HomeMy WebLinkAbout05012024 PACAB PacketPort & Commerce Advisory Board
Agenda Packet
Regular Meeting
May 1, 2024
City Council Chambers 12:00 p.m.
The City of Seward, Alaska
PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING AGENDA
City Council Chambers, 410 Adams Street
Please silence all cell phones and devices during the meeting
Chair Bruce Jaffa
Vice Chair Ben Smith
Board Member Dwayne Atwood
Board Member Tom Miller
Board Member Melissa Schutter
Board Member Becky Dunn
Board Member John Howard
Deputy City Manager Jason
Bickling
Harbormaster Tony Sieminski
City Clerk Kris Peck
May 1, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
1.CALL TO ORDER
2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.ROLL CALL
4.CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT (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 listed under Item 7. Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a council member
requests. In the event of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda. Marked with *.)
6.SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND REPORTS
A.Proclamations and Awards-None
B.City Administration Report………………………………………………………….Pg. 3
C.Other Reports and Announcements
1)Alaska Railroad Report………………………………………………………….Pg. 11
2)Seward Chamber of Commerce Report………………………………………….Pg. 12
D.Presentations-None (Presentations are limited to ten minutes each, excluding Q&A, and are limited to
two per meeting unless increased by council.)
7.CONSENT AGENDA
A.Minutes of Preceding Meeting
1)* Approve April 3, 2024 Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes...Pg. 14
B.Resolutions-None
C.Other Items-None
8.UNFINISHED BUSINESS-None
1
9.NEW BUSINESS
A.Resolutions-None
B.Other New Business
1)Discuss and Set the Rest of the Regular Meeting and Work Session Topics for
2024.......................................................................................................................Pg. 17
10.INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS (No action required.)
A.Reminder of Meetings
1)Work Session May 15, 2024
2)Regular Meeting on September 4, 2024
B.Other Items-None
11.CITIZEN COMMENTS (There is no sign in for this comment period. Time is limited to five (5) minutes
per speaker.)
12.BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
13.ADJOURNMENT
2
Good afternoon Council,
We’ve had some quintessential Seward spring weather since our last meeting, and I hope everyone
is enjoying all the added sunshine. Since returning from Washington D.C. earlier this month, I’ve
followed up from many of our meetings including the USCG and our D.C. representatives. Here are
some additional updates from City Management.
Clean Ports Grant Workshop: We met with a working group of stakeholders and grant writers to
begin the application for the Clean Ports grant, which is due at the end of March.
ASLC Board Meeting: I attended the Alaska SeaLife Center Board meeting, the first for their new
director Wei Ying Wong. Congrats Wei Ying!
Borough Assembly Meeting: I attended the KPB Assembly meeting at the Seward Community
Library and got to have a brief convo with our borough mayor and assembly members. The Seward
Seahawks wrestling team was also recognized.
GFOA Training: Jason attended a Government Finance Officer training (the same one that Kat did a
few months ago) in Minnesota from April 9th – 12th. It was good to see that many of the issues that
we deal with are common to all municipalities. For our size of municipality, we have proportionally
very large and complex budget due to the harbor and the electric utility. There were some good
learnings and some areas that we can improve upon, which we will be working towards.
Heat Loop Project: Naneth and Jason are working on DOE and AEA grant reporting that is due at the
end of the month. The project was recently given $500,000 of federal funding through the
Economic Development Initiative Grant. There was also an article recently published in the Alaska
Business Magazine: https://www.akbizmag.com/industry/energy/seward-heat-loop-project-
includes-workforce-development-component/
KPEDD: We attended the Economic Development District Industry Outlook Forum on April 25th
Jesse Lee Home: We recently heard back from ADEC regarding the testing results that were done
last summer. Part of the delay is that they have had some turn over (two times) in the position that
reviews our case – it looks like they are running with the baton again. They are getting some
clarifications from our engineer. We are hopeful that in the not too distant future, we can be
finished with the mitigation process.
And a big thank you to the public works team for getting our new City of Seward rug set up at the
Utility Desk. It’s such a nice welcome to City Hall!
Thanks, Kat
3
Fire Department - Chief Clinton Crites
•Eight of our members took the State of Alaska Driver Operator’s test on April 28th.
