Just arrived at the Assembly Chambers for the regular meeting of 2/7/23! Very curious to see who from the administration makes it today and if we'll hear anything about Tshibaka's resignation. 🧵#ANCgov
Looks like today we have Sulte and Constant on the phone. No sign of Bronson yet. Kohlhase and Johnson in attendance. #ANCgov
A gentleman behind my introduces himself as the new CFO of the Municipality to another member of the public. Says "I got drafted, it wasn't something I volunteered for." A couple muted chuckles. #ANCgov
Bronson and Christensen have arrived. Anyone else excited for the Mayor's Update? #ANCgov
LaFrance calls the meeting to order. The mics are especially quiet so they are trying to work that out. #ANCgov
Roll is called. Everyone is present. Reverend Schultz leads us in the pledge. Zalatel reads the land acknowledgement. #ANCgov
LaFrance notes that due to technical difficulties there won't be closed captioning on the GCI broadcast. She also notes there is static on the YouTube feed. She says before we begin she wants to check in on the technical side. Mics are still quiet. #ANCgov
We seemed to have gotten the mics turned up, but now there is a slight buzz in the background. Weird. #ANCgov
Mayor's report. He says it's Black History Month and the mayor's office will be honoring notable African American leaders in the community. Says the office recently participated in a career fair at West High. First time partnership for the Muni. #ANCgov
Parks and Rec is gearing up for the Summer months and will be engaging in a robust hiring process. 25 teens will be hired to work on improving the Parks over a ten week period. #ANCgov
Last Friday he assisted the AFD with a roll out of a new tech program that will help alert medical experts in the event of a heart attack. End of his report. #ANCgov
Zalatel asks Bronson about Tshibaka's letter. She says he said in his letter he was only given one work day to vet Gerace. She says she delayed that confirmation for further vetting, asks what further vetting they did during that period. #ANCgov
Bronson tries to pass to Christensen. Zalatel says she isn't asking her, she wants to know what he instructed the HR department to do. He says since it relates to a staff it's an HR issue. She says it's clear she won't get a response. #ANCgov
Perez-Verdia asks if Bronson will address the articles about the mass resignations. Will he address that his administration is crumbling? Has he seriously considered resigning? #ANCgov
Bronson says he hasn't considered resigning in any fashion. As far as resignations he is prepared to have a worksession, but he will not address staffing issues in public. Says he remains silent to ensure staff will have faith their positions won't be discussed publicly. #ANCgov
LaFrance asks the body to change the order of the day to take up appearance requests. Cross seconds. Unanimous consent. #ANCgov
Reverend Schultz speaks. He starts by recognizing that we're in a moment of division and tension and in those moments it can be hard to focus on the joy in our city. He thanks the assembly and administration for the leap of faith in allowing First Presbyterian Church to form...
...and LLC and purchase the Guest House in order to provide dignified long term housing. Now they are ready to hand it off. The Chair of the Anchorage Affording Housing and Land Trust speaks. Recounts the history of the Trust since November. #ANCgov
They have purchased the Barret House on Spenard, the Guest House, and another facility, the Lake House, for a total of over 200 units to house low income people. #ANCgov
Constant says about 3 weeks ago the downtown community council had a visit from the new ownership group, which he says was shocking. They went back on all promises about outreach to the community. He hopes they will impress on new management the promises made. #ANCgov
Schultz says he wasn't in attendance at that meeting and no one reached out to him about that. He is happy to do as requested, thinks those promises are important. He says we need to do a lot to keep Downtown on the team. #ANCgov
The Chair says he will attend the next Downtown meeting on March 1st to answer any questions. He says they will work with the community to make sure it works. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson thanks them for the work they've done. It's a complex issue and many community partners have stepped up. She also thanks Rivera for having stepped up to find the funds to find solutions where the admin failed. #ANCgov
Rivera thanks them for playing such a critical role in this. He says the full picture of twists and turns haven't come to light, but he appreciates the work they, and the Rasmussen Foundation, have done. He says we have 300 new units coming online for housing. #ANCgov
Volland says he's thankful for how the Guest House has operated. He's thankful to this body for their faith in community partners. Says he knows the Mayor wasn't a fan, and had said the Rasmussen should be paying them money. #ANCgov
Volland recounts this was part of his first time on the body. He asks the new trust to enter into the same memorandum that the old owners engaged in. Says it promotes trust with the Community Councils. #ANCgov
LaFrance thanks them for their service to the community and for being here. #ANCgov
Chair's Report. LaFrance notes the assembly has always put the people first in their meetings and there are many members of the public here to talk about events of importance. However, first tonight we have to address an important issue. She asks the body to... #ANCgov
...change the order of the day to take up item 12A, corresponding to the tapes from the executive session. LaFrance says on Feb 2, she issued a second subpoena corresponding to it. The requested documents were due at 5pm today. Unanimous consent on the change. #ANCgov
It's a motion to reconsider the immediate release of executive sessions tapes. Before we do so, there are documents to be given out. Staff hands out the documents. #ANCgov 
LaFrance says there are three information memorandums being distributed and they will be emailed to the members on the phone shortly. #ANCgov
Zalatel moves to lay all three on the table. Volland seconds. Zalatel says these items are timely and relate directly to the motion for reconsideration. Says they wanted to wait til the last moment for compliance. #ANCgov
Bronson passes to Christensen. She says the record is incomplete as the admin's response to the assembly is not in these documents. Quinn-Davidson says that that document is actually in the packet. Voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Zalatel moves to accept all three laid on the table AIMs. Rivera seconds. Zalatel says accepting these puts them into the public record officially and says that is necessary before we take up the next item. #ANCgov
Sulte asks for a bit more info on the AIMs so he can find them in his email. LaFrance says they're being sent right now. Sulte says he hasn't received them yet... And now he has. #ANCgob
Voting on accepting the three AIMs commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
LaFrance says this item relies on the Bronson administration's response to the subpoena, asks if they would like to respond. Christensen asks if they want to clarify, as they believe their response is in the packet. #ANCgov
LaFrance asks what they have produced. Christensen says their position is that they do not have the right to waive the privacy of employees. They would need a court order to do so. #ANCgov
LaFrance clarifies, says the letter dated today from Bronson states that the HR department will not be producing the documents requested by the Assembly. #ANCgov
Zalatel says in light of this, she moves to reconsider the decision from the last regular meeting to release the executive session tapes. Constant seconds. Zalatel says she'll let Constant speak more to it, but says that after their debate last time, counsel came back with...
...more information on how to release these tape. Constant says we find ourselves again in a stonewall position from the Mayor. Last meeting it was agreed to go through every possible step before going to the courts. The admin has now refused to act. Now the proper course...
