HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 PACAB Minutes
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City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Board Member Pruitt led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
CALL TO ORDER
The regular January 9,2002 meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board
was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Ron Wille.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Ron Wille, presiding, and
Deborah Altermatt
Dean Kasischke
Karl VanBuskirk
Jack Goodwill
James Pruitt
Melody Jordan
Absent: Roger Mercer, Doug Lechner
Comprising a quorum of the Board; and
Scott Janke, City Manager
James B. Beckham, Harbormaster
Vanta Shafer, Councilmember/KPB/EDD Representative
Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative
Kari Atwood, Acting PACAB Secretary
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS:
KPB/EDD Council member Shafer reported that James Carter was the new Executive
Director and that there had not been a December meeting. They had three applications for the
community representative and the council would choose one at their Monday meeting.
Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative reported that they
had two meetings regarding security on the dock to discuss any changes that needed to be
made. The Tuesday meeting was supposed to be with the FAA but they did not show up. The
Cruise Lines have ordered some new X-Ray machines for all the baggage. Alaska Airlines feels
confident that they will continue so they are leaving their equipment. The Railroad has received
some funds to do some work on the building, a new furnace, new siding, and paving the dock
are some examples of what the money will be used for.
Administrative Report
City Manager Scott Janke informed the Board that the Governor's 2003 State Budget
included some items for Seward: $396,000 for the Gateway Forest Acres waterline extension,
$6.15 million for miles zero to eight of the highway, $450,000 for an airport master plan,
$74,500 to upgrade the dispatch console at City Hall and $1,800, for renovations to Glacier
View. Janke also reported he had been in contact with Yukon Fuel and they were still moving
forward although slowly and were still excited about coming here. Janke also reported that
while he was in Juneau he met with Commissioner Pugh about the Spring Creek expansion. He
also met with Commissioner Perkins regarding a number of issues especially the Tustumena and
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its schedule. He did not see a way to keep the Tustumena here but thought maybe we could try
and get more stops from the Kennecott. Janke also wanted to remind everyone that the spirit of
Seward meeting was tomorrow and they would be working on the Centennial.
Harbormaster James Beckham reminded everyone that the Polar Bear Jump Off was
coming up on the 19th. The letters have been sent out to the companies that the Board
requested and a gold pan was given to one of the executives at SunEel to take with him to
Korea to present to Hyundai. We have been working with Tryck Nyman Hayes Inc on a proposal
for the East Harbor Expansion, basin design and float layout. They were getting a proposal
ready for us. We were in the very early phase of this project. They wanted to develop a public
input plan.
CITIZEN'S COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING:
Chris Gates, former Seward resident said in the past when they fought to keep the
ferry in Seward they went over the head of DOT to the legislature. He also commented on how
well he thought the rate study plan had been put together.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
[MOTION (Kasischke/ Altermatt)]Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed, Unanimous.
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Rate Study Discussion Wille asked the Harbormaster to give a brief over-view of the rate
study, than asked if any members of the public would like to speak about this issue.
Rhonda Anderson-Hubbard, 1800 Jesse Lee Drive, of the fishing vessel Kruzof said she
agreed that the Harbor should at least break-even or make money but felt there are other
ways to do this besides raising rates. She pointed out that some of her ideas about this
issue had appeared in an article she had written in the local newspaper. She would like to
see the whole community get involved because the whole community benefits from having
the harbor. If the rates were going to increase then they should be assessed on the people
that are putting the burden on the harbor. Commercial fishing vessels are in and out of the
harbor spending a lot of money but you hardly know they were here. The vessel owners pay
property tax as well as moorage fees and it will be too much if both are increased.
Chris Gates, former Seward resident mentioned that when Homer did their harbor
expansion the slips did not fill up as quickly as they thought they would. If Seward was
planning an expansion they may want to dust off the demand study that was done some
years back.
The board discussed some different aspects of the harbors budget.
Diane Dubuc, Slip E-028, Seward Boat Harbor, of Alaska Saltwater Charters thought I
that in the early 1980's there had been an audit done in the harbor and at that time there
was a movement to put in a port-authority. Where funds generated from the harbor would
stay in the harbor and some fee would be paid to the city for administration expenses. She
had called other harbormasters around the state and had been asking questions about what
pricing methods they use. She does like the new floats but Seward has the highest rates in
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the state. Many harbors outside have higher rates but offer more services, including
dedicated parking, locked gates to the floats, and telephone service. If we were going to
raise rates then we should also look at providing more services.
Janke responded that some of the other harbors in the state were su bsid ized and are not at
capacity.
lim Hubbard, 1800 Jesse Lee Drive, owner of the Kruzof, two thirds of the City property
tax comes from the harbor. If the rates get too high people will pull out because they can't
afford to stay here. The fish tax all goes to the general fund not the Harbor. It was an issue
for the whole community and should not be the harbor verses the city.
Wille advised that this matter would be before the Board for sometime and encouraged
members of the public to participate in these discussions. He also suggested that the Board
have a Joint Work Session with the Council in February to discuss this study.
On-Going Project List was postponed until the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
The December 5,2001 Meeting Minutes were approved under the consent agenda.
I CORRESPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS: (no action taken)
Zones Report, November 2001
Copies of letters to Samson Tug and Barge, Seaway Corporation, and Northland
Services, from the Mayor
North Pacific Fishery Management Council, News and Notes, December 2001
BOARD COMMENTS:
Altermatt asked if the Board had discussed putting together some sort of event to attract
shipping business to Seward. It was agreed that that this Board had not discussed it but it
should be added to the agenda for the next meeting.
Pruitt stressed that if the Board was going to do a rate analysis it was important to understand
where the costs were coming from. The first step should be trying to reduce costs not raise
rates.
Wille wanted to complement the harbor on its web site. He It was full of information. He had a
chance to check out the safety ladders in the harbor and they looked good.
I CITIZENS COMMENTS: None
BOARD RESPONSE TO CITIZENS COMMENTS: None
City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting ended at 2:00 p.m.
4'.4&?rrr1
Kari Atwood
Acting Board Secretary
(City Seal)
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Ron Wille
Chairman
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Board Member Jordan led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
CALL TO ORDER
The regular February 6, 2002 meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce
Advisory Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Ron Wille.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Ron Wille, presiding, and
Jack Goodwill
Dean Kasischke
*Deborah Altermatt
*** Roger Mercer
Melody Jordan
Karl VanBuskirk
**Doug Lechner
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Absent: James Pruitt
Comprising a quorum of the Board; and
Scott Janke, City Manager
James B. Beckham, Harbormaster
Vanta Shafer, Council member/KPB/ EDD Representative
Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative
Kari Atwood, Acting PACAB Secretary
*Deborah Altermatt arrived at 12: 10 pm and participated from that time
**Doug Lechner arrived at 12:11 pm and participated from that time
***Roger Mercer left the meeting at 1 :30 pm
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
KPB/EDD Council member Shafer reported that she is excited about the
direction EDD is going with James Carter the new executive director. Seward will start
to get more attention from EDD rather than having all the focus on the other side of the
Peninsula. There might be an EDD meeting here in March to help educate Seward
residents on what EDD can do for them.