•There are 15 building permits issued and we have responded to 117 calls for service year to
date.
•The 12th Annual Phoenix Chapter Cruise will be May 25! Get your tickets now before they are
sold out. This benefit cruise helps support Fire and EMS training on the Eastern side of the
Peninsula. A huge shout out to all our supporters and donors especially Major Marine Tours
for graciously donating their vessel and crew! Come by the station or call 224-3445 for your
ticket today!
•May 11 during the Bike Rodeo, the Fire Station will have an open house with picture boards,
turn out gear for kids, and Root Beer Floats!
•We are working with the KPB OEM to consolidate our Hazardous Mitigation Plan into one
living document that will support mitigation projects collectively.
Department Order Date Vendor Description Amount
ROADS AND
STREETS
4/15/2024 CONSTRUCTION
MACHINERY INDUSTRIAL
LLC
Sole Source Maintenance and Repair to Equipment #117
Volvo L90F Loader
$14,061.77
POLICE 4/15/2024 STRUCTURED
COMMUNICATION
SYSTEMS INC
Cohesity - immutable storage device for onsite backups $29,916.67
POLICE 4/15/2024 DELL MARKETING LP PowerEdge R450 Sever for PD to run backup software $7,658.94
4
Harbor Department - Tony Sieminksi
•Season duties have begun but still monitoring
the weather and well start turning on water as
soon as temperature allows. Typically, this is
the last week of April or first week of May.
•We are terminating our agreement with
Dockwa and will revisit a software update in
the fall
•Attended the last PIDP Grant (Port and
Infrastructure Development Program) webinar
on 4/3/24 as a possible funding source for the
50 ton Washdown pad. We are now updating
information with PND for that grant submittal
deadline at the end of May.
•Started working with Alaska Harbor Consulting for Z – float Expansion layout to optimize use
of that area for our year-round Tenants as well as our seasonal Tenants.
•Vendors started staging freight within North Dock storage area with first scheduled vendor
using 4/20, next on 4/28 and another on 5/8/24.
•Continuing to work with Vendors on new power pedestals for additional power throughout
the SMIC boat yard. Vendor has follow up questions on Transformer size and layout before
we can get a more detailed/accurate quote.
•Harbor Department is currently participating in the online portion to become certified in
CPR and first aid.
•Misty Sewell was promoted to Harbor Office Manager on 4/19/24.
Police Department - Chief Alan Nickell
The Police Department would like to make sure the public is aware of the extension for studded
tires to May 15th. After this date, you will need to have your studded tires removed for the summer.
We have some important events coming up for the community:
•May 11th is the Bike Rodeo. We hope for great weather and a greater turnout! As always, the
PD will be rustlin’ up some hotdogs for everyone.
•May 18th we will have the annual Torch Run in support of Special Olympics. Turnout has
dwindled over the last several years and we hope to see people rally to support this worthy
cause. Even if you come walk the course, the support is appreciated and its beautiful
scenery along Herman Leirer Road. Participation is free, but if you choose to donate $35 or
more you will receive a t-shirt to commemorate the race.
Seward Community Library & Museum - Sue Drover
•Summer hours begin May 1st. We will be open Tues – Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5
5
•(April 1-April 17): 12 working days, we served 3,979 patrons, averaging 332 visitors daily,
that’s an increase of approximately 45 additional visitors daily. Additionally, we facilitated
52 events during this period.
•Our newest passport agents are continuing to process passports with direct supervision.
They are building their skills quickly and should be on their own soon.
Programs:
•The Adult Education/GED classes continue
on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday through
June.
•We have 2 Chapbooks published and on
display. As this is an ongoing series submission
will continue to be released.
•I have one more meeting with a few more
non-profits for Mapping our Community Winter
Programs and Events. The calendar is being
established and data entered as we move
forward.
•Summer Reading Program schedule is firming
up and we will begin registration soon.
•With assistance from the Curator we have
begun developing field trip opportunities, (in-
person and virtual) for the ‘American’s and the
Holocaust’ traveling exhibit. We have reached
out to community and state organizations for
volunteers and programming development.
Additionally, I will be traveling to DC mid-May for additional training.
•We are working to start a book club for 8- to 12-year-olds. This is a staff/student combined
effort, and more details will be forthcoming.
