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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01232023 City Council - Laydown - Zinis Pc ,J1a \1\`1 ` 6° ' \ - A \ CC �` January 22, 2023 L ' yovi Silvia Hristova Lazarova Sofia Bulgaria L 1 ` 3 ZIP 1000 Tel: +359884914910 Email: silvia_lazarova96@abv.bg Dear Mayor and City Council, In 2018, I was a J 1 student in Alaska. I had a secured job, but I wanted to work a second part-time job. I started working for Elliott and Toni in one of their restaurants. They hired me even though I had no experience. They were very nice to me and helped me with the work in the kitchen. I started working at the Railway Cantina. Elliott and Toni were very helpful, encouraging and understanding throughout the summer I worked for them. They were very correct and kind. The schedule was very convenient for me, they always asked me and my colleagues. The payment was always correct and I was very satisfied with the accuracy of Elliott and Toni. They were very good organized. Because of them, in the summer of 2019, I returned to Alaska to work full-time job. I was working again at my favorite restaurant, the Railway Cantina. I want to thank them for helping me, making the time spent in Alaska unforgettable and full of memories and emotions. Best regards: Silvia Lazarova pia January 21,2023 Georgi Tyanev Plovdiv; Bulgaria ZIP 4000 Tel:+359894071399 Email: georgetyanev@yahoo.com Dear Mayor and City Council, I am writing this letter from Bulgaria to recommend and provide my opinion about Elliott Jackson and Toni Strauss. I use to work for them for 2 seasons like a J1 Student, but I strongly believe that was enough time to know them good and to have an accurate opinion. My first experience abroad in USA was is Seward AK Season 2017, it's far sway from my country, I was worried about it, because I didn't have professional experience and my English skills weren't enough to communicate properly. Toni and Elliott decided to hire me for a line cook at Chattermark, my manager their was a Bulgarian girl, because they understood and accept that my English was bad, and will be easier for me to work with someone who can speak my native language. I really appreciate that opportunity and I will be always tankful. To be honest I use to see Elliot angry and mad, but always he had a good reason for it. If I should give you an example that was at the begging of my summer, Elliot saw how in Chattermark the bartender was giving free beers to strangers and most of the staff were steeling food, then we had a meeting and he was really mad bout it, he fired the bartender and explained to rest of us that, we should start paying for the food and follow our contracts. I completely understood that, and for me that was a normal reaction, 2-3 days after the situation he came to me and said: "Sorry Georgi, If I was mean and rude with you" btw I will never forget that "sorry" it's mean a lot for me. The reason to explain that is to show how careful he was with me (stranger from Bulgaria), even when he was right to be mad. Everyone will be in bad mood if the employees steeling and wasting money. I really appreciate the treatment from Elliot and Toni, and cannot say anything bad about them, that's why I came for the season 2018 then I was with better English.I was promoted to a kitchen manager in Chattermark with so many duties and responsibilities. That summer was amazing. I use to talk with them everyday, about supplies, needs, problems, inventory lists etc. and I didn't have any problems, even when I was wrong, they were so polite with me, and always reminded me how talented I am, that made me so confident to feel myself useful. nb3 0( /a The experience and the chance for me to run the restaurant was unbelievable, and to say Thank you is not enough. I forgot to say about our bonuses, he sent me and the rest of student to free cruises and paid the gym for us, we had so many great moments but my letter will be so long if I continue writing. I use to work in USA couple times after my summers in Seward, and if I should compere my employers, Elliot and Toni treatment was the best one. Kind regards, Georgi, ?a Li is RECEIVED" Cam. P TY January 15, 2023 BAN Q 2023 __. City of Seward OFFICE OF THE 410 Adams Street CITY CLERK Seward, AK 99664 Dear Mayor and City Council, I have been employed with Elliott Jackson and Toni Strauss, owners of ZPA LLC, for the past 8 years. I am a cook and a restaurant manager at the Alaska Seafood Grill. I live at the Pond Studios apartments, outside city limits, and I work year around,with paid vacation time. I have been witness to the condition of other restaurants that Elliott and Toni have purchased over the years. When we took over the Seasalt (Christos Palace),that place was falling apart. The kitchen was the worst area: dirty, broken equipment, and rotten floor boards. Purchasing the value of a place isn't enough;the worst part come afterwards when every city department came to complete inspections for the new owner to keep operating. There was no grace period for the deficiencies to be corrected. They expected the work to be done Now! The civilians don't see that. The city departments never come through to do the right inspections under the previous ownership because it was the same people who owned over the years and they think is ok to just allow the business to keep going, unless something happens, or a new owner is on board; then all the problems show up. I remember perfectly how bad the Seasalt was and look now: it is clean and nice