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 Tuesday, March 28, 2023 6:00 PM Assembly Chambers REGULAR MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. FLAG SALUTE III. RECITAL OF LANDS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IV. ROLL CALL Present: 6 - Christianson, Mosher, Duncan, Ystad, Pike, and Carlson Absent: 1 - Eisenbeisz V. CORRESPONDENCE/AGENDA CHANGES No changes. 23-048 Reminders, Calendars, and General Correspondence VI. CEREMONIAL MATTERS 23-037 Service Award - Robert Sam Deputy Mayor Mosher read and presented an award to Robert Sam for his eight years of service on the Historic Preservation Commission. VII. SPECIAL REPORTS: Government to Government, Municipal Boards/Commissions/Committees, Municipal Departments, School District, Students and Guests (five minute time limit) Tribal Chairman Lawrence Widmark provided a summary of the March meeting action CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final March 28, 2023 items, and lobbying trip. VIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD Leah Mason spoke about the electrification expo event. Mary Suminski invited the Assembly to attend a presentation on Parenting in the Digital Age on Friday, April 7. Richard Wein proposed the idea of removing sales tax on food purchases for the residents of Sitka. He suggested compensating for the revenue loss through budget cuts in other areas and implementing a head tax on cruise tourists visiting Sitka. IX. CONSENT AGENDA A 23-045 Approve the minutes of the March 14 Assembly meeting A motion was made by Christianson that the Consent Agenda consisting of item A be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Duncan, Ystad, Pike, and Carlson Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz X. BOARD, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS None. XI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None. XII. NEW BUSINESS: New Business First Reading B ORD 23-04 Authorizing a property tax exemption for the Sitka Historical Society, Inc. in the leased premises at Harrigan Centennial Hall Richard Wein commented. A motion was made by Ystad that this Ordinance be APPROVED ON FIRST READING. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Duncan, Ystad, Pike, and Carlson Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz Additional New Business Items C 23-046 Approve the Sustainability Commission goals for 2023-2024 Sustainability Commission Chair Katie Riley covered various topics including the CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final March 28, 2023 evolution of municipal climate and sustainability initiatives over time, the Commission's area of focus, the formula for achieving sustainable transformation, the steps involved in prioritizing actions, and the objectives the Commission aims to achieve. The goals set forth by the Commission include developing a community-based plan for renewable energy, examining alternatives for diverting municipal solid waste, and devising a plan for transitioning the municipal fleet to electric vehicles, as well as establishing an electric vehicle infrastructure strategy. Speaking in support were Leah Mason, Richard Wein, and Eric Jordan. Members Christianson, Pike, Mosher, and Ystad expressed support. Christianson said that he was impressed with the goals and felt they were attainable. Pike agreed and mentioned that he appreciated the ranking of the goals. Duncan had an inquiry about goal 2, specifically examples of waste diversion. Riley stated that the Commission was looking at where the waste was coming from, and would be looking at levers that could be used to adjust. She also mentioned that the Commission would like to pursue the goals in order, however, we'll most likely be coming back in a year with an update and next steps for goals. A motion was made by Christianson to approve the Sustainability Commission goals for 2023-2024. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Duncan, Ystad, Pike, and Carlson Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz D 23-047 Discussion / Direction / Decision on applying for the Community Transportation Program Grant and match commitment - Katlian Avenue Paving and Improvements Project Public & Government Relations Director Melissa Henshaw gave an overview of the transportation alternatives program projects and the match commitment levels. Consensus of the Assembly was to move forward with the 3 point level = FY24 appropriation of $569,987.70 from the Visitor Enhancement Fund and Commercial Passenger Vessel Excise Tax. Some expressed interest in 4 point level funding of $1,099,437.70 dependent on available funding sources. XIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: Richard Wein spoke about the Katlian Avenue Paving and Improvement Project. Leah Mason thanked the Electric Department for participating in the electrification expo event. XIV. REPORTS a. Mayor, b. Administrator, c. Attorney, d. Liaison Representatives, e. Clerk, f. Other Attorney - Hanson reported that he had hired Mindy Lowrance as the new legal assistant. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 3 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final March 28, 2023 Liaison Representatives - Pike spoke about the Police and Fire Commission meeting. Duncan spoke about the Library Commission. Carlson reported on the Tree and Landscape Committee. Clerk - Peterson reviewed the upcoming meeting dates and read through the board/commission vacancy list. XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. XVI. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Ystad to ADJOURN. Hearing no objections, the meeting ADJOURNED at 7:53 p.m. ATTEST: _________________________ Jessica Earnshaw Deputy Clerk CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 4