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 Kevin Mosher, Kevin Knox, Dr. Richard Wein, Valorie Nelson, Thor Christianson Municipal Administrator: John Leach Municipal Attorney: Brian Hanson Municipal Clerk: Sara Peterson Friday, March 13, 2020 3:00 PM Assembly Chambers SPECIAL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. FLAG SALUTE III. ROLL CALL Present: 6 - Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, and Mosher Telephonic: 1 - Nelson IV. CORRESPONDENCE/AGENDA CHANGES None. XII. NEW BUSINESS: A 20-070 Overview from the Municipal Administrator of plans and procedures in place for COVID-19 Administrator John Leach provided an overview of CBS preparedeness. He noted one case had been confirmed in Anchorage and there were no known cases in Sitka. Leach stated the Emergency Operations Center had been opened, city offices would remain open, large events at Harrigan Centennial Hall would be canceled, and requested staff limit travel to only essential travel. He reminded citizens to stay informed and follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. SEARHC Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Elliot Bruhl addressed the Assembly. He shared SEARHC had been working for the last month to ensure the organization was prepared for whatever challenges COVID-19 presented and was confident the organization was prepared to care for the communities it serves. In addition, he reviewed the screening and testing processes and reminded the screening CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final March 13, 2020 process had changed over time. Testing was limited, however, increased numbers of testing kits were anticipated. Bruhl shared a drive-thru testing area would soon be available although reminded there would be rigid screening criteria. Bruhl reinforced the importance of social distancing and staying at home when sick. Assembly members asked questions related to testing availability, staff safety, availability of ICU beds, availability of personal protective equipment, and the policies in place for allowing employees to work from home. The following provided updates on their plans and response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Sitka School District, Mt. Edgecumbe High School, Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Chamber of Commerce/Visit Sitka, Sitka Fire Department, and EMS. XIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: Visit Sitka Director Laurie Booyse told of Canada's travel ban, the affects on the cruise industry, and reminded community members to shop local. Father Dwight Hoeberechts of St. Gregory's Catholic Church assured parishoners the church was open and services were scheduled. Keith Nyitray spoke to the need to use Harrigan Centennial Hall for distribution of food through the Sitka Co-Op. XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. XV. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Mosher to ADJOURN. Hearing no objection, the meeting ADJOURNED at 4:15 p.m. ATTEST: ______________________________________ Sara Peterson, MMC Municipal Clerk CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2