City and Borough of Sitka Assembly Meeting Summary – November 12, 2024

The Sitka Assembly met on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 6:00 PM in Assembly Chambers, preceded by a joint work session with the Sustainability Commission. The assembly approved routine consent items, a school maintenance agreement, several supplemental appropriations, and directed the purchase of an EV transit van. Two items drew extended debate: a memorandum of understanding with Sitka Dock Company and the EV van procurement.

Consent Calendar

• Item A: Approved the minutes of the October 22 Assembly meeting by a 7-0 vote.

Appointments

• Item B: Appointed Robert Hattle to three-year terms on the Police and Fire Commission and on the Local Emergency Planning Committee (Category 6 – Members of the Public) by a 7-0 vote.

Unfinished Business

• ORD 24-24 (Airport Terminal Project supplemental appropriation, second reading): Approved 7-0.
• MOU with Sitka Dock Company, LLC: Approved 4-3. The MOU outlines the city's use of community-owned lightering facilities and expresses intent to limit passenger volumes. Supporters, including Mayor Eisenbeisz, Kevin Mosher, Tim Pike, and Chris Ystad, called it a step forward, a statement of intent, and a way to avoid 10,000-passenger days. Opponents Thor Christiansen, JJ Carlson, and Scott Saline argued the agreement was one-sided, lacked enforceability, offered little benefit, and could not prevent supermax ships or shoulder-season sailings. Public comment: Leah Mason opposed the MOU, while Valerie Nelson supported it as a good step.

New Business

• MOA with Sitka School District for Facility Maintenance: Approved 7-0. Staff from both entities developed the agreement, which transfers four maintenance staff, equipment, and workspace, defines capital improvement planning and maintenance priorities. Assembly members praised the collaboration.
• Promotion of Brooke Volschenk to Finance Director: Approved 7-0. Finance Director Melissa Haley will depart April 1, 2025; Volschenk has been mentored as part of a succession plan.
• ORD 24-25 (Finance Department supplemental appropriation, first reading): Approved 7-0. Funds recruitment of a controller and a half-FTE position through June 30, 2025.
• ORD 24-26 (Marine Vessel Haul Out and Shipyard Project, first reading): Approved 7-0. Accepts $336,475 in salmon disaster funding for the haul-out project.
• ORD 24-27 (Solid Waste Vehicle, first reading): Approved 7-0. Approves about $20,000 to repurpose an ambulance chassis into a heavy-duty truck for solid waste.
• ORD 24-28 (Crescent Harbor Courts, first reading): Approved 7-0. Accepts a $125,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant with a $125,000 match for court resurfacing, fencing, lighting, and restroom siting.
• EV Transit Van for Parks and Recreation: Motion to direct purchase of an EV version passed 4-3. The Sitka Recreation Foundation donated $70,000–$75,000; an EV would require an additional $40,000–$45,000. Supporters cited lower life-cycle costs, environmental benefits, and paying the city's electric utility. Opponents questioned the higher upfront cost, carbon payback period, all-wheel-drive capability, and relatively low expected usage. The parks and recreation coordinator estimated usage at least four to five times per week during summer.
• BABA Waiver Support: The assembly directed the mayor to sign the Alaska Municipal League's op-ed supporting a Build America, Buy America Act waiver for Alaska. No opposing votes were voiced.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Austin Cramford submitted a records request regarding controlled substances at the Jarvis Street shelter. He said the city stated records could not be located, and he asked for a response by the end of the week.
• During persons to be heard later, Cramford spoke against the BABA waiver and raised questions about the city's legal representation in the Baranov Taxi lawsuit.
• Leah Mason spoke twice: first opposing the MOU, then commenting on EV maintenance advantages and criticizing the MOU process.

Reports

• Mayor Eisenbeisz reported attending a GPIP meeting and emphasized that the haul-out project is for the community.
• Administrator John Leach thanked the assembly for the strategic plan workshop and noted plans to bring updated goals to the December 17 meeting.
• Attorney Rachel Jones gave a brief update. Clerk Jess Earnshaw noted board vacancies and rescheduled December meetings (Dec. 17 and 30).

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes, appointment, and multiple appropriations.
• Approved the Sitka Dock Company MOU on a 4-3 vote.
• Directed Parks and Recreation to purchase an EV transit van on a 4-3 vote.
• Directed the mayor to sign the AML BABA waiver op-ed.
• School district maintenance MOA approved unanimously.