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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes1996-121 , , , Sponsored by: Garzini CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION NO. 96-121 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, ADOPTING THE CITY'S 1997 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES LISTING WHEREAS, the City of Seward continues to pursue major capital projects requiring supportive interaction and/or funding from federal governmental agencies; and WHEREAS, the City's number one priority -- Flood Hazard Mitigation -- is an important public safety concern of the City of Seward, the Kenai Peninsula Borough, the State of Alaska and area residents; and WHEREAS, all six projects listed on the City's priority list have wide community support; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that: Section 1. The following projects have been identified by the City of Seward as its top six priorities for federal support and funding, and this priority listing is adopted as set forth below: 1. Flood Hazard Mitigation 2. Railroad Dock Extension, and North Dock Extension and Major Maintenance 3. East Harbor Expansion Construction 4. Multi-Agency Facility 5. Exit Glacier Road Paving 6. Lowell Creek Tunnel Rehabilitation 7. Arctic Research Science Funding 8. Seward Life Action Council Facilities Construction Project Section 2. A description of each priority as listed above is attached and incorporated by reference. Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the city of Seward, Alaska, this 23rd day of September, 1996. CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION NO. 96-121 THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Anderson, Bencardino, Crane, Deeter, Keil, King, Sieminski None None None ATTEST: .,!i'!l1t;:nr"... J~~, ~~,~~: .'" <,.~~~~. .~~;:,- (", " ~ " .-,' ) '"~:. ~1~ " ~, " ~,\ .:. ..... ;.'~ ~I~ ; ,) :: ,:J . (I ~.~ ~ ~ ~ :~~, .~,~"~"I'/"',> -'It " . . ~ J I,.. ,,}"...., ,.,.-. /~.... 1'~~. "::;...~.~..' < "'! ~ ~::.~' c' .~..>.,:.~ *,_ I;'" ~...~,,~~.. ~,-';; "t ) '''_~ .!;,~ ~..\,..r,,",,~'" "',Inuit .\\"~ , , r FLOOD HAZARD MITIGATION City of Seward and Eastern Kenai Peninsula The City of Seward and the surrounding area of the eastern Kenai Peninsula have experienced several significant flooding events in recent years. In 1986, 1989 and 1995, flood damage experienced by residents, commercial and industrial properties and governmental facilities (City and State) has resulted in millions of dollars of rehabilitation and FEMA relief funds. The city and outlying areas remain at risk with life and property jeopardized by flooding potential. The major sources of the flooding are the Resurrection River, Salmon Creek, 4th of July Creek, Japanese Creek, Lowell Canyon Creek, Box Canyon Creek and Spruce Creek. All are glacier fed and, combined with heavy fall rains, high oceanic tides of Resurrection Bay and snow/ice melt, overflow their banks and flood the surrounding areas. Heavy siltation and gravel deposits cause emergency response personnel and planners extreme difficulty in plotting the courses streams will take during flood stage and property owners can only hope flood flows do not impact their residences. Study, planning and mitigation are being strongly advocated by local governing agencies. Expertise is required to review, study, prioritize and recommend measures to resolve the many factors and situations that lead to the flooding However, the sources of funding for study and subsequent mitigation projects are too large for the City and the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Numerous suggestions for mitigation measures have been made over the years. These include re- channeling the Resurrection River away from developed property, raising highway and railroad bridges, dredging river and creek beds, dredging the Bay at the mouth of the Resurrection River, abandoning the Lowell Creek Tunnel in lieu of a drainage flow channel down Jefferson Avenue, building another tunnel to accommodate heavy flows of Lowell Creek, dredging 4th of July Creek and adding rip-rap and wing dams to divert the creek at full flow, and many more. The City of Seward, in cooperation with the Kenai Peninsula Borough, is advocating to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that a hydrology study, flood mitigation plan and projects be developed under Section 205 of the 1948 Flood Control Act. The COE can provide the required expertise - hydrologists, engineers, geologists - which local agencies cannot access or afford because of the magnitude ofthe problem and solutions. All residents and visitors of the eastern Kenai Peninsula have a dependence upon the Corps for action and remedying of flood hazards. Accelerated efforts are needed to stop the recurring drain of private and public funds for recovery efforts associated by recurring flood events. Additionally, matching funds are needed by the sponsors to help fund the COE actions For this support, the agencies look to the State of Alaska. FLOOD HAZARD MITIGATION Page two Recommendation: 1) That the City of Seward, in conjunction with the Kenai Peninsula Borough, continue to advocate for flood planning and mitigation support from the Corps of Engineers and further express the needs for federal assistance to the State of Alaska's federal delegation; 2) That the City of Seward, in conjunction with the Kenai Peninsula Borough, seek funding support from the State of Alaska to assist in meeting matching fund requirements for an area- wide Resurrection River Drainage Basin flood study and mitigation plan. 3) That the Corps of