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, August 12, 2025 6:00 PM Assembly Chambers REGULAR MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. FLAG SALUTE III. RECITAL OF LANDS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IV. ROLL CALL Present: 5 - Christianson, Mosher, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Absent: 1 - Eisenbeisz Remote: 1 - Ystad V. CORRESPONDENCE/AGENDA CHANGES No agenda changes. 25-108 Reminders, Calendars, and General Correspondence 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) 25-105 Department Quarterly Report: Public & Government Relations (written report only) CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final August 12, 2025 VIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD None. 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 25-104 Approve the minutes of the February 25, 27, and July 22 Assembly meetings This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. B 25-106 Approve the following liquor license applications: 1) new distillery manufacturer and retail licenses for Sitka Spirits LLC at 328 Lincoln Street; 2) new distillery manufacturer and retail licenses for Harbor Mountain Brewing Company LLC at 1209 Sawmill Creek Road, Suite A This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. C 25-107 Approve renewal applications for a standard marijuana cultivation facility license and a retail store license for Northern Lights Indoor Gardens, LLC at 1321 Sawmill Creek Road This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. X. BOARD, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS None. XI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None. XII. NEW BUSINESS: D RES 25-11 Petitioning the Alaska State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to issue up to six additional Restaurant or Eating Place Licenses under Alaska Statute (AS) 04.11.405 Christianson summarized the request for additional Restaurant and Eating Place Licenses (REPLs) for beer and wine. The Assembly engaged in discussion, asking questions of Planning and Community Development Director Amy Ainslie. Several members felt the process was rushed and suggested reducing the number of licenses requested. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final August 12, 2025 Lenise Henderson, Christian Litten, and Cambria Goodwin spoke in support. Jasmine Wolfe read a letter from local CHARR President, Stan Filler Sr. opposing the resolution. Mary Magnuson and Patti MacPike spoke in opposition. A motion was made by Christianson to AMEND the resolution by reducing the number of additional REPL's from six to three. The amendment PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 5 - Christianson, Carlson, Pike, Ystad, and Mosher No: 1 - Saline Absent: 1 - Eisenbeisz Drew Wilson, Lenise Henderson, Cambria Goodwin, and Luke Bruckert spoke in support. Mary Magnuson, Patti MacPike, and Peter Menendez spoke in opposition. Mosher expressed concern about the number of unknowns associated with requesting additional licenses, particularly the potential economic impacts. He also emphasized the importance of notifying all license holders and providing them an opportunity to comment. The Assembly recommended further public outreach and review by the Planning Commission. It was suggested that consideration of the item be postponed until late October to allow for additional public outreach. It was noted that, when the resolution returned, its two sponsors (Ystad and Christianson) might no longer be serving on the Assembly. Ystad’s term would have ended, and as he was not seeking re-election, his sponsorship would lapse. Christianson was seeking re-election, but the outcome would not be known until the October 7 municipal election. The Clerk would contact Assembly Members to confirm at least two additional sponsors. Speaking to the motion to postpone, Lenise Henderson, Cambria Goodwin, and Drew Wilson spoke in opposition. Mary Magnuson and Peter Menendez spoke in support. A motion was made by Mosher to POSTPONE the AMENDED RESOLUTION to the October 28 Assembly Meeting. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Ystad, Pike, Carlson, and Saline Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz E 25-103 Approve the Operating Agreement between the City and Borough of Sitka and Highmark Marine Fabrication for Marine Vessel Haul-Out and Shipyard Operations Gary Paxton Industrial Park Director Garry White reviewed the operating agreement and exhibits. Linda Behnken, Mary Magnuson, Megan Pasternak, Ben Matthys, and Jonathan Wolf commented. Assembly Members acknowledged the milestone, commended the effort involved, and thanked all who contributed. A motion was made by Christianson that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 3 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final August 12, 2025 Yes: 5- Christianson, Mosher, Ystad, Pike, and Carlson No: 1- Saline Absent: 1- Eisenbeisz XIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: None. XIV. REPORTS a. Mayor, b. Administrator, c. Attorney, d. Liaison Representatives, e. Clerk, f. Other Mayor - Pike thanked everyone for their work on the haul out and the community discussion. Administrator - Acting Administrator Josh Branthoover provided a progress update on the Gary Paxton Industrial Park haul out and washdown pad. Attorney - Jones announced the cell phone tower appeal was scheduled for August 21. Liaison Representatives - Christianson reported on the recent Planning Commission meeting. Clerk - Peterson provided an update on the recent citizen initiative filing and the upcoming municipal election. XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. XVI. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Christianson to ADJOURN. Hearing no objections, the meeting ADJOURNED at 8:30 p.m. ATTEST: _______________________________ Sara Peterson, MMC Municipal Clerk CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 4