HomeMy WebLinkAbout06032020 PACAB Minutes City of Seward,Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3,2020 Volume 3,Page 425
CALL TO ORDER
The June 3, 2020 regular meeting of the Port & Commerce Advisory Board was called to
order at 12:00 p.m.by Chair Laura Schneider.
OPENING CEREMONY
Carl Hughes led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Laura Schneider presiding, and
Bruce Jaffa Erin Lemas (telephonically)
Carl Hughes Colby Lawrence
Lynda Paquette Benjamin Smith
comprising a quorum of the board; and
Matt Chase, Deputy Harbormaster
Jessica Stallard, Deputy City Clerk
Excused—None
Absent—None
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED
FOR PUBLIC HEARING—None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Hughes/Paquette) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed Unanimous
The city clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approval of the May 6,2020 PACAB Regular Meeting Minutes.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Alaska Railroad Report—None
Chamber of Commerce Report—Jason Bickling said the State of Alaska was offering
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) funding to Alaskan businesses. The
Chamber of Commerce's visitor center was open on the weekends. He was planning the halibut
derby for July 15, 2020-July 30, 2020. The plan for this year's Fourth of July event had been
City of Seward,Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2020 Volume 3,Page 426
submitted to the city manager and would be sent to the council for approval. The Mount
Marathon Race had been cancelled for 2020. The chamber was working on planning the Silver
Salmon Derby.
In response to Schneider, Bickling said signs would be placed in front of the harbor to
redirect individuals to the Chamber visitor center during the Silver Salmon Derby.
Harbormaster Report. Deputy Harbormaster Matt Chase said there was a shortage of
yard space for vessels currently on the harbor side of the bay. A public notice had been posted
asking individuals to social distance at the fish cleaning stations and every other hose had been
removed. The harbor was still working with Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) to
replace the North East Boat Launch Ramp. The harbor was short one staff member. Chase said
Kenai Fjords Tours would be using tape to encourage their customers to social distance while
boarding the ships. The U.S. Coast Guard contacted the harbor about locations and designs for
the new Fast Response Cruisers (FRCs), which would be located at the Seward Marine Industrial
Center (SMIC). The harbor upgraded their computer software and they will be bringing a
resolution to council to approve the harbor tariff change at the June 8, 2020 council meeting. The
harbor ordered new dumpsters that were expected to arrive in June. Chase said the harbor was
packed and the red salmon were in.
In response to Hughes, Chase said the concepts the U.S. Coast Guard proposed for the
new FRCs were a maintenance shop with cruise quarters, and a drive-down dock that goes from
east to west.
In response to Jaffa, Chase said he was pleased with the transformation of SMIC over the
years.
In response to Hughes, Chase said the harbor had a lot of inquiries about leases for
property at SMIC.
In response to Smith, Chase said the cranes were running and he trained individuals on
how to use them.
Other Reports,Announcements, and Presentations—None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Items Postponed from Previous Agenda
Set goals for the second half of the year 2020. This item was postponed from the May 6, 2020
meeting.
The board set their goals for the second half of the year.
Lemas left the meeting at 1:10 p.m.
City of Seward,Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3,2020 Volume 3,Page 427
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss the Sewer Lagoon on Lowell Point.
Paquette wanted a review conducted of the Sewer Lagoon on Lowell Point.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS—None
CITIZEN COMMENTS—None
BOARD AND ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS
Smith apologized for missing the May meeting. He thanked Hughes and Paquette for
providing an energy committee report at the May meeting. Smith suggested adding an agenda
item to the September meeting agenda to reassess where the board and the community were as a
whole.
Hughes concurred with Smith. He wished everyone a great summer.
Lawrence was excited to have an in-person meeting. He looked forward to working
towards the board's goals and working with the SMIC Development committee.
Paquette thanked everyone for attending the meeting.
Jaffa was grateful that he and his wife had built a life that endured the COVID-19
disaster well. He did not agree with replacing the city hall building, and he wanted building
maintenance to be a priority.
Schneider encouraged Alaskan businesses to pursue the state's CARES funding and use
the Chamber of Commerce as a resource. She encouraged everyone to support local businesses.
Chase said stay safe and have a great summer.
ADJOURNMENT
This meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m.
Jessica Stallard ra Schne. r
Deputy City Clerk ssss hair
41:4 OF SW
(City Seal) •• G ,�•'ORPOR''R• *••.
SEAL 14
•
sssss•.•F Ofis ".s..•'