City and Borough Assembly

ASSEMBLY CHAMBERS CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA 330 Harbor Drive Sitka, AK (907)747-1811 Minutes - Final City and Borough Assembly Mayor Mim McConnell Deputy Mayor Matt Hunter Vice-Deputy Mayor Benjamin Miyasato Aaron Swanson, Steven Eisenbeisz Tristan Guevin, and Michelle Putz Municipal Administrator: Mark Gorman Municipal Attorney: Robin L. Koutchak Municipal Clerk: Sara Peterson, CMC Monday, May 4, 2015 5:00 PM Assembly Chambers SPECIAL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. FLAG SALUTE III. ROLL CALL Present: 6 - Hunter, Swanson, Miyasato, Eisenbeisz, Guevin, and Putz IV. CORRESPONDENCE/AGENDA CHANGES None. V. PERSONS TO BE HEARD None. VI. CONSENT AGENDA A 15-063 Authorize reducing the personal property tax non-file fee from $100 to $20 for the 2015 tax year Larry Crews commented there was room for improvement with notification process. Andy Emerson spoke in support of reducing the fee to $20. Assessor, Wendy Lawrence, explained the process for declaring real property and the reasons for the recommendation to reduce the fee from $100 to $20 for tax year 2015. Lawrence stated the $100 fee was waived for tax year 2014. For tax year 2015 the $100 fee remained in effect and the Assessing Department experienced approximately 70% reporting compliance. A motion was made by Hunter that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final May 4, 2015 Yes: 7- McConnell, Hunter, Swanson, Miyasato, Eisenbeisz, Guevin, and Putz VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: B ORD 15-27 Amending SGC Chapter 4.44, "Southeast Alaska Economic Development Fund" Mayor McConnell and Assembly members Hunter and Putz offered their comments. A motion was made by Hunter that this Ordinance be APPROVED on second and final reading. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- McConnell, Hunter, Swanson, Miyasato, Eisenbeisz, Guevin, and Putz C ORD 15-23 Amending the SGC in Title 15 Public Utilities, under Chapter 15.01 Electric Utility Policies, at Section 15.01.020 Electrical Rates, by increasing Electric Rates to fund approved Electrical Utility Capital Projects including the Blue Lake Hydroelectric Expansion Project and establishing an Energy Assistance Fund and an Electric Vehicle Incentive Matt Donohoe spoke to the ordinance and didn't believe the rate increase would be enough to support the cost of the Blue Lake Expansion project. Valorie Nelson spoke in opposition to raising rates, however, supported this ordinance over Ordinance 2015-17. Denton Pearson stated this was a long term process and decisions needed to be made to support the growth of the community. Assembly members Guevin, Putz, and Hunter offered their opinions on the two rate increases. Jay Sweeney, Chief Finance and Administrative Officer, stated bonds weren't like mortgages. He reminded the reason for the two ordinances before the Assembly tonight was the requirement for a rate covenant. He further added, there was no way to guarantee that there would not be a rate increase in the future or be held to certain percentages. Chris Brewton, Utility Director, explained the process for the rate structures. Mark Gorman, Administrator, reminded the Assembly of the Energy Assistance Fund and the possibility to put some starting cash in that fund. A motion was made by Putz that this Ordinance be APPROVED on second and final reading. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 4- McConnell, Miyasato, Guevin, and Putz No: 3- Hunter, Swanson, and Eisenbeisz D ORD 15-17 Amending Subsection 15.01.020 of SGC Electrical Rates by increasing electric rates to fund approved Electrical Utility Capital Projects including the Blue Lake Hydroelectric Expansion Project and establishing an Energy Assistance Fund The Assembly chose not to address second reading of Ordinance 2015-17 as Ordinance 2015-23, had been approved. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final May 4, 2015 VIII. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Putz to ADJOURN. Hearing no objections the meeting ADJOURNED at 6:03pm. ATTEST: _____________________________ Sara Peterson, CMC Municipal Clerk CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 3