City of Seward, Alaska CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA. {Please silence all cellular phones during the meeting} March 13, :00 p.m.

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1 Monday, March 13, 2017 City Council Chambers Beginning at 7:00 p.m.

2 The City of Seward, Alaska CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA {Please silence all cellular phones during the meeting} March 13, :00 p.m. Council Chambers Jean Bardarson Mayor Term Expires 2017 Marianna Keil Vice Mayor Term Expires 2018 Ristine Casagranda Council Member Term Expires 2018 David Squires Council Member Term Expires 2017 Sue McClure Council Member Term Expires 2017 Deborah Altermatt Council Member Term Expires 2017 Erik Slater Council Member Term Expires 2018 James Hunt City Manager 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING [Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak. Time is limited to 3 minutes per speaker and 36 minutes total time for this agenda item.] 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA [Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk (*). Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a council member so requests. In the event of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda] 6. SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS A. Proclamations and Awards 1. Seward s Day Proclamation...Pg. 3 B. City Manager Report...Pg. 4 C. City Attorney Report D. Other Reports and Presentations 1. Presentation by Emily Stolarcyk of Eyak Preservation Council regarding siting and timing of U.S. Navy training exercises in Gulf of Alaska. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS None Johanna Kinney City Clerk Will Earnhart City Attorney City of Seward, Alaska Council Agenda March 13, 2017 Page 1

3 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None 9. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolutions 1. Resolution , Opposing Siting And Timing Of U.S. Navy Training Exercises That Pose Risks To Fish And Fisheries In The Gulf Of Alaska.(Casagranda/Slater)...Pg.8 B. Other New Business Items *1. Approval of February 27, 2017 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes....Pg. 42 *2. Non-objection to the liquor license renewal for The Sea Bean # Pg Direct the City Clerk to send a letter to the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, encouraging the continuance of Seward as the host city for the annual Alaska Tsunami Ocean Sciences Bowl. (McClure)...Pg INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS (No Action Required) None 11. COUNCIL COMMENTS 12. CITIZEN COMMENTS 13. COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS 14. EXECUTIVE SESSION A. Go into Executive Session to evaluate the City Clerk. 15. ADJOURNMENT City of Seward, Alaska Council Agenda March 13, 2017 Page 2

4 P R O C L A M A T I O N WHEREAS, on March 30, 1867, then Secretary of State William H. Seward signed the Alaska Purchase Treaty; and WHEREAS, this treaty negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia; and WHEREAS, it was proclaimed by the State of Alaska that this day be celebrated on the last Monday of March each year; and WHEREAS, this day is of special importance to the City of Seward as this city was named in honor of William H. Seward; and NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jean Bardarson, Mayor of the City of Seward, Alaska, do hereby acknowledge and recognize William H. Seward for his foresight and wisdom in acquiring Alaska from Russia, and do hereby proclaim Monday, March 27, 2017 as: SEWARD S DAY Dated this 13 th Day of March, 2017 THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Jean Bardarson, Mayor 3

5 CITY OF SEWARD Jim Hunt, City Manager P.O. Box 167 Telephone (907) Seward, AK Facsimile (907) MANAGER S REPORT February 17, 2017 thru March 3, 2017 The following purchase orders for between $10,000 and $50,000 have been approved by the City Manager since the last council meeting: 2/15 Roads & Streets $10, AK Garden & Pet Supply Salt 2/26 Electric $14, DYNO Battery Batteries for Generators 3 & 6 2/26 Water $34, AK Pump Supply Flygt Pump for lift station #1 ADMINISTRATION Meeting with Yaron Pew Charitable Trust Meeting with Tim Dillon / regarding special opportunity for City Attended the Chamber luncheon SMIC weekly teleconference HARBOR We had meetings with Hamilton Construction and R&M for the Breakwater project on 3/1/17 and 3/9/17. Base rock and core rock are being placed at this time; still continuing north. Primary A armor rock is still being placed. Blasting has continued at the Quarry and producing more products for different applications on the project. Snow removal is ongoing in the Harbor and at SMIC. The harbor crew is doing a great job staying ahead of task. The harbor staff shoveled snow and pumped water off a vessel that was in danger of sinking. The harbor vessel responded for avalanche watch, while the street department was clearing an avalanche on Lowell Point road. Equipment at SMIC is still minimal. The harbor is looking to lease a loader to finish out the snow season to keep the SMIC yard open, boat lifts are continuing. The Harbormaster went to Juneau with the board of directors for the AAHPA to communicate with the legislature for the continued support of the Harbor Facility Grant program and strengthening the laws for derelict and abandoned vessels. SERVS training is currently scheduled for April 17 th to the 21 st. PARKS AND RECREATION Flea Market at Sports & Rec (AVTEC Gym th Ave) Sat, Apr 8Need to sell some STUFF? Reserve a table from 10am to 2pm Sat, Apr 8. Pay $10 a table; limit 2 tables per individual or group. Stop by or call to reserve your table today! Dr. Moriarty, DDS Little Kids Egg Hunt Sat, Apr 3 pm. After the hunt, hop over for refreshments and pictures with the Easter Bunny! This is a FREE event for ages 11 & under sponsored by: Dr. Moriarty, DDS Seward Resort, American Legion, TYC & SPRD TYC staff are working hard at trying to keep the ditch in front of the entrance clear to prevent flooding. After School program is actively hosts 12 to 20 kids every Monday through Friday. Middle School Age kids or tweens combine in the evening at the TRR and the TYC every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 4

