HomeMy WebLinkAbout10022024 PACAB PacketPort & Commerce Advisory Board
Agenda Packet
Photo by Ashleigh Lipsey
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
City Council Chambers
12:00 p.m.
1963 1965 2005
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All-Amenca City
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The City of Seward, Alaska
PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING AGENDA
City Council Chambers, 410 Adams Street
Please silence all cell phones and devices during the meeting
Chair Bruce Jaffa
Vice Chair Benjamin Smith
Board Member Dwayne Atwood
Board Member Tom Miller
Board Member Melissa Schutter
Board Member Norm Regis
Board Member Jesse Groom
Deputy City Manager Jason Bickling
Harbormaster Tony Sieminski
City Clerk Kris Peck
Executive Assistant Ashleigh Lipsey
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT (Those who have signed in will be given the first
opportunity to speak. Time is limited to 3 minutes per speaker and 36 minutes total time for this agenda item.)
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA (Approval of Consent Agenda passes all
routine items (marked with *) listed in this section. Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless
a board member requests. In the event of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda.)
A. Minutes of Preceding Meeting
1)* Approve September 4, 2024 PACAB Meeting Minutes 4
B. Resolutions — None
C. Other Items — None
6. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND REPORTS
A. Proclamations and Awards — None
B. City Administration Report 8
C. Other Reports and Announcements
1) Alaska Railroad Report 15
2) Seward Chamber of Commerce Report ..16
D. Presentations (Presentations are limited to ten minutes each, excluding Q&A, and are limited to two per
meeting unless increased by the board.)
1) Presentation by City Clerk on City Website and E-Notifications
2) Presentation on City Manager Newsletter
PACAB Meeting Agcnda October 2, 2024 1 1 P a g e
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Resolutions — None
B. Other Items
1) Discuss Alaska Municipal League Conference Attendance 18
2) Discuss Community Communications
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolutions
1) Resolution 2024-002, Recommending City Council Reinstate the Allocation of 50%
of the Previous Year's Bed Tax to the Seward Chamber of Commerce for Marketing
Services .20
B. Other New Business — None
9. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS (No action required.)
A. Reminder of Meetings
1) Work Session on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 on Harbor Uplands Development
2) Regular Meeting on Wednesday, November 6, 2024
B. Other Items — None
10. CITIZEN COMMENTS (There is no sign in for this comment period. Time is limited to five (5) minutes
per speaker.)
11. BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
12. ADJOURNMENT
PACAB Meeting Agcnda October 2, 2024 2 1 P a g e
City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
September 4, 2024 Volume 4, Page
CALL TO ORDER
The September 4, 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
Vice Chair Benjamin Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
[New members Norm Regis and Jesse Groom were sworn in by Deputy City Clerk Jodi Kurtz]
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Bruce Jaffa, presiding, and
Benjamin Smith
Dwayne Atwood
Tom Miller
Melissa Schutter
Jesse Groom
Norm Regis
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Jason Bickling, Deputy City Manager
Tony Sieminski, Harbormaster
Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk
Excused — Miller
Absent — None
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT - None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Atwood/Smith) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Regis noted the U.S. Coast Guard boat in the meeting minutes was a "Fast Response Cutter" and
not the Mustang.
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approve the May 1, 2024, Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
4
City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
September 4, 2024 Volume 4, Page
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATION, AND REPORTS
City Administration Report
Deputy City Manager Jason Bickling referred to the report in packet and noted that the most
recent City Manager Report would be included in each PACAB packet.
PACAB and administration discussed the Lowell Creek flooding and removal of the gravel and
debris. They also discussed the partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on similar
Lowell Canyon projects.
Jaffa asked about the proposed Public Works Facility and completion percentage. Discussion
ensued about the requirement for an approved 15% design plan in order to obtain funding for the
proj ects.
Other Reports and Announcements
Alaska Railroad Report
Alaska Railroad Port Manager Dwayne Atwood summarized from his written report in the
packet. He also followed up on the Lowell Creek gravel discussion and said the waterfall deposits
on the area were useful as fill material. Lastly, Atwood reported the railroad freight numbers were
good and the cruise ship activity was winding down for the season.
Groom added that most of the pipe shipments were for the Willow Project. He noted the 2026
cruise ship season would result in a loss of cruise ships that would be sailing to Whittier instead.
Groom said the only cruise ship companies still visiting Seward would be the Royal Caribbean
and Viking.
