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 Tuesday, July 14, 2020 6:00 PM Assembly Chambers REGULAR MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. FLAG SALUTE III. ROLL CALL Knox, Christianson, and Eisenbeisz participated by videoconference. Nelson left the meeting at 9:20 p.m. Mayor Paxton requested a moment of silence in honor of Gil Truitt, local leader and educator, who recently passed. Present: 7 - Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, Mosher, and Nelson IV. CORRESPONDENCE/AGENDA CHANGES Mayor Paxton stated Item K had been pulled from the agenda. Wein, speaking to the placement of Items I and J, suggested a discussion item may have been more appropriate first. 20-143 Reminders, Calendars, and General Correspondence V. CEREMONIAL MATTERS 20-137 Service Award: Library Commission Member Dr. Paul Bahna Mayor Paxton read a service award acknowledging Dr. Paul Bahna's service on the Library Commission. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final July 14, 2020 VI. SPECIAL REPORTS: Government to Government, Municipal Boards/Commissions/Committees, Municipal Departments, School District, Students and Guests (five minute time limit) KathyHope Erickson Chair of the Sitka Tribe of Alaska Tribal Council provided an update on happenings at the Tribe. She noted the RIDE restarted service July 13, thanked the City for inviting the General Manager to participate in Sitka Unified Command, relayed the Council had approved a resolution advocating for relocation of the Baranov statue to the Sitka Historical Society Museum, and offered support of Chuck Miller's appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission. VII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD Visit Sitka Director Laurie Booyse told of office hours, the Administrator's travel video being displayed at the airport, and noted the continuation of the Chamber's Share Your Spark program. Allison Kirby, former employee of the Sitka Police Department, spoke to the letter she shared regarding practices of the Sitka Police Department. Kirby wished to hear about how accusations would be addressed and said there hadn't been much of a response to these serious allegations. Richard Wein offered condolences to the families of Stephanie Edenshaw and Theresa VanVeen. VIII. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Nelson that the Consent Agenda consisting of Item A be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by a unanimous voice vote. A 20-138 Approve the minutes of the June 18, 23, 25, 30, and July 7 Assembly meetings This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. IX. BOARD, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS B 20-139 Reappoint Scott Wagner to a two-year term on the Gary Paxton Industrial Park Board of Directors Wein thanked Wagner for reapplying. A motion was made by Nelson that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, Mosher, and Nelson C 20-140 Reappoint Susan Royce to a three-year term on the Animal Hearing Board Wein thanked Royce for reapplying and noted her main reason for applying was she had an interest in making sure animals were treated with respect. A motion was made by Mosher that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final July 14, 2020 Yes: 7- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, Mosher, and Nelson D 20-141 Reappoint Bert Stedman to a three-year term on the Investment Committee Wein thanked Senator Stedman for applying and noted he had a long career in financial management. A motion was made by Nelson that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, Mosher, and Nelson E 20-142 Appoint Chuck Miller to a three-year term on the Historic Preservation Commission in the category of Native Community Paxton and Wein thanked Miller for applying and noted he was a cultural asset to the community. A motion was made by Mosher that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, Mosher, and Nelson X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: F ORD 20-34 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2021 (Airport Terminal Improvement Project) A motion was made by Mosher that this Ordinance be APPROVED on SECOND AND FINAL READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, Mosher, and Nelson G ORD 20-35 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2021 (COVID-19 Re-appropriation) A motion was made by Nelson that this Ordinance be APPROVED on SECOND AND FINAL READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, Mosher, and Nelson XI. NEW BUSINESS: H RES 20-24 Ordering people in the City and Borough of Sitka to wear masks or cloth face coverings in public places Individuals testifying in support of the resolution were: Darby Osborne, Nancy Furlow, Harriet Beleal, Jack Peterson, David Sam, Auriella Hughes, Sam Skaggs, Michelle Putz, Levi Albertson, and Kija Elstad. Those opposed to the resolution were: Dr. David Lam, Robert Thom, Lydia McGraw, Karin Adickes, Marshall Albertson, Theresa Helem, Jerry Dean, Brett