HomeMy WebLinkAbout11262018 City Council Minutes City of Seward,Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2018 Volume 39, Page 566
CALL TO ORDER
The November 26,2018 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at
7:00 p.m. by Mayor David Squires.
OPENING CEREMONY
Lieutenant Alan Nickell led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
David Squires presiding and
Sue McClure Sharyl Seese
Jeremy Horn John Osenga
Suzanne Towsley Kelley Lane
comprising a quorum of the Council;and
Jeff Bridges,Interim City Manager
II Brenda Ballou,City Clerk
Will Earnhart, City Attorney
Absent—None
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR
PUBLIC HEARING
Skip Reierson said in the 40 years he had lived in Seward, there had been many things
accomplished that people could be proud of.He wished everyone Happy Holidays,and thanked city
employees for their service. He hoped the city would not dip into its savings account to cover
expenses,and encouraged all businesses to remit the proper sales tax.
Tim McDonald said taxes were not the issue in Seward; the city had a monopoly on the
economy and that was the real problem. Safety was the main concern for lodging businesses. He
thought the city had unfairly charged him $1,400 for sewage usage for his campground.
Brad Snowden wished to speak about the Seward airport,and encouraged council to send a
letter to Representative Don Young asking for his support.Regarding his idea for a new cruise ship
dock,Snowden asked council for a letter of support,and said the Alaska Railroad supported his idea.
Carol Griswold was pleased to see all council members present tonight.Regarding the Jesse
Lee Home memorial,there were inaccuracies in the existing memorials that were on site;she wished
there could be one memorial only.
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November 26, 2018 Volume 39, Page 567
Lynda Paquette welcomed all new council members. She announced that the Seward Civic
Engagement meeting dates for December would be changed slightly due to scheduling conflicts,and
encouraged people to watch her Facebook page for updates. The topic for the December meeting
would be the city budget, and the January would be the code of ethics.
Ristine Casagranda announced she had passed her real estate broker's test. She thanked
Paquette for volunteering her time and effort.Casagranda was concerned that the city may be dipping
into its savings account, and suggested spending get cut back instead.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (McClure/Towsley) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Lane added an item to Other New Business to discuss the city's purchasing policy.
McClure added Resolution 2018-086 to the consent agenda.
Towsley added an item to Other New Business to discuss replacing Casagranda on the council's
personnel investigation committee.
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approval of the October 19, 2018 City Council Special Meeting Minutes (Declaration of
Emergency).
Approval of the October 19, 2018 City Council Special Meeting Minutes (Land & Water
Conservation Fund Grant).
Approval of the October 22,2018 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
Approval of the November 9, 2018 City Council Special Meeting Minutes (Transco).
Approval of the November 9, 2018 City Council Special Meeting Minutes (Alaska SeaLife
Center).
Resolution 2018-086, Supporting the Transportation Priority To Be Considered For Grant
Funding;To Be Submitted To The State of Alaska,Department of Transportation And Public
Facilities. (McClure)
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Proclamations & Awards
Recognizing Ristine Casagranda for eight years of service to the Seward City Council.
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November 26, 2018 Volume 39, Page 568
Recognizing Lee Poleske for receiving the Contribution to Alaska History Award.
Borough Assembly Report. Kenn Carpenter reported the borough's chief of staff, John
Cook,would be moving to Juneau to serve the governor.Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce and Seward
Mayor Dave Squires had met to discuss proactive measures to mitigate floods long term. The
assembly adopted a new resolution to allow anyone to deliver the assembly's invocation. Budget
talks would be starting soon.
McClure commended Carpenter for being very responsive to citizen calls regarding any
borough issues.
Chamber of Commerce Report.Cindy Clock was looking forward to working with council
in 2019.There were about 400 chamber members.Small Business Saturday was very successful last
weekend.
City Manager Report. Interim City Manager Jeff Bridges reported the following
purchase orders between$5,000 and$30,000 had been approved by the City Manager since the last
council meeting: $88,000 to YourCleanEnergy,LLC for the Lowell Creek hydroelectric feasibility
and cost analysis study; $206,731 to Jaffa Construction for lead paint abatement for the Lowell
Canyon water tank; $6,500 to Kevin Young for repairs to ground water infiltration; $16,366.59 to
Spenard Builders Supply for the building package for the washdown pad at the Seward Marine
Industrial Center(SMIC); and, $10,490.38 to PCMG, Inc. for Meraki equipment at the library.
