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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03182026 PACAB MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes March 18, 2026 Volume 4, Page /99 CALL TO ORDER The March 18, 2026, regular meeting of the Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Vice Chair Dwayne Atwood. OPENING CEREMONY Board Member Norm Regis led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL There were present: Bruce J€€a Dwayne Atwood, presiding Melissa Schutter Norm Regis Jesse Groom Darian Draper Deborah Altermatt comprising a quorum of the Board; and Tony Sieminski, Harbormaster Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk Excused — Jaffa Absent — None Vacant — None CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT - None APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Regis/Groom) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approve February 18th, 2026, 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 March 18, 2026 Volume 4, Page 200 City Administration Report Harbormaster Tony Sieminski spoke on the US Coast Guard Fast Cutter Frederick Mann that will be stationed here in Seward. He noted the ship was here in town for a few days and was looking forward to them visiting Seward more regularly. Other Reports and Announcements Alaska Railroad Report Seward Port Manager Dwayne Atwood summarized from his written report in packet and spoke on the modification of the pedestrian tunnel. He also spoke about other topics that were not in the report such as Metco's side dumps, a cargo ship from Kodiak, and a northbound cargo train departure that was happening today. Chamber of Commerce Report Director of Chamber of Commerce Amanda Sweeting provided updates on the Community Awards, the Mt. Marathon race, and upcoming Chamber of Commerce events. The annual Seward Destination guide was finished and there will be 50,000 copies printed. Presentations Eommereial-Fl-ishing-P-resentation-by-Coppe-14iveFSeafoods/ die- btw The Copper River Seafoods presenter was unable to attend. Sport Fishing Presentation by Mark Clemens UNFINISHED BUSINESS Other Unfinished Business Harbor Uplands Parking and Lease/Public Space Deputy City Manager Jason Bickling provided the feedback and revisions from R&M Engineers and KPB Architects. Discussion focused on uncertainty around the proposed lease area and parking impacts. Bickling noted that details such as the number of lease sites and building height have not yet been determined. Several members emphasized the importance of establishing restrictions, particularly regarding trailer parking and overall space usage, with suggestions to relocate trailers if needed. It was clarified that incoming trailers from Anchorage must remain attached to vehicles. Concerns were raised about parking capacity, including how many spaces the lease area could accommodate, proximity to the harbor, and the inability to expand parking. Schutter shared City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes March 18, 2026 Volume 4, Page 201 feedback indicating that the plan may result in a slight increase in parking rather than a loss, though interest in lease sites and potential alternative locations was also mentioned. Additional questions included the number of ADA-accessible spaces and the need for designated loading areas, which received support. The group concluded with guidance from Bickling to review the upcoming council presentation for further direction on next steps. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Regular Meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 CITIZEN COMMENTS Bob Linville, inside city limits, expressed concern about the lack of commercial fishing presence and infrastructure in Seward's harbor. He highlighted a major gap in harbor infrastructure, specifically the absence of a crane and drive -down dock —features common in other coastal communities. He also argued that existing harbor design plans fail to account for these needs and warned that leasing out available waterfront space for non -harbor -dependent businesses could eliminate the opportunity to add this critical infrastructure in the future. He proposed preserving space for a drive -down dock with crane access, citing successful examples in other ports, and stressed that such improvements would enhance safety, efficiency, and usability for fishermen. He spoke on how important commercial fishing is to the community and raised concerns about the lack of opportunities for younger generations in Seward to enter the fishing industry due to the limited local fleet. Amanda Sweeting, outside city limits, thanked the group for the presentation and shared her connection to Seward, including building a home and moving her parents there. She said she is still learning about the commercial fishing industry and would like to meet with local fishermen to better represent them through the Chamber. She emphasized the importance of waterfront infrastructure and explained the role of the Destination Stewardship Committee in managing tourism. She also noted that about 47% of Seward's sales tax comes from tourism. She encouraged community members to work with the Chamber, which can help support local ideas and advocacy efforts. Randy McFarland, inside city limits, asked about the history behind the five vendor spaces and the placement of the shuttle bus in the harbor area. He learned that vendor locations were approved by the council through the clerk's office, while the bus stop was handled through the parking department. He expressed concern that the shuttle bus location may block loading zones and sit in a fire lane, questioning its necessity since nearby bus parking already exists. Staff explained the placement was part of past efforts to manage bus congestion, though it remains an ongoing issue with increased bus traffic. imp City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisor► Board Meeting Minutes March 18, 2026 Volume 4, Page 202 BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Altermatt stated it was great to be back on PACAB after many years. She thanked Bob Linville for speaking about the cranes in the harbor. She said the commercial fishing industry is very important in our town. Regis stated how nice it is to have a full board and appreciated the presentation from Mark Clemens. He commented on harbor cranes, drive down docks, and grids. Funding was essential to the crane and maybe one could be implemented on I dock. Schutter commented on Altermatt being on the board and thanked Mark Clemens for his presentation and information from Amanda Sweeting and the Stewardship Committee. She appreciated Bob's comments on the crane and was happy to hear it was brought up again and on what Amanda stated on the 47% sales tax. Thanked Randy for the parking/bus issue and enforcing dedicated parking for them. Draper thanked the citizens for speaking and thanked Mark Clemens for his presentation. He also thanked Amanda Sweeting, Jason Bickling, Randy McFarland, and Bob Linville for speaking and for all their hard work. Groom thanked Amanda Sweeting for her Chamber of Commerce report. He thanked Mark Clemens for his presentation, and thanked Bob Linville for his comments. Atwood thanked all the public for speaking and providing thoughtful comments. It was helpful to get the commercial fishing perspective. He noted the motorcoach staging station areas around town and hoped for more discussion on this. Sieminski noted there was no shortage of issues that needed to be addressed. He thanked Bob Linville for his comments on the crane, and explained some of the process involving funding. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:42 p.m. way - Atw Vice hair