HomeMy WebLinkAbout10222007 City Council MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 22, 2007 Volume 37, Page 436
CALL TO ORDER
The October 22, 2007 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:30
p.m. by Vice Mayor Willard Dunham.
OPENING CEREMONY
Police Chief Tom Clemons led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
Vice Mayor Dunham suspended the rules to acknowledge the birthday of Seward's oldest
resident, Pat Williams, who turned 98 on October 21, 2007.
Newly elected officials Clark Corbridge, Tom Smith, Bob Valdatta and Betsy Kellar were
sworn in by City Clerk Jean Lewis.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Clark Corbridge presiding and
Willard Dunham
Bob Valdatta Tom Smith
Jean Bardarson Betsy Kellar
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Phillip Oates, City Manager
Jean Lewis, City Clerk
Johanna Dollerhide, Assistant City Clerk
ABSENT -Linda Amberg
CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED
FOR PUBLIC HEARING
John French spoke as an applicant to the Historic Preservation Commission and asked for
the council's support.
Sue McClure spoke on her request to be a Seward Planning and Zoning Commissioner. She
now lived within the city limits and hoped to participate on the commission.
Sandie Roach spoke to the council as a representative for the school, as a bus driver, and
addressed a speed limit inconsistency between DOT and the City of Seward in school zones,
specifically by Hemlock. She hoped council would appoint someone to speak with a DOT
representative.
Ciry of Seward, Alaska Ciry Council Minutes
October 22 2007 Volume 37, Page 437
Ron Long congratulated the new council members and wished them good luck. Long also
congratulated city staff on their website. He also spoke on Resolution 2007-097 and hoped council
could incorporate this discussion into the budget discussion instead of tonight.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Bardarson/Dunham) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed
Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
The October 8, 2007 regular city council meeting minutes were approved.
John French was appointed to the Seward Historic Preservation Commission with a term that
expires May 2008.
Sue McClure was appointed to the Seward Planning & Zoning Commission with a term to
expire February 2010.
Resolution 2007-115, Accepting A FY 2007 State Homeland Security Grant In The Amount Of
$108,600 For The Purchase Of Communications Equipment, And Appropriating Funds.
Resolution 2007-116, Accepting A FY 2007 State Homeland Security Grant Under The Law
Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program In The Amount Of $95,840 For The Purchase Of
Communications Equipment, And Appropriating Funds.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Proclamations and Awards
Borough Assembly Report. Borough Assembly Representative Ron Long stated nothing
was found in state law or ordinances to guide the assembly on the issue of retroactive term limits.
The assembly at that time took no action, and the seats would remain vacant. Several suits were
being filed and a solution would be determined in court. The assembly was meeting tomorrow,
where a resolution to develop a local climate action plan was before them.
City Manager's Report. City Manager Phillip Oates welcomed the newly elected
members to council. Police Officer Larry Kocur suffered a stroke last week, but was recovering in
Anchorage.
Oates had met with Mark Kneedler of Architects Alaska on October 10, 2007 to discuss
timelines for construction of the Long Term Care Facility and the selection of a project manager.
Construction was programmed to begin at the end of the upcoming winter season.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 22, 2007 Volume 37, Page 438
Coal train activity was projected to start at the end of October or beginning of November.
Two shipments were scheduled in the December and February timeframe. DEC would conduct a site
~` visit while train unloading operations were occurring to inspect the improvements the Alaska
Railroad had made.
The Fire Department received the 2006 Life Safety Achievement Award from the Residential
Fire Safety Institute, for the eighth year in a row. Firefighter One and Two classes were now
complete. The Department also received a letter of thanks from the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment for the North Forest Acres Levee Road
project had been released for public comment. The comment deadline was November 2, 2007.
Applications had been submitted for all permits (Coastal Project Questionnaire, Fish Habitat Permit
Application, Army Corps of Engineers Permit, and City Floodplain Permit).