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Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative reported that
the railroad board extended the fuel permits for Yukon Fuel so that project is still moving
forward. The date when all the cruise lines will be here to work on security issues has
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been changed to February 27 The contractor will return near the end of March to finish
putting in the sewer line. They are looking into maybe having some computers set up
that the employees of the cruise lines can use when they are in port. Successfully loaded a
barge directly on to the train, now that we know we can do it. Maybe it will attract new
business. The railroad open house will be on the I ih at the Sea Life Center.
ADMINISTRA TIVE REPORT
City Manager Scott Janke reported that he had a meeting with the president of
the railroad and Yukon Fuel about a week and a half ago. The project is probably two
years from having a tank in place but both companies are committed to this project and it
is moving forward. Mr. Gambell, President of the ARRC also informed him that he
doesn't think there will be coal shipped out of Seward after this ship. Janke asked
Mr.Gambell if losing the coal would affect passenger service to Seward and he said the
summer passenger trains would not be affected. The coal train not continuing is all
speculation at this point. The City is currently trying to recruit Alaska Structures, also
known as Alaska Industrial Resources a manufacturing company currently based in
Kirkland, W A. to lease land at SMIC. They have been sent information on what
available land is over there and the video from the Chamber. The bill to expand prisons
is gaining supporting the legislature and it includes 150 beds for Spring Creek. It looks
like Senator Stevens will make a congressional appropriation for the Federal funds for the I
East Harbor Expansion. He also said it looks like Congressman Young will put the funds
needed for the breakwater at the SMIC boat basin into a water bill. This project is still a
few years out, but is closer than it was before.
Harbormaster James Beckham reported that he had been doing a lot of work on
the harbor website. There are over 100 images and pictures on the site; it has a lot of
information including who is on the P ACAB board and how to get in contact with them.
A Public Involvement process is being developed for the harbor and the first meeting is
on the 23rd for people who want to get involved. Janke responding to a question from
Altermatt said the focus of the meeting is to help prepare an official public involvement
process for projects. It involves SBOA, charter boat operators, yacht clubs, United
Fisherman of Alaska etc. Jordan asked if there wasn't already a process for public input.
Janke responded that DOT has a process but we do not, but we may look at the way other
groups do it. Wille commented that he was very impressed by the harbor website and
thought it had a lot of useful information.
CITIZEN COMMENT: None
APPROV AL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
[MOTION (Jordan/Lechner)] Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed, Unanimous.
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Rate Study Discussion was opened for public comment and there was none.
Wille asked for Board comments. Janke announced that he and Beckham had composed
a letter that would go to all the slip holders and others to introduce them to this issue. It
would let them know when it will be discussed and how they can participate in those
discussions. It will be mailed out in the next few days. Wille said it would be good to
keep this topic under unfinished business for some time. He would like to see the board
look at the fine numbers presented in this study at the next work session. The board
needs to look at the three core questions and answer them. Janke suggested that the work
sessions be held upstairs at city hall instead of the council chambers because it is a lot
less formal. Beckham suggested that the operational budget for the harbor be the focus of
the next work session. Altermatt suggested that the public input so far ret1ected that
people were not so concerned with the dollar amounts as much as thc philosophy of the
study. Wille suggested that the philosophy issues be the focus of the work session not
specific mathematical questions and hopes the board can stay focused on that. The board
continued to discuss the rate study. AItermatt asked if the work session could be changed
to the 27th to give more public notice. The board agreed to change the work session.
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Kasischke made a motion "that we keep the rates competitive to south-
central Alaska harbors due to the fact that the economy is in a slump and could be
headed lower and due to the fact that we want to attract more business to Seward
through the fact that we want more commercial boats here. I think we have talked
about it enough"; the motion died from lack of a second
Goodwill said it was a good idea to keep it simple and keep focused. Wille
suggested the board move on.
ON GOING PROJECT LIST was postponed to the next meeting
NEW BUSINESS
RECEPTION TO SOLlCT SHIPPING BUSINESS AItermatt will look into
organizing something and bring it to the board at the next regular meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
North Pacific Fishery Management Council, News and Notes, January 2002
ATS Custom Report, Alaska Marine Highway System Summer 2001 Survey
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BOARD COMMENTS
Kasischke commented that the special presentations and reports are getting too
long and taking up too much of the meeting time. He suggested the board look at
limiting these reports perhaps to five minutes each.
CITIZEN'S COMMENTS: None
RESPONSE TO COMMENTS: None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting ended at 1 :55 p.m.
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Kari Atwood
Acting Board Secretary
~r~
on Wille
Chair
(City Seal)
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CALL TO ORDER
Chair Ron Wille called the regular March 6, 2002 meeting of the Seward Port
and Commerce Advisory Board to order at 12:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Board Member Pruitt led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Ron Wille, presiding, and
Dean Kasischke
Deborah Altermatt
Karl Van Buskirk
Roger Mercer
James Pruitt
Absent:
Jack Goodwill
Doug Lechner
Melody Jordan
Comprising a quorum of the Board; and
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Scott Janke, City Manager
James B. Beckham, Harbormaster
Vanta Shafer, Council memberjKPBj EDD Representative
Judi Sweeney, PACAB Secretary
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
KPB/EDD Council member Shafer said there would be EDD workshops in
April. She said the new director; James Carter would like to meet with PACAB.
Carter is investigating HUD funding for the Seward area. Pruitt asked Janke about
an old downtown planning study from years ago and Janke said he would continue
searching for the report.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
City Manager Scott Janke told about a Garvi bond for highway projects. He
said if we got the bond, we could resurface 4th Avenue and Nash Road. He said it
was nominated last session and has passed through senate finance.
Wille said the state is going to pave some of Salmon Creek Road and Bear
Lake Road this year. Janke said that even though most of Nash Road is outside of
city limits we still want to see it fixed.
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Janke said that the Port and Commerce Board administrative functions would
soon be turned over to the clerk's department. Janke said that Rick Gifford would be
the main City staff person for this board unless an issue involving the harbor comes
up, and then Jim Beckham would attend. He said the clerks would take over the
minute and meeting preparation duties. Janke explained that this take a load off
shoulders of the harbor and the board might focus more on the commerce side of
issues.
