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 Steven Eisenbeisz Deputy Mayor Thor Christianson, Vice Deputy Mayor Valorie Nelson, Kevin Knox, Kevin Mosher, Crystal Duncan, Rebecca Himschoot Municipal Administrator: John Leach Municipal Attorney: Brian Hanson Municipal Clerk: Sara Peterson Tuesday, June 8, 2021 6:00 PM Assembly Chambers REGULAR MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. FLAG SALUTE III. ROLL CALL Himschoot attended via videoconference. Present: 7 - Christianson, Knox, Mosher, Nelson, Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, and Duncan IV. CORRESPONDENCE/AGENDA CHANGES No agenda changes. 21-098 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) Public and Government Relations Director Melissa Henshaw reported on a recent meeting with Senator Murkowski's aides. School Board President Amy Morrison spoke to the end of the school year activities and announced the new School Superintendent would arrive soon to begin the transition process with Interim Superintendent Holst. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final June 8, 2021 VII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD Richard Wein encouraged the Assembly to understand reserve currency and recognized those who have served our country. Rachel Roy, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce/Visit Sitka, provided an update. She told of two grants received, one for the "Sleeves up for Summer" vaccination campaign, and another for visitor marketing. VIII. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Mosher that the Consent Agenda consisting of item A be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Knox, Mosher, Nelson, Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, and Duncan A 21-095 Approve the minutes of the May 25 Assembly meeting This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. B RES 21-13 Authorizing a 75/25 matching grant application to the Office of Justice Programs - FY21 COPS Office Hiring Program Richard Wein spoke in opposition to the Resolution. Some members voiced concern over adding a position, albeit grant funded, while others offered support. Police Chief Baty explained the COPS Office Hiring Program was designed to focus on community oriented policing. He relayed the Police Department hoped to take advantage of this low cost opportunity to add an investigator position. A motion was made by Christianson that this Resolution be APPROVED on FIRST AND FINAL READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 5- Christianson, Knox, Mosher, Himschoot, and Duncan No: 2- Nelson, and Eisenbeisz IX. BOARD, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS None. X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: C ORD 21-11 Amending Title 4 “Revenue and Finance” of the Sitka General Code by updating Chapter 4.10 “Alaska Remote Seller Sales Tax” Richard Wein spoke in opposition to the high Alaska Remote Seller Sales Tax Commission (ARSSTC) fees. Nelson encouraged an update of the Sales Tax Code and spoke in opposition to the high percentage for membership fees. A motion was made by Knox that this Ordinance be APPROVED on SECOND CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final June 8, 2021 AND FINAL READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Knox, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, and Duncan No: 1- Nelson D 21-091 Discussion on potential uses for the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. donation (public comment to be taken) From the public, John Dunlap, Lynne Brandon, and Richard Wein offered ideas for use of the donation. Dunlap suggested the creation of a space for outfitters at harbors. Brandon encouraged the Assembly to consider who would benefit, the level of community support, economic support, and budgetary parameters. She suggested funding be used for restrooms and the Cross Trail. Richard Wein suggested the donation be put toward a comprehensive waste program. Assembly Members shared ideas for use of the donation: Lincoln Street paving, Sea Walk work, compactor, Public Infrastructure Sinking Fund. Administrator Leach confirmed there was no deadline for use of the donation. E 21-093 Discussion on potential uses for American Rescue Plan Act funding (public comment to be taken) Richard Wein suggested the funding be used for hard assets. Lynne Brandon wondered of the range for infrastructure uses. Administrator Leach told of the priorities for funding received: revenue replacement, infrastructure repair, and new initiatives. Members were supportive of these priorities. Himschoot reminded of the housing need for the homeless population. XI. NEW BUSINESS: New Business First Reading F ORD 21-15S Amending Title 13 “Port and Harbors” of the Sitka General Code by updating Chapter 13.10 “Float Regulations” (boat launch ramp parking at Sealing Cove/Crescent Harbor) John Dunlap commented the main intent of the ordinance was to manage boat trailers at harbors, however, as written, would force his business to cease operating due to limitations for trailer parking during the day. Richard Wein wondered of enforcement and unintended consequences. Deputy Harbormaster Jeremiah Johnson explained the intent of the ordinance was to manage limited trailer parking spaces at Sealing Cove and Crescent Harbor. He noted it was common for empty trailers to be left for extended periods of time. Johnson and Administrator Leach emphasized the intent was to improve compliance and availability of spaces for everyone. Johnson said the harbor department would work with citizens if a space was needed for an extended period of time. He also