Thread by @ANCDEADBEAT

Just arrived at the Assembly Chambers for the regular meeting of 2/21/23! As per the usual, I'll be posting a play by play in this thread. Also! My week is light, so if you have suggested meetings or events let me know! 🧵 #ANCgov

LaFrance calls the meeting to order. Roll is called. Everyone is here except Perez-Verdia, Rivera, and Volland who are on the phone. #ANCgov

Helzer leads in the pledge. Quinn-Davidson reads the land acknowledgement. #ANCgov

New faces behind the admin side of the dais. #ANCgov

Constant moves to approve minutes of previous meetings, Zalatel seconds. No objections. Passes. #ANCgov

Mayor's update. Today his office release the findings of a economic task force. They came up with a comprehensive list of strategies for improving the community. They have begun reviewing the suggestions with the intent of bringing forward legislation. #ANCgov

Now is the time to act and move the city together into a better future. Tonight there is a proposal to give paternal leave to Muni employees. When Bronson came aboard they scrapped a paternal leave policy, because it was hastily done. #ANCgov

He thanks those who worked on the item tonight. Looks forward to robust discussion. We need Muni employees, perhaps a policy like this is necessary for potential employees who want to grow a family. #ANCgov

We must support young families. However, we must consider equity. If we give some group amenities that others don't receive that could cause issues. We must also consider the financial ramifications. #ANCgov

Tomorrow the Mayor's Office will host a round table for African American entrepreneurs. It'll be from 11-12pm at the mayor's conference hall. End of report. #ANCgov

Zalatel asks Bronson to speak about vacancies in municipal jobs, as references in his talk about parental leave. Bronson tries to pass to Kohlhase, Zalatel says the Muni needs to hear from him. #ANCgov

He refuses, says he wants the expertise to speak on it. Zalatel says she doesn't need an answer then. #ANCgov

Chair's update. LaFrance starts by acknowledging the roof collapse at Turnagain CrossFit. Says our hearts are with those who have been affected. This week she attended two events, one regarding homelessness and another regarding healthcare and education. #ANCgov

The city is still working on figuring out how to improve snow removal. There was input last week from contractors. Tonight there will be an item regarding a temporary allowing of extra snow storage sites. #ANCgov

She notes on parental leave, that item is only for introduction, not testimony or discussion tonight. #ANCgov

She then speaks to a document addressing the actions taken on housing advancements and work with partnership, as well as moving to 24/7 mental health response and workforce development. #ANCgov

Tonight there is an item encouraging the legislature to inflation proof student spending. Education is important in making the city an attractive place to live and thrive. #ANCgov

On mismanagement of the city, LaFrance says the assembly is working hard to do everything they can to protect the city. She offers the mayor a moment of privilege to address community concerns about financial health, lack of employment, low morale, etc. He says nothing. #ANCgov

With that she ends her update and reminds us of the rules of the Chambers. #ANCgov

My thumbs are still warming up so I'm not getting all the details so far, but I'm doing my best 😅 #ANCgov

Committee reports. Rivera says at the housing and homelessness committee they reviewed the mayor's demobilization plan. The mayor has backed down from the plan to use the Sullivan. He looks forward to getting more information. There will be a special meeting later this month.

Constant says at the Enterprise and Utilities Oversight committee, they got a chance to speak with AWWU and get questions answered about their service and discharge into the inlet. If not managed properly, it could cost $1.5bil in fines. #ANCgov

There are some concerns about how work is metted out to the contractors for snow removal. There are still many questions. Hopefully will see light of day in the not too distant future. #ANCgov

Cross says at ACDA they spoke with the downtown partnership about snow removal. There was a lack of communication between the lot and sidewalk removal, conversation has started to improve synergy. #ANCgov

Further, because of the unusual snowfall, people weren't able to park downtown and therefore there was a loss in revenue from parking meters. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson says the budget and finance committee got an update from the budget advisory commission. She asks for advising on the ML&P fund previously. We spent about $10mil of the fund from that sale to the GL. It's sat unused, except for Weka. She wants to know where...

...the remaining $5mil is. It turns out, it's still in the fund and can be used for renovations to the Golden Lion. Admin doesn't have a point person on the Golden Lion project, apparently. #ANCgov

FEMA reimbursement continues to hum along really well, close to $100mil in reimbursement. Finally, she asked about Alcohol tax fund. There was just a memo reported that shows that shows there's more in there due to the lack of MCT funding from admin. #ANCgov

Petersen updates us on what the ethics and elections committee meeting entailed, I miss it 😬

Onto the addendum to the agenda and laid on the table items. There's a supplemental items from the admin regarding the Emergency order. Another regarding financial information. No vote required for supplemental items. #ANCgov

Constant moves to incorporate the addendum and laid on the table items. Petersen seconds. No opposition. Incorporated. #ANCgov

Onto appearance requests. First up, Michael Patterson from the People's Movement for Justice. #ANCgov

Patterson says in April 2021, voters approved a levy for body cams on cops. We still don't have them. Recently, chief of police said we wouldn't until Fall. This is an undemocratic subversion of the will. They have also allowed APD take lead on the process, it doesn't make sense.

He's heard the assembly's decrying of the mayor's lack of accountability. Where is the same for APD? The assembly never really cared. He was here when they passed a BLM acknowledgement, but then recently they passed Back the Blue day. It doesn't make sense. #ANCgov

The reason we don't have body cameras because APD has things to hide, including the footage of the execution of a citizen. #ANCgov

Next, Cynthia Gachupin from PSL on housing. Housing crisis will continue to grow. Putting cots into the Sullivan isn't a fix. We're using bandaids. Many people have contacted 211 to avoid eviction, to be told there's no funding available. The fix? Housing mngd as a public utility

At this pace she doesn't see younger people staying here, especially with a large number of rentals being STRs. Many renters only offer 6-9 month leases. Many rentals are out of young people's price range and offer short leases. People will leave and go to a different city.

It's embarrassing we don't have a housing authority. We need to implement real change. #ANCgov

Onto pulling items from the agenda. LaFrance notes if anyone wants to be added as a cosponsor on an item, they can do so as we go down the dais. #ANCgov

She also notes to the clerk that there's an item, 10g5, for introduction. It has two parts, one of which is an AIM that shouldn't be attached to the item. LaFrance asks the clerk to remove it and have it reintroduced next time. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson pulls 10b3, 10b4, 10e4, 10e5, and 10e6. Cross says on 13b he'll be moving to extend, in case anyone is here to speak on it. Constant pulls 10d10, 10f5. #ANCgov

Sweet asks to be added as a cosponsor to 10b5. Dern asks to be added as a cosponsor to 10g1 and 10b5. LaFrance confirms the pulled items. #ANCgov

Constant moves to approve the consent agenda minus the pulled items, Zalatel seconds. No discussion, unanimous consent. Approved. #ANCgov

Onto first pulled items, a resolution approving the continued temporary delegation of the Acting Anchorage Health Department Director position to Kimberly Rash. Quinn-Davidson moves to approve, Zalatel seconds. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson asks the mayor what the update is on finding a candidate for the position. Kohlhase says they have two applicants for the position, have not yet moved onto interviews. #ANCgov

Zalatel says she appreciates Rash's continued work. She notes that this position lapsed on February 8. She worries about her pay, but also worries that she may not have been able to legally sign anything since then? #ANCgov

Kohlhase says it did lapse. They talked to law, they advised that the retroactive delegation would be sufficient to continue work. #ANCgov

Zalatel moves to amend in order to change the timeline to 60 days. Constant seconds. #ANCgov

Zalatel says as these temporary appointments continue to move along we should shorten. We need to track what's going on, and what the permanent position is going to look like. When we have acting positions, those people are doing the other job they're supposed to be doing.

