Seward City Council Regular Meeting

Action Agenda

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

The following resolutions requiring a public hearing were approved:

Resolution 2007-025, In Support Of The Adoption Of The City Of Seward Emergency Operations Plan, Revised March 2007.

The following resolutions were approved:

Resolution 2007-026, Authorizing An Employment Agreement With Phillip Oates For City Manager Services.

Resolution 2007-027, Supporting Adjusting The Area Cost Differential For The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District.

Resolution 2007-028, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into An Agreement With Resurrection Rentals To Provide Portable Toilet Service.

Resolution 2007-029, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Two Purchase Agreements For Wire Products, For A Total Amount Not To Exceed $108,545.

Resolution 2007-030, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Settlement Agreement With IBEW For Grievance COS 06-01 For An Amount Not To Exceed $38,265.53

Resolution 2007-031, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into An Agreement With Air Tec, Inc For An Amount Not To Exceed $60,504.00 For The Construction Phase Of The #1 Lift Station Mitigation Project, And Appropriating Funds.

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Seward Community Schools would like to thank the following people and organizations for the benefit of our Seward Archery League. Louis Bencardino of the Alaska Railroad Co. for his help and organization this year during our Fall and Winter Season, we cannot thank you enough Louie! I look forward to next year’s season in the Dale Lindsey Railway Terminal building and I am sure that I speak on behalf of all our Archery League Members! To Karin Sturdy and Kirsten Vessel, thank you for helping with all the needed paperwork to secure the building for our Archery program! To Steve Lemme, Matt Brewi, Tony Lemme, Jordan Kettel, Wally Shumway and Caleb Adelmann; thank you for the donation of backdrops, targets, archery equipment and labor. The League got off to a great start with your help and donated supplies, and continued to run smoothly throughout our two seasons. To all of our Seward Archery League members who contributed to our program in any way, including the Youth Archery Clinics, thank you and I look forward to seeing you at our next season in the Dale Lindsey Railway Terminal building!

Join the Seward Nordic Ski Club for a fun filled day of skiing on Bear Lake, Saturday March 31st.  From 1-3 pm there will be a Skate Skiing Clinic for Beginners and Advanced Skiers, as well as a Healthy Kids Ski Event. The activity is designed to get elementary students familiar with skis and teach some basic skills.  Healthy snacks will be available.  Parents of interested elementary age kids may contact the PTSA Wellness Committee Chairman, Jim Steward (or his wife Sue) at 224-8285 or email them at suejim@gci.net  to sign up or to ask questions.  Some equipment will be available for junior skiers. Come and join us for a ski, meet other enthusiasts in the area, improve your skiing, learn more about the Ski Club and have some fun on scenic Bear Lake.  For more information on clinics call Janette Chiron 224-6636.

FIRST ANNUAL

The Resurrection Roadhouse is looking for this years art for the Goliath shirts.

Specifications are:

• Alaska theme

• No more than 4 colors

• Must say “Goliath 2007″ somewhere in it

• Can be either in digital or print format

Deadline is Monday April 23rd, 2007
Drop off submissions at the Resurrection Roadhouse
or email to eslater@ciri.com

Winner will receive a Gift Certificate to the Roadhouse and a 2007 shirt.

March 23, 2007
Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report
Sunrise 7:50 am, sunset 8:19 pm, length of day 12 hours, 29 minutes; tomorrow will be 5 minutes and 29 seconds longer.
Weather: 25º with brisk north to west winds 15 to 30 mph with stronger gusts, 100% gray overcast, trying to snow. More of the same forecast for the weekend.

Winter and spring are duking it out, both trying to go out and come in like a lion. The persistent snow cover, measuring over 14 feet out of town, and 2 to 3 feet in town, keeps the feeders busy. Large numbers of PINE GROSBEAKS, PINE SISKINS, and COMMON REDPOLLS continue to drain black oil sunflower seeds from feeders, especially those out of town. Ava called in over 200 songbirds yesterday at her 30’ porch feeder, mostly grosbeaks, scattered only when the MERLIN or SHARP-SHINNED HAWK drops by for a meal. A few VARIED THRUSHes and ROBINs have survived the winter so far and pop up in town periodically to verify the news.

Also on March 22, at Spring Creek Beach at mile 5, Nash Road, 26 SNOW-BUNTINGS flashed black and white in a flock, gleaning beach rye seeds from the snow, even as the wetland pond ice is breaking up in large, geometric slabs. 5 other black and white flashers, the BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, scavenged nearby, probably a family.

