found on page 4, paragraph 7, which provides that waters that are only navigable at infrequent and unpredictable periods of high water are not normally considered navigable". None of these streams are capable of fulfilling this requirement except at infrequent and unpredictable periods. Further, if the interpretation according to State of Alaska policy includes recreational uses such as fishing, trapping, shooting or transportation of personal goods, there is no evidence that the streams in question have ever been capable of supporting such activities, anadromous or not. Albert Schaffer, Afognak Logging Co., in 1955 logged substantial portions of Fourth of 7uly Creek and was unable to "float logs" down this stream. (Verbal Communications 2009.) This lack of ability to float logs is in concurrence of Alaska policy and interpretations of policy for anon-navigable determination. The March 20, 2006 Determination of Navigability refers to extreme gradients as conclusive evidence of non-navigability on Spruce Creek. However, all of the creeks listed as navigable in the 2006 deternunation contain reaches of these same "extreme" gradients as expressed in percent slope derived from LIDAR dataset 2006 and pertinent cross sections. Moreover, on page 7 of the Navigability Policy, the first full paragraph indicates that when information is lacking, the state is forced to rely on the physical characteristics shown on maps and aerial photographs. In those cases, the state identifies as navigable all streams depicted on the USGS maps with double lines (generally at least 70 feet wide) and having an average gradient over the length of the stream of no more than 50 feet per mile. As the state reversed its prior ruling without the benefit of an on-site inspection, it seems appropriate to use these guidelines. Following is more information concerning the issue of navigability of the streams at issue: Salmon Creek: In the 2006 detemunation, Salmon Creek headwaters are said to be derived from Bear Lake Glacier melt (page 4 paragraph 2), which is not correct. Beaz Creek/Salmon Creek confluence, also stated in the determination document, cleazly supports this. In fact, Glacier Creek (Kwechak), not Salmon Creek, flows from Bear Lake Glacier. Instead, Salmon Creek flows from Lost Creek and runs approximately 5.6 miles to its confluence with Resurrection River. Further, the determination notes that the creek is shown to have significant width along most of its channel, in some places more than 400 feet. This width is attributable to the meandering nature of this creek; only during floods would it possibly reach such a large width. As indicated by Mr. Bazdazson, Salmon Creek is often very shallow. Although he states it is floatable in most areas, there is nothing provided to indicate what could float on it in most areas. Fourth of Julv Creek: The determination letter indicates that this creek runs approximately 1.14 miles into the Resurrection Bay, and that the lower reaches of this creek are anadromous and tidally influenced. 43 USC § 1301(a)(2) defines lands beneath navigable waters as (2) all lands permanently or periodically covered by tidal waters up to but not above the line of mean high tide and seaward to a line three geographical miles distant from the Page 2 of 3 9 Kenai Peninsula Borough Flood Plain Task Force Meeting Summary April 1, 2009 - 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting Seward City Hall, 401 Adams Street, Seward CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Flood Plain Task Force was held on April 1, 20D9, in the Council Chambers of Seward City Hall, Seward, Alaska. Chair Long called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. There were present: Ron Long, Chair Kevin Lyon Charlie Pierce, Vice Chair Dan Mahalak Colette Thompson Mary Toll Bill Williamson Jane Gabler Randy Stauffer Jim McCracken Ron Wille Matt Gray Todd Petersen Christy Terry Sue McClure Absent: Scott Walden (Excused) Bob Hicks (Excused) Also in attendance was: Sheltie Morgan, Deputy Clerk WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Chair Long thanked everyone for coming. He amended the agenda by adding two additional items, one being the introduction of two Resolutions and a Take Away Item, requesting all members come to the April 15, 2009 meeting with one item they would like to see completed by the Task Force. PUBLIC COMMENT -None. (06:03:56) RESOLUTION INTRODUCTION Mr. Wille said Flood Plain Task Force Resolution 2009-O1 was a request for the State to remove its March 20, 2006 navigability determination of Salmon Creek, Forth of July Creek and Sawmill Creek. He stated Flood Plain Task Force Resolution 2009-02, requested the State remove the current extraction fee being charged on gravel removal. He said if approved by the Task Force, the resolutions would be introduced at the next Road