Plans for reconfiguring the Port of Ketchikan’s berths to accommodate larger cruise ships are in front of the Ketchikan City Council on Thursday.
Representatives of consulting firm Moffatt & Nichol will give a presentation to the council. According to information from the city, the company has been working on permitting and initial designs, but needs the council to choose a preferred alternative for Berths 1 and 2 before it can move forward.
Thursday’s presentation will include input gathered during two public meetings on Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Moffatt & Nichol also is working on the port’s Berth 3 improvements and barge overhaul. That separate project has required extra work for the firm. Also on Thursday’s agenda is a budget transfer of about $74,000 to pay for additional inspections. The money would come from Port Enterprise Fund reserves.
In other matters, the council will consider ordinances to raise utility fees. This year’s budget is based on rate increases of 6 percent for wastewater, 5 percent for electricity, and 5.5 percent for water. Seafood processor water rates are to go up 35 percent.
While the council already has approved the budget based on those increases, it is required to also approve ordinances. If passed in first reading on Thursday, the ordinances will come back for a second vote.
The council also will talk about assessing the equipment needs at Ketchikan Fire Department, what to do with the former Ketchikan Regional Youth Facility building, and whether to change or increase enforcement of boat and boat trailer parking regulations on city streets.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in city council chambers. Public comment will be heard at the start of the meeting.
