Thread by @ANCDEADBEAT

Just arrived at the Assembly Meeting of January 23! A wild preceding week and packed schedule should make for an interesting meeting. 🧵 #ANCgov

Three high school students lead us in the pledge, they are here for their government class. Volland leads in the land acknowledgement. Before the meeting minutes are approved, Constant moves to amend a clerical error that shows the wrong dates on the minutes. #ANCgov

Volland seconds. Unanimous consent. The titles of the minutes are corrected. Constant moves to approve the minutes of previous meetings. Unanimous consent. Minutes are approved. #ANCgov

Mayor's report. Bronson says the AFD has exciting news, the newest academy has kicked off and onboarding is happening now. Describes the academy process, says the class is diverse. Says we have the best fire department in the country. Best wishes to recruits and families. #ANCgov

On Wednesday he will attend an economic forum luncheon. He looks forward to hearing the Choose Anchorage report. We are moving forward with building more housing by making our building code simpler. He's confident we can make Anchorage attractive for builders. That's all. #ANCgov

Chair report. LaFrance says in the past two days there have been two pedestrian fatalities on the roads. We have a problem with pedestrian safety. We are increasing our focus on this area. Part of 2023 work plan. #ANCgov

She says the assembly takes the allegations if misconduct by the administration are being taken seriously. Thanks the members for their work on this matter. Wants to thank long standing civil service that have made sure things are smooth. #ANCgov

Last night there was a worksession regarding Joe Gerace. The admin says they conducted an investigation, but the findings have not been shared and the admin says they will only share under subpoena. LaFrance says this is unfortunate, the public has a right to know. #ANCgov

LaFrance says the Mayor has already used his report time, but offers him a moment to explain himself to the public. Bronson says that HR records are private and they are required by law not to divulge. Says this was already explained to her. Has no further comments. #ANCgov

She asks if he wants to speak to other issues, the offer of a moment of privilege stands. Then she reminds the Chambers of the rules of the meetings. #ANCgov

Onto committee reports. Rivera says there will be a meeting of the housing and homelessness committee tomorrow at city hall. #ANCgov

Zalatel says the Enterprise and Utilities Oversight committee met on the 19th, they talked about projects at Merrill Field. Got updates and got to know the director better. They also learned about the Port's seismic standard. #ANCgov

She says they invited the Heritage Land Bank, but no one was available to join the meeting. They've been without a director for some time. #ANCgov

Cross asks for a moment of personal privilege. He asks the admin how the new restrictions on purchasing are working out so far? Have they created new complications that need to be addressed? Kohlhase says they are taking hard looks at requests for higher limits. #ANCgov

As far as contracts for over $10k they come to him digitally, he has denied 10-12 that would've been normally approved. Doesn't have anything to bring before them as of now, but they may discuss changes going forward. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson says the Budget and Finance Committee had a meeting and they heard an update from the CFO, many reimbursements coming through. Also more room tax expected this year than anticipated. #ANCgov

Petersen, over the phone, says the community and economic development committee met. His phone is super garbled though, and I can't make out what he says. I catch that the next meeting will be on February 2. #ANCgov

Onto the addendum to the agenda. There are two laid on the table items, both supplemental. First, a resolution regarding house bill 22 and senate bill 35 regarding firefighters and public workers and unforeseen liabilities. #ANCgov

Second is a report from the Rabbit Creek CC. Addendum is approved. No appearance requests, so we're onto the agenda. #ANCgov

Volland pulls 10a1. Cross pulls 10b4 & 10b5. Zalatel pulls 10b3, 10d1, & 10d2. Constant pulls 10b2 & 10e4. No more pulled items. #ANCgov

Constant moves to approve the agenda minus the pulled items, Zalatel seconds. No discussion, no opposition. The consent agenda, minus those items, has been approved. #ANCgov

Onto pulled items. First up, we have 10a1, a resolution recognizing the Inlet View Trash Fairies. Item is approved. Volland reads, Constant presents. They are a group that has been picking up trash downtown and in west Anchorage for 45 years. #ANCgov

Parry Grover tells the story of how the group formed and began their "habit" as he calls it. He recalls the name came from the old parking fairies, who would add change to near expired parking meters so people didn't get tickets. He says their work is fun / feels good. #ANCgov

Onto 10b2, regarding a marijuana license. Constant says it's a duplicate item and requires no action, will be handled later in the 15s. #ANCgov

Next, 10b3, a resolution vacating a special assessment on Muni Parcel Number 004-043-49-000 for $889.11. Zalatel says she is unfamiliar with this kind of item and couldn't find the parcel. Asks the Muni Manager to comment. #ANCgov

Kohlhase says he doesn't have the location right now, but he can get her a map. It was an area that was supposed to have a road but that can never be built due to other factors. It's a one time vacation. #ANCgov

Constant says he tried to find the parcel, but the system returns an error when the number is put into the system. Has a hard time voting until he knows where it is. Kohlhase says it's fine to postpone, no urgency. Constant says we could even just get a map and take it up later.

