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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11272023 City Council Laydown - Sorensen 231127 City Council Laydown - Sorensen Updated CMR Report 28 pages City Manager's Report— November 27, 2023 Kat Sorensen Mayor McClure and Council Members, It was a busy few weeks following the previous council meeting and work session. Over the course of the week from Nov. 14 to Nov. 17, I met with each department head and our finance director to begin the midcycle budget process. The meetings all went well and the mid-cycle budget process is moving along well for discussion at an early 2024 council meeting. I worked with IT to make a few edits on the cityofseward.net, including adding job listings to two places on the home page — making them more accessible to those browsing the website. With council's guidance from last meeting's work session, we've had further conversations with MEA and a potential consulting contract. We've also continued to expound on the rate study in preparation for the 12/11 meeting. On Wednesday, Nov. 15 a group of high school students visited City Hall. I spent an hour with them, showing them the different departments and everything the local Seward city government does. We spent some time going over last meeting's agenda, talked about issues they see in the community, and even got to participate in a PACAB meeting. Jason and I will be travelling to Anchorage for the Alaska Municipal League conference from 12/4 to 12/8. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me, my number is (907) 224 4012 and city cell phone is 907 362 1020. My email address is ksorensen(abcityofseward.net. Purchase Orders As required by the Seward Municipal Code 6.05.010, the following purchase orders between $5,000 and $30,000 have been approved by the City Manager since the last council meeting. Department Order Date Vendor Description Amount HARBOR GENERAL 11/08/2023 US ECOLOGY INC Provide the labor,equipment,Disposal,Documentation,Misc and ESIC fees to remove 10,308.38 1200 gallons of used glycol from tanks located at SMIC.US Ecology Is the only vendor in the state. MIS 11115/2 0 2 3 SHI INTERNATIONAL CORP Barracuda Essentials-Email protection and archiving 10,533.60 MIS 11/15/2023 SHI INTERNATIONAL CORP Windows Server License and User CAL' 8,058.60 MIS 11/15/2023 DELL MARKETING LP Dell PowerVault TL1000 Tape Storage Library 23,647.63 Thanks! Kat Sorensen Assistant City Manager Jason Bickling Public Works Facility: We are still working towards the 65% design on the Public Works Facility. This should be coming before you at the beginning of 2024 for approval to move to 95%. Public Safety Feasibility Study: This is being finalized in early December. R&M will be coming down to present to Council in January. Lobbying: I met with the state lobbyists to have discussions on our LP/CIP Guide and priorities for the upcoming legislative sessions. We also had a meeting with the City Manager and Police Chief to discuss efforts on the Jail operation funding front. LP/CIP Guides: We should have the printed guides available in early December. Budget Reviews: Meeting with Department Heads, the City Manager, and Finance Director to review the budgets for mid-cycle adjustments. EAP Updating: After our first round of meetings, we are working on the first draft of the updated EAPs for city facilities Chugach Rate Case: I sat in on the Chugach Rate Case Prehearings with the City Attorney. There are a number of other parties involved including most other utilities in the State as well as some large entities like Enstar, UAA, and JBER. This hearing was to establish a timeline of events for discovery, testimony, rebuttal, etc. When this is finalized, I will let the council know. Land Conveyance: We are in discussions with the Borough on a possible land conveyance on a property that was foreclosed due to tax burden. I will let the council know how the progress goes and will be coming with a resolution for permission to purchase if all works out. *Board and Commission Attendance Tracker is included in this report. Los, -.Udal*�__A CMR Finance Department Sully Jusino Finance Director Mission Statement: Valuable Objectives: To provide the highest level of services responsive to our We built trust with all stakeholders through responsible community's expectations and to enhance the quality of stewardship of public resources with integrity, life and economic vitality. accountability,and respect. UA and CJCPA updates This comprehensive report provides an update on the integration of Util-Assist, an outside utility billing company, and the ongoing necessity of Carmen Jackson CPA, LLC (CJCPA)within the context of the city's utility billing division. This report will highlight the historical context, challenges faced, actions taken, and current progress regarding the utility billing system. Background: The scrutiny faced by our utility billing division in 2021 prompted a forensic audit of utility billings from 2018-2020. The audit,presented to the City Council in January 2022, identified 22 issues encompassing a range of discrepancies, categorized as follows: • 12 accurately billed items • 4 erroneous billing issues due to system and human errors in rates/fees • 2 accurately billed items lacking supporting calculations • Remaining issues stemming from 3rd party errors, system glitches, and misclassified accounts CJCPA's Involvement: In response to these findings, in April 2022, the City Manager engaged CJCPA to assist in bolstering oversight within the utility division and establishing robust checks and balances. CJCPA collaborated with staff to institute a month-end review process, enabling thorough scrutiny of adjustments, rates, and journal entries before the month's closure. Los, -.Udal*�--A CMR Finance Department Sully Jusino Finance Director The urgency for this collaboration stemmed from staffing challenges. The utility division faced prolonged vacancies due to difficulty in recruiting replacements. The turnover rate increased, causing disruptions, and