HomeMy WebLinkAbout02242014 City Council Minutes City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
February 24, 2014 Volume 39, Page 286
CALL TO ORDER
The February 24, 2014 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at
7:00 p.m. by Mayor Jean Bardarson.
OPENING CEREMONY
Police Lieutenant Louis Tiner led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Jean Bardarson presiding and
Marianna Keil Ristine Casagranda
Christy Terry David Squires
Dale Butts
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Jim Hunt, City Manager
Johanna Kinney, City Clerk
Nanci Richey, Administrative Assistant
Vacant—One
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR
PUBLIC HEARING
Carri Fisher stated the second annual Fur Ball Fundraiser for the animal shelter was coming
up on March 29, 2014. The event would include a march down the bike path and then an evening at
Chinook's. Fisher hoped council would ask that the Planning and Zoning Commission would discuss
relocating the animal shelter sometime soon.
Sue Lang, from Lowell Point, thanked the city, WC Casey, and the Public Works
Department for the work they were doing for the pipe under Spruce Creek and the attention they
were paying to the odor problem from the sewage lagoon.
Jena Petersen of the Seward Recreation Committee was wishing to recruit interested people
to fill some of the vacancies on the committee. They currently were down to five members,and were
hoping to be a committee of seven.
Martha Fleming stated she was willing to be on the Planning and Zoning Commission again
and hoped council would consider her reappointment tonight.
Janet Coulter was applying to the Planning and Zoning Commission. She hoped they would
consider her tonight for the commission.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
February 24, 2014 Volume 39, Page 287
Chris Edgar introduced himself as he was applying to the Planning and Zoning
Commission. He was interested in learning more about the zoning laws in the city and hoped council
would consider him as well.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Keil/Terry) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Mayor Bardarson added a Mayor's Report to the agenda under Special Orders, Presentations and
Reports.
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Resolution 2014-023, Authorizing The City Manager To Accept A Grant From The State Of
Alaska Department Of Commerce,Community&Economic Development For$175,966.50 For
The Dairy Hill Drainage Mitigation Project, And Appropriating Funds.
Council appointed the following to the Planning and Zoning Commission: Martha Fleming
with a term to expire February, 2017, Cindy Ecklund with a term to expire February, 2017,
Christopher Edgar with a term to expire February, 2016, and Janet Coulter with a term to
expire February, 2015.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Proclamations & Awards
Chamber of Commerce Report, Cindy Clock stated the Kenai Peninsula Marketing
Council was holding a truck raffle.Each Chamber of Commerce on the Kenai Peninsula would get to
display the truck for a month. The Chamber was sponsoring the World Trade Center Alaska—Arctic
Ambitions III Conference February 27—28,2014 in Girdwood,keeping the Port of Seward front and
center in Arctic development conversations. Clock announced upcoming events in Seward including
the National Ocean Science Bowl, Spring Breakup Festival,the Great Alaska Sportsman Show,and
the "Seattle Partners" trip.
Mayor's Report, Mayor Jean Bardarson stated she went to Juneau last week with City
Manager Hunt and Assistant City Manager Long from February 17-20, 2014. They met with
representatives on the hill. There was a group there involved with the community health centers
around the state and she networked with them as well. The first priority of the City of Seward was
the Seward Marine Industrial Center(SMIC) Expansion Project. They met with Senator Micciche,
who would be Seward's senator next year if re-elected,with the new redistricting measures effective
this year. Seward would no longer be represented by Senator Giessel after this year.
The Seward group also met with Senator Lesil McGuire's office, Representative Chenault,
and the Governor's Chief of Staff They had an opportunity to hear Senator Murkowski and
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
February 24, 2014 Volume 39, Page 288
Governor Parnell speak. Bardarson,Hunt,and Long also met with WC Casey and Loren Leman,Bob
Herron,and staff from Senator Giessel and Steven's office.During the Conference of Mayors,much
dialogue ensued about the Public Employee Retirement System(PERS).Governor Parnell wanted to
put$3 billion into a trust account to go towards paying the unfunded liability owed. There was some
discussion if it should be a trust account or a reserve account. It was a good trip and Bardarson hoped
it would prove to be successful.
