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Home My WebLink About09232019 City Council Minutes City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes September 23, 2019 Volume 41,Page 1 11111 CALL TO ORDER The September 23,2019 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m.by Vice Mayor Sue McClure. OPENING CEREMONY Lieutenant Alan Nickell led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL There were present: Sue McClure presiding and Suzanne Towsley Jeremy Horn Sharyl Seese John Osenga Kelley Lane, comprising a quorum of the Council; and Scott Meszaros, City Manager Brenda Ballou, City Clerk Excused—Squires Absent—None CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Christy Terry announced that the Port&Commerce Advisory Board(PACAB)would host a Climate Action Plan Open House tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m.at the Seward Community Library; the open house would provide education,as well as seek public input.Terry also wanted to share the A21 Walk For Freedom to help put an end to human trafficking and slavery on October 19,2019 at 10:00 a.m. starting at the Harbormaster's office. Peter Spanos wanted to obtain his motorcycle license next spring,and he hoped the Seward Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)would provide this service by then. Brad Snowden was upset that he had been trespassed from the cruise ship dock. Laura Schneider spoke on behalf of the Seward Rotary Club;she extended an invitation to everyone to join Rotary,particularly any former members of the Seward Lions Club.On October 24, 2019,Rotary would host a World Polio Elimination Day at Chinooks for$20;the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation would match all proceeds 2:1, so all funds donated locally would treble. City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes September 23, 2019 Volume 41,Page 2 Rissie Casagranda appreciated that there would be a review tonight of some Council Rules of Procedures. Regarding the resolution for banking signature updates,Casagranda wondered why there needed to be four people assigned as signers of the city. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Seese/Osenga) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Seese removed Resolution 2019-084 from the consent agenda. Lane removed Resolution 2019-085 from the consent agenda. Motion Passed Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Resolution 2019-086, Supporting Kenai Peninsula Borough Resolution 2019-047 To Recognize The Recommendations Of The Kenai Peninsula Borough's Election Stakeholders Group And Directing Staff To Explore Implementation Of The Recommendations, And Signing Kenai Peninsula Borough Joint Resolution 2019-001. Resolution 2019-087. Requesting That Governor Mike Dunleavy Direct The State Of Alaska Department Of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) To Explore And Identify Funding Alternatives To Prevent The Closure Of The Silvertip Maintenance Station At Mile 60 Near The Hope Junction On The Seward Highway. Approval of the August 26,2019 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes. Approval of the August 30,2019 City Council Special Meeting Minutes. Approval of the September 9, 2019 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes. Appoint Patty Linville, Randy Nabb, Vanessa Verhey, Phil Kaluza, Cathy Byars, Kristi Larson, and Mark Kansteiner to the Election Board for the October 1, 2019 Regular Municipal Election. Appoint Quentin Carr,Susie Urbach,Lynn Hohl,and Mary Tougas to the Canvass Board for the October 1,2019 Regular Municipal Election. Appoint John French to the Historic Preservation Commission with a term to expire May, 2021. SPECIAL ORDERS,PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS Proclamations & Awards City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes September 23, 2019 _Volume 41,Page 3 Resurrection Bay Lions Club Chamber of Commerce Report.Cindy Clock reported there were several new members of the chamber this month.It was great having the Navy in town,and they can be expected to return.At the chamber luncheon on Thursday this week,there would be a presentation on the chamber's new membership portal.The 2020 Destination Guide was underway being designed;it would be available in January,2020. Visit Anchorage reported that the Seward Destination Guide was the most popular one that visitors picked up. October 7-11, 2019 would be the annual ATIA Conference in Juneau. Clock thanked all the volunteers and candidates for making"Meet The Candidates"night successful. City Manager Report.Scott Meszaros reported the following purchase orders over$5,000 had been approved by the City Manager since the last council meeting: $32,300 to Gov-Rates, Inc. for water/sewer rate and classification study. Meszaros introduced and welcomed new Executive Liaison Rosa Salazar. Regarding the Orlander Building on Fourth Avenue, Meszaros said the owner had been recently working on updating windows,stucco,etc.Meszaros stated that around October 15,2019, the temporary shielding would be removed. Seese said she recently attended a Seward Community Foundation(SCF)meeting,and had learned that in 2009,former city manager Philip Oates had donated$10,000 to SCF.Seese wondered if the city could possibly provide a budget item to contribute money each year to the SCF. In response to Towsley, City Clerk Brenda Ballou stated that council could expect to see PACAB's