HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd2012-011 Sponsored by: Hunt
Introduction Date: November 26, 2012
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Public Hearing Date : December, 10, 2012
Enactment Date : December 10, 2012
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2012 -011
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, REVISING THE CITY CODE TO ELIMINATE THE
REQUIREMENT FOR ELECTRICAL DEPOSITS FOR RESERVED
MOORAGE (TENANT) CUSTOMERS AT THE SMALL BOAT HARBOR
AND TO ELIMINATE THE REQUIREMENT THAT RESERVED
MOORAGE VESSELS MUST BE CONNECTED TO ELECTRIC SERVICE
WHEREAS, city electrical account customers have the opportunity to be exempted from
deposit requirements if they are able to demonstrate a good credit history; and
WHEREAS, harbor customers also were formerly eligible for an exemption from the
electrical account deposit requirement; and
WHEREAS, reserved harbor customers, as a group, have good account histories; and
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WHEREAS, in the unusual circumstance that a harbor account becomes delinquent, the City
Harbor Department has a lien on the vessel; and
WHEREAS, such liens are an effective means of collecting delinquent accounts; and
WHEREAS, the deposit requirement for reserved moorage customers is unnecessary and an
administrative burden; and
WHEREAS, vessels with reserved moorage need not connect to electrical service unless
such service is wanted.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. Section 7.10.340 of the Seward City Code is amended as follows (additions listed
in bold italic, deletions listed in striketlir-eugh):
7.10.340 Utilities.
Electric and water utility service may be provided to vessels moored in the harbor in such
locations and according to such specifications as the Harbormaster may specify by regulation. The
charge for electrical service furnished within the small boat harbor shall be established by resolution
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2012 -011
of the City Council. A meter deposit shall be collected from any transient moorage customer
person who connects to the electrical power system.
Section 2. Section 14.15.350 of the Seward City Code is amended as follows (additions
listed in bold italic, deletions listed in strikethrough ):
14.15.350 Service for small boat harbor.
(a) Generally. The harbormaster shall have the authority to manage the secondary distribution
system serving shore power to vessel slip leaseholders. The management will also include meter
reading, billing, and the collection of fees for service connects and disconnects.
(b) Availability. All permanent vessels using electrical power shall connect
and pay the subject fees established by resolution of the Seward city council.
(c) Shore power. Every effort shall be made by the harbormaster's office to provide "shore power" to
those transient vessels whe that require such service. A deposit and a daily flat rate for power used,
as established by resolution of the Seward city council, shall be charged.
(d) Type of service. Single - phase, 120/208 voltage, 30 amp outlets shall be provided. Any customer
requiring changes to the existing electrical facilities must receive authorization from the
harbormaster and agree to pay for all costs associated with change.
(e) Maintenance and service repair. All maintenance and service requests shall be made to the
harbormaster's office. The city will provide those services required to remove, repair or test installed
meters. It will, in addition, provide any electrical maintenance assistance as requested by the
harbormaster. Any such work performed for the small boat harbor will be charged on a work order
basis.
Section 3. The city manager is directed to have the Harbor staff refund the electrical deposits
of all reserved moorage account customers that are not more than 30 days past due.
Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days following its enactment.
ENACTED BY CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, this 10 day of
December, 2012.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
David eaw , Mayor
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2012 -011
AYES: Valdatta, Bardarson, Keil, Shafer, Casagranda, Terry, Seaward
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
11
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. hanna Key, CMC
( ity Clerk
(City Seal)
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Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: November 26, 2012 jo F sett,
Through: Jim Hunt, City Manager %i >- .; a
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From: Mack Funk, Harbormaster '4tq r�P
Agenda Item: Electrical Deposits- Delete requirement for reserved moorage customers
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
Several years ago the City transferred the vessel electrical accounts from City Hall to the Harbor. The City
Code allows the possible waiver of electrical deposits for residential and business customers that can
document a good credit history. In fact, at the time of the transfer of the electrical bills to the harbor, many
harbor customers were exempted from the deposit requirement. However, the City Code does not allow any
waiver of electrical deposit for vessel owners —no exceptions. Moorage customers in general and reserved
(or tenant) moorage customers in particular, have a history of good payment records. Furthermore, if a
vessel owner becomes delinquent the harbor has the legal authority to put a lien on the vessel. The lien
mechanism has been a strong lever to force payment.
The Port and Commerce Advisory Board PACAB voted unanimously on October 3 to recommend to the
City Council that only guest (or transient) moorage customers should be required to pay an electrical deposit.
The PACAB board strongly felt that reserved moorage customers should be exempt from the electrical
deposit requirement.
In order to implement this change, two City Code Titles need to be modified plus one section of the harbor
tariff.
INTENT: The purpose of Ordinance 2012 - a nd Resolution 2012- is to exempt reserved (tenant)
moorage customers from paying electrical deposits.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No N/A
Comprehensive Plan (document source here): Continue to support,
1. promote, enhance and develop harbor facilities to accommodate X
Seward's growing demand for marine transport facilities. (page 33)
Strategic Plan (document source here): Adjust local development
2. regulations where appropriate, to encourage development that is X
consistent with our economic vision. (Page 5)
3. Other (list):
FISCAL NOTE: Deposits are set aside into a separate account. They do not belong to the City. It is
anticipated that exempting reserved moorage customers from paying deposits will not have any fiscal
impact on City or Harbor budgets.
Approved by Finance Department: )4
ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes X No
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Ordinance 2012- 0 ' making changes to Titles 7 and 14 of the City Code. Resolution 2012 -
would make the corresponding changes to the 2013 Harbor Tariff and it is recommended for adoption at the
City Council meeting on December 10.
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