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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 PACAB Minutes I I I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Vol 3, vage 298 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Board Member Goodwill led the pledge of allegiance to the flag. CALL TO ORDER The January 7, 2004 regular meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:00 by Chair Altermatt. ROLL CALL There were present: Deborah Altermatt, presiding, and Karl Van Buskirk* Roger Mercer Jack Goodwill Melody Jordan Tom Tougas D.J. Whitman * arrived at 12:07 p.m. Absent: Doug Lechner Jerry Waliezer Comprising a quorum of the Board; and Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager James B. Beckham, Harbormaster Willard Dunham, Councilmember Louis Bencardlno, Alaska Railroad Corporation Rep. Judi Sweeney, PACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND REPORTS Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative reported good news from a morning railroad meeting. He said the ARR had the best year they have ever had. He said they tripled the business this past year. They have had big container ships coming in because of the Port of Anchorage is iced up and that the next container ship would try to go to Anchorage. The Railroad is hoping'they will stick around until March or April. He said they seem to like it here. He said the ARR is trying to improve the area and they have people that want to lease property. Bencardino said that a proposed LDL plant has been discussed lately. It is a $50 million dollar plant with approximately 180 to 200 people working there. He said they have been talking about shipping timber out of here from the mill and the dock. He remarked that we need to support the companies coming here like Samson. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 299 KPB/EDD Representative Council member Dunham said the EDD has a I new Director, John Parker. He encouraged the board to invite Mr. Parker to a PACAB meeting. He said it would be nice to see if we can have a back haul on the container ship that will be coming. Bencardino added that Representative Paul Seaton was pushing the state to complete its projects before considering anymore. Jordan asked about the Mile 0-8 projected completion date of 2005. He said the Mile 18-23 is pushed so far ahead it would be at least 15 years. He said Seaton would push for completion. Altermatt mentioned having someone from DOT for the next business meeting in February to go over the road project. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager reported that Council set a work session for Monday January 19 with the Chamber to discuss marketing. He said at the Council meeting on the 12th they would discuss harbor issues. State was here regarding the airport master plan. He said there would be a meeting on the 15th to discuss Mile 0-8 lighting on the road from Eagle (Grocery) to the three bridges. Carl Stormer, Project Manager of Tryck, Nyman, Hayes (TNH) handed out a January 7, 2004 "Status Report to Port and Commerce Advisory Board rt;Jgarding the East Harbor Expansion, Phase I." He also handed out drawings of the proposed project. He gave an overview of the project saying that Phase I of the project will include the east harbor float system including utilities, I relocation of 600 feet of the existing X float with new trestle and gangway, relocation of the existing fuel dock, extension of J float and 50 foot stalls on F float. He said the gangways would be the same as the North Harbor. Stormer's cost estimates $4.6 and installing stalls on the south side of F floats, J float extension, trestle, gangways, totaling $5.4. Stormer recommended using Transpac as a sole source since at the time of the North Harbor Renovation they were bid out as the best for the Seward harbor. He also suggested buying the power pedestals from the same vendor. He asked for advice and guidance for buying the materials. In answer to a question regarding public input, Stormer explained that this was the first part of the public process. He asked the board to forward any thoughts and/or comments to the Harbormaster and he would forward them to TNH. Beckham told the board that there would be public meetings on the project and some will be held in Anchorage as well as Seward. Beckham said Wilder was the apparent low bidder on the first phase of the project but a contract had not been signed yet. Every phase of that planning and development guide will have to come back to Council. He said the float dimensions might change how we run utilities but the basic concept, number of stalls and fleet mix is the same. He said he and TNH are looking for recommendations on that part of the project. In answer to a question from Altermatt, Beckham said he hoped I the decision on the floats would be resolved soon because it takes 8-9 months for the fabrication of these floats. The board thanked TNH for coming to the meeting. I I I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Vol 3. pa$!e 300 CITIZEN'S COMMENTS NOT ON THE AGENDA Ron Long spoke in support of the rate increase. Dale Hoogland spoke about how important the harbor is to the economics of Seward. He said the high moorage rate already deters people from coming here. He said some fuel companies did not come here because of the rates. Hoogland called the proposed rate increase greedy. He said we need to encourage business and not chase them away. Design needs to be geared more toward the pleasure boats rather than commercial also looking at how they are taxed. Kevin Clark, Council member commented that we had put the cart before the horse. He wondered why PACAB was discussing this when it is scheduled to be discussed by council at a work session. " Tougas asked that procurement of the new float system be added under New Business. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MOTION (Goodwill/Tougas) Approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda with the addition of Procurement of the New Float System under New Business. Motion Passed Unanimous UNFINISHED BUSINESS ON GOING PROJECT LIST Couple of changes meeting with city engineer on January 15, to discuss the lighting and overpass of the Mile 0-8 project. Airport public meeting to be held. Veneer plant on short-term marketing EDD Bill Popp, KPB gas and oil liaison to come in February NEW BUSINESS November 5, 2003 and December 3, 2003 regular meeting minutes were approved. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Vol]. oage 301 RESOLUTION NO. 2004-01, recommending changes to the Port and I Harbor Tariff regulations in support of commercial fisheries to encourage economic growth and development within the city. ' Altermatt noted a couple of typographical errors in the resolution and asked that they be corrected in the third and fifth whereas. Beckham noted some changes in the information packet. He mentioned that the raw fish tax has increased every year. He said the perception that the boats using the facility are double charged is not true. He said that we are not catching a fraction of the people using the facility. Whitman said there would be no burden on the harbor if they simply jotted down the boat name as it pulled into the harbor. Beckham said inventory is done at certain times of the day. He said boats are supposed to'che~k in or out but most do not. In answer to Altermatt's question, Beckham said the amount of money we have received from the docks across the bay is from users that are there for longer than 12 hours. He said that if they tie up for less than 12 days we work with them. He said we may attract some of the fishermen back, but the whole market is depressed. Van Buskirk said we are not actually fixing a problem. He suggested putting the message out to the customers, they would not be charged for the first 6-12 hours moorage to entice them here. Jordan said the market is very depressed right now, but they want to keep processing here. She said that she did I not want to tie the 6-12 hours free moorage to a tariff. She said since the Homer plant fire fish is delivered to Seward. Tougas said that putting a time limit on this could have a negative impact. He said fishermen may rush in and out to avoid paying moorage and then they would not shop or use services in town. It was moved by Jordan, seconded by Tougas to approve Resolution No. 2004-01 with the amendment to the motion to strike Section 2 (proposing to waive the first twelve hours of moorage charges for commercial fishing vessels) and was approved. It was moved by Whitman, seconded by Van Buskirk to enact Resolution No. 2004-01 as amended and was passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 2004-02 recommending a moorage rate increase tied to the consumer price index (CPI). It was moved by Whitman but failed due to lack of a second to postpone this resolution until a time certain, until the council has a chance to discuss this. It was moved by Tougas, seconded by Goodwill to adopt Resolution No. 2004-02 as written, but the motion failed as follows: Yes votes: No votes: Abstention: Mercer, Tougas, Altermatt Goodwill, Whitman, Van Buskirk Jordan I I I I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Vol 3. page 302 It was ruled by the Chair that the abstaining vote counts as a no vote, motion failed. Tougas explained that PACAB was asked to respond to the proposed five percent increase requested would spread the increase over two years. He said it makes sense to tie this with the CPI as budgetary planning as it reflects rising costs. Harbormaster Beckham explained that since the budget was prepared, some costs like insurance, health workers compensation have risen significantly. This reflects the desires of the board to maintain a stable revenue source for the harbor, to avoid any large wholesale changes in the future. Proposed a 50/0 rate increase took to Council and they wanted PACAB's input. Jordan wondered what the CPI is based on. She suggested preparing a tariff on January 1. Jordan was not opposed, but would like to know more about the Consumer Price Index and what it is tied to. j. Altermatt reminded the board that this was before them as an advisory item. Van Buskirk spoke against the increase. He said as far as public perception goes we are already the most expensive moorage in the state and said he hates to give the administration a blank check. Beckham said he had verifled and updated the information in the packet with new information this morning and he noted that five harbors had increased their rates this year and another is looking at raising them. He said the constant fluctuations in moorage rates are reflections of the CPI. Altermatt that it would come before the board again. PROCUREMENT METHOD FOR HARBOR INFRASTRUCTURE Tougas explained this went to bid before when we did the North Harbor Renovation and if their cost comes within 5% sole sourcing is more efficient to have the same kind of floats throughout the harbor. Goodwill agreed with the recommendation. He noted that if you have something and you like it you stick with it. Van Buskirk spoke against the sole sourcing purchase of concrete floats. He said we should not just assume that it is the best out there especially with public money. He felt that his main concern is that you wonder if there is no one else out there that has a comparative bid. Van Buskirk said he hopes we make sure that the public money is spent well. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Vol 3. Darle 303 Whitman agreed with Van Buskirk saying if we have a well-written type of I spec[ification] for the floats, he felt it should go out to bid since it has been three years. Beckham said we look at the floats as equipment and would like all of the same type of equipment. He said when we went out for a bid three years ago, we did not look at price, and first we picked a manufacturer. He said the floats are the highest quality and the best type out there. He also said there is no one that builds a higher quality of the product. Beckham said if we solicited for bids, it would take about 60 days, and then nine months for float construction. Our timeline was to have this done by November. Beckham said we run the risk of looking like a sham design and contracting. Van Buskirk said he disagreed with that statement. He said public process is just that "public process" and we should follow the guidelines: CORRESPONDENCE Harbor Reports for the East SMIC Dock and Raw Fish Tax Receipts, noted. Harbor comparison information presented at the December 17, 2003 work session noted. BOARD COMMENTS I Tougas Commented on economic development integrate the railroad's community development plan. SMIC until we get something in writing, once we have a plan, we can take it to Council. He said we (PACAB) do not want to micro manage the harbor. Whitman and Van Buskirk thanked the public for coming. Altermatt said that on the 12th, she would be attending the Council meeting to give the annual report by PACAB and reauthorization of the PACAB board. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Dale Hoogland had many questions such as: where is the city getting the money to build? are they really designed for this harbor? Is there are cheaper floats out there. How are we going to fund the harbor improvements? He said we definitely need to RFP the float system. Hoogland said we would be cheating citizens by not allowing RFP. Consider the boat tax another cost that the commercial boats pay. Ron Long explained that the CPI formula is from a broad range that mirrors I the true cost of goods over time. He said there already is a flat tax in place on watercraft. I I I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Vol 3. page 304 Jim Hubbard KPB has a flat tax and the city gets a percentage. He said the state took in $1.5 and we should get some of the fish tax. Parking lots, roads at SMIC comes in through the harbor and disappears. We are in this together. Counter productive. Kevin Clark said that in the interest of saving time January 19 work session. He said that the Chamber Director was going to ask for the bed tax money. ADJOURNMENT The meeting ended at 2: 26 p.m. ~~ Chair -- Judi Sweeney Board Secretary (City Seal) City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 305 CALL TO ORDER I The regular February 4, 2004 meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Altermatt. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Board Member Goodwill led the pledge of allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: Deborah Altermatt, presiding, and Jerry Waliezer DJ Whitman Doug Lechner Jack Goodwill Absent: Karl Van Buskirk, Melody Jordan, Roger Mercer, Tom Tougas I Comprising a quorum of the Board; and Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager James B. Beckham, Harbormaster Kari Atwood, P ACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Altermart presented a plaque to Mayor David Brossow that had been presented to her in a brief ceremony by Ron Arnold of the Iditarod National Millennium Trail Inc. Mayor Brossow thanked Altermatt and read the plaque to the board. Council Member Dunham noted that he did not have much to report since the council and the board had recently held a joint work session. He did attend the annual EDD meeting for the Borough and said that of the sixteen objectives only two relate to Seward. One was the idea of A VTEC opening a facility on the western side of the Peninsula. Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative reported that the dock has been busy. Last year the railroad exceeded revenue from the previous year and this year is off to an even better start, but will be effected by not having the Princess I ships this summer. New regulations are requiring them to put a light in the middle of the City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 306 I dock. This will be a problem but the lighting now does not meet the new requirements. The new lights will probably be put in sometime in March. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager, informed the board that the legislative priorities packages had been delivered to the legislature. They were told however that it did not look good for any funding of capital projects. Jim Beckham, Harbormaster told the board that the contract for the breakwater was to be signed yesterday but he could not confirm if it had been done. He has been working on trying to find a spot for the 186 foot research vessel the Cape Flattery. It would like to homeport in Seward and does do some joint projects with A VTEC so Seward would be a good fit. Due to lack of direction the inner harbor project is currently at a stand still. Rex Young, DOT, gave an update on the zero to mile 8 road construction project. He noted that the project would not begin until 2005 due to funding changes. DOT is working with the City of Seward to add additional lighting to the project. Nash Road project is still scheduled for this year. They hope to have an airport master plan in place within eighteen months. I Bill Popp, KPB oil and gas industry liaison was not able to attend the meeting. CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING: Bob Valdatta asked the board where they were at with the docking fees across the bay. Altermatt responded that the board did pass a resolution to equalize the rate and that it had been forwarded to the council. David Brossow said he spoke to the Mayor of Valdez. He said at the mayor's meeting they have a signed a contract for natural gas to be shipped out of Valdez and have two more contracts ready to be signed. They are pushing to have natural gas shipped down by the Alyeska pipeline site and have a terminal in Valdez. They don't have the pipeline in place but Valdez is pushing hard to get their plan. Willard Dunham said the council passed a resolution supporting the Alaska gas authority, which delivers gas to Valdez. I Jim Hubbard said he was confused about phase one. He thought the breakwater was phase one and that all the parts of the interior float system were supposed to go back out to the public for input prior to moving forward. Why do we all ready have a float system planned into phase one prior to public input? A year ago in November at the first meeting at A VTEC there was a beautiful color picture on the wall, and we were told that City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 307 this plan had gone to DEC using pleasure and sport as a way to get funding and it failed. I Then it went back using the commercial sector and they succeeded in getting the funding for the breakwater. The picture that was on the wall basically eliminated the commercial sector from using the facility. We should have had a picture with a big open hole and asked the public how we are going to plan this from here. The whole process has been flawed from day one. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Lechner/ Goodwill) Approve the agenda and consent agenda Motion Passed Unanimous UNFINISHED BUSINESS Project List A1termatt commented that she would like to see some of these projects get into a more active mode. The multi-agency facility is ongoing and the group has really been working on marketing. She said she believes the fire training center is going forward. She asked the board to review this list and maybe some individual board members could work on giving some reports on individual I projects. Lechner pointed out that maybe P ACAB could get a member on the marketing committee the Chamber has and that would help give some unity. Lechner brought a letter of Dale Lindsey's for the board to review regarding the veneer plant and encouraged the board to get behind this project. A1termatt pointed out that Seward does need an economic development plan and that maybe the board could help with that. Marketing A1termatt said that the Council held a meeting on Wednesday January 28 on harbor related issues. One of the items that got brought up as an important issue for the harbor was marketing. Unfortunately the meeting ran for several hours and that was the only topic they did not get to. Council said they would try and set another meeting for harbor marketing. NEW BUSINESS January 7,2004 regular meeting minutes were approved Resolution 2004-03 recommending a contract with the Chamber of Commerce Motion Lechner Second Waliezer I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 308 I Discussion: Whitman offered that he wrote this resolution to get the board moving on this issue. The Chamber is the organization to get this marketing going, we would be buying a service from the Chamber not funding the Chamber. This board of volunteers that meets once or twice a month can not market Seward. Lechner agreed that the Chamber could be the marketing arm for the City but expressed concern over having a dollar amount in the resolution without giving the Council some funding ideas. He also suggested that someone from the board should be on the Chamber marketing committee and Altermatt pointed out that Tougas is on both. The board discussed qualifications of the Chamber, mil rates and taxes, and sole source contracts. The board agreed they needed to have more time to discuss this process and maybe even to write a new resolution. The board agreed to change the work session from the 18th of February to the 25th because some members would be absent on the 18th for P ACOM, and it was agreed that the topic would be marketing. Motion Lechner to table this resolution to the March 3rd regular business meeting Second Whitman Passed Unanimous Resolution 2004-04 recommending the dissolution of P ACAB and sanctioning a new Port and Harbor Commission. I Motion Whitman Second None Fails for lack of Second Resolution 2004-05 recommending approval of Phase I of the Guide and preliminary project budget. Motion Lechner Second Waliezer I Discussion: Beckham said that there had been a yearlong public process to put together a float layout plan to go inside with the federal portion of the project. Upon adopting the planning and development guide the council wanted to make sure there was a public process every time a phase of the project came forward so people could comment. Capital projects come before various boards and commissions for approval, including the council with an opportunity for public comment. This is the opportunity for public comment on the phase 1 of the development guide and includes putting floats in the east harbor basin. Altermatt confirmed that this budget was just for phase I. Beckham informed the board that funding for the project was short about 1.5 million because some funding from the State was cut in the budget process. They are hopeful that some of that funding will be restored. Whitman expressed concern over where the public process was. He read some of the resolution passed by the Council. He has heard great concern from the public about the lack of input from the public. The local public seems to bc more in favor of an alternate plan. The board discussed the public process, City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 309 budgets and the need to move forward. They also discussed concrete versus wooden I floats. Amendment (Waliezer/Goodwill) to add a 6th whereas, this plan would incorporate using concrete floats. Amendment Passed Yes: Goodwill, Waliezer, Lechner, Altermatt No: Whitman Motion Passed Yes: Goodwill, Waliezer, Lechner, Altermatt No: Whitman CORRESPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS North Pacific Fishery Management Council, Draft Agenda, January 9, 2004 Copies of the Council Minutes regarding the Harbor Commission, 1971-1980 BOARD COMMENTS I Whitman said he is not trying to be dissenting but feels the board is here to represent the public. He deals with the marine public every day and he may not agree with everything they ask but will bring it forward to the board because that is what he is suppose to do to represent them. Lechner said hopefully we would get this harbor project moving forward. It is a long process and it may not be to everybody's liking but it is forward progress. Wanted the board to know that Planning and Zoning did a major overhaul in the setbacks in the industrial zoning. They did pass a resolution that is being forwarded to council for final approval. There is also a major revision of the sign ordinance here in town and wanted the board to be aware of these issues and this will be discussed at the next Planning and Zoning work session. Altermatt reported the railroad will have an open house February 13 to let the community know about some of their projects for the coming year. P ACOM will open February 18th in Anchorage, the Chamber and many local businesses will be there. We have had a lot of discussion about the configuration of PACAB, the resolution was not taken lightly, and it certainly is something that is on the table of concern. We need to continue our marketing and economic development plan discussions. P ACAB has been important to the City of Seward. PACAB can retain being a Port and Commerce I Advisory Board for now and can think about what more we can do to remain viable in the community. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 310 I CITIZEN COMMENTS Willard Dunham said he was pleased with Jerry's amendment and would have liked to see heat added to concrete float. He would like to see this group work on the flat tax. Assist the council and compare what it is going to cost us and are you for it. We should look at the Fish Tax. By the time the state and the borough get their share we get one quarter of it. It really sticks in my craw that the borough gets a quarter and they don't do anything for it. Would like to see the project list expanded to take in more of economic development. Was glad Doug brought up the sign ordinance. BOARD RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Beckham said we are working on a flat tax proposal. We have put together a matrix of boats and fees, we have some ordinances from other communities on the flat tax in hand, we are reviewing those, and we are working on that, both the harbor department and the finance department. When it is ready it will be brought to the board. It may not be until April or May it is hard for the finance department to get away right now because of the audit. I Altermatt said she would like to see it on the agenda soon because we have been discussing it since the fall. Gifford added it may be worth presenting it in a work session when all of the analysis is done and we have a recommendation. Then you can decide all the options and which ones you want to discuss at a regular business meeting. But it will work in either format. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1 :45 p.m. 4( 4I~ Kari Atwood Board Secretary ~~&c6f-- Deborah Altermatt Chair (City Seal) I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 311 CALL TO ORDER I The regular March 3, 2004 meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Altermatt. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Board Member Lechner led the pledge of allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present Deborah Altermatt, presiding, and Jerry Waliezer Doug Lechner D.J. Whitman Roger Mercer *Karl Van Buskirk (arrived at 12:10pm) Absent: Melody Jordan, Jack Goodwill, Tom Tougas Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager James B. Beckham, Harbormaster Kari Atwood, P ACAB Secretary I Comprising a quorum of the Board; and SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Council member Dunham absent Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative said Frank Averzak was here. He would like to bring natural gas to Seward and was looking for support. He came down with a financial officer and spoke at the economic meeting this morning. They will be back and try to meet with council. Silverstein and Kubitz are coming down to talk about Princess. Silverstein meet with someone from Princess yesterday. The railroad is working on keeping CP here, they are the container ships that have been coming here instead of going to Anchorage. Barges have been in and a trooper boat that were at the north dock but couldn't take the punishment so they went to the railroad dock. Have to put a fence around the freight dock for security. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT I City of Seward. Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 312 I Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager, informed the board that Resolution 2004-19 to approve Phase I of the harbor development will be brought back for reconsideration at the March 8th Council meeting. There is a council work session on Friday on alternate energy. CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING: None APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (LechnerlMercer) Approve the agenda and consent agenda Motion Passed Unanimous UNFINISHED BUSINESS Project List I Altermatt said she would like to add under marketing, short-term priorities, that PACAB will be working on an economic plan for the City. Van Buskirk suggested that the board recommend to council three specific items that would help make the North Dock more usable. Some examples would be breakwater, mooring fenders and maybe improve the uplands. Beckham in response to a question from Lechner said the previous council work session was regarding the uplands and sale of all or part of it but was not about the dock. Beckham reminded the board that they had passed a previous resolution to Council asking them to look at a breakwater and seek funding and put it on the federal priorities list. Whitman said his understanding of the work session was that it was exploratory with a commercial realtor to see if there was any market out there for it. Altermatt said she did like Van Buskirk's suggestion that they keep going back to the Council with the North dock. Beckham said the development and growth of SMIC is included in the planning and development guide. Marketing I Altermatt reminded the board that there had been a recent work session and it was positive. The Chamber has been actively trying to find solutions for marketing Seward and P ACAB has been working on it as well. She pointed out there would be more discussion with the resolutions that were coming up later in the meeting. It was agreed at the work session that P ACAB would be a good forum to do an economic development guide for the City. John Parker from EDD said he would be happy to help the board get started on that project. The March 17 work session has been scheduled to work on that guide. Whitman said we need to get this job done and we are moving forward with our ideas. Altermatt pointed out that even though the Chamber has not been formally charged with marketing Seward they do market Seward and are doing a very good job. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 313 Resolution 2004-03 recommending a contract with the Chamber of Commerce I No motion for any action on this resolution NEW BUSINESS Resolution 2004-06 recommending the Council engage the Chamber of Commerce as the marketing entity of Seward, Alaska. Motion Van Buskirk Second Whitman Discussion: Van Buskirk said he really likes this resolution but would like to see the board give the Council more direction on funding. Whitman pointed out that it was discussed at the work session and agreed that funding wasn't needed right now but what was needed was a plan of action and the first step is charging the Chamber with this. The funding can not be developed until the specific marketing items are developed. Motion Passed Unanimous Review of SMIC upland boat work policy, Beckham noted that it was I requested by a council member that the board revisit this, especially the section where the rate doubles when working on your boat. Beckham gave a brief summery of what the board had reviewed previously and reminded them that one idea behind the policy was to protect the citizens of Seward. Pollution liability was one consideration as well as competition with businesses with infrastructure over there. The City has been self insured for environmental insurance over there and there have been two claim incidents. Whitman pointed out that it is an extreme liability for the City and there have been two fires over there recently. He suggested that the charges are not too high but maybe the word double is what upsets people. Waliezer pointed out that established businesses are shooting themselves in the foot by discouraging work over there. He also pointed out that some users won't come because of the high taxes. Ifthere were no rules there would be chaos over there. Van Buskirk added that a few small changes over there like adding restrooms would go a long way in encouraging people to work there. The board discussed having one rate instead of two, looking at performance bonds, different rates for different rows, and finding alternate wording that does not offend the customers. Most board members liked the idea of one rate over a tiered rate system. Beckham said if the board selects a plan that calls for a tariff change it is much harder to get through but he will work on changing some of the wording. Harbor services charges discussion, the administration had been asked for some feedback on this issue by a council member. Beckham said the upland businesses pay for the dumpsters and the used oil collection. The City owns two dumpsters and rents I two dumpsters in the harbor area. Altermatt said she was against adding any line item fee City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 314 I because of perception. People think these fees are included in their moorage payments. Waliezer asked if other harbors charged these additional fees. Beckham answered that that is not the standard in Alaska. Mercer pointed out that it is frustrating to people when extra fees are added on. Tell people one price don't nickel and dime them to death. They discussed how fees are handled within the harbor enterprise fund. The board agreed that they could not reach a consensus on a recommendation for this. CORRESPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Copy of the current upland boat works policy BOARD COMMENTS Whitman pointed out we are busy across the day. It has been mentioned several times that there is nothing going on at SMIC but there are four business over there with cement in the ground and three or four other businesses working over there and there is a lot going on over there. Economic development doesn't happen in a day and other than a few pit falls, it is a success over there. WaIiezer said regarding the developments inside the harbor, he hoped the council would proceed with that and will stick with their original vote. I Van Buskirk said we are fighting years of negative publicity and anything to alleviate the negative perceptions will be good. Having the Chamber at events will help develop a positive image of Seward. He spoke in about SMIC being a good facility and that the word is being spread. Lechner hopes the council moves forward on the harbor project. Planning and Zoning had a work session regarding the sign ordinance. It would have affected every free standing sign in town, and it would have just about abolished all of them. Now after the work session it looks like they will increase to a standard basic sign. Instead of a 32 square foot, go to a basic 36 square foot. That was a real positive for all ofthe businesses in town. Altermatt said the first step in getting rid of the negative perceptions that are out there is recognizing and correcting them and we are doing that. If there is something this board can do to help with any improvements to the SMIC basin to keep moving it forward. It is a priority for the board. She encouraged everyone to attend the March 17 work session. CITIZEN COMMENTS I Mica Van Buskirk said that most everyone recognizes that there is a negative perception and that this board has made some good changes, like equalizing the moorage City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 315 rates and perhaps lowering some of the work rates. She suggested that the board should I issue a press release about the good things that are happening. BOARD RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Beckham we are all ambassadors of this city and if we hear negative comments or slants on what we do here, he would encourage everyone to address those and steer them the other way. In spite of what is said in the paper we do not want to be insulting people and do things wrong and run people out of here. If we are treating anyone unfairly, please let me know because that is not what we want. Fishing season is going and the harbor is full. Van Buskirk suggested changing the work session from the March 17 to the 24th because some members would be gone to Kodiak for P ACOM on the 17th and some other members have conflicts with that date. Altermatt agreed and the work session was changed to March 24. ADJOURNMENT The meeting ended at 1 :35 pm ~~ Kari Atwood Board Secretary ~~ / eborah Altermatt I Chair I (City Seal) I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 316 I CALL TO ORDER The regular April 7, 2004 meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Altermatt. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Board Member Waliezer led the pledge of allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: Deborah Altermatt, presiding, and Jerry Waliezer Jack Goodwill DJ Whitman Doug Lechner Karl Van Buskirk Absent: I Roger Mercer Tom Tougas Melody Jordan Comprising a quorum of the Board; and Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager James B. Beckham, Harbormaster Kari Atwood, P ACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND REPORTS Council member Dunham informed the board that there will be another hearing about the harbor. He just returned from Juneau where they did get an opportunity to resubmit the grant application for the fisheries dock. The council will be having a work session on the fish restoration program. The new Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Roberts said the road project will not be delayed a year and that it would go out to bid this fall. The City Manager asked them if they wanted to be partners in acquiring a pothole-fixing machine and they said they would be interested. I Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative introduced Dave Buirge, Gregory Endsley, Ron Kahlenbeck, and Major Jim Anderson here representing the Striker Brigade. Bencardino took them to A VTEC and they got to use City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3,page 317 the simulator. They are going over to the railroad and SMIC after today's meeting. I Tonight they will be having dinner at the Seward Resort and will meet with the City Manager tomorrow. Bencardino said they are checking the best way to operate. He hopes Seward will be part of that operation. The four men each gave a brief description of their job functions and explained what they are doing in Seward. Altermatt gave each one a City of Seward pin and thanked them for coming to the meeting. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager, reminded the board of a meeting on April 13, at 6:30 p.m. regarding the airport master plan. He also mentioned that the Seward Waterfront Committee is having a meeting at IMS. Jim Beckham, Harbormaster, informed the board that he attended a pre- construction meeting with Wilder Construction. Wilder expects to be mobile within the next month and construction will start in June. April 2005 is their target date for completion of the project. Wilder's offices will be located in the old Marathon Fuel building while they are here. If you want to visit the construction site you must first check in with them for safety reasons. Altermatt asked if the boat ramp would still be accessible and Beckham said yes. Altermatt asked if they could stage somewhere else, Beckham replied there is really nowhere else for them to go. Lechner asked when the council meeting on the boat harbor would be held. Dunham said the date would be set on Monday at the Council meeting. I CITIZEN'S COMMENT: Brian Beaver, operator of FN Peggy Jo, told the board that the harbor facilities were inadequate for what he needs to do. There is no power here and if we can't provide basic services they will have to leave Alaska and go back to Seattle. If you are building a new harbor you should think about if you want our business back. He offered to sit down with the board members and show them the changes that should be made to the harbor plan. They haul out every other year and spend a lot of money. With the cost of fuel going up it is about saving time and getting services. Ron Long, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly Representative, said the borough is willing to chip in $30,000 for Coho expansion but the City needs to corne up with a match. It is critical to get a local match. He also wanted to inform the guests that Seward may be the only port where a nuclear submarine tied up to a private dock. Lacy Eckberg, Chamber of Commerce Director said good-bye to the board and said it has been fun. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MOTION ( Lechner IGoodwill ) approval of Agenda and consent agenda I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 318 I Motion Passed, Unanimous UNFINISHED BUSINESS ON GOING PROJECT LIST I It was decided to delete the sawmill from the short-term priorities and add SMIC new commerce to the list. Gifford said the city has condemned the property. No one had an update on the fire training facility at SMIC. Goodwill asked if Wilder would be using rock from the Fourth of July Creek quarry. Beckham said it did not look like it. Lechner asked about the airport master plan meeting on the April 13 since it had been dropped as a priority. Ron Long said it was on the priorities list a few years ago and sometimes it takes a year or two for the funding to show up. He encouraged the board members to attend the meeting. Gifford pointed out that the veneer plant proposal is out there and they might need a road for that. Dunham said this came up in Juneau and the new Deputy Commissioner Roberts is supposed to be visiting Seward. Valdatta asked the board to consider helping A VTEC acquire a black box that they can add to the simulator to train Marine Pilots. In the USA, it is only available in Florida and he would like to see this added to short-term priorities. MARKETING, The chamber marketing board is having a meeting tomorrow. NEW BUSINESS The February 4 and March 3, 2004 regular meeting minutes were approved I Economic Development Plan, A1termatt reminded the board that they had two previous meetings focused on this issue. John Parker from EDD was here at one of the meetings and he is willing to help. She pointed out that the plan developed by an ad hoc committee was in the packet. We have moved forward from 1978, but a lot of the information is still valid. She would like to see the board develop a plan to present to the City in time to get it through the next budget cycle. She also said that hopefully Tougas would be emailing the board a list of strengths and weaknesses and she hoped that would be done sometime this week. Dunham pointed out that Parker said the EDD is establishing a web site for local products and was hoping Seward businesses would participate. The board discussed some of the strengths of Seward, naming a few were natural resources, Resurrection Bay, Kenai Fjords National Park, Sealife Center, and SMIC. Some weaknesses discussed were changes in the fishing industry, no marketing plan and the need to present a friendly atmosphere to new business. Whitman pointed out that the number one priority in 1978 was a deep water port and it still is the number one priority. Waliezer suggested the board focus and follow through instead of heading out in many different directions. Van Buskirk said he did not agree because if the board focused on one large thing another sawmill, for example, and we cannot support it. It City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 319 would be a waste of money. He did agree however, that follow through was key. I Dunham pointed out that many items mentioned in that study have been accomplished including the formation of this board. Altermatt suggested that the next work session be devoted to this topic and that the boards identify its goals and come up with a time line. Discussion of port by department of defense, Altermatt directed the board to the copy of the letter and survey in the packet. The board discussed when the survey was due and if it was binding or not. They also discussed the difference between being an alternate port and a strategic port. The board agreed unanimously that the survey should be completed as soon as possible and sent in. They agreed that it was not binding and Seward would like be considered. Beckham will be completing the survey. CORRESPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Copy of a letter sent to Kodiak harbor customers, March 5, 2004 North Pacific Fishery Management Council, February 27, 2004 Copy of a 1978, Ad Hoc Committee, Economic Development Plan Letter from the U.S. Department of Transportation & attachment I Letter from the Department of the Army & attached survey *** Altermatt turned the gavel over to Vice Chair Lechner and excused herself from the meeting at 1:35 p.m. BOARD COMMENTS Whitman said he appreciated the turn out and it seemed that attendance at the meetings has increased over previous years. Goodwill said good bye to Lacey. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Bob Valdatta wanted to know how Seward lost its designation as an official customs port (port of entry). We need to get it back to keep business and attract new boats. He suggested the board get with Louie or the Railroad to check the status. Ron Long thanked the board for providing the direction to show and demonstrate our interest in having the Striker Brigade here. If we are already designated as an alternate port and we are looking at the strategic designation than the down side is I already there. Their schedule will be uncertain and we will hardly ever see them. If we can leverage that for some infrastructure, it would be beneficial. I I I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 320 Mica Van Buskirk said she knew Lacey from the Chamber had worked hard in getting the Striker Brigade here. She said the survey was sent out to five ports in Alaska that they are considering. She questioned why the board was just now getting the letter since it was sent out March I. She was surprised that they are here meeting with groups and officials and the paper work that they require has not been filled out. BOARD RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at I :40 pm /'-~ ~ Atwood Board Secretary ;;;It!ltZZ~--;~~6{ Deborah Altermatt Chair (City Seal) PUBLIC NOTICE PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Port and Commerce Advisory Board will use the May 5, 2004 packet for its June 2, 2004 meeting. The May 5, 2004 meeting did not take place because there was not a quorum. The meeting will be conducted in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 410 Adams Street, Seward. June 2, 2004 at noon. All interested persons are invited to attend. Kari Atwood Board Secretary POSTED: City Hall Harbormaster's Building Seward Public Library 5/24/04 I I I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 321 I CALL TO ORDER The regular June 2, 2004 meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Deborah Altermatt PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Board Member D.l. Whitman led the pledge of allegiance to the flag ROLL CALL There were present: Deborah Altermatt, presiding, and Jerry Waliezer DJ Whitman *Tom Tougas Doug Lechner Jack Goodwill Melody Jordan *arrived at 1 :00 pm and participated from that point I Absent: Karl Van Buskirk and Roger Mercer Comprising a quorum of the Board; and Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager James B. Beckham, Harbormaster Kari Atwood, P ACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Council member Dunham informed the board that the work session for the harbor was a piece of cake and we only need $6 million. He received a letter that the City turned down a car show in the north harbor parking lot because of construction and asked the board to perhaps suggest an alternate location to the City. He noted that there had been 18 building permits issued so far this year and several are multi-million dollar projects like the Safeway and the school. I Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative said that they have been doing a lot of work underneath the dock and have some new lighting. He said that on Saturday they got a new high-speed security boat. Freight has been doing well with a consistent flow of barges. Royal Caribbean signed for five more years and it looks like Norwegian Cruise Lines will be coming in next year. Altermatt asked about the City afSeward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 322 veneer plant. Bencardino said Trevor McCabe called this morning and said that the I meetings in Canada went well. A financial study will be done and some representatives will be up here in July to see what we have to offer. They are trying to have everything ready for when they get here. Someone from TOTE was here and talked to people in the community about what is going on. They are looking at shipping motor homes for people who drive up to Alaska and maybe do not want to drive back. Friday, our environmentalist will be here looking at different lands the railroad has and what can be filled in. Whitman asked how it is going in Whittier and commented that he heard that everything is not great. Bencardino said there are always some problems when things are getting started. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager, said the City and the Chamber would be meeting June 8 to go over all the July 4 activities. They are also working on a marketing agreement. Someone wants to construct a race track for motor cycles and would like to purchase land at SMIC. NAPA made a request to use the whole north parking lot for a car show in July and the administration was concerned that the parking is already in such a crunch because of construction. Jim Beckham, Harbormaster, said a survey for military uses of the port had been done and they were not interested because of the dredging of our port. Different groups have been here looking to see what Seward does including Anchorage. The best opportunities are in Seward. Nowhere in Alaska is there an appropriate port and Seward is the most likely to be used. There are some improvements we could do to the port to make it more usable. Even in Anchorage there are problems with depth and tides because these ships are up to 1000 feet. With some investment we could develop a port that could accommodate their needs. There was a work session on the East Harbor Expansion, and Wilder is here and has started to stage some pipe and equipment. I CITIZEN COMMENT: None APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MOTION (Jordan/Waliezer) approval of Agenda and consent agenda as amended, with the addition of7C harbor project under Unfinished Business Motion Passed, Unanimous. UNFINISHED BUSINESS ON GOING PROJECT LIST A VTEC is moving ahead with the fire training facility. Altermatt asked about downtown revitalization and Dunham said PORT ACO I will be here in the middle of July. Dunham brought up the Auto show because they would like to make this an annual thing and thought someone from the board could look City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 323 I at it. Whitman asked about boulder stadium. Gifford said they did not like the surface there in the stadium and it will be used for over-flow parking as soon as the baseball season is over. Dunham said we could get extra parking if we asked the railroad. Bencardino said he has talked to the head of parking about parking some trailers on railroad property. Beckham asked about the elementary school parking lot. Long said in the past it seemed that NAPA liked to have it near the store. Beckham added that when the East Harbor Expansion is completed there will be 5 acres of added parking and maybe next year we could help them be by the store. Short term coal facility future, Bencardino said the price of coal is going up and there may be another company in Korea that is interested in getting coal from here. Marketing, Altermatt said she would give a short update. The Chamber Marketing committee is meeting every few weeks and have been trying to put together a packet so businesses will get involved in marketing Seward as a Port of Call. They are meeting every few weeks and have been putting together a packet so businesses will get involved in making Seward a port of call. If Norwegian Cruise Line starts coming here than maybe Princess will reconsider Seward. Dunham said that EDD has a web site that markets products from the Peninsula and it is free and only available to businesses on the Peninsula. I Harbor Project, Lechner asked where we stand on the project. Beckham said the council directed him to come up with a new Phase One. What the new Phase One would include extending E and F floats. Some discussion about the management of those slips and maybe some of them would be transient slips. Extend J dock, move X float to the east, move the fuel float, construct Z float, and have a mooring for the Cape Flattery. Z float would be a transient float and slips could be added to it later. Lechner asked if this passed council, what the time frame would be. Beckham said that September of 2005 but probably spring of 2006 and these are preliminary numbers and this will take about 6 million dollars. We are in the ballpark, but it would involve some rate increases to cover the revenue bond. A few dollars a foot increase. Some legislative requests have been made. There is a potential for money but we are focusing on money we can realistically get our hands on. Long said the borough probably will not be helping because of changes in the per student funding ratio for schools and other short falls. Beckham expressed concern for the need to repair the lift dock and T dock. Jordan commented that most of the needed repairs are caused by activity on the dock not from the actual travel lift. A bond is being floated around for replacing that dock but it did not pass the first time around. NEW BUSINESS The April 7, 2004 regular meeting minutes were approved I Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) presented by Tom Tougas. This analysis was done as a class exercise for BA166 at KPCC Tom City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 324 Tougas, instructor. Altermatt said we did agree to develop this and it has been hard to I get the group together on this. It is a large task and it should be a good document that the city can work from. We are volunteers and we have not been able to dedicate the time necessary. Tougas spoke about having a community economic plan in place and is an important thing to do and he does not see another group doing it and the board should continue to work on it. He commented that if we do not take the leadership roll to do that, then what is this board here for? Whitman said he brought some documents in and the old ones can be updated and it is not that hard. Let us pick the five things that are consistent and expand them or update them. Jordan commented it is important that the board be in the forefront of it. Altermatt said she wanted to hear reiteration of the board that they want it to go forward. She suggested scheduling it for the next work session. Jordan would like to make this a topic at the next work session, do an outline, and make a subcommittee from there. Everyone should bring their list of what they think is the most important. Altermatt said she would not be here on the 16th and neither will Tougas. The board decided to have the work session on the 15th at noon instead of the 16th. CORRESPONDENCES, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS S.W.D.T. analysis for Seward, class exercise for BA 166 at KPCC North Pacific Fishery Management Council, April, 2004 I Alaska Economic Trends, April 2004, Volume 24 Number 4 BOARD COMMENTS Jordan said relative to the dock that has so much use and damage, she is not sure what the arrangements are and then asked Beckham if they pay anything to be there and he said they pay wharf age but are not paying rent or lease per say. He said they are under a license agreement. Jordan continued that they do not really contribute to the community like the folks that come and buy fish on the dock for a short time. They choose what they want to buy and then they pay no raw fish tax because