•We are partnering with Seward Seniors Center to begin a library resource delivery program
in coordination with their Meals on Wheels program.
•Additionally, we have reached out to Spring Creek Correctional Center to see how we could
assist them with library resources, possibly a book club.
Inter-Library Loan: We are still on track to begin reciprocating in this program again for the first
time since November 2022. Next week we will go live and continue to work with ALC to keep this
endeavor manageable.
Museum Updates - Allison Stacy
April Attendance: Only halfway through the month and the museum has received over 100 visitors!
6
Hours
Museum Summer Admission Hours
(May 1 to September 29)
Admission price is $5.
Tuesday – Friday: 9am to 6pm
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: 1pm to 4:30pm
Ongoing Exhibitions:
•First World Flight Centennial, 1924 – 2024 Window Display: Did you know that Seward was
one of the stops in mankind's first-ever flight around the world? In collaboration with
Friends of Magnuson Park in Seattle, we will mark the centennial of this historic
achievement in aviation. (On Display April 2 – June 1)
•Celebrating Historic Preservation: Join us this May as we celebrate Historic Preservation
Month with an exhibit that focuses on the places & sites listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. (On Display April 18 – June 1)
Upcoming Exhibitions:
•Jesse Lee Home: The museum team is working on enhancing this exhibit based on
evaluation and feedback from the community and visitors. With new text panels ordered
and an interactive touchscreen kiosk, we are contacting community members to record
oral histories and provide many narratives to bring this historic place back to life.
Collections: As the collections grow here, we must keep in mind that storage is limited. Through
careful consideration by the curatorial and collections committees, the team will continue its
strategic efforts aimed at refining the collection, improving relevance, and optimizing resources.
This upcoming June, the team will conduct a full 100% inventory of the Museum’s collections. This
will involve assessing the condition, historical significance, and alignment with the museum and
partnerships’ mission for each item.
Community Development - Danny Meuninck
•The Community Development staff has begun holding weekly internal meetings to discuss
and work on the Comprehensive Plan update. We are currently researching and reviewing
the comprehensive plans of other cities. As we continue with this project, we will
periodically bring our ideas up at future Planning and Zoning work sessions to get input
from the Commission and the public.
•The Planning and Zoning Commission is still looking to fill their final seat on the
Commission. A recorded informational session about the Commission is up on the
Community Development website for any interested Seward citizens.
•Community Development is representing the City on the Steering Committee for the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Coastal Resiliency Grant. The project description of
7
this grant is to evaluate and prioritize projects into a comprehensive coastal resilience
protection plan for Seward, Alaska, to restore floodplain function, fix degraded salmon
habitat, and alleviate threats from flooding and erosion. The timeline for this plan includes
community outreach which is scheduled to take place in the fall. We will continue to pass
on updates as they occur.
IT Department - Dustin Phillips
•Continued work on migrating systems in the PD datacenter to new hardware and upgrading
systems as needed.
•Started planning and testing for network equipment replacement/upgrades in City Hall
datacenter.
•Tech tip of the week – Use a password manager to help create complex passwords, and to
reduce the number of reused passwords.
Seward Parks and Recreation Department - Mel Hauze
•Kite Festival was held April 20th.
Seward Alaska Ventures Volleyball
Tournament was held April 27-28 that
included 16 teams with 13 teams from
out of town. Spring league party was
held May 26th
•Sports and Rec is ramping up for our
busy event season, in the meantime
we've had some cool classes going on
like Dance Cardio run by our own
Megan Harwell.
•Embroidery class with Lizabella has
been a huge success with 24 people
learning an awesome skill the past two months.
•Board Game night was a success at Millers Landing with around 15 participants.
•Basketball Championship was 4/18 followed by Volleyball championships 4/24. The
favorites are The Runners in the basketball league and Pound It in the volleyball league.
•The following weeks we have the Pink Cheeks Triathlon (May 4th), Bike Rodeo/Super
Saturday Cleanup (May 11th) and Exit Glacier 5K/10K (May 18th). Sign up at runsignup.com
or volunteer at signupgenius.com.
Campgrounds:
•Campgrounds are now open for the Summer season. With the exception of Forest Acres
and Boulder Campgrounds.
•Public Restrooms are getting ready to open around May 1st water will get turned on as soon
as the temps do not dip below freezing overnight.
