Thread by @ANCDEADBEAT

Alright, here down at the Anchorage Assembly for the March 15th public meeting. Lots of public hearings on the agenda today, so I'm expecting this one to run long! #ANCgov

We've got Stephanie Taylor in the audience tonight! Curious to hear what she'll bring to the table, if anything, or if she's here to witness. #ANCgov

APD also has a strong presence, lots of men in uniform who were standing off to the side but now have taken stance in front of the dyas. #ANCgov

Tonight it seems we have Allard, LaFrance, Kennedy, and Constant calling in through the phone system rather than being in person. As a result, Zalatel will be chairing as far as I can tell. #ANCgov

Allard, asked to do a sound check for her phone quality is asked to recite the alphabet to the letter D. "A for Allard, B, C, D, E"

Can't even follow instructions #ANCgov

I'm embarrassed! It's the fire department's graduating class! Dunbar says it was a pleasure to attend their graduation and they should be immensely proud of their accomplishment #ANCgov

https://twitter.com/ANCDEADBEAT/status/1503897557923106817?t=9yoPQadYam-NSlUNewqDXg&s=19

Weddleton adds, they are part of an incredible team and there's a ton of pressure. We appreciate them. Constant says they, like the assembly, earn every day the right to be in their position. Thanks them. Perez-Verdia agrees and congratulates. #ANCgov

Weddleton reads the land acknowledgement. We are on the traditional lands of the Dena'ina people's, who have been and remain dedicated stewards of the land. #IndigenousPeoples #ANCgov

Mayor's Report. Gas prices are at the highest level ever in the country. Inflation, Ukraine, supply chain all contribute. What can we do? Anchorage imposes a 10 cent per gallon tax, which he has considered repealing. However this leaves us with a $13mil defecit. #ANCgov

He says if the city is serious about repealing the tax, we must reconsider the budget. On reapportionment, he says we need more public testimony and encourages the assembly to not pass the map in a special session #ANCgov

His team went to the state capitol to continue the lobbying for our port. He'll be heading to DC at the end of the month to lobby federally. #ANCgov

He honors the graduating class of the AFD. He speaks for everyone when he says we appreciate our firefighters, paramedics, and all other graduates. We cherish them and pray for their safety. #ANCgov

In honor of International Women's Month, he has planned various events. Had a roundtable today with women leaders in business and will soon have another one with women in government. Can be watched on Facebook or YouTube. #ANCgov

Finally, tonight is the hearing on confirmation for Junior, the new Chief Equity Officer. He has led efforts to deescalate conflict in the Polynesian community in schools, started programs, led roundtables, and spearheaded the Tongan relief effort. #ANCgov

"Any attempts to stall his confirmation is a partisan effort to obstruct governance" #ANCgov

He calls on the assembly to withdraw an ordinance that would inevitably delay this confirmation and drag him through the mud. Strong applause from the audience. #ANCgov

Zalatel reminds the audience that applause is generally inappropriate, which draws shouts of "yawn" and "boo" from the audience. Tension is high tonight! #ANCgov

Dunbar says he and AQD has launched a jobs fair and program to kickstart economic growth that would remove red tape and barriers to doing business and increase child care programs to keep people working. #ANCgov

There will be worksessions at city Hall coming up to figure out how to distribute $50mil in ARPA funding. Calls up Mr. Rose of the anchorage community land trust to speak on it. #ANCgov

Rose says covid has negatively affected all businesses is Alaska. This exposed structural problems that needed addressing even before the pandemic. #ANCgov

Through a small business support system, ACLT has become expert at assisting small businesses with lending, assistance, and technical support. Businesses needed one on one support to access funding. #ANCgov

Their worked is ongoing, they have doubled their TA output over the assembly. Still new entrepreneurs are engaging with them. He wants to be clear that without them many businesses wouldn't have had access to assistance. #ANCgov

Online business was an express concern. They have created a program called Anchorage Online Bootcamp to assist companies with bolstering their online services. #ANCgov

Minority owned businesses comprise over half of the assisted businesses. Seeing businesses succeed helps out community succeed. Many have not survived the pandemic. We are on a path to recovery but can't stop now. #ANCgov

Constant and Zalatel thank Rose for his contributions to our community through the pandemic. #ANCgov

Zalatel reiterates the usual rules to not interupt and follow the rules as we have a very full agenda. #ANCgov

Committee reports. Allard is asked for hers but does not respond. Petersen speaks the ethics and election committee next week has been cancelled, but ballots have been sent out. April 5th is the deadline! Ballots should be received by next Monday, else call the clerk. #ANCgov

You can track your ballot at anchoragevotes.com or the Muni website. #ANCgov

Allard is brought back, she may have been muted on our end. No report today. Rivera speaks for the committee on housing and homelessness. They'll be meeting tomorrow on teams to continue their conversation on houselessness. #ANCgov

Constant says the reapportionment committee continues their works tonight and again on the 23rd, where they'll consider two amendments. #ANCgov

Dunbar says the budget and finance committee will be meeting soon to discuss returning to in person sessions. #ANCgov

Allard asks for personal privelege. She isn't here today because she's in Bozeman, MT supporting her daughter in an alpine race. We wish her daughter luck #ANCgov

We begin audience participation. Dustin Sherman, district 6. Wants to redress grievances. Says social media accounts held by assembly members are blocking constituents (Allard?) and this must be stopped. Not everyone call come in / call. It's another avenue for grievance. #ANCgov

He won't name names but someone needs to grow thicker skin. Asks the assembly to do better. #ANCgov

Jason, west Anchorage. He's back to complain about water flouridation. This is a regular feature of the assembly and I'm sorry but I don't feel like transcribing further conspiracy surrounding the issue. #ANCgov

