Public Meetings - Anchorage, Alaska

The Anchorage Assembly Rules Committee met on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 1:00 PM to approximately 2:40 PM (originally scheduled to end at 2:20 PM but extended for a public comment). The meeting included service awards, reports from the mayor's office, clerk, legislative services, and ombudsman, followed by a discussion on constituent email management and a comprehensive review of committee assignments and liaison positions. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was primarily informational and deliberative. Public Comments & Testimony - David Donicovsky (Anchorage resident) spoke about his experience being homeless for two and a half years with his wife, who has seizures. He expressed frustration with being moved around and threatened with arrest, and requested help in obtaining housing without being separated from his wife. The chair acknowledged his comments and said the assembly would follow up offline. Discussion Items - Service Awards: Five-year service pins were presented to Krista Walsh (absent) and Brandi Heasley (present), who works as a paralegal for the Assembly Council. - Mayor's Office Report (Suzanne Fleet Green): - The mayor was participating in a Bloomberg Mayor's Youth Climate Awards launch event. - A large barge for pile driving arrived at the Port of Alaska; first shipment of pilings received. - Groundbreaking for the Ship Creek Trail to Coastal Trail connector project (federally funded). - Legislative session updates: $25 million for Port of Alaska (first $15 million solid, $10 million contingent on oil prices above $80/barrel); pension bill passed both houses and is on the governor's desk. - The mayor's office continues to work on housing and education funding. - Assembly Chair Report (Anna Brawley): - Reminders about office moves, Memorial Day holiday deadlines, and the upcoming joint meeting with the school board on June 5 (requires quorum of at least seven members physically present). - Encouraged members to attend community events. - Clerk's Report (Jamie): - Short-term rental registration: 734 registered, approximately 65 applications per day. Processing is heavier than anticipated (about 1 hour per 20 applications; estimated 125 hours for 2,500 registrations). Address validation issues with GIS. - Risk-limiting audit completed on May 7; report to be presented at the May 26 meeting. - Title 28 update in progress; new municipal code platform goes live May 26. - Clerk will attend the International Institute of Municipal Clerks conference next week. - Legislative Services Report (Claire): - 13 applications received for the youth representative position; review underway. - Pre-approved ADU project: two designs created by UAA engineering capstone (300 sq ft loft and 2-bedroom), to be released this fall. Site preparation costs remain high ($100k-$150k). - Civics workshops for 140 students in April; summer break planned. - Civic Anchor website launched with resources including current plans, volunteer opportunities, deep dives, and youth civic action. - Legislative Services staff changes: Allie will be on parental leave June–August; Noah will cover full-time. - Ombudsman Report (Daryl Hess): - Over 500 entries in case management system so far in 2025; 7-8 open investigations. - Hosted a difficult conversations workshop for municipal employees; positive feedback. - Room 105 will become an ombudsman training room; planning future workshops. - Deep dives on housing/homelessness and employee First Amendment rights. - October: start of three-year strategic plan for the office. - Unfinished Business – Constituent Email Form: - Jasmine presented a mock-up of a Form Stack-based form to direct constituent emails to district members. The form would send to all members but highlight the district. Features include optional contact info, district selection, and Google Translate. - Members discussed potential changes: adding district map image, photo upload option, link to public appearance request, and renaming fields. - Debate on whether to retire the current "assembly@muni.org" email address. Some members (Aaron, Allie) favored removing the mass email option to encourage use of the new form. - No decision made; further edits to be submitted by next week. - New Business – Committees and Liaisons: - Chair Anna Brawley proposed a two-step process: first fill vacant leadership positions so committees can meet, then over summer review schedules, frequency, and possible restructuring. - Proposed changes: Donald Handelon to replace Jared Gerger as AMATS alternate; Daniel Voland temporarily chairs Quality Municipal Services, Ethics and Elections (committee may be restructured). - Members discussed ideas: stacking committee meetings on fewer days, reducing meeting lengths, combining committees (e.g., moving infrastructure to transportation), and creating a dedicated housing committee. - Cameron expressed interest in focusing on affordable/transitional housing within the Housing and Homelessness committee. - Aaron supported stacking meetings and suggested moving AMATS to the permit center. - George Martinez noted that CEDC often handles housing permitting while Housing and Homelessness deals with homelessness; he also offered to discuss the NACO liaison role. - Liaison positions: Anna recommended Zach Johnson as second AML liaison; Aaron Baldwin Day for National League of Cities; George Martinez to continue as NACO liaison. - Other liaison roles (Federation of Community Councils, ACDA, Chamber, etc.) discussed as opportunities for member involvement. - No final assignments made; discussion to continue at future meetings. Key Outcomes - Service awards presented; no other formal votes or decisions taken. - Next Steps: - Members to send additional feedback on the constituent email form to Jasmine by next week. - Committee structure and liaison assignments to be finalized over the summer, with a target of August/September for a final schedule. - The AMATS policy committee will consider moving its meeting location to the permit center. - The chair will follow up with David Donicovsky offline regarding his housing situation. - The next Rules Committee meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2026 (note: CEDC may be rescheduled to that date).