Wilcox, Amy Bethune, Lolly Miller, Shirley Robards, Edie Dean, and Donna Callistini. Christianson relayed the number of COVID-19 cases in Alaska was increasing and while not perfect, masks helped slow the spread; he urged citizens to take care of each other and wear a mask. Mosher noted the resolution was unenforceable and CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 3 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final July 14, 2020 believed it would cause divisiveness in the community. Nelson relayed she wore a mask when appropriate, stated the resolution was unenforceable, and said she didn't want to be told by the government how to live her life. Wein commented that masks were helpful and a tool individuals could utilize. He encouraged citizens to be careful of surface areas, wear a good fitting mask when comfortable and appropriate, avoid congregate settings, and wash hands frequently. Knox spoke in support of the resolution and reminded it was similar to what the Anchorage Assembly had recently approved. Paxton encouraged citizens to wear a mask when possible. A motion was made by Christianson that this Resolution be APPROVED on FIRST AND FINAL READING. The motion FAILED by the following vote. Yes: 3- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, and Knox No: 4- Wein, Paxton, Mosher, and Nelson I RES 20-23 Concerning the relocation of the Alexander Baranov statue to the Sitka Historical Society Museum Mayor Paxton relayed he and Municipal Administrator John Leach had spoke with Sitka Tribe of Alaska (STA) General Manager Lisa Gassman and STA Tribal Council Chair KathyHope Erickson. Paxton stated the group had discussed ways in which the two governments could collaborate and move forward in a constructive, positive, and civil manner. Paxton told of the committee to be formed per the resolution for coordination of the Baranov statue relocation - three Assembly representatives, three STA Council representatives, and one Sitka Historical Society representative. In addition, Paxton told of a phone call he had received from Roger Hames in which Hames supported the notion of relocating the statue to the Sitka Historical Society Museum if that was the desire of the Assembly. Citizens speaking in support of the resolution were Marcia Strand, Dionne Brady-Howard, Melanie Boord, Tina Bachmeier, Harriet Beleal, Nancy Furlow, Albert Duncan, Marlys Boord, Leah Mason, Kari Johnson, Auriella Hughes, Bridgette Hitchcock, Paulette Moreno, David Sam, Jack Peterson, Edith Johnson, Doug Osborne, Libby Stortz, Krista Perala, and Michelle Putz. Those citizens speaking in opposition were George Paul and Theresa Helem. Nelson reminded citizens were stressed due to the pandemic, suggested setting the issue aside for now, move forward with an advisory question for the municipal election, and suggested an alternative location such as Old Sitka. Mosher spoke to the removal of statues in other parts of the country, reminded that not only had Alexander Baranov acted poorly so had Native Americans - e.g. slavery. Mosher voiced concern that a vote in opposition to the resolution may be perceived as racism. Christianson noted the statue had caused pain and distress for a large portion of the population and he wished to bring closure to the issue. Knox stated he wanted to stand and honor the request of partnering government, Sitka Tribe of Alaska. Wein spoke to the importance of the issue and voiced support for an alternative location. Mayor Paxton recommended members representing the Assembly be Eisenbeisz, Knox, and Christianson. The Assembly concurred. A motion was made by Christianson that this Resolution be APPROVED on FIRST AND FINAL READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, and Mosher No: 1- Nelson CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 4 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final July 14, 2020 J ORD 20-36 Placing an advisory proposition on the ballot of the regular municipal election on October 6, 2020, concerning removal of the Baranov statue from its current location (1st reading) Nelson and Mosher withdrew their sponsorship of the ordinance, no action was taken. Nelson left the meeting at 9:20 p.m. K ORD 20-42 Authorizing the lease of .579 acres of ATS 559 Tidelands adjacent 1302 Sawmill Creek Road to Whitecap Properties, LLC (1st reading) PULLED This item was PULLED from the agenda. L 20-144 Discussion/Direction on next steps of No Name Mountain/Granite Creek Master Plan action item - 4951 Halibut Point Road Mosher spoke to the Administrator's recommendation to approve a Request for Information (RFI) and instead, for expediency and to move forward with economic development, wished to see a Request for Proposal (RFP). Paxton agreed. Mosher also disclosed he worked for Shee Atika, Inc. who he said may have an interest in the subject property. Mosher stated he had no financial interest. Municipal Administrator John Leach clarified if the Assembly chose the path of RFP, he would need clear direction on