Sitka Assembly Regular Meeting – August 11, 2026

The Sitka City and Borough Assembly met on August 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting featured a special report on the economic impact of cruise tourism, quarterly department updates, public testimony on childcare and cell tower regulations, and a detailed debate on a proposed commercial passenger vehicle ordinance that was ultimately postponed to November 24, 2026. The Assembly also approved consent agenda items, reappointed a Planning Commission member, passed a supplemental appropriation for a Harrigan Centennial Hall fee waiver, and approved an amendment to a parks and recreation master plan agreement. The meeting concluded with an executive session to screen municipal administrator applicants, where two candidates were selected for interviews.

Special Reports

• Cruise Port Profile Presentation: Tourism Manager Judson Rusk presented an overview of a report commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), prepared by Tourism Economics, on cruise activity and economic impacts in Sitka for 2024. Key statistics included $105 million in direct cruise-related spending ($81 million from passengers, $25 million from cruise lines), an average passenger spend of $136 per visit (43% tours/excursions, 34% retail/shopping, 15% food/beverage), total economic output of $156 million across Alaska, $85 million contributed to GDP, 754 jobs supported (569 direct, 185 indirect/induced), and $46 million in wages. Demand for the Alaska cruise market grew 40% from 2019 to 2024, but projections show a 9% increase through 2030, indicating stability. Assembly members asked about the geographic scope of impacts and sales tax revenue, and noted that only 47% of surveyed businesses were satisfied with the cruise industry's current impact, though Rusk noted improvements since the survey.
• Harbor Quarterly Report: Harbormaster Brandon Calhoun reported reduced transient traffic this summer, a shift to smaller vessel sizes, over 2,000 reservations across all facilities, 525 hot berths, and full staffing.
• Public and Government Relations Quarterly Report: Director Melissa Lunas reported completion of a communications plan, progress on the next strategic plan (FY27-32), and updates on federal funding requests including $5 million for Marine Service Center repairs and $10 million for wastewater disinfection. The Childcare Funding Summit was highlighted as a collaborative success.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Childcare Summit: Rachel Roy (Sitka Chamber) reported on the well-attended summit, expressing gratitude to city staff and assembly members who participated, and noting that a grant report will be shared with the Assembly.
• Cell Tower Regulations: Carol Voisin and Kelly Sweeney requested that the Assembly prioritize developing a code for cell towers, especially in R1 zones, citing a landowner on Nancy Court attempting to build towers without permits. They suggested adopting codes similar to Juneau’s and asked for a moratorium or interim rules. Kelly Sweeney warned of a potential referendum if action is not taken.
• On Taxi Ordinance (Public comments during new business): Several taxi and tour operators and community members testified. Elias Carroll (Title Taxi) emphasized that taxi demand has decreased due to shuttles and hotel services, and that increased regulations could make operations unsustainable. Nalani James (Bayside Taxi) expressed that the process lacked communication and that the proposed fare structure was insulting to drivers. Laura Rogers (Cool Bus) noted she did not receive the draft and raised concerns about limiting flexibility for nonprofits and discounted services. Bethany Lowrance (High Output Tours) opposed several Class C regulations, including sunset restrictions and high insurance requirements. Sig Rutter criticized the zone-based fare increases that would triple some fares, harming low-income residents. Rachel Roy (Chamber) expressed frustration that the tourism commission had not been consulted and suggested a roundtable approach.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the minutes of the July 28, 2026 Assembly meeting (7-0).
• Retail Marijuana License Renewals: Approved renewals for Michelle Jones dba The Joint at 327 Seward Street, Suite #7, and Weed Dudes Incorporated dba Weed Dudes at 1321 Sawmill Creek Road, Suite J & K (7-0).

Board, Commission, Committee Appointments

• Planning Commission Reappointment: Darrell Windsor was reappointed to a three-year term on the Planning Commission (7-0). Public comment from Rachel Roy noted the seat was not openly advertised, but the Clerk explained the standard procedure of reappointing before the term expires to avoid a lapse.

Unfinished Business

• Ordinance 26-19 – Harrigan Centennial Hall Fee Waiver: Approved on second and final reading (7-0). The ordinance makes supplemental appropriations for FY2027 to waive fees for conventions bringing at least 100 attendees in the off-season. Tourism Manager Judson Rusk reported that Alaska Airlines has expressed interest in offering a 10% or higher discount code for qualifying events, potentially lowering travel barriers.

New Business

• Ordinance 26-20 – Commercial Passenger Vehicles (First Reading and Postponement):
  • Administrator John Leach introduced a comprehensive rewrite of taxi regulations, creating three service classes (Class A: taxis, Class B: tours/shuttles/limousines, Class C: human-powered vehicles), a zone-based flat fare schedule, civil enforcement instead of misdemeanors, and relaxed licensing requirements (e.g., removing duplicate state inspections). He noted the ordinance responded to years of public input and litigation.
  • After extensive public testimony and assembly discussion, concerns included lack of recent communication, fare structure impacts on low-income riders, and restrictions on flexible operations. Leach withdrew his sponsorship due to personal criticism and a short tenure remaining. Assembly members Saline and Christianson agreed to sponsor. The Assembly voted to postpone the ordinance to the November 24, 2026 meeting (7-0). The Assembly also directed that the item go to the Tourism Commission and Police and Fire Commission for further input.
• Item F – First Amendment to MOA with Sitka Recreation Foundation: Approved (7-0). The amendment modifies the agreement for the creation of a Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The Assembly had previously approved $20,000 in funding; this amendment formalizes the terms, specifying that any additional CBS funding beyond the stated amount must come from grants or support sources exclusively accessible to government entities.

Key Outcomes

• Cruise impact report received and noted; no formal action taken.
• Consent Agenda: Approved minutes and marijuana license renewals.
• Planning Commission: Reappointed Darrell Windsor.
• Harrigan Centennial Hall Fee Waiver: Approved ordinance on final reading.
• Commercial Passenger Vehicle Ordinance: Postponed to November 24, 2026; new sponsors assigned; further public engagement planned.
• Parks and Rec Master Plan MOA: Approved first amendment.
• Executive Session: The Assembly screened municipal administrator applicants and selected two candidates for Zoom interviews. Assistant Municipal Administrator Josh Branthoover will release the names upon scheduling.

Reports

• Administrator Leach reported on a meeting with Congressman Nick Begich.
• Assemblymember Riley reported on Planning Commission activities (upcoming ADU code changes).
• Assemblymember Carlson reported on the Sitka Walkability Advocacy Collab, noting a crosswalk painting event and pedestrian safety vest distribution.

Executive Session

• Motion to go into executive session to review municipal administrator applications passed 7-0. The Assembly excluded the Municipal Administrator and Municipal Attorney. Session lasted from 9:20 p.m. to 9:44 p.m. Upon reconvening, Mayor Eisenbeisz announced two candidates would be interviewed via Zoom.