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1997-08-07 Regular MeetingA regular meeting of the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly was held August 7, 1997 in the Assembly Chambers of the Kodiak Island Borough Building, 710 Mill Bay Road. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The invocation was given by Father Paul Smith of of the St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. There were present: ROLL CALL Wayne Stevens, Presiding Tom Abell Tuck Bonney Bob Johnson (arrived at 7:38 p.m.) Mike Milligan Gary Stevens Absent: Robin Heinrichs comprising a quorum of the Assembly; and Jerome Selby, Mayor Donna Smith CMC /AAE, Clerk Judi Nielsen CMC, Deputy Clerk Linda Freed, Community Development Director Assemblymember Robin Heinrichs was attending Alaska Municipal League legislative committee meetings in Wasilla and asked to be excused. G. STEVENS, seconded by MILLIGAN VOTE ON MOTION MOTION CARRIED Unanimous voice vote MILLIGAN, moved to excuse seconded by BONNEY Assemblymember Bob Johnson. VOTE ON MOTION MOTION CARRIED Unanimous voice vote Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 moved to excuse Assemblymember Robin Heinrichs. REGULAR 1vIEETING Volume XXIII Page 38 APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA G. STEVENS, _seconded.by BONNEY Assemblymember Milligan requested that item number 12.C.1, Ordinance No. 97 -15 be removed from the consent agenda. He felt there was public interest and discussion allowed a better process. Assemblymember G. Stevens understood any member of the assembly could remove items from consent agenda. VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE AS AMENDED MOTION CARRIED Unanimous voice vote APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. K.I.B. Assembly Meeting of July 3, 1997. BONNEY, seconded by MILLIGAN VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MOTION CARRIED AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS A. Employee of the Month Mayor Jerome Selby presented the Employee of the Month Award to Steve Amos, maintenance worker in the Engineering and Facilities Department. (It was noted for the record, Assemblymember Johnson arrived at 7:38 p.m.) B. Proclamation Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 moved to approve the agenda and consent agenda. moved to approve the minutes of July 3, 1997. Unanimous voice vote Mayor Selby proclaimed August 16, 1997 Fred Zharoff Day in Kodiak, urging all citizens to express their appreciation to Fred for his years of outstanding leadership and service to Kodiak and the State of Alaska. Mayor Selby said the proclamation would be presented to Fred Zharoff at a celebration at Fort Abercrombie on August 16. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH PROCLAMATION FRED ZHAROFF DAY Volume XXIII Page 39 CITIZENS' COMMENTS A. Agenda Items Not Scheduled For Public Hearing and General Comments. Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 He agreed to seven as an division Scott Arndt spoke to Resolution No. 97 -30. that the school board should be increased members; however, he felt that placing it advisory vote on the ballot would cause a between the Borough and the School Board. Jack McFarland was baffled by what he perceived as a waste of public time and money spent on Resolution No. 97 -30. The school board was not a board of the Assembly, increased membership was not a priority of the board, and the desired outcome to allow for a diversity of members was not guaranteed. The Assembly was not serving his best interest because there were many other priority items. He asked the Assembly to look at the many school board supported projects. He supported most construction projects but felt there was a need to know. He wanted the Rocket Launch Facility question placed on the ballot. Betty Fitzjearl phoned to say that the voters elected the school board to run the school district, and the board did not want additional members because there would be increased costs. She did not see the need for an advisory vote. She was disgruntled that she could not speak to agenda items not for public hearing when they were discussed. Diana Buffington, Alaskans for Tax Reform, phoned. She saw assemblymember discussion limited by the presiding officer. She understood the public was limited but felt that those elected to office should be allowed to speak. Jean Barber, school board president, wanted the school board to decide on increasing the board, not the public. She saw no need for seven members and could not understand why the Assembly was pursuing this. Sid Pruitt Jr. thought the school board issue was dead and pursuit was ridiculous. He spoke of a park near his home where people were a nuisance and played loud music until 3:00 a.m. He said large boulders were moved and people drove their cars onto the basketball court. He asked for discussion at a work session on his suggestion