HomeMy WebLinkAbout04092018 City Council PacketSeward City Council
Agenda Packet
Spring in Seward
April 99 2018
City Council Chambers Beginning at 7:00p.m.
1963 1965 2005 The City of Seward, Alaska
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
All-Americatit
jPlease silence all cellular phones during the meetingj
O r'
l
April 9, 2018
David Squires
Mayor
Term Expires 2019
Marianna Keil
Vice Mayor
Term Expires 2018
Ristine Casagranda
Council Member
Term Expires 2018
Sue McClure
Council Member
Term Expires 2019
Erik Slater
Council Member
Term Expires 2018
Suzi Towsley
Council Member
Term Expires 2019
Jeremy Horn
Council Member
Term Expires 2019
James Hunt
City Manager
Brenda B allou
City Clerk
Will Earnhart
City Attorney
7:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
Council Chambers
4. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT
THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING
[Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak.
Time is limited to 3 minutes per speaker and 36 minutes total time for
this agenda item.]
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
[Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by
asterisk (*). Consent Agenda items are not considered separately
unless a council member so requests. In the event of such a request,
the item is returned to the Regular Agenda]
6. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
A. Proclamations and Awards
1. National Library Week
Z. ui c•*i21ri n Droc• ari r.�*i ter. A 4":M♦14
B. Borough Assembly Report
C. City Manager Report ...................................... Pg 4
D. City Attorney Report
E. Other Reports and Presentations
1. Mount Mary and Santa Ana Peak
City of Seward, Alaska Council Agenda
April 9, 2018 Page 1
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
[Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak. Time is limited to S minutes per
speaker. Anyone wishing to speak a second time may do so only after all other persons have spoken, and
then for I minute.]
A. Ordinances for Public Hearing and Enactment
1. Ordinance 2018-001, Amending The Zoning Designation Of Lot B1 Forest Acres
Levee Replat, From Resource Management (RM) To Auto Commercial (AC) In
Compliance With The Land Use Plan, Located At 2413 Seward Highway. Pg 15
B. Resolutions Requiring Public Hearing
1. Resolution 2018-029, Rescinding Resolution 2017-077 Which Amended The Sewer
Tariff Effective January 1, 2018..................................................... Pg 26
2. Resolution 2018-030, Amending The Sewer Tariff To Provide For A 2.1 % Rate
Adjustment Beginning January 15, 2018, Adding A Seasonal Turn-On/Turn-Off Fee,
Clarifying That Metered Rates Apply To All Customers Other Than Non -Commercial
Residential, And Other Minor Housekeeping Changes .......................... Pg 31
3. Resolution 2018-031, Rescinding Resolution 2017-078 Which Amended The Water
Tariff Effective January 1, 2018.................................................... Pg 37
4. Resolution 2018-032, Amending The Water Tariff To Provide For A 2.1 % Rate
Increase Beginning January 15, 2018, Clarifying That Metered Rates Apply To All
Customers Other Than Non -Commercial Residential, Changing The Seasonal
Definition, And Other Minor Housekeeping Changes ............................ Pg 42
5. Resolution 2018-033, Rescinding Resolution 2018-008 Which Authorized A Delay In
The Reclassification Of Customer Utility Accounts, As Reclassification Will Not Be
Necessary Once Customers Other Than Non -Commercial Residential Are Allowed
To Elect Metered Rather Than ERU Rates ........................................ Pg 54
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Items Postponed from Previous Agenda
1. Discuss SOth Anniversary of Sister City with Obihiro, Japan Celebration Plans. Pg 55
2. Discuss and/or schedule a work session for Brad Snowden's cruise ship dock concept.
3. Discuss appointing a Special Ad Hoc Council Study Committee to research and study
the water and sewer tariffs, and provide recommendations to council. (Casagranda).58
4. Discuss appointing a Special Ad Hoc Council Study Committee to research and study
the electric tariff, and provide recommendations to council. (Casagranda) . ...... Pg 58
5. Discuss appointing a Special Ad Hoc Council Study Committee for finance.
(Casagranda).
6. Discuss the Offer for Assistance letter received on March 7, 2018 from Jane Boer,
Local Government Specialist, Division of Community and Regional Affairs.
(Towsley)................................................................................ Pg 59
City of Seward, Alaska Council Agenda
April 9, 2018 Page 2
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolutions
1. Resolution 2018-034, Authorizing A Cost Of Living Increase Of 2.1 % For 2018 And
A Separate 2.1% For 2019 For All Non-IBEW Employees With The Exception Of
The City Manager And City Clerk, And Appropriating Funds .................. Pg 60
*2. Resolution 2018-035, Appointing Jessica Fogle As The Deputy City Clerk. Pg 64
*3. Resolution 2018-036, Supporting The Proposals Through The United States Board
On Geographic Names (BGN) To Place The Name Mount Mary On Unnamed Peak
4883, And The Name Santa Ana Peak On Unnamed Peak 4753............. Pg 65
4. Resolution 2018-037, Supporting The Transco Concept And Authorizing The City
Manager To Enter Into Negotiations With Other Railbelt Utilities And American
Transmission Company In The Formation Of Such An Organization........ Pg 68
C. Other New Business Items
* 1. Approval of the March 12, 2018 Regular Meeting Minutes, the March 20, 2018
Special Meeting Minutes, and the March 27, 2018 Regular Meeting Minutes. Pg 71
* 2. Approval of Election Board for union representation election on May 8, 2018. Pg 97
* 3. Approval of Canvass Board for union representation election on May 8, 2018. Pg 98
10. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS (No Action Required)
A. Clerk's Report on Public Records Requests for March, 2018...................... Pg 99
B. On -Going City Projects and Goals ....................................................... Pg 101
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
12. CITIZEN COMMENTS
13. COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS
14. ADJOURNMENT
City of Seward, Alaska Council Agenda
April 9, 2018 Page 3
CITY OF SEWARD
P.O. Box 167
Seward, AK 99664
MANAGER'S REPORT
MARCH 16, 2018 — MARCH 30, 2018
Jim Hunt, City Manager
Telephone (907) 224-4047
Facsimile (907) 224-4038
The following purchase orders between $10,000 and $50,000 have been approved by the City Manager since the last
council meeting:
3/29/18
Anchorage Chrysler
$31,227.00
Ram 2500 Truck
To replace pickup truck 465
3/29/18
Kendrick Equipment
$14,957.44
8 Chine Pads for Travelift
SMIC lift
ADMINISTRATION
• Project meeting on Lodging permits, rules, and inspections
• Met with Historical Preservation Board member
• Met with representative from Vigor Marine
• SMIC meetings
• Met with Kenai city managers to address common concerns and opportunities
• PACAB meeting
• Working on D.C. itinerary with lobbyist
HARBOR
• Conducted meetings with Hamilton Construction and R&M for the Breakwater project on 3/29/18 and 4-22-
2018.
• The 330 ton has been very busy with new vessels being hauled in and out for maintenance.
• The 50-ton travelift lifts have started to pick up.
• PND wants to thank council for their input on the South Harbor Launch Ramp replacement.
• The new fisherman's floats are in place, to include the trestle. (pictures attached)
• The ramp has arrived and will be connecting the trestle and floats.
• The piling all installed at the North Dock we are waiting on the fenders to be installed.
• The drill rig has been moved back, they are gearing up to move to Cook Inlet for the summer.
• The crane has arrived.
4
Relaunch PAC.A.B, Chamber,] larbor and -the S.M.I.C.Base Camp group are currently working on. the S.MIC
. .. . " ..... .E . .'Y .
PUBLIC WORKS
Director: 2018 Tunnel Repairs are complete. The contractor is now in demobilization efforts and should have
all equipment and construction material removed, and the job sites cleaned up in the next 2 weeks. We are
currently working on Water and Sewer Tariff issues and possible changes to simplify charges and
classifications. Talks continue for moving Public Works to a different location. We hope to move forward on
design and location to for the new facility and finally make the current property available for better use. Lowell
point road repair talks and funding requests are still in the works. Hopefully we get some positive news soon.
Water, Wastewater Utilities: There are now several seasonal folks returning that need their water service
turned back on. We also have a few digs going for water leaks and new construction. More dig permits are
being processed as the temperatures rise and the frost goes out. Crews are addressing wastewater smells from
lift stations and lagoons to try to always minimize odors close by.
Streets: The longer days and lots of sunshine are melting more snow and ice. Only the higher elevations in
town have much snow left. We have steam thawed many frozen culverts and there are still a few that are
blocked with ice. Soon we will be concentrating on street cleanup and street sweeping. Winter may still give
us another snow or two but it shouldn't last long as spring takes over.
Ste: Preventive Maintenance on equipment is being done as the hours or mileage counts show they are due
for service. The steamer truck has needed repairs and parts to keep it running. It is a 1964 International truck!
Buildings: We were able to complete some painting projects and sheet rock repairs at the Community Center
and City Hall. The ongoing boiler and heat adjustments in several buildings continue as the outside temperature
warms up.
PARKS AND RECREATION
The City of Seward Paid Parking will begin in just over one month on Tuesday, May 1.
6
Until then, parking remains free, as long as customers follow all posted signs regarding size restrictions, ADA
or wheelchair sites and time restrictions. All customers are encouraged to watch for postings for parking lot
closures for sweeping and cleaning, prior to May 1. In the near future, information about purchasing parking
permits can be found at http://www.cityofseward.us/index.aspx?nid=952.
Effective May 1, daily parking spaces are $5 per space. Customers taking up two spaces, such as with a large
RV or with a boat and trailer will pay $10.
Applications (soon to be available online) for parking permits will be available as seasonal staff is hired:
Harbor Area Employee: $50
Slip Holder: $50
Vehicle with Trailer: $200
Visitor: $100
Commercial Vehicle: $350
Service Vehicle, by review only: $200
The City is currently seeking fulltime, seasonal, summer applicants for Parking Operations Supervisor, Parking
Tech and Parking Lot Attendants. Job descriptions, applications and requirements are available at
http://www.cityofseward.us/index.aspx?NID=878.
Parks Maintenance & Campgrounds Division:
• Since the ground has thawed out, our staff is beginning to clean up the rocks, debris and material that
was deposited on our park beaches during the storm surges this winter.
• We are seeking five adult Campground Attendants.
• Preparation for the new Pink Cheeks Triathlon running course is underway. We are looking forward to
hosting this new "trail -run" route that better suits our safety and course enjoyment needs. Maintenance
staff is readying the shower house for opening. We are hopeful that warm weather will continue se we
can open the shower house and other water services by April 15th.
• Seasonal worker training continues as we gear up for the camping season.
• The City continues to work with contractors and agencies to grid the new cemetery. We hope to have a
new driving lane before Memorial Day. We will re -try to schedule a meeting with all Seward -area
cemetery owners to discuss future plans, mutual needs and possible work together with LDR
contracting. (Only one cemetery replied to the last invitation.)
• Interpretive panels from a KMTA grant are being installed.
• We are preparing an Invitation to Bid for commercial port -a -potty contract.
• The Seward Little League backstop should be installed by the contractor by May 15. We are in contact
with Seward Little League.
Sports & Ree Division:
Competitive Volleyball League Championship Wednesday, April 4:
o Team Kurtz vs Alehouse 6:30pm (3rd place game)
o Sth Ave Fitness vs AVTEC 7:15pm (Final)
New Sauna Hours Start April St":
o Women: 6: 3 0-7 : 3 0pm Men 7: 3 0pm - 8: 3 0pm
• Urbach's Youth Basketball League (UYBL) Tournaments and Awards:
o Saturday, April at the AVTEC Gym Games start at 10 am
• Archery wrapped up with another great season at the Alaska Railroad (ARR)Terminal. We served about
30 to 40 adult archers. Thank you ARR and our volunteers!
• Summer races Pink Cheeks Triathlon and Exit Glacier Registrations are now open. Register at
www.runsi _ n�up.com.
• Youth can register for the Seward Real Estate's Bear Bell Run soon. The event will be Friday, June 8 on
Waterfront Park.
• TelAlaska Volleyball Spring Classic Invitational Tourney Sat, Apr 28. We are expecting 12 to 16 adult,
coed teams, most come from Anchorage, Wasilla and Kenai areas.
March Sports & Rec attendance so far:
jActivityeek
1r36
eek 2
eek 3
eek 4
eek 5
F.
FOTALS
Wellness Room
4
3
192
Weight Room
3
4
24
22
23
96
Racquetball
Power Walk
0
3
6
5
0
14
Indoor Park
10
26
14
17
10
77
Open Gym/Basketball
10
21
22
12
9
74
Roller-skate
0
1
16
2
3
22
Rockwall
0
4
3
4
11
Dodge Ball
Wally Ball
0
7
7
8
22
Cardio Room
8
3
0
0
11
Open Volleyball
22
21
25
16
84
Sauna /Shower
15
12
7
8
44
Pickleball
TYC (Open Gym)
5
12
15
17
49
Ceramics
15
12
10
16
53
Comp. V-ball League
0
34
25
22
35
116
Public Use
7
210
222
00
00
69
TYC Division:
• The Teen & Youth Center is serving 15 to 25 kids per day for the After School Program.
• The summer Day Camp brochure is posted online. Registration is open.
• TYC hosted five kids climbing the rock wall.
• TYC Won $5,000 grant from Seward Community Foundation to support our summer program and
training the staff in resilience and ACEs.
• 175 kids and Approximately 300 adults attended the Easter Egg Hunt at the Alaska SeaLife Center,
sponsored by Dr. Moriarty and the American Legion.
8
• 8 kids `competed' in the Diaper Derby. Prizes for each category were give and everyone went home
with something.
The 2018 Diaper Derby prize winners were:
King: Charlie Kinney
Queen: Hadley Harris
Prince: Myles Chapman
Princess: Kylie Dinsmore
Happiest Baby 0 to 12 months: Bo Bawtinhimer
13 to 24 months: Kolton Tinker
Best dressed boys: Myles Chapman, Kolton Tinker
Best dressed girls: Hadley Harris
'Elmer Fudd award' to: Bo Bawtinhimer
Bluest Eyes: Weaver Johnson
Brownest eyes: Myles Chapman, Kolton Tinker
Biggest eyes: Hadley Harris, Charlie Kinney
Chubbiest Cheeks: Bo Bawtinhimer, Kolton Tinker
Chubbiest legs: Bo Bawtinhimer, Hadley Harris
Most Unique Nose: Kylie Dinsmore
Family Resemblance: Kylie Dinsmore, Charlie Kinney
Creeper race: Bo Bawtinhimer
Crawler race: Kolton Tinker
Best Trick: Weaver Johnson
Best dancers: Bo Bawtinhimer, Hadley Harris
Thanks to our 2018 Diaper Derby judges Casie Warner, Christiana Smith, and Brent Uriel.
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Thanks to our youth, junior and Teen Leadership Council volunteers: Ailaina Armstrong, Halle Schoening,
Donna Hinders and Ella Stefan.
Thanks to Volunteer Vitali Sturdy
Parks and Rec is happy to report among the highly competitive field, the Oscar the Grouch award was NOT
announced this year, due to so many happy babies.
The Teen Rec Room Division:
• The TRR hosts between 10 to 20 kids after school and into the evenings.
• Teens are exploring strength as they work out on the Rock Wall at the AVTEC Gym.
• SPRD staff continue to support the Sources of Strength program, which links nationally reported success
in the reduction of at -risk behaviors.
• SPRD staff continue to work within the Seward Prevention Coalition.
• Taco Tuesdays resume for Middle School and High School kids at TRR and the TYC.
• Beach party at the Seward High pool coming up.
COMMUNITY LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
Museum School Visits! On March 23, the Denali Montessori school visited the Museum. 20 children and 10
adults toured the Museum, completed a scavenger hunt, and watched a sort film about the Iditarod Trail. In
March, 48 individuals visited the Museum in pre -arranged tours outside of open hours.
April is Amnesty Month at the Seward Community Library & Museum! We miss you, so don't let overdue,
lost, or damaged items keep you away! Return overdue materials during the month of April and pay no late
fees. Worried about lost or damaged materials? Come by and talk to us; we can work it out. Can't make it
during our open hours? That's ok. We also forgive overdue fines on books returned in the book drop. It's our
favorite month of the year!!
National Library Week, first sponsored in 1958, will be observed April 8-14, 2018 with the theme, "Libraries
Lead." It's sponsored annually by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries of all types across the
US to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.
National Library Workers Day is Wednesday, April 1 oth to recognize the valuable contributions made by all
library workers across the US. We strive to provide the best library service to our community. Let us know
how we're doing.
Story Time on Fridays at Ham in the Children's Room. This month we are celebrating Friendships and
things that go together like peanut butter and jelly, pajama parties, and our final story time on April 27th will
feature DINOSAURS!!! We are excited for our final month and look forward to seeing you there!
Museum Story Time will be Friday, April 13th at 11am in the Museum. This Museum Story Time, Museum
Explorers will learn how mail was delivered on the Iditarod Trail by dog sled and see the historical
correspondences within the Museum Collection.
Play Time is every Saturday in the Children's Room from 12pm-4pm. Come enjoy the Children's area
with assorted games, puzzles, themed books, & coloring. This event is parent led and offers new books and
toys to play with every week! Come enjoy our space.
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Second Saturday at the Library & Museum is April 14th at 12am-5pm. The Museum will have FREE
admission from 12pm-5pm.
Movie Night at the Library & Museum featuring Leap will be April 11th at 6pm in the Community Room.
I I -year-old orphan, Fe" licie (Elle Fanning) has one dream - to go to Paris and become a dancer. Her best friend
Victor (Nat Wolff), an imaginative but exhausting boy with a passion for creating, has a dream of his own - to
become a famous inventor. In a leap of faith, Victor and Felicie leave their orphanage in pursuit of their
passions. Rated PG.
Seward Community Book Club is April 21st at 11am in the Upstairs Meeting Room. April's final Book of
the Month is The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Patrons can pick up a copy at the Library Front Desk
or can access the book through the Alaska Digital Library https://adl.overdrive.com/ where patrons can
download the book or audiobook FREE. All they need is their library card number and they can get instant
access!
Museum Drop In Craft Friday & Saturday April 20-21 from 12pm-5pm. Come to the Museum's Kitchen
Table, make a paper rain cloud mobile, and enjoy FREE museum admission! Check out the photos below for
some examples from the March craft to make paper bag raven puppets. Fun!
Lunch Bunch is on Wednesday, April 25t" in the Community Room and Young Adult Room. April is
poetry month and we will be trying our hand at writing up our own personal haikus (a short Japanese style
poem). This program is for all Seward area homeschoolers and will be ending in April for students to enjoy
summer break. Come have your children bring the current book they are reading and a sack lunch to the library
for our last Lunch Bunch of the school year.
Local Literature with Doup, Capra Saturday, April 28th from 3-5pm in the Community Room. The
Alaskan by Robert Lund, is currently available for check out at the Library Front Desk. Read this intriguing
book that was written here in Seward and hear the story behind the story with local Author and historian Doug
Capra.
ELECTRIC
• Number of outages/trouble calls in February - 6
Number of new Job Orders started since Jan. 1, 2018 - 5
• On 3/28/18, Old Mill Subdivision had a short outage due to a failed clamp that connects the jumper wire to the
subdivision. The crew was able to identify the cause and the power was reenergized in just over an hour from
the time we were notified.
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• On 4/3/ 18 there was an outage down town that caused multiple residents to be out of power. The outage
was caused by another failed hotline clamp that connects the jumper wire. Thanks to a citizen that saw
the arc from the faulty equipment, the crew was able to make the necessary repairs and restore power
quickly.
• Below is a picture of the burnt up hot line clamp.
o #1 is from 3/28/18 & #2 is from 4/3/18
• The meter exchange project is moving along as expected. The contractors will be arriving in Seward on
April 15 with a start date on April 17.
• Seward acquired these meters from Kodiak for the cost of shipping; this saved our
ratepayers approximately $250,000 to $500,000. Kodiak upgraded their meters to smart
meters and gave us these Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) meters since they are no
longer using them. These meters are not smart meters. The only difference from the
meters we have been installing for the last few years, is they will be read by a radio
receiver instead of manually entering the data.
• All meters we have acquired have been zeroed and tested. The State of Alaska allows an
electric meter to be 2% off from perfect. We at the City of Seward have tightened those
restrictions to allow less than 1 % deviation from 100% accuracy. Out of 4000 meters
tested, less than fifty have failed to meet the City's standards, with most testing between
1-2% range, and all of them have been discarded.
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If you have any questions about the meter exchange project please contact us and we will gladly assist
you 907-224-4073 or email our office raivy(a=yofseward.net
FINANCE
• The finance department has concluded the rebill of February utility bills resulting in a Net Billing
Adjustment of $14,843.13 spread among utility customers. The majority of customers had no change in
their bill; primarily the customers whose meters were read on or after 1 / 15/ 18 and did not have water
meters. The largest adjustments came to small and large metered water customers, where sewer
adjustments were higher. Approximately 337 customers out of 2763 saw an adjustment of more than
$5.00, leaving 88% of the customers seeing less than $5.00 adjustment, and many seeing no
adjustment. Staff re -ran all the adjusted bills, whether or not they resulted in a credit or an additional
charge and are going to send customers both the Adjusted Bill and the new March bill, in the utility bills
being mailed on March 31. The end result of the re -bill is that metered water and sewer rates reflected a
2.1 % increase over 2017 billed rates; Seward Utility Charge which represents only Seward's energy,
was rebilled at the lower winter rate of $0.0797 regardless of whether the meter reading took place
before the effective date of the rate change of 1 / 15/ 18; metered customers all retain their right to be
billed metered rates.
• In the interest of improving transparency around Utility Billing, Finance has begun posting the Chugach
Electric Power Cost Bill to the City website each month; the bill notes the FCA (fuel cost adjustment)
rate and the COPA (cost of power adjustment) rate for each month. The information can be found
online at: http://www.cityofseward.us/DocumentCenter/View/4225
• The City is advertising for public disposal, the sale of a single parcel located at 408 Madison, formerly
known as the DE Wood Property. The minimum bid for the property is $3 6,700. Interested parties must
follow the instructions below, to submit a SEALED BID prior to the deadline of 4:00 pm Wednesday,
May 2, including submission of a bid deposit equal to 20% of the bid amount. (See below). Information
is available on the City's website at: http://www.cityofseward.us/DocumentCenter/View/4206 and a
parcel map at: http://www.cityofseward.us/DocumentCenter/View/4207.