City Manager's Report, Jim Hunt stated the following purchases between $10,000 and
$50,000 had been approved by the City Manager since the last council meeting: $23,900 to C.A.P.
Construction for construction in the Annex Building; and, $20,000 to Metco, Inc. for street sand.
In the Public Works Department, Spruce Creek repairs began last week,crews were waiting
for the snow to stop to pour concrete and complete the project. Staff completed and submitted a loan
questionnaire for the Lowell Point Wastewater Treatment Facility for$1.2 million to remove sludge
and complete repairs and provide necessary maintenance. Sludge removal was scheduled to be
completed this spring with the repairs/maintenance to be completed in the fall when the population
decreased.
In the Harbor Department,staff began the impoundment process for five vessels.The harbor
was soliciting quotes to re-paint the harbormaster office roof The contractor completed the
installation of D Float except for the essential dock utilities. The project completion date was April
15, 2014. The Restrooms Improvements Project was nearing completion.
In the Parks and Recreation Department, staff continued with Teen and Youth Center and
Recreation Room improvements.Middle and grade school students had been having a great time all
month long at safe, fun, well-attended Friday night dances hosted at TYC. Urbach's Youth
Basketball League was in full swing with approximately 100 kids signed up.
A Request For Proposals was released and advertised for Electrical Engineering and Design
during generator relocation. Proposals were due by March 10, 2014. The following scoring criteria
were announced:
1. Demonstrated experience 25% or 25 points
2. Identification of project team 15% or 15 points
3. Schedule/Work plan 15% or 15 points
4. Resumes complete 5% or 5 points
5. Proposal Price 25% or 25 points
6. Deliverables 15% or 15 points
Total 100% or 100 points
Hunt gave a brief update on the Seward Community Health Center. The Board approved the
revised agreement from the city and planned to open March 10,2014.They were experiencing delays
in obtaining a provider. The Executive Director provided a monthly report to council and
administration on the current status of the opening of the clinic.
il•r Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
February 24, 2014 Volume 39, Page 289
Statements from applicants interested in the vacant City Council seat: Deborah
Altermatt, Iris Darling, and Sandie Roach'. Altermatt was not present. Darling and Roach'
gave statements.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Resolutions Requiring Public Hearing
Resolution 2014-022, Authorizing The City Manager To Purchase Block 13A, Seward
Townsite, Cliff Addition Block 13 Replat And Vacation, According To The Official Plat
Thereof, Filed Under Plat Number 90-4, Records Of The Seward Recording District, Third
Judicial District, State Of Alaska For $77,300.00, And Appropriating Funds.
Motion (Keil/Terry) Approve Resolution 2014-022
Hunt said this purchase was necessary to mitigate flood drainage as proven by the last flood.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough provided grant funds to purchase this property. The city negotiated
with the owner and pointed out the new lot labels handed out tonight to correct an incorrect map in
the council's packet.
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.
Keil said this was approved by the Seward Bear Creek Flood Service Area Board and was
funded by the borough.
Terry noted when she looked online this price was equal to the assessed price according to
the borough's website, so she felt that was fair.
Motion Passed Unanimous
UNFINISHED BUSINESS -None
NEW BUSINESS -None
Other New Business
Vote and appoint qualified candidate to fill the council vacancy with a term to expire October
2014. Applicants are: Deborah Altermatt, Iris Darling, and Sandie Roach'.
City Clerk Johanna Kinney passed out ballots to council, collected them, and read the first
vote count as follows: two votes for Altermatt,two votes for Darling,and two votes for Roach'.
Kinney explained to council that, procedurally, a tie vote could enable ballots to be recast,
and that every candidate must be reconsidered equally for each voting occurrence.