Board Meeting, from there it would be forwarded to the City of Seward and Planning Commission. He said this would allow for more local support to be gathered prior to introduction to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly. Flood Plain Task Force hDril 1, 2009 Kenai Peninsula Borough Page 1 of 10 11 Flood Plain Task Force Resolution 2009-02 (06:26,00) Mr. Wille said he felt introducing bath Resolution 2009-O1 and Resolution 2009-02 would not cause any harm in the process of either Resolution. Chair Long stated he was concerned that if both Resolutions were introduced, there would be the possibility of both the Legislature and the Administration waiting to see how the other department would act on the resolutions. Ms. Terry stated she felt moving forward on Resolution 2009-02 would have a positive effect, allowing extraction of gravel from other creeks in the area that were navigable. [Clerk's Note: Flood Plain Task Force Resolution 2009-02 was amended as follows: Title to read, °A R250IUtlOn ReCOmmending that the State Of Alaska [RESCINDS ITS GRAVEL EXTRACTION FEE AS IT APPLIES TO SALMON CREEK, FOURTH OF JULY CREEK AND SAWMILL CREEK, ALL LOCATED IN THE VICINITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA] Exempt Flood Mitigation Proiects in the Seward Area from the Gravel Royalty Fee as it Applies to all Flowing Waters into Resurrection bay in the Vicinity of Seward, Alaska"; the second whereas to read, "The state of Alaska Department of Natural Resources charges a mineral resources extraction ro al fee of $3.25 per cubic yard for gravel; and"; the third whereas to read,'This extraction ro al fee makes flood control projects more expensive and cost prohibitive; and", Insert a new fourth whereas to read, "charging a royalty fee for gravel extraction for flood mitigation proiects is contrary to protecting public health and safety and"; Section 1 to read, "That Salmon Creek, Fourth of July Creek, and Sawmill Creek are continually filling with sediment and debris that must be removed to lessen flood events [IN rHE SEWARD AREA] as it applies to all flowing waters into Resurrection Bay in the vicinity of Seward, Alaska." Insert a new Section 3 to read, "That the Kenai Peninsula Borough Flood Plain Task Force requests that the State exempt from its gravel extraction royalty fee flood mitigation projects in the Seward area." Insert anew Section 4 to read, "The Kenai Peninsula Borough Task Force request that other concerned local boards and commissions pass similar declarations in support of this resolution."1 Mr. McCracken spoke in opposition to Flood Plain Task Force Resolution 2009-02. Chair Lang stated the Flood Plain Task Force Resolution 2009-02 as amended was asking other boards to pass similar resolutions, and stated it would be a subject for the second half of the Legislative Session. The Task Force agreed to postpone Flood Plain Task Force Resolution 2009-02 until April 15, 2009. AMENDMENTS TO ROAD CODES -Ingress & Egress Mr. Wille stated he had spoken to the Roads Director, Staff and the Inspector for the Seward area regarding building roads in the community as a whale. He said the Borough had a template for building roads, and if a builder were to go outside of the normal road building template, an engineer would then be required to explain how the road was to be built, the engineer would be required to sign off on the plan, it could then be approved by the Roads Board. He said the Roads Board may want to consider all roads within the Seward area be designed by an engineer, due to the numerous road failures in the area, including roads that were not in flood zones. FIOOE Plain Task Farce Rpril 1, 2009 Kenai Peninsula Borough Page 3 of 10 13 Port. and Commerce Advisory Board Resolution 2009-06 Page 2 of 2 Section 4. "Phis resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the Port and Commerce Advisory Board this 6"' day of May, 2009. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Ron Long, Chair AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: VACANT: ATTEST: Jean Lewis City Clerk, CMC (City Seal) 15 Kenai Peninsula Borough Flood Plain Task Force Meeting Summarv April 15, 2009 - 6:00 p.m. Cooper Landing Community Hall, 18511 Bean Creek Rd., Cooper Landing CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Flood Plain Task Force was held on April 15, 2009, in the Council Chambers of Seward City Hall, Seward, Alaska. Chair Long called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. There were present: Ron Long, Chair Dan Mahalak Holly Montague Bill Williamson Randy Stauffer Ron Wille Todd Petersen Absent: Charlie Pierce, Vice Chair Kevin Lyon Bob Hicks Also in attendance was: Sheltie Morgan, Deputy Clerk WELCOME Scott Walden Sue McClure Mary Toll Jane Gabler Jim McCracken Matt Gray Christy Terry Chair Long welcomed everyone to the Flood Plain Task