Cross is talking about EasyPark. He says they'll be starting their city of a billion lights project, so watch out for that. Notes that the parking garages are having some wear and tear, so they'll be undergoing some repairs. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson asks about the public safety meeting, saying that the recording was unavailable, asks if it will be going up? Cross says he believes it is up, but will look into it. Demboski says the Muni attorney can elaborate #ANCgov
Attorney says there was an unintentional disclosure of confidential info, they are working on editing that out and putting it up. #ANCgov
Constant says next week there will be a long meeting of the Utilities committee, which he hopes people will attend. Notes some relevant items that will be discussed, including SWS, Hillside's Track J, and changes to the political asks and monetization program. #ANCgov
Zalatel says on the first Wednesday the Health Policy committee had a meeting on substance abuse. They discussed what the assembly can do to tackle substance abuse in the city. Ideas for the alcohol tax were floated. They want to take a holistic view on the issue. #ANCgov
Dunbar says they have begun the budget process in earnest. First meeting this Friday. Next week on the 20th the budget and finance committee will meet. Then on Friday there will be another meeting, all in room 155 of city hall. It's budget season. #ANCgov
Petersen says the ethics and election committee met to discuss the elections handbook. Another committee meeting discussed relocatable building usage. #ANCgov
Onto laid on the table items. There is one, a supplemental item that doesn't require a vote. It's an item confirming buildings as emergency shelters and appropriating funding. #ANCgov
Motion to incorporate the addendum and laid on the table item has been made. Allard has a point of information, she asks if she can lay another item on the table or if we should wait until after this motion. LaFrance says we'll finish this motion, then take up hers. #ANCgov
Motion has no opposition, addendum and laid on table item incorporated. Allard now puts forward an item that would change municipal code to disallow the Golden Lion from being used as a shelter. Zalatel notes that they don't have this document. #ANCgov
Allard says they just printed this one, asks if an aide can print more. They will take this up later. Onto appearance requests. #ANCgov
Sarah Preskett (sp?) is first. Chair of public transit advisory board. They passed a resolution supporting the public transportation department's budget. She asks for full funding of the department. #ANCgov
Preskett says that the increases in proposed budget for the dept is due to increased fuel pricing and a new position to alleviate burden on the financial dept for dealing with grants. People Mover, AnchorRides, and Ride Share programs are all under public transport. #ANCgov
Constant says she is super early, they will have two meetings for the public to come and talk with them about the budget. #ANCgov
Jessica Parks, advisory council chair for the COC, is here to speak on a resolution they passed on emergency shelters. She reads the resolution. Notes that housing first is a key component of effective sheltering. Client control over service needs and choice also. #ANCgov
The Anchorage Continuum of Care resolves that they should follow the HUD requirements be followed. Food provided follow nutritional standards. #ANCgov
LaFrance says before we move on to the consent agenda, there are some students in the audience. Invites them up. #ANCgov
The students are from Chugiak High School and Service High School for their civics in action projects and government classes. LaFrance says they may need some signatures. #ANCgov
Before the consent agenda, Zalatel makes a disclosure that may be relevant to items on the agenda. She's director of the ACEH, as well as being one of over 30 people on the task force to end homelessness. The task force's suggestions included using the Golden Lion. #ANCgov
She says that the admin has their own plan, lists some items on their plan that we're not on the task force's suggestions. Asks the body to determine if she has a conflict of interest. Constant moves the question, does she have a conflict of interest? It is seconded. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson asks what "moving a question" entails. LaFrance says she is going to asks Constant to restate the question. He explains that a yes vote would say she has a conflict, no meaning not. Lists the related items that may be relevant. #ANCgov
Constant says that he believes she doesn't, she isn't receiving funds and has no personal interest in the items. Urges a no vote. #ANCgov
Cross says that when they dealt with this on platting board, they treated it as supplemental info. He asks her if her position as Exec Director of ACEH allows her to direct these funds? Wants to know what the roles look like, what a perceived conflict would look like. #ANCgov
Zalatel says her org does is provide expertise, their role is to provide that in relation to any homelessness response. Rivera says he's conceptually struggling with this, believes the goal is to narrow down the scope of the conflict. Will there be a series of questions? #ANCgov
LaFrance asks if he has any specifics on what he might need? He says that usually with conflicts there are a series of questions asked, will they be or is the assembly expected to have the necessary info already? #ANCgov
Zalatel says when working with the Ethics Board, she was advised to create a document that lays out her relationship to those questions. He seems fine with this, is ready to vote. Dunbar urges a no vote #ANCgov
He says that previously they have interpreted conflicts of interest too broadly. Quinn-Davidson says she wants to repeat that sentiment. The scope of what has been interpreted as conflict has been too broad. We're all members of the community affected by homelessness. #ANCgov
She says if the coalition received funding, that's a conflict. But she should be allowed to vote on items that work towards solving homelessness. Perez-Verdia also repeats the sentiment. He also runs a non-profit, thinks it's important that conflicts be treated narrowly. #ANCgov
If there is not a financial benefit to her or her org, she should be able to vote. He also urges a no vote. LaFrance points out pages in their folder that lines out the questions they usually ask, with Zalatel's answers. They will go through them now. #ANCgov
After reading through the questions and answers, Constant points out in code we have a section titled "duty to vote." He recalls a time where a member of the body was pressed to vote on his own parent's liquor license. Urges a no vote. #ANCgov
Before voting, we must clarify with Gates if Zalatel, herself, can vote on this question. He takes a moment to confer. #ANCgov
Gates, after conference, says they believe it isn't appropriate for Zalatel to vote. However, he says it's fine for her to remain at the dyas. #ANCgov
Allard says she'll go with what legal says, but recalls when her and Kennedy were on the chamber of commerce they were not allowed to participate on items funding it. LaFrance notes that in that case there was a determination of conflict, which is what's happening now. #ANCgov
