Thread by @ANCDEADBEAT

Alright, made it into the Chambers for the August 9 Assembly meeting. On the heels of the embarrassing Gerace debacle and the ongoing humanitarian crisis at Centennial, this should be interesting. "Looking forward" to the Mayor's report. #ANCgov #ANCHgov

Sparsely populated, so far. The Save Anchorage crew must be running a minute behind. Also, it's really cold in here.

Sulte brought a large bucket of popcorn. #ANCgov

Meeting is gavelled in. Constant is chairing as LaFrance is still out. She's on the phone. Allard and Petersen absent. #ANCgov

Mayor's report. Bronson starts with Gerace. He says he immediately tasked the hiring department with doing an investigation and expects an explanation. Last week he spoke at an Economic Development luncheon. He says 2022 is to be a strong recovery year for our economy. #ANCgov

He expects 2023 to be a strong year with many development projects. However, various factors are leading to employers struggling to hire people. Says that there has never been a better time to be a job seeker. We don't have a large enough work force to fill all positions. #ANCgov

He says the building of ADUs should help with bringing workers from the lower 48 into the city. He speaks of a person named Roger that has been contracted to guide us in making us a world class city. #ANCgov

He says there will be a committee created to find ways to enact Rogers' ideas. Bronson says he attended the Alaska Native Potlatch last week and it was a "smashing success." He says there was great food, art, dancing. He says it was an enlightening experience. #ANCgov

He then encourages people to apply to become firefighters. Finally, he speaks on ARPA funding. Says he supports many of the proposals that the assembly, but wants there to be a focus on repairing the Sullivan and other facilities. He also enjoyed the Van Gogh exhibit. #ANCgov

Dunbar says the community is concerned about the admin conducting the investigation into Gerace's hiring, would he be open to an independent investigation? No, it was all done according to standard process, and they will be reevaluating the process. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia asks if the Mayor will be willing to go back and check whether the process for hiring of other members of the administration so we can know all of the info for their appointees was valid? Demboski says they have started already. #ANCgov

She says they are checking to make sure the background checks, employment history, and transcript systems is being reviewed. She says it is their intent to make sure that all appointees are properly vetted and they plan to improve the city's process. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia asks for clarification, will they be reviewing all previous appointees? She says there was previously no process for signing and notarizing documents for verification of history, the Muni needs to improve the process. She says they are verifying everyone. #ANCgov

She says this is a great opportunity to review the municipality's hiring process and they intend to do so. Perez-Verdia asks the Mayor to update us on Centennial Campground. He defers to Johnson. She says it's still operating as a campground and has 200 residents. #ANCgov

She says she is currently working on winter housing plans, she'll have a solidified process next week. #ANCgov

Allard has arrived at the meeting. Chair's report. Constant says he applauds Dunbar not taking the Mayor's bait where he said maybe Dunbar started rumors about Gerace. #ANCgov

Constant says that Centennial Campground currently has pregnant women and children. He says the admin refuses to admit that it is a part of the Homelessness response. He speaks on the $7mil approved last meeting for sheltering and housing. #ANCgov

He says while the assembly is working hard to create options for housing, the situation at Centennial can't be alleviated until the admin calls it what it is. There have been many public safety calls from the area recently. It's a humanitarian crisis. #ANCgov

Constant then speaks to the 4th Ave Theater destruction. He says he mourns the loss of the theater, however, it marks an exciting step towards our revitalized downtown. The development plan includes a recreation of the sign. The time to move forward is now. #ANCgov

Constant turns attention to Gerace. First, we hope he recovers from his health crisis. Second, he applauds AKPM for their investigation, then reminds us that the HR dept vouched for his history and their process when he was to be confirmed. #ANCgov

"It's no longer trust but verify, it's just verify." He says there will be a meeting of the rules committee on Thursday for them to also work on a new process for the Assembly to create a new process, since theirs has failed. #ANCgov

Finally, he moves to ARPA funding. He says the assembly recognizes the opportunity and need to do as much good with the funding as possible. There were 6 public work sessions and 22 hours of testimony. The admin only showed up to one. #ANCgov

He says early on, the decision was made to make the process open to public submissions. They received hundreds of requests and reviewed everyone one. He says nearly every proposal was worthwhile and necessary. He says he's proud of the work they've done, thanks everyone. #ANCgov

He then reminds everyone of the rules of the Chambers.

Allard says she attended all of the ARPA meetings, names two members of the admin who she says were at every session. Onto committee reports. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia says the public safety committee met recently, where they were updated on APD's body cam policy, the Centennial Campground situation, among other things. He encourages people to attend those meetings. #ANCgov

Constant says we have no laid on the table items, but we do have a variety of items on the addendum, which he reads into the record. #ANCgov

Zalatel moves to incorporate the addendum, seconded by Dunbar. No objections. It's incorporated. Petersen is now in attendance, we have everyone. #ANCgov

Initial audience participation begins. Heather Ireland testifies. She is speaking encouraging support for ARPA funding for the school based behavioral health program, Alaska Behavioral Health, that she works for. She says that she has been informed 0% of funding will go to them.

