City and Borough Assembly Regular Meeting - June 23, 2026

The assembly convened at 6:00 PM in Assembly Chambers. All seven members were present. The meeting began with a flag salute and land acknowledgement, followed by ceremonial recognition of outgoing Deputy Mayor Timothy Pike for his service from 2022 to 2026.

Consent Calendar

• Approve the minutes of the June 9 Assembly meeting – Approved unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Austin Cranford addressed the newly implemented NextRequest public records portal. He argued that the portal's prompts to narrow requests contradict the Alaska Supreme Court's presumption in favor of disclosure (Fuller v City of Homer). He also questioned the legality of requiring a mandatory certificate of non-litigation affiliation, which is absent from the paper form. After being ignored by the clerk's office, he formally submitted an Alaska Public Records Act request and asked the assembly to direct staff to respond by June 26. The mayor noted this was not a time for back-and-forth, and the assembly declined to make a motion to direct staff.

Discussion Items

• Service Award – Timothy Pike: Mayor Eisenbeisz presented the award, thanking Pike for his steady leadership. Pike expressed gratitude and noted the honor of representing the community.
• Sitka Tribe of Alaska Report (Tribal Chairwoman Yeidikook’áa): Reported recent council actions including an MOU for gray whale research, a joint letter regarding SSD consultation, approval of interim Kana Historic Site agreement, and updates on air quality monitoring (15 new sensors). Also highlighted upcoming community events.
• Finance Quarterly Report – Director Brooke Volschenk: Reviewed interim financial statements through December 31, 2025. Mid-year sales tax revenue appeared strong but included prior-period collections. Second-quarter revenue came in ~$140,000 below projections, indicating potential softening in discretionary spending. Overall financial position stable, consistent with budget assumptions.
• Police Department Quarterly Report – Chief Michael Hall: Staffing improvements noted: new multi-services officer Shannon Oswald (25 years experience), dispatcher hiring progressing, two new officers in training. Statistics for the quarter: 3,447 calls for service, 71 jail bookings, 63 arrests, 212 traffic stops, 26 bear calls. Planned community events: Special Olympics torch run raised ~$3,000; National Night Out shifted to August 8; new body-worn cameras being phased in; three new white patrol cars acquired.
• School District Update – Superintendent Deidre Jensen: Discussed summer professional development, collaboration with STA, and challenges of adding all-day kindergarten (traffic/parking issues). Noted seven teacher retirements, four resignations, and cuts not being backfilled. Expressed appreciation for the Secure Rural Schools funding, which prevented cutting 6–10 more positions.
• ORD 26-16 – Sales Tax Code Update (First Reading): Finance Director Volschenk explained the ordinance updates Section 4.25.330 to allow personal guarantees from all business entity types (LLCs, etc.) which has been the administrative practice. Attorney Jones clarified that "may" language in enforcement tools provides flexibility (e.g., may not be appropriate for government entities). Several assembly members discussed the distinction between sales tax (funds held in trust) and ordinary debt. Saline noted the update matches current practice and does not create new requirements. The ordinance passed 7-0 on first reading.
• Reports: Administrator Leach reported on FY2027 preparations, a visit from U.S. House candidate Bill Hill, and praised police/fire response to a U.S. Coast Guard accident. Attorney Jones updated on the new records portal (positive impact), centralized lease management software, and code recodification. Clerk Bayne outlined upcoming meeting schedule, board vacancies, and filing deadlines for Pike's vacant assembly seat and regular municipal election.
• Executive Session: The assembly entered executive session (7:17–8:05 PM) to review applications for Municipal Administrator, excluding the current administrator and attorney. Upon reconvening, Mayor Eisenbeisz stated the recruitment process will continue.

Key Outcomes

• ORD 26-14 (Supplemental appropriations for Secure Rural Schools) – Approved on second/final reading (7-0).
• ORD 26-15 (Zoning amendment for Gary Paxton special zone) – Approved on second/final reading (7-0).
• ORD 26-16 (Sales tax personal guaranty update) – Approved on first reading (7-0).
• Reappointment of Bert Stedman to a three-year term on the Investment Committee – Approved (7-0).
• Executive Session: Held to screen Municipal Administrator applicants; recruitment continues.
• Next Regular Meeting: July 14, 2026; Work session on child care July 21, 2026.
• Filing Deadlines: For vacant assembly seat – July 8 at noon; for regular municipal election (mayor, two assembly seats, three school board seats) – opens July 20, closes August 7.