The Urban Design Commission held its final meeting, conducting a public hearing on a landscape variance request for 3640 West Diamond Boulevard, approving the west boundary variance and denying the south boundary variance. The meeting concluded with farewell remarks and a mayoral proclamation recognizing the commissioners' service. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the April 29, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. - The consent agenda was approved without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Kyle Peterson (individual, adjacent homeowner at 3600 Mirror Circle): Testified against the south variance, citing years of snow storage, runoff, and drainage damage to his property, including $17,000 in French drain installation. He stated the existing storm drain is inadequate and the proposal would aggravate existing problems. - Wes Skinner (representative, Diamond Boulevard Baptist Church, east neighbor): Described his property's drainage management and stated the adjacent property's pavement and snow storage have contributed to water issues on the south side. He noted that a utility trench on the northeast corner of the subject site removed vegetation, which is not addressed in the plan. - Elizabeth Vasquez (president, Sand Lake Community Council): Read a resolution opposing the southern variance, citing poor neighbor history (snow removal, runoff), lack of existing buffer, and inadequate notice. The council supports development but requests a 30-day notice and a transition R2F zone to buffer R1 homes. She focused concerns on the south border. - Paul Kershak (testified by phone, individual, 3601 Mirror Circle, directly south): Opposed the southern variance, detailing years of runoff damage, a retaining wall, and landscaping costs. He stated the lack of buffer and poor snow management have caused water seepage into his foundation and urged that drainage issues be resolved before adding units. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation: Staff explained the variance request: relief from AMC 21.07.080E for L2 buffer landscaping standards on the west and south property boundaries. The applicant, under new ownership (purchased 4 months ago), proposes to demolish 4 of the existing 44 units and build 36 new units (total 76). The west side abuts commercial B3 zoning with a platted 30-foot screening easement; the south side abuts R1 residential. Staff found standards A, B, C, D partially met, E, F, G met, and recommended denial of the variance. They suggested the commission consider separating the two boundary variances. - Applicant's Presentation (Kate Sauve, petitioner representative): Argued the variance is needed due to existing access drive (west) and parking (south) constraints. Full trees/shrubs will be provided despite reduced width, and a 6-foot decorative fence is proposed. The petitioner is willing to remove 2 parking spots to meet the south landscape width if required. Snow removal will be off-site. - Commission Discussion: Commissioners questioned design details, drainage, snow storage, fire access, and building footprints. Staff clarified that the R3 zoning permits up to 98 units; only the landscape variance is under review. The church (east) abuts R3 so no landscape buffer is required there. Commissioners expressed concern about the south buffer, noting historical drainage issues and the need for on-site retention. Key Outcomes - West Property Boundary Variance (approved 6-0): Motion by Commissioner Nanalo, seconded by Foland. The commission found the eight standards substantially met for the west boundary, citing the adjacent commercial use and existing 30-foot screening easement. Conditions from the staff report (pages 5-6) were attached. - South Property Boundary Variance (denied 0-6): Motion by Commissioner Strait, seconded by Nanalo. The commission found standards A, B, C, and D not met for the south boundary due to the reduced buffer's failure to adequately separate R3 multifamily from R1 single-family uses, and the historical water/drainage problems. No commissioner voted in favor. - Adjournment and Ceremony: The commission received farewell comments from members and staff, and a mayoral proclamation recognizing their service. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m. A special meeting will be held to approve the minutes from this session.