We set this one aside. Zalatel motions to change the morser of the day to take up 10b5 before 10b4. She says she's looking up info on previous action regarding the Sullivan, should have it soon. No opposition, order of the day is changed. #ANCgov

Next, 10b5, a resolution regarding house bill 22. Constant moves to approve the S-version, Zalatel seconds. Constant says they move this every year. This year he's using the S-version because there is a Senate bill companion. #ANCgov

Cross asks if this is a resolution to have a conversation? Constant says that it says the Muni supports the public benefit program for public safety workers. Cross says he supports the workers, but these programs are expensive. Says the burden to carry such a defined program...

...is intense. Says some retirees don't even live in the state. Hopes we can change the program to not make the same mistakes as the past. Sulte says he echoes that sentiment. Retirement plans have a cost. Says we have to rebalance the package. Calls it "passé". #ANCgov

Constant says it takes into account the programs of the past. Says this package has been shown not to have those problems. Says it's smart to do, fiscally responsible. Says we are the best training department in the northwest. #ANCgov

He says if we lose the program, we'll lose people to Tacoma where they get the benefits. Wants to keep the people we're training, urges support. #ANCgov

Here's a picture of the bill. LaFrance says this is a resolution that is brought before us every year. It has included board support every time, sometimes unanimous. She urges support, despite that in the past there may have been issues. Says they've been addressed this time.

Voting on the resolution commences. S-version is approved unanimously. #ANCgov

Next up is 10b4, which expands the Sullivan Arena capacity to 360. Zalatel says that last time she was declared to have a conflict due to her position at ACEH and asks to be excused again. LaFrance agrees. Zalatel leaves the room. #ANCgov

Constant moves to approve, Rivera seconds. Cross says he's hesitant to expand capacity without a plan to mitigate effects in the neighborhood. Asks the admin what actions have been taken to mitigate effects. #ANCgov

Alexis Johnson says this is not a capacity increase, it just extends the current capacity that would otherwise end at the end of the month. She says trash clean up has increased and APD has begun patrolling the area. #ANCgov

Cross says he received an email from the owner of Kendall Toyota, neighboring business, who says there's been a decrease in occurrences recently. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson asks if Johnson can speak in terms of long term solutions what we might see come online to supplement gaps? Johnson says they are working on developing a demobilization plan, plan to present it on February 10. Plan to come to concurrence on the 13th. #ANCgov

They plan to have a three tier plan ready for presentation by mid February. They also have a hotel plan as well as a plan for the Golden Lion. They are still looking for funding streams to keep doing the work. #ANCgov

Volland says he's supportive of some of those housing options, so he's happy to hear the admin is working on it. He also thanks Kohlhase for his detailed email regarding the efforts made to help Fairview. #ANCgov

Constant thanks Johnson for getting the item before the assembly in a timely manner. He then says today there was news of an assault/stabbing in the area, but the perpetrator was not a resident in the facility. Says the place attracts trouble makers and the neighbors are hurting.

Voting commences. It passes unanimously. Zalatel returns to the Chambers. #ANCgov

Next, 10d1, the Youth Advisory Commission appointment of Jenna Shea. Zalatel moves to postpone to February 21, Perez-Verdia seconds. Zalatel says with the EO put into place last Friday re: advisory seats, they need to verify seats. Need to make sure terms are correct, etc.#ANCgov

She says Constant and others are currently working on that. Taking time to get this right is important. #ANCgov

Sulte asks the admin, with several appointments being postponed, is anyone in the office working on this? Kohlhase says the employee working on boards and commissions no longer works for the Muni. Says they're regrouping and plan to start working on it again. #ANCgov

LaFrance says they are verifying dates for a potential special meeting, since there is a number of appointments and assembly leadership wants to take them all up at once. They are looking at March 3. #ANCgov

Zalatel agrees to change the date to March 3, as does Perez-Verdia. Volland says he's glad they'll have that special meeting. Hopes we can get these dispatched expeditiously. Says they have a 4.0gpa student on the Alpine skiing group interesting in getting involved. #ANCgov

He thanks people on standby for their patience, we have talented people and young people interested. #ANCgov

Constant says that he's excited to have a board-a-palooza on March 3, but says he's troubled by this one. We have an eminently qualified candidate. He says he's fairly sure this is a vacant seat, not rolling over someone else's term. #ANCgov

He brings up a member of the Muni to confirm. She confirms this seat is vacant. Kohlhase echoes Holland's comments, appreciates all applicants who have been delayed. Says this young lady's resume is impressive and hopes there's a way to move forward tonight. #ANCgov