The year round resident DIPPER hopped off the ice into the chilly water to grab a bug or two, and then sang about it, heedless of the weather. The resident BALD EAGLE pair sat on the nest as if to try it out, and then both left to hunt from other perches. Other eagle pairs have been reported sitting on or near their nests too, although it is too early for eggs.

Over in the bay, several pairs of HARLEQUIN DUCKS preened on the rocks and abandoned boat hull or swam in a loose flock mixed with BARROW’S GOLDENEYES and 6 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. Farther out, were small rafts of BLACK SURF SCOTERS numbering about 50 in all, also a few HORNED GREBES still in their winter plumage, and PELAGIC CORMORANTS.

One sure sign of spring, despite the wintery weather, is the arrival of the BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES and larger numbers of GLAUCOUS-WINGED and MEW gulls first seen on March16. The herring are on a spawning mission, drawing these birds into the bay. Over 30 Steller sea lions are also in the bay feeding on the herring and are easily seen from Lowell Point Road and along the Greenbelt. Over 20 Dall’s porpoise were seen in the inner bay, sending up their flashy rooster tail sprays on March 3rd, also probably following the herring.

Look for the GADWALLS feeding in the lee of the south side of the new harbor uplands; 8 were counted on March 19th. This is still a good spot to find COMMON MERGANSERS, and both GOLDENEYE species.

Peregrine Joe reported a female HOODED MERGANSER on March 16th at the pond at Mile 3 by the Stash and Store sign. Apparently she did not linger.

On March 20th, both Long Bill and Scissor Bill, the NORTHWESTERN CROWS, were seen feeding at the Safeway parking lot, even as USGS researchers were in town looking for them. Both birds seemed healthy, despite their deformed bills.

Unusual NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL behavior noted on March 3rd in town: the owl perched on the flood lights of a home near the bird feeder and was seen snatching a redpoll for lunch in the daytime. There have been a few other reports of city saw-whets staking out bird feeders in town during these very cold spells. I wonder if their normal prey of voles and shrews are scarce and they are forced to eat birds and thus be active in the daytime?

Think Spring and Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report reporter

If you would like to submit a bird sighting, please include the date and place where the bird was seen along with your name and phone number.

I encourage you to join this well-run forum to check on Seward and other Alaska birding news: AKBirding-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

For more information on how to keep cats indoors, please refer to the American Bird Conservancy website, Cats Indoors at and other informative sites listed under a Google.com search.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING.

5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA

6. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS

1. Proclamations and Awards

1. Earthquake Day Proclamation

2. Boys and Girls Club Proclamation

B. Borough Assembly Report

C. City Manager’s Report

D. Chamber of Commerce Report

E. Seward Planning and Zoning Commission Report

F. School Board Report

G. Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations

1. Chamber Report on Seward’s Ocean Festival in May

7. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. Resolutions Requiring a Public Hearing

1. Resolution 2007-025, In Support Of The Adoption Of The City Of Seward Emergency Operations Plan, Revised March 2007.

8. NEW BUSINESS

A. Resolutions

*1. Resolution 2007-026, Authorizing An Employment Agreement With Phillip Oates For City Manager Services.

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NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE Blizzard Warning

WESTERN PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…WHITTIER…SEWARD..

Remembering the 1964 Earthquake with Mary Barry

Fri 16 Mar 2007 - Filed under: Announcement, Education, Event, Nature — plinville
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The Seward Senior Center, the Seward Museum and the Seward Community Library are hosting Mary Barry on March 27. The Senior Center will be hosting a tea at the Senior Center at 1 in the afternoon. Please plan to attend and visit with Mary. The library and museum invite the community to Remember the Earthquake with Mary Barry at the library at 7 pm. There will be pictures of the earthquake and survivors are welcome to browse through them and talk about what they remember of the event. Refreshments will be served.

Seward Flotilla offers Boating Class

Fri 16 Mar 2007 - Filed under: Announcement, Education, Event — suelang
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Now that Spring is officially here, it’s time to get ready for boating season.