...of action is to take it to the courts so that the public can see what they have the right to see. #ANCgov
Rivera says the intent was to allow the public to see the nature of their meeting. The reconsideration was to give the admin another chance to do so. Asks Zalatel to speak on the nature of reconsideration now. #ANCgov
Zalatel says that the purpose was to make the release in line with counsel's advice. Christensen says she believes that the subpoena is not valid as Tshibaka's no longer with the Municipality. The person commanded by the subpoena no longer has access to the documents. #ANCgov
Zalatel asks if they subpoena the Mayor, unless he resigns, he will produce the documents? Christensen says no, they don't believe it's a valid subpoena. Zalatel says this is why they need to move forward with this reconsideration and potential court. #ANCgov
Constant says that the subpoena was proper, but for some reason the subpoenad person resigned. #ANCgov
Voting on reconsideration commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Zalatel moves to release the tapes when the courts determine it to be in line with confidentiality process. Constant seconds. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson says this is a farce, and once we see what was shown in the meeting the public will see it was nothing, and that's why they don't want us to see it. #ANCgov
Cross says that the assembly has a responsibility to hold up their end of the executive session. Supports this as it conforms with their legal duty. Volland agrees there should be an expectation of confidentiality in executive session, but it can be abused and used as a screen.
Zalatel says they were duped into going into session. They went into the session and there was nothing confidential shown to them there. It is a dangerous precedent, as it hides things from the public. We need to put it to the courts to decide if the tapes should be available.
Sulte says he's all for open and transparent communication, but for the assembly who called the executive session, we need to set our bar higher for what demands an executive session. #ANCgov
Constant says all of that is true, and the leadership team narrowed the request to allow the admin to redact confidential information, which is the process. But they didn't, they thumbed their nose and said they won't do it. #ANCgov
LaFrance says that as Chair she feels the need to explain how this happened. The admin promised to do a report and share the results with the public. Says the timeline of events starts with Dave Morgan resigning a week before his confirmation hearing and then Gerace being nom'd
After that, the assembly received concerns about his qualifications. Then APM confronted Gerace with his resume. The Bronson ordered an investigation. The assembly sent a letter to Demboski asking the address specific concerns. #ANCgov
The response was they would work with legal and HR. Then so on until there was an executive session called. They asked for a redacted report, didn't receive it. The department of law said they'd need to subpoena. LaFrance says the admin is on fire, we get nothing. #ANCgov
LaFrance says it's difficult being here when the mayor refuses to share with the public and they are supposed to act like it's okay. It's not okay. They are supposed to receive important information that they aren't getting, and haven't throughout his administration. #ANCgov
She says to say the least this is very upsetting. LaFrance says her and her husband chose to make Anchorage their home and to see it being handled this way is upsetting. This is hard to take and she doesn't understand why the Mayor is acting. "What the heck is going on?" #ANCgov
Bronson says that he understands her emotion but at the end of the day this is a legal issue. He can order documents, they'll be refused. It makes no difference. The answer will always be the same, he doesn't know how she doesn't understand that. #ANCgov
LaFrance says she appreciates that the Mayor acknowledges that we feel deeply about our community. She can't underscore how important this issue is. They've received a legal opinion, and they can address things without breaking confidentiality. #ANCgov
Constant says the Mayor's testimony crystalizes his response to everything, point at someone else and say it's their fault. #ANCgov
Voting on the new release timeline for the tapes commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Zalatel says a document is being handed out that is a laid on the table item that is a resolution to seek legal action to release the report. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson asks them to take a moment once the item has been emailed to allow the members on the phone to read it before acting. #ANCgov
Zalatel moves to lay on the table her item seeking authorization to pursue litigation to compel release the records. Constant seconds. No discussion. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Zalatel moves to approve the resolution. Constant seconds. Zalatel says they've tried many ways to get these documents released, the next redress is going to court, unfortunately. It is sad to be in this position, where in order to have transparency it has to go to court. #ANCgov
Zalatel says she is embarrassed that this is where our community is. She doesn't blame the people or the assembly, but she blames the admin for not wanting to take responsibility for what's going on in City Hall. #ANCgov
She says it is necessary to hold people accountable for their actions. This is the opportunity to do so. #ANCgov
Constant, having read the item, moves an amendment that adds a whereas clause concerning the HR Director. Zalatel seconds for purpose of discussion. #ANCgov
Constant drafts out the language of the Whereas clause. #ANCgov
No discussion on the amendment. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. Back to the main motion. Sulte says he agrees with everything Zalatel said, and maybe the legal course is the right course but it's the last course. Hopes the administration would address it first, will vote no
Cross says it's unfortunate that it has come to this, but there are conflicting legal opinions. The assembly can't violate privacy rights. It will have to go to court. #ANCgov
Voting on the main motion commences. Passes 11-1, Sulte dissents. #ANCgov
Returning to the agenda. LaFrance notes that we have run the meeting a little different, going right into the business with the Mayor. We usually try to do uplifting recognitions first, but the Mayor's actions cast a dark shadow and must be addressed. #ANCgov
Committee reports. Sulte says the AEDC met and discussed their Choose Anchorage plan. They are working to attract and keep talent in the city. #ANCgov
Rivera says the Housing and Homelessness Committee meeting addressed the demobilization of mass shelter and onboarding of the GL. Next meeting is Wednesday Feb 15 in Assembly Chambers. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson says the Budget and Finance Committee, their next meeting is Feb 16 from 12:10-1:10 at City Hall. #ANCgov
Volland says at the Health Policy committee meeting they discusses good and difficult things. There's an upcoming free clinic coming up. On the tough side, the assembly has been trying to get 24/7 coverage of the mobile crisis team. #ANCgov
But they heard in advance of that meeting from Kohlhase that the admin will not be able to put forward a timeline for that. It may be because the unions don't have a job classification for that, but Union leaders said they'd love to work with the assembly. Will be taken up in Mar
Petersen says the Community and Economic Development Committee met. Their next meeting will be on Feb 16. The Ethics and Election committee will meet on Feb 15 at Election Center in Ship Creek. #ANCgov
Zalatel says the Enterprise and Utilities Oversight committee, their next meeting with take up AWWU concerns and snow plowing and hauling contracts, as there has been considerable concern. #ANCgov
Perez-Verdia says the Anchorage Equity Committee, a new committee, will focus on equity and we'll being for all residents. If you want to join you can. Currently more than 20 members. Last Saturday they had a meeting to discuss the purpose and road ahead. #ANCgov
He says the Public Safety Committee meeting was last week, they met with APD who updated on new crime stats. A new unit that analyzes data updated them. The body cam policy is going into arbitration with the union later this year. APD has 3 potential vendors for body cams.#ANCgov
They are looking at bringing forward a first quarter budget revision proposal to make sure there are no further hold ups. Next meeting is March 1 at 11am. #ANCgov
LaFrance says we have three supplemental laid on the table items. First, an AIM advocating for state legislation further regulating hemp. Second, an AIM a non encumbering contract for petroleum and lubricants due to escalated fuel costs. Third, an AIM from Girdwood BOS...