6 Seward Community Foundation Grant has been submitted requesting funds for enrichment activity funds for summer programs. The TYC summer Day Camps and events brochures are being completed. They are expected to be distributed before spring break, by March 10 th in the Elementary school and Middle School. The Community Center s asbestos mitigation contractor from Anchorage took samples from our TYC floor to check for asbestos. We will hear the results next week. TYC Connected with the Alaska SeaLife Center to discuss moving the Easter Egg Hunt to their facility, due to snow cover in Forest Acres. Stay tuned for confirmation. The kids from the TRR are enjoying the use of the AVTEC gym for dodge ball and he rock climbing wall will be available. Seven teens from the TRR participated in a hike at Victor Creek, where they learned about different types of fish that could be found in the creek, micro invertebrates, animals that might be in the area and got a great view of the ice formations on the creek walls. The schedule at The Rec Room the week of March 7 th March 11 th Tuesday It was National Bubble Week, so teens enjoyed bubble games, Wednesday - BINGO with prizes, Thursday Sledding at 12 Mile, Friday Dodgeball and or Rockwall climbing 3:30 5pm at AVTEC, Saturday Air Hockey Challenge and games. Continued ice and snow removal and maintenance Flags down at Benny Benson for foreseeable future due to high winds and lighting issues Forecast looks to be clear for a while so staff is and will work to remove snow and create a skating surface at 2nd lake. We ask that until then, people remain off of the ice. We are advertising our seasonal vacancies and looking ahead to a busy summer season. We are continuing work on the Williams Park Rest room; Grants applications reviews; Seward Prevention Coalition s Be [You] campaign kickoff at High School; Playground surface research; Parking Department work, preparing for May 1 parking season ELECTRIC The electric department is researching the possibility of installing electric vehicle stations. We are working with outside agencies and other utilities to figure out if this is feasible, affordable and desirable. We will be reporting back to the council when we have something substantial. The electric crew is testing the residential meters and are averaging about 100/day. If we can continue this rate, there should be enough meters ready for the swap out and we likely will not need to hire additional people to assist with this. The first interconnection application has been submitted to the electric department. The customer s electrician is in Fairbanks and we have contacted Golden Valley electric, and they are willing, to assist us with this first connection for solar energy. PUBLIC WORKS Our Public Works maintenance crews have put in many hours to keep roads open and businesses accessible. As of March 4 th we have removed all snow berms from the middle of streets and are working on our site triangles at intersections and widening roads. We will continue with sanding and the scraping roads with the serrated edges on the graders. The wind has been blowing hard for several days now and the streets are glazed and constantly polished as the wind blows across them, we would remind everyone to drive very carefully for the conditions. All equipment has been used heavily this season and combining with the aging components, we have had our share of breakdowns. We made it mostly through the latest snow load before the blower broke down. Parts are ordered and being expedited to get the blower back in service. We are back to having 2 of the 3 loaders running and working on the third. The cold temperatures are hard on equipment and 5

7 without a warm storage building as they are outside year round, requiring extra warm up time, more preventive maintenance and repairs. Water and Wastewater is running pretty smooth the last few weeks, allowing extra help to the streets and snow removal efforts. We also have a good mix of employees from other City Departments working together on various tasks and we appreciate their help, good attitude, and cooperation while working with us at the Public Works Department. FINANCE The finance department continues to prepare for the potential bond issuance for the upcoming road improvements project. Once the bids for the projects are received by DOT and a contract is issued, we will have a better idea of how much money the City may need to bond for road improvements. In addition, staff is busy preparing for year-end audit slated to take place March 27 through April 7. The preliminary year-end sales tax figures finish the year at just over $5 million, exceeding the annual budget projections by $430,000, and coming in higher than 2015 by $121,000. Property taxes were higher than the prior year by approximately $100,000, in part due to oil property taxes. Bed tax was higher than the prior year by $32,000. A friendly reminder from the meter reader, to please ensure that a path is shoveled to your electric meter, to ensure that you are correctly billed for electric usage. LIBRARY & MUSEUM The Seward Community Library & Museum Director and Team are committed to contributing to and participating in professional development and training opportunities in order to provide quality services and programs to our community. This is often accomplished virtually and long distance, but there are a few opportunities in which we are able to learn, build our communities of practice, and network face to face: Director Kingsland attended the 2017 Alaska Library Association (AkLA) Conference held in Ketchikan, February This included serving on the AkLA Executive Council, and chairing the Public Libraries Roundtable and Civic Engagement Roundtable meetings. The wonderful array of sessions included: welcoming new people; supporting and advocating for tribal and rural libraries; learning how one library system created robust art programming in partnership with artists and community organizations; incorporating real live experiments into STEM educational programming; how to care for and repair books; ideas for the Summer Reading Program; learning about early literacy research and programing enhancements; implementing practical collection care principals for better community access and engagement; how to implement a T.A.G. (Teen Advisory Group) program; learning about and problem solving for the Alaska Digital Library (digital ebooks and audiobooks consortium); and meeting with librarians and directors of Alaskan libraries to discuss and problem solve issues that we face, including people experiencing homelessness and budget cuts. It was an honor and joy for Director Kingsland to present and recognize two award recipients and a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the AkLA Public Libraries Roundtable to three amazing Alaskan librarians who have significantly impacted their library, community, region and/or the state. These awards and others presented reflect the creative, generous and community centered libraries and library workers in Alaska. Director Kingsland passed on the baton to chair the Public Libraries Roundtable to chair the Civic Engagement Roundtable in order to connect with other libraries striving to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and 6

8 motivation to make that difference. (Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, edited by Thomas Ehrlich, 2000) in order to contribute to the civic wellbeing of our communities. Thirteen participants from Alaskan museums and cultural institutions, including Chickaloon, Cordova, Hope/Sunrise, Kodiak, Palmer, Seldovia, Seward, Talkeetna, and Wasilla, received quality and detailed instruction from Nicole Peters, a Conservator, currently on contract with the Anchorage Museum, with the assistance of Scott Carrlee, Curator of Museum Services with the Alaska State Museum. Seward benefited from the participation of Maddi McGraw, Curator, Dona Walker, Exhibit Committee member, Linda Lasota, Volunteer, and Valarie Kingsland, Director. We learned about the many common types of materials that museum objects are composed of, how these material types interact with the environment, preferred environmental conditions for museum objects, safe handling procedures, basic preventative conservation, the care and cleaning of objects, basic object housing instruction, including supports, trays and boxes, how to make them, what materials to avoid and why, and so much more. A Conservation Roadshow was held on March 2 nd for members of our community to consult with museum staff and a conservator, about how to care for family treasures and artifacts. Among the items brought in were beaded earrings, a fur and leather Alaskan doll, two replicated Alaskan flags signed by Benny Benson (by two separate community members!), an artsy shadow box, and a uniform. We thank Jan Yaeger, Seldovia Museum Curator, and workshop organizer and grant writer, for the opportunity to contribute and support the Alaskan museum community, and the opportunity to learn together. The best part of these types of opportunities is how it builds our knowledge base, informs our work and can be shared among staff, volunteers and our community. 7