leaving the division understaffed between May 2022 and the present. CJCPA's Expanded Role: Recognizing the urgent need for expertise and stability, CJCPA took on additional responsibilities from May 2023 onward. These included tasks vital to utility billing operations, such as preparing meters for technicians, creating meter reading sheets, entering collected data, managing net meter accounts, and submitting specific invoices. Furthermore, CJCPA engaged in comprehensive training sessions, collaborated with the departing staff, documented procedures, and updated outdated guides, necessitated by the utility billing system's significant upgrade in 2022. Util-Assist Integration and Collaboration: The integration of Util-Assist commenced in October 2022 and evolved significantly through collaborative efforts. In June 2023, CJCPA and Util-Assist worked closely to create detailed manuals addressing utility billing processes, service calls, and customer inquiries, aiming for a seamless integration. Progress and Ongoing Collaborative Efforts: Util-Assist and City staff have forged a cohesive partnership aimed at optimizing utility operations. Presently, they work jointly to prepare meter reading spreadsheets and handheld devices for our dedicated electric and water technicians. Util-Assist plays a pivotal role in data entry into the utility billing software, facilitating the preparation of monthly billing data. Meanwhile, City staff meticulously review and confirm these billings before they are finalized(oversight), ensuring accuracy and reliability. Efforts to enhance customer service are evident as Util-Assist now handles all customer calls, ensuring a streamlined experience for our residents.Additionally, collaboration extends to managing service calls, promptly processing and accurately billing requests within the system. Los, _.UdVI*�__A CMR Finance Department Sully Jusino Finance Director Collaboration between City staff and Util-Assist extends to managing service calls such as meter exchanges, move-ins/outs, turn-ons/offs, etc. These requests are promptly processed and accurately billed within the system,thanks to the joint efforts and timely coordination between both parties. Monthly reporting and oversight have been established as part of the workflow. Util-Assist diligently prepares month-end reports, which undergo thorough review and confirmation by City staff to ensure accuracy and compliance. It's crucial to highlight that these streamlined workflows and processes have been meticulously developed and overseen by the experienced CJCPA staff,providing essential guidance and expertise. Pending Tasks and Transition Timeline: The ongoing efforts and pending tasks involve managing past-due balances, encompassing late fees, door hangers, disconnection of services, and the review of accounts receivable aging. These tasks are currently jointly managed but lack established workflows and designated responsibilities. It is anticipated that by March 2024, all tasks except processing accounts for collection will be transitioned to Util-Assist without further process development. However, processing accounts for collection, scheduled for quarterly completion, is expected to be fully assumed by Util-Assist by June 2024. The collaboration among Util-Assist, City staff, and CJCPA has significantly enhanced our utility billing operations. Our collective focus remains on establishing workflows and responsibilities for pending tasks, demonstrating our commitment to continually improve our utility systems and services. Staffing: Anyone interested in any open position with Finance is encouraged to apply through our City's website at Employment Opportunities I Seward, AK(cityofseward.us) Electric System Director Rob Montgomery - Power Outage and Plant Generation —All Seward electric customers experienced a power outage at approximately 12:20 a.m. on Thursday, November 9. Power to the City and most surrounding communities was restored in a little over two hours once generators at the Fort Raymond power plant went into operation. However, damage to a transmission pole around Milepost 22 and other tree-related issues in that area prevented power from being restored to approximately 40 customers south of Moose Pass. Several calls to coordinate staffing needs and restoration efforts were conducted with Chugach Electric Association (CEA) and the union (IBEW) each day. Assistance was provided by two CEA plant operators at Fort Raymond and a 4-man line crew from Sturgeon Electric. Homer Electric Association also contacted Seward to offer assistance. The utility ran on plant generators for approximately three full days before power was restored to the customers near Moose Pass. The plant returned to CEA power supply at approximately 3:00 a.m. Sunday morning. During plant operations, 42,101 gallons of diesel fuel was used resulting in a cost of approximately $200,000. Meeting with Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) —At the direction of City Administration and Council, a meeting with MEA was held the week of November 20 to discuss the possibility of Seward entering into a management contract for the City's electric utility. Details of that meeting will be provided by City Manager Kat Sorensen at a future City Council meeting. Infrastructure Project (Ongoing) — Continuing to work with engineering consultant, Dryden & LaRue, on materials orders and 2024 schedule coordination for construction activities. Work to refurbish the Lawing Substation is slated to begin in the spring and work to refurbish the Spring Creek Substation is slated for late summer or early fall. 2023 Rate Study (Ongoing) — City Council delayed action on the Resolution to increase electric rates at the November 13 council meeting. The City's Electric and Finance departments are working with The Financial Engineering Company on additional information requests made by Council members. The matter will come back to City Council during the December 11 Council meeting. New customers rates will go into effect on January 1, 2024. Training for Field Engineer—Field Engineer Kari Boulden participated in a three-day training program in Anchorage November 13-15. The training, administered by the Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA), focused on staking certification for field technicians. Staking is the process of surveying and marking locations for lines and power poles. Department Overtime—Total overtime hours for the 4-man line crew, 2 plant operators and field engineer: Infrastructure 1.5 hours; Other 222.5 hours. The three-day power outage resulted in 212 overtime hours. 