Jordan, district 4. Says that Rivera's previous statements that the Affirmative Action plan is preserving the status quo. He takes issue with them saying they need minority women on the assembly but won't encourage Dunbar to stand down to Stephanie Taylor. #ANCgov

Lots of words, but ultimately the point is let Bronson do more and let the SA crew govern the city. He says the city is sick with the identity of feelings over facts. Begs us to live in reality. #ANCgov

Zalatel reminds the audience clapping is inappropriate and disruptive, the audience jeers and claps more. #ANCgov

Jackie, who brought the Fauci conspiracy book last week, is back to continue her conspiracy spewing. She speaks incredible fast and the general message is the FDA is bad because vaccines are bad etc etc. We're still doing this 🙄 #ANCgov

Apparently Prince Harry is telling people to get HIV tests because the vaccine actually has HIV in it. This is insane. She says the usual, counter my gishgallop or get an HIV test. #ANCgov

Jason D speaks. Asks Bronson if he's aware that backroom meetings violate the Open Meetings act. Jason is concerned with the continuing effort to build a mass shelter in East Anchorage. Calls out Bronson's hypocrisy in demanding transparency from the assembly. #ANCgov

Jason says Bronson will cry out and bully to get his way. He wishes he could give $5k so that maybe Bronson would stand up for him. Powerful words. #ANCgov

He wants to know what services will be provided? How much staff? Who is overseeing it? There's limited transparency on the shelter. #ANCgov

Danny, from downtown. He asks the assembly to move the homeless off his driveway, he lives across from the Sullivan Arena. He can't live with 500 people littering and defecating outside his property. Can't get a prosecution after a houseless person tried to steal from him.#ANCgov

He wants a solution sooner than 2-3 years down the road. He needs support. He has asked assembly members to help. Constant has come to his driveway to talk about it but no one else. He wants to hear a plan. #ANCgov

Weddleton asks if he has called the Sullivan Arena security? He has, but the security assistant director says they only have authority over what happens inside the building. #ANCgov

Weddleton lets him know they are trying to get people out of the Sullivan Arena by June. Constant chimes in that he's sorry they haven't been able to help. Started with the mayor cutting the security that was supposed to patrol the surrounding area. #ANCgov

Someone from district 3. He's recollects a previous assembly chair's disapproval of current assembly leadership. He's mad about lack of attendance, mad about mask mandates. Says they should've work two masks and shown up #ANCgov

Says the current assembly isn't working for the common good. He's no stranger, he's come to the assembly many times. He misses the good old days when assembly helped. Says they will reap what they've sown and he and his peers will be voting them out. #ANCgov

Ends initial testimony. Onto laid on the table items. First item is an item from the administration. Lance Wilbur will speak on it. #ANCgov

Wilbur is asking for increased authority of the snow removal contract, they need this done tonight so they can get the snow hauls done before the next assembly meeting 4 weeks from now. #ANCgov

That item is laid on the table, unanimously. Next is an item that would appropriate funds from the alcohol tax fund to COVID response team. Item is set for public hearing on March 23. #ANCgov

More items are laid on the table. We now move onto the pulling of items from the consent agenda. #ANCgov

First item to be addressed tonight is a resolution designating March 27 Good Friday Earthquake Remembrance day. Approved and read. #ANCgov

Next item recognizes March as national brain injury awareness month. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Note from related testimony: over 80% of people experiencing houselessness have experiences at least one brain injury. It's an important thing to note, especially as candidates for assembly claim it's time for them to take accountability. #ANCgov

Next item recognizes the 25th Annual Alaska Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute and celebrates their graduates. #ANCgov

Next up we have a resolution recognizing transit employee appreciation day #ANCgov

Big shout out to all our transit employees. Those who know me know that I think public transportation is of the utmost importance, especially in such a sprawling city as ours. Access to public transport is essential as a means of reducing inequality. #ANCgov

Next up is a Resolution recognizing March 16th as Girls in Government Day. #ANCgov

Now we move on to a resolution adopting the Assembly's Progress report. Weddleton moves to postpone to a later meeting, as we have a huge agenda and could address this later. Rivera says he's happy to pass an amendment and get it through quick. #ANCgov

Allard wants to disagree with the goals of the resolution, finds that her own community tells her what she's doing right, and wants her name removed from it. Kennedy has some issues with it and wants it postponed. #ANCgov

Postponement to April 12 passes 8-2. We'll cover it in April! #ANCgov

Next, an AO confirming the appointment of Junior Aumavae as Chief Equity Officer. Allard moves to approve, Weddleton seconds. Allard has many kind words and says approval will mark today as an historic day. #ANCgov

Rivera says they have not had a confirmation hearing on this appointment, and it would be a failure of their duty to not have such a process. He thinks it makes sense for them to postpone and have a hearing. He isn't sure how this happened. #ANCgov

Weddleton says a later item would allow him to remain as an acting official is nice, but there's no reason we can't approve him now and let the court case go through separately. The concern is that the former official may have been dismissed illegally by the admin. #ANCgov

Bronson says he'd like to call some leaders of the Polynesian, Korean, and Tongan community to the stand. Audience applauds. Crowd is reminded that's inappropriate. Will move through the queue before returning to the mayor's idea. #ANCgov

Constant says it's unusual but not unheard of to treat this session as a confirmation hearing and calls Junior Aumavae to the dyas to answer questions. #ANCgov

Constant asks if he knows the nature of the lawsuit related to the issue. He is. Constant says the nature of the job is to be committed not to the mayor but to the truth and to equity. How can he do this job if the mayor asserts he has the right to fire said position? #ANCgov