9 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION Sponsored by: Casagranda and Slater A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, OPPOSING SITING AND TIMING OF U.S. NAVY TRAINING EXERCISES THAT POSE RISKS TO FISH AND FISHERIES IN THE GULF OF ALASKA WHEREAS, the City of Seward is the governing body with the full power and authority as recognized by the citizens of Seward, to act for its members, and has responsibility to provide government for the good health and welfare of its citizens; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Navy plans to conduct training activities utilizing explosives, live ordnance, and sonar in the Gulf of Alaska in 2017 that will have impacts on marine life and habitat vital to the interests of the City of Seward and its citizens; and WHEREAS, these trainings will impact the waters of the Gulf of Alaska by annually releasing up to approximately 352,000 pounds of expended materials including up to 10,500 pounds of hazardous materials including cyanide, chromium, lead, tungsten, nickel, cadmium, barium chromate, chlorides, phosphorus, titanium compounds, lead oxide, potassium perchlorate, lead chromate, ammonium perchlorate, fulminate of mercury, and lead azide into waters designated by NOAA as Essential Fish Habitat for a multitude of species that support the economic development in Alaskan coastal communities and harvest of wild Alaskan salmon and other fish for global markets; and WHEREAS, the training area and vicinity is a highly productive region for many marine fish and shellfish populations and supports some of the most productive fisheries in the United States, and an important spawning area for many fishes, and the training is scheduled to take place during the summer season when many fish populations are migrating and spawning (at least 383 species belonging to 84 families of marine and anadromous fishes have been reported from the predominant ecosystems found in the training area); and WHEREAS, the port of Seward is reliant on the fish and wildlife resources in the Gulf of Alaska for their subsistence harvest and the livelihoods supported by commercial fishing; and WHEREAS, the City of Seward supports all cultural, traditional and subsistence activities historically and continually practiced by Native and non-native peoples in the Gulf of Alaska; and WHEREAS, the City of Seward finds limited scientific information or traditional knowledge demonstrating that the U.S. Navy s training activities can take place without negatively affecting salmon, marine mammal, bird and other marine habitats. 8

10 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska does hereby request that the U.S. Navy refrain from using live ordnance or sonar in any Marine Protected Area, including NOAA Fisheries Marine Protected Areas, State Marine Protected Areas and Habitat Areas of Particular Concern: Section 2. The City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska hereby requests that the U.S. Navy relocate its training area to the far southeast corner of the current designated training area, off the Continental Shelf areas of the Gulf of Alaska, and away from seamounts. Section 3. The City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska supports a well-trained U.S. Navy any requests the U.S. Navy to conduct its training exercises after the middle of September and before the Spring, so as not to impact migrating salmon and other species. Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 13 th day of March, THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Jean Bardarson, Mayor AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: Johanna Kinney, CMC City Clerk (City Seal) 9

11 City Council Memorandum DATE: March 1, 2017 TO: Seward City Council Members FROM: Emily Stolarcyk, Program Manager - Eyak Preservation Council SUBJECT: Supplemental Information/ Overview of Resolution addressing the US Navy s 2017 trainings in the Gulf of Alaska Thank you for the opportunity to provide context and information to support the Resolution addressing the US Navy s 2017 training plans in the Gulf of Alaska. This Resolution was passed by the communities of Cordova, Homer, Kodiak, Valdez, Sitka, Girdwood, Tenakee Springs, and Whittier, Alaska. On March 31 st, 2016, US Navy representatives speaking at ComFish in Kodiak, AK stated that the Navy had pre-selected training dates for 2017 in the Gulf of Alaska. Their dates are May 1 12, These dates are problematic and pose risks to our commercial and subsistence fisheries. As coastal communities, we need to engage the Navy and support an alternative time of their Northern Edge training exercises. The Eyak Preservation Council supports a well-trained Navy and is not asking for the exercises to be discontinued. We are asking that the Navy work with local communities to find the best time and location for training that poses the least amount of risk to the valuable habitat within the Gulf of Alaska; the needs of local industries, communities and the environment must be balanced. We are asking for the Navy to conduct their exercises between mid-september and March exclusively. Some additional points for consideration: The Navy selected 2017 training dates before securing a Letter of Authorization (LOA) or a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for the 2017 trainings. Selecting dates before securing a LOA is a serious breach of protocol and legality by the US Navy. In the 43 years that the Navy has conducted trainings in the GOA, only twice have trainings occurred in May (2007, 2008). The use of active sonar, only permitted since 2011, has never occurred in May. Historically, trainings took place in winter months ( ). Only in 2004 was Northern Edge moved to the summer months. May is one of the prime months for species migration into the GOA. The Navy has not conducted any additional research to prove that training in May, including the use of active sonar, will not harm or have negative effects on migrating fish and marine mammals. The Navy and NMFS recently lost a federal lawsuit about Naval exercises and permit processes regarding the Navy s activities in their Hawaii/Southern PO BOX 460 CORDOVA AK EYAKPRESERVATIONCOUNCIL.ORG EYAK@REDZONE.ORG PAGE 1 OF 1 10