to close parks at 10 p.m. CITIZENS' COMMENTS Volume XXIII Page 40 Responding to Assemblymember Milligan, Mr. Pruit said the park was Monashka Bay Park. He dreaded the weekends because of the noise. Mayor Selby said he would review the complaint. COMMITTEE REPORTS Assemblymember G. Stevens attended the recent Architectural Review Board meeting. He noted that the Board would meet with the Assembly at the August 14 work session. He said the Board felt a level of frustration at their role. The Board saw avenues to save the Borough money. He had asked the Board to propose what should be done. Assemblymember Johnson reported that the initial organizational meeting of the Town Meeting on Education was held August 2, and members discussed their expectations. They would meet every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m in the choral pod at Kodiak High School. He hoped that a large cross section of the community would participate. Assemblymember W. Stevens reported that the Road System Fire Protection Task Force was preparing the outline of their report that would be presented to the Assembly within 60 days. Linda Freed, Community Development Department director, reported on oil spill contingency planning and the goal for integrated planning and response for the community. The next meeting was scheduled for August 20 and the first draft should be available. She was pleased that the report captured local concerns and included the village sensitive areas. She felt this was a unique learning process. She said the state of California commissioner was amazed at the amount of activity from Kodiak. Federal law required that local emergency response groups were in place. The industry was cooperative, and she felt Kodiak set a good example for other communities. She was available to answer questions. PUBLIC HEARING All ordinances and resolutions presented at this meeting were introduced by title only and copies made available to the public. A. Ordinance No. 97 -14 Placing a Ballot Measure ORDINANCE Before the Voters at the October 7, 1997 Regular NO. 97 -14 Municipal Election That, If Passed by the Voters, Would Allow the Kodiak Island Borough to Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 COMMITTEE REPORTS PUBLIC HEARING Volume XXIII Page 41 Ayes: Levy and Collect a Consumer's Sales Tax Not Exceeding One Percent (1%) of the Sales Price on All Retail Sales, on All Rents, and on All Services Made Within the Confines of the Kodiak Island Borough and the Revenues Derived Therefrom May Be Used For Kodiak Island Borough School Operations. MILLIGAN, seconded by BONNEY JOHNSON, seconded by MILLIGAN VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND Noes: Absent: MOTION CARRIED Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 moved to adopt Ordinance No. 97 -14. moved to amend Ordinance No. 97 -14 by substitution. Responding to Assemblymember Milligan, Clerk Smith said the substituted wording in the ordinance was highlighted. Abell, Bonney, Johnson, Milligan, G. Stevens W. Stevens None Heinrichs Unanimous Mayor Selby said this was recommended by the school district Long Term Funding Task Force (LTFTF) to pay for the increased school district operation costs. He anticipated the tax to help decrease the mill levy by 1.5 mills. He outlined that the sales tax on $10,000 worth of groceries would be $100. The average home in Kodiak was $128,000 and the 1.5 mill levy would be greater than $100. The sales tax would spread the tax base to a broader group of people. He asked that people look to the needs of the community. Assemblymember Johnson clarified the discussion was to place the question on the ballot. Discussion on the merits would happen when the people voted. Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens opened the public hearing. Diana Buffington, Alaskans for Tax Reform, phoned. She said residents had the right to vote on taxes. She wanted the voice of the people to be heard by the Volume XXIII Page 42 Assembly, and she expected a resounding vote - -yes for a tax cap, no for a sales tax. She saw sales tax revenue as extra funds for the Borough to misappropriate. She felt most people did not understand the Borough budget. Maaike Myers phoned. She wanted the voters to decide. She felt a sales tax was more equitable to property owners that had no children in school. She wanted the 1.5 mill decrease to be guaranteed. Jack McFarland agreed with Assemblymember Johnson that this only placed the question on the ballot. He had a vision to stabilize the mill rate and hoped for discussion between the assembly and school board. He felt that reducing the mill rate was unrealistic in light of reduced funding from the state. Laurie Murdock phoned to say she paid $800 per year in sales tax for groceries, and increased sales taxes would cost her. She wanted the mill rate reduced so she could afford to live in Kodiak. Norm Wooten applauded the