Allard has a point of order, saying it may be inappropriate to have Junior weigh in on a legal case he is not privvy to. Chair asks Gates to weigh in. Allard objects, wanting different legal representation. #ANCgov

Admin's legal rep says Junior can speak on behalf of his personal beliefs but not as a member of the admin. #ANCgov

Junior says he speaks on this issue from experience. Says he had a mentor and turned his life around, and only made it into college due to being a football player. Later, he had issues and was facing expulsion. A chief Equity Officer allowed him an opportunity #ANCgov

He says he wants to offer the same opportunities to the community, he works not for the mayor, the admin, the assembly, but for the people of Anchorage. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia says he agrees with Weddleton. He normally would prefer a hearing, but they've had time to see him in action and thinks they should approve. #ANCgov

Dunbar thanks Junior for meeting with him months ago, he appreciated it. He also agrees with Weddleton and Perez-Verdia. He thought this would go through smoothly, but unfortunately there's been an issue with the lawsuit that he worries may have negatively affected him. #ANCgov

Dunbar asks Junior, what has surprised you about the workflow of the job? Junior says he thanks Kennedy, Allard, Dunbar, and Weddleton as being the only members who have reached out and met with him. #ANCgov

He aims to have a three pronged approach to these issues, combining the assembly, the admin, and the people. Our community is different compared to other states. We need a plan to help all people here and he looks forward to working together to solve problems. #ANCgov

Kennedy believes the lawsuit is a separate issue and we don't need to put Junior in the middle. Says hearing is unnecessary. Junior is already performing above and beyond even the duties as assigned. He is well qualified and an outstanding candidate. No need to postpone. #ANCgov

Allard reiterates Kennedy's points. Asks Junior to confirm that none of the remaining assembly members didn't try to meet with him. He confirms. She asks, if there's one thing youd like to see change in our community what it would be? #ANCgov

Junior corrects himself, LaFrance did meet and he thanks her. He says he wants after he's done with the position that the change continues and that Alaska can lead to way towards equity. Allard says Junior needs to save her a lei, she wants one when she gets back. #ANCgov

Rivera appreciates the framework of this position serving the community. Asks, can Junior define equity as the community sees it, considering there are different views of it? And what does the community want out of this position? #ANCgov

Junior says his life has often related to this position. He wants more diversity in the workforce. They are working on a effort to allow cultural experience to be used as a qualifier for positions (tribal leadership, etc). He's proud of the Tongan relief efforts. #ANCgov

He says the Tongan volcano destruction hit hard for him, as his culture values family. After reaching out to the community, he found that there were people who couldn't sleep or work in Anchorage. He wants that to change. #ANCgov

He thinks the work he is a part of can spearhead and change not just Anchorage, but Alaska as a whole. Rivera says he looks forward to meeting tomorrow. Finally, Rivera says he can't imagine they would approve this position without a more formal process #ANCgov

However, he is willing to confirm Junior but encourages the assembly to never let this happen again. Zalatel asks Junior how he views disability equity, as it's often not the foremost thought of. #ANCgov

Junior says part of his work has included having job fairs in communities, which would be able to integrate such individuals. They've involved the labor department. He wants when people come in for them to have answers. Zalatel offers her help in connecting with orgs. #ANCgov

Zalatel says she's willing to support the appointment. Gates is next, says Junior has no bearing on the lawsuit. The appointment process is separate. No conflict. He's talked with other lawyers and they agree. #ANCgov

LaFrance says when the admin asked for a confirmation she checked with legal, and they told her it was best to wait until resolution of the lawsuit. Addresses Allard, saying it's not usual for members to meet directly with appointees. #ANCgov

She has put forward a separate AO that would allow him to continue to act in an acting capacity, as was the advice of the legal team she consulted. Doesn't want to open the assembly to further lawsuits, as they are expensive, like the one currently facing the admin. #ANCgov

She apologizes to Junior for him getting caught up in the middle of this lawsuit, she looks forward to working with him, believes he is committed to the role. Reiterates that it is bad practice to not have hearings, but concurs that she'll vote to confirm. #ANCgov

Bronson notes again he has three leaders of the community he'd like to hear from. Asks for them to have the opportunity. Zalatel says it would need to be set for public hearing for the community speak. Allard point of orders, saying we've done it before, for McCoy. #ANCgov

She pushes for members of the community to speak. Audience claps, Zalatel reminds them not to do so and then has a five minute break to solidify the reminder. Back in five! #ANCgov

Zalatel gavels back in, trying to get a noisy room to settle. Bronson makes a motion to suspend the rules to allow three speakers to have three minutes. It's been seconded. No discussion. Unanimously approved. The three speakers approach the dyas. #ANCgov

Lucy Hanson, CEO of the Polynesian Association of Alaska. She wants to speak on behalf of her community. Junior has brought connections, family. He'll create that for the larger community to. She thanks God, and she thanks the mayor for selecting Junior. #ANCgov

She thanks all the assembly for the love in their heart to know the truth and for the people. Anchorage is diverse, not two cultures, but thousands of colors and cultures. That's Anchorage, everyday. With Junior, finally the Island communities have a voice. #ANCgov

The President of the Korean American Community of Anchorage speaks. She's here to speak, not from her many roles or from her political interests, but rather from her heart. Her experience with Junior is unique, as he's been more in touch with her than other outreach roles.#ANCgov

She believes that when he says he doesn't work for the mayor but for the community he is being true, as it's been her experience. #ANCgov

CEO of the Tongan Community speaks. Recalls the Tongan tragedy. The day after, he got a call from Junior and asked him to come to the office. He really appreciated that. He believes that Junior believes in God and has a Christlike love. #ANCgov