Seward Chamber of Commerce Report
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sam Allen welcomed the board back from their
summer hiatus. She provided an update on upcoming events and projects involving the Chamber
of Commerce.
Allen explained the partnership between the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Seward. She
asked PACAB for assistance to schedule a work session with the city council to discuss the funding
source for the chamber's budget.
NEW BUSINESS
Other New Business
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City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
September 4, 2024 Volume 4, Page
Discuss Alaska Municipal League Conference Attendance
Bickling said the AML conference was a gathering of municipalities in Anchorage during the first
week of December. There would be a lot of discussion and workshops on how other Alaskan
communities were addressing issues and solving problems.
PACAB discussed AML attendance and requested the topic come back at the next meeting.
Discuss Community Communications
PACAB discussed various ways to get information out to public through newsletters, newspapers,
public notices, website, radio, and more.
Jaffa praised city administration for their efforts in sending information out to the public. He
requested this topic on communication be brought back to the next meeting.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
Work Session on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 — Legislative Priorities
Regular Meeting on Wednesday, October 2, 2024
CITIZEN COMMENTS -None
BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
Groom said he appreciated everyone and thanked the board for showing him the way during his
first meeting.
Regis said he enjoyed being a part of the board and stated how he missed being part of the action
since he retired from being the harbormaster. Regis attended some meetings with the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers regarding the Lowell Canyon Tunnel Project. It was important for the Army
Corps to witness the flooding events and so they could be better prepared for it. On another topic,
Regis thanked Sam Allen for her Chamber of Commerce report. Regis said council was gradually
reducing the funding to the chamber. Regis felt the chamber was doing a great job for this
community.
Schutter said it was good to be back after the summer hiatus. She supported more city funding for
the Chamber of Commerce for their marketing.
Atwood spoke in support of the Chamber of Commerce. He addressed the 2026 cruise ship season
and predicted what it might look like on a day with four ships. The Alaska Railroad planned to
double the size of the freight dock and replace the current cruise ship dock.
6
City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
September 4, 2024 Volume 4, Page
Smith echoed previous sentiments supporting the Chamber of Commerce. He noted that PACAB
received regular chamber reports that were very informative. The city needed to support the
chamber and continue to grow. On another topic, Smith praised the Seward Electric Department
for all the remarkable improvements they had made. Lastly, Smith welcomed Regis and Groom to
the board.
Jaffa noted how AVTEC was continuing to provide excellent services and training programs.
AVTEC was critically important to Seward and entire state of Alaska. Jaffa praised the Chamber
of Commerce for being such an important part of the community. It was important to understand
the synergy between the local government and the Chamber of Commerce. Jaffa also said the
Seward Electric Department was doing a great job. Lastly, Jaffa expressed concern about the
current lack of funding for libraries around the state of Alaska.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:07 p.m.
Jodi Kurtz Bruce Jaffa
Deputy City Clerk Chair
(City Seal)
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City Manager Report
September 23, 2024
Administration
Fall has arrived and lots of exciting things are happening at the City. Electric Department staff are
training as management of the electric billing is being transferred. Budget work sessions are on the
calendar, and Kat is out of town to attend the annual International City Management Association
Meeting in Pittsburgh, PA. This is a great opportunity to connect with communities across the world
and share strategies for tackling some of our biggest challenges.
The Deputy City Manager attended an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Operations and
Planning for All Hazards Events in Anchorage on September 11th and 12th. The training was
excellent, and the knowledge and experience gained will help the City as we prepare and practice
for different hazard events we could encounter.
Finance Department
• The Finance Department is undergoing some internal reorganization.
• Staff are being cross -trained within internal areas.
• Budget discussions with department directors continue.
Fire Department
• Emergency Responses for the Year: 373
• Building Permits Issued for the Year: 38 with building valuation of $3,900,701
• September 11`h was remembered by the Seward and Bear Creek Fire Department with a
1.5-mile patriotic walk in gear.
• Fun Fact: The original patent for the
cast iron fire hydrant was burned in a
fire.
It is widely believed that the patent
for the first cast iron fire hydrant was
lost in the Great Patent Office Fire of
1836. This calamity consumed
thousands of patent documents,
leaving historians to speculate and
manufacturers to claim the title of
"first." It's an ironic twist of fate that
a device designed to mitigate fires
was itself a victim of one.
IT Department
QR codes are everywhere, but how can you be sure they are safe to use?
