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 Kevin Knox, Vice Deputy Mayor Kevin Mosher, Thor Christianson, Crystal Duncan, Rebecca Himschoot, David Miller Municipal Administrator: John Leach Municipal Attorney: Brian Hanson Municipal Clerk: Sara Peterson Tuesday, October 26, 2021 6:00 PM Assembly Chambers WORK SESSION 5:00 PM The Climate Action Task Force met with the Assembly to provide an update and discuss goals. REGULAR MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. FLAG SALUTE III. ROLL CALL Assembly Member Mosher left at 8:50 p.m. Present: 7 - Christianson, Knox, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, Duncan, and Miller IV. CORRESPONDENCE/AGENDA CHANGES No agenda changes. 21-165 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) Municipal Administrator, John Leach introduced Valarie Ruff as one of the Human CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final October 26, 2021 Resource Director candidates. School Board President Amy Morrison of Sitka School introduced Frank Hauser as the new Sitka School Superintendent. Hauser gave an update on school activities and events. Steve Bethune spoke of ongoing garbage and bear issues in Sitka. He felt these issues would take time and resources. He noted he would like to see a bear task force restarted. 21-160 Special Reports: 1) The Pathways Coalition-Active Family Outdoor Challenge and 2) Blank Rome Government Relations, LLC Kari Sagel and Martina Kruzer with The Pathways Coalition-Active Family Outdoor Challenge told of the twenty-four free and fun activities that were done for the months of April and June which were hosted by various agencies. CJ Zane with Blank Rome Government Relations, LLC reported on their lobbying efforts for Sitka, which included American Rescue Plan Act, funding, infrastructure funding, federal budget reconciliation, FY22 appropriations, and other grant opportunities. VII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD Richard Wein told of current oil prices, commented on the hiring of assessor Julie Dineen for the Sitka Community Hospital appraisal, spoke on the long term effects of the vaccine. Amy Bethune spoke to potential danger of the Pfizer vaccine authorization for children. Brett Wilcox spoke in opposition of the covid vaccine. Tad Fujioka said he would like Katlian Street reopened. Marshall Albertson spoke about recalling an Assembly member. Stacy Mudry spoke to freedom of choice and was not in favor of covid vaccinations and it should be a personal choice. Harvey Brandt expressed concerns over the decisions to close Lincoln Street during the summer on high traffic visitor days. VIII. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Mosher that the Consent Agenda consisting of items A & B be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Knox, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, Duncan, and Miller A 21-162 Approve the minutes of the October 12 Assembly meeting The item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. B 21-163 Approve liquor license transfer of controlling interest applications for Pioneer Liquor, Inc. dba Pioneer Bar and Pioneer Liquor Store at 212 Katlian Street The item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. IX. BOARD, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS C 21-161 Reappoint Catherine Riley to a three-year term on the Planning Commission Tori O'Connell Curran spoke in support of Catherine Riley's appointment. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final October 26, 2021 Knox, Christianson, and Mosher thanked Riley for serving on multiple commissions. A motion was made by Knox to REAPPOINT Catherine Riley to the Planning Commission. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Knox, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, Duncan, and Miller X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: D ORD 21-37 Amending Title 2 “Administration” of the Sitka General Code by updating Chapter 2.04 “City and Borough Assembly” to include a land acknowledgment to the agenda Richard Wein, Lisa Busch, Tori O'Connell Curran, Harvey Brandt, and Leah Mason spoke in support of the ordinance. Valorie Nelson spoke in opposition of the ordinance. Knox said he developed the language in consultation with others. Duncan spoke in support of the ordinance. A motion was made by Knox that this Ordinance be APPROVED on SECOND AND FINAL READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Knox, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, Duncan, and Miller E 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) Richard Wein felt the success of this ordinance would depend on enforcement and clear signage. Tad Fujioka spoke in opposition of the ordinance. John Leach, Municipal Administrator gave an overview of the ordinance timeline. He said this substitute ordinance had been reviewed by staff and commissions. Deputy Harbormaster Jeremiah Johnson spoke to the ordinance. He stated the main intent and purpose was to help increase compliance with the misuse of trailer spaces and ensure equal access for all. Police Chief Baty explained the purpose of the lot was the heavy turnover and ability for citizens to park in the lot. He said people were leaving unattached boats on trailers and using it as storage. If this ordinance were to pass it would make enforcement easier. Johnson stated the Harbor Department was willing to work with individuals on special requests. He suggested citizens call the Harbor Department. Brian Hanson, Municipal Attorney spoke on the development and review of this ordinance. He reiterated it had been reviewed by the Police & Fire Commission, and Port and Harbors Commission. Eisenbeisz said he understood the concerns and intent. He