Force Meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT -None. GENERAL DISCUSSION (06:02:00) Mr. McCracken referenced the April 7, 2009 letter from Borough Mayor David Carey addressed to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding the State of Alaska Navigability Determination of March 20, 2006, he asked if there had been any response from DNR. Mr. Mahalak stated Mr. Scott Ogan, Natural Resource Manager II, for DNR had been in the area. He said Mr. Ogan met with him and discussed issues with Salmon Creek; currently in the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP) review process. He stated the review was for an extensive dredging permit for 450,000 cubic yards requested by the Borough; however, that figure had been reduced to 105,000 cubic yards. Flood Plain Task Force Kenai Peninsula 9arou9h APril L, 2009 Page I of e 17 Mr. Peterson said he believed the State was charging the royalty fee, to avoid any violations of State or Constitutional Statues; however, the fee amount was discretionary. [Clerk's Note: Amendments were made to Resolution 2009-02 as follows: Section 1 to read, "That [SALMON CREEK, FOURTH OF JULY CREEK, AND SAWMILL CREEK ARE CONTINUALLY] aII flOWlnQ Waters Into Resurrection Bay in the vicinity of Seward Alaska are continually filling with sediment and debris that must be removed to lessen the flood events in the Seward area [, AS IT APPLIES TO ALL FLOWING WATERS INTO RESURRECTION BAY IN THE VICINITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA]." Section 3 to read, "That the Kenai Peninsula Borough Flood Plain Task Force [REQUesrs] requires that the State exempt [FROM ITS GRAVEL EXTRACTION ROYALTY FEE,] flood mitigation projects in the Seward area from its gravel extraction royalty fee."] Flood Plain Task Force Resolution 2009-02 was adopted as amended. (fi:37:32) AMENDMENTS TO BOROUGH CODES Mr. Wille referred to a section of Borough Code 14.06.170, which read, "The RSA board may require, upon staff recommendation, an engineering analysis and design for locations susceptible to flooding, situation, or other natural conditions potentially damaging to the right-of-way, adjacent property, or water courses and water bodies." He said the acceptance of the Seward mapped flood area, stated everything within the mapped area was susceptible to flood. Chair Long stated the section of 14.06.170 which read, "The RSA board may require, upon staff recommendation" placed the board in second position, and considered what would happened when there was no staff recommendation. Mr. Wille said the RSA board had been considering requesting the Borough Assembly change the section of 14.06.170 to read, "The RSA board [MAY] shall require[, UPON STAFF RECOMMENDATION,] an engineering analysis." Mr. Wille stated due to the challenges in the Seward area the RSA board was looking at applying stronger requirements, he said almost all roads in Seward had failed at some time, no matter where they were located. Chair Long stated that he believed the section of 14.06.170 would better read, "The RSA board may require[, UPON STAFF RECOMMENDATION,] an engineering analysis." Mr. Wille stated the current Borough practice was staff reviewed the applications and issued permits, only when an issue was presents did the application come before the RSA board. Mr. Best suggested requirements for all road development in the Seward area to require an engineering analysis due to the challenges; however, there was also a need for an exemption process. Ms. Terry asked if there was a variance procedure available in the code. Ms. Montague stated there was in Borough Code 14.06.230. Chair Long said all requirements and possible requirements should be provided to the developers prior to construction beginning. Flood Plain Task Force April 1, 2U09 Kenai aemnswa norougn Page 3 of 8 19 Cih% of Seward, Alaska Aaril ]. 2009 Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, Page 45 Long explained that the Anchorage Daily News had an article stating some Holland America turn-a-round ships would not be stopping in Seward in 2010. Chamber Report by Laura Cloward Executive Director -None Administrative Report - Harbormaster Kari Anderson reported on the following items: • The Harbor Department continued to work with Community Development on Tariff and Code Revisions. • The Harbor Department recently attended a workshop sponsored by the EPA and ADEC on the new MSGP for Stonnwater Pollution. ADEC would review the Harbor Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and the city anticipated obtaining the NPDES permit in the next couple of months. • Northern F,conomics was completing the SMIC feasibility study and copies would be available at the May 6, 2009 Port and Commerce Advisory Board meeting and a joint work session with Council was planned for May 11, 2009. • The Harbor sent out a