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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01102011 City Council Minutes City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes January 10, 2011 Volume 38, Page 502 CALL TO ORDER flrr. The January 10, 2011 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Willard E. Dunham. OPENING CEREMONY Police Chief Tom Clemons led the pledge of allegiance to the flag. JOHANNA KINNEY WAS SWORN IN AS CITY CLERK BY MAYOR DUNHAM ROLL CALL There were present: Willard E. Dunham presiding and Marianna Keil Jean Bardarson Vanta Shafer Bob Valdatta comprising a quorum of the Council; and Phillip Oates, City Manager Johanna Kinney, City Clerk ABSENT — Tom Smith, Ristine Casagranda A moment of silence was given for former Fire Chief Oscar Watsjold, who passed away January 9, 2011. CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Keith Campbell spoke in favor of the library museum project and spoke in favor of Ordinance 2010 -009. He reminded the monies already brought in for this project. He urged them to move this project along. This last piece put this project over the hump. Kent Crandall, project manager for the library museum project, spoke in support of the library /museum. He understood it was a difficult decision as to how to fund the rest of the project. Crandall encouraged council to move forward with a decision and not postpone further. Construction timelines and project material prices were changing and it was important to make a decision. Jim Herbert congratulated Kinney, and reminded the public the deadline for the student exchange was this Friday and encouraged applications. He spoke in favor of Ordinance 2010 - ir.. 009 and felt it was important to sustain momentum of this project. Herbert understood they had a difficult decision to make, but reminded them it was a legacy issue. He urged the sales tax increase. City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes January 10, 2011 Volume 38, Page 503 spoke regarding the library museum project. Skoog sp g g y ect. Skoog was the development P J director of the project. She encouraged council to move forward on the bonding of this project. This would be a wonderful asset and addition to this community. There had been countless volunteer hours already given to this project and agreed momentum should be kept moving forward. They have had more than 200 donors to this project in addition to state and grant assistance, and they were still fundraising. She also supported the sales tax ordinance. Mary Tougas reiterated what everyone else had said on the library museum issue. Building material costs were low right now, bond rates were low right now, and she thought the window of opportunity was before the council. She noted they were able to thank Stevens' for his help in Juneau to bring forward the state money for this project, which was almost $5 million. She felt it was time to make this a reality. Cheryl Seese supported the sales tax increase. She felt it was fairer than property tax increases. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Bardarson /Shafer) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: The December 13, 2010 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Were Approved. Council voted to continue the Port and Commerce Advisory Board for another year. Appointed Dale Butts to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a term to expire in February 2013. Non - Objection for the Liquor License renewals for Ray's Waterfront and the Yukon Bar. Resolution 2011 -001, Reappropriating $7,676.04 In Unspent Police Funding From The 2010 Budget To 2011 Budget To Migrate Radio Communications To Meet New Bandwidth Requirements. Resolution 2011 -002, Accepting A Grant In The Amount Of $1,827.30 From The Alaska Highway Safety Office For 2011 January — March ASTEP Driving Under The Influence (DUI) Enforcement Campaign And Appropriating Funds. Resolution 2011 -003, Appointing Brenda Ballou As The Deputy Clerk. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Proclamations and Awards City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes January 10, 2011 Volume 38, Page 504 tom A 2009 Community Initiative Award for contributions made on behalf of community water fluoridation by the State, CDC and Alaska Oral Health Program. The certificate of appreciation was given to Maya Moriarty and Patty Beals, members of the community "Wellness for All" Committee. Borough Assembly Report, Sue McClure stated from the January 4, 2011 meeting there was discussion about about snow grading at the Gray Cliffs land area, where the assembly put rail cars in for a bridge. They appropriated $16 million in general obligation bonds for the roofing of schools. A recent big issue was the Twin Cities racetrack in Kenai, where they received over two hours of public testimony. The Assembly decided to leave the area after much discussion and many options. McClure noted she acted as a liaison to several service area boards and regularly attended the Lowell Point and Bear Creek Fire Service Area