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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12232023 City Council MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska December 18, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Volume 42, Page 433 CALL TO ORDER I The December 18, 2023, regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Sue McClure. OPENING CEREMONY Police Chief Alan Nickell led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: Sue McClure, presiding, and John Osenga Mike Calhoon Kevin Finch Randy Wells Robert Barnwell Julie Crites comprising a quorum of the Council; and Kat Sorensen, City Manager Jason Bickling, Assistant City Manager Kris Peck, City Clerk Sam Severin, City AttorneyI Excused - None Absent - None CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Russ White, outside city limits, spoke as a city employee and provided an update on the Seward Parks & Recreation events and happenings. Bruce Jaffa, outside city limits, spoke to the challenges of losing the local newspaper. On another topic, Jaffa spoke in favor of the city owning the electric utility. He felt a rate increase was overdue. Tim McDonald, inside city limits, spoke to the possibility of the Seward Highway being cutoff due to construction or other factors. He wanted alternate routes in place to get around the highway in case of emergencies. Cindy Ecklund, inside city limits, spoke to Resolution 2023-120 and the rate study. She provided demographics of the rate payers. Ecklund suggested a smaller increase at this time. I Darryl Schaefermeyer, inside city limits, was opposed to Resolution 2023-120. He had some questions about the math that was provided in the council packet. Schaefermeyer felt that a City Council Meeting Minutes Volume 42, Page 434 City of Seward, Alaska December 18, 2023 $0.06 cent increase was too much. He hoped council could go with $0.02 or $0.03 cent increase at this time.I Phil Kaluza, city limits, addressed the unnecessary administrative positions listed in the rate study. He felt the low-income residents would have a hard time with the proposed rate increase. He felt a $0.02 cent increase was appropriate at this time. Rhonda Huhhard, inside city limits, spoke in opposition to the rate increase and the rate study. $he felt the $0.06 rate increase was unnecessary. She hoped the city would go back to the drawing board on their budget. The rate increase was asking too much of the people. Brad Snowden, inside city limits, utilized a crystal ball and predicted a bright future for Seward in 2024. Becky Dunn, inside city limits, spoke in opposition to the proposed $0.06 cent increase in Resolution 2023-120. She felt $0.02 cent increase would be sufficient. On another topic, she spoke to the radio advertising Parks & Recreation and city calendar reports. Dunn said the city did not offer the radio much support. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Agenda and Consent AgendaMotion (Osenga/Calhoon) IMcClure requested that Resolution 2023-135 be deleted from the agenda due to the property no longer being available. There was no objection from council. Wells pulled Resolution 2023-139 from the consent agenda. Calhoon pulled Resolution 2023-134 from the consent agenda. UnanimousMotion Passed The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approval of the November 27, 2023, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Resolution 2023-136: Authorizing The City Manager To Purchase From Belyea Company Electrical Power Systems A 1,200-amp Mitsubishi SF6 Circuit Breaker In A Not-To-Exceed Amount Of $95,000 Eor Installation In The Lawing Substation Near Moose Pass Resolution 2023-138: Authorizing The City Manager To Pay Chugach Electric Association (CEA) For Transmission Right-Of-Way Clearing Between CEA’s Dave’s Creek Substation Near Cooper Landing And Seward’s Lawing Substation Near Moose Pass In The Not-To-Exceed Amount Of $423,550 I City of Seward, Alaska December 18, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Volume 42, Page 435 Resolution 2023-140: Authorizing Professional Design Services from CRW Engineering Group, Inc. in the amount of $63,365.00 for design and engineering services to complete construction of the SMIC Hypochlorite Generator ProjectI Resolution 2023-141: Authorizing The City Manager To Award A Contract For Entry Rug Services to Snow White Cleaners For City Hall, Annex, Public Works, And The Library SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND REPORTS Proclamations and Awards A proclamation for the Seward High School Seahawks Swim Team was read by Mayor McClure. City Manager Report City Manager Kat Sorensen announced the library hours would be returning to normal. She gave a big shout out to Public Works Department for clearing snow over the weekend. Sorensen addressed the Central Treasury Report and mid-cycle budget. Lastly, Sorensen was looking for ways to improve the City Manager Report for 2024 and all feedback was welcome. City Clerks Report I City Clerk Kris Peck provided a summary of attending the Alaska Association of Municipal Clerk’s (AAMC) conference in Anchorage. City Attorney Report City Attorney Sam Severin noted that he attended a portion of the AAMC conference that focused on election security. Severin also provided a summary of the personnel and legal issues he had been dealing with recently. Other Reports and Announcements Presentations Presentation by Haley Johnson on Alaska Trails Presentation by Jon Warrenchuk on the Impacts of Trawling (telephonically) Council Recessed the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Council Resumed the meeting at 8:21 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS I Ordinance Requiring Public Hearing Ordinance for Enactment City Council Meeting Minutes Volume 42, Page 436 City of Seward, Alaska December 18, 2023 Ordinance 2023-021: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, Amending Seward City Code 11.15.130 - Paid Parking to Establish a Procedure for Issuance of Citations in City Parking Lots and Meter Zones to Establish a Fine I Enact Ordinance 2023-021Motion (OsengaAVells) Parks & Recreation Deputy Director Tyler Mallory introduced the ordinance and summarized the updates. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. No one appeared and the public hearing was closed. Wells asked about the possibility of automated gates in the parking lots. Sorensen clarified that Parks & Recreation would still need their enforcement capabilities. Osenga noted the ordinance was setting up the enforcement procedures regardless of what system was in place. Assistant City Manager Jason Bickling provided an overview of the minor changes in the substitute version of the ordinance that was provided as a laydown. Enact Substitute Ordinance 2023-021Motion (OsengaAVells) Yes: Crites, Calhoon, Osenga, Wells, Barnwell, McClure Motion Passed INo: Finch Resolutions Requiring Public Hearing Resolution 2023-133: Recognizing The 2024 City of Seward Harbor Tariff And Amending Section 100 Definitions (b), (c). Adding (d) The Harbor Definition from City Code And Amending Section 230 (a) In The Harbor Tariff Approve Resolution 2023-133Motion (Osenga/Calhoon) Bickling explained a few of the key increases including renewal rates and dockage rates. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. Bruce Jaffa, outside city limits, said the resolution helped clarify some confusing code language. Jaffa noted that PACAB (Port & Commerce Advisory Board) had reviewed these tariffs. No one else appeared and the public hearing was closed. IUnanimousMotion Passed City Council Meeting Minutes Volume 42, Page 437 City of Seward, Alaska December 18, 2023 Resolution 2023-135: Authorizing the City Manager to Acquire Property at 102 Monroe Street (Parcel H80600^ Legal Description: T IS R IW SEC 10 SEWARD MERIDIAN SW 0000001 ORIGINAL TOWNSITE OF SEWARD LOTS 21 AND 11 AND THE S 1 FT OF E LOT 23 BLOCK ^0 EXCLUDING N IFT OF W Vi OF LOT 22) Through the Borough Land Conveyance Process I Resolution 2023-135 was deleted during the approval of the agenda. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Resolutions Resolution 2023-120: Amending The 2024 Electric Rates Tariff To Incorporate Recommendations From The 2023 Rate Study To Set Electric Rates At A Level To Meet The Utility’s Revenue Requirements Over The Next Three Years {This resolution had a public hearing on November 13, 2023 and was postponed until December 11, 2023. That meeting was later rescheduled to December 18, 2023) Rates Consultant Mike Hubbard was participating telephonically to answer questions from council. I Wells addressed the public comments that pushed for an increase of only $0.03 cents and asked Hubbard for feedback. Barnwell noted that Hubbard was attentive to the Seward Electric Utility Ad Hoc Committee’s suggestions. Barnwell thought Hubbard’s report in the packet was very thorough. Barnwell noted it was a tough decision to raise the rates and empathized with the community. Barnwell explained the bond payment alone would take half of the $0.06 cent increase. Calhoon brought up bond payments in 2025 and said both bonds combined did not reach a million dollars. He asked for clarification on the bond payments. He felt a smaller increase was worth looking into. Calhoon said there were several unknown factors and not enough information yet to warrant a $0.06 cent increase. Einance Director Sully Jusino provided an update and figures of the bond payments. Hubbard provided additional information on bond payments and depreciation in 2025. Osenga didn’t want to kick the can further down the road. Osenga wanted to follow the recommendations of professionals. Amend to a $0.03 Cent IncreaseMotion to Amend (Calboon/Fincb) Yes: Calboon, Fincb No: Osenga, Barnwell, Crites, Wells, McClure Motion Failed I City of Seward, Alaska December 18, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Volume 42, Page 438 Wells supported the $0.06 cent increase. He hoped city administration could work on a program to help low-income families.I Include A Rate Reduction Program For Low-Income Families and Households Motion to Amend (Wells/Crites) Severin advised against adding a policy with too many unknowns. He said the resolution should be taken care of now and then such a policy could come later. The motion to amend was withdrawn with no objection from council. Approve Resolution 2023-120Motion Yes: Wells, Osenga, Crites, Barnwell, McClure No: Finch, Calhoon Motion Passed NEW BUSINESS Resolutions Resolution 2023-137: Amending Resolution 2022-019 and Authorizing the City Manager to Place and Order and Purchase One (1) 2024 Ford F-150 Crew Cab Truck Police Responder Package Vehicle from Kendall Ford of Anchorage for the Purchase of a Command Vehicle for the Fire Department using the State’s Competitive Procurement Fleet Vehicle Contract with Associated Upfitting and Fire Specific Equipment from Alaska Safety and Supply, in the Amount not to Exceed $72,859 and Appropriating