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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10022024 PACAB MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes October 2, 2024 Volume 4, Page 161 CALL TO ORDER The October 2, 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 Board Member Dwayne Atwood led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: Bruce Jaffa, presiding, and Benjamin Smith Dwayne Atwood Tem-Millef Melissa Schutter Norm Regis Jesse Groom comprising a quorum of the Council; and Jason Bickling, Deputy City Manager Tony Sieminski, Harbormaster Kris Peck, City Clerk Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk Ashleigh Lipsey, Executive Assistant to the City Manager Excused — Miller Absent — None CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT -None APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Regis/Groom) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approval of the September 4, 2024, PACAB Meeting Minutes SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND REPORTS City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes October 2, 2024 Volume 4, Page 162 City Administration Report Deputy City Manager Jason Bickling referred to the City Manager Report in the packet and discussed with the board how the public could access the City Manager Report. Smith spoke to improvements for next year regarding parking and the concerns of inconsistent parking enforcement in the harbor. PACAB discussed the Comprehensive Plan and how the Planning & Zoning Commission was involved. Other Reports and Announcements Alaska Railroad Report Seward Port Manager Dwayne Atwood provided an updated cruise ship schedule and summarized from his written report. Atwood also updated the board on the status of the dock improvement Project. Seward Chamber of Commerce Report Chamber Board of Directors President Melissa Schutter spoke about the fall and winter season activities coming up such as: Downtown and Harbor Trick or Treat, Entrepreneurship Week, and the Monday Mixer. The chamber was currently working on their Hometown Guide and Visitor Guide brochures. Schutter also said the Chamber was seeking support from PACAB about the funding from the City of Seward. Presentations City Clerk Kris Peck presented on the City of Seward website and e-Notifications. Executive Assistant Ashleigh Lipsey presented on City Manager Newsletter. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Other Items Discuss Alaska Municipal League Conference Attendance Jaffa spoke about the conference regarding dates and training opportunities. Bickling spoke on the style of the AML conference and how this conference benefits the local government. The board would make a decision by November on who would be attending. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes October 2, 2024 Volume 4, Page 163 Discuss Community Communications Jaffa expressed his concern about the lack of community communication. He appreciated the city's recent efforts. NEW BUSINESS Resolutions 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 Motion (Regis/Groom) Approve Resolution 2024-002 Jaffa spoke about the compensation from the City of Seward to the Chamber of Commerce. Jaffa read the entire resolution to the board and discussed the proposed change of funding. He talked about what the chamber does for the community and economy. This resolution would support and incentivize the chamber to market our community as they have the resources and expertise. Motion Passed Unanimous INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Work Session on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. on Harbor Uplands Development Regular Meeting on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CITIZEN COMMENTS - None BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Regis encouraged everyone to enjoy another nice day. Groom said the City Manager Newsletter was amazing and it was successfully getting information out to community. He said it was difficult to find information online and he would definitely be subscribing to the newsletter. Groom hoped council would decide to fund the Chamber of Commerce. Lastly, Groom was looking forward to the work session on the Uplands Development because it involved a prime fishing spot. Schutter thanked Peck and Lipsey for their respective presentations. Schutter intended to take advantage of the new e-notification services. Schutter thanked PACAB for the support of the Chamber of Commerce and hoped it would help influencing council's decision. Atwood thanked Peck and Lipsey for their respective presentations. He said the City Manager Newsletter was a great source of information. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes October 2, 2024 Volume 4, Page 164 Smith said he was able to find information on City of Seward website quickly and easily. He found the building permit process to be smooth and understandable. Smith also praised the Chamber of Commerce for being nimble and professional. Jaffa thanked Peck and Lipsey for their presentations. He believed that the current administration had an energetic core and cared about the city. From this day forward, Seward had a great future. Jaffa commented on a town hall meeting with topics that affected the community. He referenced Benjamin Franklin and the importance of community participation at a grassroots level. Jaffa encouraged everyone on this board to attend council meetings and be involved. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:19 p.m. Joc f9Kurtz Deputy City Clerk Bruce Jaffa Chair