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Record of Proceedings

Sitka Assembly Meeting: October 14, 2025 - Paid Parking, Appointments, and Resolutions

City and Borough Assembly — Tuesday, October 14, 2025
BodySitka, Alaska
SessionCity and Borough Assembly
DateTuesday, October 14, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Good evening.

0:01

I'd like to call this meeting to order.

0:06

Uh call to order the October 14th assembly meeting.

0:09

Please join me for a flag salute.

0:31

The assembly of the city and borough of Sitka would like to respectfully acknowledge the traditional first people of Sheetka with gratitude.

0:38

We proceed on Clinkettani.

0:40

Uh Sarah, roll call, please.

0:43

Mr.

0:44

Pike.

0:44

Here.

0:45

Ms.

0:45

Carlson.

0:46

Here.

0:47

Mr.

0:47

Yestad.

0:48

Here.

0:48

Mr.

0:48

Christensen.

0:49

Here.

0:50

Mr.

0:50

Mosher.

0:51

Here.

0:51

Mr.

0:51

Steline.

0:52

Here.

0:52

And Mayor Isenbiz is absent.

0:55

Thank you.

0:57

Uh item five.

0:59

Are there any correspondence or agenda change changes this evening?

1:06

Seeing none, we'll move on to the special reports.

1:13

Today we have special reports from public works.

1:17

We'll start with public works.

1:22

Mark CD.

1:33

Good evening, assembly.

1:34

Mark CV, public works director.

1:37

For position allocation, since last time we've talked, we're now at 39 out of 43.

1:42

We've dropped to 91%.

1:44

That is mainly due to my movement into the public works director, which was previously the only vacant role.

1:50

Additionally, we've had our public works contractor representative move to the electric department and fill their vacant position.

1:57

And we have had two building and maintenance specialists move one to the harbor department and one left the state.

2:04

For those candidates, asset manager currently has six in the OGOVs.

2:08

We're working on selecting interviews for those with a target list of 15.

2:12

We've had views for our public works contract manager position, but no candidates yet.

2:17

And we currently have two candidates for a vacant building maintenance technician with one additional that was directed by the assembly for a new FTE.

2:25

Additionally, we've completed traffic control training here on site for our public works staff for traffic control technicians and supervisors.

2:33

We've had a member complete their CDL training.

2:36

Personnel wise, we've also completed a uh lead service line inventory for our water department, which is a big lift for them.

2:44

We've also gotten back into school season, which has been a large part of our our maintenance efforts is getting everything squared away as the school season starts off.

2:52

We now have the operational haul out, which is dedicated some building maintenance time, and we're also working on our winterization plans right now.

3:00

Additionally, we've also had our uh second code required household hazardous waste event, which is kind of new for us.

3:07

We've traditionally only had the event in the spring.

3:10

Budget wise, we're at 37% overall for the department.

3:14

When you break it down in the general fund, they're at 24%.

3:17

And when you look into our enterprise funds, water and wastewater are at 14% each, and then our solid waste fund is at 87%.

3:25

That's mainly because of their encumbrances for the contracts that service our collections, our disposal fees, and our recycling.

3:33

And then moving into our projects.

3:35

The main projects I had in there are the Thompson Harbor Lift Station.

3:38

That's a critical piece of infrastructure for us, as it is the last list station that then pumps everything through the two force mains across the channel to our wastewater treatment facility.

3:46

Uh that project has made some major milestones.

3:48

We've essentially bypassed the old infrastructure while constructing the new infrastructure that will replace it.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Airport Operations███████████████████████████27%
Public Safety██████████████14%
Procedural████████████12%
Parks and Recreation███████████11%
Public Works█████████9%
Public Engagement███████7%
Community Engagement████4%
Tourism██2%
Arts And Culture██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Sitka Assembly Meeting: October 14, 2025

The City and Borough of Sitka Assembly held its regular meeting on October 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Assembly Chambers. The meeting included special reports, public testimony, consent agenda approval, ceremonial recognition of outgoing and incoming members, and key decisions on paid parking at the airport, a grant for body-worn cameras, liquor and marijuana license renewals, a cooperative resource management agreement, and meeting rescheduling. Major votes were 6-0 in favor for most items.