Engineers immediately be authorized to repair flood damage to Lowell Creek Tunnel. , , r ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION DOCK EXTENSION AND NORTH DOCK EXTENSION/MAJOR REPAIR The City of Seward is submitting a multi-faceted proposal to resolve the lack of mooring facilities within its corporate boundaries to meet the demand of the maritime industry. The Alaska Railroad Corporation Dock is the only deep-draft facility in Seward capable of accommodating ocean-going cruise ships and freighters. To meet the ever-increasing demand from industry and tourism traffic, a multi-use concept has been developed into a joint venture with the Alaska Railroad Corporation, the cruise ship industry, the Alaska Marine Highway System, the University of Alaska, and the City of Seward. The plan includes the construction of an southward extension to the existing dock, plus a bulkhead east of the dock, to accommodate the various entities' ocean-going vessels and upland support facilities. To fund the $7 million project, the City is seeking $4 million from private enterprise and $3 million in federal ISTEA assistance. The city-owned North Dock, located in the Seward Marine Industrial Center, is a medium-draft general cargo dock primarily serving barge and catcher/processor traffic. The east/wast lay of the dock exposes the facility to significant ocean swells. This action has caused severe damage to the bumpering system on the dock, as well as to vessels using the facility, and increases the costs generated by delays in loading/off-loading cargo. This combination of factors discourages some vessels from utilizing the dock, thereby causing a loss of activity and commerce. To mitigate these problems, the City is proposing that the existing sheet-pile bulkhead be extended 200' and a breakwater/dock be built with a north/south lay prior to the repair of the existing bumper system. The City is seeking $7.5 million in federal assistance to construct this project. Recommendation: 1) That the City of Seward, in conjunction with state agencies and private enterprise, seek $3 million in federal ISTEA funds to assist in the expansion of the Alaska Railroad Corporation deep-water dock These funds are included in the FY98 State of Alaska Statewide Transportation Improvement Program as approved by the Alaska Legislature. 2) That the City of Seward seek $7.5 million in federal assistance to expand the North Dock bulkhead, construction a breakwater/dock and repair the existing bumpering system. EAST HARBOR EXPANSION - CONSTRUCTION Seward Small Boat Harbor The Seward Small Boat Harbor is an important commercial and recreational marine center in Southcentral Alaska, serving the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage area and Mat-Su Valley with an aging facility accommodating approximately 650 vessels. During the peak of the boating season, the harbor has over 950 vessels seeking berthing at the facility. As the southcentral region contains over one- half of the entire state's population, the demand on the Seward facility has resulted in severe overcrowding and large, long-term waiting lists for assigned slip space. Boaters can expect an eight- year-plus wait for an available permanent stall assignment. During the interim period, boaters are required to raft vessels which results in excessive damage to the vessels, increased stress on the float system and pilings, inconvenience, and increased risk for public safety and property. Upon city council determination that the eastward expansion of the harbor would present the best option to pursue to meet the demand of harbor capacity, the City has followed a course of action to realize the project's completion. The Corps of Engineers will present a final review of their Reconnaissance Report in November, 1996. The remaining work required of the COE to develop the design and permitting for the project and construction of the eastward breakwater will be cost- shared by the federal government and the City with further support requested from the State of Alaska. The expansion is envisioned to relocate the existing east rubble-mound breakwater further eastward to adjoin the coal tenninalloadingidock facility, dredge the new basin, construct floats for 400 - 500 vessels, and provide necessary infrastructure and uplands amenities. Envisioning an $11 million project budget, the City seeks $4 million from the Corps of Engineers, $5.2 million from the State along with transfer of the DOTIPF facility to the City and $1.8 million provided by the City through revenue bonds. Completion of the project will fill a tremendous gap in the region's maritime commercial, industrial, and recreational needs. Recommendation: 1) That the Corps of Engineers be provided federal funding to participate in the further development of this project as well as provide funding for the construction of the rubble- mound breakwater. 