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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08092010 (4) City Council MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes August 9, 2010 Volume 38 Page 328 CALL TO ORDER The August 9, 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 Chief Tom Clemons led the pledge of allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: Willard E. Dunham presiding and Vanta Shafer Bob Valdatta comprising a quorum of the Council; and Phillip Oates, City Manager Jean Lewis, City Clerk Cheryl Brooking, City Attorney ABSENT — Linda Amberg Jean Bardarson Tom Smith Marianna Keil CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Shane Hand, a local carpenter, was in support of the library museum project and wanted the council to make sure there would be local hire from the successful bidder. He was heartbroken to see that locals could not work on the recent AVTEC project. He knew most of these were out of town contractors, but wished to see a certain amount of local hire on those jobs. Hand stated he would love to work on the new library/museum project. He had bought land in Seward and said locals on the job benefitted the community economically. Mary Bailey, spoke of the dead end stop by the fish ditch and wanted a footbridge installed somewhere by the culvert. She stated traffic didn't seem to understand dead ends and she was concerned about people falling in the creek underneath 4th Avenue. She hoped to continue enjoying watching otters roam in the area. Maureen Morales said the rate at the utilities to have the water capped for the winter was exorbitant, and thought the fee hike of 500% was unfair. She wanted to know why that decision to raise rates that high was made without notification. Chris Goodwin, worked as a deckhand, paid property taxes, bought locally, and spent a lot of money within the community. After working a long hard season, he felt he should be able to leave City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes August 9 2010 Volume 38, Page 329 Seward for a spell in the winter, and always shuts off his water to avoid damage. He said instead of a $35 rate to cap water, it was now raised to $250. He totally disagreed with the rate hike. Goodwin stated he needed to turn off the water and blow out the pipes in the winter to avoid pipes bursting and doing a lot of damage. On top of the utility bill and the oil bill, this rate increase was excessive. He would now have to have someone check his house more often, and would rather use the $250 towards his vacation. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Keil/Bardarson) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Resolution 2010 -076 was moved up in the agenda to allow visitors from Anchorage to drive back. Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: The July 12 and July 26, 2010 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes and the July 27 and August 2, 2010 Special Meeting Minutes Were Approved. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Proclamations and Awards A Proclamation Was Read Honoring The U.S. Coast Guard's 220 Years Of Service. The Grand Court, Order Of The Amaranth, State Of Alaska Were Welcomed To Seward. Borough Assembly Report. Borough Assembly Representative Sue McClure stated she was on the dissenting side to put the manager form of government on the ballot. Another ballot issue would be bonding for the re- roofing of 11 schools in the district, which Seward Elementary was one of. This issue was also eligible for some federal reimbursement. She mentioned the capital improvement proj ect of paving would begin soon on Bruno and Stoney Creek road in Questa Woods. Portions of Borough public land would be available for bid and she noted the redesigning governance for Central Peninsula Hospital was a hot item, with lots of public input. They were down to two options to be presented to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly. In response to Valdatta, McClure mentioned there was a gentleman on the other side of the Peninsula who canned salmon and sent them overseas to serviceman if anyone wished to donate money or salmon for. Police Chief Tom Clemons spoke with the Colonel of the Alaska State Troopers about the recent assault of a young lady in the community, and he wanted the public to be assured this incident was being taken seriously, all resources were being used, and that they were confident this would City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes August 9, 2010 Volume 38 Page 330 result in closure. He explained the investigation was ongoing and needed to be kept closed at this time. City Manager's Report. City Manager Phillip Oates stated the following purchases had been approved between $10,000- 50,000 since the last Council Meeting: • The Public Works department purchased a Sewer Jet for $35,000 as approved by council and finished the electrical wet well upgrades which required payment to Service Electric for $11,350.18. • A purchase order had been issued to M.L. Foster for $10,000 to complete the wastewater system assessment. Oates announced the Library had new on -line services such as a web -based catalog that could be accessed from home, and thousands of audio books, E- books, kids books, interactive games and music available for download. The Harbor was preparing to sell 16 impounded boats and continued to work with URS engineers