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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 PACAB Minutes Ocyn/Seward,4Inska Porr and Commerce Advis01Y Board A-finures Volume 3, Page 112 CALL TO ORDER The regular January 5, 2000, meeting of the Seward P0I1 and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:03 p m. by Chairman Ron Long. ROI,L CALL There were present: Ron Long, presiding, and Jack Goodwill Ron Wille Deborah Altermatl Melody Jordan Doug Lechner comprising a quorum of the Board; and Scott Janke, City Manager James Beckham, Harbormaster Vanta Shafer, KPBIEDD Representative Judi Sweeney, PACAH Seclelary ABSENT and excused were: Richard Goshorn Dean Kasischke James Pruitt SPECIAL PRESENT A nONS AND REPORTS Vanta Shafer - KPR/F:DD reported that the December 30, interviews were held for a director and a selection should be made soon ADMINISTRATION REPORT City Mana~cr Janke reported that the Spenard Building Supply proposal is moving forward. He received a draft agreement from SBS which will be reviewed in-house on Friday and SBS's President Ed Waite will be here Monday, January 10 He felt confident that he would take it to council on the first meeting in FebrualY Janke said he had reassured Northland Barge Company that the North Dock is a public dock and Spenard Building Supply would hold a terminal use agreement and would not be the sole user of the dock. Janke said he and possibly Mayor Blatchford would be attending a railroad connection meeting in Vancouver on January 20 He explained that there is a movement to have the Canadian railroad connect with the Alaskan railroad and it could have a negative affect on Seward. I Ie said he would report to the board when he returns. In answer to Jo.-dan's question regarding what he is Cityof&ward. Alas/w Port and Commerce Advisory Board Alillute.~ Volume 3, Page 113 anticipating. Janke said it could drastically affect the amount of cargo that comes to Seward by ship_ Janke spoke about the Marine Fuel Tax and said that Seward is still very hopeful. He said he would be testifYing before the House Transportation Committee. He also reported that in the last couple of months, he and Kent Dawson have met with approximately a dozen legislators. Wille referenced Paul Fuhs' visit to the board, regarding formation of a port authority and wondered about receiving 1\4arine Fuel Tax if we were a Port Authority. Janke said municipalities can have dedicated taxcs, he explained, a business collects $.05 per gallon offucl, $.02 is sent to the State and $.03 to the City. Janke spoke about A VTEC's funding and the need for protection and support of such funding lie said Fred Esposito is to meet with some essential legislators to gain their support. Long asked if the University of Alaska would seek the long-term funding, Janke said what they would like to see is A VTEC getting better positioned politically .lanke said the KPB Mayor Bagley would be in Seward on January 14, to talk about such things as animal control, foreign trade zone, and Lowell Creek Road's bridge among other items_ Harbormaster Beckham reported on the following: The t JSCG Cutter Storis will be visiting Seward on January 7-9 Sandy Sandefur retired effective December 31 and he reported that the Harbor would be short one pemon in the office for three months. Regarding Year 2000 (Y2K), no problems have arisen with the harbor's older database Beckham said we arc mnning the old and new systems side by side. On January 19, Tryck, Nyman and Hayes will be in Seward to hold a work session at the Port and Commerce Advisory Board meeting to report on Phase I ufthe North Harbor Rtmovation Project including scope of the work, cost estimates, options for lighting electrical pedestals, ramp approaches, etc_ He spoke about the major issue so far being the American Disability Act (ADA) access and proposed new rules for recreational harbors on ADA access Beckham mentioned that the rules say that you must provide ADA accesses to your facilities He said we would need one access ramp for each urthe float systems and that could possibly mean a total uf 4-5 accesses disabled slips must be closest to or adjacent to float access system designed for ADA access and those arc to be closest to the facilities ashore that support the harbor. lIe questioned which interpretation for ADA sJips would he used, one is treated like vehicle parking spaces where no one but handicapped persons may use them and they can go unused for periods of time 01 are they like hotel rooms where if needed the hotel can rent out the handicapped room. Ht\ explained the main issue is thc ramp it can not be longer than 60 feet then at every 60 feet is a five [oat flat spot and can not exceed a slope of J-20 tide ranges. He said that we would have tu have a four-ramp system at $500,000 to $800,000 per ramp access. Beckham in answer to Long's question said that in the Puget Sound there are ADA compliaJlt harbors. He told of a 36-sJip harbor that had an elaborate handicap system and Citv u(,o..,'eward, Ala.~ka Port and Commerce Advisory Hoard Minutes Volume 3, Page 114 the ramp cost more than the 36-slip harboL lIe said the Port ofEveretl., Washington put one in for $850,000 He said ramps arc roughly $1,000 per foot, not including the platforms. Janke added that on January 15, Mayor Blatchford and KPB Mayor Bagley were invited to speak to the Seward Boat Owner's Association at the Institute of Marine Science at 7 p.m. Janke also added that the Governor's capital budget includes $2.5 million for the East Harbor Expansion project He said this is just the discretionary part of the budget not the regular State Capital Improvement Projects. Beckham !mid that leaves us $10.5 million to fund and our EDA pre-application is in for $1.5 million so we would need to come up with $5 million, Janke added that we are still hopeful that the Federal government would fund the entire project. Altermatt asked the harbormaster the following questions: the construction start up date? What are the plans for moving hoats around? People would like to see a plan for the south end of the harbor; they feel like they are being left out, what is being done for them Beckham eXplained that the overall plan is to redo the north harbor and most of the cost is deferred maintenance items and possible addition of 96 slips. The next emphasis is the East Harbor Expansion and the plan is to use the gained revenue from the new slips to fund the repairs in the South Harbor. lie reminded that he had given timcline projects sheet to the PACAB and sent to the different organizations and published in the newspaper and that would be [rom October 2000 to March 2001. Regarding the moving plan, Beckham said he had r~ivcd many comments. He explamed how there arc three upland businesses that store boats and he could not store boats on city land at no cost to the boat owner or free boatlins. He said he could if those three upland businesses are fhll One plan is not allow barges to moO! here next winter Beckham said the next newsletter should he going out soon. Long added that there is a lot of vacancy in the harbor and also large number of the harbor users don't have powel to their slips now so that should be a non-issue winter Beckham concluded that he hoped boat owners would realize they would have some of the best facilities in Alaska when it is finished. Altermatt thanked Beckham for the information and said she knew the information had been given to the public, but they continue to ask. In answer to Lon~'s question regarding winter slip assignment, Beckham said that discrepant:ics concerning boat length had to be addressed first. He said harbor personnel just finished measUling all of the boats in the harbor and some discrepancies varied by 6-8 feet. Following that pIocess, slips will be assigned. CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING l>ennis Butts, Quality Marine asked about the lIpland Boat Work Policy's Low Impact Area's performance bond which is to be detemuned by the Harhormaster and found that a bond was rOJ those occasions when someone did not have insurance Butts pointed out that provision was omitted from the final copy and it should say that you need insurance or a bond if possible. Butts also City o.fSeward, Alaska Port and C'nmmerce Advisnry Rnard Minutes Volume 3, Page 115 questioned the $2 million insurance requirement for automobiles in the High Impact Area. He said he has one truck and it is covered under his commercial policy and under general liability as a piece of equipment. He felt that requirement was excessive. He also questioned the controlled access clause on the last page under FencinRand wondered what type of activity would have to be fenced and if it was at discretion of the Harborma~ter. Beckham explained that the fencing could be snow fencing or caution tape for example. Long said the contractor could ideally draw up a work plan and have the Harbormaster approve it. Butts said that he was glad to see the Policy moving fOf\\lard because of the amount ofliability at the SMIC yard. Eric Landenburger, boat owner, commended the Harbormaster for the recent newsletter saying that it is very informative and appreciated the information_ He questioned whether during the renovation project when moving boats if a person would have to pay for dry upland storage and moorage in the harbor at the same time. Beckham did not foresee refunding any moorage or giving credit to slip holders who need to be stored upland because the harbor did not have the budget for that and he did not want to undercut the upland storage business. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MOTION (LechnerlWille) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda including the minutes of December 15, 1999 With the addition of New Business Item 7B ~ Proposed Charter Boat restrictions for sport fishing Motion Passed. Unanimous. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Upland Boat Work Policy Wille commented on thc pollution liability insurance as proposed in the policy and reminded that an umbrella policy was discussed which would cover pollution and it would be billed to every user at SMIC. Wille also mentioned the performance bond issue. Hc thought a reference should be made to instead of insurance and Beckham said he did not want to encourage people to use the performance bond rather than carry insurance on their vessels. Tn answer to Wille's questions, Beckham said he hopes to have the application done by February Long eXplained that the policy clearly says surety bond or a performance bond. Long recommended the policy as recommended by the Attorney is presented to the Council for adoption. NEW BUSINESS PAeAB Chairman Long to address the City Council on January 10,2000 regarding the State o[the Board tor the new fiscal year. Long asked ifthere is anything the board would like to add to his report. WiDe mentioned. the proposed charter boal restIlction and wondered if that would be brought to council's attention and the possible impact on the sport fishing industry in regard to halibut catch limit reduction from two to one. Wille suggested that the board back a resolution Cirv of Seward. Alas/w Port and Commerce Ad'l'isury Buard A/inutes Volume 3, PaKe 116 disagreeing with the proposed limitations. Jordan spoke as an advisory panel member of the North Pacific Management Council explaining that the issue is to provide to the charter/sport fishing community a guideline harvest. Jordan said that the International Pacific Halibut Commission would meet this week to detcrmine quota amounts. She said she hoped each area would develop a Local Area Management Plan (LAMP) to manage their O\Vll guideline harvest areas. She said there is a general misunderstanding rcgarding thc onc halibut limit controversy and there are many altematives with fmal action to be taken in February. Long said he did not feel CDmfortable getting in the middle of an allocation dispute. Lechner said that as the number three port for halibut landings, we had bcttcr not get involved in this issue. CORID:SPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS December 14, 1999 letter from KPB Mayor Bagley regarding the Cook Tnlet LNG Pipeline T emrinus. noted for information only. December 16, 1999, Resource Development Council Executive Director letter to Mayor Blatchford soliciting annual dues and support for the organization, noted for information only Dcccmber 1999, North Pacific Fishery Management Council News and Notes, noted for information only. BOARD COMMENTS Jordan said she apprcciatcd Landenberger's comments and felt that ifwc are asking a boat owner to take his boat out of the water and also pay for upland storage and for moorage because of work that we are planning on doing, it was not right. AltermaU asked and found that Long would include information regarding the Port Authority topic in his repOlt to Council. Altermatt also announced that the Alaska Boat Show. January 13-21 would bc held at the University Mall, Anchorage rather than the Sullivan Arena. Shc said she would be at the show in the Sailing Inc. booth l-ong !>uggested that the P A( :AB draft a resolution favoring formation of a Port Authority charter, somewhat like Anchorage had done. Janke's asked what their intention was and Long said lining out the options of a port authority status would be a good starting place. Wille said he would like to look at some preliminary numbers involved in forming a Port Authority Goodwill spoke against a Port Authority and felt no one would want to take on a North Dock deficit of$1.6 milhon, coallerminal, railroad dock etc. CITIZENS' COMMENTS None BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS None Oty afSeward. Alaska Pon and Commerce Advisof)' Board Minutes Volume 3. Page II? ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 p m. /} .0rd'/ c"k.l,//.4U'h ./rudi Sweeney If' . Board Secretary ~ RonL7-F;' Chairman (City Seal) Ow oj Seward, Alaska CALL TO ORDER Port and rnmmerce AdvlSOf)' Roard A,fmute.~ Volume 3, Page 118 The regular January 19,2000, meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:05 p.m. by Chairman Ron Long. ROLL CALL There were present Ron Long, presiding, and Dean Kasischke Doug Lechner Melody Jordan Deborah Altermatt comprising a quorum of the Board~ and James Beckham, Harbormaster Vanta Schaefer, KPB/EDD Rcplcsentativc Judi Sweeney, P ACAB Secretary ABSENT, and excused were: Ron Wille Richard Goshorn Jack Goodwill Doug Lechner APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MOTION (Kasischkc/Lechner) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed with the deletion ofthe correspondence item by unanimous consent. The buard adjourned to a Work Session with Tryck, Nyman and Hayes, Jne engineers for the design ofthc NOlth Hatbor Renuvation project (tape recorded but no minutes taken) 'J'he following people attended' Carl Stonner and Kirk Miller, Tryck Nyman and Hayes, Inc. Dan McDonald DJ. Whitman David Popken Robin Dykstra T ylan Schrock Nancy Erickson Stu Clark Pat Nolan Steve Homan Robcrt Linnville Karl Van Buskirk & Micah Erick Landenburger Claudia Neklason Rachel James Pat Reilly City of&ward, Almlm ADJOURNMENT The work session cnded at 2-50 p.m. c4d'L.L/N/(f aC~ Sweeney Board Secretary (City Seal) I> Ron L ng Chairman Port and Commerce Advi.w'Y Roard Minutes Volume 3, Page 119 L Cilyn/Seward. Alaska Port and Commerce AdVlsmy Board Afmules Vulume 3, Page 120 CALL TO ORDER The regular February 16,2000, meeting ofthe Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Buard was called to order at 12:06 p.m. by Chairman Ron Lung. ROLL CALL There were present: Ron Long, presiding, and Dean Ka<;ischke Jack Goodwill Doug Lechner Deborah Altermatt cumprising a quorum of the Board; and W. Scott Janke, City Manager James Beckham, Harbormaster Vanta Schaefer, KPB/EDD Representative Louis Bcncardino, ARRC Representative Judi Sweeney, PACAR Secretary ABSENT and excused were: Ron Wille Melody Jordan James Pruitt SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS l~ouis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corp. Representative reported that the ARRhad two new locomotives. He also reported that this past year there was record 700,000 passengers who rude the train routes. He also reported that the low bidder for the ARR dock was West Construction Company. He said they are still cleaning up the fuel spill up north. Janke mentioned that thcre is a movement to create an ARR and Marine Highway authority. Bencardino reported that the Spenard Builder's Supply would be using Seward as their port1ur freight, but unfortunately not the North Dock, hut the railroad dock. He said that ten acres would have to be deared. He reported that there