Assembly for their vision to place the question on the ballot for consideration of the voters. He saw it as a far - sighted, honest effort to diversify Kodiak's tax structure. Betty Fitzjearl phoned. She hoped for a senior citizen exemption and a cap. She wondered how Borough and school district shortfalls would be funded if the mill rate was decreased. She knew many crew members were out -of -town residents and did not pay taxes. She wanted the voters to decide. Mayor Selby clarified that one mill was approximately $800,000. Sid Pruitt, Jr. said there was already a six percent City sales tax, and this was just more money for the Borough to waste. He expected reduced city sales tax when the boat harbor was built. He agreed that the voters should decide, but he disapproved of any tax increase. He did not trust the Borough government. Scott Arndt did not oppose placing the question on the ballot; however, he felt it was poorly presented because there was no clear education funding, no senior citizen or resale exemption, and no cap. He said people spent more off - island when taxes were increased because costs of doing business increased. Mayor Selby said the ordinance only placed the question on the ballot, and there would be a second Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 43 ordinance outlining the exemptions prior to the election. He thought the exemptions and cap would parallel that of the city of Kodiak. Lee Russell phoned. He saw this as a way for the Borough to get more money. He felt property taxes would continue to rise. Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting. Assemblymember G. Stevens knew that money was needed to run government. He was concerned about the stability of a sales tax. With a City sales tax in place, a Borough sales tax would negatively impact businesses. He thought a sales tax could reduce property taxes, but property taxes would rise in the future with reduced state funding. Assemblymember Johnson contended that the voters should decide. Assemblymember Milligan originally spoke in favor of the sales tax, but was now opposed. He said property taxes benefited out -of -state IFQ holders, while local people who improved their property were punished. He saw the sales tax as a death blow to local merchants. Salaries at the school district would increase next year, and the task of the LTFTF was to find a way to pay for increased education costs, not to find a way to cut the budget. Assemblymember Bonney spoke for the 180 employees of Cook Inlet Processing that were all minorities and many not registered voters. He felt the sales tax would hurt them more than anyone else in the community, and that groceries should not be taxed. He said the LTFTF only asked for a 2.5 mill rate increase over five years, so that was not the reason to place the question on the ballot. He asked that spending be cut before asking for more money. Assemblymember Abell felt this was not the time for another tax. Assemblymember Johnson felt it was the height of arrogance to not allow residents to vote. Business owners were consumers who could vote against the tax. The Borough could sell property, and tax revenues would increase. Assemblymember Milligan pointed out that dedicated tax was restricted by Alaska Statutes; therefore, Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 44 there was no written guarantee that the mill rate would not increase. Assemblymember Johnson reiterated that the public had the right to make the decision. Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens saw this as an opportunity for placing the question on the ballot. Assemblymember G. Stevens knew that education funding was a serious issue. He saw a need to limit expanding budgets. It was not his intention that the sales tax be an additional tax. Assemblymember Milligan valued the recommendation of the LTFTF, but he saw a change in the community's economic viability. He felt the sales tax question could be reintroduced once the economy stabilized. VOTE ON MOTION TO ADOPT AS AMENDED Ayes: Johnson, W. Stevens Noes: Bonney, Milligan, G. Stevens, Abell Absent: Heinrichs MOTION FAILED 2 Ayes, 4 Noes After a ten minute recess at 8:54 p.m., Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens reconvened the regular meeting. MESSAGES FROM MESSAGES FROM THE BOROUGH MAYOR MAYOR Mayor Selby thanked Kodiak Garden Club members Marie Rice and LeRoy Blondin for the fantastic landscaping at the hospital and their work on Bicentennial Park in from of Kodiak High School. He appreciated their dedication, time, and effort. The close -out of North Star Elementary School was completed. There was $14,000 transferred to the school district to fully equipt two previously unused classrooms, so the school was now fully equipped to house junior high students. The federal and state Fair Labor Standards Act dealt with ergonomics. The Borough went through the process