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, October 13, 2020 6:00 PM Assembly Chambers REGULAR MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. FLAG SALUTE III. ROLL CALL Outgoing Mayor Paxton and Assembly Member Wein presided through Unfinished Business. Mayor Eisenbeisz and Assembly Members Duncan and Himschoot were sworn in at the beginning of New Business and presided through the remainder of the meeting. Present: 9 - Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, Mosher, Nelson, Himschoot, and Duncan IV. CORRESPONDENCE/AGENDA CHANGES 20-207 Reminders, Calendars, and General Correspondence V. CEREMONIAL MATTERS None. VI. SPECIAL REPORTS: Government to Government, Municipal Boards/Commissions/Committees, Municipal Departments, School District, Students and Guests (five minute time limit) VII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD Richard Wein thanked Mayor Paxton for his service. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final October 13, 2020 VIII. CONSENT AGENDA A 20-196 Approve the minutes of the September 8, 22, and 24 assembly meetings A motion was made by Nelson that the Consent Agenda consisting of Item A be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, Mosher, and Nelson Non-voting: 2- Himschoot, and Duncan IX. BOARD, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS See items I, J, K. X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: B RES 20-28 Adopting a new official City and Borough seal; recognizing the artwork of Aaron Traz Hill; and providing for an effective date Wein commended artist Aaron Traz Hill. Christianson noted the process was well done, brought people together, and to reduce financial impacts would be a phased rollout. Eisenbeisz and Knox recognized Planning Director Amy Ainslie for shepherding the project through. A motion was made by Knox that this Resolution be APPROVED on FIRST AND FINAL READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, Mosher, and Nelson Non-voting: 2- Himschoot, and Duncan C ORD 20-49 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2021 (using COVID-19 funds for harbor restrooms) 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 Non-voting: 2- Himschoot, and Duncan D ORD 20-50 Amending Title 11 "Vehicles and Traffic" of the Sitka General Code by adding Chapter 11.80 "Permanent Motor Vehicle and Trailer Registration" Wein spoke to the loss of revenue and importance of preserving the General Fund. Mosher wondered of actual costs as did Nelson. She wished to wait until more information was known. Cosponsors Eisenbeisz and Knox while unsure of actual costs estimated approximately $40,000. Knox commented the substantial benefit to citizens was the reason he wanted to bring the item forward. Christianson concurred. A motion was made by Christianson that this Ordinance be APPROVED on SECOND AND FINAL READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final October 13, 2020 Yes: 4- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, and Mosher No: 3- Wein, Paxton, and Nelson Non-voting: 2- Himschoot, and Duncan E 20-197 Approve the Municipal Clerk's Certificate of Election A motion was made by Mosher to formally accept the Certificate of Election for the October 6, 2020 Regular Municipal Election according to the results set forth in the attached election certification prepared by the Municipal Clerk and request that the official tally be included in the minutes as part of the permanent record. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Wein, Paxton, Mosher, and Nelson Non-voting: 2- Himschoot, and Duncan F 20-198 Recognize outgoing Assembly Members Municipal Administrator John Leach and Deputy Mayor Eisenbeisz presented a service award to Assembly Member Wein. Wein commented three years had passed quickly and thanked the community. Leach and Eisenbeisz presented a service award to Mayor Paxton. Paxton thanked community members for their support. Karen Lucas and Tonya Bonorden recognized Wein and Paxton for their service. XI. NEW BUSINESS: G 20-199 Oath of Office - Newly Elected Officials Steven Eisenbeisz was sworn in as Mayor for a two-year term. Crystal Duncan and Rebecca Himschoot were sworn in as Assembly Members for three-year terms. Mayor Eisenbeisz encouraged members to review Sitka General Code 2.04 and Sitka Home Rule Charter Article 2. He told of the need to conduct assembly business in an efficient and timely manner, requested the assembly keep their comments on topic and relevant to the motion, encouraged members to work together, and reminded the assembly had two employees - the Administrator and Attorney. He reminded the Assembly to include the Administrator in any communications with staff. H 20-200 Approve a standard marijuana cultivation facility license renewal application for Jeremy J. Erickson dba Vern's Wicked Weed at 3872 Halibut Point Road Bay One Mayor Eisenbeisz noted license renewals generally appeared on the Consent Agenda, however, due to the change of Assembly this evening, the item appeared under New Business. A motion was made by Knox that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Mosher, Nelson, Himschoot, and Duncan Non-voting: 2- Wein, and Paxton CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 3 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final October 13, 2020 I 20-201 Reappoint Max Rule to a three-year term on the Investment Committee in the category of Alternate Richard Wein spoke in support of the reappointment. Christianson thanked Rule for his willingness to serve. A motion was made by Mosher that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Mosher, Nelson, Himschoot, and