HomeMy WebLinkAbout03122012 City Council Minutes City ofSeward, Alaska City Council Minutes
March 12, 2012 Volume 38, Page 788
CALL TO ORDER
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The March 12, 2012 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:00
p.m. by Mayor David Seaward.
OPENING CEREMONY
Lt. Louis Tiner led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
David Seaward presiding and
Jean Bardarson Christy Terry
Vanta Shafer Marianna Keil
Bob Valdatta Ristine Casagranda
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Jim Hunt, City Manager
Johanna Kinney, City Clerk
Brenda Ballou, Deputy City Clerk
Absent — None
CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED
FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Dan Barth, an Advisory Board Member with the Seward Community Foundation spoke of
their goal to grow their endowment funds. They had received more applications in 2012 than ever
before and would be awarding $34,000 to local non -profit organizations in Moose Pass and Seward.
He encouraged everyone to contribute to the Seward Community Foundation when they received
their Permanent Fund Dividends.
Shelli McDowell, Seward's Animal Control Officer, and Lila Hurst requested assistance
obtaining a new animal shelter. They brought forth a grant proposal that would allow them $850,000
in funds with a requirement of 25% matching funds from the city. Councilmember Keil asked when
the next grant application would be due and that would be in March 2013. Keil suggested that
perhaps council could find the 25% match during the 2013 budget review. The proposed square
footage of the shelter was 2,500.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA & CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Keil /Bardarson) Approval of Agenda & Consent Agenda
City at Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
March 12, 2012 Volume 38, Page 789
Hunt added a request to schedule a special meeting for the council to meet for the
Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance issue. mod
Terry added an item to discuss scheduling a work session for the animal shelter.
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
The February 13, 2012 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes were approved.
There was a non - objection to the liquor license renewals for the Seward Alehouse, Three
Bears, and the BPO Elks Lodge.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Proclamations and Awards
A Certificate of Congratulations was presented for the Seward High School Girl's
Basketball Team's Win at Regionals. All public was invited to a send -off social for the
team tomorrow night at the High School at 7:00 p.m.
Seward's Harbor received the "Clean Harbor" designation from the Alaska Clean ,
Harbors Program.
The Parks and Recreation department recognized local businesses with Sponsor
Appreciation certificates.
Certificate of Congratulations was awarded to Louis Bencardino for his recent
recognition by the State Of Alaska Legislature.
Borough Assembly Report, Sue McClure stated they had two meetings since her last
report. The Borough passed the ordinance for the land exchange with the City of Seward
unanimously on February 14, 2012. Mayor Navarre was considering a $200,000 appropriation to
explore healthcare and an ordinance appropriating $4,700,000 from the Central Peninsula Hospital's
radiation branch for oncology. The Borough Assembly would hold their annual meeting in Seward
on April 17, 2012.
City Manager's Report, Jim Hunt stated there were no purchases approved by the City
Manager for between $10,000- 50,000 since the last Council Meeting. Request for proposals would
be released this week to provide transportation services to cruise ship passengers and other visitors,
between the Seward Cruise Ship Port, the Alaska Railroad Seward Depot, the downtown business
district, and the Seward Small Boat Harbor during the 2012 and 2013 summer tourism season.
Proposers would be graded according to the following criteria: usj
Age, condition, quality of coaches: 20%
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
March 12, 2012 Volume 38, Page 790
Customer Service: 20%
Safety Record: 20%
Seating capacity and ADA accessibility: 10%
Cost 30%
RFP packets would be available on Wednesday March 14, 2012 at the City Clerk's Office.
New software installation was planned for the harbor and a meeting with Coastal Villages was
planned for March 9, 2012. Officer Nickell was recently re- elected to his second term on the state
D.A.R.E. Board in the position of Sergeant at Arms. Mobilization for the SMC Dolphin Project was
in progress and all equipment would be in Seward by March 16, 2012. Current completion date for
the Library Museum Project was November 9, 2012, and the tentative date for the grand opening
would be the first week in December. Former city employee Rachael James accepted the position of
Library Museum Program Coordinator. The Friends of the Jesse Lee Horne had an unreimbursed
$40,000 balance. The City of Seward had already paid the invoice and was now seeking
reimbursement from them.
Council directed the City Manager that bills submitted by the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home
should be approved by the State of Alaska prior to reimbursement.
Valdatta was concerned over the stress and amount of work being handled by the summer
tourism coach drivers. In response to Bardarson, Lieutenant Tiner said there had been a patrol
position vacancy for three months, but it had been filled in a temporary capacity while the regular
officer was serving overseas. Regarding the Coastal Villages Region Fund, Hunt said their needs
were expanding tremendously as they had already purchased five new vessels. Responding to Terry.