several years ago to make the adjustments. He thanked Linda Freed for an outstanding job of tracking oil spill prevention. He said Ms. Freed was Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 45 a key player in working through differences and securing an agreement with the oil companies to place boom at Kitoi. He thanked SeaLand for shipping 16 containers of oil containment material to the villages at half price. He said Ms. Freed was also working on the sensitive areas plan study. He said the foreign trade zone was moving through Congress, and U.S. Customs would provide the service. The Alaska Department of Transportation (ADOT) agreed to install the lights on Otmeloi Drive from Mallard Way to the front of North Star Elementary School. ADOT would pay the Kodiak Electric bill. He appreciated their efforts. The Mental Health Center (MHC) review was received. It would be reviewed by the MHC Advisory Board before preparing a resolution for a long -term solution to the Assembly. He commended the Planning & Zoning Commission for their work on the rezone of Beaver Lake. Bud Cassidy, resource management officer, was preparing a list of Borough property and tax foreclosed property that would be available for sale this fall. The Human Resources Investment Council was working to create more jobs in Kodiak and to move people on welfare into active jobs. He hoped for 10 -12 new aides in the schools. He thanked Betty Walters, superintendent of schools, for drafting the document and working with Carole Hagel, Kodiak College director, to put this together. In that the Council would provide other opportunities for the community was positive for the community. He spoke with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR) to secure trail funds for the Roads End Park and the Termination Point trail system link to Anton Larsen Bay to promote tourism and a positive hiking experience. Seven Congress members visited today to review the fishing industry and to travel to Afognak. He thanked Afognak Native Corporation and Al Burch, seiners representative, for their first -hand look at how Kodiak processed resources. He spoke with the Coast Guard Commandant about the long -term view for Kodiak. The discussion was positive in that there was $5 million to upgrade the Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 46 hangar and the C -130's would remain in Kodiak. Also, there was $13 million in the Senate budget for renovation of a navy ship to be surplused to replace the decommissioned Coast Guard Cutter Yocona. He said that the two new high stepped heavy seas vessels planned for the future could be ported in Kodiak and Ketchikan. He was noticed by ADOT that the Kodiak bus system was approved and the transportation committee was preparing a proposal. The old KMXT space was under renovation for the alternative education classes. He invited Governor Knowles to visit Kodiak in early September to discuss the subsistence issue. A special session of the Legislature was planned for late September. The Borough received the MKB release on the Peterson Elementary School renovation and closeout was expected soon. He anticipated reaching the cap for school district funding in two years. There would be no increase in the long -range management plan for borough funds. Residents voted to pay $9.5 million on the hospital. The Borough was not allowed to contribute more than the cap to the school district. Other communities reduced their teaching staff to balance budgets within the cap. He said 82 percent of the school district budget went to salaries, increasing at about $350,000 per year, with oil and electric as the next highest bills expense. He noted that the Town Meeting would focus on education. He said there was a need to determine how the community would pay for this. There were bills in the legislature to change the formula, although the current leadership does not anticipate it within the next session. OLD BUSINESS OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS A. AWARDS AWARDS 1. Contract No. 97 -45 Reimbursement of E -911 CONTRACT Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 47 JOHNSON, seconded by MILLIGAN Ayes: Expenses Incurred in Implementing an NO. 97 -45 Enhanced 911 Telephone System. VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE Noes: None Absent: Heinrichs MOTION CARRIED Unanimous BONNEY, seconded by G. STEVENS G. STEVENS, seconded by BONNEY VOTE ON TO POSTPONE Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 moved to approve Contract No. 97 -45 with the City of Kodiak. Mayor Selby said this was reimbursement to the city of Kodiak for installation of the 911 system. The total collected from users was $125,000, and users would continue to pay for the service. This benefited everyone on the road system with a 486 or 487 prefix, including the Coast Guard Base. If a child called for help, the address would come up immediately and help