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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06142021 City Council Minutes City of Seward,Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes June 14, 2021 II CALL TO ORDER Volume 41,Page 451 The June 14, 2021 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m.by Mayor Christy Terry. OPENING CEREMONY Police Chief Alan Nickell led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: Christy Terry presiding and Tony Baclaan Sue McClure Sharyl Seese John Osenga Liz DeMoss Ristine Casagranda comprising a quorum of the Council; and Janette Bower, City Manager Brenda Ballou,City Clerk Brooks Chandler, City Attorney Excused—None Absent—None CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING The City of Seward is currently experiencing a declared public health emergency due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), so alternate methods for providing Citizen Comments were created. Unless otherwise noted, the following Citizen Comments were submitted in advance and read intothe record by the City Clerk: Marie Gage thought it was very important to have specific behavior health treatment definitions and zoning included in the Planning&Zoning Commission's priorities.She did not want to have drug and substance abuse clinics allowed in all neighborhoods under the guise of being convalescent homes. Carol Griswold stated that the definitions and zoning requirements for behavioral health treatment facilities were missing from Title 15 and the Land Uses Allowed Table.She urged council to specifically direct the Planning & Zoning Commission to add behavioral health treatment definitions, land uses, and zoning as a goal on their priorities list. City of Seward,Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes June 14,2021 Volume 41,Page 452 Christiana Smith and Frances Azzad-Smith said last summer the Seward Prevention Coalition hung a colorful COVID-conscious banner in two locations around town. The SCHC received a Chamber of Commerce award for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Smith reminded everyone to Play Hard, Stay Safe.New banners had replaced last year's banners with the new slogan; they asked for support and feedback from the city to continue their efforts. Brandy Arthur lived in Lowell Point since 2019;she had been informed about the sewage lagoon when she purchased her home.For the last two months,she and her husband could not enjoy their outdoor environment at their home or have their windows open.Although it is better now than it was,she's not sure what the long-term plan was.In her opinion,there were visitors at Lowell Point that vowed not to return;those visitors considered Seward the same as Lowell Point. She requested the city conduct a feasibility study as soon as possible. Tara Reimer spoke on behalf of the Alaska SeaLife Center(ASLC). She recalled one year ago when she presented to council what the summer would be like for the ASLC; at the time, she requested$500,000 from the city,contingent on the ASLC raising the remaining funds.For that,she thanked the city.She appreciated that the city stepped up to provide that promise of funding because it inspired others to donate funds, and ultimately the ASLC exceeded their fundraising goal. Lynda Paquette was pleased to see Ordinance 2021-005 on the agenda tonight.Regarding the forensic audit resolution, she hoped that the audit would put the issues to bed. Regarding the Lowell Point Sewage Lagoon,she recalled speaking to council in 2013 about the conditions;during the summer of 2014,people on Nash Road and Fox Island could smell the lagoon.Last summer she asked administration to take action while the tourist numbers were low;nothing happened.Now the city was inundated with tourists. Kelly Ann Cavaretta asked council to perform a feasibility study on the city's wastewater system. She knew the community was continuing to grow and she hoped that people were looking forward to the future. Matt Cope thanked Public Works Director Doug Schoessler for spending time at Lowell Point during the sewage lagoon concerns recently.The problem could not be ignored and had to be addressed. He wanted finite answers, a feasibility study, and solutions brought forward. It was difficult for anyone to differentiate between Lowell Point and Seward;it was affecting a lot of people and businesses. Mica Van Buskirk was president of Lowell Point Community Council; they had met last night for their annual meeting. She thanked Schoessler for attending the meeting and answering questions. Although the situation was currently improving, the sewage lagoon really needed attention. She wished the situation didn't become critical before it was addressed. Businesses in Lowell Point were receiving horrible reviews; some tourists left before their stay was over. On another note,she asked council to please consider building a covered community recreational center. City of Seward,Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes June 14, 2021 Volume 41, Page 453 Lisa Paesani had lived in Lowell Point since 2012. She was most concerned about what would be done about the sewage lagoon going forward,and believed a feasibility study was the best avenue to take. Suzi Towsley announced that the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (DVSA) program would transition from SeaView to Seward Prevention Coalition starting July 1,2021.The crisis line would remain(907)362-1843.Towsley supported HYPER and their efforts to open a daycare center. It was difficult for families when they did not have reliable childcare. Regarding the city's forensic audit,she fully supported having the audit;she believed it would go towards healing the community. Clerk's Note: The new DVSA office will remain in the Sea View Plaza, and will be co-located with the new Seward Prevention Coalition office. