HomeMy WebLinkAbout01232017 City Council Minutes City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes
January 23, 2017 Volume 40, Page 168
CALL TO ORDER
The January 23,2017 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:00
p.m. by Mayor Jean Bardarson.
OPENING CEREMONY
Police Chief Tom Clemons led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Jean Bardarson,presiding and
Marianna Keil Dave Squires
Sue McClure Deborah Altermatt
Erik Slater
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Jim Hunt,City Manager
Johanna Kinney, City Clerk
Absent—Casagranda
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR
PUBLIC HEARING
Phyllis Shoemaker spoke on behalf of the Seward International Friendship Association
(SIFA). The Association needed members willing to take on leadership positions. She thanked the
city for all they had done with SIFA and felt it was important to give our youth this option of a
cultural student exchange. She would like this club to remain vital and active, and keeping the
exchange a part of our community. There was a SIFA meeting tomorrow night and there were
membership forms available for anyone interested.
Carol Griswold commended Historic Preservation Award recipient Heather McClain for
traveling from Juneau to receive her award tonight. She and co-recipient Marc Swanson were two
fine recipients who did an incredible amount for Seward. Griswold felt it was bittersweet, as
McClain was not with the City of Seward anymore,and said it was tragic at how many employees
Seward had lost due to bullying. City employees should be invested in and should want to stay. She
thanked the city for the electricity being on and the roads being plowed and the citizens going to
work. They were in the midst of a huge snow event and she appreciated all the hard work.
Linda Lasota thanked council for their acknowledgement and representation on the Seward
Historic Preservation Commission.She noted two individuals were being recognized tonight for the
Historic Preservation Award and it was her honor to be the chair of this commission. The awards
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
January 23, 2017 Volume 40, Page 169
being presented this evening were from nominations of people who presented historic values and
Lasota read the criteria of the award. Heather McClain, in her former position as Seward Museum
Curator,contributed to the community's historic heritage. Marc Swanson was being recognized for
his commitment to archaeological and surveying work in the community and publications written
about the historical quality.
John French said he was overwhelmed at the people who turned out tonight for support of
McClain and Swanson. He hoped it would reflect on the importance of historic preservation in the
community and asked those who were in attendance tonight in support of these recipients to please
stand and be acknowledged.
Jack Bennet presented to council a possible solution to affordable housing which was an
industrial hemp crop.He passed around samples of this crop and noted it was an insulation material
and worked well in allergy-free homes.Bennet stated hemp had a zero carbon footprint and his goal
was to create sustainability in Homer.He wished to implement pilot programs regarding heating with
hemp and was talking to the governor about this project.Bennet hoped council could support Senate
Bill 6 which could help this project move forward.
Brandii Holmdahl updated council and the community on the acquisition of Icicle Fisheries.
It had been for sale the last few years and was recently purchased last fall by Cook Aquaculture.This
was a family-owned company based in Canada and Holmdahl felt the acquisition would be positive
for Seward. She felt the president of the company was adamant in sending out only good finished
product.Holmdahl noted she was no longer with the company. She stated through this transition,she
learned the intent was to double the footprint of the buildings in Seward which would take place on
the existing land. There were plans to put in some value-added processing, as well as filet and
portioning machines. She felt the changes being made would help a steadier workforce which would
result in Seward gaining more year round employees.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Keil/McClure) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Keil added Resolution 2017-007 and Resolution 2017-008 to the consent agenda.
Squires requested the clerk correct the January 9, 2017 minutes to reflect that he was absent.
Altermatt added a travel report from the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District Industry
Outlook Forum.
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Resolution 2017-005, Adopting An Alternative Allocation Method For The FY2017 Shared111
Fisheries Business Tax Program, And Certifying That This Allocation Method Fairly
Represents The Distribution Of Significant Effects Of Fisheries Business Activity In The Cook
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January 23, 2017 Volume 40, Page 170
Inlet Fisheries Management Area.
Resolution 2017-007, Retroactively Amending The 2016 Budget To Record Expenditures Of
$155,298.22 Paid By The State Of Alaska On Behalf Of The City Toward The City's Public
Employees Retirement System Liability For The Period January Through June, 2016, And
Appropriating Funds.
Resolution 2017-008, Retroactively Amending The 2016 Budget To Record Expenditures Of
$103,739.88 Paid By The State Of Alaska On Behalf Of The City Toward The City's Public
Employees Retirement System Liability For The Period July Through December,2016,And
Appropriating Funds.
Approval of the January 9, 2017 City Council Meeting Minutes.
Non-objection to the renewal of liquor license#5400 for The Cookery.
Non-objection to the renewal of liquor license#53 for the American Legion Post#5.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Proclamations & Awards
Polar Bear Jump-Off Festival Proclamation.