with a beautiful patio. It is something to feel proud of, but all those people against Elliott won't see that. They don't know that that Breeze Inn hotel will need more than just a purchasing;that place will need a lot of work, such as furniture,new painting, etc, etc. Anyway, God bless America and God bless all of us to keep looking forward. Sincere , ~` - An onio driguez oR January, 22, 2023 Yanek Spasov Mazulov Sofia - Bulgaria ZIP 1000 Tel: +359876720607 Email: vanekspasovmazulov@gmail.com Dear Mayor and City Council, I want to express my experience and opinion about Elliott Jackson and Toni Strauss. Firstly, Im from Bulgaria and the first time I heard about Seward, Alaska and Elliott and Toni was from one of my friend who worked for them 3 summers as J 1 and he was always telling me how good the place was and how great his bosses there was. In 2019 was his third time going to work in Seward as J1 and I decided to go with him this time. We sent message to Elliott and Toni about my willingness to work for them and they set all the things in motion very fast! Even from my writing, calling and video chats with them I was seeing how polite. serious and kind they were. When we arrived in Anchorage, Elliott was very organized and he came to get us from there very soon. While we were traveling to Seward we talked a lot with Elliott and I didn't felt even a little bit that I was talking with my boss. He was very humane with me and he was very fun too! When we arrived in Seward we were accommodated in a very good place and Elliott tell me that I can start work from tomorrow My first day at work was in kitchen at Railway Cantina. My first impressions were very good about the staff there and the great organization with everything. Elliott and Toni were always available for any needs. I've learned everything very fast there because they showed me very precise and properly how to do the things! Two weeks later I started to work at Seafood Grill's kitchen too, then the next two weeks I start taking orders. Elliott and Toni were helping me with everything in this time. When the first month passed Elliott come to me and tapped me on the shoulder and tell me that he want to promote me as assistant manager. I was very happy that he gave me this opportunity to develop in the work so quickly. I started to feel very comfortable with work and I didn't feel how fast every day goes. Mostly I was impressed when we had some hard days with a lot of work and when Elliott and Toni was there with us helping us side by side. They taught me me a lot of things in only 4 months and the most important of them was that we should always have respect for each other and helping each other together SIDE BY SIDE! I had never seen and still have not seen bosses who helped us side by side as much as Elliott and Toni did! I'm so happy that I had this opportunity to meet Elliott and Toni and at the next opportunity to work for them and together with them. I would do so immediately! They are... Firstly very good peoples and secondly very good bosses and peoples giving their all for the good of their business, work and life. I am truly czrateful to Elliott and Toni! Best regards: Yanek Mazulov Good Afternoon, My name is Sean Ritz and I have worked with ZPA LLC since July 2020 acting as the in-house marketing manager. In my tenure with the company, I have been treated with nothing but the absolute highest caliber of respect by Mr. Jackson & his associates. While I commend the current employees of the Breeze and some citizens of Seward for voicing their opinions I have not heard any convincing argument based on unbiased truth from some citizens present at the Jan. 9th meeting. I am writing this letter to tell you the opinions of certain folks present at the January 9th City Council meeting couldn't be more incorrect about Mr. Jackson & ZPA LLC. According to dictionary.com the definition of a Monopoly is "The market conditions in which there is one seller", by definition ZPA LLC is far from a monopoly and making a decision based on fear is akin to a witch hunt. If comments concerning a monopoly at all influences the council decision on the 9th I am asking that you reconsider as by this logic you would also need to limit current and future business owners from owning "too much". Many employees of the Breeze voiced concerns over changes in benefits, tip payouts, and hours of operation. As with any company benefits & policies will be reviewed and discussed however ZPA LLC plans to operate the Breeze year-round; as the Breeze, having a long- standing reputation for being a year-round business, was one of the deciding factors in pursuing this acquisition. The current employees of the Breeze can rest assured that everything will be discussed and negotiated with ZPA LLC just as I and others employed by ZPA LLC have done. As it stands the Breeze could potentially sit vacant, and it could potentially be purchased by another buyer who could shut down in the winter. To consider these reasons would mean you would have to extend these same concerns when dealing with any other potential buyers to evoke fairness amongst all. ZPA LLC operates safe businesses, complies with all building codes and the Van Gilder did house guests for the 2022 season. ZPA LLC has many employees that would stand up for Mr. Jackson; had we known about the meeting we would have had gladly shared our support for ZPA LLC. Some comments made on Jan. 9th were not at all based in fact and should not be considered. I can attest to the character fof Mr. Jackson