newsletter to slip holder and she discussed the items included. • Used oil collection sites at the top of D and F float have been renovated to include used anti- freezecollection sites, which would be recycled through the assistance of a private company. The sites should be ready for used anti-freeze collection by May 1, 2009. • The Harbor was applying for four grants with April deadlines and she reviewed the projects. • Welcomed Jen Kain to the Harbor Department who would begin on April 6, 2009. Long congratulated the Harbor on changing the layout of the front of the harbor building stating it was a great improvement. Community Development Director Christy Terry reported on the following items: • Explained the lay downs before the Board: 2006 Economic Forum with staff accomplishments, an Alaska SeaLife Center document, Coal Dust Task Force Meeting Document, an email regarding Polar Consult, a copy of a color proposal from Polar Consult, and a Natural Resource Development flyer. • The Chamber regretted not being in attendance but two film crews were in Seward filming a wedding show and atourism/small business development DVD. • The PACAB North Harbor recommendations would go before Council the same evening as the PACAB priority resolution. • The Planning and Zoning Commission would begin discussions on their code updates and PACAB would begin their code review shortly after that. • On April 27, 2009, Council entered into agreement with Harmon Construction to construct the Adam's Street Pavilion and would reach substantial completion by July 4, 2009 and final completion by July 17, 2009. • A list of Stimulus Funds would be continuously updated. 21 Ciry ofSeward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes April 1, 2009 Volume 3, Page 47 Board Member Oliver left at 12:40 p.m. In response to the Board, Groves explained projects that were geographically similar to Fourth of July Creek, the flow of intake during the winter and summer months, creek debris and the effects on the turbine, and the costs for power. In response to City of Seward Utility Manager John Foutz, Groves discussed the effect this project would have on the natural habitat. He continued to say there was not a biologist on staff but had brought a habitat biologist on board when needed on other projects. In response to Long, Groves discussed the permits and requirements that would be needed. Citizens' comments on any subject except those items scheduled for public hearing- Russ Maddox, 3385 Nash Road, Chris Rose from the Renewable Energy Alaska project would do a presentation on April 7, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Rae Building to address renewable energy opportunities, fund, and net-metering meeting that recently occurred. He stated the definition of renewable energy was a Federal definition and Senator Murkowski was trying to change this. He said many Board members did not make it to the Coal Dust Task Force and they discussed what would be done about the problem. He said he had received 14 complaints regarding the dust and wondered if there was another method for these complaints to be received. He continued to discuss the dust problem and how to assess it. In response to Terry, Maddox stated it would be great to have the complaints be directed to the railroad but it needs to be advertised or the complaints needed to be quantified. Anderson stated she did not want to add coal dust complaints to her staft's workload. Marianna Keil, inside City limits, hoped the Board would add the update to the Harbor Master Plan to their list of priorities. Mark Luttrell, outside City limits, supported the Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance concept of renewable energy and urged the Board to include a hydro project proposal to Lowell Creek. He continued that he was concerned about road access trail to the intake and the notion of clean energy to Seward not subject to disruptions was attractive. Approval of the Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion (Butts/Schaefermeyer) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous Consent The following items were approved under the Consent Agenda: 23 City of,Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes April 1, 2009 Volume 3, Page 49 be known political figures. In response to Butts, Terry stated Council Members had directed the City Manager to resurrect this, this would not take place if the City did not want the biggest response possible, and follow-up needed to occur from the last forum. Bailey clarified this Economic Forum took place in September 2007. Schaefermeyer asked what the goal of this forum was and suggested focusing on certain issues and having more structure. Altermatt stated a lot of people had attended the 2007 forum and the problem was not getting enough feedback and it might be easy to hone in on a narrower