Zalatel says learning the seat was vacant is new info she didn't have earlier. Says she has no problem moving forward, we just need some language to amend with regards to the emergency ordinance. Says she's happy to rescind her motion. #ANCgov

LaFrance says this has nothing to do with the qualifications of the applicant, but with the process and errors in terms and seats. Says it's about the bureaucracy of it all. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia reinforces that idea, but says postponing may be the right notion. Take a pause, make sure we have all our ducks in a row. We're in a different time, let's make sure. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia did not second the withdrawal of the motion to postpone, so voting on postponing to March 3 commences. Fails 5-7. Zalatel expresses frustration, says she doesn't like that we keep having to clean this up on the dyas. Says she doesn't like having to take... #ANCgov

... extraordinary action to make sure boards and commissions function. Zalatel moves an amendment that adds language in regarding the Emergency order. Perez-Verdia seconds. Zalatel emphasizes that this makes it clear that it doesn't override anyone's extended term. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson suggests a change in the language to make the intent clearer. Asks if Zalatel will approve that change? Zalatel says she needs to see the change written down. Quinn-Davidson says it just clarifies the language. Perez-Verdia agrees to do it. #ANCgov

Voting commences on the amendment, passes unanimously. Back on the main motion. No further discussion. Members proceed to voting on the appointment. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Next, 10d2. Appointments of Crystal Kennedy and Lee Hammermeister to the Chugiak, Birchwood, Eagle River Rural Road Service Area Board of Supervisors. Zalatel moves to postpone to March 3, says the seats and terms on these boards are unclear. #ANCgov

Cross says the members have resigned on this board. Says in the last decade no one has ever termed out, they've all resigned. They're at the point where if one person resigns they don't have a board. Wants to clear this up now. Says Kennedy is here now to help out. #ANCgov

LaFrance says we should address the technical part about the seat first. Says the admin would be the ones to help, but no one is working that position as of now? Kohlhase says he is unable to answer since that employee doesn't work for the city anymore. Apologizes. #ANCgov

LaFrance says maybe Kennedy knows the answer? Cross says there's two seats, one of them the previous holder doesn't even live in the state anymore. If even one person doesn't show up, they won't be able to function. Kennedy comes up. #ANCgov

Constant asks how nominees are selected? Cross says through the community councils. Kennedy says currently the position she has applied for expired July 2022, her application went in in May. There are three more seats expiring in 2023 and another in 2024. #ANCgov

She says the staff monitors the dates of expiry, then the community council goes through selection and it's sent to the admin and then assembly. She says there's a discrepancy between what the admin says the dates are and what the staff/community councils say the dates are.

She says Hammermeister is applying to be an alternate for a currently held member, who will resign once an alternate is appointed. #ANCgov

Volland thanks Kennedy for being willing to continue serving the community. Perez-Verdia also says it's great to see her, then pivots and says he is frustrated because there's a lot to do tonight and we're learning things on the dyas. He doesn't distrust Kennedy but it's atypical

He says that the meeting they are planning to get this all sorted is important. Wants to do this right, take the appropriate time. Encourages postponing and getting onto vital business. #ANCgov

Dern (Allard's replacement) thanks Kennedy and expressed disappointment that we haven't been able to get this done efficiently. Wants this done as quickly as possible, but says this is an impossible situation. #ANCgov

Zalatel says she believes we have the confirmation that Kennedy is going into a vacant seat, but not for Hammermeister. Says we should get that info, or bifurcate the item, if we aren't going to postpone. #ANCgov

Constant asks Shelly Routen (sp?) to verify. She says Kennedy is being placed in a vacant seat. However, the community council documentation doesn't say the same for Hammermeister, as it is unclear in the documentation if he is applying for the alternate. #ANCgov

The primary is Joe Wright, who has submitted a resignation and left state. This leaves the seat open. Zalatel withdraws her motion to postpone. Perez-Verdia seemingly reluctantly agrees. Zalatel proposes an amendment regarding the EO. Perez-Verdia seconds. #ANCgov

Voting on the amendment commences, passes unanimously. Back to the main motion. Perez-Verdia asks Kohlhase to weigh in, why does legislative services have this information when admin does not? Can he confirm their information? Kohlhase says he is not, isn't sure what info she has

Perez-Verdia says he is concerned moving forward when we don't have that confirmation. Constant says that before Wilbanks left (the deputy chief of staff, who was working on this) they were working with him on it. Says their records are probably better than the admin's. #ANCgov

Constant says due diligence has been done. Cross just got word from the board confirming Wright's resignation in November. Let's not punish the board further. Voting on confirmation commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Last on the consent agenda is this. Constant says these funds are intended to add 18 members to fire service, and we are actively training them. He pulled it to have the conversation, these funds need to be used for new firefighters, not to backfill pay. #ANCgov