Proclamation for Marc Swanson, 2016 Historic Preservation Award Recipient.
Proclamation for Heather McClain,2016 Historic Preservation Award Recipient.
Chamber of Commerce Report. Cindy Clock stated the Board of Directors attended a
Strategic Planning and Board training session and established two goals for 2017: working in
partnership with the City on various issues, and organizational effectiveness. The vendor charged
with printing the Seward Visitor Guides had a printer problem but should be resolved by April.In the
meantime, the vendor would hire an outside company to print 15,000 guides. Clock noted the
chamber would participate in the 2017 Denver Travel Adventure Show in March.
Borough Assembly Report.Brandii Holmdahl said due to the acquisition of her employer,
Icicle Seafoods, she had to be absent from many meetings. She announced through that acquisition
process her position was eliminated. Holmdahl would be moving out of Seward and would be
stepping down from her seat on the Borough Assembly.At the last assembly meeting her resignation
was accepted and the next step was for the Borough Clerk to ask for letters of intent from the public
to fill her seat.
Holmdahl reported in November the assembly discussed vehicles over 8 years old be
registered forever or until they were sold. This action was approved by resolution. In December,the
assembly accepted Gary Knopp's resignation as he was elected to the state senate. He was replaced
by Brent Hibbert. The assembly also recently approved a transfer of$75,000 to the Seward Bear
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January 23, 2017 Volume 40, Page 171
Creek Flood Service Area Board for flood mitigation. At the most recent meeting, the assembly
accepted Blaine Gilman's resignation as his family purchased a house in a different district and
moved. Holmdahl stated she would continue to sit on the assembly until March so as to create only
one vacancy at a time. There was a lot of debate over the Borough Assembly's invocation policy.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against the Kenai Peninsula Borough
due to the new policy that limited who could give an invocation prior to an assembly meeting.
Holmdahl appreciated the comments put forward from her constituents on this matter, especially
regarding how much time and money had gone to this issue.
Bardarson thanked Holmdahl for her support on the assembly and in other areas of the
community.
Keil wondered what the effect was on the budget for the vehicle registration waivers.
Holmdahl said there was some really comprehensive information provided on the borough's website.
They expected it to be a gain at the beginning and a loss in the long term.
McClure added the deadline to apply for Holmdahl's seat was February 23, 2017. She
encouraged the public to contact herself,Ron Long,or Brandii Holmdahl if they were interested and
had questions. She thanked Holmdahl for her service.
Alterman thanked Holmdahl for her work on the assembly and for the community as a whole.
Her education on fish quality and participation in Rotary was commendable.
City Manager Report.Jim Hunt stated one purchase order between$10,000 and$50,000
had been approved since the last council meeting: $33,434.00 to Moffatt and Nichol for a crane
design for the north dock at the Seward Marine Industrial Center(SMIC).
Hunt noted council had a meeting tonight that ratified his declaration of a state of emergency
due to heavy snowfalls in the last several days. Assistant City Manager Ron Long said the
declaration opened up a list of potential resources for Seward and also gave the city the possibility of
recovering funds for reimbursement.
Administration reported they anticipated this weather system to be around for some time.
Rain was expected later this week and that would add a lot of weight to the snow accumulated.They
asked the public to please be aware of structures that could be compromised due to heavy snow
loads. Staff would try to get a list compiled of individuals who could provide snow removal services
to the public.Crews had been working hard.Long emphasized there was a priority order of routes to
clear. Hunt had been speaking to the borough about coordinating assets in anticipation of this
declaration.Department of Transportation did not have assets to share and city crews were exhausted
and equipment was breaking. He asked the community to please drive slowly and be aware of
decreased visibility.
Long stated he had participated in several meetings regarding the Lowell Canyon Tunnel and
felt it was the most positive effort from the Army Corps of Engineers that he could recall. Hunt
added the Corps identified Lowell Canyon as the biggest threat in the state right now.
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January 23, 2017 Volume 40, Page 172
In response to Bardarson, Long stated the city was preparing to put out to bid several
foreclosed properties that had been remitted to the city. The city had to compile all expenses in
obtaining ownership of the land first to ensure the city recovered the funds spent. Administration
intended to put them out as individual parcels.Long believed they could put a performance clause on
the properties, but it might complicate things. Given market forces, he felt confident that
development would occur when sold.
Squires wanted the public to be aware that they should parallel park on Fourth Avenue and
not diagonally when street crews were trying to clear snow and roadways were narrower.In response
to Squires,Long stated the City Hall elevator had major electrical problems and needed replacement.
In the meantime,the staff was trying to make alternative adjustments to those who needed services
from upstairs. Public Works Director Doug Schoessler said the elevator itself was not in
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The unit needed new controls and
electronics. Hunt added if someone came in and needed assistance to please contact the utility
counter.
Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations
• • • . . •
Bardarson The presenters were unable to attend due to weather and would be put on the following
agenda.
Report on the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District Industry Outlook
Forum by Council Member Altermatt.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ordinance 2017-001, Amending Seward City Code 7.10.320 (J) (2), Reserved Moorage,
Duration, Death - Removing "Annual" From The Term "Annual Moorage Fee".
Motion (Keil/McClure) Enact Ordinance 2017-001
Harbormaster Norm Regis said this ordinance was a housekeeping measure,removing the
term"annual moorage"which was no longer a current term.
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
Resolution 2017-004, Recommending The 2017 Harbor Tariff Be Amended By Eliminating
The 60 Foot Waitlist.
Motion (Keil/McClure) Approve Resolution 2017-004
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January 23, 2017 Volume 40, Page 173
Regis said this list had not moved since 2012. By adjusting the sizing of the waitlists, it
would help more people to obtain a boat slip.
Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public
hearing was opened.
Brandii Holmdahl said her husband was a commercial fisherman and intended to keep his
vessel in Seward. There were no spaces available so he took it back to Seattle,and Holmdahl noted
there were many people wanting to come to Seward but could not because of how the tariff was
currently worded. She thought this change would help bring people to Seward.
No one else appeared to address the Council and the public hearing was closed.
Motion Passed Unanimous
UNFINISHED BUSINESS—None
Ordinance 2016-009, Amending Seward City Code 15.10.220 Development Requirements —
Notes, To Allow The Minimum Lot Size Platting Of 3,000 Square Feet And Clarification Of
Lot Size For Duplex Development. (This ordinance hada public hearing and was amended at the
January 9, 2017 meeting, and is coming for an additional public hearing and enactment on January
23, 2017. Original motion to enact was made by Casagranda and seconded by McClure).
Motion (Casagranda/McClure) Enact Ordinance 2016-009
Made January 9,2017
Long added legal research had been done to determine if this needed to go back to the
Planning and Zoning Commission.The original direction to the Planning and Zoning Commission to
look at the allowance of more 3,000 square foot lots was broad in scope. Staff did not feel the
amendments council made at the last meeting on this ordinance warranted further review.
Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public
hearing was opened.
Nicole Lawrence of Seward Properties voiced her support for this proposal and stated
opening up these lots for single family residences was a good idea. It provided homes in the under
$200,000 range which were more affordable and good for long term economic development. It also
added more utilities and it would be great for newer buildings in town.
Carol Griswold hoped council recognized she was very passionate about Seward. She
emphasized she wanted what was best for Seward. Griswold was pursuing this issue since council
directed the Planning and Zoning Commission to allow for more 3,000 square foot lots.She had tried
to contact all of them through email but had received very little response back.It was difficult to pin
down why they wanted to increase density in Seward,especially in the downtown area.They had an
ordinance that promoted and protected Seward historic landscaping,which was an element that made
Seward charming and attractive. Griswold said council had to look broader, they could cram more
people in Seward and increase density,but she didn't think that was where Seward would want to go.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
January 23, 2017 Volume 40, Page 174
She didn't think this would provide for younger adults to afford homes and feared most of these
smaller lots would flip for nightly lodging which was not a solution. She saw this as the antithesis of
why she liked Seward.
Cindy Clock said she submitted a letter from the board in support of this ordinance and
noted there was a housing shortage in Seward. She felt enacting this ordinance was a good thing,and
the Chamber of Commerce supported this ordinance.
No one else appeared to address the Council and the public hearing was closed.
In response to Squires, Long stated parking requirements were associated with lots in the
Central Business District. Squires agreed with some of Griswold's comments tonight and some of
the comments made at the Planning and Zoning Commission meetings. He didn't like crowding
houses and was not in favor of this ordinance. There was a lot of public sentiment against this.Hunt
added this was driven by public input and there were lots in town that could not be built on right now
as the code was currently written.
Keil said a lot of people were moving into smaller homes, and this was part of the original
townsite plat. It gave people the ability to develop land and keep people in Seward.
Motion Passed Yes: Altermatt, Keil, Slater, McClure,
Bardarson
No: Squires
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 2017-006,Approving Amendments To The Co-Applicant Agreement Between The
Seward Community Health Center, Inc. And The City Of Seward.
Motion (Keil/McClure) Approve Resolution 2017-006
Squires stated the initial agreement allowed the employees of the Seward Community Health
Center(SCHC) to be considered City of Seward employees for a three year period. He asked how
long would they be considered employees.
Keil thought it would be concurrent with the grant period for the center,which was granted
every three years.
Hunt said there was no financial harm to the city to include the staff of the SCHC in this
manner, it was for health benefits only and more members helped the city's insurance pool. At this
point the SCHC paid for all of their payroll,benefits,and healthcare costs.He echoed this agreement
ran concurrently along with the grant period, like Keil said.
