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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05042022 PACAB Meeting PacketPort & Commerce Advisory Board Agenda Packet Regular Meeting Wednesday, May 4, 2022 City Council Chambers 12:00 p.m. 4, 2022 The City of Seward, Alaska PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING AGENDA 12:00 Council Chambers Brandii O'Reagan 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Term Expires July, 2023 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Lynda Paquette 3. ROLL CALL Vice Chair Term Expires July, 2024 4. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE Bruce Jaffa ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Board Member Term Expires July, 2024 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA [Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk (*). Consent Agenda Carl Hughes items are not considered separately unless a council member so requests. In the event Board Member of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda] Term Expires July, 2023 6. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Colby Lawrence Board Member A. Proclamations and Awards — None Term Expires July, 2022 Benjamin Smith B. Administration Report Board Member Term Expires July, 2022 C. Harbormaster Report Fred Woelkers D. Other Reports and Announcements [Reports must be submitted to the city Board Member clerk no later than noon on the Tuesday preceding the Monday meeting for Term Expires July, 2024 inclusion in the packet. Five (5) minutes speaking time will be allowed for each report.] Stephen Sowell 1. Alaska Railroad Report by Port Operations Manager Christy Assistant City Manager Terry. 2. Chamber of Commerce Report by Executive Director Kat Norm Regis Sorenson. Harbormaster Jodi Kurtz E. Presentations [Presentations are limited to ten minutes each, excluding Q&A, Executive Liaison and are limited to two per meeting unless increased by PA CAB.] 1. Update on the project to clear the trees from the electric lines Brenda Ballou and status of net metering by Electric Director Rob City Clerk Montgomery. City of Seward, Alaska Port & Commerce Advisory Board Agenda May 4, 2022 Page I 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Other New Business Items * 1. Approve the April 6, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes. *2. Approve the April 20, 2022 Special Meeting Minutes. 8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS [No Action Required] A. PACAB's 2022 Priorities & Goals. 9. CITIZEN COMMENTS [There is no sign in for this comment period. Time is limited to five (5) minutes per speaker.] 10. BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS It. ADJOURNMENT City of Seward, Alaska Port & Commerce Advisory Board Agenda May 4, 2022 Page 2 Assistant City Manager Stephen Sowell PACAB Members, As you all know, the City is hard at work to improve the housing situation. On this front, there are a number of projects underway and I wanted to provide you with a status update on the three primary projects: 1. Hemlock Subdivision: R&M Engineering was on site earlier this month and conducted a geotechnical investigation, with boring holes at several locations on the site and at varying depths. We should be receiving the final report in the coming weeks with analysis and narrative. That information will be coming to City Council and the public after we receive the report. The replat and rezone work is continuing and will be going before Planning and Zoning in May before proceeding to the Borough. Lastly, R&M Engineering is working to design the required water, sewer, and road for the proposed subdivision and providing a cost estimate. Once we have that information, the City plans to issue and RFP for bringing in these utilities. The electric will be provided in house by the City of Seward Electric Department. The objective is to have all of these elements completed in time for construction to begin Spring 2023. 2. Utility Expansion Master Plan: R&M Engineering is working on creation of a Utility Expansion Master Plan. This document will provide valuable information on where and how to best increase access to water, sewer, and electric utilities within City limits for the purpose of residential development. The first focus will be on Forest Acres and the Master Plan report is scheduled to be available by August 2022. 3. SMIC Bench: This project is still in the feasibility study phase and we know that the project will be technically difficult as the terrain is steep and there are a number of ravines that would need to be crossed to bring in roads and utilities. However, early information indicates approximately 250 acres of developable land are available on the bench. The feasibility study is scheduled to be completed by August 2022, but it could be extended to the complex nature of the investigation. I will give you a status update on these projects once you return from your summer hiatus and look forward to continuing the investigation into solving Seward's housing crisis! I hope you all have a great summer season. Stephen Sowell Assistant City Manager City of Seward, Alaska www.cityofseward.us 0-907-224-4066 C-907-362-4062 F-907-224-4038 0' Q 0 0' O E ry Z O v - 0' O o 000 ¢ v o_ � 1 0 Y o' a = o a r v Y oN o � 6 o N � v w o = ry v � m o IY v o N ¢ 0 N O v N — o `o S N � v 0 0' Q o Cl) .