Next testimony is from an East Anchorage resident. She says the Centennial Campground situation is untenable. She says she voted for the alcohol tax in hopes that the AnchorHome program would be implemented. She's been disappointed that so much has fallen through under this admin

She says she doesn't believe people can get out of poverty without a roof over their head and resources. She strongly supports the efforts of the assembly. #ANCgov

Charles McKee, beneficiary of the McKee trust, testifies. He speaks to a personal legal case that he has brought up at the last meeting, when he had appeared as part of an appearance request. I don't really fully understand his situation, seems complicated. #ANCgov

Samuel Allen Merrill testifies. He owns a couple businesses on the airfield. Says they are struggling due to inflation and supply chain issues. He says the fuel tax, assessments, and repairs are crushing them. Tells the assembly that this will hurt more than businesses. #ANCgov

Next testifier speaks to food security. Says $600mil to the port will not create food security, that starts at home. We need to focus on food production. Any geologist will tell you that the port will fall into the sea if another big earthquake hits. #ANCgov

He says we're going to keep dealing with supply line issues. Food starts at home. Says we should use that money for verticle farms, cattle, poultry, etc. We can't eat money, we can't eat gold. The port isn't worth it anymore. #ANCgov

Izzy Newell, South Anchorage. She thanks the assembly for doing a remarkable job, she's been impressed with their performance. She is especially pleased with their work on the housing shortage. Likes the ADU policy in Girdwood. #ANCgov

Carol Livie, South Anchorage. She has lived her 60 years. She appreciates everyone who does public service on the assembly or in community councils. She loves this city. The trail system is a crown jewel. It connects all of us. She says many people need our support. #ANCgov

Carol asks for us all work together to help support those who are unable to maintain connections within the community. Asks everyone to reach out, listen, and share what we can to help the community. #ANCgov

Jeanie Carey, Downtown. Thanks Constant for his comments on ARPA. She's concerned as a member of the hockey association that this funding doesn't include repairs for the Sullivan. She believes that repairing the Sullivan fits under the mission of ARPA. #ANCgov

Not repairing the Sullivan pushes the teams that would play there into smaller arenas, pushing out youth teams. Asks them to move an amendment that would put $2.5mil into repairs. She says hockey is important to the community, wants them to rectify it. #ANCgov

Allard asks her how many adults, children, and outside orgs use that facility and would bring money into the community? She doesn't have the number. Allard wants to help her out. Constant asks if we can put that on hold until later when ARPA gets discussed. #ANCgov

Ms Williams testifies asking them to add funding to the ARPA bill for her organization, Shiloh Community Housing, for housing and a resource center renovation. She says their mission is to end homelessness, and this resource center will achieve that. #ANCgov

Initial audience participation ends. Constant asks for a motion to lay on the table a resolution adopting the housing and development plan. Zalatel so moves, Cross seconds. #ANCgov

Demboski explains the time sensitivity. She says in order to be approved for the funds we have to have this approved by the body and returned to the state by the 16th. Voting to lay on the table commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Onto pulling items from the consent agenda. Perfect time for a quick bathroom break! Be right back. #ANCgov

Okay, first item is that item adopting the 2022 housing and community development plan. Passes. Immediate reconciliation. No. Moving on! (That was fast) #ANCgov

Next, a resolution recognizing, honoring, and thanking the APD in celebration of Back the Blue Day. Allard motions to approve, then asks if anyone else wants to add their names to it. Everyone does. Constant asks for unanimous consent, gets it. #ANCgov

Allard reads, Sulte presents. Eight officers are at the lectern to accept. The resolution speaks to how police keep us safe, come from all walks of life. Congratulates them on Operation Crime Supporssion Blizzard in March and their recent crime suppression sweep. #ANCgov

August 15th will be Back the Blue Day. Many stand and applaud. The Chief thanks them. Dunbar asks how the officer who was shot at Centennial is doing? He is at home recovering with his family. #ANCgov

Constant expresses his gratitude to them. Audience applauds again as they exit the Chambers. #ANCgov

Next, a memorandum recommending an award of $3,258,357 to Pinnacle Construction for UST replacement and dispenser addition for the Muni. Zalatel moves an amendment that corrects the fund certification. Passes unanimously. Back to the main motion. Voting. Passes 12-0. #ANCgov

Next, a resolution appropriating $750,000.65 as a grant from the Southern Region EMS Council to the State Direct/Federal Pass-Thru Grants Fund, AFD, to support the Mobile Crisis Team program. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson notes that they passed funding to fund the MCT 24/7, now we have this grant. She asks the admin what this will be used for? Demboski says that this grant will fund the MCT for the first half of the year, freeing up funds for the Muni. #ANCgov

Demboski then says that there is an upcoming meeting to figure out a legal pathway forward to keeping the MCT on 24/7, as to immediately do so may violate contracts. She says they believe they should be able to figure it out within a few weeks. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson asks if this funds the MCT instead of the alcohol tax, do they have a plan for the alcohol tax money? No answer at this time. #ANCgov

Zalatel says they have only spent just a small percentage of that number on the MCT so far this year, will this only reimburse this smaller amount? Demboski says she isn't sure that her number is correct, but she will chase every bit of eligible dollars they can. #ANCgov

Dunbar asks Demboski if the acting OMB Director is available tonight? She isn't on the bridge, but they'll see if she is available. #ANCgov

Voting on the resolution commences. Passes unanimously. Next up, regularly scheduled dinner break. Back in 20-30. #ANCgov

Okay we're back. Kicking it off by changing the order of the day, no objections. Next, an ordinance releasing and reenacting AMC chapter 3.95 to update the Records and Information Management Program to reflect modern operational consideration. #ANCgov

Public hearing opens, no one has anything to say. Public testimony closes. There's a motion to postpone to September 13. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Next, an ordinance to submit to the voters a ballot prop that would increase residential real property tax exemption and, if approved, amend AMC 12.15.015. Public testimony opens and closes with no testimony. Motion to postpone to September 13. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson explains that the postponing is so that a group can review and submit considerations and this isn't time sensitive. Voting on postponement commences and passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Onto Quasi-judicial items. First, a resolution approving the transfer of a marijuana cultivation license to Grace Flower. Public testimony opens and closes, no comments. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Next up, the ARPA resolution. Public hearing opens. Celeste Hodge-Brownin, of the Alaska Black Caucus, testifies. She thanks the assembly for continuing to support ABC's work. She says they continue their work elevating BIPOC voices. #ANCgov

