HomeMy WebLinkAbout02072024 PACAB MinutesPort and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Volume 4, Page 143
City of Seward, Alaska
February’ 7, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
I The February 7, 2024, regular meeting of the Port and Commerce Advisory Board was
called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Bruce Jaffa.
OPENING CEREMONY
Bruce Jaffa led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Bruce Jaffa, presiding, and
Benjamin Smith
Tom Miller
Dwayne Atwood
Melissa Schutter
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Jason Bidding, Deputy City Manager
Nancy Hulbert, Acting Harbormaster
Kris Peck, City Clerk
Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk
I Excused - Smith
Absent - None
Vacant - Two
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT
Carl Hughes, outside city limits, expressed concern about the trawling fishing industry.
He hoped this fishing issue could be on future PACAB meeting agendas. Hughes felt that Seward
needed to get involved to help prevent the damage from trawling.
APPROVAL OP AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Agenda and Consent AgendaMotion (Miller/Schutter)
UnanimousMotion Passed
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approval January 3, 2024, Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATION, AND REPORTS
I Proclamations and Awards
City of Seward, Alaska
February 7, 2024
Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Volume 4, Page 144
IChair Bruce Jaffa presented the Gold Pan Award to Carl Hughes for his service on PACAB.
City Administration Report
Deputy City Manager Jason Bidding referred to his written report in packet.
Acting Harbormaster Nancy Huibert said the Polar Bear Jump-off Festival was a big
success and there were no injuries. Currently, the harbor staff was busy doing the typical winter
work and dealing with the snow.
Other Reports and Announcements
Alaska Railroad Report
Seward Port Manager Dwayne Atwood referred to his report written in the packet. He
mentioned a pipe ship would be arriving soon with 3500 metric tons of pipe to unload. Atwood
noted the mainline track for the railroad would be elosed from January 15, 2024 until April 15,
2024. Atwood spoke about scheduled improvements regarding the coal handling equipment and
replacement of the cruise dock.
Presentations
ISeward Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Samantha Allen gave a presentation on
marketing.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS- None
Resolutions - None
Other New Business
Discuss Comprehensive Plan
Bickling introduced the discussion item and spoke to what the Comprehensive Plan does
for Seward.
PACAB discussed their role in updating the Comprehensive Plan. Jaffa suggested having
a Joint meeting with the Planning & Zoning Commission. Biekling noted that the Historic
Preservation Commission should also be involved in this process.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
IReminder of Meetings:
Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Volume 4, Page 145
City of Seward, Alaska
February 7, 2024
I Work Session on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.
Topics: Sewer Treatment Options and Sidewalks (Public Works Director to attend)
Regular Meeting on Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Other Items
Heat Loop AD HOC Committee Meeting Minutes from November 14, 2023
Heat Loop AD HOC Committee Agenda for January 31, 2024
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Carl Hughes, outside city limits, asked for more information on how to watch the next
Heat Loop Ad Hoc Committee meeting. The clerk responded that a link would be sent via email.
BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
Board Member Miller spoke to the trawling fishing industry, tax revenue, and local
halibut catch.
I Board Member Schutter thanked the Public Works Department for keeping the roads
clear of snow. She noted the snow berms in the middle of the road were being cleaned up very
quickly compared to years past.
Board Member Atwood thanked Carl Hughes for all his service and input to PACAB over
the years. Atwood hoped PACAB would be able to address the trawling industry issues. He felt
that a healthy sports fishery industry was important to Seward.
Chair Jaffa thanked Carl Hughes for his service to PACAB. He encouraged new
applicants to apply for the vacancies. Jaffa spoke to the trawling issues and noted the recent
presentation at a council meeting was an eye opener.
Deputy City Manager Bickling said he received word that there were not any trawling
products processed here in Seward.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:14 p.m.
[•('seal
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^ruce JaffaJ^i Kurtz
Deputy City Clerk
(City Seal)I /