exactly what the RFP would be for - e.g. lease, sale, residential, commercial, recreational tourism. Wein spoke in support of an RFI. He noted the need for a discussion on the future direction of Sitka and expressed the need for a dynamic community as opposed to one of seasonality. Eisenbeisz reminded an RFI would help narrow the scope of what the Assembly was looking for. Once the scope had been identified, the Assembly could proceed with an RFP. Christianson wondered if an entity made an offer on the property if the Assembly could make a decision. Municipal Attorney Brian Hanson clarified the process would need to occur by competitive bid. Karl Potts, president and CEO of Shee Atika, Inc, believed the City had sufficient market analysis and information to issue an RFP. In addition, Potts spoke to the positive impacts of recreational tourism for the subject property. A motion was made by Christianson to APPROVE a Request for Information for the development of 4951 Halibut Point Road. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, and Mosher Non-voting: 1- Nelson M ORD 20-41 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2021 (Cares Act Funding Category 2 - Businesses and Nonprofits) Connie Sipe member of the Sitka Legacy Fund spoke to the announcement of the non-profit relief fund managed by the State and the Alaska Community Foundation. Municipal Administrator John Leach provided an update on the work of the CARES Act Working Group, noted the appropriations were a framework, and reminded further work was needed regarding the distribution of funds. Leach stated he spoke with Robin Sherman of the Alaska Community Foundation and invited her to attend the next CARES Act Working Group meeting. Leach said there hadn't been any changes to category numbers only a slight change to the grant application. Christianson spoke to the need for an increased allocation for businesses with revenues over $500,000. He CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 5 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final July 14, 2020 noted $10,000 was the current allocation. Leach noted he would bring the concern back to the Working Group. A motion was made by Mosher that this Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, and Mosher Non-voting: 1- Nelson N ORD 20-40 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2021 (Cares Act Funding Category 3 - New City Funded Relief Programs) Wein commented he would like to see the homeless population receive some of the funding. A motion was made by Knox that this Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, and Mosher Non-voting: 1- Nelson O ORD 20-39 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2021 (Cares Act Funding Category 4 - City Impact/Mitigation Spending) Wein, referring to the mask resolution, stated if the City was going to promote such things there should be an earmark for PPE so citizens could easily obtain masks, if needed. Municipal Administrator John Leach told of a request submitted to the State to obtain masks at no charge. A motion was made by Knox that this Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, and Mosher Non-voting: 1- Nelson P ORD 20-38 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2021 (Cares Act Funding Category 5 - School District) Wein expressed a desire for the City to receive the Secure Rural Schools funding back. He stated distance learning for certain age groups had been a disaster and hoped to see a report from the Sitka School District. In addition, he spoke to the side effects of using electronic devices. A motion was made by Mosher that this Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, and Mosher Non-voting: 1- Nelson Q ORD 20-37 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2021 (Cares Act Funding Category 6 - Contingency) A motion was made by Mosher that this Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, and Mosher CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 6 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final July 14, 2020 Non-voting: 1- Nelson XII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: None. XIII. REPORTS a. Mayor, b. Administrator, c. Attorney, d. Liaison Representatives, e. Clerk, f. Other Liaison Representatives - Knox reported on the recent meetings of the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Health Needs and Human Services Commission. Wein reported on the Tree and Landscape Committee meeting, recent Sitka Infectious Disease Task Force, Emergency Operations Center, and the University of Alaska Southeast Advisory Council. Clerk - Peterson reported on the 2020 Census and the upcoming municipal election to be held on October 6, 2020. XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. XV. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Christianson to ADJOURN. Hearing no objections, the meeting ADJOURNED at 10:15 p.m. ATTEST: _____________________________ Sara Peterson, MMC Municipal Clerk CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 7