7;yF Fire & Building Department - .. Fire Chief Clinton Crites t 2023 TYD Statistical Information: Fire & Life Safety Inspections: 337 with 294 violations _= noted. We NEED volunteers, if you or Emergency Calls: 432 someone you know is interested in serving your community, please New Building Permits Issued 2023: 54 give us a call at 224-3445 or stop with a total construction valuation of $ $26,572,495 by at one of our trainings on Wednesday evenings at 6:OOpm. • New members of Seward and Bear Creek Fire Departments, along with 3 local high school students, received Emergency Trauma Technician (ETT)training. • Seward Angel Tree Program is up and running, go to www.sewardbre.com/an elg tree for more information. We still need the community's support in providing gifts and helping on wrapping day! ❑ Dec. 15th—Angels & gifts due @ SFD before 5:00 pm ❑ Dec. 16th—Public wrapping party— 12:00 pm @ SFD ❑ Dec. 21st—Gift delivery In and Outside City Limits o ANGELS will be in the following locations: • Wells Fargo • Seward Marketplace • Frontier Trading Post • First National Bank • True Value/Fish House • Safeway • Arctic Chiropractic • Alaska Sea Life Center Gift Shop Individuals interested in keeping your home safe from fire should contact the Seward Fire Department Community Risk Reduction division for information about fire prevention in y• • • 1 or • • • • • Keep all sides of the heater at least 3 feet from beds,clothes, curtains, papers,sofas and other items that can catch fire. -u1111�� Never run the heater's cord under rugs or carpeting and never power the heater with an extension cord or power strip. Check SaferProducts.gov to see if your electric heater has been recalled. itti' Make sure the 00111111ii���111� „ heater is not near water. NEVER touch it if you are wet. '01 � � 1 If the heater's cord or plug is HOT,disconnect the heater and contact an authorized repair person. If any part of the outlet is hot,contact a certified electrician. Place the heater on a stable,level surface,located where it Never leave the will not be knocked over. heater operating while unattended or while you are sleeping. Cold weather reminder. Do NOT plug space heaters into power strips or extension cords. Plug space heaters directly into the wall outlet. Powers strips are not designed to handle the high current flow required by a space heater and can overheat causing a fire. a Harbor Harbormaster Norm Regis ➢ The 50-ton and 330-ton Travelift have slowed down for winter storage; the SMIC yard is starting to fill up. ➢ We are continuing to train several new harborworkers on the maintaining and operating the Travelifts. ➢ We are working on the SMIC yard drainage to keep water flowing into the ditches. ➢ We are working on the beach access parking lot located at the South end of SMIC. ➢ Some people like that we are still working with some COVID protocol in mind while continuing to do boat lifts and public contact in the Seward Harbor office. ➢ We will continue the cleanup at the old Raibow dump area, just a few more items to deal with and we can lease the property out again. ➢ The harbor office is closed on Sundays for the fall and winter schedule. ➢ We are continuing to work with the Director from the Pacific Northwest &Alaska Maritime Administration U.S.DOT on finding a suitable grant for the washdown pad project. ➢ We are waiting on funding for the 5-ton crane on I-Dock, Corp Permit has been approved ➢ We are working with a Kenai Peninsula title company on the land acquisition for the Coast Guard land across the bay. ➢ The Harbormaster and Deputy Harbormaster was at the Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle promoting the Seward Harbor and SMIC last week. ➢ Updated schedule on the Coast Guard land acquisition: • Seward FRC Homeport(FY2019 MASI /$1.OM;Anticipated FY2024 MASI/$42M): Scope: Acquire real property and complete NEPA for future FRC homeport. Status: CEU Juneau obligated funds on 25 Aug 2023 to purchase a 1.5 acre parcel at the Seward Marine Industrial Center(SMIC) for future waterfront improvements. Schedule Mar 2024: RFP package to contracting. Apr 2024: Design/Build solicitation released. Sep 2024: Contract award. Projected Construction Completion Date (CCD):September 2026 Notes: Construction pends funds appropriation which is anticipated in FY2024. Seward Community Library & Museum Bailey Sayler MUSEUM WINDOW DISPLAY Early Alaska Railroad The summer "Windows of History" display features a history of the early Alaska Railroad. Learn about the railroads beginning as the Alaska Central Railroad in 1903, through its ups and downs until it was purchased by the federal government in 1915, and its official start as the Alaska Railroad Company in 1923 when President Harding came to Alaska to drive the golden spike at Nenana. On view are an assortment of early railroad photos from the Resurrection Bay Historical Society. Thank you Museum Volunteers We would like to thank our amazing museum volunteers, from the Resurrection Bay Historical Society and the Seward Community Library Association, for all the hours they put into caring for the museum and its collection. In 2022, both organizations combined contributed over 660 hours to volunteering, with RBHS having 624 of those hours. We would also like to thank local Boy Scout Troop 568 for volunteering 56 additional hours with RBHS to complete other large museum tasks. Play n Chat Every Tuesday and Thursday, Bloom brings arts n crafts, story time, and play time for our younger crowd. Upcoming Events Hvery Friday we have a Movie Matinee starting at 3:00 p.m. OEvery Wednesday at 3 pm at the library, Come learn the Japanese Alphabet! 