felt this was an issue of lack of enforcement. A motion was made by Mosher that this Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion PASSED Yes: 6- Christianson, Knox, Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, Duncan, and Miller Absent: 1- Mosher CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 3 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final October 26, 2021 XI. NEW BUSINESS: New Business First Reading F ORD 21-38 Amending the tidelands lease between the City and Borough of Sitka and Sitka Sound Science Center by adding tidelands adjacent to 834 Lincoln Street to the lease area and adjusting the lease rent Richard Wein spoke in support of the lease. A motion was made by Knox that this Ordinance be APPROVED on SECOND AND FINAL READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Knox, Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, Duncan, and Miller Absent: 1- Mosher G ORD 21-40 Authorizing the lease of Tract A, ATS 1327 and a Portion of Tract B, ATS 1327, municipal tidelands seaward of 1406 Sawmill Creek Road to Sharon Williamson and Lisa Williamson A motion was made by Himschoot that this Ordinance be APPROVED on SECOND AND FINAL READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Knox, Eisenbeisz, Himschoot, Duncan, and Miller Absent: 1- Mosher H ORD 21-39 Making supplemental appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022 (Solid Waste Compactor) Richard Wein felt this was a duct tape repair to something which had no long-term benefit. He said the City needed to have a long-term comprehensive solid waste program. Joel Hanson thanked the Assembly for having the work session with the Climate Action Task Force. He felt the Assembly's direction on solid waste management was a good start. John Leach, Municipal Administrator stated there were 10 years remaining on the contract. He said do nothing would double shipping rates that would be passed on to the ratepayer. He told of discussions with Republic Services that included new annual shipping rates, favorable shipping rates for associated compactor equipment and temporary storage at the Alaska Marine Lines yard. He reminded the general fund and economic development were the only two pots of monies left and the other option was to borrow and told of the extended timeline. Himschoot wondered of compactor life expectancy. Michael Harmon, Public Works Director said it was forty years. Eisenbeisz explained he understood the reasoning from taking the monies from this fund however he could not support this ordinance. Knox wondered how other communities were interacting with Alaska Solid Waste and Republic. Christianson felt that this needed to be done, and if this were to pass the City would need to look actively for grants to help with the costs. Miller spoke in support given the timeline. 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 26, 2021 FIRST READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 4- Christianson, Himschoot, Duncan, and Miller No: 2- Knox, and Eisenbeisz Absent: 1- Mosher Additional New Business Items I 21-164 Discussion / Direction / Decision on directing the Municipal Administrator to work with the Sitka Cycling Club on a memorandum of understanding for the development and maintenance of a pump track adjacent to the skatepark and airplane turnaround on Halibut Point Road KK Prussian with the Sitka Cycling Club gave a presentation on the proposal of a pump track. She said they had worked with Parks and Recreation Committee on a possible location. She noted the proposed location was next to the skate park and dog park near the Katlian Street/Halibut Point Road intersection. John Leach, Municipal Administrator wondered if the City would be asked to enter the contract for the construction. Prussian said the Club was open to looking at best methods. Brian Hanson, Municipal Attorney explained the liability aspect. He said these items would need to be negotiated in the memorandum of understanding. Duncan wondered of maintenance agreements. Himschoot questioned if the pump track could be removed if the Sitka Cycling Club no longer existed. Knox spoke in support and felt this would be beneficial for the community. XII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: Richard Wein spoke to the importance of educating the public on item E, said the location of the pump track was busy, and spoke to the need for a comprehensive solid waste plan. Joel Hanson spoke to challenges of sustainability. XIII. REPORTS a. Mayor, b. Administrator, c. Attorney, d. Liaison Representatives, e. Clerk, f. Other Mayor- Eisenbeisz spoke about attending the STA Tribal Council meeting, announced receipt of a letter from STA Council to the State about the Seaplane Base, and noted STA and SEARHC had opposed the Seaplane Base. Administrator- Leach said budget planning process had started. Liaison Representative- Christianson reported on the Planning Commission. Knox reported on Port and Harbors Commission. Duncan reported on the Health Needs and Human Services Commission. Miller reported on Local Emergency Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission. Himschoot reported on Tree and Landscape Committee and Library Commission. Clerk- Peterson stated she would be on personal leave through November 10. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 5 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final October 26, 2021 XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. XV. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Christianson to ADJOURN. Hearing no objections, the meeting ADJOURNED at 9:55 p.m. ATTEST: _______________________________________ Jessica Earnshaw Deputy Clerk CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 6