She thanks the assembly for their continued support thought the pandemic. They recently published the first Alaskan Black Health Report. Because of Assembly support, they were able to purchase their first home, The Equity Center, which will be a cultural and economic hub #ANCgov

She says it will be a place to support businesses, students, artists, and all Alaskans. #ANCgov

Marissa Hansen, clinical director of Alaska Behavioral Health school based services. She says they had planned to expand their services to more schools this year. School based behavioral healthcare normalizes services. #ANCgov

She says they requested ARPA funding for services that cannot be reimbursed through insurance. ABH is disappointed that all ARPA funding in the draft version has been distributed to a UAA based program instead. Anchorage needs many behavioral health providers. #ANCgov

Allard asks what the amount they requested is? $850k. What would $50k do for them? Fund half a clinician. #ANCgov

Director of ANASIS (?) testifies. It is a 501c3 that is focused on serving the Latino community in Anchorage. They need the full amount they had requested in order to conduct an assessment of need, and hope the assembly will support Perez-Verdia's amendment. #ANCgov

Allard asks if they have their own building? No they don't have the funds and are all volunteers. #ANCgov

Katie Larsen of the Alaska Zoo testifies. They create educational opportunities for Alaskans and visitors. Thousands more participate in their distance learning programs, camps, scout programs, etc. They donate many local youth programs and awareness programs. #ANCgov

They take great pride in being a strong community partner and being a strong pillar of the community. They ask for reconsideration of their request for funding for a property expansion. The price of the purchase unexpectedly increased during a time of economic hardship. #ANCgov

They are asking for $425k, which they will be matching, to be reconsidered. #ANCgov

Andy Lowman testifies in support of funding VOA Alaska, which assists many youths in the community with mental health challenges. The availability of their services are essential for numerous students across 10 schools, they want to increase that. #ANCgov

Ed Wesley testifies. He says a lot of money has been spent on the emergency situation in our city, but he wants more money to be spent on prevention. Tells the admin, his Church is part of the Homelessness response, and he'd hope they'd champion their cause. #ANCgov

They have a resource center in Mountain View that was donated by GCI. He says they've seen issues where people have been given housing but no furniture. They want to create a furniture bank and an internet cafe that could bring people in to use their various programs. #ANCgov

They've been in business for 21 years, they have a complex in Mountain View that they use to address the houselessness issue. He once again encourages the admin to support their cause. #ANCgov

Timothy Allen Sanchez-Ayers testifies. He is a homeless individual and is speaking in support of Revive Alaska, which has helped him, and funding the Comfort Homes program for seniors and veterans, which would have enough units to help hundreds off the street. #ANCgov

He says going from homelessness to getting back into the community is a big process, and this program is the real deal. He asks them to please support the program. #ANCgov

Karen Buttons, of Friends of Fish Creek testifies on the phone to thank them for their support of the program and says she is available for questions. If during deliberations there are questions they will call her back. #ANCgov

Ms Garner testifies about domestic violence. She says there isn't enough funding for the issue in this package. She says she has only talked to one woman who has been able to get a protective order. She talked to a lawyer, who explained that it costs $5k for the order. #ANCgov

She speaks to the mental conditions that being a victim of domestic abuse and how that prevents women from testifying. She says Alaska's DV statute is defective. We must put money towards legal fees. Says there are maybe 4 attorneys for the whole state on this issue. #ANCgov

She says our court is a "protect the perp" program. Asks the assembly to consider this. #ANCgov

Alyssa Bish, director of strategy and impact for VOA Alaska. She thanks them for previous funding they have provided. She describes their current model. She says this helps children get one on one therapy as well as environmental supports in the schools. #ANCgov

She says last week the state issued an update on drug overdose deaths, and in the 15-18 age range there was a 145% increase. She says their program can act as a preventative measure to keep the children away from unhealthy coping with drug use. #ANCgov

Crystal Hoke, Girdwood, testifies. She thanks them for the inclusion of their childcare program in the ARPA distribution. She speaks to problems maintaining their building, and says this funding will help them. She says Girdwood sends $1-1.5mil in bed tax alone #ANCgov

Which she says they do not see returned to their community. She thanks them again for their funding. #ANCgov

Joan Lauer, president of the Little Bears program. She thanks them for their investment in Girdwood childcare. Notes there is only one childcare option in Girdwood. She says Girdwood is an economic driver for the Muni. This childcare project will allow people to work. #ANCgov

Their childcare center doesn't have the capacity to serve the community. Their facility is small and made of plywood. They need dependable childcare they can rely on. Thanks them for the allocation of $1.6mil to the project. #ANCgov

Richard Bag, Eagle River, speaks I'm favor of funding the Lion's Club. They have been committed to makng sure the Lion's Club park is open and available to the public. He says the pandemic has been difficult, and they are dedicated to overcoming them. #ANCgov

He encourages them to pass an amendment funding them so they can focus on other ways to serve the community. #ANCgov

Volland asks about a separate Lion's Club request for funding for vision screening and eyecare. The testifier says that isn't his branch, but vision is a primary focus of the Lion's Club. #ANCgov

Allard asks about the Eagle River Lion's Club, do they have vision screening? Yes. Volland says he'd be happy to volunteer, Allard says he needs to become an Eagle River Lion! #ANCgov

Another Lion's Club member speaks to the funding request for the Eagle River Park. He speaks to the various programs and events that they operate that assist and engage children in the community.

