HomeMy WebLinkAbout03132017 City Council PacketMonday, March 13, 2017
City Council ChambersBeginning at 7:00 p.m.
The
City of Seward, Alaska
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
{Please silence all cellular phones during the meeting}
March 13, 2017 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
Jean Bardarson
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
Term Expires 2017
ROLL CALL
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT
Marianna Keil
THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FORPUBLIC HEARING
Vice Mayor
\[Thosewhohavesignedin will begiventhefirstopportunityto
Term Expires 2018speak. Time is limited to3 minutes per speaker and36minutes
total time
for this agenda item.\]
Ristine Casagranda
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
\[Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated
Council Member
byasterisk (*). Consent Agenda items are not considered separately
Term Expires 2018
unlessa council memberso requests.Intheevent of such arequest,the
item isreturned to theRegularAgenda\]
David Squires
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Council Member
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Proclamationsand Awards
Sue McClure
Seward’s Day Proclamation
Council Member
Term Expires 2017
CityManagerReport
City Attorney Report
Deborah Altermatt
OtherReportsand Presentations
Council Member
Term Expires 2017
Presentation by EmilyStolarcykofEyak
PreservationCouncil regarding siting and timing
Erik Slater
ofU.S.Navytraining exercises in Gulf ofAlaska.
Council Member
Term Expires 2018
PUBLIC HEARINGS– None
James Hunt
City Manager
Johanna Kinney
City Clerk
Will Earnhart
City Attorney
City of Seward, Alaska Council Agenda
March 13, 2017 Page 1
8.UNFINISHED BUSINESS– None
9.NEW BUSINESS
A.Resolutions
1.Resolution 2017-013,Opposing Siting And Timing Of U.S. Navy Training Exercises
ThatPoseRisksTo Fish And Fisheries In The GulfOf Alaska.(Casagranda/Slater)
B.Other New Business Items
*1.ApprovalofFebruary 27, 2017 RegularCity Council Meeting Minutes.
*2.Non-objection to the liquorlicenserenewalforTheSeaBean #5399.
Direct the City Clerk to send a letterto the UniversityofAlaskaFairbanksCollegeof
Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, encouraging the continuance of Seward as the host city
for the annual Alaska Tsunami Ocean SciencesBowl.(McClure)
10.INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS(No Action Required) – None
11.COUNCIL
COMMENTS
12.CITIZEN COMMENTS
13.COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS
14.EXECUTIVE SESSION
A.Go into Executive Session to evaluate the City Clerk.
15.ADJOURNMENT
City of Seward, Alaska Council Agenda
March 13, 2017 Page 2
P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, on March 30, 1867, then Secretary of State William H. Seward signed the
Alaska Purchase Treaty; and
WHEREAS, this treaty negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia; and
WHEREAS, it was proclaimed by the State of Alaska that this day be celebrated on the last
Monday of March each year; and
WHEREAS, this day is of special importance to the City of Seward as this city was named
in honor of William H. Seward; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jean Bardarson, Mayor of the City of Seward, Alaska, do hereby
acknowledge and recognize William H. Seward for his foresight and wisdom in acquiring Alaska
from Russia, and do hereby proclaim Monday, March 27, 2017 as:
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Dated this 13 Day of March, 2017 THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Jean Bardarson, Mayor
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Civic Responsibility and Higher Education
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Sponsored by:Casagranda and Slater
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2017-013
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, OPPOSING SITING AND TIMING OF U.S. NAVY TRAINING
EXERCISES THAT POSE RISKS TO FISH AND FISHERIES IN THE GULF
OFALASKA
WHEREAS,the City of Seward is the governing body with the full power and authority as
recognized by the citizens of Seward, to act for its members, and has responsibility to provide
government for the good health and welfare of its citizens; and
WHEREAS,the U.S. Navy plans to conduct training activities utilizing explosives, live
ordnance, and sonar in the Gulf of Alaska in 2017 that will have impacts on marine life and habitat
vital to the interests of the City of Seward and its citizens; and
WHEREAS,these trainings will impact the waters of the Gulf of Alaska by annually
releasing up to approximately 352,000 pounds of expended materials including up to 10,500 pounds
of hazardous materials including cyanide, chromium, lead, tungsten, nickel, cadmium, barium
chromate, chlorides, phosphorus, titanium compounds, lead oxide, potassium perchlorate, lead
chromate, ammonium perchlorate, fulminate of mercury, and lead azide into waters designated by
NOAA as Essential Fish Habitat for a multitude of species that support the economic development in
Alaskan coastal communities and harvest of wild Alaskan salmon and other fish for global markets;
and
WHEREAS,the training area and vicinity is a highly productive region for many marine fish
and shellfish populations and supports some of the most productive fisheries in the United States,
and an important spawning area for many fishes, and the training is scheduled to take place during
the summer season when many fish populations are migrating and spawning (at least 383 species
belonging to 84 families of marine and anadromous fishes have been reported from the predominant
ecosystems found in the training area); and
WHEREAS, the port of Seward is reliant on the fish and wildlife resources in the Gulf of
Alaska for their subsistence harvest and the livelihoods supported by commercial fishing; and
WHEREAS, the City of Seward supports all cultural, traditional and subsistence activities
historically and continually practiced by Native and non-Native peoplesin the Gulf of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, the City of Seward finds limited scientific information or traditional knowledge
demonstrating that the U.S. Navy’s training activities can take place without negatively affecting
salmon, marine mammal, bird and other marine habitats.