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• Does the text or message around the code appear appropriate? Does the code design
match the brand's colors and specifications?
• All smartphones today come with a native QR code scanning capability within the camera
app itself. Some bad actors will try to convince users to use a malicious scanner.
• Whenever you scan a QR code with the camera app on your smartphone, you'll get a
notification pop-up on the screen. The confirmation prompt shows the URL you'll visit. You
should check and verify the URL for malicious signs and only click through if all seems legit.
Community Development
• Community Development is finalizing four public engagement surveys related to the
Comprehensive Plan. Surveys will be made available to the public starting in October.
• The Planning and Zoning Commission recently held three public hearings:
• The Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a hotel on the downtown property where the
former Oriental Garden restaurant is located was denied. The main reason the
Commission denied this CUP was due to the lack of onsite parking provided in the
development plan.
• The CUP for a new Major Marine Tours bunkhouse was approved.
• The preliminary plat for The Point Subdivision was approved.
• Staff attended the KPB Comprehensive Safety Action Plan workshop on September 10th
The team spearheading this project developed an interactive dashboard that shows crash
data analysis from the five-year period of 2018-2022. The link to that site is included below:
• I<PB Safety Plan (arcgis.com)
• The Planning & Zoning Commission held a work session on September 17th with the topic of
discussion being the housing concerns in Seward. If you missed the work session, you can
find the video on the City's YouTube page.
Parks and Recreation
Sports & Recreation:
• Puzzle battle is back every month and Otterly Puzzled claimed their third victory of the year
as nine teams raced to finish a 500-piece puzzle.
• There were 10 participants in the Smash Bros Tourney and Kaleb Hutchinson took home the
grand prize.
• School is back and monthly Kids Nights are as well. Boy was everyone excited as we hosted
50 kids for games of tag, dodgeball, crafts and a movie on September 7th
• The number of gym visitors is picking back up as the weather turns sour, particularly
popular are Teen Hoops on Thursday, Open Pickleball on Saturdays, and Open Soccer on
Sundays.
• Chris Fletcher is the winner of the Drive Less, Move More Emissions Challenge this summer
as he biked 375 miles to help reduce his carbon footprint the past few months.
• Keep an eye out for the adult sports leagues starting up. Basketball, volleyball and
racquetball all take place at least twice a week throughout the fall.
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Campgrounds:
• Williams day use area is complete. Created a new picnic area near Williams tent site come
check it out and have a BBQ by the Bay!
• Prepping campgrounds for the winter. Stacking picnic tables, moving fire rings, winterizing
bathrooms.
• Season ends Sept 30t"
Park Maintenance:
• Shower house showers are getting a facelift thanks to P&R stellar Maig Kennedy!
• Improvements to Two Lakes Park— sign refurbishment, installed new railing on footbridge.
• Fertilizing/seeding green spaces.
• Painting bear -proof trash cans.
• Continued work on Boy Scout steps leading up to the Two Lakes Park trail.
Parking:
• Making list of improvements to implement for next season
• Parking Enforcement ends Sept 30th
Library & Museum Department
Library Operations:
Americans and the Holocaust Exhibit Draws Global
Audience and Hosts Prestigious Programs:
The Americans and the Holocaust exhibit has seen a
remarkable response, drawing visitors from across
Alaska and around the world. The exhibit has hosted
more than five public programs and multiple school
field trips, making a significant impact on local
communities.
One of the highlights was a special presentation on
"The Alaska Plan" by Dr. Rebecca Erbelding, a leading
historian from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Dr. Erbelding also graciously participated in a virtual
field trip, which will soon be available to all school
districts in Alaska, enhancing educational opportunities across the state.
This innovative initiative, spearheaded by Director Sue Drover, and proposed to exhibition trainers
in Washington, D.C. this past May, captured the attention of the committee. As a result, the U.S.
Holocaust Memorial Museum generously provided Dr. Erbelding's expertise at no additional cost,
further enriching the exhibit's programming.
We would also like to thank the community for their support and informative feedback. Special
thanks for local business, Seward Coffee Company, for providing all the coffee for the Opening
Reception.
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Children's Story Time continues weekly on Thursdays at11:30 a.m. after Play N Chat. Each week
has a different theme and craft. Duration is approximately 1 hour. We are looking for parent
volunteers.
Thinking Money for Kids is still in the planning process and will begin soon.