topic. She suggested the high school for the location but did not like separating into groups. She asked what impact the efficiency study had on the community. Anderson commented this forum could address the efficiency study and what the City had done with the information gathered in 2007. The Board continued to discuss their stance on the Economic Forum and suggested the High School Auditorium or Rae Building for the location, any method to get the word out to the public, the 2007 facilitators and others not involved in local politics, a creative method of debate, place as much information in the invitations about the forum, whether or not to break up into groups, breaking the forum into two stages, and. the need for open communication. Discuss contracting Northern Economics to do a presentation at a joint work session with City Council on the SM]C feasibility study Anderson stated that Northern Economics had been contracted to do a SMIC feasibility study and there was an additional cost to do a presentation to the Board and Council that was beyond the original scope of work. She explained that this was a request to the Board to use a portion of the PACAB budget to fund the presentation and recommended the Board approve a resolution to authorizing $1000 of the PACAB budget to help with the presentation cost. In response to Long, Anderson said she did not have the PACAB fund information available. Long stated he was surprised Northern Economics did not include a presentation in the scope of work and supported the drafting of a resolution for the next business meeting. Terry interjected the Board could authorize these funds by a motion. Motion (Schaefermeyer/Altermatt) Designate $1,000 from the PACAB budget for a SM1C Feasibility Study Presentation Motion Passed Unanimous Consent 25 City of,Seward, Ataska Port and Commerce rich~isory Board Minutes Apri! 1, 2009 ~otume 3, Page 51 Butts expressed gratitude on having the public and council members attend and clarified the April 8, 2009 joint work session with Council. Schaefenncyer thanked Joel Groves for his hydro presentation and stated a lot of time was spent on looking at a Lowell Creek project. He reviewed the SeaLife Center report and stated there may be an opportunity to use sea water has a heating source in Seward. Anderson recommended cancelling the April 15, 2009 work session. By general consensus, the April 15, 2009 work session had been cancelled. Long thanked Joel Groves and the utility manager for coming noted the Harbor Opening Weekend dance was sponsored by the Kenai Fjords Yacht Club and Sailing Inc and some of the proceeds would go towards the Mariner's Memorial. Citizen Comments [5 minutes per individual -Each individual has one opportunity to speak.J- ?~1one Board and Administrative Response to Citizens' Comments- None Adjournment Chair Ron bong adjourned the meeting at 1:49 p.m. Anne Bailey Executive liaison (City Seal) Ron Long Chair 27 CITY OF SEWARD • Main Office (907) 224-4050 P.O. BOX 167 • Police (907) 224-3338 SEWARD, ALASKA 99664-0167 • Harbor (907) 224-3138 • Fire (907) 224-3445 • Fax (907) 224-4038 To Whom It May Concern: The Seward City Council is sponsoring a Business and Economic Forum at the Seward High School Auditorium, Wednesday, May 13, 2009 from 7PM to 9PM. The objective of the forum is to 1) inform citizens on the actions and policies that were implemented since the last Forum held on September 19, 2007; 2) identify actions and policies that will continue to encourage and expand economic development in the City of Seward; and 3) discuss measures to reduce the impact of the current recession on the local economy. Please take some time to review the attached list of goals developed at the previous economic forum and the City's actions and accomplishments in addressing the identified goals. The goals are bolded and the updates of accomplishments follow in regular text. We hope you will come to the forum prepared to offer specific thoughts and suggestions on expanding opportunities for existing businesses and developing opportunities for new businesses. Additionally, the City would like suggestions on what we should continue to pursue and what goals should be added or deleted. The forum will be led by the City of Seward Council Members and City Manager Phillip Oates. City of Seward Administrative Staff will be in attendance to help facilitate the discussion and move the action items forward through the public process. Also in attendance will be Bryan Zak the South West Regional Director for the Alaska Small Business Development Center. Bryan will be available to offer assistance and provide information on stimulus grants available to small businesses. We solicit your active participation in the City of Seward Economic Forum, but if you are unable to attend the scheduled forum, please provide written or verbal comments to Executive Liaison Anne Bailey at 224-4047 or abailey~cityofseward.net. Thank you in advance for your support. Sincere Willard am Vice-Mayor, City of Seward Enclosure: 2007 Economic Forum Goals with Accomplishments 29 Business of Fish" is now an I1 week course that is offered to assist commercial fisherman become business savvy. The Harbor and Chamber departments developed. two fliers to promote local marine businesses and to showcase recent improvements in the Seward Harbor for the commercial fishing fleet. Fliers were distributed at Pacific Marine Expo (Nov '08) and through a "welcome back" letter sent out (Feb '09) to commercial fisherman. 