12 California ranges. As a result, the Navy is now restricted from training in Biologically Important Areas (BIA s) during certain times of the year because of the species present. The resolution asks that the same protections awarded to Hawaii/Southern California be extended to the Gulf of Alaska. The Navy has previously identified that both September and October are acceptable months in which Northern Edge can be conducted. Our environment is changing. The Navy has not conducted any research nor presented any information about the safety and/or long term impacts their trainings pose to our marine environments including Essential Fish Habitat. In these changing times, it is our responsibly to take every measure to safeguard the future of our fisheries. Allowing the Navy to train in May could have a number of unintended consequences and unfavorable impacts to our fisheries including: o Immediate decline in catch due to direct physical injury and mortality from weapons and sonar; o Delays in fish runs as a result of scattering effects from sonar (observed after 2015 trainings in Bristol Bay and other fisheries); o Exposure and contamination of fish from Navy-sourced expended materials such as cyanide, mercury and lead; o Failure to (or an increase in the time needed to) reach the next developmental stage of juvenile fish populations. In summary, allowing the Navy to conduct their training exercise Northern Edge in May puts our fishing industries and subsistence resources at undue risk. The Navy is already changing their activities in other Pacific ranges. The Navy needs to hear from communities now, well in advance of their trainings, in order to make the necessary changes to their schedule. Please contact me with additional questions and/ or concerns. Thank you, Emily Stolarcyk Program Manager emily@redzone.org PO BOX 460 CORDOVA AK EYAKPRESERVATIONCOUNCIL.ORG EYAK@REDZONE.ORG PAGE 2 OF 2 11

13 Navy Military Training Exercises in the Gulf of Alaska SUMMARY The US Navy seeks to continue military training activities called Northern Edge in the Gulf of Alaska to achieve and maintain readiness. (Source On March 31 st, 2016, US Navy representatives speaking at ComFish in Kodiak, AK stated that the Navy had pre-selected training dates for Their planned dates are May 1 12, Regional communities and fisheries find these dates problematic and feel that training in May pose risks to our commercial and subsistence fisheries. We seek to engage the Navy and support an alternative time of their Northern Edge training exercises to take place exclusively between mid-september and March. Currently, these exercises are planned during the most prolific breeding and migratory periods of the marine supported life in the region (salmon, whales, birds and more). The Gulf of Alaska, which has still not fully recovered from the Exxon Valdez oil spill, is home to Alaska s most diverse population of Indigenous Peoples who rely on its bounties for sustenance, commercial and traditional hunting and gathering activities. Natives living on the northern coast of the Gulf of Alaska include Eskimo, Eyak, Athabascan, Koniag, Tlingit and Aleut, and collectively constitute 30 percent of the area's overall population. (Source: Alaska Native Commissions Report Background According to the EIS preferred plans, these "war games" will involve use of highfrequency and mid-frequency sonar (235 db) for submarine exercises, plus authorized use of a wide variety of live weapons and explosives deployment - bombs, heavy deck guns, torpedoes, missiles, large carrier strikes (ships blown up & sunk) none of which will ever be recovered. Although military training exercises have been conducted in the GOA intermittently for the last 40 years, those proposed in the current EIS are a massive increase from any conducted before 2011 (e.g. a 6,500% increase in sonobuoys). The use of active sonar was permitted for the first time in The Navy has applied for permits to conduct training exercises in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for up to 42 days (from April to October) annually for a five-year period, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the permitting agency with support from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The Navy is required to complete a supplemental EIS (released 7/29/2016). Significance The GOA is the pathway and breeding grounds that provides traditional food sources and is the primary sustainable economic engine for Indigenous and non-native communities alike in Alaska. Of all species of fish and marine mammals Indigenous people in the region use for food and cultural traditions, none is more iconic than wild salmon. Wild salmon are at the heart of Alaska s image the world over. These proposed Navy training exercises pose a large risk to all types of fish and marine mammals that live in or travel through the GOA, including all five species of Pacific Salmon. The area where the Navy conducts its activity is vital habitat for many species. The Gulf of Alaska supports the most sustainable and economically valuable fisheries left in the PO BOX 460 CORDOVA AK EYAKPRESERVATIONCOUNCIL.ORG EYAK@REDZONE.ORG PAGE 1 OF 1 12

14 USA. Commercial fishing is the largest private sector employer in Alaska, providing over 63,000 jobs. Immediate harm to marine life includes death from explosions and sonar and the destruction of essential habitat areas. Long-term risks include exposure to hazardous chemical by-products left from the expended materials (bombs, sunken vessels, etc), and the bioaccumulation of hazardous chemicals that can be assimilated into the food chain. These risks threaten the cultural freedoms and economic livelihoods of Indigenous peoples that depend on these animals today and have for thousands of years. These trainings and the toxic debris they leave behind will cause irrevocable damage to fish, marine mammals, sea birds, their habitats, and the human communities that reply on the ocean for food and sustenance. The Navy acknowledges the harm and deaths the exercises pose to marine mammals and refers to the thousands of takes that are anticipated when these exercises are carried out (over 36,000 takes annually, >182,000 over five years). When it comes to fish, including salmon, it is clear from the EIS that the extent of the damage and risk are largely unknown. Much more scientific research is needed to know the effects these trainings have on fish populations. A quote from the EIS Section 3.6 Fish on Explosive Sources states: " little is known about the very important issues of nonmortality damage in the short and long-term, and nothing is known about effects on behavior of fish." The GOA, south of Prince William Sound, is essential habitat and traveling pathways for all of the rich diversity of sea life and mammals. It is unacceptable to host military training exercises in the spring and summer, year after year, during the most prolific breeding and migratory periods for all of the marine supported life in the entire region especially when the Navy has previously identified that both September and October are acceptable months in which Northern Edge can be conducted and historically the Navy only trained in the winter months. Summary Conclusion The Eyak Preservation Council (EPC) is extremely concerned about these trainings and their potential for negative effects on humans, animals and the environment. EPC believes that these trainings pose a risk to Native and Non-Native Subsistence Foods culture and harvests as well as commercial fisheries. This paper references fish and does not delve into the effects of these trainings on marine mammals. The trainings will take place in areas that include Essential Fish Habitat. The proposed activities in the TMAA (Temporary Marine Activities Area, map on page 7) have the potential to result in the following impacts: - Physical disruption of habitat; - Physical destruction or adverse modification of benthic habitats; - Alteration of water or sediment quality from expended material or discharge; - Cumulative impacts. Please refer to Notes on subsequent pages PO BOX 460 CORDOVA AK EYAKPRESERVATIONCOUNCIL.ORG EYAK@REDZONE.ORG PAGE 2 OF 7 13