2) That the State of Alaska provide funding to the City to provide harbor infrastructure to allow for completion of this expansion project which will help to meet the region's maritime needs. , , r MULTI-AGENCY FACILITY National Park Service/U.S. Forest Service/Chamber of Commerce The National Park Service, the Chugach District of the U.S. Forest Service, the Seward Chamber of Commerce and the City of Seward are actively pursuing a Multi-Agency Building to be located along Ballaine Boulevard which will provide a consolidation of agency operations which will save in capital and operational costs for all agencies. Additionally, the NPS and the USFS will receive a much- needed upgrade of offices and exhibition space caused by an escalation of visitor interest. Meeting and convention facilities are planned within this structure to compliment the operations and educational programs of the agencies. The City of Seward has provided the site and has awarded $50,000 of its funds to an architectural firm to do preliminary planning and building design. In December, 1996, this design will be completed with a project budget estimate. By January, 1997, a formal budget and conceptual construction plan will be developed. Federal funds will need to be available to the NPS and the USFS to pay for their portions of the construction. Locally, a voter-approved 4% bed tax will acquire public revenues to be directed to the City's share of the construction costs. All involved agencies support the concept of the multiple-use building as the partnership promotes better public service and maximum facility construction at a minimal price for consolidated and shared space. The creation of new convention space and meeting rooms will add to the community's economy over the shoulder season of tourist visitation. The City strongly supports the relocation of the agencies and envisions vacated buildings being used for other operations thereby releasing the agencies of higher operating costs now experienced by separate maintenance of different facilities. The City's support is displayed by the dedication of public lands to the facility site and funds to provide for architectural and design services. Federal funding has been allocated fOf a portion of this project and it is important that funding remain in place and additional funding be obtained for this project. Recommendation: That the City of Seward continue its support of the relocation and co-location of the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service joint-office facility and visitors' center and that the federal government participate with required levels offunding. EXIT GLACIER ROAD IMPROVEMENTS Paving Mile 3.9 to Mile 8.7 and other improvements The Kenai Fjords National Park - Exit Glacier Area receives over 175,000 visitors each year. Access to Exit Glacier and Chugach National Forest, Resurrection River Trail is via Exit Glacier Road. The road has seen phased upgrades in recent years which were intended to "keep up" with the increased traffic. However, planners and road engineers did not expect the rate of increase in visitation that Alaska has seen in recent years. Portions of Exit Glacier Road need additional extensive work that normal operational and maintenance monies cannot begin to fund. The main issues associated with the improved needs of Exit Glacier Road are vehicular and pedestrian safety, and operational and maintenance costs associated with a high traffic volume gravel road. Currently, Exit Glacier Road is paved from MP 0.0 MP 3.9, at which point it becomes a gravel road to its end at MP 8.7. The unpaved portion of the road is maintained by two entities. MP 3.9 to MP 7.2 is state road which runs through Chugach National Forest land and is maintained by Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. MP 7.2 to MP 8.7 is owned and maintained by Kenai Fjords National Park. The following summarizes the issues and work needed on the Seward Highway and Exit Glacier Road to make them safe and operable. MP 0.0: Currently vehicles come to an unsigned Exit Glacier Road at Seward Highway MP 3.5 off a minimal sign distance curve at 55 mph. The Seward Highway needs a turn lane for both southbound and northbound traffic. In addition, the Seward Highway needs signing which meets AASHTO standards. Estimated Cost: $ 400,000 MP 3.9 to MP 7.2: This section was reconstructed in 1993 Because the road is not paved, it is a maintenance nightmare. This gravel road becomes "wash boarded" within days of grading. During extended periods of dry weather, the dust is so thick it is a hazard for vehicles, bikes and hikers. The work on this section should include paving 3.3 miles of existing road bed to a 40 foot width which includes bike lanes in each direction. Pave existing parking areas (2). Estimated Cost: $1,650,000 MP 7.2 to MP 8.7: This section was reconstructed in 1987. Like the previous section, the gravel road is difficult to maintain. The work on this section should include paving 1.5 miles of existing road bed to a 40 foot width which includes bike lanes in each direction. Expand and pave parking area. Pave accessible trail to glacier overlook. Estimated Cost: $1,100,000 , , , EXIT GLACIER ROAD IMPROVEMENTS Page two Lack of funding for the above mentioned improvements will result in: 1) serious vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian accidents; 2) decreased visitor access to one of Alaska's premiere destinations which we are beginning to see this year with tour operators refusing to drive on the road until it is paved, thus reducing visitation to Seward; and 3) spiraling operation and maintenance costs which will adversely affect other park, state needs. Recommendation: That the City of Seward seek funding for paving and other improvements to Exit Glacier Road. LOWELL CREEK TUNNEL REHABILITATION Lowell Creek Diversion Tunnel drains Lowell Creek and Lowell Canyon streams through Bear Mountain to Resurrection Bay. The tunnel is constructed through rock and is grouted and lined with rails on the bottom to prevent damage from heavy rocks and debris which flow through the tunnel. These rocks do cause damage and erosion requiring periodic rebuilding and repair of the tunnel's interior. The last time a major rehabilitation was implemented was 1990. After a heavy flooding incident in the fall of 1995, the tunnel was inspected