Voting commences on the amendment. Passes unanimously. Back to main motion as amended. No discussion. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Next, 10b4, a resolution approving the continued delegation of the acting Municipal Manager position to Kent Kohlhase. Quinn-Davidson moves to approve. Zalatel seconds. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson asks the same question, what's the update on the long term plan is for the municipal manager position? Bronson says they are still in discussion on that. #ANCgov

Zalatel moves an amendment clarifying that Kohlhase is intended to move back to Public Works Manager and notes the pursuant code. Constant seconds. #ANCgov

Zalatel notes that the code is slightly different and makes it clear that he is intended to return to that position. Sulte asks if Kohlhase is interested in this position, would he be unable? Zalatel says that nothing says he couldn't, but he is acting, not a candidate. #ANCgov

Voting on the amendment commences. Passes unanimously. Back to main motion. Zalatel moves an amendment, it adds a relevant code on line 21, and then changes the term of approval from 90 to 60 days. #ANCgov

Zalatel says as these go on, we need to keep up with them. These positions are so important, she'd either like to see Kohlhase brought forward as a candidate for this position or return to his confirmed position in Public Works. No discussion. Voting commences. Passes unanimously

Back to main motion. Quinn-Davidson asks Kohlhase, who is acting as Public Works Director and where does Lance fit in? What chain of events has his moving up caused? Kohlhase says his position is vacant, Lance is in Economic and Community Development. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson asks how many Director level positions are vacant right now? Kohlhase says four or five. Counting acting? 5 acting, four or five vacant. Trombley says he'll write it out and present specifics later. #ANCgov

Volland says he'll be interested in hearing from Trombley. It's concerning that we have acting roles extended multiple times in Director positions, it creates a de facto unconfirmed position. Kinda like what happened at the library. #ANCgov

He's also concerned with 5 director level positions vacant. He wonders how that is impacting those departments. Does it have precedent? He wants to hear more from the admin how they'll address it in a timely fashion. #ANCgov

Kohlhase says he misses part of the question as he was consulting. Real Estate department director just got funded. Names the four that have acting. Apologizes if he missed the rest of the question. #ANCgov

Volland restates his question, how is it affecting daily operations in those departments and what is the plan to get those roles filled ASAP? Kohlhase says he can't quantify the impact, he expects there are impacts. Some people are doing extra work to stay on top of...

...their acting and normal positions. As far as the plan, they have a candidate for the health department they're considered. For P&E they're reaching out beyond the Muni. Says some positions are hard to fill from the private sector, people could make 50-60% more working private

Sulte says at the boards and commissions meeting on special appointments it would be appreciated to have people brought forward. Sulte asks the public to reach out to people who may be interested and ask them to apply. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson says when she asked director or executive level positions, she meant more broadly, like the municipal attorney. Doesn't cover the whole gamut. #ANCgov

LaFrance says this item only pertains to this specific position, not boards and committees, but people are always welcome to apply. #ANCgov

Zalatel says she appreciates Kohlhase taking up this position, can't be easy work. Says with the news of the culture and treatment in the Muni right now, she doesn't expect people to apply regardless of pay. Needs to be protections for those who work for the Muni. #ANCgov

Volland says he also appreciates the ramp up of responsiveness since Kohlhase took office. #ANCgov

Bronson says that as far as treatment of employees, the assembly has been abusing the municipality including last week at the worksession for housing and homelessness. Zalatel issues a point of order, not relevant to the issue she raised. #ANCgov

LaFrance agrees, asks him to speak on that question. He says that it is the issue of abuse that needs to be spoken on. LaFrance says we'll move on. Quinn-Davidson says we're lucky to have Kohlhase holding things together, thanks him. LaFrance thanks him too. #ANCgov

Discussion ends. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Next, 10d10. Memorandum. Statutory State Administrative Services Fee for Worker's Compensation. $194,324.44. Constant moves to approve. Seconded. Constant says this has problems. Notes there are items without descriptions, other issues. Can't make sense of what this item is.

He says usually we would be given something that a reasonable person could interpret. Wants an on the record explanation. Tracy Mears speaks to it. #ANCgov

This is a yearly amount that is needed to be paid to the state. It goes to fund the division of workers compensation. Constant says, so this is a premium? Yes, it's based on the amount of benefits paid. The table is the benefits that were paid. #ANCgov

Constant says so it isn't a premium. This is a list of payments. It's really long. She responds some injuries go back a long ways. #ANCgov

Constant says there's a 13 page record here, 6-7 pages are from 2022. Is that a fair assessment? She says yes. There are more 2022 claims than previous years due to claims dropping off once a worker is fine. Constant says that's a very reasonable answer. #ANCgov

He says, to the auditor, it makes sense to include worker's comp into the audit. Constant notes that in the future it would be helpful to have a AIM tool that would provide a description so we don't have to pull and talk about it next time. #ANCgov

Zalatel asks if the CFO can fill in the missing info, we need a parenthetical explanation of where it comes from. Budget management rep says it's the Worker's Compensation fund. Zalatel moves to amend to include it, Constant seconds. Documents should be complete for the record.

Voting commences. Passes unanimously. Back to the main motion as amended. No further discussion. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Next, 10e4. A resolution reappropriating miscellaneous grant fund for unused transfers back to the General Fund. Quinn-Davidson moves to approve, Constant seconds. Quinn-Davidson asks if this is something we do annually? #ANCgov

Budget rep says that it isn't normal, last year there was a suggestion for special revenue funds. She explains. The word fund is used a lot and I can't follow. Quinn-Davidson says this is just done to satisfy audit requirements, will still go to appropriate funds? Correct #ANCgov

Could these funds rollover past the annual budget? No they have to be approved annually, but due to the mechanics it will allow for more visibility of funds. This helps clean up funds remaining over after the finishing of other projects. #ANCgov

Will they be going to separate funds? No all the same fund.

I'm doing my best over here but this is a bit over my head

Sorry 😬

Zalatel has some follow ups, speaks to the police area fund. Has a $389k fund for mobile intervention. What's happening with that? Budget rep says that those are being moved back into operational fund of APD for this year. #ANCgov

Zalatel says for this one specifically, this funding was also from the alcohol fund. Perhaps they were supplanted. If the idea is to fund MIT funding, did we wrongly use the alcohol tax? Rep says the service is continuing to use the alcohol tax fund. #ANCgov

Zalatel says that this is uncomfortable. Two projects here are interlinked with the alcohol tax and she wants to see the link. Would like to postpone it or she won't vote on it. Says there was a lot of work done to find money to match funding to get the mobile intervention team

She'd like to be able to better understand the intersection of the variable funds. Constant asks the rep (Courtney), she says they have a method for tracking these projects. How does the assembly access this tracking system? They don't have any insight into how it's tracked.