Volland points out for the public that members are not supposed to abstain, so if they aren't going to vote there should be a very good reason. We move onto voting. Conclusion? No conflict, 2-9. Allard and Sulte disagree. #ANCgov
Onto the consent agenda. Petersen pulls 10a5 for reading. Volland pulls 10a7 for reading. Quinn-Davidson pulls 10d27&28 and 10d34. Dunbar pulls 10a4 and 10d9. Zalatel pulls 10d11. Constant pulls 10c2, 10d1, 10d13, 10d29, 10f1, 10f6, & 10f14. #ANCgov
Cross pulls 10g13. Rivera's items already pulled, same for Perez-Verdia, Sulte. Allard pulls 10a3. Constant corrects himself, he means 10g14, not 10f14. #ANCgov
Zalatel asks if the later laid on the table item (Allard's) should be laid on the table and given a number before voting? LaFrance says after they deal with the consent agenda, they will move to Allard for a motion to introduce. #ANCgov
Constant has one more, 10d8. They move to voting to approve the consent agenda minus the pulled items. Unanimous consent. #ANCgov
Allard now moves to introduce her item. Once again, it's an item that would change muni code to prohibit emergency shelter declaration of the Golden Lion. Public hearing will occur on October 25. #ANCgov
Constant asks to change the order of the day to take up 10a3 after 10a7 so they can break to celebrate with the Filipino community before returning to our stacked agenda. No members speak on it, voting commences. Unanimous consent. #ANCgov
First item: a resolution honoring First National Bank of Alaska for 100 years of servicing the community. Dunbar moves to approve, Constant seconds. Unanimous consent, approved. Dunbar reads. Perez-Verdia presents. #ANCgov 
Sherri Gellen from FNB speaks to it, thanking the assembly and explaining the history of the bank. Constant says he appreciates them, and says in the life of a city, 100 years isn't that long and he looks forward to what they look like as a teenage institution. #ANCgov
Next, a resolution welcoming delegates and attendees to the 2022 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention on October 20-22, 2022. No one here to accept. Petersen reads. #ANCgov
Next, a resolution recognizing and honoring Rich Owens for 28 years of community service and youth mentorship. Volland reads, Sulte presents. #ANCgov
Owens thanks the assembly for the resolution. Next year is his Tastee Freeze's 65th year. He recognizes the family he sold the restaurant to, who are here tonight. He also recognizes Ashley Swain, manager, who has worked with him for many years. Thanks his employees. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson thanks him for everything he's done for their district and the community as a whole. She thanks Mr. Dole for bringing it up and suggesting the resolution. Perez-Verdia thanks him on behalf of all the kids who love that establishment, and for everything. #ANCgov
Allard says when her daughter was training at Kincaid, they would always go by. She says they have the best burgers and fries. #ANCgov
Next, a resolution recognizing October 2022 as Filipino American History Month. Allard reads, Cross presents. #ANCgov
Miriam Agnesius (sp?) speaks to the resolution. She recognizes Filipino led organizations that contribute to our community. Thanks the assembly. #ANCgov
Cross shares a story. Once, he needed help with his business, and was recommended to look at The International for help. He found two people from the Philippines who are as close to him now as family. Acknowledges the work ethic of the Filipino community. Thanks them. #ANCgov
Dunbar says he has been fortunate to attend multiple related events at UAA in the last year, also thanks Genevieve (didn't catch last name) for her work in government. He also says that once a year she provides a dinner and it's his favorite night of the year. #ANCgov
LaFrance says we aren't ready for dinner, so we are continuing the agenda. Next item, a memorandum recommending an award to Alasco for snow removal. Constant says that the admin has ask this be removed, as the business rescinded the offer. #ANCgov
Next, a memorandum setting the meeting schedule for 2023. Constant proposes an amendment, which acknowledges more religious holidays on the schedule. Voting commences, amendment passes unanimously. Voting on main motion commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Next, appointment confirmations of Brian O'Dowd, James Colles, and Eli Ward to the Geotechnical Advisory Commission. LaFrance notes that her husband serves on the commission, Constant rules she has no conflict of interest. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson says she believes this is a classic example of there being no conflict, as there is no financial benefit to serving and her husband isn't on the item. #ANCgov
Zalatel moves to postpone as she is unsure of what the commission does and would like there to be a briefing. Without that information, she doesn't feel ready to vote on these individuals. #ANCgov
Allard says there are members whose time on the commission ends on 10/14. She says that on the current commission they don't have any representation of Chugiak-ER, and these appointments would provide that representation. #ANCgov
She says if we postpone, she wants a work session so they can fill these posts as soon as possible. Zalatel says she wants to postpone to December, after the budget is discussed. Board members can serve for 120 days after expiration, which means there shouldn't be issues. #ANCgov
Demboski speaks, says that the reason that there's no extra information in there is because the assembly struck it everytime. Constant says that was because the language didn't fit the language in code. Says they hope to rectify this problem in the future. #ANCgov
LaFrance says she supports postponing. There's an upcoming resolution that current members helped draft that she'd like to have them around to explain. Also notes that while representation is important, science doesn't change between districts. #ANCgov
Cross doesn't support postponing. Says the commission is self-explanatory and members of the assembly are smart enough to figure it out. Says the people who would be displaced can still make themselves available to the assembly when the previously referenced item comes up.#ANCgov
Rivera says he's ready to vote today. He will lend his support on the postponing at request of his colleague, but hopes that it doesn't become common practice. Hopes in the future they can come up with a better way of understanding the boards before voting comes up. #ANCgov
Allard says that Zalatel was just told what it does, claims that there is a political back room game being played. LaFrance gives point of order, speaking to motive. Constant disagrees, rules no such violation. Allard says her district isn't represented, we know what they do.
Two of the people have advanced degrees, they are experts. No reason to postpone to December, we could bring in an expert and spend 30 minutes. She says there's a political motivation to why they don't want to approve them, but won't say it on the dyas. #ANCgov
Volland isn't convinced we need to postpone. Asks the admin what the vetting process was for these appointees. Demboski says the deputy chief of staff isn't here, so she can't speak to it fully, but says that when positions are applied for, the applicants backgrounds are checked.