Museum Operations:
Ongoing Library Atrium Exhibits:
Alaska's Response to the Holocaust& VVWII: Mirroring the "Americans and the Holocaust"
exhibition, this window display exhibit will showcase a collection of Seward magazines and Alaska
newspapers from the WWII Era that portray the propaganda and information Alaskan civilians and
soldiers received in the 1930s & 1940s. (On Display August 24 — October 19)
From Injustice to Legacy- The Story of Harry Kawabe and Japanese American Internment: This
exhibit will aim to honor and tell the story of Harry Kawabe and other Japanese Alaskans who were
arrested in December of 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbor. This display will provide a broader
context for understanding the impact of Japanese internment during WWII. (On Display August 31 —
October 19)
Primary Sources & Museum Collections: September 18, 2024, at3:00 p.m.
This program will be a two-part approach to localize WWII history and understand the importance
of local historic resources. The curator will take you through the museum's collections to
showcase Seward magazines and newspapers from WWII. These publications offer a vivid
snapshot of the period, capturing the propaganda and information soldiers and civilians received in
Alaska. The discussions during this program intend to engage visitors with local archives and
understand the importance of access to primary sources.
Exhibits Committee
The Museum is seeking volunteers to join our 2025 Exhibits Committee! As a committee member,
you will work with a team to help plan, design, and organize upcoming exhibits. This is a fantastic
opportunity to contribute your ideas, learn behind -the -scenes of the museum, and engage with the
community. If you're interested, please contact the Museum Curator for more information.
Harbor Department
Seward Harbor
• Met with Alaska Harbor Consulting and R&M on 9.12.24 to discuss permitting of Z, X and R
Float Expansion Project. We are moving forward with permitting and an RFP.
• One vessel sank on September 14 — no other issues reported.
• The department is continuing to work on our upcoming budget and identify or near future
needs for 2024 and moving into 2025.
• Seasonal lifts are increasing with the 50-ton Travelift and saw 32 for the month of August.
• Fall is quickly approaching and with that the Harbor has switched to our winter schedule.
SMIC
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• North Dock schedule is slowing with 2,162 tons of freight crossing that dock for the month
of August. Freight Vendors are scheduled till October and then switching gears to winter
lay-ups/work.
• No major incidents were reported within the SMIC Yard/Basin.
• With fishing closing early, we have experienced an early lift season on the 300-ton Travelift
and saw 51 lifts for the month of August.
• Spoke with a Facilities Design and Construction Center team member on 9/12 to discuss
their new facility within the SMIC Basin. They are investigating cost saving solutions for their
project that will still meet their needs while trying to lessen the impact on our usable space.
Police Department
• The Police Department would like to thank the community for making our spay/neuter clinic
on Sept. 9' a great success. We will try to have another clinic after a while.
• Here's an update on the puppy formerly known as Taku. He was adopted by Chief Nickell's
in-laws and is now living his best life in Palmer and is now known as Dutch after their time in
Dutch Harbor. He has incredibly sharp puppy teeth and the whole family is covered in
puncture wounds. Chief Nickell renamed him Osama bin Biten' because of his way of
sneaking up and biting everyone's fingers.
• Lastly, we are seeing an uptick in DUI's. As a reminder for the community, calling a friend is
free, a cab ride is $20 maximum, a DUI is $20,000+. Take a cab or call a friend, please don't
drink and drive.
Electric Department
• Taylor Crocker attended the Alaska Power Association Annual Meeting in Fairbanks, Alaska,
where he had the opportunity to network with other Alaskan utilities. The meeting provided
valuable updates on large infrastructure projects across the state and ongoing legislation
that may impact our utility operations.
• Crews have been steadily working on new service installations. Please note that the cutoff
for applying for new services is September 20th, to ensure all applications are processed
and receive power before the winter freeze-up.
• We have received our vegetation scan from Overstory. The scan identified some
discrepancies in our GIS mapping, specifically in pole location accuracy. We are
collaborating with Overstory to correct these locations and will then work to develop a
vegetation risk profile. This profile will generate a heat map highlighting critical areas for
vegetation management in 2025. Once this data is integrated into our Vegetation
Management Plan (VMP), we will prepare an RFP for contractors to bid on for the necessary
work.
Public Works
• A drilling contractor for the Army Corp is working in Lowell Canyon through mid -October
drilling soil samples and wells for future dewatering of the construction area near the inlet
of the new tunnel. A temporary bridge is set up for foot traffic and heavy equipment is
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working on the project. Once finished with the work in the canyon they will move down to
the outlet area near the bridge to drill additional holes as required by the project.