Duncan Non-voting: 2- Wein, and Paxton J 20-202 Appoint Chris Ystad to an unexpired term on the Gary Paxton Industrial Park Board of Directors Richard Wein complimented Ystad for indicating potential conflicts of interest on his application. Knox thanked Ystad for his willingness to serve. A motion was made by Nelson that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Mosher, Nelson, Himschoot, and Duncan Non-voting: 2- Wein, and Paxton K 20-203 Appoint Adam Chinalski or Catherine Riley to an unexpired term on the Planning Commission Richard Wein and Jere Christner spoke in support of applicant Adam Chinalski. Each of the applicants spoke to their qualifications. Members discussed the qualifications of applicants; noting it was a difficult decision. Christianson nominated Chinalski and Riley to serve on the Planning Commission. The Municipal Clerk called for the vote. Riley prevailed with 5 votes. Riley: 5 - Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, Knox, Duncan, and Christianson Chinalski: 2 - Mosher and Nelson Non-voting: 2 - Paxton and Wein L ORD 20-51 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2021 (Alaska Legislative Grant for Green Lake Phase I Supplemental Capital Project) Municipal Administrator John Leach stated the supplemental appropriation recognized the reallocation of the Alaska Legislative Grant from the Takatz Lake project to the Green Lake Phase 1 project. A motion was made by Christianson that this Ordinance be APPROVED on CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 4 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final October 13, 2020 SECOND AND FINAL READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Eisenbeisz, Knox, Mosher, Nelson, Himschoot, and Duncan Non-voting: 2- Wein, and Paxton M 20-204 Discussion / Direction / Decision on a marine haul out strategy Municipal Administrator John Leach reminded the request before the assembly was not for a final decision on the outcome of the haul out but rather assembly direction on how to proceed for the development of an RFP. He told of the failed attempt for a BUILD Grant and the lack of money to construct a haul out. Leach reviewed three recommendations and pros and cons of each: 1) full private sector development RFP, 2) partial private sector development RFP, and, 3) CBS developed haul out. Assembly members spoke to the importance of a haul out, associated costs, and discussed the options. Guidance was given to bring back a partial private sector development RFP. N 20-205 Update / Discussion on the CARES Act Working Group progress (public comment to be taken) Municipal Administrator John Leach stated the application period for the second round of utility subsidization closed October 16, reported phase 2 of the grants for businesses and nonprofits closed October 30, spoke to the transitional employment program with 19 employees, and noted approximately 240 applications had been received for housing assistance. Richard Wein reminded $200,000 was eliminated by the previous Assembly for assistance related to the homeless population and told of his suggestion to use the money to buy food cards for the homeless. O 20-206 Assignments: Deputy Mayor, Vice-Deputy Mayor and Assembly Liaisons Thor Christianson and Valorie Nelson were nominated for Deputy Mayor. A roll call vote was taken. Voting for Christianson: Eisenbeisz, Duncan, Christianson, Knox, and Himschoot. Voting for Nelson: Mosher and Nelson. Christianson prevailed with 5 votes. Valorie Nelson was nominated for Vice-Deputy Mayor. Hearing no other nominations, Nelson was appointed. The following liaison appointments were made: Gary Paxton Industrial Board - Christianson / Eisenbeisz Health Needs and Human Services Commission - Duncan / Knox Historic Preservation Commission - Duncan Investment Committee - Christianson Library - Nelson / Christianson Local Emergency Planning Commission - Nelson Parks & Recreation Committee - Mosher Planning Commission - Christianson / Knox Police & Fire Commission - Nelson / Christianson Port & Harbors Commission - Knox / Christianson Tree & Landscape Committee - Himschoot SEDA - Mosher / Nelson CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 5 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final October 13, 2020 Sitka Tribe of Alaska - Eisenbeisz / Mosher School Board - Himschoot / Duncan Emergency Operations Center - Christianson XII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: Mosher, Nelson, and Christianson thanked Gary Paxton and Richard Wein for their service on the Assembly. XIII. REPORTS a. Mayor, b. Administrator, c. Attorney, d. Liaison Representatives, e. Clerk, f. Other Mayor - Eisenbeisz thanked the Assembly for their patience as he moved forward in a new role. Administrator - Leach told of the work Compliance Officer Jay Sweeney was doing with regards to lease management. Attorney - Hanson commented the issue of lease management needed attention for quite some time and thanked Sweeney for his work. Liaison Representatives - Knox reported on the Parks and Recreation Committee. Clerk - Peterson told of board/commission vacancies, thanked Deputy Clerk Melissa Henshaw and the municipal election workers for their exceptional work during an unprecedented time, and told of upcoming meetings. XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. XV. ADJOURNMENT None. A motion was made by Christianson to ADJOURN. Hearing no objections, the meeting ADJOURNED at 8:10 p.m. ATTEST: ____________________________________ Sara Peterson, MMC Municipal Clerk CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 6