Without discussion, the Ketchikan City Council on Monday night approved various budget transfers to pay for overtime expenses for the city’s port and harbors, fire department, and Ketchikan Public Utilities’ electric and telecommunications divisions. The transfers totaled approximately $124,000.
The council also voted to cancel a contract and reject all bids and proposals for a subsea fiber optic cable construction project. The proposed cable would run from Ketchikan to Prince Rupert, British Columbia.
In a memo, KPU Telecommunications Division Manager Ed Cushing writes that successful construction and completion of the project would require a contract be awarded in January, 2019, but required permits have not been obtained. Also, a funding source for the project hasn’t been identified. City Manager Karl Amylon explains.
The council voted unanimously to cancel the contract.
The council entered into three executive sessions. The first regarding potential litigation against Layton Dawson Joint Venture Constructors for the Ketchikan Medical Center Expansion Project; the second to discuss potential litigation regarding Vigor Alaska LLC’s work on the Berth III barge overhaul; and the third to discuss negotiation of an amendment to the Berth IV lease agreement with Ketchikan Dock Company to undertake modifications to accommodate Post Panamax cruise vessels for the 2019 season. After each session, City Mayor Bob Sivertsen announced staff was given direction.
Also Monday night, Kim Simpson of KPU Telecommunications said that weekday business hours at the customer service center in the Plaza are changing. Hours will be Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday hours will remain 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. She says the change will help reduce the need for overtime.