Junior reached out and made it possible for us to send the 30/40 containers of food to Tonga. An amazing job, and achieved with Junior's love. The good thing about Junior is he believes in one heart, one love. And he always has a smiling face. #ANCgov

He believes that God chose Junior to lead us through these days. And though he was worried for his Tongan family, Junior provided comfort. #ANCgov

Constant congratulates the mayor for a "rare political win." He says it's a win for not just the admin but for the community. Asks Junior if he remembers a prior conversation about the affirmative action plan. Junior asks him to remind him. #ANCgov

Constant says the Muni does not have employees that match the demographics of Anchorage, and he has been told it's not possible to hire based on certain qualities. Says that's his primary goal for their work together. #ANCgov

Constant asks Junior to help him to come up with a recruitment plan, should Bronson agree, to make sure that we create opportunities for all Anchorage residents of all kinds, that could cost between $250-300k from incoming assistance. He encourages a unanimous vote. #ANCgov

Bronson thanks Zalatel for guiding him on the suspension of rules. The confirmation passes unanimously to uproarious celebration. #ANCgov

We quickly move to the other related item, there is a motion to postpone indefinitely (as it's no longer relevant). Motion passes unanimously. We enter the usual "20 minute" dinner break. #ANCgov

Meeting is gaveled back in. Rivera moves to rearrange the order of the day to cover some items. Constant is in a different time zone, and would like to hear public testimonies. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Next up is public testimony on approving the ASD budget. No public testimony. No discussion from assembly members. #ANCgov

Allard is the sole vote against approving the ASD's budget for... Reasons she chose not to disclose. Passes 9-1. #ANCgov

Now a resolution approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Muni and the Anchorage Municipal Employees Association. John Sessel (sp?) is president of the AMEA. He says employees of the AMEA are in nearly every department of the Muni #ANCgov

He says they've spent many hours over 7 months. They've worked very hard to get to this point and they've worked in good faith to get this here. They were unable to get telework language into it, however, due to the admin. Some now disagree with this as result. #ANCgov

The AMEA's position is that this should be adopted. The AMEA voted and approximately 33% voted against (62-31), largely due to the telework non-inclusion. Rivera says he's received messages saying some regret voting yes. He is not aware of that. #ANCgov

Dunbar says this is the most testimony he's ever received against something like this, so his inclination is to postpone until April and have a worksession. Would that be a possibility? #ANCgov

Sessel says he's unwilling to become a football being tossed between the assembly and the admin. Says they argued in good faith, and this is what was the result. He'd have to check with legal, but he would personally be willing to return for a worksession. #ANCgov

Sessel says his inclination is to approve the contract and then work afterwards about telework. Says they worked very hard to get some acknowledgement of telework, but at the end of the day this is the next best offer they were able to get. #ANCgov

Allard says the assembly doesn't negotiate contracts in these matters and asks for the Muni manager to speak on it. Zalatel says they may, but during the debate portion. #ANCgov

Onto the phones. Marjorie Leeds, District 6. Public health nurse and member of AMEA. She approves of the contract and urges a year vote. But she says public health department nurses were not involved in the process. She wants language in code to be change to include them. #ANCgov

Nial Williams testifies. Asks them postpone until after the election, as there could be a huge rollover in the assembly. He takes issue with the cost projection on the last page, including a 1000% projected budget increase in 4 years. Now he goes off about cost of gov. #ANCgov

Public testimony is closed. Allard moves to approve, Kennedy seconds. Rivera asks Gates to expound on the effects of them voting no or to postpone. #ANCgov

Gates says the assembly's role is to provide guidance, but not to address the specific issue at hand here. Their role is to ratify, and if there's a no vote it sends it back to the bargaining table. Their options are a yes vote or a postponement. #ANCgov

Rivera asks Sessel if the AMEA brought the labor guidelines set by the city to the discussion. Yes, he says. Allard asks for Demboski to weigh in. She says it was negotiated in good faith and agreed by fair vote. Asks admin legal counsel to weigh in. #ANCgov

She wants the assembly that postponing will continue to delay the raises promised in the agreement. Dunbar says he understands there's were arms length, good faith negotiations. But on telework, as a member of the leg body, he sees it as a net positive. #ANCgov

Dunbar doesn't want to delay if it affects employees negatively, but wonders if they could potentially get to some agreement about telework outside this. Admin counsel says they are open to meeting with unions, but telework is a complicated subject. #ANCgov

She says they talked about it a lot in negotiations, they weren't able to come to a conclusion, but they're open to negotiation. Dunbar wants to make sure the assembly isn't taking a hardline on telework by passing this. What does Sessel see going forward? #ANCgov

Sessel says there was extensive discussion, as it was the single most important issue to their members. They couldn't find mutually agreeable language to put in the contract. He is glad to hear the administration has an open door, but will they have an open mind? #ANCgov

He continues, AMEA is willing to do what it takes to come to some sort of agreement about where telework would be included. He says it was frustrating at times, because they thought it was a win-win, but now he worries that may not be the case. #ANCgov

LaFrance says she'll vote in support, even though it is clearly not ideal. She's frustrated by the lack of telework. It's good for safety, and it's good for saving money. She would assume the mayor would be supportive of it, and she thinks it's in the city's best interest.#ANCgov

Perez-Verdia says he respects the process and doesn't want to meddle, but we do need to learn more about and consider telework in the future. It's a topic that has become important. #ANCgov

Constant says his concern is that it's a 1% wage increase over 4 years, which he doesn't think is fair to the laborers even if they agreed to it. He can't support. #ANCgov

