City and Borough of Sitka Assembly Regular Meeting - August 13, 2024

The Sitka City and Borough Assembly met on August 13, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 6:28 PM with four members present (Christianson, Mosher, Carlson, Saline) and three absent (Eisenbeisz, Ystad, Pike). The assembly approved consent items, made appointments to boards and commissions, approved the Health Needs and Human Services Commission 2024 goals, and passed the first reading of an ordinance to establish a Tourism Commission.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the June 11, 12, 25, July 9, and 23 Assembly meetings. Motion passed 4-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Austin Cranford spoke during Persons to Be Heard, inquiring whether the city had recovered any funds from the cyber incident that also affected Ketchikan Gateway Borough, and requested a public response if not.
• On the Parks and Recreation Committee appointment, Cranford expressed support for Katie Sill, noting her dedication from working with her at the University of Alaska in Sitka.
• On the Tourism Commission ordinance, Cranford raised concerns about the vacancy language in sections 2.32.020 and 2.32.050, stating it could allow the assembly to appoint without public process, and requested rewording to follow other commissions.

Discussion Items

• Appointment to Parks and Recreation Committee: Assembly members considered two applicants: incumbent Brandon Marx and Katie Sill. After deliberation, each member stated their choice; Marx received four votes and was appointed. Sill received no votes.
• Reappointments and Appointment: Unanimous approval of Andrew Callistini to a three-year term on the Port and Harbors Commission, Amy Zanuzoski to a three-year term on the Local Emergency Planning Committee (category 4), and Zachery Carlson to a three-year term on the Local Emergency Planning Committee (category 7).
• Health Needs and Human Services Commission 2024 Goals: Chair Crystal Duncan presented the goals, focusing on childcare services, community transportation, and elder services. She noted that the goals were delayed due to quorum issues. The assembly praised the alignment with the strategic plan and approved the goals 4-0.
• Ordinance 24-21 Tourism Commission (First Reading): Sponsored by Assembly Members Carlson and Christianson, the ordinance adds Chapter 2.32 to Title 2 of the Sitka General Code, creating a Tourism Commission with seven at-large seats, including one nominated by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska. The commission would annually review city funding and management of the visitor industry. Christianson emphasized the all-at-large structure as a new approach. Carlson noted the ordinance reflects recommendations from the Tourism Task Force. Public comment raised concerns about vacancy appointment language. The assembly approved first reading 4-0, with further discussion expected at the next meeting with a full assembly.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved (4-0).
• Brandon Marx appointed to Parks and Recreation Committee (4 votes for Marx).
• Andrew Callistini, Amy Zanuzoski, and Zachery Carlson appointed to respective commissions (4-0).
• Health Needs and Human Services Commission 2024 goals approved (4-0).
• Ordinance 24-21 Tourism Commission approved on first reading (4-0). Second reading and public hearing scheduled for a future meeting.
• Reports: Acting Administrator Amy Ainslie reported on meetings with Representative Peltola (thanked for $500,000 in CDS funds for the haul-out project) and USDOT Tribal Affairs, eligibility for up to $1 million in DOE Section 242 hydroelectric incentive funding for Blue Lake, and Norwegian Cruise Lines' announcement to eliminate sailings during the first three weeks of April and last three weeks of October starting 2026. Clerk Peterson reported on current board/commission vacancies and the upcoming municipal election (early voting September 16-30, polls open October 1, 7 AM to 8 PM).
• Meeting adjourned at 6:28 PM.