Bridges announced the scoring criteria for the Request for Proposals for copier services:
Total operational cost 35% (equipment and consumables)
References 30%
Average service response
time to Seward 35%
Total 100%
Bridges announced the scoring criteria for the Request for Proposals for executive search
services for the permanent city manager hire:
Description of firm and personnel assigned to project 10%
Recruitment process 15%
Methodology for attracting qualified candidates 15%
Applicant review and verification process 10%
Experience in Alaska 10%
List of recent successful searches 5%
References 10%
Price 10%
Ability to meet schedule 15%
Total 100%
On December 12, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. the Alaska Department of Transportation would be in
Seward for a public meeting at the KM Rae Building. They would be releasing their initial
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November 26,2018 Volume 39, Page 569
environmental impact statement about the airport project.Bridges encouraged all citizens who were
interested in this project to attend and provide input.
Seese wondered why there was no United States flag hanging at the Benny Benson Park.In
response,Parks&Recreation Director Karin Sturdy said the U.S.flag and the city flag had been
removed for the winter because the weather was so hard on the flags.
By unanimous consent,council directed the city manager to fly three flags at the Benny Benson Park:
U.S. flag, State of Alaska flag, and City of Seward flag.
In response to Towsley,Bridges said the city's intention was to create a dog park next door to
the new animal shelter; this would require borough permission. Towsley wished to have the area
fenced as soon as feasible.
City Attorney Report. City Attorney Will Earnhart said Katie Davies would not be
attending council meetings going forward.Davies had left the firm and moved to the lower 48 to be
nearer to family, following the birth of her second child.
Earnhart said the October bill was$8,400 and he expected the November bill to be less than
$5,000.Earnhart attended the Alaska Municipal League(AML)conference;one topic of interest was
allowing online sales to be taxed,based on zip code—this would be difficult for Seward because the
99664 zip code was shared by residences within and without city limits.
In response to Towsley,Earnhart said the website CourtView would show a list of who was
actively suing the city because it was public knowledge. He reported that, besides Orion,the only
other active lawsuit against the city was from Angela Ebberson, a former employee. In addition,
there had been several Human Rights Commission complaints filed against the city, but Earnhart
said all had been dismissed.
Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations
Planning and Zoning Commission Quarterly Report(Commissioner Fleming)
Alaska Municipal League (AML) Travel Report by Mayor Squires and Council Members
Seese, Osenga,and Lane
White House Tour and Federal Priorities Roundtable Travel Report by Mayor Squires
Obihiro Delegation Report
PUBLIC HEARINGS—None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS—None
NEW BUSINESS
Resolutions
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November 26, 2018 Volume 39, Page 570
Resolution 2018-088,Approving A Grant Agreement Between The City Of Seward And The
Alaska Department Of Commerce, Community, And Economic Development Division Of
Community And Regional Affairs For A Designated Legislative Grant In The Amount Of
$1,073,441.46 For Hazardous Material Removal, Site Remediation, And Construction Of A
Memorial At The Site Of The Jesse Lee Home.
Motion (McClure/Towsley) Approve Resolution 2018-088
Bridges explained this grant agreement would only come into service if the Jesse Lee Home
reverted back to the city next year. In response to Towsley,Bridges said August,2019 would be the
timeframe if reversion happened.
Lane said this was 2.66 acres of property;she wondered what could happen to the property if,
in fact, it came back to the city. Squires replied that nothing would happen to this property until or
unless the property came back to the city, and then only at the behest of the citizens.
McClure thought it was forward-thinking for the city to prepare by accepting this grant.
Council suspended the rules to speak with Sue Lang.
Sue Lang explained she was the volunteer coordinator since May,2018.The company who
did the remediation work in 2012 was no longer in business.