0 November 25t"- Christmas Lighting at 6 pm and crafts with hot cocoa to follow at the library. Library Winter Hours starting October 1st: Tuesday— Friday 12 p.m. —5 p.m. Saturdays Closed Museum Winter Hours Closed Passports We are not currently taking passport appointments. There are other facilities available. For Passport information visit:https://tr3vel.state.gov Passport Acceptance Facilities within 250 miles(as of 8/25/20): littes:/iiafdb.-.ravel.state.gov/ Facility Name Street Address City ZIP Public Code Phone JS:C - G'�C..'..'OOD 118 LINDBLAD AVE. G �D`u�OOD 99_S7 9.177832922 JS:C - =AGLE �I`w'ER 11471 BUSINESS EAGLE RIVER 99577 90763 2732 BLVD. jS O-ANCHORAGE 4141 POSTMARK DRANCHORAGE 99519 9_)7 56]266 jS=O- HOMER 3658 HEATH STREET HOMER 99603 90; 5'2C JS:O- KEVAI 140 BIDARKA ST KENAI 99611 g_h, . S:C -V;',�SILLA 401 N. MAIN ST, WASILLA 99654 9073731310 LA-S4A COIJi i S`rSTEM -STATE 500 WATER ST. CORDOVA 99574 9074243378 OFFICE COLONY HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY 9550 E BOGARD PALMER 99645 9978615538 ROAD SPO-WILLOW 1 232 N. MCKINLEY ILLOW 99688 9074956266 Why Learn the Japanese Alphabet with Us? • Unlock a New World:Dive into the fascinating world of Japanese culture and language by exploring its unique writing system. • Fun and Interactive:Our workshop is designed to make learning the Japanese alphabet enjoyable and engaging. What you will learn • Simple Vocabulary:Start building your Japanese vocabulary from day one. • Japanese Alphabet:Be able to spell your name by the end of the program. Who Can Attend: • Beginners and enthusiasts. • No prior knowledge of Japanese required. What's Included: • Workshop materials • Hands-on practice. • Expert guidance. Limited Seats Available!Reserve Your Spot Today! Classes held weekly on Wednesdays @ 3pm,_ beginning October 25th. For more information call Seward Community Library&Museum @ 907-224-4010. Don't miss this opportunity to embark on a fascinating journey into the world of the Japanese alphabet!Join our workshop and start your Japanese language adventure today. 4 SPRD CMR Sports and Recreation: November is off to a good start at Sports and Rec! Although the recreational racquetball league was disbanded because of a lack of participation, both competitive racquetball and competitive volleyball are running at full capacity and intensity. Additionally, the Shoreside Petroleum Basketball League is in its sixth week, and all five teams have been fighting hard to maintain their players and secure wins in closely matched games. This past week, Travis McKinley took home the prize for our Super Smash Bros Competition, and we had almost 70 skaters join us for a Grateful Skate night where we collected food bank donations as an entrance fee. Park and Bark gathered steam this past Saturday and will continue through the month of November. Finally, Mary Ann Benoit began her Tai Chi Energy Series on Monday with 7 participants. Overall, we've had a busy start to the month and are excited for the momentum to continue through to December. Daily Activities for November Monday - Senior Walking Hour 11 am - 12 pm - Recreational Volleyball 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Tai Chi Energy Series 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm Tuesday - Senior Walking Hour 11 am -12 pm - Shoreside Petroleum Basketball League 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm (Middle School) - Dungeons and Dragons 6 pm - 8 pm Wednesday - Senior Walking Hour 11 am - 12 pm - Racquetball Challenge Court 5 pm - 8 pm - Competitive Volleyball 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Cribbage Meetup 6 pm - 8 pm Thursday - Senior Walking Hour 11 am - 12 pm -Youth Gym 12 pm - 1 pm - Teen Hoops 2 pm - 4 pm - Shoreside Petroleum Basketball League 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Friday - Senior Walking Hour 11 am - 12 pm -Youth Gym 1 pm - 3 pm - Competitive Racquetball 5 pm - 8 pm - Open Volleyball 6 pm - 8 pm Saturday -Park and Bark 11 am - 12 pm - Open Pickleball 11 am - 1 pm - Open Rockwall 1 pm - 3 pm - Adult Only Rockwall 3 pm - 4 pm - Skate Night 6 pm - 9 pm (every other Saturday) Other Events - Winter Art Night: November 17th 6 pm - 8 pm - Kids Night: November 18th 5 pm - 7:30 pm - Sewing Workshop: November 20th and 27th 10 am - 2 pm Leagues - Recreational Volleyball: October 16th to December 1 lth,Fridays 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm @ AVTEC Gym - Shoreside Petroleum Basketball League: October 3rd to November 30th, Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm - Competitive Racquetball League: October 13th to December 8th, Fridays 5 pm - 8 pm @ AVTEC Gym - Competitive Volleyball League: October 18th to December 13th, Wednesdays 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm @ AVTEC Gym Campgrounds: Updating Maps, Campground rules and enhancements to Campspot website for easier consumer usage. Online reservations for the 2024 season will open early January. Campground Revenues for the 2023 season 1,353993.67 Park Maintenance: Setting up Christmas lights at park areas Repainting Car stops for the Campgrounds Refurbishing Campground and Park signs 4v - ti owb s 'y""'�'�. w�d� a -' .«- !"" �\. _ i '�•'-^•,.��— - r \t r • �j d i _ Za yes � �.•.