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Janke spoke about Providence Hospital and how serious financial status.
Janke said the board should be involved as a matter of commerce and public
interest. He cautioned if we did not have a hospital in Seward businesses would not
be attracted here. He said there are about 200 jobs connected with the medical
service.
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Harbormaster Jim Beckham reported that the egress ladders should be on
a barge heading here now. Beckham said they had found a couple of small holes on
H float and where water had imbedded the concrete. He reported that they are
removing the rotting wood from the old B dock fish cleaning station. Kasischke
asked when the connection of E to D float would take place when we get the money
for that project.
CITIZEN COMMENT: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Wille asked that the rate study put to the bottom of the agenda to make sure
and cover all of the other subjects.
MOTION (Kasischke/Van Buskirk) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda
as amended. Motion Passed by unanimous consent.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
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ON GOING PROJECT LIST Wille asked for suggestions from the board. The
following subjects were discussed: Tel Alaska and new Internet service scheduled
for the April meeting. Janke said the idea of a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) and Port
Authority is not economically beneficial for Seward at this time. Pruitt recommended
doing an analysis of the boat harbor. Altermatt suggested revisiting the Rules and
Regulations every year. Request for water and sewer to the airport is in the $1.6 mil
range. Coal does not look for Seward a contract with Koreans. Money for the North
Dock was requested and it would take $9 mil to close in the basin. Beckham said he
would update the list and email it back to the board and it will be on the next
meeting's agenda.
Shafer, spoke as a citizen of Seward, said the hospital is in acute status right now.
She mentioned a lack of community support, lack of funding, loses of $1 mil per
year. She said the alternative is no hospital or no on call emergency service; no
Wesleyan; no prison, etc. Janke said the hospital issue has received bad press. He
urged people to think about this issue and it talk to people about it. Janke said that
if there were no hospital it would affect fishing, AVTEC, etc. and that we cannot
function without a hospital. He said there are a small number of voices running the
day. Wille asked that if the hospital was losing money, why they came here. Pruitt
cautioned that we need to read between the lines. He wondered what their business
plan was. Shafer said part of the problem is the non-paying customers. People skip
using this facility because of shopping while in Anchorage. We need to encourage
people to use this facility. Altermatt suggested that the hospital issue be on the next
meeting's agenda.
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Van Buskirk said he had talked to Yukon Fuel representatives at a PACOM
conference. He felt the board should send them a letter welcoming them to Seward.
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The board spoke about a meeting that was held February 27 regarding the rate
analysis. Kasischke felt that the city should go with the subsidized harbor. There
was concern that some board members had not discussed this issue because they
were not at the work session, Van Buskirk moved Altermatt seconded to meet at
another work session to discuss the options outlined in the work sessions notes.
Rhonda Hubbard said that she was not aware that the Harbor Rate Study was being
discussed. Wille explained that notice was given in the newspaper and posted. He
explained that the board had drawn up two possible solutions for the harbor to pay
for its functions. The two options discussed offered full cost or a subsidized. Van
Buskirk said the bond paid for E float and fish cleaning stations only.
RECEPTION TO SOLICIT SHIPPING BUSINESSES
Altermatt asked what the board wants to do and when. Wille said that the
companies that have been using Seward as a port such as Tote, Samson, Crowley,
Sealand, CSX, and Ocean Beauty would be invited to "talk shop" at a reception in
connection with the ARR. Following discussion, it was decided the fall would be the
best time to hold the reception when people have more time. It was recommended
that Altermatt coordinate with the Alaska Railroad because they have a full time
person who does planning for receptions like this type.
NEW BUSINESS
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*February 6, 2002, regular meeting minutes approved.
CORRESPONDENCE
Resource Review, February 2002, noted for information only
North Pacific Fishery Management Council News and Notes, noted for
information only
February 7, 2002, letter from Kenai Fjords Yacht Club's Commodore Dianne
Dubuc in favor of a tidal grid being built with the East Harbor Expansion and
February 11, 2002 response from Harbormaster Beckham, noted for information only
Seward Public Involvement Committee February 23, 2002, Draft Meeting
Summary as prepared by Jerry George and February 28, 2002 SBOA News from
Jerry George, noted for information only.
BOARD COMMENTS
Mercer school (AVTEC) has been very busy, and are short staffed.
Altermatt said that at the recent work session, use of the harbor website
was discussed as one way of dispensing information to the public.
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Pruitt said he noticed an article L & G fuel oil and coal plants up north where
they truck in and distribute in Dead Horse, the North Slope and Fairbanks. He said
the fuel in Fairbanks is cheaper than in Anchorage.
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CITIZEN'S COMMENTS:
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Mica O'Brien spoke in favor of writing a letter of support for the coal terminal
encouraging them to stay. She mentioned a $30 per head passenger tax proposed
by the governor for all cruise ship passengers traveling in the state.
RESPONSE TO COMMENTS: None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting ended at 1:35 p.m.
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/ udi Sweeney
Board Secretary
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Ron Wille
Chair
(City Seal)
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Board Member Lechner led the pledge of allegiance to the t1ag.
CALL TO ORDER
The regular April 3, 2002 meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory
Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Ron Wille.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Ron Wille, presiding, and
Jack Goodwill,
Roger Mercer
*Karl Van Buskirk
Dean Kasischke
Doug Lechner
Absent: Deborah Altermatt, Melody Jordan, and James Pruitt
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Comprising a quorum of the Board; and
Scott Janke, City Manager
Rick Gifford, Director of Administrative Services
James B. Beckham, Harbormaster
Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative
Kari Atwood, Acting P ACAB Secretary
*Karl Van Buskirk arrived at 12:05 p.m. and participated from that time
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND REPORTS
KPB/EDD Council member Shafer was absent, no report.
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Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative handed out
information regarding the Alaska Pork Project. The railroad was doing a lot of work on
their building including a P A system. He said they had a meeting with Samson they want
outlets put in at the freight dock. The railroad's suggestion was that they put them in,
hook up a meter, and just deal directly with the City for any usage. May lih is the first
cruise ship and it is the biggest ship so far with approximately 2600 people. The ferry
will be coming in to the freight dock all summer. A new company called Deep Creek
want to unload fish here and Snug Harbor has mentioned that they will be starting up
very soon.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Director of Administrative Services Rick Gifford reported that an informal
committee met on February 23 to discuss the public involvement process. The committee
gave suggestions and an outline they have submitted to the administration and the
administration was currently reviewing that outline and coming up with its own revisions
and suggestions. Jim Beckham had drafted a public involvement program that revolves
around the east harbor expansion and the comm ittee may use parts of that.