He says we previously budgeted for new firefighters, so ideally this adds further. If we don't do that, we can have that conversation, but the conversation needs to be had. Chief Schragge confirms that's the intent of these funds. #ANCgov

Sulte asks what happens to the ongoing costs, do they rollover? Constant says these are for 3 years, and we better prepare to continue that funding when it expires. Says if he is here in three years he will push for it. It's about putting our FD at industry standard. #ANCgov

Voting commences, the item passes unanimously. Onto unfinished business. We will take up the first item, then take the dinner break, then LaFrance will ask for a motion to change the order of the day to take up must pass items. #ANCgov

Next item is Executive appointment of Kent Kohlhase as Director of Public Works in HR. Zalatel moves to approve, seconded. Zalatel notes that he is currently acting as Muni Manager, asks Christensen if approving this will be pursuant to code. Christensen says yes. #ANCgov

Voting commences, passes unanimously. Before we take a break, Constant motions to change the order of the day to take up 15m, 15d, 11h, and 15i after the break. No opposition. Onto the dinner break! Be back soon.

#ANCgov

In the interim, @gomer2323 has brought it to my attention that Christensen has announced her resignation. She's here tonight, though!

#ANCgov

https://twitter.com/kylehopkinsAK/status/1618071792756862977?t=OQbvWgmkUr47NcFh9HDIlw&s=19

We return! Sulte lays an item on the table for introduction, an ordinance amending AMC to uphold Girdwood's ADU restrictions. Multiple seconds. It is introduced. #ANCgov

Next, a resolution regarding the transfer of a marijuana retail license for Double Eagle Cannabis. Public testimony opens. Nobody says nothin. Public testimony closes. Constant moves to approve, Zalatel seconds. No discussion. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Next item is 15d. LaFrance says the rest of the 15s were dealt with last night because the deadline for ballot items is tonight. 15d is a ordinance positing a ballot proposition for $2.3mil of general obligation bonds to pay for park related stuff. #ANCgov

The public testimony was closed previously. Zalatel lays on the table a supplemental items for this ordinance. Rivera seconds. Zalatel says the intent is to increase the amount to $3mil and set a special election. Some special moves will have to be done, including reopening...

...public testimony for February 7 as well as adding a concurrent item for consideration on that date. Voting commences on laying that on the table. Passes 11-0, Constant absent. Zalatel moves to reopen the public hearing and set it for February 7. Volland seconds. #ANCgov

Zalatel thanks counsel and parks and rec for finding a solution so they could move forward on this. Voting on reopening the public hearing and setting it for February 7 passes unanimously. Constant has returned. #ANCgov

Zalatel moves to lay on the table an unnumbered AR calling for a special election to be held concurrently with the April election. Constant seconds. Zalatel says this item must run concurrent with the S-version of the previous item to give notice for the special election. #ANCgov

Voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Back in the main motion. Quinn-Davidson says she wants to thank Christensen and Gates and whoever worked on this for their work. She says folks love parks and we want to make sure to get these projects bonded. #ANCgov

Zalatel says this set of procedural moves was done without admin's approval, they preferred a different path, but she wants to thank those who worked on it. She also thanks Parks and Rec for working on getting the number below $4mil, as that's where it's more likely to succeed.

Quinn-Davidson asks if this will have repeat items on the normal and special elections? Zalatel says it will just be one item and it will be on the same ballot. Constant says that Ms. Hines also helped in achieving this. Says it was a very stressful conversation to get here.

Onto the next item, 11h. An ordnance submitting to the voters a ballot proposition amending AMC to support and advance early childhood education and dedicate funds from the marijuana tax. Perez-Verdia moves to approve the S-2 version. Cross seconds. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia then moves to amend to eliminate section 14.06a. Volland seconds. Constant asks for a page and line number. Rivera says it's page 3 line 36. Perez-Verdia explains this section originally attempted to change the maximum amount of the marijuana tax and extend the...

...date it could be changed. However, they found that to be unnecessary in a previous session. So he suggests removing it. LaFrance notes that eliminating section a re-numbers the remaining sections. Gates say that doesn't need to be included in the amendment. #ANCgov

Constant says if we take out that section it eliminates the tax. He believes the intent is to remove the 10% reduction, but as he reads it it will just remove the tax. Says the industry is the largest increasing field. Perez-Verdia says the intent is not to reduce, but keep 12%

He says he's happy to reword the amendment to meet that goal. LaFrance asks Gates to weigh in. Gates says adding language expressing the intent may help, which would explain to voters it wouldn't change that element that should work. #ANCgov

Zalatel asks, the effect would be to allow the tax to go up as far as 12% and put no time limit on when that occurs? Gates says that the assembly can only change the tax rate by 2% and only once per year, as per the Charter. #ANCgov

Zalatel says that Charter language isn't in the ballot prop, so it could be ready by voters to say they could just raise it up to 12% at any time. Thinks it could have a chilling effect. Also notes that 10% is twice the rate of the alcohol tax. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia says that the intent was to return it back to it's original state. It wasn't his intent to confuse the voters. He says he's happy to debate it, but if they eliminate it just doesn't address it and leaves it as is. He says the reason they were working on this...