Interconnect resolution on October 14, 2019. Towsley asked, as a follow up to council Resolution 2019-064,for an update regarding the letter sent to Governor Dunleavy about the Seward airport. Meszaros said he would follow up with the governor's office. In response to Seese, Meszaros said the Parks & Recreation Department Campground Supervisor position was a year-round position because they did maintenance. Public Works Director Doug Schoessler said that there were a couple Parks&Recreation Department positions that were also responsible for snow removal on sidewalks. In response to Lane, Meszaros said he didn't wish to replace the assistant city manager position at this time because he thought it was more important to focus on supporting the Community Development Department. Towsley expressed concerns that there were positions open in the city since late last year,and people were telling her they had applied at the city,but had never heard back. She emphasized that the advertising and hiring process should be done to code and handled equitably. pi City Attorney Report. Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations—None City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes September 23,2019 Volume 41,Page 4 PUBLIC HEARINGS Ordinances for Public Hearing and Enactment Ordinance 2019-015, Amending Seward City Code 2.10.045 "Methods of Action"And SCC 2.15.010"Methods Of Council Action"To Permit Council To Direct The City Manager,City Attorney,And City Clerk By Motion.This ordinance was introduced on September 9, 2019,and is coming tonight for public hearing and enactment. Motion(Lane/Seese) Enact Ordinance 2019-015 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. In response to Towsley, Ballou said the city attorney brought this forward to accommodate council's ability to make motions on the floor for items other than resolutions and ordinances. Motion Passed Unanimous UNFINISHED BUSINESS Items Postponed from Previous Agenda Ordinance 2019-014, Amending Seward City Code 3.75.010 "Sexual Harassment" To Add Prohibitions Against Other Forms Of Harassment And Bullying Conduct And To Apply Seward City Code 3.75.010 To All City Employees,Officials,And Agents When Acting On The City's Behalf. The introduction of this ordinance was postponed from August 12, 2019 in order to have a work session to review and discuss;the work session was held on September 9,2019,and the ordinance is coming tonight for introduction. Motion (Towsley/Osenga) Postpone the introduction of Ordinance 2019-014 until the City Council Policy Work Group brings back policies in the form of resolutions to adopt. Motion Passed Unanimous Resolution 2019-080, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into An Agreement With Hamilton Construction For Construction Services For The December 4,2017 Seward Storm Surge Damage Repairs Project And Appropriating Funds. This resolution was postponed from September 9, 2019. Motion (Lane/Seese) Approve Substitute Resolution 2019-080 City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes September 23, 2019 Volume 41,Page 5 Motion to Amend (Towsley/Seese) Amend Substitute Resolution 2019-080 by adding the words, "for an amount not to exceed $3,744,153.90" after, "...surge damage repairs project, ..." Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous In response to Lane, Schoessler said the work would commence as soon as possible. Road closures would occur off and on, and would be announced in advance. Main Motion Passed Unanimous Review Council Rules of Procedure, Rule 17 with particular attention paid to the flow of information between Council&City Administration.Clarifying the role of mayor using Rule 5 and reviewing protocol for calling special meetings based on Rule 8. This item was postponed from September 9, 2019. Lane read through the rules and stated she wanted to provide a refresh of the rules. NEW BUSINESS Resolutions Resolution 2019-084,Authorizing Signatures For All City Bank Accounts And Rescinding All Previous Resolutions In Conflict Herewith. Motion (Osenga/Lane) Approve Resolution 2019-084 Seese thought that a contracted employee should not have authority to sign bank accounts. Motion to Amend (Lane/Seese) Amend Resolution 2019-084 in Section 3 by striking the words, "any one of the above persons," and replacing it with, "the city manager and the acting fmance director." Motion to Amend Failed Yes: Towsley, Lane, Seese No: Osenga, Horn,McClure Primary Motion to Amend (Lane/Seese) Amend Resolution 2019-084 in Section 2 by striking the words, "any one of the above persons" and replacing it with, "the city manager or the city clerk." Secondary Motion to Amend (Lane/Seese) Strike,"city manager" and replace it with, "acting fmance director." City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes September 23, 2019 Volume 41, Page 6 Motion to Amend Failed Yes: Lane No: Horn, Towsley, Seese, Osenga, McClure Motion to Amend (Lane/Seese) Amend Resolution 2019-084 by striking the words, "Kim Kowalski-Rogers" and replacing it with, "Norm Regis." Motion to Amend Failed Yes: Lane No: Towsley, Seese, Osenga, Horn, McClure Council recessed at 8:18 p.m. Council resumed at 8:26 p.m. The city clerk reported that the language in this resolution was exactly the same as in the past two previous resolutions for this topic. Motion to Amend (Seese/Lane) Amend Resolution 2019-084 by striking the words, "Kim Kowalski-Rogers" and replacing it