HomeMy WebLinkAbout01142013 City Council Minutes City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
January 14, 2013 Volume 39, Page 53
CALL TO ORDER
The January 14, 2013 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:00
p.m. by Mayor David Seaward.
OPENING CEREMONY
Police Chief Tom Clemons led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
David Seaward presiding and
Jean Bardarson Christy Terry
Vanta Shafer Bob Valdatta
Ristine Casagranda Marianna Keil
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Jim Hunt, City Manager
Johanna Kinney, City Clerk
Cheryl Brooking, City Attorney
Absent — None
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Matt Gray, President of the Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance (RBCA), announced a
new program to work with the schools and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services to bring a schoolyard
habitat program to the area. There were five months into the two -year program development process,
and the next step was to hold a public meeting to collect ideas and input on the master plan. That
meeting would be held on February 27, 2013 at the high school auditorium and he encouraged
everyone to attend. RBCA had also been working with the chamber to improve the salmon habitat
situation and he asked council and the public to go to RBCA's website to learn more.
Bob Reisner provided council with copies of a news release from the Mountain States Legal
Foundation that addressed a class action lawsuit of Alaska property owners against the Alaska
Department of Natural Resources.
Tim McDonald spoke on the potential Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC) harbor
addition plan. He was in favor of it and was also in favor of improving the salmon habitat. He
wondered about the $27 million figure for the breakwater project and was concerned that there was
no scientific study performed for comparison to the SMIC site. He noted he hadn't seen an actual
plan on the breakwater to date, and thought a baseline study for other sites would be worth
conducting.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
January 14, 2013 Volume 39, Page 54
Melinda Maddox represented Seward's Coordinated Transportation Group and requested an
..J amendment to Resolution 2013 -005, as Seaview Services reported the numbers were different than
listed in the resolution. She requested the dollar amount for the first vehicle be changed from
$50,040 to $63,000 and the dollar amount for the second vehicle be changed from $42,040 to
$53,000. Seaview Community Services would be sharing the transportation resources with the
Independent Living Center and TRAILS.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Bardarson/Terry) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Council Member Terry pulled Resolution 2013 -005 off the consent agenda.
Motion to Amend (Bardarson /Shafer) Amend the minutes from the December 10,
2012 regular meeting for Resolution 2012-
091 to accept the laydown version that
added to the second amendment, "Section
2: Signage shall include clear direction to
the Railroad Depot, Seward Downtown,
and Small Boat Harbor, a sign to direct
guests to baggage drop off, a larger sign to
direct guests to restrooms inside the
terminal, and any other sign that the
terminal deems necessary."
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous Consent
Motion to Amend (Terry /Casagranda) Amend Other New Business Items on the
Agenda, Item #C -7, to strike the words
"...supporting an independent investigation
on the possible impropriety of conduct in
releasing..." and replace it with "...the
release of..."
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous Consent
Council directed administration to include at the upcoming work session regarding Budget
Policy an item to address "criteria for non - profit organizations that receive city funding."
Administration added a new item under Other New Business Items for council to set a work session
to determine the city's top three Federal priorities from the previously- approved legislative priorities
list.
Mayor Seaward added a proclamation to be awarded by Kevin Smith from the Alaska Municipal ..w
League to Police Chief Tom Clemons.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
January 14, 2013 Volume 39, Page 55
Main Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
The November 26, 2012 and the amended December 10, 2012 Regular City Council Regular
Meeting Minutes were approved.
Council approved the continuation of the Port and Commerce Advisory Board for 2013.
There was non - objection for liquor license renewals for Ray's Waterfront Bar & Grill, Apollo
Restaurant, Chattermark and Railway Cantina.
Ordinance 2013 -001, Amending Portions Of Seward City Code 15.10.215 Parking. (This
ordinance' was introduced and set for public hearing and enactment at the January 28, 2013
meeting.)