The Seward Flotilla, USCG Auxiliary, is offering America’s Boating Course on Saturday March 24 from 9 am to 5 pm. The class will meet in the training room of the Seward Volunteer Fire Department, 316 4^th Ave, Seward. Participants are asked to bring a sack lunch. Cost is $25 per person. This is an excellant beginner class for the novice boater. Families, scouts and children are all welcome The boat and water safety course topics include:

• Introduction to Boating
• Boating Law
• Boat Safety Equipment
• Safe Boating
• Navigation
• Boating Problems
• Trailering, Storing and Protecting Your
• Boat Hunting and Fishing, Water-skiing and River Boating

Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete America’s Boating Course. For more information about the class, contact Orson Smith, 224-2526 or Sue Lang, 224-8237 or sign-up online at http://a1700205.uscgaux.info/abc.htm

2007 Afognak Invitational

Thu 15 Mar 2007 - Filed under: Alaska, Event, Sports — Erik Slater
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As the sun beat down on the mussel filled mud flats and the arctic wind gusted enough to remind everyone that it was still winter, a group of hearty Alaskans ventured out of their wood fired homes. Layered up with xtra tuffs, gloves, hats and sunglasses, they journeyed with dogs and clubs in hand to an annual and unusual low tide golfing event.

Held Sunday March 11th, the five hole course designated by the rather large, rocky and rusty landmarks, was started in 2003 by Matt Chase, Jeff Shank, and Jim May. There are no scores, no pars and the general rule is “play it where the dog lyes it”, referring to the usual gaggle of dogs who are more than happy to retrieve that perfect 7 iron shot up the middle. Despite what Matt Chase will say, most balls (especially his) are brought back by a slobbering friendly face only a few yards from the makeshift sand and seaweed tees.
With a bonfire, friends, packs of dogs, kids and some sunshine, the last thing anyone was concerned about that day was a good golf swing. It’s days like these that remind me of why I live here and why I stick out the bitter, cold and dark winters and why I still hate the game of golf.

City Council Regular Meeting Action Agenda

Wed 14 Mar 2007 - Filed under: City of Seward — Paul Tougas
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Monday, March 12, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.

The following resolutions were approved:

Resolution 2007-021, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into An Agreement With Skyline Steel, LLC For The I&T Dock Pilings For An Amount Not To Exceed $1,160,598.80 And Appropriating Funds.

Resolution 2007-022, Accepting A Grant In The Amount Of $1,215.12 From The Alaska Highway Safety Office For 2007 ASTEP Seatbelt Enforcement Campaign And Appropriating Funds.

Resolution 2007-023, Accepting A Grant In The Amount Of $1,518.90 From The Alaska Highway Safety Office For 2007 ASTEP Driving Under The Influence (DUI) Enforcement Campaign And Appropriating Funds.

Resolution 2007-024, Appropriating $45,000 For Lift Station Control Reconfiguration Materials.

A work session on the generator replacement was scheduled for April 9, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. in the city council chambers.

The February 26, 2007 regular city council meeting minutes and the March 6, 2007 special city council meeting minutes were approved.

Council discussed and exchanged ideas for Military Appreciation and Armed Forces Day the weekend of May 19, 2007.

Council declined an invitation to the Turtle Ship Festival from Yeosu City Korea.

Council went into executive session to discuss matters pertaining to pending litigation and for the city attorney evaluations.

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Pet of the Week

Tue 13 Mar 2007 - Filed under: Health, Nature — Paul Tougas
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Pet of the Week:  “Katie” is a kid-dog-and-cat friendly 3-yr old spayed female.  This oh-so-sweet girl is ready to make a loving companion to any responsible home.

Wish List: Dog chews and happy homes for our shelter residents.

Jennifer Carrick

Seward Animal Care and Control

POB 2934

Seward, AK 99664

907-224-7495

Cop Talk

Sat 10 Mar 2007 - Filed under: Police Journal — admin
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Question: After 6 months of violations free driving, does the provisional restriction of my teen’s driver’s license automatically convert to non-provisional status?

Answer: No, not automatically. A provisional restriction on a teen’s drivers license is in effect for a minimum of 6 months and can remain until age 18 if the parent chooses. After 6 months of violation free driving and no illegal use of alcohol or drugs, the provisional restriction may be removed by a parent. The parent needs to take their teen into DMV, sign a new parental consent, and a new drivers license will be issued for a duplicate fee of $15.00. For a complete explanation of Provisional Licenses, see page 4-5 of the Drivers Manual available at DMV in City Hall.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

Community Needs Assessment Survey Results

Thu 8 Mar 2007 - Filed under: Business, City of Seward, Economics, Education, Food, Health, Politics — Russell Stigall
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The City of Seward, through staff efforts and program resources of the AmeriCorps VISTA program, created and distributed a Community Needs Assessment Survey in the fall of 2006.