°o ®oo° 0 o E S E — z F O O O _ E E E O j F V 0 0 F F 3 vv O F O Q o o V _ o — w O V V V o_ o_ o_ 0 0 0 O 0 0 0 0 F F F F F F F F w O 0 0 F F Q a � 0 PACAB HARBOR ➢ The 330 ton Travelift was very busy this week due to warming temperatures, we are currently placing vessels into the water. ➢ We are trying to keep the SMIC yard water flowing into the ditches with all this additional rain. ➢ The water throughout the harbor will be start being turned on during the first week of May. ➢ We are still working with the public with COVID protocol in mind while continuing to do boat lifts and public contact in the Seward Harbor office. ➢ A continuous cleanup is still in process on the last lot at SMIC, this cleanup is starting to take shape, just a few more items to deal with and we can lease out the property again. ➢ The harbor staff is short one Harbor Worker II we are currently doing interviews. ➢ The harbor office will be open seven days a week starting May 8th. ➢ Continuing to have meetings for the North East harbor launch ramp, the contractor are placing the concrete ramp and other items for the project. ➢ Global Diving & Salvage has finished replacing the anodes, we are just waiting on the cell survey to finish the project. ➢ Harris Sand and Gravel the contractor has all the G, K and L-=float docks in place, all the cathodic anodes have been welded on, the water and fire lines are installed and the electric wires are being installed this week, we are still waiting on some hardware/pedestals for the project. ➢ We will open up G K and L-float to vessels once the electric wire is pulled and the deck boards are secured. ➢ We are continuing to work with Moffatt & Nicole on the design for the 5 ton crane on I - Dock. ALAEF2KA RAILROAD May 4, 2022 Port and Commerce Advisory Board City of Seward Port of Seward Alaska Railroad Mission- Through excellent customer service and sound business management practices, provide safe, efficient and economical transportation and real estate services that support and grow economic development opportunities for the State of Alaska. Vessel and Passenger Traffic- 0 April- 29 vessel log entries at the Alaska Railroad docks. These vessels included normal freight trade, long term barge and vessel storage with repairs, Sikuliaq research vessel, Alyeska/SERVs training vessel, special project barges and fuel deliveries. Vessel traffic concentrated on vessels preparing for the upcoming summer barge season including project barges for Western Alaska and beyond. • We had freight train loads arrive and depart in April and looking forward to more freight train traffic this summer. • 2022 Coastal Classic schedule — May 7 — September 18, 2022. Strong sales continue! • First Cruise Train schedule begins May 9 with the first Cruise Ship of the season. • This year, we expect 76 ships to dock at our Seward terminal. This translates to 93 Cruise Ship days and 13 double ship days when you include the ships that overnight. The April 20t" updated Cruise Ship Schedule is attached to this report with one additional handwritten update. Other Items- 0 The Alaska Railroad will no longer require employees or passengers to wear masks, following determinations from the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) and from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The Alaska Railroad's mask mandate has been based on CDC, FRA and TSA requirements. While the CDC still recommends wearing masks in indoor public transportation settings, ARRC will not institute its own mask mandate policy. Masks are optional for both employees and passengers, with recommended social distancing. • 2022 Cruise Season Multi -Port Agreements under review for approval by the Alaska Railroad Corporation. • ARRC leadership team is attending Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami April 25-28 to meet with our Cruise Line Partners and share information on our Cruise Dock replacement project. • ARRC leadership team will be in Seward May 13 and will meet with the public at the Chamber of Commerce Building 1000-1100 to provide updates on Cruise Ship Dock Operations and Replacement Project. More information will be provided as we get closer. ChristyTerry, Accredited Marine Port Executive Seward Port Manager C V) CD r > oil dz°�� �74 CD C ,ti O � O rZ CD rr�' �. r O N p, O N 'ic1� i mC 1 tv Oz T �D N �O N ur O LZ �p GJy. 