- - �-� ;�' F \ - oo � r-4zr*4 \ oz r ± z \ 000 - o \ � \\ \ \ \ \ Q ozz ¢¢ \ \ \ \ r ozz ¢¢ \ \ \ \ \ \ (n « zz \ \ _ z « zz \ \ \ \ \ \ \ >2 \ \ \ \ \ \ S zzz z = z z 222 ¢ 222 > 2 \ \ \ \ � - o z z = z z ¢ 2 > > ¢¢ \ \ \ \ \ \ « o $ o d>'I�n $ $ $ o a), $ z » ¥ »» z ¥ ¥ \ \ z z « z z 2 \ In z z > \ \ ¢¢ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ LO \ \ \ \ 2 \ L0 ol\\ \ 22 \ \ r « z zzz \ \ 2 \ \ ¢2 \ \ \ \ \ \ 3 \ \ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \ \ \ \ © � $ ■ ■ � ■ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ _- $ $ $ zo ¥$$ $ $ Im � E 2 / 2E 23 \ 2 \ \ \ \2 \ \ 2 co \ \ \ \ \ % % % § u § § e \ / E EN E _ _ § / � § § 2 o (U u � zCY \\ / u # # \ \ = ■ tE = / � w3o ■ = �£ BB % E � ■ 2212 m COOL / / / 2 / /$ 22 / i / CO CIO) \ 22 City of Seward-Human Resources Manager Report Staffing Information #of Department Job Title Positions Filled Administration City Manager 1 1 Assistant City Manager 1 1 Human Resources Manager 1 1 Executive Assistant 1 1 TOTAL: 4 4 Finance Director 1 1 Deputy Finance Director 1 0 Senior Accountant 1 1 Accounting Technician III 1 1 Accounting Technician II 1 1 Accounting Technician-Utilities 2 1 Accounting Tech Payroll 1 0 Accounting Tech Accounts Payable 1 1 TOTAL: 9 6 Public Works Director 1 1 Street Foreman 1 1 Maintenance Mechanic 3 3 Public Works Technician 1 1 Shop Foreman 1 1 Water and Wastewater Foreman 1 1 Water and Wastewater Operator 3 3 Building Maintenance Technician 2 1 TOTAL: 13 12 Community Development Director 1 0 Planner 1 1 Executive Assistant 1 0 TOTAL: 3 1 Electric Director 1 0 Operations Supervisor 1 0 Field Engineer 1 1 Executive Assistant 1 1 Lineman 4 4 Plant Operator 2 2 TOTAL: 10 8 Fire Department Chief 1 1 Deputy Chief 1 1 Executive Assistant 1 1 Building Official 1 1 Building Fire Inspector 1 1 Firefighter/EMT 1 1 Seasonal-Summer Laborer 1 1 TOTAL: 7 7 Harbor Harbor Master 1 1 Deputy Harbor Master 1 1 Office Manager 1 1 Executive Assistant 2 2 Harbor Worker II 6 6 Harbor Worker III 1 1 Seasonal-Summer Laborer Part-Time 1 0 Seasonal-Summer Laborer Full-Time 1 0 TOTAL: 14 12 IT Director 1 1 Senior IT Tech 1 1 IT Technician 1 1 TOTAL: 3 3 Library Director 1 1 Assitant Library Director 1 1 Library Technician 1 0 Curator 1 1 Library Aide 1 1 Seasonal-Aides 2 1 TOTAL: 7 5 Police Chief 1 1 Deputy Chief 1 1 Sergeant 1 1 Patrol Officer 7 5 Patrol Officer not funded 1 0 Executive Assistant 1 1 Corrections Sergeant 1 1 Corrections Officer 4 1 Corrections Officer not funded 1 0 Dispatch Supervisor 1 1 Dispatcher 5 4 Animal Control Officer 1 1 Animal Control Officer Assistant 1 1 DMV Clerk 1 1 TOTAL: 27 19 Parks&Recreation Director 1 1 Deputy Director 1 1 Executive Assistant 1 1 Campground Coordinator 1 1 Program Coordinator 1 1 Recreational Assistant 1 1 Maintenance Technician 1 1 Seasonal-Summer 9 0 Seasonal-Winter 8 3 TOTAL: 24 10 City Clerk's Office City Clerk 1 1 Deputy City Clerk 1 1 Executive Assistant 1 1 TOTAL: 3 3 Total number of authorized positions: 124 Total number of filled positions: 90 Conflucnee Strategics City of Seward State of Alaska Interim Update November 12,2023 Administration Governor's Office: Governor's Press Releases Governor Dunleavy Appoints Thomas Baker to House District 40 Seat Wednesday, November 8, 2023 (Anchorage,AK) - Today Governor Mike Dunleavy appointed Thomas Baker to the vacant House District 40 (HD 40)seat in the Alaska House of Representatives. District 40 is the northernmost state house district in the United States, stretching from the Kotzebue area east to the Canadian border. The seat was vacated last month afterJosiah Patkotak resigned to become mayor of the North Slope Borough. Mr. Baker is a lifelong Alaskan and resident of Kotzebue. He is a construction operations manager for the Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation and chairs the Regional Advisory Council for the Federal Subsistence Board. His public service included serving on the Kotzebue City Council and the Native Village of Kotzebue Tribal Council. He holds a Bachelor ofArts degree in English from Dartmouth College. Governor Dunleavy followed the appointment process outlined in the Alaska Constitution. His office encouraged any qualified Alaskan living in HD 40 to apply for the seat, and he held discussions with applicants to weigh their qualifications. The Governor thanks all the applicants for their willingness to serve in public office. P.O. Box 1 10190,Anchorage,AK 99511 423 Seward Street,Juneau,AK 99801 Conflucnee Strategics Mr. Baker is a registered Republican. His name will be forwarded to the Republican members of the Alaska House of Representatives for a confirmation vote. Alaskan Native Heritage Month Nov 1,2023 WHEREAS,Alaska is a culturally rich and diverse land made up of the Inupiaq of Northwest Alaska, the Athabascan of the Interior, the Yup'ik and Cup'ik of SouthwestAlaska, the Unangax of the Aleutian Islands, the Alutiiq of Southcentral Alaska, and the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian of Southeast Alaska, and each of these peoples have unique traditions and history; and WHEREAS,Alaska honors and recognizes the First People of our State and Nation, an honor bestowed not only to elders and those who lived before, but to all Alaskan Natives alive today; and WHEREAS, we value and respect the endurance of the different heritages ofAlaska through the preservation of traditional languages, cultural beliefs, oral narratives, art, and subsistence lifestyles, and we appreciate the important work of elders and culture-bearers who share knowledge of the past with Alaska's youth; and ... https:,[/aov.alaska.aov-lalaskan-native-heritage-month-2-1 Agencies Announcements— Press Releases/Reports/Public Notices: Questions and Answers Regarding Proposed Water Regulations Questions and Answers Regarding Proposed Water Regulations The Department of Natural Resources has proposed changes to water regulations in Title 11 of the Alaska Administrative Code. Members of the public have submitted the following questions relating to the proposed revisions. Question: Has the Instream Flow Water Reservation Program been suspended?Can you verify the current status of that program, and if it has been suspended, why hasn't it been published in the Alaska Online Public notices or otherwise? Answer: The reservation of water program has not been suspended and continues to be staffed. The Department of Natural Resources is planning to hold scoping meetings in the P.O. Box 110190,Anchoragc,AK 99511 423 Seward Street,Juneau,AK 99801 Confluence Strategics future to evaluate possible changes to the reservation of water regulations. It is anticipated this will be an interactive process with multiple