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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05012024 PACAB Minutes1 City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes May 1, 2024 Volume 4, Page 153 CALL TO ORDER The May 1, 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 Dwayne Atwood Tem-#Tiller Me1i a Schatter Elizabeth Dunn Jod comprising a quorum of the Board; and Tony Sieminski, Harbormaster Jason Bickling, Deputy City Manager Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk Excused — Shutter, Miller Absent — Howard Vacant — None CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING -None APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Atwood/Dunn) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approval of the April 3, 2024 Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATION, AND REPORTS Proclamations and Awards — None City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes May 1, 2024 Volume 4, Page 154 City Administration Report Deputy City Manager Jason Bickling explained that he was including the City Manager's Report from the most recent City Council packet so PACAB could see more of what was happening throughout the city. Harbormaster Tony Sieminski provided an update on the U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutter temporarily being in Kodiak until the facility in Seward was finished. Sieminski announced that Misty Sewell was now the Harbor Office Manager and Ryan Anger was promoted to Deputy Harbormaster. Other Reports and Announcements Alaska Railroad Report Seward Port Manager Dwayne Atwood summarized his report in the packet. He updated PACAB on the schedule for the removal of the coal handling equipment. He spoke about the recent plaque exchange on the Spirit cruise ship to commemorate their inaugural visit to Seward. Seward Chamber of Commerce Director Samantha Allen summarized her written report. She announced an upcoming event regarding the Alaska Railroad passenger dock project on May 11, 2024. Allen shared statistics on her data platform on what the economy looks like for Seward. Allen spoke about the chamber's relationship with the city and its funding. Lastly, Allen asked PACAB for direction on how she could be effective to them. Jaffa said he enjoyed hearing updates on Chamber of Commerce projects and events. Smith enjoyed the creativity of the data and how PACAB received data information when requested. Atwood wondered who Seward's competition was for visitor numbers within the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Dunn asked if the chamber was interested in helping a local business that wasn't a member of the chamber. Allen responded the platform was in place for a business to advertise. Presentations — None UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS Other New Business Discuss and Set the Rest of the Regular Meeting and Work Session Topics for 2024 City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes May 1, 2024 Volume 4, Page 155 Work Session May 15 — Form Committees for Alternative Energy and Housing Work Session October 16 — Harbor Uplands Development Meeting November 4 — Harbor Tariff Work Session November 20 — Alternative Energy Follow-up Meeting December 4 — Communication Opportunities Work Session December 18 — Housing Update Motion (Dunn/Atwood) Approval for Regular Meeting and Work Session Topics Jaffa requested the May 15 Work Session to be held as Special Meeting instead. Motion Passed INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Reminder of Meetings Unanimous Work Session on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Topic: Alternative Energy/Housing Committees Regular Meeting on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CITIZEN COMMENTS -None BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Dunn asked for any suggestions on placement for bike racks. She provided information on the "Don't Crack Your Cranium" program that awarded children for wearing their helmets. Atwood said PACAB was an interesting and engaging board and he looked forward to when they would convene again. Smith appreciated what the Chamber of Commerce was doing to promote new businesses. Jaffa stated that the board had the opportunity to provide value to the city and needed to work on communicating that message to City Council in order to receive guidance. On another topic, Jaffa recently attended a great event at the Alaska Sealife Center called "Wine by the Water." Lastly, Jaffa provided an update on upcoming highway projects by the Department of Transportation. City of Seward, Alaska May 1, 2024 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m. IRO W-44A-71---e...7c J. Kurtz Bruce Jaffa Deputy City Clerk Chair Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes Volume 4, Page 156 J J