•Campground resurfacing took place the week of April 22nd.
Park Maintenance & Parking
•New plumbing parts replacement in public restrooms.
8
•Shower house control box is installed. Shower house new pump installation. New pipe
replacement and new water heater is hooked up.
•Parking passes are now available for purchase at the Sports & Rec front desk at the AVTEC
gym and online at www.recdesk.com
•Parking lots are open May 1. We will be giving warnings for the first few weeks, but will be
enforcing parking regulations in the lots this year!
Finance - Sully Jusino
•Finance continues working with the auditors performing our annual audit.
•We are actively implementing a cross-training program, a strategic move that will enhance
our team's versatility and efficiency in handling internal areas of our department.
•Finance is assisting Util. Assist with the collection procedures in preparation for the
upcoming season of shutting off services for delinquent accounts.
•Finance congrats to our A/P, Karma Hibbets, on her first six months within the Finance
Department. We hope that you keep up the good work for more months to come!
•Congratulations to our Senior Accountant, Naneth Ambrosiani, on her 12 years in the
Finance Department. We know you have worked hard, and we appreciate your dedication.
Public Works - Doug Schoessler
Springtime is really trying to show up.
As much as we are all ready for
warmer weather, It also comes with
spring ground thaws that sometimes
freeze water lines. Occasionally the
frost is pushed deeper and can break
a water line or main.
A broken main on Phoenix caused
some light damage to pavement and
roadside areas. The Water
Department was able to isolate the
break and keep all customers water
on. Temporary damage measures
were completed at the site. We will
have to finish the repair in a few
weeks when the frost is gone, and new repair parts arrive. We have several other digs planned in
the next few weeks to repair shut off valves and turn on seasonal services.
9
Department Job Title
# of
Positions Filled
Administration City Manager 1 1
Deputy City Manager 1 1
Human Resources Manager 1 1
Executive Assistant 1 1
TOTAL:4 4
Finance Director 1 1
Deputy Finance Director 1 1
Senior Accountant 1 1
Accounting Technician III 1 1
Accounting Technician II 1 0
Accounting Technician - Utilities 2 2
Accounting Tech Payroll 1 0
Accounting Tech Accounts Payable 1 1
TOTAL:9 7
Public Works Director 1 1
Street Foreman 1 1
Maintenance Mechanic 3 3
Public Works Technician 1 1
Shop Foreman 1 1
Water and Wastewater Foreman 1 1
Water and Wastewater Operator 3 2
Building Maintenance Technician 2 2
TOTAL:13 12
Community Development Director 1 1
Planner 1 1
Executive Assistant 1 1
TOTAL:3 3
Electric Director 1 0
Operations Supervisor 1 0
Field Engineer 1 1
Executive Assistant 1 1
Lineman 4 3
Plant Operator 2 2
TOTAL:10 7
Fire Department Chief 1 1
Deputy Chief 1 1
Executive Assistant 1 1
Building Official 1 1
Fire Marshal 1 1
Firefighter/EMT 1 1
Seasonal - Summer Laborer 1 0
TOTAL:7 6
Harbor Harbor Master 1 1
Deputy Harbor Master 1 1
Office Manager 1 1
Executive Assistant 2 1
Harbor Worker II 6 6
Harbor Worker III 1 1
Seasonal - Summer Laborer Part-Time 1 0
Seasonal - Summer Laborer Full-Time 1 1
TOTAL:14 12
IT Director 1 1
Senior IT Tech 1 1
IT Technician 1 1
TOTAL:3 3
Library Director 1 0
Deputy Library Director 1 1
Library Technician 1 1
Curator 1 1
Library Aide 1 1
Seasonal - Aides 2 2
TOTAL:7 6
Police Chief 1 1
Deputy Chief 1 1
Sergeant 1 1
Patrol Officer 7 5
Patrol Officer not funded 1 0
Executive Assistant 1 1
Corrections Sergeant 1 0
Corrections Officer 4 0
Corrections Officer not funded 1 0
Dispatch Supervisor 1 1
Dispatcher 5 5
Animal Control Officer 1 1
Animal Control Officer Assistant 1 1
DMV Clerk 1 1
TOTAL:27 18
Parks & Recreation Director 1 1
Deputy Director 1 1
Executive Assistant 1 1
Campground Coordinator 1 1
Program Coordinator 1 1
Recreational Assistant 1 1
Maintenance Technician 1 1
Seasonal - Summer 9 0
Seasonal - Winter 8 8
TOTAL:24 15
City Clerk's Office City Clerk 1 1
Deputy City Clerk 1 1
Executive Assistant 1 1
TOTAL:3 3
Total number of authorized positions:124
Total number of filled positions:96
City of Seward - Human Resources Manager Report
Staffing Information
10
Port Activity Update May 1, 2024
THE ALASKA RAILROAD'S 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.