...rejecting disposal of Heritage Land Bank for Holtan Hills project. Zalatel moves to incorporate the supplemental items. Volland seconds. Unanimous consent. Addendum and laid on the table items incorporated. #ANCgov
Onto the consent agenda. I'll be right back, gotta use the restroom.
Okay I'm back. They are reviewing all the pulled items. #ANCgov
Zalatel motions to approve the consent agenda minus the pulled items. Constant seconds. Unanimous consent. #ANCgov
Onto the pulled items. Constant motions to change the order of the day to take up 10a2 first, as the members of the choir need to leave. Zalatel seconds. Unanimous consent. #ANCgov
10a2 is a resolution recognizing and celebrating February 2023 as Black History Month. Zalatel moves to approve, Volland seconds. Unanimous consent. Dern reads. #ANCgov
The 2023 Black History Month theme is "Black Resistance," which explores how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression. #ANCgov
The omission of African American stories and contributions to Alaskan history is addressed in Ian C Hartman and David Reamer's "Black Lives in Alaska." #ANCgov
One of the accepting members of the public speaks to this item. He says that Black History is so intertwined with American history that it cannot be separated. He says from the beginning, it was on the back of Blacks that even the White House was erected. #ANCgov
Even beyond labor, there have been many contributions to science, medicine, engineering. African American engineers contributed to the building of the AlCan Highway, to Penicillin, even the red light. #ANCgov
He says we are grateful for an entire month being dedicated to the history of their contributions. Even the Superbowl, this will mark the first time two Black Quarterbacks will match up in that event. He says they want to applaud the assembly for acknowledging the month. #ANCgov
Andrew Parker, of Shiloh Church speaks. He has brought his choir with him. They grace us with a moment of song. On Sunday the 26th, the youth of their Church will be holding an event exploring Black History. #ANCgov
Cal Williams, performing Historian, speaks. He invites us to read "Black Lives in Alaska." John S Parks, for whom our public transportation center is named, was African American. Black history is Anchorage history. There were African American whalers in the 1800s. Black history..
...is Alaskan history. When people know their history they are empowered and enlightened and able to give their fullest. #ANCgov
Deronte W, a Jack and Jill kid, says he loves the organization. It is an organization of mothers who focus on community development, legislative activity, and more. This is their fourth year doing a living wax museum, it will be on February 18th at the Loussac. #ANCgov
Shawni Davis, Olympic Speed Skater, will be in Anchorage next week. He will be participating in a variety of events during his time here. Part of the idea is to bring attention to efforts to create a new Chalet, but also to expand those who participate is Skating in Anchorage.
Alaska Black Caucus' website has the full list of events.
thealaskablackcaucus.com/media-center/e…
#ANCgov
thealaskablackcaucus.com/media-center/e…
#ANCgov
Next item is a resolution supporting Active People, Healthy Nation Initiative. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Next, an item recognizing February 2023 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Quinn-Davidson reads. Perez-Verdia presents. #ANCgov
Breanna Moore's parents accept. Her father says all of this has happened due to support from the assembly and administration. When they first went to the legislature, Alaska was #1 in killing women and teen dating violence. #ANCgov
In 2018, they put forward Bree's Law to educate Alaskan youth on Dating Violence and lethality. A bill was put forward by Murkowski and Sullivan, and has been passed and will be put in place nationwide. They are working with the Department of Education. #ANCgov
The national legislation took 7 years. They've also been working on a park. Bree's mother thanks the assembly for the continued support and their yearly invitation back. She thinks about all the teens in our state who don't feel they have a voice when being abused. #ANCgov
She says that some believe that it is a parent's job to teach children about dating violence, but only a small portion of teens even tell their parents about abuse they experience. #ANCgov
Bless these parents and all of the work they've done for young people in our city, state, and nation. #ANCgov
Perez-Verdia thanks them for all their work in our state and nation. LaFrance also thanks them for their advocacy, says her teens know Bree's Law and why. She thanks them for taking something so painful and turning it into something so helpful for all of us. #ANCgov
Next, an item recognizing and celebrating February 16 as Elizabeth Peratrovuch day. Perez-Verdia reads, Petersen presents. #ANCgov
Julianna Smith accepts this item. She says her people have gone through the difficulty of civil rights struggle. She is Tlingit, Irish, and African American. On the 16th there will be events to honor Peratrovich. She thanks the assembly. #ANCgov
Next item, a resolution advocating for State Legislation further regulating the hemp industry and protecting Alaskan youth. Rivera moves to approve. Quinn-Davidson seconds. #ANCgov
Rivera says there is an AIM that was laid on the table. It covers three relevant documents from relevant organizations, all saying there are glaring loopholes in the hemp industry needing action. #ANCgov
Rivera says he believes this item does a good job of explaining why this is an issue and what steps need to be taken. Cross says marijuana and hemp are seen different. Manufacturers have found a way to make hemp intoxicating and sell it to youths and it's despicable. #ANCgov
Constant says he's fine with supporting the resolution, but prefers action. He leans towards the Municipality regulating it. They have previously refused to tax hemp. In the future we should move to regulate and license hemp products. #ANCgov
Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Next, a resolution requesting the administration direct Heritage Land Bank to include specific objectives in their five year management plan and take action to increase affordable housing in Girdwood. #ANCgov
Zalatel moves LaFrance amendment 1. I missed the details (sorry 😢). Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Zalatel moves Zalatel amendment 2, LaFrance seconds. Zalatel says this adds a sentence that encourages directing funds to study affordable housing options. Other resort towns have some sort of extra fiscal mechanism to support bringing down cost of housing. #ANCgov
She says if we don't recognize such a mechanism housing may never become attainable in Girdwood. She has a couple of proposals. She says they intend for this item to be a comprehensive study of what those options may be. Voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Onto the main motion. Constant says he won't support the item, he says that Girdwood is not serious about affordable housing. He says they are a protectorate and want to protect property value. When demographics are compared to Mountain View or others...