Oates and Finance Director Kris Erchinger would be traveling this week to Juneau to meet
with DHSS, DOT, OMB, and various legislators. Oates would also be traveling to Fairbanks in
November for the Alaska Municipal League.
In other areas, Oates met with Randy and Christina Stauffer to discuss City of Seward
priorities for the Seward/Bear Creek Flood Service Area Board. Oates provided budget overview
presentations to the Lions Club, Rotary, PACAB, P&Z Commission, and Chamber of Commerce.
The P.A.R.K.S. community volunteer playground has slated their build for May 2008. The boiler
installation at City Hall was almost complete. Phase Two of the Senior Citizen Center repairs,
installation of the elevator fire safety doors, should be completed within two weeks.
City Clerk Report. Assistant City Clerk Johanna Dollerhide announced that access to
Seward's Legislative History was now available online to the public. The link to the search browse
site as well as a brief tutorial of the site was on the City of Seward website.
Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations
City Manager Oates reported that a representative from the Forest Service was unable to
attend tonight's meeting, but gave a brief update for the Seward Ranger District. The Forest Service
was combining their Seward office with their office in Moose Pass. Oates would bring more
information to the council on how this would affect the Forest Service's partnership role in the Mary
Lowell Center.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Resolutions
Resolution 2007-097, Amending The Port And Harbor Tariff By Increasing By 5%, All
Moorage, Wharfage, Boat Lift, And Other Harbor Rates And Fees (Excluding Passenger
~... Fees), Effective January 1, 2008. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as
required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 22, 2007 Volume 37, Page 439
Sharyl Seese, was opposed to this resolution. It seemed to her that the harbor tariff had just
recently been raised. She felt fewer boats would come to the harbor.
Sandie Roach, was a harbor user and agreed with Mr. Longs earlier comment to put off this
decision at this time. She wanted this to go along with the rest of budget.
John French, echoed Roach and Long's comments. He felt this should be included as a
package with the budget. French felt it would help the budget process and the public.
Iris Darling, was interested in the tax increases. For those who stayed in Seward during
the winter, it was difficult. She felt Seward had driven a lot of their boat owners to other ports.
Theresa Butts, was in favor of the increase of harbor fees, but agreed that it should be
considered with the budget.
Rick Brown, had worked in Seward during the summer season for the last ten years and
every time he came back prices had increased. He was opposed to this resolution.
Motion (Dunham/Valdatta) Approve Resolution 2007-097
Valdatta felt with the high fish tax this year, the shock would be great. Maybe it would be
better suited for the following year.
Oates stated the concern was to pass this now so boat owners knew ahead of time what the
cost. Bringing this issue in November would be acceptable to him as well. He would support to
postpone this resolution.
Motion (Bardarson/Dunham) Postpone Resolution 2007-097 to November
13, 2007
Dunham had heartburn over this topic and the scheduling of it. It would be difficult to make
a decision after the budget work sessions.
Smith hoped the council looked at these things as a whole, not in single increments.
Motion to Postpone Passed Unanimous
Resolution 2007-098. Expressing Off cial Intent To Issue Bonds To Finance The Expansion Of
The Spring Creek Prison Facilities And Determining Related Matter. Notice of the public
hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened.
Jolund Luther, Administrative Manager for Spring Creek Correctional Center, said it was
the first time he had seen real serious action to expand this facility by the State of Alaska. The bonds
on the facility were just paid off this year. Because the Department of Corrections was supporting
this expansion, he felt the stars were aligned and hoped for council's support in moving forward with
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 22, 2007 volume 37, Page 440
this resolution.
Patty Linville, tried to get some questions answered regarding this expansion, but found few
people knew a prison expansion was being planned. She didn't like the idea of placing a prison in a
small community. In her studies, she found there was no long term economic benefit. Linville
wondered what the impact had been had on local schools, mental health services, and so on. She
asked for a public meeting to explore this issue.
Motion (Valdatta/Dunham) Approve Resolution 2007-098
Valdatta said in his occupation, the prison helped him tremendously.