told of plans for new signage and education. In addition, Johnson noted the issue of parking misuse had been discussed at previous Port and Harbor Commission meetings. A motion was made by Eisenbeisz to AMEND the ordinance eliminating the words "detached trailer, or" on line 56. The amendment PASSED by the CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 3 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final June 8, 2021 following vote. Yes: 6 - Duncan, Eisenbeisz, Christianson, Himschoot, Knox, and Mosher No: 1 - Nelson Richard Wein stated the ordinance needed to go back to staff for additional thought. Nelson suggested the ordinance go to the Port and Harbors Commission for review. Eisenbeisz explained the reason for his amendment. He told of many households that had only one vehicle. In these situations, the user would detach the trailer and leave it in the parking lot so the family could use the vehicle while the boater was out. Police Chief Baty told of the impetus for bringing the ordinance forward. He relayed the Police Department routinely fielded complaints on parking and accessibility at the subject parking lots. He told of his work with the Harbormaster and Harrigan Centennial Hall Manager on drafting the ordinance to help clarify the rules and regulations. A motion was made by Knox that this Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING AS AMENDED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 5- Christianson, Knox, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, and Himschoot No: 2- Nelson, and Duncan G ORD 21-12 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2021 (potable water to Gary Paxton Industrial Park dock) Richard Wein wondered of the water line size. Christianson, liaison to the Gary Paxton Industrial Park Board, told of the increased use of the dock and boats wanting to fill water tanks. Knox wondered of the definition of small user and large user. A motion was made by Christianson that this Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Knox, Mosher, Nelson, Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, and Duncan H ORD 21-13 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2021 (Brady lift station emergency repair) Richard Wein spoke in support. Finance Director Melissa Haley explained project costs had been budgeted as an operational appropriation. Due to the size and nature of the repair, it needed to be classified as a capital project. A motion was made by Knox that this Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Knox, Mosher, Nelson, Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, and Duncan Additional New Business Items I 21-096 Consideration and award of the request for proposals submitted for the CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 4 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final June 8, 2021 available funds in the Fisheries Enhancement Fund Lisa Busch spoke to the proposal submitted by the Sitka Sound Science Center. From the public, Richard Wein spoke in support of the motion to award. Knox told of his time on the Assembly and each year the Assembly grappling with issues surrounding the intent of the Fund and distribution. Based on precedent, distributing the funds to a broad spectrum of groups had been the followed. Nelson spoke to previous year distributions. Himschoot and Duncan expressed a desire for proportional disbursement. A motion was made by Nelson to award $14,000 to Sitka Sound Science Center and award $8,000 to Alaska Longline Fisherman's Association. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 4- Christianson, Mosher, Nelson, and Eisenbeisz No: 3- Knox, Himschoot, and Duncan J 21-097 Approve a revision to "Section V. Library Users Policy" eliminating late fines Richard Wein spoke in support. Assembly Members spoke in support and noted the elimination of late fines and fees was common nationwide. Library Director Jessica Ieremia noted the revision did not apply to equipment. A motion was made by Mosher that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Knox, Mosher, Nelson, Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, and Duncan XII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: Richard Wein encouraged staff to conduct a comprehensive review of Ordinance 2021-15. Library Commission Chair Nicole Filipek thanked the Assembly for their consideration of the policy adjustment. XIII. REPORTS a. Mayor, b. Administrator, c. Attorney, d. Liaison Representatives, e. Clerk, f. Other Mayor - Eisenbeisz told of his participation in the ribbon cutting for Sitka Music Festival at the refurbished Stevenson Hall. Administrator - Leach told of continued work on the future OpenGov and Balancing Act software platforms for the City. Attorney - Hanson reported on collaborative work with departments on various projects. Liaison Representatives - Christianson reported on the Planning Commission. Himschoot thanked the Tree and Landscape Committee members for their work on the newly refurbished flower bed at Sitka High School. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 5 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final June 8, 2021 Clerk - Peterson told of the board/commission vacancies and reviewed the candidate filing period for the 2021 Municipal Election. XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. XV. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Christianson to ADJOURN. Hearing no objections, the meeting at ADJOURNED at 9:08pm. ATTEST: __________________________________ Sara Peterson, MMC Municipal Clerk CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 6