Resolution 2013 -006, Authorizing An Amendment To The Agreement For The Reading Of
Electric.! Meters With Jordan Meter Services Within The City Of Seward Electric Service
Area An (I Appropriating Funds In The Amount Of $1,771.26 For Services In 2012 And
$3,542.52 For Services In 2013.
SPECI:■ I ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Imo
Proclamations & Awards
Proclamations for the 2013 Polar Bear Jump -Off Festival was presented to event
c a n izer Marilyn Sutherland and Bethany Waggoner who accepted on behalf of logo
►' , ‘∎igncr, Sara Tolson.
n Alaska Police Standards Council Advance Certification was awarded to Seward
1 dice Officer James Rouleau.
A p roclamation of support for the Seward Prevention Coalition was read.
A Certification of Appreciation was to Phyllis Baker for her years of service to the
and Police Department.
Kevin Smith, Executive Director of the Alaska Municipal League Joint Insurance
' sociation, awarded a resolution of appreciation to Police Chief Tom Clemons for his
orl: in public safety.
P hough Assembly Report, Sue McClure stated the Assembly met on Tuesday, January 8,
2013 an ,1 , ipproved the 2013 capital projects and revenue sharing askings. The borough's Tier 1
,., request (s for $5,000,000 for the Seward Bear Creek Flood Service Area (SBCFSA) to establish a
fund for t ( ) o d mitigation. Embedded within that was a 25% match, and although they were hoping to
receive a local, state or federal grant, the borough was also considering increasing the mill rate by
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
January 14, 2013 Volume 39, Page 56
0.25% throughout the flood service area to meet the match. On February 5, 2013 the Assembly
wej would meet and would have an ordinance for public hearing to change the start time for regular
meetings from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. She complimented Mr. Reisner for speaking tonight and for
being on the Seward Bear Creek Flood Service Area Board (SBCFSAB), and she pointed out there
was still one seat open for someone else to join SBCFSAB.
City Manager's Report, Jim Hunt stated there had been no purchase orders approved by the
City Manager for between $10,000 and $50,000 since the last council meeting. Assistant City
Manager Ron Long attended the Alaska Gasoline Development Corporation's (AGDC) Community
Advisory Council meeting in Fairbanks on December 27, 2012 to discuss the Alaska Stand Alone
Pipeline (ASAP). PACAB would be hosting AGDC's administration in Seward at a town hall
meeting February 27, 2013 to present the project and get feedback from the community.
Administration refined the CAPSIS legislative requests according to the Capital Priorities list
and initiated discussions with the city's lobbyist in Juneau to move projects forward through the
session. Administration provided the task and spend -down schedule for the $10 million
transportation bond funding to the state, per the state's request, and agreed to post it to the city
website.
Hunt thanked all the people who made the creation of the new Seward Community Library
Museum possible, and was especially glad that it came in on schedule and under budget. Plans for
utilizing the old library for both the Community Development Department and Electric Department
were complete and the relocation would take place soon.
A Request for Proposals was released for janitorial services at the new Seward Community
Library Museum. The deadline for submitting proposals was Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 12:00
p.m. The scoring criteria would be:
Criteria Weight
• Clarity of the proposal 5%
• Performance, experience and quality of work in providing 35%
services of a similar nature
• Proposer's organizational structure (including financial 20%
stability), equipment and personnel qualifications, resources
available for performance of the agreement and timeliness of
similar projects
• Additional services that may be provided by the proposer 5%
• Cost to the city 35%
TOTAL 100%
At the harbor, the U.S. Coast Guard moved into their new building in mid - December. The
harbormaster would participate in the 2013 Anchors Aweigh Boat Show in Anchorage from
February 6 -10, 2013. 2012 harbor statistics, as compared to 2011, included an increase in the number
of vessels by 7.8 %, or a total of 3,608 boats, but a decrease of 7.9% in boat lifts. The City of Seward
and the Seward International Friendship Association (SIFA) were seeking up to four (4) high school
students who wanted to participate in the student exchange between Seward and our Sister City of
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
January 14, 2013 Volume 39, Page 57
Obihiro, Japan. For the third year in a row, no Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests were made
`re over the New Year's Eve and New Year's Day holiday. Chugach Electric Association had started to
rebuild a portion of the transmission line between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. Seward
should not see any disturbances in electric service.