in January, 1996. The inspection revealed many items needing repair. Though the tunnel is not in danger of imminent catastrophic failure, the critical function of the facility and the potential impact on public safety, life and property in the event of total or partial failure require monitoring of the tunnel structure very closely. Upon Corps of Engineers inspection the COE responded that the City was not eligible for FEMA funds because "it is potentially eligible for rehabilitation assistance under the Corps of Engineers Public Law 84-99 authority". The COE requested a letter specifically asking for PL 84-99 assistance; a letter was sent in November, 1995. No response has been received from the COE to date. The estimated cost of tunnel repairs is $700,000 - $800,000. The City does not have fiscal resources to repair the Corps' tunnel. It is imperative that funding be obtained, engineering work be completed and repairs commenced during the next year to avoid further deterioration of the structure and increasing risk of tunnel failure. Recommendation: That the City continue to seek COE fiscal and technical support to rehabilitate the Lowell Creek Tunnel. , , , ARCTIC RESEARCH AND SCIENCE FUNDING Alaska SeaLife Center and ALPHA HELIX Replacement Anticipating a Summer, 1998 opening of the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) in Seward, the City wishes to advocate for continuous federal funding for research and scientific study of Arctic wildlife at this world-class research/rehabilitation/public education facility. Constructed by monies acquired by penalties and settlement funds associated with the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill incident and $12 million in private contributions, the ASLC will provide the northern most coastal marine laboratory in America with focus on research and study of Arctic oceanic species Northern region plants, fish, marine mammals and birds will be researched and federal funds to support research will be necessary to not only maximize the facility's use but to address long- unstudied issues related to the northern marine ecosystems Additionally, discussions have been conducted over past years regarding federal funding of a new and larger replacement ship for the Alpha Helix which would be built to accommodate Arctic research This large, ice strengthened vessel would be a key piece of equipment in promoting further research of Arctic maritime conditions and wildlife. Seward supports research funding and the construction of a new Arctic research vessel (AR V) with subsequent homeporting in Seward. Both the SeaLife Center and the ARV would complement, support and aid each other in answering questions long asked by those viewing the Arctic marine environment. Recommendation: That the federal government acknowledge the significance of Arctic maritime environmental study and research and that federally-funded grants continue to be made available to provide for research and that the federal government understand 'the importa~ce of a new Arctic research vessel to promote and enhance such research. SEWARD LIFE ACTION COUNCIL Building Acquisition Seward Life Action Council is a not-for-profit multi-service human resource agency established 25 years ago serving Seward and the rural communities of the eastern Kenai Peninsula. In FY96 the agency served 622 new clients through its various programs. The agency is a model in the state, providing the full range of social and behavioral health services including mental health, chemical dependency, domestic violence, disabilities, prison inmate substance abuse treatment, day care assistance, Federal Emergency Management Association assistance, compliance checks for court- ordered alcohol related misdemeanors, residential assisted living to the mentally ill, and infant learning under a single centralized administration. This unique structure reduces administrative and facility costs and enhances consumer access and coordination of care. Program services are provided out of the main office at 504 Adams Street, a two-story frame and' stucco building constructed in 1916. Three independent architectural and engineering inspections, in 1991 and 1993, of the 80 year old Adams Street building, indicate the existence of various serious problems requiring extensive repairs. In addition, the building is too small to meet the growing needs of the various programs, does not meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and lacks adequate parking. The Governing Board determined the need to replace the building Fundraising efforts have resulted in $1 million in grant money being acquired toward the purchase ofa new 15,000 square foot building, leaving $500,000 in unsecured funds necessary to complete the project. It is essential to acquire the final funds immediately to match those already raised, in order not to loose the acquired funds and to act before costly repairs on the existing building become emergent. It is intended that Seward Life Action Council will own all of the property acquired in building acquisition including the land, building, furniture, fixtures and equipment. The agency wishes to remain debt-free to devote maximum resources to the service of clients. Recommendation: That the City of Seward support the ability of Seward Life Action Council to continue to serve the behavioral health needs of the citizens of the community by advocating for $500,000 in federal funds to complete and secure building replacement. , , , PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCAL SHARE IDENTIFICATION 1. GRANTEE NAME: City of Seward 2. PROJECT TITLE: Harbor