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 Clerk: Sara Peterson Tuesday, August 27, 2024 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, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Absent: 1 - Eisenbeisz V. CORRESPONDENCE/AGENDA CHANGES 24-128 Reminders, Calendars, and General Correspondence VI. CEREMONIAL MATTERS 24-120 Service Award - Brian Hanson Deputy Mayor Mosher read and presented a service award to outgoing Municipal Attorney Brian Hanson. VII. SPECIAL REPORTS: Government to Government, Municipal Boards/Commissions/Committees, Municipal Departments, School District, Students and Guests (five minute time limit) None. VIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final August 27, 2024 Matt Donohoe shared an update from the Alaska Trollers Association and thanked the Assembly for their support. Lauren Wild, representing the Early Childhood Coalition, told of their recent work. IX. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Christianson that the Consent Agenda consisting of items A, B, & C be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz A 24-121 Approve the minutes of the August 8 and 13 Assembly meetings This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. B 24-122 Approve a new retail marijuana store license application for Island Girl Cannabis, LLC located at 224 Smith Street Suite A This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. C 24-126 Approve the following liquor license documents: 1) a renewal application for Talon Charters, Inc dba Talon Lodge on Apple Island and 2) a renewal application for Harbor Mountain Brewing Company, LLC at 1209 A Sawmill Creek Road This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. X. BOARD, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS D 24-123 Reappoint James Poulson to a three-year term on the Historic Preservation Commission A motion was made by Christianson that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz XI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: E ORD 24-21 Amending Title 2 “Administration and Personnel” of the Sitka General Code by adding Chapter 2.32 “Tourism Commission” Holly Meyer commented. Assembly members spoke of the seven at-large member commission and the importance of a diverse membership. A motion was made by Ystad that this Ordinance be APPROVED on SECOND AND FINAL READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final August 27, 2024 Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz XII. NEW BUSINESS: F 24-125 Discussion/Direction/Decision on proceeding with the vacation of Neva Street Planning and Community Development Director Amy Ainslie reviewed the process and said the Planning Commission recommended moving the item forward. Consensus of the Assembly was to proceed with the vacation and use the "increase in assessed value" numbers as the price. G 24-127 Approve an update to the Successive Land Lease between the City and Borough of Sitka and the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities for the Sitka Airport Public Works Director Ron Vinson provided an overview of the lease amendment. 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 Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz H 24-124 Discussion/Direction/Decision on the upcoming September 19 work session regarding a convention and visitors bureau services contract Sponsors Mosher and Carlson outlined the reasons for presenting the item and goals for the evening: to determine commitment to issuing an RFP, to discuss the draft timeline, and to discuss incorporating the list of potential updates into the new RFP. The assembly reached a consensus to proceed with an RFP, agreed on the timeline, and incorporating the list of potential updates into the new RFP. XIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: Tim Fulton spoke in support of Visit Sitka staff. He also encouraged the City and Borough of Sitka to invest in his company, Ramper Innovations, following the example set by the Municipality of Anchorage and the City and Borough of Juneau. Holly Meyer encouraged the Assembly to reach out to industry stakeholders for input prior to the September 19 work session regarding a convention and visitors bureau contract. Robert Hattle spoke of crosswalk use. Austin Cranford referenced his remarks from a previous meeting concerning a candidate for the municipal attorney position. XIV. REPORTS a. Mayor, b. Administrator, c. Attorney, d. Liaison Representatives, e. Clerk, f. Other Administrator - Leach reported on the Alaska Municipal League summer conference. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 3 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final August 27, 2024 Attorney - Michael Gatti commended Brian Hanson for his work. Liaison Representatives - Pike stated he and Carlson were presenting ideas for a future ebike ordinance at the upcoming Police & Fire Commission meeting. Carlson reported on the Health Needs and Human Services Commission. Clerk - Peterson told of the upcoming meeting schedule and details related the October 1 regular municipal election. XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. XVI. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Christianson to ADJOURN. Hearing no objections, the meeting ADJOURNED at 7:42 p.m. ATTEST: ______________________________ Sara Peterson, MMC Municipal Clerk CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 4