the fish is taken from Seward and processed elsewhere. She feels it is important for the users of the facility to pay their fair share. Some of the dock buyers don't and they don't offer services either. Whitman said he wished Louie had stayed because between the railroad and Louie they need to be commended for their business development of that freight dock. It is impressive to go down there and see what is being staged through this town. CITIZEN COMMENTS None BOARD RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS None I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 325 I ADJOURNMENT The meeting ended at 1 :40 pm Jt.' ~ Karl Atwood Board Secretary ~- --~ Deborah Altermatt ' . Chair I I PUBLIC NOTICE' PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Port and Commerce Advisory Board will use the July 7, 2004 packet for its August 4, 2004 meeting. The July 7, 2004 meeting did not take place because there was not a quorum. The meeting will be conducted in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 410 Adams Street, Seward. August 4, 2004 at noon. All interested persons are invited to attend. Kari Atwood Board Secretary POSTED: City Hall Harbormaster's Building Seward Public Library 7/28/04 I I I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 326 I CALL TO ORDER The regular August 4, 2004 meeting of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Deborah Altermatt PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Board Member Jerry Waliezer led the pledge of allegiance to the flag ROLL CALL There were present: Deborah Altermatt, presiding, and Jerry Waliezer DJ Whitman Tom Tougas *Doug Lechner Roger Mercer Absent: I Melody Jordan, Karl Van Buskirk * Arrived 12:25 pm and participated from that point. Comprising a quorum of the Board; and Scott Ransom, Harbormaster K.ari Atwood, P ACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND REPORTS I Council member Dunham said a big concern that took place yesterday with the scheduling committee for the marine transportation authority is they are stripping Seward of any ferry landings, including both the Tustumena and the Kennicott. He said Seward was not the only community that was stripped. He said the board should playa part in this and that there will be a meeting on Saturday at 9 am at the Ray Building. Stevens and Seaton will be at the meeting. This is an important issue. This is to take effect this spring and they have to get the schedules out by Sept 1st. Tougas asked about what Torgerson's roll with the ferry system will be. Dunham said he did not comment on this scheduling at the teleconference. Ron Long said Torgerson was to negotiate contracts with the union and other duties as assigned. Lechner said the new ferry is named Chenega and now that ferry will not even go into Chenega. He would like to see the board at the meeting and really let our representatives know what we think of this. Long said you will have to show why it is in the states best interest to come here and the City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 327 numbers are against you. It will be a challenge to get them to change it. Dunham said I Stevens and Seaton have asked for the economic analysis that was done by the state and used to make these decisions. Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative absent ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager, absent Scott Ransom, Harbormaster, Scott is the new harbormaster, Jim Lewis is the Deputy Harbormaster, and Matt Chase is the new Harbor Worker II. The Derby is coming up and we will be open from 6 am to 10 pm and will work hard to keep things running smoothly. Ransom said he had met with the Police Chief about vandalism in the harbor area. The police will increase there presence there. TNH has direction to develop a new Plan 1 for the east harbor expansion. Whitman asked if the city checked with Steve Leirer about parking on some of his empty lots because with the derby starting and the parking restrictions that might help alleviate the congestion. Ransom said the parking people have been working on that. Waliezer added that Leirer does not want anything to do with it. Altermatt asked about forwarding to the board Alaska Digest and some other journals that they had received via email from Beckham. She said she will give Ransom a list so he can continue to forward them. I CITIZEN COMMENT: Nina Daley, wanted to give the board a run down on the latest ideas for a mariners' memorial and where to have it. She thought Ransom was going to add this to the agenda so she said she would wait and participate in the discussions at that time. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MOTION (Lechner/Tougas) approval of Agenda and consent agenda as amended with the addition of item 7C, discussion about the options for the boat harbor and 8A, discussion ofthe mariners' memorial Motion Passed Unanimous UNFINISHED BUSINESS MARKETING, Altermatt said the Chamber's marketing committee is bringing forward a group from Tennessee called North Star to start a branding process for Seward. That group will be able to help with the development of Seward's economic plan. They I will be here around August 12. They will be doing surveys and meeting with a lot of different groups. Tougas said they will look at the community and recommend a City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 328 I branding approach. It will not cost the City anything. They wanted to come in during the derby and it seems like a good thing. Their hoping the effort will be completed for the handouts in 2005. Altermatt said she met with Sandy Wassillie, who is trying to procure funds for an grant-writing employee who might also be helpful with an effort of developing an economic development plan. She is still working on this and it would work well in coordinating efforts in developing a plan, rather than have the board meet in work sessions and try to come up with ideas. We are delaying the board's focus on it for right now but it is still on the table. Dunham asked that the board note that the weekend of Oct 23 the Chugach Corporation is holding its annual conference here. Meetings will be at A VTEC and a dinner at the Sealife center. This is the first time this group has ever been here and he wanted the board to be aware of it. Tougas informed the board that on August 17-19 Shannon McKee would be here from Norwegian cruise line. Anchorage is pushing for Whittier as the port of call for all of their boats and telling them that there is nothing to do in Seward. Do not underestimate Whittier because the Anchorage convention and visitors bureau is behind Whittier. Terry Dieckgraeff is trying to get everything together to give Shannon and Dan McDonald will be taking her to Whittier and Seward. I SWOT analysis discussion, Tougas said these will be the kinds of things that North Star will look at when they are here. If people have additions or subtractions they should do that. Altermatt suggested looking at this in the next work session. I Boat Harbor discussion, Tougas gave the members an eight-page handout including an expansion plan that would add 263 new slips. The board discussed different changes and the hand out. Tougas said the corps project really creates three new areas, New South harbor basin, large new parking, and new east harbor basin. He suggested that they look at the three new areas and leave the old harbor alone, and add the new slips near the parking. His plan is called float plan 8/04. Tougas suggested adding slips in the East basin. It would add 263 slips to the harbor. The math showing how the slips will pay for themselves is included in the handout. He thought that they should look at the cost benefit analysis between wood and concrete. Should RFP spend the money we have on the new harbor? The parking area is a great addition and we should use the south basin. Would like the board to consider how much bang are we going to get for our buck. Whitman said it resembles a previous plan and it went out the door because of egress and turning radius. The citizens of Seward have come forward and proposed a plan. It is it a usable harbor and the citizens have said the plan needs linear moorage. The economic benefits of the community have to be considered and there has to be a balance. Altermatt said there was a 2-year public process and now eighty percent of the users are not being considered. The people will pay for a slip and 300 slips could be filled. Waliezer pointed out that if there were more 32-foot slips some of the boats in transient moorage would go into them and that would open up more linear moorage. Tougas added there are a large percentage of transients that would go into slips. We have this huge new basin near parking and we are not using it. Whitman agreed that everyone wanted to put slips in that south basin but said the public does not want that in east harbor expansion. Whitman said if Z float was moved one hundred feet there would be room City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 329 for slips. Tougas suggested that adding on to the existing floats would exasperate the parking situation. Altermatt said it was brought up in the last council meeting, the movements of Z float and only one council member said it Z float will not be put back. She pointed out that the original goal of this was for slips. Ron Long said it would be interesting to see how much of that transient moorage is being paid for by people who are using slips. He agreed that there has been a long public process. He said it is a shame we have gotten off course and that it should not be divided between Seward and Anchorage. Nina Daley said you are assuming that this parking would be for the slip holders, and it would not be used for anything else. She agreed that people would be parking in the areas closest to their slips. Lechner said he appreciates the report and its simplicity. It was a nice layout and does seem like the plan the board originally voted on. He said they should look at adding slips in the south harbor basin. He thought everyone may have been side tracked by the boat lunch, the south basin was overlooked, and we should get back on track. He pointed out that no parking is being added near the East harbor. Whitman added that nobody wanted the boat ramp there. Tougas said he would like to see input from this plan and would like this on the agenda for the work session and have the board members come forward on this issue and take a leadership role. Even if we can get a concession on slips in the south basin and on F float, we can work from there.. Shealy suggested a board member ask for a joint work session with the council at the meeting on Monday. Tougas added we need to try and get a commitment from the council. This board needs to take leadership and action. It was agreed that Tougas would do a preliminary presentation and ask for a joint work session from the council. NEW BUSINESS Memorial for Mariners, Ransom said we are looking for a place to have a memorial to honor those people who were lost at sea. There is not a lot of room in the plaza. Nina Daley suggested that it be near the entrance of the channel and wondered if the launch ramp is axed or not. Whitman said that it was deleted. Daley said she was speaking just as a citizen but the board should consider how the new land in the harbor would be zoned. It has not gone to any public meetings yet. They have penciled it in as parks, that would allow parking lots. She wanted the board to keep in mind that people were really upset about losing the beach and that property belongs to the whole city. She is hoping the board will consider dedicating a portion of this land for a memorial park. Tougas agreed it could have multiple uses and thought the City should form a task force so it would be developed with a plan. Altermatt suggested they could have a resolution of support for the September meeting. CORRESPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS International Marina Institute Dock lines, Volume XVI, NO.6-June 11, 2004 North Pacific Fishery Management Council News and Notes, Volume 3-04e I I I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 330 I BOARD COMMENTS Waliezer thanked Tougas for all his work on the hand out. He thought it was important to recognize the parking lot as an addition to the project. He thought Tougas did a good job of presenting it in a cost effective manner. He thought maybe the city council would look at that and appreciate it. Whitman said the Mariner's Memorial is a great idea and that he thought Tougas did a good job. Mercer thanked Tougas and said he thought the south harbor proposal is a great idea. It is hard to get down to the boats now and he is glad to see the ramps are staying where they are. He said the memorial is a great idea especially since we lost the pavilions and it would be a nice place for people to go and minimize the black top. He offered that the simulator at A VTEC can be used to test different changes in the plans and you can practice driving any boat you want in to the harbor. He thought that might help people to visualize it and A VTEC would do it at no cost. I Altermatt mentioned she would like to see Mercer's offer looked into. She congratulated Scott on his new job as Harbormaster. She encouraged the board to attend the ferry meeting on Saturday. Tougas asked if someone could put the simulator demonstration together and get people to try it. CITIZEN COMMENTS Ron Long said he hoped we have a new harbor long before any of us have our name on the memorial. BOARD RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT The meeting ended at 2:05 p.m. &v~;/ Karl Atwood Board Secretary ~~~ L---- Deoorah Altermatt Chair I (City Seal) City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 331 CALL TO ORDER I The regular meeting September 1, 2004 of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:03 p.m. by Deborah Altermatt. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Board Member Jordan led the pledge of allegiance to the flag. SWEARING IN OF NEW MEMBER HETTINGER - POSTPONED UNTIL NEXT MEETING IN OCTOBER. ROLL CALL There were present: Deborah Altermatt, presiding, and Jerry Waliezer DJ Whitman *Tom Tougas Melody Jordan Doug Lechner *Karl Van Buskirk Absent: Roger Mercer *arrived at the meeting at 12:05 p.m. and participated from that point. I Comprising a quorum of the Board; and Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager Judi Sweeney, PACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Council member Dunham was absent, Mayor Vanta Shafer in his place gave a report. Shafer said that a joint work session of Council and P ACAB was set for September 16,2004 at 7:00 p.m. Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative reported that the new railroad station in Palmer is doing well. He said two trains have been running to the [State] fair daily for $37 plus a ticket to the fair and it is working out well. He said they have started black topping at the road that leaves the dock. He said they would add a walkway alongside SunEel so people can easily walk to and from the cruise ships. He said they had an inquiry for constructing a 180' x 60' office/warehouse building from AirLand Transport for offices and warehouses. In answer to a question from Tougas, Bencardino said North Star is doing the paving along Leirer land and north of Port Avenue. He had talked to W.C. Casey about paving personal driveways and said to contact North Star Paving. He said he had tried to get a hold of [Representative] I Torgerson and he was trying to get a price on dredging the dock. Tougas asked if the cruise train is doing; the maintenance and catering here in Seward and Bencardino said City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 332 I they were as far as he knew. He said there would be a music festival September 18 at the warehouse with bands from all over and encouraged all to attend and listen to some great mUSIC. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager, handed out a press release regarding a ferry service meeting September 13 at the IMS KM Rae Building from 11 :00 a.m.-l :00 p.m. to talk about their plans. That meeting will be with the Alaska Marine Highway System's Deputy Commissioner Briggs, and Torgerson. Prior to that is a meeting with the community regarding the ferry's current plans to withdraw from service to Seward. Gifford reported that Laura Cloward, Chamber of Commerce Director, is working on an Economic Impact Survey that is mainly funded by local businesses. Gifford explained that this was based upon a transportation plan started in 1999 and was completed in 2001. He said they are trying to gather interest from businesses that are affected by the plan. Whitman asked if our Chantber had talked to the Kodiak Chantber because they are in the sante dilemma as us. Gifford said that there is information online at the DOT site. CITIZENS COMMENTS: NONE I APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MOTION (Lechner/Jordan) approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda as antended Motion Passed, Unanimous UNFINISHED BUSINESS ON-GOING PROJECT LIST Alter matt said that some items need updating such as under Long Term Priorities' South Harbor Renovations and Improvements Short Term Priorities: Harbor Improvements Infrastructure I Eastward Expansion update is that a joint work session with Council has been scheduled. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 333 Tougas asked about the time line on the Mile 0-8 Mile Highway Improvements I and Gifford said that as far as he knew next summer they should be finished. Altermatt asked for that to be updated on the project list to be completed by 2005. Altermatt suggested that under Short-term priorities Marketing is that P ACAB met with the North Star group and talked about developing our economic plan; it was put off until the fall. Tougas mentioned that on the Short-term Priorities list the Road to SMIC is not happening this year and Lechner thought it was moved to 2005. In answer to a question from Gifford, Whitman wondered about money that was given by the Corp for a study for the completion ofthe North Dock. Gifford would look into what happened with that study. The other question is if we have the test shipments of coal yet. Bencardino said that they (ARR) had shipped 45,000-ton vessel to Chile and the next one is going to China. He said they are still working on another company from Korea. Altermatt asked for updates on the multi-agency facility. Gifford said they just finished an environmental assessment period for comments and was not sure what phase would be next. Whitman asked about shiplift expansion. He said Representative Young was trying to hand-out $54 million to the State-owned shipyard and Gifford said he would try to get more information on that. I Altermatt asked Bencardino and Gifford about the collapsed sawmill. Gifford said someone had bought the property and would be cleaning it up. Tougas said he talked to Goldbelt and they had contracted with a metal salvage company from Juneau and they would be here with a barge and to take the building down. Tougas said he heard that Gold Belt is technically out of the ownership and someone from Texas owned it. MARKETING Altermat.t spoke of the recent visit from North Star, a group from Tennessee meeting with shareholders and businesses in the Seward area. Altermatt asked if anyone from the audience had anything regarding the North Star group and their post-visit survey. Councilmember Clark said he received a survey in the mail. Local businesses were the major contributors the $60,000 price tag for the tourism based survey. Jordan commented about some of the survey questions and then asked about branding and said that we should go forward with the branding idea. She asked who we are marketing the survey to. Waliezer said that under Marketing to add the Fish Expo because he felt it is important. He said the Expo was very successful last year and we should focus on it. Whitman said in his view, the survey was heavily biased toward tourism. Following a request from Lechner, Tougas reported on a visit with the Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL). He said they met and were very impressed with Seward. I He said they were committed to Whittier for this year. Grayline people flew up from Juneau and Anchorage and were giving NCL the full court press to take everyone to City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 334 I Anchorage upon arrival from Whittier. He said it is very important that the railroad and the community continue to communicate that we have the capabilities and there is no reason to go to Anchorage. Tougas said he met with the President of Royal Caribbean and they have a five-year commitment to Seward. He said we lost the Radisson Seven Seas to Whittier. Tougas said the visit was great, the weather was beautiful, and they were very optimistic. Mayor Shafer said that she heard many of the passengers wanted hiking and biking tours. She said that would be a good thing to offer to the passengers. NEW BUSINESS The June 2 and August 4, 2004 regular meeting minutes, approved. RESOLUTION NO. 2004-07 SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF A PORTION OF THE NEW SOUTH HARBOR UPLANDS ADDITION AS THE SITE FOR A MARINERS' MEMORIAL Following an amendment (Moved by Jordan/Lechner) to delete the sixth whereas (specifying the location of the memorial) motion to approve the amendment passed. I It was moved by (Whitman/Jordan) to approved RESOLUTION NO. 2004-07 as amended, passed unanimously. Altermatt said that Nina Daley, who was spearheading this project, said she would like to see this as more of a community project and they are looking for a location. She said that people want an area for a memorial and park-like area to hold ceremonies or just a place to go to remember their loved ones. Jordan said Petersburg, Homer, and the Seafarers Memorial in Seattle are very nice. Waliezer agreed that it was an excellent idea, but he felt like we are putting the "cart before the horse" and the new harbor should be in place first and we can wait to decide on a location later. Tougas said considering the size of the area, the memorial would fit in, but the community should decide how this area is used and not dedicated to one use. Whitman suggested that the sixth whereas specifying where the memorial might go, be deleted. DISCUSSION/PLANNING FOR JOINT WORK SESSION WITH COUNCIL (September. 16, 7 P.M.) UPSTAIRS CONFERENCE ROOM Altermatt explained that a joint session with Council regarding the East Harbor Expansion was requested because we received a design for additional float systems and changes and costs from Tom Tougas. The efficiency model of revenues and expenditures of the harbor needed to be looked at and discussed with council at a work session. I Tougas said that he would not be attending the work session because of previous meeting plans. He had talked to Scott from Wilder Construction and said that regardless of what City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 335 plan, Wilder is planning to be done in May '05. He said the bottom-line is we need to I know what the timeline is for this project to be complete. The primary holdup is to make a decision on this plan. He said he initiated the analysis that he presented to try to get the project moving forward. He said Wilder will be done dredging in 8 months and then it may sit empty two to three years until we put the slips in there. He said Carl Stormer; the TNH engineer is on vacation until October 5. Altermatt said it would be nice to invite Wilder to come and layout their plan and to ask the harbormaster what the timing requirement is to get floats. Whitman stressed that we need to dredge the south end of the harbor first. Jordan commented that some vessels that came to use the dock at SF! had difficulty because of the huge minus tides. Tougas thought there might be some spot dredging, but he said the Harbormaster would know. VanBuskirk said no pile driving is allowed after April. Bencardino said the dredge is being unloaded today and will begin soon. SEATTLE EXPO Altermatt said we attended last year and it was paid with Chamber money. Harbormaster's office should have someone at the Expo. Altermatt said it was very successful and we would like to attend again. Jordan said she thought we had money in the P ACAB budget. Altermatt wondered what the costs were for a booth. She asked if P ACAB would want to absorb that cost if the Chamber is not sponsoring it this year. Councilmember Kevin Clark from the audience spoke of the informal survey. He agreed that if the Chamber was sponsoring someone, then P ACAB should do so. Whitman said he thought that the Chamber funds could be used for travel but not for a booth and someone should find out exactly. Altermatt reminded the board that last year it was said that a harbor employee should attend the Expo. I CORRESPONDENCE INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS A. Letter to the board from Tanya Sandefur, regarding the Altermatt/Carter lease, with attached documents, noted. B. Letter to the Harbormaster from Orson P. Smith, boat owner, noted C. Email to the Council from Ellen O'Brien, boat owner, noted D. North Pacific Fishery Management Council, draft agenda, August 23, 2004, noted. BOARD COMMENTS Jordan Waliezer thanked Council members for attending the meeting. I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 336 I CITIZEN COMMENTS Mayor Shafer talked about the budget process mainly stressing that money is very short this year. She said it is predicted that the budget will be $1 million short and they need to fmd things or personnel to cut. She said workers compensation bills were up; PERS bill is huge from purchasing the former Seward General Hospital's retirement for their employees are a few examples of things that were stressing the budget. She urged people to attend the scheduled budget work sessions and give input. Budget work session Tuesday after the meeting. BOARD RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Altermatt reminded the board of the council work session and following discussion the board cancelled their scheduled work session of September 15, 2004. ADJOURNMENT The meeting ended at 1 :36 p.m. I . :}g/l/J I A~P4Z0 t/ Judi Sweeney {j Board Secretary ~~ Deborah Altermatt Chair (City Seal) I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 337 CALL TO ORDER I The regular meeting October 20, 2004 of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:05 p.m. by Board member Jordan until Vice- Chair Lechner arrived a few minutes later and presided over the meeting. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Board Member Tougas led the pledge of allegiance to the flag SWEARING IN OF NEW OF NEW BOARD MEMBER ANDREW HETTINGER Deputy City Clerk Erin Leaders administered the oath of office to newly appointed Andrew Hettinger and he took part in the meeting thereafter. ROLL CALL There were present: Doug Lechner, Vice-Chair presiding, and Jerry Waliezer D.J. Whitman Tom Tougas Andrew Hettinger Melody Jordan I Absent: Deborah A1termatt, Karl Van Buskirk and Roger Mercer Comprising a quorum ofthe Board; and Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager Judi Sweeney, PACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Councilmember Dunham was not present at this time. Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative reported on the proposed sign for the warehouse building. He reported that the State championship wrestling tournament will be held here Dec 9 and 12 this year. There was discussion on how Seward is going to handle 1800 people including rooms, transportation, meals, ect. He suggested a brainstorming group I be formed and do some leg work on rooms, transportation and meals. Hettinger suggested that A VTEC prepare meals for the wrestling people, and Bencardino said that City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 338 I idea was mentioned, but the local restaurants should be gIVen first option for meal preparation then if there is still need, then A VTEC's culinary class could help. Bencardino said he would like to see the community make money on this. Bencardino said that the tournament would be held here for the next three years if we do a good job. Jordan said when the cross country tourney was here a few years ago, the ski coach asked families to house people and that could happen with this. Bencardino said the Christmas train and the Annual Arts and Crafts show in December will help the town to get people in town at a slow time of year. Bencardino said the Railroad will be storing rowing shells for the local group. He also said that a new security building has been put in place on the freight dock. Lechner asked if ridership nurnbers were compiled for this year and Bencardino said he had the numbers together but not with him at the moment. Tougas mentioned that a group will be traveling to Florida with Tylan and others. Tougas said they area entice Princess to Seward as a port of call along with Norwegian Lines. The board as a group welcomed new member Hettinger to the board. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT I Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager, said that Council had given direction on the ferry service. He informed the board that Harbormaster Ransom was at the State Harbormaster's Conference in Homer. He distributed a Tryck, Nyman and Hayes' drawing of the harbor East Harbor Expansion project as requested by the City Manager. Gifford reported on the multi-use agency project. He said they still are negotiating for property to build on. He said the property owners did not agree with the first appraisals that were done. Rick said that the areas that they are looking at are the former Legends' restaurant area and the Harbor Dinner Club/Mai property. CITIZEN'S COMMENT: APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA MOTION (Tougas/Jordan) approval of Agenda and consent agenda as amended to add discussion of the Seattle Fish Expo. Passed by Unanimous consent. Councilmember Dunham arrived at 12:35 p.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: I PROJECT LIST Following discussion these changes were made to the On-going Project List: City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 339 Short-term priority Rock Quarry was moved to Long-Term Under Short Term: Corps Reconnaissance Study to be tracked 50-ton Travelift replacement S.T.I.P. projects such as the MN Tustumena I Bencardino said the Veneer plant is moving forward. Dunham said the local Economic Development Committee met this morning and he thought that P ACAB should be the lead for that group. Councilmember Kevin Clark spoke from the audience saying that John Parker, of the KPH Economic Development District (EDD), would be in town the following day. He said it was interesting what other cities can do with projects. Clark also reminded the board of the Council work session on the gas line 7 p.m. tonight. Jordan spoke about the drawing that was handed to them ofthe expansion project and said it looked like there still was a tight squeeze by the fisheries. Whitman said the drawing still has to be fine-tuned but at least they were listening to suggestions. Funding is still the big problem. Tryck Nyman Hayes' goal is for construction to be completed by the spring 2006. Tougas said the Corps will be out by May 2005 NEW BUSINESS I Regular Meeting Minutes Of September 1, 2004, Approved SEATTLE FISH EXPO Laura Cloward, Chamber Director spoke from the audience and said that the Chamber will provide the booth as they always have. She said the real knowledge base is with volunteers. She said she would like to put together a list of Y, day or full day workers to see how many volunteers will be there. She mentioned that Scott is going to attend. The dates of the EXPO is November II, 12, 13. It was discussed that Harbormaster Ransom would be at the Expo the whole time. Hettinger offered Carlile Transportation's assistance in transporting anything needed for the Fish Expo. CORRESPONDENCE INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS A. September 13, 2004, email from boat owner, Dave Allen regarding the East Harbor project, noted B. September 16, 2004, letter from Mark and Susan Lindsey to Mayor Shafer urging the Council to reconsider a design that includes slips for pleasure craft, I noted I I I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 340 C. September 17, 2004, letter from Donald Smith to Councilmember Amberg urging Council to reconsider a design that includes slips for pleasure craft, noted D. August 31, 2004 letter from Dot Bardarson and Dan Lorz requesting the city to pay for one of the two trash pickups near their business, noted E. Copy ofKPB Linda Murphy, MMC reo parliamentary procedures, noted BOARD COMMENTS Whitman thanked the audience for attending the meeting. Hettinger glad to be accepted to the board and was looking forward to working on the status of the ferry. . The board welcomed new member Hettinger. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS BOARD RESPONSE TO CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Councilmember Dunham said the committee that established everything in Seward's past was started by citizen's group of some type or another. All major facilities, all three schools, prison, SeaLife Center, University and halibut producers were all started by interested citizen volunteer groups City cannot be the lead person, but should participate with the different groups. Valdatta said that he went to Anchorage and stopped at the Enstar office. ADJOURNMENT The meeting ended at 1 :36 p.m. 1 ,/1;.4;1 dUhULc'---1, !/ Judi Sweeney c::;; Board Secretary ~ /' ~ Doug chner Vice-Chair (City Seal) City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 341 CALL TO ORDER I The regular meeting November 3, 2004 ofthe Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Deborah Altermatt. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Board Member Waliezer led the pledge of allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: Deborah Altermatt, presiding, and Jerry Waliezer DJ Whitman Karl Van Buskirk *Tom Tougas Andrew Hettinger Melody Jordan Roger Mercer * arrived at the meeting at 12:35 p.m. and participated from that point. I Absent; Doug Lechner Comprising a quorum of the Board; and Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager Scott Ransom, Harbormaster Judi Sweeney, PACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Council member Valdatta talked about the quarry. We have a quite a stockpile across the bay just sitting we need to find a market. He said that he is available to the board by phone at 224-5656 for help on anything. He said Chugach is buying their own power line. He said he and Dunham were selected to work on the proposed stranded gas pipeline information committee. Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative reported that they had a pipe ship in and another one due Saturday. The sign for the building should be up by the end of the month. He said they are getting ready for December's Arts and Crafts show. He reminded the board that 1800 wrestlers would be here next month using the I warehouse. There was not enough interest for a special train for the wrestlers, but there still would be a train for Christmas. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3. page 342 I ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager said that the City had submitted an application for a Vista volunteer. He also passed out copies of resolutions outlining Seward's Federal and State Legislative priorities. Altermatt said the list would go before the Council on December 13. Harbormaster Ransom reported that he had attended the Alaska Association of Harbormaster and Ports Administrators (AAHP A) convention or conference in Homer. He said it was excellent conference with full days of informative sessions such as Dave Natcheus from a company that designs harbors, Northern Economics Inc., Corps of Engineers' presentations, Cruise ship Associations and OSHA were also there. They spoke about Coast Guard security. There was an interesting talk presented on Kachemak Bay. Ransom said the basin and breakwater are coming along. VanBuskirk asked if our 80-foot ramps are ADA Handicap compliant with the tides the way they are in Seward. Ransom said our ramps are compliant regardless of the tides. Ransom in answer to Altermatt said they discussed Coast Guard security at the conference. He said they had a great presentation and that we are in compliance, such as the security gate on E float. I Waliezer asked about navigational problems with the dredging boom at the entrance of the harbor. He said they had problems through there the other day. Ransom said he had not heard of any and if there are concerns they have been referred to the dredge people who can be reached on VHF channel 80. CITIZEN'S COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING: Ron Long commented that local voters approved the $50 million in GO bonds to keep their marinas alive and not trashed and turned into condos. He said not to count on money from the State and Borough. The Borough wants the legislative priority list. Bob Valdatta suggested that the longshore workers at the dock get identification cards because some were sent home from work because they did not have ID. He said security is very strict on the dock because of homeland security. Laura Cloward, Executive Director. Chamber of Commerce reported that regarding the Fish Expo in Seattle, she had shipped material for the booth. Needs displays that are more realistic. A laptop will display an economic development video. Cloward and Ransom will be there the whole time and Lechner and Mezirow will be there part time. I Harbormaster Ransom, TNH will have five or six photo shots on display. He said he would be taking a drawing and a tour ofthe harbor on disk. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 343 APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA I MOTION (Waliezer/Jordan) approval of Agenda and consent agenda Motion Passed, Unanimous UNFINISHED BUSINESS PROJECT LIST Short and Lonl!-term Priorities. Altermatt said that under the line item short- term marketing there would be a meeting on November 15 for the presentation. She said under Marketing, P ACAB met with North Star Company from Tennessee regarding an economic plan; under Downtown Revitalization, progress is on the multi- agency facility planning; under Coal Facility Future, a coal contract was signed; under the North Dock, Harbormaster Ransom said the paperwork had been turned in and we are waiting on a response. Airport Altermatt mentioned that a local businessperson had brought a proposal to Council's attention in hopes of attracting large aircraft to the Seward airport, but she did not know of the status of that presentation; Added Update the Board with STIP projects. Jordan asked if they had come up with a preliminary concept or a plan with tourism and economic development of which they would prioritize. A group from here will go to Tennessee. Altermatt said it was opened up to community leaders who donated $2500 or more were invited to go. I TNH is working on the final phase of the proj ect. The bulk of the money will be on the concrete floats, sole source purchase, and utility work. Whitman thought Council resolution was for wood floats. Tougas said it was his understanding they wanted to evaluate both. Ransom said he would check on that. He said the timeline of early 2006 to have boats in slips and dredging would be done this spring. Ransom said regarding the SMIC North Dock project, the request for funding had gone to DC and we are waiting for information. Regarding the Veneer plant, Bencardino said he had last heard it was going to go forward. He called Trevor but has not heard back yet. NEW BUSINESS October 20, 2004 Regular Meeting Minutes, Approved Proposed Rate Increase, Northern Economics report Ransom said he was looking for support of the resolution he handed out to encourage I a rate increase to keep up with inflation and help fund the East Harbor Expansion. He I I I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 344 explained that was asking for the rate increase to be effective immediately. Waliczer commented that this would put us above other harbors. Kodiak has increased their rate for larger vessels. We would be the second highest. Whitman said we are pricing ourselves right out and we need to look at the rest of the harbors, Valdez and Sitka. What are they doing that we are not. Whitman would like to see another comparison. We did talk about this at the joint sessions of Council and P ACAB. He said that he would hate to raise the rates by $4.00 without a lot of public input. Tougas said of most significance is that we are trying to address inflation rate increase to upgrade the facilities. He said this is a budget issue and the other is a capital projects issue. He said he would support this to pay the bonds for the harbor. Tougas said he would like to see two resolutions one that P ACAB supports a rate increase giving specific numbers how much to bond for the expansion and how much would be paid back. The second resolution would be for the operation ofthe harbor. Whitman suggested a stepped rate like the one Kodiak has. He feared that if we do this, people would go to Whittier. VanBuskirk said he would like to see the money raised put into a capital construction fund rather than directly to the harbor budget. Ransom said that it was addressed like this for bonding. Ransom said the float system is an independent maintenance and repair line item as is contracted services and operating expense for waste oil. Whitman does not support this feels as if we have been blind-sided and we need public input. Altermatt asked to relax the rules to allow Long to speak. Long said we need all of the information included and wondered how places like Sitka can have a great harbor without raising their rates. Altermatt asked if we can act on this, the board would like to have two separate resolutions and public hearings. There would be another budget work session on November 18 and then December 13 would adopt the budget. There should be a public hearing - can be working on it concurrently. Rick would have to talk to Kris about the timing of these resolutions. Altermatt just got the harbor budget. She said that the harbor users are 80% from out oftown and wondered how we would notify them in enough time. Whitman said that is fine but we are accountable to