Brice Wilbanks does the vetting and background checks. Demboski says for technical boards, the resumes are shared with the directors of those departments, and we're a small community so there's a lot of familiarity with subject matter experts. #ANCgov
Volland feels ready to vote on these appointees. Sulte says he finds the appointments fascinating, we block or bifurcate because we don't like them often, but that's not happening here. He wonders why this is happening tonight, then. Why wouldn't we get on with it? #ANCgov
Zalatel says she doesn't have a lot of technical expertise, she's reading the code but can't find which departments these affect. There may be reasons that she would have an opinion based on if the health department was affected, perhaps. This could be very relevant soon. #ANCgov
She wants to know more about the intersections. With the budget stuff ongoing, she doesn't have time to investigate, which is why she's asking for extra time. If there's a need for regional representation, she wants to understand why. Without answers she's not ready. #ANCgov
Voting on postponement commences. Passes 7-5, Allard, Sulte, Cross, Quinn-Davidson, and Volland dissent. And now? Dinner break. Back in thirtyish minutes! #ANCgov
Back in session! Next item, a non-encumbering contract with HDL for engineering services for improvements at Merrill Field. Zalatel calls up our new airport manager for Merrill Field, Rich Sewell. She asks him what the fund source is for the increase? #ANCgov
The source is the FAA airport improvement plan. Sewell says the match will be paid by CARES money. All of the money is federal money already appropriated. This amount is for laying the groundwork for a runway repave project to begin Summer 2024. #ANCgov
Zalatel encourages support of this project and says she's glad CARES money is still being used. She pulled this item because non-encumbering items don't require fund certification and would like to work with the admin to line out a method for understanding fund sources. #ANCgov
Constant greets Sewell, says he'd like to talk in the future about the Orca St boundary. He also encourages a meeting with the Fairview Community Council. #ANCgov
Allard thanks Sewell for stepping up and doing what he's doing, working with the admin and assembly. Sewell says it's a great opportunity and he couldn't wait to start. No more discussion, voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Next, a memorandum changing a non-encumbering contract with Shi Internation to extend the contract for commercially off the shelf software to the Muni. $6,534,046. #ANCgov
Constant asks the IT director about the cost increases and why. He says that this is an extension for 3 years. In 2021 there was a grant from the federal government for cyber security, which provided discounts. Year over year those discounts decrease. #ANCgov
Constant asks what the trajectory of the expense is past the three year mark. IT guy says that Microsoft products may increase in price, the primary cost is security software. #ANCgov
Discussion ends, voting commences. Passes unanimously. Next, an amendment to the contact with 99+1 to continue providing shelter at the Aviator Hotel. $325,787.76. Quinn-Davidson moves to approve, Constant seconds. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson says she pulled these because there are multiple Homelessness items tonight, each with various costs. Wants to understand them, is working through them in real time. She asks Mrs Christianson, admin legal counsel about this one, which pays for prior costs. #ANCgov
Christianson says it is legal to approve costs retroactively, but it isn't considered best practices. Quinn-Davidson asks Demboski why we are approving them now so we have them on the record. #ANCgov
Demboski says through the pandemic there were multiple times where contracts didn't match up with the actually timelines. Operators acted in good faith while the government lagged behind. They intend to prevent this in the future, but for now they are playing catch up. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson notes this will be paid out of the alcohol tax, but then says it may be through some other fund? Says she'll save further comments for an item directly related to the alcohol tax. #ANCgov
Rivera notes there's another resolution extending the Aviator through the end of the year, who will operate it through the end of the year? Demboski throws to the Health department. Alexis Johnson says that the Aviator has taken over full operations. #ANCgov
Rivera asks if the other item is comprehensive for leasing and operating the rooms? Johnson says she believes so. Quinn-Davidson says she thinks 10g12 is what Rivera is referring to. Asks that next time there are so many homelessness items that they could have an organized chart.
Constant says he thinks there's another item that is related to Rivera's question that is different from the one Quinn-Davidson referenced. Allard says she keeps getting kicked out of queue. LaFrance recommends speaking to IT. #ANCgov
Allard asks Demboski to walk us through how we came to have this many items. Demboski says they have a lot of projects, each must go through various departments. There's a new staff member that was able to get things in front of her quickly #ANCgov
She says she wanted to get all of these in front of the assembly without interfering with budget season. Discussion ends, voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Next item, an amendment extending the contract with Beans for providing meals to the Alex and Aviator. $474,422.53. #ANCgov
Rivera wants to ask the health department how meals are distributed to the hotels. Zalatel issues a point of order, says his question is relevant to a different item that is moving forward, since this is a retroactive item that pays through previous service. #ANCgov
Passes unanimously. Next item is a contract for the Aviator to provide non-congregate sheltering services. Constant moves an amendment that replaces placeholder info with specifics. Zalatel seconds. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
On the main motion, Rivera asks if the Health Department could come up and explain how food is being handled at the Aviator, Sullivan, and Alex, and how many meals are being provided? Johnson says breakfast and dinner are being provided at the Sullivan as well as sack lunch.
She's finding out more info about the Aviator, but they have added one meal. At the Alex they plan two hot meals and a cold meal as well. Rivera says it's concerning that some have only 2 meals and at the Aviator 1 meal. Wants a path to at least 2, preferably 3 meals. #ANCgov
Zalatel says this item is all to the Aviator, whereas before there were multiple contracts servicing the location. Is the Aviator subcontracting? Also, how can they pay retroactively from the alcohol tax? #ANCgov
Johnson says the Aviator told them there was food waste since people were on Snap benefits, so they reduced down from 3 to 1 meal. Says there are no additional subcontracts past the Aviator. Needs a few more minutes to follow up. #ANCgov
Zalatel says she is surprised that we are doing one contract with a location and allowing them to subcontract for meals and whatnot. Asks what the oversight is from the health department for the subcontractors. They usually have them directly on contract for accountability.
