HomeMy WebLinkAbout12042024 PACAB PacketPort & Commerce Advisory Board
Agenda Packet
Photo by Kris Peck
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
City Council Chambers
12:00 p.m.
1963 1965 2005
kintual
All-Amenca City
1
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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 Jesse Groom
Board Member Norm Regis
Harbormaster Tony Sieminski
City Clerk Kris Peck
Executive Admin Ashleigh Lipsey
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of Preceding Meeting
1)* Approve November 6, 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 Manager Report 8
C. Other Reports and Announcements
1) Alaska Railroad Report 17
D. Presentations
1) Comprehensive Plan Surveys — Daniel Meuninck, Community Development Director
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS — None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolutions — None
B. Other New Business
PACAB Meeting Agenda December 4, 2024 1 1 P a g e
1) Discuss Rebates and Incentives for Alternative Energy
9. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. Reminder of Meetings
1) PACAB Work Session — December 20, 2024
B. Other Items — None
10. CITIZEN COMMENTS
11. BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
12. ADJOURNMENT
PACAB Meeting Agenda December 4, 2024 2 1 P a g e
City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2024 Volume 4, Page
CALL TO ORDER
The November 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
Vice Chair Ben Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Bruce Jaffa, presiding, and
Benjamin Smith
Tom Miller
Norm Regis
comprising a quorum of the Board; and
Tony Sieminski, Harbormaster
Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk
Ashleigh Lipsey, Executive Assistant
Excused — None
Absent — None
Dwayne Atwood
Melissa Schutter
Jesse Groom
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT - None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Regis/Miller) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approve October 2, 2024, PACAB Meeting Minutes
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATION, AND REPORTS
Proclamations and Awards — None
City Administration Report
4
City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2024 Volume 4, Page
Executive Assistant Ashleigh Lipsey informed the board that Community Development had
advertised the surveys for the Comprehensive Plan. She also said that Public Works had recently
installed new mural at Kawabe Park, and the next project was the Christmas decorations. Lipsey
invited everyone to attend the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 30, 2024 at City
Hall.
The board discussed the difference between Comprehensive Plan and the Strategic Plan.
Other Reports and Announcements
Alaska Railroad Report
Seward Port Manager Dwayne Atwood summarized the current cargo and project activity at the
port. He provided updated cruise ship information regarding which ships would be re-routing to
Whitter. Atwood explained the dock improvement project timeline and noted the upcoming public
meetings regarding the dock expansion.
Chamber of Commerce Report
Executive Director Samantha Allen thanked PACAB for passing the resolution which supported
funding the chamber with 50% of the bed tax. Allen provided updates on upcoming chamber
events and programs. Lastly, Allen said she had requested a work session with council to discuss
the city's partnership with the chamber.
Presentations - None
NEW BUSINESS
Other New Business
Discuss Harbor Tariff
Harbormaster Tony Sieminski explained the increase to the moorage rates and electric rates. He
explained the importance of the rates and the decision -making process.
Regis noted that any extra money went back into the Harbor Enterprise Reserve fund.
Discuss RFP for Essential Air Service in Seward
PACAB discussed the issues with the runway, availability of flights, and what involvement the
State of Alaska has in this project.
5
City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2024 Volume 4, Page
Discuss Work Session Topics
Lipsey wanted to revisit the discussion topics as the end of the year was approaching. She
commented on the topics that were initially scheduled for the November and December work
sessions.
PACAB discussed alternative energy resources including heat pump installation and the rebate
program.
Jaffa wanted to take a closer look at the PACAB list of priorities. He stated that after the next work
session the board could consider a recommendation to council in December.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
Reminder of Meetings
Work Session on Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Regular Meeting on Wednesday, December 4, 2024
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Danny Seavey, outside city limits, mentioned how Carnival Cruise Line was supportive of the
green power aspect and shore power in Seward. Seavey said it was recommended to use the head
taxes for affordable housing.
BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
Regis spoke about the Harbormaster Conference that was held in Homer. Regis also commented
on the Facility Grant Program, the $45 million shore power grant, and head tax being used for
harbor infrastructure. Lastly, Regis announced a Seward Elementary School event for Veterans
Day.
Groom wanted to continue to support the Chamber of Commerce because they did great things
for the community. He felt Seward could get creative with using the head tax money.
Schutter thanked Sam Allen for her chamber report and representing Seward. Schutter addressed
the Seward Company flyer and the financial statistics. She appreciated PACAB support of the
Chamber of Commerce. Schutter was excited to learn more about shore power at the cruise ship
terminal. Lastly, Schutter thought PACAB was going to be discussing attendance at the AML
Conference.
6
City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2024 Volume 4, Page
Atwood spoke about cruise ships and shore power. He said the Seward Company and the Alaska
Railroad could provide more information on the dock expansion project and shore power grant.
Atwood said he recently attended the Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators
Conference in Homer. It was a good group and the presentations were great.
Smith said he attended the recent town hall meeting and appreciated the information given from
Seward Company and the Alaska Railroad.
Regis added that Senator McCabe had been trying to start South Central Port Authority Board.
Regis wanted to get a representative from Homer, Seward, and Whitter on that board. Without
proper representation, Regis was concerned the board's only interest would be Port MacKenzie.
Jaffa thanked everyone for the attendance and participation. He was excited to hear that news
about commercial air service coming to Seward. Jaffa shared that the PACAB Heat Loop
Committee was very disappointed that their project came to an abrupt halt. He noted that a city
contractor dropped the ball on the project. However, the concept and importance of the Heat Loop
project still remained viable.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 p.m.
Jodi Kurtz Bruce Jaffa
Deputy City Clerk Chair
(City Seal)
7
City Manager Report
Administration
It's been a brisk November, and we've been tackling some big topics as we wrap up 2024.
The budget conversations have been going well with Council and strong public engagement.
Administration and Finance worked to present a substitute resolution that will be discussed at the
November 25 meeting.
Kat met with representatives from The Seward Company to discuss potential projects in the new cruise
terminal building, as well as a potential collaboration on the much -needed Public Works facility.
Kat also travelled to Kenai with Parks and Rec director Mel to meet with the Boys and Girls Club and
discuss the contract renewal for 2025.
And we've been continuing to work on the EPA grant for shore power to ensure that all the
documentation needed to finalize the grant agreement and receive the funding is completed by the end
of 2025.
On November 12, the engineers came and drilled bore holes for deeper testing on the Jesse Lee Home
property to determine the depths of the contamination. We will share the results and determinations
with you when we hear back from ADEC.
The City Manager and Deputy City Manager will be attending the AML Conference in Anchorage
December 9-12.
Administration is involved in discussions with the Alaska Railroad, the Federal and State DOT, and Tote
Maritime regarding Seward being the back-up port if something should happen to the Port of Alaska in
Anchorage. The conversations are ultimately about ensuring food security and critical supplies for the
state.
The following purchase orders between $5,000 - $30,000 have been approved by the City Manager since
the last council meeting:
Department
Order Date
Vendor
Description
Amount
ROADS AND
STREETS
9/12/2024AIRPORT
EQUIPMENT
RENTALS INC
Winter Street Grader Blades
5,817.00
HARBOR
GENERAL
11/15/2024CRAIG
TAYLOR
EQUIPMENT
Vendor used to repair Tool Cat
6,289.21
CAMPGROUNDS
11/08/2024ALASKA
PUMP AND
SUPPLY INC
Spare Pump for shower house
7,355.00
8
ROADS AND
STREETS
9/12/2024AIRPORT
EQUIPMENT
RENTALS INC
Streets Sidewalk Repair- Machine
Husqvarna CG 200
7,470.00
<none>
10/04/2024STRUCTURED
COMMUNICATION
SYSTEMS INC
PRICING VIA MITEL- SOURCEWELL COOP
PURCHASING AGREEMENT CONTRACT
#120122-MBS
8,731.56
LIBRARY
10/24/2024ALASKA
REMOTE
IMAGING LLC
3D Scanning of library/museum Interior
and exterior -one matterpoint scan trip
only. Options 1.1 + 1.2
8,754.00
CAMPGROUNDS
10/23/2024
PREMIER
CONSTRUCTION
LLC
Campground and Parking lot grading for
Marathon, Alice, Harborside campgrounds
and Uplands parking lot.
