She stated that Fort Seward Tours has contracts to provide shuttle service, and the City, by contracting out the service, will be taking away their business. She stated that her shuttle service manager would like to speak with the Council, but is currently out of town. The information they had was that only one Cruise Line had contracted for a free shuttle. Mike WARD stated that it is obvious the people are not getting downtown. His quick shop business is up, but his downtown businesses are not.
Communication is the problem.
She asked why the cut-off date of August 1 st was chosen. The Council decided a month would be long enough. Several audience members stated the Chamber members have no idea they are being expected to remedy this situation. She felt that if the City pays for a free shuttle for those ships not currently paying for one, the ships who are now paying will probably cancel their contract with Fort Seward Tours and expect the City to carry the entire burden. She hoped the City would work with the private contractors instead of against them.