stakeholders. https:-Z/aws.state.ak.uslOnlinePublicNotices-INotices-lView.aspx?id=213110 Request for Written Input on the Future of Health Care Costs and Reimbursement in Alaska DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY,AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SEEKS INPUT ON THE FUTURE OF HEALTH CARE COSTS AND REIMBURSEMENT IN ALASKA The Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development is requesting input on health care reimbursement and the future of health care payment in the insured market as well as other payers. The department welcomes written comments on in-network contract requirements and payment methodologies, out-of-network payment calculations, ways to pay for value-based care, direct primary care arrangements, new payment models the state should consider, as well as how government payers impact the insured market. The department invites all stakeholders and consumers to participate. Comments or proposals will be accepted through mail, email at insurancePalaska.gov or the Alaska Online Public Notice System https:,4/aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices Notices View.aspx?id=213181 Alaska Energy Security Task Force Incentives and Subsidies Subcommittee and the Statutes and Regulations Reform Subcommittee will hold a meeting on November 15, 2023, and November 16, 2023 Please note the Incentives and Subsidies Subcommittee and the Statutes and Regulations Reform Subcommittee of the Alaska Energy Security Task Force will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 8:00 am - 9:00 am, and, if necessary, reconvene on Thursday November 16,2023, 1:00 pm -2:00 pm. The Agenda for the meeting will be available prior to the meeting by visiting the Alaska Energy Security Task Force Subcommittee web page:Alaska Ene[ay Security Task Force Subcommittee. https:4/aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNoticeS Notices View.aspx?id=213191 Alaska Administrative Code- Title 8-Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Alaska Workers'Compensation Board regulations re:Fees for Medical Treatment Filing notification attached. Title 8 - Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board regulations re: Fees for Medical Treatment (8 AA CV 45.083) Department of Law file number:2023200323 Filed: 111912023 P.O. Box 110190,Anchoragc,AK 99511 423 Seward Street,Juneau,AK 99801 Confluence Strategies Effective: 11112024 Published in Register.248, lanuaU 2024 https:,[/aws.state.ak.uslOnl inePubl icNo tices-INotices-lView.aspx?id=213196 Oil Pricesl�roduction The two samples below(differing dates) highlight the volatility/risk oil plays in State revenues and will play in the coming 2024 Legislative session: Oil and Gas Prices for 6/9/2022 ($/barrel) ANS West Coast $126.93($0.83) West Texas $121.51 ($0.60) Intermediate Brent $123.07($0.51) 4 Henry Hub (mmBTU) $8.96 $0.26 T (BBLs) ANS Production 485,75561812022 Oil and Gas Prices for�($/barrel) ANS West Coast $82.60 $0.04 t West Texas $75.74 $0.41 t Intermediate Brent $80.01 $0,47 t Henry Hub $3.04 ($0.06) 4 mmBTU (BBLs) ANS Production 470,060111812023 P.O. Box 110190,Anchorage,AK 99511 423 Seward Street,Juneau,AK 99801 Conflucnee Strategics Legislature Minority press releases& announcements: House Minority By neglecting education,Alaska is failing its children By Alyse Galvin and the members of the Alaska House Coalition Alaska's public education system is in crisis and on the verge of collapse. This past legislative session, we devoted a tremendous amount of time to hearing from Alaskans working in education and those who study successful education systems. The conclusion?Alaska has underfunded public education for more than a decade. We needed to act quickly to avoid irreparable harm to our current students and the state's long-term economic growth. The alarm was widespread from teachers, school administrators, parents, kids themselves, and business leaders who fear losing generations of workers who no longer see Alaska as a good place to raise families. Alaskans get it. Every poll shows an overwhelming majority ofAlaskans support increased education funding. And there is a budget surplus. So, what's the hang-up? https:Z www.adn.com/0pinions 2023/l 31%opinion-bv-neglecting-education-alaska-is- failing-its-children P.O. Box 110190,Anchoragc,AK 99511 423 Seward Street,Juneau,AK 99801 Conflucnee Strategics Major News Articles / Political Items of Interest Fishing OPINION: For Alaska,federal fisheries updates can't come soon enough It was another heartbreaking summer on the Yukon River. Smokehouses and fish camps stood empty, leaving Alaska Native peoples unable to practice ways of life that have been in place for millennia. Community-based commercial fishing operations were shut down and sport and charter fisheries were shuttered or drastically reduced. This long, grim, list of reductions and closures has affected nearly everyone who fishes in Alaska— except the biggest and most wasteful ones. https:[/www.adn.com/opinions12023110130/opinion-for-alaska-federal-fisheries- undates-cant-come-soon-enough/ Alaska Department of Fish and Game releases 2023 Salmon Harvest Summary The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has published preliminary harvest and value figures for the 2023 Alaska Commercial Salmon Fishery. A total of 230.2 million salmon were harvested in 2023, a 43% increase from the 2022 total harvest of 160.7 million fish. The 2023 commercial salmon fishery all species harvest was valued at approximately$398.6 million, a significant decrease from 2022's value of$720.4 million. International market conditions significantly impacted pricing of salmon statewide,thus value of the harvest. https:[/localfirstmediagroup.com/alaska-department-of-fish-and-game-releases-2023- salmon-harvest-summary/ Alaska seafood harvesting jobs decline as fish crashes, pandemic and other factors take toll Alaska fish-harvesting employment declined in 2022, a continuing yearslong slide caused by a variety of factors, according to an analysis by