Finance Director Kris Erchinger reminded Squires these employees did not participate in
the Alaska Public Employees' Retirement System(PERS). The only benefit was access of the city's
health insurance pool,which required them to be considered city employees.She said the SCHC was
City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes
January 23, 2017 Volume 40, Page 175
under a public entity model that required the city and SCHC be partners in the operations of the
clinic. If and when the clinic should break away from the city, they would not be city employees.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Other New Business Items
Discussion of scheduling work sessions on city projects and goals. (Bardarson and Squires)
A draft list of potential city projects was presented to the council. Bardarson wanted to add
ground transportation for ambulance services; she felt that was something they needed to keep
working on. Administration requested the animal shelter and City Hall elevator also be added.
Council scheduled a work session to refine a list of city goals for March 21,2017 at 5:00 p.m.
Appoint a council member to tally evaluations for City Manager, City Clerk and City
Attorney. The Mayor appointed Vice Mayor Keil.
Schedule a work session to continue review of draft evaluations for City Attorney,City Clerk,
and City Manager,if needed.Council scheduled another work session for January 31,2017 at
5:00 p.m.
Council scheduled a work session for the automated meter exchange project for February 6,
2017 at 5:00 p.m.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
November Financial Reports for the City of Seward and Providence Seward Medical and
Care Center.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
McClure thanked the public for their compliments on how the city had handled the storm.
She congratulated Marc Swanson and Heather McClain. McClure noted the Kenai Mountains-
Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area awarded about $14,000 in grants to the city to replace
historical signs. She promoted some free things to do in Seward,such as free walking at AVTEC and
joining the community choir.
Squires commended Public Works and city staff for helping with the snow removal. He
hoped the state was coordinating with the city about snow removal on the Third Avenue sidewalks
and hoped the city could clear the sidewalks on Fourth Avenue as well.
Keil was interested in Bennet's comments tonight regarding hemp production.She noted the
Senior Center was helpful in finding people to shovel driveways for those who were unable to.With
the heavy rains coming she feared for peoples' roofs.Keil was pleased to see the peaceful Women's
March that happened this weekend, despite the weather.
City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes
January 23, 2017 Volume 40, Page 176
Bardarson hoped everyone enjoyed the Polar Bear Jump Off Festival this weekend and
thanked all volunteers and participants. The SCHC was having their first healthy eating potluck
contest.She asked that the community please be safe and help their neighbors.Bardarson encouraged
the public to slow down and watch the intersections due to limited visibility. She noted the Seward
International Friendship Association (SIFA) was really important for Seward to allow a cultural
exchange between Seward and Japan. She encouraged people to apply for the association and youth
to apply for the exchange program.
Slater congratulated Swanson and McClain and thanked McClain for making the trip from
Juneau to come tonight.He thanked the snow removers who had been working so hard.Slater asked
the public to please be safe and commented that Facebook was a great venue to request help.
Altermatt echoed Keil's comments on a successful march on Saturday for citizens to
exercise their freedom of expression.She was happy to see Jack Bennet here tonight and felt it would
be worthwhile for him to come for a lengthier presentation. Bennet spoke at the Kenai Peninsula
Economic Development District's Industry Outlook Forum and would be speaking at Rotary soon.
His company was looking for places to grow and manufacture,and perhaps SMIC could be an ideal
location. Last week Assistant City Manager Ron Long gave a"State of the City" presentation at
Rotary, and thought it should come to council. Altermatt heard on the news that the railroad was
changing their lease policies to 95 years.
Long thanked the city departments of Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Harbor, and
generally people helping people in this extreme winter storm.
Hunt thanked city crews for their hard work.He noted the city submitted a request for funds
to initiate a study on Lowell Point Road. Hunt forwarded this request to state legislators and the
Commissioner of the Department of Transportation.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Jackie Wilde thanked all council and administration for multiple reasons.Her children want
to come back to Seward and build homes.She felt council enactment of Ordinance 2016-009 would
help that.Wilde said her kids were proud to say they were from Seward. She recently lost her mother
to cancer, and noted the Polar Bear Jump Off Festival had raised over $50,000 this year. Wilde
encouraged everyone to support and thank the jumpers and volunteers for this worthy cause of cancer
research.
Kelley Lane thanked council for approving the smaller lot sizes ordinance.It was functional
and realistic, and she was grateful for the enactment tonight. She thanked the road crews for their
hard work in the storm.
Bob Shafer said Sunday he was watching football and heard many comments on citizens of
Seward helping each other out of the ditch and they were very complimentary of the Public Works
crew in their efforts to clear the roads.
COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS
City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes
January 23, 2017 Volume 40, Page 177
Keil thanked Jackie Wilde for her comments tonight. She was sorry for her loss.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
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