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Home My WebLink About08102026 City Council PacketCity Council Meeting Agenda August 10, 2026 1 | P a g e The City of Seward, Alaska CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA City Council Chambers, 410 Adams Street Mayor Sue McClure Vice Mayor John Osenga Council Member Robert Barnwell Council Member Julie Crites Council Member Casie Warner Council Member Lori Draper Council Member Mike Calhoon City Manager Kat Sorensen Deputy City Manager Jason Bickling City Clerk Kris Peck City Attorney Sam Severin Monday, August 10, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS 5. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING (Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak. Time is limited to 3 minutes per speaker and 36 minutes total time for this agenda item) 6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA & CONSENT AGENDA (*Approval of Consent Agenda passes all items listed. Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a council member requests an item be moved to New Business) A. Minutes of Preceding Meetings 1) *Approval of the July 27, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes…………………..4 B. Introduction of Ordinances – None C. Resolutions – None D. Other Items 1) *No grounds for protest for the AMCO liquor license renewal for the Alaska Seafood Grill ………………………………………………………………………..12 7. IN-PERSON REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS A. City Manager Report …………………………………………………………………….14 B. City Clerk Report ………………………………………………………………………...27 C. City Attorney Report …………………………………………………………………….29 D. Presentations – None City Council Meeting Agenda August 10, 2026 2 | P a g e 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Public hearing comments are limited to five minutes per person. After all speakers have spoken, a person may speak for a second time for no more than one minute.) A. Ordinances for Enactment 1) Ordinance 2026-007: Amending Seward City Code 15.10.140 Definitions and 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed for Marijuana Establishments ……………………….31 B. Resolutions Requiring Public Hearing 1) Resolution 2026-064: Approving an Amendment to the 2025 Electric Utility Tariff Establishing a Heat Pump Rate [Postponed on July 27, 2026. A second public hearing will be held due to requests from the public.] ………………………………………..40 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – Resolution 2026-064 will be preceded by Public Hearing #2 10. NEW BUSINESS A. Ordinances for Introduction – None B. Resolutions – None C. Other New Business 1) Discuss Electric Department updates with Brian Hickey and Russ Hissom 2) Discuss political sign rules and regulations [Sponsored by Calhoon] 11. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS A. Other items 1) Updated roster for Council, P&Z, PACAB, and Historic Preservation …………51 2) 2026 Election Schedule ……………………………………………………………..52 3) Primary Election Absentee Voting Poster for City Hall ………………………….53 B. Upcoming City Council Meetings 1) Regular Meeting on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. 12. CITIZEN COMMENTS (There is no sign in for this comment period. Time is limited to five minutes per speaker) 13. COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO CITIZEN COMMENTS 14. EXECUTIVE SESSION 1) City Manager Annual Evaluation 15. ADJOURNMENT City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes July 27, 2026 Volume 43, Page CALL TO ORDER The July 27, 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 Calhoon comprising a quorum of the Council; and Kat Sorensen, City Manager Jason Bickling, Deputy City Manager Kris Peck, City Clerk Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk Excused – Crites Absent – None PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS – None CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Lynda Paquette, outside city limits, introduced herself as the applicant for PACAB. Amanda Sweeting, outside city limits, spoke on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. She updated City Council on upcoming community events and programs. Lori Landstrom, outside city limits, thanked City Council for drafting their letter of support for reducing the Nash Road speed limit to 45 mph. She hoped the letter could include support for a crosswalk at the intersection of Nash Road and the Seward Highway. On another topic, she spoke in support of the City utilizing the Middle School as a recreation center. 4 City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes July 27, 2026 Volume 43, Page APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Osenga/Calhoon) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approval of the July 13, 2026, City Council Meeting Minutes Introduction of Ordinance 2026-007: Amending Seward City Code 15.10.140 Definitions and 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed for Marijuana Establishments No grounds for protest for the AMCO liquor license renewal for Gateway Liquor & Food Mart IN-PERSON REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS City Manager Report City Manager Kat Sorensen addressed the letter of support for reducing the Nash Road speed limit and confirmed there were no objections from Council to adding a note about supporting the crosswalk. Sorensen also addressed rules and regulations regarding political signs inside city limits for both residential and commercial properties. City Clerk Report City Clerk Kris Peck noted the report was in three separate parts. These items included the filing period to run for election as a City Council member, the schedule for 2026 elections, and lastly the student profiles for the incoming exchange students from Obihiro, Japan. Peck also announced that the State of Alaska had chosen the Seward Community Library as the polling location for 2026. The Absentee In Person voting would still take place at City Hall. Presentations - None PUBLIC HEARINGS Ordinances for Enactment Ordinance 2026-006: Amending the Seward City Code Title 3 Personnel Chapter 3.01.035 Definitions and Chapter 3.05.015 Responsibility and Authority Motion (Osenga/Barnwell) Enact Ordinance 2026-006 5 City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes July 27, 2026 Volume 43, Page Human Resources Manager Ashleigh Lipsey explained the current City Code language regarding the HR Manager was incorrect. The HR Manager was actually not a director and Human Resources was not a city department. Rather, the position has always been within City Administration. The second component to the ordinance was replacing the granular job duties with broader language. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. No one appeared and the public hearing was closed. Motion Passed Unanimous Resolutions Requiring Public Hearing Resolution 2026-064: Approving an Amendment to the 2025 Electric Utility Tariff Establishing a Heat Pump Rate Motion (Osenga/Draper) Approve Resolution 2026-064 Electric Department Supervisor Taylor Crocker said he had worked with PACAB over the past year looking into a good heat pump rate for the community. He summarized the idea behind the new heat pump rate and how it required a subtract meter. Seward could be the first community on the Railbelt to have a heat pump rate. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. Lori Landstrom, outside city limits, currently has two heat pumps and noted her electric bill had gone up with the heat pumps. She was in favor of incentive rates and programs to allow lower income folks get heat pumps installed. Regarding this specific resolution, she liked the idea of a heat pump rate, however she was not in favor of the subtract meters or the $10 monthly fee. This would reduce the monthly savings to the home owners. She hoped the City’s new smart meters would provide enough data without having to install the expensive subtract meters. Phil Kaluza, inside city limits, handed out a written testimony to the Clerk. Kaluza spoke about fairness, smart meters, monthly fees, power usage, and other factors regarding this heat pump rate. He explained some math regarding heat pumps in a typical house in Seward. The small user ends up losing $26 a year and were better off not participating in this rate. No one else appeared and the public hearing was closed. Calhoon asked Crocker to please explain why the City was pushing heat pumps. Crocker responded that PACAB had been pushing heat pumps as a way to stop using fossil fuels. The Electric Department loved to sell electricity, but were also looking for ways to save some folks some money. Crocker also noted the privacy features of the smart meters. 6 City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes July 27, 2026 Volume 43, Page Calhoon felt that owning a heat pump should be the reward in and of itself, without any further incentives. He compared it to driving a more efficient automobile. Calhoon also noted the fiscal impact might be unknown rather than being listed as no impact. Sorensen explained the heat pump incentive program in Cordova and economy of scale. The idea was not necessarily to reward those who already have heat pumps, but rather to lower the reliance on diesel fuel. McClure noted that even with heat pumps, the electricity was still generated from burning fossil fuels such as natural gas. Draper spoke about the benefits to the environment and agreed about not having the $10 metering payback fees. Crocker added that a rate study expert Russ Hissom would be visiting Seward on August 10, 2026 and could speak at the regular City Council meeting that night. McClure motioned to postpone this resolution until August 10, 2026. Motion to Postpone Unanimous UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS Resolutions Resolution 2026-065: Authorizing the City Manager to Sign an Agreement with the Kenai Peninsula Borough to Lease the Former Seward Middle School Facility in the Amount of $233,000 and Appropriating Funds Motion (Osenga/Warner) Approve Resolution 2026-065 Sorensen explained the lease and the maintenance responsibilities that the City would incur. She confirmed the electric meters in the middle school were accurate. Sorensen was excited about the potential for this building as a recreation center. McClure asked about current sports and recreation memberships being transferred over from the AVTEC gym to the Middle School. Sports & Recreation Manager Russ White said the memberships would apply to both facilities. AVTEC would still remain open but not as frequently. Calhoon asked about the interest level of other organizations renting out some of the spaces in the Middle School. Sorensen replied there was a lot of interest and the focus would be on non-profit organizations. McClure noted the rentals would recoup some of the operating costs. 