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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07082013 City Council Minutes City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes July 8, 2013 Volume 39, Page 162 CALL TO ORDER r.• The July 8, 2013 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor David Seaward. OPENING CEREMONY Police Chief Tom Clemons led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: David Seaward presiding and Vanta Shafer Bob Valdatta Ristine Casagranda* Jean Bardarson Christy Terry Marianna Keil comprising a quorum of the Council; and Ron Long, Assistant City Manager Brenda Ballou, Acting City Clerk Jean Lewis, Temporary Deputy City Clerk it Absent — None *Ristine Casagranda arrived at 7:04 p.m. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - None APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Bardarson /Terry) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Bardarson pulled Resolution 2013 -056 from the consent agenda in order to have further discussion. Keil added a discussion item regarding discussion items to the agenda. Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Resolution 2013 -053, Authorizing A Five Year Contract In An Annual Amount Starting At $655,470.00 With The State Of Alaska, Department Of Corrections, To Provide For Operating City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes July 8, 2013 Volume 39, Page 163 The Seward Community Jail And Housing Prisoners Charged And /Or Sentenced Under J Alaska Statutes, And Appropriating Funds. Resolution 2013 -054, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Contract With North Star Paving & Construction Inc. For The Z- Float/North East Harbor Upland Paving Improvements In The Amount Of $214,000.00 Plus A 10% Contingency, And Appropriating Funds. Resolution 2013 -055, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Design Build Contract With Harmon Construction For Harbor Restrooms Improvements In The Amount Of $105,000 And Appropriating Funds. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Proclamations & Awards July is National Parks and Recreation Month. Borough Assembly Report, Sue McClure stated the Assembly had changed their start time to 6:00 p.m. because of huge business agendas and public hearings. A task force was approved and had met for months to come up with an improved ordinance of protection for anadromous stream habitats which was approved on July 2, 2013. Ordinance 2013 -18 institutes 50 -foot habitat protection barrier in phases throughout the borough, excluding Seward's specific area. Another weighty issue for the Assembly was a resolution to provide an advisory vote in the October election on whether to continue funding the Central Area Rural Transit Service (CARTS) which subsidizes rides for people. That was postponed until the August 6, 2013 meeting, along with an ordinance to repeal the two term limit for Assembly Members. City Manager's Report, Assistant City Manager Ron Long stated there had been no purchase orders between $10,000 - $50,000 approved by the City Manager. The quarry analysis report had been received, and the quality and quantity of quarry materials were suitable for Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC) project and others, and that geotechnical and dredge samples had been taken from the harbor and were undergoing testing. On June 27, 2013 the harbor received the report of inspection made by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for Seward Ship's Drydock Inc. (SSDI) inspection on April 10, 2013. The Harbormaster met with the owner and manager of SSDI on June 28, 2013 and was given a copy of the Notice of Violation that cited SSDI for not filing required permit reports and for not using Best Management Practices. The notice included a compliance schedule. The DEC inspector said that the report of the city boatyard would arrive in the near future. The oil -water separator had been placed at SMIC in line with the drainage line from the new wash -down pad. GCI' s lease at SMIC for cable television gear expired on June 22, 2013. A holdover agreement was sent to GCI on June 17, 2013, but had not been returned. City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes July 8, 2013 Volume 39, Page 164 Long reported that the parking revenue from the LUKE system was $3,900, and included him daily parking, boat launch, and credit card permit sales over the July 4`" holiday. The Teen & Youth Center's (TYC) dunk tank booth generated $1250. He listed assets managed by the Information Technology Department for consideration, and requested a temporary hire at four hours per day, not to exceed $24,000, in order to help clear the backlog currently experienced by all departments. Mayoral Report, David Seaward said Premier Tours was hosting a group of 10 -12 year olds involved in the People To People Ambassador Program. They were visiting to learn about the history, culture and economy of the area, and Seaward welcomed them to the community. On June 29, 2013, Seaward, along with administration, Deborah Altermatt of the Port and Commerce Advisory Board (PACAB) and Alaska SeaLife Center Executive Director, Dr. Tara Reimer -Jones welcomed the Singapore Ambassador to the United States. Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations Port and Commerce Advisory Board Quarterly. Darryl Schaefermeyer stated that PACAB had discussed waiving passenger fees for student groups, but had tabled it while the city attorney looked for potential legal issues. PACAB considered recommending changes to the Harbor Tariff in regards to specifying when and how often reserved slips are offered to wait list customers, and would continue the conversation at a later date. PACAB's 2013 Priorities were adopted in April 2013, PACAB had met with representatives from the Alaska Railroad to get a better understanding of the railroad's development plans, and PACAB had sent a letter to the itom Department of Commerce and the Congressional Delegation relating to the proposed rulemaking change for Harbor Seal protection brought forward from the local cruise industry. Schaefermeyer stated PACAB's upcoming agenda would include working on revisions to the Small Boat Harbor Development Plan, which was on their priority list. He added that on Friday, July 5, 2013, the Alaska SeaLife Center set a 10 -year record of one -day paid visitors of over 2,000 guests. PUBLIC HEARINGS Ordinance for Public Hearing and Enactment Ordinance 2013 -010, Amending Portions Of Seward City Code 15.25. Floodplain Management To Adopt The Digital Floodplain Rate Maps (DFIRM) And The Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Dated September 27, 2013 As Established By FEMA And Update Portions Of Chapter 15.25 To Minimum FEMA Requirements. Assistant City Manager Ron Long said the Assembly was considering a similar ordinance, and noted that boroughs and cities have different areas of effected properties with respect to flooding. The new maps look somewhat the same, with language straight from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The biggest difference he noticed was the definition where development now included the phrase "storage of materials ". This ordinance needed to be enacted in order for the city to be eligible for FEMA funds. 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. City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes July 8, 2013 Volume 39, Page 165 Motion (Bardarson /Shafer) Enact Ordinance 2013-010 Valdatta stated the airport runway area was a major concern for flooding. Terry knew the ordinance must be adopted for the city to be included in FEMA programs, but wanted to exercise the option later to check the definitions and fine tune any inconsistencies in the code for clear, concise regulations. Long said this was just the interface between the city and the federal government, and established the minimum requirement to be eligible for FEMA funding, with layers easily added at a later date. Motion Passed Unanimous UNFINISHED BUSINESS Other Unfinished Business Items Resolution 2012 -058, Stating An Intent To Fund $400,000 For The Maple Street Sewer Line Project Subject To Receiving A Loan In That Amount, Authorizing A Loan Application With The Alaska Clean Water Fund And Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Loan Agreement With The Alaska Drinking Clean Water Fund With Annual Payments Not To Exceed $24,000, And Subject To Annual Appropriation. (Clerk's Note: This resolution was originally approved on filly 23, 2012. It is corning before council Tonight in order to correct a term in the title which has a substantially different definition, and it should be noted that it included a new agenda statement.) Motion (Bardarson /Terry) Approve Resolution 2013 -058 Long said this resolution was nunc pro tune, which translated into "now for then," meaning that if council approved this resolution tonight, it would be in effect as if it had happened originally. He said this resolution made sense to do jointly with Resolution 2013 -057 because it would result in the property along Maple Street becoming developable. When this resolution was first brought forward, council was told the intention was to position the city to obtain grant funding, with the potential of having the city pay $100,000 in matching funds. The city had not been successful in obtaining grant funding, so instead they were coming back to council for authorization to enter into a $400,000 loan agreement. Although this resolution could be thought of in terms of being a joint project with Resolution 2013 -057, they would be paid for from two separate enterprise funds, each having different balances, fund reserves and fee structures. The enterprise fund for this portion of the project was not as healthy as it could be. If the city was borrowing $100,000, a repayment schedule that made sense could be worked out, but $400,000 would need a payment mechanism such as a rate increase, a fund transfer from the General Fund, or borrowing money from the water fund. .rr� Upon further council questioning, Long requested to postpone this resolution until the July 22, 2013 meeting in order to explore and develop a payment mechanism and schedule to bring back City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes July 8, 2013 Volume 39, Page 166 to council. He noted time was critical with the drinking water fund to move while funding was available. Public Works Director William Casey said a 10 -foot separation was necessary between water and sewer lines. Motion to Postpone (Keil /Bardarson) Postpone to July 22, 2013 Meeting Motion to Postpone Passed Unanimous Consent NEW BUSINESS Resolution 2013 -056, Authorizing The City Manager To Purchase A Used Truck For A Cash Amount After Trade -In Consideration Of The Subaru Forester Not To Exceed $31,000, And Appropriating Funds. Motion (Terry /Shafer) Approve Resolution 2013 -056 Long directed council's attention to the laydown provided by City Manager Jim Hunt. Keil was concerned that a pickup truck may not be the most appropriate type of vehicle for city use, as would a sport utility vehicle, because a pickup could not hold as many passengers, may have higher fuel consumption, and may not be as practical in the event of an emergency. Bardarson concurred. Keil added that she would like to see administration bring forward a written plan for vehicle replacement, and referred administration to the analysis done by John Bird several years ago. Motion Failed No: Bardarson, Terry, Casagranda, Keil, Shafer, Seaward