Sitka Assembly Regular Meeting – January 9, 2024

The Sitka City and Borough Assembly held a regular meeting on January 9, 2024, with Mayor Eisenbeisz absent and six members present. The Assembly approved multiple ordinances and resolutions, including amendments to all-purpose vehicle regulations, funding for fishermen's work float repairs, and a resolution supporting changes to state residency requirements for hunting and fishing. A significant discussion centered on a $4.5 million housing grant opportunity from the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, resulting in a directive to send a non-binding letter of intent. The Assembly formally accepted the retirement notice of Municipal Attorney Brian Hanson and began the recruitment process, and expressed support for conducting an organization, job classification, and compensation study.

Consent Calendar

• A (24-002): Approved the minutes of the December 26, 2023 Assembly meeting.
• B (RES 24-02): Adopted an alternative allocation method for the FY24 Shared Fisheries Business Tax Program.
• C (RES 24-03): Authorized an application to the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. All items passed unanimously (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

First session (Persons to be Heard – off-agenda items):

• Mike Finn, president of Sitka All-Terrain Riders, alleged that the Police Chief exceeded his authority by requiring mud flaps on APVs, contrary to city code, and stated that the Chief's actions were outside his authority.
• Sam Pointer spoke about employment issues at the Sitka Police Department and criticized Municipal Administrator John Leach for an email he received.

Public comment on ORD 24-01 (APV amendments) during new business:

• Mike Finn, Charity Bacon, Nick McGraw, Gary Cranford, Richard Williams, Roberta Bernhardt, and Valorie Nelson all spoke in support of the ordinance. Supporters emphasized the positive community impact (sidewalk plowing, scholarships), the self-policing of the riding group, and the lack of incidents involving licensed APVs.

Public comment on AHFC Housing Initiative (Item I):

• Will Peterson (Sitka Community Land Trust board president), Lillian Feldpausch (Baranof Island Housing Authority chair), Robin Sherman (Sitka Tribe of Alaska), Cliff Richter (Baranof Island Housing Authority executive director), Annette Evans (recent SCLT homeowner), and Leah Mason all spoke in strong support of pursuing the grant. They cited readiness of projects, the critical need for affordable housing, and the ability to meet federal requirements in partnership with the city.

Second session (Persons to be Heard – on or off agenda):

• Sam Pointer proposed an independent polygraph test regarding the dispute with the city administrator and challenged the administrator to resign if Pointer passed.
• Austin Cranford thanked Municipal Attorney Brian Hanson for his service and asked if candidates for the position would be informed about ongoing litigation against the city.

Discussion Items

• ORD 24-01 – Amending Title 11 (All-Purpose Vehicles): Sponsors Chris Ystad and Timothy Pike introduced the ordinance, which would allow factory-built two-seater APVs on roads and remove the midnight-to-5 a.m. driving restriction for specific travel (to/from airport/ferry for departures/arrivals without detours, and snowplowing). After public support, the Assembly approved first reading unanimously.
• ORD 24-02 – Supplemental Appropriations for Fishermen's Work Float Fortification: Harbormaster Stan Eliason explained the 35-year-old float is in poor condition; the city will accept a $390,000 state grant and provide matching funds to extend the float's life 10-12 years. The ordinance passed first reading 6-0.
• RES 24-01 – Supporting House Bill 201 (Residency Requirements for Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing): Sponsor Chris Ystad presented the resolution, which supports requiring residency for these privileges. It passed first and final reading 6-0.
• Item I – AHFC Last Frontier Housing Initiative: Municipal Administrator John Leach outlined a $4.5 million grant opportunity requiring a 15% local match and a minimum of eight low-income rental units. The Assembly discussed partnerships with local housing organizations and directed Leach to send a non-binding letter of intent to AHFC. No formal vote was taken, but consensus was clear.
• Item J – Acceptance of Attorney Brian Hanson's Retirement: The Assembly formally accepted Hanson's retirement (effective June 30, 2024) and began the recruitment process. Members thanked Hanson for his service. The motion passed 6-0.
• Item K – Organization, Job Classification, and Compensation Study: Leach reported that a compensation study is budgeted, but consultants noted the city's organizational structure needs fixing first (e.g., Leach has 16 direct reports). The Assembly expressed support for the study to improve recruitment, retention, and efficiency.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items and ordinances passed unanimously (6-0).
• ORD 24-01 (APV amendments) was approved on first reading; second reading is scheduled for January 23, 2024.
• ORD 24-02 (work float funding) was approved on first reading.
• RES 24-01 (supporting HB 201) was approved on first and final reading.
• The Assembly directed the Municipal Administrator to send a non-binding letter of intent to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation regarding the $4.5 million Last Frontier Housing Initiative.
• The Assembly formally accepted Municipal Attorney Brian Hanson's retirement and initiated recruitment for a replacement; the job description and pay range will be reviewed at the January 23 meeting.
• The Assembly affirmed support for conducting an organization, job classification, and compensation study.
• The next regular meeting was set for January 23, 2024, with a joint budget work session with the School Board on January 18.