• The annual audit fieldwork of the City's financial performance is expected to take place on -site between
April 2 and 13; the auditors are wrapping up their audit of the Seward Community Health Center, co -
applicant with the City for the federally qualified health center, on March 30.
• The finance and electric departments are preparing for the arrival of three consulting firms who will
assist in ensuring the smoothest possible transition for our mass meter exchange project which will
begin April 17th. One firm will be responsible for physically exchanging the old meters with
new remote read meters. One firm will program and test the City's handheld and mobile meter reading
hardware and install and test software and its communication with the billing system. And one firm will
ensure that the City's billing system is modified to accept readings from remotely read meters. For
customers who have expressed concern with SmartMeters, it should be known that Seward's meters are
NOT SmartMeters but instead transmit a one-way meter reading each month from the meter to the
remote reading device. The meter itself does not accept incoming information and is therefore not
vulnerable to hacking. When the meter exchange team swaps out a customer's meter, they will leave a
door hanger on the door to notify the customer that their meter was exchanged. In the event there is
13
safety concern which prevents the replacement of a meter, information to that effect will be left for the
customer, and staff and consultants will follow up with customers to determine how the customer's
meter base and/or equipment will need to be repaired to move forward. The City is prepared to work
with customers to ensure that repair work can proceed as quickly as possible; customers may request if
necessary, a repayment agreement to allow them to upgrade and/or repair their equipment at the time of
the meter exchange project, rather than to have to go out on their own in the future, to solicit required
work.
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14
Sponsored by: Planning and Zoning Commission
Introduction Date: March 27, 2018
Public Hearing Date: April 9, 2018
Enactment Date: April 9, 2018
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2018-001
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AMENDING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF LOT B1
FOREST ACRES LEVEE REPEAT, FROM RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
(RM) TO AUTO COMMERCIAL (AC) IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE
LAND USE PLAN, LOCATED AT 2413 SEWARD HIGHWAY
WHEREAS, the owner of lot B 1 Forest Acres Subdivision Levee Replat has submitted
an application and the filing fee, requesting their lots be rezoned from Resource Management
(RM) to Auto Commercial (AC); and
WHEREAS, the current Zoning of the parcel is Resource Management (RM) and the
current Land Use Plan map designation recommends the parcels be rezoned to Auto Commercial
(AC); and
WHEREAS, the Seward City Code SCC § 15.01.035, Amendments, (b) (3) allows the
consideration of this rezone because the requested zoning district is recommended by the Land
Use Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Auto Commercial district was established to provide areas to
accommodate highway -oriented commercial activities such as offices, certain institutional uses,
and limited personal services and retail uses requiring substantial outdoor activity, traffic, and
parking; and
WHEREAS, a goal of the Seward Comprehensive Plan is to bring the Zoning Map into
conformance with the Land Use Plan; and
WHEREAS, the owner of Lot B 1 Forest Acres Subdivision Levee Replat has requested
the vacation of an interior public utility easement that was permitted to GCI in 2012; and
WHEREAS, all parties with interest in the public utility easement were notified of the
proposed vacation and responded with no opposing comments; and
WHEREAS, City Staff has reviewed, commented, and supports the proposed rezone;
and
WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough requires comments from the City of Seward
in considering a Petition to Vacate a utility easement in City Limits; and
15
CITY OF SEWARD
ORDINANCE 2018-001
WHEREAS, the Planning & Zoning Commission has complied with public notice and
public hearing procedures for amending zoning district designations, as required by Title 15; and
WHEREAS, at the March 6, 2018 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission
reviewed the application, held a public hearing and recommended City Council approval of the
proposed zoning amendment included in this ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. The Seward City Council hereby authorizes the amendment of the official
Zoning Map of the City by amending the zoning designation of Lot B 1 Forest Acres Subdivision
Levee Replat, from Resource Management (RM) to Auto Commercial (AC).
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days following enactment.
ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
this 9th day of April, 2018.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Brenda J. Ballou, MMC
City Clerk
(City Seal)
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
David Squires, Mayor
16
Agenda Item: Resolution of the Seward Planning and Zoning
Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska, recommending city
council approval of the rezoning of Lot B 1 Forest Acres Levee
Replat, from Resource Management (RM) to Auto Commercial
(AC), and vacation of interior utilit easement
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
Attached for the Council's review and enactment is Ordinance 2018-001, amending the Zoning
designation of Lot B 1 Forest Acres Levee Replat from Resource Management (RM) To Auto
Commercial (AC) Zoning and vacating the 10' utility easement that bisects the property.
The applicant has stated that they wish to bring the Lot into conformance with the City of
Seward Future Land Use Map by changing the zoning to Auto Commercial (AC). The applicant
further states that they would like to vacate the interior utility easement that bisects Lot B 1.
The 10' utility easement in question was permitted to GCI on May 22, 2012. This easement was
originally dedicated to run along the lot line of Tract B of Dieckgraeff-Gillespie Replat. As part
of the Forest Acres levee road project, the City of Seward entered into a settlement agreement
with the applicant to exchange lands, resulting in the creation of Lot B1. Lot B1 was platted to
include a 10' utility easement along the West and North lot lines.
Comments from interested parties were solicited by staff, and no objections to the utility
easement vacation were received. The Seward Electric Department specified that the utility
easements bordering the lot to the West and North must be retained. GCI specifically stated in an
email that they had no objection to the vacation of the easement.
Per Kenai Peninsula Borough code, the applicant will need to submit a Petition to Vacate Utility
Easement to the KPB Planning Department. Kenai Peninsula Borough Code §20.70.050 (D)
further states that "comments from the city advisory planning commission must be submitted
with the petition." If this application is approved, the applicant will be provided copies of the
Resolution and meeting minutes for submission to the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
INTENT:
Amend the Zoning designation of Lot B 1 Forest Acres Levee Replat from Resource
Management (RM) To Auto Commercial (AC) Zoning.
17
Seward Planning and Zoning Commission
Agenda !*Statement Resolution !!
Page 2 of 2
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No N/A
..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Comprehensive Plan (2030, approved by Council May
30, 2017):
3.2.1 Promote residential and commercial development
1. X
within the city of Seward in accordance with
community values. (page 13)
2.
Strategic Plan (Approved by Council Resolution 99-043).
Promote Residential and Commercial
X
in
side nside the City. (Page 9, Bullet 2)
Property owners within three hundred (300) feet of Lot B1 Forest Acres Levee Replat were
notified of this proposed Rezone. Public notice signs were posted on the property, and all other
public hearing requirements of Seward City Code § 15.01.040 Public Hearings were complied
with.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held the public hearing March 6, 2018 and approved
Resolution 2018-002 recommending City Council approval of the attached Ordinance 2018-
amending the Zoning designation of Lot B 1 Forest Acres Levee Replat from Resource
Management (RM) To Auto Commercial (AC) Zoning. No public comments were received by
staff or during the Public Hearing.
FISCAL NOTE:
The City of Seward will have no costs associated with this amendment to the Land Use Plan and
change of zoning designation.
Approved by Finance Department �?t�
ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes No X
At the time of this review no public concerns have been submitted to staff.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Seward Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff Recommend:
March 271 2018 the Council introduces Ordinance 2018-001, amending the Land Use Plan and
Rezoning Lot B 1 Forest Acres Levee Replat from Resource Management (RM) To Auto
Commercial (AC) Zoning
April 9, 2018 the Council conducts a public hearing and enacts Ordinance 2018-001
18
19
S �e d by'o-
crry OF SENNARD, A1111111.4 "ok, "S' K A
j (11
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMIS, S', ),N
RESOU YTION 20,18-002
WHEREAS. the oNvi:vr of lot B I ForeSt, ACI-eSi SUbdivrision, Levee Repla,t has SLIbiTi,itted
an applilcation, and the fillng fee,,, req,LtestIng ttieir lot's be rezioned, fi-.oni ReSOUrce Mamagement
.1%rcial (AC)- airld
(R-N,M) to Auto,
WHEREAS, the current Zoilingy ot" the parcel. IS Resource Matiagetnet-it, (R.M' and, the
�j
cut rentt.,,and Use I Ian map designation reconiiiiends the Parcels be rezioned 'to' AU10, Con,unei-c"11,
cztnd
WHEREAS fl-ie Seward City Code, SC §,15.01,,,03,5, Atilendments, (b z (3) allows the
consideratiot'l of I this rezoni,ebeciatise the requested zoning di&nIct, is recoMniended bN1" tht Land
LJse Plan;, and
WHEREAS. the A,utoi C101111friel-cl'al district kkas, established u) Provide areas, to
ices. cetlaln InStIft1t]. acconitlioda,te highkv,av-oriented co.i.-m-nercia], actIV' t'les Such as ofl," onal LISeS,,,
I -equir' i N 'I.afffile and ar-i,d fin-ilted personal services and reta,� 1, L SeS I ing substantla' 011'tdolor act11v-AY,.1 t,
parking'; mid,
I
WHEREAS.a goal ofthe Sewal-d ("'oniprehensi've Plicin is t�o bring the Zon',ng Map into
coiifi.)rmatwe with the Lzrid'Ll'se Pl-an;and
WHEREAS, the ownier ol' lot B I Forest, Acres Subdivis'lio'll L.,evee Rephat Iias requested
t1le vacation. ofan Interior pL,,-tb]I'C Utifit, easenient that mvas pertiiltted, to GC1 in 2,012; atiid
Y
,I
W111EREAS" a,ll Parties with interest i,n, Ole Pliblic ittifity easen,'iei,it we17e 11001fied offl-ie
proposed vacatlon and responded, kvilh no opposing;, colnu-,rilerits." atid,
20
SeNward Plarin,incy 6,1nd Zoni-ng
cl,
Resolul-I'm 2018-0102
Page 2
W E. C`tyl Smff ha�vvllevx-,ed,, commented, wid supports the pr(polsed tvzo,ne.- and
W1111
H. Sil, tl-ie K.enail Borough req,Ltlres corillments, t'ron,i the Cityl, of Selvva,,R]
111 collisider'n id
'I g a Petillot i, to Vacatle a unlit.); clas,ei"nerit rn (Al�;, i"Inits, ar,
,to t
0 1
WHEREAS'! the pUblic nottfication, process was coll,11plied kvit'[i, and the approp-MIlle
public hea,rihi,g as reqUireld, b.�,,f Seivard City, Colde 1§ 15,,01.040 'was condtIcted, bV tl'-)e Cotnu-nissi011
o n Marc Ih, 6, 2 018 .
N�OW, T11ERF'.1FORE, BE IT RESOLVE]) by tlie Seward Planning and, Zoning
Cot-1111,111SIS1,011 that.,
"I"he Seward, Plannn,i,g, atild, ZonJing (-,,cYi'nnuss,ion supports, the proposed zomng
seelfion It
charige and 17ecomniends ResOklli011 2018-002W be t'01'r-warlded, to City, Council -'for a,ppr�al.
Seleti'llon 2. "I"he Seward Planning and Zoning Con"Unission supports the vacat,ion of tlie
lit]y, eR#
Section, 3. "'I"his resiolutlion sliall take eftct 11111,11ledila,te''IN uport its adopnorll..
PASSED AND APPRO"VED by the Seward Plann"ing and Zoning Commission, thIs 6"," day, of"
M arc
AYES: Selese, Ch,arborineau, Fleming, Ecklund
NGE S :1
ABSENJ`,Swam,.,, Ambro&mni
lk B S T"A I N
VA C AN"'r
YHIE CITY OF SE]AN"ARD, ALASKA
04
P&Z Agenda Statement
Meeting Datie: NIm-ch 6. 2018
Thro ugh lZon I-ong, Ass istant City, Mainager
J'ackie C., Wi1cfel. PIIi,n.ti,er
,Ngenda Item: ResolUtion ot" the Seward Maiming and Zoning
011" the Cit:y, 'SI �aii-d AlasLt recon,"umetl,ding city
e 'Y 'I a piov,,,:,d of the rezoning of L()t III Forest'. jAwres Levee ou, icl P I"
Rel)lat, frot"n, Resource Management ('R,M) to AUItO
(AQ, and Nlacation ofinterior utili eaussemen't
BACKGROLJ[NI.) & JUS"FIFICATIQN.
pawagam i,
Attached for the Co�imnilssion's review amiid recomliendation to the Sek\,,"ard ("Ity, ("'ouncil is
Laj�'id I-Jse Plall and
Resiolutio,;i 210118-002 recoininending, City Cotuicil appi'loVal, aniendn"
g
ReZone of 'Lot BI Fores,t Acres Levee Replat fironii Resource Nt-,magen-ient (RM) "To ALItO
Comrnerc�ial (A,C') Zo',ig and, vaciathrig thie 10' Lltilit),` easern.eilt that b1sectstl'ie pi-(')pertV.
"I"ll, e a, I i n d that thev, Nvish to bring 'the IIIII.,ot into coiti-I'lori-nami with, the Oty of'
pA'm I has state
'Seward Futt:tre Land, I -Ise Map 'by changingtl],Ie Z101"ung, "to Auto Colnimerclial, (AQ, "IF"lie applicant,
f1irtlies states, that to, vacate, the inte,ri,or thut bil,sects Lfft. IIL
1
& , v� 22 20 12, rhis ea,senwnt mo"as "hic 1, 0' utility cascnient qucstion, N,,vas pierniiated a' to G'CJ olti M'., "
on g In I y de d c at e d t o ruti, a,] o ng I lie 1, o t 11 Ine o f Tract B, o f D i ec k grae t - G'11 e sp e Re p I at. A is, part',
oftlie Forest Acres levee road Pthe C.i,.ty of Sewa�d, entered iiiito a settlemej.1t agreein-ent iro.jectli,
chan, wit,"i the appficant to, i ge lands,-iriie- sultihig jin the crecatimi, ol'Lot BI . Lot BI was platted, to
0
j�nclude a, 11V utility easement allon'West and North lot Imes.
Corntne,jl,ts froni, interested panies were soficited by, staff, mIld no ob . jectlorl,s t0i the tailfty
eiasemen't v, 0 ived "I"he Sieward, Electr*c Deplcart,,.rnent specified that the ut"litv
aciatio'll were rece,
easements bordertnig thl,e I,ot to the West anid North, inust be i7etarried. GCI specifically, staled, ul ail,
en'.1a,11 ttiatthey had no, io'bjecnon to the vacatlon, ofthe easeme'ti.t.
Pei- Kseal Peninsula Borough code, the appl-icarit will ne�ed to subi-nit a Petition �to Vacate Utility
Eas,ieni,en,t to the KP'B Plannin Department. .,., K.enai Pen.I.ns'uIa Boroug'11Code §20.. 70050 (D)
g
�f , urther states that 414conu'nietits fr'om -th,e city ad,,Nrisory planning co,mm, , issimi, in,ust be sutmTiitted
'If e petitionc,'Im a, ed, t e apphcalrlt xxrfll 'be provilded, copies, othe ff,s ap 1" 1:) r o v h
With thk." I P j t tf
In P
ResolUtion and meeting n,"lifIL'ItieS fbr subni,11s,sion tlo the Kenai Pen,,,In,SU,l,a Borom`h,
,-I
Ox
o nt n. 1) "1 C�I 1'Ili i 11 g a n CI g C o m, IT11 i, ssi on
Agenda, Statenient -- R.esoh,ition '62,018-002
f)ae 21 of' 2
. ........... .. ...
. ....... ....... ... . . . . . ... . . . ........ . ... . ............. . . . . ............ .. ..... . . . ... ............. .. . . . .......
'N
CHEC'KLJST:, N. e s o, NJA.
. . . . .......
Comprehensih,te Plan (203,01, approtwdb Cotmcd,M�1,1 30,
,
3.2.1 Proiiiotc residential and coi-rimiercial, dev,elopew vv I �t 11111
# , 1 1, i " �,S x
the c1tv of'Sexvard in accordai, ce w`fli con,Viii,,u,,,v.t,\ va, I U, e -
W
(e 13)
. . . . .. .... . . . . . . . . ....................................... . . . .................................................. . .......................... . . . ... . . . . .............. . . . ............ . ........... . . .... . .......... . . ..... . --', . . ..... . ... ... . . ..... . .............. . . . .. . ..... ......... --- . . .......
Strateglic Plan, ('Aj,,) d b�� �� C tincii Resolution, 99-0,43' pt,ovv Wv 0
Promote Residenti,al an([ Commercial Devrelopment x
Oty ,nsi h i
. ..... . . . . .......
RECOMMENDATION.41
,
C 10111mission, approll 1, _0 %)8 ,V4 aC ResolUtion 201 8,-1002.,.,recoi,,",ii,�.,i)iiend'ng t i-mcd appli "I -vpe z nietidi,ng the
L,and, T.Jise 1)],an atid ReZe of I I .,oilB,I, Forest Acres L,ievee Replat Ii-oill Resotu,-ce N?Tana iit
(RM) Tio Auto Coi,,n-j'n1.erci,aJ (AC") Zoning and ),,,a,cating the 1W wility ease n'-lent that bisects the
propefty.
23
S
City qfSevvard,, Alaska Sevtwrd Planning & Zxmling' C011011i siot'
March 6,2018 Vohi,�271
SCHEDULED
CITIZENS' COMMENTSON ANY SUBJECT EXCEIYFTHOSEITEMS
FOR PUBLIC HEARING
r
Cote Petersen, outsidie city,, thanked, the Commission for all the, tinie and effort they have, put, in, to,
disicussing, hand use requiremeillts., Petersen stated thathe d,id not support,the creation of long terni
,camping areas for the seasonal employees of'businesses in, SlewaM.
APPROVAL OFAGENI'M AND CONSEN1`1 AGENDA
Motion (Fleming /Charbonneau)
Motion (Flerning, / Charlbionneau)
Amend the Agenda to add Item 9 E,
under New, Business to, calendar and
0
set, topic fb:r a'Wolrk Sessioll.
Approval of Agenda as amended
and Consent, Agenda
The Wiow-ing item was, al,pproved O'Cor, sent Agendall
,Approval of Janluary 16, 2018, Regular M, econin,luties
Vnafllmous
I None
AWfin'shied Business Itews, r'eqltiliing a Public Hear"ng
N'lew Ausin0s, Items requiring a Public Heariing,
MiM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
oil
Notice, olf Public hearling being postedand, plubill'sheld, as required, blylaw was noted and, th
plubfic hearing wasopened.
24
City ofSeivarel, Alaska SewardPlanning & ZOVI'ng C"onin'li . ssi 0 on Alinittes
is Volne 7, Pag
Alarch 6, 20.18 v 2;
0 1
Motiolin (Fleming Sie-ese) 20118,002 Resolut,"on Of flie Seward
Planning And Zoning Commission, Of The,
C*t lIng
11 y Of Sieward, Alaska, Riecommend"
C411 ty Council Approval', Of The Rezonling Of
I
1,ot B1 Forest Acres Levee Replat, From,
Resource, Managvnient (R,M) To Auto,
Commercial �(AC), And Vacation Of
InWrior Utility Easem, le'"t
25
Sponsored by: Hunt
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2018-029
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION 2017-077 WHICH AMENDED THE
SEWER TARIFF EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2018
WHEREAS, the Seward City Council passed Resolution 2017-077 on November 27, 20171
amending the Sewer Tariff to provide for a 2.1 % rate adjustment beginning the first billing cycle of
the 2018 calendar year, adding a seasonal turn-on/turn-off fee, clarifying that metered rates apply
only to Class D customers, and other minor housekeeping changes; and
WHEREAS, as a result of implementing the intended 2.1 % rate increase, a number of
historical billing system errors were discovered which, in the past, resulted in under -billing
numerous customers based on incorrect classification of customer accounts or incorrect historical
rates being applied to a rate class, with said errors causing the implementation of the 2018 tariff
rates approved on November 27, 2017, to have a significantly higher impact on some customer rates
than intended by the Seward City Council; and
WHEREAS, to alleviate the rate shock associated with this action, the City Council desires
to rescind Resolution 2017-077 in its entirety, retroactive to January 1, 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. Resolution 2017-077 approved on November 27, 2017 is hereby rescinded
effective retroactively to January 1, 2018.
Section 2. All previous Resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed effective January
1, 2018.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 9th day
of April, 2018.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
David Squires, Mayor
26
F I
A
p
MeetIng Date,,, A r-1 9. 2018, I
1.
To, C 1* tNr C. o, unc 1
"rhrough", Jim. Hunt,, City Manage�r
From-. i Kr"'st"n, Erchn r inance Director I I I ge� , F*
Agenda ltem, Rlesc lind, and, Rep'laice Water and SeNver T'ar'llt"s, so, Rates lncrease 2. 1, %, lover, 2017-
ij
Rles,clil�iid, 'the Request to, Delay Reclassification of W Cater/S ewer Custotmers and
Ins,tead Authorlize all Except Non-Comin-lercial Rs to Elect. to,
be Metere& and, Reduce LGS Mietyre d Customer Rates to, Equal S,G,S Metered,
Gust"onier Rates,
I p I
SEWER 'TARIFF ISSUE
Upon Further li.nivrel.stigation, ilwas discolveredt'll"a"t staff di'd o,rily increase rates, 'by, 2.11% overthe 20117
I i, ing s'Nilstem. The problemhowevet-., was twofold: thle NI I
1) Prolbleiln, 1���listorlcal rates bei,ng billed to, Lat,-ge, G'e -IolS'er"vke (1, custoniers tntlie billing
system di'd not match, the appIro,�vedI"'a,i-,�'l�fl"s-,,,r,a"tes wiere inik-entered, into the it systern by staff,
Tl,,ius, customers in 1',,.,G,'S'l rate class, were en,-o,,neously under -charged at the l,ower Small General
Service (S,GS) rate f6r ni,,-,iny �,rears. The diff�-,,,rential betweeii what should liave bleen charged
IW 10,
historically, according to the T'ariff, versus, what was charged hi, 'the blilling s,ystem, resulted in
0
customers being under-billied, according to the Sewer 717cariff, by betlAreen, 64111,�',' and 11 50NO.