are many logs are being stored for backhaul shipment when Spenard's freight comes in. Kenai Peninsula Borough Economic Development District (KPBIEDD) Representative Vanta Shafer reported that the directorship was otlered to someone and turned down therefore the search [or a director is still in progress. She said that the board is not really handling any other business until they get a dircctor and she felt EDD lacked direction and expressed her concern for continuing the EDD Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Vnlume3, Page 121 Citl' olSewunl, Alaska ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS City Mana~er Janke said that the City is pleased that Spenard Building Supply's Alaska bound eargo has decided to come to Seward. Janke said that the City had made its' final appropriation request through Senator's Stevens and Young's offices for Federal money and as a result of that they would be appropriating the $12.5 request for the East Harbor Expansion project. He said that would fund the navigational improvements. He said he also submitted a request for about $1.5 million dollars for the airport's water and sewer. He said the water/sewer to thc airport would be a top priority. He said that they were added, aviation related development would follow. Janke reported that there would bc a work session tonight on the North Harbor Projec.l. Janke said there also is a workshop on February 22 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the operating and maintenance agreement for the syncroliil. He said the SMIC Uplands Work Policy is also on the agenda, but felt that the 0 & M for the syncrolift would take most of the meeting. Janke spoke about the status of the Marine Fuel Tax bill and said illooked n:tVorable. Harbormaster Beckham said that an infrastructure needs list was submitted 10 Senator Stevens. Janke heard we have a good chance at $800,000 for an ADA access ramp. Beckham eomplinll~ntcd Lhe harbor erew for the uutst<mdingjub dune un snuw remuval and supplementing lhe public works crew He said he would be attending the Association of Harbor master's in Juneau next month. He also will be attending a Marina Management Class in Edmonds, Washington. Beckhmn said that the Harbor's Web page is in progress and the address is www.sewaro.net/sewardharborand said thnt he intent is for a variety of purposes, posting the harhor rules, services, husiness listing relating tu the harhor, etc. He said the railroad and the town has been working well with the USCG, making them feel welcome. Beckham said that a polar research icebreaker would be coming to Seward to re-supply Long complimented the website and suggested charging a fee for businesses. .Janke added that Anchorage's Mayor Rick Mystrom would be visiting Seward March 17. He also reported that Afognak might be providing rock to the ARR in exchange for fill at the North Dock. CITIZENS' HEARING COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC None APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MOTION (KasischkeILechner) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed including the January 5, 2000, regular meeting minutes and moving Correspondence Item C. to New Business Item C - Foreign Trade Zone Designation by unanimous consent. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None City of Seward, Aluska Purt und Cumrm:n:e Advisory Board Minutes Vulume 3, Page 122 NEW BUSINESS Zoning of the Harbor (Allowed Uses) Beckham said that the harbor is l,;urrently using the rules that were in place when the State owned the harbor [or lack of our own zoning rules. He said that the harbor was originally designed for mobile or transient use. He asked the board to keep the zoning issue in mind. Rachel James. Planning Technician. Community Development Department, said that there is a provision in the code that says" you are not allowed to operate a business or do commercial activities on any city owned or controlled land". She said uses need to he outlined and defined. Janke said, for example. if a business in the harbor has day cruises that serves meals, then decides to hecome a restaurant open to the general puhlic, that would be an abuse or an unfair competition to the person who has real property in the community. Harbor Tariff Proposed Revisions The hoard went page hy page through the proposed Tariff and noted the anticipated changes which are mainly housekeeping changes as marked in the Tariff. Some significant changes were: . changing tile moorage rates to linealfeet. Lechner noted that would be a38% increase in moorage fees (Beckham said the change to lineal teet tram was not intended to raise rates, but to clean up the rate structure. He said we presently have a 13-rate category system in place.) . an increase in float plane fees to $25 per day. Lechner suggested a seasonal fee for floatplanes, not to discourage them from using the harbor. lIe recommended May IS to September 30. Goodwill favored the increase and felt that l10atplanes were hazardous in a harbor and we need to look at the salety rador. . The ratefor potable water would changefrom $3.03 per 1000 gallons to $4.25. There was a proposed increa.fe to $.50 per gallon difpo.fe of waste oil. The cost is actually more than $2 per gallon but if we charged what it costs. people would probably dump their fuel wherever they liked. Beckham spoke in favor ofa surcharge that would cover the cost of disposal. Long reminded that the objection to a surcharge was that a small user would get charged the same as a huge user. . A propo.fed change is to increase tile labor costs to operate City equipment. Long objected to the cost of $65 per hour plus an operator of a loader as too high. . Cutting tile proposedfeefor upland storage to half for the impact (,reas to 150% (high) and 100% (low). Wharf Demurrage #295 recommended rate of $.25. FOREIGN TRADE ZONE Taken out of order, Janke had another meeting to attend. Janke said he wanted to send the City's selection ofFTZ sites this day and asked the board to name some sites to he included in the Foreign Trade Zone and those chosen were: Seward Airport Alaska SeaLife Center Pori und Cllmmtn:e Advisury Board Minures Volume 3, Page 123 Ciil' u.{Seward. Alaska Alaska Global Terminal dock SMIC duck IMS duck Alaska Railroad dock It was moved by Kasischke, seconded by Altermatt and unanimously carried to recommend to the Manager the sites: Seward Airport, AK SeaLife Center, AK Global Terminal dock, IMS dock, SMIC dock and AK Railroad dock to be included in the Foreign Trade Zone. BOARD COMMF:NTS Lechner spoke regarding the AfV Kennicotf and Tustumena service 10 Seward issue. A committee had been formed called the Spirit of Seward and the first meeting will be held on February 17, 2000 and would address the T usturnena homeport schedule. He said he favored the idea ofEDD dissolving and disbursing the funds individually and uses the $50,000 for marketing. Lechner said he would like the board to go on record that they oppose any type of increase to help the harbor pay for their waste oil disposaL Goodwill expressed his opinion the ferry system is a subsidy for the some small towns to have freight delivered to them for next to nothing. Kasischke spoke in support of Lechner's comments on the proposed regulations illld taxes that we need to find another way in the fees. Long thanked Lechner for his perspective. AD.JOURNMENT ad :L~~/ t/ 0 Judi Sweeney Doard Secretary The meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m. ~-:) / / /\~~ Ron Long Chairman (City Seal) City of Seward, Alaska Purt and Commerce Advisory Board Alinlltes Vnhlme 3. Page 124 CALL TO ORDER The regular March 15, 2000, meeting of the Seward Porland Cummerce Advisury Board was called to order at 12:03 p.m. by Chairman Ron Long. ROLL CALL There were present: Ron Long, presiding, and Dean Kasisehke Doug Leelmer Ron Wille Melody Jordan Doug Lechner James Pruitt Jack Goodwill Roger Mercer was sworn in as a new commissioner and look part in the meeting thereafter. Deborah Altermatt arrived after the roll calL Comprising a quorum of the Board; and W. Scott Janke, City Manager Scott Ransom, I )eputy Harhorma'iter Vanta Shafer, KPBIEDD Representative Judi Sweeney, PACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENT A nONS AND REPORTS Louis Beneardino, ARRC representative was not in attendance. KPBIEDD representative Vanta Shafer reported that they arc still in search of a new director for the RDD. She said they might expand the requirements to include fundraising capabilities and strong organizational skills. The interim director, Jim EIsun may be applying for a job in Medford, Oregon. She said they vukd to keep the Ardor program. Shafer expressed her concerns about the continuation of the EDD because oflack uf direction and strategy In answer to Long's comment regarding the EDD trying to form a strategies forum, Shafer explained they had wanted to eharge husiness' $5,000 to join in this EconomiL: Strategies Program. Administration Reports Scutt Ransom, Deputy Harhormasterreported that Harburmaster Bedillam was attL:nding a Marina Management Class for the week in Edmonds, Washington. City of Seward, Alaska Purl und Commerce Advisorv Bourd Minutes ValuIne 3. Page 125 City Manager Janke reported that he has talked to KPB Mayor Hagley ahout the future of the EDD and how Seward views tlll:ir past performance. He said he suggested that an economic development specialist be hired as a stan' assistant to the Mayor. Then make $25,000 - $50,000 grants available to each city in the borough by grant. Janke reminded and invited the Board to a meeting on Friday, March 17, at noon with Anehurage Mayor Mystrom. The purpose of the visit is to bllild a good working relationship with Anchorage. He said the (:ouncil scheduled a workshop for March 30, 6:30 p.m. regarding the SMIC Upland Boal Work Pulicy. Janke said that 011 April 26, at Kodiak, he and Ron Long would be attending a workshop regarding Foreign Trade Zone as we are in the process of the application. We have identified om areas uf designation and they are the Alaska Railroad Dock and surrounding property, the SMIC area, the Sealife and Tnstitute of Marine Science and the area around the airport. In answer to a question from Altennatt, Janke said that the short film clip "Beautiful Roads" irom the March 13, 2()()(), council meeting was to be used as a tool for marketing and for improvemr.;nt:-i ufthe highway such as turnouts and view areas. LunJ:!; asked and found that the Tariff draft revisions were not done. Long also asked iflherc was any olhr.;r news ahout the proposed closing of the International Trade Development oilir.;es in Korea and Japan. Pruitt asked Janke about the Spenard Building Supply's plan to come here and was told we had heard they would be using the purl uf Anchorage. Janke said that Seward would probahly get some shipping traffic in the winter when the port of Anchorage is iced up. Goodwill explained that seven acres of prime land near Lynden TranspOlt in Anchorage came availahle and ~penard took it. Janke also said there would be a workshop on March 20, 6:30 p.m. to discuss parking in the Harbor area. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING: NONE APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MOTION (Leehner/Kasischkc) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda including the approval of February 16,2000 minutes with corrections as noted and the addition of item New Business 7B Andrew Mezirow Vice President of Seward Charterboat Association's memo. Motiun Passed with unanimous consent. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE NEW BUSINESS: City a/Seward. Alaska Pvrr and Cummerce Adl'isurv Buard Minutes Volume 3, PaRe 126 Life Safety Issues as presented by Ron Wille. Wille referenced a corrected version of his document rather than the one in the packet. He spoke about four different areas of the harbor that have safety issues were: I. Ladder access to and from transient docks (SFI and T) 2. Deteriorating electrical service to E float (primary tourist float) 3. Floatation failure on E float ffi1d 4. Hazards associated with fish cleaning stations and waste Wille felt that these four areas are of high priority and concern. He said the purpose of the document is to give commercial users another option, in lieu of a user fee, to address these problem areas and to discuss among themselves, other possible alternatives to a user fee and present them to the PACAB. He said the business owners would rather have the opportunity to come up with a solution rather than impose a user fee. Long referred to a letti;r frum Patrick Sterling under correspondence on the agenda that addressed the same issue. Long said that this issm.: has been discussed in the past of how to fund a safe and functional facility and partially recover some of the cost by the heavy user groups. lIe said the Harbormaster had talked about making a deal with some ofthe user groups and the Manager has discussed using the Marine Fuel Tax and grants to make it work. Long presented the options of scheduling a work session and public testimony or postpone discussing this until some other issues were resolved. Kasischke favored a work session with figures on how much this all would cost to bring these problems up to standard. Wille stressed that the issue should be discussed in an open forum possibly sometime in April. Altermatt said she agreed the board has quite a hit of unfinished business and asked to "go on record" that outstanding items like the Rules and Regulations and the Tariffneed to be completed and there should be an urgency to complete them. Kasischke said the issues Wille brought forth such as the floatation failure are critical and the potential risk is great. Janke said those things are being addressed with the Harbormaster taking to the main user groups and he felt they were near a solution to be brought before the board. Altermatt said the comfort level of all users is important including the large and small user groups alike. Janke reminded that these issues would take quite a bit of staff time and right now the main focm is the North Harbor Renovation. Long asked the issue be scheduled for the April 19 meeting with a report from administration and discussion. Cbarter Boat Association's March 15, memo as submitted by Vice President Mezirow. It was moved by Lechner, seconded hy Jordan to put the charter boat issue on the next meeting agenda for review and discussion with Mezirow. CORRESPONDENCE INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS City 01 Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advismy Board Minutes Vulume], Page 127 Insurance questionnaire jar industrial and ,'ommerdaljadlities (SAflC) was noted and Janke explained that the questionnaire couldn't be filled out until the Upland boat Work Policy is in place. Long clarified tor the rewrd that the questionnaire was not for boat owners to fill out, but that it is for a quote from an insurance company. In answer to Pruitt's question regarding individual boat owner's charge, Janke said that the charge would most likely be according to the user area. Seward Harbor Renovation and F:xpansi()n Project prepared hy James Beckham, January 2000, noted. .)'eward Boat Harbor and SNJIC Water and Sewer Project, Janke explained that the city had identified areas of need because we were nutilied by Cungressman Y uung LhaL sume muney may be available for water and sewer projects and we had a deadline of February 14 to submit requests. He eXplained that this is only a project if we get all of the grant money. Altermatt wondered for whom the harbor renovation and expansion project was written. Long said you had spoken to him about the harbor renovation document and said that it was to be used as a tool when anyone countered that the boat harbor wasn't holding its own. North Pacific Fishery Management Council News, noted for information only. 2129100 memo from Patrick Sterling with a suggestion of a user fee for increasing harbor revenues to be incorporated in the next meeting agenda discussion. 