as he is someone who believes in the future of Seward and has many creative and interesting ideas all of which would benefit the community and generate tax revenue. I will be happy to discuss this matter further and can be reached via phone 973-590-0504 or email RitzsCc�sewardho.com. Thank you, Sean Ritz I V 6. l- To Whom It May Concern: I have worked with Elliott every summer since April 2021. I have zero complains about being paid properly. I was always paid on time and my tips fully accounted for. If I ever had a question regarding pay there was always Toni Strauss (owner) to answer, always in an appropriate time. I worked at just about every single one of his establishments and never felt as if I was lacking the appropriate tools to do my job effectively and safely. Elliott also provides all of his employees at all locations with Emergen-C and Zipfizz (a multivitamin)to ensure we all feel our best. His actions do not correlate to what people's opinions in town seem to be. I would like to give one last testimonial in regards to Elliott. When I arrived to work in Alaska, had never worked a day in my life in a kitchen. Never truly cooked at home. For whatever reason Elliott believed that I could run his Railway Cantina. He trained me himself. Showed me every recipe and how to work more efficiently. He challenged me and had faith in me when I did not think I was capable of such a job. In no time I was able to run the operation on my own to the best of my ability. As far as his establishments, I can attest to their cleanliness. Elliott was very thorough as to what he expected every night as far as cleanliness. I recall him coming in the mornings to make sure I had cleaned the grill properly the night before, checking my line to ensure quality and taste of the food, and ensuring I had the right ratio of water to sani in my sanitation sink. I can say that Elliott has high standards and takes pride in his businesses. His faith in me gave me confidence to take on jobs in the off season back home in restaurant kitchens. Something I would have never thought I was capable of had I not had a great mentor like Elliott. He never gave up on me and offered me help when I was in need of it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of course, but I have worked side by side with him and continue to come up and work for him every summer. I believe people's opinions in town are based off their lack of ambition and drive to work hard. Thank you, Nancy Valdez January 22, 2023 City of Seward 410 Adams Street Seward, AK 99664 Dear Mayor and City Council, I was born and raised in Alaska and I am a 4th generation Alaskan. I own a small IT company that helps companies all over Alaska. My company On Systems has been supporting ZPA, LLC and Seward Hospitality Group's computer systems and network infrastructure. I see ZAP, LLC as really improving the offerings of dinning, lodging, and entertainment to the residents of Seward and Tourist. The owners of ZAP, LLC have a history of investing in the Seward community and will continue to do so, helping the whole community. I am providing this letter in support of passing resolution 2023-001, re-assigning the Breeze Inn land lease from Juris Mindenbergs to ZPA, LLC. I reviewed the recording of the public hearing that took place at city council on January 9, 2023. I am concerned many of the public comments were based on hearsay or had little substance. I am also concerned that city council voted against an individual rather than the merits of the company purchasing the Breeze Inn. This establishes an undesirable precedence that will make future companies think twice about doing business in Seward. ZPA LLC is a company in good standing with the State of Alaska and the City of Seward. Based upon Article 14 of the city land lease, criteria to approve re-assignment include 3 conditions: 1) use of the property is in the public interest; 2)the proposed tenant has credit-worthiness; and 3) the proposed tenant has operating experience suitable to manage the facilities on the leased property. 1) I believe continued operation of the Breeze Inn is in the public interest since it provides service to both the community and those who visit, and in providing those services and generating revenue, it collects taxes for the City of Seward. There are no proposed changes to the current operation of the facilities on that property, and therefore no basis to object to this first criteria. 2) Alaska corporate records show that ZPA LLC is the parent company for most of the businesses commonly known to be owned by Elliott Jackson. There is no evidence that any of these businesses are in financial trouble or default. Since a bank is willing to provide financing to ZPA LLC to purchase the Breeze Inn, all evidence indicates that ZPA LLC is a credit-worthy tenant. There is no basis to object on this second criteria. 3) The Breeze Inn consists of a hotel, restaurant, and retail space. Since ZPA LLC is in the hospitality business, owning profitable restaurants and hotels, evidence indicates that this company has the operating experience suitable to manage the facilities on the leased property. There is no basis to object on this third criteria. Thank you for your time to review this issue. Please vote yes to this resolution when it comes up for reconsideration. 