to prepare bid documents for the installation of Z float. The 870' linear section of float would be installed this winter, and ready for vessels the summer of 2011. Oates reported the Planning & Zoning Commission had approved a floodplain variance to construct an aircraft hangar at the Seward airport, approved a replat and were working on ordinance updates to the Sign Code and Wind Energy Conversion systems. He announced the next organizational meeting for the navigability summit would be August 11, 2010 in Cooper Landing. Oates stated representatives from the United Methodist Women's Division visited and reaffirmed their commitment and responsibility to the Wesley Rehabilitation and Care Center building. Oates notified that the Coast Guard building relocation was moving forward, with waterline design and storm water relocation and the foundation design were all being worked on. He had forwarded the recommendations for federal road and sidewalk earmarks to the Department of Transportation, with emergency repairs to sidewalks continuing as weather permitted. A compromised sewer line on 3rd Ave was being investigated and council would be apprised of projected scope and cost. This was likely to lead to an emergency repair contract. In response to questions by Keil, Oates stated the system still had to be maintained while people were gone for the winter. Public Works was examining putting a pedestrian bridge in at the culvert. Oates reminded the maintenance and operating agreement with Seward Ships Drydock was extended for a year, and staff was in the process of deciding if the coating work was being done properly. City Attorney Report. City Attorney Cheryl Brooking re- capped their involvement from the period of March 21 through July 20, 2010. Their office had provided advice on many different areas, worked on contracts and resolutions, completed the quiet title action on the lots at the Two Lakes property, which was recorded. They answered questions, and filed a declaration of taking on Tract B for the levee road project. They also provided assistance on unpermitted floodplain appeals, contract negotiations, and worked with utility easements and collective bargaining questions. She mentioned that ongoing litigation with Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance and the Trustees' brief was due August 20, 2010. The issue now was $130,000 in attorney fees. Brooking noted City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes August 9 2010 Volume 38, Page 331 Mayor Dunham recently sent a letter to municipalities around Alaska, asking for assistance since this case was being used as a test case to sue other municipalities. Mayoral Report. Mayor Willard Dunham was proud of the student exchange program with Obihiro, Japan and mentioned how positive it was. He thanked all the people in town who volunteered each year to house our foreign guests and make their time here so special. He spoke of the reception by the Calista Corporation and how he went to every booth. Dunham stated as he made the rounds, he was amazed how many of the twelve companies did business in Seward. All comments were positive and he was proud of Seward. They mentioned liking the upgrades around town, and appreciated the upgrades in the harbor. He spoke of future shipping opportunities and was excited the Wada Memorial Association weekend was coming together. Dunham thought it was a gift for the town to have so many professors working on bringing this together. Dunham informed the public he had appointed an Ad -Hoc Committee of three council members after a work session on land policies and lease procedures. He appointed; Vanta Shafer, Tom Smith and Marianna Keil, to study and research city lands that could possibly be put up for sale. Their organizational meeting would be tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and all meetings would be publicly noticed for community attendance. Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations A Business Gap Analysis was given by KPB EDD Director John Torgerson and VISTA Employee Tom Sloan. PUBLIC HEARING - None NEW BUSINESS Resolution 2010 -076, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Sole Source Contract With Chugach Electric Association To Repair The Transmission Line And To Spend Up To $1,500,000 For The Total Project And Appropriating Funds. Motion (Bardarson /Shafer) Approve Resolution 2010 -076 Oates pointed out Brad Evans and Bill Bernier of Chugach Electric Association were present in the audience in case there were any questions. Oates thought this was a good news resolution and wished he had thought of it himself. He stated this was the Mayor's initiative to see if there were any mutual aid agreements the City had with Chugach. The City had an opportunity to repair transmission line damage from Mile 18 to 37 at a significant cost savings. Oates said the city owned the transmission line and it posed an imminent threat to the utility. Chugach would charge the city at cost and the city code allowed for this. Funding would come out of the electric fund, and he urged approval to complete work before the onset of winter. Amendment (Bardarson /Keil) Change the Title and Section 1 to read; "$1 million dollars" instead of $1.5 million dollars. City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes August 9, 2010 Volume 38 Page 332 Amendment Passed Main Motion Passed Unanimous Unanimous Resolution 