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CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2017-013
___________________________
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITYOF SEWARD, ALASKAthat
he City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska does hereby request that the
U.S. Navy refrain from using live ordnance or sonar in any Marine Protected Area, including
NOAA Fisheries Marine Protected Areas, State Marine Protected Areas and Habitat Areas of
Particular Concern:
Section. The City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska hereby requests that the
U.S.Navy relocate its training area to the far southeast corner of the current designated training
area, off the Continental Shelf areas of the Gulf of Alaska, and away from seamounts.
Section. The City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska supports a well-trained U.S. Navy
any requests the U.S. Navy to conduct its training exercises after the middle of September and before
the Spring, so as not to impact migrating salmon and other species.
Section. This resolution shall takeeffectimmediately upon adoption.
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PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council oftheCityofSeward,Alaska, this 13dayof
March, 2017.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Jean Bardarson, Mayor
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
______________________
Johanna Kinney, CMC
City Clerk
(City Seal)
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City Council Memorandum
DATE:March 1, 2017
TO:Seward City Council Members
FROM: Emily Stolarcyk, Program Manager - Eyak Preservation Council
SUBJECT: Supplemental Information/ Overview of Resolution addressing the US
Navy’s 2017 trainings in the Gulf of Alaska
Thank you for the opportunity to provide context and information to support the
Resolution addressing the US Navy’s 2017 training plans in the Gulf of Alaska. This
Resolution was passed by the communities of Cordova, Homer, Kodiak, Valdez,
Sitka, Girdwood, Tenakee Springs, and Whittier, Alaska.
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On March 31, 2016, US Navy representatives speaking at ComFish in Kodiak, AK
stated that the Navy had pre-selected training dates for 2017 in the Gulf of Alaska.
Their dates are May 1 – 12, 2017. These dates are problematic and pose risks to our
commercial and subsistence fisheries. As coastal communities, we need to engage
the Navy and support an alternative time of their ‘Northern Edge’ training exercises.
The Eyak Preservation Council supports a well-trained Navy and is not asking for
the exercises to be discontinued. We are asking that the Navy work with local
communities to find the best time and location for training that poses the least
amount of risk to the valuable habitat within the Gulf of Alaska; the needs of local
industries, communities and the environment must be balanced. We are asking for
the Navy to conduct their exercises between mid-September and March exclusively.
Some additional points for consideration:
The Navy selected 2017 training dates before securing a Letter of Authorization
(LOA) or a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for the
2017 trainings. Selecting dates before securing a LOA is a serious breach of
protocol and legality by the US Navy.
In the 43 years that the Navy has conducted trainings in the GOA, only twice
have trainings occurred in May (2007, 2008). The use of active sonar, only
permitted since 2011, has never occurred in May. Historically, trainings took
place in winter months (1973 – 2003). Only in 2004 was Northern Edge moved
to the summer months. May is one of the prime months for species migration
into the GOA. The Navy has not conducted any additional research to prove that
training in May, including the use of active sonar, will not harm or have negative
effects on migrating fish and marine mammals.