9,000.00
PARKS
MAINTENANCE
9/20/2024
NORTHWEST
PLAYGROUND
EQUIPMENT INC
Playground equipment replacement for
the removal of unsafe equipment. NASPO
Discount 10%
9,028.40
HARBOR FLOATS
10/11/2024
US ECOLOGY INC
Vendor used to remove and dispose of
anti -freeze at SMIC that was collected
from oil sites throughout harbor
9,554.20
ELECTRIC
ADMIN
9/20/2024ALASKA
REMOTE
IMAGING LLC
3D Drone LIDAR Mapping and Pole Bases:
Professional Land Survey
9,832.00
ROADS AND
STREETS
9/12/2024ATLAS
PAVING LLC
Contract Services - Asphalt patches 4th
Ave - 3 different locations
10,603.39
WATER
9/12/2024ATLAS
PAVING LLC
Contract Services: Water / Wastewater
Asphalt patches for 4 locations. Saw cut
remove & replace with 2" of type 2
asphalt.
11,968.00
ELECTRIC
ADMIN
10/11/2024STURGEON
ELECTRIC
COMPANY INC
Fix Electric Broken Insulators at Grouse
Lake
12,035.00
LIBRARY
10/03/2024
LONG BUILDING
TECHNOLOGIES,
INC.
Provide and replace the electrical heating
element in the electric back up boiler.
12,888.00
LIBRARY
10/11/2024
PRO GRIND ALASKA
LLC
EPDXY - Community Room Floor, Demo
Carpet. Prep concrete to CSP#3
Application of Full Double Broadcast
Expoxy Quartz Flooring Polyurethane
Topcoat
15,500.00
CITY HALL
ANNEX
9/12/2024ATLAS
PAVING LLC
Contract Services: 80'20' ADA Parking and
place 2" of type 2 asphalt at City Hall
16,000.00
ELECTRIC
ADMIN
10/11/2024STURGEON
ELECTRIC
COMPANY INC
Fix Broken Hughes Arms
16,231.25
9
CITY MANAGER
10/25/2024
NEOGOV
[GOVERNMENTJOB
S.COM INC]
INSIGHT SUBSCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
2 YEAR CONTRACT
16,353.00
ROADS AND
STREETS
10/01/2024ALASKA
GARDEN
AND PET SUPPLY
INC
Winter Streets Salt Supply
16,670.00
CAMPGROUNDS
9/11/2024
RJ THOMAS
MANUFACTURING
COMPANY INC
Picnic table frames for the campgrounds.
19,870.00
ELECTRIC
ADMIN
9/06/2024
REID MIDDLETON
INC
Engineering for Substation Radiator Hoods
25,128.00
IT Department
Online Shopping: Shop Safe, Shop Smart
• Make sure the website you are shopping on is secured by looking at the URL (make sure it starts
with https:// not just http — the "s" stands for secure!)
• Shop from reputable retailers. Buy directly from the company or brand, or from a trusted
website you know
• If you're wary of a site, perform your due diligence and look them up before you shop. The
Better Business Bureau has an online directory and a scam tracker. Yelp and Google are packed
with retailer reviews
• Don't use your debit card to shop online. If your debit card is compromised, scammers can
access your bank account directly. Instead, use a credit card or mobile payment app when
shopping online
• Do not click on suspicious links and beware of spam advertisements on websites that are
designed to look like legitimate buttons or links
Police Department
• November 30 will be the return of the Holiday Tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. outside city
hall. There will be fun family activities at the library that day leading up to the lighting of the
tree. The police department will host hot drinks inside city hall to keep the cold at bay. The
annual "Shop Small" event is this same day which is a great opportunity to support our local
small businesses as we start the holiday shopping season. We look forward to seeing the
community there!