Quinn-Davidson says she thinks that she understands why this is confusing, there's three items related to each other. They seem out of order to assign money to a vendor but not have the money approved in yet. Asks legal or someone to explain. #ANCgov
Gates says you can approve a contract and still need the funds certified. The contract doesn't get executed until the funds are approved/certified. Quinn-Davidson understands, feels a little out of order but legally works. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson says that as far as the alcohol tax goes, the ballot measure has language that specifically said the tax was for preventative measures. She says we are far from the original planned distribution, and it becomes difficult to track the funds with these items. #ANCgov
She says 8.7mil was left over in the 2021 balance out of around 12mil collected. 2/3rds hadn't been spent. If we approve these items, all but 1mil will have been spent. Almost entirely on homelessness response, not prevention. Says this isn't what we voted on. #ANCgov
She says she doesn't want to vote against important things, but she says we need to focus on prevention as we go forward or she'll have to start voting no. #ANCgov
Rivera asks the admin if there is enough flexibility to go to 2-3 meals if the contractor approves of it? Johnson will check. Rivera says he wants all operators of all the emergency response facilities to have representatives at next week's meeting. #ANCgov
He also says he understands where Quinn-Davidson is coming from, but unfortunately we've been in a non stop emergency more, more acutely than usual. Hopes with enough planning we can get to the prevention, which is housing, so we won't be in this position next year. #ANCgov
He says that it feels unfortunate that the alcohol tax has become the go to source of funding for homelessness. He hopes that next year we will be in a better situation, assembly led. Hopes that his colleagues will support him in those endeavors. #ANCgov
Johnson says she's waiting to find out if they have flexibility for additional food, she says she believes currently they do not but that could be brought forward later. #ANCgov
Cross says he agrees 100% with Quinn-Davidson. Says our women and children live in a constant state of emergency, but with the avalanche of Homelessness issues there hasn't been available money for them. He has been looking for a reason to start putting it in the correct place.
Says we keep funding these programs for people who have so much food they are just throwing it away. Now he might vote against just because of that. #ANCgov
Volland says he too wants to make sure next year we aren't in crisis looking for sheltering. Says housing is more stable. There are interrelated issues, housing, mental health, addiction, abuse... He and Zalatel are committed to addressing these issues. #ANCgov
He says they are looking at the grant process for using alcohol taxes. There's room for improvements. They've found interesting opportunities that that money could be used for. They will be having another meeting to discuss these issues at the Health Policy meeting. #ANCgov
Zalatel asks how we've spent the 2022 alcohol tax fund. Day centers, treatment...? How have we leveraged them as opposed to the 2021 fund balance. Johnson says there is $3.7mil after approved actions, names two more items which together would reduce it down to ~1mil. #ANCgov
Zalatel says that's the balance from 2021, she wants to know about 2022. Says we could reappropriate that money for children and women. Let's work on figuring out what it's being used for. Johnson says she's happy to work on that together. #ANCgov
Discussion ends, voting commences. Passes unanimously. Cross decided to support! Next, a contract with the Alex Hotel for 50 units for non-congregate shelter. $391,000. Rivera moves to change the order of the day to take this up before 11B. Says they're companion items. #ANCgov
Voting commences on changing the order of the day. Passes unanimously. Next, an informational memorandum: Assembly Notification of Board and Commission Members. Constant moves to approve, Volland seconds. #ANCgov
Constant says they had put this off due to inaccuracies that they wanted addresses. Asks the admin if they want this postponed indefinitely so they can get the new one? Demboski says it's their choice, relevant staff won't be back for two weeks. Constant moves to postpone indef.
Voting commences. Allard isn't getting the screen, verbally votes yes. It's unanimous. This will have to be reintroduced later with the fixed doc. #ANCgov
Next, an informational memorandum, Annual Exemption Report on Affordable and Workforce Housing and tax incentives for housing. Constant asks about some seeming discrepancies on this item, it seems to imply some units could get a 500k tax exemption? Trombley says that doesn't ...
... sound right, will get back to him later on it. We put this item aside for now.
Next, items for introduction. First an ordinance approving the proposed plant replacement improvement surcharge mechanism by AWWU. Introduced. #ANCgov
Next, items for introduction. First an ordinance approving the proposed plant replacement improvement surcharge mechanism by AWWU. Introduced. #ANCgov
Next, this, introduced for public comment October 25. Constant says Gates has asked they hold this for one meeting so he can get a full grasp on it. Constant says basically this goes away right now for reintroduction later. #ANCgov
Back to the workforce housing item. Trombley says that there are some asterisks, one has a statement about creating 4+ units on a master parcel. It seems to mean the master parcel gets tax exemption, subdivided per unit. Constant agrees with this read. Voting commences. #ANCgov
It passes unanimously. That concludes the consent agenda. Onto unfinished business. First up, informational memorandum on the condemnation of 1000 E 36th Ave. Zalatel moves to postpone to Nov 9. She had made an error on arranging a meeting on it, her bad. She apologizes. #ANCgov
Voting on postponement commences, Allard's computer still being weird. She verbally votes no, making her the only no vote. #ANCgov
Okay, back to the Alex Hotel item (companion to our next item). Constant says we have three must pass items on the agenda, moves to change the order of the day to take them up so we don't miss them. Zalatel seconds. Unanimous consent. #ANCgov
Sarah Short testifies, International and Arctic area. She disagrees with just putting people in housing. Constant issues a point of order, this is about boards and commissions not housing. She apologizes, returns to her seat. Public testimony ends. Voting commences, passes 12-0.
No public testimony. Zalatel moves to approve, Volland seconds. Constant moves an amendment that adds repairs to lights in an art sculpture in the Dena'ina center. Zalatel seconds. He wants the people there to know the lighting is a priority, as it's part of the sculpture.#ANCgov
Voting commences, amendment passes unanimously. Back to main motion. Zalatel notes there's a lot of lighting upgrades, hopes we are looking at the energy efficiency. We should consider it for all of our Muni buildings. Discussion ends, voting commences. Passes unanimously.#ANCgov
Now, a resolution stating the assembly's conditional protest regarding Kami Ramen receiving a liquor license. Public testimony opens. #ANCgov
A member of the Spenard community testifies that Kami is a great restaurant and addition to the community, urges the approval of granting them a liquor license. Public testimony closes. Constant moves to approve, voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Okay, back to where we were before changing the order of the day. The Alex Hotel receiving $391,500. Zalatel moves to approve, Rivera seconds. Zalatel moves an amendment that brings language in line with what's necessary to get funds appropriated/cert'd. Passes 11-Allard. #ANCgov
Rivera says the admin has added a request to change the number of rooms. Alexis says it is actually 55, not 50, rooms. Rivera asks if that changes the numbers? No. Rivera then moves an amendment that changes 50 -> 55. Petersen seconds. Demboski notes the title also change.#ANCgov
Rivera and Petersen accept the correction. No discussion. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. Back to main motion. Dunbar notes that at the special meeting he noted that their plan that they approved didn't include the Alex. Then the admin raised legal concerns #ANCgov
Dunbar hopes we can address those legal objections. However, he doesn't want to see the Alex become a permanent cold weather shelter. He'll vote for it, but he expects this will become the permanent solution and the admin will refuse to turn on the Golden Lion. #ANCgov
Zalatel agrees. Says the cheaper option is to invest in housing to solve homelessness. She wants to move people into a permanent solution, not a temporary one. Asks Johnson, will there be a second item for this for operations? Johnson says this is just for leasing the rooms.