Demboski passes to Christianson, who clarifies that actually it's a scaled increase, not just a 1% increase. Goes to the vote, Constant changes his mind due to that info, and it passes unanimously. #ANCgov

For the next two items, Zalatel declares she has a conflict of interest due to being on the homelessness coalition. She leaves the room. #ANCgov

Next resolution appropriates $800k for use in design and manufacture of an adult shelter/navigation center. Public testimony opens. #ANCgov

A person with attachment to the Wolverines hockey team speaks. He encourages this to be passed, he wants the shelter out of the arena. It needs to be open for the community. Says the east Anchorage location is best because proximity to medical services and lack of housing.#ANCgov

He recounts criminal activity in the area around the shelter. There's negative economic impact of using the Arena as a shelter and encourages moving forward. #ANCgov

Kathy Bethard, south Anchorage. Huge supporter of youth sports. She supports this appropriation. She has followed and admires the administration for their plan. This would move the homeless into a much better situation. It's the first step towards a better situation. #ANCgov

She says we need to bring the Sullivan back to it's intended purpose. Concerts, sports, trade shows. Return it to the type of value it was intended for. She wants to see a way forward. Says covid has been long and awkward for any in person events. Let's reconsider/pass. #ANCgov

Andrew Gray testifies. Says the idea for the east Anchorage shelter came out of nowhere after election. He says luckily for those of us in the vicinity, the assembly refused to fund a sudden plan without more info. They then passed a different plan that was better. #ANCgov

However, Bronson refused to let go of the navigation center. He previously testified, begging for shelters to be capped at 200, but the mayor said he'd pull out if they did, so it remains at 330. And west Anchorage is actually getting the mayor's ear? #ANCgov

Does Bronson hate the poor? Does he think we're stupid? Listen to those of us who live there have a voice in our community. #ANCgov

Yarrow Silvers next. At the meeting yesterday, she recounts Trombley said yesterday that no further public testimony was necessary. Remind us there hasn't been a single public meeting on this issue. East Anchorage has many problems with this issue, and deserve to be heard.#ANCgov

She wants to see limitations on the surge capacity, more information about the costs and effects. This is a huge project being squirreled away into many departments to make the full cost obscured. #ANCgov

We've asked for a public hearing and were told "that's for the future" and now we're told "that was for the past." How can we give support when we're not involved in the process? How can we support it when due to past action, we don't trust him? #ANCgov

Tyler on behalf of University area community council. He says the mayor's office needs to answer to many of the questions raised by the community. There's been no study on the effect on the area. Says for permitting purposes and landuse and utilization plan is necessary #ANCgov

So what is the plan? Issues with previous shelters have been documented even this evening, what's the plan to mitigate them for this proposed facility? What designs will mitigate effect on the surrounding areas? These are essential and necessary questions. #ANCgov

Please commit to following the public process for this kind of process. #ANCgov

Christian Harrison, currently resides in the Sullivan. Recounts his experience as someone who is chronically homeless. His condition has made it near impossible to obtain work. This displacement is still present. Pleads to remember that the houseless are community members.#ANCgov

Irene Quednow, Eagle River. Mad at the assembly. Says the public was shut out from prior discussions from before Bronson. Says there was no transparency. Calls them hypocrites. Says the hurry when it's their will, drags their feet when it isn't. #ANCgov

She calls out Dunbar saying that 250 is too big but we've got the Sullivan which has 400. [Which I mean, is also too big] #ANCgov

Missed the name, but she wouldn't reveal her location. Very aggressive. Says these aren't homeless, they're vagrants. Claims the assembly doesn't read her emails detailing the abuse she gets from said vagrants. She supports Bronson's plan. #ANCgov

She says they need all services to be in the same location or it doesn't make sense. Says none of the assembly have worked for a living because they are all lawyers. Recounts negative experiences with the houseless. #ANCgov

Gerald Duherst, Downtown. Acknowledges the challenge face by all parties. Says the homeless or displaced are part of the community. Sees this as a good start. It's a lot of money, but not for the good of our community. Let's start, and let's prosper. #ANCgov

He recounts Willie Nelson and Tim McGraw and boat and car shows at the Sullivan. Rodeos, many events. Women's show. Home improvement show. These are wonderful for our community. He's a hockey parent/player. We need the Sullivan back and the center of positive things. #ANCgov

Shamilia Peer (sp?) lives next to the Sullivan. Wants the project to go forward. She's a single mother, and her son is too scared to go to the bus stop because of the homeless. She wakes up to sirens and police. It's appalling for her that her son is not safe. #ANCgov

She says if this project goes through it will make her and her son feel safe again. #ANCgov

Another assembly regular, immediately hostile. Complains about the amount of material covered in the meetings. She says she has a homeless friend. No one is helping them. Accuses the assembly of not knowing/caring about the homeless. Specifically calls out Zalatel. #ANCgov

She has had 100% enough of this and says they'll be voting the assembly out. #ANCgov

"Something needs to be done." Yes, we agree. We all agree. We want to fix this problem. Everyone does. No one is opposed to helping the homeless. It's a complicated issue! #ANCgov

Dustin Sherman, district 6. Says everyone agrees something needs to be done. The big debate has been since Bronson. We've lost sight of the big picture. We need a healthy city. No bandaid will fix it. Make the city healthy as a whole and things will resolve the selves. #ANCgov

Roger Branson, eagle river community council. Advocate of mental healthcare. Reminds the population that we were lucky to have the Sullivan when we needed it most. Best way to help the homeless is to have smaller shelters spread out so they can make their own choices. #ANCgov

Sherry from South Anchorage. Curious why if everyone is working so hard nothing gets done. Why are we bringing more homeless people here? Why is this a sanctuary city? The assembly is throwing fuel on the fire. Talks to the homeless, they feel safer on the streets. #ANCgov