In response to Valdatta, Long said the wash -down pad would be designed to accommodate a
heating system of some sort that could be installed in the future, but would not initially be heated.
Shafer asked for a report on the status of the Alaska Railroad's plans to demolish the old U.S. Coast
Guard building.
City Attorney's Report, Cheryl Brooking stated for the period of November 20, 2012
through December 19, 2012 the attorney's office continued to provide advice on certain ordinances
and resolutions, personnel matters, contracts, proposed land transfers (specifically, the funds for the
Gillespie settlement had been released from escrow and the land exchange had been completed) and
assisted with harbor matters. Her office also worked with administration on proposed ordinance
changes, labor utility matters and contract matters for the Electric Department. She congratulated
everyone on the city's new library museum and remembered when the project first began over ten
years ago.
Brooking added that the U.S. Supreme Court had come down with a decision regarding the
Clean \\'; i ter Act wherein they determined that water alone was not a pollutant. In the face of certain
recent litigation against the city, she said that if that litigation were brought forth again today, it
r.. would 1 `zone nowhere in the courts.
t` !ay oral Report, David Seaward stated on December 13, 2012 he attended the Chaplain
Installat ;on at Spring Creek Correctional Center (SCCC). On December 17, 2012 he met with the
Resurrection Bay Conservation Association (RBCA) board to hear how the RBCA was trying to
increase community awareness about conservation. On December 19, 2012 he attended the
Indepen lent I , i \'i ng Center's TRAILS program meeting to hear about issues for people in town with
disabili
In response to Seaward's request, Police Chief Tom Clemons spoke about the recent school
shooting i n Connecticut and how it related to safety in the Seward schools. Clemons said the Police
Departs cm worked in conjunction with all three school administrators to review security procedures
and pr, ice maneuvers in the event of an issue. He said they were as prepared as they could be. In
concert ., ith Va1datta's concerns about gun safety in homes, Clemons agreed that gun safety was
everyone•s concern.
1':4.CA13 Annual Report, Chair Deborah Altermatt stated she was pleased to report that
2012 way an active year for the Port and Commerce Advisory Board (PACAB). PACAB had a full
board and that helped with continuity on many projects. PACAB supported the SMIC expansion and
Coasta' ' 'i 1 Project by sponsoring a public information meeting, and they planned to sponsor
more 1 - ic forums and wanted to partner more with the chamber. In April 2012, Altermatt and
Harbor ,: ster Mack Funk were part of a city delegation that traveled to Seattle for the Annual
Econo c Partners trip, which proved beneficial to touch base with those already doing business or
who in he interested in doing business in Seward in the future. Altermatt and Board Member Steve
City of Seward, Alaska Cite Council Minutes
January 14, 2013 Volume 39, Page 58
Fink attended the World Trade Center Statewide Economic Forecast Luncheon, and Altermatt
attended Anchorage's Economic Development Luncheon. PACAB Board Member Dan Oliver uirri
provided regular reports throughout the year on the development and construction of the R/V
Sikuliaq. PACAB sent letters of support to Alaska's congressional delegation recommending federal
funding for the Alaska Railroad. On behalf of PACAB, she thanked council for their continued
support and direction, and for continuing PACAB for another year.
Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations
Tim McDonald presented an update on behalf of the Cook Inlet Aquaculture
Association. The Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association (CIAA) held a memorial for Mike Wiley who
passed late last year. One of the greatest concerns for the CIAA currently was a new breed of fish
called a Frankenfish, which was an Atlantic Cod with genes from both a King Salmon and an Ocean
Pout. These fish were genetically altered, but the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) determined
that they were safe for human consumption. The makers of Frankenfish were targeting British
Columbia for the growing and harvesting the fish, and Chile for the processing. This fish represented
the first genetically - altered animal in the United States that had been approved for human
consumption, although there was currently an injunction against the FDA that prohibited the
furtherance of the endeavor.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ordinance 2012 -012, Amending Seward City Code 2.30.221 (A) To Correct The Planning () g And er
Zoning Meeting Adjournment Time From No Later Than 11:00 p.m. To No Later Than 10:30
p.m. 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
Motion (Keil/Shafer) Enact Ordinance 2012 -012
Motion Passed Unanimous
Resolution 2013 -001 Revising The 2013 Harbor Tariff Annual Rate For Reserved Moorage
Customers And Conform The Moorage Rate Table Appendix B Of The Tariff. 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.
Harbormaster Mack Funk stated this resolution was necessary to correct a mistake on one
of the rates by one penny from $46.27 to $46.28.
Motion (Bardarson/Keil) Approve Resolution 2013 -001
Motion Passed Unanimous
Resolution 2013 -002, Revising The 2013 Harbor Tariff To Charge Only One Electrical
Customer Charge Per Billing Cycle To Tenant Customers At The Small Boat Harbor And To
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
January 14, 2013 Volume 39, Page 59
Charge One Electrical Customer Charge Per Location For Transient Or Guest Customers.
ti .. Notice oldie publ is 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.
Funk stated this resolution came through the Port and Commerce Advisory Board (PACAB)
with the purpose of simplifying and making the harbor more customer - friendly. Historically, there
were two separate charges for customers, a customer charge and an electrical charge, but this change
would ensure customers only received one charge a month.
Motion (11 a rd arson /S11:1fer) Approve Resolution 2013 -002
In response to Valdatta, Funk said the harbor electrical use charges had a built -in surcharge
but it was not delineated in a customer's bill.
Motion to Amend (Terry /I3ardarson) Amend Resolution 2013 -002 by adopting the
laydown version
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous Consent
I n response to Casan randa, Long said the standard fuel surcharge was paid by the harbor, and
the harbor then resold the electricity to its tenants per city code. Long confirmed for Terry that
customs rs' bills now included kilowatt hours.
Main \ lotion Passed Unanimous
Resol tIon 2013 - 003, Revising The 2013 Harbor Tariff To Eliminate The Requirement For
Elect: • ; Deposits For cscrved Moorage Customers At The Small Boat Harbor. Notice ofthe
public 1/caring being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was
opened .Vo one appeared to address the Council and the public hearing was closed.
I unk stated this resolution came through the Port and Commerce Advisory Board (PACAB)
with the purpose of eliminating the required electrical deposit for reserved moorage customers.
Counc.I previously adopted the ordinance that adopted this change in the code, so this resolution
echoed the changes necessary for the tariff.
Motif. ' Keil /Shafer) Approve Resolution 2013 -003
! response to Sca\vard, Funk said if a vessel was only visiting for a short time they didn't
need to iv an el deposit, but vessels that stayed more than 15 days would be required to pay
a depo t. In order to have the electricity turned on, vessel owners were required to go through the
harbor
Moti Passed Unanimous
Resol • 'in 201 3 -004, Amending The 2012/2013 Biennial Budget To Reflect Mid -Cycle Budget
Chant Setting The I1! I Rate (Unchanged) For 2013, And Appropriating Funds. (Clerk's
City of Seward, Alaska Cilr Cmil,L I/ Minutes
January 14, 2013 I 'ohmic 39, Page 60
Note: this resolution does not require a public hearing, but was requested by Administration to
oirj allow for more public notice and comment.) Notice of the public hearing being posted and published
as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. No one appearecl to address the
Council and the public hearing was closed.
Long stated this was the result of council's previous consideration of mid-y, dr budget
adjustments, which included direction from the public. This represented cost and revenue
adjustments, as well as adjustments throughout enterprise funds for 2013 utilities.