the citizens and there is not adequate time to inform the public before passing this rate increase. Hettinger said that it would give us time to send out letters to the proposed users. We need to give more time to the public. Altermatt said we need a work session, then a formal meeting. Altermatt said she and Harbormaster Ransom would go to council to talk about the rate increase resolution. Future Plans for the 50-ton travelift City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 345 Ransom recommended that it could be discussed at another meeting. Whitman I asked ifthis is included in the budget, Ransom answered in the affirmative. Ransom said if we stay in the business of lifting boats over here, we would need a new machine. He said it could go to private industry, but would be very expensive to operate. Ransom said what they were asking for is a new machine and a new dock totaling $300,000. He said Finance Director Erchinger put it in the capital items budget. Ransom recommended P ACAB look at it this winter possibly, the mid December work session. Harbor Dumpsters Ransom said this letter was in the packet because of a trash problem in front of businesses on the east side of the street on fourth in the boat harbor. Some business felt that they were taking care of the trash of other businesses as a courtesy and wanted the City to pick up part ofthe cost. Some board members felt it was cost of doing business. Following discussion, the board felt that this should be brought to the Harbor Business Association's attention. UPLAND AREA. Ransom explained that the grade of the dredged material is such that it will be approximately two feet higher than the existing breakwater. He said that the huge pile was put in place to help with noise problems in the area as a sound barrier, but would be removed at the end of the project. Ransom said he would find out if anything could be done. It would be put on a future agenda. CORRESPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS No action taken I BOARD COMMENTS Whitman said that SMIC syncrolift has received certification for repair offive of the Coast Guard cutters. Waliezer said we are the group that should take charge of the uplands. Altermatt welcomed Andrew to the board, as she was not at the previous meeting. She also congratulated him for his appointment to the Marine Transportation board. CITIZENS COMMENTS: None BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS: None ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 pm. I I I I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 346 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting December 1, 2004 of the Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Altermatt PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Board Member Whitman led the pledge of allegiance to the flag ROLL CALL There were present: Deborah Altermat, presiding, and Jerry Waliezer DJ Whitman *Karl Van Buskirk Roger Mercer Melody Jordan Tom Tougas Absent Doug Lechner, Andrew Hettinger * arrived at the meeting at 12:05 p.m. and participated from that point. Comprising a quorum of the Board; and Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager Scott Ransom, Harbormaster Kari Atwood, P ACAB Secretary SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Council member Valdatta reported that Ocean Beauty wants to lease more property at SMIC. He offered his compliments to Seward Ships on all the advertising they do and to the City for their ad in Pacific Fishing magazine. The prison is doing a report on how much veneer they use. He is staying active on the natural gas issue and the Quarry. He would really like to see that S turn at SMIC gone. Whitman mentioned that P & Z and other groups have already looked at the Sturn. Louis Bencardino, Alaska Railroad Corporation Representative said he would like to write a report on how much the railroad spends in Seward. They did get some federal money and it is going to safety issues, new switches etc. 1.5 million is going to Whittier to fix a dock there. Tougas asked what are they fixing it up for. Bencardino said it was designed for Cruise Ships. They had two pipe ships in. They went fine but he would like City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 347 to see the freight dock extended but it all takes money. Getting ready for the arts and I craft show this weekend then next weekend is the state wrestling tournament. Baseball practice for the high school will probably start in March. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Rick Gifford, Assistant City Manager, passed out a memo from the City Manager to the Council dated November 16. If the board has any input or would like to come to the council meeting, they are welcome. The draft airport plan is out. December 13th the council will look at hiring a group to do an environmental study for the Tustumena. In response to a question by Tougas, Gifford said that the priorities would be broken down between federal and state at the meeting. Tougas said he thought 0 to 8 had been funded and Gifford said it is still on there because it has not been out to bid yet. Harbormaster Ransom said, he had attended the Pacific Marine Expo, in Seattle and spent 3 days in the booth. He wanted to thank Styling Stitches for donating hats and shirts from Seward that were given away. Also gave two gift certificates for moorage in the Seward Harbor. The winners were from Sand Point and Seattle. Seward Ships booth was there with Samson Barge next door, and Storm Chasers. It was a good representation for Seward. Dredging: they will be putting a barge in the new entrance channel and they will be placing the permanent rock. When that is done the old break wall will be coming down. He mentioned that Orson Smith, UAA professor invited them I all to attend his class Monday night. All the engineering students will be doing their presentations based on the Seward Harbor. Altermatt invited Laura Cloward from the Chamber of Commerce to speak at this time about the trip to Nashville after the Expo. She gave each member a hand out that was a brief outline of the two-hour presentation from North Star. The overall picture is that most of our visitors come from Anchorage. Key Alaska Airlines hubs seem to be where people are coming from. That may be a good link for us. They will be working on a single message to identify Seward. To package Seward they recommended that we use the attitude that if you want to be active and really experience Alaska, Seward is the place to be - almost challenging people to come here. Strategic positioning that it is the authentic portal to an Alaskan experience. Anything you want to do in Alaska you can do here. They will be creating positioning "lines" and will send it to a national base of testers and they will recommend three of the best lines to the Chamber then when that is selected come up with a logo, it should be completed by February. CITIZEN COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING: DJ Whitman asked to speak as a citizen; He thought it was strange that the legislative priorities were presented by the administration to the council at the last council meeting I and in the past that has usually been done by a work session with public input. He was disappointed that development of the City's Sincro-lift facility is not on the list. He City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3. page 348 I stressed that this facility is not owned by Seward Ships it is owned by the City. It has been on the priorities list for many years. He would like to have the board look at the list and put pressure on the council to put it back on the list. Ron Long informed the board that he had a new piece of information from the borough that he thought the board would be interested in. He received the information through his position on the Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association Board about the recent US Supreme Court decision that came down regarding rearing smolt in Tustumena Lake. They decided that smolt could no longer be reared there unless they could be assured that none of the smolt would be caught commercially. That would be impossible to do. It will have profound effect on the Associations ability to continue to do this. The only way to change it is to change the law at the federal level and that is a big hurdle. He also informed the board that the borough did not change the tax cap. Bob Valdatta said that regarding the ship lift they [Seward Ships] are general managers and operators of the elevator system and the present rails. When we renew the contract, we should extend the rails. There has never been any financial assistance offered. He keeps hearing that it is not finished over there but he cannot find what we were supposed to do. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA I MOTION (JordanJWaliezer) approval of Agenda and consent agenda Motion Passed, Unanimous UNFINISHED BUSINESS PROJECT LIST I Altermatt asked if anyone had anything to add or change on the list. She commented that the Veneer Plant does seem to be at a stand still at the moment. Whitman said the fire-training center is under construction. Mercer added it has started and some state entities and a number of other groups have inquired about it. It should be operating by next spring. Board agreed to cross out the resolution and add under construction to update the list. Whitman suggested the removal of return to council under the section North Dock and say, it is at the Corp with a proposal. Altermatt suggested it read project is being reviewed. Update the east harbor expansion to say design in progress. Altermatt stated that under downtown revitalization that some people think the multi- agency facility is on hold but it is not, it is still moving forward. The board agreed to discuss the 50-ton boatlift at the December 15 work session also to add to short-term priorities 5 acre fill area, what to do with it. Whitman commented that the P ACAB project list seems to be quite a bit different from the City's priority list and suggested the board members take a look at revising it so we are working toward the same things. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 349 NEW BUSINESS I November 3,2004 regular meeting minutes were approved. Resolution 2004-08 Recommending a Moorage Rate Increase Kristin Erchinger, Finance Director, explained the work sheet in the packet titled East Harbor Expansion Project Funding Scenarios. She also explained what the bonding agencies look at. Tougas suggested that it looks like the new floats do not pay for themselves because they are also being asked to pay for rehabilitating the old floats and the launch ramp. He also pointed out that no revenue from the Cape Flattery is being considered and it will take up 200 ft of Z float. No transient revenue has been taken into consideration and a lot of new transient space is being added. The board discussed the issue of transient moorage, the Northern Economics Study, and the raw fish tax. Whitman commented that the numbers being looked at should be made to look more realistic and Tougas suggested looking into some grants to gain additional funding. Tougas also expressed concern that if the Board did not make a recommendation to the Council that the window of opportunity for adding new slips would be closed. Motion Tougas Second Waliezer To amend Resolution 2004-08 as follows: Delete and to cover a portion of I inflationary cost increases in the opening, Change the fourth Whereas to read -Whereas, there is a proposed moorage rate increase of 10%, raising rates from $31.69 to $34.86 per linear foot per year, where 100% would be allocated to the expansion project and change the figure 12.96% in section 1 to 10%. Motion on amendment Passed/ Unanimous Motion Whitman Second Tougas To approve Resolution 2004-08 as amended. Motion/Passed AYES: Noes: Absent: Mercer, Tougas, Waliezer, Jordan, Van Buskirk, Altermatt. Whitman Hettinger, Lechner CORRESPONDENCE, INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS no action taken November 4, 2004, North Pacific Fishery Management Council newsletter I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 350 I BOARD COMMENTS Van Buskirk thanked Scott and Kris for all the information they provided at the meeting. He also thanked Tom for all of his information and thought it was a great meeting. Tougas asked that Scott bring some information on the research vessel, Cape Flattery, what the timing is, who they are, when will they come, and how much will they pay. He would like some facts about it. Ransom said he will get some information and he will see if someone from their organization can come to the January meeting. Altermatt wanted to thank Laura for her presentation, and also wanted the Board to know that some people went on to Miami and talked with some cruise lines there. Carnival is interested in coming here and doing more. The group wanted the cruise lines to know we are interested in their business and want to keep the lines of communication open. She thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS I Valdatta said the fish tax is generated all over the bay; two of the canneries are outside ofthe harbor. We should use that money to pay the SMIC dock off then that would not be hanging around our necks. He said he suggested that the rock out by the Cape Flattery be left flat. We cannot afford to pave it but if it were a flat surface, it would make it easier to hustle things back and forth for the boats that tie up out there. He said if we would have built the B street dock it would be full today. Brad Snowden said this is his first time at a PACAB meeting and he was impressed. He said he had a few subjects he would like to bring before the Board and asked how he could get on the agenda. I City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Minutes Volume 3, page 351 BOARD AND ADMINISTRA nON RESPONSE TO CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Altermatt advised Snowden to contact the secretary if he would like to be on a future agenda. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:04 pm. Jt~~ Kari Atwood Board Secretary (City Seal) ~ ' II ~ Deborah Altermatt Chair I I I