...he doesn't see them wanting to raise everyone up. LaFrance says she takes issue with his framing, but will let it go. We want increased housing across Anchorage. She says this is a key part of addressing housing issues in Girdwood. #ANCgov
LaFrance says there is much more to be done, but this is a good start. Urges support. Zalatel says this resolution is simplistic, it instructs HLB to go to other orgs to come up with goals. Whether or not additional action is taken will depend on the stability of the Muni.#ANCgov
She says getting a menu of options before the body is important before they can assess the stability. Constant looks forward to conversations about land taxes and other avenues. He looks forward to actions to bring forward housing tonight, or this is a strongly worded letter...
...in favor of subsidies going to Girdwood. Voting commences, passes 11-1, Constant dissents. #ANCgov
LaFrance says we're going to take the regularly scheduled break now. Back in 30. #ANCgov
We are back! LaFrance notes the next item is not going to be moved since it was already approved last week at a special meeting by the assembly. #ANCgov
Rivera has a point of information for the admin. He says on the item they approved at the special meeting, there was an issue raised after the fact. He asks, at the time they voted on it, was the admin aware of the issue? #ANCgov
Kohlhase passes to a financial staff member. He says they sat down and assigned the work out, about half isn't assigned yet. They will discuss with the members work to be assigned, it will all be on overtime. #ANCgov
Constant says he also has comments on this item but will reserve them for later. #ANCgov
Next, a contract for petroleum products. Volland moves to postpone to February 21. Zalatel seconds. #ANCgov
Volland says he understands this is to counter rising fuel costs, but McKenna Brothers, who donated $75k to Bronson, were recently allowed to fuel up at municipal fuel tanks. #ANCgov
This wasn't an appropriate use of Muni fuel, and the contractor has been billed and has paid it. Volland says that he has questions. The price per gallon seems low, especially when this item is addressing fuel costs. #ANCgov
He also notes there's some interesting charge amounts. With such large tanks in these trucks, such small amounts seem odd. He'd like an opportunity for the assembly to be briefed. Why was a contractor allowed to fuel up 97 times on our fuel? #ANCgov
Zalatel says she supports postponing. She says we're here again, what's the burn rate, what's the costing, what does this get up, in service of what? Do we have increased demand? They were specific last time on what is needed for a fuel increase and it isn't here. #ANCgov
She asks, does the Muni pay fuel tax, if so was it passes to Hickel? She would welcome a worksession or an AIM that lays out something more than a historical contract. #ANCgov
Constant says he has a records request for all the fuel reports since January. The admin says they'll give him a pull from the database. He wants signatures, who approved what when. He isn't convinced he'll receive it. Wants to postpone this item. #ANCgov
Kohlhase says he wants to bring in Vanlandingham to address this issue. He says a mistake was made by a newer employee on night shifts. However, that fall on his shoulders as it was his watch. He says he's looked over this and checked the amounts. #ANCgov
He says in the heat of battle, a newer supervisor made the decision to fuel up for these small amounts. And the operators were new to McKenna. He says when he found out, within 3 hours of alert, they narrowed it down to particular employees. He says it doesn't fall on admin.
He takes full responsibility. Says a mistake was made, it's time to move forward. #ANCgov
Zalatel thanks him for accepting responsibility but she doesn't think it's his fault. It's what happens when there's a lack of oversight. This is being postponed because of the lack of information. #ANCgov
She says they've given clear info on how to get an increase. A $4.375mil increase isn't a small amount. There's more to the story we need to hear. #ANCgov
Constant also recognizes Vanlandingham taking responsibility, but says that good people are doing things on behalf of the admin. He has a email chain with Kohlhase trying to find out about the snow hauling. He was told there was no amendment, and found out later there was.#ANCgov
He says he has lots of questions, and this is a huge contract. He can't vote to approve tonight. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson thanks Vanlandingham, and says this is hard due to the toxicity of the Admin creating this environment rather than allowing people to do good work. She apologizes that he's wrapped up in this. #ANCgov
Volland says he also appreciates this, but we're at the point where we have to pick through everything with a fine toothed comb. He says it isn't an attack on Vanlandingham of his department. #ANCgov
Kohlhase says he appreciates the comments. Says Vanlandingham has absolute integrity. Finds it offensive that comments may imply that there was dishonesty. He met with assembly last week and told them exactly what happened. #ANCgov
Zalatel says the comments were for more information, specifically from the Purchasing Department. She is taken aback by his comments, as she didn't hear anyone cast aspersions or blame. It is a constant struggle to get information to understand what's going on in this admin.
She says she's been very open about what info she needs. And yet here we are, and it feels like they're trying to put it back on the assembly. No. You hold the info. #ANCgov
Cross asks for an opportunity to hear from the director of the Purchasing Department. LaFrance asks if he has a specific question? He asks her to clarify the spending. #ANCgov
Purchasing Director says this is a consolidation item. They will get together all the info that Zalatel is asking for. They rely on information from "the department" for this. Cross asks what department. #ANCgov
She says multiple departments use the contracts. She says previously this was common practice. It doesn't always make sense. This contract is held by the Purchasing Department, but they don't fuel the vehicles. They work closely with other departments to get the assembly info.
Rivera gives a point of order. He says this discussion is taking away from the time we have in our agenda. Asks that we vote in postponing and have a worksession. LaFrance agrees. #ANCgov
Sulte asks Kohlhase if postponing will cause any pain to operations. Kohlhase says he doesn't know. He suspects it will be ok. #ANCgov
Constant apologizes to Kohlhase if it feels like they're attacking his staff. But he brings up an email where Kohlhase told him they didn't change locations and then saw later an amendment signed by Kohlhase himself that did that. What is going on. #ANCgov
Kohlhase says that though related, these are two separate issues. He says a worksession will be good. He sees the fueling of trucks as a separate issue. #ANCgov
Volland says he isn't sure that they are separate issues. He is looking at this IM and it says that the contractor has been billed and has paid in full. He'd like to see confirmation and not take it as gospel. He doesn't mean to denigrate anyone's integrity though. #ANCgov
Voting commences. Postponement passes 11-1, Cross dissents. #ANCgov
Next item is an emergency purchase of sodium hypochlorite. Zalatel moves to approve. Cross seconds. Zalatel says the process by which they were given notice and informed of circumstances is ideal. This isn't a small contract, and she thanks them for the process. #ANCgov
She says the topic will be brought up next week at the Enterprise and Utilities Oversight committee. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Next up, grant agreements with various non-profits for a variety of issues. Zalatel moves to bifurcate the items for Catholic Social Services and Christian Health Associates. Quinn-Davidson seconds. #ANCgov
Zalatel says that she was part of a collaborative group on this and would ask to be excused for those items. Quinn-Davidson thanks and apologizes to the people who worked on this item for it being necessary to bifurcate. #ANCgov
Unanimous consent on bifurcation. Zalatel moves to approve all grant agreements, except those bifurcated. Seconded. #ANCgov
Zalatel thanks the Health department for getting these out. For taking the feedback and getting these out to get the money on the street into prevention programs. #ANCgov
Voting commences on all agreements except those bifurcated. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Now for the Catholic Social Services and Christian Health Associates portion. Zalatel is excused. She also won't come back for the next item as she also has a conflict there. #ANCgov
Volland moves to approve to bifurcated section, Petersen seconds. No discussion. Voting commences. Passes 11-0. #ANCgov
Next up, a grant agreement with ACEH for street outreach services ($700k). Rivera moves to approve, Volland seconds. No discussion. Voting commences, passes 11-0. #ANCgov
Next, an IM for contracts awarded between $50k and $500k through formal competitive processes for the month of December 2022. Volland moves to accept, Petersen seconds. Constant says he has issues, he wants to see the contract details for two of the contracts from the admin
Says they are doing the work of the HR department. He says we are aggressively walking the road of privatizing the government to the tune of millions of dollars. He also says that one of the contractors has been upset by their name being associated with the admin, and they...