...was looking at it through a lens and working with shareholders but they found that partners didn't find it to be of high value. It doesn't bring a lot of value to the proposal. #ANCgov

Petersen says that Alaska is the most taxes on marijuana state in the country. He agrees with Constant and would prefer if the language was left in there. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson says she is hearing that members won't support it if they remove this section which she finds distressing. She says it just returns this section to where it was. She doesn't think it would confuse voters, but we might worry about member support. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia agrees with that sentiment. He says it's a matter of importance to many of us and he struggles with the idea if this passes it might lose votes. If this amendment fails he'd still vote for the overall ordinance. Asks why Constant and Petersen find this part necessary

Cross says he isn't opposed to removing it, though he prefers lower taxes. But if it goes, he doesn't want to jeopardize the intention of the overall ordinance. Says it's of great importance to our community. #ANCgov

Constant says it's the goose that laid the golden egg. It's heavily taxed. Pockets of the black market are starting to open again. Taxes on the industry are making it hard to move forward with business. Cook the goose, no more eggs. #ANCgov

Petersen says this part was one that he liked when he saw it and dislikes when it was removed. Says that if the marijuana businesses can get word out about a tax decrease it may bring out more voters. The industry is overtaxed. They could tax it out of existence. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson says she'd be fine supporting the amendment, but from a practical perspective, it's unlikely they raise the tax anytime soon as members are already divided. She also thinks due to the alcohol tax at 5%, an increase would provide pushback. #ANCgov

In the last five years, no one has even proposed raising the tax. Perez-Verdia rescinds his amendment, Cross agrees. Perez-Verdia moves to introduce an item which incorporates a letter from the school district. Unanimous consent. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson moves an amendment that would allow them to tax up to $1mil below the tax cap, rather than $3mil. Perez-Verdia seconds. She says we aren't in a position to lower the tax cap significantly, but lower it a bit. #ANCgov

She does appreciate information about inflation and what not, and also understands we have more room tax this year, but we might not next year. Hopes they'll support the amendment. #ANCgov

Zalatel asks them to fix the title, as she believes there's an error. Quinn-Davidson says counsel said it was fine, she isn't sure how and asks him to explain. Gates says they could make a conforming amendment but it isn't necessary to do so in this instance. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia speaks in favor of this amendment. He says this is a good compromise. Lowering the tax cap is important and this accomplishes that, but also allows the city to invest in something important. Encourages support. #ANCgov

Constant says when this initially came out he was concerned about the shock to the taxpayer. Then it swung the other way to half in half out forever. But he is happy with where it has landed, finds this a good compromise. #ANCgov

Cross says this will be a property tax increase over time and he finds property tax to be the most unfair type of tax, so he can't support. Quinn-Davidson says it sounds like he'd like to see an income tax. There's laughter, Cross says "if I had the choice..."

#ANCgov

Voting commences, amendment passes 9-3, Sulte, Cross, and LaFrance oppose. #ANCgov

Zalatel proposes an amendment that adds "that advises the assembly and administration" after the word "education". Constant seconds. Says the intent is to express the purpose of the board. #ANCgov

Rivera asks if it is her intent to have the Charter reflect this language? Because this just changes the ballot proposition. Zalatel says that is her intent, so we have to figure out where that goes. She makes a concurrent amendment on page 2 to add that language to Charter.

Constant agrees, so now it is all part of one amendment. Gates says they usually put it in code. Constant says it's become clear in the past months that the admin will leave no rock unturned to yell about separation of powers, so putting it in Charter is essential. #ANCgov

Voting commences and passes unanimously. Back to the main motion. Gates comments on Amendment 1 in the packet, he says it was drafted by himself and counsel. Says the assembly didn't want to move it, but this amendment insulates against legal challenges. #ANCgov

He says that he sent it to the department of law and they agreed that this language is important to inform the voters of the good and the bad. LaFrance says the amendment is in the packet but has not been moved. #ANCgov

Cross proposes an amendment that adds "foster children" to the amendment. Quinn-Davidson seconds. He says it may seem implicit, but foster children often get overlooked and this will direct the board to include them. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson thanks Cross for always thinking about kids. She says she doesn't think the language is needed as all kids in Anchorage could use it, but if the intent is to make clear it's not just for the nuclear family, she's good with that. Asks if that's the intent? #ANCgov

Cross says that he wants the board to include children who move house to house in their intentions and plans. Constant says it's important to add, "we need to do something for this population." He recalls a job working with kids where...

