HomeMy WebLinkAbout05212025 PACAB MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
May 21, 2025 Volume 4, Page 185
CALL TO ORDER
The May 21, 2025, regular meeting of the Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order
at 12:00 p.m. by Vice Chair Benjamin Smith.
OPENING CEREMONY
Vice Chair Benjamin Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Brueek
Benjamin Smith, presiding, and
Dwayne Atwood
Melissa Schutter
Norm Regis
Jesse Groom
comprising a quorum of the Board; and
Tony Sieminski, Harbormaster
Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk
Excused — Jaffa
Absent — None
Vacant - One
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT - None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Regis/Schutter) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approve the April 16, 2025, PACAB Meeting Minutes.
SPECIAL ORDERS, REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
Proclamations and Awards - None
City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
May 21, 2025 Volume 4, Page 186
City Administration Report
Harbormaster Tony Sieminski shared key updates from the report in the packet including R&M
engineering report on the South Harbor Uplands. This development included a new parking layout,
and a new harbormaster building. Sieminski also provided updates from other city departments.
Other Reports and Announcements
Alaska Railroad Report
Seward Port Manager Dwayne Atwood referred to report in packet and shared a lapse video of
the progress of the new cruise ship terminal construction project. The project was ahead of
schedule thanks to mild winter weather. Atwood also updated the board on cargo ships, pipe ships,
and a new paved pedestrian path.
Chamber of Commerce Report
Chamber of Commerce Director Amanda Sweeting spoke to the new full-time
Communications Coordinator position that is currently open. Sweeting also provided updates on
Chamber staffing in the cruise ship termina, the Combat Fishing Tournament and the Silver
Salmon Derby. There is going to be a new ad hoc committee to discuss best practices for cruise
ships and tour buses. Lastly, Sweeting announced the Double Scoops: Ice Cream Social & Job
Fair.
NEW BUSINESS
Other New Business
Discuss a resolution to encourage the application of heat pump grant funds [Jaffa]
The board discussed the creation of a resolution to encourage people to apply for a heat pump.
Regis suggested discussing with the Electric Department about different programs on heat pumps.
Groom mentioned the $38.6 million dollars in grants that were awarded to Alaskan communities.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
Regular Meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 [After the summer hiatus]
CITIZEN COMMENTS - None
BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
Regis mentioned the Alaska Heat Smart program.
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City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
May 21, 2025 Volume 4, Page 187
Groom thanked the Chamber of Commerce for their amazing events. He noted the Seward
Children's Museum is having their grand opening next week.
Schutter echoed Groom's comments and thanked the Amanda Sweeting for her report.
Atwood thanked the Chamber of Commerce and appreciated their presence in the cruise ship
terminal. He noted the cruise ship season was underway and he would have more substantial
information to share in September.
Sieminski hoped to have more information on the Harbor Uplands development when the board
reconvened in September.
Smith noted there was a lot of great activities for kids this summer from a variety of different
organizations. Both the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Seward were doing a great job
getting information out with newsletters.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 12:39 p.m.
urtz Bruce Jaffa
Duty City Clerk Chair