3. Finish the SMIC basin- potential and discourage derelict boat storage - Harbor is working this initiative with city council. - A feasibility study is being completed by Northern Economics concerning the city's ownership and management of the 250ton Travelift and storage/maintenance yard. The outcome of the study will be presented in a joint work session with PACAB and City Council. This will provide administration direction with grant proposals, budget planning, and facility improvements. - A revision of the City Code and Port & Harbor Tariff is underway. Included in the proposed changes will be a significant fee increase for vessels stored over 9 months. - The impound process has begun for 16 derelict vessels in SMIC. A letter has been written to the USCG requesting their assistance with derelict vessel disposal efforts. 4. Provide consistent interpretation and application of policies (e.g., business license fees, tax collection for temporary business activities) and rewrite code where it is inadequate. - COS is working on an update the city code. Each section will need to be approved by the City Council. A revision of the City Code and Port & Harbor Tariff is underway, and will be brought for public review in 2009. Harbor staff has developed standard operating policies to enforce annual deadlines and to require consistent documents for contracts and agreements. - COS is in the process of revamping the Business License procedure and permitting processes. 5. Improve the customer service attitude from City to citizenry by reinforcing the idea that the City (staff s) purpose is to serve citizens and businesses. Establish a business advocate/facilitator to assist with licensing, permitting, inspection processes. - City manager is trying to create this culture. A community development director has been funded and hired. - The city chamber of commerce, city manager, and community development director are working together to advocate and facilitate businesses. - A "How to do Business" section has been added. to our city website. - Customer Service language has been added to each job description. 6. Better define and publicize roles of PACAB, City Administration, Chamber of Commerce, P & Z Commission, and citizen groups in relation to business development. - COS website explains the mission and roles of these departments and entities. 31 10. Support partnership between public school system, post-secondary institutions, businesses and alternative opportunities (Jesse Lee Home) to foster a healthy and vibrant k-16 education system. - COS is dedicated to partnering with various schools and educational programs to enhance our school district. - Friends of the Jesse Lee home are working with the local schools on the leadership school and gave an update to Council in February 2009. - Several staff attend and serve on action committees with QS2 (Quality Schools, Quality Students.) "1'YC's three councils are invited to participate. Action plans are being developed. Top 10 Things/Themes for Economic Development 1. Connect Boardwalk from Ship Dock to ASLC - A Community Development Block Grant was applied for in 2008 to install an ADA boardwalk in the South Harbor, but Seward was not awarded this grant. Seward will re- apply inthe future for this grant. 2. Enhance Commercial Fishing - COS has prepared a commercial fishing brochure/ flyer for comparative rates. - COS has applied for state funding for Z-dock, lobbying state and federal legislature to help assist with funding - COS hasn't increased the amount of transient moorage, but we recently installed 22 new power pedestals on I & T dock. We also have year-round water service available to vessels on T dock. a. Transient berths with utilities b. Available goods and services c. Eliminate double moorage SBH/SMIC - Better marketing for all of the above, and that Seward is the easiest accessible port from Anchorage. - The Harbor and Chamber developed two fliers to promote local marine businesses and to showcase recent improvements in the Seward Harbor for the commercial fishing fleet. Fliers were distributed at Pacific Marine Expo (Nov '08) and through a "welcome back" letter sent out (Feb '09) to commercial fisherman. d. Move waste and trash containers - "I'he harbor department has removed one used-oil collection site from the harbor and is renovating two others to include used anti-freeze collection sites. - The Harbor is applying for a grant to construct a new fish cleaning station in the NE Harbor that is similar to those located at J & B Docks. ADF&G has committed $100K to the project. 