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Baclaan/McClure) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Baclaan removed the non-objection of the liquor license renewal for the Yukon Bar and the approval of the new liquor license for the Mermaid Grotto from the consent agenda. Terry removed the introduction of Ordinance 2021-005 from the consent agenda. Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Resolution 2021-065, Suspending The City's Coronavirus (COVID-19) State Of Emergency Declaration. Resolution 2021-066, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into An Agreement With Greene Forensic Accounting Solutions LLP For Forensic Auditing Services In An Amount Not To Exceed $278,125, And Appropriating Funds. Resolution 2021-067,Approving The Planning And Zoning Commission's Priorities From January 2021 To January 2022. Approval of the May 24, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes. Non-objection to the liquor license renewal for Gulf of Alaska Food Court #4915 — Restaurant/Eating Place— Public Convenience Seasonal. Non-objection to the liquor license renewal for The Sea Bean#5399—Restaurant/Eating Place —Public Convenience Seasonal. Non-objection to the liquor license renewal for SeaSalt,Alaskan Grill& Bar#822—Beverage Dispensary. City of Seward,Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes June 14,2021 Volume 41,Page 454 Approval of the liquor license for Primrose Provisions #5965 — Restaurant/Eating Place — Public Convenience & Restaurant Designation Permit. Appointing Liberty Miller to the Historic Preservation Commission with a term to expire May, 2023. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Proclamations & Awards Recognizing the Retirement of Janice Melvin Boreugh-Assenihly-Repert.Kenn Carpenter was not present. City Manager Report. City Manager Janette Bower reported the following purchase orders between $5,000 and$30,000 had been approved by the City Manager since the last council meeting: $7,200 for ITRON 12S meters for Electric;$15,548 for 2 inch and 4 inch steel conduit for Electric; $15,182 for wire for Electric; $7,410 for an 84 inch angle broom for the Harbor; $29,300 for in-car tablets and installation equipment for Police;$5,844 for six chairs for Police;$14,850 for road crack sealant for Public Works;and,$13,725 for SRB MAX 12 week treatment for the Lowell Point Sewage Lagoon for Public Works. Regarding the Lowell Point Sewage Lagoon,Bower had spoken with an engineer from R&M Consultants today who informed her that they would be sending an engineer to visit the lagoon sometime in the next couple of weeks. In response to Casagranda, Police Chief Alan Nickell said regular office chairs had to be replaced every year or two. The chair purchase conducted recently were for chairs being used 24x7 with weight capacities of up to 500 pounds. When officers sat in chairs with their gear on, it was damaging to the chairs.The chairs purchased came with a ten year warranty. He was confident that the chairs would last for many years to come.Nickell was aware of the expense,but thought it was worth it in the long run. Community Development Director Jackie Wilde wished to provide an update on the Jesse Lee Home Memorial Park and the status of the project. There would be a change order coming to council in the amount of$186,954.68 as a result of the stop work order against the city by the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home: change order number two was for $196,280.20 to remediate discharge from a boiler that was unknown to have been leaking, and there were some trees on the property that had been planted after the facility was constructed which were directly adjacent to the basement concrete walls;removing the concrete would destabilize the trees and create a hazard,so the trees need to be removed. Wilde provided an update on the park plans.There were come cement column markers on the property that would be kept and cleaned up.There would be a parking lot accessed off Benson that would have toilet facilities.The Seward Community Garden group had requested to lease an area for City of Seward,Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes June 14, 2021 Volume 41,Page 455 1l1 a community garden,which would include a 72-foot greenhouse.There would be two signs for the park which would partially incorporate pieces of the original foundation.Working with the Historic Preservation Commission,Wilde would be using an original arched window to create a walking path feature.Benches would be scattered