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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02092026 City Council Minutes1 City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes February 9, 2026 Volume 43, Page 170 CALL TO ORDER The Monday, February 9, 2026, regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Sue McClure. OPENING CEREMONY Chief of Police Louis Tiner led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL There were present: Sue McClure, presiding, and John Osenga Robert Barnwell Julie Crites Casie Warner Lori Draper Mike-C--alheent comprising a quorum of the Council; and Kat Sorensen, City Manager Kris Peck, City Clerk Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk Excused — Calhoon Absent — None PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS - None CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Greg Haas, outside city limits, spoke in favor of the multi -year contract with the Chamber of Commerce. Darian Draper, inside city limits, introduced himself as an applicant for the Port and Commerce Advisory Board. Rhonda Hubbard, inside city limits, addressed her social media posts about the contract with the Chamber of Commerce. She appreciated all the comments and interactions that had stemmed from her posts. In regard to Resolution 2026-017, she wanted the contract to be revised. City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes February 9, 2026 Volume 43, Page 171 Liz Marsh, inside city limits, spoke as the Communications Coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce. She announced the upcoming chamber events for the month of February. Lastly, she read a letter of support for the Chamber of Commerce from Christy Terry. Stephanie Millane, outside city limits, spoke as the President of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She referenced the social media comments and encouraged people to share their various perspectives. She spoke in support of the Chamber contract and explained how Seward was on the cusp of growth and development. Amanda Sweeting, outside city limits, spoke as Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. She read a letter from Kayak Adventures Worldwide in support of the contract with the Chamber. Christiana Smith, outside city limits, spoke in support of the contract with the Chamber of Commerce. She recalled how the Chamber had assisted with helpful information when she was moving to Seward some years ago. Russ White, inside city limits, spoke on behalf of the Sports & Recreation Department and updated council on upcoming activities and thanked all the sponsors. Andrew Scrivo, inside city limits, spoke as the Director of Youth 360. He spoke in support of the contract with the Chamber of Commerce. He also supported Council Member Calhoon's draft ordinance for marijuana regulations. Otto Nipp, outside city limits, spoke in support of Resolution 2026-017 regarding the contract with Chamber of Commerce. Bruce Jaffa, outside city limits, hoped to see the Chamber of Commerce contract tabled or at least revised. The 5-year contract needed more consideration. On another topic, he spoke to various terrorist attacks on American soil. John Wisel, outside city limits, spoke in opposition to the Chamber of Commerce contract. He did not believe the city should be funding this contract at all. Seward did not need more marketing. Tom Reese, outside city limits, told a family story of a family marriage that took place in Mexico that eventually led to citizenship in the United States. Reese explained how people came to the United States in secret and expected to be provided for. He was concerned about an upcoming meeting at the library that would help enable those immigrants to remain in this country. He spoke in support of legal ways to be in this country, and discouraged interference with law enforcement doing their job. Clerk's Note: The 36-minute limit was reached and there was no objection from council to allow one more speaker. Mica Van Buskirk, inside city limits, spoke in support of the Chamber of Commerce contract. However, she felt a 3-year contract would be better than the 5-year contract in the packet. She also spoke to economic development and education in Seward. 1 1 1 City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes February 9, 2026 Volume 43, Page 172 APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Draper/Barnwell) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda McClure added the appointment of Darian Draper to PACAB to the consent agenda. There was no objection from the council. Motion as Amended Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approval of the January 26, 2026, City Council Meeting Minutes Introduction of Ordinance 2026-002: Amending Seward City Code § 15.10.215 Parking and Associated Parking References within Title 15 [Sponsored by P&Z] Resolution 2026-018: Authorizing the City Manager to Purchase a 2026 Ford F-350 Crew Cab Plus Accessories for the Public Works Department in an Amount Not to Exceed $71,690.19 Resolution 2026-019: Authorizing the City Manager to Accept the Quote with SHI for the Renewal of Sophos MDR Complete Cybersecurity Subscriptions for the IT Department in the Amount of $48,885.90 No grounds for protest to the renewal of the AMCO liquor license or the restaurant endorsement for the Flamingo Cocktail Lounge Appoint Darian Draper to PACAB [Port and Commerce Advisory Board] with a term set to expire July 2028 IN -PERSON REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS City Manager Report City Manager Kat Sorensen provided an update on a new dog park being installed by the Parks & Recreation Department. There was an area in Forest Acres that was well suited for a small fenced -in dog park. On another topic, she updated council on the Coast Guard expansion in Seward. City Clerk Report City Clerk Kris Peck said the clerk report was a 1-page flyer for the Sister City Student Exchange Program with Obihiro, Japan. Deputy City Clerk Jodi Kurtz provided detailed information