Motion (Bardarson/Terry) Approve Resolution 2013 -004
Seaward brought council's attention to a letter he received from Fire Chief Marl: I cals from
the Bear Creek Fire Service Area regarding the Seward Volunteer Ambulance Corps (SVAC). The
letter requested that council appropriate funds to create an administrative position to perform data
entry, write grants and recruit volunteers on behalf of SVAC. Shafer objected to that sti `..,lion and
said if SVAC needed assistance, they would come to council directly rather than have bear Creek
ask on their behalf. Keil added that she had spoken with SVAC and learned that they were more
inclined to get make a request during the next budget cycle.
In response to Valdatta, Long noted there was a new problem with the boardwalk that
included safety concerns surrounding its ability to hold the weight of the snow plow. Although the
boardwalk was in good shape for its age and the environment, there were some modifications
necessary to make it safe for the plow so that people could use it throughout the winter. Long said he
would bring back an estimate and project scope as soon as weather permitted an anal ysis.
Motion Passed Unanimous
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Ordinances for Introduction
Ordinance 2012 -009, Establishing Criteria For Substances Added To Public Drinking Water
For Purposes Unrelated To Potability. (The motion to introduce was originally made by
Casagranda and seconded by Terry at the September 10, 2012 meeting.)
Motion to Withdraw (Casagranda) Withdraw the Motion to Introduce Ordinance
2012 -009.
Motion to Withdraw Passed Unanimous Consent
Ordinance 2012 -010, Amending Title 14 Of The City's Code Of Ordinances To Provide For
Interconnection Of Small Renewable Energy Sources To The City's Electrical Distribution
System. (The motion to introduce was originally made by Terry and seconded by Shafer at the
September 10, 2012 meeting.)
Terry pointed out that the Seward City Code currently provided for interconnection, including
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
January 14, 2013 Volume 39, Page 61
wind energy conversion, and she was concerned that there a number of defects with the way this
ordinance was written. She suggested that council either fail this ordinance or withdraw the motion
to introduce it, and that a work session be scheduled. Long agreed that administration could do
better, and he would like to have a work session.
Brooking noted this ordinance had been given to her and Utilities Manager John Foutz by
previous administration, and had not been drafted by either of them. She asked that council provide
her and Foutz with guidance and direction on what they wanted to see in this ordinance. Long stated
administration would he prepared for the next work session on this topic.
Motion to Withdraw (Terry) Withdraw the Motion to Introduce Ordinance
2012 -010.
Motion to Withdraw Passed Unanimous Consent
Conn ;I scheduled a Nvorl: session for Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss
interconnection.
l I ro o k i n g added that there were three main intents behind this ordinance. First, for the city to
coordinate the city code ar I the parameters within with any existing or future contracts it may have
for power supply. Second. to prevent any harm from coming to the city's electrical system and
equipment. Last. to ensure salty and allow the city the ability to turn the power off, if necessary.
law
NEW PIISINLSS
Reso! • • t; o 2(113 -005, Support ing The Top Three Transportation Priorities Established By The
Local 'Transportation Committee, For The Purpose Of Pursuing State And Federal
Trap • r'tation 1'roIeci "uuriing.
Motion (Terry /Shafer) Approve Resolution 2013 -005
Low said this resolution would assist the Local Transportation Committee and was
respon l i n g to t i tc needs 01 the community. In response to Bardarson, Melinda Maddox from the
Inde �d cnt Living Ccntcr (I I.C) said the ILC had applied with the Department of Transportation
(DO I )r point-of-sale ■ )uehers and that Seaview Community Services had applied for funds to
obtai' ne\v chicle 1•r, i t he ! )OT and the Mental Health Trust.
Mot;o9 to Amend (Teri.. / lardarson) Amend Resolution 2013 -005 by changing the
dollar amounts in Section 2 from $50,040 to
$63,000 for the first van and from $42,040
to $53,000 for the second van.
