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 Gary Paxton Deputy Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz, Vice Deputy Mayor Valorie Nelson, Aaron Bean, Kevin Knox, Dr. Richard Wein, Kevin Mosher Interim Municipal Administrator: Michael Harmon Municipal Attorney: Brian Hanson Municipal Clerk: Sara Peterson Friday, September 27, 2019 6:00 PM Assembly Chambers SPECIAL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. FLAG SALUTE III. ROLL CALL Present: 6 - Knox, Bean, Wein, Paxton, Mosher, and Nelson Absent: 1 - Eisenbeisz IV. NEW BUSINESS: A 19-204 Municipal Administrator applicant interview - Craig Cugini The Assembly interviewed candidate Craig Cugini from 6:03 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. B 19-205 Discussion / Direction / Decision regarding Municipal Administrator candidate interviews (Craig Cugini and John Leach) and next steps (possible executive session) Mayor Paxton thanked the Assembly for their work interviewing the candidates. A motion was made by Bean to go into executive session to discuss subjects that may tend to prejudice the reputation and character of Municipal Administrator Candidates Craig Cugini and John Leach. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 5 - Paxton, Bean, Mosher, Wein, and Nelson No: 1 - Knox Absent: 1 - Eisenbeisz CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final September 27, 2019 Knox reminded the Assembly had informally agreed to wait on making a decision until all members were present. Shannon Haugland of the Daily Sitka Sentinel asked the Assembly to give a summary after coming out of excutive session. The Assembly was in executive session from 7:44 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. A motion was made by Bean to reconvene as the Assembly in regular session. The motion PASSED by a unanimous voice vote. Mayor Paxton announced consensus of the Assembly to offer the position of Municipal Administrator to John Leach. Knox reiterated he was more comfortable having this discussion with the full body present. Bean thanked both candidates and reminded the Planning Director candidate was waiting to make a decision on whether or not to accept the job based on the actions of the Assembly with regards to hiring an Administrator. Wein stated it would have been nice to have Assembly Member Eisenbeisz present however the will of the body was clear. A motion was made by Bean to direct the Municipal Attorney to negotiate an offer with John Leach as discussed in executive session. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Knox, Bean, Wein, Paxton, Mosher, and Nelson Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz C 19-207 Discussion / Direction / Decision on future plans for a long-term Interim Administrator (if needed) Mayor Paxton noted there were individuals in Sitka willing to serve as a long-term Interim Administrator. In addition, he noted Don Moore, an applicant from out of town, was willing to serve. Paxton stated Moore would come to town with no biases. Nelson stated she had reached out to former Administrator Hugh Bevan; he was experienced and it would be a cost savings as opposed to bringing in someone from out of town. Bean concurred. Knox hoped for a decision to be made after hearing whether or not John Leach had accepted. A motion was made by Nelson to direct Human Resources, through the Interim Administrator, to contact Hugh Bevan to see if he's interested in serving as the Interim Administrator (until such time John Leach assumes duties as Municipal Administrator) and request Bevan submit a letter of intent. Item to be discussed under new business at the October 8 Assembly meeting. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Knox, Bean, Wein, Paxton, Mosher, and Nelson Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz V. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: None. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final September 27, 2019 VI. EXECUTIVE SESSION See item B. VII. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Mosher to ADJOURN. Hearing no objections, the meeting ADOURNED at 8:25 p.m. ATTEST: _______________________________ Sara Peterson, MMC Municipal Clerk CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 3