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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05102010 City Council Minutes City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes May 10, 2010 Volume 38, Page 284 CALL TO ORDER The May 10, 2010 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Willard E. Dunham. OPENING CEREMONY Police Lieutenant Louis Tiner led the pledge of allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: Willard E. Dunham presiding and Linda Amberg Jean Bardarson Bob Valdatta Vanta Shafer Marianna Keil Tom Smith comprising a quorum of the Council; and Phillip Oates, City Manager Jean Lewis, City Clerk .• ABSENT — None CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Kerry Martin reminded everyone the boy scouts would be in town on May 21, 2010 and stated this year was the 100 anniversary of scouting. " Whale of a Good Time" was this year's logo and they would be camping in the waterfront campground. Martin had documented that 1912 was the year that scouting started in Seward. He mentioned there would be a concert on the beach from 6pm to 8 pm on the weekend. He acknowledged Stylin' Stitches for putting the logo on their shirts. Activities would include shooting at the rifle range, Alaska Sealife Center merit badge program, geo- caching, a polar dip, a run, an ice cream eating contest, hiking and other activities. Their community service project would be working on a Mt. Marathon safety trail, spreading wood chips on the playground and topsoil at the cemetery, and community cleanup and trail clearing. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Bardarson /Keil) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous Imo The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: The April 26, 2010 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Were Approved. City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes May 10, 2010 Volume 38, Page 285 Resolution 2010 -045, Appropriating $18,763.88 From The Capital Acquisition Fund And $11,236.12 From The Road /Streets Fund Net Assets For Contracted Services For Emergency Sidewalk Repair And Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into An Agreement Not -To- Exceed $30,000. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Proclamations and Awards A Proclamation for National Fitness and Sports Month was read. A Proclamation for the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run on May 15, 2010 was read. A Proclamation was read for Arbor Day. A Proclamation was read honoring Arliss Sturgelewski. Congratulations were given to Josh Kompkoff on his High School Graduation. A Welcome Proclamation was read for the Alaska Dental Society. The 2010 Seward /Japan Exchange Students were introduced. u•J Kenai Peninsula Borough Report. Sue McClure thanked the city council for dinner on behalf of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly. It was great to see people she knew in the audience. On the education funding topic, a resolution was approved to remove $4 million from the education budget. At the meeting in Seward, a lot of people spoke in opposition to that. Ultimately a resolution to rescind failed, but a new resolution was being sponsored to put $2 million back in. She continued to emphasize that parent participation was key. The assembly did reconsider and pass an ordinance that prohibited persons from being on a city council and the assembly at the same time. McClure stated at the meeting held in Seward, an ordinance was passed that extended the sunset date on the ordinance that created the Seward map flood data area until March 2011, pending implementation of the new FIRM maps. A resolution was passed to develop a flood risk assessment plan with the Corps of Engineers, and another that appropriated money to the borough's rock quarry past the dump on DNR land that the borough had authority over. City Manager's Report, City Manager Phillip Oates spoke about projects that he and the mayor had been speaking to the Governor on that were still in the budget. He stated the breakwater project would begin in late August, early September, and should coincide with the Alaska Railroad dredging project. He also stated the following purchases had been made between $10,000- 50,000. Construction Machinery- 6 month Excavator Rental for $10,800; and Metco gravel for Lowell Point Road of $15,000.00. Oates noted that on May 21, 2010 the City of Seward would welcome the Boy Scout statewide jamboree to town for two nights. He also noted the city had been awarded full funding for the Alaska Small Cities grant with the Alaska Energy Authority (EECBG) energy grant for $115,800, and explained the scope of work. City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes May 10, 2010 Volume 38, Page 286 `,,, ➢ Parking. The solar- powered, wireless, modem - controlled automated parking pay stations were now functional in the South Parking Lot. Two more stations were expected to go in the north and northeast parking lots. Once installed, it was eventually planned to add an option to pay for launch fees at these stations also. ➢ Community Development. A joint work session between the Seward Planning & Zoning Commission and the Port and Commerce Advisory Board would be held to discuss development plans for the South harbor uplands. Community Development was also working on a number of campaigns to target aesthetic improvements within the community such as; pet waste, junk vehicle incentives, code violations, private property improvements and litter. ➢ Harbor. The harbor was enacting and addressing changes and improvements as a result of the harbor survey such as; streamlined payment processes, credit card transaction limits, the review of policies and code, website updates, improvements to anti -freeze and oil collection sites, derelict boats were sold and destroyed, training was attended and contaminated soil from the illegal Nash Road dumping was hauled to Anchorage for processing at Alaska Soil Recycling. Also a clear policy was developed on vessel allowable repair and maintenance activities. ➢ Public Works. Annual spring maintenance was being conducted such as; water distribution system flushings, street sweeping, painting, brush cutting of right of ways, and vehicle tire changes. The sewer jet had experienced a catastrophic failure, and the city was looking to purchase a used unit for approximately $30,000. Major progress had been made on the ,,,, disposal of sludge for the Lowell Point (1990) plastic liner failure, and Public Works continued to define scope of work for the emergency sidewalk repairs and surface material application to Lowell Point Road. They were still working on surge event repairs as time allowed. Oates spoke of the RFP criteria that had been provided in hard copy on bids for shoreline restoration of the 2009 tidal surge and Lowell Creek bridge repair damage events. Mayoral Report, Mayor Willard Dunham had supplied a laydown report, and spoke of the full court press they had with the Governor on his visit here. Dunham went to the conference of Mayors in Soldotna today. Dunham stated the Peninsula was not happy with the activity over