• The parking enforcement on Third, Fourth, and Fifth Avenues in the downtown area is in full
effect. Please make sure you follow the signs if you park overnight in these areas, so you don't
get a ticket
• We have a new officer helping out around the town. She is a retired Alaska State Trooper and a
very nice lady, so please say hello to Joanna Roop if you meet her while out and about
10
Fire Department
• Emergency Responses for the Year: 457
• Building Permits Issued for the Year: 55 with building
valuation of $8,187,707.08
• Deputy Chief McCoy, Lt. Pike, FF Musick attended the
Alaska EMS symposium in Anchorage November 11-15
• In the picture you can see Chief Crites showing the
Wednesday night trainees the ropes. Rescue rope
training is an important skill in firefighting
Finance Department
• The Finance Department continues to struggle with
retaining staff. Vacant positions are Accounts Payable,
Accountant Tech II, and Senior Accountant
• Individuals interested in open positions within the
Finance department are encouraged to apply through
the City website at Employment Opportunities I
Seward, AK
• Billing: Finance is working with Util-Assist and
NorthStar to separate the electric and water/sewer
utilities. The target date to have the billings split will
be January 1, 2025
Harbor Department
Seward Harbor
• The NE Harbor Project with Alaska Harbor Consulting was finalized and RFP released on
November 7. We have had a busy week with inquiries regarding this project. This project is
scheduled to close on December 6
• The Land Appraisal RFP was released on October 30 and closes on November 25. Interest in this
project has slowed but off to a promising start. We hope to award that contract and bring
before Council on December 16 for approval
• No issues have been reported within the Harbor area
• The 50-Ton Travelift saw 23 lifts for October
• The Harbormaster will be attending the Pacific Marine Expo the week of November 17-23
• We hired John Gerlach for the Harbor Worker II position. He will be starting on November 17
and excited to bring him into the Harbor Department
SMIC
• No major incidents were reported within the SMIC Yard/Basin
11
• Continuing to discuss dock alternatives with a Coast Guard Facilities Design and Construction
Center team member concerning their new facility within the SMIC Basin.
• The 300-ton Travelift saw 11 lifts for October
Community Development
• The Planning & Zoning Commission hosted a work session on Tuesday, November 19 to continue
the conversation on finding ways in the land use code to help alleviate the housing issues in
Seward. A few of the specific topics that were discussed were building height, parking ratios and
accessory dwelling units. If you missed the work session, you can watch the archived footage of
it on the City's YouTube channel.
• Community Development will be utilizing Granicus for its Short -Term Rental monitoring and
compliance software starting January 1. Staff had a kickoff meeting with Granicus to start the
process of integrating Seward's data into their system.
• Comprehensive Plan
surveys are available on
the City of Seward
website under the
Community Development
Department. Please
spread the word and
encourage the community
to participate in these
surveys.
Seward Parks and Recreation Department
Sports & Recreation
• Backcountry Beginner Class has 6 adults of all different ages and they are LOVING this class. We
hope to offer a winter specific and summer one in the future
• Teen Hour at Res Art is finally taking off with around 8 teens showing up. Youth 360 has agreed
to sponsor the weekly event throughout the rest of the winter
• Open cribbage is back on Wednesday 6-8 PM in our multipurpose room
• Don't forget to sign-up for our first annual Turkey Trot! 10 AM — 12 PM on Thanksgiving Day
12
• Rock wall is back!! We have around
20-30 participants each Saturday.
We will be adding a second rock
wall day in December (on Sundays)
Campgrounds
• Advertising for 2025 campground
hosts
• Campground set up for 2025
Park Maintenance
• Helped install waterfowl
interpretive signs at Spring Creek
and along bike path near Obihiro
Park for the Dept of Fish and Game.