He says if it's true, it's good news. Courtney says that it's part of an SAP. Constant asks if their staff can access it? Courtney says it's a budget thing that everyone has access to. He says they'll be knocking on her door. #ANCgov

Rivera says he read this item but didn't catch what Zalatel says, thanks here. There's a lot of things that need funding from that alcohol tax, could be undercutting other projects. How timely is this item? Courtney says it's timely for the closing of 2022s books. #ANCgov

Rivera asks if a postponement of 2 weeks to bring it before the budget or audit committee be detrimental? She says it wouldn't be ideal. Puts a longer timeline for the closing of books. #ANCgov

Rivera appreciates that, but says that if this is a process we'll be using from here on out we should understand it. Motions to postpone to March 7, Zalatel seconds. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson asks what we'll do in the next two weeks, is there a committee meeting in the next two weeks? Rivera says he got his calendar wrong, but he suggests a worksession on a Friday and requests one from assembly leadership. #ANCgov

Zalatel says the MIT portion could be discussed at Health Policy Committee, but she's amenable to a worksession. Voting on postponement commences, passes 11-1, Sulte dissents. #ANCgov

Next, 10e5, a similar resolution. Quinn-Davidson asks Rivera if he'd like to do the same thing for this? He says for consistency yes, motions to postpone to March 7. Zalatel seconds. #ANCgov

No discussion. Voting commences. Passes 11-Sulte. Next up, 10e6. Similar item. Rivera moves to postpone to March 7, Zalatel seconds. Same rationale. Voting commences. Passes 11-Sulte. #ANCgov

Next, 10f5. An AIM regarding Banking Services Contract with Key Bank. Constant moves to accept, Zalatel seconds. Constant says that this is another cryptic item, says we've paid $100k for banking services without explanation. Staff was able to find something, thankfully...

...but items like these should have an explanation that a reasonable person could interpret. He says there's enough info here to support acceptance, but wants to communicate that they need more information. #ANCgov

Zalatel says she appreciates the reference to the Emergency Order regarding contracts, and that just barely preceded this item. If it has come just before it would likely have had more information. Discussion ends. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Rivera moves to supplement 14e with an unnumbered AIM that has been emailed and passed out that includes a statement from the emergency shelter task force. Quinn-Davidson seconds. #ANCgov

Zalatel says the ACEH convenes the emergency shelter task force and asks the be excused for conflict. LaFrance agrees, Zalatel is excused. #ANCgov

Rivera asks the assembly to accept this item and please review it before we get to item 14e on the agenda. LaFrance seeks unanimous consent. No opposition. The AIM has been laid on the table and associated with 14e. #ANCgov

Sulte says in reference to 14e, he believes that many people are here to testify on the emergency shelter, he moves to bring that forward. Cross seconds. Sulte asks for a raising of hands by the public. He says that rather than having those people wait let's bring it forward.

Zalatel says she opposes, people are here to testify on other items, plus there are items in the 11s that can't keep getting pushed. Asks that we stay the agenda. Constant says that there's an item in the 13s that keeps getting punted since 1/10, let's get that disposed of.

Voting commences on changing the order of the day. Fails 5-7, Sulte, Cross, Quinn-Davidson, Volland, and Petersen were in support. #ANCgov

Next, an item amending a contract with Shoresude Petroleum. Zalatel moves to postpone indefinitely, Volland seconds. #ANCgov

Zalatel says that they requested info regarding Muni burn rates and the McKenna truck filling. They haven't received it. Says we should postpone until that information is given and we don't know when that will be. #ANCgov

Kohlhase says that they gave an AIM today, sorry it was a laid on the table. To summarize, between when the contract was prepared and the amounts were confirmed prices went up drastically. It has led to a drastic increase in burn rate. They've used about $8mil of the amount

Given the snow hauling and that this funds the fire department, it's critical that they get funding. Zalatel asks what the current spend he said was? He says about $8mil of the $9mil capacity. #ANCgov

Zalatel asks, the $4.7mil they're requesting, does that get us through the rest of the year? Kohlhase passes to Rachel Algiers, purchasing director. #ANCgov

Algiers says based on the calculation her team did, they believe this number will sustain through the end of the year. Zalatel asks if they can get those calculations, last time that info was very helpful. She's reluctant to look into the calculations tonight, given other items.

She asks if they can see the calculations? Algiers says she doesn't think so, the staff members is at a family event. She reached out to a department but they said they are running low. Zalatel says she doesn't feel comfortable, they aren't getting all the info. #ANCgov

They need to do their due diligence. It's a lot of money and needs to come from somewhere. Wants the info and not as a laid on the table to make the decision. #ANCgov

Kohlhase says this isn't an appropriation, it's add capacity. The funds for fuel are built into the various departments. It's not a target, it's a ceiling. But they do anticipate spending $4.7mil on fuel in the next year. #ANCgov

Sulte suggests changing the motion to postponing to a time certain, March 1st. There's some procedural discussion. Kohlhase says he can't say it's critical right now, but it may be in two weeks. Depends on the info received from departments. It's possible to burn fuel quickly.

Courtney turns their attention to a portion in the AIM, shows the remaining money is ~900k. The $4.7mil would give them extra breathing room, and would bring us around to what was used last year. #ANCgov

Sulte asks again if Kohlhase wants a motion to postpone to date certain, Cross corrects him to March 7. Kohlhase says he'd be on pins and needles. Sulte doesn't make the motion. #ANCgov

Constant says that they're thinking about appropriating what sounds like change in the couch, but where is this drawing from? What are we cutting? Kohlhase says it's not appropriating, it's adding capacity. The dollar amount was set in 2021 when fuel was priced differently.

Constant says they appreciate getting authority to spend when it's required, but he says this comes from the approved budget. Courtney Peterson says that's correct, the capacity has diminished faster than expected. The funds were already approved in the 2023 budget. #ANCgov

Constant asks what the full amount the city approved for fuel in 2023? Peterson says that there's two numbers, and she'd have to see what that total is separate from this. Constant says he wants to make sure we're not pulling tires off of trucks, it would be good to know. #ANCgov

Rivera is concerned about indefinitely postponing. Says maybe we could get the info by the end of the meeting or if there's a meeting they can address it at sooner than March 7. #ANCgov

Cross doesn't support postponing indefinitely. Quinn-Davidson says she'd like to, out of respect for Kohlhase, not postpone. She's comfortable voting for it. She says there's a trust issue with some history, but Kohlhase says he needs it approved, she's comfortable voting for it

As long as maybe by the end of the week they can send information showing where the money is pulled from. Kohlhase says he thinks that possible, just clarifies, she wants the pull rates from the various departments? Yeah, she thinks that the others just want that info. #ANCgov

Zalatel withdraws her motion, but she says she's really tired of getting lots of information last minute. If this is so important, they should have the info. They need to do due diligence, be able to ask informed questions. She gets the need, but all the info in the AIM could...

...have been in the original document. She wants to do a good job. She doesn't want to feel like she has to make snap decisions based on new information especially to the tune of millions of dollars. #ANCgov

Volland withdraws his second. Constant moves to approve. Zalatel seconds. Volland says that per the last discussion, he believed they would get the report on the McKenna Brothers and he doesn't believe that they have. Will they get it soon? Kohlhase he believes it was sent.

Constant asks if Petersen has gotten the numbers? She says the amount approved in the budget was $8mil appropriated. Constant wants to know if anything is getting pulled from the other side? She says no. Transit gets some funding from grants, and that isn't part of that number.

Voting commences. Passes unanimously. Onto 11b which is this one. Zalatel moves to postpone indefinitely. Nobody seconds. Constant moves to postpone to March 7, multiple seconds. He's in support of this item if more info comes forward. #ANCgov

He says there's issues regarding real estate in the city, including the influence of Larry Baker. He doesn't want to put that into this item, though. But we don't have a Real Estate Director. One has a representative, but we don't have a team. Just an amorphous "the city".#ANCgov

He can't see the terms in this deal, despite having expertise in the field. He needs more information, he wants to say yes on the deal. He asks, what are the policies we're actually dealing with here? There can't be two different sets of policies. What's the terms, where's the...