311 DIDO emailfromAndrew Mezirow, Vice President afthe Charter Boat Association will be discussed at the next meeting. BOARD COMMENTS Goodwill asked whether the floats in question were safe enough to use until a solution could be made un them. He asked if anything needed to be closed down. Altermatt welcomed Roger [Mercer] to the board. Altermatt said in contemplating the past that the board has mainly covered harbor-related issues. She said that when she first started looking at the Port and Commerce board, the main interest was toward commerce. Altermatt wondered if a separate forum is needed Lu discuss commerce issues or if the board should balance their time on them. Wille thanked Janke for the time spent on the SBS project. Wille also welcomed Roger to the board and accredited his vast background and knowledge. Wille said the harbor is the main economic engine that drives the city and that is probably why the board focuses on it. In answer to Pruitt's question, Janke, said the subject of forming a Port Authority was at a standstill. He welcomed Roger to the board and wac; glad to see there was several applicants that showed interest. Pruitt reported on the dry-dock activity with the FV /Tustumena and Bartlett and a 400' Crowley barge and boats in all of the berths. City of Seward. Alus/w Pnrt and Cnmmerce Advisory Board ft,fiflutes Volume 3, Page 12~ Lechner commented on the user fees in the harbor and our search for revenues for the harbor's life safety issues. Hc said there are many life safety issues and the biggest problem is trying to get the money to fix them. LCL:hner spoke in favor of an open forum to address these issues. Long also welcomed Roger Mercer to the board. He spoke ahout a World Trade Center lunt:heon he had attended. lIe said IIoward Benedict; President of the Alaska Seafoud's Marketing Institute was the luncheon speaker. He spoke favorably about encouraging Alaska Scafoud's to buy from Seward processors as a receiving port. Long said he would like to see everyone at the Mayor Mystrom's luncheon meeting. Long thanked Wille and Sterling for their input. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Pat Sterling said he brought this user fee plan forward was that something needed to be done about the south harbor repairs. He noted that all ofB, D, S docks, ami G ramps are in bad shape. lIe said there is some large safety issues. He said whether the marine fuel tax passes or not we will need more than one revenue source. The proposed user fee would nut hit any L:crlain operator. lIe said if this idea passes, he would like to begin January], 2001. Sterling said he wuuld like to have the City Manager check with the attorney for legality and how it could he put together. Stl:rling stressed that it is not a head tax that would go to general fund, but rather a Wier fee that would stay in the harbur. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 1: 14 p.m. : 1JL'LL:;a' f---. Judi Sweeney ~ Board Secretary'- (City Seal) l'ity o{SeH'ard, Alaska Purt and Cummerce Advisorv Board Minutes Vulume 3, Pug-el28 CALL TO ORDER The April 5, 2000, Ch8irman Ron Long called the regular meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board to order at 12:05 p.m. ROLL CALL Th~re were present: Ron Long, presiding, and Deborah Altermatt Dean Kasischk~ Jack Goodwill Melody Jordan Ron Wille Roger Mercer Absent and excused were: Doug Lf~chner James Pruitt comprising a quorum of thc Board; and Scott Ransom, Acting lIarbormaskr Vanta Shafer, KPB EDD Representative Patrick Reilly, City Clerk Judi Sweeney, Board Secretary SPECIAL REPORTS Louis Bencardino, ARRC Representative, not in attendance Vanta Shafer - KPB/EDD. Shafer said the Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Bagley gave a presentation regarding the gas pipeline from Kenai. The EDD also discussed the on-going st;areh for a CEO. She spoke of two grants pending one for $300,000 and the other $80,000. She stated briefly about the non responsive $5,000 membership drive. Long said that the Mayor of Kenai, John Williams was pushing for the gas line project. Long said at Kenai Peninsula Borough meeting $50,000 was set aside to form a port authority. Administration Report. Scott Ransom, Acting Harbormaster said that Harbormaster Bt;ckham was on annual leave this week. CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING City of Seward Alaska Purl und Commerce 4dVlsnry Board Afinutes Volume 3. Pagel29 Patrick Sterling, Seward Small Boat Harbor spoke about tht: U~t:r Fee that he proposed. Sterling said that the City Manager at the last City Council meeting, said that it was unlikely that the Marine Fuel Tax would pass this year thus another reason for passing the User Fee idea. Sterling felt this would be the only way to get revenues for the South Harbor'~ renovations except for grants. He said he felt the private negotiations with Tom Tougas of Kenai Fjords (Tours] about E float would not benefit the south end of the harbor but not the south end. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MOTION/SECOND (Kasischke/Wille) Appruvc the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the addition of New Business Item 7 A City of Prirl<.:e Rupert's Economic Development Strategy. Motion Passed with unanimous consent. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Memo from Patrick Sterling was deferred to the April 19, 2000 agenda. March 10,2000, memorandum from Andy Mezirow, Seward Charter Boat Association regarding the influx of charter boat operators from outside of Seward. The pruposed solution would bt: to require all charter boats (local or not) to have the same requirement~ ~u<:h as: . Proof of current insurance policy with $1 million dollar P&I listing the City as additional insured and show the pertinent water covered. . A copy of a current US Coast Guard license for inland, near coastal or ocean operator . A current CPR and First Aid Card Mezirow suggested deleting the issue of parking from the proposa 1. He said the charter boat association would like to see an easily enforceable way for every charter boats that uses the Seward Harbor have and need the necessary requirements citing safcty and liability concerns and the local sixty charter operators do all of the necessary required insurance, collect and pay sales tax and have business licenses. The City Manager recently distributed a letter to all of the charter operators on the Kenai Peninsula elearly spelling out the requirements for charter operators in Seward. Mezirow said some had responded that they would boycott the Seward Silver Salmon Derby because of the requirements. Hc said Pori and Commerce Advlsurv Board fl..fiflutes f!n[umc 3, Page 1.10 City of Seward. Ahlsku another issue is the depletion of the salmon run by the charter boats and some enhancement of the overall return of salmon by a mandatory contribution to produce more salmon smolt for the bay. He suggested a sticker or decal on the boat to indicate by year that they have purchased a business license. He suggested police officers rather than harbor employees enforce by a warning or a citation that they arc not in compliance. In answer to Long's question about the point of sale versus point of service for tax, Mezirow said that sales tax was required for point of service. In answer to a question from Long, City Clerk Reilly said the KPB collects the sales tax on behalf of the City. Reilly felt that it would be worthwhile to have the KPB enforce the sales tax issue because that is their job and they have the employees and staff to collect taxes. Reilly said the City of Homer and City of Kenai and Soldotna do not have a sales tax at this time. In answer to questions from Wille, Reilly said the current requirements an.: that they have a business license, compliance with the KPB (paying sales tax), compliant with harbor fees and utility fees. He said regarding insurance requirements, the harbor handles that part. Reilly said that charter boats are required to carry the City as an additional insured on their insurance policy with a waiver of subrogation. Mezirow said most of the charter boat operators were not aware of the requirements, Lut did not any problem complying. Mezirow said this would make sure that the insurance carried by boats would be for these marine waters and not just for rivers. Kasischke said the way it is nuw is difficult to "police" and could cost lives or a serious accident. Long welcomed the educalional approach toward compliance rather than the negative or scare tactical approach. Long also favon:d the timelinc of starting this decal program for next year. Goodwill said we need to get things under control, but not to force people away like the "4th of July's" rules and regulations and felt it is not the Port and Commerce Advisory Board's concern. ,Jordan echoed Wille's comments relating to the requirements of charter boats and said she was in favor of the sticker. Altermatt in agreement with Jordan and Wille's comments said that the issue of who will enforce the requirements would come later. Long said the Borough notifies you right away if you are not in compliance. Wille asked who beside the USCG checks for licen~ing and found that the booking agencies take care of that. Mezirow concluded saying he hopes to get the PACAB's approval to send to Council, but would redraft the proposal with the minor changes and present it back to the PACAB on April 19, 2000. Mezirow said the Seward Charter Boat Association does not want to make il prohibitive for businesses to come to Seward, but ju::;t to make it a "level playing field". Mercer said that from a risk management slandpuint it has been found that the highest probability of an incident is frequently associated with the least prepamd operator. Draft Tariff Revisions as included in the packet will be discussed at the next regular meeting, April 19, when the Harbormaster is present. City of Seward, A/uska Pori will ('{)mmerce Advisory Board A-fmules Volume 3, Page 111 NEW BUSINESS Kasischk~ pr~sented th~ City of Prince Rupert Economic Development Slrategy to the board as a suggesLion [or developing a strategic plan. He read the Introduction that said, H If you don't know where you're going) any road will take you there. When it comes to economic development, nothing is truer. Unless concept and direction are clearly established, pulky becomes chaos." He said that Seward, as a group is not doing anything towards economic development or marketing. He said he would like to see something done along the lines of an economic development strategy. Shafer said we need to support what we have here now. She said if we really take a hard look at the community - Seward has several things that are on shaky ground, such as A VTEC and Spring Creek Correctional Center has things going on over there, Seward Providence Hospital in a year has the option to move out of Seward after a two year notice. She said if they quit, we would not find a "non-profit" health care provider that would come to Seward. Shafer spoke about the (Alaska) Scalifc Center whether people arc pro or con, it belongs Lo Lhe community of Seward now and we have to support it even now that its on shaky ground. Shafer said we need to be just as vocal and supportive about the positive things as we are about the negative. Shafer said companies like (Seward Ffisheries); Providence, Spring Creek, etc. look to the newspaper to see how the cit.izens of Seward are judging their company. She said we need to make a po:::>itive community, one that people would like to vi:::>it. Shafer said that. public perception is that we are more vocal about negative things and we need to look more toward the positive. CORRESPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS North Pacific Fishery Management Council Draft Agenda for April 12-17 session) for infonnation only March 28, 2000, trip report from Harbormaster Beckham on Edmonds, Washington's International Marina In.<:;titute's Advanced Marina Management course, March 13-15, 2000. BOARD COMMENTS Altermatt said she was hoping to get a report from Harbormaster Beckham regarding his (professional) t.rips. Purl ufld Cummerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume }. ['age 132 Cilv ofSewurd. Alusk" Jordan thanked Andy Mezirow un the fine job presenting the problem and working toward a ::sulution. Jordan said ~he agreed with Shafer's concerns and felt that Seward has had a good economic development plan. She said she thought Seward has been focused on economic development for about ten years. She ::said we do need to maintain the business we have here now. Long said that earlier that day, the Economic Development Committee of the Chamber watchcu a promotional movie about Cody, Wyoming. He said if was inspirational and enticing. He said the group would attempt to produce a similar video abuut Seward. He said he attended at the request of the Harbormaster a symposium on Ballast Water in. Ships and Aquatic Invasive Species. Long said hc found out a couple of days before the symposium that he was to speak. Long said the consensus of the meeting was to let the process of International Marine Ocean (IMO) take its course. In answer to a question from Mercer, Long said "at sea" transfer of ballast wat~r wa:"! di:"!cussed and he said that there are safety concern::s for sequential and re-pump systems. He said that "at sea" transfers are not the final solution, hut a temporary one. Goodwill reported on the (ARR) duck activity for the month. He said they had two coal shipment:"! in the last month and a log ship. A shipment of nine railroad cars with sheet pile for the new dock is here. He ~aid Alaska Airlines has begun their activity at the dock for the season. He mentioned what a luxury it is for passengers to depart the cruise ship and not have to do any preflight check in of baggage and ticketing since thcy can do that at the ARR dock. Lung passed on some information Louis Bencardino had given him regarding that the Railroad had a proposal from someone to lease land near Henderlong's area to build log home~ un for resale. Goodwill said that he was not in favor of the free ticket to Whittier for the first year, saying it would come from ~ome other area of the state budget. CITIZENS' COMMENTS Pat Sterling, Seward Boat Harbor, thanked Andy Mczirow for the good job he did in prescnting the decal idea for all charter boat::s. Sterling also said that for the record that the City Manager had asked him to bring the User Fee idea to the board. BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS None Citv oj .)'eward. Alaska PorI 01101 ('mWW'rL'!' Advlsorv Board Afinutcs Volume 3. Page 133 ADJOURNMENT The meeting wa~ adjourned At 1: 1 S p.m. 1/-" 'd~/ ) ~)_V Ken L~?!gt:k ~'- r Chairman ,J~ li Sw~eney Board Se<.:rdary (City Seal) ('ily (!fSi?ward, Alaska Fort and Commerce Advisurv Buard Alinll(cs Volume 3, }'age 134 'I CALL TO ORDER The regular April19, 2000, meeting of the Seward Port and CUmml;:fCe Advisory Board was ealled to order at 12:03 p.m. by Chairman Ron Long. ROLL CALL There were present: Ron Long, presiding, and Dean Kasischkc Roger Mercer Ron Wille Mduuy Jordan Jack Guouwill James Pruitt Deborah Altermatt Absent: Duug Ledmer James Pruitt arrived at 12: 16 p.m.and took part in the meeting. Comprising a quorum of the Roard; and W. Scott .Janke, City Manager Jame~ Beckham, Harborma~ter Vanta Shafer, KPB/EDD Representative Judi Sweeney, PACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENT A nONS AND REPORTS Louis Heneardino, ARRC representative handed out the Alaska Railroad Corporation's new Rail Tours 2000 brochure. He ~aid a Grandview Train would come to Seward four times per week. He ~aid the train would bring catering, janitorial and security job~ to the Seward area and a pre-bid conference would be held at City Hall on April 28 for those services. In answer to Long's question, Bencardino said an ad was in the Anchorage Daily News and some local people were told of the opportunity. Bencardino said they are working on cleaning up scrap iron around the yards. He reported that this year's operation with Alaska Airlines at the dock would be the same. He said that this fall a remodel of the building would take place. In answer to Goodwill's inquiry, he said that operations ofthe cruise ship passengers would be similar to last year and the capacity for the trains would be about 300-350 passengers. He said that he's had inquiries about small businesses going into the building and thought that a couple afnon-competitive businesses such as an espresso stand might be allowed. Bt:ncardino in answer to Wille, said that passengers on the train wOldd only have carryon and a trllck would continut: to haulthcir main luggage. KPB/EDD representative Vanta Shafer said there had not been an EDD meeting since she last reported. She recently spoke with another EDD member, Pete Sprague aboutconunon concerns f'(Ir( and Commerce ,1dvismy Board AIinulr's Volume 3, Page 135 nt\! nfSewnrd, 4lusku such as funding. She said that our KPB representative, Pat O'l3rien was the only representative nut voting for tunding the EDD. In answer to Lung's question, Shafer said that process negins in May. City Manager Janke said that he had attended the KPB Assembly meeting the previous night and was trying tu organize a teleconference ofMayurs to sell a hand that would give each city a $1.5 