Mot ; -, to Amend 1':rsscd Unanimous Consent
Main, "-,lion Passed Unanimous
City of Seward, Alaska Ciir C'o111,, 11inutes
January 14, 2013 I "alrmn 2 'age 62
Other New Business
Council reviewed the results of the community survey for the potential creafon of a
Community Recreation Committee. Council directed the City Clerk to solicit into . <t from
citizens who wanted to serve on a Recreation Committee and to bri►►, the committee ►►sward
to council for appointment.
The mayor appointed Vice Mayor Bardarson to receive the com cv aluation I s and
tabulate the results prior to the formal evaluation sessions for the City 1\lanagcr, Cu ,' Clerk
and City Attorney.
By consensus, council agreed to send council member Ristine Casagranda to the Kenai
Peninsula Economic Development District's 2013 Industry Outlook Forum on January 31
through February 1, 2013 in Homer.
Council discussed the release of the RBCA vs. City of Seward letter dated April 2012.
Seaward had concerns not with the creation, but with the release of tl letter. \ lane inc )ers of
council did not understand why this discussion was still being brought up. After much d . Lussion,
council determined there was no impropriety with the release of the letter and they wished to not
bring the issue up anymore.
Council discussed burning coal within city limits. Valdatta said he had been hearing complaints of
the smell of burning coal in town lately and Casagranda echoed the sentiment. I -Lunt said he ;.ad been
reviewing the public nuisance code and the 2013 Alaska Air Monitoring Network Plan, a,,.i would
like for the topic to be suspended until the next council meeting so he could look i . o what
enforcement possibilities there were to consider, if applicable. Terry suggested admit hstration
prepare a cost - benefit analysis on filters and "clean" coal - burning heating systems.
Council scheduled a work session on Monday, January 21, 2013 at 5:3(1 p.m. to discuss setting
the top three Federal priorities for the city.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Bardarson thanked those who made the new Seward Library Museum project a su :. css, and
she enjoyed the public Grand Opening last Saturday. She encouraged high school students to
consider taking part in the student exchange program with Obihiro, Japan. She also thanked Marilyn
Sutherland for the work she did to organize this year's Annual Polar Bear Jump.
Keil congratulated Police Chief Tom Clemons on his AML /JIA award. She said the Gala
Celebration for the new Seward Library Museum, as well as the public Grand Opening event, were
both wonderful. She gave kudos to the Parks and Recreation Department for their work organizing
activities for children throughout the community. She attended the Urbach's Jamboree, thought it
was well organized and the volunteers from the Teen & Youth Center (TYC) did a great job.
voiaj
Shafer wished everyone a Happy New Year and was excited about 2013 because she thought
there were a lot of great opportunities for Seward in the near future.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
January 14, 2013 Volume 39, Page 63
Valdatta asked to have a more concerted effort made towards providing industry with
appreciation awards for businesses coming to and providing services in Seward. He suggested that
the city create a City of Seward calendar that could be handed out to promote the town.
Casagranda thanked the hard - working, dedicated citizens who lived and worked in Seward.
She offered her support to the mayor by volunteering to accompany him to various meetings.
Terry thought Seward had a stellar police force and police chief. She reminded everyone that
the annual Polar Bear Jum was this weekend, and encouraged people to sponsor a jumper, to invite
people down from out o' town, and to promote the event on social media. She thanked the RBCA for
working on positive, helpful projects that benefit all our citizens, and thought the Seward Library
Museum Grand Opening celebration was as fantastic as the new facility.
Long appreciated the hard work done by the contractors on the Seward Library Museum. It
was a huge accomplishment for the city, and everyone who worked on it should be commended.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Tim McDonald s i d he believed due diligence had not been performed on the Seward
Marine industrial Ccntcr (S,1IIC) harbor expansion, and that there were five other sites around
Resurrection Bay that should have been considered.
Motion to Recess (KL it /Puffer) Recess the meeting until Tuesday, January
15, 2013 at 12:00 p.m.