Who is gonna pay for all the damage done to the Sullivan? Really, really gross characterization of the houseless. Keeps asking why aren't we trying to find out why these people homeless? Says the assembly doesn't look at the real issues. "What the heck is really going on?"#ANCgov

I'm curious what she means by us being a sanctuary city. What policies in specific is she referring to? Who is bringing more homeless in? These are such strange points. #ANCgov

Nial is back. Pimps his candidacy. Calls the Sullivan Arena the longest running civil rights failure. He pimps his YouTube channel. Says everyone in the shelter has their 4th amendment rights violated. Is mad about not being able to film something? #ANCgov

Calls the fence between Sullivan and Ben Boeke the Berlin Wall. Homeless on one side, the wealthy hockey families on the others. "They, them, us, we." Says the mayor's navigation center is a FEMA camp. Doesn't believe a bit of it. Stop lying to the people. #ANCgov

Incredible to hear Williams walk away to applause, must be some newcomers in the audience. #ANCgov

Testimony is over, onto debate. Dunbar says they had a discussion yesterday about a new site, which surprised community councils. Asks Trombley to clarify: will the facility go through conditional use process? #ANCgov

Trombley says it will. Dunbar asks how long it will take? Trombley says 6-8 months. That's September. Admin wants it open by June, how does that square? Temporary structure in parallel to building. This kind of structure is permitted in that zone, so that would be ok #ANCgov

Will there be two structures? Or will the only structure be the temporary structure? A temporary structure can be permitted for 180 days. Dunbar says so they'll be calling it a temporary structure but it will be permanent? Yes, under code that should be the case. #ANCgov

Constant says he thought they concluded during a recent meeting that temporary structures don't qualify for residential use by code. Trombley says that's in a residential district, this isn't a residential district. Constant says he thought it meant to residential USE. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia calls up a gentleman to ask what we can expect to see if we appropriate these funds. Bob Dole of the Rasmussen foundation speaks to it. He says this money would be to develop the materials that provide for the discussion. Won't be able to build a structure. #ANCgov

This will only allow for the planning. The start of an iterative process. Perez-Verdia thanks him. He's concerned about this facility and its size, says we don't have enough information. We need more before we can move forward. #ANCgov

Weddleton addresses the question, where did the 2.8mil go? It went into a fund, we're taking this out and the remainder is still there waiting. This money is to fine tune what will be built. The session yesterday had conceptual drawings as a launchpad. #ANCgov

He says he's been a part of this for a long time. People keep asking why are we throwing money at this, but the city hasn't been doing that. It's been done by faith based and non profits which hasn't worked. This is a watershed time for muni handling of the issue. #ANCgov

He says this is just one part of a system. We aren't building a single building and leaving it at that, we'll be expanding our further projects too. Sockeye inn for example. Wants to clarify all of that. He's extremely excited to make a profound difference. #ANCgov

Rivera asks Trombley to give examples of similar use cases to the permits being proposed. Trombley doesn't have any on hand. Rivera thanks him and says this is the first time he's heard a plea for transparency. Since joining the facilitation group he's pushed for that. #ANCgov

He wants this to be "the people's project," and has given regular testimony at community councils. Says it's essential to respond to every concern. We must continue to do so. #ANCgov

He supports this bill and urges the rest of the assembly's support. Dunbar says it's interesting hearing the testimonies of people who live around the Sullivan. He says the only reason it's even moderately acceptable is because it's temporary, we all know it has to end. #ANCgov

But the proposed structure is the same kind of facility. We're proposing taking all of the same things that are happening at Sullivan and putting it into the Campbell Creek community, which has families and parks and children too. #ANCgov

Says he agrees with a five pillar plan in concept. Says the only part of the five pillars that's had progress is this one part. It's too large, it's too expensive, and it is part of a package that doesn't exist. He will not support this. #ANCgov

Weddleton says he has easy rebuttals to all previous points, but has an amendment first. It adds a new section that will insert language supporting the conditional use permit that was previously discussed. Johnson wants to hear more about what this accomplishes
#ANCgov

Johnson clarifies that this is not intended to be a 330 capacity shelter to be used year round, that's specifically surge capacity during winter. Takes issue with the allegation that this is a 330 capacity mega facility. #ANCgov

Further clarifies, in the plan the third pillar talks about workforce housing. Two possible buildings have been identified. No ordinance yet, but after 1200 hours going through the process, there is still more coming down the pipeline. #ANCgov

He furthers, without this we can't address all this issues the public raises without at least starting here. He also takes issue with Dunbar's estimated figure, long term this costing 30-40mil is a great exaggeration. #ANCgov

Trombley says he's confused by Weddleton's amendment because it's just stating the obvious. It'll happen anyway, but this just clarifies to the public, is that right? "My most successful amendments do that, yes," says Weddleton. #ANCgov

Dunbar says that his conversations with community councils show that average people don't feel like this process has been open. These issues are really problematic. University community council specifically has many intelligent people who feel this... #ANCgov

... isn't in the spirit of the law. Dunbar clarifies that, sure 330 is surge capacity for winter, which is a third of the year. Moves an amendment to change the capacity to 150 people (best practice) with 50 surge capacity. Will make for quality care more easily. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia says he feels like we're in groundhog day. Says this appropriation doesn't solidify the capacity, as this is just a starting point. The document shouldn't even have these numbers to begin with. He's very concerned about size and location, but we need info! #ANCgov

He says the amendment and the amendment to the amendment are a waste of our time, we just need to get this on the books so we can finally have a discussion. #ANCgov