...term sheets, who's funding this deal? We need those facts before we do this. Wants to vote yes, it's good for downtown, but he needs those details. #ANCgov

Zalatel says she doesn't support the motion because she doesn't believe we'll have the info. She wants a real estate manager or a representative on this deal. There are two interests at play and they're caught in the middle. Wants a Real Estate Director to give them the details

She's tired of asking for information that should be included for items to be complete. It feels like we have to drag out every item in order to tease out the facts that anyone in this position should want to know. She needs to know all of the interests to talk to constituents.

Cross says if we have to do another worksession so be it, but this is more important than they realize to get out of this lease. This is tied to the CPI, and you don't do that in real estate. Bad planning. He says the CPI is the key indicator of inflation. #ANCgov

He says the debt is going to double in the next ten years. Inflation is going to go out of control. This building's lease is tied to what was considered a near impossible level of inflation. We can't fix DC's mistakes but we can fix our own. #ANCgov

He asks Robbins from the ACDA to come up and speak. Asks where the incentive to get out of this lease came from and why it's a benefit? Robbins says the current escalator on this lease, entered in 2018 when the indicator was at 3.8%. Now it's estimated between 6-8% #ANCgov

Every October the lease adjusts. When this deal was worked on previously, they estimated it could cost on an extra 10mil per year after ten years. He says the lease worksheet that OMB prepared shows several scenarios. #ANCgov

The number only goes up. Cross says, if we postpone, it doesn't adjust as long as we don't go to October? Right. He wants to get us to a fixed rate product. #ANCgov

Volland says he's in the same group with Cross and Constant. Wants a other worksession, says it behooves us to keep exploring this option. Wants to see the ball keep moving. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson says she'd like to continue discussion as well. She asks Robbins, when we have a worksession prior to 3/7, could he tell them about the plans the ACDA has for the funds if approved? She also asks Peterson if we don't know fund balance yet, how can we spend on this?

Petersen agrees to get that info by the worksession. Kohlhase says Ross Griswold from Finance department is here, but they are open to a worksession. #ANCgov

Constant says it's great to have the seller come up and tell us why it's a good deal, we need to hear from the buyer before we can proceed, informed. Postponing is good. #ANCgov

LaFrance supports postponing to 3/7. She wants to move forward with a different arrangement, that was always the plan. They needed agility when it came up for sale, and the Muni didn't have that agility but ACDA did. Voters approved it. It's an interesting situation... #ANCgov

...ACDA leasing to the Muni. If what Cross says about inflation is true, it's all the more reason to have another worksession and be able to answer Zalatel's questions before moving forward. #ANCgov

Discussion ends. Voting commences. Passes 11-1, Zalatel dissents. We take the dinner break now. Back soon! #ANCgov

Okay we're back. Next item is regarding temporary snow disposal sites. Constant moves to approve the S-version, Sulte seconds. #ANCgov

Constant says the S-version is similar to the admin's version, but allows people to apply to become a snow disposal site, instead of going through the admin. He also says there's another amendment that probably needs to go through that says department heads need to be...

...present when they approve items if they are going to be affected. Cross asks if the intent is to handle these at our regular meetings or supplemental meetings? He doesn't want to end up having 2 week waits for approval. #ANCgov

Constant says that the item has a whereas statement that says the intent is that the assembly will meet when necessary, they would organize to meet the need. #ANCgov

Zalatel appreciates the S-version, wonders if there is a place for an additional amendment to have all departments affected have a sign off that can be delivered to the assembly as a packet? Becomes a middlew ground between needing a report and having the speed necessary. #ANCgov

Sulte thanks them for the S-version, and hopes it passes, but hopes we continue to work on it so it can be an "off-the-shelf" piece that can be used in the future as well. #ANCgov

Constant says that a drainage and water plan, a dust plan, individuals necessary for enforcement are necessary. Then a waiver stating it's in public interest. But if approved they need to know why. #ANCgov

Zalatel is ready to make the motion. Notes where in the document it is and has the language for the clerk. #ANCgov

Zalatel says she thinks this gets the info before the body with the letter for consideration. The clerk is working on getting the language up. #ANCgov

Sulte says hopefully the admin puts together a packet with a line by line description of everything that's needed so it's super straight forward. #ANCgov

No further discussion on the amendment. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Back to the main motion. No further discussion. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Onto continued public hearings. First up, a resolution adopting recommendations to the AMATS policy Committee regarding an amendment to the FFY 2023-2026 TIP. #ANCgov

First up is Nancy Pease. She says the proposed TIP amendment goes against most of what the assembly has asked for and radically reduces amounts for repairing road and pathways. This amendment would slash road repairs 42% and path repairs of 60%. #ANCgov

Second, she speaks to spending unallocated funds wisely. Third, maps are not available to the public in a way that is accessible and useful. There is no municipal planner. Residents have a right to know where roads and paths are. She also asks that the cancel an interchange prjct

Next, Diane Holmes represents Rabbit Creek CC. Says they submitted comments to the TIP previously. Change isn't justified on one of the projects. It needs to be deleted and redesigned for non-motorized use. #ANCgov

She says we shouldn't settle for the DOT's paltry suggestion on road repair. We also need to emphasize fixing pathways. Carbon Reduction is an obligation to future generations. Open to the public. There are suggestions for resident transport and pathway improvement. #ANCgov

Goldenview Drive has a history of congestion, danger, and unsafe school walkways. Other projects have doubled in cost. What is wrong with AMATS cost process? Their plan isn't suitable as a default local plan. #ANCgov

Doesn't follow the AR254 or any other recommended plan. Finally, we constantly have problems with unmapped easements and right if ways. Hidden in hundreds of plats and databases. There's no transport coordinator. Lack of knowledge leads to lost opportunity. #ANCgov

She says why shouldn't AMATS be able to do this? Thanks them for their time. That concludes the phone list. No in person testimony. #ANCgov

Volland moves to postpone indefinitely, Zalatel seconds. Volland says this has been an interesting process as a member of the AMATS policy committee. Members may recall that they've already expressed, 11-1, how they want the policy to be amended. #ANCgov

It included greenhouse gas reduction, path improvements, and underpass on Scooter, a D st underway, and a change regarding lanes on another project. #ANCgov

That was passed, then the members on the Policy committee pushed for it. They weren't able to get all of it though, but some. One was an inventory of underdeveloped pedestrian and non-motorized pathways. #ANCgov

Subsequently the AMATS committee went to other departments and came back with an omnibus amendment that removed their language about easements and pathways. #ANCgov

They haven't gotten a reason why. Cost? Info missing? They haven't had the opportunity for a dialogue about it. Today, he had the opportunity to speak with AMATS staff and the planning department, and asked where can we go on this project? How do we get to yes? #ANCgov

He's hopeful for that. But this item is contradictory to what the body has already passed and the will of the members on the Policy Committee. There are some things on here he really supports, including a project where people over 65 or under 16 could use public transport free

He'd like the see that project. But he wants to have things kind of projects brought before the body so they can get feedback from their constituents and represent their needs. #ANCgov

Zalatel says there are good things in the TIP amendment and then things that are contradictory to the will. Suggests postponing indefinitely, then having the Policy Committee members rework it to bifurcate and re-present it later. #ANCgov

Constant says tonight there's an item proposing a second look at the 92nd st project, which he believes is inevitable. We've already lost that one. He asks a member of AMATS what the results of not passing this tonight are? #ANCgov

AMATS rep Aaron says public testimony time has already passed. If they don't pass this today nothing will happen. It will just be for the members of the Policy Committee to say their piece again. Constant says they already did that so what's the point. #ANCgov

Voting commences on postponement, passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Next, this item amending building codes to allow for independent plan review of structural design for commercial building permits. #ANCgov