the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Employment for people harvesting seafood dropped by about a quarter from 2015 to 2022, according to the analysis, published in the November issue of Alaska Economic Trends,the department's monthly research magazine. In all, seafood harvesting jobs averaged 6,331 per month in 2022, down from 8,501 in 2015,the recent peak year,Warren's analysis found. In the peak month of July,the 2022 employment total was 20,231, compared to the July 2015 total of 24,594. https:I Jwww.juneauempire.com/news/alaska-seafood-harvesting_jobs-decline-as-fish- crashes-pandemic-and-other-factors-take-toll/ Pink salmon are thriving in warmer waters, affecting other species,scientists say A new scientific paper published this fall shows that the pink salmon population is booming in the North Pacific Ocean, and global warming is helping it happen. The new evidence P.O. Box 110190,Anchoragc,AK 99511 423 Seward Street,Juneau,AK 99801 Confluence Strategics suggests that pinks are not just outcompeting other salmon species but they're affecting the whole ecosystem — from the microscopic to large marine whales. https:,[/www.ktoo.org/2023/11/03/pink-salmon-are-thriving-in-warmer-waters- affecting-other-species-scientists-say/ A business in crisis Alaska salmon processors paint a grim picture After years of choking on record runs of Bristol Bay sockeye salmon and near-record runs of heavily farmed, low-value pink salmon,the Alaska fishing industry is in chaos with processors now pleading for more government subsidies and coddled commercial fishermen demanding yet more disaster aid. https:[/craigmedred.news/2023/11/04/a-business-in-crisis Education Home schooling's rise from fringe to fastest-growing form of education Home schooling has become —by a wide margin —America's fastest-growing form of education, as families from Upper Manhattan to Eastern Kentucky embrace a largely unregulated practice once confined to the ideological fringe, a Washington Post analysis shows. https:llwww.adn.com/nation-worldZ2023110131/home-schoolings-rise-from-fringe-to- fastest-growing-form-of-education/ From Hope to Homer,how one school district is adjusting to Alaska Reads Act Implementing the standards outlined by the legislation is not a one-size-fits-all approach More than a year after Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed the Alaska Reads Act into law, staff and students around the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District are working to bring themselves up to speed on a new literacy curriculum, new assessments and new professional development, all newly effective this school year. httl2s://www.juneaueml2ire.com/news/from-hope-to-homer-how-one-school-district-is- adj usting-to-alaska-reads-act/ Since Covid revealed much to Alaska parents, families flocked to home schooling, correspondence If there was one good thing that came out of the Covid "pandemic," it was that parents became aware of what their children were being taught in our public schools. They also knew that their children were not benefitting from remote learning by the school districts. httl2s:-//mustreadalaska.com/since-covid-revealed-much-to-alaska-parents-families- flocked-to-home-schooling-correspondence/ P.O. Box 110190,Anchoragc,AK 99511 423 Seward Street,Juneau,AK 99801 Conflucnee Strategies Oil& Gas OPINION: Dunleavy deserves thanks for bold move on Cook Inlet gas The Railbelt utilities are under pressure to make changes, but it is not clear what energy sources they need to change to. With pressure from decreasing natural gas in Cook Inlet, fear of the CO2 accumulating in our atmosphere or the fear that Alaska is warming four times faster than elsewhere in the world, there is a sense throughout Alaska that we need to do something now, something different. httl2s://www.adn.com/opinions/2023/11/02/opinion-dunleavy-deserves-thanks-for- bold-move-on-cook-inlet-gas/ OPINION: If Alaska wants more Cook Inlet gas,taxpayers should get ready to pony up By Nathaniel Herz Alaska Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy, flanked by deputies, recently announced part of his proposed incentive package aimed at rejuvenating natural gas production in Cook Inlet,the declining petroleum basin outside Anchorage. The proposal,which would need legislative approval, comes with some urgency because urban Alaskans depend on Cook Inlet gas to heat their homes and generate the vast majority of their electricity. And the inlet's leading company, Hilcorp, has warned that it expects its reserves to run low starting in the next few years. https:[/www.adn.com/opinions12023/11/O5/opinion-if-alaska-wants-more-cook-inlet- gas-taxpayers-should-get-ready-to-ponup/ Alaska judge upholds Biden administration's approval of the massive Willow oil- drilling project A federal judge on Thursday upheld the Biden administration's approval of the Willow oil- drilling project on Alaska's remote North Slope, a massive project that drew the ire of environmentalists who accused the president of backpedaling on his pledge to combat climate change. U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason rejected calls made by a grassroots Inupiat group and environmentalists to vacate the approval and dismissed their claims. https:[/localfirstmediagroup.com/alaska-judge-upholds-biden-administrations-approval- of-the-massive-willow-oil-drilling=proj eet/ ConocoPhillips plans $900M effort this season to advance Willow oil field ConocoPhillips has bold plans to begin building the Willow oil field project this winter in the wake of a favorable court decision this week. The company expects to spend $900 million and employ 1,800 people this construction season alone. httl2s://www.adn.com/business-economy/energ /ti, 2023/11/10/conocophillips-plans- 900m-effort-this-seas on-to-advance-willow-oil-field/ P.O. Box 110190,Anchoragc,AK 99511 423 Seward Street,Juneau,AK 99801 Conflucnee Strategies Business/Economy Alaska industry leaders collaborate on solutions to workforce problems On Monday,the Alaska Workforce Investment Board (AWIB) kicked off its