Zalatel asks if this will need to wait for a separate funding item to pass? Johnson says she will get that answer. Zalatel says if we can make a consistent format for these provisions it makes it easier for the public to track. There's a lot of confusion about how we go from a-b.
[correction, this item changes the contract with Alex from $391500->$711000]
Johnson explains that there was a mistake, thats why those numbers were flipped. #ANCgov
Johnson explains that there was a mistake, thats why those numbers were flipped. #ANCgov
Dunbar makes a motion to take this and the next item up after the Golden Lion item. Quinn-Davidson seconds. Dunbar reiterates he is concerned about this being our only option when we have a cheaper option in the GL. He'd feel more comfortable about this after passing that.#ANCgov
This is a continued item with an open amendment from Constant and Zalatel on the table. It looks like this.
Constant urges support. Zalatel appreciates the work with Christianson to make it happen. #ANCgov
Constant urges support. Zalatel appreciates the work with Christianson to make it happen. #ANCgov
Cross says that this amendment solves his problems with the item and if it had been written this way originally he would've cosponsored it. Voting commences, amendment passes unanimously. Back to main motion, no discussion, voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Next, an ordnance amending Muni code that would restore previous language regarding exceptions to the requirements for contractor licensing. Constant moves to postpone to October 25, Zalatel seconds. Says they just want to hammer out some fine details, no downside to waiting.
Voting on postponement commences, passes unanimously. Next, onto continued public hearings. First up, this:
#ANCgov
#ANCgov
Cross motions to continue the public hearing to October 25. Says they are close to hammering out some final changes to an S version. Wants the public to look at it before giving testimony, so that it's relevant to the final draft. There's no rush, plenty of time. #ANCgov
Voting on continuing the public hearing to October 25 commences, passes unanimously. Next, a resolution appropriating $5,100,000 to various departments ' 2022 General Government Operating Budgets. No one testifies. Public testimony closes. #ANCgov
There are two relevant Memorandums, AM 527-2022 and AM 603-2022. Dunbar, at Clerk's request, moves to approve 603, not 527. Seconded. Then Dunbar moves this amendment proposed by the admin, and asks them to speak on it
#ANCgov
#ANCgov
Sounds uncontroversial. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. Zalatel moves an amendment, seconded by Rivera. It appropriates $186,418 to the office of equity and justice from various departments' fuel funds. Says this shouldn't affect their ability to purchase fuel. #ANCgov
Dunbar says this is in line with the Ombudsman's input. Voting commences, passes unanimously. Zalatel moves another amendment, seconded by Volland. It appropriates $1mil from fuel costs to a long range transportation plan. #ANCgov
She says this body has put forward goals to use federal highway dollars. We need a community plan for that money. She wants to emphasize safety. How many times in the last year have we heard about pedestrians being hit? We need real goals. #ANCgov
She says it is key that we have year round safety on our streets. It's a year round issue that our streets are unsafe. If we don't create a plan and goals now, she isn't sure when we will. If this passes, you won't have to hear from her about it for a while. #ANCgov
Volland says as we look to be a Northern City of the Future, we have some growing pains. Currently Anchorage is now growing in transportation safety. We don't have a single protected bicycle lane. #ANCgov
Volland says having a roadmap is essential and can provide a touchstone when communicating our values with the state. We are getting into winter and we all recognize the challenge with sidewalk travel. Skinny sidewalks, wheelchair inaccessibility, snow removal... #ANCgov
Management of right of way, on-street parking. He says it's a sizeable ask but a valuable investment in the future. Allard doesn't have the amendment. Zalatel gives her her copy. #ANCgov
Dunbar notes there may be a scribners error on one of the numbers. He is working with Cross on an item that would reduce the mandated parking minimums. He says some concerns about that include parking areas used for snow storage. Transportation department is concerned about it.
He thinks this plan could go to working on that issue. Says last year we did not perform very well on snow removal. Hopefully this project could go to work on that issue. This study could be a small piece of solving that problem. #ANCgov
Constant says the Long Term Transportation Plan is a plan we already have, how does this differ and how would it be implemented differently and not more AMATS work. Zalatel says the MTP is required to take into account local plans. #ANCgov
Zalatel says that the LTTP would be developed by outside inputs just like the MTP is for AMATS. Cross says he is usually against more plans, but like Dunbar says, there are some big changes coming. He thinks there are more people going to be riding fat tire ebikes. #ANCgov
We need to account for these changes and understand what the effect is. He supports this, though he thinks it's a lot of money for a study. #ANCgov
Allard brings up the Golden Lion, which is the most dangerous intersection in the state, will it be covered? And how will disparities between plans be levelled? Zalatel says of course any plan accounts for that intersection, and the disparities in plans will be accounted for ...
... as the groups discuss and work together under that umbrella. Constant says that 2025 is nearly upon us, and as we look back on the project, this will be a good time to work forward. Allard says she wi vote against so as to represent her community. #ANCgov
Voting commences, amendment approved 11-Allard. Her community likes her to vote against things for no discernible or articulable reason, from what I can tell. #ANCgov
Back to main motion. Quinn-Davidson motions to amend the fuel number from $5.1mil to $4.1mil. Zalatel seconds. Dunbar speaks on some other numbers issues, asks Ms Camacho for advice. LaFrance says that there can be clerk's changes to make things conforming. I'm confused, time2pee
Okay I missed the conclusion of that last part. On now is the public testimony on revisions and reallocations of the ARPA funding. Testifying now is a group of Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders who provide physical and mental healthcare in their community asking for inclusion.