(Side note, I attended events at this Club when I was a child, good place) #ANCgov

Constant asks what the plan for the land is? He says it has to be open to the community and they want to expand and add new things, such as tennis courts and a memorial wall. #ANCgov

Irene Quednow testifies. She doesn't agree with allocating funding to Providence. She says Washington companies don't need money from us. Providence is huge, they make a lot of money, use the money for smaller organizations. #ANCgov

She says she's opposed to funding covid coalition for messaging. She challenges masking and social distancing so we can't hug people again. Says she doesn't know that's what it is, but that's what it sounds like. #ANCgov

Irene also criticizes the funding of the Alaska Black Caucus' building renovation. Encourages the assembly not to fund it unless they prove they can prove they match the funding. #ANCgov

Now she says that she thinks they should find the Sullivan, which they trashed through their homelessness program and now it's cheaper to tear it down than renovate it. Something about them fighting the mayor. #ANCgov

A representative for Comfort Homes testifies. He says the project is to build a facility for seniors and veterans to be houses by the winter. It is 80% done. They bought the land, the buildings. They have gotten donations for over 250 beds. They bought furniture. #ANCgov

He says they have everything that a veteran needs to move into a 2-bed and be comfortable. They've made the investment. They need to transport the buildings to the land, not lose the property value in the land. That value is based on the last 20%. #ANCgov

He says they are asking for $1.6mil to finish the project and asks them to reconsider their plea to help veterans and seniors. #ANCgov

Allard asks what's the minimum they are asking for? He says whatever they can give, 500k, 750k, 1mil... Help them. #ANCgov

Roger Branson, currently living in Centennial Campground with the most disadvantaged in the community. He also testifies in favor of the Comfort Homes project as well. #ANCgov

Melanie Leydon testifies, thanking them for funding her organization'w project. They are trying to create diaper banks, due to the diaper shortage. 1/3 of families in Anchorage need diapers right now. It also funds an after school certification programs. #ANCgov

She says she is grateful for their continued support. #ANCgov

Mike Edgington, District 6. He thanks the assembly for the difficult work to get to this point. Says it seems well balanced. He also speaks in favor of the Girdwood childcare facility funding, as well as to a Girdwood area plan update, which needs funding. #ANCgov

Zalatel asks about the area plan, what amount do they need? He says between $120-150k, probably towards the lower end, which will fund it all. To produce the plan would be a smaller amount, probably $100k. #ANCgov

Pastor Prince testifies about the Comfort Homes project. He reiterates that they are nearly done. They want to finish the project before winter. He says Alaska hosts the largest population of veterans in America, and there are currently around 150 unhoused veterans. #ANCgov

They currently have a waiting list with the VA for this project. Says some veterans have been evicted after not being able to pay rent increases, this will house them. #ANCgov

He says that this project has undergone an assessment, showing it is cost effective. Says it's not just him and his company, but many consultants. He says they need money, but not necessarily as much as they asked for, any amount will help. #ANCgov

Nial Williams testifies. Brings up the that this funding list has a problem with duplicitous services. He opposes the ABC's Equity Center funding, says it may be used to pay for a lawsuit and is racially segregated, violating equal protections. #ANCgov

He critiques funding Identity Inc, asking Perez-Verdia if he'll be recusing himself because his wife works for that. Also brings up the funding for ACEH, will Zalatel recuse herself? He is opposed to funding the Masons/Visit Anchorage/Fur Rondy. #ANCgov

He finishes by telling them to send the money back to the federal government. Allard asks why he is opposed to funding the Masons? They are an illuminati organization that protects police. #ANCgov

Dustin Darden testifies. Reminds us that he's running for Senate. He pleads with the assembly to postpone any further action on the ARPA appropriations. He opposes Providence getting funded. Says his friends was detained, isolated, and put to death there. #ANCgov

He says it neighbors the Alaska Airlines Center, which was earmarked to be used as a quarantine facility. Says this is a plan by the globalist overlords. "I demand that you cease and desist all of your crony capitalistic satanic agendas."Calls the covid vax a death serum. #ANCgov

That closes out the public hearing. We will take a ten minute break before debate and deliberations. Be back soon!

#ANCgov

Alright, we're back. Constant says that, in an unusual procedural move, they will be moving down the dais and declaring and conflicts. Dunbar has two items with the Parks Dept, which he's a board member. He says he disclosed it to the Clerk, but can't find the document. #ANCgov

Constant notes it's document 12345 (interesting), they're able to pull it up. Dunbar says he will not vote when Parks Dept is being voted on, asks to bifurcate out their funding. #ANCgov

Constant says that when that part comes up, he will declare conflict, be excused, they'll discuss and vote, and then when the main item is voted on he won't have conflict. #ANCgov

Zalatel, obviously, has some conflicts, since the ACEH is in it. Same process as with Dunbar. #ANCgov

Cross says he is a member of the Elks Lodge, but doesn't believe he has a conflict. Constant agrees. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia declares a conflict on the Identity, Inc item, since his wife is a 1099 contractor for the org. #ANCgov

Since this was not previously a declared conflict, we go through the conflict of interest questions. Constant says he believes that it is best not to vote on it, rules there is a conflict. #ANCgov

Sulte declares his is on the Elks Lounge board as well as the secretary for one of the other organizations. Constant rules he isn't in conflict on the former, but is on the latter. #ANCgov

Allard discloses that she is an Elk and a Lion, but not a board member. Constant rules no conflict. #ANCgov

Zalatel moves the S version, Dunbar seconds. We now will be going through a number of amendments. First, Dunbar moves Constant-Volland-Dunbar amendment 1. Volland seconds. Volland speaks to it. #ANCgov

This item reduces the money spent on the Equity Center by 100k, the amount to Parks and Rec for beetle kill by 200k, and increases the amount to Shiloh Community Housing by 300k. #ANCgov

Rivera notes that he wants to hear for each amendment whether the reduced numbers work for the affected orgs. Volland says it's been discussed with both orgs and they're okay with it. #ANCgov