Council went back on the rules.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Resolution 2018-089, Authorizing The City Manager To Accept Alaska Energy Authority
Grant#7091242 In The Amount Of$725,000 For The Design And Construction Of A Ground
Source Heat Pump Which Will Draw Heat From The Resurrection Bay To Heat A Heating
District Containing Four City Buildings, With Potential For Future Expansion And
Authorizing A City Match Of $157,497 For A Total Project Cost Of $882,497 And
Appropriating Funds.
Motion (McClure/Seese) Approve Resolution 2018-089
Bridges said this was an exciting project,and he was pleased to bring this forward.In order to
move this project forward, the first step would be for council to accept these grant funds.
Seese said understood that this heating source would save the city$25,000 per year in fuel
charges, and she wondered if the residents would subsequently enjoy a reduction. Bridges said the
actual savings depended on all costs.
Lane agreed this was exciting and strongly supported this idea.Squires added this would be a
community pilot project, and if it was successful, it could be expanded.
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November 26, 2018 Volume 39, Page 571
Motion Passed Unanimous
Resolution 2018-090, Authorizing The City Manager To Hire Term Employees For The
Seward Police Department Who Elect To Forego Health And/Or Retirement Benefits,At A
Higher Hourly Rate Of Pay Utilizing Benefit Savings,To Attract Qualified Employees.
Motion (McClure/Osenga) Approve Resolution 2018-090
Bridges said this resolution would provide greater flexibility in hiring police officers;there
was currently one vacancy now in the Police Department. There was one internal candidate that
would attend the police academy in February,2019;one officer would be deployed early in 2019 for
one year, another would be on maternity leave next year, and another was retiring in the spring.
In response to McClure, Bridges said there would be two immediate hires,and the potential
for one additional in the future. In response to Osenga,Bridges said this was intended as a short-term
solution.
In response to Seese, Bridges said he would not advise capping the length of the contract.
Lane said this made her uncomfortable; in the midst of union negotiations; she did not wish for this
to be open-ended. Lane was concerned that there was no contract in place with the union;she wanted
to have the hiring filled with permanent local hires.
Bridges said the letter that council received from the union president was not sanctioned;as
well,not all the facts represented in the letter were accurate. Bridges said his primary concern was to
ensure public safety.
Towsley respected that public safety was the priority; she was concerned that these hires
would be in a separate class from the regular police officers. In response to Towsley, Bridges said
there was a two year cap on this item,and would allow the time for the city to get their own officers
trained.Osenga reiterated that this would be a temporary fix to keep the police department manned.
Squires stated that hiring these employees would require the department to stay within their
council-approved budget, which was a measure of limit. However, within the sections of the
resolution there were no stated reasons why the hiring would take place(i.e.,for what reasons),and
also the time limit for capping the contract,and minimum manning standards;for those reasons,he
wished there was stronger language in the sections.
Motion to Postpone(Towsley/Squires) Postpone Resolution 2018-090 to the
December 10, 2018 meeting.
Motion to Postpone Passed Yes: Lane, McClure, Osenga, Towsley,
Squires
No: Seese, Horn
Resolution 2018-091,Awarding A Contract For Custodial Services To Ingersoll Enterprises.
Motion (McClure/Towsley) Approve Resolution 2018-091
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November 26, 2018 Volume 39, Page 572
Bridges said the Parks & Recreation Department had released a Request for Proposals for
custodial services, and received one response from Ingersoll Enterprises.
Lane was concerned that the scope of work considered in this contract may be overestimated.
In response to Towsley, Bridges confirmed that this contract was not replacing the unfilled
custodial position; there was already an existing contract for these services.
Motion Passed Yes:Seese,Towsley,Horn,McClure,Osenga,
Squires
No: Lane
Other New Business
Schedule a work session (in December) to review and discuss mid-cycle budget amendments.
Council scheduled a work session on December 11, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
Discuss general policy for city employees to borrow from the city or the city to borrow money
from the employees. The city policy states that borrowing funds between the city and employees is
prohibited, in either direction; however, at times an employee will purchase an item at their own
expense and seek reimbursement.