The Navy and NMFS recently lost a federal lawsuit about Naval exercises and
permit processes regarding the Navy’s activities in their Hawaii/Southern
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California ranges. As a result, the Navy is now restricted from training in
Biologically Important Areas (BIA’s) during certain times of the year because of
the species present. The resolution asks that the same protections awarded to
Hawaii/Southern California be extended to the Gulf of Alaska.
The Navy has previously identified that both September and October are
acceptable months in which ‘Northern Edge’ can be conducted.
Our environment is changing. The Navy has not conducted any research nor
presented any information about the safety and/or long term impacts their
trainings pose to our marine environments including Essential Fish Habitat. In
these changing times, it is our responsibly to take every measure to safeguard the
future of our fisheries. Allowing the Navy to train in May could have a number
of unintended consequences and unfavorable impacts to our fisheries including:
o Immediate decline in catch due to direct physical injury and
mortality from weapons and sonar;
o Delays in fish runs as a result of scattering effects from sonar
(observed after 2015 trainings in Bristol Bay and other fisheries);
o Exposure and contamination of fish from Navy-sourced expended
materials such as cyanide, mercury and lead;
o Failure to (or an increase in the time needed to) reach the next
developmental stage of juvenile fish populations.
In summary, allowing the Navy to conduct their training exercise ‘Northern Edge’ in
May puts our fishing industries and subsistence resources at undue risk. The Navy is
already changing their activities in other Pacific ranges. The Navy needs to hear from
communities now, well in advance of their trainings, in order to make the necessary
changes to their schedule.
Please contact me with additional questions and/ or concerns.
Thank you,
Emily Stolarcyk
Program Manager
907-424-5890
emily@redzone.org
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Navy Military Training Exercises in the Gulf of Alaska
S UMMARY
TheUS Navy seeks to continue military training activitiescalled “Northern Edge”in the
Gulf of Alaska to “achieve and maintain readiness.” (Source www.goaeis.com).
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On March 31, 2016, US Navy representatives speaking at ComFish in Kodiak, AK stated
that the Navy had pre-selected training datesfor 2017. Their planned dates are May 1 –
12, 2017. Regional communities and fisheriesfind these dates problematic and feel that
training in May pose risks to our commercial and subsistence fisheries. Weseek to
engage the Navy and support an alternative time of their ‘Northern Edge’ training
exercisesto take place exclusively between mid-September and March.
Currently, these exercises are planned during the most prolific breeding and migratory
periods of the marine supported life in the region (salmon, whales, birds and more). The
Gulf of Alaska, which has still not fully recovered from the Exxon Valdez oil spill, is
home to Alaska’s most diverse population of Indigenous Peoples who rely on its bounties
for sustenance, commercial and traditional hunting and gathering activities. Natives living
on the northern coast of the Gulf of Alaska include Eskimo, Eyak, Athabascan, Koniag,
Tlingit and Aleut, and collectively constitute 30 percent of the area's overall population.
(Source: Alaska Native CommissionsReport http://www.alaskool.org).
Background
According to the EIS preferred plans, these "war games" will involve use of high-
frequency and mid-frequency sonar(235 dB)for submarine exercises, plusauthorized use
ofa wide variety of live weapons and explosives deployment - bombs, heavy deck guns,
torpedoes, missiles, large carrier strikes (ships blown up & sunk) none of which will ever
be recovered. Although military training exercises have been conducted in the GOA
intermittently for the last 40 years, those proposed in the current EIS are a massive
increase from any conducted before 2011(e.g. a 6,500% increase in sonobuoys). The use
of active sonar was permitted for the first time in 2011.
The Navyhasapplied for permitsto conduct training exercises in the Gulf of Alaska
(GOA) for up to 42 days (from April to October) annually fora five-year period, 2016 –
2020. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) is the permitting
agency with support from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The Navy is
required to complete a supplemental EIS (released 7/29/2016).
Significance
The GOA is the pathway and breeding grounds that provides traditional food sources and
is the primary sustainable economic engine for Indigenous and non-native communities
alike in Alaska. Of all species of fish and marine mammals Indigenous people in the
region use for food and cultural traditions, none is more iconic than wild salmon. Wild
salmon are at the heart of Alaska’s image the world over. These proposed Navy training
exercises pose a large risk to all types of fish and marine mammals that live in or travel
through the GOA, including all five species of Pacific Salmon.
