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 Timothy Pike, Vice Deputy Mayor JJ Carlson, Kevin Mosher, Scott Saline, Chris Ystad, Thor Christianson Municipal Administrator: John Leach Municipal Attorney: Rachel Jones Municipal Clerk: Sara Peterson Tuesday, May 13, 2025 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 No agenda changes. 25-072 Reminders and Calendars 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) Sitka Community Land Trust (SCLT) Executive Director Randy Hughey shared an update on the SCLT's projects. Chamber of Commerce/Visit Sitka Executive Director Rachel Roy reviewed the 3-year Strategic Marketing Plan. Harbormaster Stan Eliason and Public and Government Relations Director Melissa Wileman provided quarterly reports. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final May 13, 2025 25-069 1) Sitka Community Land Trust, Randy Hughey 2) Visit Sitka 3-Year Strategic Marketing Plan, Rachel Roy 3) Department Quarterly Reports - Harbors and Public & Government Relations VIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation Executive Director Deven Mitchell announced meetings would be held in Sitka May 28 and 29. IX. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Mosher that the Consent Agenda consisting of Item A be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline A ORD 25-10 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2025 (Homeland Security Grant - Travel for AlaskEx and Fire Department Radios) This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA - first reading. X. BOARD, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS None. XI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: B ORD 25-09 Authorizing the lease of a portion of Tract 4-B, ASLS 81-21, located on Jarvis Street, to Sitka Community Gardens Association A motion was made by Christianson 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: New Business First Reading C ORD 25-11 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2025 (Procurement of EV Transit Van for Parks and Recreation Division) Parks and Recreation Manager Kevin Knox reviewed the request and told of the donation from the Sitka Recreation Foundation. President of the Sitka Recreation Foundation Andrew Friske, commented. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final May 13, 2025 Assembly Members discussed the item. Some wondered if there would be increased insurance costs for a passenger van. A motion was made by Mosher that this Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline D ORD 25-12 Amending Title 10, “Public Peace, Safety and Morals”, and Title 22, “Zoning” of the Sitka General Code by modifying certain sections throughout these titles to add and regulate onsite marijuana consumption facilities Planning & Community Development Director Amy Ainslie stated in April 2019, State of Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office regulations allowing for onsite marijuana consumption came into effect. Ainslie explained the endorsement, and said the proposed ordinance sought to incorporate those regulations, and provide for local permitting oversight through zoning authority. A motion was made by Christianson that this Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Ystad, Carlson, and Saline No: 1- Pike Additional New Business Items E 25-070 Accept the donation of a scoreboard for Moller Park from Holland America Line Connor Dunlap reported the existing scoreboard at Moller Park had long-standing issues and was difficult to maintain. Holland America had generously donated a new scoreboard with no contingencies. While the donation covered the equipment, the City would incur some costs for removal and disposal of the old board by the Electric Department. Municipal Administrator John Leach expressed appreciation to the donors and staff. Rachel Roy commented. Assembly Members thanked Holland America. A motion was made by Ystad that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline F 25-071 Approve the First Amendment to Lease Agreement between the City and Borough of Sitka and Sitka Maritime Heritage Society, Inc. regarding Japonski Island Boathouse Planning and Community Development Director, Amy Ainslie reviewed the lease and amendment. Keith Nyitray commented. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 3 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final May 13, 2025 A motion was made by Ystad that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 7- Christianson, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline XIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: Austin Cranford commented on the City's social media policy and a recent lawsuit settlement. Bruce Gazaway thanked the Assembly for approving the lease amendment for the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society. XIV. REPORTS a. Mayor, b. Administrator, c. Attorney, d. Liaison Representatives, e. Clerk, f. Other Mayor - Eisenbeisz reported on the recent Government-to-Government dinner meeting and a town hall hosted by Safeguard Sitka and Small Town Soul. Administrator - Leach said negotiations with collective bargaining units were ongoing. Liaison Representatives - Ystad reported on the GPIP Board, and Mosher gave an update on the Parks and Recreation Committee. Clerk - Peterson told of the location and hours for early voting. Other - Carlson shared an update on the Sitka Walkability Institute Team. XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. XVI. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Mosher 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