...they had to give kids sleeping bags because their next home would be in the woods. Perez-Verdia also appreciates the intent, and even if it isn't strictly necessary, this is language that can be used in the construction of the board. His concern is we haven't... #ANCgov

...declared other groups of children as well. He will vote for it. He says this is a part of the narrative that needs to be there and needs to be addressed. #ANCgov

Rivera says he'll support it too. However, this will change the Charter, which usually we don't do unless we want to be bound to it, but it seems to be something we do want to bind ourselves to. Volland says as a voter it would make him more likely to vote for it. #ANCgov

Voting commences, amendment passes unanimously. Back to the main motion. Perez-Verdia says this investment is important to the community and will affect all families. It allows for dedicated investment in something important and shows our dedication. #ANCgov

He says he's also excited about having an accountability board of experts in the field that can guide them on the investment of the funds. Volland supports too, says we're dealing with a trend of out-migration and this allows us to address it in one way: access to child care.

Not having access to those resources harms our population and economy. He says he's happy to see how this has evolved due to refinements. #ANCgov

Sulte says he'd like to keep families in the home and not necessitate childcare. He also is concerned about dedicating the marijuana tax to one purpose. But he's fine putting it to the population and let them decide. #ANCgov

Dern is happy to be a part of this. In her district there are 3000 children under 5, and 500 without childcare, 5% of them with both parents in the workplace. #ANCgov

Zalatel likes where this has ended up. Likes the focus on foster children. Is happy we don't have to choose between this and essential services. Says this isn't new work, it's continued work on supporting children. It's not enough money to solve all problems, but allows strategy

She looks forward to supporting it, hopes to see it pass in April. Quinn-Davidson thanks everyone for their hard work on this. She also notes a nuance regarding changes to the way CPI is measured. She is excited to see everyone recognize how important early childhood education is

This, paired with the alcohol tax will work. She says Sponholz told her about the return on investment in early education. Says it's right to do and a smart fiscal move. She says to Sulte, being home is right for some kids, but not all. Her kid loves daycare. #ANCgov

Some kids develop better in social situations, he child already wants to crawl more after seeing other kids do it. She wishes that they could've had a bigger brainstorm on this earlier, this might not be the structure she'd like to have seen this take, maybe a missed opportunity.

She says strategically she isn't excited it's just $6mil, but she's still very excited to support it. Constant asks "can you imagine if I voted no, it would be very bad." He says this was first introduced January 2022, and they almost had it on the ballot. Extended, etc. #ANCgov

He says the proponents worked hard to get past these barriers and he's happy to support it. LaFrance echoes what the others have said. Thanks everyone for their work. Appreciates the multiple worksessions. Hopes for unanimous support. #ANCgov

She thinks if this is approved by the voters it will help families and children grow stronger. Discussion ends, voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

LaFrance says they have one more item and then will go into executive session. The item would posit to the public a ballot proposition to create the ABCSPASA (Anchorage Bowl Chugach State Park Access Service Area). Volland proposes a floor amendment. Passes 11-1, Zalatel opposes.

Constant asks their thoughts on the Turnagain Arm folks, let it ride as it is? LaFrance says that seems so. Constant says it's regrettable they don't know more, but go where the problem is. #ANCgov

LaFrance gives a shout-out to Connelly and Marks, says they've done tremendous work on this issue and to all who have collaborated on this project. Discussion ends. Voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov

LaFrance says she really likes the streak of unanimous votes. Constant moves to change the order of the day to take up executive session next. Zalatel seconds. Unanimous consent. They move to executive session. #ANCgov

LaFrance asks Gates to lay the foundation to move into an executive session. Gates says pursuant to code, they may recess to executive session for a variety of reasons, including personnel records, which are not a matter of public disclosure. #ANCgov

Gates reads out the rules of executive session. #ANCgov

Constant notes that there is still business on the agenda, so once they return they will continue business. And now there is a motion to move to executive session (I misunderstood the process earlier) by Constant, seconded by Zalatel. Passes unanimously.

They'll be back. #ANCgov

Alright! The assembly has re-entered the assembly chambers. Must've been an informative meeting, considering it lasted 2 hours! #ANCgov

LaFrance announces we are back on public record. Constant moves to extend to 11:30. Zalatel seconds. Unanimous consent. #ANCgov

LaFrance asks for a motion for when to disclose the recording of the executive session. Zalatel moves to disclose immediately, minus the names of relevant staff. Multiple seconds. #ANCgov

Zalatel says there was an expectation of what they were going to receive in the session that was not met and does not meet what they would usually use an executive session for. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia says that this goes against cousel's advice. He asks counsel for input and asks if they decide not to do that, what their options are for releasing information. #ANCgov

Gates says he's advised not to release these records until they are able to have the meeting that actually addresses the original intent of the meeting. Perez-Verdia asks him to clarify why. #ANCgov

Gates says that the purpose and nature of executive sessions concern information not privileged for public disclosure, and he recommends not doing so until documents can be released and the need has been met. Perez-Verdia asks if they don't release, can they do so later? Yes.