Dunbar thanks them for their testimony and the work they've been doing. He notes that in ARPA funding distribution there was a funding for a co-working space, where there office was located. He notes the interconnectedness of things. Picking up that they are in the reallocation.
Allard thanks them for their work and involvement and says she appreciates all the support they've given her community as well. Public testimony closes. Dunbar moves to approve the 604 not 528 version (similar situation as earlier). #ANCgov
This is being distributed from excess ARPA funds, still leaving us with a modest surplus. Volland moves an amendment which would allocate $200k for fuel costs to various departments to make up for the delta from previous changes. #ANCgov
Cross seconds. Volland says with fuel costs things are difficult. He says maybe the costs aren't as high as previously thought, but this may help the admin with future planning. Quinn-Davidson says she won't support, as she doesn't think it's mathematically necessary. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson says that fuel costs would have to go up a lot to go over the remaining allotted amount. Zalatel agrees and she would also need an analysis of why each department was over. Says this is the purpose of Q1 budget revisions. #ANCgov
Volland responds that we are likely in for winter costs with plowing. Asks the admin if they think this is necessary? Demboski says they support the amendment, the fire department is already running over. She says gas prices have gone up significantly. #ANCgov
Allard thanks Volland for bringing this forward. Dunbar says that he won't support it, especially with how firey the debate around ARPA funding got. After the debate, they never got a request from the admin. So he and Quinn-Davidson got together and made their own version.#ANCgov
Dunbar says he'd like to see a detailed ask from the admin once they've spent to the threshold. Voting commences on Volland's amendment, fails 4-8. Allard, Sulte, and Cross join Volland in favor. Onto main motion, no further discussion, voting begins. #ANCgov
Allard issues a point of information, she says she needs to see if she can read that far, squints, asks if Volland's amendment passed. It did not. Voting continues, passes unanimously. Now we take a ten minute break. #ANCgov
Okay, back in business. Next item is the Golden Lion item that would allow it to be used as part of the emergency shelter program. Public testimony opens. First testimony is from a Doctor who operates across the street. Says this will increase the access of the target... #ANCgov
... population to the clinic she works at. They are unable to access consistently now due to transportation. People experiencing houselessness are not so different from us, and are deserving a place in our community. #ANCgov
Sulte asks her is she wants it to be used as a treatment center? She wants it to be used as a shelter that doesn't require people to undergo treatment, as that isn't helpful when coerced. #ANCgov
Matt Duncan from the Spenard Community Council testifies in favor of opening the GL. He says people in his community need this service. He says the reasons he moved to Spenard are being stolen from him because people would rather sleep in the parks and trails than the offerings.
He says we've already paid for it, in Spenard they already have between 1-4 centers, downtown between 9-17, GL area? None. Just up the road from the GL is a homeless camp, an area taken from the general problem. It's not just our problem, it's a problem everywhere. #ANCgov
Next, Alyssa Rezuto, midtown. She works in the medical community in the area surrounding GL. She provides substance abuse and health treatment and is a resident of the neighborhood. She asks the assembly to move forward with this plan. #ANCgov
She says she has seen people transform when given opportunity, and others fail when unnecessary roadblocks are put in their way. The GL is a full building, ready to be used. She asks it be used as one part of the plan to help her unhoused neighbors. #ANCgov
She asks us to stop dividing among NIMBY lines and start working together. Allard asks if she supports the Nav Center? Yes, as a component.
#ANCgov
#ANCgov
Irene Quednow. Says if the assembly had not obstructed, the nav center would be in service last fall. Says this isn't an emergency since it isn't unexpected. Blames the assembly, usual shpiel. #ANCgov
She says the only reason we are discussing this is because the assembly passed an amendment barring this being used as a shelter and now they want to go back on it. Says the reason they will suffer legal consequence is because they're going back on their own law. #ANCgov
Zach Sears, midtown. He asks them to support this. He would rather it be used as a treatment center, but supports this. He says the Alex is a more expensive option. He is an outreach worker, has spent time in the camps. Those who people are worried about are people who are there.
Allard asks if he agreed with the Nav Center? Aspects of it. Should the Golden Lion be better used for treatment? The opportunity cost is too high, housing is the most effective. #ANCgov
Sulte asks him how do they get people into the treatment center? By creating a housing circumstance with a community of people who already like each other. We create an environment they want to be in. #ANCgov
David Laser, Hatcher Pass. First time being here. Says sidewalks are for people, people get hit on the streets. These are natives, or as he calls them, Indians. It's not a white or black problem, it's an Indian problem. After the native conference have them take their people.
He says if we put them in housing and feeding them, we'll have the same problem next week. Send the natives home, the remainder send em to San Diego. Says the street people have more money than he does. We need to eliminate the problem. He knows some good native people. #ANCgov
Dunbar says he finds it deeply ironic to hear anyone but an Native Alaskan tell someone to go home in Alaska. He asks where this man believes most of the people say they are from? The villages. No, they say they are from Anchorage. #ANCgov
Dunbar asks him where he learned all this false nonsense? Allard says let's not engage in debate, she understands both perspectives. Testifier says he has lived here over 50 years. Someone in the audience tells him to go home. #ANCgov
Roger Branson says that the last testimony was painful. He has experienced homelessness. The people at Centennial lost power today, things are concerning there. We need a place for them to go. He talks of the opportunity cost of the GL. But what ifs don't help the people we lose.
Yarrow Silvers testifies. She says we own an empty 9mil building. Meanwhile the mayor lies that it will condemned for an unplanned and unfunded project, which doesn't run through the building, all to keep the building empty. She reminds us, these are our tax dollars at waste.
It would cost half the money to house people who are in the Sullivan at the GL. We are paying more to house people in hotels we don't own, than in the one we do. $15mil was to be used on these issues and if it isn't, we have to pay it back. $9mil was for the GL. #ANCgov
She says please use it as housing now with a plan to use it for treatment later. #ANCgov
Onto the phone list, Francesca Allegraza. Great. Says this is a breach of public trust. What good is a law if it can be broken and changed by the same body that made it. She reads the law that was passed that stated it shouldn't be used as a shelter. #ANCgov
She says they are in breach of contract. Breathes heavily into the mic for a bit. End of testimony. #ANCgov
Next on the phone, Darryl Nelson, Chugiak. He has a house full of people with disabilities who take care of each other. He says people need communal small housing where they can take care of each other. He may lose his house because he is poor, disabled, and behind on taxes.