The area where the Navy conducts its activityis vital habitatfor many species. The Gulf
of Alaska supports the most sustainable and economically valuable fisheries left in the
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USA. Commercial fishing is the largest private sector employer in Alaska, providing over
63,000 jobs.
Immediate harm to marine life includes death from explosions and sonar and the
destruction of essential habitat areas. Long-term risks include exposure to hazardous
chemical by-products left from the expended materials (bombs, sunken vessels, etc), and
the bioaccumulation of hazardous chemicals that can be assimilated into the food chain.
These risks threaten the cultural freedoms and economic livelihoods of Indigenous
peoples that depend on these animals today and have for thousands of years. These
trainings and the toxic debris they leave behind will cause irrevocable damage to fish,
marine mammals, sea birds, their habitats, and the human communities that reply on the
ocean for food and sustenance.
The Navy acknowledges the harm and deaths the exercises pose to marine mammals and
refers to the thousands of “takes” that are anticipated when these exercises are carried out
(over 36,000 takes annually, >182,000 over five years). When it comes to fish, including
salmon, it is clear from the EIS that theextent of the damage and risk are largely
unknown. Much more scientific research is needed to know the effects these trainings
have on fish populations. A quote from the EIS Section 3.6 Fishon Explosive Sources
states:"…little is known about the very important issues of nonmortality damage in the
short and long-term, and nothing is known about effects on behavior of fish."
The GOA, south of Prince WilliamSound, is essentialhabitat and traveling pathways for
all of the rich diversity of sea life and mammals. It is unacceptable to host military
training exercises in the spring and summer, year after year, during the most prolific
breeding and migratory periods for all of the marine supported life in the entire region
especially when the Navy has previously identified that both September and October are
acceptable months in which ‘Northern Edge’ can be conductedand historically the Navy
only trained in the winter months.
Summary Conclusion
The Eyak Preservation Council (EPC) is extremely concerned about these trainings and
their potential for negative effects on humans, animals and the environment. EPC believes
that these trainings pose a risk to Native andNon-Native Subsistence Foods culture and
harvests as well as commercial fisheries. This paper references fish and does not delve
into the effects of these trainings on marine mammals.
The trainings will take place in areas that include Essential Fish Habitat. The proposed
activities in the TMAA (Temporary Marine Activities Area, map on page 7)have the
potential to result in the following impacts:
-Physical disruption of habitat;
-Physical destruction or adverse modification of benthic habitats;
-Alteration of water or sediment quality from expended material or discharge;
-Cumulative impacts.
Please refer to Notes on subsequent pages
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N OTES:
The following are excerpts from the Navy’s Environmental Impact Statement and can be read in full at
www.goaeis.com.
EIS Section 3.6 Fish:
-The TMAA and vicinity is a highly productive region for various marine fish and shellfish
populations and supports some of the most productive fisheries in the United States*
-The TMAA falls within the Alaska Current (AC) and the Alaska Coastal Current (ACC)
systems. Both currents flow in a northerly direction off southeastern Alaska and then turn
southwestward along the Alaska coast**
-Currently the GOA supports habitats of “endangered” and “threatened” populations of high
seas salmon (Chinook, coho, chum, and sockeye salmon, and steelhead)
-The TMAA and vicinity is a highly productive region for various marine fish and shellfish
populations and supports some of the most productive fisheries in the United States. It is also
an important spawning area for many fishes
-At least 383 species belonging to 84 families of marine and anadromous fishes have been
reported from the predominant ecosystems found in the GOA TMAA
-59 of the 66 managed groundfish species are known to occur in the TMAA
-Five species of Pacific salmon (Chinook, coho, chum, pink, and sockeye salmon) have EFH
designated within the TMAA
-Of the five species of Pacific Salmon, Chinook would be the most affected by the Navy’s
trainings
-The effects \[of the trainings\] on fish could include direct physical injury, such as potential for
death, injury, or failure to (or an increase in the time needed to) reach the next developmental
stage.
-Stress to fish populations in warfare areas includesenvironmental stressors, acoustic effects of
underwater sounds to fish, effects of underwater impulsive sounds, explosive ordnance,
nonexplosive ordnance, and expended materials.
