HomeMy WebLinkAbout12042024 PACAB MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2024 Volume 4, Page 169
CALL TO ORDER
The December 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
Board Member Dwyane Atwood led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Bruce Jaffa, presiding, and
Dwayne Atwood
Melissa Schutter
Jesse G«
Norm Regis
comprising a quorum of the Board; and
Tony Sieminski, Harbormaster
Kris Peck, City Clerk
Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk
Ashleigh Lipsey, Executive Assistant
Excused — Smith, Groom
Absent — None
Vacant — One
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT
Phil Kaluza, inside city limits, spoke on heat pump incentives, emphasizing return on investment
and reducing oil use for heating.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Atwood/Regis) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approve November 6, 2024, PACAB Meeting Minutes
City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2024 Volume 4, Page 170
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATION, AND REPORTS
City Administration Report
Executive Assistant Ashleigh Lipsey reported on the tree lighting ceremony, parking
enforcement, and harbor project updates.
City Clerk Kris Peck noted a laydown for PACAB on a draft of a city clerk sponsored ordinance
regarding the board.
PACAB discussed the laydown with the clerk and a possible revised meeting schedule.
Other Reports and Announcements
Alaska Railroad Report
Seward Port Manager Dwayne Atwood updated the board on cargo operations and cruise ship
schedules. He said there was a presentation on dock projects and shore power planned for PACAB
on January 15, 2025.
Chamber of Commerce Report
Chamber Board President Melissa Schutter reported on the ongoing discussions of bed tax
funding and contract negotiations between the chamber and the city.
Presentations
Comprehensive Plan Surveys by Community Development Director Daniel Meuninck and City
Planner Courtney Bringhurst
NEW BUSINESS
Other New Business
Discuss Rebates and Incentives for Alternative Energy
Jaffa summarized prior discussions on heat pump block rate proposals.
Electric Operations Supervisor Taylor Crocker discussed Advanced Metering Infrastructure
(AMI) benefits, including real-time monitoring and potential incentives.
Special guest Phil Kaluza emphasized implementing heat pump programs without delays.
PACAB discussed AMI costs, policy steps, and potential upgrades.
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City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2024 Volume 4, Page 171
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
Reminder of Meetings
PACAB calendar update:
PACAB cancelled their December 18, 2024 work session due to proximity to Christmas Holiday.
PACAB rescheduled their Wednesday, January 1, 2025 meeting rescheduled to January 15, 2025
due to New Year's Day Holiday. This meeting would replace the work session.
BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
Lipsey appreciated Meuninck and Bringhurst for their community wide presentations on the
Comprehensive Plan. Lipsey drew attention to the new City Manager Newsletter as a way for the
community to stay informed.
Sieminski supported Community Developments efforts with the Comprehensive Plan surveys and
encouraged everyone to complete the surveys. He said it was nice to see an audience in the front
row.
Regis thanked Community Development for the presentation on surveys, and thanked Phil Kaluza
for the information on the heat pumps. Regis mentioned the community Christmas Party at the
Sealife Center tomorrow and Santa was going to be there with snacks and drinks.
Schutter thanked the Community Development presenters today. She thanked Taylor Crocker and
Phil Kaluza for sharing their expertise. She thanked city administration for the wonderful
Christmas light decorations. Lastly, she mentioned the Seward Rotary Club had partnered with the
Parks & Recreation Department for a Breakfast With Santa event on on Dec 14, 2024.
Regis added more information on upcoming Christmas events.
Atwood echoed previous comments. He appreciated the presentation from Community
Development and the Comprehensive Plan surveys. He thanked the City Clerk for being proactive
with the draft ordinance. Atwood recalled the seasonal PACAB hiatus was geared towards board
members who were gone all summer for fishing. He thanked Taylor Crocker for information on
metering and power. Lastly, Atwood wished everyone a happy holiday season.
Jaffa highlighted the open position on PACAB and the sunset of the heat loop committee, potential
scalable options for library heating. Jaffa suggested if the board wanted to comment and provide
feedback for code changes on the ordinance to email comments to the clerk. Spoke to
administration on the comprehensive planning and thanked them for an excellent presentation by
Danny and Courtney. He also thanked Taylor and Phil for coming in and speaking.
Kurtz added that Groom was excused for this meeting.
City of Seward, Alaska
December 4, 2024
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m.
Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Volume 4, Page 172
Jo urtz ✓ Bruce Jaffa
D uty City Clerk Chair
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