• The Street Department continues with upgrading alleyways, pavement repairs, and grading
of gravel roads.
• The Water and Wastewater Utilities are close to completing the rate study. Final numbers
will come to council soon. Monthly testing requirements and preventive maintenance tasks
are being completed.
• The Maintenance Shop is doing well with vehicle repairs and equipment maintenance.
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Department
City of Seward - Human Resources Manager Report
Staffing Information
# of
Job Title Positions Filled
Administration
City Manager 1 1
Deputy CiN Manager 1 1
Human Resources Manager 1 1
Executive Assistant
1 1
TOTAL: 4 4
Finance
Director 1 1
Deputy Finance Director 1
Senior Accountant 1 1
Accounting Technician III 1 1
Accounting Technician II 1 1
Accounting Technician Utilities 1 0
Accounting Tech Payroll 1 1
Accounting Tech Accounts Payable 8 7 1 1
TOTAL:
Public Works
Director 1 1
Street Foreman 1 1
Maintenance Mechanic 3 3
Public Works Technician 1 1
Shop Foreman 1 1
Water and Wastewater Foreman 1 1
Water and Wastewater Operator 3 3
Building Maintenance Technician 2 2
TOTAL: 13 13
Community Development Director 1
Planner 1
Executive Assistant
1
TOTAL: 3
Electric
Director 1 0
Operations Supervisor 1 0
Field Engineer 1 1
Office Manager 1 1
Electric Utility Cashier 1 0
Lineman 4 3
Plant Operator 2 2
TOTAL: 11 7
Fire Department
Chief 1
Deputy Chief 1
Executive Assistant 1
Building Official 1
Fire Marshal 1
Firefighter/EMT 1
Seasonal - Summer Laborer
1
TOTAL: 7
Harbor
Harbor Master 1 1
Deputy Harbor Master 1 1
Office Manager 1 1
Executive Assistant 2 2
Harbor Worker II 6 6
Harbor Worker III 1 1
Seasonal - Summer Laborer Part -Time 1 0
Seasonal - Summer Laborer Full -lime 1 1
TOTAL: 14 13
IT
Director 1
Senior IT Tech 1
IT Technician 1
3
TOTAL:
Library
Director 1
Deputy Library Director 1
Library Technician 1
Curator 1
Library Aide 1
Seasonal - Aides 2
TOTAL: 7
27
Police
Chief 1 1
Deputy Chief 1 1
Sergeant 1 1
Patrol Officer 7 5
Patrol Officer not funded 1 0
Executive Assistant 1 1
Corrections Sergeant 1 0
Corrections Officer 4 0
Corrections Officer not funded 1 0
Dispatch Supervisor 1 1
Dispatcher 5 5
Animal Control Officer 1 1
Animal Control Officer Assistant 1 1
DMV Clerk 1 1
TOTAL: 27 18
Parks & Recreation
Director 1 1
Deputy Director 1 1
Executive Assistant 1 1
Campground Coordinator 1 1
Program Coordinator 1 1
Recreational Assistant 1
Maintenance Technician 1 1
Seasonal - Summer 14 12
Seasonal - Winter 3 1
TOTAL: 24 20
City Clerk's Office
City Clerk
Deputy City Clerk
Executive Assistant
TOTAL:
Total number of authorized positions: 124
Total number of filled positions: 105
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ALASKA
RAILROAD
Port Activity Update October 2, 2024
THE ALASKA RAILROAD'S MISSION -- Through excellent customer service and sound business
management practices, provide safe, efficient, and economical transportation and real estate services
that support and grow economic development opportunities for the State of Alaska.
Port Traffic
• The port logged more than 160 freight and non -cruise dockings through September. Upcoming
traffic includes several foreign pipe ships with more than 20,000 tons of product bound for the
North Slope, one frac sand ship and Spenard Builders Supply material barges this winter.
• Daily train service (the Coastal Classic) concluded on September 15.
• Two cruise ship dockings remain for the 2024 season — the Noordam on October 3 and the
Regatta on October 14.
Port Capital Projects
• The proposed cruise dock replacement concept continues to move forward. The $137 million
construction project is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025. Additional information is available
at: https://sewardcompany.com
• Due to port project activity the terminal building will be closed to public events and club
activities during the coning off season and winter. The public will be welcome to utilize the new
terminal building, which will be approximately three times larger when completed.