Plaza Beautification Project 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The aim of the project is to create in the Harbor Plaza a visitor park with a clean, aesthetically-pleasing, and well-planned appearance. The current open area is mostly asphalt with little-to-no vegetation, and it has a haphazard, uncared-for ambience. The proposed design will give the area a harbor-related focus with treatments that can be carried out throughout the neighborhood. Several items are proposed to be introduced/relocated for improved visitor/customer access and convenience. Important elements include: . Creation of a "compass rose" design with inlaid brickwork, producing walkways and areas for flowerbeds; the existing flagpole would be relocated to the center of the design and would incorpo'rate in its base the earthquake memorial plaque with an accompanying flower planter to visually enhance the monument. . Matching brickwork placed along the existing sidewalk (Fourth Avenue) in a wave pattern; trees and flower beds would be placed in the pattem as well as at the northwest corner of the plaza, concealing the dumpster. · Trees, shrubs, and flowers indigenous to southcentral Alaska planted in containers throughout the plaza and down the boardwalk to help create a park-like atmosphere and to encourage movement of foot-traffic southward. · Lighting, an importan~ element lacking in the area's current state, incorporated into the design, making the area more inviting and safe. · Addition of a public water fountain (including handicapped-accessible); no public fountain exists in the area presently, and such a high-traffic area demands quick, convenient accessibility to water. . Enhancement of the existing ancient anchor area with a suitable ground cover and encircling it (for safety) with a fence fashioned from the anchor's chain. Interpretive signage would also improve the site. , , , Harbor Beautification Project FY-98 Municipal Capital Matching Grant . Relocation and upgradeirepair of existing amenities, including a new public phone center (with 3-4 phones instead of the inadequate two that exist now) to an area under the Harbormaster's Building canopy but a distance away from the public restrooms; information kiosk moved under the canopy for easier accessibility and protection in bad weather; Japanese tora moved to another location in the city less exposed to abuse. . Other enhancements including concrete benches and picnic tables, trash containers and cigarette snuffers, a bike rack, a sign easily seen and clearly identifying the Harbormaster's Office, and a proposed covered taxi-bus passenger stand. The project would be completed in stages as funds allow, but the plan would be carried out in the order given above. Financing for the project would come from the City of Seward, in-kind contributions, and support from local businesses. Several businesses in the area have already expressed their support for the project, and it is expected that they would assist with beautification of individual sites and adopted planters. (See attached letters of support.) City personnel, volunteers, or contracted laborers would be used to construct the project. Project completion is anticipated in Spring 1998. HARBOR PLAZA BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT r::---7\ "- I / I I Y" , , r FORM "B" Project Description and Local Share Information 1. GRANTEE NAME: Seward Community Library 2. PROJECT TITLE: Library Information and Technology Automation Project 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Seward Community Library has been in existence since 1930, but it has not been able to automate its cataloging and circulation systems. Technology increasingly impacts how users access and use library collections. Automation of manual card catalog and circulation systems is not only expected, but is demanded by the public. The Library would benefit from an automated card catalog and circulation system in the following ways: . Improve the Library's image by providing technological resources expected by library users and expanding the services the Library is able to offer. . Reduce clerical work by eliminating or reducing routine repetitive tasks. . Improve services to library users by enabling staff to complete routine services more quickly and efficiently. . Improve library users' satisfaction by enabling them to access and use vast amounts of up-to-date information faster and more accurately. . Improve cost effectiveness because the cost of automation has not increased as quickly as other good and services provided in more traditional library settings. . Improved administration and management of the library by the use of the automated system for budgeting, collection analysis and development, and statistical control. . Reduce the need to hire more library personnel to keep up with increasingly heavy workloads and more demands in the use of the Library's resources and seMces. . Allow resource sharing among libraries by making communications and dissemination of information faster, more efficient and less expensive than manual channels. . Allow the Library to progress from a repository of books to a multimedia node on the information highway, providing access to vast amounts of information more quickly and accurately. This project, at a cost of $37,650.00, will allow the Library to purchase and install the software and hardware required to automate its card catalog and circulation systems. The State of Alaska is asked to contribute $25,000.00. 4. LOCAL SHARE: The City of Seward will provide $7,650.00, and the Seward Library Association will contribute $5,000.00.