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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03062024 PACAB MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes March 6, 2024 Volume 4, Page 146 CALL TO ORDER The March 6, 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 Harbormaster Tony Sieminski led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: Bruce Jaffa, presiding, and Benjamin Smith Tom Miller comprising a quorum of the Board; and Jason Bickling, Assistant City Manager Tony Sieminski, Harbormaster Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk Excused — None Absent — None Vacant - Two Dwayne Atwood Melissa Schutter CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT - None APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Atwood/Smith) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approve February 7, 2024, Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATION, AND REPORTS Proclamations and Awards — None City Administration Report Assistant City Manager Jason Bickling referred to his report in packet. He provided an update on the city's contract agreement with Matanuska Electric Association. Bickling also City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes March 6, 2024 Volume 4, Page 147 provided information on the new Public Works building design. He stated that when the plans get to 65% design phase it will go to City Council with a presentation before moving on to the 95% design. Schutter asked if the Police Dispatch was closing and outsourcing the dispatch services to Soldotna. Bickling responded that the Seward Police Dispatch had no plans to close. Harbormaster Tony Sieminski referred to his written report in the packet. The Harbor Department was conducting interviews for the Deputy Harbormaster position. Sieminski also provided updates on the U.S. Coast Guard land acquisition and replacement of certain docks. Other Reports and Announcements Alaska Railroad Report Seward Port Manager Dwayne Atwood referred to his report in the packet. Atwood commented that the main rail line was still closed due to the maintenance at Trail River and Falls Creek. The 2024 cruise ship schedule was currently up to a 92-ship season (104 docking days). Atwood also provided updates on capital projects and the removal of the blue coal terminal. Presentations — None UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS- None Resolutions - None Other New Business Discuss SMIC Development Plan Sieminski said he was available to answer specific questions from the board. He noted that everything on the current SMIC Development Plan was completed, with the exception of installing more power pedestals throughout the yard and adding sewer and water in that area. PACAB and city administration discussed public restrooms and other facilities being installed as the area was developed. There was also discussion on the Fourth of July Beach parking situation, flooding, and JAG expansion. Discuss Housing Jaffa provided background on the various housing issues and how PACAB was involved. Jaffa referred to the housing information in the PACAB Packet as well as a laydown. 1 City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes March 6, 2024 Volume 4, Page 148 PACAB and city administration discussed affordable housing, employee housing, family housing and other issues regarding the housing issues in Seward. Jaffa questioned if PACAB still wanted to continue pursuing the housing issue. The board said they were still interested in housing and requested to see more presentations from Seward realtors. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Reminder of Meetings -Work Session meeting Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Topic: South Harbor Uplands/New Harbormaster Building Regular Meeting on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. CITIZEN COMMENTS Casie Warner, inside city limits, was excited about more discussion on housing issues: Warner updated the board on the childcare situation in Seward in regard to licensed childcare providers. BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Bickling said he appreciated Casie Warner's work in the field of childcare. He noted in his experience hotels were becoming more affordable than bed & breakfasts. He hoped solutions could be found for more affordable housing and childcare. Sieminski said there were a lot of complex housing issues and there was no simple cookie - cutter solution. He looked forward to the next meeting. Schutter thanked Casie Warner for her comments and updates on childcare both inside and outside city limits. She said PACAB was having great conversations that would benefit the Seward community. Atwood thanked PACAB for the excellent conversation on complex issues such as housing in Seward. He said that finding an easy solution to the complex problem was not realistic. Atwood thanked Casie Warner for the information on childcare. Smith thanked Casie Warner for her comments. Smith commented on Alaska's electric rates in regard to other states. As the rates go up, Smith encouraged others to find ways to economize and save money. He said PACAB had great discussions and was glad there was a public board to air these issues. Jaffa thanked the board members for their attendance. Jaffa believed PACAB made valuable contributions to the community and encouraged others to join the board. He looked City of Seward, Alaska March 6, 2024 forward to more discussion on childcare ahead for the Seward community. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:49 p.m. Jod`` urtz De s uty City Clerk (Cie ) SEA", fV GO roO'1, • i SEAL I• - f. +•• 1 4 i �jT•,,✓(SHE .°� fI�Q,4 �t OF A A� `ss Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes Volume 4, Page 149 and housing. Jaffa was optimistic that positive change lay Bruce Jaffa Chair J 1