• Two Lake Trail Maintenance
• Christmas Lighting
Electric Department
• The Line crew collaborated with Sturgeon Electric on critical transmission line maintenance,
successfully repairing broken insulators near Grayling and replacing a cross arm near the IRBI
knife shop to ensure system reliability
• Operators at the Generation Plant continue their diligent efforts in maintaining the aging EMD
units, performing key maintenance tasks to keep the units in top operational condition
• Negotiations with Chugach Electric Association for a Power Sales Agreement are ongoing,
demonstrating continued progress in securing a beneficial arrangement for the City of Seward.
• The RFPs for utility vegetation management clearing have been received and were opened and
graded on November 19, marking a significant step forward in enhancing right-of-way
management
• The Line crew is
focused on
completing as
many service
installations as
possible before
freeze-up,
showcasing their
dedication to
meeting the needs
of the community
efficiently and on
schedule
13
Library & Museum Department
Museum Exhibitions
• Seward Business Highlight: Post Office - We're excited to announce a new highlight in the
Seward Business Section of the Museum! The new exhibit showcases the history of Seward's
Post Office through photographs and artifacts. The Post Office is an entity that's easy to take for
granted, but it plays a pivotal role in the community and our daily lives
Upcoming Library Atrium Exhibits
• Winter Traditions: From festive feasts to decorations, the winter holidays offer some light during
our darkest months. Our next exhibit will highlight the holiday season throughout the years here
in Seward! (On Display December 1—January 31)
Resurrection Bay Historical Society Open House
• The Resurrection Bay Historical Society is excited to invite you to an open house event,
Saturday, November 30 from 12:00 — 2:00 pm at the Museum. This event is free and open to the
public. Please Bring friends, family, and anyone interested in discovering Seward's history. We
look forward to seeing you and to kick off the holiday season!
Library
• Thinking Money for Kids
We're thrilled to announce that our library has received a Thinking Money for Kids Program Kit
from the American Library Association and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. If you've
been looking for ways to teach your kids that money doesn't grow on trees, get ready! Stay
tuned for our program calendar and be among the first to check out one of our brand-new
Playaway Launchpad tablets for kids! No internet required.
Open House November 30
10:00 AM Library & Museum Open
12:00 — 2:00 PM Resurrection Bay Historical Society Open House in the Museum & Community Room
featuring the Gold N Silvers band
3:00 — 5:00 PM Matinee Movie: Elf in the Community Room featuring
5:00 — 6:00 PM Library Open House events leading up to the Tree Lighting
• Scavenger Hunt: We will have a winter-themed scavenger hunt with clues hidden around the
library and museum. Participants can complete the hunt to earn a small prize
• Family Craft Station: We will set up a space with easy winter crafts, like paper snowflakes,
bookmarks, or mini-pinecone decorations.
• Cocoa Toast: Just before the tree lighting, we will gather everyone near the library doors and
offer a "cocoa toast" and send them over to the tree lighting ceremony
5:45 — 6:15 PM Live Music: Seward Community Band will play in the Community Room
6:15 PM Library & Museum locks the doors
6:30 PM Library & Museum closes
6:30 PM City Christmas Tree Lighting
14
Public Works
• Water and Wastewater Dept: Annual sludge depth monitoring at the wastewater lagoons.