The Anchorage Assembly held a regular business meeting on May 12-13, 2026, chaired by Assembly Chair Brawley. The meeting included committee reports, multiple public hearings, and votes on ordinances and resolutions. Key topics included a veteran-owned business preference program, a collective bargaining agreement, a firefighter medical second-opinion ordinance, and a proposal to restore initial audience participation. The meeting adjourned shortly after 10:00 p.m. on May 12. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals: Items 10A through 10G (excluding polled items) were approved unanimously on a single vote. Polled items included recognition resolutions for Building Safety Month, Police Memorial Week, Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the 65th anniversary of UAA’s Institute of Social and Economic Research – all passed unanimously. - Nuisance property abatement appropriation (AR 2026-130): Appropriated $300,000 from nuisance abatement revenue to the Development Services Department for code enforcement. Passed 12-0. - Procurement card audit (AIM 652026): Accepted as information. Member Baldwin Day noted the audit found fewer than 100 problematic transactions out of 40,000, and the Audit Committee will further review in July. Passed 12-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Appearance requests (3 individuals): - David Gottstein alleged the theft of $100 million-plus from his father’s charitable foundation. He urged the Assembly to demand a law enforcement investigation. Pastor Gary Morton supported Gottstein, stating the alleged crimes could happen to any family and urging action. - Conrad James, a new resident, proposed a "Make Anchorage Native Again" ordinance to address homelessness, elderly and disabled discrimination, and to create a jitney program using federal grants. - Public hearing on AO 2026-40 (veteran-owned business preference): One testifier (Miranda Walso) expressed support for the goal but concerns about the 5% preference cap ($50,000 vs. state’s $5,000) and mandatory RFP scoring, urging a simpler structure. - Audience participation (end of meeting): Four speakers addressed mental health among youth, a sewer easement issue, code enforcement actions, and barriers to public testimony. Discussion Items - AO 2026-45 (Raspberry Road development extension): Unfinished business – extended the development period for a Heritage Land Bank parcel. Approved 12-0. - Veteran-owned business preference (AO 2026-40): Extensive debate. The S1 version provided a 5% evaluation preference (capped at $50,000) for qualifying veteran-owned businesses in contracting. Administration requested more time to propose alternatives. A motion to postpone to June 9th passed 11-1. - Collective bargaining agreement with Operating Engineers Local 302 (AR 2026-96): Approved 11-1. Provided 15% wage increases over the contract term and removed service recognition pay disparities. Member Gerker voted no, citing concerns about agency fee language and employee rights under the Janus decision. - Firefighter medical second-opinion ordinance (AO 2026-63): Passed 9-3. Allows applicants disqualified under NFPA 1582 to seek a second medical opinion. Supporters argued it improves fairness and transparency; opponents cited liability and implementation concerns. - Initial audience participation restoration (AO 2026-64): Failed 3-9. Would have reinstated a 30-minute public comment period at the start of regular meetings. Opponents cited past operational challenges and existing alternative participation methods. - Numerous public hearings on bond appropriations, easements, liquor licenses, and rezoning items – all passed with 12-0 votes, except where noted. Key Outcomes - Veteran-owned business preference: Postponed to June 9, 2026, for further work with the administration. - Collective bargaining agreement (Local 302): Approved 11-1. - Firefighter medical second opinion (AO 2026-63): Approved 9-3. - Initial audience participation (AO 2026-64): Failed 3-9. - All other public hearing items: Approved unanimously or as noted. - Meeting adjournment: Shortly after 10:00 p.m. on May 12, 2026 (continued into early May 13).

The Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Commission met on May 12, 2026, to approve the 2026 annual report, receive updates on housing and homelessness programs, hold a public hearing on the 2026 action plan, and discuss the controversial proposal by True North Recovery to open a behavioral health 'launch pad' in the Fairview neighborhood. Commissioners also heard public testimony on homelessness, affordable housing, and neighborhood concerns. Consent Calendar - Order of Business: Approved as amended to defer elections discussion and the draft of values to the next month’s meeting. (Motion, second, no opposition). - Minutes: Previous meeting minutes approved as written. (Motion, second, no opposition). - 2026 Annual Report: Approved as amended to align the commission’s purpose statement with the existing Anchorage plan to address homelessness (replacing “coordinate with” with “coordinate and implement”). (Main motion approved with no opposition after amendment). Public Comments & Testimony - Ron: Described plans for a “Bindle State Park” and habitat for homeless, including a 24-man construction camp being renovated into temporary tiny homes and a recycling center. Asked to present a full PowerPoint at the next meeting. Expressed support for innovative, portable housing solutions. - Brian: Shared personal housing crisis: illegally evicted two years ago due to a landlord’s failure to address a mouse infestation, still homeless. Requested health department help to clear eviction record and financial assistance to rent an extended-stay suite in order to bring his 88-year-old mother home from state custody. Noted lack of help from Alaska Housing, ADRC, and other agencies. - Jamie Lopez (Coalition for the Homeless): Argued in favor of the True North proposal, stating that treatment facilities should be located where people experiencing substance use disorders actually are. Emphasized the importance of proximity and timely access to services. Discussion Items - 2026 Annual Report Review: Jessica (primary author) presented the report, highlighting accomplishments from the prior year and forward-looking activities including neighborhood development, community council engagement, and site visits to innovative housing and homelessness programs. Commissioner Alan proposed amending one of the commission’s purpose statements; the amendment was adopted. - Housing and Homelessness Update (Kimberly White): Reported closure of two government “search” shelters, leaving a 100-bed location plus 300 shelter beds (156 at one site, 100 at a pet-friendly shelter). Noted that Hello Commons shelter is operating without interruption. The Health Department is conducting an after-action review of winter shelter capacity. - CSD Updates (Kyle Milkey): Provided status on several initiatives: - Supportive Housing RFP: $1.35 million in municipal and ARP funds for operations; multiple awards anticipated; still in confidential negotiation phase. - Shelter Transportation RFP: Fixed-route overnight/weekend/holiday service connecting major shelters, possibly with on-demand component; drafting RFP for release weeks. - Homeowner Rehab Program: Small-grant component RFP for an operator (similar to mobile home repair program) and a separate RFP for property assessments to determine eligibility for grant, loan, or demolition programs. - Homelessness-to-Housing Voucher Program: Partnership with AHFC to provide about 40 vouchers per year (carved out from existing allocations), funding for up to two years of rental assistance with case management requirement. - 2026 Action Plan Public Hearing (Chase Bergrave): Presented overview of HUD grant funding (CDBG, HOME, ESG) historically around $1.7–1.8M for CDBG and $600K for HOME. Goal to issue RFGPs for larger, targeted projects. Formal comment period runs April 29–May 29, 2026; approval by assembly in June, HUD submission by August 16. Commissioner Alan suggested incorporating coordination with AMAT on housing/neighborhood development, exploring cooperative/mutual support housing models, and specifically engaging Fairview Community Council in outreach. - True North Recovery Discussion: - Background: True North was selected through an RFP process in spring 2025 for a residential treatment facility but shifted to a non-residential “launch pad” model based on a feasibility study showing Anchorage has empty beds but lacks navigation services. - Proposed Services: Walk-up and mobile peer navigation, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, with up to 15 staff. No involuntary care, not a shelter or sobering center. Referrals from APD’s Hope Team (in 18 months of embedded work, 66 individuals placed into paid health services with only 350 hours). - Fairview Community Council Concerns (Alan): Expressed that the location across from a recreation center used by children poses safety risks; lack of prior public process; concentration of services in Fairview; potential for crises occurring outside operating hours; negative impacts on property values and quality of life. - Access Alaska Representative (Eric, building seller): Explained that the building has been for sale since March 2025 and that many groups have expressed interest; selling to a service provider like True North aligns with the property’s existing use. Stressed willingness to work with the neighborhood if the sale proceeds. - Procedural Issues (Jed, CSD): Acknowledged that internal miscoordination between HUD transparency requirements and municipal purchasing confidentiality led to the assembly memorandum appearing before community engagement. Steps are being taken to improve future processes. - Future Meetings: True North and CSD will attend Fairview Community Council meeting on May 14. The assembly special meeting on the matter is scheduled for May 13 at 10:30 a.m. Key Outcomes - Approved the 2026 annual report with the amended purpose language. - Directed CSD staff to create a consolidated written summary of all active projects and to revise community engagement procedures to avoid future process gaps. - No formal vote was taken on the True North proposal; the commission served as a facilitator for dialogue. The assembly is expected to reintroduce the funding approval at a future date. - Commissioner announcement: State funding for the 530 program (half funding) was restored after advocacy and awaits the governor’s signature.