7 City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes July 27, 2026 Volume 43, Page Draper supported the idea, and noted the community was also in favor of this idea. However, she wondered if the overall price tag could be reduced from $233,000. Council discussed with city staff about the funding needed as a start up amount. Resolution 2026-065 was amended to lower the total appropriation cost from $233,000 to $150,000 Council continued to discuss personnel costs, Parks & Rec programming, revenue, expenditures, and the utility costs of the building. Deputy City Manager Jason Bickling provided information on the City’s exit strategy and summarized past discussion on the controversial gate between the Middle School and the High School. Motion Passed Unanimous Council recessed the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Council resumed the meeting at 8:10 p.m. Resolution 2026-066: Authorizing the City Manager to Fund LONG Building Technologies for a Building Automation Controls Upgrade and Steam Humidifier Replacement for the Seward Community Library & Museum in the Amount of $175,366.85 and Appropriating Funds Motion (Osenga/Barnwell) Approve Resolution 2026-066 Sorensen summarized the history of the difficult climate controls in the library and the museum. McClure noted this heating system had been problematic since the very beginning. The valuable museum artifacts needed protection with dialed in humidity controls. Draper shared her experience of the extreme temperatures in the library fluctuated from either too hot or too cold. Barnwell addressed the warranty information in the fine print. Sorensen noted the initial company unfortunately went out of business shortly after the library was built, which compounded the maintenance issues. Motion Passed Unanimous Resolution 2026-067: Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment B to the Professional Services Agreement with Northern Compass Group, LLC, for Consulting Services for the Electric Department in an Amount Not to Exceed $50,000 and Appropriating Funds Motion (Osenga/Warner) Approve Resolution 2026-067 8 City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes July 27, 2026 Volume 43, Page Sorensen explained this agreement started in 2025 at $5,000 a month. She summarized the public engagement that the Northen Compass Group had contributed such as focus groups, community surveys, and organizing the town hall meetings. Initially, Sorensen thought the monthly agreement would be a shorter timeframe. She wanted to bring this resolution forward to proceed with Northern Compass Group for community engagement for the future of the electric utility. Council and the Sorensen discussed detailed financial reports and the original contract with the Northern Compass Group. Sorensen provided the original contract as laydown item. Draper had noted on the contract the phase 1 flat fee of $5,000 was actually $5,000 per month. Sorensen explained the city’s purchasing code about not to exceed $30,000 without council approval. The discussion continued about amending the current contract or bringing forward a totally new contract. Barnwell had some issues with this contract, namely he didn’t recall Council agreeing to having a PR group for the Electric Department. Sorensen responded it was a budgetary decision to spend money on communications and consulting work. She added that $31,000 had been spent in 2025 and $25,000 had been spent so far in 2026. Barnwell also noted the City was already paying quite a bit of money for contracting Brian Hickey and Taylor Crocker to work on the utility. Sorensen clarified that those two specialists were busy managing the electric utility, while Northen Compass Group was focused on communications and consulting. Sorensen wanted to be open and transparent about the future of the utility and not repeat past mistakes which had caused divisiveness in the community. Barnwell still felt the contract was a little spendy. It seemed to him like the city staff was doing most of the heavy lifting. Sorensen clarified that Northern Compass Group does a lot of time- consuming work behind-the-scenes like aggregating information and creating reports. Calhoon clarified it was month-to-month contract, not to exceed 10 months for $50,000. Motion Passed Unanimous Resolution 2026-068: Authorizing the City Manager to Accept a Proposal from Mercury Associates for a Comprehensive Fleet Assessment in the Amount of $44,140 and Appropriating Funds Motion (Osenga/Calhoon) Approve Resolution 2026-068 Sorensen explained this fleet assessment was about the motor pool and why it was beneficial to have a third-party company perform this type of assessment. This comprehensive fleet assessment would help plan the future of the motor pool. Calhoon thought this fleet assessment would help the City spend the motor pool funds properly. Motion Passed Unanimous 9 City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes July 27, 2026 Volume 43, Page Other New Business Lynda Paquette was appointed to PACAB for a term set to expire January 2029. [Clerk’s note: This was the first PACAB appointment made with the term expiration date being shifted to January.] INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Other Items Letter of Support for Nash Road speed limit being reduced to 45 mph Upcoming City Council Meetings Regular Meeting on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. CITIZEN COMMENTS Rhonda Hubbard, inside city limits, commented on the motor pool fund. She felt some of the City’s vehicle purchases were too fancy and spoke in favor of getting only the basic editions. On another topic, she appreciated the discussion on Parks & Rec and the Middle School being utilized as a community center. Lastly, she spoke in opposition to the bed tax being used to support the Chamber of Commerce. Seward did not need any more marketing at this point. COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Sorensen responded to the citizen comment by saying the fleet assessment would look into more standardized purchasing. This also including buying all one type of vehicle to make maintenance and finding parts easier. Sorensen thanked everyone for a great meeting and noted she was looking forward to the Middle School being utilized in the winter months. Bickling thanked City Council for their work tonight. Draper was excited about the possibilities of the Middle School as a community center. She appreciated all the ideas presented in the joint work session about short-term rentals. Draper also spoke about a great bluegrass music camp in town this week. Lastly, she hoped for a way for the public speakers to leave contact information. Calhoon appreciated all the information on housing and heat pumps. He complimented Parks & Rec and the Electric Department for their good work. He was looking forward to the new budget cycle. Calhoon was excited for the Middle School to become a community center, but would also be happy to see it return to being the Middle School someday. He thanked the Planning & Zoning Commission for their time this evening. Calhoon also shared that the American Legion had a great 10 City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes July 27, 2026 Volume 43, Page time hosting the crew of the USCGC Alex Haley. He encouraged residents to welcome the crew and make them feel at home. Warner thanked the public for coming to the joint work session on short-term rentals. Warner was also excited about the Middle School building being a great asset for the community. She liked the consolidated location for teen and youth activities. Warner looked forward to what would become of the vacated space underneath the Senior Center. Barnwell thanked P&Z and the public for coming in for the joint work session. He noted the Middle School needed a new name. He echoed Calhoon’s feelings about losing a school, and hoped it would someday be filled with students again. Barnwell spoke about the application process to run for City Council. He encouraged people to apply for council and said it was a great experience to be a council member. Osenga thanked Public Works and Metco for their work on the waterfall in the heavy rain. He wished the anglers good luck on the upcoming Silver Salmon Derby. McClure thanked P&Z and the public for their input during the joint work session. She echoed Draper’s comments about the great music camp. She appreciated all the maintenance work that went into the waterfall tunnel area during the rain storm. She noted the tunnel repairs that were scheduled for this winter. She wished everyone a happy beginning to the upcoming Silver Salmon Derby. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. _____________________________ _________________________________ Kris Peck Sue McClure City Clerk Mayor 11 AGENDA STATEMENT Meeting Date:August 10, 2026 From:Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk Agenda Item:No protest of License Renewal Application from Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office (AMCO) BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: The Seward City Council has the opportunity to protest to the License Renewal Application for Restaurant or Eating Place, located at 1321 Fourth Avenue, for the following business: Business:Alaska Seafood Grill Licensee:Seward Lodging III, LLC Type:Restaurant or Eating Place License:3021 The City of Seward Police Department, Fire Department, Finance Department, Utilities Offices, and City Clerk's Office have reviewed the state's application for the License Renewal Application for this business to determine if there was a reason to protest. From these reviews, there was found: No protest. The reason to protest: None FISCAL NOTE: In the event the City of Seward chooses to file a protest for the above License Renewal Application, then under Alaska Statutes AS 04.11.480(a), the City of Seward will be required to assist in or undertake the defense of its protest. RECOMMENDATION: No protest of License Renewal Application for Alaska Seafood Grill #3021, Restaurant or Eating Place. 