City Manager Scott Janke recommended that the Planning and Zoning
Commission work on a general public involvement process that could be used for all City
capital projects. In response to a question from Kasischke, Scott Janke added that he met
with Yukon Fuel last Friday and was working to identify and delineate the wet lands in
the area north of the old log pond. This would help Yukon Fuel in obtaining their Corp
permit. Janke wanted the board to know that the Ron Long would be trying to help get
the Borough to dedicate their portion of the Fish Tax back to some sort of dedicated
harbor fund where they were collected. Janke mentioned that he had been talking with
the attorneys and staff about the possibility of a local marine fuel tax that would be
dedicated by a Charter Amendment to the Harbor.
Harbormaster Beckham reported that the Port Avenue paving project would
have an impact on the Harbor travel lift schedule and would affect traffic to and from the
northeast launch ramp. The Harbor would have a staff person five nights a week
Wednesday through Sunday from June I until August 3 I; this would also effect when
lifts could be scheduled. The front office would not be open. Harbor workers would be
in and around the harbor during those hours. He said we might be getting about $250,000
in grant money to help pave the northeast launch ramp area. We are going to host the
2002 Annual Harbormaster's conference in early October. In response to a question
from Wille, Beckham stated that the harbor workers would have their portable VHS
radios and would be answering any calls received on channel 17.
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CITIZEN COMMENT: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Without any board objection, Wille deleted the rate study discussion under
unfinished business and added agenda discussion in its place.
Motion (Kasischkc/Lechner)
Approve the agenda and consent agenda
Motion passed
Unanimous
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
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AGENDA DISCUSSION Wille mentioned he would like to trim down the
regular business meetings in time and length. He would like to move the administrative
report to the work session instead of having it at the regular business meeting. He would
also like to formalize the business meeting and eliminate discussion items as much as
possible and would like the board members to bring forward resolutions that can be voted
on. These actions would probably make the work sessions run longer but because they
are more informal, they seem to foster a better environment for discussions. These are
some changes the board may see over the next few months and hopefully it will help to
get more things accomplished.
Janke suggested scheduling work sessions in the evening instead of having them during
the lunch hour.
ON-GOING PROJECT LIST Wille suggested that the list of projects might be to
long and that at the next work session the board would rate the items in order of
importance. Wille responded to a question by Lechner that he would like to go over the
changes to the agenda and the project list at the next work session.
NEW BUSINESS
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Resolution 2002-01, Recommending the Planning and Zoning Commission In
Cooperation with the Community Development Department, Review and Propose a
Public Involvement Process for City of Seward Capital Projects.
Motion (Kasischke/GoodwiIl)
Approve Resolution 2002-01
Wille asked if there was any public comment on this resolution. Janke wanted to
make a technical amendment that the last whereas delete the word at the direction of the
City Manager because he does not direct anyone to do anything and change it to "at the
recommendation of." There were no objections from the board.
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Jerry George, 3640 Dora Avenue, Anchorage echoed Gifford's status report of
the February 23 meeting. He said he had also developed a strategy of non-project related
public involvement. The City Administration is currently reviewing these. He wondered
if this resolution was not premature in that the board should wait until the administration
has had a chance to present their recommendations. George said it was a good resolution
just premature recommends tabling it as such time the administration came back with
something to review.
Wille commented that it was a transfer of the workload from one city department
to another.
Janke commented that maybe the wording in section one could be changed to
better clarify this. The P ACAB is moving the creation of the generic public process plan
is moved to planning and zoning where as the P ACAB board will continue to work on a
public process plan for specific, probably harbor related projects.
Amendment (WilIeNanbuskirk)
Delete the sixth whereas clause
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Wille commented that would take out the portion mentioning a draft and would
give Planning and Zoning a heads up that the board would like them to be involved in
this process.
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Janke commented that this board is just notifying Planning and Zoning. Once the
Council adopts a formal generic plan for public involvement then P ACAB would make
recommendations on specific plans example: East Harbor Expansion.
Amendment passed
Unanimous
Beckham asked if he could propose some language for Section I, he proposed the
section read: The Community Development Department and the Planning and Zoning
Commission develop and recommend for adoption by City Council, with PACAB input,
the Public Involvement Plan for the City of Seward.
Amendment (Kasischke/Mercer)
Adopt Mr. Beckham's language
for section 1
Amendment passed
Unanimous
Wille asked the board if it would be ok to hear from Mr. George on this topic and
there was no objection. George added that this was about the project development
public involvement and wanted the board not to lose site of the non-project public
involvement for example things like the rate study and harbor rules.
I
Motion Passed
Unanimous
Resolution 2002-02, Recommending the City of Seward Opposes the Relocation of
the Seward Recorder's office.
Motion (Kasischke/Lechner)
Approve Resolution 2002-02
Wille said that this was in response to the Governor's budget that is up for
adoption would relocate the recorder's office from Seward to Anchorage.
Motion passed
Unanimous
Resolution 2002-03, Recommending the City Council of the City of Seward Engage
an Independent Third Party Contractor to Conduct an Efficiency Audit of the
Seward Municipal Small Boat Harbor.
Motion (Lechner)
Failed for lack of second
Resolution 2002-04, Recommending No Increase in Harbor Moorage Rates.
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City of Sewanf, .J\laska Port ana Commerce .Jtavisory 130ara :Minutes
Volume 3.yage 229
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Motion (Kasischke)
Failed for lack of second
Resolution 2002-05, Recommending a Moorage Rate Increase Tied to the Consumer
Price Index and for the Formation of a Long-term Capital Improvement Plan by the
Harbor Department.
Motion (GoodwiIllKasischke)
Approve Resolution 2002-05
I
Wille asked for public comment.
Janke supported having an increase tied to the CPI or some percentage of it but
did not support the appearance that it would help fund capital improvements. When you
tie inflation, proofing to fees it is done to maintain operations and general maintenance, it
will not raise revenue to fund a capital improvement plan, and the wording in the
resolution may confuse this issue.
Wille said he wrote the resolution and the purpose of it was to tie the operating
income and expenses to inflation.
Janke to include that this board was going to follow up on the long-term
implications of capital replacement that is all. Janke stated he thought it was to
confusing.
Kasischke suggested that perhaps the capital improvement section of the
resolution be deleted and made into a separate resolution.
Wille said it was not his intention to confuse the issue when he wrote the
resolution and thanked Janke for his comments.