Hunt said he, Assistant City Manager Long, Harbormaster Funk and Vice Mayor Bardarson would
be traveling to Juneau to meet with legislators. In April, he, Long and Bardarson would also be
visiting the Seattle ports. Hunt agreed to provide a report on Coastal Villages at every council
meeting.
In response to Terry, Electric Department Director John Foutz said there was a section of
lights by the Breeze Inn that went out due to an underground fault which caused the lights to go out
and that the electric department was busy helping the Department of Transportation with the Three
Bridges project.
Mayor's Report, David Seaward said that the Alaska Railroad had sent a thank you card to
the community for the open house and that they would be performing maintenance which would in
turn benefit Seward's economy. He announced that the Alaska SeaLife Center had sent an invitation
to an upcoming miniature golf event fundraiser. He encouraged residents to get involved with the
Planning and Zoning Commission.
Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations
Keil announced the Choose Respect March and Rally would be held on March 29, 2012 at
the Alaska SeaLife Center.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
March 12, 2012 Volume 38, Page 791
A report was given by City Representative Tim McDonald on the Cook Inlet
rosJ Aquaculture Association. McDonald stated that the Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association (CIAA)
was designed to promote the salmon habitat. There were 25 seats on the board, and there was talk of
adding a new seat. McDonald was placed on the executive committee for the Fort Graham facility.
The United Fishermen of Alaska joined the meeting. Governor Parnell was in support of a
$1,700,000 grant. The J -1 Visa workers usually came from other countries, but that program was in
jeopardy this year and that would impact three canneries in Seward with a potential shortage of
workers. He expressed concerns about the Silver Salmon Derby because there weren't a lot of
salmon in Resurrection Bay.
Keil commented that the Alaska SeaLife Center was currently monitoring invasive species in
Resurrection Bay and McDonald added that the study of invasive species must remain diligent and
ongoing.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Items Postponed from Previous Agenda /Resolutions Requiring a Public Hearing
Substitute Resolution 2012 -001, Approving A Land Exchange Of A 0.56 Acre +/- Portion Of
Lot 8A -1 For A 0.56 +/- Portion Of Lot 6A -1, Fort Raymond Subdivision Replat No. 2, With
The Kenai Peninsula Borough And Appropriating Funds. (Clerk's Note: This resolution was
postponed from the January 9, 2012 council meeting, January 23, 2012 and the February 13, 2012
council meetings. Public Hearing was held on January 23, 2012 and February 13, 2012. The
original motion to approve this resolution was made by Bardarson and seconded by Shafer. An
additional public hearing has been requested for this substitute resolution. A motion to amend by
.substitution is recommended by administration.
Long stated that a separate appraisal for each parcel was not necessary, as they were
comparable and fair in this trade. He said to ensure student safety the project would include the bike
path and would include lighting the bike path, at council's direction. There would be no changes to
Sea Lion Drive, although it might result in a slight increase in automobile traffic. It was his
recommendation that council move forward on this land trade.
Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public
hearing was opened.
Martha Fleming said it may not be necessary to have the bike path itself lighted, but rather
tilt some of the existing lights toward the bike path so the students could benefit.
The public hearing was closed.
Motion to Amend (Bardarson /Terry) Amend Resolution 2012 -001 By The
Substitute Changes Before Council
In response to Keil, Long said this would have to go back through the Planning and Zoning
Commission to be replatted.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
March 12, 2012 Volume 38, Page 792
Irmo Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
Main Motion Passed Unanimous
Items Postponed from a Previous Agenda
Substitute Resolution 2011 -072, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Maintenance
And Operating Agreement With Seward Ship's Drydock, Inc., Effective April 1, 2012. (C'lerk's
Note: This resolution was postponed from the September 26, 2011 council meeting. Original motion
to approve this resolution was made by Shafer and seconded by Bardarson. A motion to amend by
substitution is recommended by administration.)
Casagranda asked if this substitute resolution had received a full review from the City
Attorney. Hunt said he was very comfortable in the oversight of the agreement with Seward Ship's
Drydock and recommended that council approve it.
Motion to Amend (Terry /Keil) Amend Resolution 2012 -072 By The
Substitute Changes Before Council.
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
In response to Shafer, Harbormaster Mack Funk said there were two agreements with
Seward Ship's Drydock and all the maintenance had been performed and completed by Seward
Ship's Drydock as requested by council. Keil confirmed that Funk had closely overseen the work
being done.
Motion to Amend (Terry/Keil) Amend Resolution 2012 -072 By
Incorporating The Laydown Versions Of
Exhibit B And Page 3 Of Exhibit E.
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
Main Motion Passed Unanimous
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 2012 -020, Approving An Engineering Contract With PND Engineers In The
Amount Of $60,352.50 For A Vessel Wash -Down And Wastewater Recycling Facility At The
Seward Marine Industrial Center.