7 is Sincerely, Kyle Orr, Owner Orr Systems (907)350-0997 https://www.orrsystems.com poloc-c January 15, 2023 City of Seward 410 Adams Street Seward, AK 99664 Dear Mayor and City Council, I am providing this letter in support of passing resolution 2023-001,re-assigning the Breeze Inn land lease from Juris Mindenbergs to ZPA, LLC. I reviewed the recording of the public hearing that took place at city council on January 9, 2023. I am concerned many of the public comments were based on hearsay or had little substance. I am also concerned that city council voted against an individual rather than the merits of the company purchasing the Breeze Inn. This establishes an undesirable precedence that will make future companies think twice about doing business in Seward. ZPA LLC is a company in good standing with the State of Alaska and the City of Seward. Based upon Article 14 of the city land lease, criteria to approve re-assignment include 3 conditions: 1) use of the property is in the public interest; 2)the proposed tenant has credit-worthiness; and 3)the proposed tenant has operating experience suitable to manage the facilities on the leased property. 1) I believe continued operation of the Breeze Inn is in the public interest since it provides service to both the community and those who visit, and in providing those services and generating revenue, it collects taxes for the City of Seward. There are no proposed changes to the current operation of the facilities on that property, and therefore no basis to object to this first criteria. 2) Alaska corporate records show that ZPA LLC is the parent company for most of the businesses commonly known to be owned by Elliott Jackson. There is no evidence that any of these businesses are in financial trouble or default. Since a bank is willing to provide financing to ZPA LLC to purchase the Breeze Inn, all evidence indicates that ZPA LLC is a credit-worthy tenant. There is no basis to object on this second criteria. 3) The Breeze Inn consists of a hotel, restaurant, and retail space. Since ZPA LLC is in the hospitality business, owning profitable restaurants and hotels, evidence indicates that this company has the operating experience suitable to manage the facilities on the leased property. There is no basis to object on this third criteria. I'm concerned that a failure to overturn the vote of"no" for resolution 2023-001 could open up the city to litigation and set a dangerous precedent for future entrepreneurs looking to do business in the Seward community. Please vote yes to this resolution when it comes up for reconsideration. Sincerely, Paul Podgers Proud Former Employee of Taco Dan's Cell: 602-3485624 Email: krystalvermeer@gmail.com De iic / - ••�iiom it may concern: rev i hone this letter finds your well. My name is Moroan Shepard and me and my family are 2nd year full time residents of Seward. Since moving here, my wife and i have had tine pleasure of aettina to know a lot of individuals from this wonderrui town.Ana our two KIDS. .u=... 6 months and 3 years old, have also been plugged into the soul of this community too. The past two years i had the pleasure of managing Stoney Creek Canopy Adventures here in Seward but due to circumstances I parted ways with that company in October and was in limbo on what I was going to do to provide for my family. That's when Elliot gave me a call. He had gotten my information as someone who could help get his new adventure park up and running and put it in good hands. it was perfect timing For a career switch but I was apprehensive because of the prior rumors I had heard about Mr. Jackson around town. Regardless of other people's opinions, I decided to take the role as operations manager for the new Alaska Adventure Park. Working for 15 years in the zipline and challenge course industry, I have seen and worked tor a lot of owners of these types of parks. Elliot is by far one of the most attentive owners l have ever been in contact with when it comes to doing the right thing tor safety purposes and industry standards. I was pleasantly surprised to Find that he wasn't trying to jump through loopholes, as many owners of these parks do, to save a few bucks. Whatever it takes to be of top of sofc`r and nocco;;-;• r`;'." ::::••• +o d t p Y Y -,.<ie v.�%r r�, Mr, vuvG-`.�....: �tr,.r:v i..s �v v � � .e,",e ttvr the cost. I have to admit that i haven't noticed any Wrongful treatment of his employees that I've been in contact with. He has been very fair with the compensation we've worked out as well.At the moment, doing business with Elliot has been a great career move for me and my family.And I haven't seen anything that supports the various rumors he has circling him around Seward. Thank you for your time. �_� When did Would you When did you you stop work with begin work work with Seward with Seward Seward Hospitality What is your What is your email Hospitality Hospitality Group again What did you like most about working for Seward Hospitality full name? address? Group? Group? in the future? Group? Reymario Bradford'dredzmotionz66ftgmail.com 6/9/2022 9/6/2022 Yes My Manager nateisharobinson80@gmail.c The experience,it was really amazing I met so many people from different countries and Nateisha Robinson om 5/16/2022 8/3112022 Yes had the chance to work with them and exchanging our different cultures while doing so. Cara-Leigh canitechsingh4 gmall.co Paragonstngh m 6/712022 8/3112022 Yes I like the way how Seward Hospitality Group is always on the top of there game. Tajay Gayle tgaylelariTstu nc.0 edujm 5/15/2022 9/5/2022 Yes It's was very_interesting and enlightening to work with my piers Janell Davy clarkedanell44649Mail.corn 53'1612022 91512022 Yes The people met and the flexibility of the work schedule. (7) 4>