Cross says he intends to postpone and take up again alter. They had a good meeting with an association that will lead to an S-version and be brought back so he wants to get that before the public before they testify on an incomplete version. #ANCgov

He says that it will address a lot of the problems with this item and believes that it will lead to a much more acceptable item for the assembly. Voting commences on postponing to April 11. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Next item, a resolution appropriating $2.3mil for purchase of replacement vehicles and equipment. #ANCgov

Sarah Short, district 4, testifies. Says she spoke with some employees of the Muni, saying that they've dropped a large number of employees. How will this help, buying vehicles when we don't have staff to use them? #ANCgov

And with the APD and AFD, if they can't get down the street due to snow removal problems, then that's a problem. Her street has been plowed in two months? Why are we buying more stuff when we don't have the people to use the stuff? #ANCgov

Public testimony closes. Constant moves to approve. Cross seconds. Zalatel says this money moves from one fund to another for purchase of vehicles, there will still need to be a bid to be approved later, right? Kohlhase says yes. #ANCgov

LaFrance says this includes snowblowers, loaders, police cruisers. How does this relate to snow removal? Kohlhase says we, back in December we're at about 55, now we're above 70. Some of the blowers are 20-25 years old and parts are hard to find. This repairs them. #ANCgov

It also includes vehicles related to pedestrian pathway snow removal. And then Tahoes for the police. LaFrance asks, we have the staff to use it? Yes. Kohlhase clarifies that the Tahoes are replacement vehicles. #ANCgov

Cross says he supports this. He feels for the Impassioned testimony. There's also an aging fleet. Then there's staffing, they've been working on that. Part of it is having a fleet that doesn't break down. #ANCgov

Zalatel says there's a asterisk that says "on receipt of 2023 revenues" says she doesn't recall that before, asks for an explanation. Peterson says it's standard for repairs for fleets and is based on the receipt of funds being collected. Zalatel says, so it'll be staggered?

Peterson says it's critical to get in line to get a manufacturer. #ANCgov

Dern asks Kohlhase, you said some of the vehicles are over 20-25 years old? He says yes, some of the blowers are over two decades old. Dern says in her district they include in policy language regarding age of vehicles, is it common practice to have old vehicles on fleet? #ANCgov

Kohlhase says it isn't intentional but it isn't feasible to replace them regularly. Constant asks if any of the cruisers are hybrid class? Kohlhase is unsure. Constant says that these cars idle to much, it isn't just an environmental issue but a fiscal one. #ANCgov

Constant also says that regarding snow removal, he might've heard that it was insinuated that he gets his house plowed before everyone else, and that isn't how it works. They have their own rhythm. #ANCgov

Sulte says there's a flow to replacement of fleet where eventually it becomes more expensive to maintain than replace. Once we go over that hill we spend more to maintain. Wants to work on that going forward. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Next, an item amending Muni Code to require a internet website providing information on transactions and contracts in the Muni. Public testimony opens and closes. #ANCgov

Constant says the state has required open checkbooks. He believes information like this should be public by default, not by request. This ups the ante. When you do business with the public, the public deserves to see it. #ANCgov

Cross says this is long overdue. Quotes Paul Henry. Loves anything that gives the public more information. #ANCgov

Rivera echoes the sentiment and has been vocally supporting this to his constituents. He says his community council has asked if the administration is onboard with the change? Constant says the IT department has asked for examples of other local governments who do this, that's it

Rivera asks the admin? Bronson says he supports it, may be an IT issue, but he obviously supports this. LaFrance thanks Constant for his work bringing this forward, and says to the admin if there are issues with resources to please come forward so they can work together. #ANCgov

Cross asks to be added as a co-sponsor. Constant says that this is the first item they've put a ten month timeline on. They want to get an IT assessment of what is needed. There's an idea it might not cost much, but they don't want to assume it won't take time. #ANCgov

It might be a contractor or staff issue. Thanks a member in Juneau that helped him get this together last year. Volland says this is a great idea and much needed, also wants to be added as a co-sponsor. #ANCgov

Dern also echoes support, says it's a wonderful way to engender transparency and can be done with a minimal amount of money. Thanks everyone for their work on this. Voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov

LaFrance says we're going to take a quick five minute break, and she will also be dialing in for the rest of the meeting so she will pass role of Chair over to Constant. #ANCgov

We're back! First item is regarding sister cities. Public testimony opens and closes. #ANCgov

Constant says it recently came to their attention that there has been no policy regarding addition, termination, or suspension of a Sister City relationship, and there's a problem with staffing. This clarifies that. #ANCgov

Sweet says that he has a constituent who is interested in being on the Sister Cities Commission. #ANCgov

Volland says this is timely, he has had constituents who are dismayed regarding the flying of Russian flags downtown due to the sister city relationship. We need to address that. #ANCgov

Voting commences. Passes 11-0, Perez-Verdia absent. #ANCgov

Next item regards municipal holidays. Public testimony opens #ANCgov

Ed Wesley testifies. He encourages support of this ordinance. Says many may not be aware of how much history is destroyed and stolen. He came here 50 years ago by military. African Americans have served the military here for the entirety. #ANCgov

First death in the revolutionary war was an African American. Civil War was being lost without African American participation. African Americans helped win the war that led to the addition of Guam, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Hawaii. #ANCgov

He said a lot more that I couldn't type fast enough. It's worth seeing the footage. Asks his town to get behind this and support it. #ANCgov

Cheryl Cox-Williams. She's a retired Army Vet and vice chair of the NAACP. She'd like to see full support of the ordinance. She speaks to the history of Juneteenth more eloquently than I can summarize. She calls it out second Independence Day. #ANCgov

I really wish I could do this quick enough for justice, but instead I will make sure to find footage of it later and post it separately. I want this to be heard and don't want to miss anything by doing it too quickly. #ANCgov

Celeste Hodges Growden testifies. She is thankful and grateful. She's CEO of Alaska Black Caucus. Happy Black History Month. February is Black History Month, but every day is a good day to celebrate and recognize black history and struggle. #ANCgov

She speaks to Juneteenth and it's history. It is both a celebration and a mourning. It's more than a holiday, it's more than giving a day off, it gives people a day to sthink about what they want while they reflect on the past. She is elated that Juneteenth and Indigenous....

... Peoples' Day are being considered together. Alaska proud history includes so much. But her time has ended. Encourages them to do the right thing. #ANCgov

Pastor Leon, who has a huge resume of positions, testifies. He says ditto to what his learned colleagues have said. He says the news of the Emancipation proclamation took years to get to Galveston. There's a watch night service at his church on new years, which began with...

The freedom night watch in 1865. He thanks Quinn-Davidson, Rivera, a d Zalatel for bringing this forward. It's timely, past time. He also shouts out Indigenous Peoples' Day, which is also overdue. He sees land acknowledgements, but never apologies. #ANCgov

He says black Americans have not received any reparations for the slave issue. Asks that this be passed. #ANCgov

Onto the phone list. Irene G testifies. Turnagain resident. Connection is a little rough. She speaks to the history of city recognition of Indigenous Peoples'Day. Recognition of this day is a good step. #ANCgov

It was successfully brought before Berkowitz, and was spoken about at an event in 2018. We were the second state to recognize the holiday. In ASD, the only time where students get a lesson on indigenous history and culture is once in third grade. #ANCgob

She recalls a story of speaking to a young white student who asked why they hadn't learned about any of it before, and how she responded to being asked why she thought it would matter? It's a lovely recounting. #ANCgov

She says it's an opportunity to learn about the vibrant and tragic history of the people who have lived here. #ANCgov

Walter Mickens, in person testimony. He is here in support. When the north pole was discovered, the wrong person has been credited. Matthew Henson was the true person, a man of Native and African American descent. #ANCgov

He also speaks of Ted Stevens who helped bring into being the native corporations of Alaska. He gives more history of the legislative history of the native corporations and legislation. He also says it was on the backs of black farmers. He says African Americans and Natives...