2
�R 018 (--,+J(ANAL 2018 j evised
21, 0 1 Pro, I pose to Rlesdnd Proposed to Relplace,
C"I U, 'lav
a 156
Large GS, Metered las U
Tairiff Filled Tavriff Edled atiff IEilled C"ll"ange Tariff Jmnge
2 %, j nx�, ire ase Equalto 2017
above (a), Sifflod(b) + 2.1%
First 10,K gallotis 23,? T72 1, "woot", 21 1
h 10. 58
Nex t 4O K galtons 2 17
%
�Next 501K, gallotis, 82 7 511 -91. F 1, -1-111-11,,,,/- R.- 2-19,6
.. . ....... . .. 4, 2. 190
IN e, �x t 5 0 0 IK ga 14 o iic> 4 81, 2 218.5 2 'El, 8 5, 1, 21
Next 50"Al(gallotn 4 81, 2.28 51,102, 2 8 5. Ell 1, 2,4 2.� 1, %
1
All adiditional gallons, 4 8. 1, 21.28" l` . 021 2, "Ell; 111R, 51.1, 5 . I S' 2, . V; 21%
Note thla t the 2017 "Toriff" show' ci rnuch fVL),h,,er ratie I Class D than, custotners were beill'I'l) "Bified". Tl?t)f,, when
20 8,rattss wiere iolcrecnied1�7,61 abowe the ry Tor�)f fd rore, the re stilt was asign,�filcont increase above the prior -opprove,
Propo edSolution: Reduce LGS se we turrc�,rle Wr to ivir,rinor S435 sieve er turiff rates, to be,
coils i's rep'? t V0,01 proctict-7s until suchtirne as future structural Tarff , s are
f is, s ul e.
27
Propos'ed Solutionto erroneo,u,'s, LGS,ra,te: Rescind Rtsolution 2,017-077', th,1's, wi]lnot, ho",,ekrer
tff -- where
correct tlte probilem with bilitng of higber rates,., sm,ce, rotling back to 2017 appl oved Tar"
C lass D LGS Mete.t,,-ed Rates, are, f,,76,r example, $J 2 , for the first I OK gallons — would result
'mcrease in, 1,,,G,Sl etered, sewer, rates of between 64% and 115%. Therefore staff recomiii,el ds,
M n
rescinding and replacing w, Itfia, Se,\Nrer'Tafflfteat will, make the LG,5'Sewer metered rates,equIvalent,
to the (lower), SGS Sewer metered rates, cores tstent wt,th, past (erroneousl) bil,hing practrces,. 'Thi's
w111, ensurethat LG-S customer's' rates "ncrease, only 2.1 94o olver the 2017bitled rates.
2) Problem #2.,: lb the process, of p,reparing for the rate, change, staff identifited a� 'mers
prev, , ously cha,.rged, fbr tnetered Nvater and sewerl charges, where other customers i , n the saii!le rate class,
wee-.e cons,Idered ell",glil ERLJ This, created, confbsion about whIchcustlomer's were
eligible 15or metered rates., 'To eliminate this problem, staff recoinmends thalt all,'] 1-.GS, customers
tes . . . .... r7li,-,ismrill ens"ure that onl)( w,lshtngto, con,verttio nietered, rates, be allowed, to reqL,iiest m-etereld ra:
L GS, custutn,,,ers who, do not iAr'lsli to obtain, al, meter Nvill be chargeld ERU rates, w,�Ilth all other LGS
custoni.erswilth meter's, being elligible for metered rates. The 2,0118, Original 'ran,ff attempted, to, con*ect
tine 'nequityl between some, I 1 1, custom,,ers ble' g cliarged ERU rates and, some being charged metered, rates,
'by proposing �to ellm,linate the SGS Metered R-ate Class, and allolwilng only LGS MeteredRiates ('*in other
words,. requirl',ing SGS custorrier's to, rerna"In as ERIJ custiomers, not eligible for, metered rates")., The
Council and, public have expressed, al pref&ence insteald, of all-owling SGS metered customers to be
eligible for meteried, rates; the ereft),re, staff reconiniletlids also aflowing SGS custoni,ers who install a.
watertneter. to, request metered rates,,,
Small GS, Metiervd.-
T44 t ii ft
(Ij I lle,(J,
First I K Ft IIVIan s
7 7 A,
7T"
, All
Next goatflotis
f4ext gaflotwt�
Next ,fib %I'o(`4"
4
e x"t All
9 N (DIIS
All,
411 ilidtfiflottall,I y lo)rr'.
2, ltiiYal
44
4 "K
OL
A-
,'4(FANAIL,
Propuset,lo Rescirtld
IA s A. E,
Tt"Wj i, t Pdlvd
I 21'1'1111,� 2 1 11",
'7 7
0000
21018 Revised
Proposed 'to Replace
lass A. iU
Tarit"t
Equal to, 2017
8414d (d) + 2'. 1%
4
4,
1
4
1
fry
4:
l 4,
1",
N'll, 41t, �,,ro r it:'on� i�, rt") r7 olriirh 111"t inlr�t:,"o Ffu-
7irt,",
C, s ir YO i''n, ell"e, v/ bl�,` 3 rhmf"", I r, -7AIC)",
he efl, � Ot- v r i it i i
Ito axrre�,,,,�r rhi� prtiibleni l 21C),18 rhe 95,5 Rrcrrt'r (`,fas�� Wait fercrvin,co (�,mly Olne,
g'
ICIC1` 5 f) Awfir", rrel�t ed )Ri:irie Ch.-�s, s,, Thun,,� 2t �18' Me, tereci Rirre f, vvle lll irwre 2, r^ q,;bov,e rftel
q Iti�lrr e, 1"I i t a, fco !"", ic,) C, ic? r t ;"flic oa nr "t, 1, t", ("t 5 e a� b l V C t e r ii f 11 1711C IfC) r1r el C i) i I il e d, r a t e I u, t 11"Jel refclinint,
tie ne d r clttie arid re, l I a, )f e Cl la t rl o E P", I., t"I r z" W u t (Ir le 4 t'r , Ic turaf, T, cxt
7 '' rf"I PT r$ 511del 5 (Ire, cjddre-!f,;
Pro olittion to erroneous SGS rate: Rlescii,nd Ressolution, 201.7-077- thifs will, not 'however, ,,lsed S
correct the problem with biltl lo,�If higher, rates, relateld to Misclassilication of'customer a,CCO111,11ts.
'n, in all classes
`Fheref'ore staff relcoil j,,-nej,,id,s aeniding the Sewer J'Ariff to, clarit"y that all customers I
otherthan conim,ercml resideilla].,, NvIll, be eligible ft)r metered ra,tes. Nilie "it can, ble expected that, a
number ofcustom,ers wfll convertto meters, because they ex,plect to, pa� Y �, less un.der, a metered sch-edule,
Council has, expriessed support, fbr aClasslification and, Rate Study 1"br WaterSul d SeNve],- iii,,tlie new
'ter Thould l iilit.suffinnieoresearchet as"fitof* autiornad, wr lre. Is shpOide uty ciemhNy teate, r
fTe, i I recorld acclffate water, thl ough
meterm& and ways to more efficlie'littly and el ct'veY
autortiati.on, similar towhat Is being done in the electric tlaility. 'Thus, staff'recommends, piassage of'
Resolution 2018--Q�,cwhich wiII delay implementing further corrections to the
c lassficatn of certain wale I 1 1, I i I , r aii,d sewer custiorn-er accouilit's (Class A, B, C),,atid. "nsteald rlesolvie the
inequities between ERU ai,,W metered custoniers by a1low.,ing most customers to convert to, nietered
"rates., Staff t"urther recon.i.mends plassa,ge of Resolution 201 8-,,06'Z,,w'h.J"ch will restore the metered, block
28
P * I
i�,ons, wih I
rate structu,ille for custorners, vi 'th tneters', iti, all classificat"' t' t'he excepflon of non-comiiierctal
r "dent"al. The end result wil"I be that aft"ected, ctlStoniers'ln, all c1,as.,se,s,,c,a,,n expect 'to, see a rate increase
esi, I
'I c 7 e rec I of onl)r 2. 1 %, o,Nrer the 0 1, 7 H I ed rates, and 'be assured "t at theN "ill, not b jured, to revert, to ERU
'rates.
WATER TARIFF ISSUE
The Water "I'las always had on,l,y one metered rate ScIiedulel thus, f�,wer problems, result ftom the
arifl,�' iiii,i,�n,,ten.,t'i�o,�,na,',Ily elim.�,nated the wot-d ongtnal 2018 "Fariff. '.I"h,e 2018, TU s �"�uwow elered", �Iioii
metered"' t'rom, the Group C (Large General Service) Classification, (this, Class, primarily aft,*ect'snon-
I ds w 11 ensure metered schools', nan-metered, hos,pftalsa,nd, nan-metered, la,und-romats). Restoring those wor I
affected custorner's whol are, metered., that they, will not rev-ert to ERU rates,as the verbiage changes will
sl,iow, that Class �C rates (ERU rates) do, nat at."I'ect, cu,stom,.Crsin, Class C who are metered. Tli,is, will resolve
the concerns expressed "by, the laundromat al,.�,nd Alaska Seall'f`� Center,, mnon,g athers. In addition, the
On glinal, 2018 17ari ffrecommended, higher than 2. 1 0/,,�, rate increases ft),r the M, 1-111MUM 111onthly cliarge for
s i between 1/"' to F" service, and, between 1 1/2" �to, 2" serviice. Staff recomniends reduciing
ervice Sizes, 4
tli,os,e tncreases, to be equal, to, 2 . 10/1,6.
FLITURE 1 "ITE STUDY AND, TARIFF STRUCTURE,' CHANGES
in -her''recommends, a conni, re,,,iens*ve, Water and Sewer, c assffication, and jr,ate study,
Tl,ie administrat'lo I t�,*urt P I I I
almed, at ensur,ing that rates, areproper"ly distribluted among the rate classes and tak,esin'to account the ffict
thcat the publlic desit*es that customersiin tn,ost i,,*ate classesbe aflowed, �to be, metered. 'rhe obvious bene'rits
o f 'his approach "nelude, NT essing 'en't i ling customers, based on their actual 'usage, and addr " S 'the curr
tn.equi , ties associated with seasonal. bustriess, customer's s'u,ch as beds,- and-breakfd, s,t a�nd hotels, that may be
r
charged, ERT.J t-Zite'S despile using lift leto no wate i.nthe ofl`-'s,eason. Giveti. thatthii,s appi-oach,represetits
a fairly significant, deplarture from past, practicie, the long-terni impacts of, this mam, o ange shoI .1 �r cht Id 'be
'm
adequately reflected, in the rates, to, ensu.re that the revej,,iue requirements of the utility are met, thus
neces,sitatiti.g at the very least, a, 'rate strudy. 'rhe Clqr's last coni,prehensive, water and sewerrate study
took plaice In 1,993, ".2.5 yelars ago.
INTENT.
The intent of the combilnied. five res,o1utions, ts to, ensure that all, ct:tstomer class,wi ], ficati ons see 22.1111,/(� water
rate n,creiases ov er, , �`211)1_7 b illed rates,, as, ori g hial I y, expeCo unel 1, 1, staff and pub 1, 1", c . F Urther,, that,
W -commerc"a'] resident'al, be gliNen thecholice t,olbe metered, and
CLISIO',Mers wins rate, classes other thann,oni I J �, �11 I
billeld''baased on actual consumption. Furfli,er, these, actlons \Nrifl elitn"inate, the neled to discuss,whetheror
not to reclasslf�r clustorners, s,i..,nce most customers will be it make the choice whelifled,
E. or imetered rates.
..................
CONS,1'151ENCY CHECKLIST. Yes No N/A
1.7 Comprehensive Plan, (cljoctinwnl' source hiere
. . . . ..........
2. Strategic Plan (iii-xument smirce here,).-, x
3 Other(71`51,t). Res,lo,lut,.,"i,o,ns,2,(,)118,-008,.2,01,7-07'7.20"171-0178 x
FISCALNOTE,.
Im n 'lie magni"Aude f othese, problems was not known whe- i,�i,, ,fbi , ulatiIg the 2018/2019 Budget. Since the
Proposed, "fix" Nvill return, all customer classes to a 2.1% rate 'increase, above 2017'bi'lled, rates, and si,nce
that, Is what was anticipateld by staff when �dev c-lopi-tig the 21018 Tari' ff,§ and the ,,,).0, 11,8/20 19, Budget, there
are no budget pacts, expected .from the rate chan.gie except to tlit, extent th,,at wehaveno way ofkmowing
how niany, customer's wi'll elect to convetl to, meter edraties. In sucl,-,l cases,, the budget, i's expected, tio, be
29
adversely impacted to sonie, degree,.,, as metered rates NVOIlld be, expected, to, resultiin cost sa,N,rings f6r most
custo,tners.
Approved by Finance Deparo'nent:
X
ATTORNEY R,E,'VIEW'-',,, Yes 'No
2), aS
03
(k -e' Sctll
IRI
30
Sponsored by: Hunt
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2018-030
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AMENDING THE SEWER TARIFF TO PROVIDE FOR A 2.1 %
RATE ADJUSTMENT BEGINNING JANUARY 15, 2018, ADDING A
SEASONAL TURN-ON/TURN-OFF FEE, CLARIFYING THAT
METERED RATES APPLY TO ALL CUSTOMERS OTHER THAN NON-
COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL, AND OTHER MINOR
HOUSEKEEPING CHANGES
WHEREAS, the Seward City Council passed Resolution 2017-077 on November 27,
2017, for the purpose of amending the Sewer Tariff, and subsequently rescinded that resolution
on April 9, 2018 via Resolution 2018-029; and
WHEREAS, the 2018 Sewer Tariff as adopted via Resolution 2017-077 purported to
increase sewer rates by only 2.1 %, but due to a combination of billing system rate table errors
and the incorrect classification of a number of customer accounts, the end result was a
significantly higher impact on some customer's rates than intended by the Seward City Council;
and
WHEREAS, the attached Sewer Tariff accomplishes the original intent of Resolution
2017-077 in two ways; 1) it reduces the Class D (Large General Service and Industrial metered -
rate customers) block rate structure to reflect an increase of only 2.1 % over the rates previously
applied to customers in the Class D rate class, despite those prior rates being significantly lower
than the approved tariff; and 2) it restores the metered block rate structure for customers with
meters who are currently classified as Class A, B or C and applies a 2.1 % increase over the 2017
Class A, B. and C rates; and 3) it clarifies that all non-commercial residential customers who
wish to install water meters, may be eligible for metered rates.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. The Sewer Tariff for 2018 is hereby approved in substantial form as attached
hereto.
Section 2. All previous Resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed effective
January 1, 2018.
Section 3. This resolution is retroactive to January 15, 2018.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 9th
day of April, 2018.
31
Sewer Rates and Charges - 20187
NEEM
Rates for Sewer by Class of Service
ANNUAL RATE ADJUSTMENT: The rates and fees herein provided are adjusted 442.1 % beginning the first
billing cycle of the 201_-7 calendar year. The rates thereafter will be adjusted annually beginning the first billing of
each calendar year to reflect an average of the five previous published years' annual increase in the Consumer Price
Index, All Items, 1982-84=100 for all Urban Consumers, Anchorage, Alaska Area ("CPI") as published by the United
States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (For example, 201 rates reflect an increase based on the
average CPI for 201-2014.)
GROUP A - RESIDENTIAL
Group A includes all residential customers living in single family or multiple family living units. Multiple family
units include multi-plexes, apartments and townhouses, but excludes hotels, motels and similar transient
accommodations. All commercial residential customers with a water meter are eli i le for rou etere
commercial sewer rates. Customers is i o convert to __stare r es are e courage to consl er at a en i
Water and Sewer Rate t ay it act sit er or of rates a stare rates en decLding whether to
invest in the costs of installina a water meter.
GROUP B — SMALL GENERAL SERVICE
Group B includes commercial enterprises where the use of water is incidental to the commercial activity and is
primarily limited to domestic and janitorial use. This class of service includes such businesses as hotels, motels,
professional office buildings, barber shops, warehouses, libraries, public offices, churches and theaters, etc. Gr
customers with water meters are eligible for rou stare co ercial sewer raesb Custo ers wishin to
convert to metered rates are enco ra e to co si er t tape ing star a ewer ate to a i fact sit er or
both ERU rates and meteredrates, en eci ink et er to i vest i t e costs o installing a ater meter.
GROUP C - LARGE GENERAL SERVICE
Group C includes commercial enterprises where water usage is greater than in Small General S e ice A ` esrand/or
water is used for food preparation or other activities, but not for industrial processing. GrgIV C customers it
meters are eigi e for rou stare co ercial se er rates. Custo ers isin to convert to stare rates are
encoura e to cor�si er t at a Y e r� star an e er ate t ay i ct sit er or of p rates an
sere rates w en eci i g e er to i vest in t e costs o insalli a water meter.
GROUP D - METERED COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL SERVICE
Group D includes metered commercial and industrial enterprises tnon-commercial residential Grou A customers are
of curre t e ii le or stare rates
City of Seward Sewer Tariff -Pei 201 Budget, Effective January 1 S 2018 Page 4-1
32
BASIS FOR MONTHLY FEES AND CHARGES
GROUPS A - D
NON -METERED SERVICES
Non -metered sewer users in Groups A, B and C shall be charged at the rate of $65.6464-19 per ERU per month,
not including tax, when the water service and sewer service serve the same activities. If the activities serviced by
the sewer services are different than those served by the water service, a water charge shall be computed based on
the activities served by the sewer. The sewer rate shall then be computed at 1.2 times the established water charge.
METERED SERVICES
Users with metered service (Group D) shall be charged for sewer service according to the rates listed below. The
charge shall be based upon the quantity of metered water, except that those users having a sewer meter shall be
charged for the quantity of sewage actually metered. The quantity of sewage will be adjusted if a significant
amount of wastewater is not discharged into the city sewer system.
Minimum Charge for Each Metered Service
Service Size
Minimum Monthly Charge
3/4" - 1" water service
$5 .
1-1 /2" - 2" water service
$ 2
2-1/4" - 4" water service
$ 3 .
Over 4" water service
Charge for Consumption
Gallons of Sewage Discharged per Month
Charge per 1,000 Gallons
Groups A, B & C
Group D
First 10,000 Gallons
$8.239-.%
$8.2342.9
Next 40,000 Gallons
$6.586-.44
$6.58
Next 50,000 Gallons
$5.465-3-5
$5.468-.63
Next 100,000 Gallons
$4.924 92
$4.92 ,
City of Seward Sewer Tariff -Pei 201 Budget, Effective January 1 S 2018 Page 4-2
' Formatted Table
33
All Additional Gallons
$2.432.38 $2.435-.02
GROUP E - SPECIAL RATES AND FEES
Group E includes charges for other categories of service not included in Groups A through D.
City of Seward Sewer Tariff -Pei 201 Budget, Effective January 1 S 201 8�. Page 4-3
34
1. Users generating sewage with a BOD and
SS loading in excess of mg/1 (upon a deter-
mination by the utility manager that the
concentration and characteristics of the
sewage will not cause a detrimental effect
upon the sewer system and/or treatment
plant [BOD = ABiological Oxygen
Demand @ and SS = ASuspended Solids @]
2. Tank Truck Operators: Fresh sewage, or
waste from portable or chemical toilets,
provided the utility manager determines the
waste will not be detrimental to the sewer
system and/or treatment plant.
NOTE:
It is prohibited to discharge into the city=s
sewer system, septic tank waste or any waste
containing toxic or other materials that could
cause the city=s discharge to violate the
EPA or DEC discharge permit.
3. Recreational Vehicles: Individual RV
owners utilizing city -owned or approved
dump sites
Public and private campground operators
[Operators must maintain sufficient records
to compute a monthly payment, and such
records shall be made available to the city
upon request.]
4. Ship's Sewage:
5. Sewer Service Connection Fee:
6. Sewer Service Inspection Fee: This fee
shall be charged for services installed by
anyone other than the city.
[7. Unauthorized Connection or Discharge
into the City Sewer System:
Specified rate in rate tables times a factor of the
actual BOD and SS loading divided by 250, plus
the cost of testing
Per thousand gallons: $63.7162-.40
No fee
$1.084-.06 per day Per RV, camper or trailer permit,
not including tent campers.
Not accepted
Installed at property owner=s expense. Any work
performed by the city will be charged at total cost,
including labor, overhead, administration, materials
and equipment PLUS a $3 ® connection
fee.
$12. 442.5-
Per Occurrence $ 5.3 .6
PLUS Cost of repair, restoration or cleanup by city
PLUS State and/or federal penalties & charges
levied against the city or individuals
City of Seward Sewer Tariff -Per 201 Budget, Effective January 1 S 2018
Page 4-4
35
�. Restoration of Sewer Service and Repair
Actual cost, including city overhead, adminis-
of Damage by Owner or Contractor to
tration, labor, materials and equipment
City Facilities:
9. Locate Sewer Main:
First Locate: No Charge
Each Additional Locate: $ .52 .
Large projects requiring several locates will be
under a special contract and may require a fee.
110. Security Deposit: If a water security deposit
Domestic: $ .2 17
was paid, no additional deposit will be
(Single family & duplex)
required. If no water deposit was paid, the
Commercial: $1 .79 .
following deposits will be charged.
Multi -Family: $1 .79 .
11. Contractor Work: Any contractor tapping $5000.00 Bond or equivalent cash guarantee
into a city sewer main, or otherwise working payable to the city
on a city sewer main, must be properly
licensed to perform the work and must
provide:
2. Seasonal and Seasonal Tum-Off Seasonal : $ 22.5
(includes new account name or same account name,_ Seasonal Turn -Off- $ 2 2.5
waived if < 2 months between t -off and to _ -on°
easonal can appal to either summer _ er or inter.
13. Sewage Meter:
143. Delinquent Account Charges:
Computed from the quantity of metered water
delivered to the same activity unless a sewage meter
has been installed. Sewage meters approved by the
city may be installed at the user=s expense.