Consent Calendar

  • 25-135: Approved the minutes of the September 23 Assembly meeting on a 6-0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Danielle Nilo (Filipino Culture Club President) announced the Salasalo event on October 25, 2-4 PM at Blatchley Middle School, featuring Filipino food, performances, and a fundraiser for the Tulong Aro Filipino Scholarship.
  • Pierce Kohler-Kainulainen (student athlete) raised concerns about poor conditions at Kimsham Ballfield: dog waste, unsafe field conditions (moss, gravel, potholes, slippery outfields), and improperly installed bases causing injuries.
  • Zachary Martens questioned whether Sitka residents would have to pay to park to eat at the Nugget restaurant at the airport.
  • Austin Cranford opposed paid parking, citing impacts on family drop-offs and the loss of free short-term parking; also later opposed automated license plate readers for enforcement due to privacy and reliability concerns in rainy/foggy weather.
  • Brian Nothnagel (co-owner, Bear Mountain Car Rental) opposed paid parking, noting rental companies already pay an 8% facility tax and would be double-charged; requested special dispensation for small rental companies.
  • Scott Saline (speaking as private citizen) commented on recent power pole damage on Katlian Street and suggested using the opportunity to upgrade infrastructure.
  • Chad Goeden (speaking as private citizen) expressed opposition to the city managing paid parking at the airport, arguing it is the worst idea except for all other alternatives.