...cannot legally remove it. Zalatel says that when we have consistent vacancies it is concerning and expensive. It goes to show that having a robust HR department to lead recruitment and supports employment is key. She says we're up to... #ANCgov
...and over $2mil in contractual services. We've always needed some but the numbers and excessive. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Next, an IM for sole source procurement report for December 2022. Constant moves to approve, Zalatel seconds. No discussion, voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Next, another IM. A Letter emailed to Kohlhase to send to Muni employees regarding the January 20 EO. Cross moves to approve, Zalatel seconds. #ANCgov
Cross asks Kohlhase to talk about the way it has affected operations. Kohlhase says they are about on top of the Purchasing card issue. On contracting, the 10k limit is increasing workload. He expects more contracts to be put before the assembly next week. #ANCgov
He says they are working on adapting. He says they appreciate the assembly being open to worksessions. #ANCgov
Cross says he just wants to make sure we haven't negatively affected safety. Kohlhase says no, they upped their purchasing card limits quickly. #ANCgov
LaFrance says one of the reasons that they put out this letter is because there was some incorrect info being passed around by employees about what the limits meant. #ANCgov
She says the letter stresses that they strive to protect Muni interests, but also ensure the work in the Muni keeps going. It's not meant to hinder work, but is necessary to ensure code is followed and funds are spent correctly. #ANCgov
The limits last 60 days by code, while they work on other solutions. She also says they've committed to special meetings if they are necessary to keep services going. Purchasing card monthly limits were capped, not daily limits. #ANCgov
Their goal is to protect Muni funds while continuing work. Open to feedback. She asks Kohlhase if the letter has been sent out? He says he has sent it to the Directors. LaFrance urges directors to share that info with staff. There's a learning curve. #ANCgov
Rivera asks if LaFrance has heard any feedback from the admin? Because today the Mayor put out an email to Muni employees that felt like propoganda and continues an us vs them mentality. LaFrance says the only feedback is what she's heard from Kohlhase. #ANCgov
Rivera says that's helpful info. There's a reason these measures are in place. If there's any realistic feedback from the admin, he hopes they hear it. #ANCgov
Perez-Verdia says that it is the assembly's responsibility to make sure the Muni is protected. With unprecedented resignations and vacancies across the admin, widespread reports of toxic workplaces, these are massive red flags that must be responded to. #ANCgov
He says it isn't an indictment of the people on the front lines, it's about how the city is being run. He says it is important to communicate out to the employees that they are supported, but they're concerned things are going the wrong direction. #ANCgov
Voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov
With that, the consent agenda is concluded. Onto unfinished business. First up, this vacating of a special parcel for $889.11. No discussion, voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Next, the disposal of Heritage Land Bank parcels in Girdwood. Zalatel moves to postpone indefinitely. LaFrance seconds. #ANCgov
Zalatel says we can all acknowledge Girdwood deals with year round housing problems. Working through this process has been informative. Appreciates community engagement. Thanks those who attended all the meetings. It was helpful. #ANCgov
She says that the lack of affordable housing is problematic across the community, and in Girdwood as well. That said, she cannot support this one. Incompetence in the Mayor's Office means she can't trust that this will be handled or that Bronson can get this off the ground.
She says there is no confirmed HLB director or Real Estate director for over a year. Bronson is on his fourth chief of staff. We don't have an HR Director. The people filling in the acting positions aren't doing their primary positions. #ANCgov
She says some of these vacancies are due to the Mayor firing the Directors. The admin has undercut its own interest in further this project. She says this deal might benefit Girdwood, she worked hard on the s-2 version. #ANCgov
But she doesn't trust this administration. She says if they decide not to postpone indefinitely, then she encourages the body to put forward her s-2 version. #ANCgov
Perez-Verdia supports this motion. He echoes Zalatel's sentiment. He doesn't have faith in the Mayor's ability to do this, but also the Girdwood community doesn't support this. It needs to come back before them in a way responsive to the community. #ANCgov
He also says that the use of public land is for the benefit of community, and he doesn't feel that this does that. He supports the motion to postpone. Start this over again. #ANCgov
Rivera thanks Zalatel for all her work on this. She is passionate about housing. He says he's been in a quagmire about this project, but he won't get into it. It's telling that so many of his colleagues have no faith the administration can do it right. #ANCgov
He invites a do-over for this project, and says Girdwood has given good directions for what that would look like. #ANCgov
Sulte is thrilled to see this may get postponed indefinitely. Thanks the Girdwood residents for speaking with a nearly singular voice on this issue. Keep it up, let's work on the next proposal that will meet the needs of Girdwood. #ANCgov
Volland won't support postponing indefinitely. He says a lot of good work has gone into this to get where we are. There's been extensive public process in this. He sees it doesn't meet all of Girdwood's housing needs, but it doesn't need to. Says it's hypocritical... #ANCgov
...for this body to say it supports housing but not support this. He says the s-2 version would allow for housing at higher density than currently allowed. He says we need to debate this. Take up s-2 and have substantive debate. He shares in skepticism of the admin... #ANCgov
...but he is also skeptical they will ever satisfy people in Girdwood. They heard testimony from owners of AirBNBs and STRs. He thinks they oppose multifamily housing. This will have a chilling effect on developers wanting to build in Girdwood. Will vote no. #ANCgov
LaFrance will support postponing indefinitely. Agrees there has been good work done by Zalatel, the community, the developer. But it falls short. They haven't received basic info requested in December. They requested a legal opinion on the Crow Creek plan, but... #ANCgov
...what they received they were told they couldn't release to the public. They are no better off to have the discussion tonight than in December. It's frustrating, so much work went into this. Girdwood has a particular need for housing, especially for lower income. #ANCgov
She says this proposal wouldn't solve anything, but it isn't ready to move forward because they can't trust the Administration. She says even if they had a plan that would address the issues in Girdwood, she can't trust those terms would be executed. #ANCgov
She thanks Ms Yoshimura for her work and says she hasn't deserved the bad treatment she has received by some of the public. LaFrance thanks Zalatel for her "Herculean effort" but it just isn't the right time. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson says she is super disappointed in how things are going on this project and on the dyas right now. It's a good project. She says Trombley did his best, it's unfortunate that the admin has such low trust that we're in this boat. #ANCgov
She says she feels like some people want this project to solve all of Girdwood's problems but that isn't how the world works. It's been a frustrating experience. She speaks to public feedback: she has never seen such aggressive, entitled feedback. Rude. #ANCgov
She says if she votes against this project it wouldn't be because of the feedback, it would be in spite of it. She says Girdwoodians sing a sad song about residents not being able to afford housing but they own second homes. If you own a second home, you're the problem. #ANCgov
She says that the lack of self awareness and reflection has angered her. What they've taken from worse off people. The rallying at community councils. Bullying commentary. It's gross to watch. This vote is chilling, a bad vote. Shows they aren't interested in development. #ANCgov
They say they're interested in housing and here they don't pass it. It gives them a bad name. #ANCgov
Constant says he agrees with Quinn-Davidson. It wasn't just aggressive, it was aggressively dishonest. They've attacked the idea, the process, then the people. #ANCgov
Yoshimura is a proven developer in this community. Whereas the detractors are causers of problems. They have fabricated stories about her trying to poison them with cookies. The people fighting this cause have brought shame on this body. This body has enabled entitled people.