million grant and ours could possibly be used for the east harbor expansion. Administration Reports .Tanke said he was disappointed that the Marine Fuel Tax bill did not pass this year, but would try again. He said hc would be traveling to Kodiak to alleml a Foreign Trade Zone Conference on April 26, 27, 2~, 2000. Janke reporled on a (l;Cent trip to Washington, D.C. with Mayor Rlatehford. Senator Stevens' people would be submitting a $1 million request for this construction cycle. Janke ml:ntioned that previously he had spoken to the past and present borough mayors about investing in our harbor project and they said dH';y Jun't havc economic development powers within the cities. He cilt.;d a newspaper article about Whittier's proposed $20 million harbor project that includes 300 dry stack storage spaces that would ddinitcly impact us. Janke said the water/sewer project grant money we had applied it looked promising that we would gct thc money for the airport's water and sewer. With that money. a by-pass mad could he constructed and development will follow. Altermatt said that peopk hau complained about the rise in borougn taxes and asked what du we get in return. Janke said what we (Seward) get back from the local portion is the use of city streets, police protection, facilities, fire and ambulance infrastructure services. He explained that we pay eight mills in property tax and 0.5 mills are for education. Janke said that we need more support from the Burough maybe by a having a satellite office in Seward. Wille suggested we take part in the Borough meetings hy teleconference. IIarbormaster Beckham reported that he travekd with Council Members King and ()IT and Project Engineers Carl Stormer and Kirk Miller to see concrete Hoats in Washington state. He visited Bellingham Marine and looked at concrete floats. He said they alsu looked at their policies and procedures. They visited an $R50,OOO ADA access ramp in thl: Purt ufEverett. Beckham said they had visited Elliot Bay Marina, Edmonds Marina, Everett, Transpac, Bellinghnm Marina and Cap Sante Marina. Janke added that the harbor revenue bond might include $4 million for A VTEC for housing and $1 million discretionary money for A Vl"EC uperations. Janke reminded the buard of the Work Session with Council regarding the SMIC Upland Boat Work Policy the following evening (April 20, 2000). CITIZEN'S COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR l'UilLIC HEARING: NONE APPROVAL OF ACENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA City uf"Se>l.'ard. Alaska Pori und Commerce 4dt'lsnry Board ,tiinutes Volume 3, Pagr> 130 MOTION (Pruitt/Altcrmatt) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda induding the approval of March 15, 2000 minutes with a correction of the reference tu IMO as International Maritime Organization Motion Passed with unanimous consent. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Draft Tariff Revisions It was moved by Kasischke, seconded by Wille and carried unanimously, to advise the adoption by Council of the revised Tariffwith the followin-g changes: Harbormaster Beckham explained that the first draft was submitted approximately one-month prior with some housekeeping changes. Kasischke said that at the first meeting, it was mentioned that no overtimt.: woulll be charged between g:oo a.m. to 5:00 p.m.and Beckham said he did not recall that. Beckham explained that we have six guys to cover seven days of work. Due to scheduling, a wuplc of days tht,;re arc only two guys on duty. He said ifone is logging the floats and a boat owner wants a lift right then, we may have to call in someone who already has their forty hours that week and he would have to hy law pay them overtime and that cost is directly passed to the customer. We can do that lift, but we give the boat owner the option ufrt.:~sl.:heduling on a day when we do not need to charge overtime. Beckham told Long that if a person calls three or four days in advance, we would know if it is an overtime day or not. Beckham said that now and then, he and Ransom would fill in and do the lin. In response to questions, Beckham said that all of the Harbor guys are trained to lilt boats and also that during normal work hours, the cost ofIabar is not hroken out of the lift fee, but on overtime situations it is. Janke reminded the board that operations and managGmt:nt was nut thGir wk. Lung suggGsted putting in an cSl:apt: clause that says in unexpected absenl:e ora lift operator, someone will be called in and the overtime eharge will be passed on to the hoat owner. Reckham told the hoard that the overtime rate is ahout $ 130 per hour. Long said thl: preferred way to do it is to call in advance and schedule the boatlift. Beckham said he would change the tari ff to read "the fees do not include the lahor charge,.., the liJi fee... do not include the overtime man charges ". Long asked about the section regarding oil disposal fees and felt that If a higher fee was imposed, it would cause non-compliance. Wille asked if there are other options for people to dispose of waste oil products. Beckham said the cost of disposal of oil is more than buying it. He said that during the winter, he devotes one man and equipment one or two days a week and during the summer one man and equipment, three days per week. He said some of the prohlems are people leaving barrels of oil and oil waste products at the North Dock and T dock. He said for the most part people are willing to pay, but we don't have an estahlished rate. He said he is not looking to charge the small users for oil disposal, hut the bulk users. Beckham said that the Harhorand City Shop bum the waste oiL Beckham explained a lot of the regulations fmoil disposal and we simply need a way to bill large users of tht: uil dispusal service because right nuw Wt: do nut have a way to bill for disposal. Long cunfirmed with Beckham that the rt:gular ewryday small u~er wuuld probably not be hilled. Beckham explained the proposed increase in the tow fee within the harbor to Altermatt, that 1110st of the time we do not charge for towing if it is for our convenience or is a slip holder. Long ruy ({Seward Alaska Port nnd Commercp Advi,I'olJ' Roard ivfinl1tes Vulume 3. Pelge 137 \ had a q~lestiun about the proposed lay time rates at the SMIC low impact area, saying with agreement of the board that fee should deleted. Harbormaster Beckham discussed the recent issue of charter boat compliance. He said that this year he would like to educate the charter boats of the requirements ;.lnd maybe put them into pradice next year. He said a recent mailing went out to 650 charter boat operators on the peninsula lining out exactly what is required to operate a charter in Seward. He said the compliance takes a lot of time and ellort to implement and enforce. Tn answer to Wille's question, Beckham said charter boats neeu the required $1 million dollars insurance, with a waiver of suhrogation and listing the City as an additional insured just like our local charter boats are required i.e. level playing field. Harbormaster Beckham spoke about the agenda item regarding safety issues in the harbor as outlined in an email from board member Wille. He wondered what the intent was in raising these safety concerns explaining that the harbor is currently in the process of a major north harbor renovation project. Beckham said the safety issues in the harbor arc well documented. He said we are aware of the E float problems, the electrical problems with the meter bases that are not marine quality, but rather meter bases from a trailer court. In answer to whether any of the floats would in his opinion be conckmned, Beckham said "S" float probably should be. Wille restated that he was merely trying to find out what plan of action would take place NEW BUSINESS: None BOARD COMMENTS: Nune CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Tom Tougas, Kenai Fjords Tours, Inc. remarked to the board that although KfT would have not have a problem huilding a dock ifnecessary, he sees the problem of shortage of space and unsafe fluats as a puhlic problem. He said the City needs to define the probkms and then go for the funding, rather than getting the funding and then going for a plan. Harbormaster Beckham explained that we are quite aware of all of the prohlems and needed repairs and state of the harbor and that we have done upgrades on floats A, B, e and D including electrical upgrades. He also said lhat we are in the process of the East Harbor Expansion. AItermatt left the meeting at 1:45 p.m. Cill' ofSt:ll'ard, Alaska f'()rf and COlnmt:ne AdvIsory Boord A/inufes Volume 3. Paxe 138 BOARD COMMENTS Nonc ADJOIJRNMENT Thl: meding adjourned at 1 :Sg p.m. A~ d;~c,~ Judi Sweeney Hoard Secretary (City Seal) ~~?e Ron Long I Chairman eliI' ufSt'llIard. Alaska May 17. 2nrJO {'orl and ('ummercc AJvl,wn' Board Alinutes Volume 3, Page 139 CALL TO ORDER , The regular May 17, 20nO, mt;eling of lht; Seward Port and Cummerce Advisory Hoard was called to order at 12:05 p.m. by Chairman Ron Long. ROLL CALL There were present Run Long, presiding, and Melody Jordan Doug Lechner *Dean Knsischkc Jack Goodwill Ron Wille Absent were: Deborah Allermatt, excused James Pruitt, t;xcused Roger Mert;er Comprising a quorum of the Board; and w. Scott Janke, City Manager James Beckham_ Harhormaster Vanta Shaler, KPB/EDD Representative Judi Sweeney, PACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, I'RESF,NTATIONS AND REPORTS: Alaska Railroad Corporation, Representative Louis Bencardino, not presenL Kenai J'ellillsula Borough Economic Development Representative/Cit)' Council member V nota Shafer reported that she had 110t been ahle to attend the last two EDD meetings. Shafer said that she had knowkdgl: that the KPR assembly was probably going to cut lhe EDD budget from $300,000 to $90,000. She also said that there had not been even one response to the oiler of$5,OOO for small business' to join the EDD Shafer expressed that we do not have the same borough support as cities like Kenai or Soldotna and that is hecoming increasingly frustrating to our community. City Manager explained that the Borough Mayor's budget was to hire an economic promoter. City Manager Janke said he had called a meeting of City Managers in the Dorough to join with him and develop a plan to submit to the borough assembly and had not met with agreement. One plan is to have $100,000 be divided by four cities for economic development and then with the other $200,000 hire a director with one and the other used for marketing. Shaler agreed with Janke that she would rather see the money comes 1'0 Seward and we could do our own economic development In answer ('i/y oj ,....ew(1rd, A /aska MUl' /7, 2000 /'or/ al1d ('nmmercc A(h!/~my lJoord A.finules Vulumc 3. Pugc 140 to Long's question regarding whelher the Dorough Mayor's budget wuuld allect the Small Business Association (SBAl funding and Janke said that they 'rere planning on keeping the SDA grant. Shafer S<licl the FDD has one project proposed - the gas line and no plans for Seward. Shafer mentioned that in June 2001, the Alaska Academy ufFamily Physicians with over 300 physicians and their families wuuld be in Seward for a conference. She is wurking with the (:lwmher of Commerce. Administration Reports: City Manager Janke reported that the Council \vould be scheduling a \\!ork session for the SMIC uplands next week. He also reported that the State's capital budget included ihe $2.t) millii..lO for the East Harbor Expansion. He said Harborma~tcr Beckham has an appl1catlOn lor the Ecunumic Development Administration (EOA) fur $1.5 million. Janke reported that $1.25 million t{)r Japanese Creek may be fully funded except thal the North Forest Acres portion or the budget has been slowed by the Environmental Impact Statement (C.I.S) and would be ahout two years away. Janke said that next June (2001) 2,000 to 3,000 Day Scouts would be here for a camping jamboree. There will be entertainment such as The Oak Ridge Roys along with other high level bands playing. Tn <lnswer to Wil1e, Janke said the KPB Assembly had postponed the KPB area plan at their last meeting. Harhormaster Beckham reported that the North Harbor Renovation project is progressing. The North Harbor Renovation eommiltee (that is made up of several different user groups) had recently met. He said in the past month a questionnaire was sent to all boat owners mainly asking whethC'r they would be able to move or be lined at no cost round trip to accommodate the renuvation. Beckham in answer to Wille said that approximalely 60 people said they would have their boats moved, bUl there had been some negative response. fIe spoke abuut barges that would like to continue to "winter up" in the small boat harbor while awaiting maintenance and repair work from local contractors. I-Ie explained that when the State ov,rncd the harbor, barges were not allowed, but that we had allowed them and it always cuts the harbor short or transient space in the winter. Beckham said that where the barges tie up on X Float is going to be the primary staging area during the renovation. Deckham also said that he had asked a couple of the barge companies if they would anchor to buoys if they were available and the response V-las negative. They told him they \vould head "south" if that werc tbe case. In answer to a question from Goodwill, Beckham said the harges brought about $2,000 in revenuc per barge. Beckham said the Harbor tariff revisions will be presented to Council at their next meeting. In answer to Lechner's questions about boat storage once lifted, Beckham said that the two storage yards could hold approximately 50 boats and the City might vacate a parking lot or two for upland storage if needed. The City would nut be responsible for blocking or storing boats Beckham stressed the need for zoning changes because of things like people trying to operate Bed and I3rcakJast Lodging and restaurants from their boats and we do not want to a1low those uses of the harbor. *Dean Kasischkc arrived at 12:23 p.m. and took part in the meeting. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING: NONE Citv u{'Se-wuru, Af"s"" May J 7, 2000 PfJrt and Commerce Advisory Board llIinutes V fJ!ume J, Page 141 to Long's question regarding whether the Borough Mayor1s budget would alTect the Small Busines: Association (SBA) funding and Janke said that they were platUling 011 keeping the SEA grant. Shafer said the EDD has one project proposed - the gas line and no plans for Seward, Shafer mentioned that in June 2001, the Alaska Academy of Family Physicians with over 300 physicians and their families would be in Seward for a conference. She is working with the Chamber of Commerce, Administration Reports: City Manager .Janke reported that the Council would be scheduling a work session for the SMIC uplands next week. He also reported that the State':,; capital budget included the $2,9 milliun for the East Harbor Expansion. lIe said llarhormaster Beckham has an application for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for $1.5 million. Janke reported that $1.25 million for Japanese CrcL~k may be fully funded except that the North Forest Acres portion of the budget has been slowed by the Environmental Impact Statement (E.I.S) and would be about two years away, Janke said that next June (2001) 2,000 to 3,000 Boy Scouts would be here for a camping jamboree. There will be entertainment such as The Oak Ridge Boys along with other high level bands playing. In answer to Wille, Janke said the KPB Assembly had postponed the KPB area plan at their last meeting. Harbormaster Beckham reported that the North Harbor Renovation project is progressing. The North lIarbor Renovation committee (that is made up of several different user groups) had recently met. He said in the past month a questionnaire was sent to all boat owners mainly asking whether they would be able to move or be lifted at no cost round trip to accommodate the renovation. Beckham in answer to Wille said that approximately 60 people said they would have their boats moved, but there had been some negative response. He spoke about barges that would like to continue to "winter up" in the small boat harbor while awaiting maintenance and repair wurk from lueal contractors. He explained that when the State owned the harnor, narges were not allowed, but that we had allowed them and it always L:uls the harhor short of trmlsient space in the winter. Beckhmn said that wht:rt: the barges tie up on X Float is going to he the primary staging area during the renovation. Beckham alsu said that he had asked a couple of the harge companies if they would anchor to buoys if they were available and the response was negative, They told him they would head "southll if that were tIw case. In answer to a question from Goodwill, Beckham said the barges brought about $2,000 in revenue per barge. Beckham said the Harhor tariff revisions will he presented to Council at their next meeting. In answer to Lechner's questions ahout hoat storage once lifted, Beckham said that the two storage yards could hold approximately 50 boats and the City might vacate a parking lot or two for upland storage if needed. The City would not be responsible for blocking or storing hoats Beckham slressed the need for zoning changes beL:ause oflhings like people trying to operate Bed and Breakfast Lodging and restaurants from their boats and we do not want to allow those uses or the harhor. *Dean Kasisehke arrived at 12:23 p.m. and tuok part in the meeting. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING; NONE City o.(Seward. Alaska May J 7. 2UUO Purt alld Commerce Advisory Buard Minutes Vulume3. Page 142 APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MOTION (.Tordan/Wille) Approve the Ag-enda and Consent Agenda including the minutes of April 19. 20110. Motion Passed with the addition of the New Business Item 13. Seward Airport UNFINISHED BUSINESS PRlOlUTlES AND GOALS AS PRESENTED ~'EBRUARY 1999 Long said items such as the Tariffrevisioni> and Upland Boat Work Policy had already been addressed. Each item on the list was discussed as follows: Rules and Regulations and South Boat Harbor Improvements were added with the agreement of the board, by Long. Boat Harbor Eastward.~xpansion T .ong asked what the board could do to help with this project and Beckham said writing letters of support from government and local business organizations. He said hc would include them with pre-application wilh the EDD. Janke suggested including the Resolution from the Borough supporting the East I1arbor project. Beckham said he would email the "justification in numbers" to the hoard, then they could write individual letters and then write one from the board. North Dock Janke mentioned that Mt. Alcantra, near the Resurredion River has about one year len on the permit to haul gravel which could be used to 1ill in at the SMIC/UplandBoat Storage YanllNorth Dock area. He said he proposes to anyone that may have interest in the area and has not hau any responses. Janke said that we have until 2007 to pay off the hond for the North Dock. FIQod Control Janke spoke about the Japanese CreeklLevee Road and that it would be built this fall protecting assets like the school, the well field. sewer lift stations and residential areas. Long spoke about the Resurrection River and that some landowners and Resurrection Roadhouse were moving a bypass trench to mitigate the river damage. Janke said of Lowell Creek (Diversion) Tunnel, that he found a 1986 report by the Army Corp of Engineers study that said the tunnel design is Hawed. The Fcderal (iovemment is appropriating $2.5 million. Janke said the City is pennitted to mine 100,000 yards out of Fourth of July Creek eaeh year. but we do not have any flood mitigation projects for that area. Mile 0-8 IIi~hway !mprovements Tt was noted that a planning and design meeting would he held the following day in Seward for Mile 0-8 project. Janke explained that the replacement ofthl: middle bridges for both highway and railroad is included in this project. In answer to a question from Wille regarding Stony Creek and Lake Drive's issues, Janke said they would probably address City of Seward. Alaska Mcry 17, lonD Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes V';/ume J, Page 143 safety and security of children at the railroad crossings thos!,; areas at the meeting. Long said that this projt:ct has progressed about five years forward because people have attended numerous meetings and have been the "squeaky wheel". Janke asked the board to continue to write letters about the condition of Port Avenue and suggested writing to Commissioner Perkins because it had been humped hack a year now until 2002. Harbor Deferred Maintenance Waterfront New Access Road $10,000 has been appropriated by Congressman Y Ulmg lor sewer/water projects in St:ward which includes watl.;r/sewer tu the airport. He said business would have aL:cess to tht: airport or to the railroad via this access road. Land would be available for dcvelopment along the way because it would have water/sewer. Forei~n Trade Zone Long reported that he and Janke travekd to Kodiak on April 26, 27 and 28, 2000 to attend a meeting regarding FTZ. He n..:minded the board that the borough including Seward had applied for FTZ designation. Janke said an informal statewide group had been 1ormed. Janke reminded the board that aL:quiring the FTZ status eoulu be a great marketing tool and bring more commerce. Port Autho~ SMIC New Commerce Long said with the Upland Boat Work Policy new commerce would open for Seward Ships Dry-dock and other contractors in the SMIC area. Janke suggested asking Council to have a marketing person [or SMIC. He said Kodiak wants to build a 300-ton boadift. Harbormaster Beckham said that if that happened it would hurt Seward seriously. He suggested a consortium or cooperative agreement idea with cities like Horner, Kenai, WhiUier, Valdez, Kodiak and Seward to build and operate such a !in. In answer to Wille, Long said a Service Directory is in progress. Janke said the City does not do mUL:h to market the facility because oflack of money, but hopes to in the future. Lease vs. Sale of Harbor Uplands Janke said a cost benefit analysis was done two years ago. Janke explained that what was proposed was to sell the leased land on the West Side or the harbor area and use the proceeds of that sale to market the SMIC area. Coal Facility Future Goodwill said it seems they (Seward Coal Terminal) is moving a lot coal. Alaska Railroad Dock New Commerce Internet Marketing Harbor Improvements Infrastructure Rules and ~c2ulations rity {?fSeward, Alaska May ]7, 200n ['ort and Comm"rcp Advisory Roard Minutes Volume 3, Page 144 South Boat Harbur lmprovements Long asked the board to reprioritize the list [or the ncxt mccting and they could form committees to work on the issues. NEW BUSINESS Lechner suggesteu changing the meetings from two per month to one because of the busy summer months and the difficulty to attend because most involved do most of their business in the summer. It was moved by Kasischke, seconded by Jordan, to have one meeting per month for June, July and Augusl on the first Wednesday Lechner said he was approached by Brad Snowden regarding the airport. Lechner talked about how important to the economic success of cities is to have access by rail, highway, waler and an airport. lie said Snowucn's focus was mainly on passenger service to Seward. Lt:chnerpointed outlhat cargo and especially with the FTZ designation would be a great assello Seward. Janke said he recently submitted a complete wish list for the airport including lengthening runways, more Instrument Flight Rulcs (IFR) equipment. Long suggested adding this item to the Priority and Goal List. COlUlESPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS: May 2000, Boats USA magazine article about a Federal government grant program that would give money to states to build transient facilities and enham;t; recreational opportunity's ffild provide public access from the water to the shore and promote awareness of transient boating opportunities, noted for inlorrnation only BOARD COMMENTS Wille said that at the next meeting he would have a draft resolution requesting the formation of a Kenai Peninsula Borough satellite office in the Seward area. He said we need to be bettcr informed amI have equal access to the borough. ADJOURNMENT The meeting ended at 1 :23 p.m. //~ r -~~ ._ 1 Ron Lon ( Chairman fffi ,~ tZf ;;;~lj?/'i:t:t udi Sweeney 1;1-- Buard Secretary (City Seal) City of Seward, Alaska June 14, 2UUU ['ort and Cnmmerce Advisory Buard Minutes Volume 3, Page 145 CALL TO ORDER The regular June 14,2000, meeting ofthe Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:19 p,m, by Acting Chairman Jack (joodwilL ROLL CALL There were present: Roger Mercer Deborah Altermatt Jack Goodwill Ron Wille *Dean Kasischke *Ron Lung Absent and excused: Doug Lechner and James Pruitt *Ron LanK arrived at 12:20 p,m. and presided over the meeting. *Dean Kasischke arrived at the same time and took part in the meeting thereafter. Absenl: Melody Jordan Comprising a quorum of the Board; and James Beckham, Harbormaster Vanta Shafer, KPB/EDD Representative Judi Sweeney, PACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Louis Bencardino, ARRC representative was not present at the meeting. Taken out a/Order Administration Reports - Harbormaster James Beckham said he would check Cook Inlet Processing's outfall pipe that seems to be floating as observed by Wille. Beckham in response to inquiries about the use of silica sand for sandblasting at the SMIC upland area and found afier research with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environmental Conservation (DEe) and Federal and State Occupational and Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that silica sand is safe to use. KPHJF.DD rcprcscntativc/Councilmcmbcr Vanta Shafer reported that the EDD was cut [rum a budget u[$290,000 tu $90,000. In answer tu Long, Shafer said she did not know the status of her and Mary Tougas' EDD' seats. Shafer spoke ofthe need to have someone who can travel to the EDD meetings without the impact of taking time off a job and traveling at least five hours to Soldotna for meetings and in general having the time for EDD. Goodwill said the "handwriting was on the wall" as far as the future of the EDD when the KPH assemblyman O'Brien asked what had been done in the last tlu.ee years, they could not give an example. Long said the reason for retaining Citl/ ~rSeward. Alaska June 14, 2UOO Fort and l'ommcrce Advisory Board A/inules V()lumc ~,Pug!! 145- the $90.000 was partially to fund Mark Gregury's position. Kasischke added that a portion of Gregory's salary was from the Small Business Association. Long suggested either the City Manager or Assistant allt:llll the meetings representing Seward. Long in answer to Altermatt's query regarding how the Chamber of Commerce is involved in the EDD, said that they provide a space in thcir building for EDD use when meeting with lucal businesses. r ,ong said he had a draft of an economic development plan by the Chamber of Commerce. He also said the Chamber is applying lor a grant to produce a video. Shafer suggesled having an outside firm print up a nice, glossy brochure that lists all of the available services in thc Seward area. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NUT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING: NONE APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT Am:NDA MOTION (Pruitt/Altermatt) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the addition of New Business Item B. (Prince William Sound/Copper River Area Transportation Plan and including the approval of April 19, 2000 minutes Motion Passed with unanimous consent. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Priorities and Goals revised list including the addition of: Rules and Regulations of the SBH and South Boat Harbor Improvements. Lung noted that the priorities and goals were discussed at the last meeting and he had asked that each board member personally reprioritize the list. Wille presented his list and explained his reason for his priorities in particular #1 being the South Harbor Improvements due to safety issues; #2 Marketing - possibly hiring one person with funding from variuus sources. lJnder marketing a focus would be on SMIC new commerce; internet; lea..e vs. sale of uplands; North Dock; ARRC dock new commerce and coal facility future. #3 Access Road; #4 FTZ - research if there is a need for this #5 Port Authority do a cost benefit analysis. Altermatt suggested putting marketing as #1. Long explained that at one time there was a Port Marketing Director, but that was unsuccessful. He said that position was incorporated into the city manager's position and then eventually phased out completely Long asked the hoard to come back with comments for the next mL'L'ting. NEW BUSINESS: A. Resolution No. 2000-02 Supporting the Formation of a Kenai Peninsula Borough Satellite Oflice in the Seward area. After Wille It was moved by Allermatt, seconded by Goodwill and unanimously carried to adopt Resolution No. 2000-02. City ofSf:wurd, Alaska June 14,2000 F()rf alld L'ommerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, PaKe 147 B. Prince Willimn Sound/Copper River Area Transportation Plan as provided by City Manager Janke. It was noted that in the report, it was suggested the Alaska Marine Highway forego the Tustumena's stop in Seward. Following discussion. it was determined that ifboard members wanled to (:Ommen!, they net:d to do so before the June 16, deadline. BOARD COMMENTS: None CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Nune BOARD COMMENTS Nune ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 1 :25 p.m. / ~.~~ Run Long r Chairman (City Seal) CUI' oj c<.,'cwurd, Alaska .Ju~v 5, 2()()() Port and Commerce Advisory Board Afinules Volume 1, Pagel48 CALL TO ORDER The regular July 5, 2000, meeling of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called tu order at 12:0~ p.m. by Chairman Ron Lung. ROLL CALL There were present: Ron Long, presiding, and Dean Kasischke Doug Lechner * Roger Mercer James Pruitt Deborah Altermatt Absent and excused were: Melody Jordan Ron Wille Jack Goodwill Comprising a quorum of the Board; and W. Scott Janke, City Manager James Beckham, Ilarbormastcr T ,ouis Bencardino, ARRC Representative Judi Sweeney, PACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS: KPBIEDD - City Councilmembcr Vanta Shafer, absent *Roger Mercer amved at 12:10 p.m.amI touk part in the meeting thereafter. Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative Louis Bencardino reported that the material for the new dock is here and construction will start in September. He said they might have to dredge deeper lor the bigger cruise ships that come in and lmload. Regarding Whittier, he said the ARR would be out of their building by the end of the month. He said that Peratrovich, Nottingham and Drage (PN&D) is doing a study on the condition ofthc DeLong dock and found that part of it may need work. He spoke about the AK Marine Highway's plans to take Seward away as homeport for the Tustumena. He said they felt it would save money In answer to Leclmer's question regarding an adding a linger, Bcneardino said he did not think it would be a reality and they would probably remove the Dragnet ramp. In answer to Long, Bencardino said that the project should be done by June 1,2001. Bencardino said there is an increase in coal shipments. Administration Report - City Mana~er Janke reported that the Council approved a purchase of a downtown corner lot for public reslruoms and a covered waiting area. He also said CilJ' of Seward, Alaska Ju"v 5. 2UUU Pori and COnlnlne? Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, Page 149 that he would be discussing harbor area parking, such as the newly added bus~parking lane in front of the harbormaster's office. In answer to Pruitt's question of why Janke chose to present the parking issue to the Harbor Business Association rather that to the PACAB and have interested groups attend our meeting and then P ACAB euuld rdl;r any suggestions unto the cuuncil. lIe questioned the use uf the P ACAB, whether they were wasting their time when items like this were taken to other boards first. In answer to Lechner, Janke said that there are several digital counters around town and we would have a count of the July 4 holiday vehicle impact. Janke said regarding when the employee parking lot would be striped and he said PN&D had not come up with aplan yet. IIarbormaster Beckham - no report. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING: Louis Bencardino said that the prison has a surplus of totem poles. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MOTION (Lechner/Altermatt) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda Including the minutes of June 14, 2000 as written. Motion Passed by unanimous consent. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Priorities and Goals Chairmml Long questioned whether the hoard had worked on the priority and goals a<; requested and found none had. He with the board's consent recessed to a twenty-minute work session to discuss the individual top four choices for priorities and goals. Following the work session, the following priorities and goals were prioritized: 1. East Harhor Expansion 2. Marketing Including "Economic Dcvelopment 3. Harbor Deferred Maintenance 4. Downtown Revitalization SMTC Access road or corridor (airport) Port Authority and HZ North Dock Airport for Larger airplanes Parking Traffic issues for the whole town Harbur arca Uplands Development Re-lormatiun uf a Harbur Commission Transportation Issues City ufScward, Alaska July 5, 2UUU I'nrt emd (~(lmllU?rcp Advisnry Rn,lrd A-finutes Volume 3. Page 150 Lechner sugge:sttxl that tht; list includes each item's strength and weaknesses or get a copy of the Chamber ofCammerce's EL:unumie Development Plan. Pruitt suggested sending out a list of items to prioritize by the variuu:s groups ami have the P ACAB serve as the cunduit far all of the boards and then forward the results to Cotmcil. Long asked that for the next meeting the "new" list and the old list are on the agenda. NEW BUSINESS: NONE CORRESPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS. June 26, 2000, letter frum J. Eric Taylor, Area Plans Coordinator, State DOTPF in response to I30ardmember Run Wille regarding the questions regarding the plan to discontinue the Tustumena's service to Seward, was noted. June 28, 2000, email regarding the two P ACAB vacancies (Pruitt and Kasischke) noted that both were reapplying. June 2~, 2000, email regarding the KPB satellite u1TiL:e resolution, noted. BOARD COMMENTS: Pruitt expressed his disappointment after a full year of working on the Uplanu Storage Policy, Council passed and then reconsidered adoption of the policy. lIe said it was back on the agenda for the meeting of July 10th. He said that was another good reason to keep this group focused on one thing at a time. He thought the Council made it sound as if the P ACAB had nul come to a consensus or that they were misin1urmed. He said that all oftht;ir qUt;stions should be answered before they vote on the poliey. He wondered and found that only ant; P ACAB member had been asked questions about the pulicy. lIe suggested that regarding the priority list; the hoard should summarize each item stating the reason that item should be on the priority list. Kasischke reporkd that the International Health Commission said they would he holding a convention in Seward in January 2001. They would have ahout 300 people here. ADJOURNMENT The work sessiun emkd at 1.25 p.m. (Zid ~/.til1l4l- .0di Sweeney j' Board Secretary --, i--' -/-" / ~ ". i~ RonLog 1 Chairman (City Seal) City q(Seward, Alaska August 2. 20UU Purf and Commerce AdvisvTV Board ]J,finutcs Va/urn.? 3, Page 151 CALL TO ORDER: 'I'h!: rcgular August 2, 2000, In!:ding ofthe Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:04 p.m. by Vice~Chairman Doug Lechner. ROLL CALL: There were present: Doug T ,echner, presiding, and Ron Wille Deborah Altermatt *James Pmitt Melody Jordan Jack Goodwill Absent were: Dean Kasischke, excused Roger Mercer Ron Long, excused Comprising a quorum of the Board; and W. Scott Janke, City Manager James Beckham, Harbormaster T ,ouis Bencardino, ARR(: Representative Judi Sweeney, PACAB SecretaI)' SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS: KPB/EDD - City Council member Vanta Shafer, absent "'James Pruitt arrived at 12:09 p.m.and took part in the meeting thereafter. Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative Louis Bencardillo reported that many things sUl:h as planning a train crossing for the trucks hauling gravel from Japanese Creek to I Iemlock in Forest Acres and down to the dock. He said it looks feasible, but it would shurtt:n up their yard. Janke said that they did tell D.O.T. in their design ofthe mile 0-8 highway project that they should consider that intcrsection becausc we have a by-pass going thruugh that area. Bunuardino said the following week they would be laying the road to the douk. He .said lhat next year, larger ships will be docking here and they would have to dock on the West Side. He said the old Seaway dock will have to be removed, hopefully in taut. Administration Report - City Mana~er Janke reportt:d in COlfficil member Shafer's absence, that a new director had finally been chosen and had visited Seward a week ago. The new EDD Director had committed to working with the Chamber ofConunerce on Llpdating the Economic City afSeward, Alaska AUKlISI2, 2000 Parr and CommerCI? Arlvi.\'of11 Bourd Nfinutes Volume J, Page -152 Development portion ofthe plan. Altermatt said the n~w director had called and would like to meet with th~ Harbor Business Association and POli and Commerce Board. Janke in his administration reported with mlLch disappointment some recent news artidcs: Anchora~e DaUv News - he said he immediately called Juneau after he heard the news that a private prison would be built near Kenai. He said Seward had had the opportunity to give any input on it. He told them we consider this to he the prison site for any expansion and want those jobs here. Janke said the KPD Mayor would be here today and h~ would discuss this. He said that shows how our non-representation on the KPB Assembly is becoming a problem. Business News Alaska - small mention about Seward and the shipyard. There was a mis quote about the upland boat storage area. They inaccurately reported that we require $5 million in insurance to work on boats in Seward. Janke said he will contact the papcr and have a correction done on the front page. Rusiness News Alaska - big article about the KetL:hikan Shipyard story. He said they getl'rcL: advertising with the stories they tun and never have positive comments about Seward. In answer to a question from Altermalt. Janke said we do not have a publie relations person on staff anymore. He said the City subscribes to many business publications and responds as nL:L:deu. A1termatt suggested a more pro-active rather than reactive approach. Janke said we need to put more effort into positive publicity about Seward. Janke noted a hand out he gave to the board from the Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development's annual report. Janke expressed his disappointment with the report since he had provided them with substantial information about Seward and weren't mentioned in the report. Janke spoke about the International Trade Office. Janke mentioned that the City is building a Web Page and the Harhor has one to disseminate information to the public. In answer to Pruitt's question, Janke said the target coal shipm~nts for this year is 900,000 tons up from prior years 700,000 tons up 20% due to the economy in Korea building and other factors. Janke said that after talking with KPR Mayor Dagley, he felt the KPB satellite office would become a reality in Seward soon and they were looking at locations for their office. Louis Bencardino and Melody Jordan left the meeting at 12:35 p.m. Harborma.ster Beckham - reported that Tran.spac Marinas had been chosen as the best proposer for supplying concrete floating docks for the North Harbor Renovation project. TIe said the president of the company; Dave Rytland would be in town on Friday to discuss the project. Beckham also reported that Tryck, Nyman and Hayl.:s Inc. has been asked to prepare a scope of work -- or engineer's estimate on reworking the T-dock, North Doek, and the City dock. He said he would be conlacting Seward Fisheries and Shareside Petroleum regarding the needed maintenance and repairs. .Tanke gave an update on the East I Iarbor Expansion saying that there may a one year delay in the start up date (now Fall 2002). Beckham said we arc funded for the design and permitting portion only on the $13 million project. In answer to Pruitt, Beckham said that private money can City of.\'eward. Alaska AUf:,'1lst 1, 2000 Port and ('nmmercc Advismy Board A.fi/"llltes Volume J, J'age 153 he invested in the project, but woulJ have tu follow the same rules and guidelines as F~deral funding. In answer to Altermatt's question regarding the timeline for the North Harbor Renovation Project, Bcckham said it is a little behinJ, but still looked forward to a finish date of April I. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDlILED FOR PUBLIC HEARING: None APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA: MOTrON (Wille/Pruitt) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda including the minutes of July 5, 200U, as VvTitten. Motion passed by unanimous L:onsent. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Barges in the Harbor - Harhormaster Beckham said every Yl:aI approximately five or six barges winter up in the Seward Boat Harbor although the tariff says "No Barges Allowed in the Small Boat Harbor" He said with the Nurth Harbor Renovation project around the corner, there would be less space than normal and asked for the board's input regarding the relocation of the harges. Beckham said that of the 110 sailboats in the harbor abuut 50 said they would be hauled out and ten - fifteen would go somewhere else. Following discussion, Pruitt said there would be room for them (Seward Ships Drydock) to put the harges for the winter. Another option would be for the barges to beach. In answer to Pruitt, Beckham said approximately 50~80 buats would need upland storage and prior to this project starting, he had contacted the boat storage businesses and they assured him that there would be room for the boats taking advantage of the free lifts. Priorities and Goals Lechner said that the lists (last and this year's) were presented on the agenda today to review and make sure all of the board agrees of the priority given to each item. lIe said we're waiting for a priority list from the Chamber's economic development group. Allermatl mentioned that the following Wednesday, the Harhor Business Association is meeting and she would presl;ot it to them [or discussion. Beckham offered to draft a letter for Long's signature to the other organizations enclose our goals and priorities and request theirs. Following discussion, it was moved by Pruitt, .':iccondetl by Goudwillto send letters to other organizations including the PACAB's priorities and goals and ask for comments and passed with unanimous consent. Wille said regarding issues like the marine terry Tustumena's proposed plan to change its home port from Seward to Homer, he wondered if other board members would favor taking on projects like he did with the Tustumena - individually addressing and reporting back to the board the results. He said that would be one solution to the "priority and goals list". Goodwill said the priority list should be sent to the different groups around town and asks [or their priorities and goals to see if we arc "doubling up" on some of the items. Ci(v o("Sell'ard. Alaska August 2. 20liO Pori and Commerce AdVl.wrv Board Minules Vnlume 3. Pa{;c 154 NEW BUSINESS, None CURRESPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS, July 20, 2000 information from KPB Mayor Bagley to City Manager Janke regarding an L~pdate on the Port of cntly and Foreign Trade Zone Application, noted for information. BOARD COMMENTS:: None AD.JOURNMENT The meeting ended at 1:44 p.m. Judi Sweene; '7-- Buard Sccrdary -7 - / -(-'~ I (Jk-9 Ron r,dng Chairman (City Seal) City oj Seward. Alaska Port and Commerce 4dvisory Board Minutes Volume 3, Page 155 CALL TO ORDER The regular September 6, 2UUU, meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called tu urdGr at 12:00 p.m. by Chairman Ron Long. ROLL CALL There were present: Ron r .ong, presiding, and Roger Mercer Doug Lcelmcr Jack Goodwill Run Wille *Dean Kasischkc Dehomh AltcrmaU Absent and excused were: Melody Jordan James Pruitt Comprising a quorum of the Board; and W. Scott Janke, City Manager James B. Beckham, Harbormaster Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative Vanta Shafer, Council Member/KPB/EDD Representative Judi Sweeney, PACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS: Louis Bencardino, ARRC Representative reported about the new duck's progress. He said after the last cruise ship of the year, they will he working on thc west side of the dock. He said the Grandvicw train had 285 passengers, 216 were from the ship. Next year there will be five trains will be stationed out of Seward and will bringjohs like janitorial, foud services, support services, to local peuple. He said they are still working on the inside of the building. Bem:ardino said that there will be a 965' ship next year and some dredging will have to be done. He said by September 15, Cherrier Fislu;ries (Dragnet Fisheries) will be terminating their business and hopefully someone will buy the dock in tact and if not it will be cut up. *Dean Kasischke arrived at th1.: meeting at 12:07 p.m. and took part thereafter Vanta Shafer, Council Memher/Kcnai Peninsula Borough Economic Development District yielded her time for an EDD report until the next regular meeting to give time to the issue of pa<;senger fees. City oj Seward. Alaska Pori und rOlllmeree Advisory Board Minutes Vo/umll], Page 156 City Manager .Janke also offered his time to give the audience lllore time for the passenger fee issue. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING: George Hiller, Anchuragt:, President ufthe Seward Charter Buat Assuciatiun read a Briefing Sheet addressed to the Port and Commerce Advisory Board, dated September 6, 2000. IIiller bt:gan by saying that there are 54 members of the Seward Charter Boat Owner's Association and approximately l:W vessels with membership from Big Lake, Wasilla, Palmer anJ.Anchorage, Cooper Landing and Seward. He said neither he nor the vice-president Mezirow could attend a previous meeting because of chartering this summer. He reported that the average price paid by someone taking a charter is $150 and with the City Manager's projected nwnbers of 162,000 passengers that would give revenue of approximately $333,000. He noted that about 70% of the people coming lor a charter spend the night either in a hotel or B&B, spend money on food, fuel, souvenirs, etc. which are all added revenue to the City. IIiller said the Seward Charlerboal Association already contributes enougn and snould not be burdened by additional l~es tu support the E 110at upgrade. The Association suggested building two fish cleaning slations and have E 11uat users assist in paying for them or increase the bond request to include lhem. Hiller also questioned whether the military would he exempt from the user fee. He c.onc.luded by urging the board to rt~ieet the current user fee proposal. Andy Mezirow, Seward, Vice President of the Seward Charter Boat Association read from his prepared statement dated September 6, 2000. Mezirow cited that the proposed passenger fee placed an unfair priority on meeting the needs of the tour boat company over charter hoating businesses. Mezirow expressed frustration that the P ACAB had not paid attention to their requests in the past whl:n they had asked that a sticker or decal program be initiated that would give visual identification of a boat that had complied with all of the requirements for the Seward area. He said their answer to the decal program was there weren't enough resources to enforce this program - then how would thc City enforce the passenger fee program? He said ifit is on the "honor system" to pay Lhe fees, the City would come up short to pay the bond debt. He said there would not be a way to tell how many people were on charters. He also spoke about an insurance requirement to include a waiver of subrogation. Mezirow spoke against the short-term parking situation in front of the Harbormasler's building and how it had hecome a tour bus staging area without comment from harbor users and he felt it had adversely affected their business. Mezirow felt an overall sense that the City is not working with the charter boat owners Pat Sterling, Seward Boat Harbor, explained the insurance waiver of subrogation clause according to his inquiry with Charter Lake Insurance Company is that if a client slips and falls it automatically names the city as a defendant and keeps the City from defending itself. lIe said it is a standard insurance clause. Sterling said that regarding the number of charters, each charter boat has a report filed with the Department ofFish and Game with how many fish were caught, type offish and how many passengers were aboard. He .