Discussion Items

  • Department Quarterly Reports (Special Reports):
    • Public Works Director Mark Seavey reported 91% staffing (39/43), budget at 37% overall, progress on Thompson Harbor Lift Station and biosolids facility expansion (adding ~75 years of capacity), and completion of various projects.
    • Harrigan Centennial Hall Manager Tony Rosas reported 371 bookings (July-September), 303,000 cruise visitors in Q3 (550,000 for summer season), with 70% entering the hall; budget at 16% for FY26.
    • Interim Police Chief Chad Goeden reported 40% vacancy rate (11 of 27 positions empty), 14 applicants in background for officers, 4 for dispatchers; budget at 12% due to vacancies.
    • Planning Director Amy Ainslie provided tourism updates: 2025 end-of-season survey open through October 26 (125 respondents so far); Visit Sitka RFQ open until November 13.
  • B. ORD 25-25 - Supplemental Appropriations for Police Vehicles: Approved on second and final reading (6-0).
  • C. Certificate of Election: Municipal Clerk Sara Peterson reported 2,150 ballots counted; certificate accepted (6-0).
  • D. Recognition of Outgoing Assembly Member: Chris Ystad thanked for his service; short recess followed.
  • E. Oath of Office: Catherine (Katie) Riley and Thor Christianson sworn in for three-year terms.
  • F. Commission Appointments: Appointed Sophia Schwantes (Health Needs and Human Services Commission), reappointed Jorgen Eliason (Port and Harbors), Aurora Taylor (Sustainability) – all on 6-0.
  • G. Parks & Recreation Committee Appointment: Two candidates; Manoj Battar spoke to his application and was appointed 6-0; Mariah Groshek received no votes.
  • H. Liquor License Endorsement: Sitka Golf Association dba Sea Mountain Restaurant & 19th Hole sought to expand alcohol service to the golf course grounds. Discussion on lease implications (Attorney Jones noted separate process needed if construction triggers lease amendment). Approved 6-0.
  • I. Marijuana License Renewals: Retail store (Weed Dudes Inc.) and cultivation facility (Vern’s Wicked Weed) renewals approved 6-0; routine.
  • J. RES 25-12 - Body-Worn Camera Grant: Authorized 50/50 matching grant application to DOJ Bureau of Justice Assistance. Chief Goeden noted previous denial; if awarded, supplemental appropriation will follow. Approved 6-0.
  • K. Paid Parking at Airport: Detailed presentation by Airport Terminal Manager Joseph Bae, Public Works Director Mark Seavey, and Finance Director Brooke Volschenk. Staff highlighted increased terminal costs due to expansion, loss of Delta service, and projected deficits. Assembly discussed grace periods, enforcement (license plate readers vs. kiosks), impacts on Nugget restaurant and rental car companies, and need for local control. Consensus to proceed; motion to authorize Administrator to submit bid for Parcel P passed 6-0.
  • L. Cooperative Resource Management Agreement (CRMA) for Baranof Warm Springs: Amy Ainslie explained that the agreement would streamline permitting for commercial recreational land use, reduce costs for operators, and clarify dock ownership. Parks & Recreation Committee unanimously recommended approval. Approved 6-0.
  • M. Meeting Rescheduling: Clerk Peterson proposed rescheduling Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) to Nov. 10; Dec. 9 (AML conference) to Dec. 16; Dec. 23 to Dec. 30. Consensus agreed.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved Consent Calendar (Item A): 6-0.
  • Approved Ordinance 25-25 (Police Vehicle Supplemental): 6-0.
  • Accepted Certificate of Election: 6-0.
  • Appointed Commission Members (F and G): All 6-0.
  • Approved Liquor License Endorsement (H): 6-0.
  • Approved Marijuana License Renewals (I): 6-0.
  • Approved Resolution 25-12 (Body-Worn Camera Grant Application): 6-0.
  • Authorized Administrator to Submit Bid for Airport Paid Parking (K): 6-0.
  • Approved CRMA for Baranof Warm Springs (L): 6-0.
  • Rescheduled Meetings (M): Consensus to move Nov. 11 to Nov. 10, Dec. 9 to Dec. 16, Dec. 23 to Dec. 30.
  • Administrator's Report: Michael Hall hired as lieutenant in police department; will attend APSC certification academy; to be considered for police chief upon certification.
  • Attorney's Report: Office of Administrative Hearings decision (Oct. 1) upheld Planning Commission decision; reconsideration period closes Oct. 15; appeal deadline end of October.
  • Liaison Reports: Mention of library odor issues, Parks & Rec committee approval of CRMA and commercial land use plan (to come to assembly), Planning Commission discussion on alcohol licenses, Police & Fire Commission agenda on body cameras.
  • Clerk's Report: Listed board/commission vacancies; next meeting Oct. 28; government-to-government dinner meeting Nov. 13.
  • Adjournment: 9:04 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. I'd like to call this meeting to order. Uh call to order the October 14th assembly meeting. Please join me for a flag salute. The assembly of the city and borough of Sitka would like to respectfully acknowledge the traditional first people of Sheetka with gratitude. We proceed on Clinkettani. Uh Sarah, roll call, please. Mr. Pike. Here. Ms. Carlson. Here. Mr. Yestad. Here. Mr. Christensen. Here. Mr. Mosher. Here. Mr. Steline. Here. And Mayor Isenbiz is absent. Thank you. Uh item five. Are there any correspondence or agenda change changes this evening? Seeing none, we'll move on to the special reports. Today we have special reports from public works. We'll start with public works. Mark CD. Good evening, assembly. Mark CV, public works director. For position allocation, since last time we've talked, we're now at 39 out of 43. We've dropped to 91%. That is mainly due to my movement into the public works director, which was previously the only vacant role. Additionally, we've had our public works contractor representative move to the electric department and fill their vacant position. And we have had two building and maintenance specialists move one to the harbor department and one left the state. For those candidates, asset manager currently has six in the OGOVs. We're working on selecting interviews for those with a target list of 15. We've had views for our public works contract manager position, but no candidates yet. And we currently have two candidates for a vacant building maintenance technician with one additional that was directed by the assembly for a new FTE. Additionally, we've completed traffic control training here on site for our public works staff for traffic control technicians and supervisors. We've had a member complete their CDL training. Personnel wise, we've also completed a uh lead service line inventory for our water department, which is a big lift for them. We've also gotten back into school season, which has been a large part of our our maintenance efforts is getting everything squared away as the school season starts off. We now have the operational haul out, which is dedicated some building maintenance time, and we're also working on our winterization plans right now. Additionally, we've also had our uh second code required household hazardous waste event, which is kind of new for us.

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