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 Thursday, July 29, 2021 6:00 PM Assembly Chambers EMERGENCY MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. FLAG SALUTE III. ROLL CALL Present: 6 - Christianson, Knox, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, and Duncan Absent: 1 - Nelson IV. PERSONS TO BE HEARD None. V. NEW BUSINESS: A ORD 21-24 Requiring use of a face covering in certain indoor settings and providing a penalty Members of the public speaking in support of the ordinance: Kate Johnson, Patricia Dick, Perry Edwards, Michelle Putz, Tori O'Connell Curran, Nirali, Dr. Bruhl, Dr. Hunter, and Cecilia Dumouchel. Speaking in opposition was: Marshall Albertson, Richard Wein, Brett Wilcox, Gavin Holder, Shirley Robards, Mary Todd Anderson, Mae Dunsing, Rachel Roy, Steve Lee, Jaylene Owen, and Amy Bethune. A discussion of the Assembly ensued. Christianson reminded of Sitka's high case rate, noted the mandate was temporary, would expire August 24, or sooner, if Sitka's case rate dropped below high, and said the intent was for people to take the mandate and COVID-19 seriously. Himschoot, while struggling with the enforcement section, said action was needed to protect children and vulnerable adults and help decrease the high case rate. Duncan said it was important to stand together as a community and CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final July 29, 2021 work together to bring case numbers down. She spoke to the importance of protecting those age 12 and younger who were unable to get vaccinated. Mosher spoke in support of the temporary mandate due to the highly contagious Delta variant and the responsibility to protect children. He did, however, wonder how the mandate would be implemented. Knox spoke in support although wondered if a mandate would cause some not to comply because they didn't want to be told what to do. Eisenbeisz spoke in support, wondered of enforcement, and the ability to get young children to wear a mask. A motion was made by Christianson that this Emergency Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Knox, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, and Duncan Absent: 1- Nelson B ORD 21-25 Providing lodging for non-resident travelers stranded in Sitka due to positive COVID-19 test results Speaking in opposition was Richard Wein, Rachel Roy, Brett Wilcox, Mary Todd Anderson, and Jaylene Owen. Sponsors Himschoot and Christianson stated the intent was to ensure accommodations were available if needed and reminded the traveler was required to pay the City. Himschoot clarified expenses, capped at $40,000, would be funded from the federal relief money. Duncan wondered of hotel room availability and who would inform travelers. Himschoot told of a nonprofit organization that may have room availability. Administrator Leach reminded the competitive bid process would need to be followed for securing rooms. A motion was made by Himschoot that this Emergency Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion FAILED by the following vote. Yes: 3- Christianson, Mosher, and Himschoot No: 3- Knox, Eisenbeisz, and Duncan Absent: 1- Nelson C ORD 21-26 Providing grants to Sitka residents with positive COVID-19 test results that quarantine and isolate for ten days From the public, Richard Wein, Mary Todd Anderson, and Jaylene Owen spoke in opposition. Himschoot stated she wanted to be able to provide assistance so people could stay home if ill. Christianson said he hoped the grant money would be an incentive for people to quarantine and not go to work sick. Mosher had hoped to use the federal relief money to replace lost revenue. Knox and Duncan expressed hesitancy to act on the ordinance immediately. A motion was made by Himschoot that this Emergency Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion FAILED by the following vote. Yes: 3- Christianson, Knox, and Himschoot No: 3- Mosher, Eisenbeisz, and Duncan CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final July 29, 2021 Absent: 1- Nelson VI. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: None. VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. VIII. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Knox to ADJOURN. Hearing no objections, the meeting ADJOURNED at 9:18pm. ATTEST: ______________________________________ Sara Peterson, MMC Municipal Clerk CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 3