Interest rate: 10.5% per annum
Monthly late fee: $5.75
City of Seward Sewer Tariff -Pei 201 8� Budget, Effective January 1 S 2018
Page 4-5
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0"
Formatted Table
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0", Right: 0", No
widow/orphan control
36
Sponsored by: Hunt
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2018-031
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION 2017-078 WHICH AMENDED THE
WATER TARIFF EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2018
WHEREAS, the Seward City Council passed Resolution 2017-078 on November 27, 20171
amending the Water Tariff to provide for a 2.1 % rate adjustment beginning the first billing cycle of
the 2018 calendar year, clarifying metered versus non -metered, increasing base rate for 1 1 /2" — 2"
meters, changing the seasonal definition, and other minor housekeeping issues; and
WHEREAS, as a result of implementing the expected 2.1 % rate increase, concerns were
raised about the unintended elimination of the words "un-metered" or "non -metered" from the Group
C Large General Service classification definition, and these words were unintentionally removed
from the Group C definition; and
WHEREAS, the tariff defines Group D Metered Commercial and Industrial Service
classification as "commercial and industrial enterprises where water usage is greater than for small
businesses ... ", and Group A, B and C customers as ERU fee customers based on the charge schedule
accompanying each of the Groups within the tariff; and
WHEREAS, metered rates have historically applied only to accounts within Class D, but due
to apparent interpretation differences within the billing department, it has come to light that a large
number of Class A and B customers with water meters, have been assigned metered rather than ERU
rates, leading to concern that changes in the tariff which were originally intended only to clarify
rather than change intent, would result in many customers no longer being billed under the lower
metered rate schedule; and
WHEREAS, to alleviate customer concerns associated with this action, the City Council
desires to rescind Resolution 2017-078 in its entirety, retroactive to January 1, 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. Resolution 2017-078 approved on November 27, 2017 is hereby rescinded
effective retroactively to January 1, 2018.
Section 2. All previous Resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed effective January
1, 2018.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
37
F I
A
p
MeetIng Date,,, A r-1 9. 2018, I
1.
To, C 1* tNr C. o, unc 1
"rhrough", Jim. Hunt,, City Manage�r
From-. i Kr"'st"n, Erchn r inance Director I I I ge� , F*
Agenda ltem, Rlesc lind, and, Rep'laice Water and SeNver T'ar'llt"s, so, Rates lncrease 2. 1, %, lover, 2017-
ij
Rles,clil�iid, 'the Request to, Delay Reclassification of W Cater/S ewer Custotmers and
Ins,tead Authorlize all Except Non-Comin-lercial Rs to Elect. to,
be Metere& and, Reduce LGS Mietyre d Customer Rates to, Equal S,G,S Metered,
Gust"onier Rates,
I p I
SEWER 'TARIFF ISSUE
Upon Further li.nivrel.stigation, ilwas discolveredt'll"a"t staff di'd o,rily increase rates, 'by, 2.11% overthe 20117
I i, ing s'Nilstem. The problemhowevet-., was twofold: thle NI I
1) Prolbleiln, 1���listorlcal rates bei,ng billed to, Lat,-ge, G'e -IolS'er"vke (1, custoniers tntlie billing
system di'd not match, the appIro,�vedI"'a,i-,�'l�fl"s-,,,r,a"tes wiere inik-entered, into the it systern by staff,
Tl,,ius, customers in 1',,.,G,'S'l rate class, were en,-o,,neously under -charged at the l,ower Small General
Service (S,GS) rate f6r ni,,-,iny �,rears. The diff�-,,,rential betweeii what should liave bleen charged
IW 10,
historically, according to the T'ariff, versus, what was charged hi, 'the blilling s,ystem, resulted in
0
customers being under-billied, according to the Sewer 717cariff, by betlAreen, 64111,�',' and 11 50NO.
2
�R 018 (--,+J(ANAL 2018 j evised
21, 0 1 Pro, I pose to Rlesdnd Proposed to Relplace,
C"I U, 'lav
a 156
Large GS, Metered las U
Tairiff Filled Tavriff Edled atiff IEilled C"ll"ange Tariff Jmnge
2 %, j nx�, ire ase Equalto 2017
above (a), Sifflod(b) + 2.1%
First 10,K gallotis 23,? T72 1, "woot", 21 1
h 10. 58
Nex t 4O K galtons 2 17
%
�Next 501K, gallotis, 82 7 511 -91. F 1, -1-111-11,,,,/- R.- 2-19,6
.. . ....... . .. 4, 2. 190
IN e, �x t 5 0 0 IK ga 14 o iic> 4 81, 2 218.5 2 'El, 8 5, 1, 21
Next 50"Al(gallotn 4 81, 2.28 51,102, 2 8 5. Ell 1, 2,4 2.� 1, %
1
All adiditional gallons, 4 8. 1, 21.28" l` . 021 2, "Ell; 111R, 51.1, 5 . I S' 2, . V; 21%
Note thla t the 2017 "Toriff" show' ci rnuch fVL),h,,er ratie I Class D than, custotners were beill'I'l) "Bified". Tl?t)f,, when
20 8,rattss wiere iolcrecnied1�7,61 abowe the ry Tor�)f fd rore, the re stilt was asign,�filcont increase above the prior -opprove,
Propo edSolution: Reduce LGS se we turrc�,rle Wr to ivir,rinor S435 sieve er turiff rates, to be,
coils i's rep'? t V0,01 proctict-7s until suchtirne as future structural Tarff , s are
f is, s ul e.
38
Propos'ed Solutionto erroneo,u,'s, LGS,ra,te: Rescind Rtsolution 2,017-077', th,1's, wi]lnot, ho",,ekrer
tff -- where
correct tlte probilem with bilitng of higber rates,., sm,ce, rotling back to 2017 appl oved Tar"
C lass D LGS Mete.t,,-ed Rates, are, f,,76,r example, $J 2 , for the first I OK gallons — would result
'mcrease in, 1,,,G,Sl etered, sewer, rates of between 64% and 115%. Therefore staff recomiii,el ds,
M n
rescinding and replacing w, Itfia, Se,\Nrer'Tafflfteat will, make the LG,5'Sewer metered rates,equIvalent,
to the (lower), SGS Sewer metered rates, cores tstent wt,th, past (erroneousl) bil,hing practrces,. 'Thi's
w111, ensurethat LG-S customer's' rates "ncrease, only 2.1 94o olver the 2017bitled rates.
2) Problem #2.,: lb the process, of p,reparing for the rate, change, staff identifited a� 'mers
prev, , ously cha,.rged, fbr tnetered Nvater and sewerl charges, where other customers i , n the saii!le rate class,
wee-.e cons,Idered ell",glil ERLJ This, created, confbsion about whIchcustlomer's were
eligible 15or metered rates., 'To eliminate this problem, staff recoinmends thalt all,'] 1-.GS, customers
tes . . . .... r7li,-,ismrill ens"ure that onl)( w,lshtngto, con,verttio nietered, rates, be allowed, to reqL,iiest m-etereld ra:
L GS, custutn,,,ers who, do not iAr'lsli to obtain, al, meter Nvill be chargeld ERU rates, w,�Ilth all other LGS
custoni.erswilth meter's, being elligible for metered rates. The 2,0118, Original 'ran,ff attempted, to, con*ect
tine 'nequityl between some, I 1 1, custom,,ers ble' g cliarged ERU rates and, some being charged metered, rates,
'by proposing �to ellm,linate the SGS Metered R-ate Class, and allolwilng only LGS MeteredRiates ('*in other
words,. requirl',ing SGS custorrier's to, rerna"In as ERIJ custiomers, not eligible for, metered rates")., The
Council and, public have expressed, al pref&ence insteald, of all-owling SGS metered customers to be
eligible for meteried, rates; the ereft),re, staff reconiniletlids also aflowing SGS custoni,ers who install a.
watertneter. to, request metered rates,,,
Small GS, Metiervd.-
T44 t ii ft
(Ij I lle,(J,
First I K Ft IIVIan s
7 7 A,
7T"
, All
Next goatflotis
f4ext gaflotwt�
Next ,fib %I'o(`4"
4
e x"t All
9 N (DIIS
All,
411 ilidtfiflottall,I y lo)rr'.
2, ltiiYal
44
4 "K
OL
A-
,'4(FANAIL,
Propuset,lo Rescirtld
IA s A. E,
Tt"Wj i, t Pdlvd
I 21'1'1111,� 2 1 11",
'7 7
0000
21018 Revised
Proposed 'to Replace
lass A. iU
Tarit"t
Equal to, 2017
8414d (d) + 2'. 1%
4
4,
1
4
1
fry
4:
l 4,
1",
N'll, 41t, �,,ro r it:'on� i�, rt") r7 olriirh 111"t inlr�t:,"o Ffu-
7irt,",
C, s ir YO i''n, ell"e, v/ bl�,` 3 rhmf"", I r, -7AIC)",
he efl, � Ot- v r i it i i
Ito axrre�,,,,�r rhi� prtiibleni l 21C),18 rhe 95,5 Rrcrrt'r (`,fas�� Wait fercrvin,co (�,mly Olne,
g'
ICIC1` 5 f) Awfir", rrel�t ed )Ri:irie Ch.-�s, s,, Thun,,� 2t �18' Me, tereci Rirre f, vvle lll irwre 2, r^ q,;bov,e rftel
q Iti�lrr e, 1"I i t a, fco !"", ic,) C, ic? r t ;"flic oa nr "t, 1, t", ("t 5 e a� b l V C t e r ii f 11 1711C IfC) r1r el C i) i I il e d, r a t e I u, t 11"Jel refclinint,
tie ne d r clttie arid re, l I a, )f e Cl la t rl o E P", I., t"I r z" W u t (Ir le 4 t'r , Ic turaf, T, cxt
7 '' rf"I PT r$ 511del 5 (Ire, cjddre-!f,;
Pro olittion to erroneous SGS rate: Rlescii,nd Ressolution, 201.7-077- thifs will, not 'however, ,,lsed S
correct the problem with biltl lo,�If higher, rates, relateld to Misclassilication of'customer a,CCO111,11ts.
'n, in all classes
`Fheref'ore staff relcoil j,,-nej,,id,s aeniding the Sewer J'Ariff to, clarit"y that all customers I
otherthan conim,ercml resideilla].,, NvIll, be eligible ft)r metered ra,tes. Nilie "it can, ble expected that, a
number ofcustom,ers wfll convertto meters, because they ex,plect to, pa� Y �, less un.der, a metered sch-edule,
Council has, expriessed support, fbr aClasslification and, Rate Study 1"br WaterSul d SeNve],- iii,,tlie new
'ter Thould l iilit.suffinnieoresearchet as"fitof* autiornad, wr lre. Is shpOide uty ciemhNy teate, r
fTe, i I recorld acclffate water, thl ough
meterm& and ways to more efficlie'littly and el ct'veY
autortiati.on, similar towhat Is being done in the electric tlaility. 'Thus, staff'recommends, piassage of'
Resolution 2018--Q�,cwhich wiII delay implementing further corrections to the
c lassficatn of certain wale I 1 1, I i I , r aii,d sewer custiorn-er accouilit's (Class A, B, C),,atid. "nsteald rlesolvie the
inequities between ERU ai,,W metered custoniers by a1low.,ing most customers to convert to, nietered
"rates., Staff t"urther recon.i.mends plassa,ge of Resolution 201 8-,,06'Z,,w'h.J"ch will restore the metered, block
39
P * I
i�,ons, wih I
rate structu,ille for custorners, vi 'th tneters', iti, all classificat"' t' t'he excepflon of non-comiiierctal
r "dent"al. The end result wil"I be that aft"ected, ctlStoniers'ln, all c1,as.,se,s,,c,a,,n expect 'to, see a rate increase
esi, I
'I c 7 e rec I of onl)r 2. 1 %, o,Nrer the 0 1, 7 H I ed rates, and 'be assured "t at theN "ill, not b jured, to revert, to ERU
'rates.
WATER TARIFF ISSUE
The Water "I'las always had on,l,y one metered rate ScIiedulel thus, f�,wer problems, result ftom the
arifl,�' iiii,i,�n,,ten.,t'i�o,�,na,',Ily elim.�,nated the wot-d ongtnal 2018 "Fariff. '.I"h,e 2018, TU s �"�uwow elered", �Iioii
metered"' t'rom, the Group C (Large General Service) Classification, (this, Class, primarily aft,*ect'snon-
I ds w 11 ensure metered schools', nan-metered, hos,pftalsa,nd, nan-metered, la,und-romats). Restoring those wor I
affected custorner's whol are, metered., that they, will not rev-ert to ERU rates,as the verbiage changes will
sl,iow, that Class �C rates (ERU rates) do, nat at."I'ect, cu,stom,.Crsin, Class C who are metered. Tli,is, will resolve
the concerns expressed "by, the laundromat al,.�,nd Alaska Seall'f`� Center,, mnon,g athers. In addition, the
On glinal, 2018 17ari ffrecommended, higher than 2. 1 0/,,�, rate increases ft),r the M, 1-111MUM 111onthly cliarge for
s i between 1/"' to F" service, and, between 1 1/2" �to, 2" serviice. Staff recomniends reduciing
ervice Sizes, 4
tli,os,e tncreases, to be equal, to, 2 . 10/1,6.
FLITURE 1 "ITE STUDY AND, TARIFF STRUCTURE,' CHANGES
in -her''recommends, a conni, re,,,iens*ve, Water and Sewer, c assffication, and jr,ate study,
Tl,ie administrat'lo I t�,*urt P I I I
almed, at ensur,ing that rates, areproper"ly distribluted among the rate classes and tak,esin'to account the ffict
thcat the publlic desit*es that customersiin tn,ost i,,*ate classesbe aflowed, �to be, metered. 'rhe obvious bene'rits
o f 'his approach "nelude, NT essing 'en't i ling customers, based on their actual 'usage, and addr " S 'the curr
tn.equi , ties associated with seasonal. bustriess, customer's s'u,ch as beds,- and-breakfd, s,t a�nd hotels, that may be
r
charged, ERT.J t-Zite'S despile using lift leto no wate i.nthe ofl`-'s,eason. Giveti. thatthii,s appi-oach,represetits
a fairly significant, deplarture from past, practicie, the long-terni impacts of, this mam, o ange shoI .1 �r cht Id 'be
'm
adequately reflected, in the rates, to, ensu.re that the revej,,iue requirements of the utility are met, thus
neces,sitatiti.g at the very least, a, 'rate strudy. 'rhe Clqr's last coni,prehensive, water and sewerrate study
took plaice In 1,993, ".2.5 yelars ago.
INTENT.
The intent of the combilnied. five res,o1utions, ts to, ensure that all, ct:tstomer class,wi ], ficati ons see 22.1111,/(� water
rate n,creiases ov er, , �`211)1_7 b illed rates,, as, ori g hial I y, expeCo unel 1, 1, staff and pub 1, 1", c . F Urther,, that,
W -commerc"a'] resident'al, be gliNen thecholice t,olbe metered, and
CLISIO',Mers wins rate, classes other thann,oni I J �, �11 I
billeld''baased on actual consumption. Furfli,er, these, actlons \Nrifl elitn"inate, the neled to discuss,whetheror
not to reclasslf�r clustorners, s,i..,nce most customers will be it make the choice whelifled,
E. or imetered rates.
..................
CONS,1'151ENCY CHECKLIST. Yes No N/A
1.7 Comprehensive Plan, (cljoctinwnl' source hiere
. . . . ..........
2. Strategic Plan (iii-xument smirce here,).-, x
3 Other(71`51,t). Res,lo,lut,.,"i,o,ns,2,(,)118,-008,.2,01,7-07'7.20"171-0178 x
FISCALNOTE,.
Im n 'lie magni"Aude f othese, problems was not known whe- i,�i,, ,fbi , ulatiIg the 2018/2019 Budget. Since the
Proposed, "fix" Nvill return, all customer classes to a 2.1% rate 'increase, above 2017'bi'lled, rates, and si,nce
that, Is what was anticipateld by staff when �dev c-lopi-tig the 21018 Tari' ff,§ and the ,,,).0, 11,8/20 19, Budget, there
are no budget pacts, expected .from the rate chan.gie except to tlit, extent th,,at wehaveno way ofkmowing
how niany, customer's wi'll elect to convetl to, meter edraties. In sucl,-,l cases,, the budget, i's expected, tio, be
40
adversely impacted to sonie, degree,.,, as metered rates NVOIlld be, expected, to, resultiin cost sa,N,rings f6r most
custo,tners.
Approved by Finance Deparo'nent:
X
ATTORNEY R,E,'VIEW'-',,, Yes 'No
2), aS
03
(k -e' Sctll
IRI
41
Sponsored by: Hunt
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2018-032
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AMENDING THE WATER TARIFF TO PROVIDE FOR A
2.1 % RATE INCREASE BEGINNING JANUARY 15, 2018, CLARIFYING
THAT METERED RATES APPLY TO ALL CUSTOMERS OTHER THAN
NON-COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL, CHANGING THE SEASONAL
DEFINITION, AND OTHER MINOR HOUSEKEEPING CHANGES
WHEREAS, the Seward City Council passed Resolution 2017-078 on November 27,
2017, for the purpose of amending the Water Tariff, and subsequently rescinded that resolution
on March 20, 2018 via Resolution 2018-023; and
WHEREAS, as a result of implementing the expected 2.1 % rate increase, concerns were
raised about the unintended elimination of the words "un-metered" or "non -metered" from the
Group C Large General Service classification definition, and these words were unintentionally
removed from the Group C definition and are recommended to be restored; and
WHEREAS, the 2018 Water Tariff is proposed to be amended to clarify that metered
rates apply to all customers other than non-commercial residential customers, with a further
caution that before requesting to convert to metered rates, customers consider that based on a
future rate study, the comparative financial advantage of metered versus ERU rates may change.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. The Water Tariff for 2018 is hereby approved in substantial form as attached
hereto.
Section 2. All previous Resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed effective
January 1, 2018.
Section 3. This resolution is retroactive to January 15, 2018.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 9th
day of April, 2018.
42
Water Rates and Charges - 20187
NEEM
Rates for Water by Class of Service
ANNUAL RATE ADJUSTMENT. The rates and fees herein provided are adjusted 2.14% beginning the first
billing cycle of the 201_ calendar year. The rates thereafter will be adjusted annually beginning the first
billing of each calendar year to reflect an average of the five previous published years' annual increases in the
Consumer Price Index, All Items, 1982-84=100 for all Urban Consumers, Anchorage, Alaska Area ("CPI') as
published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (For example, 201 _ rates
reflected an increase based on the average CPI for 201-20154.)
Note; * ERU = Eauivalent Residential Unit ($47.64
GROUP A - RESIDENTIAL
Group A includes all residential customers living in single family or multiple family living units. Multiple
family units include multi-plexes, apartments and townhouses, but exclude hotels, motels and similar transient
accommodations. The accounts may be paid by individual occupants or owners of multiple units. When the
entire water service to a multiplex or apartment building is billed to one account, the charge will be based on
total number of living units in the building whether or not occupied. Living units are considered to be complete
with kitchens, baths and plumbing for laundry units. No adjustment is made for the size of the unit, numbers of
amenities or the size of the family occupying the unit. A 25% reduction is permitted for units that are not
plumbed for laundry units provided a common laundry unit is not available in the building or apartment
complex for apartment occupants. There will be no reduction if a common laundry facility is available. All
commercial residential customer ar ed Grou
metered commercial water and sewer rates. Customers electin to convert to stare rates are encoura e to
consider that a iendi it Water and Sewer Ratg Study a im act either or both ERU rates and meteredratesg
when decidinawhether to invest in the costs of installi a water meter.
BASIS FOR MONTHLY FEE
Category/Description of Unit
Charge
Living unit with plumbing for laundry, or common laundry facility
available on premises
1 ERU
Living unit without plumbing for laundry and no common laundry
available for use by the occupant
0.75 ERU
Rental apartment unit not occupied by owner when billed as a
multiple unit of 3 or more apartments served from a single water
0.75 ERU
service. (No credit will be given for unoccupied units.)
Duplex in one building treated as two residences served from a single
water service
2 ERU
City of Seward Water Tariff — Revised per 201 Budget, Effective 0111 1201 -7
Page 3-1
[F:ormatted:-.:To:p:-::0:6:Y::::=
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0", First line: 0"
Formatted Table
43
tl
GROUP B - SMALL GENERAL SERVICE
Group B includes commercial enterprises where the use of water is incidental to the commercial activity and is
primarily limited to domestic and janitorial use. This class of service includes such businesses as hotels, motels,
professional office buildings, barber shops, warehouses, libraries, public offices, churches and theaters, etc.
Where a building, mall or group of facilities is served from a single service, the bill will be based on the total
number of facilities to be served, and no credit will be given for vacant facilities. _IjLoup B customers ay elect
to install g at their own ex ease, water stars, to e e1i i 1e for rou etered commercial water and sewer
rates. Customers electing to co ver are oncoua e to consi er t at a en in starand Sewer Rate Study
a i act sit er or of rates an stare rates, w e eci i g et er to i vest i t e costs of
1 Staln a at�r ter.
Formatted: Font: Not Bold
BASIS FOR MONTHLY FEE
Category/Description of Unit
Charge
Hotels and motels not including bars and restaurants:
Basic charge per building
1.0 ERU
PLUS each guest room
0.3 ERU
PLUS each pair of public restrooms in excess of one pair
0.3 ERU
Office Building/Mall with offices and retail stores and businesses not
including restaurants, bars, food markets:
Basic charge per building
1.0 ERU
PLUS each office/activity
0.3 ERU
PLUS each pair of public restrooms in excess of one pair
0.3 ERU
Single Office/retail shop/professional activity not in office building,
per each office or activity
1.0 ERU
Barber, beauty, animal grooming shop:
Basic charge
1.0 ERU
PLUS charge per chair/tub
0.75 ERU
Libraries, public offices, professional offices, and similar activities:
Basic charge per building
1.0 ERU
PLUS each office/activity
0.3 ERU
PLUS each pair of public restrooms in excess of one pair
0.3 ERU
Doctors' offices, including medical clinics, emergency first aid
station, dentists' offices and similar activities:
Basic charge per facility
1.0 ERU
'
PLUS per each examination room, dental chair or similar unit
0.3 ERU
0.3 ERU
City of Seward Water Tariff — Revised per 201 Budget, Effective 0111 1201 -7 Page 3-2
44
PLUS per each office
City of Seward Water Tariff — Revised per 201 Budget, Effective 0111 1201-7 Page 3-3
45
Warehouses:
Basic charge per building
1.0 ERU
PLUS each pair of restrooms or showers exceeding one pair
0.3 ERU
Churches, theaters, assembly halls, clubs, fraternal clubs:
Basic charge per building
1.0 ERU
PLUS each pair of restrooms exceeding one pair
0.3 ERU
PLUS, for food/bar service, add charge for restaurant or bar
Public restrooms in parks and similar activities, per each pair of
restrooms
1.0 ERU
Boardwalk shops with sewage, per shop
0.5 ERU
Camping & RV Parks:
Per spigot
0.5 ERU
Per camper/motorhome hookup
0.2 ERU
Private schools, day care centers
Basic charge
2.0 ERU
PLUS per each 15 students or for children in excess of 25
0.5 ERU
Public baths and showers:
Basic charge
2.0 ERU
PLUS per each bath or shower in excess of two
0.5 ERU
NOTE: Only one basic charge will be assessed per building where different activities
occupy the same building. This does not i clude residential charges for living
units within the same building.