• Removal of the coal dock conveyor belt and loading arm is finished. Upland conveyor removal
and property clearing near Port Avenue is ongoing.
• Contractor Premier Construction is assembling a new depot luggage building, which will be
approximately one-third larger than the membrane structure that was used during the past
several seasons.
• The freight dock expansion project is currently moving through the permitting process. That dock
project is scheduled to begin in late 2026 and most of the cost will be met by a $19.8 million
federal grant with $5 million in ARRC matching funds and a gravel contribution by the City of
Seward. ARRC has already amassed 30,000 cubic yards of fill material for the construction.
Dwayne Atwood, Accredited Maritime Port Executive
Seward Port Manager
907-265-2696 office 1 907-362-6038 mobile
mailing: PO Box 95, Seward, AK 99664
physical: 913 Port Avenue
15
Seward Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Report
09/23/2024
Community Event Support:
• Winter Weekend
0
0
0
• Chamber Luncheon
o Seward Community Foundation : Oct 3, 12 noon @Breeze Inn
October Halloweek : Oct 26-Nov 2
Trunk or Treat : Oct 26, 4-530 pm @Seward Military Resort
Downtown & Harbor Trick or Treat : Oct 31, 3-5pm
Alaska Entrepreneurship Week:
• InnoVision Monday Mixer : Oct 7, 5 pm @Tidewater Taphouse
• Choosing the Right Business Entity : Oct 8, 12 pm @Rowdy Radish
• Ladies Who Launch : Oct 9, 6 pm @Primrose Provisions
• Meet Your Local Lender : Oct 10, 6pm @First National Bank Alaska
• Buying or Selling a Small Business: Planning for a Successful Sale : Oct 11, 12 pm
@Breeze Inn
CHAMBER
Hometown & Relocation Guide Reprint:
• This publication is the go -to hometown resource, highlighting local businesses, services,
and resources, ensuring that community -oriented businesses and organizations connect
directly with locals.
• 5,000 copies of the 2025 Seward Hometown Guide are distributed locally via
the Seward Chamber of Commerce, throughout the community, and the greater Seward
area.
• Advertisement opportunities available to Seward local services and the City of Seward
and its departments.
Work Session Request:
• For decades, the City of Seward and the Seward Chamber of Commerce have
maintained a strong partnership through the execution of a marketing contract.
Designated as the City's sole Marketing Organization in 1995, the Chamber has
diligently worked to promote economic development, provide visitor services, and
engage in destination marketing, as outlined in the agreement. We have consistently
fulfilled these responsibilities with steady success. In addition to our role in marketing,
we also function as a traditional Chamber of Commerce, supporting Seward's business
community.
• The Seward Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors formally requests that the
Council direct administration to schedule a work session during the FY25 budget cycle to
discuss our partnership. We seek an open discussion to review the current marketing
contract, explore whether there are any additional priorities or areas of focus the Council
would like us to address, and ensure our efforts align with Council expectations. Despite
a decrease in funding, the Chamber has consistently delivered high performance on the
tasks assigned by the Council. We want to remain proactive and collaborative, ensuring
continued alignment with Council objectives and satisfaction with our action plans.
16
Seward Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Report
09/23/2024
CHAMBER
17
2024 Annual Local Government Conference
Dec 9-13, 2024
Dena'ina Center, Anchorage
ALASKA
MUNICIPAL
.: LEAGUE
•
AFFILIATES SPONSORS S EXHIBITORS BUSINESS MEETING RESOURCES
REGISTRATION -- FAQS CONTACT
Registration
Weeklong schedule
Sunday, December 8 - Wednesday, December 11: Alaska Association of Municipal Clerks
Monday, December 9 - Tuesday, December 10: Alaska Municipal Management Association
Monday, December 9 - Tuesday, December 10: Alaska Municipal Attorneys Association
Monday, December 9 - Tuesday, December 10: Alaska Association of Assessing Officers
Monday, December 9: Newly Elected Officials Training
Tuesday, December 10: Alaska Conference of Mayors
Wednesday, December 11 - Friday, December 13: Alaska Government Finance Officers Association
Wednesday, December 11 - Friday, December 13: Alaska Municipal League Annual Conference
18
-'� ALASKA
,;481,. MUNICIPAL
.: LEAGUE
AFFILIATES SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS BUSINESS MEETING RESOURCES
REGISTRATION . FAQS CONTACT
Hotel and Travel
Lodging
AML has a room block at both the Marriott Anchorage Downtown. the Hotel Captain Cook, and the Voyager Inn. Please note that if
you choose to stay at the Hotel Captain Cook or the Voyager Inn, AML will not be providing a shuttle this year. Please see information
below For each room block:
Rooms are available December 4, 2024 to December 17, 2024 and must be booked by Saturday, November 2.