Yes: Valdatta Resolution 2013 -057, Stating An Intent To Fund $500,000 For The Maple Street Water Line Project Subject To Receiving A Loan In That Amount, Authorizing A Loan Application With The Alaska Drinking Water Fund And Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Loan Agreement With The Alaska Drinking Water Fund With Annual Payments Not To Exceed $55,000, And Subject To Annual Appropriation. Motion (Bardarson /Keil) Approve Resolution 2013 -057 Long said this fund had a balance that was sufficient to cover the loan payment, from the Seward Mountain Haven account. Two different studies showed corrective action was needed in this area of town, and previous direction had come from council to develop new areas. In response to council questions, Long agreed there was no cash flow generated to cover payments, but the fund reserve itself could cover the payments. He thought 1.5% was as low an interest rate as they would get, and completing this project would open up the property for future development. He said there were 10 property lots that could be created and developed. He said water City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes July 8, 2013 Volume 39, Page 167 and sewer were already available in the area. and that this project would enhance the Afognak Subdivision and Mountain Haven Long -Term Care Facility. ..al Motion Passed Yes: Bardarson, Shafer, Keil, Valdatta, Terry, Seaward No: Casagranda Other New Business Discussion on hiring a temporary Management Information Systems employee. Council directed administration to bring forward a resolution with their proposed plan for hiring an employee. along with a budget. Discussion on committee reports for the Seward Recreation Committee. Council advised that written quarterly reports included in the council packet would be sufficient. Discussion on benches and signage at the shuttle bus stops. Administration would continue exploring options, and said action may be in 2014. Administration would call upon Casagranda to assist. Discussion on exempting hostels from collecting bed tax. It was noted that the definition for Hostels would have to be changed in the city code in order to exempt them from bed tax. The idea met with resistance form council. Keil pointed out that hostel guests used city water and sewer the same as any other lodging guest. Council supported Casagranda pursuing more research. Seeking Council guidance and input on Founders Day Celebration and Japanese Delegation Events. Council directed the City Clerk's office to coordinate with the Resurrection Bay Historical Society (RBHS) on an agenda, and suggested that some events be held after 5:00 p.m. to allow for more public and business owners to attend. Discussion on council establishing local co -op fanning by providing small chemical -free city vacant lot /land /parks to organic farmers. Council supported the concept, spoke of municipal lands and community involvement, but stated the need for more research. Discussion on Discussion Items. Administration stated they were willing and able to assist council by providing fact - finding information and research on potential discussion items, with the awareness of using resources wisely on pertinent topics. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Two draft letters to be sent by Mayor Seaward to the outgoing and incoming Head of Office Consul of Japan in Anchorage. Letter to Obihiro, Japan Mayor Norihisa Yonezawa accompanying the gift ofan engraved gold pan sii for Obihiro 's 2013 Heigen Festival. City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes July 8, 2013 Volume 39, Page 168 Letter to Kushiro, Japan Mayor Yoshitaka Ito accompanying the gift of an engraved gold pan, for Kushiro's 2013 Funakogi Taikai rowing competition. Letter dated June 26, 2013 from the Alaska Department of `Environmental Conservation responding to postcard showing coal dust in March 2007 at Seward Coal Terminal. COUNCIL COMMENTS Bardarson thanked the Fourth of July volunteers, administration and the public on a great celebration. She welcomed the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce members who were visiting. Keil thanked the people that cleaned the streets so well following the Fourth of July celebration. She said the State of Alaska Redistricting Board had approved a conceptual map wherein Seward would be in House District 30. Seward would remain in Representative Chenault's district. The Senatorial district would not include South Anchorage, so Seward would no longer be represented by Senator Giessel. She urged others to check out the redistricting board website. Shafer was happy there were no injuries on Mount Marathon this year, and also thought the clean -up of downtown was fantastic and unbelievably clean the next morning. She thanked the crews and volunteers for that. Casagranda was grateful for everyone who had voted for her, said she enjoyed her role as a council member, and wanted everyone to know she had no time to check her emails, but was always available by telephone. Terry echoed a welcome to the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce. She had been hearing a rumor that Seward did not recycle and had done some research to dispel that falsehood. She recited a list of the recyclable items and stated Seward was part of the recycling community in Alaska and wanted to put that rumor to rest. She congratulated all the runners of the Mount Marathon Race, and Eric Strabel on setting a new record. CITIZEN COMMENTS - None COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS - None ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m. dLAr .Orr/// A (� 'fin• a Bailout .**.4 SE W � '•. DaJid eawar Acting City C �1c> coRpo • (;) • Mayor ctA • (City Seal) • SEAL • • tie • •