12 M E M O R A N D U M Date:July 15, 2026 To:Utilities Staff James Schaefermeyer Chief Louis Tiner Chief Clinton Crites Kris Peck Electric / Water Utilities Finance/Leases Police Department Fire Department City Clerk From:Jodi Kurtz Deputy City Clerk RE:Reviewing compliance for the License Renewal Application of a liquor/marijuana license for Restaurant or Eating Place The following business has applied for a liquor/marijuana license with the State of Alaska. Please review for compliance with your department and notate the status as "no protest" or "reason to protest". If there is a reason to protest, include the explanation since this will need to be included for council's review and in the letter to the State Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office. Thank you. Licensee:Seward Lodging III, LLC Doing Business As:Alaska Seafood Grill Type of License:Restaurant or Eating Place License Number:3021 Physical Address:1321 Fourth Avenue Department Status Reviewed By Date Utilities-Water No Protest Utility Water Staff July 16, 2026 Utilities-Electric No Protest Utility Electric Staff July 16, 2026 Finance/Leases No Protest Nancy Hulbert July 17, 2026 Police No Protest Chief Louis Tiner July 16, 2026 Fire F.I.July 17, 2026,No Protest Fire Chief Clinton Crites July 27, 2026 City Clerk No Protest Jodi Kurtz July 30, 2026 Reason to protest this application, if any: None Deadline for protest: September 6, 2026 (60 days from AMCO letter date) Last regular council meeting for review: August 24, 202613 City Manager Report Administration Forest Acres Afognak Subdivision Update. The following communications were recently sent to the property owners. We thought it would be good to update council as well: There are a series of tasks / processes that are interdependent that we are not totally in control of that have slowed progress. We have made a number of discoveries along the way that have put additional steps into the requirements – which again has delayed getting things to a place of being able to develop. Here is my best explanation of where we currently stand and what we have left to do based on what we know now. • A new plat of the area is required for multiple reasons o Borough Requirement - to remove the plat note from the properties that say they must be hooked up to city sewer (this is the part that the Borough gave us mis-information originally – we were originally told that this could be done by petition and then were denied by the Borough from being put on the planning agenda when a petition was submitted) After the discoveries below – we would have had to do a new plat anyway but it would have saved time if we had been given the correct information up front and be able to embark on this process much earlier and made some of these discoveries sooner. o In going over the needs of the new plat with public works, electric, and community development (standard internal process):  A number of properties don’t have the needed utility easements and those need to be added (for roads, water, and electric)  In a couple of spots, there are road width issues that need to be resolved (40’ and 50’ with difference on same section of road) and need to have easements to compensate  It was determined in the road engineering process that we needed to do a land swap with Afognak to be able to construct roads (that meet Borough standards) and cul-de-sacs and have space for snow removal and maintenance. We had to approach them and have a back and forth to come to a preliminary agreement. That preliminary agreement was approved by council on June 22nd, and we are in the 30-day window that code requires before we can move forward with 14 the actual contract. All of the land swap changes are required to be in the new plat (or else we aren’t allowed to build the roads). • Once the land swap is ﬁnalized, we will hire a surveyor to do surveying and create the new plat (which includes all of the above changes), which will then have to go through both the City Planning and Zoning and then through the Borough Planning Commission for approval (3–6-month process) • Order of Operations (once we have the ﬁnalized plat) –1. Water, 2. Roads, 3. Electric o Waterline – we are still working on ﬁnalizing the design, it will need to be engineered (can’t be fully engineered until we have easements established from the plat), then an RFP be put out. When we get the ﬁnal estimate, we will be notifying the beneﬁtting property owners about the additional assessment. For adequate access and hydrant coverage, we are looking at putting an additional stub line up Oak from Cottonwood. There are some property owners that will need to run a longer service line (those that do not border Cottonwood or Afognak) – I talked with Metco and this is something they can do. o Roads – cannot be constructed until after the waterline is installed – RFP will be put out for that. (We will put out the RFP for the roads and water line at the same time. Most of our RFPs for both roads and water work are awarded to the same company and so it’s something they or some other company could knock out together.) o Electric will go after the roads are completed • Septic Systems o We have reached out to the Borough (a number of times over the last 3 months with no response) on clariﬁcation about septic systems, speciﬁcally for those with half acre lots, given the introduction of the water line. Speciﬁcally, the requirement of having to demonstrate that there needs to be room for a replacement leach ﬁeld. In talking with installers, this is not something we worry about in Seward. Additionally, I have seen septic systems installed outside of city limits recently that have not met this space requirement. I feel like we shouldn’t be held to a different standard inside city limits. This affects us being able to tell people where they can put their house at this time. This has the most impact on those with sub 40,000 square foot lots. • Building Permits o Once a site has roads, electric, water, and septic – a building permit can be obtained. 15 What property owners can do in the meantime to prepare for development: • Meet with Community Development about development requirements on your property for what you are thinking about building and where on your property you’d like to build it. Courtney Bringhurst is our City Planner, and her office is located upstairs in City Hall. 224-4020 cbringhurst@cityofseward.net • Meet with the City Building Official about what the city requires for what types of plans are required and permitting requirements. His name is Jeremy Rogers, and his office is at the Fire Department. 224-4075 jrogers@cityofseward.net • Consult with a certiﬁed septic installer to collect information about where good places might be to potentially place your septic system and other associated logistics and requirements (soil sampling, engineering, etc.) The city cannot refer anyone. I know that Kevin Quitberg can give a reference for the person that he used and he seemed very pleased with. State Certiﬁed installer list is here: Current Certiﬁed Installer List | AK Dept. of Environmental Conservation. • Additionally, if you have two half acre lots, that you plan on developing as one, you may want to look into removing the lot line for development (speciﬁcally restrictions for septic systems). If you do need to go that route, Courtney can give you information on that as well. Finance Department As required by the Seward Municipal Code 6.05.010, the following purchase orders between $5,000 and $30,000 has been approved by the City Manager since the last council meeting: Budget Process All residents of Seward are encouraged to take the survey in the month of July and share their input on the budget process. The survey link: Fill | Seward Community Budget Survey for 2027 and 2028 16 Fire Department The Seward Fire Department was happy to donate damaged ﬁre hose to the Alaska Sea Life Center to be made into toys for the sea life critters. Lots of great training is happening at the Fire Department: A new Wildland Fire Pump acquired through the 2026 Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant was placed into service and ﬁreﬁghters refreshed their skills at Hazmat Decontamination operations. The idea of a portable ﬁre-ﬁghting device dates back to the 1st century AD, when a bellows-driven water nozzle was built. Remember the PASS method for using a ﬁre extinguisher effectively: Pull the pin to unlock the extinguisher. Aim the nozzle at the base of the ﬁre, not the ﬂames. Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. Sweep the nozzle from side to side until the ﬁre is out. Emergency Responses for the Year 2026: 245 Fire and Life Safety Inspections 2026: 313 Fire & Life Safety Code Violations 2026: 98 Building permits YTD: 46 with a valuation of $6,061,452 Police Department Police Department Statistics YTD* PATROL Written Reports: 181 Criminal Charges: 65 Minor Offense Citations: 343 Motor Vehicle Accidents: 16 Hazmat Decontamination Training 17 DISPATCH Event/Incident/Service Calls: 2709 911 Calls: 401 Conditional Offer of Employment issued and accepted for open Police Dispatcher position. DMV Driver License and Identification Cards: 746 Motor Vehicle Registrations: 1169 Boat Registrations: 80 Road Tests: 37 PATROL Hiring Progress – Accepting applications for Patrol Officer Positions. • Officers Dory and Rosa attend Sitka Public Safety Academy • Patrol Officer applicant issued Conditional Offer of Employment expected to start August 17 as newest officer • Interview scheduled for newest applicant CYCLING SAFETY TIPS • Prioritize visibility! • Wear properly ﬁtted safety equipment! • Ride defensively! Seward Police Officers are out in the community rewarding young people with ice cream and gelato gift cards when they’re seen making safe and smart decisions. Library & Museum Museum Updates: The Seward Museum welcomes State of Alaska’s traveling exhibit: “Fields of Dreams: Baseball in America’s Far North.” The Seward Museum will host this exhibit from now until – August 28, 2026. Presented as innings, the exhibit explores Alaska’s unique baseball history and its evolution in places such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, Nome, and of course, Seward. 