There is shame to be had for all of us, because we've been unable to live up to our values. He's opposed to postponing. The housing crisis is the crisis of our day. We've given in to the NIMBYs and that is the shame of our day. #ANCgov
Dern discloses she may have a conflict due to her husband having worked with Yoshimura. LaFrance asks if it is related to this project. No. We're going through the questions to determine conflict. #ANCgov
Chair rules there is not a substantial financial interest or conflict. Cross doesn't support postponing. They've had plenty of time, gone through the work. He's able to separate the facts from the emotions. He isn't willing to put emphasis on the admin to avoid consequences.
He understands the passion and frustration, but he doesn't agree with it. He says don't blame STRs, that's like blaming bears for going to streams. He encourages taxing being considered, subsidies. Don't hate them, use them. He's ready to vote. He trusts Trombley. #ANCgov
Zalatel apologizes to her colleagues, because this isn't where they thought this was going. This isn't an emotional response, it's based on the way the admin has failed and failed and failed. Why won't the fail here? She appreciates Trombley, but he's one person, and may not...
...be here forever. People don't last long. She's fired up, sure, because this is the result of bad governance. For housing to move forward and housing to be effectuated, it has to have watchful leadership. Who will watch? Who will make sure the s-2 is implemented? #ANCgov
They didn't like the MCT, didn't implement it. Didn't like terms of contracts, didn't implement. #ANCgov
Trombley says he doesn't begrudge the assembly, and doesn't want to overplay his hand. He understands the distrust of an executive branch. Instead of looking at the admin as one giant entity, look personally at their experience with him. He's been honest, he follows through.
When there were directives not to communicate, he communicated. He's been open and honest. That won't change. As long as he's here, he'll ensure that continues. He speaks to various things that could complicate things going forward #ANCgov
He acknowledges the admin messed up with the NavCenter. He asks Zalatel to look at him personally. He cares about housing, wants to get it done. With Title changes, they passed it unanimously because he worked with them. It won't change. #ANCgov
He's been to every worksession, he worked on the s-2, he worked with the developer. He doesn't know if that will change minds, but he hopes it will. Doesn't begrudge them, he's been in that position. #ANCgov
LaFrance thanks Trombley for his work. She appreciates that he's been in the assembly, but this isn't a normal situation. It isn't those of them that are here. Bluntly, it's the Mayor. #ANCgov
She does fear it will chill development. No one wants that. But fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. Without an HLB director she doesn't see how this can move forward. #ANCgov
She appreciates that this is frustrating. She asks what happened to the three AMs they requested? They expected to see them. Trombley says two are attached, one has to do with appraisals and they don't dictate how those are done. There's a legal determination he can't control
He says he believes all of them actually should be in there. LaFrance says she found the original proforma but it doesn't have the info they requested. She says it's fine, they can't seem to get the info. She doesn't understand why the legal department makes their decisions.
Thanks him again for his congeniality. Voting on indefinite postponement commences. Passes 7-5, Sweet, Constant, Cross, Quinn-Davidson, and Volland dissent. Applause in the audience, LaFrance reminds the audience not to do that. #ANCgov
Zalatel motions to change the order of the day to take up must pass items regarding Muni elections. Rivera seconds. Unanimous consent. #ANCgov
Public testimony opens on this bond item. #ANCgov
Diana Rhodes, Anchorage Park Foundation testifies. On behalf of them and their supporters, she asks them to support $2.3mil in bonds for parks. Park and trail bonds are a smart investment and they encourage support. #ANCgov
Irene Quednow testifies. She says if she remembers correctly, is this the one where they are moving the marijuana out from under the tax cap? No. She says nevermind then. #ANCgov
Testimony closes. Zalatel motions to approve. Cross seconds. Zalatel says this is to increase the parks bond to just under $4mil. This was required to meet the notice requirements and get this before the voters. Thanks the Parks department for working with them on this. #ANCgov
She speaks to the ice skating chalet project in midtown. These bonds can catalyze projects. These get residents excited. Wants to get it before voters. #ANCgov
Rivera echoes Zalatel's comments. Says this has been a rollercoaster. He moves an amendment, Zalatel seconds. The project, if this is approved, would be renamed to "Midtown Park Family Chalet" (instead of Cuddy Park Ice Oval Chalet). Voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Constant says he wants to underscore the work that went into creating this workaround. The entire legislative branch of the government kicked into overdrive. Thanks everyone who helped. #ANCgov
Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Next, this resolution calling a special election to run concurrently with the April 4 regular election. Zalatel moves to approve, seconded. She explains this is how they can get that last item on the ballot. Voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov
We're taking a 10 minute break. Back soon. #ANCgov
Meeting resumes. Zalatel moves to change the order of the day. Rivera seconds. She says they are must pass and Quasi-judicial items. No opposition. #ANCgov
First off, the Quasi-judicial items. First up, a marijuana license for Wobbly Moose LLC, a cultivation facility. Public testimony opens and closes. Zalatel moves to approve. Petersen seconds. No discussion. Voting commences. Passes 11-0, Quinn-Davidson absent. #ANCgov
Next, a retail license for Wobbly Moose to sell marijuana products. Public testimony opens and closes. Zalatel moves to approve, Petersen seconds. Constant asks if the petitioner is here? Yes. He asks them to come up. #ANCgov
Constant asks about a strange incident reported this week, about someone going into a competitor's business and saying "you're ruining our business." Asks if anyone in their business is engaging in such activity? #ANCgov
Have they had any engagement with other licensees? Stan Marshall says they have not had any interaction with any other businesses in the area. Constant says that's good enough for him, someone had just claimed to be from their operation. #ANCgov
Voting commences, passes unanimously. Next, an alcohol license for the Navigator Lounge. Public testimony opens and closes. Zalatel moves to approve, Petersen seconds. No discussion. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Next, a resolution to adopt the public naming panel's unanimous recommendation to name the Muni park at 1217 Latouche as Fairview Delgga Park. Zalatel moves to approve, Petersen seconds. #ANCgov