Discuss replacing former council member Casagranda on the council's personnel investigation
committee. Towsley was appointed to replace Casagranda. The committee now comprised of
Squires, Horn, and Towsley.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. On-going City Project and Goal List
B. September, 2018 Financial Reports for the City of Seward and Providence Seward Medical
and Care Center
C. Clerk's Report on Public Records Request through November 20, 2018
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Osenga was happy to be present for Lee Poleske's recognition tonight because Poleske was
one of Osenga's high school teachers.
Horn hoped everyone had a great Thanksgiving. He appreciated being a part of the Obihiro
delegation, and commended Squires for being the consummate professional while on the trip.
McClure congratulated Lee Poleske,and said they both started high school together—she as
a student and he as a teacher ®. The Community Choir was having a free concert on December 6,
2018 at 7:00 p.m. McClure expressed condolences to the family of Ralph Hatch.
Council directed the city clerk to include proclamations in the council agenda packets.
City of Sewar4 Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes
November 26,2018 Volume 39, Page 573
Towsley thanked all the speakers for coming tonight, and expressed her appreciation for
Casagranda's years of service.
Seese thanked all the public for speaking tonight. She expressed condolences to the Hatch
family,and also to the family of Kim Hughes. Seese wished everyone a great holiday season.
Lane would be attending lunches at the Senior Center on council meeting Mondays. She
would also be hosting her own office hours from 2:30-4:30 p.m.on council meeting Mondays at Res
Art.Lane had a delightful time in Japan as a member of the delegation,and appreciated attending the
AML Newly Elected Officials training.
Squires welcomed the new council members to council. He requested council members to
provide agenda statements when they brought forward a resolution for consideration. Squires
congratulated Lee Poleske and Rissie Casagranda,and thanked them for their service.He expressed
his condolences to the families who had recently lost family members.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Tim McDonald gave his condolences to the Hatch family. McDonald supported having a
full-time council and strong mayor system. McDonald suggested the Police Department be staffed
seasonally by increasing during the summer months with term hires.He encouraged council to annex
to mile 8,to expand the trail system,and to provide more winter commerce.
Tyler Mallory sent council an email today regarding tonight's resolution to hire term
employees.He said there was a nationwide shortage of qualified police officers,and it took at least
eight months to train a new officer. Mallory assured council that there was a brotherhood amongst
police officers that would prevent the inadvertent manifestation of a separate class of officers based
on pay differences.
Sue Lang read a letter from Doreen Lorenz who was the president of the Friends of the Jesse
Lee Home,requesting that the city use grant funds to immediately shore up the security and the roof
of the Jesse Lee Home.
Willard Dunham thanked council for taking steps towards the heat pump system; he
speculated that perhaps this would lead to having the entire downtown area heated,including heated
sidewalks.
Ristine Casagranda strongly encouraged council to find a way to spend less.She requested
that council reconsider the custodial services contract that was approved tonight in order to shorten
the length of the contract.
Lynda Paquette wanted to address citizens'perception of hypocrisy;there had been a recent
movement by administration to reach out to citizens who were not properly licensed to do business,
yet there was a contract in tonight's packet for a vendor who was not licensed.
City of Seward,Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes
November 26,2018 Volume 39, Page 574
Council recessed the meeting to November 27,2018 at 8:00 a.m.
Council resumed the meeting on November 27, 2018 at 8:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
David Squires presiding and
Sue McClure Sharyl Seese
Jeremy Horn John Osenga
Suzanne Towsley Kelley Lane
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Jeff Bridges, Interim City Manager
Brenda Ballou, City Clerk
Will Earnhart, City Attorney
Absent—None
COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS
Lane concurred with Casagranda that the city's spending needed to get in check, and
encouraged council to reconsider Resolution 2018-091
In response to McDonald,Squires did not believe council was the starting point on the topic
of annexation,but that the request should come from the citizens.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Go into Executive Session to report on Orion litigation status. (Per SCC 2.10.030)
Motion (McClure/Lane) Go into executive session to report on Orion
litigation status.
Interim City Manager Jeff Bridges,City Attorney Will Earnhart,and Harbormaster Norm Regis were
invited to remain.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Council entered into Executive Session at 8:04 a.m.
1 Council came out of Executive Session at 8:42 a.m.
Council directed city manager to bring forward a resolution.
ADJOURNMENT
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2018 Volume 39, Page 575
The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 a.m.
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