Dunham was pleased after all this time; the department was serious about expanding. It was
an excellent opportunity for the community. He supported this resolution.
Oates stated this was only the intent to proceed with the bonding process, not to issue bonds.
It would come back to the public domain before any obligation to issue bonds. He felt this topic had
received public input, including a major work session with the Department of Corrections. Oates felt
the impact in the community was a positive one and he supported approval of this resolution.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Resolution 2007-099. Expressing Official Intent To Issue Bonds To Finance The Electrical
~.. Facilities Described Herein And Determining Related Matters. Notice of the public hearing
being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. No one
appeared to address the Council and the public hearing was closed.
Oates noted the city wished to express intent to issue bonds for the purpose of replacing two
World War II-era generators that provided back-up generating capabilities and for construction of a
new electrical shop. By issuing this resolution of intent, the city could utilize the proceeds of the
bond issue, assuming the bonds were approved by council at a later date. The estimated total cost of
this project was $7.5 million dollars. One million of those funds would come out of the electric
department funds, and the city would request to bond the remaining $6.5 million.
Motion (Dunham/Bardarson) Approve Resolution 2007-099
In response to Kellar, Oates responded the bonds were revenue bonds and would be paid by
the existing rate structure. To get approval, the city must show the revenue was sufficient, which the
city felt they could do.
Dunham wanted to know the timeframe on this issue. Electric Utility Manager Tim
Barnum said the plan was to break ground early this spring. The generators needed to be installed
and operating next winter. The rest of the project, including the warehouse, was an estimated 18
month operation. Barnum felt it was aggressive, but could be done.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 22, 2007 Volume 37, Page 441
Oates stated the current mechanics felt they could nurse the generators through the winter
season, but were fearful to tear into the generators and find more things wrong with them that
couldn't be repaired.
In response to Dunham, Barnum stated he had not applied for any grants for the transmission
line. The city was paying the line loss.
Motion Passed
Yes: Bardarson, Smith, Dunham,
Valdatta, Corbridge
No: Kellar
Council Recessed at 8:50 p.m.
Council Resumed at 9:00 p.m.
Other Items Administration Requested Be Held For Public Hearing
Resolution 2007-100 through 2007-109, Fiscal Years 2008 City Bbudget, Consisting Of General
Funds, Enterprise Funds, The Motor Pool Fund And The Capital Budget. Notice of the public
hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened.
Oates stated this put the budget in the formal public process. It would be heard as a public
hearing item tonight, there would be four public work sessions the following week, and another
public hearing on the budget resolutions would be held on November 13, 2007. Oates hoped council
would adopt the budget at the November 13, 2007 meeting, as well.
Sharyl Seese, said the city residents and council had fought in the past over sales tax. Along
with the borough's sales tax increase, the seasonal sales tax would increase to nine percent in the
summer. For people who own bed and breakfasts, owners would have to charge 13% between bed
and sales taxes. It was nice to get money from tourists, but something else should be done. Seese
felt Seward would lose their tourist base if the council implemented a seasonal sales tax.
Iris Darling, was against increasing taxes. She could truthfully say people had refused to
buy her merchandise because of the sales tax. Seward's biggest business was Anchorage residents,
and the council should look at other types of revenues.
Margaret Anderson, thanked the city manager for his budget overviews and outlining areas
to raise money. She was here tonight to represent the Seward Resource Committee for the Boys and
Girls Club. She provided information to how the six clubs on the Kenai Peninsula were managed.
The plan would expand to the middle school with hopefully increased enrollment. Anderson hoped
to corroborate with the city on this expansion. She commended the city on their commitment to
youth activities in Seward.
Michelle Swartz, found the budget was not online, in its entirety. Even with a public hearing
tonight, and four work sessions, Swartz wanted another public comment period before the budget
was finally adopted. She had questions on the public safety fee and opposed the increase in sales tax.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 22, 2007 Volume 37, Page 442
Swartz was concerned the increase in tax would drive people away.