around the park and would be created with pieces of the boiler. In one corner of the park, there would be a dog park with a small segregated area specifically for small dogs;the dog park may incorporate agility equipment.A playground would be situated nearest to the parking lot area. Terry wondered what the status of the grant was. Wilde said all grant funds would be expended by June 30, 2021, and all the change orders would be paid for out of the grant monies. Casagranda asked if council was being asked to make a decision about the park tonight. Wilde said the grant required that a memorial be installed;city code required a memorial to be zoned in a park,which council had previously approved. Wilde wished to incorporate components of the Jesse Lee Home to the park's features. In response to Casagranda, Wilde said the grant would include signs,benches, and the change orders. Casagranda wanted to be cautious about trying to fit too many things in this space.Wilde said each component proposed, from the greenhouse to the dog park to the playground,was temporary and could be removed at any point or changed out to something different.The only thing that would be permanent would be the parking lot and park signs. The actual developable area of the park's footprint was smaller than it appeared because there were electric transmission and overhead main lines that required an easement. In response to DeMoss, Wilde said the grant money would not cover the dog park or the playground.Casagranda wondered where the designs for the park came from;in response,Wilde said the community survey that was conducted drove the ideas for what to include. City Attorney Report.Brooks Chandler reported that May had been a fairly busy month, due to the two appeal hearings for the Board of Adjustments. There had also been an employee grievance issue, and he had conducted research in preparation of the forensic audit Request for Proposals. Chandler would be in Seward again later this week to participate in the union negotiations. Other Reports and Announcements 2021 Mount Marathon Race report by MMR Director Matias Saari. Saari was expecting approximately 800 racers this year. The race headquarters for check-ins would be outdoors at the empty lot at Washington and Fourth Avenue. The race would be held on July 7, 2021, which was an accommodation for this year only due to COVID, and would move back to July 4th again next year. Presentations City of Seward,Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes June 14, 2021 Volume 41,Page 456 Happy Youth Programs& Educational Resources(HYPER)presentation#2 by Casie Warner and Christiana Smith PUBLIC HEARINGS Resolutions Requiring Public Hearing Resolution 2021-064,Amending Electric Rates And Charges And Developing A New Industrial Rate Based On A "Cost Of Service" Allocation, As Recommended In The Rate Study Conducted By The Financial Engineering Company. Motion (Baclaan/McClure) Approve Resolution 2021-064 Electric Utility Director Rob Montgomery recalled the electric rate study began at the end of 2020,and the recommendation from the study was to transition to a cost of service allocation.The city's three largest electric users would be moved into their own class as an industrial rate, which would result in a decrease in their rate charges.And finally,the recommendation was for the Alaska SeaLife Center moving to paying a full Cost of Power Adjustment(COPA), as all customers were required to do. Montgomery said if Seward's electric was a regulated company,no special contracts would be authorized because it would throw all other contracts out of balance. Undoubtedly, the Alaska SeaLife Center was an important partner for the community. Out of respect for the ASLC, Montgomery was proposing to transition the ASLC to full COPA over the course of several years to allow them to adjust incrementally. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. Lynda Paquette had been a member of the citizen committee to review the electric rate study results. She commended Montgomery for his work on performing this study, and for developing a reasonable and effective plan to move forward. Tara Reimer spoke on behalf of the Alaska SeaLife Center. The ASLC rates would increase significantly.The reason why the city was in this situation was because the industrial rate had been eliminated in 2013 and the ASLC was put on a special contract.In 2015,council decided the ASLC should move to a ten-year plan to migrate to paying the full rate. She didn't object to tonight's resolution,but she didn't support it either.She appreciated Montgomery's professionalism and effort to work on a compromise. Reimer wished to ensure that council was voting on the correct version of this resolution. No one else appeared and the public hearing was closed. Montgomery appreciated Reimer and the ASLC team's professionalism and diligence for drafting a solution. He supported the requested amendments that Reimer provided. In response to City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes June 14, 2021 Volume 41, Page 457 Casagranda, Montgomery said he would be cutting $75,000 out of the Electric Department's projected revenue budget in order to soften the transition for the ASLC. Motion to Amend (Terry/McClure) Amend Resolution 2021-064 by adopting the "final and clean version of the tariff'which was provided as a laydown and including the amendments as provided by Reimer as a laydown at the meeting. Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous Main Motion Passed Unanimous UNFINISHED BUSINESS—None NEW BUSINESS Ordinances for Introduction Ordinance 2021-005, Amending Seward City Code 2.10.100 — Compensation Of Councilmembers To Adjust Monthly Stipend Amounts To Reflect The 50th Percentile For Compensation In The Kenai Peninsula Borough, And Enacting Seward City Code Section 2.30.230 To Establish A Stipend For Planning& Zoning Commissioners. Motion (Baclaan/Seese) Introduce Ordinance 2021-005 City Clerk Brenda Ballou explained that she had worked with Harbormaster Norm Regis when he was in acting city manager status, along with Assistant City Manager Stephen Sowell last winter to research the history of council stipends and conduct a survey across the borough for comparables. Council stipends had not changed since 1986. Ballou added that Council Member DeMoss, who was council's liaison to the Planning&Zoning Commission,had expressed interest in creating a small stipend for those commissioners. Terry was not in favor of increasing council's stipend,nor was she in favor of establishing a stipend for the Planning&Zoning Commission. Terry thought serving on council was a volunteer opportunity, and the stipend should be kept as small as possible. She would vote against this ordinance. McClure absolutely agreed with Terry; she considered being on council or P&Z an act of community service. McClure said she donated her stipends to various non-profits in Seward, and if the stipends were increased, she would continue to donate them. She would vote against this ordinance. City of Seward,Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes June 14, 2021 Volume 41,Page 458 Baclaan fully supported this ordinance.He understood that serving was voluntary,and even at the current stipend amount,the time he gave was voluntary. Baclaan said that were it not for the stipend,he might not be able to afford to serve because of the effect it had on his work schedule.He thought having diversity on council was an important thing to have, though; if people wished to serve,but could not afford to do so,council would not fairly represent all citizens of the community, only those who could afford it. Baclaan said being on council was not his only interest; he also served voluntarily in other areas of the community on his own time.He envisioned having people of all income levels being able to serve on council,but many would only be able to do that if council ensured inclusion for those interested in serving. He had been personally affected by serving on council,and had incurred many non-monetary pressures.He admired McClure's ability to donate her stipend to the community,and thought if the stipends increased,the community would be better off for it. He would vote to support this ordinance. Osenga would support this ordinance,given the time that has passed since the stipends had been considered.DeMoss absolutely agreed with Baclaan's statements.Seese favored this ordinance, and thought being involved with council was a considerable demand on her schedule; she, too, volunteered for many other activities in the community. Casagranda recalled a time in her life just ten years ago when she would not have been able to serve on council without a$200 stipend. She was in a different place now,but she sympathized with Baclaan's concerns;she didn't want to have council filled with only people who could afford it, and wanted to enable people of varying backgrounds to serve. Casagranda wanted to have this ordinance introduced and have the opportunity to hear from the public and have further discussion. McClure said hearing from her colleagues had convinced her to change her mind and explore further discussion, so she would support introducing this ordinance. Terry asked administration if council members were required to take the money, because there could be tax ramifications. She volunteered for a lot of different things,and being on council was the only thing she was paid for. She served because she believed it was her civic duty, and no amount of money could replace the time she spent away from her family.She wanted all people to be able to serve,but she also didn't want the stipends to increase to the point where it was considered a job; she thought people should serve because they felt compelled to serve. Motion Passed Unanimous Resolutions All resolutions were approved on the consent agenda. Other New Business Items Non-objection to the liquor license renewal for Yukon Bar#1245 — Beverage Dispensary. City of Seward,Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes I L June 14,2021 Volume 41, Page 459 Vice Mayor Baclaan declared a potential conflict of interest because he worked at the Yukon Bar one day a week. Mayor Terry declared that no conflict existed. There was no objection from council. Council recessed at 9:00 p.m. Council resumed at 9:10 p.m. Motion (Terry/McClure) Non-objection to the liquor license