HomeMy WebLinkAbout10082007 City Council MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 8, 2007 Volume 37, Pale 427
CALL TO ORDER
The Octobar'8, 2007 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:30
p.m. by Mayor Vanta Shafer.
OPENING CERE1Ml~NY
Police Chief Tom Clemons led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Vanta Shafer presiding and
Willard Dunham Linda Amberg
~~ Bob Valdatta Jean Bardarson
Robert Thomas
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Phillip Oates, City Manager
Jean Lewis, City Clerk
Johanna Dollerhide, Assistant City Clerk
ABSENT -Steve Schafer
CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED
FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Doug Capra, spoke to the council on his application for the Historic Preservation
Commission. He was involved with the state historic commission and dealt with issues like the new
state museum and the statehood centennial. He felt he could offer a lot of statewide experience on
the commission.
Jolund Luther, asked for council support on Resolution 2007-095. He hoped to take the
Historic Preservation inventory collected and make it more available to the public.
Paul Tougas, spoke regarding his application for the Port and Commerce Advisory Board
and the qualities that would make him a good addition to the board. While he was still learning what
the board did, he was excited to be a part of the board.
Arliss Sturgulewski, was a member of the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home. She thanked the
council for their support up to this point. The Friends were envisioning a residential, charter school
that worked in conjunction with the school district. There would be upcoming meetings that she
.. hoped the community and council would attend.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 8 2007 volume 37, Page 428
Anne Henry, who also worked with the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home, expressed her
excitement for the project. She thanked council for their support.
John French, spoke as the Prince William Sound's RCAC representative and to remind the
public that the final comment period for the contingency plan was next Monday. He strongly
encouraged the public to submit comments and felt Seward needed to be better protected.
Documents could be found in the library and on the PWSRCAC's website.
Patty Linville, was concerned with the proposed prison expansion and the negative effects it
would have on the community. She encouraged the council to hold a public forum so citizens could
have a chance to become fully informed on this proposal.
Rob Rance, hoped the council would consider his Port and Commerce Advisory Board
application. Should he be appointed tonight, Rance felt he could contribute to the board.
Maya Moriarty, spoke on the Jesse Lee Home and noted the public would have a chance to
give input on how the home should be developed.
Marvin Tapsfield, was very interested in public education. The Friends of the Jesse Lee
Home had asked him to be a part of their committee, and he appreciated their insights on new,
innovative ways to teach our youth.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Thomas/Bardarson)
Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Oates recommended a member of the council make a motion to pull Ordinance 2007-007.
He would like to take this back to the Planning and Zoning Commission to see if it would be
acceptable to zone the land in question as residential.
Motion (Bardarson/Thomas)
Pull Ordinance 2007-007 from the agenda.
Bardarson requested this be pulled for later consideration. Dunham wanted to know if there
was any delay in the project by doing this. Oates stated it would not, as the final platting decision
would not be made until December.
Motion Passed
Main Motion Passed
Unanimous
Unanimous
This item was unanimously removed from the agenda on the recommendation of administration.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 8, 2007 volume 37, Page 429
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
The September 10, and September 24, 2007 regular city council meeting minutes were
approved.
The October 2, 2007 Municipal Election results were certified and declared final.
Approved the appointment of Doug Capra to the Historic Preservation Commission with a
term expiring May of 2009.
Resolution 2007-094, repealing resolution 93-007 and amending and adopting the records
retention schedule for the City of Seward.
Resolution 2007-095, authorizing the city manager to submit the Historic Preservation
Commission FY08 grant application to the Office of History and Archaeology, Alaska Division
of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.
Resolution 2007-096. approving an amendment to the employment agreement with the city
manager.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Proclamations and Awards
The City Council met the TYC Council and read a proclamation for National Lights on
After School.
A Domestic Violence proclamation was read.
Recognition was given to the Seward Chamber of Commerce on winning the 2007
Alaska's Chamber of the Year award.
A proclamation was read for Laura Beck, Wal-Mart State Teacher of the Year.
Alaska Historical Society "Volunteer of the Year" was awarded to Lee Poleske.
An appreciation certificate was read for Tom Shepard.
A plaque was presented to Robert Thomas for his dedicated service on the Seward City
Council.
Borough Assembly Report. Borough Assembly Representative Ron Long stated the
Assembly had a special meeting on October 4, 2007 to handle the term limit inconsistencies from the
`~ recent borough election. The propositions that were approved were retroactive, so members recently
elected may have to give their seats up with the term limits in effect. At this point, the outcome
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 8, 2007 Volume 37, Pale 430
would not be guaranteed, but the election would be certified October 9, 2007. He thanked Schafer,
Thomas and Mayor Shafer for their service on the city council.