The survey was distributed to every box holder at the Seward Post Office, the end result of which was a total of 2405 surveys being distributed to persons living in and around Seward and its outlying areas. Two hundred twelve (212) surveys or 9% of the total were filled out and returned. The following is a tally of the responses provided along with a summary of the comments. This summary is an accurate portrayal of the responses received and therefore gives some indication of the community preferences concerning socio-economic conditions, land use, recreational opportunities, municipal services, public security and issues related to future development in Seward.

Respondent comments citing inappropriate language, names and specific private properties as well as derogatory statements have been omitted in order to respect public sensibility.

The City staff wishes to thank each respondent who spent the considerable amount of time required to complete this survey

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DEVELOPMENT

I. In general, how do you feel about the following types of development in Seward. Read More>

Usibelli coal dust settles on Seward

Wed 7 Mar 2007 - Filed under: Alaska, Health, Nature, Technology — Russell Stigall
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Chim-Chiminey Chim Chim cher-oo.

Dick Van Dyke may have been a ‘appy bloke in his ashes and soot, but Seward boat owners and air breathers were not as thrilled with the coal dust blown off Usibelli coal last week.

Seward spent several days under a haze of Usibelli coal dust. Cold dry weather and high winds made unloading coal from Alaska Railroad rail cars a dusty business. The reddish-brown haze seen in these photos settled onto boats dry-docked near the coal piles and in slips in the Seward small boat harbor.

The railroad typically sprays water on transported coal to mitigate dust.

Usibelli has shipped coal from Seward’s port to Korea since 1985. In that time millions of tons of coal have passed through Seward.

Korean-purchased coal fetched Alaska $10 million in 2005. Coal supplies Korea with 22 percent of its energy needs.

The Alaska Railroad coal loading facility in Seward is run by Hyundai Merchant Marine.

Photos courtesy Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance

2007 Avy Savvy Poster Contest Winners!

Tue 6 Mar 2007 - Filed under: Announcement, Education, Health, Sports — admin
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And the 2007 Avy Savvy Poster Winners are:

 

Kindergarten - 3rd Grade Category

 

1st Place: Daniel Sparks

 

2nd Place: 2-way tie - Jon Kingsland - Rose Terry

 

3rd Place: Hunter Kratz

 

 

4th - 6th Grade Category

 

1st Place: Bailey Pendergast

 

2nd Place: 2-way tie - Sam Melvin - Marina Carpenter

 

3rd Place: Veronica Wilde

 

 

Honorable Mention: TBA soon!

 

 

 We are looking forward to the 2008 Avy Savvy Poster Contest and Avalanche Awareness Days at the Seward & Moose Pass Schools. And we would like to thank all of our community members who joined us on Thurs Mar 1 for the Art Critic Night. They have all done a wonderful job in trying to pick out a few entries among many great posters submitted! Thank you to all of the students at Seward Elementary school for your enthusiasm and participation in our Avy Savvy Poster Contest, you all have done a remarkable job!

 

Tanya Brewi

Community Schools

Coordinator

224-4056

tbrewi@cityofseward.net

City Manager Hire

Tue 6 Mar 2007 - Filed under: City of Seward, Politics — admin
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Council went into executive session and came out and made a motion to enter into an employment agreement, subject to a successful contract negotiation and criminal background check with Phillip Oates.  There were 6 members present, and the vote was unanimous.

Mayor Shafer, members Schafer and either Bardarson or Dunham will be the contract negotiators.

Keep your fingers crossed for a city manager in about 6 weeks if all goes well.

Jean A. Lewis

City Clerk

Winter Advisory from our Water Department

Tue 6 Mar 2007 - Filed under: Announcement, City of Seward — admin
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Due to severe temperature conditions this winter season, the City of Seward Water dept. is advising the water service customers within City limits to run a small cold-water bleeder.

Usually a stream of water the size of a pencil width is sufficient. The City advises running the bleeder until April 15^th. Currently the frost line is at 5 feet and will run deeper with the spring thaw.

New Principal interviews start at 4 on Thursday

Tue 6 Mar 2007 - Filed under: Education — admin
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The interviews for the Teacher/Principal will be on Thursday, March 8th starting at 4pm.  Anyone wanting to observe and respond please be at the middle school by 3:45.