...celebrate together, but also they have not received reparations. Another opportunity to work together. #ANCgov

George H, with the Jack And Jill organization. He supports the Juneteenth recognition. He says it is important to him because it is when they were freed from slavery and it allows him to learn even more about his history. #ANCgov

Sulte asks George about Jack and Jill, what does it do? George says they have raised money, given food to the homeless, can drives. Constant asks him about the wax museum event, he says that is also an event they do. #ANCgov

Dern thanks young George for coming. She notes that he called it "his culture and his history" which it does, but it also is American history. She wants to celebrate it with him so he can feel happy in his community. #ANCgov

Cyntha Wright, another Jack and Jill kid testifies. Juneteenth means freedom to her. Allows her to move to her own beat. Walk confidently. Talk as much as the next man. Won't have to sit at the back of any bus. Can take back the power that was lost and celebrate for years to come

Rossa Lynn Grady, mother of five and educator at Mountain View elementary. Founder of the Alaska BIPOC educators coalition. Wants Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples'Day to be paid holidays for all employees. #ANCgov

She asks that we support this as the awesome city we are. Juneteenth reminds us of who we are and where we came from. Recognizes Nina Simone, whose birthday is today. She had a burning desire for justice and equal rights. #ANCgov

They also stand with the Indigenous people. They were the stewards to the land we live, play, and work on today. While acknowledged, Indigenous Peoples'Day is not a paid holiday. There has been glorification of Columbus, who committed violence against indigenous people. #ANCgov

The desire is to leave the city with a rich history of diversity and recognizing these days as paid holidays is a step. Testimony ends. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson thanks everyone for being here and for their stories. It's been gratifying to work on this. Holidays are important because they show us what we believe in and what we want to teach our kids about. #ANCgov

She reiterates that Juneteenth has been celebrated as a second Independence Day, and why wouldn't we celebrate that. As far as Indigenous Peoples' Day, they represent more than a population. It feels necessary to celebrate indigenous people here. #ANCgov

Beyond that, black and indigenous people have not been treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve. The recognition now doesn't make that history go away, but provides a counterbalance to the false history and damage. #ANCgov

She wants to pass that legacy to her son. As for Seward's Day, they wanted to remove a holiday so that it was a net add of one. Seward's Day doesn't haven't any particular events or communities who celebrate it. It's been removed and added before without fanfare. #ANCgov

But the exciting part is adding the two new holidays. Volland appreciates the sponsors of the item. He was glad to hear the testimonies of young people and why it's important to them. Anytime we can hear from young people and what they want in our community is good. #ANCgov

He says there was another young person who wanted to participate, and reads from his testimony. He says we should have this holiday for people to spend with their families and celebrate our freedoms. #ANCgov

The change could impact someone's life. Volland encourages support. #ANCgov

Zalatel says that was written by her daughter, so he stole her thunder. She says this is an important change for our community. She talked to her daughter and wanted to know what she thought of it. She feels seen. #ANCgov

When Zalatel talked to the Alaska Black Caucus at a forum, she took away it's a chance for Muni employees to feel seen. It strikes her that we live in a city, but we don't take the time to stop and acknowledge who we live with and it's important to. #ANCgov

It may seem like a holiday isnt a big deal, but it is a big deal to see and recognize the people in our community. She says her daughter, as an African American child also was happy for the indigenous people as well. She's happy for the people who make up our state. Urges support

Promoting equity in the community has been a priority and she thinks this is a step. #ANCgov

Bronson says this is a rare time where they can all agree, we all should support Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples' Day. But why do we have to take away Seward's Day, and why are we changing the name of Washington's birthday? Takes away from the message of community. #ANCgov

He passed to Kohlhase to speak to contractual and expense problems with removing Seward's Day. He says that there is cost to productivity by adding a holiday, expenses and overtime for transport workers on another holiday. #ANCgov

He also says when SAP was rolled out there was a cost for that as well. Schedules have to be modified for holidays there's a cost. When a contract is opened, there's room for negotiation. We have 9 units opening for bargaining units over the next few years. #ANCgov

Rivera says as far as productivity loss, at best it is speculative what this may cost. With regard to contracts, as he understands it, all parties have to agree when you open up a contract for amendment for the issues brought forward. #ANCgov

Rivera asks the Mayor of he is in the support of removing Seward's Day and adding the others, or keeping it for even more additions. Bronson says he agrees with adding the holidays, but taking away the holiday has complications. And changing the name of Washington's birthday...

...feels combative. But he does support the addition of the two new holidays. Rivera says he isn't sure how to interpret that. #ANCgov

Rivera moves on. He thanks everyone for the beautiful testimony. He doesn't think there's much more he can say to show why holidays are important. It is so important to see ourselves in government. #ANCgov

He says these aren't days off, but days on to reflect on our community and what makes our community amazing. Aside from the meaning of adding these, we are also in line with the holidays allowed in Alaska. #ANCgov

On Seward's Day, it was part of the original list in the 70s, then it was removed to make room for MLK Jr Day, then added back in. Now we consider it again. On Washington's birthday being changed to President's Day, he doesn't see it as a negative on Washington. It's in line...

...with the national trend to call it President's Day. He says to please support Gray-Jacksons bill to do the same on the state level. And he asks the administration to do so quickly. He says where there's a will there's a way, he hopes there's a will. #ANCgov

Dern says there's a time when history comes up against budget. Pragmatic issues can occur. But where there's a will there's a way. She speaks directly to Pastor May, who said the time has come. She believes the time is way overdue. Encourages voting with pride. #ANCgov

Quinn-Davidson says she's confused by the Mayor's support, he says he supports it but then had Kohlhase speak to why maybe they shouldn't do it? She's spoken to Kohlhase about it before. Where there's a will there's a way. This isn't insurmountable. It's an exercise we...

...can overcome. As far as unions, the assembly doesn't have the ability to do into bargaining with the unions like the mayor does. She says please make this bigger, speak to those unions. The unions will likely agree. The admin has that option, she hopes they choose it. #ANCgov

She also says when they were talking about it, there was the thought of just adding one. But that felt impossible, for centuries white people have been choosing the winners in groups of minorities. It was important these were brought together. #ANCgov

Zalatel gives the rhetorical question: Why is the answer never just yes when we know it's right to do? #ANCgov

Cross says there's cost, but work always expands to fill the time allowed. He has a feeling that the workforce we have can work harder to accommodate another holiday. He works harder before holiday. We hear the impassioned cries of those around us. We have a responsibility to...

...do no harm. Harm has been done by government. We have the power to do it. We spend enough time celebrating politicians, let celebrate the people who speak. #ANCgov

Perez-Verdia speaks in an Alaskan language. Then he speaks to where he's from, Barrow. He feels it's important and it's time to do this. #ANCgov

Bronson says he doesn't see how much clearer he can be. He supports the addition of Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples' Day. He doesn't support the removal of Seward's Day or changing the name. #ANCgov

Constant says he can make an amendment. Bronson proposes an amendment, but it's worded poorly. Constant tries to help. Zalatel issues a point of order, asks if the Mayor wants to propose it or Constant does. Constant wants the mayor to. The mayor proposes it again, just the...