City Manager's Report. City Manager Phillip Oates thanked Robert Thomas, Steve
Schafer, and Vanta Shafer for their service to the city and time spent on the council. He had the
opportunity to brief mayor-elect Clark Corbridge and congratulated the new elected officials.
Architects Alaska would visit Seward to discuss project management for the Long Term Care
Facility and preliminary design of a combined Coast Guard, Marine Safety Office, Alaska State
Trooper, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Building.
The Police Department generated a list of inoperable city lights that the linemen had been
aggressively replacing. There was one light out by the Elementary School that was a DOT light. The
crew was working with DOT for a new light fixture for this light. The public was encouraged to call
224-4073 if they saw a light that was not working.
A congressional celebration for All American City Award winners would occur in
Washington, D.C. on October 24, 2007. Beverly Dunham and Marianna Keil would represent
Seward. The intent of this notice was to confirm council funding for their participation on behalf of
the City of Seward.
Budget work sessions were scheduled October 29`h and 30`h and November 1 S` and 2"d. These
sessions would be televised and various community overview presentations would be given
throughout the month prior to these work sessions.
In Public Works, the Japanese Creek Levee repair was almost finished. Asbestos abatement
in the boiler room in city hall was accomplished at a cost of $13,000. Oates expected the boiler to be
installed by October 19, 2007.
In personnel, Kathy Mize had been hired as the temporary Boards and Commission's
Executive Liaison while Anne Bailey was out on maternity leave. Karl Schaefermeyer was hired as a
Correctional Officer. Project Manager and Engineer Tom Shepard's last day was October 12, 2007
and Harbormaster Scott Ransom had submitted his retirement paperwork effective December 31,
2007. Pam Herman also submitted retirement paperwork effective the end of November.
In other areas, Oates stated the city health insurance premiums would be going up by
approximately $110 per month per employee and the plan would be changing from 90/10 to 80/20.
The North Forest Acres Levee Road Environmental Assessment was nearing completion and release
for comment. Depending on these comments, the next step was the permitting process. Oates would
seek approval at the next meeting to begin the bonding process for the Spring Creek Correctional
Facility Expansion. These bonds would be repaid by state lease revenues. October 18, 2007 was
Alaska Day and city offices would be closed.
In response to questions, Oates stated because of the sizable insurance claims, the bill per
month for city insurance would be going up. The police department was now fully staffed. Oates
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 8, 2007 volume 37 Page 431
anticipated public comment would be out within the next couple of weeks on the Japanese Creek
Levee.
...
Seward Port and Commerce Advisory Board Report. Ron Long stated the board was
looking at the harbor and SMIC budget proposals, but had lacked a quorum to meet on the topic.
Individual members would be submitting ideas/comments and the board would soon be ready to
submit the SMIC development plan. Long was happy to have a full quorum soon.
Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations
A report by Patricia Linville was given on the Library/Museum Project.
The introduction of the City's 2008 budget was given by City Manager Phillip Oates.
Council recessed at 9:17 p.m.
Council resumed at 9:24 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Resolutions
Resolution 2007-093, approving a supplemental lease agreement with the United States for
continued use of a portion of lot 1, block 10, Fourth of July Creek Subdivision, to be used for a
~" weather radio transmitter site. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required
bylaw was noted and the public hearing was opened. No one appeared to address the Council and
the public hearing was closed.
Harbormaster Scott Ransom stated this was on the corner by Spring Creek. It was a no
charge lease, and this was the weather site that produced the radio report.
Motion (Thomas/Bardarson) Approve Resolution 2007-093
Valdatta hoped the snow removal would be kept up in the winter for this area. Ransom
confirmed this site was on the harbor's regular plowing route.