City of Seward Water Tariff — Revised per 201 7 Budget, Effective 0111 12018-7 Page 3-4
46
GROUP C - LARGE GENERAL SERVICE Formatted: Top: 0.75"
Group C includes commercial enterprises where water usage is greater than in Small General services and/or
water is used for food preparation or other activities, but not for industrial processing. These activities will be
metered when newly constructed or when remodeling and/or repairs makes installation of meters feasible.
When a building, mall or group of facilities is served from a single service, the bill will be based on the total
number of facilities served, and no credit will be given for vacant facilities. Group C customers t etes
ill be c arse rou stare co ercial water se er r tes. sto ers wis i g to convert to etere
rates are encourage to consi er th t a pending star an Sewer ate Stu a i act either or both ERU
rates and metere rate w e ell ing w et er to 1nyet 1 t e Ot Cif 1 talll g a water meter.
Formatted: Font: Not Bold
BASIS FOR MONTHLY FEE
Category/Description of Unit
Charge
Food/grocery markets:
Basic charge
3.0 ERU
PLUS per water-cooled refrigeration unit
3.0 ERU
PLUS per butcher/meat packing unit
1.0 ERU
PLUS per bakery
1.0 ERU
PLUS per snack bar/Deli
0.5 ERU
Restaurants and/or bars (A unit may be defined as a combination
restaurant/bar if operated together or separate units if restaurant
and bar are operated separately.) This category includes all drink
and food service activities, including full service restaurants,
hospital kitchens, dormitories, dining halls, school cafeterias, etc.:
Basic charge per unit
2.0 ERU
PLUS per every 8 seats in excess of 8 seats
0.5 ERU
Snack Bar - no seating
0.5 ERU
Garage/gas stations and retail, manufacturing and repair shops not
using water for processing:
Basic charge
2.0 ERU
PLUS per pair of restrooms exceeding one pair
0.3 ERU
PLUS per each shower
0.3 ERU
PLUS per each wash bay
1.0 ERU
City of Seward Water Tariff — Revised per 201 Budget, Effective 0111 1201 -7 Page 3-5
47
Public schools, if non -metered, excluding swimming pools or food
service:
Basic charge
Elementary School
Jr. High School
High School 7.0 ERU
PLUS swimming pool 7.0 ERU
PLUS charge for food service based on rate for restaurants 8.0 ERU
15.0 ERU
(Pu. 3-4)
Hospital & Nursing Homes, if un-metered, excluding food service:
Basic charge 6.0 ERU
PLUS charge for food service based on rate for restaurants (Pg. 3-4)
Laundry (self service or commercial units), un-metered [new
laundries will be metered] :
Basic charge 2.0 ERU
PLUS per each laundry unit of 12 pounds or less capacity 1.0 ERU
PLUS per each laundry unit larger than 12 pounds capacity 2.0 ERU
GROUP D - METERED COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL SERVICE
Group D includes metered commercial and industrial enterprises_no -co ercia -residential— Group A
customers are not curre l y el i gi e or stare rates) . r , ,
All new commercial _ ercial activities shall be metered, and existing facilities will be converted to meters when
remodeling and repairs make installation of a meter feasible. Meters must include readouts at a location
acceptable to the City, to allow for accurate meter readings. Remote readers are re ire .
The cost of initial installation of a meter in a new facility will be paid by the customer. The cost of
maintenance, repair and replacement of t4e all meters will be at customer expense. The customer will provide a
meter, and the user will pay the cost of installation, where an existing service is converted to meter and the
commercial use/activities of the user have not changed. If the meter is required due to changed usage, the
customer will pay all costs, including the cost of the meter. Failure to re air or re lace a ault star ill result
in the billing eart ant esti atin t e star rea ing or returning the Gusto er to non - metered illin at the
utility's iscretionuntil s ch ti e as the star is re laced. t e customer fails to re lace a faulty meter within
as of be ` inor e oft e nee to re lace t e etert e City aat its ex ense, replace the meter an
c arse t e c to e a a wor or er, at ou le t e costs incurred to re ce t e fault meter, to e coua e
customers to e air an replace t sir own e i ant. In all cases, the City will specify and/or approve the type
of meter and its installation.
City of Seward Water Tariff — Revised per 201 Budget, Effective 0111 1201 -7
Page 3-6
Formatted Table
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.52"
48
A commercial customer in a y ��rou may request to be converted to meter rates. If the customer request is
approved to convert to meter rates, the customer will install a meter at the customer's expense, and thereafter
charges will be based on metered usage. A customer cannot convert from metered to fixed rate billing.
City of Seward Water Tariff — Revised per 201 Budget, Effective 0111 1201 -7 Page 3-7
49
BASIS FOR MONTHLY FEE
lviiniiiiuii1 %-.narge iur r.acii lvietereu Service
Service Size
Minimum Monthly Charge
3/4" - 1" Service
$
1-1/2" - 2" Service
$ 7®
2-1/4" - 4" Service
$239.102-34.48
Over 4" Service
$
Note: The minimum charge per metered service does not include fire sprinkler service.
ChnruP fnr C anciimntinn
Consumption per Month per Meter
Charge per 1,000 Gallons
First 50,000 Gallons
$6.005-.88
Next 500,000 Gallons
$
Next 1,000,000 Gallons
$3.663-.58
Next 2,00,000 Gallons
$2.992-.93
All Additional Gallons
$1.534-.50
The consumption metered on several metered services serving the same owner will not be combined to calculate
the monthly bill. Each will be computed as a separate bill.
The City may negotiate or renegotiate special contracts with a user that consumes in excess of 20 million
gallons of water per calendar year. Such contracts will set or amend a rate which will assure that the user pays
its full share of the utility's fixed and variable operating and maintenance costs. All special contracts and
renegotiations of existing special contracts shall be approved by resolution of the City Council.
City of Seward Water Tariff — Revised per 201 Budget, Effective 0111 1201-7
Page 3-8
50
GROUP E - SPECIAL RATES AND FEES
Group E includes charges for other categories of service not included in Groups A through D.
1. Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU)
2. Fire Hydrant Use Permit: From May 1 to
August 31 a Fire Hydrant Permit may be
issued. Fire Hydrants will be turned on
and off by Water or Fire Department
Personnel. If the City determines that a
meter and a backflow preventer are
required, these will also be installed by
Water Department personnel. This rate
is set for contractors or other temporary
water users, but not for bulk water
service to ships or tanker trucks serving
ships or industries, as follows:
3. Water Service Connection Fee (done by
City) •
ServiceWater one by
Contractor :
4. Water Service Inspection Fee (for service
installed by others):
$47.6444.-66
Tapping Fee $98.8096-.77
PLUS daily fee: $ .
PLUS weekly fee: $296.3729047
Up to 1" service not longer than 60 feet, one-
time charge of- , , . .
In excess of 60 feet - actual cost, but not less than
$ 1 . .
PLUS cost of paving and curb replacement.
$166.27462v85 connection fee PLUS cost of
paving and curb replacement.
City of Seward Water Tariff —Revised per 2018-7 Budget, Effective 01/ S 1201 -7
Page 3-9
51
6. Unauthorized Use of City Equipment $987.90967—.58
(including fire hydrants, key boxes, turn -
on and/or turn -oft):
7. Restoration of Water Service (including Actual cost, including city overhead,
repair of damage by owner or contractor labor, materials and equipment.
to city facilities)
8. Locate Service:
Locate between May 1 and Oct. 31 - no
charge
Locate between Nov. 1 and April 30 -
$ . .
Large projects requiring several locates
will be under a special agreement with the
water utility and may include an additional fee.
9. Thaw Wire: Locate between May 1 and Oct. 31 - no
charge
Locate between Nov. 1 and April 30 -
$ 5
City of Seward Water Tariff — Revised per 201 Budget, Effective 0111 1201-7
Page 3-10
52
10. Security Deposit: Domestic (Single Fam. & Duplex) $
Commercial & Multiple Dwellings:
$ .
Fire Hydrant usage: $ . r
11. Contractor Work: Any contractor tapping into a city main, or
otherwise working on a city water line, must be
properly licensed to perform the work and must
also provide a $5,000.00 bond or equivalent cash
guarantee payable to the city.
12. Ship Water Less than 1,000 gallons from Seward SfltaWBoat
(Water furnished to temporarily moored Harbor facilities not requiring city assistance or
vessels): the use of fire hydrants: No Charge
All service not included above:
Basic Charge (during regular business hours):
Basic Charge (outside regular business hours) @
$ .` .
PLUS $9.199-.0 per 1000 gallons for all water.. Formatted: Indent: First line: 0"
used.
Note: Customer will be responsible for actual
charges related to all work and materials
required to provide water to vessel. The Point of
delivery for potable water supplied by the City
shall be at the customer side of the
meter/backflow preventer, and the customer is
responsible for water quality from the delivery
point to the vessel.
City of Seward Water Tariff — Revised per 201 Budget, Effective 0111 1201 -7
Page 3-11
53
Sponsored by: Hunt
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2018-033
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION 2018-008 WHICH AUTHORIZED A
DELAY IN THE RECLASSIFICATION OF CUSTOMER UTILITY
ACCOUNTS, AS RECLASSIFICATION WILL NOT BE NECESSARY ONCE
CUSTOMERS OTHER THAN NON-COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL ARE
ALLOWED TO ELECT METERED RATHER THAN ERU RATES
WHEREAS, the Seward City Council passed Resolution 2018-008 on January 22, 2018,
authorizing Seward Public Utilities to allow a delay of up to six months in the effective date of the
water and sewer tariffs to correct the classification for some customers incorrectly billed metered
water and sewer rates rather than standard monthly Equivalent Residential Unit ("ERU") rates; and
WHEREAS, the billing department determined that customers classified as Residential
and/or Small General Service — which are classes historically billed under the ERU schedule rather
than under the metered rate schedule — were inconsistently allowed to convert from ERU to metered
rates; and
WHEREAS, in order to clear up confusion and address inconsistencies, staff recommends
that customers in all Groups, other than non-commercial residential, be allowed to install meters and
request to be billed under the metered rate structure, so long as their meters remain functional.
Therefore, it is no longer necessary to request that staff be allowed a delay in order to reclassify
customer accounts, since customers will be eligible to convert to metered rates upon approval by the
Water Utility and installation of a water meter in accordance with the requirements of the Water and
Sewer Tariff and the Seward City Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. Resolution 2018-008 approved on January 22, 2018 is hereby rescinded effective
immediately.
Section 2. This resolution does not preclude Seward Public Utilities from making any other
appropriate changes and/or corrections to customer accounts unrelated to the billing of metered or
ERU rates.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 9th day
of April, 2018.
54
SISTER CITY 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Ad Hoc Planning Committee Report
March 8, 2018
Committee Members: Council Members Erik Slater and Rissie Casagranda
City Clerk Brenda Ballou and Deputy City Clerk Riley Shurtleff
The committee reviewed notes from previous discussions and emails received from Obihiro.
Following is a summary:
OBIHIRO VISITORS IN SEWARD
The original schedule proposed in Seward's invitation to Obihiro was shortened, based on
feedback received from Obihiro:
• Wednesday, August 15 — Six Obihiro citizens arrive in Seward
• Thursday, August 16 — Rest day, possible light activities, possible dinner with council
• Friday, August 17 — Obihiro citizens out on full day charter for Silver Salmon Derby;
Obihiro Mayor, City Council President, and 3 city employees arrive in Seward
• Saturday, August 18 — Obihiro citizens activity day, attend "Chef Off' event for dinner;
Obihiro Mayor/President/employees rest day, attend "Chef Off' event for dinner
• Sunday, August 19 — All Obihiro attend SSD Closing Ceremonies, possible other
activities
• Monday, August 20 — All Obihiro activities
• Tuesday, August 21 — All Obihiro depart
Notes & Considerations
• Obihiro has requested we provide an interpreter for the citizen group
• Obihiro citizens will stay with homestay families in Seward
• Mayor, President & city employees will stay in hotel at their own expense
• There is no opportunity to have the visitors attend a city council meeting because the
dates fall in between meetings
• Due to the shortened visitation schedule, the budget has been revised
55
SEWARD VISITORS IN OBIHIRO
Seward City Council had previously narrowed down two potential events to attend in Obihiro:
October 7 Beef & Wine Festival, or late October Chrysanthemum Festival. Based on feedback
received from Obihiro, the proposed schedule is:
• Tuesday, October 23 — Arrive Tokyo in evening
• Wednesday, October 24 — Rest day
• Thursday, October 25 — Fly to Kushiro in early morning, spend day visiting; in evening,
either fly or take train to Obihiro
• Friday, October 26 — Chrysanthemum Festival starts in Obihiro
• Saturday, October 27 — Chrysanthemum Festival Opening Ceremonies
• Sunday, October 28 — Obihiro Food Valley half marathon, big Halloween celebration
• Monday, October 29 — Depart Obihiro to US (LA/SF/Seattle)
• Tuesday, October 30 — Rest day in US
• Wednesday, October 31 — Return to Seward
Notes & Considerations
• If Seward sends mayor/council, Obihiro wishes them to stay in hotel; if citizens, Obihiro
will provide homestays
• Unknown what the Obihiro city council meeting schedule is, so do not know if any
formal presentations will be made
56
SISTER CITY
50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
LEG
DAY
DATE
ACTIVITY
COST
Obihiro in Seward
WED
8/15
Citizen Arrival
August 2018
Hertz Rental Van
1,000
Airport Parking
3
Gas
50
THU
8/16
Seavey's Ididaride, Exit Glacier Hike & Gold Panning
Seavey's Ididaride
550
Seavey's Musher Tip ($20 x 3 Mushers)
60
Gold Panning at Adventure 60 North
120
Lunch
200
Gas
50
FRI
8/17
Silver Salmon Derby
Charter 10-Pack
3,500
Fishing Licenses
200
Arrival of Obihiro Mayor & Entourage
Airport Parking
3
Gas
50
SAT
8/18
50th Anniversary Celebration, Chef Off Challenge
Anniversary Gift
1,000
Chef Off
1,000
Icicle Fisheries Tour
0
ASLC Tour
0
Lunch
200
Shopping
0
SUN
8/19
SSD Closing Ceremonies
Mural Walking Tour
200
MON
8/20
Salmon Hatchery Tour, Ziplining OR Depart
Stoney Creek Ziplining
500
Ziplining Tip ($20 x 3 guides)
60
Lunch
200
Trail Lakes Salmon Hatchery
0
SUN
8/21
Depart
Airport Parking
3
Gas
50
SUBTOTAL - AUGUST
8,999
Seward in Obihiro
TUE
10/23
Arrive in Tokyo
October 2018
Airfare (6 x $1,500)
91000
Hotel (2 nights)
THU
10/25
Arrive in Kushiro
Airfare (6 x $150)
900
Gift for Kushiro
200
Train to Obihiro
200
FRI-MON
10/26-29
Obihiro Chrysanthemum Festival
MON
10/29
Depart Obihiro for US
TUE
10/30
Rest day in US
Hotel (1 night)
WED
10/31
Fly to Anchorage, Drive to Seward
SUBTOTAL - OCTOBER
10,300
GRAND TOTAL
19,299
57
4
The Mayorrna-y,, appoint standin c�,on-xiittee,,s,ofthe oasne,,,,ce,,ssai,7,,,,or die ls'uable,and ma,yapp,oint,
9
a,d hoe committe-es to a,ddress specilfic topics., T,,,h,,,e- Council may also me,,,,e,,t, in worl: seszionsa,sa,
cone nitte-e-o f the,, wiaole:
(a) Conuridtteeo tithe V,,'hole,,.,, The Coundl may mtetas a "or yrftteeo f the NN'Thole, compo sedo f the
entu, e co uncil sitting az a, I egi sl ative stu dy c o nunitt e e.� The Co nunitt e e o f thy, NWh o 1 e,sh a 11 n o t
take ani I In ir y, official action whilei committee., The: Mayor chai s the ,Conunitte-e,of the I;Vhole
al"Ad c, C,dy c o r, r =,m irt- t, e e 'S m, a y, be,,
H
created by the Co uanacU", for a, pwp,,o,, ,,or vhen the issug isso complex and",
ons in tee, ,g, that itc,,armnot be rea.;wmubly, haanc1,,ed at,a,�,, Cou, cifl, s
shalr sit o f no less than 3 council Memb errs, app6nted by the M, a,y,or,.,,, Sp eeialouuawil
butnolaterthanth endofeachfiscalylear, COr
3xflefss 'p,ecififiz,,ali
(c) Council Liaisons., In order to build additional Council expertise, In van,ous, areaf citYl
op,eration,s,tie �'Pre,.s,,idin.g,Offic,e,rmay ",appoint,, one CouncilMemberto sen7,,easa, liaisonto the
Planning and Zoning Corr=ssion- The,,ie appointments shall be made at the, 'Council"s
or niz ational a * meeting Mi October,- If appointed,- ,g the,,,, council representative to the'Kenal
Pe, ninsula, Borough Econornic, Development Districtsha,ll as, liaison to the; Port and
Commerc e AdN,-il S o ry, Board- If council lialsonswere not appointlecta mernber,of each Roare and
C onumssion vill anange to give peho die rep orts to the City ouncil during C ouncil"s regular.
&chedul, e d mtetings-
(d:) Sp ecial Ad Ho,c Citizen AdvisoZL C.omrnittees.. Sp e-dal Ad Hoe Citizen Advisory,, Gornnaittees
may b ecreat:,edbar the Goumdl for a, p axticiflar purp ose- Gonyrfttee memb ers sha,11 be app pintd
bv the Mayor,, vvith the a,dN:7ice and conseato f the; C,ouncil- The Nfay,orshall app oint the; chairo f
the, committee,,.. Citizen study, con= at the end, o f their mission,, but no later fl=
the e,,,nd,o f ea ch fiscal year urd'ess sp,eclifically continuedby the C,o=-il thereafter for a ecifi-ed
tirne penio d., One C o uncil Memb er., a, n do ne,,,, alter as t e, C o un-cil Memb,ezr, ma y b e 2, pp o inte, d a s a,
member and liaison of acitizen a,d�!,lsol,�2,,c,,ornrrlitt",e,,e.,
(e) Comrnittees rya® make recommendationson proposed programs,, ordinance:s, and
resolutions withn their area of responsibility,, before action is tak-en by the Council- The
C onunittee Chair ma present the recorrxnendations o f the -comn-iittee during the discussion o f
the: item o f b usm', e s s -
(f', mp st nouseonnnittea.s ffir , loyees shall, aff the, va, i ected y the it Manager, but nostaff
p,erson shall, serve, a,s,a,, voting memb ero f a,, council, or,citizen study,comrrii:tte-e,,-
Minutes need not be taken of,commifte-e meetin, 51-
A�L: :2"""1`
58
Brenda 'Ballou
Fro,rn: Boer, Jari.e A (CED) <jaroer@,al,as,ka-go �>
We(Inesday, Marcf-i, 07, 2C,11.8 4:39 PIA'
To: Brerida Ball()Lf David Squi'Hres�, Erik Slater-, Nlariabrie KeiL Jere,tily Hol-nistine
Casagraiidal Suza�,irie Tow �&y SL,.ie, MCCIL,Ilre' Jim Hunt
Y
Subje,ct:: Offer for Ass,jistanc,p
Good afteriiioor),
My r-iariie Is Jane, Boer- and I Che local g(-iverrnn,ient spe,ciahsl a!,>sIgne,d to thie City ofSewarcl. My role, isto
ics,
assist local gover�vriervts, and to �that enA I provide ted-inical assistance regarding eth' parhatiientary
prolcedure,,, city policy ar�id plr-oceduriespersoir,�il'-Ilel policy adoption and adrr'iinistraitiassistance with
grievance polhicy, anid priocedLJCS, assistance,with, roleis ar�id responsibilitiles and organizatiolinal mcanalgetiie,ilitof
i City staff,, and a [iost of olt[ver, tt-Ongs.
If n hi e I p. I a t"n n ot a n art t o ii�,a, n'i a r"e, S 0 U, irc e a va, 'I I a b, I e t o Vi e I p a c ity
govierrit"ne,rit, (or a tribal goveri-it-neri,t) work. ef"Ifectivelly and efficiently. I provide, an out'sidel, objective sourceof
i n,fb r n,t a t i o ri. 'I w o r k vv, i t h 6 0 c rr'i u ri, i t i e is i, n i
I a ")� 2
ass slaince
11 ,''kw s irn, a ri y c i t i le, s, a i-i d t r i be s f a c e rn i I IBC c a H e r'i f,, e s
I zar-n available to assistthie city if," it would hl<e assistarice wit[-i soirrie current iSSUes. My ear"Hiest availability 'to
work wit[ii thie city is ir'i N/lay.
Jt,lr)e,Arlt) BOO,'
Loccil Governrr�erit Specialist
Locol Government Ass,istance orid RI urolUblity Busiriess Advisor
isiori to Con-,in,iunity and Reg,ion(,,il Alff"i'l["CED,, SOA
550 W. 7"") Aventie,,, Ste 1640
Ar)chorogel AX 99501-3369
(90 71) 2 69-4 54 7
C),
FiL I f' a I it L"�,
(e, c t a 1,�
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h t �k,, W),v C 0 r-11 a'ii e r c e,, a a s I<wwww
ari-i
ra Lid,
.... ....... .
