Planning Commission

CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Minutes - Final Planning Commission Wednesday, December 15, 2021 7:30 PM Harrigan Centennial Hall **Special Meeting** I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Present: Chris Spivey (Chair), Darrell Windsor, Stacy Mudry, Wendy Alderson, Katie Riley, Thor Christianson (Assembly Liaison) Absent: None Staff: Amy Ainslie, Ben Mejia Public: Shauna Thornton, Terry Stevens, Michelle Barker, Michael Harmon, Trudy Pruitt, Andy Nye, Ariadne Will (Sitka Sentinel) Chair Spivey called the meeting to order at 7:30pm. II. CONSIDERATION OF THE AGENDA III. PERSONS TO BE HEARD IV. THE EVENING BUSINESS A MISC 21-09 Discussion/Direction on Short-Term Tourism Plan Attachments: DRAFT_Short-Term Tourism Plan Ainslie presented an overview of the draft short-term tourism plan. The Commission opened the floor for public comment at the end of each section summary. Michelle Barker of Sitka Bike and Hike suggested that the city use multiple drop-off locations across the city instead of concentrating use at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Barker also stated that each cruise ship had their own app and suggested that the city could share maps and information with cruise passengers through cruise apps rather than developing its own. Ainslie responded that shuttle operators had expressed hesitation in using multiple drop off locations for cruise passenger shuttling due to concerns about increased confusion, staging space needs, and duplication of services at each drop-off location. Ainslie explained that some tour operators would pick up from Harrigan Centennial Hall but drop off at other locations, which would reduce space demands on Harrigan Centennial Hall. Thor Christianson excused himself at 8:15pm. Michael Harmon, Public Works Director, commented that placement and removal of barricades was a significant challenge and frequent changes to barricades would be difficult to implement. Shauna Thornton of Fist National Bank of Alaska expressed the need to ensure ADA accessibility and drive-through access to banks. Trudy Pruitt CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 1 Planning Commission Minutes - Final December 15, 2021 asked for collaboration and compromise to ensure a successful tourism season. Andy Nye of Sitka Zodiac Adventures commented that outfitter relocation to the back of Harrigan Centennial Hall meant less visibility for his business but noted that the ability to advertise at the front of Harrigan Centennial Hall would be beneficial. He added that his business does not sell tickets on the cruises and relied on clear visibility for prospective customers. The Commission discussed edits to the plan draft. Edits included changes to clarify and strengthen language and address concerns of ADA parking for banks on Lincoln Street, and potential impacts on the intersection of Seward and Lake Streets. Ainslie informed the Commission that a community survey to gain public feedback and comment on the draft plan would run from December 17th to January 9th. Ainslie explained that the survey would be a Google form with options for paper submission and would be advertised using flyers with QR codes linked to the survey, social media, radio, and newspaper. The Commission requested the survey gain feedback on Lincoln Street closure, the looping shuttle, the park and ride, and incentives for non-car transportation recommendations as well as a question to identify barriers perceived by the public on starting a tourism related business. No motion made. V. ADJOURNMENT Seeing no objection, Chair Spivey adjourned the meeting at 9:32pm. CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA Page 2