renewal for Yukon Bar #1245 — Beverage Dispensary. Motion Passed Unanimous Approval of the liquor license for Mermaid Grotto Café#5974 — Restaurant/Eating Place— Public Convenience& Restaurant Designation Permit. Vice Mayor Baclaan declared a potential conflict of interest because he worked at the Mermaid Grotto. Mayor Terry declared that no conflict existed.There was no objection from council. Motion (Terry/McClure) Approval of the new liquor license Mermaid Grotto Café #5974 — Restaurant/Eating Place— Public Convenience & Restaurant Designation Permit. Motion Passed Unanimous INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Letter from City of Obihiro Mayor Norihisa Yonezawa cancelling the 2021 In-Person Student Exchange Program City Clerk's memo verifying timely receipt of City Manager's Financial Disclosure Statement Overview of 2021 City Representatives, Council Liaisons & Committees CITIZEN COMMENTS Carol Griswold wanted council to continue allowing the public to provide their comments to the city clerk in writing to be read aloud,or delivered via telephone by citizens,during meetings.She thought it would be prudent to continue these accommodations because COVID was still out there. Suzi Towsley hoped the city would accommodate remote attendance for a while.She thought that working-class people should have every opportunity to serve on council,and encouraged council City of Seward,Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes June 14,2021 Volume 41,Page 460 to pass the ordinance. Towsley commented on how much healthier and professional tonight's meeting felt. Christiana Smith appreciated being able to attend the council meetings in person.She would not be able to attend the June 28,2021 council meeting,but thought that 40 years was long enough to address the council stipend.She thought the rates proposed were very reasonable and conscientious. She wanted for anyone who wished to serve to have the means to do so. Tara Reimer supported increasing council stipends; she thought it made sense to allow citizens from every standard of life to serve. She enjoyed being back in council chambers in person and without a mask.She hoped that YouTube would be kept in place forever,and thought allowing a hybrid of comments being submitted in writing to continue.As a quick update on the ASLC,Reimer said they were seeing a large boost in tourism,and it was wonderful to see so many visitors.There were some challenges with staffing across the board.She appreciated the work that council and staff performed. She really appreciated the positive vibe with this current city staff. COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Bower said there was an internal,in-house audit being conducted on all utility accounts; it would take approximately four months to complete. She appreciated that council wanted to provide her with a fresh slate. Casagranda hoped everyone would be patient,considerate,and kind to the businesses that were trying to keep their doors open with limited staffing available. She wondered if a letter to US Senator Lisa Murkowski would help. The abundance of tourists was a blessing, but it came with challenges for managing businesses. DeMoss announced there would be an all-ages open mic at Temple Studios every Sunday. She congratulated Seward Wilderness Collective on their first farmers market last Saturday. She reiterated the sentiments to be kind and considerate. She said happy Pride month. Osenga said congratulations and happy retirement to Jan Melvin. He congratulated Lydia Jacoby on her Olympic trials. Seese congratulated Jan Melvin on her retirement, and wished her well. She hoped the childcare endeavor would be successful.She thanked Wilde for the presentation tonight.She thanked the citizens for speaking tonight and said the farmer market was great. McClure congratulated Jan Melvin on her retirement,and said Lydia Jacoby did well today. There would be a solstice cemetery walk on June 21,2021 at 10:30 p.m. at the Masonic cemetery. Baclaan said happy Pride month.Seward Pride Alliance was holding a virtual Alphabet Soup event on Thursday; everyone was invited to attend and ask questions. The Pride celebration in Seward would be July 30 through August 1, 2021. He encouraged citizens to reach out to council City of Seward,Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes June 14, 2021 Volume 41, Page 461 members and give their feedback on the stipend consideration. He appreciated administration being so responsive and working productively with council. Terry thought the city should start talking with federal lobbyists now to make sure the J-1 Visa students would be coming next year. She was pleased that a feasibility study was being developed for the Lowell Point Sewage Lagoon. For Mount Marathon Race information go to www.mountmarathon.com. Terry said the city would continue using YouTube for meetings, and anyone could send comments via email to the city clerk for distribution to council. Terry would be out of state June 22 through July 6, 2021. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:34 p.m. enda J. Ballou, C risty Terry City Clerk Mayor (City Seal) tools,,,,,,• ••.t OF Sell,''•. r : SEAL S*, OF tk Pros'+