-Potential stressors to fish and EFH include vessel movements (disturbance and collisions),
aircraft overflights (disturbance), explosive ordnance, sonar training (disturbance), weapons
firing/nonexplosive ordnance use (disturbance and strikes), and expended materials (ordnance-
related materials, targets, sonobuoys, andmarine markers).
-Potential effects of explosive charge detonations on fish and EFH include disruption of habitat;
exposure to chemical by-products; disturbance, injury, or death from the shock (pressure)
wave; acoustic impacts; and indirect effects including those on prey species and other
components of the food web.
* These trainings will occur during fishing season. Commercial fishing is the largest private sector
employer in the state of Alaska and supports over 63,000 jobs.
** This means that the expended materials left in the water after the trainings will flow towards
Alaska’s coastline.
In reference to Sonar:
-There have been very few studies on the effects that human-generated sound may have on fish
-The majority of studies often lack appropriatecontrols, statistical rigor, and/orexpert analysis
of the results
-Hearing capability data only exists for fewer than 100 of the 29,000 fish species
-Generally, a clear correlation between hearing capability and the environment cannot be
asserted or refuted due to limited knowledge of ambient sound levels in marine habitats and a
lack of comparative studies
-Based upon currently available data it is not possible to predict specific effects of Navy
impulsive sources on fish. At the same time, there are several results that are at least suggestive
of potential effectsthat result in death or damage
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-The literature on vulnerability to injury from exposure to loud sounds is similarly limited,
relevant to particular species, and, because of the great diversity of fish, not easily extrapolated
We just don’t know:
-The effects of sound on fish are largely unknown
-A number of studies have examined the effects of explosives on fish. However, these studies
are often variable, so extrapolation from one study to another,or to other sources, such as
those used by the Navy, is not really possible
-Little is known about the very important issues of nonmortality damage in the short- and long-
term, and nothing is known about effects on behavior of fish.
-More well-controlled studies are needed on the hearing thresholds for fish species and on
temporary and permanent hearing loss associated with exposure to sounds.
-The effects of sound may not only be species specific, but also depend on the mass of the fish
(especially where any injuries are being considered) and life history phase (eggs and larvae
may be more or less vulnerable to exposure than adult fish).
-No studies have established effects of cumulative exposure of fish to any type of sound or have
determined whether subtle and long-term effects on behavior or physiology could have an
impact upon survival of fish populations.
Munitions Constituents:
-Petroleum hydrocarbons released during an accident are harmful to fish. Jet fuel is toxic to
fish.
-Unburned fuel may be spread over a large area
-Fuel spills and material released from weapons and targets could occur at different locations
and at different times.
-Potential impacts from Navy explosives training include degradation of substrate and
introduction of toxic chemicals into the water column
EIS Section 3.14 Public Safety:
-Undetonated ordnance on the ocean floor may pose a risk to fishermen, particularly bottom
trawlers. If a trawl contacted an undetonated ordnance item, the item could detonate.
-Chaff (aluminum-coated polymer fibers inside of a launching mechanism) will be used during
the trainings. Upon deployment, the chaff and small pieces of plastic are expended. The
purpose of chaff is to counter avoid aircraft detection by radar by masking the aircraft and to
provide false radar returns to defeat radar-guided anti-aircraft defensive systems. Chaff will
form a large cloud of fiber that disperses slowly, which could affect public safety.
-Some solid training items expended at sea could migrate to the shoreline where the public
could encounter them. Included among these items are targets and sonobuoys.
Hazardous materials from the trainingsleft in the water include heavy metals, propellants, and
explosives. Including the following: Cyanide, Chromium,Lead,Tungsten,Nickel,Cadmium,Barium
chromate,Chlorides,Phosphorus,Titanium compounds,Lead oxide,Barium chromate,Potassium
perchlorate,Lead chromate,Ammonium perchlorate,Potassium perchlorate,Fulminate of mercury,
Potassium perchlorateand Lead azide.
The Navy was permitted Alternative 2 (their preferred).
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It is up to us. Alaska regulations on expended and hazardous materials are not applicable to Navy
training in the TMAA because no training activities take place within State waters (up to three nm from
shore). Alaska has not developed any state-specific military munitions regulations.
Assuming Navy training under Alternative 2 would remain consistent over periods of five and 20 years,
the Navy would expend approximately 880 tons (209 lb per nm2 \[27.5 kg per km2\]) and 3,520 tons
(835 lb per nm2 \[110 kg per km2\]) of training material in the TMAA, respectively.