Pt. McKenzie either, but he had spoke with representatives, senators and lobbyists who advised him not to get involved with a veto that the city didn't have any action with. He wanted everyone to understand it was politics and he didn't want to go on the record opposing another areas project at this time of the budget season. Shafer stated $54 million was quite a state commitment for infrastructure that was already in place elsewhere. She said there was a significant portion of people concerned with the council not taking any action and thought the council should decide whether to speak up on the subj ect to the legislature. PUBLIC HEARING Resolution 2010 -044, Approving A Lease Of Property To The U.S. Coast Guard To Maintain And Operate A VHF -FM Distress Radio Microwave Telephone Link Site. City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes May 10, 2010 Volume 38, Page 287 Approve Resolution 2010 -044 Motion (Bardarson /Shafer) pp ma Oates stated in 1993, a lease was authorized for the purpose of establishing a site for distress signals. Problems arose at the site and the tower was relocated in 1995. That lease expired in 2005, and the Coast Guard was requesting a no cost lease to serve the marine community along Resurrection Bay. He stated the land was appraised at $12,000 in 2010, which would result in $960 a year, if the Coast Guard was charged for it. Oates thought it was a good service to have and recommended approval. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. No one appeared to address the Council and the public hearing was closed. Motion Passed Unanimous Ordinance 2010 -001, Amending The Zoning Map Designation Of Lots 2, 4 & 5, Block 2, Oceanview, From Single Family Residential (R1) To Auto Commercial (AC) In Compliance With The Land Use Plan, Located On The West Side Of Third Avenue Between Van Buren And D Streets.. Motion (Keil/Amberg) Enact Ordinance 2010 -001 ..r Oates stated the applicants were requesting to bring these lots in conformance with the land use plan and to possibly be used for developing a future commercial business. This land was contiguous to the land to the south that was zoned the same. He said this change was consistent with city plans and was recommended for council approval by the Seward Planning & Zoning Commission. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. No one appeared to address the Council and the public hearing was closed. Motion Passed Unanimous NEW BUSINESS Resolution 2010 -046, Appropriating An Additional $20,720 To Acquire Property Rights Necessary To Construct The North Forest Acres Levee/Road Project Across Tract B, Dieckgraeff - Gillespie Replat, For A Total Cost Not To Exceed $71,720. Motion (Bardarson /Keil) Approve Resolution 2010 -046 Oates stated the city had the results from the 2 appraisal. 14e reiterated the history on why the city must have this easement for the levee road and gave an overview of the procedures leading up to when the eminent domain resolution passed. Since the second appraisal was higher at $65,200, plus 10% added, he would propose to the owners to settle for $71,720 as long as it was settled and City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes May 10, 2010 Volume 38, Page 288 reached by Friday. The driveway location would be pursued by the city at later date and the attorneys had to file with the court by Monday. Oates compared and read the two appraisals in detail. Council Member Amberg disclosed a possible conflict of interest because the owners were her clients. Mayor Dunham declared a conflict existed. Amberg left the dais. Motion Passed Unanimous INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS (No action required) Mayor's welcome letter to new Obihiro Mayor and mural society. Eleven letters thanking subcontractors by Mayor Dunham. Six letters thanking businesses in Seattle by Mayor Dunham. Letter from Governor Parnell with attachments re: AES, AARC, ADEC. A memo describing the Extreme Makeover Website Contest. COUNCILS' COMMENTS Shafer reminded that the Corps of Engineers would be in Seward May 13, 2010 and non- profit Y -South would be having a fish fry at the American Legion as a fundraiser. Valdatta had attended the borough assembly meeting and noted the mayor spoke of taking over the Halibut cove and Ninilchik harbors. Valdatta had let them know about the State still owing harbors money. Amberg extended a thanks to the people that did the spring trash clean up around town, and noted there would be a blessing of the bikes this weekend. She extended condolences to the Hickel family with their loss of Governor Hickel. Keil thanked Lt. Tiner and Marie Gage for working with people with disabilities and taking the time with the Special Olympics. She also thanked the community for the clean -up. Keil had attended the UAA graduation and extended her congratulations to a number of ex- Seward High School students who just graduated with the largest class UAA had ever had. Bardarson congratulated the four exchange students and welcomed the Boy Scouts to town. She also gave condolences to the Hickel family. Dunham thanked the high school graduating class for their party they threw for fellow graduate Josh Kompkoff. The class would have a good memory with the Governor having his picture taken with them. Dunham was not happy with the Assembly cutting education and not funding to the cap. He was happy to be throwing out the first pitch for Little League opening day, and noted the mural society was having a fundraiser. Dunham reminisced about the passing of his good friend, Wally Hickel. He stated he was a giant for the state of Alaska and an excellent friend of City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes May 10, 2010 Volume 38, Page 289 Seward. He thanked the Anchorage Daily News for their story and would extend council J condolences at the funeral. ,,, Oates informed everyone that the Hickel family mentioned the Alaska Sealife Center as a place for donations. CITIZENS' COMMENTS Sue McClure said this Thursday the Community and High School choir were having a concert and it was open to the public free, with a donation for scholarships. Tim McDonald thought it was good there might be an agreement on the eminent domain property. He said property rights were an emotional issue. He said this purchase inadvertently knocking out highway frontage, and he wasn't sure if the appraisals were relevant. McDonald had recently lost his boat because of the city's fee structure. He offered twice to be on daily rates and stop the bleeding. He thought the city should change the harbor fee structure because it was predatory and inappropriate and not a fair system. On weatherizing the city, utility users were still being denied putting in alternative energy systems when other utilities were doing it. He thought safety reasons could be overcome. COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS - None ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. c an Lewis CMC (�tt e illard E. Dunham City Clerk Mayor • ' , 1 111 U 10. % of sE'h, ••. (City Seal) ' �•C r �0� u• iP: -ft) *. • •.4. _ __ • r r • SEAL • % .. ,,,,„.......... ••. OF AS •• 1 siii