Sitka Assembly Regular Meeting – April 14, 2026

The City and Borough of Sitka Assembly met on April 14, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Assembly Chambers. Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz was absent; six members were present. The meeting included approval of a supplemental appropriation for snow removal, adoption of the Sitka Historic Preservation Plan with a sunset provision for Appendix G, first reading of an ordinance to codify postponement rules, and a failed lease agreement with Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA). The meeting adjourned at 9:28 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the minutes of the March 24 and 25, 2026 Assembly meetings.
• Liquor License Renewals: Approved renewals for Nugget Restaurant, Harbor Mountain Brewing Company, Bayview Restaurant, and The Sitka Hotel.

Public Comments & Testimony (Off-Agenda)

• Garry White and Sherri Blankenship (Southeast Alaska Business Alliance) introduced SEBA, a new workforce development initiative focused on training, business performance, and regional coordination.
• Bobby Pendleton (Sitka Community Land Trust homeowner) spoke in support of the Community Land Trust model, describing it as a crucial pathway to stable homeownership for low-to-moderate income residents, and highlighted its positive ripple effects on community stability.
• Angie Bowers and Kristin Reynolds (University of Alaska Southeast) presented a mariculture facility project: a floating hatchery and nursery to be moved from Ketchikan, supporting shellfish and kelp production, education, and research. The facility is funded by state grants and UAS campus funding, with completion expected by August 2026.

Discussion Items

• ORD 26-07 – Supplemental Appropriations for Snow Removal (Second Reading): Public Works Director Mark Seavey reported that the department received approximately four feet of snow, incurring additional overtime and three contracted snow removal contracts. The ordinance passed 6-0.

• E 26-051 – Sitka Historic Preservation Plan (Postponed from March 24): The Assembly considered adoption of the plan, which had been in development for 17 years. The main point of contention was Appendix G, which outlines the local historic preservation review process.

  • Key positions:
    • Planning Director Amy Ainslie outlined two paths: replace Appendix G before adoption (as initially directed) or adopt the plan now with a sunset provision for Appendix G, as recommended by the Historic Preservation Commission.
    • Historic Preservation Commission members (Roby Littlefield, Nicole Fiorino, Karen Lucas, Anne Pollnow) spoke in strong support of adoption, noting extensive public input over 17 years and the plan’s compliance with state requirements. They argued the plan is essential for maintaining Certified Local Government status and that Appendix G can be improved later.
    • Assembly members expressed varied views:
      • Deputy Mayor Pike favored status quo adjustments to Appendix G, moderate timeline, and preferred adopting the plan now.
      • Carlson supported the amendment (sunset within one year) and argued that delaying the plan over one appendix is unnecessary.
      • Saline emphasized the need for clarity in Appendix G for the public and opposed passing an incomplete plan.
      • Riley supported the amendment, noting that the current process already exists and that public engagement requirements have been met.
  • Amendment Vote: Motion to amend Appendix G to sunset one year from adoption and be replaced prior to sunset passed 5-1 (Pike opposed).
  • Main Motion Vote: The plan as amended was approved 6-0.

• ORD 26-08 – Amending Title 2 to Add Postponement Rules (First Reading): Municipal Clerk Sara Peterson explained that under Robert’s Rules, postponement is limited to the next regular meeting unless a rule allows otherwise. The ordinance would codify the ability to postpone to a specific date and time. Approved 6-0 on first reading.

• G 26-067 – NSRAA Lease Agreement (Block 4, Lot 1, Gary Paxton Industrial Park): The proposed 10-year lease (with four 10-year renewal options) at $800/month (22% of market rate of $3,480/month) was debated.

  • GPIP Director Garry White provided history: NSRAA has been leasing lots 2 and 3 since 2006; the new lease would combine them into one lot. The GPIP board recommended the reduced rate based on NSRAA’s economic contributions.
  • NSRAA representatives (Adam Olson, Jackie Foss, Justin Peler) emphasized the organization’s substantial economic impact: $37 million in seafood landings in Sitka (2024), 24% from chum salmon (90%+ hatchery-produced), and contributions to commercial, sport, and charter fisheries. They requested the reduced rate to avoid diverting funds from fish production.
  • Assembly Discussion:
    • Pike argued that enterprise funds (like GPIP) should not subsidize leases; the Assembly should subsidize NSRAA directly via the general fund if desired.
    • Mosher supported the lease as is, noting GPIP’s mission is to support marine industry, and that NSRAA’s benefits are “incalculable.”
    • Carlson expressed concern about the $800 rate without CPI adjustments; later clarified that renewal terms included a 10% cap based on appraised value, providing some adjustment.
    • Saline raised concerns about precedent and enterprise fund solvency; preferred sending the lease back to GPIP board to set a market rate and then have the Assembly provide a subsidy.
    • Riley supported subsidizing NSRAA but wanted to ensure GPIP’s solvency; considered options like reallocating fish box tax revenue.
    • Christianson supported the lease, emphasizing long-term stability for NSRAA.
  • Outcome: Motion to approve the lease failed 2-4 (Christianson and Mosher yes; Carlson, Pike, Saline, Riley no). The item will return to the GPIP board for renegotiation. A separate lease extension may be needed to avoid holdover penalties.

Key Outcomes

• ORD 26-07 – Snow Removal Appropriation: Approved on second reading (6-0).
• Historic Preservation Plan: Adopted with Appendix G to sunset one year from adoption and be replaced prior to sunset (amendment 5-1; main motion 6-0).
• ORD 26-08 – Postponement Rule: Approved on first reading (6-0); second reading scheduled.
• NSRAA Lease: Motion failed (2-4). The lease will be renegotiated by the GPIP board; an extension of the current leases may be considered to avoid a 75% holdover rent increase.
• Appointment: Chad Goeden appointed to a three-year term on the Investment Committee (6-0).
• Fire Department: Acting Administrator Branthoover reported Chief Craig Warren’s retirement and Brian McLaughlin’s appointment as interim fire chief/emergency manager.
• Upcoming Meetings: Annual evaluations, budget meeting (April 16), second interviews for administrator candidates, and regular meeting April 28.