3. Allow transient portable building businesses - City code has been modified to allow temporary structures as defined by SCC. a 33 8. "Front-end" utilities in newly developed areas instead of requiring developer to pay up front costs - COS has utilized "minimum payment agreements" to subsidize the cost of utility expansions for many local qualifying businesses. - COS paid to install water into undeveloped neighborhoods in Forest Acres, at no cost to adjacent property owners, to encourage residential property development, resulting in construction of many new homes in the area. 9. Quality of Life as ED tool: K-12 and post-secondary education 10. Fully develop TT links, fiber optic - COS has made significant improvements in this area in the past year. Most specifically, it has migrated to Voice-over-IP in collaboration with the long-term care facility and the hospital. The hospital has video conierencing capability, which allows expansion of medical education, as well as a variety of other uses. AVT'EC also have video conferencing capability. Top 10 Things/I'hemes for City Support of Business and Economic Development 1. Revise the Seward City Code to eliminate inconsistencies across the code. - Community Development is working with each department to update the city code. Each section will need to be approved by the city council. Staff will begin the public process with the Zoning Code the second Planning Commission meeting in May. The harbor portion of Title 7 and the Harbor 'Tariff will begin the public process in June. 2. Develop flow charts and check-lists that show (and speed) the flow of procedures and actions that are necessary to obtain specific city services, approvals, or permits. - COS has developed several flow charts for 1) building license and 2) facility use permitting. 3. Develop and implement amulti-year budget. The community voted in favor of implementing amulti-year budget and staff will begin implementation of a multi-year budget in the spring. 4. Show what is being outsourced on the City web page. - City identifies outsourcing in the 2007 budget and on the City website. 5. Increase outsourcing and reduce the size of City government. - Efficiency study identified some outsourcing opportunities that will continue to be explored. 6. Enforce ordinances and consider elimination of directives that are not being enforced. F 35 l-,~ If you were part of the Seward Community Playground Project, then you know the great .feeling you had. Everyone speaks with pride about the playground and the volunteer effort. As soon as the playground was completed, many wanted to start work on the waterfrontpavilion....The time has come! You are invited to help with the waterfront pavilion that is under construction at the end of Adams Street This community project has been made possible with City of Seward funding and the Alaska SeaLife Center. Specifically, we need volunteers to fill shifts from May I8 -May 27 As many as eight volunteers can work per shift: Morning Sam-l2pm, After- noon 12:30 - 4:30pm, and Evening Spm-9prr~ We need help painting lumber in the City Hall Garage located in the north parking lot of City Hall. Please call 224-4049 to fill a shift. We will need your name, contact phone, level of experience and when you would be available. As part of the volunteer crew, we are looking for a Lead Painter or two. Please let us know if you would be willing to supervise shifts. What an opportunity to complete this corner of the waterfront! Volunteer Painters needed May I8-27`x' Come help with the new Waterfront Pavilion Call 224-4049 for more information 37 ~~,y ~~09 May 2009 June 2D09 r 5 M T W T F 5 -T- S 'M T W' T F S 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 4 5 6 7 6 9 7 8 910.111213 ' 101112>131415.16 "14:15 16 17 18 19 Z0' 17 18.19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 MondaY___ - - Tuesd~ _ __ Wednesday Thursday Friday ~ ' _ _ - T _ ~ - F ~~ -,~ may, _~ -_ .~„~ x ,s_e fle_"_~ ~t ~ zit "* f^~ d '~..a ,. P •' 'S' H~N~ n - ,...~L ~.. V ~~ s ~ ,. I i . • yi. h t ! ~ i z _ J ~A ~~'~ ' ` * - KPB _ l i,'12 pOptn.PACA6 Meeting , .. ; 7~3pp Pg,Z Meeting - d I _ _ ~ ~. ._ - --- - CC WS Economic I i j;pp~in` `( 3:~0 Forum City Council Meeting i it i „,..'... SMIC Feasibility ' 6;30pm ¢~~ p@ '12:OOpm '9;p0am. Social Security Study with PACAB Rep . ~ 6;~Opm'Nistoric Preservation Meeting ". ' 5:3ppm CC WS Budget Close Out With Auditors ~~ i~f,,{~Qp~City Council Meeting Nanci Richey 1 5/1/2009 9:14 AM