two-day conference,Alaska Workforce Development Convening, at the Egan Center in Anchorage. Over two days,the conference is hosting around 75 Alaska industry leaders who are discussing the struggles they encounter in their specific industry and what they think could be done to solve them. https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2023/l0/31/we-just-need-all-us-roll-up-our- sleeves-alaska-industry-leaders-collaborate-solutions-workforce-problems/ Residents of Midwest,Mountain West see biggest pay bumps,Alaskans see largest drop Residents of some Midwestern and Mountain states gained the most income per capita during the past four years, a Stateline analysis shows, as competition for workers drove up pay in relatively affordable places to live. With the COVID-19 pandemic now in the nation's rearview mirror, Stateline's analysis offers a more complete understanding of how some states' residents benefitted economically— and others didn't— as policy decisions and Americans' choices shuffled state-by-state outcomes. https:[/localfirstmediagroup.com/residents-of-midwest-mountain-west-see-biggest-pay= bumps-alaskans-see-largest-drop/ State Budget/Programs UAF scientists receive a grant to improve the study of rising sea levels A$638,000 National Science Foundation grant to two University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers aims to accelerate innovative ways ... Huge new federal grant promises easier access for cheaper,cleaner power in Alaska's Railbelt Last month,the Alaska Energy Authority won a $206 million federal grant that may keep the same thing from happening again and incidentally help electric utilities along the Railbelt replace expensive fossil-fuel generators with clean, renewable energy. httl2s://www.adn.com/business-economy/energ /y, 2023/11/ p 10/huge-new-federal-grant- romises-easier-access-for-cheaper-cleaner-power-in-alaskas-railbe U P.O. Box 110190,Anchoragc,AK 99511 423 Seward Street,Juneau,AK 99801 Conflucnee Strategies Politics/Police OPINION: Alaska has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock its energy potential By Lesil McGuire, Charisse Millett,John Coghill and Bill Wielechowski For decades,Alaskans have wished for more reliable, affordable and locally generated energy. The high cost of energy and our limited control over it has hampered our households and communities, making everything from subsistence activities to attracting businesses more difficult in our state. httl2s://www.adn.com/opinions/2023/11/01/opinion-alaska-has-a-once-in-a-generation- onnortunity-to-unlock-its-energy-potential/ Alaska governor names Thomas Baker to fill vacated seat in Legislature Gov. Mike Dunleavy has named fellow Republican Thomas Baker of Kotzebue to fill the Alaska House seat vacated by Josiah Patkotak. The seat came open when Patkotak was elected to serve as mayor of the North Slope Borough. He represented House District 40, which covers a wide swath of northern Alaska, stretching from the Northwest Arctic Borough across the North Slope Borough. https:[/www.ktoo.orgZ20231111081alaska-governor-names-thomas-baker-to-fill-vacated- seat-in-legislature/ A co-creator of Alaska's PFD program is calling for reinstating a personal income tax That Alaska's fiscal system is broken is probably most obvious to the people who helped create it. Two civic organizations in Sitka recently heard from a co-author of the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend, who's on a mission to set the state's finances right. State Rep. Cliff Groh was a 28-year old legislative aide in 1982 when he helped draft the legislation establishing the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend. He's worked in and out of government since then — he now represents House District 18 in North Anchorage as a Democrat. https:llwww.ktoo.orgZ2023/11/09/a-co-creator-of-alaskas-12fd-12rogram-is-calling-for- reinstating-a-12ersonal-income-tax/ P.O. Box 110190,Anchoragc,AK 99511 423 Seward Street,Juneau,AK 99801 Conflucnee Strategics Special Interest Petitions in search of signatures What petitions are being circulated for the 2024 election cycle? One of the most well-known would unwind the Ballot Measure 2 proposal from 2020 that brought open primaries and ranked-choice voting to Alaska, and ushered in Rep. Mary Peltola in the process. https:[/mustreadalaska.com[petitions-in-search-of-signaturesI Ranked-choice voting: A partisan plot to engineer elections,says government accountability group Democrats around the country, including Alaska, are changing the rules of elections to their advantage, according to a new report. "Across the country, they are introducing legislation to implement ranked-choice voting, which would completely change how votes are counted. While there are plenty of reasons to oppose ranked-choice voting,the best argument against it is its track record," says a new report in the Foundation for Government Accountability. https:[/mustreadalaska.com/ranked-choice-voting-a-partisan-plot-to-engineer-elections- says-government-accountability-groun/ `There are hard days': Behind the scenes with the Alaska SeaLife Center's animal care team Three full-time staffers work at the state's only facility authorized to rehabilitate stranded or injured otters, seals, birds, even a rare walrus— lovable creatures only briefly in their hands. Just a few office lights illuminated the table covered in PVC pipe and towels where a northern sea otter pup suckled a bottle of formula in Halley Werner's hands. Between feeds in the dimness, the tiny puffball spent its time sleeping, playing with toys and swimming in a small enclosure. The pup is alternately known to Werner, an Alaska SeaLife Center animal care specialist, either as "Homer girl" or "tiny baby" but also "shrimp butt" for the way the pup curls its tail and flippers when in a deep sleep. httl2s:llwww.adn.comlalaska-newslanchorageZ20231111041there-are-hard-days-behind- the-scenes-with-the-alaska-sealife-centers-animal-care-team/ P.O. Box 110190,Anchoragc,AK 99511 423 Seward Street,Juneau,AK 99801