Funds I Approve Resolution 2023-137Motion (Osenga/Barnwell) Crites declared a potential conflict of interest because her husband was the fire chief. McClure ruled that no conflict existed. Sorensen explained that the 2022 resolution resulted in only one of the two vehicles being purchased. This resolution tonight was updated with a slight price increase to allow for the other vehicle to be purchased. Motion Passed Unanimous Resolution 2023-134: Adopting the Calendar Year 2024 City of Seward Fee Schedule Approve Resolution 2023-134Motion (Osenga/Calhoon) IBickling said these changes reflected each department with updating their fees. City Council Meeting Minutes Volume 42, Page 439 City of Seward, Alaska December 18, 2023 Calhoon asked about the cemetery section cost increases. He clarified that this pertained only to the city cemetery. Calhoon asked about what the process would be for other cemeteries such as the American Legion.I Bickling said administration was streamlining the process, so cemetery use permits were not bounced around through different departments. He noted the cemetery fees had not been updated in a very long time. Calhoon questioned the grave preparation deposit. Bickling recommended grave preparation could be considered a “Site Closure” deposit for $300. Finch had a number of possible amendments and wanted more information on parking fees and burials. Postpone Resolution January 8, 2024 2023-134 untilMotion to Postpone (Finch/Barnwell) UnanimousMotion Passed Council Recessed the meeting at 9:47 p.m. Council Resumed the meeting at 9:51 p.m. I Resolution 2023-139: Authorizing The City Manager to Enter Into A Contract With T2 Upsafety For The Purchase Of Parking Enforcement Software and Equipment For 3 Years For A Total Cost Of $37,021.00 And Partnering With Upsafety For Collections Services And Appropriating Funds Approve Resolution 2023-139Motion (CalhoonAVells) Mallory said this software would go with their current automated pay stations and provide many new features for parking enforcement. They were certified professionally for collections as well. Wells spoke in opposition to the resolution. During his travels. Wells had observed many paid parking lots that all featured automated gates. He would like the postpone this resolution until administration could research automated gates. Postpone Resolution 2023-139 to January 8,2024 Motion to Postpone (Wells/Finch) Yes: Crites, Finch, Wells, Calhoon No: Barnwell, Osenga, McClure Motion Passed CITIZEN COMMENTS Bruce Jaffa, outside city limits, appreciated the tough decisions before council tonight. He noted that during his 50 years in Seward the costs of living had gone up considerably.I City of Seward, Alaska December 18. 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Volume 42, Page 440 Darryl Schaefermeyer, inside city limits, also appreciated the tough decisions before council tonight. He would have hoped to see the budget first before the rate study. He estimated the $0.06 cent rate increase would cost the Alaska Sealife Center around $300,000 a year. On another topic, he said $eward had a beautiful community choir. I COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Sorensen addressed the two resolutions that were postponed tonight. She noted the City Council Retreat would be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024. Bickling said that 2023 had been an amazing year for Seward High School sports. He said a proclamation would be forthcoming for the Seahawks wrestling team for their recent State Championships. On another topic, Bickling thanked businesses who were clearing the snow from their sidewalks. Crites thanked Becky Dunn for promoting local news. She thanked Haley Johnston for the Alaska Long Trails presentation. Crites liked the idea of creating a program to help low-income families during the rate increase. Barnwell echoed Bickling’s comments about the exceptional Seahawks sports teams this year. On another topic, he said the rate increase was a very difficult decision. Lastly, Barnwell thanked Parks & Recreation Department for being such an asset to the community. IFinch congratulated the Seward Seahawks swim team and wrestling team. He thanked the public for all their input tonight. He thanked Rob Montgomery for all his work as the Electric Utility Manager. Wells wished everyone a happy winter solstice and Happy New Year. Calhoon echoed the congratulations to the Seward Seahawks sports teams this year. He thanked the Alaska Toys for Tots Program as well as the Fire Department for the parade on Saturday. Calhoon realized this year had been divisive for this community and he felt everyone was doing their best. He hoped for a more positive 2024 and encouraged everyone to appreciate what we have. Osenga congratulated the Seward Seahawks sports teams. He thanked everyone for the comments of goodwill. Osenga noted it was a hard job to be on council. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe new year. McClure mentioned the recent community choir concert and she said she had a very busy schedule lately. She wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Calhoon also wanted to mention the American Legion would be serving a community Christmas meal and well providing meal delivery for those in need.I City of Seward, Alaska December 18, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Volume 42, Page 441 ADJOURNMENT I The meeting was adjourned at 10:17 p.m. Kris Peck City Clerk Sue McClure Mayor (City Seal) I I