...first piece. Cross seconds. Zalatel notes the language doesn't restore the holiday it just deleted some language. Bronson speaks more to the proposal. #ANCgov

Okay we're just working on restoring Seward's Day. Quinn-Davidson says we worked on this for a while and the sloppiness of this is so characteristic and disappointing. We could've had a good conversation, but of course we're doing it last minute. She can't support it. #ANCgov

Zalatel agrees. There was a good discussion around it, there were good reasons to remove it, not keep it. Unless this comes with a guarantee the admin will work expeditiously to enact this and work with the unions, there's no reason for her to support. #ANCgov

Volland is fine with the amendment. Maybe we can have a conversation around Seward's Day and what it means, but hey if the Mayor wants to give two more holidays instead of one sure let's go for it. #ANCgov

Sweet doesn't understand why we would do this when cost was the reason the admin have for not supporting the whole package. He says Seward's Day isn't a real notable holiday, there's no parties. Maybe a furniture sale. He doesn't get it. #ANCgov

Constant says it's simple for him, he supports our workers. He wants them to have more time with their families in a celebratory manner. He supports it on that ground. #ANCgov

Cross says that in the private sector they are increasing PTO, signing bonuses, etc. If you're upset about the roads, the lack of workers, look at what the private sector is doing. Regardless of the name put on the holiday, there's a benefit to having holidays. Paid holidays.

Bronson says speaking to Seward's Day compared to Juneteenth, Seward was a strident abolitionist. He represented a black man accused of murder of a family of four, on the ground of insanity and while doing so made statements of abolition. #ANCgov

He also refuses to return freed slaves to Virginia. It doesn't make sense to him to remove this holiday. He also hadn't thought of Cross' points. He feels he's made his point. #ANCgov

Rivera says he feels this is strange. He says they'll have to make conforming amendments on it, it's late and last minute. But he guesses he can support it, but it doesn't excite him. Seward means absolutely nothing to him. #ANCgov

As far as the abolitionist point, he doesn't get why we would celebrate Seward over some other more recognized abolitionist. Perez-Verdia says he encourages the members to vote this down and move on. Voting commences. Passes 7-5. #ANCgov

Main motion, as amended, is back on the table. Constant says when they passed a previous similar bill, the state followed. Let's lead again. Rivera asks the clerk, do we need to do a conforming amendment to make the rest of this work or can the clerk do that on her own? #ANCgov

Constant says that the necessary parts have been changed, so it's not necessary by the clerk's understanding. We vote on the main motion, and it passes unanimously! #ANCgov

Next item regards subordinate lied wastewater revenue notes. Public testimony opens and closes. No discussion. Zalatel moved to approve, Petersen seconds. Voting commences, passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Next, another one of these. Public testimony opens and closes. Zalatel moves to approve, Petersen seconds. No discussion. Voting commences. Passes unanimously. #ANCgov

Next item is the emergency cold weather sheltering one. Zalatel discloses her various conflicts, Constant agrees. She is dismissed for the remainder of the night. #ANCgov

Public testimony opens. James Thornton, testifies on behalf of the Fairview Community Council. They support this resolution. He says he's also speaking on behalf of businesses in the area. #ANCgov

He says Fairview has shouldered more than it's fair share of this burden. It has affected lives and businesses. Enforcex the narrative that some areas of down are not equal to others. #ANCgov

He did a tour of Sullivan when leadership hanged over and witnessed a stabbing, stepped over blood. The tour continued. He still hasn't heard if the man made it. There has been increases in calls to the Sullivan and surrounding area. Shootings, stabbings, arson, theft, vandalism

He lists the numbers of calls just at the Sullivan. Then the calls for the surrounding area. As they look where to put funding, consider funding the neighborhood and surrounding area. They need consistent eyes on the street. #ANCgov

Appreciate the data related to the issue, but also until you spend time in the shoes of a Fairview resident their statements fall on dead ears. Ron Alleva's life has been ruined by this. #ANCgov

Do what you can to facilitate fairness. #ANCgov

Next, Karen Gonneg-Harrall. Fairview. She supports everything James said. But there are more. Some of their residents left because it was late. Quality of life has been affected. Fairview was designed to be welcoming, but then had to be redesigned when it turns out some...

...neighbors don't respect the neighborhood. It's sad we can't find a solution that helps the worst off among us. When Sullivan opens up, the residents will go off into the woods. Her area of the woods where she no longer feels safe. Trauma, addiction, and what not are excuses.

She pulled herself up by her bootstraps, she knows it's possible. She'd like to hear someone say thank you. Everyone has to work, no one gets something for free. #ANCgov

Rocky Redding, Fairview. He's been homeless for almost six years. The last two years at the Sullivan weren't good. The last year? Better, they got him and id and tried to get him housing. They helped him get into the hotels. He has a voucher. He now has a job as well. #ANCgov

He thanks them and he thanks the assembly. Cross asks what helped end the cycle? They asked the right questions. Need an id? Got an id. Need a phone? Got them a phone. Needed housing? They worked to get it done. #ANCgov

Sarah Holright, district 3. Thanks Bronson for supporting those experiencing homelessness. The guest house is not working, 53 people are facing evictions. Most people are not work ready and will find themselves in that position. #ANCgov

They need to find supportive work staff that can deal with drug abuse, overdose, prostitution, violence. 142 last month alone were made to law enforcement. Enhanced support can help. They need help through the process of sobriety, transportation, job readiness. #ANCgov

Leslie Anne Bruce, District 1. Property manager at the Guest House. During her time, she's seen the Henning Corp being hands on with their tenants who are... It's not a regularly rental unit. They need a lot of help. They need special assistance. #ANCgov

She talks about a tenant who was severely schizophrenic, Henning worked with him. He now has an ID, he has a therapist, he has medication, and he has housing and food and is job ready. Urges them to support this measure. #ANCgov

Michelle C, district 3. Henning. She is here for a coworker of hers and her client, who has only one leg. She tells his story as one of the first cases handled by Henning. He was able to get his SNAP benefits, get Medicare, fix his prosthetic leg, and slowly opened up and ...

...share his story. Her coworker took him down when he expressed interest in working. He got hired on the spot and is not lead janitor at the Sullivan where his story started. His motto: "if I can do it, so can you". This month he signed a lease in the same building... #ANCgov

...as his daughter and grandchild. They are proud of him and excite to see what he does next. #ANCgov

Jessica Parks. She speaks to the S-version. The food section talks about meeting national food standards, it should be a necessary component of any homelessness plan. Housing should be the primary focus. #ANCgov

The 2022 gap analysis showed necessity for continued open low barrier beds. That needs to exist while also returning Sullivan to the intended purpose. #ANCgov

Samuel Johns, midtown. He works for Henning. He says with regards to the previous guy that was spoken about, Milo, if Henning had five of him Sullivan would be spotless. There's another great guy working there. API just drops people off there. #ANCgov

There's good people down there doing good work. He's been given an opportunity to help out. He enjoys spending time with the people. They are giving him the time to help them get out of survival mode, and when they are, he hopes they can get more resources. #ANCgov

He has been reading about Genghis Khan, you can conquer any countye by force but you can only lead a nation by winning their hearts. #ANCgov

Dustin Sherman, South Anchorage. He says the assembly and admin are in a no win situation. You do something, it makes half the folks angry. Ping pong match and the homeless are in the middle of it. #ANCgov

He has recently seen two of his employees become homeless through no fault of their own.they had to pull together funds to help him find a place to sleep. That's good people working together. This is a rock and a hard place, but Sullivan needs to go back to what it's for. #ANCgov

One of his employees is terrified to go down to the Sullivan. Wouldn't last a night. Let's all put our heads together and do something that works. #ANCgov