15 NOTES: The following are excerpts from the Navy s Environmental Impact Statement and can be read in full at EIS Section 3.6 Fish: - The TMAA and vicinity is a highly productive region for various marine fish and shellfish populations and supports some of the most productive fisheries in the United States* - The TMAA falls within the Alaska Current (AC) and the Alaska Coastal Current (ACC) systems. Both currents flow in a northerly direction off southeastern Alaska and then turn southwestward along the Alaska coast** - Currently the GOA supports habitats of endangered and threatened populations of high seas salmon (Chinook, coho, chum, and sockeye salmon, and steelhead) - The TMAA and vicinity is a highly productive region for various marine fish and shellfish populations and supports some of the most productive fisheries in the United States. It is also an important spawning area for many fishes - At least 383 species belonging to 84 families of marine and anadromous fishes have been reported from the predominant ecosystems found in the GOA TMAA - 59 of the 66 managed groundfish species are known to occur in the TMAA - Five species of Pacific salmon (Chinook, coho, chum, pink, and sockeye salmon) have EFH designated within the TMAA - Of the five species of Pacific Salmon, Chinook would be the most affected by the Navy s trainings - The effects [of the trainings] on fish could include direct physical injury, such as potential for death, injury, or failure to (or an increase in the time needed to) reach the next developmental stage. - Stress to fish populations in warfare areas includes environmental stressors, acoustic effects of underwater sounds to fish, effects of underwater impulsive sounds, explosive ordnance, nonexplosive ordnance, and expended materials. - Potential stressors to fish and EFH include vessel movements (disturbance and collisions), aircraft overflights (disturbance), explosive ordnance, sonar training (disturbance), weapons firing/nonexplosive ordnance use (disturbance and strikes), and expended materials (ordnancerelated materials, targets, sonobuoys, and marine markers). - Potential effects of explosive charge detonations on fish and EFH include disruption of habitat; exposure to chemical by-products; disturbance, injury, or death from the shock (pressure) wave; acoustic impacts; and indirect effects including those on prey species and other components of the food web. * These trainings will occur during fishing season. Commercial fishing is the largest private sector employer in the state of Alaska and supports over 63,000 jobs. ** This means that the expended materials left in the water after the trainings will flow towards Alaska s coastline. In reference to Sonar: - There have been very few studies on the effects that human-generated sound may have on fish - The majority of studies often lack appropriate controls, statistical rigor, and/or expert analysis of the results - Hearing capability data only exists for fewer than 100 of the 29,000 fish species - Generally, a clear correlation between hearing capability and the environment cannot be asserted or refuted due to limited knowledge of ambient sound levels in marine habitats and a lack of comparative studies - Based upon currently available data it is not possible to predict specific effects of Navy impulsive sources on fish. At the same time, there are several results that are at least suggestive of potential effects that result in death or damage PO BOX 460 CORDOVA AK EYAKPRESERVATIONCOUNCIL.ORG EYAK@REDZONE.ORG PAGE 3 OF 7 14

16 - The literature on vulnerability to injury from exposure to loud sounds is similarly limited, relevant to particular species, and, because of the great diversity of fish, not easily extrapolated We just don t know: - The effects of sound on fish are largely unknown - A number of studies have examined the effects of explosives on fish. However, these studies are often variable, so extrapolation from one study to another, or to other sources, such as those used by the Navy, is not really possible - Little is known about the very important issues of nonmortality damage in the short- and longterm, and nothing is known about effects on behavior of fish. - More well-controlled studies are needed on the hearing thresholds for fish species and on temporary and permanent hearing loss associated with exposure to sounds. - The effects of sound may not only be species specific, but also depend on the mass of the fish (especially where any injuries are being considered) and life history phase (eggs and larvae may be more or less vulnerable to exposure than adult fish). - No studies have established effects of cumulative exposure of fish to any type of sound or have determined whether subtle and long-term effects on behavior or physiology could have an impact upon survival of fish populations. Munitions Constituents: - Petroleum hydrocarbons released during an accident are harmful to fish. Jet fuel is toxic to fish. - Unburned fuel may be spread over a large area - Fuel spills and material released from weapons and targets could occur at different locations and at different times. - Potential impacts from Navy explosives training include degradation of substrate and introduction of toxic chemicals into the water column EIS Section 3.14 Public Safety: - Undetonated ordnance on the ocean floor may pose a risk to fishermen, particularly bottom trawlers. If a trawl contacted an undetonated ordnance item, the item could detonate. - Chaff (aluminum-coated polymer fibers inside of a launching mechanism) will be used during the trainings. Upon deployment, the chaff and small pieces of plastic are expended. The purpose of chaff is to counter avoid aircraft detection by radar by masking the aircraft and to provide false radar returns to defeat radar-guided anti-aircraft defensive systems. Chaff will form a large cloud of fiber that disperses slowly, which could affect public safety. - Some solid training items expended at sea could migrate to the shoreline where the public could encounter them. Included among these items are targets and sonobuoys. Hazardous materials from the trainings left in the water include heavy metals, propellants, and explosives. Including the following: Cyanide, Chromium, Lead, Tungsten, Nickel, Cadmium, Barium chromate, Chlorides, Phosphorus, Titanium compounds, Lead oxide, Barium chromate, Potassium perchlorate, Lead chromate, Ammonium perchlorate, Potassium perchlorate, Fulminate of mercury, Potassium perchlorate and Lead azide. The Navy was permitted Alternative 2 (their preferred). PO BOX 460 CORDOVA AK EYAKPRESERVATIONCOUNCIL.ORG EYAK@REDZONE.ORG PAGE 4 OF 7 15

17 It is up to us. Alaska regulations on expended and hazardous materials are not applicable to Navy training in the TMAA because no training activities take place within State waters (up to three nm from shore). Alaska has not developed any state-specific military munitions regulations. Assuming Navy training under Alternative 2 would remain consistent over periods of five and 20 years, the Navy would expend approximately 880 tons (209 lb per nm2 [27.5 kg per km2]) and 3,520 tons (835 lb per nm2 [110 kg per km2]) of training material in the TMAA, respectively. Continued, next page PO BOX 460 CORDOVA AK EYAKPRESERVATIONCOUNCIL.ORG EYAK@REDZONE.ORG PAGE 5 OF 7 16