Allard says we need to be real, we're never getting FEMA reimbursement and this will all end on the taxpayer. Doesn't care about having the discussion of numbers now. Pass the ordinance so we can move on. Urges no vote on amendment and amendment to the amendment. #ANCgov

Weddleton says 330 is not a massive shelter it just depends on how the space is used and the services present. Urges no on the amendment to the amendment. Dunbar says they are designing this to a size, so it's appropriate to ask the question now. #ANCgov

Dunbar says let's give them money to design it to 150-200, not 200-330. He says he'll bring this up over and over because it isn't what his community wants. #ANCgov

Constant speaks to Weddleton's comments. We have not seen a plan from the admin, we should have no faith that they have any plan for how to deliver services. #ANCgov

Voting on the amendment to the amendment fails 7-2. Back to discussion on Weddleton's amendment. Perez-Verdia reminds us that Bronson has threatened to walk away if the numbers are lowered. He says we don't have a deal, we're working through a process. Supports lower cap. #ANCgov

We now vote on the amendment. It fails 4-5, but Constant seems to have said "Nes" which got logged as No. It's clarified to be Yes, which means it still fails, 5-4, because they need a 6th votes since the quorum is 10 and they need a majority. #ANCgov

Now we vote on the main motion to fund the design of this navigation center for $800k. It passes 8-1, Dunbar dissents. #ANCgov

Allard moves to reconsider but doesn't speak to it. Voting on immediate reconsideration fails 0-9. This is technical. If they didn't do this, it would mean that the resolution couldn't be implemented until next session. Now back to public testimony. #ANCgov

Excuse me, public testimony on a fund appropriating $1,067,500 from the alcohol tax to the Health department as a grant for operations at a facility for people with complex care needs. Essentially, a shelter for those who have serious illness. #ANCgov

Growing weary, so my tweets may be less detailed and I'm definitely missing the (very good) testimony currently being delivered. My sincerest apologies, #ANCgov

Dakota Ohm, speaking for the coalition to end homelessness. Many orgs offered 100s of hours of input on this program. With untreated needs/complexities, many people cycle through the current system without improvement. This addresses the complex needs and plans forward. #ANCgov

This will reduce ER visits and hospital bed usage, as these people will be treated in the correct place. The sockeye inn addresses a long time local need and will help people get treatment and get future permanent housing. #ANCgov

Bob from the Rasmussen foundation. Rasmussen has participated in the process for planning this resolution and the surrounding issues. The facilitates process has yeildes this facility, and a path forward. It's also the leanest possible program. #ANCgov

The Muni is working with philanthropy to make this affordable. They both need to commit to the initial operating cost and they have. This will address people with mobility issues, exceptional need for sterile environments, etc. #ANCgov

Says this will demonstrate what we as a city can accomplish when we all work together. #ANCgov

Christian Harrison returns. He's skeptical of catholic social services. Says his experience in 2019 at brother Francis was worse than 2013, and now he can't even check in there. Can't see anyone about case management. #ANCgov

He further says what happens at Sullivan is what happened before at the Brother Francis shelter. He lost his place at Sockeye Inn due to covid. He can't get out of the Sullivan without living on the streets. He's concerned with how this money will be supervised. #ANCgov

Nial wants to know where all the money is from the alcohol tax. Says he wants to know where a missing $6.7mil from that is? He says Sockeye Inn is not good for immunocompromised people he's lived there. Sullivan Arena is a disaster. #ANCgov

Says he was attacked by shelter employees while doing an audit of the warming tent. What if they're using it to kill people with carbon monoxide? Where will all future funding for this kind of program go? Now he's mad about marijuana and alcohol licenses. Stop drugs. #ANCgov

Aria Clark, sand lake. Hasn't prepared anything. She's tired of this. She has stuff to do at home. This is insanity. Taxes have already been taken in, why haven't they built all this already? How are we going to handle all this infrastructure? She doesn't have 1mil! #ANCgov

This is largely irrelevant. She just doesn't care how things get done. She is so mad that she HAS to be here to talk about irrelevant things! Why did they do this to her? Why did they pull her out of her home for this? She's so hungry! #ANCgov

Public testimony is over. Constant moves to approve the S version. We take a moment to get everyone up to speed. #ANCgov

Meanwhile, Dunbar moves to extend the meeting to midnight. There's no discussion on that. (Didn't they hear how hungry and tired Clark is? How can they do this to her!) #ANCgov

Allard votes against extending, but everyone else who is the room votes yes. 8-1. We got another hour in us, folks! #ANCgov

Okay, S version is up. Dunbar supports the underlying motion. Thinks it will pass with mass support. Asks if the S version only changes it to add the words "with Catholic social services support"? Constant says yes. Dunbar moves his own amendment. #ANCgov

His amendment changes the funding from the 2022 alcohol tax to the 2021 alcohol tax because it performed better than expected. Asks the administration what language he needs to change to make it effective. #ANCgov

She proposes some language that would make it effective but where to put it is a question because her computer crashed. City treasurer is called up to clarify. He does. #ANCgov

Constant says he appreciates the idea of this amendment, but is worried what adopting might do to the bill which we need passed. Can't support. #ANCgov

Weddleton agrees. Dunbar asks the administration questions about how funding would work. If we use 2021 funds, we can be certain we'll have funding that's based on assumptions about 2022's budget. #ANCgov

He says passing it like this means they won't have to debate this at the quarterly review. Demboski says she has a better resource on the phone to go over it. #ANCgov

The source says that the budget the assembly passed was worked very hard to get loaded. So there may not be excess amounts like Dunbar believes? I'm not sure. We vote on his amendment, fails 4-5. #ANCgov

Back on discussing the S version. Kennedy says she believes we're now on the road to actually providing services, but she has questions. She wants to know what other funding sources exist that go toward this effort, and what is the expectation that we'll be able to maintain it.