Dunbar says that this rectifies an oversight, Shiloh is doing great work and he encourages everyone to check out their work. Then discussion ends and voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Before we move forward, Constant acknowledges he forgot to ask LaFrance about conflicts. She has none. Allard then requests a 5 minute break to speak to lawyers, as the amendments all have a line stating that the Assembly distributes to grants, but the Exec does so? #ANCgov

Constant asks Gates about it. Gates says that he'll figure out whether there's conflict and we can amend the language later. We continue. #ANCgov

Dunbar moves Dunbar-Quinn-Davidson amendment #2. QD seconds. It reduces the funding for Childcare Connection by 200k and allocates it to the Shiloh project. Voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Next amendment has Zalatel excused. Rivera moves amendment 3a, seconded. It fixes some clerical issues, and reduces money sent to ACEH by 10k and gives it to Enlaces Alaska. Rivera urges support. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson asks about the initial ask from Enlaces. Rivera says they asked for 400k with a min of 160k. Dunbar asks why this increases by 10k then? It's a complicated little move to allow Zalatel to vote on a larger amendment that fills in the remainder, I perceive. #ANCgov

Voting commences, passes unanimously. Rivera moves his next amendment, which decreases 5 digit amounts from various projects to increase the Enlaces funding. #ANCgov

Constant says he'll reluctantly vote yes, because it reduces a meals program, but he recognizes this process is a give and take. Voting commences, passes 11-0. #ANCgov

Rivera moves another amendment, seconded by Quinn-Davidson. This one changes the language in the section allocating money to the Rasmuson Foundation to streamline and increase flexibility in achieving their goal of purchasing housing. #ANCgov

Allard asks who would own the Aptel? No owner currently. She says no transparency around it, her opinion. Who will operate the Aptel? He explains but I miss it. She asks what process there would be for sale of the property? Rivera invites up Ms Brown from the Rasmuson. #ANCgov

Brown says operation costs will be covered 80%+ by rent from tenants, remainder will come from organizational supports and philanthropy. Allard asks who will be the owner? Brown says they don't know now. #ANCgov

Allard asks what restrictions will be on sale? Deep restrictions. Could they sell in case of a bankruptcy in 2 years? Brown says it's possible but the proceeds would need to go to this purpose. #ANCgov

Dunbar notes that the number is incongruous with the number approved in the previous amendment. However, he supports this amendment because it removes mention of the Aptel. He says we need to discuss with community councils and leave open possibility for other facilities. #ANCgov

He encourages people looking at potentially purchasing the Aptel to come to relevant community councils. Constant clarifies that the clerk will make sure all numbers are congruent. #ANCgov

Cross says he's concerned about just giving money to whatever owner comes along and hoping they do what's right with it. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson says operation costs can be assisted by a variety of programs that are available. She also says to Cross that the Rasmuson Foundation is a trustworthy org which has put a lot of time and money into this project. #ANCgov

Volland echoes Quinn-Davidson's sentiments. He also speaks to the variety of issues that pop up in North Anchorage, and says that he'd be for looking at other facilities since Downtown has bore the brunt of the houselessness issue. #ANCgov

Bronson says he's trying to wrap his head around this. We're going to give the Rasmuson Foundation, but they usually give us money? And we don't know who is going own it? And now Dunbar is saying they could look for other facilities? Deals fall apart... #ANCgov

He says he's old school, he's just trying to pay for fuel for fire trucks etc. He says he doesn't see a lot of results from money spent on this issue. He wants to sock away money for fuel. There's too many unknowns. He needs a business plan. #ANCgov

He says we're going to go broke here. He says he's committed more money to homelessness than any mayor in our history, but this is a big ask. "Folks, without answers, why am I giving the Rasmuson Foundation 12 million when usually they're giving us 12 million?" #ANCgov

Constant snipes him, saying we're still waiting on a shelter. Bronson says he's still waiting on the Nav center. He says we can get snarky if we want. Constant says it's amazing. #ANCgov

Allard applauds the Rasmuson Foundation for the work they do, but this is money for people who won't help themselves. Says we're dying in this city, they say we're improving, we're not. Can't pay people to work. Are we really going to buy the Aptel? It's corruption #ANCgov

Sulte says he is not a housing first person. We're going deep into the pool of if we build it they will come. He's disappointed in the ambiguity of this language. Says a lot of projects that had well thought out plans that aren't getting funding and this could pay em all. #ANCgov

He says maybe we need another worksession, there's a lack of facts and plans. #ANCgov

Dunbar says the mayor spoke of unknowns, he wants to speak about knowns. In 2021 they put money down for a facility, mayor struck it down. Then he proposed the Tudor facility, more expensive than this, and had no operating plan or operator. Allard issues a point of order. #ANCgov

She says he isn't speaking to the amendment. Overruled. Dunbar says we know that the Mayor created an arbitrary closing date for the Sullivan creating a humantarian crisis at Centennial. Bronson issues a point of order, same as Allard. #ANCgov

Constant says that any member can motion to overrule the decision of the chair. Cross motions to do so, says we need to speak to the amendment not the history of bad spending in Anchorage. Allard seconds. #ANCgov

We move to voting. Overruling the chair fails, 3-8. Allard, Sulte, and Cross for. Dunbar continues his speaking. He says he's speaking to the need for housing to address the humantarian crisis. #ANCgov

He says the mayor failed to secure the 3.4mil for the Guest House and we also know we're losing the Aviator in two months, we need funding for housing. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson says her concern is getting the money back if sufficient progress isn't made for the proposed purpose. Says there will be language that allows them to retrieve that money and redistribute it. #ANCgov

She then says that we are hearing the mayor of the largest city in Alaska criticize the largest foundation in Alaska that has helped us flourish. She apologizes to the Rasmuson Foundation for having a bad partner. #ANCgov