Amendment (Kasischke/Goodwill)
Delete the section in the
introduction following consumer
price index, insert the word
Anchorage before the word
consumer, and delete whereas
number seven and eight and delete
section two.
Amendment passed
Unanimous
Jerry George asked if he could comment. There was no objection from the
Board. He said he had come prepared to speak to the agenda and the agenda had been
changed dramatically. He discussed his ideas for changes to the fee structure. George
complemented Harbormaster Beckham for improving maintenance of equipment. He
would like to see an equitable way to assign costs.
Motion passed
Yes: Kasischke, Mercer, VanBuskirk,
Goodwill, Wille
No: Lechner
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I
City of Seward; .Jtfaska Tort and Commerce .Jtdvisory 'Board .Minutes
Yo{ume 3.yage 230
Memo from Kenai Peninsula Borough, EDD regarding Zones Report and Zones
Reports for January 2002 & February 2002
I
CORRESPONDENCE
North Pacific Fishery Management Council March 15,2002 Draft Agenda
Sections of A Management Strategy for Invigoration the Business Community of
Seward, AK by Hyett*Palma, Inc
Informal rate comparison by Ron Long
BOARD COMMENTS
Lechner welcomed Rick Gifford as the new Administrative Representative to the
Board. He said he thought the CPI is good but to mandate that it will be the policy but is
not right. If we increase with CPI each year and other harbors, we will have rates much
higher then other harbors and we are already higher. We will not remain competitive if
other harbors are not doing the same increase and it will be harder to attract new boats to
the harbor. The CPI is a 200d look at but maybe it would be better to do like a five-year
adjustment not yearly. He felt it is the right thing to do. The reality IS if the price keeps
going up, customers will go somewhere else.
I
Goodwill commented that it is better to have a small increase every year instead
of a big increase every five or ten years. He thought that the last work session was one of
the most productive he had been to in a long time.
VanBuskirk expressed that the changes to the meeting format and agendas do
make the work sessions more important.
Wille echoed the fact that the work sessIOns are important, there is more
discussion, and a lot is being accomplished. Wille said he would like to see better
attendance at these sessions so everyone can give different ideas and perspectives. He
also noted that he was sorry to see that City Clerk Pat Reilly was leaving he has always
been a valuable resource to this Board.
CITIZEN'S COMMENTS
Jerry George suggested the PACAB work sessions should be held in the evening
to give people from out of town time to attend. In addition, he suggested having a work
session in Anchorage once a year. He thanked Harbor Office Assistant, Kari Atwood
publicly for going beyond the call of duty in getting some information to the Boat
Owner's Association. The boat owners supported a Fuel Tax but had reversed their
position. George said a lobbyist in Juneau suggested that if you get the Fuel Tax back it
would give the legislature an escape clause when you ask them for more funding and you
I
City of Seward; A(aska 'Port and Commerce Advisory 'Board .:Minutes
V'o(ume 3, yage 231
I
would actually get more funding without it. George asked the Board to look at House
Bill 319. It will affect charter boat operators and the City.
RESPONSE TO COMMENTS
Beckham offered to do a letter of appreciation for Pat Reilly. He asked the board
to look closely at Ron Long's study because it is based on a monthly rate and we do not
allow our permanent slip holders to pay monthly. If this rate was used it would be almost
double what they pay currently.
ADJORNMENT 1 :45 p.m.
/~~~
KARl ATWOOD, BOARD SECRETARY
~~
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(CITY SEAL)
I
City of Seward, .JtUzsRa Tort ana Commerce .Jtavisory 'Boara Minutes
'Vo(ume 3, yage 232
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Board Member VanBuskirk led the pledge of allegiance to the flag,
CALL TO ORDER
The regular May I, 2002 meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory
Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m by Chair Ron Wille.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Ron Wille, presiding, and
Jack Goodwill,
Melody Jordan
Karl VanBuskirk
Dean Kasischke
Deborah Altermatt
Absent: Roger Mercer, Doug Lechner, and James Pruitt
Comprising a quorum of the Board; and
Rick Gifford, Director of Administrative Services
Scott Ransom, Deputy Harbormaster
Vanta Shafer, Council member/KPB/EDD Representative
Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative
Kari Atwood, Acting P ACAB Secretary
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND REPORTS
KPB/EDD Council member Shafer reported that the EDD did not have a
meeting last month because they did not have a quorum. Mr. Carter is still planning to
have a workshop in Seward for businesses that are thinking of coming here, it should be
toward the end of this month
Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative reported that
some of the security doors are in at the Railroad dock and that they are going to fix the
gates and put up some fencing. Other projects at the dock arc almost complete.
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City of Seward, .Jt[aska 'Port and' Commerce .Jtavisory 'Boara ~inutes
Vo[ume 3, yage 233
I
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Director of Administrative Services Rick Gifford discussed a visit by an Enstar
representative who talked about bringing natural gas to Seward.
Deputy Harbormaster Scott Ransom reported that the ladders are here and we
are waiting for paint to arrive. The first fish waste barge is done and in place and he
showed the board the colors chosen for painting the harbormaster building this summer.
CITIZEN COMMENT: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Jordan/Kasischke)
Approve the agenda and consent agenda
Motion passed
Unanimous
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
I
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution No. 2002-06, Recognizing Patrick Reilly for Outstanding
Performance as the Clerk for the City of Seward.
Motion (Altermatt/Jordan)
Approve Resolution No. 2002-06
Motion passed
Unanimous
The board discussed different topics to focus on for their next work session and
agreed on the coal facility and marketing. They would like the City Manager and the
Chamber of Commerce Director to attend.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council
Article by Ian McAndrew "Budgeting for Marina Repairs & Replacements"
Dock Lines Volume XIV, No 4-ApriI15, 2002
I
Email from Jim Cottrell regarding Rate Analysis Input
City of seward, ;4[aska Port ana Commerce ..Jl..avisory13oara :Minutes
Vo[ume 3, yage 234
I
BOARD COMMENTS
Altermatt mentioned she had bcen in Seattle and toured the Samson facility
there, also the Harbor Opening weekend is May 1 ih.
Goodwill said Samson has been coming in every two weeks and it is nice having
them here.
Kasischke invited everyone to "shake a leg" on Saturday night with the Back
Street Blues Band.
VanBuskirk said he had been in Whittier and it made him appreciate Seward
more.
Wille said he is always hearing advertising for Homer and would like to focus on
marketing Seward.
CITIZEN'S COMMENTS None
RESPONSE TO COMMENTS None
ADJORNMENT 1:00 p.m.