Bob Dole will respond. There are various sources involved. AHD is working with Rasmussen to develop a maintenance plan. The mental health trust is involved and will contribute, among others. They've found a sustainable model for the first 2 years. #ANCgov

She asks what the projected total cost is from all sources for the 7 month outline? Bob grabs some papers from an associate, and it's a projected cost of $4.5mil. #ANCgov

Weddleton wants to remind the public that if anyone is curious about where money is, all that information is available online. Basically directly shutting down Nial's earlier points. Google ACFR. #ANCgov

We now vote. The bill passes 8-1, with Allard dissenting, once again for... Reasons. #ANCgov

Immediate reconsideration proposed by Constant, who urges a no vote. Once again, this is so the funds become immediately available rather than waiting for the next meeting. Immediate reconsideration fails, 0-9. #ANCgov

Now a short break. Be back soon. #ANCgov

Alright and we're back. We're changing the order of the day to address "must pass" issues before the hard end of the meeting at midnight. #ANCgov

Alright we start with public testimony on an ordinance providing reapportionment of the assembly election districts. This is related the maps we've been discussing. #ANCgov

Yarrow speaks, in favor of Constant's amendment which would keep communities together in line with public testimony. She's opposed to Eagle River's amendment which does the opposite and she questions their intentions, is it for a political outcome? #ANCgov

She also questions Bronson's insistence that there hasn't been enough time to consider it and posits he may also be looking for a particular political outcome. #ANCgov

Nail speaks, why is the original map locked away in the municipal clerks office? This is a violation of rights. He's mad about there only being one map on the document. It's because, after previous meetings, we already settled on this one and now are discussing amendments.#ANCgov

Denny Wells, sand lake. He made the map thats before us now. He talks about the public testimony regarding desired revisions. After review, he determined that Kennedy's map divides it further, in opposition to public testimony. #ANCgov

However, Constant's map hits three of the four requests from public testimony. Wells has tried to draw a map that would fit all four requirements, but it substantially changes the nature of the map ahead of us and would exceed the scope of amendment. #ANCgov

Russ, downtown. He is also in favor of Constant's map. Says the maps have been open, available for a while. Assures the public that we've had plenty of time. And he hates when people pick on the clerk. #ANCgov

Clark's back, she says if there are any revisions or amendments we need more time to review. Says the public is not necessarily astute to this. We need more time than a couple days to review any revisions. It's a little weird considering the changes address testimony. #ANCgov

She does throw Perez-Verdia a bone, though, saying he's been very good about coming and talking to her community council. And she appreciates everyone's efforts and believes they're trying their best. #ANCgov

No more public testimony. This issue will be pushed forward to a special meeting in these chambers. on March 23rd. So if you have more thoughts on the maps, be sure to send your thoughts in before then. #ANCgov

Now a resolution appropriating $2.3mil from the Maintenance Internal Service Operating Fund to the Maintenance & Operations Department to buy replacement vehicles and equipment. #ANCgov

Nial is excited about this one, because of the purchase of 17 new police cruisers. He's (appropriately) mad about police, but his arguments about their violations of rights are off topic. Proposes we use this money for body cameras. #ANCgov

Public testimony is now over. No discussion. We move to vote. Approved unanimously. #ANCgov

We do the immediate reconsideration with urged no thing again, goes as expected. The funds are now available to be used for stated purposes. #ANCgov

Rivera moves to move all remaining matters except one to a special meeting on March 22nd. LaFrance asks to also put public testimony on the mass care facility on that same meeting. #ANCgov

Weddleton wants to know why we did can't do the march 23 and March 22 special meetings on the same day. Explanation is that there's a desire to have the reapportionment meeting be specific to that issue. This is controversial to Kennedy, Allard, and Weddleton. #ANCgov

Voting on continuing on the 22nd passes 7-3, aforementioned assembly members dissent. #ANCgov

Last issue. Transfer of liquor licenses for LED Ultra Lounge, DBA Tri Grill, and LED Ultra Lounge & Grill. It's tied to a special meeting on the 18th, so if we hit midnight, the remaining testimony will happen then. #ANCgov

Doug Ferris represents downtown community council. He also represents the coalition of concerned citizens. He speaks on the protest of this transfer. Says their opposition is based on the history of the area, facts, laws, and codes. #ANCgov

Oh excuse me, this bill is a conditional PROTEST of such a liquor license transfer. He continues, this building opens at 10am which is not conducive to surrounding community enjoyment. #ANCgov

Also, the building is intended to act as a nightclub. There is a school within 200ft of the entrance. This is a code violation. A letter has been issued. This would create a special land use conflict. Asks the assembly, is this in the best interest of the community? #ANCgov

Further, the history of LED's operations and their stated interest in continuing to operate as such could create a negative atmosphere for the surrounding area. The downtown community council urges support of the conditional protest. #ANCgov

Kevin Collins, east Anchorage. He supports the transfer of the license. He says since moving here, 11 years ago, he has not felt comfortable in an entertainment environment. There are few locations that cater to an African American audience. #ANCgov

He has been attending LED for a while, and believes the owner cares about community and safety. The owner makes sure to control the crowd, cleans up outside afterwards, and makes sure people get into their vehicles. #ANCgov

Kevin says he does not feel comfortable at Gaslight, or other bars as he feels they treat him unfairly. As for schools? They are not open at night. He says passing this would do a disservice to the people of color in the community. #ANCgov

And that's the end! Have a great night, Anchorage. Love you all. #ANCgov

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