Constant looks under executive session in code and says there is a possibility for a public hearing to be held for a person to testify if they feel the information might be damaging. He asks if they could set up such a hearing and upon that person potentially not showing up...

...release the recording? Gates says that state law requires them to narrowly define ...something? Constant says the answer sounds like no, so they don't have to do so. He likes that answer. #ANCgov

He asks at what point a deliberative process privilege ends? Gates isn't sure he can say at this moment specifically. The Alaska supreme court has a test for it. #ANCgov

Constant says it can't be said that it was privileged, but that privilege was asserted. He believes that privilege ends when the document is completed. Gates disagrees, explains that sometimes it may not end there. That's why there's a balancing test. #ANCgov

Constant says that essentially they can deliberate forever, give a couple pages and say that's the investigation. #ANCgov

Volland says he thinks the conversation they had is in the public interest to hear sooner rather than later. He can foresee having more executive sessions in the future. It could be hard to keep track of what was said if they have multiple meetings in a row. #ANCgov

Cross says the content of the conversation didn't seem to necessitate an executive session, and he believes that the public deserves to know what those timelines look like, but maybe we keep it private to stay legally prudent #ANCgov

Zalatel says she doesn't believe the reason for convening shouldn't determine privacy, the content should. She says they thought they were going to receive particular info, and that didn't happen. If the admin disagrees with releasing the tapes, they can engage in the legal steps

She disagrees with the legal counsel, and wants support on her motion. "These things need to start to see the light of day." #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia says he agrees, things need to be released, but we need to be prudent, and they've been given legal advice. He'd prefer to be more conservative. Wants to follow legal counsel, will vote no. #ANCgov

Gates adds that in the executive session multiple people read from the document multiple times. #ANCgov

Rivera says he'll vote for it. The legal advice is just that: advice. He thinks Zalatel has made a compelling argument to disagree with it. He says with everything that happened in that session, the report they received, could've been read about in the ADN. #ANCgov

Sweet agrees. He went in under the impression they'd get info that was supposed to be private and they didn't. We need to release it. #ANCgov

Constant asks under what conditions the report would be releasable? Christensen says the usual process would be there be an in camera review of the document to see if the relevant party has an argument for release (I think, legalese isn't my strong suit). #ANCgov

Dern asks legal if they, as a body, have they done anything like this before and does it create a precedent? Have they released recordings before? Gates says according to code schedule, but he doesn't recall sooner. Christensen agrees. #ANCgov

Christensen says at least the recordings should be reviewed. Without perfect recollection it's hard to assess that. Voting on releasing the tapes immediately with the exception of any personnel names not subject of subpoena and not in the report is about to commence. #ANCgov

Zalatel says that it should not release the document and that it redacts the mention of an employee that is not the subject of the subpoena or in the room. #ANCgov

Cross verifies they are not releasing the report? Because they read it many times and that will need to be edited out, it's a big job. Voting commences. Petersen is excused. Motion succeeds 7-4, Sulte, Perez-Verdia, Dern, and Cross oppose. #ANCgov

Sulte motions to change the order of the day to take up 14b. Cross seconds. Sulte says this AO will help with snow removal/storage. He's worried if we don't move this forward and there's a snow event, we'll run out of places to store snow. #ANCgov

Unanimous consent for taking this up. Quinn-Davidson asks where we are in the agenda, it's clarified. The following AO is before us. Public testimony begins. #ANCgov

Dustin Darden testifies. He says he's here to testify on efficient snow removal. On the operating budget of 2022, the entirety of the assembly appropriated a budget which removed 2 fleet service maintenance workers, who worked directly in efficient snow removal operations.#ANCgov

It was proposed by Bronson. And when approved removed his job, so that they could fund people's crack habits and radiate them in the Sullivan. Volland calls a point of order, says this isn't relevant. Darden starts yelling. He starts calling her she/they/he whatever... #ANCgov

...she asks him to hold up, he doesn't, starts yelling. She asks security to escort him out. He yells about their guns and 5g radiation. #ANCgov

Next member of the public testifies. He's a snow removal operator. All of their side dumb loaders have been going to Eklutna. That's being cut off, they have maybe two days left. In Anchorage there's just the O'Malley snow dump, who've done a good job. If that closes... #ANCgov

...there will be nowhere else to store snow. Many organizations have snow removal demands for safety needs, fire lanes, parking for their businesses, etc. This issue was brought up in early December, it's crucial it gets done. Can't wait two more weeks. #ANCgov