Port Traffic
•The port is currently transitioning to summer operations and is continuing to receive break bulk
barges and fuel tankers. We have logged 60 freight dockings this year, including four pipe ships.
•The rail main line opened on time following the bridge projects at Trail River and Falls Creek. The
first Coastal Classic train is scheduled for May 10, and the service will conclude September 23.
•The cruise ship season begin April 21 with the arrival of the Norwegian Jewel. The 2024 schedule
includes a total of 92 cruise ships and a total of 104 docking days.
Port Capital Projects
•The Alaska Railroad is working with the municipality to submit for a Clean Ports Program grant .
The grant would fund cruise ship shore power infrastructure. ARRC hired HDR to develop the
grant application and the City will be the applicant. The funding would support electric charging
infrastructure, minor power grid updates and possible battery storage for peak demand. The
grant application is due May 28.
•Preparations for the proposed cruise dock replacement concept are going forward. The $137
million construction project will begin in the fall of 2025. Additional information is available at:
https://sewardcompany.com
•Removal of the coal dock conveyor belt and loading arm is going forward sooner than expected.
Contractor Vortex Marine has a crane and barge in place and anticipates removal of the
equipment by June 1.
•Cruise dock repairs including east-side decking, under-dock catwalks and piling were completed
in time for the first cruise ship.
•The freight dock expansion and improvement is currently under review. That dock project is
scheduled to begin in late 2026 and most of the cost will be met by a $19.8 million federal grant.
Dwayne Atwood, Accredited Maritime Port Executive
Seward Port Manager
907-265-2696 office | 907-362-6038 mobile
mailing: PO Box 95, Seward, AK 99664
physical: 913 Port Avenue
11
Seward Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Report
4/29/2024
Hello Madame Mayor, Administration, City Council,
I'm sorry I cannot join you for an in person report, but I am working with Race Director, Matias Saari,
to execute the 2024 Mount Marathon Race online auction at the Chamber Building. Please see my
report and reach out to djrector@seward,com or call 907-224-8051 with any questions.
Despite the weather, the summer season is trickling in and the Chamber is staying busy at the Visitor Center.
The first cruise ship, Norwegian Jewel, brought a lot of unexpected visitors to town with a weather pattern that
caused the ship to dock early. Many tour operators and local shops enjoyed the first influx! We will transition
to opening seven days a week at the Visitor Center and the Harbor Derby Booth will be staffed every
weekend following Memorial Day. The phones have been ringing off the hook and we're anticipating another
busy summer. Our signature events, the Mount Marathon Race, the 4th of July Festival, and the Silver
Salmon Derby are shaping up nicely.
Our Events and Sponsorships Coordinator, Karen Cooper Mcloughlin is organizing for another record
breaking 4th of July Festival! We're excited to celebrate this hometown favorite over July 2nd-4th. The boat
and land parades, midnight fireworks display, family games on Church Street, new and returning vendors, and
of course, the beloved Mount Marathon Race aren't as far away as they feel.
The Silver Salmon Derby is casting new prizes this year and already reeling in anglers with Early Bird Pricing.
From August 10-18th, anglers will compete to bring in the heaviest silvers without forgetting the ultimate goal
of the derby; to restore the Silver run in Resurrection Bay. We're bringing back the Silver Salmon Ball, offering
new ways to win, and our Communications Coordinator, Ally Burdett, is organizing a photo contest.