18 If there’s a subject you’d like to see on display, please reach out to the Library and Museum—we’d love to make it happen! Library Updates: Summer Reading Program: May 21 – August 12, 2026 The Seward Community Library & Museum is planting the seeds for a fantastic summer! Join us for the 2026 Summer Reading Program, Plant a Seed, Read, running from May 21 through August 12. This year’s theme celebrates the journey from farm to table—just as a farm nourishes our bodies, the library nourishes our minds. Stories help us grow, connect us to our families and communities, and remind us how ideas take root and ﬂourish. All summer long, the library becomes our shared community table where we feast on imagination. Sign up at the front desk or on Beanstack to track your reading, attend weekly events, and win prizes all summer long (while supplies last). It’s a season of growth, curiosity, and fun…come read with us! Last year our community achieved a record-breaking ﬁve months of continuous reading…let’s see if we can beat it this summer! Sign up at the front desk or with the link below and pick up your free SRP swag bag starting May 21st at SCLM: https://sewardcommunitylibrary.beanstack.com/reader365 Libraries Transforming Communities Accessibility Grant Community Conversation The Seward Community Library & Museum recently received a Libraries Transforming Communities grant from the American Library Association to help us make our spaces, programs, and collections more accessible for community members in the disability community. Before we move forward, we want to make sure that the priorities we identiﬁed in our proposal truly reﬂect what our community needs—and that we invest these funds in the ways that will be most meaningful and helpful. We want to hear directly from disabled community members and those who support them. Join us for a community conversation. We want guidance on sensory-friendly spaces, adaptive materials, communication supports, and other accessibility improvements. We have two meeting dates scheduled. Please come to whichever one works better for your schedule! Monday, August 3 and August 10, both scheduled in the community room from 4–5 pm. This will be a public meeting, and we highly encourage individuals in the disability community to join as well. 19 What we’re hoping to learn: We want to hear directly from you about barriers you experience at the library or museum, what support you would like to see, and what kinds of programs, spaces, or materials would help you feel welcome, included, and able to fully participate. Your guidance will shape every step of this project. What the grant is designed to support: Our proposal focuses on patrons with physical, visual, developmental, and sensory disabilities; autistic individuals; and adults living with dementia. Through staff observations and community feedback, we identiﬁed several challenges that patrons currently face, including overstimulating environments, limited adaptive materials, communication barriers, minimal sensory-friendly spaces, and a lack of dementia-friendly programming. Although we originally proposed the following allocations in our grant application, we have until August 31 to adjust or reallocate these funds based on what this community conversation brings forward: • $4,000 for furniture and equipment, such as a sensory nook or quiet “shush booth,” low-stimulation seating, and other sensory-friendly materials • $2,500 for part-time supported employment for a local community member with a disability • $1,500 for collection development and adaptive programming, including AAC devices, one-handed tools, adaptive software, and sensory items • $1,500 for staff training in disability inclusion, autism and dementia-friendly service, and accessible digital communication • $500 for community conversation outreach, incentives, and accommodations • $10,000 total This conversation will help us determine whether these are still the right priorities or if the community would like us to shift focus within the allowable changes. Our goals: • Remove physical, sensory, and communication barriers for patrons across disabilities • Create sustainable accessible programs, inclusive spaces, and adaptive recreational opportunities • Equip staff with training and conﬁdence to support patrons with diverse needs • Build an accessibility-focused collection and program toolkit • Strengthen trust, belonging, and connection by ensuring disabled patrons guide this work at every stage Your voice matters deeply to us. This project will only be successful if it is shaped by the experiences, insights, and priorities of the people it is meant to support. 20 Can't join in person? Join us on Zoom! Topic: LTC Accessibility Grant Community Conversation Time: Aug 3 and August 10th, 2026 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Every week on Mon, until Aug 10, 2026 Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72510281548 Meeting ID: 725 1028 1548 Summer Reading Program News and Upcoming Events: Summer Reading Program Prize entries due August 12, 10 AM – 6 PM End of Summer Reading Program Pizza Party August 13, 10 AM – 12 PM (SCLM Community Room) Celebrate the end of an amazing summer with great food and fun! Join us for our End of Summer Pizza Party as we wrap up the summer reading program in style. Please make sure to turn in your reading logs at the library’s front desk beforehand. Then come enjoy a delicious feast with friends and family. It’s the perfect way to close out a season of reading, learning, and community fun! Summer Reading Program Update 295 registered, 293,915 minutes read (204.1 days = 6.7 months), 302 people registered for the SRP, 147 program attendances, 97 people completed the SRP, 60 book reviews submitted. Once goals are met, readers should continue reading as they are entered in various raffle prizes and the top reader overall gets a challenge coin and a Patagonia 55l currant blue duffel bag generously donated from Forests, Tides & Treasures. After-Event Debrief: Summer Programming Highlights Nature Color Wheel (July 22) The Nature Color Wheel workshop with artist Marissa Beck was a creative, hands-on success, with participants fully engaged in exploring natural materials. Attendees enjoyed discovering new ways to observe color and left with unique, nature-inspired creations. Paws & Pages (July 23) Paws & Pages was a heartwarming event where young readers connected beautifully with shelter animals, creating a calm and joyful atmosphere. Kids built reading conﬁdence while giving the pets meaningful companionship, making the experience rewarding for everyone involved. Food Portraits (July 30) The Food Portraits program at the Teen Rec Room was lively and imaginative, with teens 21 enthusiastically crafting self-portraits from snacks. The activity sparked creativity and laughter, resulting in fun, edible artwork and a great shared experience. Continued Ongoing Events o 2 Movies@2 PM | Everyday | 2pm o Lego Lounge | Mondays| 3-4pm o Chess | Tuesdays | 12:00pm-1:00pm o Play and Chat | Thursdays | 10:30-11:45am o Storytime | Fridays | 12:30pm Public Works Construction Updates: • Elm Street and Ash Street are complete including paving. Public works will restripe as we do the next painting projects. • The Hypochlorite building across the bay is online and operating. We are still waiting for some miscellaneous building pieces before this project can be completed. • The contractor has completed the foundation work at the New Lowell Canyon Water Storage Tank and the new tank walls are being erected. Anticipated project completion is at the end of September. • The projects for disinfection, water meters, Lowell Point lagoon blowers, and the Birch Street water main replacement are all underway with design, RFP, or distribution. City Shop is working hard on equipment upgrades, preventative maintenance and several repairs. Water-Wastewater Department is also back to full strength and taking care of business. The EPA mandated “Lead-Copper Inventory” is very time consuming and we are having to go house to house and business to business to record required information. We thank the Seward residents and businesses in advance for all help and cooperation to complete the project. Building Maintenance and Custodians are keeping up on the custodial tasks at City Hall and the Annex as well working outside quite a bit with the improved weather. 22 Street Department The Street Department continues to complete drainage improvements with ditching and culvert maintenance. Grading gravel roads and clearing brush will continue through the summer season. We are back to a full street department crew and working at full strength. Seward Harbor/SMIC No major incidents have been reported within the Harbor or SMIC. Status on leases/Permits - AT&T lease renewal – they have sent in their concerns, and we are working with an attorney. We will bring this before SCC as soon as we ﬁnalize; Jag lease extension is under their review but been moved to an “on hold” status. One other new lease within SMIC area is being discussed and they are navigating the permitting and paperwork needed to move forward. The Harbor crew has been working on several maintenance items within the Harbor and SMIC as weather allows. The public is encouraged to call the office with any concerns or questions relating to any services provided by the Harbor or within the area. The 70th Annual Seward Silver Salmon Derby starts on August 8 and will run nine days and end at noon on August 16. 