I
59
Sponsored by: Hunt
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2018-034
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AUTHORIZING A COST OF LIVING INCREASE OF 2.1% FOR
2018 AND A SEPARATE 2.1 % FOR 2019 FOR ALL NON-IBEW
EMPLOYEES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE CITY MANAGER AND
THE CITY CLERK, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
WHEREAS, during the 2018/2019 Budget process, the preliminary budget proposed to
eliminate five positions from the General Fund to address the adverse impacts to Seward of recent
state budget cuts amounting to more than $650,000, plus the addition over the past few years of
$440,000 in new annual debt associated with the acquisition of a 330-ton boat lift at SMIC and a
road improvement general obligation bond, and while employees received no cost of living increase,
the City's merit increases and progressive increases were restored; and
WHEREAS, to avoid layoffs in 2018/2019, one position went unfilled in Finance, one
position is to be eliminated in the City Shop mid -way through 2018 with another Shop position
slated to be cut in 2019, nearly all overtime was eliminated from the General Fund, a vacancy factor
of $150,000 was built into the budget necessitating equivalent personnel savings from hiring delays
in order to meet the budget, and two custodial positions were added back to the budget through a
combination of short-term savings from one-time grant administrative fees paying for SMIC debt in
2018/2019; and
WHEREAS, the City Council agreed to consider reinstating some level of cost of living
increase upon determining the City's financial performance results from 2017, and the estimated
2017 surplus is expected to be at least $220,000, after having transferred $254,544 to the capital
acquisition fund in 2017; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to authorize a cost of living increase in the amount of
2.1 % for 2018 for all non-IBEW employees, excluding the city manager and the city clerk, and 2.1 %
for 2019 for all non-IBEW employees, excluding the city manager and the city clerk, with the
understanding that budget resources are becoming more and more constrained as cities throughout
Alaska feel the downstream impacts of State budget cuts, and it becomes more and more difficult to
sustain status quo services and employment levels, given these budgetary constraints.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. A cost of living increase in the amount of 2.1 % is hereby authorized for all non-
IBEW employees, not including contract personnel, in regular employment status as of April 9, 2018,
retroactive to their date of hire or January 1, 2018, whichever is later.
60
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2018-034
Section 2. A cost of living increase in the amount of 2.1 % is hereby authorized for all non-
IBEW employees, not including contract personnel, in regular employment status as of January 1, 2019
and is effective the first day of the first full pay period beginning January, 2019.
Section 3. In the event a new union is formed before the effective date of either of the
authorized cost of living increases proposed by this resolution, all non-IBEW-union employees, other
than the city manager and the city clerk, shall also be eligible to receive these cost of living increases,
subject to the rights of the union to negotiate a labor contract.
Section 4. The 2018 personnel budget is hereby amended and funds are appropriated as
follows: 1) General Fund personnel budget increased $109,894 from the General Fund reserves account
no. 01000-0000-3400; 2) Harbor Fund personnel budget increased $18,697 from the Harbor Fund
reserves account no. 11000-0000-3400; 3) Parking Fund personnel budget increased $2,812 from the
Parking Fund reserves account no. 13000-0000-3400; 4) Electric Fund personnel budget increased
$7,954 from the Electric Fund reserves account no. 15000-0000-3400; 5) Water Fund personnel budget
increased $5,791 from the Water Fund reserves account no. 17000-0000-3400; and 6) Sewer Fund
personnel budget increased $4,446 from the Sewer Fund reserves account no. 18000-0000-3400.
Section 5. The 2019 personnel budget is hereby amended and funds are appropriated as
follows: 1) General Fund personnel budget increased $113,793 from the General Fund reserves account
no. 01000-0000-3400; 2) Harbor Fund personnel budget increased $19,196 from the Harbor Fund
reserves account no. 11000-0000-3400; 3) Parking Fund personnel budget increased $2,873 from the
Parking Fund reserves account no. 13000-0000-3400; 4) Electric Fund personnel budget increased
$7,876 from the Electric Fund reserves account no. 15000-0000-3400; 5) Water Fund personnel budget
increased $5,910 from the Water Fund reserves account no. 17000-0000-3400; and 6) Sewer Fund
personnel budget increased $4,546 from the Sewer Fund reserves account no. 18000-0000-3400.
Section 6. This resolution shall take affect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 9th day
of April, 2018.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
David Squires, Mayor
61
Meeting Diate": April dap 20 1 8
C"Ay, Council
': 1, 1
"I'luou Jim Hunt, & Cty Mariager I I
From,: Kristm-Erchinger, Hnance Director
Agendia Itierri: Jkuttiorize 2.1 % cost, of living aiqjtitst�niertt for, 2018, and, 20,119for all employees exclud.ing the
IBE
10 W un-ion, =24ojees, city mana&rre,i ,an,,,d, citj, clerk,
I INN
10
BACKGROUND & JIUSTIFICAT110N.1
Early 'in the process of pr,diget, the ("'Ity, Couticil and adin;,i,ni,stration sliaTed, t "he goal, of'
fundiin iner 'I ,g a cost of ng ease f,*or Cltv, employees. A serl",eS of signiffican't State budget cuts flow* g throug
City2015 to 2,018, have constrainedt,he City bludgiet, making "it difficult to maintai,n existing service and,
staf-fing levels let alone, oft"'erf 1 11 raises, to Cit C'Mr.)Ioy,ees. Fol.r example, fttndtng�foir co-nimun,i,t)r 'ails has, deefined,
P Y 00 f.11 I
$3,210,0010,,th.le Statie'Chas Nraceited, a, riumber of'offices in City fill all Flredticln,g lease revs ties 'by $15,000, Stae revienue
sharing has declined more than $2,00,000, ditspi'atch contracts h,av,e declined,$12150101, zuid other routine Sta,te, ffindiiig
sources, have declined.
During, the preparation of the,20116/2,017 Budget, to, balatice t,li.e'b,,u,d,geiid,,avol"d, layo.ff�, eniployee menl increases
#
and cost of living increases, we're, ft-ozen, i,n, 1,1011-6 and, 2017 aii,d,sti,,,b,s,eque�i,,,it'l,y - baseld, on, piosi:t�ive 22,1015 financw]
perl'brmai.l lee - Council reinstaled a one, percent one-time bonu,s to emip'loyees on, August 6, 20161. Duringthe
2018/12019, budget proicess, reveillule prq , jections, fell short io'fmeeting expenditure reqsir ements and to avoui, layoiff�,
one, plosition, was, delayed in Finance, ofne pos'i , it , on, was identified -for, eliminatilion, 'in the City Shop mid -way through
I 'denti-fied for elimuiat' - "), 0 19 nearly all overtime was eliminated fromthie
2O 1, 8, canotheil, Shop, poisition was j. ton in.;-
Generalbtid.get, a vaciancy flactor of $1150,000 was built 1',titio, the budget requi.rtnIg an, equtvalerit level of
I cost smr*ng, from h f`ng delay,s,, and, two eus,tod*al po&ft, i.ons were eltm,tnated ia.nd tli,en added back, to the personnie, I S I 1 1, *t
budget tli-rough, a com.bi,,nation of shorti-term savings genieratied from one-tanegxrwiit 'f��es to pay, annual,
SMIC debt prat, per tli�,,an 'the, General Futid, "in 2018/210 19,
# I h When passnig 'the 'budget, 'for 2018/2019,Cou.nic."111 and w:eu sared thi1we des re to review the City's 2017
insitaing, son-lef meas, ure o,,'f' cost of' I s, a, er),rear-
finzanctal perfbntnance to detlem-l''ne t1w I,`eas,tb'l.'t, o' r6' tx,,mg increase ft
end. Based on prellmttiary figures, from,�rezar-end close, '"it appeail,s, the Gienera'll Fund, will close the yearwitha,
sLu,- lusof at "[east $,22,0.,(1)010 a,fter the Cit,�,ir tra,n&l'�:rred, S254,544 to, �the Capital Acquisition Fund during the year. The
P
co,s,to,fa2,.I%cos,tofl'l�v'i,',n eaclio,f")01"1,8,ian,d,20�1,9jses,ti�nc ia, 1, g 1,, n iated 1 t $109,894 atid $11,31,7931, respecfively t"6r the
General Fund.
T'I'le, Cost of living of 2.1, %1 each year Is available to, a,ll, employees, of the City, except tli,ose in the IIBEW unlim the
cily managierand the cit�r clerk as the pay forthose, etiipl,q yejes is, neg,"Ot'lated by separate contract.
INT E N I
IBEW
I I" t,,, n
T"o, atahori ze a, 2. 1 ON) cota �in .2.01,8 and a 2. 1 1% ad.d * t, oiria col,a,,,� . 2,019 1- )r all employees, of Iffie, City exice
P
union, etnp,lo)irees, the ci*tv, a,nager and, the c*ty clerk. 'hi, the eve'nt a separatem "on 's formed, eniployees of that ., M I II 'I
be entitled to, rece've th's cola for both. 2018 d 20119', sul�ject to, the uni,on"s right, to negot'ate a labor, lion i. I 1 1,
contract.
62
CONSISTENCY CHECKLISTIP,
...........
Comprehenswe Plan X
I Strategi , c Pla,,ii, x
I Other, (Itsio.
FISCAL NOIE:
The,impact of the 2.1 ,,/6 Main, 2,018 Is $1,491,594 for all 15und,s, andl:'or'2019 i's $154,194 t"bir all. funds,
Approved by Ftname De� artment
p ....... . . .............................
i
VIEW" Yes O E ".E.Ar No
RECOMMENDATION*
t1i, the
Cily CoUlleflap rove Resolution 210,18,Z uthoriznig a cost of hv,iing in,cire,as ei,-,or non,-IBEW eni,plmives, wt
,P
c
exception of the ciity manager a,nd,, city clerk, in theatnount of 2.1'%ft)r 2,0118 and another 2.1% 2019, and
appropriatt,ng tunds.
63
Sponsored by: Clerk
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2018-035
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, APPOINTING JESSICA FOGLE AS THE DEPUTY CITY CLERK
WHEREAS, on October 23, 2017, Council approved Resolution 2017-070 that authorized
the employment agreement for then Deputy City Clerk Brenda Ballou to replace former City Clerk
Johanna Kinney; and
WHEREAS, immediately following this appointment, at the direction of council, the City
Clerk's office posted and advertised the vacated Deputy City Clerk position; and
WHEREAS, throughout the months of November and December 2017, applications were
received, interviews were conducted, and Riley Shurtleff was selected from the pool of applicants;
and
WHEREAS, Shurtleff resigned from the position after one month, and an internal posting
was distributed to all employees on March 16, 2018; and
WHEREAS, Jessica Fogle had been one of the original interviewees, and was working in
Dispatch when the internal posting was sent; Fogle applied for, was re -interviewed, and was selected
for the position; and
WHEREAS, SCC 2.20.045 (10) requires that any person hired in that position be approved
by a majority vote of the city council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. The Seward City Council approves Jessica Fogle as the Deputy City Clerk, with
all range and progressive requirements established in the current Deputy City Clerk j ob description.
Section 2. This resolution shall take affect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 9th day
of April, 2018.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
David Squires, Mayor
64
Sponsored by: Council Member McClure
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2018-036
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, SUPPORTING THE PROPOSALS THROUGH THE UNITED
STATES BOARD ON GEOGRAPHIC NAMES (BGN) TO PLACE THE
NAME MOUNT MARY ON UNNAMED PEAK 4883, AND THE NAME
SANTA ANA PEAK ON UNNAMED PEAK 4753
WHEREAS, two mountain peaks located east of the City of Seward, on the east side of
Resurrection Bay in the valley of 4th of July Creek, have no official names; and
WHEREAS, the peaks are visible from downtown Seward and are viewed by residents and
visitors on a daily basis; and
WHEREAS, the elevation of the peak directly east of the Seward Marine Industrial Center
(SMIC) is 4,883 feet, and the elevation of the peak approximately 2.5 miles south of it is 4,753 feet;
and
WHEREAS, the summit of each of these peaks is more than five hundred feet higher than
any adjoining high point and they, therefore, may be identified as individual mountain tops; and
WHEREAS, Mary Lowell moved to the shore of Resurrection Bay with her husband, Frank
Lowell, in 1883 and located the first homestead in the area in 1902; and
WHEREAS, Mary Lowell sold a portion of her homestead to Frank Ballaine in 1903 and
that property was included in the new town of Seward as it was surveyed and developed; and
WHEREAS, the ship Santa Ana brought the settlers and supplies to the new townsite of
Seward in 1903, and was an important vessel in this area for a number of years afterwards; and
WHEREAS, Mary and Frank Lowell had nine children together, two of which were named
Alice and Eva; and
WHEREAS, two mountains east of Seward are officially named Mount Alice and Mount
Eva, to commemorate the memories of Alice and Eva Lowell; and
WHEREAS, Peak 4883 was known to many local residents as Mount Eva until 2000 when
that name was officially placed on the peak north of Mount Alice; that action left Peak 4883 without
a name; and
WHEREAS, it would be appropriate to commemorate Mary Lowell by placing the name
Mount Mary on the unnamed Peak 4883. Mount Mary, Mount Alice, and Mount Eva would then be
65
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2018-036
located adjacent to each other, directly across Resurrection Bay from their historic home; and
WHEREAS, it would be appropriate to place the name Santa Ana on unnamed Peak 4753, to
commemorate the vessel which brought the settlers who began the new town of Seward in 1903.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. It supports the proposals through the United States Board on Geographic Names
(BGN) to place the name Mount Mary on unnamed Peak 4883, and the name Santa Ana Peak on
unnamed Peak 4753.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 9th day
of April, 2018.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Brenda J. Ballou, MMC
City Clerk
(City Seal)
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
David Squires, Mayor
66
Sponsored by: Hunt
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2018-037
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, SUPPORTING THE TRANSCO CONCEPT AND AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS WITH OTHER
RAILBELT UTILITIES AND AMERICAN TRANSMISSION COMPANY IN
THE FORMATION OF SUCH AN ORGANIZATION
WHEREAS, the City of Seward Electric Utility, along with all the other Railbelt utilities,
has conducted extensive analysis and study concerning the costs and benefits to Railbelt members of
forming a Transco to operate, maintain and, as necessary, improve the Railbelt's transmission
infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the City of Seward, Matanuska Electric Association (MEA), Homer Electric
Association (HEA), Chugach Electric Association (Chugach), City of Anchorage Municipal Light
and Power (ML&P), Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA) and American Transmission
Company Development Incorporated (ATC) are developing cooperative approaches for sharing the
costs, capital, and operational responsibilities of the Transco; and
WHEREAS, final resolution of the Transco business model will require negotiations among
the parties to resolve operational roles and responsibilities, the equitable short-term and long-term
allocation of transmission revenue requirements, and capital obligations; and
WHEREAS, incorporation of the Transco will require a Certificate of Public Convenience
and Necessity (CPCN) and will be regulated by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. The City Manager is authorized to negotiate with the Railbelt Utilities and
American Transmission Company Development Incorporated (ATC) the initial and long-term
allocation of transmission costs, operational responsibilities and capital obligations in a manner
equitable and favorable to the interests of City of Seward and its members; and
Section 2. An additional resolution shall be brought to council for final approval prior to any
transfer of utility assets, and
Section 3. The Seward City Council authorizes filing by the City Manager, in partnership
with ATC and interested Railbelt Utilities, an application for a Transco Certificate of Public
Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA); and
Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
68
Meetin 0 - # 19, 2018 1 g Date Api 1
To : City Coun-c"111
Through: Jim Hunt, City Manager
From-, John, Foutz, Electric Utility Manager
Agenda'ltein: Resolution of the City Cojunci I of the City of'Seward, Alaska, suppoilling, the
Transco Concept and authorizing the City Majia,gertol enter into negotiatioi�ns with
-npa�ny tn, the for�t adon. of' other Rai, lbel t', Utl, 11 ities �a d Ameri.ican Transniisston luo'i
0
such an organization
0
INTENT.
This residlution authorizes the City Mannager to negotiate matters, of cost allocation anal g, overnance
necessary to the filin,g of a, Certif"on icate of PublIc Cvenience and Necessity, (C�PCN) to f6ri-n, a
Rallbelt Transco,.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No, N/A
Comprehensive Plan (docutnent sout-ce here).-
2030 Stratepc Plan, 3.7'., IA —"Expand, customer base within the Seward
Electric'utifity, area as anwans to reduce energy costs, and it-nprove
I . services." The Transco will result to the to al cost allocation of x
Se aril's transm,ts,sion setwtces through the f-,"orniation of a regilona,l
Transmission-on1y electric utility.
St, rateg� , 1c Plan, (docun n source here).. 19919 Strategic Plan, Page 7,
2. "'Reduce Energy Costs."' Tran,sco formation will, facilitate access, to, x
I ,)ow1etr in the Railbelt.
69
FISCAL NOTE.
The costs of negotlating to form a Transco wi H pn*man m iy involve staff time and some attorney time
for reviemi, which are expected to be paid within the current budget. Any final decisions Will requu*e
ftirtha action by the City Council.
10
Approved by Finance Department: y4az.-�) I . . .......
U
ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes No Not Applicable
RECOMMENDATION: The City of Seward support the formation of a Transco to help the
0 #.
,electric ratepayers of the Seward Utility by collectively working together with other Railb;elt Utiliti 0 es
and ATC.
Resolution 2018-037
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City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
March 12, 2018 Volume 39, Page
CALL TO ORDER
The March 12, 2018 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:00
p.m. by Mayor David Squires.
OPENING CEREMONY
Lieutenant Doreen valadez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
David Squires presiding and
Marianna Keil
Sue McClure
Suzanne Towsley
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Jim Hunt, City Manager
Brenda Ballou, City Clerk
Absent — None
Ristine Casagranda
Erik Slater
Jeremy Horn
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR
PUBLIC HEARING
Carl Norman said his light bill had increased 35% over last year's bill for the same billing
period and exactly the same kilowatt hours. He understood that the city was looking into the
problem, but said council had a fiduciary responsibility, and that would extend to personal liability if
this situation wasn't handled well. His observation was that people were leaving town because of the
high cost of utilities.
Carolyn Roemer said she came to council one month ago to speak about the electric rate;
two weeks ago she wrote to administration and had not received a response yet. She didn't
understand how she could have a 3 5 % increase. Council Member Casagranda had spent many hours
with Roemer trying to help her understand the rate structure. Roemer wished council would take a
look at how rate changes were handled, and how citizens could be provided fair notice. She
suggested an oversight committee be established for the electric utility department.
Melody Jordan said, although she resided outside of the city limits, she considered herself a
Seward resident. Within the last week, as Jordan had been made aware of the sewer and water tariff,
she spent time with Finance Director Kris Erchinger to understand what was happening. Referring to
a laydown she provided, Jordan said there would be an actual 33% increase in her daughter's
business. The tariff was not simple to understand; she had tried to look back from 2005 to compare
historical rates.
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Carol Griswold said she supported the request for a work session on the 2018/2019 budget
because the budget that council voted on was incomplete; several items related to pay rates and
position classifications were not available until February, 2018. She recalled that the 2016/2017
budget had included a wrap-up session, and Griswold wished council would have a similar session
for this current budget. She thanked the Electric Department for keeping the power on during the
recent snowstorm, and Public Works Department for clearing the roads.
Val Boulden lived outside of city, but was very concerned with electric rates. Her son had
recently purchased a house inside the city limits, and he was not living in it, but was remodeling it;
his electric bill was $642.
Tara Riemer said she wished to speak about the sewer tariff, and the impact of that on the
Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC). The ASLC was moved from Class C to Class D in the new tariff; the
use of city water was incidental to its operations because they used salt water for their operations, so
she didn't understand why they were reclassified because the use of fresh water was incidental to
their purpose. The change in rate structure in resolution 2017-077 was presented as a "housekeeping"
issue, but in actuality it had a huge impact on customers; in their case, the bill for ASLC went up
65% on the last bill. Instead of delaying the effect date of this tariff, Riemer requested that council
rescind the tariffs until they could be fixed.
Melody Jordan echoed Riemer's sentiments and requested council rescind Resolution 2017-
077 and Resolution 2017-078. Jordan had spoken with many business owners in town, and no one
understood how to read it.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Keil/Casagranda) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
McClure added an Executive Session to discuss the strategy for negotiating the city manager
contract.
Towsley added an item to Other New Business to discuss scheduling a special meeting to consider
rescinding Resolution 2017-077 and Resolution 2017-078.
Towsley added an item to Other New Business to discuss the DMV.
Casagranda added an item to Other New Business to schedule a work session to understand the new
2018 electric tariff and bills.
Squires added a proclamation for Seward's Day under Special Orders, Presentations And Reports.
Motion Passed
Unanimous
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City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
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The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Non -objection to the liquor license renewal for Alaska Seafood Grill #3021 —
Restaurant/Eating Place.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Proclamations & Awards
Wolfgang Kurtz
Trevan Walker
Seward's Day
Borough Assembly Report. Kenn Carpenter said the assembly had a long meeting last
Tuesday, much of it devoted to school budget issues. The assembly voted down the proposed bed
tax increase, but was considering a sales tax increase from 3.0% to 3.5% for the schools there
would be a public hearing on that proposal on April 3, 2018. There was also proposal of a ten cent
per gallon gasoline sales tax increase that would go directly to the schools. Carpenter encouraged
people to express their opinions to the assembly about those tax issues. Kim Leslie from Seward
High School had been awarded Teacher of the Year by her union. He had recently taken a tour of
some of the roads that were of concern, including Lowell Point Road. The borough mayor wanted
to take $3 million from the $8 million land trust fund to pay off the borough deficit. Carpenter
encouraged citizens to contact him about any borough issues; his email was kcarpentergkpb.us.
In response to Squires, Carpenter said 78% of the borough's budget was for the schools.
The school district reported to the borough that 56% of the students attending could not afford
meals, and so the schools were providing breakfasts and lunches.
