Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES2024-046 Board Fish Joint Res1 1 Sponsored by: Sorensen CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2024-046 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, ADOPTING JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-002 OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH AND THE COUNCILS OF THE CITIES OF HOMER, KACHEMAK, KENAI, SEWARD, SELDOVIA, AND SOLDOTNA, SUPPORTING THE KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT'S REQUEST THAT THE 2026 AND 2027 COOK INLET FINFISH MEETINGS BE HELD IN SOLDOTNA, ALASKA TO PROVIDE RESOURCE STAKEHOLDERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE PRESENT AT PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS AFFECTING THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR RESOURCES WHEREAS, the functions of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commissioner are to manage, protect, maintain, improve, and extend the fish, game, and aquatic plant resources of the state in the interest of the economy and general well-being of the state; and WHEREAS, the Alaska State Legislature created the seven -member Fisheries Board in 1975 with the purpose of conservation and development of fisheries and wildlife resources; and WHEREAS, the regulatory authority must work alongside all stakeholders, including industry leaders and local, tribal, and borough organizations, to protect the Kenai Peninsula's natural resources, communicate regulatory needs, and receive critical stakeholder engagement to find best -suited options for the highest economic returns on investment revolving around the Upper Cook Inlet Salmon system; and WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula waterways of the Kenai, Kasilof, and Susitna Rivers and Fish Creek are the entry points to significant sockeye salmon systems in Upper Cook Inlet; and WHEREAS, the Kenai River and its lakes are the primary sockeye salmon -producing systems in the Cook Inlet; and WHEREAS, personal use salmon fisheries are essential to the people of the Kenai Peninsula; and WHEREAS, salmon sport fisheries are essential to the Kenai Peninsula economy; and WHEREAS, subsistence salmon fisheries are essential for all Kenai Peninsula communities; and WHEREAS, all users of salmon are dependent on an abundance of salmon; and WHEREAS, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, more than 1,300 drift and set gillnet limited entry fishing permits have been for the Upper Cook Inlet area, contributing about 10% of salmon permits issued statewide; and CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2024-046 Page 2 of 2 WHEREAS, the Alaska Board of Fish Upper Cook Inlet Finfish Regulatory Meetings provide critical resource updates, including research presentations and staff reports, provide a platform for public testimony, create and or update industry regulations, deliberations from committee members to increase rates of salmon returns, and outline management plans; and WHEREAS, Joint Resolution No. 2024-002 supports the efforts of the Kenai Economic Development District's request that the 2026 and 2027 Cook Inlet Finfish meetings be held in Soldotna, Alaska, to provide resource stakeholders with the opportunity to be present at public discussions affecting the management of their resources. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska adopts and hereby authorizes the Mayor of the City of Seward to sign Joint Resolution 2024-002. Section 2. That this Resolution takes effect immediately upon passage. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska this 9th day of September 2024. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Sue McClure, Mayor AYES: Osenga, Calhoon, Barnwell, Crites, Finch, McClure NOES: None ABSENT: Wells ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: la� Kris Peck City Clerk (City Seal) 1 1 1 Resolution 2024-046 City Council Agenda Statement Meeting Date: September 9, 2024 To: City Council Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager From: Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District Subject: Resolution 2024-046: Adopting Joint Resolution No. 2024-002 of the Assembly of the Kenai Peninsula Borough and the Councils of the Cities of Homer, Kachemak, Kenai, Seward, Seldovia, and Soldotna, Supporting the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District's Request that the 2026 and 2027 Cook Inlet Finfish Meetings Be Held in Soldotna, Alaska to Provide Resource Stakeholders the Opportunity to be Present at Public Discussions Affecting the Management of Their Resources Background and justification: This is a joint resolution of the communities of the Kenai Peninsula supporting the proposal of the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District (KPEDD) to host the Upper Cook Inlet Board of Fish meetings in Soldotna. The Board of Fish for the Upper Cook Inlet District has not held a regular business meeting in the Soldotna/Kenai Area since 1999 and has not held a work session in the area since 2016. Because of this, regional stakeholders have not had equal access to those meetings and therefore have not had the same weight of input. Although Seward is in the Lower Cook Inlet District, our community has stakeholders affected by the Upper Cook Inlet Regulations. Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Plan: 3.1.1.4 Strategic Plan: Other: Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: This legislation (✓): Creates revenue in the amount of: Creates expenditure in amount of: Creates a savings in the amount of: Has no fiscal impact Funds are (✓): Budgeted Line item(s): Not budgeted Not applicable 28 Resolution 2024-046 Affected Fund (V): General Boat Harbor Motor Pool Available Fund Balance SMIC Parking Other Electric Water $ Wastewater Healthcare Note: amounts are unaudited Finance Director Signature: Attorne Review 5'Zi, 964"" Yes Attorney Signature: Not applicable Comments: Administration Recommendation Adopt Resolution Other: 29 KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH CITY OF KACHEMAK CITY OF KENAI CITY OF HOMER CITY OF SELDOVIA CITY OF SEWARD CITY OF SOLDOTNA JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-002 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH AND THE COUNCILS OF THE CITIES OF HOMER, KACHEMAK, KENAI, SEWARD, SELDOVIA, AND SOLDOTNA, SUPPORTING THE KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT'S REQUEST THAT THE 2026 AND 2027 COOK INLET FINFISH MEETINGS BE HELD IN SOLDOTNA, ALASKA, AND ROTATED THEREAFTER AMONG THE THREE PRIMARY AFFECTED BOROUGHS (ANCHORAGE, MATSU AND KENAI PENINSULA) TO PROVIDE RESOURCE STAKEHOLDERS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE PRESENT AT PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS AFFECTING THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR RESOURCES WHEREAS, the functions of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commissioner are to manage, protect, maintain, improve, and extend the fish, game, and aquatic plant resources of the state in the interest of the economy and general well-being of the state; and, WHEREAS, the Alaska State Legislature created the seven -member Fisheries Board in 1975 with the purpose of conservation and development of fisheries and wildlife resources; and, WHEREAS, the regulatory authority must work alongside all stakeholders, including industry leaders and local, tribal, and borough organizations, to protect the Kenai Peninsula's natural resources, communicate regulatory needs, and receive critical stakeholder engagement to find best -suited options for the highest economic returns on investment revolving around the Upper Cook Inlet Salmon system; and, WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula waterways of the Kenai, Kasilof, and Susitna Rivers and Fish Creek are the entry points to significant sockeye salmon systems in Upper Cook Inlet; and, WHEREAS, the Kenai River and its lakes are the primary sockeye salmon -producing systems in the Cook Inlet; and, WHEREAS, personal -use salmon fisheries are essential to the people of the Kenai Peninsula; and WHEREAS, salmon sport fisheries are essential to the Kenai Peninsula economy; and WHEREAS, subsistence salmon fisheries are essential for all Kenai Peninsula communities; and WHEREAS, all users of salmon are dependent on an abundance of salmon; and WHEREAS, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, more than 1,300 drift and set gillnet limited -entry fishing permits have been issued for the Upper Cook Inlet area, contributing about 10% of salmon permits issued statewide; and WHEREAS, the Alaska Board of Fish Upper Cook Inlet Finfish Regulatory Meetings provide critical resource updates, including research presentations and staff reports; provide a platform for public testimony; create and/or update industry regulations; facilitate deliberations from committee members to ensure sustainable salmon returns; and outline management plans; and WHEREAS, Joint Resolution No. 2024-002 supports the efforts of the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District's Request that the 2026 and 2027 Cook Inlet Finfish meetings be held in Soldotna, Alaska, to provide resource stakeholders with the opportunity to be present at public discussions affecting the management of their resources; Joint Resolution No. 2024-XX Page 2 of 4 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH AND THE COUNCILS OF THE CITIES OF HOMER, KACHEMAK, KENAI, SEWARD, SELDOVIA, AND SOLDOTNA: Section 1. Section 2. That the Kenai Peninsula Borough and the Cities of Homer, Kachemak, Kenai, Seward, Seldovia, and Soldotna, respectively, formally request that the 2026-2027 Upper Cook Inlet Finfish Regulatory Meetings be held in Soldotna, Alaska, and Rotated Thereafter Among the Three Primary Affected Boroughs (Anchorage, Mat -Su and Kenai Peninsula) to provide an opportunity for local stakeholders to attend and provide public testimony regarding the management of the salmon system. That this resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption by the City Councils of the Cities of Homer, Kachemak, Kenai, Seward, Seldovia, and Soldotna, and the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly. PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, THIS XXND DAY OF XXXX, 2024. Brian Gabriel Sr., Mayor ATTEST: Michelle M. Saner, MMC, City Clerk PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLDOTNA, ALASKA, THIS XXND DAY OF XXXX, 2024. ATTEST: Paul J. Whitney, Mayor Johni Blankenship, MMC, City Clerk PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, THIS 9th DAY OF September, 2024. pF SE llll ATTEST: / flSL = ▪ ° °' , 1/..;":,::.,...., ll ll ll :\14--... , :- Kris Peck, City Clerk VcClure, Mayor • • • Joint Resolution No. 2024-XX Page 3 of 4 PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOMER, ALASKA, THIS XXND DAY OF XXXX, 2024. Ken Castner, Mayor ATTEST: Melissa Jacobsen, MMC, City Clerk PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SELDOVIA, ALASKA, THIS XXND DAY OF XXXX, 2024. Jeremiah Campbell, Mayor ATTEST: Liz Diament, City Clerk PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KACHEMAK, ALASKA, THIS XXND DAY OF XXXX, 2024. Bill Fry, Mayor ATTEST: Laurie Wallace, City Clerk Joint Resolution No. 2024-XX Page 4 of 4 1 PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH, ALASKA, THIS XXND DAY OF XXXX, 2024. Brent Johnson, Assembly President Peter A. Micciche, KPB Mayor ATTEST: Michele Turner, CMC, Borough Clerk 1 1