18 List of Weapons to be Used in the GOA Trainings PO BOX 460 CORDOVA AK EYAKPRESERVATIONCOUNCIL.ORG PAGE 6 OF 7 17

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31 CITY OF CORDOVA, ALASKA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CORDOVA, ALASKA OPPOSING SITING AND TIMING OF U.S. NAVY TRAINING EXERCISES THAT POSE RISKS TO FISH AND FISHERIES IN THE GULF OF ALASKA WHEREAS, the City of Cordova is the governing body with the full power and authority as recognized by the citizens of Cordova, to act for its members, and has the responsibility to provide government for the good health and welfare of its citizens; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Navy has plans to conduct training activities utilizing explosives, live ordnance, and sonar in the Gulf of Alaska in 2017 that will have impacts on marine life and habitat vital to the interests of the City of Cordova and its citizens; and WHEREAS, these trainings will impact the waters of the Gulf of Alaska by annually releasing up to approximately 352,000 pounds of expended materials including up to 10,500 pounds of hazardous materials including cyanide, chromium, lead, tungsten, nickel, cadmium, barium chromate, chlorides, phosphorus, titanium compounds, lead oxide, potassium perchlorate, lead chromate, ammonium perchlorate, fulminate of mercury, and lead azide into waters designated by NOAA as Essential Fish Habitat for a multitude of species that support the economic development in Alaskan coastal communities and harvest of wild Alaskan salmon and other fish for global markets; and WHEREAS, the training area and vicinity is a highly productive region for many marine fish and shellfish populations and supports some of the most productive fisheries in the United States, and an important spawning area for many fish, and the training is scheduled to take place during the summer season when many fish populations are migrating and spawning (at least 383 species belonging to 84 families of marine and anadromous fish have been reported from the predominant ecosystems found in the training area); and WHEREAS, the port of Cordova is often ranked in the top 15 U.S. ports for quantity of seafood landed and dollar value of seafood harvests (Fisheries of the U.S., NOAA), illustrating coastal Alaska's reliance on the fish and wildlife resources in the Gulf of Alaska for their subsistence harvest and the livelihoods supported by commercial fishing; and WHEREAS, the City of Cordova supports all cultural, traditional and subsistence activities historically and continually practiced by Native and non-native peoples in the Gulf of Alaska. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Cordova, Alaska does hereby request that the U.S. Navy refrain from using live ordnance or sonar in any Marine Protected Area, including NOAA Fisheries Marine Protected Areas, State Marine Protected Areas and Habitat Areas of Particular Concern; and Res Page 1 of 2 30

32 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Cordova, Alaska hereby requests that the U.S. Navy relocate its training area to the far southeast corner of the current designated training area, off the Continental Shelf areas of the Gulf of Alaska, and away from seamounts; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Cordova, Alaska requests that the U.S. Navy conduct its training exercises after the middle of September and before the Spring, so as not to impact migrating salmon and other species. PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 22 nd DAY OF JUNE, 2016 ATTEST: Clay Koplin, Mayor Susan Bourgeois, CMC, City Clerk Res Page 2 of 2 31

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37 CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA RESOLUTION NO A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA OPPOSING SITING AND TIMING OF U.S. NAVY TRAINING EXERCISES THAT POSE RISKS TO FISH AND FISHERIES IN THE GULF OF ALASKA WHEREAS, the City and Borough of Sitka is the governing body with the full power and authority as recognized by the citizens of Sitka, to act for its members, and has responsibility to provide government for the good health and welfare of its citizens; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Navy plans to conduct training activities utilizing explosives, live ordnance, and sonar in the Gulf of Alaska in 2017 that will have impacts on marine life and habitat vital to the interests of the City of Sitka and its citizens; and WHEREAS, these trainings will impact the waters of the Gulf of Alaska by annually releasing up to approximately 352,000 pounds of expended materials including up to 10,500 pounds of hazardous materials including cyanide, chromium, lead, tungsten, nickel, cadmium, barium chromate, chlorides, phosphorus, titanium compounds, lead oxide, potassium perchlorate, lead chromate, ammonium perchlorate, fulminate of mercury, and lead azide into waters designated by NO AA as Essential Fish Habitat for a multitude of species that support the economic development in Alaskan coastal communities and harvest of wild Alaskan salmon and other fish for global markets; and WHEREAS, the training area and vicinity is a highly productive region for many marine fish and shellfish populations and supports some of the most productive fisheries in the United States, and an important spawning area for many fishes, and the training is scheduled to take place during the summer season when many fish populations are migrating and spawning (at least 383 species belonging to 84 families of marine and anadromous fishes have been reported from the predominant ecosystems found in the training area); and WHEREAS, the port of Sitka is reliant on the fish and wildlife resources in the Gulf of Alaska for their subsistence harvest and the livelihoods supported by commercial fishing; and WHEREAS, the City and Borough of Sitka supports all cultural, traditional and subsistence activities historically and continually practiced by Native and non-native peoples in the Gulf of Alaska; and WHEREAS, the City and Borough of Sitka finds no scientific information or traditional knowledge demonstrating that the U.S. Navy's training activities can take place without negatively affecting salmon, marine mammal, bird and other marine habitats. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Assembly of the City and Borough of Sitka does hereby request that the U.S. Navy refrain from using live ordnance or sonar in any Marine 36

