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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04162025 PACAB Minutes1 City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 16, 2025 Volume 4, Page 181 CALL TO ORDER The April 16, 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 Chair Bruce Jaffa led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: Bruce Jaffa, presiding, and Benjamin Smith Dwayne Atwood Melissa Schutter Norm Regis Jesse Groom comprising a quorum of the Board; and Tony Sieminski, Harbormaster Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk Excused — Regis Absent — None Vacant - One CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT Ashleigh Lipsey, inside city limits, introduced herself as the new HR Manager for the city. Danny Meuninck, outside city limits, reminded everyone that the Comprehensive Plan Survey is still available till May 31, 2025. The corresponding public town hall workshops that will be happening next week at various locations. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Groom/Schutter) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approval of the March 19, 2025, Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 16, 2025 Volume 4, Page 182 SPECIAL ORDERS, REPORTS AND PRESENTATION Proclamations and Awards — None City Administration Report Harbormaster Tony Sieminski updated the board on a variety of topics including: KPEDD meetings, library digital workshops and movie screenings, the Comprehensive Plan surveys, Fire Department statistics, and Parks & Recreation updates. The board discussed about the decommissioned U.S. Coast Guard Mustang and how the Coast Guard had purchased land near SMIC to move forward with the fast response cutter project. They also discussed adding striping to the South Harbor Uplands parking lots. Other topics included the Coast Guard housing development, and current job openings with the City of Seward. Other Reports and Announcements Alaska Railroad Report Seward Port Manager Dwayne Atwood updated the board on the schedule for the pipe ship and upcoming cruise ships. He announced there will be a plaque exchange ceremony for the new Viking Venus cruise ship. He also shared updates on projects at the cruise ship terminal, work on the fuel line, and improving the pedestrian path along Port Avenue. Atwood explained the plan to move the Free Shuttle stop west of the terminal building to make space for a large tent. He was happy to report that the mild winter helped the construction crew stay ahead of schedule. The board discussed possibly rebuilding the old conveyor belt tunnel as a pedestrian tunnel. Another idea was to create a new road along the railroad tracks to the highway which would become the new way to access the cruise ship terminal instead of using Port Avenue. Chamber of Commerce Report Schutter corrected a statement that she had made in the previous meeting regarding the Visitor Guides being out. It was actually the Hometown Guides that are out. Schutter introduced the new Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amanda Sweeting. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amanda Sweeting Sweeting introduced herself to the board. She announced an official Meet & Greet event on Friday at the chamber. Presentations Setting Electric Rates by Taylor Crocker, Electric Operations Supervisor 1 1 1 City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 16, 2025 Volume 4, Page 183 UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS Other New Business Kenai Aviation Selected for Essential Air Service in Seward Sieminski referenced the information in the packet and said Seward was moving forward with commercial air service with flights to and from Anchorage. Jaffa noted that Kenai Aviation presented at a city council meeting and explained the role they would serve for transportation. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Reminder of Meetings Regular Meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. CITIZEN COMMENTS — None BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Sieminski thanked Crocker for his presentation and welcomed Sweeting. Schutter congratulated Sweeting on her new position and to Lipsey on her promotion. She was happy to hear Atwood's comments on pedestrian pathways. She thanked Crocker for his presentation and always learned a little bit more every time. Groom thanked Crocker for his detailed and knowledgeable presentation. He congratulated Lipsey on her promotion and Sweeting on her new position at the Chamber of Commerce. Atwood congratulated Lipsey on her promotion. He noted how Police Chief Alan Nickell and HR Manager Tammy Nickell were a real asset to the city and wished them the best of luck in their retirement. Smith said the Electric Department's quality of service continues to improve. He also appreciated the focus on reducing rates. He noted the ability to plan more than a year or two ahead based on stable electric rates was very important. He advocated for long-term rate stability, especially for the larger customers in our community. Jaffa thanked Sweeting for coming today, and to Lipsey for her service as liaison to city administration. He was enthusiastic about port and harbor development and noted it was great to see local businesses benefit. He thanked the Kenai Peninsula Borough for bringing the assembly meeting to Seward and to Cindy Ecklund who is the lone representative for Seward, Bear Creek, City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 16, 2025 Volume 4, Page 184 and Moose Pass. He thanked Meuninck for his work on the Comprehensive Plan and encouraged everyone to participate in the survey. He also thanked the Electric Department for the improvements they have brought to this community. Jaffa also noted that Seward has a growing medical community. Lastly, Jaffa reminded everyone that PACAB still has one vacant seat. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:32 p.m. Jodi De urtz y City Clerk Bruce Jaffa Chair 1 1