23 Work at North Dock has continued to be very active. We strongly encourage any users to call the office before using that facility to avoid any conﬂicts. Some vendors made their request 4 to 6 months prior to use. On July 20 the Coast Guard awarded their contract to Orion Construction for the construction of housing and cutter support building in preparation for the Frederick Mann in Seward. This is scheduled to be a multi-year project with a completion date of January 2028. Community Development Planning and Zoning Commission The Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 4th. One resolution was on the agenda. The outcome was not known at the time this report was written. Resolution 2026-009 of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska, granting a Conditional Use Permit to Major Marine Tours LLC to construct a third employee bunkhouse on Tract B, Leirer Industrial Subdivision, located at 1804 Leirer Road within the Industrial (I) zoning district. The Commission's next work session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18th. Agenda topics include a ﬁnal review of the proposed Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application and recommended code updates, as well as a discussion of future land use categories for the Comprehensive Plan. Staff Activities & Partnerships Staff are continuing the drafting process for the updated Seward Comprehensive Plan. Staff convened a selection committee to evaluate proposals submitted for the Wayﬁnding Design Services RFP. At the time of this report, staff are conducting reference checks and preparing a recommendation for City Council. Staff submitted the department's FY 2027/2028 budget request. Staff are continuing development of the GIS Story Map for the Historic Walking Tour. Staff developed a new public permit and application resource that identiﬁes each City permit and application, along with the department responsible for administering it. The resource is now available on the City's website. 24 Other The Kenai Peninsula Borough currently has an opening on the Borough Planning Commission. Residents interested in serving are encouraged to apply. The Planning Commission plays an important role in reviewing land use applications, subdivisions, and zoning matters, and in making recommendations to the Borough Assembly. More information and application materials are available on the Borough’s website: https://www.kpb.us/local-governance-and-permitting/leadership-governance/planning- commission/planning-commission-application Electric Department New Equipment & Material Storage Facility Complete The KC Corporation has completed construction of our new equipment and material storage shed at the City Express Yard. This new facility will allow us to store cable, transformers, and other critical electrical equipment out of the weather, helping to protect valuable assets and improve response times during outages. In the past, when a transformer failed during the winter months, crews occasionally had to chip replacement transformers out of the ice before they could restore service. With the new storage facility, that will no longer be an issue, allowing our crews to respond more safely and efficiently during emergency situations. Electric Utility Financial Deep Dive Sessions We have received a strong level of interest from community members for the Seward Electric Future Financial Deep Dive sessions scheduled for August 10 and 11. These workshops provide an opportunity for customers to spend approximately ﬁve hours reviewing the ﬁnancial forecasts and assumptions behind each potential future direction for the electric utility. We sincerely appreciate the willingness of community members to dedicate their time to understanding these complex issues. Their participation reﬂects the community's commitment to helping shape the future of Seward's electric utility through informed discussion and thoughtful engagement. Second Community Survey Coming Soon The second community survey regarding the future of the Seward Electric Utility is expected to be released by the end of August. We intentionally delayed the survey until 25 after the ﬁnancial information could be presented to the public, allowing participants to make more informed decisions based on the available data. We encourage all customers to participate when the survey becomes available. Billing System Transition Reminder As part of the transition to our new customer billing system, customers who currently use automatic bill payment will need to update their AutoPay information after the August billing cycle, when bills are issued in early September. Instructions explaining the process will be included with the August utility bill. We appreciate everyone's patience during this transition and look forward to providing customers with improved online account management and billing features. Mt. Marathon Hydroelectric Project Nearing Completion The Mt. Marathon Hydroelectric Project is entering the ﬁnal phase of construction. Installation of the programmable logic controller (PLC), which serves as the "brain" of the hydro plant, is expected within the next two weeks. Once commissioning has been completed, we will invite the community to celebrate the official grand opening. While the Mt. Marathon facility is modest in size, it represents an important investment in Seward's future. It is a community-owned renewable energy project that will provide clean, locally generated electricity for many years to come. We would like to thank our residents for their patience and support throughout construction, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone together. 26 City Clerk Report August 4, 2026 Page 1 of 2 The month of August is shaping up to be a busy one for the City Clerk's Office. The City Council Member filing period runs from August 1- August 17 at noon and applications are available online and in the clerk's office. The State of Alaska Primary Election Absentee Voting is up and running in City Hall Council Chambers. The student exchange group from our sister city Obihiro, Japan arrived in Seward on July 30th and got to enjoy some of the most beautiful warm sunny weather that Seward has to offer. So far, the students and their guide "Obihiro Chris" have enjoyed several local activities including a mural tour with the Mayor and a hike up Mt. Marathon with the City Clerk. [photos included below] The Seward group is currently en route to Japan so stay tuned for more photos and updates! L to R: Obihiro Chris, Futo, Kanna, Yuna, and Mayor McClure in front of the Obihiro mural 27 28 August 5, 2026 Seward City Council City of Seward PO Box 167 Seward, AK 99664 Re: July Status Report This is our status report covering activity on legal matters worked on during July 2026. General Matters: We worked with city staff on responding to multiple public records requests. We advised on a potential lease for the middle school and on a land swap in the Afognak Subdivision. We reviewed the renewed AVTEC lease and provided suggestions. We provided initial guidance in response to the request to develop policies regarding threatening citizen interactions. We edited the recent ordinance updating sections of Title 3. We continued to work with Parks and Recreation staff on the disinterment policy. We advised the police department on a press inquiry. We provided the required documentation from our office for ADEC funding of the Birch Street water main replacement. Electric Utility: We continue to assist the City and its employees participating in the RTO’s ongoing efforts, including attending meetings of the legal and regulatory group and advising on governance committee meeting matters. The RCA’s decision on the RTO is now expected to be issued on September 2, 2026. We continue to help the City in advancing its interest in hydroelectric projects as a future power source for the City including helping submit the permit application for the Godwin/4th of July Creek Project to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and performing legal research on certain financial incentives for the project. We have been advising on miscellaneous public records request, tariff and contracting issues for the utility. 29 July Status Report August 5, 2026 Page 2 of 2 Finance: We advised the finance department regarding distribution of Commercial Passenger Vessel funds to the City. Fire: We worked with Chief Crites on modifications to the agreement with Seward Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Planning: We provided guidance regarding public comment questions, potential marijuana regulations, a wayfinding signage contractor procurement, and on a land swap. Port and Harbor: We advised on the Harbormaster’s Office project. We also advised on lease assignments and other questions regarding leases. You can expect to receive our next status report in early September. Sincerely, MUNSON, CACCIOLA & SEVERIN LLP Samuel C. Severin 30 ORDINANCE 2026-007 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AMENDING 15.10.140 DEFINITIONS AND 15.10.226 LAND USES ALLOWED FOR MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENTS Documents: • Agenda Statement • Ordinance 2026-007 • Attachments: None 31 City Council Agenda Statement Meeting Date: To: Through: From: Subject: Background and justification: and 15 of the City Code to update regulations governing marijuana establishments. As part of that action, the Council directed the Planning and Zoning Commission previously developed recommendations related to marijuana establishments in Title 15. following a series of public discussions regarding the compatibility of marijuana-related land uses within the City's zoning districts. Since that time, the Commission has continued to review and refine the proposed regulations