HomeMy WebLinkAbout03192025 PACAB MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
March 19, 2025 Volume 4, Page 177
CALL TO ORDER
The March 19, 2025, 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 Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Bruce Jaffa, presiding, and
Benjamin Smith
Dwayne Atwood
Melissa Schutter
Jesse Groom
Norm Regis
comprising a quorum of the Board; and
Tony Sieminski, Harbormaster
Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk
Kris Peck, City Clerk
Ashleigh Lipsey, Executive Assistant
Excused — None
Absent — None
Vacant - One
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT
Phil Kaluza, inside city limits, spoke on heat pumps and rebates. He explained the incentives and
benefits that everyone receives by installing heat pumps.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Regis/Atwood) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Chair Jaffa added item #3 to New Business for the Heat Pump discussion.
Motion as Amended Passed Unanimous
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City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
March 19, 2025 Volume 4, Page 178
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approve January 15, 2025, Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
SPECIAL ORDERS, REPORTS AND PRESENTATION
City Administration Report
Executive Assistant Ashleigh Lipsey highlighted the electric department and the tree clearing
service that was in town. She spoke about the two new hires at the fire department and provided
updates on the library, Community Development meetings, and the Teen Rec Room.
Other Reports and Announcements
Alaska Railroad Report
Seward Port Manager Dwayne Atwood summarized from his written report and updated the
board on the pipe ship, cruise terminal building, shore power project, and freight dock project.
Chamber of Commerce Report
Director of Chamber of Commerce Melissa Schutter updated the board that the chamber's
Executive Director had resigned, and they are currently recruiting for a replacement. She shared
that there is a new events guide available. She announced the Community Awards Night is March
20, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Gateway Hotel.
Presentations
JAG Alaska by Tim Jagielski
NEW BUSINESS
Other New Business
Discuss Ordinance 2025-002
Jaffa asked the City Clerk Kris Peck to summarize the Ordinance 2025-002 and the changes to
PACAB that were now in effect.
Reports to Council
Peck noted the revised council agenda featured a line for reports from the boards and commissions.
It was an open invitation for the board to pass on reports to council for any meeting. Jaffa
explained how the information discussed at PACAB could be shared with the City Council.
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City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
March 19, 2025 Volume 4, Page 179
Heat Pump Discussion
Jaffa summarized the heat pumps and their benefits and incentives.
PACAB discussed the cost of the heat pumps and the installation. Jaffa spoke to a grant that Phil
Kaluza presented in a previous meeting and the concept of the heat pumps. He also briefly spoke
about green climate and economics. PACAB discussed the cost and the affordability to local
residents. Regis suggested asking the Electric Department for their input.
Clerk's Note — At this time, Harbormaster Tony Sieminski wanted to add to the city administration
report and spoke to the laydown he presented to the board as the layout of the development plan
and the SMIC leased lots.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
PACAB Regular Meeting on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
CITIZEN COMMENTS - None
BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
Groom appreciated the JAG presentation but was disappointed upon learning that only 50 out of
185 workers were Seward residents. He hoped that this number will increase, and that the
expansion is seen as a positive development for the community. Groom thought heat pumps were
a great idea and could help reduce electricity costs for everyone, but he remained concerned of the
high expense for individuals.
Regis thanked everyone for the information on heat pumps and reminded everyone of the Chamber
of Commerce Community Awards are tomorrow night. He appreciated working with JAG and
commented that if one was to go to Safeway after work hours one would see a lot of JAG
employees.
Schutter said the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Guides are out and Community Awards are
tomorrow night.
Atwood stated how he was preoccupied with his Alaska Railroad Projects, but he was happy to
see a Syncrolift at Sockeye Point and recalled how SMIC was in the same position a couple of
years ago.
Smith wished JAG well with their expansion projects. He noted the housing component was a
factor and boards like PACAB can help with this issue. Housing impacts businesses around town
and the growth here as a place to do business.
Jaffa thanked and appreciated the board for being here and spoke to the one vacant position on
PACAB. He commended the Seward Girls Basketball Team for their state championship and the
City of Seward, Alaska
March 19, 2025
Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Volume 4, Page 180
success of the students. Jaffa supported the local schools and he was glad to see the two schools
removed from the disposal list. Lastly, Jaffa said how Tim Jagielski is an upstanding gentleman
and he had brought a big economy boost to this town.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:31 p.m.
Jodi urtz > Bruce Jaffa
De ty City Clerk Chair
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