2010 -0734 Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Amendment Number One With ECI /Hyer Inc. For Professional Design Development Services (65% Design) For The New Co- Located Library Museum Facility, And Appropriating Additional Funding Not -To- Exceed Three Hundred Thirty Six Thousand Six Hundred Thirty Seven Dollars ($336,637) Motion (Bardarson /Keil) Approve Resolution 2010 -073 Oates stated this was for professional design services for 65% design for an amount not to exceed $336,637. This would be amendment number one to ECl/Hyers' contract. He noted the items that were included with this amendment, and said funds would be used from the State of Alaska money. Motion Passed Unanimous Council recessed at 8:30 p.m. Council resumed at 8:37 p.m. Resolution 2010 -074, Authorizing The Fire Department To Conduct Live Fire Evolutions During The 2010 Fire Conference On A Structure Located At Sixth And Adams On The New Library /Museum Site. Motion (Bardarson /Shafer) Approve Resolution 2010 -074 Oates reported this allowed live fire evolutions on the blue building at the corner of 6th and Adams where the new library /museum would be built. He stated it was a cost effective way to demolish the building and would also give the fire department some training. He noted the city must still satisfy the permit from DEC, and this was the intent to provide notice that the structure would be burned down during the fire conference the end of September. Fire Department Chief Dave Squires stated they would have the first fire, then light small fires inside to put out. Then they would most likely have larger fires the next day. Squires stated they would not do this if there was inclement weather, and that they would comply with state laws to take out obvious hazards and toxics. Motion Passed Yes: Keil, Shafer, Smith, Bardarson, Dunham No: Valdatta City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes August 9 2010 Volume 38, Page 333 Resolution 2010 -075, Approving Amendment No. 22 to the contract with Kent Dawson Company, Inc. for state lobbying services to include services for SAAMS' Lease And Operation Of The Alaska Sealife Center And Appropriating An Additional $18,000 To The Contract. Motion (Keil/Shafer) Approve Resolution 2010 -075 Oates stated the Alaska Sealife Center had a contract with Dawson, but had cancelled it from because of financial troubles. They continued to use Mr. Dawson on a few issues, but it was not proper to use his services without paying for them. The city would pay $18,000 to compensate Mr. Dawson for the rest of this year and through 2011, and would invoice the Alaska Sealife Center for $3000 per quarter. Oates thought this reduced the administration burden for Mr. Dawson and kept the City and Alaska Sealife Center a strong entity and committed together. Keil thought this was good for the City and the Alaska Sealife Center. Oates stressed the "Gag Law" proposition on the ballot would absolutely crush the city of Seward. Dawson advised the city and worked in many areas for the city. He had access to the right people and if prevented, the City of Seward would suffer. Motion Passed Unanimous OTHER NEW BUSINESS Discussed Condemnation Procedures. Councilmember Shafer was discouraged the city could not make certain property owners maintain dilapidated buildings and wanted to know how the city could enforce owners to comply. Fire Chief David Squires briefed the council on a memo he wrote on condemnation procedures. Discussion ensued about two properties in particular and Fire Chief Squires would investigate and send letters from the city. Deborah Altermatt and Daniel Oliver were unanimously appointed to the Port and Commerce Advisory Board for a term to expire July 2013. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS (No action required) Two letters to Qutekcak Native Tribe, re: WADA planning and attendance. Three letters written to Senator Begich, Senator Murkowski, and Representative Young about the Lowell Canyon Diversion System. City of Seward, Alaska August 9, 2010 City Council Minutes Volume 38 Page 334 COUNCIL COMMENTS Shafer wanted local preference on construction if the city could and listened to City Attorney Brooking's explanation on what could and couldn't be done in the name of "local hire." Shafer also thought putting in the footbridge was a good idea. Smith wanted to look at the cost of capping the water again. Keil wanted to see as much local hire as the city possibly could. Bardarson liked the footbridge idea and noted the culinary building would be opening soon at AVTEC. Dunham wished the Chamber of Commerce good luck on the upcoming Silver Salmon Derby scheduled for this coming Saturday. He notified that he had composed a letter to the National Park Service about the demolition of the Solly's building. He also reported Seward had a new pastor at St Peters Church who was here from Wrangell and Palmer, and reminded people of the 100 -year celebration on the Catholic Church. Dunham strongly urged people to vote "NO" on the Gag Law. CITIZENS' COMMENTS Sue McClure was concerned about street lights and wanted people to call if they saw lights were out. She encouraged the city to fix them once they were called in. COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS - None ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Je ewis, C C Cit Clerk o ssuua+sto R4r4•'•. (City Seal)° d► M � T illard E. Dunham Mayor