Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02182026 PACAB MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisor' Board Meeting Minutes February 18, 2026 Volume 4, Paae /16 CALL TO ORDER The February 18, 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 Chair Bruce Jaffa led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL There were present: Bruce Jaffa, presiding, and Dwayne Atwood Melissa Schutter New -Regis Jesse-Greem Darian Draper comprising a quorum of the Board; and Ryan Anger, Deputy Harbormaster Kristin Wise, Executive Assistant to the City Manager Kris Peck, City Clerk Excused — Regis, Groom Absent — None Vacancy — One CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT — None APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (1st/2"d) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approval of the January 21, 2026, Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes Februar►. 18, 2026 Volume 4, Page 197 SPECIAL ORDERS, REPORTS AND PRESENTATION Proclamations and Awards Former PACAB Vice Chair Ben Smith accepted his Recognition of Service Award. City Administration Report Executive Assistant Kristin Wise highlighted that the Deputy Harbormaster had represented Seward at the Seattle Boat Show. Other Reports and Announcements Alaska Railroad Report Alaska Railroad Seward Port Manager Dwayne Atwood summarized from his written report in the packet. He noted this report included a 2-page layout of the design of the new terminal and dock. Chamber of Commerce Report Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amanda Sweeting updated PACAB on the new 3- year contract with the City of Seward. The 2026 visitor guide was in the works and would include an extra 5,000 copies with the additional city funding. She also described maintenance and repair issues with the visitor center and explained it was due for an overhaul. Presentations Deputy City Manager Jason Bickling presented on the Harbor Uplands Development. Chair Jaffa relaxed the rules to allow Q&A from the audience members. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS Other New Business Discuss lease area to make recommendations to council was postponed. 2026 PACAB Priorities PACAB mentioned the following topics: Commercial fishing, infrastructure, tourism, workforce development, uplands development, heat pump follow up after rate study, SMIC, housing utility costs, and alternative sources of energy, City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes February 18, 2026 Volume 4, Page 108 INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Reminder of Meetings: Regular Meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 CITIZEN COMMENTS Amanda Sweeting, outside city limits, spoke about the cruise ship schedule for 2026. She explained her theory about the uptick in the Chamber of Commerce visitor center numbers. In the current era of artificial intelligence and false information, people liked to get authentic in -person information. Deborah Altermatt, inside city limits, spoke about the PACAB work session and regular meeting formats and suggested work sessions could be held on the first Wednesday of the month. BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Draper liked the focus on the Harbor Uplands project. Schutter thanked Ben Smith for years of service on the board. She thanked Jason Bickling for the presentation on the Harbor Uplands and felt that topic should remain a priority. Atwood appreciated all the discussion and thanked Ben Smith, Darian Draper, and Deborah Altermatt. Jaffa thanked the board members for their attendance. He thanked Kristin Wise for her effort that went into each PACAB meeting. He thanked Darian Draper for joining the board. He looked forward to organizing PACAB priorities. Jaffa announced a Spring Rendezvous in Moose Pass this weekend. Lastly, he thanked Ben Smith for his service on PACAB. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:03 p.m.