Next, Glenn Ball. He operates this snow dump. He says they are nowhere near capacity, he isn't sure where that's coming from. There's plenty of room, he doesn't know what the hoopla is about. They aren't even 50% full. A concern about waits, but it's not a Nascar pit stop.#ANCgov

Constant asks Ball, does he have a sense of how many other private snow dumps there are? He says he estimates 4. Dern asks if this is normal for this time of year? He says they've brought in more than normal, he says the snow hasn't had time to condense. #ANCgov

He says with the warm weather, the snow will condense and they'll have more room. He also says there's more options besides hauling. #ANCgov

Next, Colby Zipay. He's a contractor on the EZpark contract. They're having trouble on their contract, the round trip to O'Malley doubles their travel time. It's also a budgeting issue due to increased cost for the longer distance. Haul off is the biggest part of any job. #ANCgov

He says their normal snow dump is going to be closed for the rest of the year. #ANCgov

Public testimony closes. Zalatel moves to postpone and refer to Zoning and Planning. Constant seconds. Zalatel says these are essentially conditional use permits, which are hefty things. She isn't comfortable supplanting Planning and Zoning's expertise. #ANCgov

She says they are being asked to take away an essential part of their conditional use permits. She's aware of the neighborhood impacts, but there isn't enough info to make such an action urgently. Urges support. #ANCgov

Cross says he doesn't support her motion. We had a nearly identical process in 2012. We've done this before in emergency snow situations. We can read our notes from 10 years ago. #ANCgov

Sweet says he got messaging about this today, and if we have another big snow event then we'll be behind. Wants to pass this ordinance. #ANCgov

Sulte asks Kohlhase for input regarding sending to Planning and Zoning. Kohlhase says the admin supports passing as written. He says there are some protections, an appeal period, set backs from adjacent property lines... #ANCgov

Sulte asks if they got any comments from P&Z on this? Kohlhase he says he isn't sure. Constant asks where we expect these to be? Kohlhase doesn't know, but he believes there is at least on spot being prepared. #ANCgov

Constant says they were just told four days ago they can't waive code by ordinance, which is what this asks them to do. He is amazed that one branch of government can do it when the other can't. And he has concerns about a pop-up snow dump. Is it the wild west? Any parking lot?

He says there's an assertion we have a snow emergency, but five weeks ago the administration said we didn't have an emergency. If a declaration had been made, this could've been done. He's not convinced. There's due diligence here. #ANCgov

Volland moves to extend to 11:40. Perez-Verdia seconds. Unanimous consent. #ANCgov

Zalatel says this has been a pattern of not having enough information to made decisions. She doesn't see implementation information from P&Z, doesn't seem justification for it today. What's the expectation of permits issued? Is there a cap? Not enough info to pass it. #ANCgov

Implementation is essential, and they don't have that in front of them. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia says there's no justification for a snow emergency, the sponsor isn't here, they don't have enough info. It's irresponsible to pass it now. They need to know why it's needed and how it'll be implemented. Give it time to do it right. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson asks how long it would take to get this to P&Z? Zalatel says it sounds like it already has been, maybe they just postpone to the next meeting and talk to P&Z. Quinn-Davidson says we need to get more information before making a decision, maybe on the 7th. #ANCgov

Motion has been changed to being postponed to February 7. Discussion ends, voting commences. Postponing passes 8-3, Sulte, Sweet, and Cross oppose. #ANCgov

Back to item 10b3, the vacating of a municipal parcel. Kohlhase says this isn't time critical and if we postpone they can get relevant info. Cross moves to postpone to February 7. Multiple seconds. Voting commences. Passes unanimously, it'll be back February 7. #ANCgov

We're back to the 11s. Constant says the next six items are appropriate for the special "board-a-palooza" on March 3. Zalatel motions to move them all to that date. Constant seconds. Constant suggests the admin get together stuff to get this all resolved, suggests a contact.

Voting commences on postponement to board-a-palooza. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Constant says the 15 section is done, those are not going to be coming back. Quinn-Davidson asks about 13a,b,&c. LaFrance says a&b are placeholders, and the remaining we didn't get to. #ANCgov

Constant moves to change the order of the day to take up audience participation. Seconded by Zalatel. Now audience participation. Colby Zipay says they are having a problem with the Purchasing Department following the amendment the assembly made for matching rates to.... #ANCgov

... supplemental contract. They brought 42 trucks, we're told to cap at 30. Now they're told the secondary contractor will have 10 trucks, which they could've provider. He says it's a legal issue. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson asks if he has a contact? He says he's been trying to reach the Purchasing Director, but he says they haven't been responsive. Says they seem to think the Assembly's contract was advisory. #ANCgov

And with that, it's adjourned. Have a wonderful night, Anchorage. Stay safe and tell the ones that you love when you love them. ❤️ #ANCgov