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Pd n c 3 fD a m 3 W 0 a m w c' w CO) s V n A <D 7 Q d N O N N r C Z -- z €N €a e r r r 7> a a m A a a m A v c c rFOv+ � Z N O 0 0 yo z� �za s � L N LLL2z CCz.. z n z O O O N C a a z 0 0 0 H z H a > a a a _ m v. ti. ti N n ti ti City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 6, 2022 Volume 4, Page CALL TO ORDER The April 6, 2022 regular meeting of the Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Brandii Holmdahl. OPENING CEREMONY Chair Brandii Holmdahl led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: Brandii Holmdahl, presiding; and Lynda Paquette Colby Lawrence Benjamin Smith comprising a quorum of the Board; and Stephen Sowell, Assistant City Manager Norm Regis, Harbormaster Kris Peck, Acting City Clerk Excused — Woelkers Absent — None Vacant — One Bruce Jaffa Carl Hughes Frog W elke CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Carol Griswold said best management practices would put the washdown pad as far away from the water and businesses as possible. The washdown pad system should be contained so nothing entered the water. The proposed small building would not block overspray. The proposed system would not protect the pedestrians and coffee shops nearby. The location was too close to both water and people and needed to be relocated. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Paquette/Lawrence) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approve the February 16, 2022 PACAB Special Meeting Minutes. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 6, 2022 Volume 4, Page Approve the March 2, 2022 PACAB Regular Meeting Minutes. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Proclamations & Awards — None Administration Report. Assistant City Manager Stephen Sowell said he was interested in feedback about how to differentiate between the harbormaster report and the administration report. Specifically, he wanted feedback about what type of information PACAB would like to hear from administration. Holmdahl suggested that administration could provide information about topics that would impact PACAB so the board had advance warning. Smith referenced PACAB's priorities list and felt it would be helpful to have administration's input on tracking progress. Jaffa requested from administration a heads up of impending problems or successes. Jaffa wanted affirmation that the efforts of the board were helpful to council and administration. Ideally, he would also like to avoid surprises about administration's direction. Paquette wanted to clarify how exactly the harbor and administration reports would be separated. Jaffa brought up that the harbormaster had often been in Acting City Manager status and, therefore, his reports were unique because the reported had combined administration and harbormaster information together. Regis announced that Deputy Harbor Master Matt Chase was retiring at the end of the month and flyers would be posted for his retirement party. All projects were moving forward in regards to the new floats. Paquette asked about update on some Styrofoam that had become separated from the floats. Regis responded that he called the contractor and all floats were accounted for. It remained unsolved where any loose Styrofoam could be coming from. The floats located at the airport and Lowell Point were still intact on the beach. The contractor had collected signed waivers stating that if any Styrofoam floats broke free the owner was required to retrieve them. Other Reports and Announcements Alaska Railroad Report. Port Operations Manager Christy Terry was not present. Chamber of Commerce Report. Executive Director Kat Sorenson reported the Chamber just sent out a community and membership survey to get a better understanding of the housing issues and what people were looking for. The chamber's new Hometown Guide would be City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 6, 2022 Volume 4, Page printed later this week. The chamber had been working with the city to install electric vehicle charging stations. Overall, everything was moving along smoothly. Presentations — None NEW BUSINESS Resolutions Resolution 2022-005, Recommending That City Council Amend The Port & Harbor Tariff Regulations To Increase The Wait List Fee, Labor And Personnel Charges, Boat Tow Fees, Travelift Fees And Wharf Demurrage Rates Effective January 1, 2023 Motion (Jaffa/Paquette) Approve Resolution 2022-005 Regis wanted to clarify that on the fees in the right hand column were rounded to the nearest dollar. Hughes asked about the Travelift fees being set. Regis clarified that in 2015, the 330-ton Travelift fee was raised, but the 50-ton lift had not been raised. Regis agreed the calculations were correct for the roughly 26% increase. Motion Passed Other New Business Items Unanimous Discuss the Harbor Washdown Pad and Creosote Floats. Regis reported the washdown pad was at 95% design and the city was waiting on the grant money to build it. In the design there are two hatches, one for washing and one for storm water, just like at SMIC. After every boat lift the owner of the boat would be required to pressure wash the pad with hot water. A mesh spray guard could be raised