Motion (Bardarson /Terry) Approve Resolution 2012 -020
Hunt recommended council approve this resolution, Keil concurred. Casagranda asked what
other projects PND Engineers were working on and Funk said they were working as the engineers on
the Seward Marine Center Dolphin project.
City of 'Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
March 12, 2012 Volume 38, Page 793
Motion Passed Unanimous
Resolution 2012 -021, Authorizing The City Manager To Purchase A Replacement Vehicle In
The Form Of A 2012 Ford Escape To Replace The 1992 Chevrolet Blazer In The Amount Of
522,085.
Motion (Bardarson /Shafer) Approve Resolution 2012 -021
Hunt recommended council approve this resolution. Bardarson requested that if there was
another department that needed to travel to save on costs, then the Electric Department share the
vehicle. Foutz concurred and said he would make the vehicle available to other departments, but the
use of it needed to remain a priority for the electric department. Valdatta said he thought it was
impractical to share the vehicle.
Terry objected to this resolution. Hunt responded that there was a cost incurred by the city
when staff performed maintenance on the city's vehicles. Terry suggested that some of the work be
outsourced to some local garages rather than have the city employees working on it, suggesting Hunt
attempt to use the Crown Victoria as a trade -in towards this vehicle. Hunt said he could potentially
use the trade -in idea with the next purchase.
Motion Passed Yes: Shafer, Keil, Bardarson, Valdatta,
Casagranda, Seaward
No: Terry
Other New Business
Discussion on Celebrating the Centennial of Seward's Incorporation on June 1, 2012.
The City of Seward was incorporated on June 1, 1912. Terry suggested council form an ad hoc
citizen committee, perhaps to host a celebration for the city. City Clerk Johanna Kinney offered to
seek volunteers by the first council meeting in April.
Discussion on filing an objection to the liquor license renewal for Terry's Fish and
Chips. Hunt recommended approval after the objections by staff were withdrawn.
Motion (Terry /Keil) Send A Letter Of Non - Objection To The
ABC Board For The Liquor License
Renewal For Terry's Fish & Chips
Motion Passed Unanimous
Council scheduled a Special Meeting to discuss the litigation between the City of
Seward vs. the Resurrection Bay Conservation Association on March 16, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. in
City Council Chambers.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
March 12, 2012 Volume 38, Page 794
Council directed the City Clerk to include scheduling a Work Session for the animal
ihrre
shelter with the Animal Control Officer Shelli McDowell and Seward's Borough Assembly
Representative Sue McClure on the next agenda.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS (No action required)
Library /Museum Project Update.
COUNCILS' COMMENTS
Bardarson wished the Seward High School's girls' basketball team good luck in the
upcoming state tournament, and added well wishes for the UAA basketball team as well. She
thanked Louis Bencardino for his years of service and added that the Planning and Zoning
Commission needed three more members.
Keil thanked all the sponsors who supported the Parks & Recreation programs and reiterated
that the Choose Respect march would be held on March 29, 2012 at noon starting at the Alaska
SeaLife Center.
Shafer said the 2 Annual Spring Break -Up event would be this coming weekend, and
encouraged everyone to attend some of the many events being held.
Casagranda congratulated Bill Clark for accepting the Small Business Administration's
local position and thanked Tim McDonald for his thorough and detailed report. She expressed that
she would like to hear more communication about council members' travel plans in the future.
Terry reminded everyone to change their smoke detectors batteries and she welcomed
Rachel James to the Library Museum. She requested the City Clerk to create a link from the city's
website to the Spring Break -Up website.
Seaward stated his four priorities which included: cost of energy, healthcare /Providence.
efficient government /outsourcing, and promoting Seward.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS
Tim McDonald said he was a pet lover and he had three dogs. He believed cooperating with
the Borough would provide the city a greater economy of scale. He suggested council begin to start
thinking about the future of the city shops, and perhaps consider combining several into one location.
Sue McClure clarified the proposal to create an at -large seat for City Council would not
work and that she would come up with a new plan for the Flood Board; she would present it to the
Flood Board the next week. On the issue of animal control, the borough was reluctant to take on the
issue, but she would attend the Work Session; at that time, the borough had no animal control
powers. She congratulated everyone on Seward's annual Tidal Ocean Bowl challenge.
city of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
March 12, 2012 Volume 38, Page 795
Jim Pruitt thanked council for the ability to maintain Seward Ship's Drydock. He mentioned
the issue still existed of expanding the transfer facility. It was resulting in his having to turn down
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business.
COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS
Keil believed it was a pet owner's responsibility to spay and neuter their pets.
Long said the City of Seward was a home rule city, but the borough did not have the same
authority and the only way they could act would be by a vote of the people.
Terry wondered if there was a possibility of creating an animal control service area, similar
to the Flood Plain Service Area.
Seaward said he thought it would be important to fulfill the previous City Manager's wishes
to install a window in the animal control shelter.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:32 p.m.
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