Cross says the mayor made the Sullivan the biggest shelter in the country, but on the amendment if the Rasmuson Foundation is so good why don't we give them all the money and abdicate our responsibility on the Homelessness problem. Says we already own an empty hotel. #ANCgov

There's a motion to extend debate for half an hour, which is seconded. Allard complains that she didn't get heard on her motion to call the question. She didn't get a second. Motion to extend debate gets voted on, passes. Allard motions to call the question, seconded. #ANCgov

Requires a super majority of 8 votes. Voting commences. Calling the question passes 8-3, Perez-Verdia, LaFrance, and Petersen against. Voting on the amendment commences. Passes 8-3, usual subjects. #ANCgov

Bronson vetoes the amendment. Rivera moves to override the veto, Volland seconds. Dunbar urges an override and hopes the organizations watching note that they have a partner in the assembly who want to work together on this issue. #ANCgov

He says we hear a lot of rhetoric from the administration, but when actual plans are presented ... Outburst from the crowd. Warnings are issued. Dunbar continues, he urges the mayor to go forward with the Golden Lion and other solution based items. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia says he thanks organizations that have made progress on this issue, often in spite of the administration. We need housing. The long term solution is housing and a myriad of services. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia says he'd prefer this money went to AHD and the admin, but their failures have made it apparent we have to go to community partners we can trust to actually step up and solve the problem. #ANCgov

Bronson "clears the record" that he isn't speaking against the Rasmuson Foundation. He wants a plan for the spending of the money from the assembly. We're being asked to spend money that will just sit when he wants to buy gas. This is a lot of money, we have hard times. #ANCgov

He says that there needs to be a place for the money to go. Who will operate it ten years from now? In the Nav Center he can tell us who will operate it. We keep talking about the humanitarian crisis, but he's at Centennial everyday sometimes twice. This isn't a disaster. #ANCgov

He says other camps are leaving to go there because it's better. Is it good? No. He's working to make it better. He says the assembly did nothing to solve this problem. He complains about how they lied to him about getting the Nav Center passed. #ANCgov

Constant says he strongly supports this override. He says he did sit with the mayor, and said he'd bring the assembly along if he came up with a plan. But he needed to see an operations plan. He asked many times, it never came and still hasn't. All that's come? Bogus. #ANCgov

Constant says he never backed down on his promises, he never got answers to the questions. He says let's override the veto and move on to helping the people who have been banished to the woods with the bears. #ANCgov

Rivera says when we talk about plans we need to talk about short term and long term. The assembly has brought forward a short term plan, and this amendment finishes the plan. The long term plan is an evolving plan and the document around it will continue to be worked on. #ANCgov

But the immediate plan? The mayor has been asked to do something and has failed. The assembly is the team actually trying to address this. He trusts the Rasmuson. But they aren't abdicating responsibility, they will keep bringing Rasmuson in and holding them accountable. #ANCgov

He says we know we need these units, not just for the homeless, but for our whole community. As far as trusting our word? Near the end of facilitation, they discussed this. Facilitation supported this. Now the mayor has vetoes that which was agreed on in facilitation. #ANCgov

Cross says he urges them not to override the veto. Points out that Constant said they didn't support the Nav Center due to no operation plan, same issue here. We have a gas problem. No one is saying no, they are saying proceed cautiously. #ANCgov

Bronson says he texted Larry Baker and... Allard issues a point of order, didn't the mayor already speak? Let's stop having a pissing contest and get on with the vote. Bronson says he wants to be on the record. Constant says he agrees, but... #ANCgov

Allard says this is about all of the boys here, whose is bigger. Constant laughs, says he appreciates her tonight. She says good, vote for my amendments. #ANCgov

Bronson continues. Look, you make proposals you want but then assume that I support them when I don't. I never said I'd support this, Baker never said he'd support it. Let the record show. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia says that there needs to be a look at the facilitation process because that's not how it went down. Discussion ends, voting on overriding the veto commences. Passes 8-3, usual suspects. #ANCgov

Zalatel returns. She motions an amendment that would allow the clerk to rectify any incronguencies in the final document as a result of the amendment process. Seconded. No discussion. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Allard moves amendment 10. Seconded. It raises the money given to ER Lion's Club from 50k to 125k while reducing the amount given to Chugach Mountain Bike Riders for building and reestablishing trails. No discussion, straight to voting. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Sulte moves amendment 5, LaFrance seconds. This takes 100k from the Girdwood childcare facility and sections it off for other aspects of the same project. No discussion, voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Apparently amendment 7 is gonna be spicy, we're waiting for the end. Cross moves amendment 8, seconded. This removes the funding for the Equity Center, Potter's Marsh Visitor Site improvements, feasibility study of daylighting fish Creek, and more in favor of buying gas. #ANCgov

Sulte says it hurts to see some of these projects go, but we have to fund the gas since there's a shortage. ABC got funding from the last round. Now isn't the time for studies. COVID advertising? If you don't know, he can't help you. Potter's Marsh? State land. #ANCgov

He finishes by saying let's keep our Muni vehicles fueled. Constant notes that some projects already had money taken out, gives us the new number. #ANCgov

Volland says "hoo boy" he does not support this. It's outside the public process, and there are no Eagle River projects in here. He won't support. #ANCgov

Zalatel says she can't support it. There are many ways to fund gas, moving funds between departments, increased community assistance from the state. Don't get rid of projects that went through the public process. She says she doesn't believe we'll have no gas by year end. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson adds context. This is the first time she's seen a specific number, which he must've gotten from the admin. They need a worksession, let's understand and then solve the problem. Her and Dunbar just scheduled a budget meeting to address this. #ANCgov

She says at the last meeting, there was seen to be a priected excess in the budget that should be able to cover the gas. Lists a variety of areas from where we may get extra money, some that perhaps the admin is unaware of. $6mil by year end, nearly twice the fuel need. #ANCgov