on the application process and the student exchange. City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes February 9, 2026 Volume 43, Page 173 City Attorney Report City Attorney Sam Severin was unable to attend. The written report was in the packet. Other Reports and Announcements — None Presentations — None PUBLIC HEARINGS — None UNFINISHED BUSINESS — None NEW BUSINESS Resolutions Resolution 2026-016: Authorizing the City Manager to Purchase a Ford Transit Van for the Electric Department to Replace the Existing Mobile Equipment Shop Vehicle in the Amount $79,995 and Appropriating Funds Motion (Osenga/Barnwell) Approve Resolution 2026-016 Sorensen noted a correction on the agenda statement. This vehicle purchase would be allocating funds from the Electric Department, not the motorpool fund. Electric Supervisor Taylor Crocker spoke to the 1980s rescue van nicknamed Red Bird that was being replaced. He described the current issues with the aging van which included steering and seatbelts. The new Ford Transit Van would have All Wheel Drive and modern safety features. Red Bird would end up on the city surplus auction. Motion Passed Unanimous Resolution 2026-017: Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Five -Year Agreement, from January 1, 2026 — December 31, 2030, with the Seward Chamber of Commerce for the Provision of Visitor Services and Economic Development Activities in the Amount of $400,000 Annually, with a CPI Increase Each Year and Appropriating Funds Motion (Warner/Barnwell) Approve Resolution 2026-017 Sorensen explained this resolution was a result of the Chamber of Commerce discussion item from the previous meeting. She noted the City Attorney added new sections on liability, insurance, and termination. Sorensen noted the CPI [Consumer Price Index] average would need clarification from council. 1 1 City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes February 9, 2026 Volume 43, Page 174 McClure confirmed that the bed tax revenue from inside city limits was used to fund the Chamber of Commerce. Council discussed the contract and the CPI average. Amendment #1: Resolution 2026-017 was amended to clarify the CPI would be based on a 5- Year Average. Amendment #2: Resolution 2026-017 was amended to be a 3-year contract Draper summarized the views and correspondence in favor and in opposition to the contract with the Chamber of Commerce. She noted this contract had nothing to do with the chamber memberships. The money that supported this resolution comes from the bed tax, not citizens. McClure noted she had entertained thoughts of postponing this resolution, but was pleased with the discussion and amendments. Motion Passed as Amended Unanimous Other New Business Discuss draft ordinance for marijuana regulations in Title 8 The City Manager and City Clerk discussed the procedure for a council member to sponsor an ordinance. Council postponed this discussion item until March 9, 2026 so the sponsor Calhoon could be at the dais. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Upcoming City Council Meetings City Council Meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. CITIZEN COMMENTS Amanda Sweeting, outside city limits, expressed her excitement for the Chamber of Commerce contract and partnership. She provided a laydown regarding the Destination Marketing Organization [DMO] that might be of interest to the council. Bruce Jaffa, outside city limits, thought the amended Chamber contract was appropriate. He noted the Chamber of Commerce provided an in -person report at each PACAB meeting. Tonight inspired him to do a better job of reporting PACAB activities to council. On the topic of reporting, he hoped for more reports from Cindy Eckland as KPB Assembly Member. Jaffa also spoke about the Bear Creek Council, ignoring robot emails, and the mechanism of government to support a variety of viewpoints. City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes February 9, 2026 Volume 43, Page 175 COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Sorensen noted she was on recently on leave and then got sick, so tonight's meeting was an abrupt return to reality. Draper thanked everyone for participating in this meeting. She congratulated the Electric Department for another great town hall meeting. She noted the Seward Cares Event had recently taken place. She explained an AMCO moratorium that was currently being debated in another community. Lastly, she noted citizen comments regarding national politics and wasn't sure what the City Council role would be in addressing these comments. Crites appreciated everyone's input tonight, in particular the discussion on the Chamber of Commerce contract. She thanked Amanda Sweeting for making a positive impact on the Chamber. Warner thanked the youth for coming out and speaking tonight. She gave a shout -out to library for their Digital Literacy classes. Warner encouraged kindness and civility when engaging with neighbors on issues. Lastly, she noted KPEDD is asking for feedback on the local economy. Barnwell said it was a great meeting. He echoed the comments that it was best to keep discussions civil and respectful. He appreciated Bruce Jaffa's comments on democracy. Osenga appreciated all the comments and different sides. He agreed the Chamber of Commerce was doing a great job. It was never a thought that the chamber was not doing good work. McClure noted that council should be on their best behavior as role models. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and council listened to many different viewpoints. McClure noted she had received some angry anonymous phone calls lately and from now on she would require the caller provide their name. On another topic, she was happy about the joint work session with PACAB. Lastly, she spoke in opposition to Valentines Day, but noted she was open to receiving a valentine. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Kris Peck City Clerk v,, u i ' u t,,r Sue McClure ss SEL1;11' y � Maor o ;Lei V.• Fa• • ;� —+— SEAL •=•• 1 1