Motion to Recess Passer! Unanimous Consent
Mr. McDonald's comment were cut short due to time constraints.
Council recessed the meeting at 10:30 p.m. on Monday, January 14, 2013.
Council resumed the meeting at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2013.
There were present:
1)a\'id Seaward I : csiding and
Jean Pa Matson Christy Terry
\'anta Sharer Ristine Casagranda
Marianna I eil
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
• Jim hunt, City Manager
... ,I „hanna Kinney. ('ity Clerk
Brenda ! •putv City Clerk
City of Seward, Alaska ( m,. 'inutes
January 14, 2013 I i�ln,nr 3'), , rge 64
Absent — Bob Valdatta
Because of the time constraint on January 14, 2013, council finished 4 ouncil Commeiii.ti.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Seaward said he had received an invitation for the World "I i,,, e Center Alak,l,a wide
Economic Forecast on January 22, 2013 from 12:00 p.m. — 1:30 p.m. in case anyone on council was
interested in attending.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Council had no objection to allowing time to start over again for ", .m ,Alc1)0n:' ►(1.
Tim McDonald said he felt there had not been an objective stn on 11ow S \ I IC ct red to
other possible harbor sites in the bay. He didn't want a project o f t l l i s sire built w i thou t .dying
other alternatives for cost effectiveness. He wanted to see other locations considered besides SMIC,
including the old Louisiana Pacific site, Mt. Alice Harbor, Afognak Logging, the old freight lines
dock and the sawmill site at SMIC. His concerns with SMIC included tl .e cost, the gyre, the turning
basin allowance, and the site where the breakwater would be located.
Suzi Towsley agreed that there were lots of potential new and c. A111_2 dcvcl (`' i t oming
to Seward. She said her son had participated in the student exchange I , g ra in v i t ai (T h i l i ; Japan forl
last year, and encouraged students to apply and start fundraising as sooi , as possible. She \, . rked as
the Executive Liaison for the city manager and acted as the liaison for I'ACAB, and she was more
than willing to assist people in setting up appointments to meet with the city manager.
Deborah Altermatt, speaking as acitizen, said she had attended ,nany counciI nicer `,s over
the years, but last night was truly amazed at what transpired. Spec. ically, she ment, „red the
discussion about the release of the RBCA letter and thought the k .c had been brot: , :tt back
countless times. She found this negative, a waste of time and offensive. id she thanked c. _.ncil for
attempting to end this meritless issue. To the mayor, she wanted to poi .t out that lie recd .d about
13% of the voting constituency and she hoped he would see the positive in the community and start
moving forward with the other leaders of this town.
Dave Squires, spoke about the letter council received from the Bear Creek Fire Service
regarding SVAC. He said some points were valid, but he was concerned that Chief Beals hadn't
contacted SVAC to see what their wants and needs were. Squires planned to continue having the
Seward Volunteer Fire Department work in cooperation with SVAC ai ,.i support them until SVAC
told them otherwise. He also commented on the coal issue brought tort) i last night, and would follow
up on the mayor's question and look into whether the coal in Seward was a burnable source.
r
City of Sewage!, Alaska City Council Minutes
January I -t, 201 3 Volume 39, Page 65
COUNCIL AND ADM 1 ! i ST RATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS
Imo
Keil appreciated the comments from the public. She apologized for the heated meeting last
night and was cognizant that council did not want to misuse the public's time. She wanted council to
move forward, with the mayor, council and administration working together.
1,ong addressed the SNI1 C comments from Tim McDonald and said he hoped council and the
public Lin dlcraood that ad nist ration was not withholding information on the expansion project. If
council \v;antc(l the cite t o1: at other properties that were not city - owned, he asked that council
weigh in and direct such ; tudy to be done. Administration said SMIC was a property that the city
had been trvine to develop commercially for the last two decades.
Ilunt read a portion ola document he submitted to the City Clerk relating to his meeting
history with the mayor.
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♦ P