Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03022026 City Council Special Meeting MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes March 2, 2026 Volume 43, Pa,ge /84 CALL TO ORDER The Monday, March 2, 2026, Special Meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Sue McClure. OPENING CEREMONY Council Member Mike Calhoon led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL There were present: Sue McClure, presiding, and John Osenga Robert Barnwell Julie Crites Catie-Wafner Lori Draper Mike Calhoon comprising a quorum of the Council; and Kat Sorensen, City Manager Sully Jusino, Finance Director Kris Peck, City Clerk Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk Excused — Warner and Crites Absent — None CITIZEN COMMENTS Robert Coleman, inside city limits, encouraged council to take a fiscally responsible approach to budget adjustments. He noted revenue increases and hoped to save the money for future critical needs instead of spending the money now. Another option would be to reduce tax rates to reduce the burden on local residents. He spoke about economic activity in Seward and possible impacts. He hoped council would keep the expenses at the current level. Rhonda Hubbard, inside city limits, spoke to the public having a better understanding of the budget numbers. She wanted more clarification on the personnel costs, the revised contract with the Chamber of Commerce, extra revenues, the 1 % health care tax, and a possible deduction in sales tax or credit. Hubbard spoke in opposition to spending excess revenues. Bruce Jaffa, outside city limits, explained his laydown that he distributed to the clerk and council. He noted Resolution 2026-022 required a fair amount of study. There should not be a rush to spend City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes March 2, 2026 Volume 43, Page 185 money just because it's available. The government should not be in the business of generating excess funding. He spoke in opposition to the resolution. If the city had too much money, he hoped the city would lighten the burden on the taxpayers. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion (Osenga/Draper) Motion Passed UNFINISHED BUSINESS Resolutions Approval of Agenda Unanimous Resolution 2026-022: Amending the FY 2025-2026 Budget to Reflect Mid -Cycle Budget Adjustments and Appropriating Funds [Substitute version] [This resolution was amended and then postponed on February 23, 2026, for the purpose of holding this Special Meeting] Motion (already on the floor) Approve Resolution 2026-022 Amended with Substitute Version City Manager Kat Sorensen explained the mid -cycle budget adjustments that were made to the substitute resolution. She was open to questions or comments. McClure noted this special meeting was called for by Draper and Calhoon. Draper said she had pored over the numbers and noted her findings. She didn't see another way forward other than passing the resolution as is. Calhoon noted the city code requirement of passing a balanced budget. He recalled a previous experience with the Kenai Peninsula Borough regarding sales tax revenue. He hoped for more back and forth questions with the public in the audience. McClure relaxed the rules to allow dialog with the public. There was no objection from council. Council continued to discuss the budget, investments, campground revenue, salaries and positions, overtime, general fund, enterprise funds, and the Chamber of Commerce funding. They noted the upcoming budget talks this summer and hoped for a more conservative approach. Motion as Amended Passed Unanimous City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes March 2, 2026 Volume 43, Page 186 CITIZEN COMMENTS Bruce Jaffa, outside city limits, thanked council for the discussion and for answering his questions and concerns. He supported Calhoon's fiscal restraint. Jaffa supported any relief to the tax paying citizens. In other news, Jaffa provided an update on a recent town hall meeting in Moose Pass regarding senators and representatives. Rhonda Hubbard, inside city limits, hoped council would revisit the motorpool fund and the Chamber of Commerce funding. She looked forward to the next budget cycle. COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Draper thanked everyone for coming out tonight and expressing their views. She wanted to stay on top of the financial reports. Calhoon thanked everyone for coming out and commenting. He wanted to take a conservative look at the upcoming budget. Barnwell echoed the previous comments. Council does spend a lot of time on budgets. He felt the current council lineup was fiscally conservative. He appreciated Sorensen and Jusino for all their work on the budget. Osenga echoed previous comments. He thanked everyone for their time and effort on this budget. McClure echoed previous comments. She also noted Seward was well represented in the legislature and there would be upcoming discussions. McClure also noted the current issues with the borough and the school district. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Kris Peck Sue McClure City Clerk Mayor 'of S E Lj, w:i a v Fps'; --0— a+ a i a • . of ; •'• 5 �` -TT OF,P' P,,,.