The Chamber of Commerce continues striving to support the economic development of our community. We're
happy to have welcomed 10 new member businesses this year including Keramiikka Ceramics Studio and
Gallery, Seward Saunas, Seward Yoga, and Dreamland Books & Yarn. We've also celebrated the changing
of ownership at The Breeze Inn, Bear Lake Lodgings, Communications North and Angel's Rest on
Resurrection Bay -now Rustic Roots Cabins. The Alaska SBDC office continues to serve our local businesses
as one of the most effective offices in Alaska. We look forward to attending the Pacific Marine Expo and
organizing Alaska Startup Week in the fall.
We are able to offer value to our members through new avenues, such as: a revamped leads generation
program led by Member & Visitor Services Coordinator, Hunter Kratz, access to visitation data via our visitor
analytics tool, and promotional and networking opportunities like the upcoming Double Scoops Job Fair & Ice
Cream Social, and our Membership ABC's Event - a member appreciation night.
Please be sure to keep up with us on Facebook and lnstagram and on Seward com/Eyents. It is a pleasure to
Serve our community.
Best,
Samantha Allen
Executive Director
Seward Chamber of Commerce
12
Seward Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Report
4/29/2024
Upcoming Chamber Events/ Programs -
&2ril
1st: Micro Membership Scholarship Announced -$500
15th: MMR Roster announced
22nd: Norwegian Jewel Cruise Ship
25th: Membership ABC's
Mal£
3rd: First, First Friday Art Walk
7th: Chamber After 5-AK RailRoad presentation on Passenger Dock Project
17-18th: Mermaid Festival
19th: Double Scoops Job Fair & Ice Cream Social
Visitor Center fully staffed at Derby Booth & Cruise Ship Terminal
31st: Micro Membership Scholarship CLOSED
31st-June 2nd: SeaBird Fest
J.wl.e.
7th: First Friday Art Walk
.!..Y.&
2nd-4th: 4th of July Festival
4th: Fireworks Show
4th: Mount Ma rathon Race
5h: First Friday Art Walk
�
2nd: First Friday Art Walk
10th-18th Silver Salmon Derby
16th:Silver Salmon Ball
18th: Silver Salmon Derby Awards Ceremony
September-
Chamber After 5
Volunteer Appreciation cruise
Winter Weekend
October-
Chamber Luncheon, The Breeze Inn
AK Startup Week
Winter Weekend
November-
Chamber After 5, Seward Ale House
Pacific Marine Expo
December-
Chamber Luncheon, The Breeze Inn
13
City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
April 3, 2024 Volume 4, Page
CALL TO ORDER
The April 3, 2024, regular meeting of the Port and Commerce Advisory Board was called
to order at 12:00 p.m. by Chair Bruce Jaffa.
OPENING CEREMONY
City Clerk Kris Peck led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Bruce Jaffa, presiding, and Benjamin Smith
Dwayne Atwood Tom Miller
Melissa Schutter
comprising a quorum of the Board; and
Nancy Hulbert, Harbor Office Manager
Kris Peck, City Clerk
Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk
Excused – Miller
Absent – None
Vacant – Two
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED
FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Rick Weaver, outside city limits, commented about the lease agreement and replat
regarding JAG Alaska. Weaver spoke to expanding the shipyard and increasing JAG’s capabilities.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Atwood/Schutter) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
City Clerk Kris Peck noted that Rick Weaver would give the JAG presentation on housing
in place of Tim Jagielski.
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approve the March 6, 2024 Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATION, AND REPORTS
14
City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
April 3, 2024 Volume 4, Page
Proclamations and Awards – None
Other Reports and Announcements - None
Alaska Railroad Report
Seward Port Manager Dwayne Atwood referred to his report in the packet. He updated
PACAB on the Coastal Classic train schedule for 2024. Atwood also provided an update on the
cargo ships and pipe ships that would be arriving in Seward.
Presentations
Nicole Lawrence [Seward Properties] gave a presentation on housing.
Rick Weaver [JAG] gave a presentation on housing.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 2024-001, Adopting the Seward Marine Industrial Center Development Plan As
Updated in November 2022
Motion (Jaffa/Atwood) Approve Resolution 2024-001
Schutter confirmed that SMIC development plan did not include JAG property.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Other New Business
Discuss Housing Presentations
Jaffa would like to keep housing in the public eye and expressed interest in having a joint
work session with Planning & Zoning to collaborate on ideas. Jaffa would like to continue to bring
in professionals and experts in the housing industry to present at PACAB.