I
~.~
KARl ATWOOD, BOARD SECRETARY
~o
RON WILLE, CHAIR
---
(CITY SEAL)
I
City of Sewan{, .Alaska Tort and-Commerce .J'ta'Visory 'Boara Minutes
'Vo{ume 3, yage - 235 -
I
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Board Member Jordan led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
CALL TO ORDER
The regular June 5, 2002, meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory
Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Ron Wille.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Ron Wille, presiding, and
Jack Goodwill,
Melody Jordan
Roger Mercer
Dean Kasischke
*Doug Lechner
I
Absent: Deborah Altermatt, Karl Van Buskirk, and James Pruitt
Comprising a quorum of the Board; and
Rick Gifford, Director of Administrative Services
James Beckham, Harbormaster
Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative
Kari Atwood, Secretary
*Doug Lechner arrived at 12:05 pm and participated from that time
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND REPORTS
KPB/EDD Council member Shafer was absent from the meeting.
Louis Beneardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative reported that
everyone was getting used to the new security measures. The Coast Guard thinks the
security is going well. More striping for the buses and a new sprinkler system are in.
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City of seward; .Jt(asf.ia 1'ort ana Commerce .Jtavisory Boara Minutes
\1o(ume 3. yage - 236 -
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
I
Director of Administrative Services Rick Gifford informed the board that the
City Manager and Council member Stu Clark will be going to South Korea. Janke will be
meeting with officials about a sister port relationship and would be encouraging business
in Seward.
Harbormaster James Beckham said the harbor has started expanded hours and
it does impact the travel lift schedule. The crew is busy with multiple projects including
painting the building and placing ladders.
Wille mentioned that he had talked to the president of Usibelli and that he
indicated that there would be two more coal ships to Seward and that would be it. South
Korea is buying coal on the open market and Usibelli can not compete with that pricing.
The news from Usibelli is not positive.
CITIZEN COMMENT: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Kasischke/Jordan) Approve the agenda and consent agenda with the
deletion of resolution 2002-07 and the addition, under new business, to discuss the
rescheduling of the July regular meeting.
I
Motion passed
Unanimous
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Travis Stubblefield of TelAlaska updated the board on
many projects TelAlaska is working on, including the DSL system and the elimination of
older carrier technologies.
NEW BUSINESS
The board agreed to reschedule the July 3 rd regular meeting to July loth
CORRESPONDENCE
A. Exit Glacier visitor experience and resource protection plan May 2002
B. Situation Report, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
I
City of Seward; 5i'jIaska Port and Commerce Advisory 'Board :Minutes
\io[ume 3, page - 237-
I
BOARD COMMENTS
Goodwill commented that the plans for the parks seemed extreme and thought the
community should be aware of them.
Wille said he used the park web site and that the winter users represent less than
one percent of the overall visitors to the park. Local people are the winter users not
tourist. The plans seem extreme and citizens should get involved.
Kasischke said he had a chance to see the harbor crew installing some of the
ladders and they look good.
Jordan thanked Travis Stubblefield for coming to the meeting and giving an
update. She also said she heard TelAlaska may be going to Adak.
CITIZEN'S COMMENTS None
RESPONSE TO COMMENTS None
I
ADJORNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 12:55 pm
~
Ron Wille, Chairman
~'~~
Kari Atwood, Board ecretary
(CITY SEAL)
I
City of Seward, A[as~a Port and Commerce Advisory 'Board .'Minutes
Vo[ume 3. yage - 23713l,
I
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Board Member Jordan led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
CALL TO ORDER
The regular September 4, 2002, meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory
Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by James Pruitt.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
James Pruitt, presiding, and
Karl Van Buskirk
Melody Jordan
Roger Mercer
*Dean Kasischke
Deborah AItermatt
I
Absent: Doug Lechner, Jack Goodwill
*Dean Kasischke arrived at 12:1Spm and participated from that point
Comprising a quorum of the Board; and
Rick Gifford, Director of Administrative Services
J ames Beckham, Harbormaster
Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative
Kari Atwood, Secretary
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENT A nONS, AND REPORTS
KPB/EDD Council member Shafer was absent from the meeting.
Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative reported that an
effort is underway to get the NOAA ship Rainer to home port in Seward. He requested a
letter from PACAB supporting this. The last cruise ship will be on September 16th.
I
City of seward; .J't{aska 'Port and Commerce .J'tdvisory 'Board Minutes
Vo[ume 3. yage - 238
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Director of Administrative Services Rick Gifford informed the board that at the
September 91h Council meeting the Council would schedule ajoint work session with the
P ACAB board.
CITIZEN COMMENT: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (KasischkeNanBuskirk) Approve the agenda and consent agenda
With the addition of 8 D. New Business. NOAA letter of support.
Motion passed
Unanimous
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
The June 5, 2002 meeting minutes were approved with the consent agenda
Election of Chair
Motion (Kasisehke/Jordan)
To Nominate Deborah Altermatt
No other nominations
Motion Passed
Unanimous
Discussion and Recommendation to City Council on size ofPACAB Board
Motion (Kasisehke/Pruitt)
To leave the Board at nine members
Motion Passed
Yes: Altermatt, Kasischke, Mercer, Pruitt
Abstain: Jordan, VanBuskirk
CORRESPONDENCE
A. Dock Lines, Volume XIV, No.6 --- August 1,2002
I
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I
City of Seward; .Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board.Minutes
Vo{ume 3, yage - 239
BOARD COMMENTS
Pruitt commented that he would like the administration to give a report on the
progress or lack there of, on the development of the airport.
Altermatt thanked the board for electing her Chair and hoped the joint work session
with the Council would help give the board some direction. She asked everyone for their
support.
Pruitt added that he took offence at the comment of one council member that said the
board didn't make any suggestions. The board works hard and gives up a lot of their time to
serve on the board. He hoped some mutual cooperation could be reached with the council at
the joint work session.
CITIZEN'S COMMENTS None
RESPONSE TO COMMENTS None
ADJORNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 12:35 pm
{;fi;2J
JAMFj T _ PRUITT. ACTING CHAIR
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KARl '!'WOOD. BOARD SECRETARY
City of Sewara, .Jt[as/ia Tort ana Commerce .JtaYisory 130ara Jv1inutes
\io[ume 3, yage - 240 -
The pledge of allegiance to the flag began the meeting.