Zalatel thanks the ombudsman for their work on this renaming project as well as the panel. Wants to extend thanks. Volland is excited about this, explains this is the Athabascan Dena'ina name for Raven. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Next, an ordinance amending Muni Code Chapter 3.30 Personnel Rules to create and Executive Attorney Pay Plan. Public testimony opens and closes. Zalatel moves to approve, Rivera seconds. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson says they've been hoping this could happen for years. Raising pay for lawyers will reduce turnover. She thanks Christensen for the work they've done on this. #ANCgov
Voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Next, this. Public testimony opens and closes. Zalatel moves to approve the S-version, Petersen seconds. LaFrance says this is an item that has carried over and there's an amendment but it doesn't seem to be in the yellow folder. #ANCgov
LaFrance asks Gates if this amendment is here? He says he's trying to find it right now, should have it in a moment. We're gonna come back to this one. #ANCgov
Next, this item about ADUs in Girdwood. Mike Edgington testifies, thanks the Girdwood planning department for putting this together. He says this is an example of Girdwood trying to increase the housing capacity, despite some of the characterization of them today. #ANCgov
Petersen moves to approve. Cross seconds. Constant says he appreciates that Edgington doesn't like the way leadership in Girdwood has been characterized, but it's based in the behavior over the last years. He says he can't support this. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson asks why there are different rules in Girdwood? Kohlhase says we might have someone from the planning department on the phone. Quinn-Davidson says we can follow up, she doesn't want to slow things down. #ANCgov
Daniel from the Planning Department speaks to it. He says the previous Girdwood code section referred to the Bowl, and this just cleans it up. The Girdwood community wanted to keep some older sections in. He says it is stuff that was already there. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson asks why they have different rules to begin with? He says that is a question for someone prior to him. Volland says this restores owner occupancy requirements, he won't support it. Doesn't think they need different rules. #ANCgov
Constant says he heard... There's a lag and we hear previous comments again. A second to catch up. Constant asks, doesn't think undo some of the things we did with our ADU ordinance, right? Daniel says that he isn't sure what would happen if you have a dead link in code #ANCgov
LaFrance says Girdwood has its own chapter of title 21. She says it will cause a real problem if they don't approve this tonight. Asks Edgington if he can explain why this would be a problem, why do they need special rules? #ANCgov
Edgington says they past an ordinance last Summer. They had a code that predates Title 21, and they've made a variety of localized changes. Due to a drafting issue, the recently passed ADU changes overwrite a bunch of it, leading to a bunch of dead links in code. #ANCgov
He says they also had planned not to have that change affect Girdwood's code. So this is a concurrent fix to change those links. He says there's a discussion that could be had around future changes, but this just fixes some broken pieces. #ANCgov
Cross says that he respects Girdwood having their own code specifics, Eagle River does as well. Volland says there's another change in here that refers to parking space requirements but we don't have those now. He says we need to stay consistent. We heard a lot about owner...
... occupancy, should remain consistent. Constant speaks to a Landmine article about the history of the Holton Hills project. He speaks to the concept of enclaves about one demographic of people. He says if you put restrictions on housing in this manner, it makes them more...
... homogenous. People stick to what they know. This is part of a long march to redlining and race based policies that make communities unwell. #ANCgov
Zalatel says what she hears is that there are problems that would stop ADUs from being built until fixed. There may be some problems here that need addressing though. There's two paths: postpone indefinitely and have them come back with an item that fixes those issues... #ANCgov
...or we could pass this and then make changes later. She asks Daniel McKenna-Foster if this would stop construction of ADUs? He's unsure how that works when there is broken parts of code. #ANCgov
Zalatel supports a motion to postpone, knowing we have to work quickly to fix it. Asks those who would bring that forward to take ownership and work on those fixes. Perez-Verdia notes there is no such motion on the floor right now. #ANCgov
LaFrance says she encourages passing this now and coming back. Maybe meet with GBOS, have that conversation. But let's approve this tonight. Then come back with changes after that conversation, we have a lot we need to address and we just need to take care of this tonight.#ANCgov
Gates says less than a year ago they passed ADU regulations specific to Girdwood. He wanted to have an AIM explaining that, but didn't have the time. #ANCgov
Constant says it's said all the time that let's pass this and come back. But the next item is the Airbnb legislation. What'll happen is the people who own them already in Girdwood will be grandfathered in. We'll make the kings more kingly. #ANCgov
Volland motions to postpone to March 7th. Quinn-Davidson seconds. Volland prefers this path. He wants to take a long look in light of the ordinance just passed to see if it should have included Girdwood, especially in light of what happened with Holton Hills. #ANCgov
LaFrance encourages them to vote against this. There's a time to fix those issues, but this is the time to fix the code that is broken. March 7 is a month out. It probably won't get through until April. Why put it at risk, let's get this through tonight. #ANCgov
Perez-Verdia says that there's a strange reaction to our previous vote. Let's just approve this and the do the work to change it later if we want to do so. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson supports postponing. She doesn't understand why we would fix something to a determined answer when we don't all support it. Makes sense to pause and take time to figure out what to do with it. #ANCgov
Sulte is against postponing, he sees it as it was in code before basing the ADU action, which then broke the code. Now we're debating how to deal with it. This was already a section in code that had an unintended consequence. Encourages not postponing. #ANCgov
Voting on postponement commences, fails 6-6. Back to the main motion. Constant urges them to vote no on this. We should really think this through. In the last two months we eliminated parking requirements and owner occupancy requirements, and that cuts out special code for Gwood
It's the policy decision they made a month ago, he says we should do that now. Quinn-Davidson agrees, says this is bad process to not have a conversation about this before making a decision. We haven't had any discussion around it, and we're being pushed into it. Bad process.