He thinks more small group homes is better than using one large facility. Says Kevin Cross and Forrest Dunbar have helped him with his testimony. Wants the city to look into small group homes to make things better. #ANCgov
Back to in person. TJ Andrew, midtown. Shouts out Felix and Forrest. He says he's been sitting and listening, made some notes. First time public speaking in 20 years. He's recently retired and wants to give back through volunteering. #ANCgov
He says the NYC mayor has recently purchased hanger sized tents to help house the houseless. Says we have two in town already. He recommends temporarily proposed buildings designated as emergency shelter. Long term he wants housing. #ANCgov
"Dream big and dare to fail." Dunbar asks him if he would be interested in serving on a commission related to housing? Yes he would. Allard asks him if he's heard of the Nav Center? Yes, he thinks helping navigate would be good. #ANCgov
Public testimony closes. Constant moves to extend to 11:30, unanimous consent. Constant moves to approve the S-version of the item. He says the long termvalue of that building is housing and treatment, voluntary and effective. A step towards the consent decree, closer to solution
Constant says to those who say this isn't an emergency that it ignores the humanity of the people living now in the snow. Addresses the man from Hatcher's Pass, he is glad he came and stated his ideas so plainly for anyone with a heart to hear and see. #ANCgov
Zalatel says she never wanted to see the GL used as a shelter, but it makes sense to use it as housing, which is the solution to homelessness. She says we are making progress in the right direction and our numbers show it. #ANCgov
Her biggest argument though is the fiscal one. It is the most fiscally responsible approach. She lines out the math, quicker than I can keep up with. But rental assistance and available units are two keys to the solution. It is so much cheaper than using shelters. #ANCgov
We could lease out the building for a year, do the repairs, and then turn it to a substance use treatment facility. #ANCgov
Rivera says from the beginning he wanted to use the GL as housing, not an emergency shelter. However, things have gotten confusing. He says this S-version should help. It takes the GL out of the emergency shelter plan, which makes it by legal definition, not a shelter. #ANCgov
This S-version makes it crystal clear that it will be used as housing. It doesn't get us through the repairs and to the activation, but it clears that up. And he clarifies, he wants to see it used for substance abuse treatment. But until then? Housing. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson asks the admin, if this passes will they use the GL as housing? Trombley says they talked to Zalatel on Friday, wants to know their plan for activation, landlord tenant act, etc. It's not a hard no, but he wants to have some questions answered. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson asks if he has a timeframe? He says he wants answers first, most important is land use designations. He isn't sure what the use is, that will help him determine the time to become compliant with code. #ANCgov
Dunbar says he can't say everything tonight, some will be said in two weeks when they discuss the nav center. He says he doesn't think Trombley said anything false, but it obscures the reality: if the mayor wanted to use the GL a year ago it would be in use now. #ANCgov
He says the various components of the admin's plans were not a real plan. Rivera came in with an alternate plan, and the admin said you can't use that. Now there's another alternative which is apparently the permanent plan. #ANCgov
He asks, what if Rivera hadn't come out with this plan? He thinks chaos. Tells Rivera, I'm sorry, but I don't think this admin is going to work with you. And now the Sullivan will be used longer, and it isn't a pleasant place to be. He's frustrated, we own a hotel, it sits empty.
Cross says that he's frustrated that the idea here is that it will be used as housing but not for treatment until 2025. 3 years to maybe see treatment? He'd like to see something more definitive in place. He would consider something with a shorter timeline. #ANCgov
LaFrance says she appreciates Trombley's intent to work with law, designations, and would like him to put together his questions to the assembly. She says this establishment was used by a for-profit, WEKA, and that never came before the assembly. #ANCgov
She says that as far as the people to be housed, the Sullivan apparently has 200, but she thought it was supposed to be 150? Asks a sponsor to speak to that. #ANCgov
Rivera says that the 200 is a flexible capacity should certain conditions be met. LaFrance asks if they should move an amendment to change it to 150. Rivera says that seems responsible, asks that they add the vendor in a separate line for a different component. Motions amendment.
Voting commences on that amendment. Before vote is tabulated, the admin questions if this removes the surge capacity? Rivera says that isn't his intent, but could be difficult to express in the chart. No one objects to this, so that's the basis. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Back to main motion. Sulte says he's agnostic to the use of the GL as housing, though he would prefer treatment. He wants to see a long term plan for how we're going to attack root causes. If we approve this, he wants to see us approve the nav center. Approach isn't cohesive.
Challenges the admin and assembly to work together to start planning for next year. Also, he has a flight to catch so he's leaving. #ANCgov
Allard says the primary failure of using this run down building brought by the assembly with no due diligence puts the city at risk of a blood sucking lawyer when a drug addict falls down the stairs. Says the building will be condemned by the overpass project. #ANCgov
Allard asks the admin to line out a timeline for the Nav Center on the record. Trombley says he doesn't want to get into a political fight. Says the mayor proposed the nav center, we all know what happened, it got to some agreement, assembly approved with conditions... #ANCgov
... assembly felt like the conditions weren't met and removed the funding. He doesn't want to get in the middle of it. #ANCgov
Trombley says that he'd be happy to answer the chair's earlier questions in an email, but for the public, when he talks about a use designations it determines how it will be compliant with code. Lists different kinds of housing codes. #ANCgov
He says it has to fit into some code like that, there are options but we need to find consensus on how that will be used. #ANCgov
Volland says he respectfully questions Allard's assertion of the three year time frame for the overpass project, it isn't funded or fully planned. He hopes we can vote soon. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson says that there's been an assertion multiple times by a member (Allard) that they could've activated the GL. When a project call was put out, contractors wouldn't bid on it because of the statements the, then Mayoral candidate, Bronson was making. #ANCgov
LaFrance notes that the idea that a 1000 person nav center could solve the problem is not a realistic one. She says that the assembly did not pull the funding, but to continue the project it requires assembly approval which they didn't give. #ANCgov
Zalatel says that when the guest house was used, they asked for a use determination and we're determined to be a rooming house. This seems like pretty close to that, does she need to apply for a use determination? What is her exit, she feels like she's on a hamster wheel. #ANCgov
Trombley apologizes for her feeling like that, says he will figure it.out tomorrow what the next step is. Cross says if the state takes the GL it's the best thing that could happen because the neighbors don't want it and then they won't have to repair it. #ANCgov
Constant says the letter from DoT is suspect. But he moves on, says Trombley seemingly just offered to help the find success. Let's figure out how to land this plane. #ANCgov
Voting commences on the main item. Passes 11-Allard. Constant moves to extend to 11:50. Unanimous consent. Next item is, once again, the Alex Hotel item. Motion on the floor is to approve. #ANCgov
Zalatel says that the previous amendment on this item may have been in error (fund certification) as it assumed something? This meeting feels LONG
There's some discussion of the line and amendment and technical stuff.