Constant asks for a roll call for the people on the phone. Perez-Verdia isn't on, but he's trying? Cross moves to extend to 11:30. Seconded. Voting commences. Extending passes 8-0. #ANCgov

Matthew from Henning testifies. Thanks the members who came down to the Sullivan. Says the Mayor even stayed and ate, asked good questions. So did Sweet. Matthew is a believer in people before politics. Wants to set the ping pong aside. #ANCgov

He says the food replacement has a history of violations for which they've lost the gig before. Expects to see more of them there. #ANCgov

Shaun Hayes, Henning Corp. She explains the name was based on a young homeless woman killed in an accident on the street. Their mission is to end that cycle. #ANCgov

They support people at the Sullivan, the Alyx, and more. Thanks the admin and the health department. They've developed a workforce development unit, employing former residents. #ANCgov

They are living proof that recovery is possible. Some people have complained. Some complaints valid, others fabricated. They do this because a higher power has called them. The opposition they face doesn't help the people they serve. #ANCgov

At times 500 people are in shelter and many of them have mental health issues. They need to continue and find an appropriate solution. #ANCgov

Sarah Short, district 4. She thanks Shaun and all of the people who have testified. We need people who understand drug and alcohol abuse. Her daughter is a heroin addict. She won't get better with free housing. It's a shame to give housing without treatment. #ANCgov

We need safety in these facilities and support in the programs so they don't fall back. A problem the assembly created with no requirement to work or look for work is people like her daughter can put that money into their veins. She demands they get the help these people need

Not housing first, housing first doesn't work without treatment. And when we do our them into housing, she says, make sure they are monitored. Get moms and fathers involved. Taxpayer money is going nowhere if we don't follow through with treatment. #ANCgov

She knows if her daughter doesn't have to pay rent she'll put the money in her veins and she'll lose her for gold. #ANCgov

Crystal from Henning. She thanks Bronson for his support of homeless people. She is speaking for the people who have a voucher for housing but no support to find it. How are they supposed to continue and have a successful future? That's where Henning comes in, they are there...

... alongside them. They want to work themselves out of a job. They are elated when someone succeeds. #ANCgov

Crystal Travers testifies. She spent three years basically homeless. She was at Sullivan, went to the Guest House. She is a domestic violence survivor. Limited help for her. She had a 9 year housing voucher and no one wanted to take it. It was a long, hard road... #ANCgov

...and she's nervous to talk about it. She lost her daughter to the state. The state has shut her out. She didn't abuse her daughter, she ended homeless because she left the father. She wants to find her daughter and be back in her life. That girl was her life. #ANCgov

The state told her since she's homeless she has no rights to her daughter. Now that she has a house she's trying to find a job and get her daughter back in her life. It wasn't right the way the state and adult health services treated her. #ANCgov

Sweet thanks her for speaking. He says there's a basic level of bravery speaking publicly but even more for things as personal as this. It shines a light on the way we treat people in poverty. #ANCgov

Rob C, south Anchorage. He is in long-term recovery. Just celebrated 5 years of sobriety. He appreciates anytime someone comes to the Sullivan to see it and ask questions. They've developed a response, and one that works. One thing that frustrates him is when... #ANCgov

...an assembly member comes down there with a bag of snacks and declares there's a food shortage. Glacier tours wants to use their services to staff their kitchens and others. Asks that they come alondside them as they walk to do this. You will be blessed. #ANCgov

Zack Sears, former director of the Sullivan Arena. He says it's a civic center, not a shelter. Anything we do should be housing focused. Wants to remind everyone that housing is treatment. #ANCgov

Terria Ware testifies. She likes that this ordinance doesn't talk about one organization, it talks about many. It's the job of this body to determine if we continue with the cold weather shelter or not. We need a year round low barrier shelter. We have many things the... #ANCgov

...Muni has done, and more that can be done. We need the ERA fund. Housing First is not housing only, it's about giving the services as they are needed. This resolution is about all the things that are needed. She knows this body will do the right thing. #ANCgov

Roger Branson, district 2. He has spent a lot of time at the Sullivan the last 5/6 weeks. Speaks to the effort the Muni is doing there. It's been three years since we set it up and it's been rocky. #ANCgov

He wants to testify to the work Henning is doing and their continuity of care. Practice harm reduction, how people receive their care. Don't let April 30 be a witching day where people don't know what their next step is. Appreciates the work the community has done and... #ANCgov

...will continue to do. He also thanks the admin. And with this, public hearing has closed. #ANCgov

Rivera moves to postpone to March 7, Cross seconds. Rivera thanks people for bringing up issues at the former Guest House. One reason for so many evictions is because the funding is in limbo, he doesn't want to see people lose housing. #ANCgov

He believes nothing the admin originally presented has to do with housing, it's all emergency sheltering. Housing First doesn't mean that we give homes and then say goodbye, it's about continues support. #ANCgov

He doesn't believe we're ready to vote on this today. The admin has said his S-version has roadblocks in what he believes is the better version. He also believes the admin will try to say that if they don't pass this tonight all services will end, he doesn't believe that is true.

Cross asks the admin to speak to the time issue. Kohlhase asks another person to speak to it. She says that the money now is coming from emergency savings and they can fulfill the contract currently. #ANCgov

Cross says that with that in mind he will withdraw his second. He's ready to vote. Perez-Verdia seconds. #ANCgov

Bronson wants Alexis Johnson to speak more on the issue. Johnson says taxpayers are funding the homelessness response in the community. An AIM was put forward a while ago. This was funded in the 2023 budget and assembly took it out. They chose not to shut down the facilities and

Put out 700 people. She bought it to the housing and homelessness committee and they said to use alcohol tax. Others told her not to. She's now using the funding of the Health Department for it. She doesn't think the AHD should solely fund homelessness response. #ANCgov

She encourages them not to push this another 2 weeks. They can't fill vacancies because they are using those funds to pay for homelessness response. #ANCgov

Sulte says he doesn't support postponing. We've heard good testimony from Henning. They aren't perfect but they're doing good work. He wants to see them finish this thing. #ANCgov

Voting on postponement commences. Postponing passes 8-2, Sulte and Cross dissent. LaFrance absent. #ANCgov

Audience participation. Irene Quednow, sand lake. She starts by correcting her last testimony where she said they hired Bill Falsey for $50k. She was worth it was $100k. They speak on filling positions, but she finds their reasoning suspect based on their past. #ANCgov

She brings up the way in which Quinn-Davidson was kept in the Mayor's seat in an acting position for 8 months and showed no concern. #ANCgov

In response to Quinn-Davidson's statements tonight sloppy last minute changes to legislation. She has seen them do this countless times. #ANCgov

I miss the name of the next testifier, she says housing first works. It doesn't mean housing only. #ANCgov

Thomas Garber, district 1. He is here to introduce a Alaska constitution issue. He says that the court effectively suspended article 1 section 8. It has reduced capacity for grand juries to investigate and prosecute cases. #ANCgov

He has been approaching Judge Merritt (?) about a case against the office of children's services. The judge believed that he could grant the request. A hearing, then a second hearing. But then a supreme court ruling took effect and that stopped it (I think, he's speaking fast)

He has filed an appeal, presented a file. He says it demonstrates a separation of powers issue. He goes over time and is cut off. #ANCgov

Member comments. Sweet encourages anyone to donate to the Sullivan if they haven't. It's quick and easy. He's done so a handful of times, there's no paperwork, you just go find stuff they need and drop it off. #ANCgov

Cross motions to adjourn and it is so. Alright Anchorage, that calls it for the evening. Stay Safe, I love you, tell the ones you love when you love them ❤️ #ANCgov

*wrong

Ughhh I hate typos