Board Meetings as well as the Seward Bear Creek Flood Service Area Board meetings. She was concerned with the city seat still unfilled on the flood service area board and reported there had been discussion of replacing that seat with an out of city seat. Christy Terry used to attend as development director and she requested someone attend these because the city needed to have a face there. The next Assembly meeting was January 18, 2011. City Manager's Report, City Manager Phillip Oates stated he sent a letter to Alaska Waste who would be taking over the billing of garbage pickup, suggesting they maintain most of the city policies as they conducted their billing, such as not billing if the residence was vacant for a prolonged period of time. He provided to council a summary of annual police department �•• statistics for 2010. Oates mentioned a matter of press release by the state regarding the recent drug investigation and bust in the area. He addressed this because of the perceived drug problem in the area. He noted this was a year long investigation, and it was not public until an arrest had been made. But he wanted council and the public to know law enforcement was working on fighting drugs in the community. Oates introduced the SWAT Committee — Seward Wants Action Today — which consisted of a group of volunteers to look at select industries and what they needed to survive and advance. They would canvass information to find what was working well, and what needed change. There had not been any purchases approved between $10,000 - 50,000 since the last Council Meeting. In the Harbor, the Marine Travelift Policy was updated. This update reflected changes based on (a) the increase — widening — of the 50 -ton Travelift, (b) prepayment requirements, and (c) that staff would be checking insurance on transient vessels, as it was already on file for slip - holders. The City was involuntarily relinquishing slips for individuals who did not respond or pay their moorage fees with the 2011 moorage contracts. Metco delivered several large rocks to mark the perimeter of the Mariner's Memorial site on the South Harbor Uplands. The City intended to enter into an agreement with TelAlaska to bring telecommunications service to Z r .m float, specifically at the request of the USCG. This service was already available in several other floats in the harbor. GCI was contacted about this opportunity; however they had no existing infrastructure in the NE Harbor. City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes January 10, 2011 Volume 38, Page 505 The Fire Department responded to 311 calls for 2010. A detailed report would be forth mei coming to Council. The Department responded to a structure fire on the morning of January 2, 2010 at 321 Second Avenue. The fire started on the exterior of the building and extended into the structure. No injuries were reported. The family was back in the building the next day. The Fire Chief was asking that residents ensure their addresses on their homes and businesses were clearly visible from the street. Emergency responders were having a difficult time finding numbers on the buildings at night and did not want delays in getting to the right address. Mayoral Report, Mayor Willard E. Dunham stated it had been a quiet four weeks since their last meeting. The big thing that had happened was the ARCTEC agreement was signed and a railbelt utility was formed. This would be the primary requesting group for energy funding. They had requested $136 million in upgrades, Seward included in that for 3 projects totaling $22.5 million dollars. This group had the blessing of the Alaska Energy Association. Each utility had two votes, Seward was an equal partner. Anchorage Light and Power did not join because they had purchased outside natural gas and they had bonding in their municipality so they do not know if they could join the coop, but they were participating. He listed the board of directors — including Dunham as Treasurer. He felt this was an exciting opportunity and was pleased it was actually happening. Had a great visit with Senator Stevens on Saturday and he toured the Sealife Center and the saltwater heat system at the facility. The EDD was meeting on Thursday and Friday and he was invited to participate in the Governor's inaugural ball and to sit INJ at the governor's table. Valdatta thought maybe the EDD could assist with the new charter regulations that were devastating to the charter fleet industry. Dunham noted a wrecked car on Third Avenue he would like to see removed, but it was a state street. Something needed to be done. PACAB Annual Report, Chair Ron Long stated January through May there was something to work on each meeting. PACAB helped draft title 7 code revisions. They provided input on the Northeast Harbor Development Plan, possibility of land selling, the Harbor Vessel Maintenance and Repair Policy, the All Hazard Mitigation Plan, the State Transportation Improvement Plan, the South Harbor Upland Improvements Plan, and worked with administration and the Chamber of Commerce