The Anchorage Women's Commission met on May 12, 2026, at 4:30 PM local time. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by agenda approval with an amendment, and approval of the March and April 2026 minutes. Committee reports were given, and new business included scheduling an in-person social gathering and inviting the mayor to a future meeting. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda as amended (added new business item: inviting the mayor to a future meeting) by unanimous consent. - Approved the March and April 2026 meeting minutes without dissent. Discussion Items - Infrastructure Committee Report: No meeting held; chair requested interested members to join and provide availability. - Outreach & Communications Committee Report: Member Sharon reported difficulty contacting the legal department regarding social media requirements. Discussion ensued about using existing municipal social media channels (e.g., mayor's office, assembly pages) to recruit new commissioners and solicit public comment without waiting for legal clearance. Commissioner Ashley offered to check with the municipal Public Information Officer (PIO) and communicate findings to Sharon. The committee continues gathering a list of women-owned businesses. - Strategic Planning Committee Report: Not yet met; chair stated plan to schedule a meeting after personal scheduling issues resolve. - New Business: In-Person Social Gathering: Commissioners discussed and agreed to an informal, non-business social gathering to build relationships. Date and location set for Friday, May 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM at Bear Paw in midtown Anchorage. - New Business: Inviting the Mayor: Commissioner reported a conversation with the mayor expressing interest in attending a commission meeting. After discussion, the commission agreed to invite the mayor to the September 2026 regular meeting. Member Sharon volunteered to contact the mayor's office to schedule. Key Outcomes - Agenda amended unanimously to include discussion of inviting the mayor. - March and April 2026 minutes approved. - In-person social gathering scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM at Bear Paw (midtown). - Decision to invite the mayor to the September 2026 regular meeting; Sharon to follow up with mayor's office. - Next regular meeting: June 4, 2026, at 4:30 PM; no meeting in July. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 5:30 PM.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met on May 12, 2026, to consider a proposed ordinance updating the Anchorage Wetlands Management Plan (AWMP). After extensive discussion, the commission voted to postpone the item to a date uncertain, citing unresolved concerns about staffing, jurisdictional determinations, and clarity of roles. Consent Calendar - The minutes from April 13 and April 20, 2026, were approved by unanimous consent. - The consent agenda was approved without any items pulled for discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was offered. The public hearing was opened and closed without any speakers. Discussion Items - Case 2026-0036: AWMP Update Ordinance – Staff presented a four-section ordinance to update the AWMP, including reassigning implementation responsibilities, updating the permit application diagram (Exhibit B), making text cleanups, and amending AMC 21.01.08 to reflect the date of passage. Staff stated the changes were needed to ease implementation while a more comprehensive phase two update is completed over the next two summers. - Commissioners raised concerns about the elimination of the wetlands coordinator position, the lack of a designated point of contact, and reliance on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for jurisdictional determinations that the corps is not currently performing. Questions were asked about the status of outstanding comments from other municipal departments and whether an interdepartmental memorandum of understanding would be appropriate. - Staff acknowledged that no single person currently holds the necessary expertise, and the municipality has been using a collaborative approach. They noted that phase two will address mapping, field proofing, and role clarity, but that the current ordinance provides needed interim guidance, including a working phone number (extension 8301) for the Development Services desk. Key Outcomes - Motion to Postpone to a Date Uncertain – Commissioner Ron moved to postpone the case indefinitely, later amending to a date uncertain. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gardner. Findings included: current conditions have existed since the departure of a wetlands coordinator; no negative recourse to development if the update is delayed; and the need for more comprehensive updates to reflect jurisdictional changes and organizational interests. - The motion passed with support from commissioners who noted that the plan's contact information and permit process details could be updated through other means, and that a more thorough phase two update should include clear role designations. - Vote: The motion carried (specific tally not recorded, but all commissioners present voted; Commissioners Eber, Abaza, and Ron abstained from voting on resolutions 2026-023 and 2026-024 due to prior absence, but they participated in this vote on the motion to postpone). Committee Reports - Commissioner Ron provided an update from the AMATS Citizen Advisory Committee meeting of April 28, 2026. Items included: a letter regarding highway safety improvement projects, concerns about pedestrian barriers on Fifth Avenue, and an update on the Tudor Road Interchange project. Also discussed were letters between the Alaska Department of Law and FHWA about final decisional authority for projects in metropolitan planning areas, referencing the Safer Seward Highway project. The committee is updating its Transportation Improvement Program based on new census data, with public workshops scheduled over the summer. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

On May 8, 2026, the Anchorage Assembly held a work session from approximately 2:08 PM to 3:00 PM to receive training on Alaska's Open Meetings Act and the municipality's updated public meetings code (Assembly Ordinance 2025-91). The training was led by Jeff Bazell and included discussion of definitions, the QB rule, serial meetings, executive sessions, and consequences of violations. Assembly members participated in a Q&A. Training Presentation - Jeff Bazell reviewed the state's Open Meetings Act (AS 44.62.310–312) and the municipality's Chapter 1.25 public meetings code. - Defined "governmental body" (three types: policy-making, advisory, and subordinate units of two or more) and "municipal body" as synonymous. - Defined "meeting": for policy-making bodies like the Assembly, a meeting occurs when more than three members or a majority (whichever is less) are present and collectively consider a matter they are empowered to act upon, regardless of whether the gathering is planned or unplanned. - Introduced the "QB Rule" (Quantity and Business) to assess whether a gathering constitutes a meeting requiring public notice. - Discussed serial/sequential meetings and cautioned against round-robin discussions via email, phone, text, or social media that could involve more than three members discussing the same public business. - Noted exceptions: meetings performing judicial/quasi-judicial functions (if solely adjudicatory), staff meetings, conferences of regional/national organizations (e.g., AML), community council meetings, and purely social gatherings—though members should be mindful of optics and avoid discussing business. - Explained executive sessions: limited to specific reasons (e.g., adverse financial effect, prejudice character), must begin and end in a public meeting, and no action may be taken in executive session except directions to attorney or labor negotiator. - Highlighted consequences of violations: administrative contest to Board of Ethics, court action within 180 days, potential voiding of action, civil fines for pattern of intentional violations, and disciplinary actions including recall. Questions and Clarifications - An assembly member asked if a topic that was previously on the agenda but pulled still counts as a matter members are empowered to act upon; clarified yes. - Clarification on the abbreviation "WWMASMC" (Worldwide Municipal Assembly something—humorous aside). - Distinguished between formally created subcommittees (adopted by resolution or on record) and informal collaboration among three members; the latter does not create an official body but the QB rule still applies. - The role of the mayor under the Open Meetings Act: mayor may participate and make motions but cannot vote; mayor is not counted as one of the three members for co-sponsorship purposes; mayor can communicate individually with members. Key Outcomes - Training concluded; no formal actions or votes taken. - Assembly members were encouraged to consult clerk staff, legal counsel, and ethics resources with questions. - The meeting adjourned.

