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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2004-104 I I I Sponsored by: Shealy CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2004-104 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, SUPPORTING THE APPLICATION OF THE CITY OF SEWARD FOR A VISTA PROJECT FROM THE ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WHEREAS, the City of Seward currently lacks an adequate number of planning staff to dedicate one to economic planning, coordination and marketing; and WHEREAS, the City of Seward currently contracts with the Seward Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) to market the tourism and business opportunities in the community; and WHEREAS, the City of Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board (P ACAB) is tasked with identifying business and industry opportunities; and WHEREAS, the Chamber and P ACAB lack consistently available resources to develop long-term, comprehensive, coordinated strategies; WHEREAS, the community of Seward, despite its potential for a diverse economy, continues to suffer high rates of unemployment, averaging 11.8% in 2003, and stagnate winter season employment due to business closures; and WHEREAS, the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCED) VISTA Program exists to assist rural Alaska communities achieve economic viability and pays the costs of VISTA positions through the national AmeriCorps*VISTA program; and WHEREAS, an economic development master plan with marketing tools will assist the City, the Chamber, P ACAB and many local businesses, boards and commissions in targeting their business development efforts more efficiently and productively; and WHEREAS, developing an economic development master plan requires a great deal of work and intensive efforts to include, but not be limited to, community networking; data collection; the examination of reference materials; the creation of an economic development mission statement and goals; the identification of assets and challenges; and the economic outlook as it relates to all sectors ofthe economy; and WHEREAS, an integral element in the economic development planning process and plan CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2004-104 implementation is the ability of the planner to respond on behalf of the City to economic development inquires and opportunities; and WHEREAS, the City of Seward meets the criteria to be a VISTA site sponsor. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that: Section 1. It supports the application for a VISTA volunteer in developing an economic development master plan with marketing tools and cooperating and coordinating with other economic development entities. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the city of Seward, Alaska, this 1 s( day of November, 2004. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA vat~'Mfd+ AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Branson, Dunham, Valdatta, Amberg, Lorenz, Shafer None Clark None ATTEST: ~ AhN Jean ewis City Clerk (Cit Se" n"",UII""t, y 7 of S!:t1~ "" ..... ~-4. ........." "~ ~ ~ ,~ ,"o"~?OFi,.i;:.. -<) <:. .. ..." rl ..to.'.. -"It ..~""' '~..... 'v :..::. ____ v e. ~ ~ . . - - . c"T":'1 ^ T . C .U 5 I) i O}:~i;t-:u..A i S ~\ --.- l:: ~ . -.. VJ ....~,... \.r :: ~.. ~~<..~\':; 1 ~?,"~'F$ ~ ..,~........l. '" "'I -.' ~>.~ .. t;:- 0"::' 0\...-S~ 1. "'it:4.;;~''",; . COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT Meeting Date: November 1, 2004 Through: Phil Shealy, City Manager From: Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager Agenda Item: VISTA Project BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: The City of Seward currently lacks an adequate number of planning staff to dedicate one to economic planning, coordination and marketing. The City of Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board (PACAB) is tasked with identifying business and industry opportunities and is currently trying to develop a Economic Development Master Plan for the community with no staff available to help on the project. The City of Seward currently contracts with the Seward Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) to market the tourism and business opportunities in the community. The Chamber and PACAB lack consistently available resources to develop long-term, comprehensive, coordinated strategies. The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCED) VISTA Program exists to assist rural Alaska communities achieve economic viability and pays the costs of VISTA positions through the national AmeriCorps*VISTA program. The VISTA program helps new and existing businesses, design education or training programs, and/or develop and implement strategies to meet economic well-being goals. The program can build awareness of economic issues and coordinate local needs and values with economic opportunities. The VISTA program can provide a local person the opportunity to gain valuable experience while earning $436 every two weeks and receive a $4,725 education award or a $1200 stipend awarded after their year of service. The VISTA program could provide staff that would work with and coordinate with the Chamber, PACAB, City and the community to develop an economic development master plan. An application for a VISTA Project was submitted to DCED this week (copy attached). If Council approves the resolution of support, the resolution will be forwarded to DCED. Administration is also seeking a letter of support from PCAB. The Chamber provided a letter of support that was included with the application. Once the application is approved the City can begin recruitment, both locally and outside. Hire and start dates will be determined on when slots are available. Due to federal cuts, slots have been decreased at the state level pushing the dates of filling positions into the future. The City can expedite the process and hire a position by January, if we agree to share the cost of the stipend and benefits, approximately $12,300 for the City. If the City does not agree to cost share, a VISTA slot may not be available until July or even later. Once the person is hired, the VISTA position and the City supervisor go to a national level orientation sponsored by The Corporation for National and Community Service. After this orientation, the VISTA begins work. COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT VISTA Project Meeting Date: November 1, 2004 Page 2 CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No 1. Comprehensive Plan X 2. Strategic Plan X 3. Other 4. Not applicable FISCAL NOTE: If Council desires to expedite the process and cost share, there would be a cost of approximately $12,300, plus possible assistance with housing if the person hired is not local. If Council is willing to wait for an available slot, there would be no additional costs, other than possibly assisting with housing. Once our application is approved, this would be brought back to Council for approval and appropriation, if necessary. Approved by Finance Department: RECOMMENDATION: Council approve Resolution’s 2004- supporting the application of the City of Seward for a VISTA Project from the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. Attachment.