I
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
CALL TO ORDER
The regular October 2, 2002, meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce
Advisory Board was called to order at 12:05 p.m. by Board Chair Altermatt
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Deborah Altermatt, presiding, and
*Karl Van Buskirk
Melody Jordan
Jack Goodwill
Dean Kasischke
Roger Mercer
*Doug Leclmer
Comprising a quorum of the Board; and
Rick Gifford, Director of Administrative Services
Vanta Shafer, Councilmember KPB/EDD Representative
Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative
Christy Terry, Deputy City Clerk
I
ABSENT:
James Pruitt
*Leclmer arrived at 12:07 p.m., VanBuskirk at 12:45 p.m.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND REPORTS
KPB/EDD Council member Shafer reported on the EDD and a Funding Summit
on November 6 and 7,2002. She said an Outlook Forum would be held on December 6
and 7, 2002. Shafer informed the board of an EDD website (KPBEDD).
ARRCLouis Bencardino reported on the Pork Project and that the plans were
moved from Kenai to Nenana with the Nenana Native Corporation. He said the ARR
board would be meeting Oct. 3 in Fairbanks. He said the project could bring money here
by transporting the pork. Bencardino gave an overview ofthe ARR building projects.
I
City of Sewara, .J\Iask.a 'Port ana Commerce .:Aavisory 'Boara Minutes
\!o{ume 3, page - 241 -
I
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Director of Administrative Services Rick Gifford informed the board that
Harbormaster Beckham and Deputy Harbormaster Ransom and Kari Atwood were
attending the Alaska Association of Harbormaster's conference of which Seward is
hosting this week.
He told of that a claim against the City involving the harbor (slip and fall on D
float ramp) went to trial and ajury had determined that the City was negligent but did not
cause injuries to the person. He said he was not sure what this means exactly, but that no
money was awarded.
Gifford said Scott Janke is in Washington, D.C. this week. He said Janke has
been talking to ERA encouraging the return of their service to Seward.
There was some discussion on the last coal ship (October 2,2002) to Seward.
I
CITIZENS COMMENT: Ron Long, KPB Assembly representative spoke about the
essential air service contract with FS Air and ERA. Hc said they were previously
subsidized by the State to provide service to this area and if they had to do it on their own
prices would double.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Lechner/Jordan)
Approve the agenda and consent agenda
Motion passed unanimously
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
A. September 4, 2002 regular meeting minutes, approved unanimously
B. Moorage Rates Altermatt said she had asked for this agenda item to
address it again because she felt it was back where P ACAB had started it.
Kasischke said he was not happy to see it back on the agenda. Jordan felt
the general feeling was that the moorage rates should not be tied to the
consumer price index (CPI) with a resolution. Gifford explained that it
would be discussed in the approaching budget process.
I
City of Sewan{, -Ali1Ska 'POyt ami Commeyce -Aa'Visoyy 'Boara .1v1.inutes
\!o{ume 3, yage - 242 -
C. 2003 Budget Altermatt suggested the board to stay informed regarding
the budget process. Following discussion, Gifford will ask the Finance Director to attend
the work session on October 16 and ask her to give an overview.
I
CORRESPONDENCE
A. Letter from D. E. Wood, noted
B. North Pacific Fishery Management Council, noted
BOARD COMMENTS
Goodwill commented that he would like to see an updated project list (priorities
and goals).
Harbormaster Beckham stopped by the meeting briefly and reported that the
budget for the board was approximately $ I 8,000 that included travel, training, supplies,
and food.
Gifford said he would provide a preliminary budget on boards and commissions.
VanBuskirk spoke in favor of a general promotion of Seward, acting in support I
of the Chamber of Commerce.
Altermatt said she looks forward to the work session on the October 16 and
working on the project list.
CITIZEN'S COMMENTS None
RESPONSE TO COMMENTS None
ADJORNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 12:57 p.m.
L~t0~f---
DEBORAH ALTERMA:TT CHAIR ..","11111",
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I
City of Sewara, .J\{aska 'Port ana Commerce .J\avisory Board~.JvIinutes
l1o{ume 3, yage - 243 -
I
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Board Member Van Buskirk led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
CALL TO ORDER
The regular November 6, 2002 meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce
Advisory Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Vice Chair Lechner.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Doug Lechner, presiding, and
Melody Jordan
Jack Goodwill
Dean Kasischke
Roger Mercer
Karl VanBuskirk
I
Comprising a quorum of the Board; and
Rick Gifford, Director of Administrative Services
James Beckham, Harbormaster
Kari Atwood, Board Secretary
ABSENT:
Deborah AItermatt, James Pruitt
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND REPORTS
Council member Orr was present and informed the board that he would be the
council representative and since this was his first meeting he did not have anything to
report and would just be observing today.
Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative was absent
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
I
Director of Administrative Services Rick Gifford said the City was busy with
all the flood activity and rock hauling. He reminded the Board that the Council meeting
will be this Friday because Monday is Veterans Day. The Council will be considering a
rate increase for the Harbor.
City of Sewara, .A{asRa Tart and- Commerce .Advisory Board .Minutes
Vo{ume 3, page - 244 -
Harbormaster Beckham reported that about 45 people attended the first meeting
for the East Harbor Expansion it was in Anchorage and tonight there is a meeting here in
Seward at A VTEC.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Kasischke/Jordan) Approve the agenda and consent agenda
With the addition of 8 C. Discussion of upland rules at SMIC.
Motion passed
Unanimous
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A. Project-list was discussed and some older and completed items were
deleted. The Board agreed they would like more feed back trom the
Council on priorities.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. October 2, 2002 regular meeting minutes, approved unanimously
B. Resolution 2002-08 creating staff support for P ACAB
Motion (Jordan/Goodwill)
To postpone this resolution until the next regular meeting
Motion passed
Unanimous
C. Discussion of upland rules at SMIC, Kasischke mentioned he wanted the
Board to take another look at this policy. He would like to attract more
business to that area and he thinks this policy has a negative impact. The
Board agreed to take a look at the policy at the December 18, 2002 work
session and ask Harbormaster Beckham if he could please attend because they
would like his input.
CORRESPONDENCE
A. Letter from Mr. James Pruitt
B. North Pacific Fishery Management Council, Volume 4-02, October 2002
c.
Alaska Manu FACTS, Volume I, Issue 3, Winter, 2002
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City of Seward; .Jt(aSRa 1Jort ami Commerce .Jtdvisory 'Board Minutes
V'o(ume 3, 'page - 245 -
I
D. IRS Publication 954 Tax Incentives for Empowerment Zones and Other
Distressed Communities.
E. Federal Register Vol. 67, No. 57 Rules and Regulations
F. Empowerment Zone/ Empowerment Communities, Welcome to EZ/EC and
About the Program.
BOARD COMMENTS
Goodwill commented that it was a good meeting.
