Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2016-066Sponsored by: Hunt CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2016-066 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AMENDING THE CITY OF SEWARD'S CALENDAR YEAR 2017 STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES WHEREAS, the City annually compiles a list of projects or issues that are identified as top legislative priorities; and WHEREAS, the list of projects are compiled and distributed to the State of Alaska Legislature, Kenai Peninsula Borough, and City of Seward lobbyists; and WHEREAS, this resolution validates projects, prioritizes needs, and focuses the efforts of City Administration in its lobbying efforts; and WHEREAS, the passage of this resolution occurs through a public process; and WHEREAS, all projects on this list are consistent with the City Comprehensive and Strategic Plans. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that: Section 1. This list of City projects is hereby declared to be the official State priority list for the City of Seward for calendar year 2017: A. BENEFICIAL LEGISLATION 1. Legislative support for maintaining the current level of State contributions into the PERS/TRS Retirement System on behalf of local governments, and for not extending the amortization period, in order to offset unfunded retirement system liabilities and to make future contribution rates more affordable for the state and local governments. 2. Support for continuing Medicaid programs and capital cost reimbursement at not less than current year funding levels. 3. Legislative support for continuing Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) programs that promote energy efficiency and conservation to help mitigate the costs of heating homes and businesses not served by natural gas. 4. Legislative support for feasibility analyses considering pipeline or multi -modal delivery methods of making natural gas available to communities not currently along CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2016-066 a pipeline corridor, and using Seward's road/rail/barge connections as demonstration projects. 5. Legislative support for matching City funds towards the non -Federal 50% cost share of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study required to address the Lowell Canyon Diversion Tunnel hazard. 6. Continued support for the State Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Municipal Harbors Grant Program. B. CAPITAL PROJECTS Recognizing the current government sector fiscal reality and its potential private sector economic impacts, the City of Seward limits its capital improvement project requests to those where the State's participation would leverage other significant funding, complete projects already underway, address projects of immediate life and safety, and enable projects that could be eligible under a statewide bond package if the State pursues and the voters approve such a plan. 1. $8 Million to design and rebuild the electric transmission line from the Seward Highway to the Seward Marine Industrial Center facility and upgrade the Spring Creek substation by securing an alternative feed transformer to add capacity and reduce system outages, and provide continuous service during maintenance periods. 2. $500,000 for systems maintenance and repairs at the Alaska SeaLife Center. 3. $1,241,250 for Seward Shipyard Environmental Discharge Controls. 4. $500,000 for a hull wash water collection and treatment system at the 50 -ton Travelift. 5. $1.5 Million for storm water discharge infrastructure and security fencing at the Seward Marine Industrial Center facility. 6. $2 Million to expand the Seward Medical Center, move the CT scanner into the facility, and provide space for primary health care (City provides $500,000 annually towards capital improvements). C. CRUISE PASSENGER VESSEL TAX REGIONAL IMPACT FUND OR CRUISE SHIP GAMBLING TAX 1. Appropriating funding for the Alaska Railroad Corporation Seward Marine Terminal Expansion project supporting both passenger and freight activities. 1 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2016-066 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 24th day of October, 2016. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA v� J an Bardarson, Mayor AYES: Keil, Squires, McClure, Slater, Bardarson NOES: None ABSENT: Casagranda, Alterman ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: J a Ki , CMC ty Clerk (City Seal) 1 ,'ss%a IUIs, 6 SEALOF t- ' • •� 014A'Yr1a• Styr Agenda Statement Meeting Date: October 24, 2016 To: City Council Through: City Manager Jim Hunt Agenda Item: Calendar Year 2017 City, State and Federal Priorities BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: The City annually compiles a list of projects or issues that we identify as our top City, State and Federal legislative priorities. The list of projects is compiled into a package that is distributed to the Governor's Office, our legislators, the Kenai Peninsula Borough (for inclusion in their legislative package), and our lobbyist. The list validates projects and greatly focuses the efforts of the Administration in our lobbying effort as we seek funding or other resolutions both through the State of Alaska and Federal sources. This year the three lists include projects that are in the planning phase and/or may qualify for grants in addition to some projects with which Council is familiar. In order to quality for most grants, the City must include these projects on the City priority list. INTENT: This list of priorities focuses the efforts of Administration in lobbying efforts to obtain appropriations, grants, and legislation from the State and Federal sources to improve the City of Seward. To qualify for most appropriations and grants Seward's City, State and Federal priorities lists must be approved in a public process by the City Council. CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No N/A L Comprehensive Plan Sections 1.3 Economic Development X 2. Strategic Plan Entirety X 3. Other (list): X FISCAL NOTE: N/A Approved by Finance Department: ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes No—x— Not Applicable X RECOMMENDATION: Council approve Resolutions 2016_XX, 2016—XX, and 2016 XX, approving the City of Seward's Calendar Year 2017 City, State and Federal Priorities.