through multiple work sessions, with its most recent discussion occurring on April 21, 2026. The proposed amendments are intended to clarify permitted uses, establish more consistent zoning standards, and ensure marijuana-related land uses remain compatible with surrounding properties and the community's long-term development goals. At its June 2, 2026 amendments and recommended approval of the following changes to Title 15 by the City Council. The effect of the proposed legislation would be to: • Update definitions regarding marijuana establishments • Add regulations for where a marijuana establishment can operate • I marijuana establishments that have already received both City and State approval prior to adoption of the ordinance to continue operating as conforming uses. • Restrict marijuana establishments from operating in a temporary structure or mobile vehicle • Prohibit marijuana cultivation facilities (standard and limited) • Prohibit marijuana heavy manufacturing facilities • Require a conditional use permit (CUP) for marijuana light manufacturing facilities in the Industrial zoning district. A CUP was previously required in the Auto Commercial and Central Business zoning districts. • 32 City Council Agenda Statement • Prohibit marijuana testing facilities from operating in the Office Residential, Auto Commercial, Harbor Commercial, and Central Business zoning districts, and require a CUP to operate within the Industrial zoning district. Fiscal Impact Finance Director Signature: This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Plan:Vol 1, Chapter 2.2 – Community Values • 2.2.8 – City Government: city code.” • 2.2.10 – Land Development: “Ensure all adopted codes reflect community values.” X Yes Attorney Signature: /s/Rob Palmer Not applicable Comments: X Approve Other: 33 Sponsored by: Planning and Zoning Commission Introduction: July 27, 2026 Public Hearing: August 10, 2026 Enactment: TBD CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-007 AN ORDINANCE OF THE SEWARD CITY COUNCIL, AMENDING SEWARD CITY CODE 15.10.140 DEFINITIONS AND 15.10.226 LAND USES ALLOWED FOR MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENTS WHEREAS, according to Seward City Code 15.01.035, the Planning and Zoning Commission by its own motion may recommend amendments to Title 15 to the City Council; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the community to periodically review and update the Seward zoning code to reflect community changes and needs; and WHEREAS, at its March 23, 2026 meeting, the Seward City Council adopted Ordinance 2026-004 amending Titles 8 and 15 of the Seward City Code to update regulations related to marijuana establishments within the City of Seward; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission was directed to revisit and advance its previously developed recommendations regarding marijuana establishments within Title 15 of the Seward City Code; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission originally developed draft recommendations in 2024 following a series of public discussions concerning the compatibility of marijuana-related land uses within various zoning districts; and WHEREAS, since that time, the Planning and Zoning Commission has continued to review and refine the proposed regulations through multiple public work sessions, with the most recent discussion occurring on April 21, 2026; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved Resolution 2026-004 on June 2, 2026 recommending the contents of this Ordinance for City Council approval; and WHEREAS, the proposed amendments are intended to clarify allowable uses, establish clearer zoning standards, reduce potential land use conflicts, and ensure marijuana-related land uses remain compatible with surrounding properties and the long-term goals of the community. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SEWARD ORDAINS: Section 1. Seward City Code Title 15.10.140 Definitions is hereby amended to read as follows (new language is in bolded italics and underlined, and deleted language is stricken): ……………………………………. B. Specific definitions. (Parenthetical references are for cross-reference only.) In this chapter, unless otherwise provided or the context otherwise requires: ……………………………………. 34 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-007 54. Marijuana. Marijuana means "marijuana" as that term is as defined in by Alaska Statute 17.38.900 and any amendments thereto, means all parts of the plant of the genus cannabis whether growing or not, the seeds thereof, the resin extracted from any part of the plant, and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds, or its resin, including marijuana concentrate; “marijuana” does not include fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant, sterilized seed of the plant that is incapable of germination, the weight of any other ingredient combined with marijuana to prepare topical or oral administrations, food, drink, or other products, or industrial hemp as defined in AS 03.05.100 55. Marijuana establishment. Marijuana establishment means a A marijuana cultivation facility, a marijuana testing facility, a marijuana product manufacturing facility, or a retail marijuana store as those terms are defined in AS 17.38.900 and any amendments thereto. a. Marijuana cCultivation facility, standard. Marijuana cultivation facility means aAn entity registered to cultivate, prepare, and package marijuana and to sell marijuana to retail marijuana stores, to marijuana product manufacturing facilities, and to other marijuana cultivation facilities, but not to consumers. 1. Limited marijuana cCultivation facility, limited. A limited marijuana cultivation facility has the privileges set forth at 3 AAC 305.405(a) and (b), and is subject to the prohibitions at 3 AAC 306.405(c), except that it must have fewer than 500 square feet under cultivation. b. Marijuana pProduct manufacturing facility, heavy. Marijuana product manufacturing facility means aAn entity registered to purchase marijuana; manufacture, prepare, and package marijuana products; and sell marijuana and marijuana products to other marijuana product manufacturing facilities and to retail marijuana stores, but not to consumers. There is a high potential of creating noise, vibration, dust, smoke, fumes, odor, glare, toxins, or other environmental impacts on surrounding properties or uses because of the nature of its equipment, operations, processes, materials, and products. c. Product manufacturing facility, light. An entity registered to engage in the manufacture, predominantly from previously prepared and/or finished marijuana products or parts that, because of the nature of its equipment, operations, processes, materials, and products, has little or no potential of creating noise, vibration, dust, smoke, fumes, odor, glare, or other environmental impacts on surrounding properties or uses. d. Retail marijuana store. Retail marijuana store means aAn entity registered to purchase marijuana from marijuana cultivation facilities, to purchase marijuana and marijuana products from marijuana product manufacturing facilities, and to sell marijuana and marijuana products to consumers. c.e. Marijuana tTesting facility. Marijuana testing facility means aAn entity registered to analyze and certify the safety and potency of marijuana. 35 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-007 56. Marijuana products. Marijuana products means cConcentrated marijuana products and marijuana products that are comprised of marijuana and other ingredients and are intended for use or consumption, such as, but not limited to, edible products, ointments, and tinctures. Section 2. Seward City Code Title 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed Table is hereby amended to read as follows (new language is in bolded italics and underlined, and deleted language is stricken): ……………………………………. H. Marijuana establishments as defined in section SCC §15.10.140.B.55 are allowed in accordance with tTable §15.10.226 of this chapter subject to the following: 1. The facility owner or operator has submitted a license application to the State of Alaska for the corresponding type of marijuana establishment prior to operation, and maintains a current license from the state at all times the facility is in operation. 2. A Mmarijuana establishments shall in an application submitted after March 1, 2026 must not to be located within 500 feet of the entrance of any building where religious ceremonies are regularly held, a correctional facility, recreational facility or youth center licensed by the state or local government, park zone, playground, athletic field, community center, licensed childcare facility, housing facility owned by a public housing authority, homeless and transient shelter, habilitative care facility, or within 1,000 feet of any school. The distance specified in this subsection must be measured by the shortest pedestrian route from the public entrance of the building in which the licensed premises would be located to the outer parcel boundaries of the school, recreation or youth facility or to the main public entrance of the building in which religious services are regularly held, or the correctional facility. The burden of proof demonstrating that the facility meets the required separation distances is the responsibility of the marijuana establishment owner or operator. 3. A marijuana establishment shall be in a permanent structure with a valid certificate of occupancy. No marijuana establishment shall be authorized in a vehicle, trailer, mobile food unit, standalone intermodal shipping container (i.e. conex unit), or temporary structure. 4. Onsite consumption endorsements are not a land use but are regulated by Chapter 8.25. 5. A marijuana establishment must not operate as a walk-up or drive-in facility through an exterior window or similar opening. This prohibition does not apply to a marijuana establishment that on or before March 1, 2026, was authorized by the city to conduct walk-up or drive-through sales. 