HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2021-029 CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2021-029 Sponsored by: Regis
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO WAIVE
CAMPING FEES AND OTHER PROVISIONS IN THE SEWARD
CITY CODE IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE THE ALASKA
SEALIFE CENTER(ASLC) RV VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the City of Seward owns the land and building occupied by the Alaska
SeaLife Center(ASLC) and, therefore, has a long-standing relationship with the ASLC; and
WHEREAS, for the past six years (2015-2020), the Cityof Seward has provided six
RV Utility sites for the ASLC; and
WHEREAS,in order to attract volunteers early enough to secure commitments for the
. 2021 summer season,the ASLC requests that administration seek approval from City Council
to waive fees for four(4) RV Utility sites as soon as reasonable; and
WHEREAS, the ASLC and the City have agreed to investigate whether a potential
lease amendment could offer a longer-term solution to the ASLC's need for volunteer RV
parking space; and
WHEREAS, the ASLC uses these sites to attract volunteers that serve 20 hours per
week in exchange for a free campsite; and
WHEREAS, many non-profit organizations like the ASLC rely on volunteers,
especially during peak seasons; and
WHEREAS,currently, the ASLC reimburses the City$5 per night to offset the utility
costs; and
WHEREAS, Seward City Code 7.15.020 requires self-registration and payment of
camping fees; and
WHEREAS, Seward City Code 7.15.010 requires campers that wish to stay longer
than fourteen (14) consecutive days relocate to a different campground; and
WHEREAS,budgeted revenues for RV Utility sites for 2021 is$495,000; and
WHEREAS, based on 2020 occupancy rates, the City expects to realize a loss in
revenue of approximately $22,000, offset by the ASLC reimbursement of $2,000 for the
season.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2021-029
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. The City Manager is hereby authorized to waive Camping Fees and relocation
requirements, as required under Seward City Code, and to provide four (4) RV Utility sites
for the Alaska SeaLife Center's 2021 summer season.
Section 2.The 2021 budget is hereby amended to reduce RV Utility revenues, account
no. 0 1 000-0000-435 1 by $20,000.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 8'1'
day of March, 2021. /J
THE ITY'OF RA-A -SKA
Christy Terry, ayor
AYES: Baclaan, DeMoss, Casagranda, Seese, McClure, Osenga, Terry
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Brenda J. Bal u, MMC
City Clerk
(City Sealk.� OF SE •
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Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: March 8, 2021 ,
To: City Council
From: Norm Regis, Acting City Manager
Agenda Item: Waive camping fees and other provisions in the Seward City Code in order to
accommodate the Alaska SeaLife Center RV Volunteer Program
BACKGROUND &JUSTIFICATION:
For the past six years, the City of Seward has provided six Resurrection Campground utility sites
(water and electricity hook-up)locations for the Alaska SeaLife Center(ASLC).The ASLC has used
these sites to attract volunteers each summer, serving as interpretation volunteers or cashier/ticket
salespeople.In order to assist in this program,the City has waived camping fees for these volunteers
in exchange for 20 hours per week of volunteer services at the ASLC.
To attract volunteers early enough to secure commitments for the 2021 summer season, the ASLC
requests that The City of Seward provide four utility campground sites. The administrations of the
ASLC and the City have agreed to investigate whether a potential lease amendment could offer a
longer-term solution to the ASLC's need for volunteer RV parking space.
To offset the electric utility costs for these sites, the ASLC reimburses the City $5 per night per
occupied site at the end of each season.
In support of the Alaska SeaLife Center, Administration is requesting authorization to waive
camping, fees as required by Seward City Code (SCC) 7.15.020 and waiving the fourteen (14)
consecutive day stay Iimitation as specified in SCC 7.15.010 for the 2021 season.
Projected utility site revenue for 2021 with the new camping fee structure is $495,000. Based on
2020 occupancy rates, we anticipate that this action will result in a loss in revenue of$22,000.
INTENT: To waive camping fees and other provisions in the Seward City Code in order to
accommodate the Alaska SeaLife Center RV Volunteer Program
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No NIA
1. Comprehensive Plan:
2. Strategic Plan:
3. Other:
FISCAL NOTE: The 2021 budget will be amended to take into account the impact of this action.
Approved by Finance Department: ,
ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes No X Not Applicable
RECOMMENDATION: 029
City Council approve Resolution 202I- ,authorizing the City Manager to waive camping
fees and other provisions in the Seward City Code for four RV utility campground sites in order to
accommodate the Alaska SeaLife Center RV Volunteer Program