The Anchorage Assembly held a work session on May 8, 2026, from approximately 11:50 AM to 1:50 PM, focused on training in Robert's Rules of Order. The session was led by Jeff Razell of the Municipal Clerk's Office, with participation from Assembly members Anna Brawley (Chair), Daniel Bowlin (Vice Chair), Janice Park, Sydney Scout, and others. The training covered motion classes, precedence, common motions, and how assembly procedures intersect with municipal code. Key Discussions - Motion Classes: Razell introduced main, subsidiary, privileged, incidental, and bring-back motions, explaining that assembly rules combine Robert's Rules with municipal code (e.g., laid-on-the-table items have unique procedures). - Precedence Chart: The precedence of motions was demonstrated using examples, such as the order of voting (privileged motions first, then incidental, subsidiary, and main). - Common Motions Reviewed: Detailed explanations were given for motions like amend, call the question, postpone indefinitely, point of order, point of information, recess, adjourn, and reconsider. Razell emphasized that call the question requires a supermajority vote (8 of 12 members) and is not debatable. - Laid-on-the-Table Items: The process for adding last-minute items (supplemental materials, ordinances/resolutions for introduction, and new items for action) was explained. New items for action require a supermajority vote to be added. - Municipal Code Exceptions: Chair Brawley noted that the assembly has a one-hour debate limit per item, and reconsideration can be filed by email within 24 hours of adjournment, which suspends implementation until the next meeting. - Dilatory Behavior: Vice Chair Bowlin mentioned that dilatory behavior (e.g., repeatedly calling the question on the same motion) is recognized in Robert's Rules and can be ruled out of order. - Germane Debate: Discussion on postponing indefinitely highlighted challenges in determining what is germane during debate. A code change now limits debate on postponement indefinitely when the public hearing is open. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were made; the session was purely educational. - Training materials (PowerPoint and a separate agenda training recording) will be made available on the G drive. - The next work session at 2:05 PM will cover the Open Meetings Act. - Members were encouraged to consult the clerk's office, chair, or vice chair with future questions.

The Municipal Board of Ethics convened a work session on Friday, May 8, 2026, from approximately 10:40 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. to provide ethics training for assembly members and other municipal public servants. The training was led by Paul Irvesti, a municipal ethics officer, and covered the code of ethics, with emphasis on conflicts of interest, use of municipal resources, gifts, and political/partisan activity. Eva Gardner, municipal attorney, also participated in clarifying several provisions. Discussion Items - Use of Municipal Resources: Irvesti explained that municipal resources must be used for municipal purposes, with a de minimis personal use exception that does not apply to political activities or outside business interests. The exception also does not apply when the public has the same access to the resource (e.g., reserving a library room). - Political vs. Partisan Activity: The code defines "political" as matters on the ballot (candidates, ballot initiatives), while "partisan" is broader—supporting or opposing any cause or action. The definition can create confusion; for example, wearing a breast cancer awareness ribbon technically qualifies as partisan under the code. Irvesti noted a potential code revision to clarify this definition. - Gifts: The general rule is that gifts related to a public servant's role are prohibited if the giver has interests substantially affected by the official's duties. Even gifts under $50 may be improper based on timing and nature (e.g., bringing cookies before a hearing). Travel benefits over $500 require a special disclosure form filed with the municipal clerk. - Conflicts of Interest: The core framework is a private interest plus an official action. A permissible conflict is minor or inconsequential; a prohibited conflict involves a substantial private interest. The duty is to disclose potential conflicts to the body, which then determines whether participation is allowed. The body's decision is final and not subject to board of ethics review. Irvesti stressed the importance of over-disclosure when in doubt: "disclose, disclose, disclose." - Appearances Before Boards or Commissions: Assembly members may appear before other boards or commissions to explain legislation, but they cannot appear on behalf of a private party in an adjudicatory capacity. - Advisory Opinions and Complaints: Advisory opinions can be requested by a person on their own behalf; confidentiality may be waived. Complaints have strict confidentiality rules to prevent weaponization (e.g., before an election). Key Outcomes - The training emphasized that municipal public servants—elected officials, board/commission members, and employees—are subject to the code of ethics. Unintentional violations are common; awareness and proactive disclosure are the best safeguards. - Participants were encouraged to contact the ethics officers (Paul Irvesti or Joe Busa) for real-time, confidential advice on ethics questions. - A handout summarizing dos and don'ts for political and partisan activity was distributed. - The board’s website offers past decisions, board policies, and a disclosure form for elected officials to file within 30 days of election or when acquiring an interest in a municipal contract. - No formal votes or decisions were taken; the session was purely educational.