Crews monitor the sludge to determine how the lagoon is performing and when sludge removal
is required. The lagoon is working very well and only has an average of 3 inches of sludge depth
on the bottom
• The Second Ave/Chamberlain Rd fish culvert project is moving through the design stage
including a dig to the watermain confirming locations, depths, and material to be used for
constructing a new fish passage culvert
• The Street Department had the sanders ready for use
and already sanded icy roads around town. Not having any
significant snow has helped us to patch some late
developing potholes and many other regular tasks on the
city rights -of -way
• The Maintenance Shop continues to complete repairs
and preventive maintenance on City vehicles and
equipment
15
Department
City of Seward - Human Resources Manager Report
Staffing Information
# of
lob Title Posi ions Filled
Administration
City Manager
Deputy City Manager
Human Resources Manager
Executive Assistant
TOTAL:
Finance
Director
Deputy Finance Director
Senior Accountant
Accounting Technician III
Accounting Technician II
Accounting Technician Utilities
Accounting Tech Payroll
Accounting Tech Accounts Payable
TOTAL:
Public Works
Director
Street Foreman
Maintenance Mechanic
Public Works Technician
Shoo Foreman
Water and Wastewater Foreman
Water and Wastewater Operator
Building Maintenance Technician
TOTAL:
3 1
Community Development Director
Planner
Fxecubve Assistant
TOTAL:
Electric
Director
Operations Supervisor
Field Engineer
Office Manager
Electric Utility Cashier
Lineman
Plant Operator
TOTAL:
Fire Department
Chief
Deputy Chief
Executive Assistant
Building Official
Fire Marshal
Firefighter/EMT
Seasonal - Summer Laborer
TOTAL:
Harbor
Harbor Master
Deputy Harbor Master
Office Manager
Executive Assistant
Harbor Worker II
Harbor Worker III
Seasonal - Summer Laborer Part -lime
Seasonal - Summer Laborer Full -Time
TOTAL: 1
2
IT
Director
Senior IT Tech
IT Technician
TOTAL:
Library
Director
Deputy Library Director
Library Technician
Curator
Library Aide
Seasonal - Aides
TOTAL:
Police
Chief
Deputy Chief
Sergeant
Patrol Officer
Executive Assistant
Corrections Sergeant Unfunded
Corrections Officer Unfunded
Corrections Officer Unfunded
Dispatch Supervisor
Dispatcher
Animal Control Officer
Animal Control Officer Assistant
DMV Clerk
TOTAL: 27 18
Parks & Recreation
Director
Deputy Director
Executive Assistant
Campground Coordinator
Program Coordinator
Recreational Assistant
Maintenance Technician
Seasonal - Summer
Seasonal - Winter
14
3
TOTAL: 24
6
City Clerk's Office
City Clerk 1
Deputy CiN Clerk 1
Executive Assistant 1
TOTAL: 3
Total number of authorized positions: 124
Total number of filled positions: 98
16
ALASKA
RAILROAD
Port Activity Update December 4, 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 198 freight and non -cruise dockings through mid -November. The next
substantial vessel discharge is 9,000-plus tons of pipe due to arrive on the cargo ship Star Ismene
on December 8.
• Winter freight train service has been operating ahead of the planned two -week schedule due to
increased car availability.
• The 2025 cruise ship schedule now includes 64 ships, the first arriving on April 26 and the final
ship of the season on September 21.
Port Capital Projects
• A Port Avenue upland project (tree cutting and the filling of a former retention pond) has added
1.5 acres of operational space for the 2025 season.
• The cruise dock and terminal building replacement continues to move forward. Initial stages of
the $137 million project will begin in March, with major demolition and construction starting in
the fall of 2025. Additional information is available at: https://sewardcompanv.com
• The cruise ship dock and terminal project will benefit from $45 million in anticipated EPA funding
for vessel shore power. The Alaska Railroad worked with the municipality to submit for the Clean
Ports Program grant to fund cruise ship shore power infrastructure.
• The terminal building continues to be closed to public events and club activities during winter.
• The freight dock expansion project is still on schedule to begin in late 2026. 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. More than 30,000 cubic yards of project fill has been staged.
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
17
New look and number for ARRC's two newest SD7OMACs https://insidetrack.akrr.com/Home/ArtMID/3919/ArticlelD/480/New...
New look and number for ARRC's two newest SD1OMACs
learn a little more about the former Kansas City Southern locomotives
18 November 2024 Author: Catherine Clarke Number of views: 319
New look and number for ARRC's two newest SD70MACs
*Thank you to Lolli Morrow for the time-lapse video
This summer, the Alaska Railroad enhanced its operations with the addition of two SD7OMACs,
that are now undergoing a striking blue -and -gold makeover to match ARRC's iconic style. They
mark an important addition to ARRC's fleet, driven by rising freight demands, particularly along the
southern stretch of the railroad serving Seward and Whittier.