LaFrance stresses this is the action to clean up the code, restore it to what it was before the ADU code passed. They knew that and intended to come back and fix it. She gets it, we had an interesting meeting about housing. But this isn't the place to do it. #ANCgov
She says she is trying to convince her colleagues to do this, clean up the code as it was approved to go into place. #ANCgov
Rivera says he was the sole person that wanted to delay the ADU item until they had a fix. He doesn't support this because it's so out of line with the rest of the intention of the ordinance they passed. #ANCgov
Constant says he did not personally vote to exempt Girdwood from the owner occupancy requirements. He wants to begin building and filling housing. Volland says he doesn't want to restore code in opposition to the intent of building and filling houses. #ANCgov
Gates reminds the body that Rivera motioned at that January 10 meeting to delay the effective date to now so we could make this fix. #ANCgov
Perez-Verdia tells Christensen that due to the acoustics of the room he can hear her conversation across the room where he's sitting. #ANCgov
Perez-Verdia asks what the problem is if they don't pass this item tonight, will it stop building? There isn't anyone who can answer that. #ANCgov
Zalatel moves to extend to 11:20, Volland seconds. Unanimous consent. #ANCgov
Perez-Verdia says he finds some of the comments compelling, he is feeling challenged by this. If there is nothing specific that this breaks, he wants to just pause to get everyone on the same page. He'll vote no on this. #ANCgov
Gates says the effect of not passing this will lead to there being no code to reference in code for building in Girdwood so there will be no process. #ANCgov
Voting commences. Fails 5-7, Sulte, Dern, Sweet, LaFrance, and Petersen support. #ANCgov
Back to this item. LaFrance moves an amendment, Volland seconds. LaFrance explains this deletes language that initially addressed classification where a range of 30 would've been assigned where a range of 20 was. Says the language would've complicated things and wasn't necessary.
Voting commences on the amendment, passes unanimously. Back onto the main motion, approving the S-version as amended. LaFrance notes this item doesn't change the staffing levels or work load, just updates to reflect the staffing model as it's evolved in recent years. #ANCgov
Voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov
Next, this item. Public testimony opens and closes. Cross moves to approve, Volland seconds. Cross says because of how our commercial and permitting is tied to building evals, it affects fees. We can hold it at 2022 levels and not negatively affect construction. #ANCgov
He says it has no negative effects on the planning department. Quinn-Davidson asks if any of the ARPA funding is left to cover these fees? Cross says this has nothing to do with ARPA. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson says we're in decent fiscal health due to reimbursements but also due to this account. It's supposed to be self-fulfilling for this department. She says we're about $15mil in the hole due to fees, so she's a little hesitant to freeze the increase. #ANCgov
A member of the admin notes that there's been a fund balance deficit of about $15mil, correct, when our bond rating is assessed it creates an offset. Could negatively affect bond rating. #ANCgov
Cross says funds are down because there's less permitting. Part of this is to encourage more construction. The problem of revenue is one of our own making: high fees and lots of hurdles. Let's give contractors breathing room. #ANCgov
Zalatel asks if we go to this '22 basis, is there still funding to support the department? Cross says we're at the same number of employees but less permits. Their budget was based on the '22 levels. #ANCgov
Zalatel says this move seems counter to his usual idea of reducing hurdles. If we want more permits we need to make sure there is capacity. Asks if we would be scrambling to find resources if we reduce the funds here. #ANCgov
Kohlhase invites a member of said department to speak. Zalatel asks him if he has a lot of permits come through, will the old budget allow them to meet that strain? He says they are fully staffed, down one structural planning engineer. They're accounted for in the budget. #ANCgov
Volland thanks Cross and Sulte for bringing this forward. He isn't sure this will lead to a ton more permitting, it'll just make it a bit easier. He doesn't think this will create a boom, but doesn't want to hinder development. #ANCgov
Perez-Verdia acts the Planning guy is the ARPA money has been exhausted? He says yes. Is it his thought that by reducing permitting cost it would incentivize development? Some people believe so. This only affects new construction, not smaller additions and alterations. #ANCgov
Zalatel moves to extend to 11:30. Cross seconds. Unanimous consent. #ANCgov
Sulte says this would help with ADU construction, since they are smaller projects. #ANCgov
Quinn-Davidson says she likes the idea but the bottom line is we are operating at a $15mil deficit in this account and growing by $2mil/yr. So even if we stay as we were we will lose $2mil. It impacts our bond rating. She can't justify it. Not fiscally responsible. #ANCgov
Perez-Verdia agrees with her. The loss of those dollars with hope of increased construction is risky, especially while in a hole. Voting commences. Passes 7-5, Perez-Verdia, Rivera, Sweet, Zalatel, and Quinn-Davidson dissent. #ANCgov
Zalatel moves to change the order of the day to take up audience participation now. Constant seconds. Unanimous consent. #ANCgov
James Thornton speaks. He thanks the admin for reaching out to Fairview Community Council through Alexis Johnson with regard to the shelter and effects on the neighborhood. Service calls around the Sullivan are way up. Thanks APD for increased patrols. Asks them to treat..#ANCgov
... neighbors with patience, they didn't choose this. Is in support of increasing the MCT to 24/7, all hour of the day, not just business hours. He is also a cannabis business owner, and speaks to the Hemp products, which he asks them to increase barriers to possess. #ANCgov
Ed Harris from Girdwood speaks. He thanks everyone for the hard work they put in. He says that the aggression they experienced doesn't reflect their whole community. They aren't all NIMBYs, they don't all own AirBNBs. They look forward to getting something new forward. #ANCgov
Irene Quednow says they have spoken about transparency, but there have been three record requests to the clerk that they have not pushed for. The have holed off an executive session permanently regarding Tom Sconce and the Blue Alaskan. I miss a couple examples. #ANCgov
She also speaks to the Recall Zalatel campaign and surrounding lawsuit, which cost tons in taxpayer money. She asks, you are claiming to protect us from the misspending of the administration, who protects us from YOUR misspending? #ANCgov
Jim Backstrom, Northern Gravel Trucking. He says that he was unaware that McKenna was running trucks through the 25th or later, when it should've been through him. He found out through the paper. He speaks to the nature of amended contracts for his business. #ANCgov
He says last he heard the McKenna Brothers owe $750k, where's that money gonna come from? He comes before the assembly to try to figure this out or he'll have to take legal action against the Muni. Constant says he agrees. #ANCgov
We've hit the end of the time, so it is an automatic adjournment. Have a great night, Anchorage. Stay safe and tell the ones you love when you love them ❤️ #ANCgov
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