Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2009-043Sponsored by: Gales CITY OF SF,IYARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2009-043 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THF, CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, SUBMITTING AN ADVISORY BALLOT PROPOSITION TO THE QUAI,1 FIED VOTERS AT THE OCTOBER 6, 2009 REGULAR 1~9UNIC[PAL ELF,CTION REGARDING WHETHER FLUORIDE SHOULD BE AllDED TO TIIE CITY OF SF,WARD WATER WHEREAS, SGS (City's certified lab) conducted a standard water test, that measures 0.1 parts per million and higher, on March 9, 2009 and fluoride was not detected in the Seward City water; and WHEREAS, the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) established the optimwn concentration for fluoride in the United States in the range of U.7 to 1.2 parts per million; and WHEREAS, fluoridation of community water supplies involves the addition of fluoride to the public water supply to an optima] level to reduce the incidence of tooth decay; and ~~'HEREAS, a Seward Fluoridation Study was conducted by Michael L. Foster & Associates, Inc, on April 13, ?009 addressing fluoride fornis, corrosion, chemical feed, regulatory requirements, code compliance, operator certification, costs, and fluoride removal; and WHF.RF.AS, according to the Fluoridation Study the approximate cost of fluoridating the water are $130,000 for capital costs and $24,000 for annual costs; and WHEREAS, the hidian Health Service may contribute up to 21 % ofthe capital infrasttuchtre costs; and WHEREAS, there are pros and cons to adding fluoride to community water supplies and there is passion among both the proponents and opponents of fluoridation; and WHEREAS, this resolution will place the issue ofwhether fluoride should be added to the City of Seward water on the ballot as an advisory vote allowing the qualified voters to advise the City Council on whether to fluoridate the water or not; and WHEREAS, the advisory vote on adding fluoride to the City of Seward's water is non binding, the City Council will consider the voting results. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SE~~'ARD, ALASKA, that: CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2009-043 Section I. The City Clerk is hereby directed to submit Proposition No.l as a non binding advisory vote to the qualified voters at the October 6, 2009 regular municipal election in substantially the following form: ADVISORY PROPOSITION NO. I Shall fluoride be added to the City of Seward water to the level (0.7-1.2 pans per million) recommended by the li.S. Public Health Service? Yes No A "Yes" vote advises the Seward City Council that the voters recommend adding fluoride to the level (0.7-1.2 parts per million) recommended by the U.S. Public health Service to the Seward City Water. A "No" vote advises the Seward City Council that the voters do not recommend adding fluoride to the level (0.7-1.2 parts per million) recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service to the Seward City Water. 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 26`~ day of May, 2009. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA (.iC Clark Corbridge, Mayo AYES: Dunham, Bardarson, Kellar, Keil, Corbridge NOES: None ABSENT: Valdatta, Smith ABS'fA1N: None ATTEST: ~'G~~~Sl'%~a2:/~ r;~ ~.~-C X21: "L ~. Johanna Dollerhide, CMC Assistant City Clerk (City Seal) '~pe~~tiraar~~~` ~s a .,,....... °~ ws ~i ~~~ p •}"' : ~ • ' ~~ ~ • W ij y p ~e ~~ ~ a ~ -.~. ~ w ~~~i C l2F A~-pSep Council Agenda Statement Meeting Date: May 26, 2009 To: City Council Through: Phillip Oates, City Manager~~~' Agenda Item: Resolution 2009-~~Submitting an Advisory Ballot Proposition to the Qualified Voters at the October G,, 2009 Regular Municipal Election Regarding Whether Fluoride Should Be Added to the City of Seward Water BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: Providence, the City of Seward, and other health and wellness entities have met to discuss how to improve the health and wellness of the Seward community. This Wellness For All initiative originated with the 2008 publication of the Seward Region's Community Needs Assessment, sponsored by Providence. The Wellness For All Group's overarching goal is to improve wellness in the Seward community. Four sub-groups have been created focusing on Smoking Cessation, Obesity, Increasing Awareness of Programs and Opportunities Available in the Community (and improving access to healthcare), and Improving Oral Health. The fluoride issue has gathered a lot of attention both in favor and in opposition to putting fluoride in the City of Seward water. Based on extensive research, the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) established the optimum concentration for fluoride in the United States in the range of 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million. Fluoridation of community water supplies involves the addition of fluoride to the public water supply to an optimal level to reduce the incidence of tooth decay. On March 9, 2009, SGS (City's certified lab) conducted a standard water test for fluoride. This test did not detect fluoride in the Seward City water. A standard water test measures levels at 0.1 parts per million and higher. On April 13, 2009, a Seward Fluoridation Study was conducted by Michael L. Foster & Associates, Inc. This study addresses fluoride forms, corrosion, chemical feed, regulatory requirements, code compliance, operator certification, costs, and fluoride removal. According to this study, the approximate costs of fluoridating the water are $130,000 for capital costs and $24,000 for annual costs. The Indian Health Service may contribute up to 21% of the capital infrastructure costs. If Resolution 2009-~ passes this would place the fluoride issue on the October (~, 2009 ballot allowing the qualified voters of the City of Seward to advise the Council on whether fluoride should or should not be added to the City of Seward water. This is an advisory vote and is non binding on the Council decision. CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Where applicable, this agenda statement is consistent with the Seward City Code, Charter, Comprehensive Plans, Land Use Plans, Strategic Plan and City Council Rules of Procedures. Other: FISCAL NOTE: There is no initial cost to add this ballot initiative to the ballot, other than in staff time associated with determining the ballot language. Determining appropriate and balanced ballot language may not be a simple matter. At some point, the Council may wish to involve groups on both sides of the issue, to provide input on appropriate ballot language to ensure that the issue is presented in a fair and balanced fashion. It is unknown at this time, whether the City will incur any costs related to the preparation of fair and balanced public education on this issue, although at this time, no costs are anticipated. Approved by Finance Department: d~2~ ~J~2C~+~-?L, ATTORNEY REVIEW: X RECOMMENDATION: City Council approve Resolution 2009- 0~3 ,Submitting an Advisory Ballot Proposition to the Qualified Voters at the October 6, 2009 Regular Municipal Election Regarding Whether Fluoride Should Be Added to the City of Seward Water.