<mid that report could he obtained from Fish and Game. Regarding the passenger user fee which he noted that he had initiated this concept monlhs prior, he City ufSewurd, Alusku {'(lrl (Inri Coml//crce AdvlSO/Y Buard Minutes Volume 3, Page 157 felt that $1 per head is not enough because of the amuunt uf wurk that needs to be done. He recommended $2 to get the joh done. He said that we need to replace E dock, the lingers on C dock and we need fish cleaning stations. He suggt;stcu duck levellish cleaning stations like Valdez. He said the majority of thc ehartcr hoats operate un the smaller 1l0ats and they are very unstable and need improvements. He noted that therc art; charter bual uperators that are not members of the Seward (:harterboat Association, and thcy arc fur a user fee. Sterling said the harbor is supposed to be a self-supporting enterprise and we should not cxpcct the City to pay for harbur. Dan McDonald, Seward, read a September 6, 2000 letter from Thomas C. Touga", President of Kenai Fjords Tours (KFT) who was unable to attend the meeting. He said their primary concern was the development for a long-term plan for the upgrade of the South Harbor. He said KFT was committed to working with the City upgrading the float system and access ramps to impruw safely and operations in the harhor. He asked that vessel operators be included in the planning and development of harbor facilities and consider cost effective design changes to hring the cost down without compromising safety Tougas suggested a "p0l1 fee" of gradual proportions, 0-4 hour trips $.50; 4-8 hour trips $1.; over 8 hours $1.50 that they would collect and furward to the City monthly if certain conditions were agreed upon. Those being: that all funds go toward capital fund projects for the South Harhor; that the collection of the fees sunset when agreed up projects are paid in full, that the city agrees not to assess any additional passenger head taxes during the collection of the fees and that the city enforce the collection on transients as well. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MOTION (KasischkelWille) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the postponement of New Business item: Appointment of Chairman and Vice-Chairman until the next regular meeting, passed with unanimous consent. Includes the August 2, 2000 minutes as written. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE NEW BlISINESS: Schedule of Regular Meetings of the Board. The hoard by unanimous consent votcu to resume its regular winter meeting schedule of one regular meeting and one work session per month. Proposed Passenger Fees City Manager Janke began the discussion by saying that legal review had (Quml that the tier type of fee collection would constitute a tax and was not legal. He suggested increasing the hond request to complete all of the projects at one time. He said the monies would only be used to improve the harhor in a dedicated harhor fund and wanted to make it clear the funds would not be used for things like a new trucks, personnel, etc., hut rather harbor improvements. He noted that the numbers of usership for E float had come from the major users like KfT and were not inflated to Pori unJ Commerce Advlsurv Buurd lv/mules Volume ~,Page 158 City olSewarJ, Alaska enhan(;e the numbers. He said the revenue souree would come from the numbers of users on all of the floats combined. Janke explained that the sales tax collected and referred to in Hiller's letter goes to the general fund lo support services enjoyed by Seward residents [lnd tourists alike. Janke said he would agree with a "sunset clause" in the proposed passenger fee resolution. Kasischke said that the fish cleaning stations should be included in D and J dock and also add a SLlnset dause. Altermatt referred to page ten ufthe "Draft" Resolution Authorizing the Issuance ofa Bond included in the packet. Altermatt questioned the use of harbor funds and Janke explained thalthe language was a requirement for bonding and it assured that money wOLlid be spenllor improvements first. Altcrmatt said she is not opposed to the tax, but to the way it is written. She noled thalthe group of small sailboat operators was not included. Wille said he did not fee that the charter boat people had not gotten enough involvement in the process. He said they represent 25% of the proposed passenger fee income and felt they should be the beneficiaries of at least 25% of the revenue bond. He favored the two fish cleaning stations and asked that all vessels be visually recognized with a decal or sticker. Mercer said that he agreed with Wille, that the decal program would alleast give "ptx:r pressure" enforcement. He agreed with the sunset clause and alsu an aL:L:ounting ofwhcn it's paid off. Mercer suggested involving the charter boat operaturs in the (ksign ufthe fish cleaning stations. He reminded that we are a fish tovm and people are drawn to the fish cleaning area with interest and more attention should be given to these areas tor the tourist's safe tralIic How and viewing area. Another area would he the proper place for the waste - possible recycling ufthL: waste. Lechner said he favors south versus north harbor improvements. He said P ACAB or any othL:r user groups did not decide on the $3 million going into the Norlh Harbor. He suggcstL:d defining the money of how it is going lu be develupL:d and a part in the plans and implemented. Lechner suggested "no additional user lee~ during this agreement be added". Leclmcr said hc would support this rather lhan higher moorage fees. Long noted that there is and always has been a passenger fee in the City code and tariff. He said there is a passenger 1I.:L: collected at the railroad dock for people from the cruise ships, but that money goes right back to the railroad. Long also noted that the board haq looked at length for money lrom marine fud tax, partnership agreements, etc. with no luck. We received $3.1 from the State and prior to that. a plan was drawn up for the money. City Manager Janke tuuk exception to comments that there had not been input for the $3 million for the north harbor. lle reminded thL: board that there had been a task force made up of the I larbormaster, Ron Long, SL:ward Boat ( hvner's Association and the engineers who decided how to best use the $3 million. He said there were many public meetings. It then came to this board for recommendation and then to City Council. lIe said that prOl:ess was applauded by many. Janke ('it)' ofSt'ward Alaska Purt and Cmnmf'rt'e 4dvisory Board A/mutes Volume 3, Page 159 said in reply to the question about whether the military would have to pay the passcngl.,;r fcc, he said yes because it is not a tax, but a user fee. Long added that he had talked to Carl Stormer, Project Engineer for Tryck, Nyman and Hayes, Yl:stl:rday and found that building E Float is do-able and the fish cleaning stations could be built by spring. Long said Stormer said that about $1 million could be saved hy including the two projccts with thc North Harbor Renovation project Harbormaster Beckham clarified some things: the small boat harbor is not supported by tax dollars at alL This is a 30-year problem; it is not going to be solved. Beckham eXplained he is the biggest advucate tur the harbur. He said that the harbor is a huge complicated business - like for instance the sticker or decal program would in reality be about $500,000 to initiate and maintain. ITe said thL; lish L;kaning stations wuuld be about $250,000 each and at the north end ofthe harbor there is some wmplicated legal land issue including lease, tideland issues. Beckham said he had involved everyone through this whole process including re,<:;olutions from the Port and Commerce board and the City Council over the past year and one-half. He said we have done quite a bit ofwmmunicalions, we have a Web site, we e-mail people -we have asked for input and received nothing. He said that the savings on E float, the most heavily trafficked float- handling ISO 200,000 people per year, would be $1 million dollars. He said he has identified $15 million dollars in improvements that are needed in the harbor. Beckham said to fix the T-dock, City dock and Lift Docks would be another million dollars and there has to be changes in the ramps, float system. Beckham said that the money [rom the.E Float will pay for the project alone and we should try not buwling the project because we need thl: money lor the East I Iarbor Expansion. We need to reserve some of our hondable capacity. Lon~ said he had spoken with thc l:ngineers l'fNHJ earlier that day and they said they were complicated issues but do-able. He proposed an amendment that the bond be $3 million dollars, that the project definition include two.lish c1eanin~ station!J' at B ami J; E dock; a trestle at B dock and a sunset c1ausefor when the bond is retired and durin:: that period no additional passenger fees be impm,ed, initiation of a sticker program and any additional money left over be used to enforce the .flicker program. Janke suggested that the bond be $3.325 milliun. Beckham added that the fish cleaning station should not be near an access ramp. WillL; rL;mimled the buard about handicap accessibility issues. ^ vote was taken on the amendment and it passed unanimously. Following discussion, it was moved by Lechner, seconded by Kasischke to approve Resolution No. 2000~03 as amended and it passed unanimously. CORRESPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS August 1,2000 letter from Mayor Kensuke Watnuki, Kushiro, Japan and August 15, 2UUU, mcmo from KPH Mayor's Assistant Bonnie L. U-olden regarding Foreign Trade Zunes, noted lur informatiun only CITIZENS COMMENTS; Ci(v r!f'Seward, A !Ilska Fort and CUlf/merce Advisory Buard AIinlltes Vu!umf? 3. Page 160 Pat Sterling, S\,;ward Boat Harhor said he knew many people spent a lot of time un the issue of the passenger lee. Th<:lnked the hoard for passing the fee and commented that he wished it would have been enacted for $2 per passL;llgcr. Sterling suggested putting the fi::;h ckaning ::;tation near tilL; Coast Guard station on tiddands. Andy Mezirow, Seward, asked what would happen if the amount of money collected from the passenger fees falls short of projected bond payments. He felt it would be appropriate for a task force to be fomled of the people that are going to pay the passenger fees working with the Harbor in the most cost-effective way. Beckham told Mezirowthat revenue would have to be raised to cover any shortfall in projected pa<;senger fees. BOARD COMMENTS: NONE Members of the board thanked the public for their attendance and input. They all agreed to foml a task force for the design of the fish cleaning stations. l.echner also complimented the Beckham Jor his document, The State of the I Iarbor, noting that it is very informative and details what the harbor is up against Wille gave an update for thL; Tustumena's proposed plans to move thdr homeport to Humer saying that it did not louk favorable for Seward. ADJOURNMENT The meeting ended at I :33 p.m. () / J.!-lIt" .{} k<eNcGf/'---- ;/Judi Sweeney f Board Secretary // J on ong Chairman (City Seal) Citv o(Seward. Alaska Octn;'er 4. 20/J() ml/Jules Port and Comm'-'rn.! Advisvry Bourd J\1inut'-'s Vnlume 3, Page 161 CALL TO ORDER: The regular October 4, 2000, meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:03 p.m. by Chairman Ron Long. ROLL CALL There were present. Run Lung, presiding, and Roger Mercer Ron Wille Jack Goodwill Dean Kasischke Absent and excused were: Doug Lechner Melody Jordan Deborah Allermall James Pruitt Comprising a quorum of the Board; and W. Scott Janke, City Manager James B. Beckham, Harbormaster Louis Beneardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative Judi Sweeney, PACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS: Louis Bencardino, ARRC Representative reported about the new dock's progress. He said that Storm Chasers had leased land near the area where Pat Sterling is leasing. Bencardino said that the AR.R is putting in piling at the new dock and that a lot of material is being hauled in from Japanese Creek. Dredging will hegin at the end of the month and by the end of December, it should be complete. He mentioned that the dock was being used by a NOAA ship that had trouble with the North Dock's wave action. In answer to Wille, Bencardino said that a dolphin would be constructed on the west side of the dock for larger ships. He said they paved an area near the depot for ease of driving forklifts in that area. There was discussion regarding maintenance of a crossing near the A VTEC area. Vanta Shafer, Council Membcr/Kcnai Peninsula Borough Economic Development District was absent. rity nfS"H'tlrd, Alaska Ocwber I, 2Uon minutes Port and Commerce Advisory Board A/lnutes Volume 3. Page 162 City Manager Janke said he had some bad news regarding the proposed budget has a $600,000 deficit and that approximately $300,000 loss we take every year on the North Dock and the ~()Iuti()n he foresees is a one and one. half mil increase or reduction of services. Janke said the City Council wants to hire an independent engineer for the North llarbor Renovation project and he felt that hiring someone from TNH would help the project rather than hire an independent engineer who tend to have an ego to contend with and may hring ahout chang!; orders, ami delays. He said it would be discussed at Monday, ()ctoher 9th Council meeting. Janke complimented the Log's Nancy Erickson, who wrote a very positive article about Seward in the October 14,2000, Business News Alaska magazine following his complaint to the magazine regarding the lack of positive coverage for Seward. Janke announecd that there would be a town meeting on October 13 l1t 7:00 p.m. to discuss the sale of the utility. Harbormaster Beckham said he disagreed that a n;sident engineer was needed noting that TNH already had a contract adminislrator built into their contract. He said he recently talked with a construction company that is working on the ARR dock and they commended Seward fur alrcauy having the cuncrete floats on order. In answer tu Wille, Beckham explained that the project would be n:ady to he bid next week. Chairman Ron Long announced that he was a successful candidate for Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly representativc and would be resigning effective the end uftoday's meeting. He notcd that it had been an honor and privilege to serve on the board. The board decided to havc Doug T .echner, Vice Chairman run the board meetings until the election uf a new chairman. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULEIl FOR PUBLIC HEARING: No one was in the audience. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA: It was moved by Goodwill and seconded hy Wille and passcu by unanimous consent to approve the agenda with the addition of item B under New Business Requesting a letter of Support for a Gas line tn he huilt along the highway. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Appointment of Chairman and Vice-Chairman postponed until the next meeting. NEW BUSINESS: It was moved by Wille, seconded by Kasischke and unanimously agreed by the to move the work session of October 18 tn ()ctoher2S, 2000 at noon bet.:ause the 18th is Alaska Oay, a City/State IIoliday. Ci~v of Seward, Alusku Octoher 4, 2nnU minutes Port and Commerce Advisury Bourd Minutes Vn/ume 3, Paxe 163 NEW BUSINESS: CONTINUED Regnrding Long's rClluest for a leller of support for a gas linc c.onstruction route. The board discussed this briefly and de{;ided to wait on a letter until the City Manager checked on some things. CORRESPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS September 2000 North Pacific Fishery Management Council News and Notes, noted for information only, CITIZEN'S COMMENTS: None BOARD COMMENTS: The board, Kasischke, Mercer, GoodwilL Willc all wished Ron Long well saying it was a pleasure working with him over the past years. Wille also l:omplimented Harhllnnaster Bedham on the report "State of the Harhor" he said it was an cxcellent report, well \Witten and gave him an insight into what the Harhormaster has to deal with. Long thanked the board, Judi Sweeney and the administration for the good job of working with him and that he would keep in touch. ADJOURNMENT The work session ended at 1 :00 p.m. .9._,. ~v' .. /- Jd.cf Ron Lung Chairman Judi Sweeney Board Secretary (City Seal) City of Seward, Alaska Port alld Commerce Adl'iso!1' /Joard Minutes Volume 3, Page 163A CALL TU URDER The regular November 1, 20()O, meeting ofthe Sewaru Port anu Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12: t () p.m. by Vice-Chairman Ledmer. ROLL CALL Thcre wcre prcscnt Doug Lcchncr, pn:siding, and Jack Goodwill Dean Kasischke Melody Jordan Ron Wille The following Board members arrived after the roll call: *Deh(lHlh Altermatt arrivcd at 12:20 p.m. comprising a quorum of the Board; and Scott Janke, City Manager James Beckham, Harbormastcr Vanta Shafer, Council Member, KPB/EDD Representative Louis Bencan.lino, ARRC Representative Judi Sweeney, P ACAB Sccrdary ABSENT were: James Pruitt, excused Roger Mercer SPECIAL REPORTS Louis Bencardino - ARRC Representative recapped the past year with the Railroad. He said funding had been ohtained for the following: $10 million for the rehahilitation of old ties and installing ncw ones $10 million for automotive signals (switching gear near Potter's Marsh and Wasilla) $10 million to realignment of tracks in the militmy bases -Anchorage and Wasilla $3.1 Fairbanks rails and bus intermodal facility $3 million for Denali Park intemlOdal $2 million for the forestry service slide area developmcnt $6 million for a commission to study the Alaska/Canada Rail Ci~v 01 Seward, Alaska ['ort (lnd Commerce >-ldvisOIY Roard Afwule,I' VOftlllll' 3, f'age 164 Beneardino said the dock cunstmction lS going well with a few rroblems with equipment. He also said the dredge is on the way and the old Seaway (Dragnet Fisheries) ramp is out to hin for demobilization. Vanta Shafer. Council Member, EDD Representative, reported that the new director, Betsy Ovt:rlisky was un line revamping and reorganizing the organization. She said that a loan officer would be available to help businesses obtain start-up money. She said that an EDD forum will be held on December 8 and later she would provide more information concerning that. Shafer said they would he renting out offices and warehouse spa<:e at the EDD building. She said an audit was done and would report on that later. Ron Long, KPB Assembly Representative volunteered to give a short report about the Assembly He sClid Tim Navaare was elected Assembly President and Pete Sprague as Vice Presiuent. Ht: said the Mayor's beetle kill salvage plan was introduced citing what could and couldn't he removed. Long said the Dorough is trying to <:hange the duc datc of taxes to coincide with the distribution ofth~ pcrmam.:nt fund to alleviate delinquent taxes. Administration Report. City Manager Janke said that the Borough is still committed to having a satellite oHice in Seward. Janke said that with the recent plans forjob service to move from City Hall, he hopes to makeroorn at City Hall. He report~d on thL: Japanese Crt:ek Levee saying that th~ ~asemcnts arc in place and constmction would begin around Novemher. lie reported that some designated wetland in the o01th Forest Acres road area were recently changed to non-wethmd and that would ease pemlitting when the time comes. He said lhere would bc a meeting of the l1lu1ti~use agency on November 2, at the IMS RaL: Building. Janke said he would prepare a resolution supporting the LLSl; ofthe Alaska Highway route for a gas pipeline. Janke said Monday, November 7, the year 2001 budget would go before Council. lIe noted that Council is favoringmorL: mainknalll:C items. He said the Council committed to some long-term solution plarming for the Nurth Dock:. A Council retreat will be held to work on issucs lik\.: tlle North Dock:. Harbormasler Beckham rep0l1ed on the N01th Harbor Renovation project (float replaecmL:nt). Hc saId tlmt (:ity representatives would travel in December to sign the bond for E Flllat replacement and fish cleaning station. He said the bid deadline for installationo[the concrete floats is November 27. He spoke about the Harbor Plaza project and said the wiring was in and the city shop was working on the mounting platl;s. In answer to a question from Wille, Beckham said that from the beginning the renovation plans have been to not have E float connected to D Float. Wille referred to the area as potenlially restricted access due to the ramps being offset by ten to twelve feet. Beckham explained that it was offset because ofa propane tank and the boardwalk adjoining the Landing building wuuld have tll he removed. He said Kenai Fjords Tours has expressed that that would like that muved and engineers are checking on that now. He said that it wuuld mean that the whule boardwalk hehind the Helly Hansen store and the propantl tank would haw to b\.: n.:moved. He said that from an engineering viewpoint, the electric, water and sewer would have to be rerouted and the floats reahgnerl. Wille inl.lllireu whether a temporary piece of flnat could. he put in place so there would not he Citv of'SeIVGrd, ,1laska Fort and CUII/meree Advisol1' Buard Minutes /iv/lIlf1e 3, FaRe 165 a gap. His main concern is the access for loading/staging for the E float won't be available. Tn answer to Janke, Beckham said the cost for connecting the floats would be approximately $75,000. Janke, Altemlatt and Wille said that this was the first time they were aware of the gap issue. Lechner asked for copies of the proposed plans. CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING None APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MOTION (KasischkcfWilk) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion passed by unanimous consent. UNfiNISHED BUSINESS Appointment of Chairman. Nominatiuns were opened and Kasischke nominated Wille and Altennatt nominated Lechner. Following a ballot vote, WIlle receive the majority of votes and by unanimous consent of the board was named Chainnan. Lechner then tumed the gavel over to Wille. NEW BUSINESS Proposed Forest Service Plans Wille read in full for the record a proposed resolution. The resolution stated that the Port and Commerce board is in full support of no closures or restriction of Forest Service Trails. It was moved by Altermatt, seconded by Kasischke to amend the resolution with the deletion of the word all from the 6th whereas clause that read "the board deems all recreational users should have access to [all] trails in the Chugach National Forest, and that the!J'e trails should not be further re!J'tricted to anyone u!J'er xroup". Jordan felt thal the Forest Servil:e should makc a pn.:scntation to the community. It was also amended to add Section 1: The Port and Commerce Advisory Board urges the City Council to encourage a clearer statement of objective." by the U.S.F.S. for the revisions, especially in local communities that are being impacted by the revised plan. Kasischke, seconded by Altermatt moveu it, and lmanimouslypassed to adopt the Resolution No. 2000-004 as amended. Janke said he would take the Resolution to Council. CORRESPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS October 8, 2000, Alaska Journal of Commerce article regarding a proposed gas line to the Lower 48 noted. BOARD COMMENTS Alte1l1mtt and Goodwill congratulated Wille on his appointment as Chairman. C'izv ajSeward, A/(I.\'I<." Port IIIllI Commerce .,jdvisOTl' Buard Minutl!s Volume 3, Page ] fi6 Jurdan SaId she was pleased that the Forest Service issue moved along smoothly. She remindt:d the board to keep up to speed on the Stdlar Sea Lion issue. Glludwtll asked what it would take to connect the D and E float and Janke a change order wuuld have to he done and they would have to lind funding. Harbomlaster Beckham ill response to Altemlatt's comment that she had never heard or seen the 0 - E float gap said all of the documents that the board has had access to showed the break between D and E. Beckham said no change was made to the access to E float, that tht:re still were two ramps and there would always be competing uses of the ramps. Beckham said that hy moving tht: !ish cleaning stations and providing better access would alleviate some of the congestion. Beckham said the budget is tight and they would look at tht: idea ufconnecting those floats. He said there is a significant height ditfercnce in the twu fluats, which may he a problem. Janke in agreement with Beckham said that the sulution wuuld he when D Float is redone they could L~onnect toE. CITIZENS' COMM~:NTS Ron Long cummented that communication with the public has been a concern with the North Harbor project and that he thought he was pretty knowledgeable about this pruject, but was not aware of the D - E float issue. On another subject, Lung said that the Forest Service has had public meetings and did get the in[onnatiun out to the puhlic. BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS Janke agreed with Long that if you want to make it work, you will make it work. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjuurned at 1 :20 p.m. /,~. c::==::;: ~ Ron WlITe Chainnan , /Judi Swt:t:ney Board Secn~,lary (City Scal) Citv ot'Seward. AfuskiJ Port und Cummerci: AJI'ISOTl' Bnard Jo,fi,lllles Volume ~, PaRi' 1 (i7 CALL TO ORDER The regular December 6, 2000. meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce AdvisOlY Hmml was called to order at 12:08 p.m. by Chairman Ron Wille. SWKARING IN OF NEW COMMISSIONER Oahn out of order by consent of the board) Karl Vanbuskirk was swum in by City Clerk Reilly as a new commissioner and took part in the meeting thereafter. SPECIAL REPORTS (taken out of order until a quorum was present) Luuis Bencardino - ARRC reported that the CEO Dill Sheffield had resigned as of JanuaJY ] 5, 2001. lIe spoke about the many good things Sheffield has done for the Railroad. Hl: _..;aid that Kubitz would be speaking at the EUU group about the Railroad's plans. He mentioned that the Seaway ramp would be rt::rllllved (In Sunday hy Alaska Metal and Christianson Construction. lIe said that the structure would be used ror a building. He spoh about the new dock construction. Bencardmo said that the new dock would not be black topped for a year or so to give it time to settle and compact. Bl:IH.;ardino reported on a successful Holiday Train on I1ccemhl:r 2 wilh ridership of 246 and 300 expected for Dccember 9 Huliday Train. Vanta Shafer, KPR/F.DD rl:porkrJ that an economic forum would be held in Kenai tomorrow and Counl:il and the City Manager would be attending. Administration Report. City Manager Janke reported that he had attended a meeting in Soldotna regarding the Foreign Trade Zone Designation and they decided to step back fiom the project to educatc the puhlic on the benefits of obtaining the designation. He noted that the Kenai Pelllnsula Borough would still fund it. Janke reported that the Japanese Creek Levee is under construction with about three weeks to completion. Janke reported on the North Harbor Renovation project. He said the bids were opened on the construction phase of the project and the first apparl:nt low bidder had backed out hecause of fin error in calculating their bid. Thl: nl:x.t lowest bidder is Swalling Construction hidding appnlximatdy halra million over what was estimated for the project. The money would have to be found within the project either by refiguring the scope of the project such as dekting the proposed sewer system to thi.: floats or sl:aling down the tire prntedion plan. Janke said he had met in Anchorage with lawyers and l:nginl:l:rs concerning the bid. The Council would meet in a work session on December 12 and then have a Special Meeting on the 141h. to approve of the contract. Janke also reported that the Planning and Zoning had approved a parking plan and were sendrng their recommendations to the Council. Harbormaster Beckham reported that the Harhor Plaza projcct was moving furward with the hghts and the anchor III place, and the bronze inlays and the flagpole next. ROLL CALL Thcre Wl:re present: Ron Wlik prcS1(!mg, and Cill' UfSnVllrd. AfllSt,a Pori alld ('01/11/1'>/'1''> Advlso/'y Board ,t!irmlt:s Volume ~. Page 16H Dean Kasisehke Doug Lechner Karl Vanbuskirk Roger Mercer comprismg a quorum of the Board; amI Scott Janke, City Manager James Beckham, Harbonnaster City Clerk Patriek Rl:illy Vanta Shafer, Council member, KPBJEDD LoU1s Rencardino, ARRC Representative Judi SWl:eTley, PACAH Secretary ABSRNT and excused were: Deborah Altennatt Jim Pruitt Jack Goodwill Melody Jordan CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING NOlle APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSJ<:NT AGENDA MOTI()N (Kasischke/Lechner) Approve the Agenda with the addition of New Business item 7B Stellar Sea Lion and Consent Agenda including minutes of November 1, 2000. Motion Passed by unanimous CUllsent. UNFINISHED BIJSINJ<:SS Priorities and Goals. Wille suggested that the hoard could take a closer look at the goals and take time to aceomphsh the guals. It was decided to follow the old furmat ufthe goal.s that showed the stahls, pending actiuns, de The format would be available for the December 20 work session. NEW BUSINESS It was moved by Lechner, seconded by Kasischke to unanimously approvc Resolution No. 20011- 005 Urging the Seward City CouncIl Strongly Supports the AI-Can Highway Gas Pipeline Route to Move Natural Gas to Markets in the Lower 48 States with a minor changt: in wording nfthe last paragraph. Kasisehk~ brought up the Stellar Sea 1.1011 issue because a proposed change to include restrictions of the salmon and herring fisheries to protect Lhe sea liuIls as n(Jted in tuday's newspaper. Janke said that he wuuld mention it when he and Mayor Blatchford visit D.C. Janke also m~ntioned that Meludy Jordan would be the P ACAD resource p~rson since she SClves on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. Wille asked that Jordan, Mercer and Jallke give reports as an agenda iLem at Lhe nt:xt Illt:eting. (1),' OfSl.!wu/(f, Afa~/w Port Gild CornmaN.' .4dvisOI)' Huard Mil1l/lcs Volume 3, Puge 169 CORRESPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS lktoblT 25, 2000, CunsulaLe-Ci-eneml uf Japan regarding establi;;hing a Japan America Society of Alaska, noted November 2, 2UOU, fax from Tnm <Temmell, IJnited FishL:rml:Il of Alaska regarding thl: proposal Lo reduce hatchery chum, noted, NowmbL:r 14,2000, NorLh Pacilic Fishery Management Council Newsletter, noted BOARD COMMENTS Mercer spoke about the new marine simulator that was installed at A VTEC. He said the sLaITis learning right now and it shuuld be on line and offered as a class by January 2001, He invited the board to tour A VTEC and observe the best and most high tech simulator 10 existence, He said a person cuuld simulate piloting a tanker or some other type of ship into the New Yurk harhor just as exact (IS the real thing. Janke mentioned that in a year or so to stay current they should apply for money for an upgrade in suftware, Lechner noted that in the latest Alaska.!nurnal ofCummerce Seward was left off the list of the biggest polis in Alaska. Janke said he would contact them lor a cOITl;;':ction again. CITIZENS' COMM~NTS None BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CrnZ~:NS'COMMENTS Nonc ADJOURNMENT / The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m. ~ " 11a;.;' .:Lt.' ~..Jc'e:.c/ ~RO" W~'lre'=- ~~___ Judi Sweeney Board Secretary Chairman ((.'ity Seal) City r:fSeward, AlasAa January 10. 2001 Port and Comml.'rcr: AdvisOI)' lloard Minutes Vulume 3. Pag<: 170 CALL TO ORDER The regular January 1 U, 2001, meding ufthe Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:10 p.m. hy Chairman Wille. KOLL CALL Then..: were present: Ron Wille, presiding, and Doug Lechner Jack Goodwill Dean Kasischke Deborah Altermatt Roger Mercer Karl VanBuskirk comprising a quurum ofthe Board; and Scott Janke, City Manager Scott Ransom, Deputy Harbormaster Vanta Shafer, Council Member, KPB/EUD Representative Louis Bencardino, ARRC Representative Judi Sweeney, PACAB Ser.;n:tary Kari Atvvood, Harbor Office Assistant III ABSENT were: James Pmitt, excused Melody Jordan, excused SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Louis Bencardino ARRC Representative said that as ofthis past weekend the new dock is in use. He said they are getting calls scheduling the dock use for this spring. He said that today a group from Holland America, Prinr.;ess Cruises and executives from the Alaska Railroad would be meeting in Seward to discuss the coming year. Beneardino said there was some discussion for improvemr.;nts for the huilding like improving the heating systl..:m, putting a check in booth in the center of the building, clc. In answer to Janke's question, Bencardino said that another attempt to move the old SeaWay dock would br.; suon. He said the company that hought lhl..: ramp has until May 1. 2001 to move it and in answ~r 10 Goodwill's question, he said that the company that hought it is bonded as a condition of their bid. Vanta Shafer, Council Member, EDD Representative, said the last regular meeting was in December. She said that they would hl..: kasing out part of their building for office space. A resolution passt:d supporting construction ofprivatl..: prison to be built next to Wildwood Correctional Facility inKcnai. Shafer said she would like to see wireless Ir.;lcphune and internet service come to Seward and was told that wr.; arr.; too far from an exchange station. The bl..:l1dit of having one would be lower fees and more services availabk, Altermatt said that ACS Communications is utlering wireless service to residential customers, but not businesses. A(termatt also said that Bclsy Arhelovsky, would be attending the Harbor Business Association on Fehruary 13.