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, Thor Christianson, Katie Riley Municipal Administrator: John Leach Municipal Attorney: Rachel Jones Municipal Clerk: Sara Peterson Tuesday, November 25, 2025 6:00 PM Assembly Chambers REGULAR MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER II. FLAG SALUTE III. RECITAL OF LANDS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IV. ROLL CALL IV. ROLL CALL Present: 6 - Christianson, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Pike, Saline, and Riley Absent: 1 - Carlson V. CORRESPONDENCE/AGENDA CHANGES No agenda changes. 25-170 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) CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final November 25, 2025 25-163 1) Sitka School Board - Phil Burdick 2) Early Childhood Coalition - Kari Sagel and Rachel Roy 3) Department Quarterly Reports - Planning & Community Development, Assessing, and Finance No report from Sitka School Board. Early Childhood Coalition representatives Rachel Roy and Ellen Hughes presented a video about childcare in Sitka and provided an update on their work. Department reports were given by Planning and Community Development Director Amy Ainslie, Assessor Larry Reeder, and Finance Director Brooke Volschenk. VIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD Sitkans For Community Outdoor Recreation Enhancement representative Brian McLaughlin spoke of progress on a sports complex in Sitka. Thor Christianson told of a community dinner with STA. IX. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Mosher that the Consent Agenda consisting of items A, B, C, & D be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Pike, Saline, and Riley Absent: 1- Carlson A 25-164 Approve the minutes of the November 10 Assembly meeting This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. B 25-165 Approve a retail marijuana store license renewal application for Island Girl Cannabis, LLC at 224 Smith Street Suite A This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. C ORD 25-27 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 (Replace Harbor Outboards for 32’ Munson) This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. D ORD 25-28 Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 (E911 Phone Consoles) This item was APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. X. BOARD, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS E 25-159 Reappoint: 1) Joshua Badder to a three-year term on the Port and Harbors Commission and 2) Devon Calvin to a three-year term on the Tourism Commission, and Appoint: Adam Vail to a three-year term on the Sustainability CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final November 25, 2025 Commission A motion was made by Christianson that this item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Pike, Saline, and Riley Absent: 1- Carlson XI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None. XII. NEW BUSINESS: F ORD 25-26 Authorizing a property tax exemption for the Center for Community for the property located at 700 Katlian Avenue Assessor Larry Reeder stated an application for property tax exemption had been received from Center for Community, which required assembly approval. Center for Community Representatives Jaclyn Young and Bryan O'Callaghan spoke to their application. A discussion of the Assembly ensued. The members concluded that the applicants met the qualifications; however, it was agreed that any changes in the building's use should be addressed at a time of renewal, with the potential for an amendment to the code. A motion was made by Saline that this Ordinance be APPROVED on FIRST READING. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Pike, Saline, and Riley Absent: 1- Carlson G 25-166 Approve the 2025-2028 Sitka Fire Fighters Union International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Local 5168 Collective Bargaining Agreement Assistant Administrator Josh Branthoover reviewed the process and changes made in the agreement to help with recruitment and retention. Members spoke in support of the changes and thanked Josh for his work on the agreement. A motion was made by Riley that this Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the following vote. Yes: 6- Christianson, Mosher, Eisenbeisz, Pike, Saline, and Riley Absent: 1- Carlson H 25-167 Discussion / Direction / Decision on the recruitment process for a Municipal Administrator A discussion was held. The consensus was that no changes were needed to the job description, the base salary would be $200,000, the position would be advertised as CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 3 City and Borough Assembly Minutes - Final November 25, 2025 soon as possible and remain open until filled, with a first review after 60 days. XIII. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: None. XIV. REPORTS a. Mayor, b. Administrator, c. Attorney, d. Liaison Representatives, e. Clerk, f. Other Mayor - Eisenbeisz noted dates he would be absent in December, which included upcoming travel to the Alaska Municipal League Conference. Administrator - Leach told of upcoming travel to the Alaska Municipal League Conference. Liaison Representatives - Saline noted bear concerns raised at the recent Government-to-Government meeting. Clerk - Peterson announced the clerk's office staff would be attending the Alaska Association of Municipal Clerk's Conference December 7-10, reported on board, commission, and committee vacancies and read the upcoming meeting schedule. XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. XVI. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Eisenbeisz to ADJOURN. Hearing no objections, the meeting ADJOURNED at 7:38 p.m. ATTEST: ______________________ Sara Peterson, MMC Municipal Clerk CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 4