Kinney passed out ballots to council,collected them,and read the second vote count as follows:
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
February 24, 2014 Volume 39, Page 290
two votes for Altermatt, three votes for Darling, and one vote for Roach'.
Motion (Squires/Casagranda) Appoint Iris Darling to the vacant council
seat with a term to expire October, 2014.
Keil did not think the council should be voting on this motion without having a ballot
vote of at least four council members for any applicant.
Council recessed at 7:47 p.m.
Council resumed at 7:57 p.m.
The City Clerk explained that according to the City Council's Rules of Procedure, ballot
votes for a council vacancy were tabulated and the council may then, by motion and voice vote,
affirm the appointment of the candidate receiving the highest number of votes. It was important to
have four voice votes to take any action,and if council felt the need to receive four ballot votes prior
to taking a voice vote, they could certainly entertain that option.
Squires and Casagranda withdrew their motion and second that was still on the floor
and there was no objection from council.
Kinney passed out ballots to council,collected them,and read the third vote count as follows:
two votes for Altermatt, and four votes for Darling.
Motion (Squires/Casagranda) Appoint Iris Darling to the vacant council
seat with a term to expire October, 2014.
Motion Passed Unanimous Consent
City Clerk Johanna Kinney swore in Darling as a council member and she took her seat at the
dais.
Council directed the City Clerk to solicit replacement members for the Seward Ad Hoc
Recreation Committee and set a deadline for responses on March 4, 2014.
Council scheduled the following Work Session(s)with the Boards and Commissions to review
annual priorities for March 3, 2014. They planned to meet with the Planning and Zoning
Commission at 6:00 p.m., the Port and Commerce Advisory Board at 7:00 p.m., and the
Historic Preservation Commission at 7:45 p.m.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
City Financial Reports for December, 2013.
Proclamation from the Alaska State Legislature honoring retired Fire Chief David Squires.
�`'� COUNCIL COMMENTS
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
February 24, 2014 Volume 39, Page 291
Keil thanked the applicants for putting their names forward for the council seat. She thanked
those who were appointed to Planning and Zoning Commission tonight as well and hoped they
would enjoy themselves. Keil gave her condolences to the Schrock family.
Terry reminded the public of the tournaments in Seward recently. The Native Youth
Olympics recently happened, and the National Ocean Sciences Bowl and a USA Wrestling
Tournament sponsored by the Marathon Wrestling Club were coming up as well. She thanked the
council applicants; it was a hard decision to make tonight as they were all qualified. Terry was glad
to have the Planning and Zoning Commission at full strength and noted there were still vacancies on
the flood service area board. She gave her condolences to the Schrock family.
Butts apologized for not attending the Alaska SeaLife Center Gala;he was not able to attend
due to illness. He thanked administration for the good meeting tonight and the information they
provided. Butts thanked Hunt and Long and their staff for their work. He also thanked the applicants
for the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Casagranda thanked the applicants who applied for the empty council seat. It was a hard
choice to make tonight.
Squires sent his condolences to the Schrock family.They had a hard and moving ceremony
for Laurie Schrock. He also gave his condolences to Chief Athey who recently lost his grandmother.
Squires thanked those who applied to Planning and Zoning Commission and to the City Council.He
congratulated Darling on her appointment to the council and thanked everyone for their nice
comments about the proclamation he received from the Alaska State Legislature.
Darling thanked the council for their support. She was prepared to work very hard in this
new position.
Hunt congratulated Squires on his commendation.
Long sent his condolences to the Schrock family. It was an honor to travel to Juneau last
week.
Bardarson sent condolences to the Schrock family. She welcomed Darling and the new
Planning and Zoning Commissioners. She wanted to know if council would support staff writing a
thank you letter to Senator Begich for his efforts requesting funding for full repairs of the Seward
Airport. There was no objection and the City Clerk was directed to prepare a letter.
CITIZEN COMMENTS—None
COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS -None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
February 24, 2014 Volume 39, Page 292
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