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39 City of Tenakee Springs RESOLUTION In the Council December 29, 2016 Introduced by Steve Lewis A RESOLUTION FOR THE CITY OF TENAKEE SPRINGS, ALASKA OPPOSING SITING AND TIMING OF US. NA VY TRAINING EXERCISES THAT POSE RISKS TO FISH AND FISHERIES IN THE GULF OF ALASKA WHEREAS, the City of Tenakee Springs is the governing body with the full power and authority as recognized by the citizens of Tenakee Springs, to act for its members, and has responsibility to provide government for the good health and welfare of its citizens; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Navy plans to conduct training activities utilizing explosives, live ordnance, and sonar in the Gulf of Alaska in 2017 that will have impacts on marine life and habitat vital to the interests of the City of Tenakee Springs and its citizens; and WHEREAS, these trainings will impact the waters of the Gulf of Alaska by annually releasing up to approximately 352,000 pounds of expended materials including up to 10,500 pounds of hazardous materials including cyanide, chromium, lead, tungsten, nickel, cadmium, barium chromate, chlorides, phosphorus, titanium compounds, lead oxide, potassium perchlorate, lead chromate, ammonium perchlorate, fulminate of mercury, and lead azide into waters designated by NOAA as Essential Fish Habitat for a multitude of species that support the economic development in Alaskan coastal communities and harvest of wild Alaskan salmon and other fish for global markets; and WHEREAS, the training area and vicinity is a highly productive region for many marine fish and shellfish populations and supports some of the most productive fisheries in the United States, and an important spawning area for many fishes, and the training is scheduled to take place during the summer season when many fish populations are migrating and spawning (at least 383 species belonging to 84 families of marine and anadromous fishes have been reported from the predominant ecosystems found in the training area); and WHEREAS, Residents of Tenakee Springs depend on the fish and wildlife resources in the Gulf of Alaska for their subsistence harvest and the livelihoods supported by commercial fishing; and 38

40 City of Tenakee Springs Resolution WHEREAS, WHEREAS, the City of Tenakee Springs supports all cultural, traditional and subsistence activities historically and continually practiced by Native and non-native peoples in the Gulf of Alaska; and the City of Tenakee Springs finds no scientific information or traditional knowledge demonstrating that the U.S. Navy's training activities can take place without negatively affecting salmon, marine mammal, bird and other marine habitats. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Tenakee Springs, Alaska does hereby request that the U.S. Navy refrain from using live ordnance or sonar in any Marine Protected Area, including NOAA Fisheries Marine Protected Areas, State Marine Protected Areas and Habitat Areas of Particular Concern; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Tenakee Springs, Alaska hereby requests that the U.S. Navy relocate its training area to the far southeast comer of the current designated training area, off the Continental Shelf areas of the Gulf of Alaska, and away from seamounts; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Tenakee Springs, Alaska requests the U.S. Navy to conduct its training exercises after the middle of September and before the Spring, so as not to impact migrating salmon and other species. ADOPTED 5 Yes, 2 Absent THIS 29'h DAY OF December : -: 4Lii ~,-,-e.,, -Vi~ /,lif\61v!.lop-- {/" City Council President Ex officio MAYOR ATIEST: Mary Almy City Clerk 39

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43 City of Seward, Alaska February 27, 2017 City Council Minutes Volume 40, Page CALL TO ORDER The February 27, 2017 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Jean Bardarson. OPENING CEREMONY ROLL CALL Police Chief Tom Clemons led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. There were present: Jean Bardarson presiding and Marianna Keil Dave Squires Erik Slater Ristine Casagranda Sue McClure comprising a quorum of the Council; and Jim Hunt, City Manager Johanna Kinney, City Clerk Absent Altermatt CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING David Cleveland introduced himself and stated he was applying to fill Brandii Holmdahl s seat on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly. He lived in Sterling, worked for the state, used to work at Spring Creek Correctional Center, and knew a lot of people in Seward. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion (Keil/Casagranda) Motion Passed Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda Unanimous The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items: Approval of the January 23, 2017 and February 13, 2017 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes and January 23, 2017 City Council Special Meeting Minutes. Appoint Cindy Ecklund and Martha Fleming to the Planning and Zoning Commission with terms expiring February,

44 City of Seward, Alaska February 27, 2017 SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS City Council Minutes Volume 40, Page Proclamations & Awards None Chamber of Commerce Report. Cindy Clock noted Chamber Board Member Brenda Ballou was in attendance tonight with her. She explained the Board of Directors was defining the Chamber s strategic goals: working in partnership with the City, and improving/increasing organizational effectiveness. Clock listed the many spring sports shows coming up that the Chamber would be attending, as well as various Chamber luncheons and Seward Economic Growth Plan meetings. Clock announced the recipients of the annual Community Awards Dinner held earlier this month: David Paperman: Person of the Year, Kerry Romig: Business Person of the Year, Samson Tug and Barge: Business of the Year, Retreat Day Spa: Business Site Improvement, American Legion Auxiliary, Seward Unit 5: Outstanding Community Service. City Manager Report. Jim Hunt stated there were no purchase orders between $10,000 and $50,000 were approved by him since the last council meeting. He reported on his trip to Juneau for the Alaska Municipal League winter session which he attended along with Assistant City Manager Ron Long and Mayor Jean Bardarson. They attended Alaska Municipal League events, as well as walked the halls of the Capital Building, addressing issues to Seward s representatives. Hunt addressed a very recent rumor which proposed to close Spring Creek Correctional Center, but did not feel that would happen. Assistant City Manager Ron Long added that during the Juneau trip, Senator Murkowski spoke about identifying several arctic ports throughout the state, and Long wanted Seward to be included on that list. Hunt noted the recycle bin at the South Harbor Uplands had been reopened thanks to city crews. He asked all residents to please be patient with the continued snow removal. In response to Keil, Hunt stated the Army Corps of Engineers had been conducting repairs to the Lowell Canyon Tunnel for the last month and a half. With weather conditions, it was taking longer than expected. Other Reports, Announcements and Presentations Providence Seward Annual Report by Administrator Joe Fong. Juneau Travel Report by Mayor Bardarson. State of the City Report by Assistant City Manager Ron Long. PUBLIC HEARINGS Resolution , Recommending Kenai Peninsula Borough Approval Of The Cliff Addition, Faust Replat; This Replat Vacates Interior Lot Lines, Undevelopable Alley Right- Of-Way (ROW) And Dedicates New Public Road And Alley Row And Utility Easements; Located Within The Single Family Zoning District. 43

