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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11062024 PACAB MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska November 6, 2024 CALL TO ORDER Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes Volume 4, Page 165 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 City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes November 6, 2024 Volume 4, Page 166 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. 1 November 6, 2024 City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes Volume 4, Page 167 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. 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. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes November 6, 2024 Volume 4, Page 168 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. Jo Kurtz D- .uty City Clerk Bruce Jaffa Chair 1 1