36. All marijuana establishments shall meet all other criteria in this the Seward City Code and in Alaska Statutes and Alaska Administrative Codes. ……………………………………. 36 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-007 TABLE Zoning District Designations The following zoning district abbreviations are provided for information and interpretation: Table 15.10.226. Land Uses Allowed Key: O – Use Permitted Outright H – Home Occupation C – Use Requires Conditional Use Permit P – Use Requires Administrative Permit Blank – Use Prohibited marijuana INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK establishment, 37 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-007 Marijuana establishment, cultivation facility, INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Zoning Districts Principally Residential Principally Commercial Principally Public Uses RR R1 R2 R3 UR OR AC HC CB I RM INS P Marijuana establishment, limited cultivation Marijuana establishment, cultivation facility, INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Marijuana establishment, product manufacturing facility (hazardous Marijuana establishment, product manufacturing INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Marijuana establishment, product manufacturing facility, light (non- C Marijuana establishment, retail store C C C C Marijuana establishment, testing facility C Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption. ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA THIS 10 DAY OF AUGUST 2026 . Sue McClure, Mayor 38 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-007 AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: VACANT: ATTEST: Kris Peck City Clerk (City Seal) 39 RESOLUTION 2026-064 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE 2025 ELECTRIC UTILITY TARIFF ESTABLISHING A HEAT PUMP RATE Documents: •Agenda Statement •Resolution 2026-064 •Attachments: o Exhibit A: Amendment to the 2025 Electric Utility Tariff 40 Unfinish e d B u s i n e s s Postponed on July 27, 2026. A second public hearing will be held due to requests from the public. City Council Agenda Statement Meeting Date: To: Through: From: Subject: Background and justification: development of a dedicated heat pump electric rate to encourage and support residential heat pump installations within the City of Seward. In response to those efforts, Electric Department staff conducted more than a year of research evaluating electric rate structures, utility cost recovery methodologies, engineering considerations, metering configurations, billing practices, and utility programs both within and outside Alaska. The Heat Pump Pilot Program, and the proposed heat pump rate, represents the culmination of that work. Modern cold-climate heat pumps have become one of the most energy- supplementing fossil fuel heating systems with electric heat pumps, the City recognizes the value in creating a dedicated heat pump rate. Unlike a traditional discounted electric rate, the proposed heat pump rate has been designed around a dedicated subtract metering system that accurately measures only the electricity consumed by qualifying heat pump equipment. Under this configuration, all electricity entering the residence continues to flow through the customer's primary utility meter, while only the electricity serving the approved heat pump system is measured through a second utility-owned subtract meter. The customer's monthly utility bill will continue to bill all other household electrical usage under the applicable residential rate schedule, while the electricity consumed by the qualifying heat pump system will be billed separately using the heat pump rate schedule. The requirement for a dedicated subtract meter is fundamental to the success of the Heat Pump Pilot Program. By measuring only the electricity consumed by qualifying heat pumps, the City can accurately evaluate actual heat pump performance without including unrelated household electrical loads. This approach provides reliable operational data while ensuring future decisions regarding electric rate design are based upon measured system per assumptions. It also maintains equitable billing practices for all customers by ensuring that only qualifying heat pump consumption receives service under the heat pump rate schedule. 41 City Council Agenda Statement seasonal energy consumption, and the overall impacts of residential heat pumps on the City's electric system. While significant research exists regarding heat pump technology, relatively little long-term operational data exists for municipal electric utilities in Alaska. The proposed pilot program will provide valuable information that can be used to support future electric utility planning, based on actual operating experience rather than theoretical projections. The data collected can also benefit communities beyond Seward through collaboration with the Alaska Center for Energy and Power and other interested organizations by sharing operational information to assist other Alaska utilities and municipalities as they evaluate similar programs. As the first dedicated residential heat pump rate among Alaska Railbelt electric utilities, the City can contribute operational data to help shape future utility planning throughout Alaska. Fiscal Impact Finance Director Signature: This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Plan:3.7.1.4 Strategic Plan: Other: X Yes Attorney Signature: Not applicable Comments: X Approve Other: 42 Sponsored by: Sorensen CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2026-064 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE 2025 ELECTRIC UTILITY TARIFF ESTABLISHING A HEAT PUMP RATE WHEREAS, modern cold-climate heat pump technology provides an energy-efficient method of residential space heating, reduces fossil fuel consumption, and makes greater use of the City's existing electric infrastructure; and WHEREAS, the Port and Commerce Advisory Board has advocated for the development of a dedicated heat pump electric rate to support adopting this technology; and WHEREAS, Electric Department staff have conducted extensive research on electric rate structures, utility practices, engineering considerations, billing methodologies, and utility cost recovery approaches to develop a heat pump rate that balances customer affordability, operational practicality, and responsible utility management; and WHEREAS, to take advantage of the heat pump rate, customers must install a dedicated subtract meter that measures only the electrical consumption of qualifying heat pump equipment, to ensure accurate and fair billing; and WHEREAS, this resolution will establish the first dedicated residential heat pump rate among Alaska Railbelt electric utilities, as part of the Heat Pump Pilot Program, demonstrating the City of Seward's commitment to responsible utility innovation and regional leadership. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA: Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to amend the 2025 Electric Utility tariff in effect to include a dedicated heat pump rate. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA THIS 27th DAY OF JULY 2026. Sue McClure, Mayor 43 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2026-064 Page 2 of 2 AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: Kris Peck City Clerk 44 EXHIBIT A AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF SEWARD 2025 ELECTRIC UTILITY TARIFF SCHEDULE HP-1 RESIDENTIAL HEAT PUMP PILOT RATE EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon adoption of Resolution 2026-XXX STATEMENT OF INTENT Schedule HP-1 establishes the City of Seward Residential Heat Pump Pilot Rate as a voluntary pilot program intended to evaluate the operational, engineering, and financial impacts of qualifying residential cold-climate heat pump systems on the City's electric utility while encouraging beneficial electrification. This schedule supplements the City of Seward 2025 Electric Utility Tariff and shall be administered independently of the City's standard residential electric rate schedules unless otherwise amended by resolution of the City Council. 1. PURPOSE The purpose of Schedule HP-1 is to: • Encourage beneficial electrification through qualifying residential cold-climate heat pump installations. • Provide customers with an opportunity to reduce dependence on fossil fuels for residential heating. • Collect long-term operational information regarding electrical energy consumption, seasonal loading, customer participation, demand characteristics, and electric system performance. • Support future electric utility planning and electric rate design through measured operational data. • Provide operational information that may assist collaborative research efforts with the Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) and other interested organizations. 2. APPLICABILITY 45 Service under Schedule HP-1 is available only to residential customers receiving electric service from the City of Seward Electric Utility. Participation in the Heat Pump Pilot Program is voluntary. 3. ELIGIBILITY To qualify for service under Schedule HP-1, a customer must: A. Submit a completed City-approved Heat Pump Pilot Program application. B. Install a qualifying cold-climate heat pump approved by the City. C. Install a City-approved subtract meter socket and associated customer-owned electrical equipment. D. Successfully complete City inspection prior to energization. E. Maintain compliance with all provisions of Schedule HP-1. 4. DEFINITIONS 4.1 Primary Meter The City's revenue meter measuring all electrical energy delivered to the customer's premises. 4.2 Subtract Meter A City-owned revenue meter installed downstream of the Primary Meter measuring only electrical energy supplied to qualifying heat pump equipment. 4.3 Heat Pump Load Electrical energy consumed exclusively by qualifying heat pump equipment as measured by the Subtract Meter. 4.4 Qualifying Heat Pump A cold-climate electrically powered heat pump approved by the City for participation under Schedule HP-1. 5. METERING REQUIREMENTS A. All electrical energy supplied to the customer's premises shall be measured through the City's Primary Meter. 