on the economic development assessment. The board gave input on the federal, state, and city priorities, what slip configurations on Z float should look like, and they wre looking ahead to a joint work session with P &Z for the lease nominations process. The board did some traveling, attending various meetings such as the Clean Energy Conference, the World Trade Center of Alaska, and the Fish Expo. Long was pleased PACAB had support and attendance from the Harbor and Community Development Departments at all meetings. They did have some quorum issues, but PACAB was now up to a full slate and they were looking forward to another year. Keil hoped PACAB members would join them for the January 26, 2011 Land Ad Hoc • j Committee /council work session. Valdatta was impressed with the company putting in the docks, Harris Sand and Gravel. Oates thanked Long and the board for their many contributions. Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations - None City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes January 10, 2011 Volume 38, Page 506 PUBLIC HEARING - None UNFINISHED BUSINESS Ordinance For Introduction Ordinance 2010 -009, Amending Seward City Code Section 5.35.055 To Create A Revenue Source For Repayment Of The $3.73m General Obligation Bond For Construction Of The Seward Community Library Museum By Establishing A Variable Seasonal Sales Tax That Increases The City Of Seward Rate To 5% During April Through September Of Each Year And Reduces The Rate To 3% In October Through March Of Each Year. Motion (Shafer /Keil) Introduce Ordinance 2010 -009 Oates stated he was prepared to speak to this during public hearing. If council did not object to that, administration would hold their comments until January 24, 2011. Motion Passed Unanimous Resolution For Introduction For l ublic notice purposes on Not or adoption tonight. To bring with above ordinance for p p p Y• t f p� g g public hearing on January 24, 2011) Resolution 2010 -130, Establishing A 1 Mill Increase In Property Tax To Generate A Revenue Source For Repayment Of The $3.73 Million General Obligation Bond For The Construction Of The Seward Community Library Museum. Motion (Bardarson /Shafer) Introduce Resolution 2010 -130 Oates reiterated that staff was prepared to give comment at the January 24, 2011 meeting. Motion Passed Yes: Keil, Shafer, Bardarson, Dunham No: Valdatta NEW BUSINESS OTHER NEW BUSINESS INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS (No action required) COUNCILS' COMMENTS Shafer said Seward's winter treasure chest had started, which was a program to encourage those to shop downtown. She wished all a good January. City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes January 10, 2011 Volume 38, Page 507 { Keil expressed condolences to the Watsjold family. She also wanted to express sorrow of the recent shootings in Tucson. She appreciated that the council could disagree on issues but leave it at that. Bardarson thanked PACAB for their hard work and for the work they put into the code revisions. The Polar Bear Jumpoff Festival was January 21 22 and 23 She noted the money raised stayed here in the Peninsula. Bardarson also offered condolences to the Watsjold family. Valdatta spoke on the award for fluoride tonight and that there were new studies that they should reduce the amount of fluoride. He voted no on the property tax because he was against it and there should be a tobacco tax instead. Dunham also extended condolences to the Watsjold family. He was a great person and Dunham knew him for 67 years. He served the community as a council member and was active in the community, and was involved in the fire department for many, many years. January 16, 2011 was the Alaska Sealife Center Marine Gala. The speaker and guest of honor was a National Geographic photographer. He urged the community to attend. He was getting ready to go to Juneau and DC for lobbying with Oates and Bardarson. He encouraged those with issues to let the members traveling know what they were. Dunham noted a program coming on energy use and consumption on how to become more energy efficient. Electric Utility Manager John Foutz stated it was a grant program from Alaska Energy Authority who received federal grant dollars to hand out throughout the state. end Keil also thanked Dale Butts for stepping up on the P &Z Commission. She would continue to encourage applications for the commission at each meeting until it was full. The Legislative Information Office was open for business and Keil was Seward's officer. CITIZENS' COMMENTS Patty Linville said in the 80's she drove to Moose Pass for her teaching job and one day her car flipped over. Oscar Watsjold was a bus driver and provided assistance and took her to school that day. He was a jewel, Linville said. COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS - ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Iehanna Kinney, CMS a =x °�, ••. illard E. Dunham City Clerk N9 'r;'� • ' • Mayor a Is • as (City Seal) „ —�— • • •• e` e {�, "p we• Q ' • • •• 4 e'ie commas e•e• c OF % ifiiii.uf