Time for debate has expired. Dunbar moves to extend debate by 15 minutes, Allard seconds. 8 votes needed to pass, voting commences. Extension passes 10-2, Constant and Volland dissent. #ANCgov

Allard says we discussed gas in April and May. She says she didn't understand the severity, but it was discussed. Eagle River is 16% of the Muni, so when Volland takes jabs, he's jabbing at the good kid on the block. They don't have the issues Anchorage has. #ANCgov

She says they are getting the lowest amount in the Muni. Learn from Eagle River. Volland asks if he can respond? No, but he can get in the queue. #ANCgov

Cross says that he didn't axe any Eagle River projects because there is so little money spent there. Every other district is getting more. #ANCgov

Constant says that when he hears that downtown is getting all this funding, that isn't a gift it's a burden. They would gladly have that money spent to address homelessness in other districts, but the reality is the need is there. #ANCgov

Volland does agree that there is need and points out he doesn't want to cut Eagle River projects and hasn't motioned to do so. Discussion ends, voting commences. The amendment fails 1-11, only Cross supports. #ANCgov

Next, Cross amendment 9, Allard seconds. This one corrects language in the documents to clean up clerical errors. Dunbar asks if it's entirely clerical and if not, did he speak to housing authority? Cross takes a moment to read. Constant says he sees only clerical fixes. #ANCgov

Dunbar withdraws the question, he misread. Quinn-Davidson asks if this is within the scope of the Clerk's ability to correct? Constant says this is outside that and should be clarified. Quinn-Davidson asks Cross how he decided which? He worked with staff to do so. #ANCgov

The deputy clerk says she believes these revisions bring everything in line with the spreadsheet. Constant says that the word across the dais is that this is a "Weddleton Amendment." A distinct complement in these Chambers. I miss him. #ANCgov

Voting commences, passes unanimously. Dunbar moves amendment 7, Allard seconds. This one would add Alaska Behavioral Health and Alaska School Based Health Centers into the $1.9mil pool distributed to Volunteers of America Alaska. #ANCgov

Dunbar says that he believes that an equitable distribution between the three he believes can be found. Zalatel says she can't support it, she believes there were specific asks and she wants the funding distributed so they can be put to use. #ANCgov

She says she was disappointed to see three separate proposals from the orgs instead of one collaborative one. She hopes they will work together in the future. #ANCgov

Allard says she believes that they are all separate organizations that can manage their own funds, won't support this one. Quinn-Davidson thanks the orgs that came tonight for all of their work, we all care about this issue. She doesn't plan to support, it's too squishy. #ANCgov

However, she will likely support Allard's breakdown in her amendment. Constant says he likes this approach better, but wants to change it so the money goes into a collaborative grant program instead of the assembly. Dunbar agrees and moves an amendment effecting such. #ANCgov

Computer system crashes, de facto break. Brb. #ANCgov

We're back. Allard moves amendment 7a, seconded. This one specifies the amounts to be given to each organization. Zalatel proposes and amendment to the amendment that changes the numbers a bit, allowing for ABH to get the number they requested. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson says she likes this amendment, likes what Allard is trying to do. Allard says she likes it too, and will agree with the amendment. Then she says "See Boys? See how easy that was?" #ANCgov

Voting on the amendment to the amendment commences, passes 11-1, Constant dissents. Dunbar moves to extend debate fifteen minutes, Zalatel seconds. No objection, we are extended. #ANCgov

Dunbar moves an amendment that strikes language about the funds distribution being from the assembly (I think) because of advice from legal. No discussion. Voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Voting on amendment 7a commences. Passes unanimously.
#ANCgov

Bronson moves amendment 12, but we don't have printed copies so we're gonna come back around. Sulte motions amendment 6, which removes funding from ... But it's not in front of everyone, so we maybe take up 12? But they were just given 13, instead? The numbers are wrong? #ANCgov

While we take a minute to figure stuff out I want to throw out some major props to Zalatel for her outfit today. The jacket? 🔥 The pants? 🔥 Take a cue, everyone else. #ANCgov

Okay we are extended to 11:30. And now we have an amendment from Bronson. This one is to address the fuel costs and Sullivan arena repairs. He says these are essential. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson reiterates that there are other ways to fund the fuel costs. There are nearly $6mil in state funds allocated to us that we weren't expecting and that can be used for whatever. #ANCgov

Demboski says it's not just fuel, but paint, supplies and other things. She says there are a lot of things at play. Our investment accounts aren't performing ideally. We may not now until q1 next year where things shake out. ARPA is known funds for known need. #ANCgov

AFD, APD, and others have already spent their entire year's fuel allotment. Cheryl Rasco had brought these costs up to the budget committee when she was still working for the Muni. #ANCgov

Allard says she remembers the administration's AR asking to appropriate funds for this need, and it got turned down, and she apologizes for not understanding the need at the time. #ANCgov

With that, discussion closes and voting commences. Bronson's amendment fails, 2-8. Allard and Cross for, but Sulte opposed! Interesting. #ANCgov

Onto Bronson amendment 2. However, Constant points out that often federal money cannot be matched with federal money so he asks if anyone check with the feds? Demboski says they haven't gotten the grant agreement from the feds yet, but they are trying to get ahead of it. #ANCgov

She says they don't anticipate getting the grant agreement until January. Constant suggests they reach out to Murkowski's office to get the go ahead and make sure they can use federal money to match. This is for bark beetle mitigation money, btw. #ANCgov

Zalatel notes that this only specifies certain areas in Anchorage, not Girdwood, is that intended? No, it's supposed to be used for the whole of the MOA. Zalatel moves an amendment to make it Muni wide. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson says she appreciates this use of funding, has no problem. However, she asks if they would seperately earmark some time to work with the assembly so they can also advocate for the same stuff when they go to DC. #ANCgov