Continued, next page
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List of Weapons to be Used in the GOA Trainings
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CITYOF CORDOVA, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 06-16-24
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CORDOVA, ALASKA
OPPOSING SITING AND TIMING OF U.S. NAVY TRAINING EXERCISES THAT
POSE RISKS TO FISH AND FISHERIES IN THE GULF OFALASKA
WHEREAS, the City of Cordova is the governing body with the full power and authority
as recognized by the citizens of Cordova, to act for its members, and has the responsibility to
provide government for the good health and welfare of its citizens;and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Navy has plans to conduct training activities utilizing explosives,
live ordnance, and sonar in the Gulf of Alaska in 2017 that will have impacts on marine life and
habitat vital to the interests of the City of Cordova and its citizens; and
WHEREAS,these trainings will impactthe waters of the Gulf of Alaska by annually
releasing up to approximately 352,000 pounds of expended materials including up to 10,500
pounds of hazardous materials including cyanide, chromium, lead, tungsten, nickel, cadmium,
barium chromate, chlorides, phosphorus, titanium compounds, lead oxide, potassium perchlorate,
lead chromate, ammonium perchlorate, fulminate of mercury, and lead azide into waters
designated by NOAA as Essential Fish Habitat for a multitude of species that support the economic
development in Alaskan coastal communities and harvest of wild Alaskan salmon and other fish
for global markets; and
WHEREAS,the training area and vicinity is a highly productive region for many marine
fish and shellfish populations and supports some of the most productive fisheries in the United
States, andan important spawning area for many fish, and the training is scheduled to take place
during the summer season when many fish populations are migrating and spawning (at least 383
species belonging to 84 families of marine and anadromous fish have been reported from the
predominant ecosystems found in the training area);and
WHEREAS,the port of Cordova is often ranked in the top 15 U.S. ports for quantity of
seafood landed and dollar valueof seafood harvests (Fisheries of the U.S., NOAA), illustrating
coastal Alaska's reliance on the fish and wildlife resources in the Gulf of Alaska for their
subsistence harvest and the livelihoods supported by commercial fishing; and
WHEREAS,the City of Cordova supports all cultural, traditional and subsistence
activities historically and continually practiced by Native and non-Native peoples in the Gulf of
Alaska.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVEDthat the City Council of the City of Cordova,
Alaska doeshereby request that the U.S. Navy refrain from using live ordnance or sonar in any
Marine Protected Area, including NOAA Fisheries Marine Protected Areas, State Marine
Protected Areas and Habitat Areas of Particular Concern;and
Res 06-16-24
Page 1 of 2
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVEDthat the City Council of the City of Cordova, Alaska
hereby requests that the U.S. Navy relocate its training area to the far southeast corner of the
current designated training area, off the Continental Shelf areas of the Gulf of Alaska, and away
from seamounts; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVEDthat the City Council of the City of Cordova, Alaska
requests that the U.S. Navy conduct its training exercises after the middle of September and before
the Spring, so as not to impact migrating salmon and other species.
nd
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 22DAY OF JUNE, 2016
______________________________
Clay Koplin, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Susan Bourgeois, CMC, City Clerk
Res 06-16-24
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City of Seward, AlaskaCity Council Minutes
February 27, 2017 Volume 40, Page
CALL TO ORDER
The February 27, 2017 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at
7:00 p.m. by Mayor Jean Bardarson.
OPENING CEREMONY
Police Chief Tom Clemons led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Jean Bardarson presiding and
Marianna Keil Ristine Casagranda
Dave Squires Sue McClure
Erik Slater
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Jim Hunt, City Manager
Johanna Kinney, City Clerk
Absent – Altermatt
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR
PUBLIC HEARING
David Clevelandintroduced himself and stated he was applying to fill Brandii Holmdahl’s
seat on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly.He lived in Sterling, worked for the state,used to
work at Spring Creek Correctional Center, and knew a lot of people in Seward.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Keil/Casagranda) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approval of the January 23, 2017 and February 13, 2017 City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes and January 23, 2017 City Council Special Meeting Minutes.
Appoint Cindy Ecklund and Martha Fleming to the Planning and Zoning Commission with
terms expiring February, 2020.
