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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09042024 PACAB Minutes1 City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes September 4, 2024 Volume 4, Page 157 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 T Melissa Schutter Jesse Groom Norm Regis comprising a quorum of the Board; 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 City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes September 4, 2024 Volume 4, Page 158 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 projects. 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 1 1 1 City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes September 4, 2024 Volume 4, Page 159 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. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes September 4, 2024 Volume 4, Page 160 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. urtz ty City Clerk (City S 2I1/8/,,, ♦••` %q 0 F SE.11,'•' • --•� G . •AL • ALPS OF�0Immo- Bruce Jaffa Chair 1 1