CITIZEN'S COMMENTS
I
Tim McDonald, Mile 2 Nash Road, commented that maybe the Board should
look into requiring boats in the SMIC Yard to put large tarps under their boats to collect
any paint or falling debris and that would make clean up easier. He also informed the
Board that they may want to put his project back on their agenda because after a year and
a half he felt he was only getting lip service from the City Administration and if an
agreement wasn't reached soon he may be forced to take action.
Ron Long, Borough Assembly Representative, urged the Board to take a close
look at the budget amount for the Board. It is not all for salaries. The Boards and
Commissions need a staff resource person they can go to.
RESPONSE TO COMMENTS None
ADJORNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 1 :27 p.m.
I
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KARl. ATWOOD. BOARD SECRETARY
City of seward, .J\{aSRa Port and" Commerce .J\d"visory 'Board" .'Minutes
)Io{ume 3, yage - 246 -
Board Member Jordan led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
CALL TO ORDER
The regular December 4, 2002 meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce
Advisory Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Altermatt.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Deborah Altermatt, presiding, and
Doug Lechner Melody Jordan (left at 1 :00 p.m.)
Karl Van Buskirk Jack Goodwill *Dean Kasischke
Roger Mercer (left at I: 12 p.m.) * * James Pruitt
Comprising a quorum of the Board; and
Rick Gifford, Director of Administrative Services
James Beckham, Harbormaster
Judi Sweeney, Board Secretary
*arrived at 12: 05 p.m.
* * arrived at 12: 15 p.m.
SWEARING IN OF NEW COMMISSIONER Agenda Item moved with consent of
the hoard. Tom Tougas was sworn in as a new commissioner and took part in the
meeting thereafter.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENT A nONS, AND REPORTS
Council member Orr was not present.
Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative reported on
the remodel efforts at the ARR building. Some projects at the dock are: in-floor heat,
removal of one of the two sets of tracks will be torn up; piling will added; fender system
for the cruise ships; removal of the icemaker building; old equipment of North Star
Terminals will be removed. He said this weekend there would be an arts and craft bazaar
in the building. Bencardino said the prison is building them ten benches to put in the
building. He also mentioned that the entire dock would be paved this coming summer.
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City of Seward, A{as/ia Port and Commerce Advisory 'Board .'Minutes
Yo{ume 3, page - 247 -
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Director of Administrative Services Rick Gifford said that rock is still being
hauled to water damaged areas mainly outside of the city and the peninsula. Gifford
reported that on December 9 several items would be discussed: Yukon Fuel
representatives would be at the December 9 meeting to inform the council why they
decided not to come to Seward. He said that also on December 9 is possibly the last
public hearing for the budget.
Harbormaster Beckham told the board about the upcoming meetings regarding
the harbor expansion saying they were on December 16 in Anchorage and December 18
at the PACAB work session. He said there would be a public information meeting at 7-
9:00 p.m. on the 18th.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR
PUBLIC HEARING
Rhonda Anderson-Hubbard, 1800 Jesse Lee Drive, commented on the
following items:
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Moorage Rates: explained that as the tax on moorage is now taxed on each
increment of moorage whether paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or yearly. She
stated that she objected to this way of taxing calling it an unfair way of doing business.
She suggested the tax be at a minimum of $500.
Propertv Tax objected that the mill rate was too high.
Harbor (expansion) Plan felt that the commercial fishing industry was ignored in
the planning of the harbor expansion. She handed out a plan she had drawn up with more
space and access for the commercial fishing industry.
D J Whitman, 15312 Camelot Drive, spoke in favor of accommodating larger
boats in the harbor expansion planning process. He said the facilities now available for
commercial boats are not acceptable.
Pat Marrs, 204 Nashwoods, spoke in favor of better commercial fisheries
influence in the new harbor plan and supports the construction of a grid.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (LechnerN anBuskirk)
Approve the agenda and consent agenda
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Motion passed
Unanimous
City of Sew arc[, .J1Iaska Port and- Commerce Advisory 'Board Minutes
Vo[ume 3, page - 248 -
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A. Project-list. The Port A venue Improvement project discussion: the
board discussed that a planning meeting was held and affected businesses
gave input on items such as curb cuts. It was suggested inviting the DOT
& contractor to the meeting to get an update or find who should contact
the DOT or contractor to make changes at this point. It was suggested
giving the contractor a scope of proposed changes rather than several
people contacting them on different issues.
Following discussion, the board moved Eastward Expansion; Highway Improvements
Mile 0-8; and North Dock from Long term to Short term priorities and added Commercial
Fisheries Economic Impact; Port Avenue Improvements. The board also discussed the
importance of Marketing and mentioned that Paul Carter was planning to create a Seward
Visitor's Burcau.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. November 6, 2002 regular meeting minutes, approved unanimously
B. Resolution No. 2002-08 creating staff support for P ACAB. It was moved
by Pruitt, seconded by Kasischke to adopt Resolution No. 2002-08, but failed. The
discussion was that Altermatt had introduced this because the board needed a 20 hour per
week person dedicated solely to the board, person to do research, minutes, etc. She said
although the board appreciated the Harbor's assistance in taking minutes, preparing the
meals, etc. there are times when research or the board requests are needed. Harbormaster
Beckham told the board that the amount budgeted to P ACAB is around $18,000 for
travel, copies, food for meetings, memberships, etc.
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BOARD COMMENTS
Goodwill welcomed new board member Tom Tougas.
Lechner also welcomed Tougas. Lechner said that he thought the timing was not
good for the part time position and thought the money could be bettcr used for targeting a
project such as marketing.
Kasischke welcomed Tougas to thc board and said he would be a valuable asset
to the board.
Pruitt welcomed Tougas. He agreed with the idea of more commercial type of
moorage arca in the new harbor expansion plans. Pruitt voiced disapproval at holding the
harbor expansion mectings in Anchorage.
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City of Seward; ..Alaska Port ana Commerce .:A.avisory 'Boara ~inutes
Vofume 3, yage - 249 -
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Altermatt welcomed Tougas to the board. She said one reason the meetings
were in Anchorage is the boaters would not come to Seward for the meetings and there is
a big percentage of Anchorage people who are slip holders in Seward. She said she
would bring the part-time position back to the board later with more background
information included.
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Judi Sweeney
Board Secretary
"till 11""
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Deborah AItermatt
Chair
CITIZEN'S COMMENTS
Nina Daley, 416 4th Avenue, said that she had attended the last Planning and
Zoning meeting and wanted to clarify that they had cut out a very cumbersome and
lengthy part of the comprehensive plan and were replacing it with upbeat, positive
comments about Seward, what there is to do here, what is available, etc.
RESPONSE TO COMMENTS None
ADJORNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 1 :36 p.m.
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