HomeMy WebLinkAbout04032024 PACAB MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
April 3, 2024 Volume 4, Page 150
CALL TO ORDER
The April 3, 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
City Clerk Kris Peck led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Bruce Jaffa, presiding, and Benjamin Smith
Dwayne Atwood om flier
Melissa Schutter
comprising a quorum of the Board; and
Nancy Hulbert, Harbor Office Manager
Kris Peck, City Clerk
Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk
Excused — Miller
Absent — None
Vacant — None
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED
FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Rick Weaver, outside city limits, commented about the lease agreement and replat
regarding JAG Alaska. Weaver spoke to expanding the shipyard and increasing JAG's capabilities.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Atwood/Schutter) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
City Clerk Kris Peck noted that Rick Weaver would give the JAG presentation on housing
in place of Tim Jagielski.
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approve the March 6, 2024 Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATION, AND REPORTS
City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
April 3, 2024 Volume 4, Page 151
Proclamations and Awards — None
Other Reports and Announcements - None
Alaska Railroad Report
Seward Port Manager Dwayne Atwood referred to his report in the packet. He updated
PACAB on the Coastal Classic train schedule for 2024. Atwood also provided an update on the
cargo ships and pipe ships that would be arriving in Seward.
Presentations
Nicole Lawrence [Seward Properties] gave a presentation on housing.
Rick Weaver [JAG] gave a presentation on housing.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 2024-001, Adopting the Seward Marine Industrial Center Development Plan As
Updated in November 2022
Motion (Jaffa/Atwood) Approve Resolution 2024-001
Schutter confirmed that SMIC development plan did not include JAG property.
Motion Passed
Other New Business
Discuss Housing Presentations
Unanimous
Jaffa would like to keep housing in the public eye and expressed interest in having a joint
work session with Planning & Zoning to collaborate on ideas. Jaffa would like to continue to bring
in professionals and experts in the housing industry to present at PACAB.
Atwood was curious about building height, zoning, and how to provide input to the
building officials.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
Reminder of Meetings
Work Session on April 17, 2024
Regular Meeting on May 1, 2024
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City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
April 3, 2024 Volume 4, Page 152
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Becky Dunn, inside city limits, agreed that a joint work session with PACAB and P & Z
would be beneficial for housing issues. Dunn addressed three -storied buildings in town and the
issues with the fire department's ladder truck. Dunn said the threshold for housing income should
be raised. Lastly, Dunn praised the community of Moose Pass for providing the space to get dogs
and cats spayed and neutered.
Rick Weaver, outside city limits, spoke about the Sockeye Point expansion project.
Weaver stated that JAG could service every Navy or US Coast Guard vessel due to Seward having
a deep water, ice -free port. Weaver also mentioned that JAG had projects planned with a crane
service, but they were waiting for a response from the city.
BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
Hulbert said she would talk with harbor staff and get a response for Rick Weaver on his
JAG projects.
Schutter mentioned the two great presentations on housing and economic development.
Schutter was shocked, but not surprised by the income needed to afford a house. She noted that
very few people in Seward made that kind of money.
Atwood said it was a great meeting and great presentations. Atwood noted that Seward
was on the cusp of a lot of big developments. Atwood predicted there would be a lot of big topics
to discuss in the near future.
Smith echoed Atwood's comments. Smith looked up the Seward population and it had
been fairly stable since the 1950s. Smith commented on the housing issues, current interest rates,
and how it's more affordable to rent a house than buy a house.
Jaffa noted several big projects that were slated for Seward. He felt PACAB could continue
to help find solutions to the housing issue. Jaffa reported that the PACAB Heat Loop Ad Hoc
Committee had a trainer at AVTEC. He spoke on the ad hoc committee's progress for obtaining
grants and said there was competition with 11 other communities. Lastly, Jaffa praised Senator
Lisa Murkowski and her support for Alaska and noted she was visiting Seward today.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Jfi Kurtz
Deputy City Clerk
(City Seal)
Bruce Jaffa
Chair