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 Mosher, Vice Deputy Mayor Crystal Duncan, Thor Christianson, Chris Ystad, Timothy Pike, JJ Carlson Municipal Administrator: John Leach Municipal Attorney: Brian Hanson Municipal Clerk: Sara Peterson Thursday, February 23, 2023 6:00 PM Assembly Chambers SPECIAL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. FLAG SALUTE III. RECITAL OF LANDS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IV. ROLL CALL Present: 5 - Mosher, Duncan, Ystad, Pike, and Carlson Absent: 2 - Christianson, and Eisenbeisz V. CORRESPONDENCE/AGENDA CHANGES None. VI. PERSONS TO BE HEARD Kim Elliot spoke of the Sea Walk project and Sitka's declining population. Richard Wein commented on the economy. VII. NEW BUSINESS: A 23-023 Discussion / Direction of the FY2024 Municipal Budget with focus on the Enterprise Funds (Assembly action may be taken) Finance Director Melissa Haley summarized the process and goals of rate setting, discussed overall changes from last year, new challenges, and assumptions behind rate recommendations. Proposed increases for FY24: Electric Fund 3%; Water Fund 6%; Wastewater Fund 8.5%; Solid Waste Fund 6.75%; and Harbor Fund 7.3%. Haley CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final February 23, 2023 reminded Port and Harbors would weigh in on the proposed increase at their March 14 meeting. The total annual impact on ratepayers was estimated at approximately $310. B 23-024 Discussion / Direction of the FY2024 Municipal Budget, if needed, as it relates to the General Fund and other Funds (Assembly action may be taken) Assembly Member Duncan explained two resource proposal requests she submitted: 1) $50k contribution to the Sitka Homeless Coalition for the Hix'i Saani Community project, and 2) a $20k allocation for City officials and staff to participate in the Race, Equity, and Leadership (REAL) Institute. Members discussed the requests. Consensus was to include the requests in the draft General Fund budget. VIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: Richard Wein commented on the resource proposal request for City officials and staff to participate in the Race, Equity, and Leadership Institute training and the average utility bill increase. IX. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Ystad to ADJOURN. Hearing no objections, the meeting ADJOURNED at 8:53pm. ATTEST: ______________________________ Sara Peterson, MMC Municipal Clerk CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2