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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08282017 City Council Minutes City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes August 28, 2017 Volume 40, Page 259 CALL TO ORDER The August 28,2017 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 Ristine Casagranda Dave Squires Sue McClure Deborah Altermatt comprising a quorum of the Council; and Jim Hunt, City Manager Johanna Kinney, City Clerk Absent—Keil, Slater CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Willard Dunham was disappointed that this year represented 50 years of the Institute of Marine Science in Seward and no one has mentioned it, including the university. He hoped there could be some kind of recognition for this milestone. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Casagranda/McClure) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Bardarson added an Other New Business Item: Schedule a work session to get an update on the Electric Utility Rate Study from Michael Hubbard of Financial Engineering. Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Appoint Laura Schneider to the Port and Commerce Advisory Board (PACAB)with a term expiring July, 2020. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes August 28, 2017 Volume 40, Page 260 Proclamations & Awards Recognizing Retiring City of Seward Planner Donna Glenz. Proclamation Recognizing Founder's Day. Chamber of Commerce Report.Cindy Clock reported the chamber now had 407 members. Clock submitted statistics from the Silver Salmon Derby for the last three years.The chamber had a Volunteer Appreciation dinner cruise last week and they were accompanied by Governor Walker. The Seward Business Marketing group,the Seward Marine Industrial Center(SMIC)group,and the Alternative Energy group were starting their meetings again after summer breaks. Clock announced Meet the Candidates Night was scheduled for September 18, 2017. She had been receiving complaints of heavy traffic congestions at the intersections of Port Avenue and Fourth Avenue,and Port Avenue and the Seward Highway. She inquired if there was any consideration for a roundabout. City Manager Report.Jim Hunt stated the following purchase order between$10,000 and $50,000 was approved by him since the last council meeting: in campgrounds, $20,330 to Acme Fencing for the Little League Field backstop. Over the weekend, Bardarson, Hunt, and Long greeted Governor Walker at the Seward Airport and discussed airport conditions. Hunt felt it was a good meeting and an opportunity to have the conversation with the Governor.He received word that the Alaska Relay Race would be coming back to Seward next year. Long stated at the last meeting,council approved a one year lease for Exit Marine and there was erroneous language regarding hazardous materials. Long stated administration amended the language with a more detailed and appropriate clause regarding hazardous materials. Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations Presentation by the Keep Cannabis Legal Campaign on the Economic Impact of the Cannabis Industry in the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Presentation by Kenai Peninsula Borough on October 3, 2017 borough ballot proposition to raise the cap on transactions subject to sales tax. PUBLIC HEARINGS—None UNFINISHED BUSINESS —None NEW BUSINESS Resolution 2017-047 Authorizing The City Manager To Amend The Construction Contract With Hamilton Construction, LLC (HCL) In An Amount Not To Exceed $4,373,932.66 For City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes August 28, 2017 Volume 40, Page 261 Additional Phase 1 Harbor Improvements At The Seward Marine Industrial Center, And Appropriating Funds. Motion (Casagranda/McClure) Approve Resolution 2017-047 Long summarized the breakwater project to date. The improvements proposed tonight were to be used from funding authorized by the State of Alaska. He noted the city would want to take advantage of the funds while they still had them. Some of the proposed improvements were:heating the wash-down pad,widening the 330-Ton Travelift,adding a floating dock,rehabilitating the North Dock, and installing a ten-ton public use crane. Long anticipated some additional change orders to come in the future for these smaller projects as well. Harbormaster Norm Regis added some of the details planned for rehabilitating the North Dock. He planned to work with the Port and Commerce Advisory Board on the implementation of fees to use the crane, which would come as an amendment to the Harbor/SMIC Tariff. Regis announced there was no wave activity inside the breakwater;Long added he was confident all boats of various sizes could come use the crane at SMIC and be safe from harsh