would be dispatched. In response to Assemblymember Johnson, Mayor Selby said the surcharge would continue until the City's costs were covered. Assemblymember Milligan said Ginny Sargent's idea of bringing a 911 system was a blessing of civilization. Johnson, Milligan, G. Stevens, Abell, Bonney, W. Stevens 2. Contract No. 97 -46 Jackson Lane Resurfacing CONTRACT Project. NO. 97 -46 moved to award Contract No. 97 -46 to A -K Construction Company of Kodiak in an amount not to exceed $19,800. Mayor Selby said the Service District No. 1 Board wanted to review the contract. He suggested postponing the contract to the August 21 meeting. moved to postpone Contract No. 97 -46 to August 21, 1997. Volume XXIII Page 48 Ayes: Noes: Absent: MOTION CARRIED B. RESOLUTIONS Milligan, G. Stevens, Abell, Bonney, Johnson, W. Stevens None Heinrichs Unanimous 1. Resolution No. 97 -30 Placing an Advisory Question to Increase the Kodiak Island Borough Board of Education From Five to Seven Members on the October 7, 1997 Ballot. Presented for consideration was Resolution No. 97 -30 that, if adopted, placed on the ballot the question of increasing the Kodiak Island Board of Education to seven members. MILLIGAN, moved to adopt seconded by G. STEVENS Resolution No. 97 -30. Mayor Selby said this would be an advisory vote, not a binding vote. He deferred to the author, Assemblymember Milligan. Assemblymember Milligan had been a substitute teacher at the school district, and he saw what happened with the school district budget. He was satisfied with the public testimony and the strong village support to place the question on the ballot. Since the school district budget would increase by $350,000 next year, he saw the need to modify education delivery. He wanted the voters to decide. Assemblymember G. Stevens contended that the school board had the final decision and could not be forced to concur. He would contribute campaign funds to village residents who ran for office. Assemblymember Johnson thought it stange to not allow a vote on the sales tax, but to allow a vote on the size of the school board. Assemblymember Milligan cautioned the Assembly that in many communities the school board set the mill rate. He said school board members saw this as a minority issue, but he saw it as an issue of how to educate Kodiak's children. He felt this gave the public an opportunity to express their opinion. Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 97 -30 Volume XXIII Page 49 VOTE ON MOTION TO ADOPT Ayes: Noes: G. Stevens, Abell, Bonney, Johnson Absent: Milligan, W. Stevens Heinrichs MOTION FAILED 2 Ayes, 4 Noes 2. Resolution No. 97 -31 Authorizing the Records Manager to Dispose of Certain Kodiak Island Borough Records. Presented for consideration was Resolution No. 97 -31 that, if adopted, authorized the records manager to dispose of records that are not of historical, legal, or administrative value and have met the retention requirements. G. STEVENS, moved to adopt seconded by ABELL Resolution No. 97 -31. Mayor Selby said the Clerks office was clearing -out records for disposal. Clerk Smith noted that most of records were duplicate records, and the originals were maintained. VOTE ON MOTION TO ADVANCE Ayes: Noes: Absent: MOTION CARRIED C. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION Abell, Bonney, Johnson, Milligan, G. Stevens, W. Stevens None Heinrichs Unanimous 1. Ordinance No. 97 -15 Adding Chapter 8.30 Incinerators and Open Burning to the Kodiak Island Borough Code of Ordinances Title 8 Health and Safety. Presented for consideration was Ordinance No. 97 -15 that, if adopted, provided an efficient area -wide regulation to open burning. MILLIGAN, moved to adopt Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 RESOLUTION NO. 97 -31 ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION ORDINANCE NO. 97 -15 Volume XXIII Page 50 seconded by BONNEY VOTE ON MOTION TO ADVANCE Ayes: Ordinance No. 97 -15 in first reading to advance to public hearing on August 21, 1997. Mayor Selby said the fire protection service areas and the City of Kodiak developed the permitting system for outdoor burning. This was a common sense approach for efficient area -wide fire call response. Assemblymember Milligan wanted to ensure that the public was informed about the ordinace. In response to his question, Mayor Selby said there was a maximum $300 fine for any violations, and the fire chief wrote the ticket. This was administrative and could be appealed to the courts. Bonney, Johnson, Milligan, G. Stevens, Abell, W. Stevens Noes: Absent: MOTION CARRIED D. OTHER ITEMS None. INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS (No action required) A. MINUTES OF OTHER MEETINGS None Heinrichs Unanimous 1. Architectural Review Board Work Session of June 10, 1997. 2. Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meetings of April 30, May 21 and June 18, 1997. 