with, "mayor." Motion to Amend Failed Yes: Towsley, Lane, Seese No: Osenga, Horn, McClure Main Motion Passed Yes: Towsley, Osenga, Horn, McClure No: Lane, Seese Resolution 2019-085,Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Contract With Procomm Alaska/Motorola Solutions For The Purchase And Installation Of Interoperable Communication Equipment For The Seward Police Department In An Amount Not To Exceed $538,000, And Appropriating Funds. Motion (Seese/Lane) Approve Resolution 2019-085 In response to Lane, Police Chief Tom Clemons said cables would not be replaced at this point in time, but would be addressed in the future if the installer had concerns. Motion Passed Unanimous Other New Business Discuss and appoint a Special Ad Hoc Citizen Advisory Committee to research options for the Seward airport, and report back to council. 3 City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes September 23, 2019 Volume 41,Page 7 Towsley wished to create a committee to research options and report back to council. Motion (Towsley/Seese) Create a Special Ad Hoc Citizen Advisory Committee to research options for the Seward airport and report back to council with a sunset date of December 31,2020. Motion Passed Unanimous Council directed the city clerk to advertise to solicit interest in joining the committee.The deadline for submitting letters of interest would be October 4, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS On-going City Project and Goal List Lane requested an update on all the projects that R&M was working on. In response, Meszaros said City Planner Jackie Wilde was heading up the project to work with R&M,but she was currently out of state. Schoessler reported on the handicap ramp in the back parking lot behind city hall; the engineer's estimate from R&M was$36,000,plus a$3,000 contingency. Schoessler recommended waiting until March,2020 to do this project. In response to Lane's request for an update on the old Air Force Recreation Camp,Meszaros said a report would be provided to council at the October 14, 2019 council meeting. July, 2019 Providence&City of Seward Financials COUNCIL COMMENTS Osenga was sorry to see the Resurrection Bay Lions Club dissolve. He welcomed Rosa Salazar to the city. Towsley thanked everyone for speaking tonight.She thanked Christy Terry for organizing the Walk for Freedom on October 19,2019, and Laura Schneider for reaching out to the Resurrection Bay Lions Club on behalf of Rotary. Lane thanked Peter Spanos for speaking tonight, and wondered if the DMV could get an answer. She would be excited to see a Request for Proposals come out for the city's financial audit services.Regarding the election,Lane announced that absentee voting was currently happening in the city clerk's office.Lane had just been in Fairbanks to run the Equinox Marathon and had a wonderful time. City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes September 23,2019 Volume 41,Page 8 McClure recalled running the Equinox Marathon in the 1970s,and said she finished with a better time than Lane. She was sad to see the Resurrection Bay Lions Club go. AVTEC's 50th Anniversary would be this weekend,as well as the Seward Music and Arts Festival.McClure gave a shout out to the Providence emergency room staff and appreciated the CT Scanner they had available. CITIZEN COMMENTS Norm Regis said the governor would be in Seward on Friday.Regis would be meeting with legislators in Juneau next week as part of the Harbormasters Conference, and he would bring Resolution 2019-087 to share with the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration people. • Brad Snowden had lived in Seward for 54 years,22 years of which he had spent operating a hotel. Snowden said council should be very proud of the city staff, as well as themselves, for their hours of service. Christy Terry said everyone was welcome to the public areas of the Port and Cruise Ship Terminal;however, some areas were restricted due to security and safety issues. Becky Dunn thanked council for their time,as well as other boards and commissions.Dunn was happy to see four candidates present at the budget work session tonight. She supported Wolf Kurtz for council because he was an active volunteer throughout the community.Dunn thanked the city for the police officer presence at the schools; she wondered why more officers were scheduled during the day rather than at night when things were more dangerous. Wolf Kurtz said this would be the 16th year that 91.7 FM radio station would participate in the Seward Music and Arts Festival. COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS McClure was please to see a police officer on patrol at 4:30 a.m.when she happened to be on the road. Towsley thanked Norm Regis for being willing to bring Resolution 2019-087 to the governor and legislators. She thanked all the citizens for speaking up about the Seward airport. Lane didn't know the governor was coming to Seward. Meszaros said the governor would be attending the AVTEC dormitory dedication ceremony on Friday for Willard E. Dunham. Seese mentioned that all citizens would be receiving a flyer in the mail about the plastic bag ban. City of Seward,Alaska City Council Minutes September 23, 2019 Volume 41,Page 9 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. eelev S--:tiT)-1-. 1)(C ck.e Brenda J. Ballou Sue McClure City Clerk Vice Mayor (City SeA Of Set '-')d, 'tom �, �. t 1 .. •• -1-•-- ' w • • •-�q OF A�;,J °. P��o I I I