Thanks, Martha Fleming

Counselor

Seward High

“OLD SCHOOL BUSH WHACKERS & TRAIL BLAZERS“

Tue 6 Mar 2007 - Filed under: Announcement, Arts, Event, Nature — Dano Michaud
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The Seward Winter Monthly Film Fest presents 

 “OLD SCHOOL BUSH WHACKERS & TRAIL BLAZERS“

Yes this is an ol’ Fashion slide show.
Join us as we travel from the Upper Paradise Valley to Moose Pass the hard way!
Bob White will present a slide show of his travels with his friend,
The late Mike Vanderbeek.
The March “Film Fest” will be held in the AVTEC Auditorium, which is located in the “Student Service Center”
519 4^th Ave.
March 13^th
Tuesday Night from 7:00 pm until around 9:00 pm
Question? Call Dano 224-5575

Sporadic Bird Report: Great Blue Herons

Fri 2 Mar 2007 - Filed under: Nature — Sporadic Bird
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Friday, March 2, 2007
Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report
Sunrise: 7:53 am, sunset 6:27 pm, length of day 10 hours, 33 minutes; tomorrow will be 5 minutes and 29 seconds longer. Full moon tomorrow. Saturn in the evening, Jupiter and Mars in the morning.
Weather: Brilliant sunny days continue with lovely deep blue cloudless skies; 17º with winds blasting from the north and northwest at 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 45 mph. Brrrrr!

The protracted cold and windy spell has made birding somewhat limited the past several weeks. But the puppy must go out and so do I. Today at 11 am, her enthusiastic barking for yet another stick startled 3 ungainly GREAT BLUE HERONS out of their hiding places in the protective spruce trees at Lowell Point State Recreation Area. They circled overhead uncertainly, and then flew back into the trees and disappeared. I was impressed with their ability to maneuver in the wind without much flapping, and was also struck by their overall pale, washed out appearance. Perhaps they are juveniles. This area over to Tonsina beach seems to be a favorite and consistent habitat for the herons, but you always have to be lucky (or have a puppy to help).

Robin reported a GLAUCOUS GULL hanging out by the seafood processing plant across the bay while cod was unloaded and processed this past week. Haven’t seen one here for a while. The “bay bird feeder” south of the boat harbor has also been active with hundreds of gulls feeding in a white cloud where the harbor seafood processor has its outlet pipe for ground-up fish waste.

Robin also has a BOREAL CHICKADEE at his feeder out of town, while others have been seen in town feeding with the usual CHESTNUT-BACKED and BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES.

A possible MERLIN or SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was spotted briefly in town by the high school, and LeVan’s in the downtown area still have a reliable Sharpie checking for fast food at their bird feeder/deli diner.

On Sunday, February 25th, a very quiet AMERICAN DIPPER stood motionless below the bank of Tonsina Creek, unconcerned about the freezing cold water on its little bare feet. The only movement was the flashing of the white nictitating membrane when it blinked. The reason for its uncharacteristic stillness was a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK patrolling the opposite bank, watching from a lookout branch then swooping off to the next spot while a MAGPIE investigated. 3 MEW GULLS foraged at the edge of the tidelands with 2 GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS, while a single male BUFFLEHEAD dove just offshore.

On February 21, 9 GADWALLS tucked into the sheltered waters south of the boat harbor with 4 COMMON MERGANSERS.

2 VARIED THRUSHES are ground feeding at downtown feeders; it’s amazing that they can make it through this cold spell. Magpies continue to be spotted, often in large family groups of up to a dozen birds, same with STELLER’S JAYS, though in smaller groups of up to 6. BALD EAGLES and RAVENS are paired up and courting; both seem to enjoy the challenge of the winds. The ravens in particular find that medium perfect for impressing their dates with wonderful acrobatics.

Note: the long-established and popular eagle nest at the horse pasture north of the Benny Benson Park disappeared during the October floods. It is not known whether they will rebuild in town. Please let me know if you spot a new eagle nest near this prime habitat.

Most bird feeders continue to report low numbers or no pine siskins, redpolls, or pine grosbeaks. I just hope they are doing OK wherever they are. Meanwhile, keep your feeders full of sunflower seeds and suet, and if you can provide liquid water, the birds will really appreciate it.

Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report reporter

If you would like to submit a bird sighting, please include the date and place where the bird was seen along with your name and phone number.

I encourage you to join this well-run forum to check on Seward and other Alaska birding news: AKBirding-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

For more information on how to keep cats indoors, please refer to the American Bird Conservancy website, Cats Indoors at and other informative sites listed under a Google.com search.

Gull Identification Website:

Wing Identification website:

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