weather. In response to Hunt, Regis confirmed the Spartan drill rig was planning to be in Seward another year. Motion Passed Unanimous Resolution 2017-048,Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Sole Source Purchasing Agreement With Kendrick Equipment For An Amount Not To Exceed $71,300.00 To Widen The 330-Ton Travelift,And Appropriating Funds. Motion (Casagranda/McClure) Approve Resolution 2017-048 Hunt stated this was to authorize the funding to allow widening the 330-Ton Travelift to accommodate bigger vessels. This work would require the city to rent a crane to assemble the unit. Regis explained they could only widen the Travelift by four feet, and if they attempted to widen it more,it would require significant modifications,including additional legs and steering.He noted adding tonnage was less significant compared to being able to accommodate vessels up to four feet wider. Regis anticipated the work could be done within three or four days. In response to Altermatt, Regis said the work would likely be done during the winter. Motion Passed Unanimous Resolution 2017-049, Approving The 2018 Grant Year Budget For The Seward Community Health Center As Required By The Co-Applicant Agreement Between The City Of Seward And The Seward Community Health Center. Motion (Casagranda/McClure) Approve Resolution 2017-049 City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes August 28, 2017 Volume 40, Page 262 Finance Director Kris Erchinger stated the city and the Seward Community Health Center (SCHC) were co-applicants as a Federally Qualified Health Center and received funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The SCHC received this federal funding through the city.The center's annual budget was presented to their board of directors and was before the council for annual approval. Council had a work session earlier this evening to review and ask questions on this budget. The SCHC was requesting city funding in the amount of$300,000,which was down from $700,000 when the city originally started giving funds to the SCHC. Erchinger added of the requested $300,000, $200,000 of that would be dedicated to the Healthcare Facilities Fund,and if the SCHC needed to request any of that money for operations,they would need to come to council with that request. Motion Passed Unanimous Resolution 2017-050, Amending The 2017 And 2018 Budgets To Reflect The Delay In The Meter Exchange And Other Projects, And Re-Appropriating Funds From 2017 To 2018. Motion (Casagranda/McClure) Approve Resolution 2017-050 Erchinger stated these funds were budgeted for projects in 2017 and were now postponed to the following year, as they had not had the opportunity to start these projects. In order to maintain funding, the funds would need to be appropriated from 2017 to 2018. Motion Passed Unanimous Resolution 2017-051, Authorizing A Sole Source Contract With Pacific Power Group, For Repairs To The 1994 GMC Sander/Plow Truck For An Amount Not To Exceed $21,136.62 With A 15% Contingency For A Total Amount Not To Exceed$24,307.11,And Appropriating Funds. Motion (Casagranda/McClure) Approve Resolution 2017-051 Public Works Director Doug Schoessler said this resolution authorized repairs for the sand truck, because its transmission broke down and was out of operation for the last part of the winter season. In assessing the damage, staff checked on the options of purchasing old equipment, purchasing new equipment, or repairing the current equipment; repairing appeared to be the most cost effective choice. Squires was glad to see the contingency fund since the figure for repairs was only an estimate. He hoped the contingency could include any further equipment needed,but if it did not he was prepared to come back to council for more authorization. Council requested staff include this sanding truck into the Motor Pool Fund. Motion Passed Unanimous City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes August 28, 2017 Volume 40, Page 263 Other New Business Items Schedule a work session to discuss the future of the city property formerly leased by the U.S. Air Force. Council scheduled this work session for September 25,2017 at 5:30 p.m. Review the DRAFT City of Seward 2018/2019 Biennial Budget Calendar. Council reviewed and revised the budget calendar. Schedule a work session to get an update on the Electric Utility Rate Study from Michael Hubbard of Financial Engineering.Council scheduled a work session for September 11,2017 at 6:30 p.m. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS On-going City Project and Goal List. June Financial Reports for the City of Seward and Providence Seward Medical and Care Center. Memorandum of Appreciation for Local Support of Student Exchange Program. COUNCIL COMMENTS Squires complimented the paving crew,Knik Construction.He thought the traffic control did a great job and appreciated them helping direct traffic after a vehicular accident this past weekend. He thanked Laura Schneider for applying to the Port and Commerce Advisory Board. Squires asked council to excuse him on September 11,2017 as he would be attending the Alaska Fallen Firefighter Memorial that day. McClure stated they had a successful Founder's Day celebration today, it was a great event and Dennis McLain's presentation on the S.S. Dora was fantastic. She agreed that the paving project had been amazing and wonderful. Crews were helpful,useful,and very professional.McClure send her wishes to the Seavey family on the recent passing of Shirley Seavey. Casagranda let the public know that the deadline to register to vote for the October 3,2017 city and borough election was September 1, 2017 with the City Clerk. Altermatt thanked Dunham for speaking on the anniversary of the Institute of Marine Science in Seward. She congratulated Donna Glenz on her retirement and thanked her for her work. She agreed with the comments earlier regarding the heavy traffic at Port Avenue and the Seward Highway. She noted the pedestrian tunnel under the Seward Highway and its many issues with it. It was important to get pedestrians safely across the highway. Altermatt gave her condolences to the Seavey family, and noted Shirley Seavey would be missed. Bardarson asked the City Clerk to reach out to the University of Alaska Fairbanks to see if they have any ideas on the 50th Anniversary.The Alaska Sealife Center requested Bardarson's name be placed on their program for their annual gala, and she wanted to make sure council was in City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes August 28, 2017 Volume 40, Page 264 agreement with that(no objection was given). She thanked the chamber for including the governor and his family on the volunteer appreciation cruise. It was neat to see the S.S. Dora exhibit. Bardarson also gave her condolences to the Seavey family. She wished everyone a safe and happy Labor Day. Hunt extended high praise for Knik Construction and their paving crew. He stated they had gone above and beyond for the drivers of the town. He thanked Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Mike Navarre for coming tonight and facing the issues on the borough ballot. He thanked Glenz for all her years of work. Long thanked Glenz for her years of quality service.From being a patient at Seward General Hospital, to a private citizen needing a building permit, to being a colleague for the city, she was great to work with. Hunt thanked Assembly Member Kenn Carpenter for attending tonight. Bardarson noted an article in the paper about housing in Anchorage, and she encouraged council to read it prior to their next work session. CITIZEN COMMENTS Beckey Dunn thanked the city for putting an officer at the schools. She noted almost everyone on the Seward Parent Teacher Student Association(PTSA)board was stepping down this year. They needed people and it was a good volunteer opportunity. Dunn stated she owned two businesses and felt both might be affected by the potential raise of the$500 dollar sales tax cap.This did not take into consideration that people may consider going out of the borough for goods to save on sales tax.Dunn felt this change made a huge difference and might be worth driving to Anchorage for purchases. Doug Schoessler gave a road paving update. Crews got a break in the weather today and completed paving near the schools. They hoped to start tomorrow on Phoenix Drive and Dora Way and crews felt they were on schedule, weather permitting. He attended the Kenai Peninsula Borough's Industry Appreciation Day and noted Seward was acknowledged and represented. COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Bardarson asked if, during the paving of Dora Way,crews planned to open the road at the top of the hill. Schoessler stated it was already open,but it was a rough road and he encouraged using caution. Bardarson said hotels were taxed on a nightly basis,as well as recreational uses.They were all daily charges. Foutz stated Seward was thinking of everyone in Texas struggling with the devastating Hurricane Harvey. City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes August 28, 2017 Volume 40, Page 265 Kinney clarified the voting registration deadlines, noting the last day to register with the Office of the City Clerk was Friday, September 1,2017.If residents missed that deadline,they could still register online the State of Alaska through Sunday, September 3, 2017. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 p.m. 2,ate Johanna Kinney, MMC J an Bardarson City Clerk Mayor (City Seal)