Motion Passed Unanimous
UNFINISHED BUSINESS -None
NEW BUSINESS -None
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
Council discussed pursuing the maintenance and operating agreement for Providence and the
`" new Long Term Care Facility. Council gave direction to not pursue request for proposals with
others at this critical time.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 8 2007 Volume 37, Page 432
Council discussed development options for the East Resurrection Bay basin area. Council
gave general direction to support the recommendations brought forward by administration
from the previous work session on this subject. The recommendations included development in
the following areas:
-Uplands Area: seek funding to dispose of abandoned boats, impound and
destroy abandoned boats, require bonds from all boat owners, increase rates annually for
boats kept in the area more than one year, pursue funding to expand utility infrastructure,
pursue new leases through enticements (e.g., assessment districts), support AVTEC
maritime training initiatives, consider changes, as necessary, to zoning or Seward City
Code
-SMIC Basin: complete rock wave barrier project or complete pile wave barrier
and market
-Seward Ships Area: encourage Seward Ships to finance expansion oftransfer
pit for city lease concessions of up to $44,000 per year, or attempt to finance expansion
through AIDEA or Denali Commission
-Bench Area: conduct road and utility infrastructure survey while pursuing
future development options with AIDEA and private developers and focus on options
that include housing, lodges, and winter recreation
-Tidelands (Land West of Nash Road): preserve access to tidelands and
support development by existing property owners
-Spring Creek Correctional Center: support expansion, attempt to get rural
waiver to qualify for public housing grants, and consider building prison staff dormitory
-Rock Quarry: retain to provide rock for city projects
Council voted and appointed Paul Tougas, Kari Anderson, and Deborah Altermatt to the Port
and Commerce Advisory Board. The vote count for all three members was unanimous.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS (No action required
Draft letter and information supporting PWSRCAC comments on Oil Spill Contingency Plan
Renewal.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Bardarson, thanked Tom Shepard and his family for their service in Seward. She thanked
the outgoing council members and the mayor for their service. Bardarson also thanked the city
manager and staff for bringing forward a balanced budget.
Amberg, thanked the outgoing council members for their years of service and congratulated
the incoming members. She wished Scott Ransom and Pam Hermann well on their retirement and
wished Tom Shepard good luck.
Thomas, wished the new members good luck. He couldn't imagine not having public
hearings on the prison expansion, but was pessimistic that attendance at these meetings would be
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 8 2007 Volume 37, Page 433
low, so he encouraged people to come out when the time comes. On a personal note, Thomas noted
he had enjoyed working with the clerk's office and with the city manager. He approved sending
°ir Dunham and Keil to the All-America City convention. He appreciated the budget coming before the
council balanced and was in complete agreement of the seasonal sales tax request. Thomas
appreciated the PACAB applicants for putting their name in the hat and wished Shepard and his
family all the best.
Valdatta, thanked all who voted and thanked the incoming and outgoing members of
council. He hoped the city could also keep tabs on the lights over at SMIC in their efforts to replace
burnt out lights.
Dunham, stated it had been a pleasure to work with the outgoing council members. He
couldn't be prouder for Laura Beck and her recent teaching award as well as the award given to Lee
Poleske. He noted the passing of Pat Rowe. She was a great person and was very active in the
community. The health fair was October 12 and 13 and Dunham hoped people would turn out for it.
Mayor Shafer, stated this was her last council meeting. She remembered coming to Seward
and hoping it was a nice town. She had been very happy here and it was an honor and privilege to
serve this community and she thanked all for the opportunity to do so.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS
John French, spoke on the letter discussed earlier on the PWSRCAC. He felt the wording
chosen in the letter was understated, if anything.
Paul Tougas, thanked the outgoing council members for their work.
COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS
Dunham agreed with French that the state was not following through on their actions, but
was just hesitant on the wording in the letter.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
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Vanta Shafer
Mayor
r~1NAL CERTIFICATE OF RESULTS FOR THE
REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION
HELD OCTOBER Z, 2007
The City Canvass Board has completed their review of all absentee and
questioned ballots of the Regular Municipal Election held October 2, 2007.
~. Their totals are:
{Note: Total Counted plus Total Rejected =Total Voted }
Report of Absentee and Questioned Ballots
Absentee ballots voted
(Includes permanent, in-person and by-mail)
Questioned ballots voted
Special Needs ballots voted
Total Voted
Rejected
Not registered, registered too late
or registered out of City
Form not completed properly
Signed/witnessed after election day
Total Rejected
Counted
Absentee
Questioned
Special Needs
Total Counted
66
0
1
67
4
1
5
66
0-
1
67
The Election Day results, after canvassing are as follows:
Mayor (Two year seat) Vote for one
R1P~tinn T~av Vntec After Canvass Votes Total Votes
,~ ~ ~l 3`~
Vanta Shafer 179 25 204
Clark Corbrid e 291 41 332
City Council (Two year seat) Vote for three
Election Day Votes After Canvass Votes Total Votes
Steve Schafer 197 33 230
Tom Smith 260 37 297
Robert Valdatta 340 39 379
John French 191 25 216
Bets Kellar 226 32 258
Write Ins 17 l 18
Final Certificate of Results
Regular Municipal ly[C~Eii
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Paget
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A total of 479 people voted at this ~et~~ plus 67 counted absentee votes = 546 counted
votes.
Upon completion of the canvass, it is our opinion that the attached summary of ~le+~d~~z
returns compiled above, accurately reflect the final totals for the Regular City E~~~i~i`~-ri
held October 2, 2007.
Dated this 4`~ day of October, 2007.
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