Assembly approves new haul out, land sale

It’s official – the City and Borough of Wrangell has decided to purchase a 300-ton travel lift from Ascom S.p.A., an Italian manufacturer that recently won the bidding contest for the right to supply The Marine Service Center with its new haul out equipment.

The decision to buy the new lift became official after the Borough Assembly approved the bid in a unanimous vote during their Jan. 8 regular meeting, which was their first of the New Year.

Debate had initially raged about whether the Modena, Italy-based firm could provide equipment that would meet the rigorous standards demanded by Wrangell’s boatyard, over a bid from a Canadian-based company that provided Wrangell with its current lift.

Borough Manager Tim Rooney, in his bi-monthly report to the Assembly, informed them of the steps leading up to the approval of the Italian firm’s bid.

“Bids for the 300-ton marine vessel hoist procurement were opened on Friday, November 16, 2012. Due to an extended evaluation period, the two bidders provided a thirty-day bid validity extension until January 16, 2013,” He stated. “Staff, with PND Engineers, have thoroughly evaluated the two bids and their respective products and intends to submit a report and recommendation for award.”

That recommendation, based upon the testimony of Harbormaster Greg Meissner and others, led to the approval of the purchase. Meissner traveled to San Diego in late December to view an operational model of an Ascom hoist, where he said he “kicked the wheels,” and “made sure everything was A-OK with the unit.”

Rooney’s report also addressed the delay in setting a firm date for settlement talks to begin in the Borough’s lawsuit against former Wrangell Medical Center administrator Noel Rea and a group of former members of the WMC Board of Directors.

“The court held a status conference on December 6, 2012. It was agreed that Judge Stephens, the Presiding Judge for the First Judicial District, will conduct a settlement conference with the Borough and Mr. Rea on the limited issue of reaching agreement on a protocol for the return of the iPad and laptop to the Borough/WMC,” Rooney stated. “The court advised the parties that Judge Stephens will likely issue an order by December 15, 2012, however staff and Mr. Blasco continue to wait for that order to be issued. As soon as we receive that information, it will be shared with you.”

In other hospital news, the redevelopment of the Wrangell Medical Center has been on hold since the recall election last year – but the New Year might bring some action on the part of the USDA, the backers of a loan to build the new facility.

USDA Rural Development Director Keith Perkins said as much in an email to Rooney last month.

“I am in the middle of a loan closing this week and next and will be clear from that on the 27th,” Perkins said. “From that point, I will begin working to familiarize myself with this file in preparation for us to dive into the project from the City and Borough's perspective. Thank you for your patience and I look forward to beginning work with the Borough in earnest.”

The issue of Evergreen Road being removed from the Alaska Statewide Transportation Improvement List, or STIP, was also addressed in his report.

“I am pleased to report, largely due to the effort of the Chamber of Commerce, that over 300 letters of support have been mailed to both the Department of Transportation and Governor Parnell regarding the need for the Evergreen Road Improvements and Pedestrian Access Project to remain on the STIP list. I appreciate and want to publicly thank everyone at the Chamber of Commerce for (their) efforts. We are hopeful this will make a difference,” Rooney stated, adding, “The next step in this process is for the Department of Transportation to consider the public comment and make a final determination on the STIP list. Staff has asked to be included in that process but was told that it is an internal decision and not one that is open for public participation.”

Darwin Peterson, an aide to Senator Bert Stedman, wrote to the Borough regarding the matter.

“Senator Stedman asked me to respond to you regarding (the DOT) removal of the Evergreen Road Project from the STIP,” Peterson wrote. “Like you, he is very concerned and intends to meet with DOT officials when he gets to Juneau in a couple of weeks for the start of the legislative session. This is one of the main topics he wants to discuss with them. We always get annoyed when DOT removes projects from the STIP. It dilutes the legislature's power to appropriate for specific projects and is an overstep in their authority. We will stay in contact with you and let you know the outcome of his discussions.”

A proposed change to Title 20 of the Wrangell Municipal Code, which has been up for review by the Borough Assembly – and would alter some definitions and add language regarding zoning in some of the Borough’s most remote areas – was passed on its first reading before the quorum.

The Assembly also moved to authorize Rooney to issue a contract to R&M Engineering of Ketchikan for professional engineering services in the amount of $74,600 for the Cassiar Street Redevelopment Project.

In other business, the Assembly approved the sale of four industrial lots near the National Guard armory. The lots, which range in appraised value from $12,500 to $22,900, will be available for auction via sealed bid at a point to be determined by the Borough. The Assembly also approved changes to the official job titles of a number of city employees, as well as revisions to the personnel policy manual for the Borough.

The next meeting of the Assembly is set for Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.