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City of Seward, AlaskaCity Council Minutes
February 27, 2017 Volume 40, Page
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Proclamations & Awards– None
Chamber of CommerceReport.Cindy Clocknoted Chamber Board Member Brenda
Ballou was in attendance tonight with her.She explained the Board of Directors was defining the
Chamber’sstrategic goals: working in partnership with the City,and improving/increasing
organizational effectiveness. Clock listed the many spring sports shows coming up that the Chamber
would be attending, as well as various Chamber luncheons and Seward Economic Growth Plan
meetings.Clock announced the recipients of the annual Community Awards Dinner held earlier this
month: David Paperman: Person of the Year, Kerry Romig: Business Person of the Year, Samson
Tug and Barge: Business of the Year, Retreat Day Spa: Business Site Improvement, American
Legion Auxiliary, Seward Unit 5: Outstanding Community Service.
City ManagerReport. Jim Huntstated there were no purchase orders between $10,000 and
$50,000 were approved by him since the last council meeting.He reported on his trip to Juneau for
the Alaska Municipal League winter session which he attended along with Assistant City Manager
Ron Long and Mayor Jean Bardarson.They attended Alaska Municipal League events,as well as
walked the halls of the Capital Building, addressing issues to Seward’s representatives. Hunt
addressed a very recent rumor which proposed to close Spring Creek Correctional Center, but did not
feel that would happen.Assistant City Manager Ron Long added that during the Juneau trip,
Senator Murkowski spoke about identifying several arctic portsthroughout the state, and Long
wanted Seward to be included on that list.
Hunt noted the recycle bin at the South Harbor Uplands had been reopened thanks to city
crews.He asked all residents to please be patient with the continued snow removal.
In response to Keil, Hunt stated the Army Corps of Engineers had been conducting repairs to
the Lowell CanyonTunnel for the last month and a half.With weather conditions, it was taking
longer than expected.
Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations
Providence Seward Annual Report by Administrator Joe Fong.
Juneau Travel Report by Mayor Bardarson.
State of the City Report by Assistant City Manager Ron Long.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Resolution 2017-012, Recommending Kenai Peninsula Borough Approval Of The Cliff
Addition, Faust Replat; This Replat Vacates Interior Lot Lines, Undevelopable Alley Right-
Of-Way (ROW) And Dedicates New Public Road And Alley Row And Utility Easements;
Located Within The Single Family Zoning District.
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City of Seward, AlaskaCity Council Minutes
February 27, 2017 Volume 40, Page
Motion (Keil/Casagranda) Approve Resolution 2017-012
Long referred to the map of the area in the council agenda packet and explained the changes
proposed.
Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public
hearing was opened.
Harold Faustsaid he’d lived in Sewardhis whole life.He had the opportunity to build in
this area.Therewere some topography issues currently so he was hoping to vacate an alley and
remove lot lines to create one big piece of property. He was happy to answer any questions.
Council suspended the rules to allow questions from the council.
Squires asked Faust about the septic system.Faust said he had soil and percolationtests
performed which concluded he could implement a septic on this property and had good drainage.
Council went back on the rules.
No one else appeared to address the Council and the public hearing was closed.
Squires stated,in preparing for this meeting tonight, he had had a lot of questions about this
and thanked all the departments who answered his questions. He appreciated Faust coming tonight to
answer questions as well.
Motion Passed Unanimous
UNFINISHED BUSINESS –None
NEW BUSINESS
Other New Business Items
Discussion on the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Fire Chief Eddie Atheysaid he had been in the process of updating Seward’slocal Hazard
Mitigation Plan.He introduced State of Alaska Emergency Management Specialist Kelly Isham,
who was here to answer any questions regarding the requirements of this plan. Isham stated currently
the plans from the borough and city were out of sync.The chief was currently working to update the
city planand thought it was about 90% complete.The whole point of a plan was to prepare a
community to be more resilient. The state had a vested interest in making sure all communities hada
hazardmitigation plan.The city’s hazard mitigation plan was currently expired, and when it became
current,Seward would have more grant opportunities available.Isham stated Seward hoped to have a
draft coming forward for public review in about a month’s time.After public review, the plan would
be submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for approval, and then it
would go back to the city for final approval. Since the City of Seward was located inside the Seward
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City of Seward, AlaskaCity Council Minutes
February 27, 2017 Volume 40, Page
Bear Creek Flood Service Area(SBCFSA), it may be possible for SBCFSA’s Hazard Mitigation
Plan to encompass Seward instead of having two planscontaining the same information. The
possibility for this to occur would continue to be explored.