and lowered as needed. The spray guards would be made of a fine mesh material that was big enough to protect the Train Wreck from overspray. Regis also noted the boats in question were much smaller than the ones at SMIC. Paquette asked if a new location should be considered. Regis responded there was no more city land available in the area other than the Northeast Parking Lot. Jaffa noted that as far as overspray was concerned, the Travelift would likely not be used on windy days. Lawrence stated that in his line of work he had used the washdown pad across the bay at SMIC. The washdown pad was a game changer for cleanliness. After the 330 ton lift was used, the boat crew swept and pressure washed the pad. He fully supported the location and design. Lawrence also noted the bottom paint on boats now was more environmentally friendly than the old paint in previous years. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 6, 2022 Volume 4, Page Jaffa mentioned his surprise at the big jump on the wash down pad design progress from 65% to 95% since last month. He suggested a sign for the washdown pad to help with public relations with pedestrians. Lawrence brought up the Alaska Railroad train arrived daily at 11:30 a.m. right across the street and large crowds of people walked from the train depot into the harbor. He hoped the washdown pad schedule would take things like that into consideration and refrain from use during peak times. Paquette felt the City was doing their best to address public concerns and took all feedback into consideration. Hughes believed that with Norm at the helm, Seward had one of the most progressive harbors in the country in terms of being environmentally friendly. He thought the washdown pad was in the perfect location. Smith wondered if the concerns that PACAB and citizens had discussed were ever relayed back to the design team and engineers. He wanted to make a recommendation to have a spotter to be on the lookout for overspray and safety. Smith recalled his experience using the fine mesh material and found it effective, but also extremely fragile and advised the Harbormaster to have spares readily available. Holmdahl wanted to touch upon the location being next to the seafood processing plant. As a processor herself, she didn't have concerns with the washdown pad. She was happy with the progress being made and wanted to move the discussion to the creosote floats. Regis explained the floats were protected by a plastic rub rail. Even on a hot day there would be no leeching of creosote into the water. In the old days the creosote on the pilings were much worse. These new beams would have a 50 year lifespan. Holmdahl thanked Regis for the clarification that the creosote would not actually be submerged in the water. Paquette noted the packet for this meeting has all the backup documentation in it. This project went through proper permitting and proper evaluation. Historically, there have been concerned citizens who were very upset about creosote in the water. Previous administrations were not as transparent as they are now and citizens have become more skeptical. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS PACAB's 2022 Priorities & Goals as approved by City Council. CITIZEN COMMENTS — None City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 6, 2022 Volume 4, Page BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Smith thanked the harbormaster for the updates. He wanted to comment on a letter published in the Seward Journal by a local realtor; she wrote about realtors in this town receiving a lot of unfair flak about the housing crisis. Hughes wanted to thank citizens for bringing their concerns, but he felt these projects were being done correctly. Paquette said PACAB often received letters from citizens and wondered if PACAB would like to see the correspondence on the agenda so they would be discussed as a group. Sowell recommended the PACAB chair advise administration about what items they wanted to see on the agenda. Paquette mentioned the Robert's Rules of Order books were available for check out from the city clerk's office. She congratulated Chase on his upcoming retirement. Lawrence wanted to thank Regis for all the information. Lawrence voiced his 100% support in favor for both the washdown pad and the new floats. He emphasized that he valued citizen feedback and opinions. Jaffa was sorry to hear that the realtor was getting any flak for being in the real estate business. He also pointed out some irony of the giant agenda packet that killed trees in order to discuss the creosote pilings environmental impact. Jaffa wanted to invite builders and bankers to PACAB to do presentations on the housing crisis. He reported Senator Murkowski was in support of types of projects like the heat loop project. Jaffa felt that all future construction involving sidewalks should include heat loop technology. Holmdahl was under the impression that PACAB had agreed to stop the housing presentations