City Manager's Report. Jim Hunt stated the following purchase orders between $10,000
and $50,000 had been approved by the city manager since the last meeting: $20,330 to Acme Fence
for a Little League backstop; $2,350 to Ingraham Books for the library.
Providence Seward Medical & Care Center had received a new CT scanner, and it was
already up and running.
A Request for Proposals (RFP) had been released for 2018/2019 Seasonal Transportation
which had the following scoring criteria:
Age, Condition, Quality & Appearance of the Coaches 20%
Customer Service 20%
Safety Record 20%
Seating Capacity & ADA Compliance 10%
Cost 30%
100%
Administration was currently reviewing some animal shelter design plans. The drainage issue
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City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
March 12, 2018 Volume 39, Page
that had been previously reported at the shelter had been repaired.
Electric Utility Manager John Foutz followed up on Chugach Electric's proposed purchase
of ML&P, and said Chugach would be in Seward to make a presentation to council at the March 27,
2018 meeting.
Hunt said tsunami inundation maps would soon be posted in the hallway at city hall for
public viewing.
In response to Squires, Fire Chief Eddie Athey provided a brief synopsis of the tsunami
debrief and tabletop exercise. One gap identified was that the Fire Department could communicate
better with the radio station. In response to McClure, Athey said the Fire Department was working
on a list of phone numbers and website resources for the radio to use as reference. In response to
Squires, the response from the departments during the tsunami warning event could be improved.
Regarding the tabletop exercise, Athey said the scenario entailed a severe winter storm; department
involvement was well attended and very effective.
Finance Director Kris Erchinger said regarding the tariff changes, the titles of the original
resolutions were not intentionally misleading; council was not responsible for the impact of those
tariff changes. The new structural changes had been tested for rate change impacts, and they did not
uncover any issues of concern. The Finance Department had taken a random sampling of customers
in each class and did not identify any major issues. In her opinion, the 2.1 % rate increases were not
the heartburn, but instead the class changes were what had the greatest impact; customers who were
eligible for metered rates versus unmetered rates. There was a difference between small business and
large business; historically, some customers being moved to large commercial, would suffer a 33%
increase. Erchinger had not anticipated the impact on the ASLC, and had not yet identified the reason
for it. Erchinger had an all -new billing staff, and was currently the only person in her department
who understood the computer system and could explain what the issues were.
Regarding the electric bill, Erchinger said two years ago the city hired a consultant to study
electric rates; the recommendation was to provide seasonal rates to provide relief to the year-round
residents. The first year of the seasonal rates, the consultant recommended a 25% increase in the
summer, and 25% decrease in the winter; the intention was to decrease people's overall utility bill by
25%. Chugach Electric charges the city approximately $350,000 per month for fuel surcharge; that
cost was spread across all kilowatt hours. When the city lost two large users, the impact was that the
fuel surcharge was spread across kilowatt hours to a larger effect. Erchinger was actively pursuing
the identification of errors in the electric bills. Erchinger would like to address having a major
overhaul of all the tariffs.
Regarding the 2018/2019 budget, Erchinger said none of the pay rates and position
classifications changed in this budget; there had been no change to them from the previous budget.
Regarding social media, Erchinger wished to address comments made about the city's
employee wellness program. The program started in 2008 in response to an insurance rate increase of
$ 5 0 each employee. Employees who participated in the wellness program had the opportunity to earn
rewards, and the program has been helpful in promoting wellness.
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City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
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Erchinger wished to address COLA, merit and progressive increases for the 2018/2019
budget: the COLA stayed out of the budget, merit and progressive increases were included, and five
employees' jobs were saved. Further, Erchinger added that the Wage Committee was convened only
when a department head proposed making a major change to a job description that would potentially
impact the pay rate associated with that position.
Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations — None
PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS — None
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 2018-019, Designating KIBH - 91.7 FM, Seward As An Adjunct First Responder
Entity And The Official Broadcast Channel For Emergency Information And Related
Activations And Alerts.
Motion (Keil/Casagranda) Approve Resolution 2018-019
McClure said this resolution would make the radio station more formally recognized as
Seward's radio station. In response to Casagranda, McClure confirmed that this resolution was
intended only to recognize the radio station and would not encumber the city for any future financial
obligations. Squires hoped this resolution would assist the radio station to obtain grant funding.
Motion Passed
Other New Business Items
Unanimous
Schedule a work session to review year end budget.
Following some discussion, the consensus of council was to schedule this work session on the day
after the conclusion of the audit, which was estimated to be late May, 2018 or early June, 2018.
Discuss having a special meeting to consider rescinding Resolution 2017-077 and Resolution
2017-078.
Council proposed having a special meeting on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. Council
Members Casagranda and Towsley would sign the request.
Discuss the DMV.
Towsley wanted to inform the public that road testing was currently not available in Seward due to
unforeseen events with staff. Kell added that the DMV back up person would be getting trained on
road testing on April 17-19, 2018, and following that road testing in Seward could resume.
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City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
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Schedule a work session to understand the new 2018 electric tariff and bills.
Council scheduled a work session on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 immediately following the special
meeting with the topic: Understanding the new 2018 Electric tariff and bills.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
Clerk's Report on Public Records Requests for February, 2018.
City Projects and Goals.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Horn wished to follow up on the social media discussion; he thought social media could be
explosive platform, but could also be a great venue for a free trade of ideas. Horn thought Patrick
Messmer did a good job monitoring his threads.
Slater congratulated Wolfgang Kurtz and Trevan Walker for receiving proclamations. He
thanked everyone for speaking out tonight, and also thanked the city for clearing the roads so well.
Casagranda said thanked everyone for speaking out tonight. She requested that council be
provided the resolution that established the employee wellness program.
McClure said thanked everyone for coming; she hoped people could see that council was
working hard. She thanked Erchinger for the thorough explanations tonight. McClure thought that
snow brought out the good in people, as she often witnessed people helping people to clear their
snow.
Towsley thanked everyone for reaching out to her about their concerns, and for coming to
speak tonight. She thanked Erchinger for her explanations tonight. Towsley echoed Horn's
comments about social media; she thought this town was connected through Facebook, and agreed
that it could be helpful or ugly. She hoped people would use it constructively.
Squires thanked Casagranda and Erchinger for the three hour meeting to discuss the budget
and electric bills; he thought that if Erchinger and Casagranda worked together on preparing for the
work session, the public would learn a lot. He congratulated Wolfgang Kurtz and Trevan Walker.
Squires encouraged everyone to prepare themselves and their families for a disaster; the rule of
thumb was to plan to be self-sufficient for 72 hours. Squires informed council that he had asked the
Seward Community Health Center (SCHC) if they would be interested in partnering on sending Jean
Bardarson to Washington DC; the SCHC would pay half the cost, and he would pay the other half.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Patrick Messmer spoke about social media, saying he apologized if he hurt anyone's
feelings. Professional disagreements didn't mean that he had any bad personal feelings towards
anyone.
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City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
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Melody Jordan said she appreciated the special meeting to rescind the resolutions.
Regarding social media, she had looked at the Seward Citizens Forum on Facebook and thought it
could be a good thing as long as it didn't get personal. She thought perhaps comments could be
reviewed by the city and taken as constructive comments.
Tara Riemer said, as a private citizen, her blood pressure was through the roof right now.
She had been considering thoughtfully about what she was going to say to council tonight; she had
been cautioned by many people to not speak up for fear of retaliation. In her view, there was a lack of
trust in the city due to lack of transparency. Perceived retaliation could be as damaging as real
retaliation, just like a perceived conflict of interest could be as damaging as a real conflict of interest.
A lack of trust meant that people assumed poor intent, and no one gave anyone the benefit of the
doubt. The community was asking for transparency as demonstrated through public records requests;
reports are made about those requests, the perception was retaliation, and trust was eroded — it was a
vicious cycle. Riemer suggested a few things that might help improve the situation: assume good
intent; start being more transparent; and, ask for help from a consultant because the entire
community was impacted by the situation, not just employees.
Lynda Paquette appreciated Tara Riemer's message. She reported that the sewage lagoon at
Lowell Point had been stinking lately. Referencing an ML Foster report from 2012, Paquette said the
report stated that that sewage lagoon was not large enough for the expected capacity; she requested
that council review three reports that had been issued by ML Foster to refresh themselves on the
recommendations for maintenance.
Carol Griswold said the annual evaluation of the city manager in an open meeting was both
enlightening and discouraging; the goals should be "SMART" — specific, measurable, achievable,
results -focused, and time -bound. Griswold considered the city manager's self -evaluation ratings to
be unrealistic, as they were almost perfect. She thought there was much room for improvement.
Brad Snowden wished to discuss the airport, and said he had asked Representative Don
Young about how he could help. Also, regarding his concept of a new cruise ship dock, Snowden
said the project would not cost the city any money, only their support.
Kris Erchinger wished to speak as a citizen, and expressed her condolences to Nanci Richey
who recently lost a member of her family. She was proud to work for the city, and thought there was
a great staff at the city; she thought that people jumping to assuming that people were disgruntled
was not always fair. In her time, she had worked for a lot of city managers, and she was proud of City
Manager Hunt. Erchinger was committed to making the city a better place; she felt that deliberate
animosity only tore down our little town and that was sad.
COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS
Hunt said the Planning & Zoning Commission joint work session with the Seward Bear
Creek Flood Service Area Board had been planned for some time, and he wanted to be sure that
people were made aware of the new change in location. Also, related to his self -evaluation, Hunt said
he completed the paperwork that he had been furnished.
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City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
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Towsley said she thought exit interviews would be an important tool for understanding
people's reasons for leaving employment with the city. She also wanted to confirm that there would
be a resolution regarding the union on the March 27, 2018 council agenda.
Keil reminded everyone that on March 19, 2018 there would be a work session to discuss the
animal shelter, bike park, ice rink, and the potential for outsourcing some Parks & Recreation
functions.
Casagranda requested there be an update at the next council meeting from administration
regarding the state of the Lowell Point Sewage Lagoon; she had noticed lately that the lift station
nearest the waterfall had been smelly.
Squires thanked Patrick Messmer and Kris Erchinger for their comments. Squires concurred
with the request to have a sewage lagoon update from administration. He also committed to look
into the 2012 ML Foster report and share it with council.
Council recessed at 9:43 p.m.
Council resumed at 9:49 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion (Keil/McClure)
Go into executive session to discuss
threatened litigation.
Council invited the city attorney to attend via telephone.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Council went into Executive Session at 9:50 p.m.
Council came out of Executive Session at 10:29 p.m.
Council recessed to Friday, March 16, 2018 at 12:00 p.m.
Council resumed on Friday, March 16 at 12:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
David Squires presiding and
Marianna Kell Ristine Casagranda
Sue McClure Erik Slater
Suzanne Towsley Jeremy Horn
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City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
March 12, 2018 Volume 39, Page
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Brenda Ballou, City Clerk
Absent — None
Motion (Towsley/Casagranda)
Motion Approved
Motion (McClure/Keil)
Motion Passed
Send Jean Bardarson to Washington, DC
in the interest of the Seward Community
Health Center, paying up to $1,500 in
travel expenses from the council's budget.
Yes: McClure, Slater, Keil, Squires
No: Casagranda, Towsley
Abstain: Horn
Go into executive session to discuss strategy
for negotiating the city manager contract.
Unanimous Consent
Council went into Executive Session at 12:10 p.m.
Council came out of Executive Session at 12:57 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 12:58 p.m.
Brenda J. Ballou, MMC
City Clerk
(City Seal)
David Squires
Mayor
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City of Seward, Alaska City Council Special Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2018 Volume 40, Page
CALL TO ORDER
The March 20, 2018 special meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 5:30
p.m. by Mayor David Squires.
OPENING CEREMONY
Finance Director Kris Erchinger led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
David Squires presiding and
Marianna Keil
Sue McClure
Suzanne Towsley
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Ron Long, Assistant City Manager
Brenda Ballou, City Clerk
Absent — None
Ristine Casagranda
Erik Slater
Jeremy Horn
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR
PUBLIC HEARING
Melody Jordan spoke on behalf of a local business, asking for Resolution 2017-077, 2017-
078, and 2018-008 to be rescinded; she provided some two dozen letters she had collected from
concerned citizens to support her request. Jordan said she had performed a comparison of water
usage over three months and was curious why the gallons were always even numbered; she was
having difficulty following the tariff because it was convoluted.
Andrea Rodriguez said her electricity usage had dropped from 82 kilowatts per day down to
46 kilowatts after her family had performed some home improvements. However, last month's bill
showed a dramatic increase right back up to where it was before. She encouraged council to consider
other sources of revenue generation in order to help people who were trying to raise families in
Seward.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Keil/Casagranda)
Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
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City of Seward, Alaska City Council Special Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2018 Volume 40, Page
Motion to Amend Agenda (Casagranda/Keil) Amend the agenda by removing Resolutions
2018-0209 2018-021, 2018-022, and 2018-
023 •
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
Main Motion Passed
NEW BUSINESS
Unanimous
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Special Orders, Presentations And Reports
Presentation On Sewer Tariff Historical Rate Problem, Water Tariff Classification Issue, And
Plan To Retroactively Revise February, 2018 Electric Bills.
Other New Business Items
Discuss Hiring External Classification And Rate Study For The Water And Sewer Tariffs,
Long said the last rate study conducted on water, sewer, and electric had been done in 1993.
Administration would like to have a rate study conducted on water and sewer.
Public Works Director Doug Schoessler said the City of Kenai had a rate study conducted
by CH2M Hill in 2011 which cost $34,000 and did not include a classification study; around the
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City of Seward, Alaska City Council Special Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2018 Volume 40, Page
same time, the City of Soldotna had a similar study performed by HDR and had paid around the
same amount of money. Schoessler thought the money would be well worth spending on a new study
since it had been so long; typically, studies are recommended to be conducted every 5-10 years. Long
added that a study that combined rates and classification would cost more.
In response to Squires, Schoessler said the benefits of having an outside agency hired to
conduct a study were that it put the experts in charge of the analysis, and it ensured the results would
be objective. Schoessler added that part of the analysis would include a review of the city's budgets
for costs, revenues, and capital improvements.
Erchinger stressed that having a classification study performed would be critical for the city,
because it had been so long; she suggested having a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a rate study that
included an Additive Alternate for a classification study, and thereby possibly mitigate sticker shock
on the cost, as well as provide options for pursuing one or both avenues.
In response to Squires, Erchinger said if the city chose to work with an outside agency, there
could be the option to have some local citizens involved in the process, and the RFP could be written
in such a way as to reflect the city's desire to have public input. Erchinger believed that on the
whole, residential customers were paying too much; that said, it meant that some commercial
customers were not paying enough, and she was concerned that a citizen -only study group may not
be as objective in their findings because of their commercial interests.
Casagranda said the City of Homer was successful in having a citizen group address a rate
study; it took them nine months, and it resulted in a workable solution. In addition, Casagranda
hoped that by having citizens involved in the process, the tariffs would become more easily
understandable.
Slater would be interested in exploring both ideas: to see what an outside agency would cost,
and to explore the idea of having a citizen group formed.
In response to Horn, Long said the timeline for a study to be conducted was relative to the
scope of work requested.
Erchinger said different classifications had different issues, so if the RFP could be designed
in such a way as to require public input sessions to focus on certain classifications, the information
gathered may result in higher quality feedback.
Squires wished to set direction for administration: develop an RFP for a water and sewer rate
and classification study; include a requirement for the vendor to hold a public input session at the
beginning of the process to outline how the vendor would be collecting data, how that data would be
used, and listen to public concerns; include a requirement for the vendor to hold another public
session, prior to finalizing findings, to show the public what data was collected, provide information
about what direction the vendor thinks the data would be leading, and listen to public concerns.
Casagranda felt the city did not need to spend any money on this issue, and that an ad hoc
study committee comprised of citizens established today, could be very effective. An ad hoc
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City of Seward, Alaska City Council Special Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2018 Volume 40, Page
committee could hold as many public input sessions as necessary and address any segment of the
classifications.
Erchinger mentioned that the Port and Commerce Advisory Board (PACAB) could be
another resource for council to consider using to study the issues and obtain public input.
Squires stated there were a number of varying ideas being discussed, and wanted each
member of council to express their wishes: Horn said since it had been 25 years, he definitely
thought they should go with an RFP and he definitely wanted to have public input included,
regardless of who was running the study; Slater concurred with Horn, and also with the idea of
having a citizen group work on the issue simultaneously; Casagranda liked the idea of engaging
PACAB, and also wished to have a group of citizens be involved all along the way throughout the
study; Keil was in favor of having a rate study done, and wanted to have PACAB involved; McClure
wished to have an RFP released to see what costs might be, and liked the idea of having PACAB
involved, too; Towsley also wanted to see what the costs would be for hiring a vendor, and liked the
idea of simultaneously having an ad hoc citizen group and PACAB.
Erchinger clarified that the RFP should be for a rate study with an additive alternate of a
classification study, and council confirmed.
Discuss Amending The Water, Sewer, And Electric Tariffs.
Council directed administration to bring forward resolutions for public hearing and approval
at the April 9, 2018 meeting.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
McClure appreciated everyone who came tonight; hoped it was obvious to citizens that
council and administration were working hard to fix the problems with the tariffs.
Towsley thanked everyone for coming tonight and being so involved. She was unclear on
what the final direction was from council on involving PACAB and/or an ad hoc study group.
Squires responded that administration would include PACAB into the development of the RFP, and
it was up to council to pursue an ad hoc committee; encouraged council members to start considering
who they would nominate for the committee.
Squires reported he would be out of town starting April 9, 2018 and returned April 19, 2018.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Darryl Schaefermeyer thanked everyone for the work they put in on this issue. He recalled
back on November 27, 2017 when these tariffs were discussed that he didn't realize what the impact
would be on his business. He thought the most important thing a consultant could do for the city was
a classification study, and that a rate study could follow; it was important to know who the customers
were in each classification. Schaefermeyer would welcome council requesting assistance from
PACAB.
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Melody Jordan thanked everyone for all their hard work. She thought that good will was
worth more than money, and that an ad hoc committee would go a long way toward promoting good
will because it would involve the citizens. Jordan disagreed with how the city used Enterprise Funds
to pay off debt load between departments.
COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS
Casagranda reminded everyone that immediately following this meeting tonight was a work
session to discuss the electric tariff and bills.
Erchinger had personally followed up with every citizen who had spoken out at the last
council meeting to help them understand what was happening with their utility bill.
Long said administration would be bringing forward a change to a finance position, replacing
an Accounting Technician with a Financial Analyst. Also there would be a proposal for aone-time
Cost of Living (COLA) increase for employees for 2018 and 2019.
Squires thanked Schaefermeyer for getting PACAB involved.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8 :24 p.m.
Brenda J. Ballou, MMC David Squires
City Clerk Mayor
(City Seal)
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CALL TO ORDER
The March 27, 2018 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:04
p.m. by Mayor David Squires.
OPENING CEREMONY
Police Chief Tom Clemons led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
David Squires presiding and
Marianna Keil
Sue McClure
Suzanne Towsley
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Jim Hunt, City Manager
Brenda Ballou, City Clerk
Will Earnhart, City Attorney
Absent — None
Ristine Casagranda
Erik Slater
Jeremy Horn
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR
PUBLIC HEARING
Cuno Hansen said he had been a linesman for forty years; he was behind including the two
Electric Utility Department staff members to the IBEW one hundred percent.
Rebekah Ivy wanted to show her support for IBEW petition for recognition. As a support
staff, she worked hand in hand with the IBEW. She believed that unnecessary fragmentation would
occur if she was not allowed to be included in IBEW. The workers in that department acted as a
team, even though not everything was in their contract; they worked hard and they worked well
together..
Justin Roberts said he was the general counsel for IBEW. The Field Engineer and
Administrative Assistant were the two positions being requested to be added. Avoiding
fragmentation, coupled with the expressed desires of employees wishing to be added, were two
reasons why he supported the petition.
Vernon Willet said he supported the IBEW petition; he believed there was a commonality of
interest in the Electric Utility Department, and he thought having two contracts in one department
would add an undue burden on the department manager. The IBEW workers did a lot of work that
was helpful to the community, and they continued to demonstrate a spirit of cooperation.
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Patrick Messmer wanted to speak in regards to the union resolution on tonight's agenda. He
was concerned that there were a few items in the resolution that didn't match up with what council
agreed to at the last work session, as well as a few other concerns: the election results should be
based on a majority of votes cast, not eligible members; the list of employee positions in the
resolution was missing some of the positions that had been discussed and agreed upon; since
seasonal workers were "at will" they were afforded no protection on maintaining their job and should
not be included; the opt out period should be more generous than ten days; and, the Excelsior list he
had requested had not been provided yet.
Brad Snowden said he had been speaking to Jim McCracken about having a 6,000 foot the
Seward airport, and said McCracken was supportive. The other project Snowden was interested in
was connecting the downtown area with the harbor via trolley cars, and Snowden thought Marc
Clemens would be a good person to take the lead on that.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Keil/Casagranda) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Keil added a Chugach Electric presentation regarding the purchase of ML&P.
Keil added the Introduction of Ordinance 2018-001 to New Business and requested it be on consent.
Keil requested the change the order of business to address the IBEW petition as the first item of
business, following the introduction of Ordinance 2018-001.
Keil added a proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
Casagranda added an item to Other New Business to appoint an ad hoc finance committee.
Towsley added an item to Other New Business to discuss the Jane Boer letter from March 8, 2018.
McClure requested to put Resolutions 2018-025, 2018-026, and 2018-027 on consent.
Keil requested to combine the two proposed work sessions into one, and schedule it on Monday,
April 9, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
Casagranda requested to postpone the discussion of the 50th Anniversary of Sister City with Obihiro,
Japan Celebration Plans to the April 9, 2018 meeting.
Motion Passed
Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Ordinance 2018-001, Amending The Zoning Designation Of Lot Bl Forest Acres Levee Replat,
From Resource Management (RM) To Auto Commercial (AC) In Compliance With The Land
Use Plan, Located At 2413 Seward Highway. (Introduction only; this will comeforpublic hearing
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and enacted on April 9, 2018)
Resolution 2018-025, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Contract With Kendall
Ford For The Purchase Of One Ford AWD Police Patrol Vehicle, For An Amount Not To Exceed
$379879.000
Resolution 2018-026, Authorizing The City Manager To Issue A Purchase Order To Alaska
Environmental & Safety Supply, Inc. For The Purchase And Installation Of Police Emergency
Equipment On One Model Year 2012 Ford Explorer, The Cost Not To Exceed $1,620.00.
