City and Borough Assembly Regular Meeting - August 25, 2026

The City and Borough Assembly met on August 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM in Assembly Chambers. Deputy Mayor JJ Carlson presided in the absence of Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz. The meeting included special reports, approval of consent agenda, appointments, new business items including a terminal sublease with Alaska Airlines, hiring of a fire chief, and a public records appeal hearing.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the August 11 Assembly meeting.
• Approved renewal applications for Northern Lights Indoor Gardens, LLC for a standard marijuana cultivation facility license and a retail marijuana store license.
• Authorized the sale of a Sierra Shear Baler valued at more than $25,000 in accordance with Sitka General Code 18.10.020.
• Motion passed 6-0.

Appointments

• Reappointed Rachel Worthey to a three-year term on the Library Commission and Mary Ann Hall to a three-year term on the Local Emergency Planning Committee under Category 6 (Members of the Public). Approved 6-0.

Special Reports

• Sitka School District: Reported on recent awards (Microsoft Elevate Pathfinder School, SHI Distinguished Educator Award), concerns about federal E-rate program restructuring that could impact $65,000 direct funding and $250,000 leveraged tech refresh, and the state's renewed discussion on local contribution formulas affecting partnerships.
• Sitka Tribe of Alaska: New General Manager Bert Adams provided updates on summer camps (over 85 students), ordinance revisions, and community weaving gatherings. He highlighted strong government-to-government collaboration.
• Planning & Community Development: Director Amy Ainsley reported on the housing development land study (phase two geohazard mapping ongoing), Safe Streets project moving to contract, centralized permitting challenges, parks and rec summer camp serving 54 children, and building department activity (50% increase in inspections Q2 vs Q1). Planning office will close Sept 8-11 for project delivery planning.
• Assessing: Director Larry Reeder reported 90% of residential reappraisal completed, with 10% remaining. A conservative 3% annual trend was applied for 2026 (versus an indicated 10% trend) to avoid large valuation shocks. Goals include completing reappraisal and training appraiser Casey Kinslow to Level 3 certification.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Debbie Miller (off-agenda): Announced the second annual American Documentary and Animation Film Festival, October 9-11 at the PAC and Coliseum, with 33 films and filmmakers from around the world. Free director’s forum at the library for students.
• Jeffrey Reinhardt (on item F): Expressed strong support for hiring Brian McLaughlin as Fire Chief, citing his leadership and Coast Guard background.

Discussion Items

• Item E – Terminal Sublease with Alaska Airlines: Administrator John Leach explained the new sublease increases square footage and rates (from $277,000/year to $504,000 in FY27, then $735,400 in FY28) with a scaled increase to avoid shock. The lease is for aeronautical use; non-aeronautical leases (restaurant, gift shop) will follow. Assembly members thanked staff and noted the need for a port director. Motion to approve with authority for administrator to execute passed 6-0.
• Item F – Fire Chief Hiring: Administrator Leach presented the recommendation for Brian McLaughlin, who served as interim chief for four months. Public testimony and assembly members praised his leadership, training, and trust-building. Motion to hire passed 6-0.
• Item G – Appeal of Public Records Determination: Austin Cranford appealed the municipal clerk’s denial of his June 23 request for documents explaining why the online records portal requires a “certificate of non-litigation affiliation” and narrowing prompts not found on the paper form. He sought direction to search for emails, tickets, or instructions behind those features. Municipal Attorney Rachel Jones argued the request was for legal analysis, not documents, and that any specific document requests should be filed anew. After an evidentiary hearing (appellant 10 min, city 10 min, rebuttal 5 min, city response 5 min), the assembly deliberated and voted 6-0 to deny the appeal, upholding the clerk’s July 6 response.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda, Appointments, Sublease, Fire Chief all approved unanimously (6-0).
• Appeal denied (6-0); the clerk’s response was upheld.
• Administrator’s Report: Highlighted serious airport funding issues – the state has withheld over $10 million in reimbursements since May due to an ICAP rate dispute. Three possible actions: restructure for true co-operator status (like Ketchikan), have the state fulfill existing duties, or return terminal operations to the state.
• Liaison Reports: Parking committee reviewed security cameras and will review commercial use plan next month; Planning Commission unanimously recommended ADU code changes to the assembly (scheduled for Sept 22).
• Clerk’s Report: Municipal election early voting begins Sept 21, election Oct 6. Candidate interviews for administrator set for Sept 10.
• Other: A public meeting on taxi code revisions will be held October 21 at Assembly Chambers.