Sitka Assembly Regular Meeting Summary – August 11, 2026

This is a summary of the regular meeting of the City and Borough of Sitka Assembly, held Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Assembly Chambers, 330 Harbor Drive. The meeting included special reports, approval of routine consent items, a contentious ordinance on commercial passenger vehicles that was postponed, and an executive session on the municipal administrator search. All public votes were unanimous (7-0).

Special Reports

• Judson Rusk, Tourism Manager, presented the CLIA-commissioned cruise port profile from Tourism Economics. Key 2024 data for Sitka: $105 million in direct cruise spending ($81M from passengers, $25M from cruise lines); average passenger spending of $136 (43% tours/excursions, 34% retail, 15% food/beverage); $156M total economic output, $85M GDP contribution, 754 jobs supported, and $46M in wages across Alaska. Rusk noted Alaska cruise demand grew 40% from 2019-2024, double the global rate (17%), with growth projected to slow to 9% by 2030. In response to questions, he clarified that the $156M output is statewide, not Sitka-only.
• Harbors Quarterly Report: Harbormaster Brandon Calhoun reported less transient traffic this summer, a shift toward smaller vessels (32-foot vs 40-50 foot), over 2,000 reservations, 525 hot berths, and full staffing.
• Public & Government Relations: Director Melissa Lounis reported completion of the city's Communications Plan (budget $46,285; ~$20,000 expended) and a timeline extension for additional work. She also noted the FY27 congressional request of $5M for the Marine Service Center, the FY26 $10M wastewater disinfection grant (now in application phase), and an administrative policies inventory. Assembly member Katie Riley criticized the plan's quality and value, questioning consultant costs and duplication of existing efforts; Lounis defended the process.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the July 28, 2026 Assembly meeting.
• Approved retail marijuana license renewals for Michelle Jones dba The Joint (327 Seward St, Suite 7) and Weed Dudes Incorporated dba Weed Dudes (1321 Sawmill Creek Rd, Suites J & K). Vote: 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony (Off-Agenda Items)

• Rachel Roy (Sitka Chamber) highlighted the recent childcare summit, noting over 50 attendees and broad collaboration.
• Carol Voyson, an R1 zone resident on Nancy Court, requested a new cell tower code and a moratorium on cell tower construction in R1 zones. She cited a prior unanimous Planning Commission denial of a 130-foot tower variance and ongoing attempts to build 35-foot towers without permits.
• Kelly Sweeney (by phone) supported Voyson, recommending adoption of Juneau's wireless facility code, and warning of a potential ballot referendum if the city does not act.

Commission Appointment

• Darrell Windsor was reappointed to the Planning Commission for a three-year term. Vote: 7-0. Public comment by Rachel Roy noted the seat had not been publicly advertised; the clerk's office explained that reappointments are typically brought the meeting before a term expires and that applications are accepted at any time.

Unfinished Business

• ORD 26-19 (supplemental appropriations for FY2027 Harrigan Centennial Hall fee waiver) passed on second/final reading. Vote: 7-0. Tourism Manager Rusk added that Alaska Airlines is interested in offering a 10% discount code for events qualifying for the waiver, with possible further negotiation after a three-year trial.

New Business: ORD 26-20 (Commercial Passenger Vehicles)

• This ordinance, introduced by Administrator John Leach, would replace the existing taxi chapter with a new Commercial Passenger Vehicles chapter establishing three service classes (A: taxis; B: tours, shuttles, limousines; C: human-powered vehicles). It would adopt a zone-based flat fare, convert most violations to civil infractions, remove duplicate state licensing, and add a 10% fee reduction for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
• Public testimony was extensive and largely critical. Concerns included: lack of communication/outreach to current operators (Nalani James); decreased taxi demand and the burden of new regulations (Elias Carroll); limitations on shuttles and nonprofit flexibility (Laura Rogers); five specific issues with Class C rules, including sunset restrictions, CBD-only zoning, two-hour inspections, insurance requirements, and driver permit staffing (Bethany Lawrence); and a taxi operator who argued the new zone fares would triple costs for many riders (e.g., downtown to Tongass Credit Union rising from $6 to $18) and presented a petition of 100 signatures. Rachel Roy also said the business community was not consulted recently and suggested a roundtable.
• Assembly members debated the ordinance at length. Some expressed support for the framework but acknowledged the need for more public input. A motion to postpone the ordinance to November 24, 2026 passed 7-0. Leach asked to withdraw his recommendation, and it was agreed that new sponsors would carry the item forward.

Additional New Business

• Approved the First Amendment to the Memorandum of Agreement between the City and Borough of Sitka and the Sitka Recreation Foundation for the creation of a Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Vote: 7-0. Katie Riley noted that additional city funding beyond the stated amount must come from grants/support accessible exclusively to government entities.

Persons to be Heard (Second Session)

• Henry Moore expressed appreciation for the assembly's efforts.
• Nalani James invited assembly members to ride along with her to understand her business and said the ordinance's permit costs and per-person rates were insulting.
• Rachel Roy encouraged collaboration with business owners, citing the earlier commercial fishing 'dollar per fish' example, and asked for alternatives to town halls.

Reports

• Mayor Eisenbeisz reported a meeting with Congressman Nick Begich's office (as did Administrator Leach), where legislative priorities were shared.
• Katie Riley noted the Planning Commission will discuss ADU code changes next week and she attended the childcare summit.
• JJ Carlson announced a crosswalk painting event on Barracks Street the next morning.

Executive Session

• The assembly moved into executive session to review municipal administrator applications, excluding the administrator and attorney. Vote: 7-0. Upon reconvening, it was announced that two candidates would be interviewed via Zoom.

Key Outcomes

• All votes were 7-0.
• Consent agenda approved; Windsor reappointed; ORD 26-19 approved; MOA amendment approved.
• ORD 26-20 postponed to November 24, 2026.
• Two municipal administrator candidates to be interviewed remotely.