HomeMy WebLinkAbout01122026 City Council Laydown - Jaffa164 d c,-v ‘r,
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Bruce Jaffa
Mayor, Council Members, Manager and All
Outside the City
PO Box 107 Moose Pass, Alaska 99631
907-288-3175
Bruce@JaffaConstruction.com
PACAB Duties include: consideration of transportation, trade, energy, commerce, ...
For over a decade I have joined PACAB meetings with enthusiastic Managers, Mayors and
Council members. Quorums were never missed. Citizens regularly attended to participate or
listen. PACAB often had busy regular sessions lasting 2 hours. In 2019 we had 10 Work
sessions, as well as joint meetings with Council. None of this is true today.
Part of this may be due to PACAB success setting Harbor rates and fees that are now based on
formulas rather than regular review. Starting sometime during the last 5 years PACAB has
faced what appears as a slow roll to minimize and curtail many PACAB activities.
I personally have tried to recruit members towards two open seats but have heard apathy and
concern, if participation would actually be taken seriously.
I am surprised by a lack of requested participation by PACAB on legislative priorities and
approval of Resolution 2026-001. Neither of these items on tonight's agenda have any
"whereas" or references of support from PACAB. This is certainly not required and apparently
deemed unnecessary.
I had hoped to begin work on a heat pump incentive program but lack of quorums and
November, December scheduling issues delayed this effort. The Electrical department is
considering an incentive program. That's great, maybe still be a role for PACAB.
What more could PACAB offer? Maybe more with Community development or a potential
oversite or discussions with the Electrical department. PACAB, as the only entity of the City
that allows membership for Advisory Board members from outside City limits, could open
representation to non-resident rate payers. Further recruitment of members with skills,
background or knowledge could be used to assemble a great review Board.
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PACAB has provided a venue for citizens to vent concerns and join in the discussion.
Maintenance issues, long term development ideas, child care, review of Port conditions and
concerns, topics on the Railroad and on and on.
As I make the spectacularly beautiful drive to Seward, often just for the PACAB meeting, I
have felt that this public service was valuable to the city and area residents. It's not that I have
any brilliant ideas or insights, but rather that my personal 50 years of experience throughout
Alaska, as a worker and with a contractor's perspective, offered something for the benefit of
the East Peninsula. Now, semi -retired with many projects on my plate, I am needing to
prioritize. I view that Seward as a First -Class City greatly benefits from volunteer and locally
elected groups. There are others who need to step forward.
As things stand today, I will not renew my application in July. I will continue to participate to
maintain quorums or play any role the group chooses for me. I would willingly step aside for
another Chair person. Thank you, Seward, for the opportunity.
Respectfully,
Bruce Jaffa
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