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 Timothy Pike, Thor Christianson, Chris Ystad, JJ Carlson, Scott Saline Municipal Administrator: John Leach Municipal Attorney: Brian Hanson Municipal Clerk: Sara Peterson Tuesday, June 25, 2024 6:00 PM Assembly Chambers REGULAR MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. FLAG SALUTE III. RECITAL OF LANDS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IV. ROLL CALL Present: 7 - Christianson, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline V. CORRESPONDENCE/AGENDA CHANGES 24-095 Reminders, Calendars, and General Correspondence No agenda changes. VI. CEREMONIAL MATTERS None. VII. SPECIAL REPORTS: Government to Government, Municipal Boards/Commissions/Committees, Municipal Departments, School District, Students and Guests (five minute time limit) Tribal Council Chairman Lawrence Widmark shared an update on Council activity. VIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD Richard Wein spoke of reliance on fossil fuel, economics, and the passing of Judy CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final June 25, 2024 Johnstone. Kami Hutchins raised concerns about pedestrian safety on Harbor Drive in front of Harrigan Centennial Hall. IX. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Christianson that the Consent Agenda consisting of items B, C, & D be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline A 24-090 Approve a standard marijuana cultivation facility application and standard marijuana retail facility application for Northern Lights Indoor Gardens LLC at 1321 Sawmill Creek Road Suites M, N, O, & P Eisenbeisz was recused. A motion was made by Ystad that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Recused: 1- Eisenbeisz B 24-091 Approve a retail marijuana store application for Weed Dudes Incorporated at 1321 Sawmill Creek Road Suites J & K This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. C 24-092 Approve the following marijuana license renewal applications: 1) A standard marijuana cultivation facility license for AKO Farms LLC dba AKO Farms at 1210 Beardslee Way, 2) A marijuana concentrate manufacturing facility license for AKO Farms LLC dba AKO Farms at 1210 Beardslee Way, 3) A retail marijuana store license for AKO Farms LLC dba AKO Farms Direct at 1210 Beardslee Way, and 4) A standard marijuana cultivation facility license for AKO Farms LLC dba AKO 2 at 213 Price Street. This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. D 24-093 Approve a liquor license renewal application for The Longliner Lodge & Suites, LLC at 485 Katlian Street This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. X. BOARD, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS None. XI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: E 24-087 Review and analysis of options for responding to the halibut bycatch CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final June 25, 2024 issue Attorney Michael Gatti outlined Assembly options: participate in amicus brief, stick with the resolution previously passed, or prepare a separate amicus brief prepared for Sitka specifically. Lauren Howard, Klaudia Leccese, Richard Wein, and Austin Cranford spoke in support of the City signing onto the amicus brief. Members reviewed the available options and emphasized the importance of the issue, while also reminding everyone the deadline was in two days. A motion was made by Ystad for the City and Borough of Sitka to sign onto the amicus brief regarding halibut bycatch. The motion FAILED by the following vote. Yes: 3- Christianson, Ystad, and Saline No: 4- Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Pike, and Carlson F ORD 24-15 Authorizing the lease of Alaska Tideland Survey No. 580 to Evergreen Properties, LLC A motion was made by Mosher that this Ordinance be APPROVED on SECOND AND FINAL READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline XII. NEW BUSINESS: G 24-094 Action Plan for Tourism Task Force Recommendations (postponed at the 6/25 Assembly meeting) Attorney Michael Gatti expressed a desire for more time to review the matter in light of recent events and examine the legal issues related to cruise ships. Richard Wein commented. Rachel Roy, Klaudia Leccese, and Austin Cranford spoke in opposition to postponing. A motion was made by Christianson that this item be POSTPONED until legal counsel has an opportunity to review and make a recommendation. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 5- Christianson, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Pike, and Carlson No: 2- Ystad, and Saline XIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: Klaudia Leccese, with Small Town SOUL, hoped there could be a compromise and reasonable agreement with regards to Tourism. Shirley Robards spoke in opposition to Lincoln Street closures and one-way side streets off of Lincoln Street. Richard Wein stated there was undue fear with regards to item E and told of vaccination lawsuits. Austin Cranford spoke to item E. XIV. REPORTS CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 3 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final June 25, 2024 a. Mayor, b. Administrator, c. Attorney, d. Liaison Representatives, e. Clerk, f. Other Mayor - Eisenbeisz mentioned a rehabilitation request related to Crescent Park. Administrator - Leach updated on the transfer of Sitka School District maintenance worker employees to City staff. Liaison Representatives - Carlson reported on the Health Needs and Human Services Commission. XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. XVI. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Christianson to ADJOURN. Hearing no objections, the meeting ADJOURNED at 7:30 p.m. ATTEST: ____________________________ Sara Peterson, MMC Municipal Clerk CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 4