Motion (Bardarson/Dunham) Discuss Resolution 2007-100 through 2007-
109
Valdatta felt tax was simply an exchange of money.
Smith clarified that this was an opportunity for the public to comment. City Clerk Jean
Lewis concurred, council could give direction and make amendments, but they would not be voting
on the approval of these resolutions tonight.
Oates stated the intent was not to curtail the public participation, but rather encourage it. The
intent was to let everyone know what the issues were and get direction from council.
Much discussion ensued regarding PERS and Oates stated it was by far the hardest obstacle
in the budget.
Dunham wanted to know if contracting city services were looked at. Oates responded they
were, but it solely depended on the council's guidance on what they wanted the city to provide.
Smith requested a percentage on the growth rate with taxes in Seward for the upcoming work
sessions.
Resolutions 2007-100 through 109 were discussed and set for another public hearing and
adoption on November 13, 2007.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS -None
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 2007-110, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into An Agreement With
Swalling Construction Co. Inc. To Construct And Install The I & T Docks And The Travel
Lift/Bulkhead In The Small Boat Harbor For An Amount Of $3,125,073, Provided That The
Total Amount With All Future Change Orders Is Not To Exceed $3,233,582, And
Appropriating $3,663,648 For The Project.
Oates stated this was a complicated issue that went to RFP in which Swalling was the most
qualified bidder. Oates described the resolution in more detail and that it authorized Oates to
possibly negotiate future change orders for water system improvements. It included contingency and
overhead costs to the project. The source of funds was listed from a variety of different funds and
grant accounts.
Motion (Bardarson/Dunham) Approve Resolution 2007-110
Dunham was confused with the figures given to council. Oates responded the initial amount
of money was for the base bid of Alternative A, which was in the contract. The second amount listed
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 22, 2007 Volume 37, Page 443
was what the council was willing to authorize the city manager to negotiate for water system
improvements, and the final amount included the contingency and overhead costs.
In answering questions from council, Harbormaster Scott Ransom said providing water to
harbor customers was the negotiable "extra features" part of the contract. He stated the steel bull rail
would also be used for erosion work.
Motion Passed
Unanimous
Resolution 2007-111, Approving The City Of Seward's Calendar Year 2008 Federal
Legislative Priorities.
Oates noted a lay down version of this resolution before the council, but the changes made
were primarily rewording of language. He briefly described the federal priorities to the council.
Motion (Valdatta/Bardarson) Approve Resolution 2007-111
Dunham wanted to know why the city wasn't doing anything about power and alternative
energy programs. Oates didn't see anything likely or probable and his findings didn't find anything
feasible. Dunham felt somewhere along the line there would be alternative energy legislation. Oates
supported alternative energy, but didn't think it was likely in Seward.
Motion to Amend (Dunham/Valdatta)
Amend Resolution 2007-111 by adding
section 2 under beneficial legislation, "The
City of Seward is interested in participating
in alternative energy programs when
available."
Kellar asked for clarification in the wording under beneficial legislation. Smith noted it was
important to note the continued funding, as it was already appropriated.
Motion to Amend Passed
Main Motion Passed
Unanimous
Unanimous
Resolution 2007-112, Approving The City Of Seward's Calendar Year 2008 State Legislative
Priorities.
Oates stated another lay down version was before the council tonight and addressed the
changes at hand. He listed the priorities that were before the council for approval.
Motion (Bardarson/Smith)
Approve Resolution 2007-112
Kellar wanted the SMC dock to stay on the state beneficial legislation, and not burden the
city's beneficial legislation list. Oates clarified this would not remove it from the state priority list.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 22, 2007 Volume 37, Page 444
Dunham said the city was on record in supporting the SMC dock for about five years now.
`' He thought it was an interesting twist to address the priority as a GO bond. The facility and the ship
~` was extremely important for the uplands, shipyard, SMC, and ASLC. Dunham was skeptical it
would work.