Locomotive 3909 in the Anchorage Yard (photo by Lolli Morrow)
The search for new locomotives began over 18 months ago, prompted by the need for more power
to meet the growing needs of freight traffic. While the SD7OMAC model was an ideal fit, acquiring
new units proved challenging since production of the SD7OMAC series ceased in the mid-2000s.
ARRC eventually located two SD7OMACs—previously owned by Kansas City Southern and leased
by Progressive Rail —who agreed to sell them to ARRC.
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1 of 4 11/26/2024, 2:40 PM
New look and number for ARRC's two newest SD70MACs https://insidetrack.akrr.com/Home/ArtMID/3919/ArticlelD/480/New...
However, the journey to bring the units north required a few stops. Both locomotives required
testing and some repairs before they could continue their trip to Alaska. Once they arrived in
Anchorage, after a couple of weeks of additional testing and smaller repairs, the SD70MACs were
quickly integrated into ARRC's fleet. Their compatibility with existing SD7OMAC units made them a
natural fit, as ARRC's mechanics were already well -versed in maintaining and repairing the units.
A notable upgrade to the 'new' locomotives included an advanced control pack, (MELCO), to the
traction control computers. This modern system is more reliable and sustainable since the legacy
system is becoming outdated. These units offered ARRC an opportunity to test the modern
technology that could potentially be rolled out across its existing SD7OMAC fleet. While these
SD70MACs were quickly put to work in regular freight service, a previous removal of the Positive
Train Control (PTC) by their former owners limited their functionality, as they cannot serve as lead
or rear units with a lacking PTC.
Since their introduction, the SD70MACs, now designated as units 4129 and 4130, have been
critical in supporting ARRC's growing freight needs. As of mid -summer, the locomotives had
already been in service 22 times. However, the red locomotives, once a familiar sight in the yard,
have recently disappeared as they undergo their blue -gold transformation. ARRC's first foray into a
wrapped locomotive was on 4328 with the centennial wrap, completed by International Name Plate
Supplies Ltd. (INPS) in 2023. So far, 4328's wrap has proven exceptionally durable, even in
Alaska's harsh winter conditions.
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2 of 4 11/26/2024, 2:40 PM
New look and number for ARRC's two newest SD70MACs
https: //ins idetrack. akrr. com/Home/ArtMID/3 919/Artic leID/480/New...
7
Y ARS
PAILPOA❑
1923 - 2023
Steve Hupe aboard 4328 in Nenana on July 15, 2023 (photo by Keri Meszaros)
The exterior overhaul, which began last week, involves a team from INPS contracted to sand, paint,
and wrap the locomotives in ARRC's signature blue and gold. Initially expected to take a month, the
project is currently ahead of schedule, with completion anticipated by mid -November. For a
successful application, extensive surface preparation is essential. This involves thoroughly cleaning
the locomotive exterior, ensuring it's free from dirt, grease, and rust, which can affect adhesion.
Once prepped, a high -quality vinyl wrap is carefully applied, with heat used to smooth out any
wrinkles and ensure proper adhesion. This wrap process offers a cost-effective alternative to
traditional painting, at around $40,000 per locomotive —significantly less than the estimated
$100,000 for a full locomotive repaint. The wraps are guaranteed for 8 years.
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New look and number for ARRC's two newest SD70MACs
https://insidetrack.akrr.com/Home/ArtMID/3919/ArticleID/480/New...
1NPS employees installing the blue and gold wrap on 4130 (photo by Cat Clarke)
You might be asking, what is with the numbering? Further distinguishing these units from the
current 4000 and 4300 series, a new numbering of the 4100 series was added. As these two units
have the upgraded control packs, they received the designation of 4129 and 4130. Both will
undergo installation of PTC units this winter along with other regular maintenance.
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