HomeMy WebLinkAbout10282024 City Council Laydown - JaffaD?1/it ol- CC. MT 6- L14
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Bruce Jaffa
Outside the City
Comments to Council 10.28.24 Mtg
First, thank you Council member Well's for the kind comments at the last CC meeting, regarding my
community participation. He thereby indicated he watched the recent "town hall" meeting. I cannot know
who else watched but sometimes a meeting less formal than an official business meeting can aid the
honest flow of information.
Heat Loop: Sept 30th. As the chair Heat Loop Ad Hoc Committee, the status of the project becomes
personally emotional. My PACAB oath to the City is something I take seriously. Your executive session will
deal with the legalities of the City's position with the design contractor. I will not comment on that. That is
not my purpose here.
I have never shied away from responsibility for my actions and therefore feel a range from anger,
frustration, and disappointment that the activity we as a group have spent so many hours, days & Months
on has run into a blind alley. The obvious question is, what's next? Our group has a broad spectrum of
talent and an optimism to pursue the goal of building an alternative, clean, ground breaking and cost
effective manner of heating our public library. This DOE Grant recognized the potential of the work. The
concept and benefit to Seward should not be buried as the result of problems with this specific funding
opportunity.
I only ask that, as the Administration and Council work to resolve responsibility for failures, during the
last effort, the concept of the design and future potential is not buried along the way. Our Ad Hoc
Group has not met since the date of the lost grant opportunity. We will meet in November to discuss
where we are and what can be considered in the future. Iask Council to reserve judgment until the
Committee can offer their views.
This project has gained a wide audience, is a brilliant concept and taps a valuable resource. The potential
is still there, even if the method to get there needs to be retooled Besides potentially helping move
towards alternative resources The project would find interest from visitors from around the world.
SES Long Term should a sale that would impower all rate payers still be considered?
• Inclusion of non resident rate payer will require a restructuring of the SES
• The City has a significant asset that deserves to be considered in any transition.
• The continued contribution to the GF can be by investment or other possible instruments
• Ultimately a vote by the citizens will decide the issue. The clear presentation of pro and con
developed and decided in the open, welcome to volunteer input, be in the best interest of ALL
Seward area stakeholders.