Atwood was curious about building height, zoning, and how to provide input to the
building officials.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
Reminder of Meetings
Work Session on April 17, 2024
Regular Meeting on May 1, 2024
15
City of Seward, Alaska Port and Commerce Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
April 3, 2024 Volume 4, Page
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Becky Dunn, inside city limits, agreed that a joint work session with PACAB and P & Z
would be beneficial for housing issues. Dunn addressed three-storied buildings in town and the
issues with the fire department’s ladder truck. Dunn said the threshold for housing income should
be raised. Lastly, Dunn praised the community of Moose Pass for providing the space to get dogs
and cats spayed and neutered.
Rick Weaver, outside city limits, spoke about the Sockeye Point expansion project.
Weaver stated that JAG could service every Navy or US Coast Guard vessel due to Seward having
a deep water, ice-free port. Weaver also mentioned that JAG had projects planned with a crane
service, but they were waiting for a response from the city.
BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
Hulbert said she would talk with harbor staff and get a response for Rick Weaver on his
JAG projects.
Schutter mentioned the two great presentations on housing and economic development.
Schutter was shocked, but not surprised by the income needed to afford a house. She noted that
very few people in Seward made that kind of money.
Atwood said it was a great meeting and great presentations. Atwood noted that Seward
was on the cusp of a lot of big developments. Atwood predicted there would be a lot of big topics
to discuss in the near future.
Smith echoed Atwood’s comments. Smith looked up the Seward population and it had
been fairly stable since the 1950s. Smith commented on the housing issues, current interest rates,
and how it’s more affordable to rent a house than buy a house.
Jaffa noted several big projects that were slated for Seward. He felt PACAB could continue
to help find solutions to the housing issue. Jaffa reported that the PACAB Heat Loop Ad Hoc
Committee had a trainer at AVTEC. He spoke on the ad hoc committee’s progress for obtaining
grants and said there was competition with 11 other communities. Lastly, Jaffa praised Senator
Lisa Murkowski and her support for Alaska and noted she was visiting Seward today.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
________________________ ___
Jodi Kurtz Bruce Jaffa
Deputy City Clerk Chair
(City Seal)
16
PACAB
Meeting Date Meeting Topic
REGULAR 1/3/2024 Set Regular and WS Topics
WS 1/17/2024 Comprehensive Plan
REGULAR 2/7/2024 Fisheries and By Catch Issues/Chamber Marketing
WS 2/21/2024 Sewer Treatment Options/Sidewalks (Public Works Director to attend)
REGULAR 3/6/2024 SMIC Development Plan/Housing Issues
WS 3/20/2024 S. Harbor Uplands/New Harbormaster Building
REGULAR 4/3/2024 Housing Update
WS 4/17/2024 Alternative Energy Hydro, Tidal, and Solar/Heat Loop Update
REGULAR 5/1/2024 Set The Rest of Regular and WS Topics
WS 5/15/2024
REGULAR 9/4/2024 AML Attendance
WS 9/18/2024 Legislative Priorities
REGULAR 10/2/2024 Approve Legislative Priorities
WS 10/16/2024
REGULAR 11/6/2024
WS 11/20/2024
REGURLAR 12/4/2024 Harbor Tariff
WS 12/18/2024
17
2024 DEADLINES FOR PACAB AGENDA AND PACKETS
Pre-Meeting
(Administration)
Clerk’s Deadline
(for City Calendar ad)
(Tuesdays @ noon)
PACAB
Meeting Date
(Wednesdays unless otherwise noted in
italics)
December 22, 2023 **December 27,2023 January 3, 2024
January 26, 2023 January 30, 2024 February 7, 2024
February 23, 2024 February 27, 2024 March 6, 2024
March 22, 2024 March 26, 2024 April 3, 2024
April 19, 2024 April 23, 2024 May 1, 2024
No June Mtg
No July Mtg
No August Mtg
August 23, 2024 August 27, 2024 September 4, 2024
September 20, 2024 September 24, 2024 October 2, 2024
October 25, 2024 October 29, 2024 November 6, 2024
November 22, 2024 November 26, 2024 December 4, 2024
*Subject to change if/when PACAB meetings change.
**Date moved due to Christmas Holiday
18