45 City of Seward, Alaska February 27, 2017 Motion (Keil/Casagranda) Approve Resolution City Council Minutes Volume 40, Page Long referred to the map of the area in the council agenda packet and explained the changes proposed. Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public hearing was opened. Harold Faust said he d lived in Seward his whole life. He had the opportunity to build in this area. There were some topography issues currently so he was hoping to vacate an alley and remove lot lines to create one big piece of property. He was happy to answer any questions. Council suspended the rules to allow questions from the council. Squires asked Faust about the septic system. Faust said he had soil and percolation tests performed which concluded he could implement a septic on this property and had good drainage. Council went back on the rules. No one else appeared to address the Council and the public hearing was closed. Squires stated, in preparing for this meeting tonight, he had had a lot of questions about this and thanked all the departments who answered his questions. He appreciated Faust coming tonight to answer questions as well. Motion Passed Unanimous UNFINISHED BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS Other New Business Items Discussion on the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Fire Chief Eddie Athey said he had been in the process of updating Seward s local Hazard Mitigation Plan. He introduced State of Alaska Emergency Management Specialist Kelly Isham, who was here to answer any questions regarding the requirements of this plan. Isham stated currently the plans from the borough and city were out of sync. The chief was currently working to update the city plan and thought it was about 90% complete. The whole point of a plan was to prepare a community to be more resilient. The state had a vested interest in making sure all communities had a hazard mitigation plan. The city s hazard mitigation plan was currently expired, and when it became current, Seward would have more grant opportunities available. Isham stated Seward hoped to have a draft coming forward for public review in about a month s time. After public review, the plan would be submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for approval, and then it would go back to the city for final approval. Since the City of Seward was located inside the Seward 44

46 City of Seward, Alaska February 27, 2017 City Council Minutes Volume 40, Page Bear Creek Flood Service Area (SBCFSA), it may be possible for SBCFSA s Hazard Mitigation Plan to encompass Seward instead of having two plans containing the same information. The possibility for this to occur would continue to be explored. Athey said the public input process was an important part of the adoption process. Discussion of Sister City 50 th Anniversary. Council stated they would like to participate in some kind of celebration with Seward s Sister City of Obihiro, Japan, and directed the City Clerk to continue to work with contacts in Obihiro on defining such an event. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS None COUNCIL COMMENTS Keil said there would be public testimony on the State of Alaska s operating and mental health budgets on March 2, 2017 at the Seward Legislative Information Office. Squires received an invitation from Alaska Gasline Development Corporation for the Alaska Liquid Natural Gas Summit in Kenai and he planned to attend this event on March 4, He would report back to the council. McClure stated she watched the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting as they replaced one of their vacant seats. For filling the seat that included the Seward area, applicants would be interviewed by the Assembly during the day on March 7, 2017 and the assembly would vote by secret ballot that evening. Casagranda thanked Fleming and Ecklund for serving again on the Planning and Zoning Commission and for their long dedicated service. She thanked the mayor for her detailed travel report tonight. Slater reminded the public to drive safe as the snow berms were so high and the moose were out around town. Long thanked Squires for recognizing department heads tonight. Bardarson thanked Fleming and Ecklund for serving again on the Planning and Zoning Commission and noted there was one vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission. CITIZEN COMMENTS None COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS None EXECUTIVE SESSION 45

47 City of Seward, Alaska February 27, 2017 Motion (Keil/Casagranda) City Council Minutes Volume 40, Page Go into Executive Session to discuss the City Manager s annual evaluation. The City Manager was invited to attend. Motion Passed Unanimous Council went into Executive Session at 8:39 p.m. Council came out of Executive Session at 9:54 p.m. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:54 p.m. Johanna Kinney, CMC City Clerk Jean Bardarson Mayor (City Seal) 46

48 AGENDA STATEMENT Meeting Date: March 13, 2017 From: Johanna Kinney, City Clerk Agenda Item: Non-objection to the Liquor License Renewal for The Sea Bean #5399 BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: The City Council has an opportunity to object to the request for the Restaurant/Eating Place - Public Convenience liquor license renewal for The Sea Bean #5399. The City of Seward Police Department, Fire Department*, Utilities Department and the Kenai Peninsula Borough Finance Department have no objections to the liquor license renewal for this business. * The Fire Department noted that the owners of The Sea Bean would not be available for inspection until April, 2017; the Fire Chief signed off on compliance "pending satisfactory fire inspection in early April". FISCAL NOTE: In the event the City of Seward chooses to file a protest for the above liquor license renewal, then under Alaska Statutes the City of Seward will be required to assist in, or undertake the defense of its protest. RECOMMENDATION: Non-objection to the Restaurant/Eating Place - Public Convenience liquor license renewal for The Sea Bean #

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57 CITY OF SEWARD P.O. Box Adams Street Seward, Alaska Main Office (907) Police (907) Harbor (907) Fire (907) City Clerk (907) Community Development (907) Utilities (907) Fax (907) March 14, 2017 S. Bradley Moran, Dean College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences University of Alaska Fairbanks 905 Koyukuk Drive, Suite 245 Fairbanks, Alaska RE: Alaska Tsunami Ocean Sciences Bowl Dear Dean Moran: The Seward City Council would like to express our sincere appreciation and honor in being the host city for the annual Alaska Tsunami Ocean Sciences Bowl for the last 20 years. Seward is delighted to say the Tsunami Bowl was founded in our community, and each year we take pride in hosting this educational event. Seward has world class resources including the Seward Marine Center, the Alaska SeaLife Center, Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery, Alaska s Institute of Technology (AVTEC), and the Kenai Fjords National Park. Combined, these entities provide valuable support and assistance in the implementation of the Tsunami Bowl, and provide a myriad of educational opportunities for the participants. The entire Seward community supports the Tsunami Bowl with cash and in-kind donations which decrease the overall cost of the Bowl s operations. We feel Seward is poised to meet any future increased responsibilities, such as when we had the honor of hosting the National Ocean Sciences Bowl in On behalf of the City of Seward, we strongly encourage you to keep the location of the Alaska Tsunami Ocean Sciences Bowl in our community, and we will continue to put forth every effort to make this a successful event for many years to come. Thank you for your consideration. Regards, Jean Bardarson, Mayor Marianna Keil, Vice Mayor Ristine Casagranda, Council Member David Squires, Council Member Sue McClure, Council Member Copies to: Deborah Altermatt, Council Member Sarah Belmont, Assistant to the Dean, CFOS Jennifer Harris, CFOS Staff Erik Slater, Council Member 56