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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01212026 PACAB MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes January 21, 2026 Volume 4, Page 192 CALL TO ORDER The January 21, 2026 regular meeting of the Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Bruce Jaffa. OPENING CEREMONY Harbormaster Tony Sieminski led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL There were present: Bruce Jaffa, presiding, and Dwayne Atwood Melissa Schutter Norm Regis Jesse Groom comprising a quorum of the Board; and Tony Sieminski, Harbormaster Kristin Wise, Executive Assistant to the City Manager Kris Peck, City Clerk Excused — Schutter Absent — None Vacant - Two CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT — None APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Regis/Atwood) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approve September 17, 2025 Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes. SPECIAL ORDERS, REPORTS AND PRESENTATION Proclamations and Awards - None City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes January 21, 2026 Volume 4, Page 193 City Administration Report Executive Assistant Kristin Wise addressed the cold temperatures and advised residents to leave the faucet water running to avoid frozen pipes. Jaffa appreciated the recent City Clerk presentation that showed easy links to the city's e- notifications. Other Reports and Announcements Alaska Railroad Report Seward Port Manager Dwayne Atwood provided an update on the demolition of the cruise ship terminal. The dock office was moved to the former coal facility office building. Removal of the pilings was going slow and steady. Chamber of Commerce Report Executive Director of Chamber of Commerce Amanda Sweeting said it was a busy week with the Polar Bear Jump despite some rough weather. The jump itself raised over $215,000 for the American Cancer Association. She thanked the Harbormaster for their help with the festival. She also updated the board on upcoming Valentine's Day promotions. Jaffa asked about economic benefits of the Polar Bear Jump to the entire town. Sweeting described the halo effect of the event. She also noted the Chamber takes a financial loss on the event. Presentations Heat Pump Incentive Programs by Phil Kaluza UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS Resolutions - None Other New Business Discussion Item: Draft Resolution Supporting a Residential Heat Pump Rebate Program [Sponsored by Schutter and Jaffa] The Board discussed the draft resolution. Regis noted a special meeting could be called for in June during the hiatus. The upcoming rate study could heavily impact this idea. Jaffa invited Taylor Crocker to provide input on the discussion. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes January 21, 2026 Volume 4, Page 194 Electric Operations Supervisor Taylor Crocker said the heat pump rate was part of the upcoming rate study. A new accounting system was in the works for 2026. Crocker explained block rates and other aspects of residential heat pumps. The Board discussed the heat pump rebate further with Crocker. Jaffa wanted to pump the brakes and wait for the rate study to be completed and then have this idem come back for review. Discussion Item: PACAB Meeting Topics and Schedule (January —May 2026) Jaffa summarized the broad range of topics that PACAB can tackle. He noted the harbor tariffs used to be calculated manually and now were replaced by a formula. The legislative priorities were already set for 2026. The Board discussed member availability to conduct a Joint Work Session with City Council in February. It was determined that Monday, February 9, 2026 would work with everyone's schedule. Nominate PACAB Chair and Vice Chair for 2026 Jaffa announced he would not renew his PACAB application in July. Serving on PACAB had been one of the high points of his life. Regis nominated Bruce Jaffa as Chair for 2026. PACAB confirmed the nomination. Regis nominated Dwayne Atwood as Vice Chair for 2026. PACAB confirmed the nomination. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Reminder of Meetings: Regular Meeting on February 18, 2026 CITIZEN COMMENTS — None BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Groom thanked everyone for coming. He looked forward to ideas for future PACAB meetings. Regis thanked Phil Kaluza for his detailed presentation. Thanked Chamber of Commerce for hosting the Polar Bear Jump. The thanked Dwayne Atwood for the Alaska Railroad report noted it looked right on track. Sieminski thanked Phil Kaluza and Taylor Crocker for their input on heat pumps. He said the Polar Bear Jump was a success despite the bad weather. He noted two harbor employees participated in the jump. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes January 21, 2026 Volume 4, Page 195 Atwood addressed the residential heat pump rate, and thanked Phil Kaluza for the presentation. Regarding the makeup of the board, Atwood noted there was no one representing commercial fishing. Jaffa thanked the board members for attending. He hoped for more outreach and each current member has a responsibility to recruit new members. Jaffa noted how some people are reluctant to get engaged. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:42 p.m. Kris Peck Bruce Jaffa City Clerk Chair (City Seal) 1 1