Resolution 2018-027, Authorizing The City Manager To Purchase A Replacement Vehicle In
The Form Of A Dodge 2500 4x4 Truck From Anchorage Chrysler To Replace A 2002 Dodge
4x4 Truck At The Harbor, And Appropriating Funds In The Amount Of $31,2270
Resolution 2018-028, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into An Agreement With
Marathon Electric LLC To Provide Support For The Electric Meter Roll -Out Scheduled For
April And May Of 2018.
Approval of the February 26, 2018 Regular Meeting Minutes and the February 28, 2018
Special Meeting Minutes.
Non -objection to the new liquor license and approval of Restaurant Designation Permit
application for The Highliner Restaurant, Restaurant/Eating Place — Public Convenience
#5621.
A work session was scheduled for Air Force Recreation Camp Development Concepts & South
Harbor Launch Ramp Replacement Project on Monday, April 9, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Proclamations & Awards
Margaret Anderson
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
Chamber of Commerce Report. Cindy Clock reported that Mount Marathon Race
registration would close at midnight on March 31, 2018; there were already 648 applications for
priority racers and 920 lottery race applications. The grey whale migration whale tours had started
with Kenai Fjords Tours and Major Marine Tours. The Seward Second Saturdays had been very
successful. The SMIC Relaunch event would be April 20 & 21, 2018. There would be a Rotary
Conference in Seward on May 18-20, 2018. Matt Eagleton from NOAA was making a site visit to
Seward this week to plan ahead for the Western Groundfish Conference in 2020. The Seward
Chamber of Commerce was supporting a small business incubator project. On April 13, 2018, Tara
Reimer would be at the chamber's member luncheon to speak about the Alaska SeaLife Center's
upcoming 20th anniversary.
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City Manager Report. Jim Hunt stated the following purchase orders between $10,000 and
$50,000 had been approved by the city manager since the last council meeting: None.
Hunt said the federal lobbyist reported to him that the 2018 fiscal year budget included
$950,000 for the US Army Corps of Engineers to continue with the alternative study. As well,
administration was seeking grant funding for the harbor and animal shelter. The Lowell Point
Sewage Lagoon was being monitored regularly; the public could contact dispatch to report any
problems.
Finance Director Kris Erchinger wanted to update the status of the utility billing update:
the water and sewer rates were now accurately reflected at the correct 2.1 %, and the pre- 15th meter
read misbill issue had been corrected. The April 9, 2018 city council meeting would be addressing
the water and sewer tariff corrections. The BDO auditors were at the Seward Community Health
Center (SCHC) this week; next week five auditors would start in the city. The monthly Chugach
Electric bills were being posted on the city website called COPA in the document center. The city
had been advertising the auction sale of the property located at 408 Madison Street; bids were due to
the city clerk's office no later than May 2, 2018 by 4:00 p.m.; information could be found on the city
website under 2018 surplus.
McClure inquired about the status of the Eastern Peninsula Highway Emergency Service
Area (EPHSA) update. Hunt said the board had been meeting, and with the change in administration,
the new Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce had decided to transition away from an independent
coordinator and possibly go with a fire chief instead.
City Attorney Report. Will Earnhart said he had been in Seward for two council meetings
and two work sessions last month. He reported that the City Clerk's office had received a recall
petition, which Earnhart had turned over to another attorney in his firm. He was concerned with
many of the posts being put out on Facebook; there were some very inaccurate postings being put out
there. There were two temporary/seasonal employees had been notified repeatedly of their
employment status since December, 2017; both employees were currently eligible for rehire. One of
those employees had applied for a position in the city and, after not getting the job, had contacted the
city with questions as a reporter. Earnhart encouraged everyone to move forward, to work together,
to trust but verify, and to ask questions.
Casagranda stated that she, after receiving a threatening letter and after not receiving any
feedback or guidance from the city attorney for ten days, had sought legal advice from another
attorney for her own security and peace of mind. She had incurred a $600 bill as a result, and wished
to be reimbursed for the expense, citing that she had been scared and uncomfortable talking to other
members of council or administration about the situation. Squires offered to work with Casagranda
and administration to see what could be worked out. Keil said she objected to paying this bill
because she believed it was a personal expense, and Squires reiterated that he wished to have the
opportunity to look into the matter before it went to council for approval.
In response to Casagranda, Earnhart said any member of council who had questions or
concerns should contact him. Earnhart said he had repeatedly tried to reach out to Casagranda, but
she had not responded. He wanted to be clear that the city indemnified council members in many
instances, and he wished to be contacted with any concerns so that he could protect their interests.
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Towsley stated she was the council member against whom the application for recall was
filed. In response to Towsley, Earnhart said Holly Wells and Katie Davies from his firm were
working on the application.
Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations
Margo Fliss from the UAA Business Enterprise Institute's Center for Economic
Development (CED).
Chugach Electric presentation regarding the purchase of ML&P.
PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS — None
NEW BUSINESS
Approval of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Petition For
Recognition.
Motion (Casagranda/Towsley) Approve the International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers (IBEW) Petition For
Recognition
Casagranda thought it made sense to have everyone, the Field Engineer and the Executive
Assistant, in the Electric Department in the same union. Towsley also supported the petition.
Earnhart wanted to explain why he thought these positions should not be allowed into the
IBEW. The existing employees in the IBEW had a greater "community of interest" with each other
than the administrative position would have. There would potentially be two IBEW contracts
necessary to address the different job types, plus the APEA contract, plus the non -union Title 3
employees. Earnhart was also concerned with "bleed over" wherein the admin position in the Electric
Department could potentially end up being paid at a very disparate rate than other admins throughout
the city. Earnhart was concerned with protecting the city's interest in the long run for having
duplicative jobs in two different unions.
In response to Towsley, if APEA came into the city, there would be two union contracts. The
difference with the IBEW linemen union, there were no replacements or substitutions for the work
they did. Earnhart followed up by explaining when there were two unions that covered similar jobs,
there was the potential for jealousy between the two positions. Erchinger said when the Electric
Department admin was on vacation, some of the duties fell to Payroll to pick up; if there were two
different unions, with two employees in two different unions or non -unions, covering the same
position could potentially lead to conflict.
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Horn asked if there was any way to avoid these conflicts going forward, in the event that
council allowed IBEW and APEA. Earnhart said the risk was in the future interpretation of the
contracts and the work that both positions performed.
McClure asked if the Field Engineer would be a position of concern, as well. Electric Utility
Manager John Foutz said there was only one position in his department that did the work of a field
engineer, and he didn't know if there was cross over to other departments.
Slater thought because there were only two positions being impacted, he supported the
petition.
Keil wished to split the positions, allowing the Field Engineer to go to IBEW and the
Executive Assistant to go with APEA.
Squires had questions about the city's ability to move people around. APEA had requested to
represent these positions first. McClure concurred with Squires that this petition could be considered
in the future. Towsley thought there may time sensitivity for this petition to be addressed.
Motion (Keil/McClure)
Motion to Divide Passed
Motion
Motion Passed
Motion
Motion Passed
Divide the question to address the Field
Engineer and the Executive Assistant
separately.
Unanimous Consent
Approve the Field Engineer
Yes: Slater, Horn, Towsley, McClure,
Casagranda, Keil
No: Squires
Approve the Executive Assistant
Yes: Towsley, Casagranda, Horn, Slater,
No: McClure, Keil, Squires
Resolution 2018-024, Authorizing A Union Representation Election For Certain Employees,
Identifying The Job Positions Eligible To Vote, And Providing Direction If An Affirmative
Vote Results.
Motion (Keil/Casagranda) Approve Resolution 2018-024
Erchinger said there were two departments previously discussed that had multiple seconds;
because of the nature of the departments, they wished to have the flexibility to choose from more
than one second. Hunt recommended council approve this resolution.
Motion to Amend (Keil/Towsley)
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 2 by
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striking the Field Engineer and the Electric
Dept. Executive Assistant
Motion to Amend Passed
Motion to Amend (McClure/Casagranda)
Motion to Amend Passed
Motion to Amend (Casagranda/McClure)
Motion to Amend Passed
Motion to Amend (Towsley/Keil)
Motion to Amend Passed
Motion to Amend (Casagranda/Towsley)
Motion to Amend Passed
Motion to Amend (Casagranda/Towsley)
Motion to Amend Passed
Motion to Amend (Casagranda/Towsley)
Motion to Amend Failed
Unanimous
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 3 by
changing the words to read: "If a majority
of votes cast by eligible employees vote have
voted to be represented, then an executive
session will be held to provide direction to
the Administration to negotiate a contract
with APEA."
Unanimous
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in the 6tn
Whereas by striking the words, "either
supervisory or confidential and,
therefore,".
Unanimous
Amend Resolution 2018-024 by adding the
word, "Regular" in the title so it reads,
"...FOR CERTAIN REGULAR
EMPLOYEES" and in the Sections so it
reads, "... for eligible regular employees... ".
Unanimous
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 2 by
adding, "MIS Senior Technician".
Yes: Keil, McClure, Towsley, Casagranda,
Slater, Horn
No: Squires
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 2 by
adding, "MIS Aide".
Unanimous
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 2 by
adding, "Accounting Supervisor".
Yes: Casagranda, Slater, Towsley
No: McClure, Keil, Horn, Squires
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Motion to Amend (Casagranda/Towsley)
Motion to Amend Passed
Motion to Amend (Casagranda/Horn)
Motion to Amend Withdrawn
Motion to Amend (Casagranda/Towsley)
Motion to Amend Passed
Motion to Amend (Casagranda/Towsley)
Motion to Amend Withdrawn
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 2 by
adding, "Patrol Sergeant".
Yes: McClure, Slater, Horn, Towsley,
Casagranda
No: Keil, Squires
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 2 by
adding, "Police Department Executive
Assistant".
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 1 by
adding, "The City Clerk will receive a list
of all eligible regular employees on Friday,
April 13, 2018 by 5:00 p.m., and will
provide that list to City Council."
Unanimous
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 4 by
striking, "...ten (10) days..." and replacing
it with, "...at any time...".
Primary Motion to Amend (Casagranda/Towsley)Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 4 by
adding, "Thereafter, any employee wishing
to opt out of the union must give thirty (30)
days written notice and then shall be
considered as having opted out."
Secondary Motion to Amend (Casagranda/Towsley)Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 4
by adding, "Any employee wishing to opt
back in may do so after the next contract is
negotiated."
Secondary Motion to Amend Passed
Primary Motion to Amend Passed
Motion to Amend (Towsley/Casagranda)
Unanimous
Unanimous
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 4 by
adding, "...and approved by council." to
the last sentence.
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Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
Motion to Amend (Towsley/Casagranda)
Motion to Amend Failed
Motion to Amend (Casagranda/Towsley)
Motion to Amend Passed
Motion to Amend (Towsley/Casagranda)
Motion to Amend Failed
Motion to Amend (Towsley/Casagranda)
Motion to Amend Passed
Motion to Amend (Towsley/Casagranda)
Motion to Amend Passed
Main Motion Passed
Other New Business Items
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 2 by
Adding, "Shop Foreman, Wastewater
Foreman, and Street Foreman".
Yes: Horn, Casagranda, Towsley
No: Keil, McClure, Slater, Squires
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 2 by
Adding, "Shop Foreman".
Yes: Slater, Towsley, Casagranda, Horn
No: Keil, McClure, Squires
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 2 by
Adding, "Street Foreman".
Yes: Towsley, Casagranda
No: Slater, Horn, McClure, Keil, Squires
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 2 by
Adding, "Wastewater Foreman".
Yes: Towsley, Casagranda, Horn, Slater
No: McClure, Keil, Squires
Amend Resolution 2018-024 in Section 2 by
Adding, "TYC Coordinator".
Yes: Towsley, Casagranda, Slater, Horn
No: Keil, McClure, Squires
Unanimous
Discuss 50th Anniversary of Sister City with Obihiro, Japan Celebration Plans. This item was
postponed to the April 9, 2018 agenda.
Council unanimously approved postponing all other business, except the Executive Session, to the
April 9, 2018 agenda, and approved moving directly to Citizen Comments from here.
Discuss and/or schedule a work session for Brad Snowden's cruise ship dock concept. This item
was postponed to the April 9, 2018 agenda.
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Discuss appointing a Special Ad Hoc Council Study Committee to research and study the
water and sewer tariffs, and provide recommendations to council. This item was postponed to
the April 9, 2018 agenda.
Discuss appointing a Special Ad Hoc Council Study Committee to research and study the
electric tariff, and provide recommendations to council.. This item was postponed to the April 9,
2018 agenda.
Discuss appointing a Special Ad Hoc Council Study Committee for finance. This item was
postponed to the April 9, 2018 agenda.
Discuss the March 8, 2018 Jane Boer letter. This item was postponed to the April 9, 2018 agenda.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
On -going City Project and Goal List.
Clerk's memo on Seward International Friendship Association (SIFA) and student exchange travel
stipend account.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Towsley said disappointed the city manager was unable to finish tonight's meeting. An
application for recall had been submitted against Towsley. She said many of the things being said
about Towsley were not true; a recall would be divisive and cost the taxpayers money. She
welcomed questions from anyone, and was not afraid to share the truth with people. She thanked
administration, council, and the public for getting through the process of addressing all the
resolutions.
McClure thanked everyone who came and said she thought council did something
remarkable tonight. She wished everyone a Happy Easter.
Keil thanked Margaret Anderson for all her years of service to Seward. She reminded
everyone that March 31, 2018 was the deadline for applying for the Permanent Fund Dividend
(PFD).
Slater thanked the crowd for coming tonight.
Horn thanked everyone for the turnout tonight. He thought it had been a grueling couple of
months, but that progress was being made. He thanked administration for all their hard work, council
for their time, and all the people for coming out.
Squires thanked administration for their work and the public for coming out. He reminded
council that he would be gone from April 8 — 13, 2018 in Baltimore, and then would be going
directly to Washington, DC through April 17, 2018.
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Erchinger said the city manager had been suffering with a very serious health issue and had
difficulty staying through tonight's meeting; she implored people to have compassion.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Becky Dunn had attended an animal shelter meeting earlier today; there had been 17 people
in attendance. She wished to give an update on funding for a new shelter: $29,450 the city had in a
fund from donations, and SOS Pets had $17,000. Fundraising thermometers were being made to
show the level of donations received. Dunn thanked Margaret Anderson for her years of service, and
for speaking up in support of the animal shelter. She thanked Keil and McClure for attending the
animal shelter meeting and for providing good input.
Patrick Messmer thanked council, administration, and his department head for the work on
the union resolution.
Rebekah Ivy said thanked all three unions who showed up for these council meetings. She
thanked Casagranda and Towsley for supporting the employees and the union.
Vernon Willet thanked council for their hard work, and for recognizing the Electric
Department as a team. The team in that department was better than it ever had been in his eight years
with the city.
Lynda Paquette thought tonight was a great meeting. She was hoping for a follow up on the
smells from the lagoon, as well as the status on locating the ML Foster reports. The community of
Lowell Point had not forgotten about calling dispatch to report problems; the smell now was not the
hydrogen sulfide smell as it was a couple years ago, but was more like outhouse or dumpster smells.
Regarding Lowell Point Road, there was a Facebook page called Friends of Lowell Point Coalition.
The community was concerned that a rock had fallen down today, and a vehicle window had been
smashed out as it was driving by.
Doug Schoessler encouraged people to contact the Public Works Department directly if
anyone noticed smells. He had three foremen in his shop, and putting someone into acting status
interfered with his employees being on call or receiving overtime.
COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS
Erchinger said administration was considering creating a Facebook page to counter social
media. She wished to dispel bad information posted on Facebook from a temporary employee who
was working at TYC and who had not complied with standard operating procedures. A harassment
claim ensued, and Erchinger had been accused of retaliation as a result. Erchinger cautioned the
public about believing everything they saw on social media. On another note, donations for the
animal shelter could be submitted at the utility counter.
The meeting was recessed to Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 12:00 p.m.
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The meeting resumed on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 12:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
David Squires presiding and
Marianna Keil
Sue McClure
Suzanne Towsley
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Brenda Ballou, City Clerk
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion (Keil/Casagranda)
Motion Passed
Ristine Casagranda
Erik Slater
Jeremy Horn
Go into executive session to discuss
negotiation strategy for the City Manager's
contract.
Unanimous
Council went into Executive Session at 12:03 p.m.
Council came out of Executive Session at 12:38 p.m.
Council directed the Negotiating Committee to meet with the city manager.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 12:39 p.m.
Brenda J. Ballou, MMC
City Clerk
(City Seal)
David Squires
Mayor
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�oF SF�9_
�•Agenda Statement
q sr`P
Date: April 9, 2018
From: Brenda Ballou, City Clerk
Agenda Item: Appointment of Election Board for Union Representation Election
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
According to Seward City Code 04.01.115 (a), the City Clerk, subject to the approval of the City
Council, shall appoint three individuals who shall constitute the election board for the May 8,
2018 Union Representation Election for certain employees of the City of Seward, Alaska
consisting of one member designated by the Alaska Public Employees Association (APEA), one
member designated by the Administration, and one citizen member.
The election board is scheduled to convene at 8:00 a.m. on May 8, 2018 and will be bound by oath to
oversee the vote and the canvassing of this election.
This election board will comprise of the following individuals:
• Gene Christian, APEA Representative
• Patrick Messmer, APEA Representative
• John Foutz, Administration Representative
• Norm Regis, Administration Representative
• Mark Kansteiner, Citizen Representative
• Katie Turnbull, Citizen Representative Alternate
RECOMMENDATION:
The Seward City Council approve and appoint the above individuals to be the Election Board for the
May 8, 2018 Union Representation Election.
97
�oF SF�9_
�•Agenda Statement
q sr`P
Date: April 9, 2018
From: Brenda Ballou, City Clerk
Agenda Item: Appointment of Canvass Board for Union Representation Election
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
According to Seward City Code 04.01.115 (a), the City Clerk, subject to the approval of the City
Council, shall appoint four or more qualified voters who shall constitute the canvass board for
the May 8, 2018 Union Representation Election for certain employees of the City of Seward,
Alaska.
The canvass board is scheduled to convene at 5:00 p.m. on May 8, 2018 and will be bound by oath to
count the Absentee and Election Day ballots.
This canvass board will comprise of the following City of Seward residents:
• Dorothy Osenga, Chair
• Lori Draper
• Jennifer Carr
• Johanna Kinney
• Quentin Carr
RECOMMENDATION:
The Seward City Council approve and appoint the above citizens to be the Canvass Board for the
May 8, 2018 Union Representation Election.
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CITY PROJECTS & GOALS
Updated for April 9, 2018 City Council meeting
The following list of City Council projects and goals was reviewed, discussed, and updated at the February 12,
2018 City Council meeting.
1. ADA ACCESSIBLE PARKING AT CITY HALL
Council directed the city clerk to provide a history of why the location for municipal elections
was moved from City Hall to the K.M. Rae Building, as it related to ADA accessibility. City
Clerk history and status provided February 27, 2018.
2. SET LOCATION FOR SATELLITE FIRE STATION AND PUBLIC WORKS
BUILDING
3. DISCUSSION ON AIR FORCE RECREATION CAMP SITE
Council held a joint work session with the Planning & Zoning Commission on February 28,
2018. Directed administration to have Community Development bring forward multiple land
use concepts. (Previous council work session was held September 25, 2017)
April 9, 2018 works to discussv concepts.
4. SALTWATER HEAT PUMP PROJECT
5. ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF CITY HALL
6. GROUND TRANSPORTATION FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES
Directed administration to provide an update on ground transportation for ambulance services.
7. ANIMAL SHELTER IMPROVEMENTS
(Council passed Resolution 2017-035, Authorizing Replacement Of The Roof Of The Seward
Animal Shelter, In An Amount Not To Exceed $6,851.00, And Appropriating Funds.) March 19,
2018 work session; directed administration to look into potential locations and funding options.
8. RESEARCH ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIAL TELECONFERENCING
POSSIBILITIES FOR MEETINGS
Directed the city attorney to provide advice on teleconferencing possibilities for elected and
appointed officials. City Attorney opinion provided February 14, 2018.
9. UPDATE THE KPB TSUNAMI WARNING MESSAGE TO INCLUDE SPECIFIC
REFERENCE TO THE LOCAL RADIO STATION (91.7/106.1)
Directed administration to provide an update on the status of modifying the tsunami warning
announcement to include specific radio information, and also request the borough add a sticker
to their brochures which identifies the Seward radio station. Resolution 2018-019 designated
KIBH-FM 91.7 as the city's official radio station for emergencies, and authorized the City
Manager to work with borough to include radio station information in tsunami warning
broadcasts.
10.INCENTIVIZE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT -TYPE BUSINESSES TO COME TO
SEWARD
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11. AFFORDABLE HOUSING (INCLUDING SUMMER WORKER HOUSING)
Council will hold a work session in May, 2018.
(Previous council work sessions were held on May 22, 2017, June 12, 2017, and July 11, 2017)
12. SEWARD COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE CENTER EXPANSION
Directed administration to provide an update on the Seward Community Health Care Center
expansion. March 12, 2018 council meeting authorized to pay up to $1, 500 in travel expenses
for Jean Bardarson to travel with city representatives to Washington, DC in April, 2018.
Update:i , 2018 trip to Washington, DC
13. BUILDING MAINTENANCE
14. LED LIGHT CONVERSIONS
15. EXPLORE POSSIBILITIES FOR CREATING A REVENUE STREAM FOR THE
ANIMAL SHELTER AND SOS PETS
16. PURSUE AVENUES TO INCREASE WINTER RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES
17. CONDUCT CITY-WIDE DISASTER EXERCISE TO INCLUDE MOVING
RESOURCES, EVACUATION FO THE PUBLIC, ENGAGING OUTSIDE AGENCIES,
AND PUBLIC INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
18. EXTEND CITY UTILITIES INTO VIABLE AREAS TO SUPPORT FUTURE
RESIDENTIAL HOUSING
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