and focus on summarizing what they have heard so far. She expressed gratitude to both citizens and administration for being involved in these projects. Regis had recently conducted interviews to replace Chase. Regis was pleased to announce that current harbor employee Tony Sieminski had accepted the job as Deputy Harbormaster. Sowell reported he attended the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District (KPEDD) meeting in Soldotna on Monday. Sowell learned that Homer had no bed tax or business licenses for short term rentals, so Seward was better positioned in those regards. The Homer chamber director said they were dealing with a same type of housing crisis as Seward. Sowell added there were a lot of similar conversations taking place along the peninsula in regards to housing issues. Paquette mentioned Girdwood was recently in the news for having a housing crisis. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 6, 2022 Volume 4, Page ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 12:59 p.m. Kris Peck Acting City Clerk (City Seal) Brandii Holmdahl Chair City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Special Meeting Minutes April 20, 2022 Volume 4, Page 46 CALL TO ORDER The April 20, 2022 special meeting of the Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Brandii Holmdahl. OPENING CEREMONY The board led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: presiding; and Lynda Paquette Colby Lawrence Benjamin Smith comprising a quorum of the Board; and Matt Chase, Deputy Harbormaster Brenda Ballou, City Clerk Excused — Holmdahl, Jaffa Absent — Hughes Fred Woelkers CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Darryl Schaefermeyer, inside the city, provided his recollection of the city's heat loop project from 2014/2015, and said the project was originally intended to include four buildings. He believed it was reduced to two buildings in 2020 due to the cost. Schaefermeyer thought a two building project would cost approximately $2 million, while a four building project would be $4 million. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Lawrence/Smith) Motion Passed There were no consent agenda items. NEW BUSINESS Other New Business Items Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Unanimous City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Special Meeting Minutes April 20, 2022 Volume 4, Page 47 Appoint an Ad Hoc Committee to identify potential funding sources for the city's heat loop project. Applicants are: Bob Linville, Bruce Jaffa, and Griffin Plush. Paquette recited portions of the public notice that solicited interested citizens, and said a fourth letter of interest was received from Joevahnta Weddington and had been provided as a laydown. Paquette asked the board if anyone objected to including two of the letters because they were received after the deadline. There was no objection from the board. Paquette asked the board if anyone wished to have any of the applicants contacted to make a presentation or to answer questions, or if the board believed they had enough information provided in the letters of interest by which to make a decision. Lawrence thought he had enough information, but because Bob Linville was present, he would welcome comments. Bob Linville stated he was aware of the project since it started, and would help if he could. Paquette asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to be considered, in addition to the four applicants. In response, Darryl Schaefermeyer raised his hand. Woelkers thanked all the citizens who volunteered for this committee. Paquette appointed the following citizens to the Ad Hoc Committee: Bob Linville, Bruce Jaffa, Griffin Plush, Joevahnta Weddington, and Darryl Schaefermeyer. Paquette appointed Bruce Jaffa as the committee Chair. Paquette stated the committee would be required to comply with Alaska's Open Meetings Act, which involved notifying the city clerk in advance of any committee meetings so that the meetings could be properly noticed to the public. CITIZEN COMMENTS — None BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Paquette appreciated everyone for applying to serve on this committee, and wished the committee the best of luck finding funding sources for the project. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 12:16 p.m. City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Special Meeting Minutes April 20, 2022 Volume 4, Page 48 Brenda Ballou, MMC City Clerk (City Seal) Lynda Paquette Vice Chair O N O O .y U U U O ct U O z cn ul � y u y ul O i•r � u U O V] v i ul ul ct O ul ul ul N ul ul z7 U — N ct 41" Q O ul -CJ U .O R U O N O U L U ci ul ^ U lci U a Q O O x O U " s. cIJ O "� i� ^� 'rj U O - U � n j U .fl O g vUiul O� to ^� U U �O Qj toU OU N b�A "� C/] > C,3 U Q U S'"-, U C, �-+ p U � ,.t," • � p +UU s U � bUA � U U O� N.'� "p n" ^� O O O O O U U U S S M O O cl W U U ^O '� U C U c. r O •� U s O O U S S �. 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