3. Kodiak Island Borough School Board Regular Meeting of June 23 and Special Meetings of June 26 and July 7, 1997. 4. Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center Advisory Board Meetings of May 14 and June 18, 1997. B. REPORTS 1. Engineering /Facilities Department June 1997 Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 OTHER ITEMS INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS MINUTES OF OTHER MEETINGS REPORTS Volume XXIII Page 51 Project Report. 2. Kodiak Island Borough July 1997 Financial Report. C. OTHER OTHER 1. Kodiak Island Borough School District Summary of July 21, 1997 Meeting. CITIZENS' COMMENTS Roger Reddekopp thought the hospital revenues should be used to pay off the bonds. In response to his question, Mayor Selby explained that none of the 2.5 mill increase would be used to pay the hospital bonds. The mill increase would pay the increased cost of education in light of reduced state funding. ASSEMBLYMEMBER COMMENTS ASSEMBLYMEMBER COMMENTS Assemblymember Milligan appreciated the time spent on Resolution No. 97 -30. He said Ms. Freed's comments on oil spill planning were dry but very important to Kodiak. The salmon industry and fishing in general would be highly impacted if communities were not prepared to respond to oil spills. He considered Kodiak a key player, noting that Alaska was one of the few states that allowed off -shore drilling. He thanked staff for protecting Kodiak during oil spills. Since Assemblymember Bonney did not advocate a super majority vote and a 2/3 vote was needed to utilize the Facilities Fund, he wanted the policy fair to everyone. He reminded the community of the wage disclosure discussion scheduled for the August 21 regular meeting. He agreed with Mayor Selby that school district funding was a problem. He foresaw funding as an issue to bring forward now before the budget process for a long -term solution discussion. Assemblymember G. Stevens appreciated Mayor Selby's comments about the Mental Health Center review. He saw the review as an important element and requested the Assembly receive a copy prior to the August 21 meeting. He asked about the two new Coast Guard ships and Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 CITIZENS' COMMENTS Volume XXIII Page 52 Sitka as the base command. Mayor Selby said the timber industry had significant impacts and mills were closed in Wrangle and Sitka; Ketchikan was also impacted. Mayor Selby said that Kodiak was the base of the future. Assemblymember G. Stevens read where Princess Lines ships would port in Kodiak ten times next summer with 650 visitors per ship, for a total of 6,500 visitors. He hoped for a report on the impact from Wanetta Ayres, Kodiak Convention and Visitor's Bureau executive director, and hoped the Assembly could meet with Ms. Ayres in work session. He asked about the old KMXT remodel impact on the school district. In response to his question, Mayor Selby said the old KMXT space would house educational facilities and one small room for computers. The remodel cost was approximately $33,000 with installation of the required air handling system as the highest cost. Responding to Assemblymember G. Stevens, Mayor Selby said the Mental Health Center report would be to the Assembly on August 14 for discussion at the August 21 regular meeting. Assemblymember Johnson thanked Assemblymember Milligan for his comments about the effects of oil spills in Alaska. He thanked Assemblymember Bonney for supporting education. The community would have an opportunity to review education at the Town Meeting. Assemblymember Abell realized that failing Ordinance No. 97 -14 did not allow the people to vote; however, the people could place the question on the ballot through the petition process. Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens congratulated Steve Amos as employee of the month. He reminded everyone about the celebration of Fred Zharoff Day at Fort Abercrombie on August 16. Deputy Presiding Officer W. Stevens announced that the Assembly would meet in a work session on Thursday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the borough conference room, a joint assembly /council work session on August 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the borough conference room, and a regular meeting on Thursday, August 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the assembly chambers. The filing period for assembly, school board, and service area boards was August 11 - 29. Petitions Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 Volume XXIII Page 53 are available in the borough clerk's office. The municipal election would be October 7. There being no further business to come before the ADJOURNMENT Assembly, the meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. ATTEST: 0 onna F. Smith, CMC /AAE Borough Clerk Regular Assembly Meeting August 7, 1997 Robin Heinrichs Presiding Officer Approved: 08/21 /97 Volume XXIII Page 54