Dunham wanted to add dollars for upgrading lines. Oates said the priority spoke to all
electrical needs, including lines.
Motion to Amend (Dunham/Bardarson)
~..
Amend Resolution 2007-112 by adding
number 11 under beneficial legislation,
"The City of Seward is interested in
participating in alternative energy
programs when available."
Kellar was uncomfortable having to make a decision on a new piece of information laid down
before her right before the meeting began.
Bardarson asked if the lobbyist was consulted on these priorities. Oates confirmed that he
was consulted.
Motion to Amend (Dunham/Bardarson)
Amend Resolution 2007-112 by adding
number 12 under beneficial legislation,
"The City of Seward continues to support
AVTEC's highest priorities."
Motion to Amend Passed
Main Motion Passed
Unanimous
Unanimous
Resolution 2007-113, Approving The City Of Seward's Calendar Year 2008 City Priorities.
Oates said this resolution was useful when the city applied for grants and requested council
change item 5 to reflect $3.4 million instead of $2.8 million.
Motion (Dunham/Bardarson)
Motion to Amend
Approve Resolution 2007-113
Amend Resolution 2007-113 by changing
the dollar amount in number 5 under Port
and Harbor from $2.8 million to $3.4
million.
Motion to Amend Passed
Unanimous
~.. Main Motion Passed Unanimous
Resolution 2007-114, Authorizing The City Manager To Approve A Change Order For The
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 22, 2007 Volume 37, Page 445
Contract With Sterchi Construction Co. For Construction Of The South Harbor Restroom
Building For An Amount Of $7,821.38.
Oates referred council to the agenda statement to the resolution. Sterchi had done a good job,
but these were some additional changes that were recommended by Tryck, Nyman and Hayes, the
city's engineering firm. Ransom said this was a case where they didn't have a contingency fund on
this, additional insulation was installed, work was done on the roofline, and the electrical panel was
required by code. The contractor did an excellent job; this resolution authorized the payment of
additional services that were completed.
Motion (Bardarson/Dunham)
Motion Passed
Approve Resolution 2007-114
Unanimous
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
The Mayor opened nominations for Vice Mayor. Only one nomination was received.
Motion (Bardarson/Valdatta) Appoint Willard Dunham as Vice Mayor
Motion Passed Unanimous Consent
City Clerk Jean Lewis swore in Vice Mayor Dunham.
Council directed individual board and commissions to file periodic reports to the city council
on the first council meeting if possible. Mayor Corbridge appointed citizen Hugh Darling to
the KPB EDD Board. Council directed the Clerk to bring back more information on the
requirements of the council representative and would appoint a member at the next meeting.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS (No action required
Providence Seward Medical Center financial report.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Kellar thanked everyone for their patience tonight. She was touched by Margaret
Anderson's compliment of the city's dedication to youth services, and she was interested in learning
more about the program Anderson was proposing.
Bardarson encouraged all to be involved with the budget and congratulated staff on the
website. She wished a Happy Halloween to all, and everyone to have a good time.
Dunham stated the community lost an old time resident, May Zimmerman. He attended a
National Scenic Byways program meeting, and there were things available for the city through this
program. The local representative was Laura Cloward. He received a letter from the Citizen's of the
Air Patrol, seeking for funding. Dunham wanted to know if the city could participate in some way.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 22, 2007 Volume 37 Page 446
He asked for staff to look into amending the building code and the implementation of the
international code the city had adopted for people who buy or transfer ownership of older buildings.
Valdatta thanked Bear Creek Flood Board for their last informational packet.
Smith thought it was very important for the public to attend the budget work sessions. It was
under the public eye a lot, and if the citizens didn't participate, it was their own fault.
Corbridge said the city needed to look at building codes for enforcement, but wanted to look
at the entire code to make it enforceable in a "real world sense," in addition to removing everything
the city didn't plan to enforce.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS -None
COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS -None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:44 p.m.
~~~
can Lewis
City Clerk
Clark Corbridge
Mayor
(City Seal)
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