Marriott Anchorage Downtown
820 W. 7th Avenue
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Phone: (907) 279.9000
Room Rate - S159 USD per night
Room Block L1nk
Hotel Captain Coak
939 West 5th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 343-2279
Room Rate - S175 USD per night
Suoking Link: Alaska Municipal League 2024
Booking Code: AML24
Voyager lnn
Call the Hotel Captain Cook and ask for the AML room rate
Phone: (907) 343-2279
40 room available, S75 plus tax/night
Receive Complementary use of Captain Cook Athletic Club and WiFI
Airlines
Alaska Airlines: 744 discount Is available on all regular Alaska Airlines fares to Anchorage.
Discount Fare Code: ECMK748
To use your Discount Code go online to Alaska Airlines, and Input the Discount Code when searching for flights.
By clicking the'7 next to the discount code box after entering the code you may view a detailed description of the rules. You may
also use the Discount Code by calling Alaska Airlines Group Desk; however a 315.00 per person ticketing Fee will apply.
e er
ALASKA
MUNICIPAL
LEAGUE
CI 2024 washa Municipal League
Annual Local Government Conference
All rights reserved.
19
Sponsored by: Schutter
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD
RESOLUTION 2024-002
A RESOLUTION OF THE PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD
OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, RECOMMENDING CITY
COUNCIL REINSTATE THE ALLOCATION OF 50% OF THE PREVIOUS
YEAR'S BED TAX TO THE SEWARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR
MARKETING SERVICES
WHEREAS, beginning in 2001, the Seward City Council agreed to split half of the
budgeted bed tax with the Chamber for the express purpose of providing marketing services on
behalf of the community; and
WHEREAS, beginning in 2002, the Seward City Council began basing the contribution
to the Chamber of half of the previous full year's actual bed tax collected; and
WHEREAS, since 2005, the City budget has included an appropriation to the Chamber
from the second previous full year's bed tax revenue at 50%; and
WHEREAS, in 2013, Council reaffirmed its intent to have the Chamber continue as the
lead marketing entity, and to continue its intent to annual fund with half of the actual Bed Tax
Revenue from each second prior year ; and
WHEREAS, the City's Strategic Plan and Comprehensive Plan clearly state the City's
desire to expand its business base and generate year-round employment; and
WHEREAS, marketing is an important effort that must take place to achieve the goals of
attracting new business and industry, supporting and growing existing businesses, and increasing
customers coming to Seward; and
WHEREAS, the Chamber has the experience, professional contacts, and ability to provide
marketing services for the community, and the acumen to focus resources and target specific
marketing groups to react to changing markets and demands more efficiently and expertly than
PACAB of the City; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, the Seward City Council voted to allocate a flat rate of $300,000 for
the fiscal year 2023 and 2024 to the Chamber, to be reviewed at the next budget cycle; and
WHEREAS, the Chamber provides monthly updates on activities to PACAB and works
collaboratively with the business community to promote Seward for year round travel, such as
Seward Winter Weekends and the Seward Travel Guide and Seward Hometown Guide; and
WHEREAS, the Chamber financially supports and facilitates the Seward office of the
Alaska Small Business Development Center located in the Chamber offices, and supports small
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PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD
RESOLUTION 2024-002
Page 2 of 2
business growth and economic development by participating in the collaboration of Alaska
Entrepreneurial Week; and
WHEREAS, PACAB recognizes that fully funding 50% of the bed tax to the Chamber
supports a coordinated community -wide marketing effort and is critical to the success of the City's
economy; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Port and Commerce Advisory Board,
that:
Section 1. The Port and Commerce Advisor Board (PACAB) recommends the City Council
reinstate the allocation of 50% of the previous year's bed tax to the Seward Chamber of commerce
for Marketing Services.
Section 2. This recommendation shall be provided to City Council on the next available
agenda.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Port and Commerce Advisory Board this 2nd day of
October, 2024.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
(City Seal)
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Bruce Jaffa, Chair
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