Athey said the public input process was an important part of the adoption process.
th
Discussion of Sister City 50Anniversary.
Council stated they would like to participate in some kind of celebration with Seward’s Sister
City of Obihiro, Japan, and directed the City Clerk to continue to work with contacts in Obihiro on
defining such an event.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS – None
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Keilsaidthere would be public testimony on the State of Alaska’s operating and mental
health budgets on March 2, 2017 at the Seward Legislative Information Office.
Squiresreceived an invitation from Alaska Gasline Development Corporation for the Alaska
Liquid Natural Gas Summit in Kenai and he planned to attend this event on March 4, 2017. He
would report back to the council.
McClurestated she watched the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting as they
replaced one of their vacant seats.For filling the seatthat included the Seward area,applicants would
be interviewed by the Assembly during the dayon March 7, 2017 and the assembly would vote by
secret ballot that evening.
Casagranda thanked Fleming and Ecklund for serving again on the Planning and Zoning
Commission and for their long dedicated service.She thanked the mayor for her detailed travel
report tonight.
Slaterreminded the public to drive safe as the snow berms were so high and the moose were
out around town.
Long thanked Squires for recognizing department heads tonight.
Bardarson thanked Fleming and Ecklund for serving again on the Planning and Zoning
Commission and noted there was one vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission.
CITIZEN COMMENTS – None
COUNCIL ANDADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS– None
EXECUTIVE SESSION
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City of Seward, AlaskaCity Council Minutes
February 27, 2017 Volume 40, Page
Motion (Keil/Casagranda) Gointo Executive Sessiontodiscussthe
City Manager’s annual evaluation.
The City Manager was invited to attend.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Council went into Executive Session at 8:39 p.m.
Council came out of Executive Session at 9:54 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:54 p.m.
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Johanna Kinney, CMC Jean Bardarson
City Clerk Mayor
(City Seal)
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·Main Office (907) 224-4050
·Police (907) 224-3338
CITY OF SEWARD
·Harbor (907) 224-3138
P.O. Box 167
·Fire (907) 224-3445
410 Adams Street
·City Clerk (907) 224-4046
·Community Development (907) 224-4049
Seward, Alaska 99664-0167
·Utilities (907) 224-4050
·Fax (907) 224-4038
March 14, 2017
S. Bradley Moran, Dean
College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
University of Alaska Fairbanks
905 Koyukuk Drive, Suite 245
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775
RE: Alaska Tsunami Ocean Sciences Bowl
Dear Dean Moran:
The Seward City Council would like to express our sincere appreciation and honor in being the
host city for the annual Alaska Tsunami Ocean Sciences Bowlfor the last 20 years. Seward is
delighted to say theTsunami Bowl was founded in our community, and each year we take pride
in hosting this educational event.
Seward has world class resources including the Seward Marine Center, the Alaska SeaLife
Center, Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery, Alaska’s Institute of Technology (AVTEC), and the
Kenai Fjords National Park. Combined, these entities provide valuable support and assistance in
the implementation of the Tsunami Bowl,and provide a myriad of educational opportunities for
the participants.
The entireSeward community supports the Tsunami Bowl with cash and in-kind donations
which decrease the overall cost of the Bowl’s operations. We feel Seward is poised to meet any
future increased responsibilities, such as when we had the honor of hosting the National Ocean
Sciences Bowl in 2006.
On behalf of the City of Seward, we strongly encourageyou to keep the location of the Alaska
Tsunami Ocean Sciences Bowl in our community, and we will continue to put forth every effort
to make this a successful eventfor many years to come. Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
____________________________ ____________________________
Jean Bardarson, Mayor Marianna Keil, Vice Mayor
____________________________ ____________________________ ___________________________
Ristine Casagranda, Council MemberDavid Squires, Council Member Sue McClure, Council Member
____________________________ ____________________________
Deborah Altermatt, Council MemberErik Slater, Council Member
Copies to: Sarah Belmont, Assistant to the Dean, CFOS
Jennifer Harris, CFOS Staff
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