Zalatel's amendment moves to voting. Passes unanimously. Back to the main amendment, voting commences. Bronson amendment 2 passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Allard moves amendment 12, Sulte seconds. This one moves $554,660 from other programs to the House of Transformation. It pulls the funding from the Equity Center. Allard says this provides housing, substance abuse treatment, and counseling. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia asks if House of Transportation is a 501c3? Allard says she can check really quick, but asks what the thought process is. He wants to know if they are a private org or a non profit, he's unfamiliar with them. #ANCgov

They are a non-profit corporation. Allard urges support. LaFrance asks Allard if she has talked to the Alaska Black Caucus about this, since it is significant? Allard says she has spoken to them about possibly redistributing their funds, but not specifically about this. #ANCgov

She says it's not their business and it isn't up to them how funds get distributed. LaFrance says she can't support it since it is a big change at the very end of the process. #ANCgov

Cross says House of Transformation is a 501c3. Allard says we need to think about equitable distribution. Says this helps homeless and substance abusers. Says ABC is looking for funds to remodel. This is for the homeless. Voting commences. #ANCgov

The amendment fails, 3-9, usual suspects. Next we're going to take up amendment 6, but there's some trouble around wording so they're working that out. #ANCgov

They're giving me too much time to sit and think about the casserole I have waiting for me at home 🥲🤤

Okay! They have the amendment. Sulte speaks to it, it will fund the midtown area plan, the Girdwood area plan, and the south addition plan, pulling amounts from various projects intended to fund homelessness response. #ANCgov

Dunbar notes that they'd be pulling, post amendments, that doesn't exist anymore. He can't support. #ANCgov

LaFrance says that the funding sources here are different from what she and Sulte originally discussed, maybe due to amendments. She says she thinks it's important to restore midtown. The Girdwood funding is critical to hit the finish line #ANCgov

For years they have been piecemeal putting funding into the Girdwood plan and the plan is fundamental for housing and other issues in Girdwood. She says often Girdwood often gets characterized as a wealthy area, but there are people who want to live there that aren't. #ANCgov

She puts it to the assembly to help them figure out how to restore the funding to these area plans. Cross motions to extend the meeting and debate to 11:40, Allard seconds. No objections, we're extended. Casserole can wait. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson asks why they need specifically that amount? LaFrance says the amount actually may be in error, needs to work through the math. #ANCgov

She explains the way that the amounts have moved around during amendment processes. A lot of numbers are said and I don't follow, honestly. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson asks, so why do you need specifically this amount though? She says that $100k will get them closer to a draft. A lot of work has been done in the last few years, they probably need about $40k to get through the public process. #ANCgov

Dunbar says he doesn't think the math works out. He says the sources they have don't exist anymore, we already reduced those amounts. He asks if it's clear? Constant says it isn't and he doesn't think we're going to fix this on the fly, we may need to postpone. #ANCgov

LaFrance tries to walk us through it. Dunbar finds that he misunderstood the desired number. Allard says if the numbers match, then she will support the amendment. #ANCgov

Deputy COS makes a technical language suggestion. Constant suggests someone make the corresponding amendment. It's made and seconded. Voting commences. Passes 10-1, Rivera dissents. Back to the main motion. Motion to extend debate and meeting ten more minutes. Yep. #ANCgov

Voting on the overall amendment 6b commences, passes 9-2, Rivera and Perez-Verdia dissent. Zalatel is recused. She returns to the room now. Allard can't get into queue, but she gets the floor now. #ANCgov

We're on the full ARPA package now. Allard says she appreciates that everyone came together and this was largely smooth. However, she will be voting against, because she finds the $12mil to Rasmuson objectionable as well as the Alaska Black Caucus getting their 1.3mil... #ANCgov

...while other organizations don't get anything. Now there's a question of whether we have to bifurcate out stuff due to conflict of interest? Zalatel argues there isn't, the Clerk agrees. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia wants to make sure he understands, if there's a conflict of interest on an item the relevant party shouldn't vote, correct? He doesn't want to come back due to an ethics problem. Constant believes that they can vote on packages, but not sole items. #ANCgov

The question goes to Gates. Gates says he understands there's a substantial conflict with Zalatel and even though she left earlier, those conflicts still exist. Says it should be bifurcated out and so on for the other members. Constant says okay let's do it. #ANCgov

Now we have to bifurcate out specific portions for certain people. Zalatel's conflicting items get bifurcated out. She leaves. We move to voting on those sections. Passes 11-0. Zalatel can return. #ANCgov

We bifurcate the section that Sulte has a conflict with. He leaves. We move to approve that section. Voting commences. Passes 11-0. Sulte returns. #ANCgov

Now we bifurcate the sections that Dunbar has conflict with. Motion to approve those sections. Passes 11-0. Dunbar returns. #ANCgov

We bifurcate the section that Perez-Verdia has conflict with. He leaves. There's a motion to approve that section. Passes 11-0. Perez-Verdia returns. #ANCgov

Dunbar calls the question on the remaining items. Seconded. Voting commences. Passes unanimously, question has been called. Voting on the remaining portions of the ARPA funding commences. Passes 10-2, Allard and Sulte dissent. #ANCgov

Now item 11-A, which would waive certain fees as a COVID-19 response. There is a motion to postpone indefinitely from Quinn-Davidson, Dunbar seconds. Constant says they've been kicking it around for a while, there's still work to be done. Discussion ends. Voting commences.#ANCgov

We now have one minute for audience participation. Quednow says she has a problem with them spending $12mil, says their record for spending on housing is not good. She says that their spending on the black caucus is lopsided. Aaaaand the meeting is adjourned. Goodnight #ANCgov ❤️

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