#ANCgov
There's some discussion of the line and amendment and technical stuff.
#ANCgov
Zalatel makes an amendment to fix the issue. Passes unanimously. Main motion again. Rivera says this and the next are "fix it" items. He asked for input from the admin, got nothing. He says in 2023 they should have an easier time as units come online. Encourages support. #ANCgov
Voting on the item as amended commences, passes unanimously. Next up, an item for a contract for a sole source, vendor TBD, to operate the Alex Hotel. Rivera says we need to get the A version in front of us, hopes that is in order. Quiet discussion behind the dyas. #ANCgov
Motion to approve the A version, seconded. Rivera says he already spoke to it with the last item, nothing to add. Dunbar says that he'll vote for it but this is a very expensive response to a problem that could've been solved with housing. Let's move away from shelters to housing
But wait! Rivera just wants to check to see if the room numbers were corrected, as he suspects not. He reviews and says he doesn't see the room numbers in the item, so we're good to vote. Passes 11-Allard. She'll vote for leasing the hotel, just not operating it. #ANCgov
Next up, an ordinance authorizing a 5 year lease between the Port and VB BTS, LLC for a portion of Tract J, Port of Anchorage subdivision addition no 2 for construction and operations of a comms facility. No public testimony. #ANCgov
Constant moves to postpone this, voting commences.. Passes 11-Allard, for reasons. #ANCgov
Next, this:
Public testimony opens and closes. Constant moves to approve, Allard seconds. Constant says a lot of people worked really hard on it. Constant looked over it for problems and found only one: what defines a major or minor amendment in these purposes? #ANCgov
Demboski brought a guy for this who is "very excited" to answer this question. The guy says this is a new process, but says that it is discretionary, up the assembly. If it isn't, then we would have to define it in here. Says he doesn't have the answer. #ANCgov
Constant says it can't be up to the assembly because they wouldn't see it, the department would make that determination. He says it doesn't seem worth holding this up, but it's worth answering the question. The guy says yeah it's tough, he's identified a prickly problem. #ANCgov
Constant asks, should we hold off and figure that out? Or should we pass it and come back? He says he's ambivalent, asks the body. Nobody has anything. The guy (McKenna Foster) is instructed to go think about it, for everyone's good. #ANCgov
Volland takes a moment of personal privilege. He says they are still working on an S version, which he plans to delay this until December for that. But he says he knows some people have been waiting all night, so he doesn't want to stop em. #ANCgov
He moves to extend to midnight. Unanimous. Public testimony opens. Bennett Norman, district 1, testifies on behalf of Bike Anchorage. They're excited about reducing mandatory parking for cars and increased bike parking. Says it's hard to find bike parking. #ANCgov
Some people would like to bike more, but can't because they don't know where to store bikes. This will increase health and reduce carbon emissions. He says it will address some of the housing and other issues by reducing parking space. #ANCgov
He proposes going further and removing all parking minimums. Says it's becoming parking practices with many cities facing housing issues. Getting rid of parking minimums won't kill parking overnight. Thanks the assembly for making zoning codes more flexible. #ANCgov
Phone testimony. Anna Browley. She conceptually supports the ordinance, but can't support it in it's current form. Needs adjustment. For a long time, we've built our cities around cars. The zoning requirements cause issues for repairs, renovations, and turns green spaces...
...into parking lots. She says reducing parking is good, bike parking is good. However, it doesn't apply everywhere. It creates increases complexity. Let's work on a better solution to building less parking. #ANCgov
Volland motions to continue the public hearing to the meeting of November 22nd, Petersen seconds. Voting commences. Postponement passes 11-Allard, once again, for reasons. #ANCgov
Constant motions to change the order of the day to take up final audience participation, unanimous. It begins. Quednow testifies. She says they did not address that they have broken the trust by violating their own law with the Golden Lion. #ANCgov
Quednow continues that she's upset with Zalatel for apparently not knowing what a particular commission does, but does know that all board members can continue to serve for 120 days. That's all. #ANCgov
Speaker from Continuum of Care speaks again, speaking to the win of being able to come together and work on an application to secure funding to help the unhoused. #ANCgov
Final audience participation ends. Next item, this. Public testimony opens and closes. Motion to approve. No discussion.. voting commences. Passes 11-0, Allard has left the Chambers and did not vote. #ANCgov
Onto closing comments. Perez-Verdia says many times we spoke to "the assembly's" plan, which is that natural thing to do when there is a void of leadership, but he hopes that can change and the admin can move into a position of leadership.
This administration.
The absent ones.
This administration.
The absent ones.
Rivera echoes Perez-Verdia's sentiments. He thanks everyone for their support and assistance and achieving the goal. #ANCgov
Constant says we had a busy, chaotic night, with a horrifying testimony, but he thanks everyone for the hard work. #ANCgov
Zalatel says they still are not using the GL as an emergency shelter. Quinn-Davidson thanks Rivera for stepping up and filling the absent leadership role. Petersen says we will never know what we could've achieved had the GL been activated as a treatment center. #ANCgov
LaFrance says that once again they have not approved the GL being emergency use shelter so they didn't violate their promise.
The night ends.
I love you Anchorage, stay safe and tell the people you love when you love them.
#ANCgov
The night ends.
I love you Anchorage, stay safe and tell the people you love when you love them.
#ANCgov
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