HomeMy WebLinkAbout11272023 City Council Laydown - Sorensen231127 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 elgtreeformore
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.
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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
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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
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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