46 B. Electrical energy supplied to qualifying heat pump equipment shall additionally be measured through a City-owned Subtract Meter. C. The Subtract Meter shall measure only qualifying heat pump equipment. D. No lighting circuits, receptacles, domestic water heaters, electric vehicle chargers, appliances, auxiliary electric heating systems not specifically approved by the City, or any other non- qualifying electrical loads shall be connected to the Subtract Meter. E. Meter sockets, disconnects, conductors, overcurrent protection, and all associated customer- owned electrical equipment shall comply with City engineering standards, the National Electrical Code, and all other applicable codes. F. The City reserves the right to inspect all installations prior to energization and periodically thereafter to ensure continued compliance with Schedule HP-1. G. The Electric Utility will make the determination, in its sole discretion, of what is a non- qualifying load, consistent with industry standards. 5.5 METER ACCURACY AND UNAUTHORIZED USE The City reserves the right to inspect, test, verify, or audit any installation participating in Schedule HP-1 to ensure compliance with the provisions of this schedule. If the City determines that non-qualifying electrical loads have been connected to the Subtract Meter, or that the metering installation has been altered, bypassed, tampered with, or otherwise used contrary to the provisions of this schedule, the City may: A. Remove the customer from Schedule HP-1. B. Bill all electrical usage under the otherwise applicable residential electric rate schedule. C. Recover any under-billed charges as permitted under the Electric Utility Tariff and applicable City Code. D. Require correction of the installation prior to reinstatement into the Pilot Program. E. Pursue any additional remedies authorized under the Electric Utility Tariff or applicable law. 6. BILLING Monthly billing shall be determined as follows: For billing purposes, the Heat Pump Usage measured by the Subtract Meter shall be deducted from the Primary Meter Usage prior to calculating the customer's standard residential energy charges. 47 Residential Usage shall be billed under the customer's otherwise applicable residential electric rate schedule. Heat Pump Usage shall be billed under Schedule HP-1. 7. RATE Electricity measured through the Subtract Meter shall be billed as follows: Charge Rate $0.0820 per kWh Adjustment (COPA) applicable to the customer's billing period Charge $10.00 per month All electrical energy not measured through the Subtract Meter shall be billed under the customer's otherwise applicable residential electric rate schedule. 8. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PROGRAM PARTICIPATION The customer will: A. Furnish and install an approved subtract meter socket. B. Furnish and install all customer-owned conductors, disconnects, raceways, and associated electrical equipment. C. Maintain all customer-owned electrical equipment. D. Ensure only qualifying heat pump equipment is connected to the Subtract Meter. E. Notify the City prior to modifying, replacing, or removing qualifying heat pump equipment. F. Maintain compliance with all applicable electrical codes and City engineering requirements. 9. CITY RESPONSIBILITIES The City will: A. Furnish, install, program, test, maintain, repair, replace, and seal the Subtract Meter. 48 B. Inspect installations prior to energization. C. Maintain ownership of all City metering equipment. D. Calculate monthly billing under Schedule HP-1. 10. TERMINATION OF PARTICIPATION Participation under Schedule HP-1 will terminate if: A. The qualifying heat pump is permanently removed. B. The Subtract Meter is bypassed, altered, or used to serve non-qualifying electrical loads. C. The customer no longer complies with the provisions of Schedule HP-1. D. The customer voluntarily requests removal from the Heat Pump Pilot Program. Upon termination, all electrical service shall be billed under the otherwise applicable residential electric rate schedule. 11. PROGRAM REVIEW Schedule HP-1 shall be reviewed annually in conjunction with the City's annual Electric Utility Tariff review. The review may include, but is not limited to: • Customer participation • Electrical energy consumption • Seasonal loading • Winter peak demand • Demand characteristics • Cost recovery • Financial performance • Operational impacts • Engineering observations • Recommendations for future modifications 49 12. UTILITY ADMINISTRATION AND ENGINEERING INTERPRETATION The City shall administer Schedule HP-1 in accordance with this tariff, applicable City Code, and accepted electric utility engineering practices. The City reserves the right to interpret and apply the provisions of Schedule HP-1 where unique installation, metering, engineering, operational, or billing conditions exist. The City may establish reasonable administrative procedures, engineering standards, metering requirements, inspection procedures, equipment specifications, and operational guidelines necessary to ensure the safe, reliable, equitable, and efficient administration of the Heat Pump Pilot Program, provided such requirements are applied consistently among participating customers. Nothing contained within this section authorizes the City to modify the rates, charges, or customer eligibility requirements established by Schedule HP-1 without approval of the City Council through amendment of the Electric Utility Tariff. 13. PROGRAM MODIFICATION Schedule HP-1 is established as a pilot rate schedule. The City Council may amend, extend, incorporate into a future Electric Utility Tariff, or discontinue Schedule HP-1 by resolution. 50 City of Seward Elected & Appointed Officials List Last Updated August 4, 2026 Name/Title Term Exp City Council Sue McClure - Mayor Oct 2028 John Osenga - Vice Mayor Oct 2027 Robert Barnwell Oct 2026 Julie Crites Oct 2026 Casie Warner Oct 2027 Lori Draper Oct 2028 Mike Calhoon Oct 2028 Planning & Zoning Commission Clare Sullivan - Chair Feb 2029 Brenan Hornseth - Vice Chair Feb 2028 Nathaniel Charbonneau Feb 2027 Vanessa Verhey Feb 2029 Rhonda Hubbard Feb 2028 Andrew Wilder Feb 2027 Tyna Siptrott Feb 2028 Port & Commerce Advisory Board Vacant Jan 2029 Dwayne Atwood - Vice Chair Jan 2028 Jesse Groom Jan 2027 Norm Regis Jan 2027 Darian Draper Jan 2028 Lynda Paquette Jan 2029 Vacant Jan 2029 Historic Preservation Commission Vacant May 2029 Sue Ward - Vice Chair May 2029 Mary Ann Benoit May 2027 Dona Walker May 2027 Todd Mashlan May 2028 Vacant May 2028 Vacant May 2029 51 Election Schedule 2026 Event Date Location Absentee in Person Voting Monday, August 3 - August 17, 2026 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday Seward City Hall Council Chambers 410 Adams Street Election Day Tuesday, August 18, 2026 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Seward Community Library Community Room 239 Sixth Ave Event Date Location Absentee in Person Voting Monday, September 21 - October 5, 2026 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday Seward City Hall Council Chambers 410 Adams Street Election Day Tuesday, October 6, 2026 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Seward Community Library Community Room 239 Sixth Ave Canvass Board Friday, October 9, 2026 at time TBD Seward City Hall Council Chambers 410 Adams Street City Council Certification Monday, October 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Seward City Hall Council Chambers 410 Adams Street Event Date Location Absentee in Person Voting Tuesday, October 20 - November 2, 2026 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday (City Hall is closed Alaska Day on October 19, 2026) Seward City Hall Council Chambers 410 Adams Street Election Day Tuesday, November 3, 2026 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Seward Community Library Community Room 239 Sixth Ave Created by the City Clerk's Office Updated 7/23/2026 State of Alaska Primary Election State of Alaska General Election / Kenai Peninsula Borough Election City of Seward - Regular Municipal Election You must be registered to vote at least 30 days prior to an election. Register or update your voter information online using the state's website: www.elections.alaska.gov Visit the state website at www.elections.alaska.gov for information pertaining to dates, timelines, and ballots for the State Election information. Visit the borough website at www.kpb.us for information pertaining to dates, timelines, and ballots for the Kenai Peninsula Borough Election information. Absentee by Mail You can apply for Absentee by Mail voting online at the above websites, or in person at the Seward City Clerk's Office. Absentee by Mail for the City of Seward Municipal Election can be applied for online at the borough website or in person at the City of Seward City Clerk's Office, or with the Kenai Peninsula Borough Clerk's Office. 52 Absentee Voting August Primary Election Seward City Council Chambers Located at: 410 Adams Street Seward Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday August 3 - August 17 8:30am - 4:30pm Ballot Drop Off: Voters may choose to drop off their voted by-mail ballot to the absentee official at this location during the hours of operation. Questions? Contact the State of Alaska, Region I Elections Office at 907-465-3021 or email us at electionsr1@alaska.gov. 53 3 6/15/2026 10:10 AMCouncil Calendar SuMo TuWe Th Fr Sa 12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 1516 17 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 2930 31 August 2026 SuMo TuWe Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 September 2026August 2026 Jul 26 27 28 29 30 31 Aug 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7:00pm P&Z Mtg 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 7:00pm CC Mtg 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 6:00pm P&Z WS 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 7:00pm CC Mtg 30 31 Sep 1 2 3 4 5 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 54